Presidential Campaign Trail Passes Through DeSales High School

Christopher Weisgarber, and James Yinger.<br><br> National Honor Society Inducts New Members Awards and Achievements The local American Red Cross honored Franklin County business and community groups for hosting blood drives throughout the past year at the 2008 Life Sharing Challenge Luncheon. The event honored more than 60 organizations for their blood collections during the past year. St.<br><br> Francis DeSales High School was presented with the First place award in the High School 3 Division AA category. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named seniors Jonathan Herrick, Ryan Kincaid, Bridget O 9Riordan and Keri Plymale as Commended Students in the 2009 Scholarship Program. In addition, St.<br><br> Francis DeSales High School is proud to announce that senior Natalie Cole has been named a Semi-Finalist and Seun Adejobi has been named an Outstanding Participant by the National Achievement Scholarship Program sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All of these fine students achieved high scores on their PSAT Test taken during their junior year. Congratulations to seniors Jeremy Gray, Megan Johnson and Mike Sarson for being nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Awards.<br><br> Presidential Campaign Trail Passes Through DeSales High School The students in the senior Government classes are learning about the political process by preparing for and participating in a Presidential Election Simulation project. Students, divided by class periods, have specific responsibilities in the organization of the election process, including the duties of a rally coordinator, an election coordinator, a media coordinator, head of secret service, etc. On October 29, 2008, at 8:00 a.m., the entire student body will attend a political rally in the gymnasium to listen to speeches given by students playing the roles of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates (students tried out for the roles of McCain, Obama, Palin and Biden).<br><br> Government classes will work to prepare each candidate on the issues their party supports as well as know what issues their opponents hold and how to refute them. The rally will also include student produced background videos of the candidates; a question/ answer period; short endorsement speeches by some of our clubs; and hopefully, speeches by representatives from the real world McCain and Obama campaigns (letters were sent to both major parties to invite a representative to speak to the students). The student body will then vote two days later in a mock election.<br><br> DeTales Publication The Advance Personal Finance class, along with Mr. Montenaro, are starting a Stock Market Club. The club will launch a stock simulation game open to all current & past students and immediate family members.<br><br> To register for this free stock simulation game go to Mr. Montenaro 9s web page and click on the wallstreetsurvivor link. The club will get $5.00 for every registrant that makes 20 trades by November 20th.<br><br> This money will be used for weekly and monthly cash prizes! NEW CLUB...for parents too! The World Language Department is planning a trip to Italy this summer, and invites you to join them!<br><br> The trip is scheduled for June 5 through June 13, 2009. The itinerary includes traveling in Milan, Venice, Verona, Tuscany, Ostia Antica, Pompeii and Rome. Family mem- bers of students attending the trip are welcome to join the tour as well.<br><br> The cost of the trip is $3338, which includes airfare, airport taxes, accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, tour guide, all excursions, transportation, and taxes. Please contact Latin teacher Mrs. Tracey Moose at tmoose@cdeducation.org or Italian teacher Mrs.<br><br> Allison Rolf at arolf@cdeducation.org. Summer in Italy DRIVERS NEEDED! Junior parents be sure to read the information re: the Junior Urban Plunge that is included in the grade card packet.<br><br> All other parents who would like to volunteer to help with the Mini- Urban Plunge, please look for an email contain- ing important information. Principal 9s Corner Dear Friends: As I sit at my desk to write you this letter for DeTales I am looking out my window and cannot help but notice the colorful foliage on the trees. This time of the year truly reflects the majesty of God 9s creation.<br><br> It is my sincere hope that each of you takes the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful autumn days. With the notable exception of the wind storm that created a three day disruption of classes in mid- September the first quarter of our academic year went exceptionally well. The students and faculty worked very hard to insure that the first term came to a successful close.<br><br> Based on my conversations with the students and teachers it would appear as if the hard work to date has enabled them to start the year productively with regard to achieving their academic goals. In addition to addressing their important curricular challenges the students have also enjoyed success in their many co-curricular endeavors. It is extremely energizing to observe our students incredible commitment and passion for the arts, athletics, and scholastic clubs.<br><br> It is very clear to me that the students and the teachers, advisers, and coaches who work with them wish to excel in all of their endeavors. This quest for excellence, combined with the students work ethic, and parental support has proven to be a formula that has resulted in a culture of high standards and expectations. The positive challenges associated with such an environment were articulated very eloquently at our annual Autumn Awards Convocation when keynote speaker Dr.<br><br> Brian Nedwek from Ohio Dominican University addressed our students about the inherent responsibilities that are associated with being faith-filled global citizens. It is my belief that our students embrace this responsibility. The evidence of this is ample when one examines the extensive list of service projects conducted by our kids.