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Letters from Washington, D.C.; Sioux Nation Says Thank You for Golden Opportunity

 Prior to heading to “Capitol Hill Day”, many students wanted to send a personal message home to their parents and loved ones. These simple words help to show what special young women we have roaming the historic halls of Ursuline Academy. Amazing how two simple words (thank you) can put a smile on a person’s face and remind us what a special gift life is and how fortunate we are to be part of the UA family.

 Here are a few of the letters from the Sioux Nation to their parents:

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1. Thanks Mom and Ray and Dad and Kristy. I am so glad and thankful that I could go on this trip. Love, Ariel.
2. Mom and Dad,Thank you so much for allowing me to go on this trip. It has been great so far, and I am so excited for Capitol Hill Day. I miss you and Rachel and Matthew, and I can not wait to show you all of our pictures. Love, Sarah S.
3. Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for this chance to visit D.C. and to be able t participate in discussions about our government. I feel so blessed for this week and I love you both dearly. I miss you and can not wait to see you Saturday. Much love and gratitude, Jennie.
4. Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for letting me go on this trip. I am having so much fun in D.C. See you soon and thanks! Love, Ellie.
5. Hey Mom and Dad! It’s ice cold and I think my toes might fall off, but it’s so worth it!!! Having a blast! Love, Chelsea
6. Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for sending me to Close-Up! We are having a blast! I loved seeing the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. I miss you and love you! I can not wait to show you all of the pictures! Love, Lauren.
7. Hey. Thanks for the trip. I am having fun, and it’s cold. See you when I get home. Minnie.
8. Hey Mom and Dad! I just wanted to thank you for letting me come on this wonderful trip. It is really, really cold and wet! I am taking lots of pictures and meeting so many awesome people! I love you guys. Hillary.
9. Mom and Dad, Thanks so much for letting me go on this trip! I love yall and I’m having a blast. Love, Monica.
10. Hey Mom ad Dad, Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to go on this trip. I’m having a blast! Love you! Emma.
11. Mom, I miss you like crazy. I wanted to thank you so much for allowing me to come on this trip. Give E my love. Hugs and Kisses, Taylor.
12. Thanks Grandma Barbie and Grandpa Terry! Love You! Thanks Mom, Dad, Grandma Linton, and Grandpa Linton! Kaitlyn
13. Dear Mom, Thanks for giving me this opportunity to visit D.C.! So far it has been awesome! I am really enjoying this experience and I am learning lots. Miss you! Love Always, Anna L.
14. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for letting me go on Close Up. Its such an amazing experience, and I’m having a blast. I miss you! Love, Sarah M.
15. Hey Mom and Dad! Thanks for letting me come on this trip. I miss you so much! I love yall! Love, Brooke.
16. Hey Mom, Dad, ge-ge, Margo, and Charlie! I miss ya’ll but I’m having so much fun. Love, Madison.
17. Dearest Parents, Thank you for sending me on this trip. The amazing memorials and structures I’m seeing make me wish you could experience this with me! Love, Erin H.
18. I love you and miss you.  I can not wait to tell you all about this week. Love, Peevie (Elizabeth)
19. Thank you Mom so much for sending me on Close-Up. I am having an awesome time. Love, Blaire.
20. Hey Mommy and Daddy. I miss you! And Gracie too. Love, Ashley.
21. Dear Mom, Thanks for sending me on a trip of a lifetime. Kimia.
22. I am freezing. Jalan.
23. Hey Ma and Dad! Thanks for sending me to this freezing place! (not sarcastic). Having a lot of fun. Yes, I’ll call you later. Love you! Aimee
24. Hey Mom and Dad! Thanks so much for letting me come on Close-Up! I’m having a blast! I love ya’ll. Ellen
25. Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you for this opportunity. It is so a once in a lifetime chance, and I am so grateful. I have had debates and heated discussions with other students and I will never forget this. Forever grateful, Jessica.
26. Hey Mom and Dad, Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! I am having a blast. It is so much fun. It was raining today, but my group is awesome. I hope you see me on television Tuesday morning. I love you so much! Tell everyone I said hello. Thank you, love you. Love, Chandler.
27. Hey Mom and Dad, Thank you SO much for letting me go on Close-Up! I ma having a blast and I am learning so much. I love and ya’ll. Chris, thanks for the score update! I’ll see yall soon! Love, Jill.

