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Dear Seton,
We wanted to share our good news with you. One of your earliest students, A.F., has made a profession and completed his first year as a Postulate for the Franciscans of the Immaculate, a Marian Missionary Order.
Thanks to all of the help from Seton and the wonderful Cathy Gould and Pat Walker, he graduated high school successfully.
After assisting his family in a health crisis, he began to explore ...“a calling”. He worked with our parish priest, and last August went away to the Franciscans. There he has been studying Gregorian Chant, voice, piano, Mariology and some liturgical norms. Because he was homeschooled with Seton, he took time to study the guitar on his own. He has great musical talents we never knew about! The Friars are helping him develop them even more!
He has one more year of study here in the states. He must learn enough Italian to study at the seminary in Rome, where he will live for 7 years before becoming ordained. (PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM!)
Thank you all so much for helping him with his study skills and with our homeschooling efforts. God had a great plan for him!
I am asking all of your staff to please put my son on your prayer lists and pray for his successful completion to the Priesthood. He has a very long academic road ahead, and with God’s Grace alone, he will persevere.
Thank you again from the whole family.
Sincerely,
“mom”
Seton 10th grader Christine Gerardi, a Seton student since the 3rd grade, won 2nd place at the Senior level and $150 in the National Right to Life Committee’s recent Pro-Life Essay Contest. The full list of winners with links to their winning essays may be found at
http://www.nrlc.org/essaycontest/Winners07/Winners07.htmlThe following Seton students have received scholarships to attend the University of Dayton:
| Name |
Award |
1 year amount |
4 year amount |
| Conor S. Callaghan |
Deans’ Merit Scholarship |
$10,500 |
$42,000 |
| Rachael L. Pope |
Deans’ Merit Scholarship |
$10,500 |
$42,000 |
| Michael J. Pratt |
Trustees’ Merit Scholarship |
$12,500 |
$50,000 |
Seton graduate John Paul Wohlscheid was recently inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta international Honors Society for students in business, management, and administration. John is currently a junior at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan majoring in marketing and minoring in English writing. He owes all his success to his mother’s hard work and the curriculum at Seton Home Study School.
Seton graduate Neil Goyal recently completed his first semester at the University of Connecticut with a 3.9 GPA. He was also the leading student in his history class, scoring a 99 on his midterm exam. Neil credits Seton Home Study School with giving him an excellent preparation for college.
Seton student Elizabeth Wolf, Class of 2008, a United States Naval Sea Cadet, was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution National Defense Committee ROTC Medal on March 9th, 2008. Elizabeth, a graduating Sea Cadet, has demonstrated academic excellence, dependability, good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership, and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp. This is a very prestigious award that is only given to one cadet per year. Elizabeth plans to go to college in the fall and pursue a degree in Zoology. Elizabeth has been homeschooled with Seton since 1st Grade.
Seton senior Paul Schumann, who was recently accepted to Mount St. Mary’s College in Newburgh, New York, has been awarded the Presidential Sholarship for 2008-2009 by Sr. Ann Sakac, the college’s president. The scholarship is renewable annually.
Earlier this year, former Seton student Costel Michael Outlaw received the rank of Eagle Scout as well as the Congressional Bronze Award. His project was to remodel the fellowship hall of the small country church where his father’s family has attended for over five generations. He has been very active in his parish and is currently in ninth grade at Camden Military Academy in South Carolina, where he plays football and is active in JROTC.
| Seton student Paul Schumann, age 17, received the Pope Pius XII Catholic Scout emblem in April 2007 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Scout Sunday. With him was his brother Thomas, age 13, who himself received the Ad Atare Dei Catholic Scout emblem. Paul subsequently received the rank of Eagle Scout on July 15th. Paul will be a senior at Seton in 2008. His brother Thomas will be an 8th grader. | 
Thomas (left) and Paul with their parents |
On November 11, 2007 Seton eighth-grader Abraham John Rusch was presented with the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. Abraham has been involved in several leadership positions, including Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, and Patrol Leader. He also participates in Choir and Orchestra at Oakland Homeschool Music, plays soccer with the American Youth Soccer Organization, and is a Senior Altar Server at Divine Mercy Parish in Davisburg, Michigan.
| In July 2007 Seton eighth grader Eric Cameron won a two-year Grand Piano Scholarship from the Piano Santa Foundation (PSF) in Portland, Oregon. Eric, who has been studying piano since 2000, has just completed his Level VIII Syllabus and is continuing to study under Patricia Scordato. The PSF delivered a grand piano into his family’s living room in September, and he will have the benefit of using it for two years. | 
Eric beside the Nordstom Department Store piano, having just completed his 30 minute performance for the Christmas shoppers |
Seton students Mary Wang (13) and Maggie Wang (12) of Ontario, Canada were selected as the top hockey goalies in their age divisions (Bantam and Peewee) in the city of Kitchener. They will represent the City of Kitchener as they travel this winter throughout the province. They are able to pursue excellence in their hockey “careers” due to the flexibility of the Seton Home Study School.
