December at Saint Mary's

Winter Term academics during December have been pleasantly offset by fun and festive holiday activities around the Saint Mary’s High campus in Berkeley. The annual Christmas Sweater and Gingerbread House (photo) contests were big hits, as were the Christmas Trivia and Door Decorating Contests. Epicurean Food Service hosted cookie-decorating and holiday treats in the cafeteria, and the Class of 2020 got dressed to the nines for the annual Senior Soiree on the evening of December 13; even Santa made a guest appearance. The Varsity Vocals acapella chorus might be spotted this week regaling neighbors and shoppers with carols at the Monterey/Hopkins Shopping Center just a block from campus – a singing Christmas card from Saint Mary’s to the merchants who take such good care of the school community during the year.

(Photo) The “Have A Heart” Toy Drive spearheaded by two seniors as their 2020 Senior Project concluded last week. Seniors Gabbie Pacho and Ailish McGiffin are shown with Kat O'Donnell of Catholic Charities of the East Bay and the fifty-five gifts donated by the school community and wrapped by student volunteers. The annual sock and coat drive gets underway in January after Christmas vacation.

(Photo) Congratulations to Saint Mary’s senior Jeremy Samuel who has attained the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Boy Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process and less than 1% are African American.

(Photo) The Saint Mary's F.I.R.S.T. Tech Challenge team was successful at their first qualifying tournament in early December. They were the Winning Alliance in the robot game and won the Inspire Award, the highest award at the tournament. They now advance to the NorCal Regional Tournament in February. The team is David Peña, Ronan Neill, Spencer Miller, Luke VanNoord, and Lucas Punz.

(Photo) Governor Gavin Newsom, Jade Johnson ’20, and Bay Scholars Executive Director Caitlin Kavanagh shared a moment at the annual Bay Scholars Thanksgiving Luncheon in San Francisco. Jade was selected as a featured student, recognized for her artwork and academics, and was honored to give the opening prayer for the event.