More letters later…..we are off to watch the Saints go to 11 – 0 ! Who Dat? We are saying it proudly in D.C. and recruiting everyone over to the black and gold!   

Katie Rocks !

Only a sophomore? The sky appears to be the limit for UA's top swimmer

On behalf of the entire Ursuline Academy family, we would like to congratulate sophomore Katie Stahel for her recent performance at the state swim meet. Stahel ‘12 is once again the LHSAA State Champion in the 200 Freestyle.

As one student said, “Katie Rocks”. We couldn’t have said it or typed it any better. Congratlates Katie on a job well done and thank you for representing Ursuline Academy so well, year after year.

Ursu-online staff.

Students to Participate in National Television Discussion

Watch and See if UA appears on screen

Mark your calendars and set your DVR because Ursuline Academy will be present for the Tuesday, December 1st episode of Washington Journal. The weekly CSPAN show will be aired LIVE from the National Archives and our students will have the opportunity to ask questions of US Senators on a wide variety of topics. This show is being taped LIVE…. you can watch it as it happens.

Check your local listings to see what channel is CSPAN.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

7:30am (your time…8:30am Eastern time).

Following the show, students will have the opportunity to go to The United States Supreme Court and view court IN SESSION….Yes, this year the judges will be on the bench and students will seee the judicial process as it is happening. Students are unaware of this addition. What a great surprise! Later that day, students will meet with Senator Mary Landrieu and Senator David Vitter prior to going to Ford’s Theatre to see a performance of A Christmas Carol. What a day it will be !

Sioux Have First Opportunity to See What Nation’s Capital Has to Offer

Students visited the campus and attended Mass to start Day 2

Day 2 of the 2009 Close-Up Experience began bright and early. When most of the students from participating schools were still asleep in their room, the Sioux Nation, Mrs. Mortillaro, and Mr .Cordes were riding on the local transportation (Metro) heading to an early morning mass at the Bascilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Only one word could accurately describe our students’ impression of the magnificent building: WOW. Students student in amazement of the statues, architectural design, and impressive, gorgeous stainedglass windows. Students walked throughout the large holy site, prayed before shrines, and lit candles for their loved ones. Occasionally, when a special event is occurring, additional unexpected events seem to occur. Moments before church services began, Ariel Schreiner ‘11 noticed something located on one of the second floor walls. Right above where our students were sitting was the official stained glass window honoring St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursulines. What were the odds that our students would sit directly below  that one specific window? A million to one shot, right? Amazing!

After mass concluded, the Sioux headed to the Museum of American History… a portion of the Smithsonian Institute. It was here that our students saw the flag that inspired our National Anthem, saw the lunch counters that were focal points of the American Civil Rights Movement, The Ruby Red Slippers worn in The Wizard of Oz, and much much more.

Following lunch within the museum (a little pricey… next year, we are all in agreement that we will get a hot dog from the vendor located outside…haha), students purchased a few souvenirs for their loved ones. Many students joined in and purchased hats that matched. Though it was not cold enough to wear the hat, our Sioux did it anyway. You have to love the Sioux when they march to the beat of teir own drum!

It was at this point of the day that Mrs. Mortillaro and Mr. Cordes were forced to make a change to the planned itinerary. Original plans had the students going ice-skating this morning. However, with temperatures in the 60s, ice-skating did not seem appropriate. Therefore, students will ice-skate on Friday. Typically, students visit The Holocaust Museum as the last major tour stop of the trip. This year, due to the ice-skating issue, students opted to go to the Holocaust Museum today. As it has done in previous years, the museum touched the heart of each of our students. If you have never been to Washington, D.C., a stop at the Holocaust Museum is a must see event. This museum, as the Sioux stated, is arguably the most impressive museum in the entire city.

Following the emotional stop at the Holocaust Museum, students walked to the White House to view the National Christmas tree which is scheduled to be unveiled on Thursday (possibly). Students were able to see the south side of the White House (however, they will see the North side of the White House during their student trip later this week…much better pictures will take place on that day).

Finally, students returned to the hotel, rested for an hour, had dinner, and officially began the Close-Up program. As we type this article, students are in their first session meeting their leader, team members, and getting excited about the many wonderful events planned for this week of educational fun.