Seton graduate Alex Ogrodnick (Class of 2007) of Saskatchewan, Canada recently wrote an article entitled “Of Beatitudes, Money, and Gratitude” which was published in the July/August 2007 edition of Gilbert Magazine, a publication of The American Chesterton Society. Alex is currently attending Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California.
Congratulations to this year’s Seton National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists:
Michael Pratt (Georgia)
Lauren Montgomery (Missouri)
Lauren Bridges (Colorado)
Hanna Cuoco (Colorado)
Mercedes Sayler (North Dakota)
Catherine Sims (Washington)
Matthew Schmidgall (Oregon)
Seton graduate Jacob Franklin (Class of 2007) recently won the University of Utah SummerArts Piano Competition, placing 1st in the overall college division, 1st in Solo, 3rd in Concerto, 3rd in Video Teaching, and 3rd in Keyboard Skills.
Jacob was also a 22nd International Young Artist Piano Competition finalist, a Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition 2nd place winner (he will be performing in New York this season), the Con Brio Music Competition 1st place winner, as well as the recipient of a 4-year University of Utah Honors at Entrance Scholarship and a University of Utah School of Music scholarship worth $1000 - $2000 renewable for 4 years.
Seton 5th grader Rachael Mattio recently received a 2nd Place ribbon for her entry in the art contest at the Virginia State Fair in Richmond. Her entry, a duct tape dress and pocketbook, is the first project she has ever entered into a contest.
Seton student Katherine Bhora recently won Second Prize in the High School Division of the 2007 Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest. More information may be found at
http://www.jasna.org/essaycontest/2007/index.html.
Earlier this month, Seton student Cameron Serrato earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Keystone District, Troop 911. Cameron served in many leadership positions in his troop, including Den Chief, Instructor, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. After he graduates this fall, he plans to go to college and major in Business.
Seton students Michael Hendershott and Michael Poston were accepted to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. They will begin their studies at the college seminary this fall.
Seton graduate Emily Griswold was recently chosen Valedictorian of the Christendom College Class of 2007. She graduated summa cum laude from the college, located in Front Royal, Virginia.
Seton student Catherine Warrington won two scholarships to Texas A&M University at Galveston. She was awarded the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship for community college students who have earned an Associate’s degree, as well as one of three Abe and Peggy Levy Fellowships, which covers all tuition and fees for the student’s first year. Although she just finished high school, she will also receive her Associate’s degree next month.
The Boy Scouts of America Woodbury Troop #149 recently presented the rank of Eagle Scout to Seton student Paul Erik Schumann.
In February, Seton 11th grader Catherine Webb was chosen to be a Teen Editor for True Girl, a Catholic magazine for teenage girls. Her picture and profile were featured on the “All About You” page of the April/May issue. She is currently writing a children’s story and is planning on becoming a writer.
Seton 8th grader Elizabeth A. Ouweleen was recently honored for Distinction by Johns Hopkins University for her performance on the SAT test as a participant in the Center for Talented Youth program. More information about the CTY program may be found at
http://cty.jhu.eduEthan Gould, son of Seton special education counselor Cathy Gould, is a co-winner, along with Austin and Tyler Burdick, of the national eCYBERMISSION competition in Washington, DC. Each winner took home $8,000 in U.S. savings bonds for their project, which must address a problem in the local community. Ethan, Austin, and Tyler developed mineral supplements for deer to address a local decline in deer health.
Seton student Elizabeth Lewis won the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Bush. Among her prior accomplishments, she received a blessing and certificate by Pope John Paul II of an icon she painted.
Seton student Megan Dial, recently named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, has been accepted into the Honors program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, where she will begin classes in the fall. Megan also received a perfect score of 800 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT.
Seton student Joseph Henares recently finished in the top five at this year’s National Spelling Bee, ahead of 300 semi-finalists from the United States and other countries. More info may be found at
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=69199.
| Anna Burke, Seton Class of 2003, recently graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi University with Summa Cum Laude Honors. Anna was homeschooled with Seton since the 2nd grade. | 
Anna Burke |
Ingrid Hoenke, a Seton student for 9 years, is graduating from her local high school with a class rank of #2. She has received full-tuition scholarship offers from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College as well as the Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. She was also the #1 pick in her state for the United States Senate Youth Program. She spent a week in Washington, DC working with the US Senate, all expenses paid, and received a $5,000 scholarship.
Seton student Brittany Buckner was recently named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She had also scored a perfect 800 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT test she took in January 2006.
