Schools
Holy Family Catholic Academy Students Excel Even During Pandemic
HFCA continues to maintain high standards. For the third time in a month, middle school students receive awards.
While school and learning have been disrupted since March 2020, Holy Family Catholic Academy continues to maintain high academic standards. For the third time in a month, HFCA middle school students have been honored by independent organizations. The Inverness school, which has offered in-person classes since August, announced that seventh grade students recently took a clean sweep in awards as they finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Eli Skinner Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Boston Massacre Essay contest.
The topic was chosen to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Contestants were asked to imagine they were living in Boston, share what they witnessed at the Boston Massacre, and describe the role this event played in organizing the colonists against the British.
The winners were 1st place, William Pinchot; 2nd place, Brandon Thomsen; and 3rd place, Elle Hohmeier. In announcing the award winners, Ms. Robin Turpin, Eli Skinner Chapter Historian stated, “Our DAR Chapter was incredibly impressed with the historical accuracy, creativity, and insights expressed by the HFCA students. We had such a difficult time identifying our top pick that we decided to award not just a first place, but also a second and third as well!”
Ms. Turpin, while duly impressed with the students, wanted to also acknowledge HFCA’s middle school social science teacher, Mrs. Eileen Paprone. “The quality of these essays is indeed a testament to Mrs. Paparone’s teaching prowess.”
Mrs. Paparone often uses essay contests as a way of transforming information into knowledge while also integrating language arts with social science. She explains, “When students apply their content knowledge to authentic educational opportunities like essay contests they demonstrate not only their knowledge of history, but also their ability to effectively communicate through written expression.” 1st place winner, William Pinchot was also invited to present his essay with the Chapter members at a recent virtual meeting.
Developing communication skills is an important part of the HFCA’s mission to prepare students for high school and beyond. Explains Principal Kate O’Brien, “The ability to develop and express thoughts in written form is a skill that is used throughout high school and college and is a top skill employers look for in candidates.”
Perhaps most noteworthy is that HFCA has continued to maintain high standards during the pandemic. States Principal O’Brien, “We are incredibly proud of our students and amazing faculty. Despite the challenges of this past year, our HFCA students and teachers continue to embrace uncertainty, exceed expectations, and stay true to our mission to develop global thinkers, leaders grounded in faith.”