On the schedule for Day 3:

1. Workshop discussing a current event topic
2. Neighborhood Study Visit
3. National Air and Space Museum
4. Monument visits include Korean War, World War II, and Lincoln Memorial
5. Short visit to Capitol Hill –brief intro
6. Dinner at Union Station
7. Preparation for Capitol Hill Day
8. Short meeting with Mortillaro /Cordes
9. Try to watch the Saints go 11 – 0 against New England

We will not have an update until very late Monday or perhaps Tuesday due to the many events planned for tomorrow. However, we will post more information when we have time.

Ursuline Has Arrived in Washington, D.C.; Day 1 Review

Greetings from Washington, D.C.

Hello Ursuline and Greetings from our nation’s capital. Day 1 of the Close-Up experience is just about in the history books and our students are very excited about the start of Day 2 when they will get their first feel for all this wonderful city has to offer.

At 9:00a.m Saturday morning, students proceeded through the security check at the Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans and began waiting for their flight. By 11:30a.m, thirty Ursuline students (members of the Sioux Nation Class of 2011) were flying high above the city and on their way to a week’s worth of fun and education. By 1:35pm (eastern standard time and 1:35pm your time), students were in Baltimore, Maryland loading a chartered bus that was headed to Arlington, Va (location of the hotel). After a long bus ride, filled with singing (thanks to Jill Taliancich ‘11) and the occasional supportive commentary by Aimee Trosclair ‘11, students had arrived at the hotel and begun the registration process. Following a quick dinner, Mrs. Mortillaro and Mr. Cordes escorted the students to the local mall for an evening of fun and shopping (yes, the students were allowed to spend a little money before the program officially begun). Do not worry parents, many students bought souvenirs for you!

By 9:00pm (8:00pm your time), students were back at the hotel and headed to either their room to unpack or to the lobby area to meet some of the participating students. There are students here from Louisiana, California, Texas, Utah, Puerto Rico, and more. This should be a very exciting week.

On tab for tomorrow:

1. Mass
2. Museum of American History
3. National Archives
4. Ice Skating
5. Program Introduction – Begins

We will try to keep you posted as often as possible. Mass should be very nice at the Basilica. If you have a special intention you would like your daughter to pray within the Basilica, please contact her on her cell phone prior to 8:30am (that would be 7:30am your time).  

Knecht ‘12 and Romaine ‘10, 1-2 Punch Leads Lions to Another Strong Showing

Knecht '12 Will Return for Two More Years of Running

On Monday, November16th, the High School Division of Ursuline Academy was eagerly awaiting news from Natchitoches, La. Hundreds of miles away, Coach Karen Davis and her Cross Country team were competing in the LHSAA State Meet. 17 teams were sending their best runners to compete in this winner-takes-all race. In previous years, Coach Davis’ team has gone to the meet and surpassed the coach’s expectations. The Ursuline Academy Cross Country team has a tendency to perform very well during the big race. Once again, the team delivered at the State Meet.

With 121 runners competing, Ursuline Academy countered the competition with six of its top runners. Coach Davis sent her senior Triple Threat (Erin Romaine ‘10, Lindsey Tassin ‘10, and Annie Krasnow ‘10), along with Caroline Knecht ‘12, Dani Edwards ’13, Mary Maher ‘13, and Ilissa Silva ‘14. It was impossible to determine which of the six would lead Ursuline to the finish line because so many of them had excellent finishes to the regular season. Erin Romaine ‘10, as she has done for over a year, was dominate in each race she participated in during 2009. Lindsey Tassin ‘10 was coming off of her 2nd place finish at the District Meet and 1st place finish at the City Invite on November 11th. Caroline Knecht ‘12 finished third overall at the Junior Varsity Championship Meet on November 7th.  

At the state meet on a tough, wet course, Knecht ‘12 would cross the finish line first for Ursuline Academy. Knecht ‘12 finished 25th out of 121 runners….slightly ahead of Erin Romaine ‘10 who finished in 26th place. Lindsey Tassin ‘10 rounded out the Top Three when she crossed the finish line in 34th place.

Also competing for Ursuline were:

• Dani Edwards     45
• Mary Maher        64
• Annie Krasnow   96

• Ilissa Silva          97

Ursu-online staff

Coach Fav and the “Fav Fab Five” Begin Road to State Championship; Wins Opening Game

On Monday, Ursuline Academy’s Varsity Basketball team began its quest to return to the Final Four. Last season, “UBALL” advanced to the Class 3A State Semi-finals. As the season ended, team members vowed to return in 2010 and win it all. The goal for this year is simple: Win It All. A fourth consecutive district championship and a birth in the playoffs will not be significant. The members of this team want to win it all…. and are preparing to do so.  