Seton graduate Katelyn Sullivan (class of 2006), who is currently in her second year at the University of LaVerne in LaVerne, California studying Business Administration, has been awarded a $23,000 scholarship for the 2007-2008 academic year. In her first year at the university, she received a $9,000 scholarship.
| Seton graduate Andrew Ruddle (Class of 2005) recently performed for Queen Elizabeth II and President George W. Bush as a snare drum instrumentalist in the Old Guard unit of the US Army during the queen's recent visit to the USA. | 
Andrew is the drummer closest to the camera |
Seton student Brady Wilson, a life-long homeschooler, was named a National Merit Scholar Finalist in February of 2007.
Seton graduate Kurt Hoenke is on the Dean's List in his second year at the US Military Academy at West Point, NY.
Seton student Shannon Hale has been awarded an academic scholarship amounting to 75% of her tuition for the Fall 2007 semester at Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida.
Seton student Paul Francis Braden was recently accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Seton graduate Erika Hoenke is currently a junior at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio earning straight-A's pursuing a double-major in Nursing and Spanish.
Seton graduate Meaghen Hale is currently attending Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida with the help of a scholarship she received from the University. Recently, she has been hired as a student reporter for The Angelus of Ave Maria University Newspaper ~ The Voice of Progress for Ave Maria University and Town.
Seton student Katie Montelepre has been named a National Merit Finalist and is the recipient of the President's Excellence Scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University.
| Seton 8th grader Katelyn Dery recently won first place in the Junior Behavioral Sciences division of the 52nd Annual Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Her project focused on the topic of right-brain versus left-brain. She was also awarded a pin, entry, and certificate from the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge and a place at the statewide competition in Fort Myers, Florida on April 11-14, 2007. The regional results may be found at www.nefrsef.org under “2007 Regional Fair Results.” |
Katelyn with her project |
Seton student Alana Jacobs received a perfect score of 800 on the Reading section of the SAT in October of 2006.
Seton graduate
Ryan Bradley recently finished 2nd at the US Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, Washington.
Seton student Jamille Seaberg has been named a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. Jamille has been with Seton Home Study School since the sixth grade. She credits her faith and her family as being instrumental in her success.
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WEST POINT, NY - Jonathan David Bate graduated from the United States Military Academy on May 27 with the overall class rank of #1. The speaker at the graduation ceremony was President George W. Bush, who awarded the diploma to Jonathan, an honor graduate. “Home schooling helped me develop strong study skills and self-discipline necessary to succeed in a rigorous academic and military environment,” commented Jonathan. He is a 4th Degree Knight in the Council at West Point.
A product of Catholic schools and a graduate from Seton Home Study School, Panola College, and Stephen F. Austin State University, at West Point Bate concentrated his studies in Economics. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U. S. Army upon graduation from West Point.
In his four years at the Military Academy, Bate received numerous awards including a Truman Scholarship for the study of International Affairs, Lt. Arnold Memorial Award for Cadet Officer Commanding the Third Regiment, Gen. Pershing Memorial Award for highest military rating in Military Science, Gen. Wood Distinguished Cadet Award, Association of the U. S. Army Award for the Cadet who best exemplifies the traditions of the U. S. Military Academy and the U. S. Army, Major Gen. Greene Memorial Award for the graduating Cadet achieving the highest class standing, Superintendent’s Award for Excellence, awards from the governments of Peru, Uruguay, and Paraguay, etc.
Bate has branched Infantry and will complete his Officer Basic Course, Airborne training, and Ranger school at Ft. Benning, GA. His duty station will be Ft. Campbell, KY in the 101st Airborne Division.
The day after graduation, Jonathan married Jill Rahon of Washingtonville, NY, who also graduated from the Military Academy at West Point as a second lieutenant. They were married at the historic Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel on post at West Point.
His parents are Larry and Laura Bate of Carthage, TX. His father is a 3rd Degree Knight in the Council at St. William of Vercelli, and also a deacon candidate for the diocese of Tyler. Grandparents are Virginia Bate of Carthage, and Jewell and Willis Schwarzwalder of Rowlett, TX. His brother Stephen is a first lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne, stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, and is a 1st Degree Knight.
The mission of the U. S. Military Academy (West Point) is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the Nation.
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Jonathan David Bate
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| On October 7, 2006, Mr. Gregory Eichman, a graduate of Seton Home Study School, received his cassock and was tonsured by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Alvaro Corrada del Rio, S.J., Bishop of Tyler, TX. The ceremony was held at St. Francis Church in Lincoln, Nebraska for seminarians of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, an Institute of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right established by His Holiness John Paul II in 1988. During the rite of tonsure the bishop cuts the candidate’s hair and asks him to renounce the world and all worldly concerns. By receiving tonsure Mr. Eichman and his eleven classmates at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, NE, set themselves apart for service in the sanctuary and, according to the traditional rites of the Catholic Church, took a necessary step for receiving further Orders. |
Gregory Eichman receiving tonsure |
| Seton students Annie (5th grade) and Joseph (3rd grade) Mondi were each a winner in their age group in their local Costco Wholesale Club’s “Buckle Up for Safety” contest. Each of them received a Crayola Art Kit. |
Annie and Joseph Mondi with their prizes |
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Soucy of Massachussetts was recently chosen as the 2006 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year. More information may be found at the
Knights of Columbus Web site.
On July 1 Seton student Michael Poston was presented with the American Legion’s Eagle Scout of the Year award for the state of Tennessee. At the end of July he completed the AIM (Academy Introduction Mission) program at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
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Cassie Stone, [a Seton student], participated in her first Regional Science Fair yesterday. The title of her project was “The Effect Atmospheric Pressure has on Air in a Contained Space.” She measured the circumference of a balloon as she dove from sea level, to 33 ft., and finally to 66 ft. She was one of three students who received an award (and $250) for Overall Excellence from the Office of the Provost. She will be going to the Illinois State Science Fair in Champaign in May.
She has only been enrolled in Seton for 1 and 1/2 years, but I know this would not have happened if we had not made the decision to home-school. She has learned so much and has become much more confident in this short time. We are very proud of her.
Mrs. Stone
[UPDATE - 05/15/2006]
Cassie participated in the IJAS State Science Fair on May 6th. She received a Silver Certificate for her project titled “The Effect of Atmospheric Pressure on Air in a Contained Space.”
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Cassie conducting her experiment |
| Seton student Mary Hickerson recently entered the Illuminated Ink Two Hearts Coloring Contest for June/July and won first place in the 11-18 age group. |
Mary’s winning entry |
| Seton student John Paul Wohlscheid has been awarded the Voice of Democracy Certificate of Merit by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for being an Outstanding Spokesman for Freedom. His winning essay is entitled “Celebrating Our Veterans’ Service.” |
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Seton graduate Christopher A. Pince has been accepted into the Class of 2009 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.
Seton student Theodore Claya recently received the Academic Leadership Scholarship to attend Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Seton student KeriAnne Carter has been awarded the Academic Excellence and Church Service Scholarship.
Seton student Matthew Madrid has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Seton student Monica Shibler has won a $3000 scholarship to attend Globe College in Minnesota.
Seton student John Gerardi scored a perfect 800 on the Reading and Writing sections of the May SAT test.
Seton student Sarah Stutzman has won a $9000 Presidential Scholarship and a grant to study music at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Seton student John Blazewicz has been awarded the Dean’s Scholarship and the SJC Performance Scholarship for St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.
Seton student Melissa Martin scored a perfect 800 on the Reading section of the March 2005 SAT test.
Seton student Brandon Baker has been awarded the President’s Scholarship and the Benedictine Scholarship to attend the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
Seton student Joel Soldner has been awarded the Grace M. Johnson Scholarship for the University of Wisconsin.
New Seton graduate Bryan McAlister has been accepted into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. The McAlister family has been with Seton for ten years.
Seton student Jacob Ebelhar recently received the UMR Trustees Scholarship to attend the University of Missouri at Rolla.
Seton graduate Justin Ferguson, currently a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, is scheduled to be ordained to the diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 6, 2005 and then to the priesthood in June of 2006. Justin had two personal audiences with Pope John Paul II (the last in October of 2004), and read the first reading at Pope Benedict XVI’s installation Mass in April. Both Justin and his brother Jon, also a Seton graduate, graduated with high honors from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Seton student Daniel Marciniak recently accepted a scholarship in the amount of $6,000 per year to attend Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
Andrew Hayes, who graduated from Seton in 2000, graduated from Christendom College (Front Royal, Virginia) in 2004 as his class Valedictorian. His mother credits study habits developed as a home schooling student as the basis of his success. Andrew is currently a professor of Greek at Christendom.
Seton student John Paul Wohlscheid recently won third place in his district for the annual VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay contest. He also won first place at the local VFW post level. Congratulations, John!
Three Seton students: Keenan Aungst (grade 7), Mariette Aungst (grade 3), and Nelson Aungst (grade 3) recently completed the 2004 Summer Reading Program at the Hockessin Public Library. Each received a certificate signed by Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Lieutenant Governor John Carner, Jr. as well as a book prize upon completion of the program.
Seton student Brandon Baker has been awarded eligibility for a Barry University Scholarship for the fall of 2005 based in part on his GPA of 3.800 and his combined score of 1300 on the SAT’s. The award is renewable for up to four years as long as he maintains on-campus residency and a 3.0 grade point average. He would receive $14,500 each year for four years of study. Congratulations, Brandon!
In fact, each of their children start their education by attending public school.
“We let them each decide when to start home schooling,” said Mike, who was, himself, home-schooled as a child. “My dad needed our help at home,” he explained.
When his oldest daughter, Teresa, learned that her father had been home schooled, she asked, “Why can’t we do that?” So Mike and Karen told her that they would consider it.
“We said, ‘You do all the leg work (checking out home school programs), and then we’ll decide whether you can do it,’” Karen explained.
Eventually, Teresa found a good program, Seton Home School in Front Royal, Va.