In its opening game of the 209-10 season, UBALL defeated H.L. Bourgeois by more than 40pts.

Here are a few pictures from the game.

Ursu-online staff

New Season for UA SOCCER; Same Winning Results

On Monday, November 16th, UA SOCCER opened its 2009-10 season with a win over district opponent Riverdale High School. On opening day, UA SOCCER had many hurdles to overcome in order to win the game. First, UA SOCCER lost four of its most productive players last season. With Killion ‘09, Morphy ‘09, Selser ‘09, and C. Baudouin ‘09 off to college, Coach Winston Lewis is in need of his younger players to step up and take leadership roles on this year’s team. Second, many members of UA SOCCER were ineligible for the first game because they were still competing in their Volleyball, Cross Country, and Swimming seasons. And finally, there was a chance of rain.

In the first half, junior star Jessie Maher ‘11 scored the first goal of the game. Maher’s first goal would also be the game winning goal as UA SOCCER went on to win 2 -0. Following a goal by Nina Horne ‘10, the sky above “The Fly” opened up and the two teams were drenched with rain. The weather conditions were so bad, the game was called at the half.

UA SOCCER next plays on Wednesday Nov 18th, at Country Day. Game time is 3:30pm.

Ursu-online staff

Queen’s Players Deliver Big Laughs During 3-Day Performance of “Life With Mother Superior”

The Show Must Go On! easily could have been said when the final curtain fell on the most recent performance by Ursuline Academy’s most favorite club: The Queen’s Players. Year after year, the Queen’s Players find new ways  to make us laugh. On Friday, November 13 – Sunday November 15, we laughed and laughed and laughed again as “QP” delivered the Trahey and Reuter classic, “Life With Mother Superior”.

The play is set within a catholic all girl’s school. At this school, students are prepared to become appropriate women prior to being sent into society. However, no matter how hard instructors and administrators try, there were always a small group of students that would do anything and everything for the sole purpose of gaining attention. Two of the drama department’s most recognized members, Jessica Bagneris ‘11 and Rachel Songy ‘13″ were joined by Jo Ripoll ‘12 for an evening of gags, laughs, and mischief. The trio spent a large portion of the performance trying to successfully break all of the school’s rules. However, Mother Superior and her sidekick, Sr. Angela, were not born yesterday and were there to offer “guidance” and “direction” scene after scene. Taylor Jackson ‘10 and Jalan Richardson ‘11 returned to the stage following their unbelievable performance in last year’s The Wizard of Oz, and portrayed the role of the two lead nuns within the school.

As great as all of the above mentioned actresses were, one actress was the talk of the performance. Sarah Stuckey ‘11 continued her long-history of delivering top notch performances when she portrayed Ramona Saplin – the school’s most perfect student. From facial expressions to witty comments, Stuckey ‘11 had everyone in the audience talking during and after the play. One audience member commented, “That girl (Stuckey ‘11) could do a one woman show and I would buy a ticket to watch that”. Yes, it is clear that a play with Sarah Stuckey ‘11 in a lead role is a sure recipe for success…Life With Mother Superior proved that again this season.

Thank you to Mrs. Dody Nolan for her role in coordinating the play and to Maddie Skinner ‘11 – Queen’s Players president – for directing the performances. With so much talent on State St, we can not wait for the return of The One Acts –the upcoming class drama competition.

Ursu-online staff

To the Fans of UA Volleyball,

Thank you for your overwhelming support this season and especially during tonight’s game. Your support far exceeded what was expected and we are confident that the team was motivated by your enthusiasm. To our students, thank you! thank you! thank you! for coming out and proving to everyone that at Ursuline Academy, Our Spirit Never Dies!

Coach Juan commented, “I was expecting a nice size crowd, but I wasn’t expecting all of that. They were great”. Assistant Coach Melissa Grubs echoed Juan’s comment when she said, “For a spirit competition, it should be a tie between all the classes. There was so many of them there cheering the whole time. It meant so much to us”.

Once again, thank you to the fans and students of UA for representing Ursuline Academy with class and an umatched level of spirit and sportsmanship.

Ursu-online staff

Students can not wait to see their newest treasure

Best students in the city....Go Big Blue