Since then, all of their 12 other children have followed Teresa’s example, right up to Mark, who starts home schooling this year (in fifth grade).
The process of home schooling allows for one aspect of education that is pretty much taboo in public schools: Christianity.
“The history taught in public schools is only about half of the story,” Karen pointed out. “And science -- what’s science without God?”
Mike also noted that Seton Home School does all the work in putting together the curriculum.
From “International Family of the Year” by Vicki L. Gerdes, DL Newspapers
Michaela Hough has just finished participating in the National American Miss Missouri Pageant, where she earned the honor of being placed on the Princess Queen’s Court as 3rd runner up in the State of Missouri, 2nd runner up in the Casual Modeling Wear Competition and 1st runner up as Most Promising Model. She has been invited to compete for the National Queen’s title in Anaheim, California at the National All-American Miss Pageant this November during Thanksgiving Week.
A June 2003 graduate of Seton entered the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan last summer. On August 5 of this year she received her religious habit. She started with Seton as a 4th grader and loves what God has called her to do.
Seton 8th grader Paul Schumann received the “Ad Altare Dei” emblem from Cardinal Edward Egan on April 18th, the day after his Confirmation, in a special Archdiocesan Scout Mass. Congratulations, Paul!
Seton student John Paul Wohlscheid won second place in his grade division (grades 9-12) in the fiction section of a writing contest sponsored last year by the Grand Rapids Library.
Rebecca Asher, a Seton student, has started taking courses at the local community college. She has achieved a GPA of 4.0 in her first semester. Great job, Rebecca!
Isabel Mariana Garcia-Delucca, a 12 year old home-schooler from Owings Mills, Maryland, was crowned Miss Maryland Pre-Teen on Saturday, July the 3rd at the Hunt Valley Marriott. Isabel, who has been taught at home since first grade, uses Seton Home Study as her curriculum.
A parishoner at Holy Family Church in Randallstown, she prays the Rosary every day, goes to daily Mass often, and does a Holy Hour every Friday.
Selected amongst 68 other candidates, Isabel not only won the title, but also won the talent competition, dancing to a gospel song by Jaci Velazquez. She was also the recipient of the Spirit Award, given to the candidate that is most cooperative, encouraging and friendly.
The pageant requires the contestants to not wear makeup when in front of the judges. They are interviewed privately by each one of the five judges. They are required to wear only modest and age-appropriate outfits. Community involvement and academic achievement are also qualifiers.
The title comes with a cash award. Isabel decided to donate a portion of her award to the Missionaries of Charity in Baltimore City. Her proud parents are Dr. and Mrs. Ivan H. Garcia.
Kimberly Doudna, a Seton 7th grade student, is representing Alaska in the National Spelling Bee on June 1, 2004 in Washington, DC. She won the Daily News-Miner Interior Alaska Spelling Bee by correctly spelling “palladium” and “knish.”
Rachel Hernandez, homeschooled through Seton since Kindergarten, correctly spelled “rococo” to win the News in Education Scripps Howard Regional Spelling Bee 2004 and will move on to the national competition in June. She competed against 53 other middle school students from 10 counties in Florida. Great job, Rachel!
Dear Mr. Clark,
As you may remember, my daughter, Sarah graduated from Seton in May 2003. I’m taking advantage of parental bragging rights to let you know how she is faring so far. While still in her Seton junior year, she began taking con-current classes at college in Texas. She will graduate there this coming May 2004 with double majors in Psychology & Sociology. She is Phi Theta Kappa and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her studies. She has just received the “Dean’s Scholarship” (an academic scholarship totaling $20,000) to complete her undergraduate work. Sarah just turned 18 this past November. She is planning to go into Chiropractic Medicine, but she so loves Psychology who knows where she will end up? She is always bragging on Seton Curriculum to her Professors and anyone else who will listen. She has never had any trouble with a college paper as Seton prepared her well. History has been a breeze. Please pass this on to Dr. Mary Kay. We still have another daughter currently enrolled with Seton. She is in 4th grade and so proud to be a “Seton Girl” just like Sarah. Thank you so much for all your work and dedication for Seton Home Study. God bless you greatly!
In Christ,
P.H.
Samuel Ostgard, one of Seton’s 8th grade students, recently received a state award as part of the Washington Search for Young Scholars 2004 Talent Search, conducted by the University of Washington’s Robinson Center for Young Scholars, for scoring higher than 65% of college-bound 12th grade seniors on the ACT assessment in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Congratulations, Samuel!
The Boy Scouts of America Troop 80 of Chattanooga, Tennessee has announced the awarding of the rank of Eagle Scout to Seton student Michael Edward Gabriel Poston. Michael has worked diligently and faithfully within his troop, his parish, his family, and his community in order to achieve this worthy recognition.
Jacob Somes in 9th grade, Katy Somes in 8th grade, and Luke Somes in 6th grade, competed in the Middle School Science Olympiad Competition. They competed in 11 of the 22 events. “The Seton Science curriculum had been very helpful in their preparing for the Science Olympiad.”
2003 Gold Belt Home Educators Science Team was the only team of homeschooled students. They earned the Small Schools Division Second Place Trophy at Science Olympiad’s State competition in Wichita, KS, in April, 2003. The home schoolers were competing with 20 private and public school teams.
Theresa Ford, a graduate of Seton, graduated from Christendom College Cum Laude with a major in English Language and Literature in May, 2003. Shortly after graduation, she married Ben Fisher, who was also a Seton graduate and a Christendom student. Ben is completing his Engineering degree at the University of Tennessee. They were married in beautiful Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Indianapolis. “They hope to have a large family and carry on the Seton Homeschooling tradition for another generation.”
Sarah LaMuro was selected as the winner in the “Graduating High School Senior” category for the Kaiserslautern Military Community Scholarship Awards Essay Contest. The competition was open to two high schools and home schooled students. Selection is based on academic record, community involvement, sports, and school activities as well as the 500 word essay. The Kaiserslautern Military Community is composed of various military facilities in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Military personnel from the Kaiserslautern area are involved in the missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo, and the worldwide war on terrorism.
Sarah read her essay to a crowd at the Ramstein Officer’s Club during the war in Iraq. Sarah has been home schooled since 5th grade, and is now a Nursing major at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
Excerpts from Sarah’s essay: “Covadonga, Spain. 722 A.D. The undefeated Moors put all of Christian Spain to the sword. High in the rugged Pyrenees, King Pelayo and thirty brave Spaniards refused to surrender. The Moors contemptuously dismissed the Spanish defenders and moved on to conquer the entire Iberian Peninsula. However, an incredible seven centuries later, the descendants of these thirty men finally battled the Moors from Spanish soil. Their singular victory remains unchallenged; Spain is the only country in history to restore Christianity to a land once ruled by the Moors.”
Anne Marie Dust, a Seton 8th grader, was awarded First Place in a statewide Pro-Life Essay Contest in Illinois. Anne Marie read her essay to 200 people at a prayer breakfast sponsored by Illinois Citizens for Life. More than 134 essays were received from 7th and 8th graders throughout the state. Anne received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.
It was reported in the National Catholic Register of April 5, 2003, that some Seton Home Study School students were among the winners of a National Catholic Education Essay Contest sponsored by Ascension Press. The topic of the essay was “Why My Priest is a Hero.” Of the two Grand Prize winners, who won a $500 scholarship, was Rachel Elliott, in Grade 10. Congratulations, Rachel! Runner-Up winners included two Seton students: Teresa Maria Fasanello, in Grade 9, and Amy Danielle Waddle, in Grade 10. Congratulations, Teresa and Amy!
Three Seton Students participated in the Science Olympiad Competition with our local homeschooling group the Golden Belt Home Educators.
The team first had to compete in the regional competition on February 11th at Fort Hays University. Jacob Somes, 9th grade, earned a gold medal in “Feathered Frenzy” (ornithology) and “Wright Stuff” (flight design) out of four events he competed in. Katy Somes, 8th grade, earned gold in “Science of Fitness” (nutrition and biology) and “Reach for the Stars” (astronomy), as well as a bronze medal in “Life Science Process Lab” (biology and lab skills). Luke Somes, 6th grade, earned a gold medal in “Wright Stuff” (flight design), and “Road Scholar” (map skills and topographic skills), as well as silver in “Fossils”. Their team of twelve students placed third advancing to the Kansas state competition.
At the Kansas state Science Olympiad Competition the team earned a 2nd place trophy and medals for the small school division. GBHE took 6th out of both small and large schools numbering 29 of the top finishers from Kansas. Jacob and Luke brought home gold medals in the “Wright Stuff” and did well on their other events. Katy earned a silver medal in “Life Science Process” and bronze in “Reach for the Stars”.
Seton has given us the opportunity to participate in various academic competitions with confidence. Thank you for a very academically challenging yet flexible program. The academic discipline shows in competitions such as the Science Olympiad. Most importantly their spiritual education thrives with Seton. They have shown such dignity and compassion in these competitions and are very humble about their accomplishments.
May God continue to Bless the work of Seton,
Cathy Somes
Divine Will Academy
Mark Dobies, a high school Seton student and an accomplished pianist, won third place in the Polish Arts League of Pittsburgh Literary Essay Competition. Their topic was “Poland’s Contributions in the Field of Music, Art, or Literature.” Mark wrote about Fryderyk Chopin. Congratulations, Mark!
Daniel Sedlacek, a 7th grade Seton student from Cornell, Wisconsin, won the state award for Wisconsin in an essay contest sponsored by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. The contest was for junior high students, titled “Boundless Science for Bountiful Agriculture 2003.” Daniel’s essay was “Ethanol, a Renewable Fuel.” Congratulations, Daniel!
In March, 11th grade Seton student Robert Ussery competed in the Longs Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair. He took second place in the senior division (grades 9 through 12). He also won an award from Yale University for the best engineering project from a junior in high school. Part of winning second place in the senior division was an all expense paid trip to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. Also, those who did well at the regional fair went on to the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.
In April he went to the state level. He received $50 from the Colorado Inventors Club, and $125 for taking first place in Engineering. There were approximately 300 finalists competing at state.
At the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair. There were about 1345 finalists from 40 countries. One award he received was an all expense paid trip to Huntsville, AL to attend an advanced space camp. Robert took second place in Engineering. Part of placing second in the Grand Awards will be an asteroid named after him. They will compose a name using his name and school.
Robert’s project was “Sailplane Winch Launch Telemetry and Data-Logging.” Put simply, he designed, programmed and made a system to let the pilot of a sailplane and the winch operator know the speed and altitude of the sailplane during takeoff. In order to afford this project he wrote a proposal to the Colorado Space Grant Consortium for funding. Because of his well rounded education, he was able to present a professional paper to the head of the CSGS, a college professor.
Seton student Katherine M. Hadford recently was a Silver Medalist in the Junior Ladies’ Free Skating event(s) at the 2003 South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships. In so doing, Katherine has qualified to compete at the 2003 Eastern Sectional Championships scheduled to take place November 13-16, 2003 in Aston, Pennsylvania. Becoming a championship figure skater requires dedication to a self-imposed regimen of physical fitness and the unswerving pursuit of perfection. Katherine is an athlete in every sense of the word.
12th Grade Seton student Ryan Bradley finished in 9th place overall in the United States Figure Skating Championships in Dallas, Texas. The skating events took place from January 11 through January 19, 2003. Ryan was in 15th place after the short program, but did very well in the long program, moving up 6 places. Ryan successfully completed the fabled “quad” jump in the competition.
10th Grade Seton student Rachel Elliott is this year’s Grand Prize winner of the National Catholic Education Essay Contest in the grade 9-12 category. Her essay was selected from over 800 other essays on the theme “Why My Priest is a Hero.”
Congratulations to National Merit Semi-Finalists Mary C. Cover, Elizabeth Killion, Allannah Karas, Danielle Kapolka, Carly Campagna, Michael Johnson, Sylvia Smith and Michael Gerardi!
7th Grade Seton student David McIntyre will be on the Jeopardy Back-to-School program on Friday, September 20th.
Serina Young, a 7th grader with Seton, has recently won 5 medals in Irish dance competition in Charlotte, NC. At the Feile Rince Charlotte on September 1st, 2002, Serina competed in the Under 12 group in the following events:
Reel, Beginner, placed second
Light Jig, Beginner, placed first
Slip Jig, Beginner, placed third
Treble Jig, Advanced beginner, placed third
Hornpipe, Advanced beginner, placed second
This is all the more amazing in that Serina has only been dancing since last September, and this was her first competition.
Stephanie Andnuilli was selected by Stone Soup magazine to illustrate a story. Her artwork may be seen in the May/June 2002 issue, for the story Saving Frizbee. Stone Soup features writing and artwork by young people from all over the world.
Patricia Wnek, a 9-year old violin student of Seljuk Kardan at the Peabody Preparatory of Johns Hopkins University, will perform two recitals: on May 19, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. in Germantown, MD, at the Northwest High School Auditorium, and on June 1, 2002 at the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C. Her program will include Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto from the Four Seasons, accompanied by a String Quartet, as well as Sonatina in G major Op. 100 by Dvorák; Violin Concerto Nr.2 in D major, Allegro Moderato by Mozart; Czardas by Monti; Obertass - Mazurka, Op. 19 by Wieniawski; and Meditation from Thaïs by Massenet. For additional information please visit Patricia’s website at
www.PatriciaWnek.com.
Patricia began her violin studies with Mr. Kardan at the age of 4 at the Hosford School of Music in Gaithersburg, MD, and transferred to the Peabody Prep at the age of 6 in order to enroll in the certificate program, which includes yearly exams and theoretical studies. She recently completed her Intermediate III exam, which places her at the Advanced level. Besides taking individual violin lessons, she has been involved in Peabody Prep Chamber music program and has been coached by Dr. Rachel Franklin, Seljuk Kardan, Alison Potter, and Karen Sams. She is also a member of the Peabody Prep Violin Choir under the direction of Rebecca Henry. It is a premier group of violin students ages 9-16, selected by audition, which represents the Peabody Prep in outreach concerts and special events throughout the US.
Patricia frequently appears in solo recitals throughout the Washington-Baltimore area. Up to date she has performed as a soloist in over 50 recitals. In addition, she has played in numerous repertory and master classes with Mimi Zweig of Indiana University, as well as Baltimore Symphony Orchestra violinists, Leri Slutsky and Ivan Stefanovic. Her future engagements include a solo recital at the American Center of Polish Culture in Washington, D.C., and a possible appearance as a guest soloist with the Trinity Chamber Orchestra.
Patricia is a winner of the 2001 MSMTA Chamber Music competition for a performance of Masques by Persichetti for violin and piano, as well as a three-time nominee and performer of the prestigious Vella Silver Recital hosted by the Deans of the Peabody Conservatory and the Preparatory. She was selected by the Dean of the Peabody Preparatory to perform at the 17th Annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony in June 2001. She has also received performance and achievement awards from the Peabody Preparatory.
In order to broaden her musical horizons, Patricia has been taking piano lessons since the age of 5 - currently with Micah Yui, and ballet since the age of 3 - currently with Becci Kim. Patricia is a former student of the St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Rockville, MD, and presently, a 5th grade, honor, A-average student of the Seton Home School in Manassas, VA. Her hobbies include reading, swimming, skiing, ice skating, biking, and horseback riding. Patricia is a daughter of a classical singer (graduate of the Peabody Conservatory) and a Ph.D. computer scientist, and has two wonderful brothers, Paul, age 8, and Matthew, age 6, both piano students of Micah Yui at the Peabody Preparatory.
David Bertschinger, Johnna Day, Paul Day, Mark Jones, and Jacob Ebelhar have advanced to the Indiana Science Olympiad state finals.
The Science Olympiad consists of competititve events challenging the students’ knowledge in science topics such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, life sciences, earth sciences, mechanics architecture and engineering. Nine teams representing junior high and middle schools from across southern Indiana competed in 18 events at the regional Science Olympiad. St. Rupert Home School Group placed first overall by receiving medals in 13 of 18 events with seven gold, three silver and three bronze.
Katie Lynn Armour, a Seton student since seventh grade, has been awarded a 4-year Music Scholarship to the Queens College of Charlotte.
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League held its 32nd annual Student Concerto Competition on Saturday, January 12, 2002, at the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center for the Arts. Twenty four Virginia Students, grade 6 through 12, competed for the prizes.
12th grade student, Philip Borter was awarded a second prize. Philip played Dvorák’s Cello Concerto in b minor, the first movement, on his violoncello and the judges were very impressed.
Eleanor Neal and Rochelle Pillion,
Co-Chairs
Richmond Symphony Orchestra League
Student Concerto Competition
Katherine Hadford recently was a Fourth Place Medalist in the Novice Ladies’ Free Skating event at the 2002 U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Los Angeles, while Alicia Graf recently was a Silver Medalist in the Ladies’ Free Skating event at the 2001 Northwest Pacific Regional Figure Skating Championships. These are tremendous accomplishments and ones that deserve recognition from the school community and peers alike. Becoming a championship figure skater requires developing the ability to successfully handle numerous tasks simultaniously, dedication to a self imposed regimen of physical fitness and uswerving pursuit of perfection. Katherine and Alicia are athletes in every sense of the word.
Phyllis F. Howard
President, USFSA
Eighteen-year-old Reid Barton of Arlington, MA, became the first student in 42 years of the competition to win four gold medals in a row. The United States team tied for second place with the Russian team; China took first place. More than 80 countries participated in the global competition in July.
7th grade Seton Homeschool student, Thomas McIntyre, appeared on the December 28th, 2001 Jeopardy Holiday Kids Show. Thomas missed only one question. Good Job Thomas!
Morgan Mackin, a 12th grade student in Seton School will attend the first Presidential Classroom Law & Justice in a Democracy program from March 9-16, 2002 in Washington, D.C. The nation’s leading civic education program, Presidential Classroom provides students in this program an in-depth look at the federal legal system and how the federal government as a whole operates. The week’s activities will include a Supreme Court briefing, visits to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Secret Service and foreign embassy briefings. Other program highlights include a visiting Senators and Representatives’ offices from the students’ state, observing congressional hearings and touring the White House.
Morgan will join hundreds of high school students from across the country and abroad, as they attend seminars presented by leaders representing each branch of government, the military, media and federal legal community. Small-group workshops will focus on key issues such as the relationship of freedom and order in a democratic society. Students will also participate in a student Moot Court where they will present oral arguments on a specific legal issue.
For 34 years, Presidential Classroom, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 5013 civic education organization, has provided more than 92,000 top high school students from the United States and abroad unprecedented access to the federal government and the people who shape public policy. To become a Presidential Scholar, students must be a high school junior or senior with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Seton student Justin Nolan earned a perfect score on the ACT Assessment. An excerpt from the notification letter: “You are the only Oklahoma student, out of a total of about 13,000 who took the ACT in April, to achieve a 36, the highest possible composite score. Further, you are one of only 71 in the nation, out of some 389,000 who were tested that month. Your achievement is truly distinguished.”
Seton Home Study School is being represented by two students, Gregory Joseph Abbracciamento and Carl Joseph Schwager, at the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee.
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