<br><br> I am sure you would agree that the early portion of our year has been blessed with success and growth; however, we must also realize we have considerable work to do. I humbly request your continued support as we work collaboratively to provide our students with all the necessary resources to meet with continued success. As most of you are aware this time of the year is also quite active with reference to prospective students and their families visiting St.<br><br> Francis DeSales High School. It is my hope that you will encourage friends and relatives who are exploring educational options for their children to attend our annual Open House on November 9 th from 11-2 or to contact Chris Joseph in our Admissions Office. As a community we are proud of our rich tradition please help us encourage cFuture Stallions d to envision how they could add to our rich legacy by sharing their God-given talents with our school family.<br><br> Thank you in advance for being such outstanding ambassadors for our school I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that we will host our annual Alumni Memorial Mass in conjunction with the Feast of All Souls on Friday, October 31 st at 9:45 a.m. Please join us as we honor those members of the St. Francis DeSales High School community that have gone on to their eternal reward.<br><br> In closing, please know that during these times of challenge in our world that the students and faculty pray for you daily. Peace and God 9s Blessings, Daniel J. Garrick 879 To Live according to God is love.<br><br> -St. Francis DeSales- September/October Did you know... your empty printer car- tridges can be recycled to help the In the Know team.<br><br> Please drop them off to Mr. Stevens' office or place them in his mailbox. Thanks!<br><br> . Student Directories are on sale in the Spirit Shop. They are $5.00.<br><br> Join The Catholic Foundation Thursday evening, November 13 th , at St. Agatha Parish at 7:00 p.m. , for Passionate Estate Planning&for yourself, your family, and the Church .<br><br> This intimate, focused presentation will be targeted to the needs and concerns of Catholic families. It will be delivered by nationally known attorney and author Conrad Teitell , one of the most dynamic speakers in the industry. He will address the reasons families tend to fail to plan, and helps Catholics who may not have a strong financial background see that estate planning can play an important role in conveying to their heirs not just their assets, but their values and beliefs.<br><br> Teitell is known for his wit and humor, and this presentation will be as enjoyable as it is enlightening. The event is free of charge and open to anyone looking to learn more about estate planning. Reserve a seat for yourself and a friend or family member no later than November 3 rd by calling The Catholic Foundation at 443.8893 or 866.298.8893.<br><br> Or visit www .catholic- foundation.org for more information. Parlor Games The Little Theater will be filled with laughter as students present this year 9s fall show, cParlor Games. d Join the cast on October 30, November 1 and November 2 as they present cParlor Games d in the St. Francis DeSales Little Theater.<br><br> Mort McNulty, senior Dan Hromlik, takes to the stage as the town 9s practical joker. In this show, a comedy by James C. Wall, McNulty stages his own wake, while his family and friends morn his untimely passing.<br><br> His wife Tricia, played by senior Danielle Bernert, knows the truth; however, while she tries to convince the others of his joke, they all come to the conclusion that she is in denial. See how the prank plays out! All shows start at 7:30 p.m.<br><br> Tickets are $7.00. The Environmental Club has developed a carpooling initiative with the hope that it will increase awareness about simple things we can do to conserve energy and reduce pollution. From November 10 through November 14, students as well as faculty members are encouraged to carpool to school.<br><br> The guidelines: You have to have at least two students (or faculty/staff) in the car to receive a raffle ticket. Every student or faculty in the car will receive a raffle ticket everyday they carpool. At the end of the week the Environmental Club will do a drawing for two $25 gas cards, one $25 movie pass, one trip to the spirit shop, and one free week of lunch.<br><br> The carpooling initiative may even make a difference in the traffic before and after school and save money in transportation! The Environmental Club has also scheduled the movie cWho Killed the Electric Car" to be shown on Thursday, November 20 after school in the Franciscan Center. Their hope is to increase awareness of alternative sources of energy and inspire some of our students to develop an automobile that is affordable, does not rely on oil, and most importantly does not run on a typical combustion system that is designed to create carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas).<br><br> Energy Saving Ideas Estate Planning PARENTS: Veterans Day Ceremony All members of the St. Francis DeSales community, including alumni, who are serving or who have served in the military are invited to join the school community on Tuesday, November 11 th at 7:45 a.m. in front of the school for a flag raising ceremony.<br><br> If there is inclement weather, the service will occur in the gymnasium. If you are able to join us or for more information, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at 267-7808 ext. 142 or cherr@cdeducation.org .<br><br> Junior Daniel Ray attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security: Exploring American Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense. The Forum on National Security was an intensive six-day conference that blended hands-on experience in the defense, intelligence, and diplomatic communities with instruction in practical leadership skills. What an Experience!<br><br> DeTales Publication 30 Fall Show; 7:30 p.m. 31 Feast of All Souls Liturgy and Alumni Memorial Mass; 9:45 a.m. The Mother 9s Club is selling a Cat 9s Meow of the DeSales Alumni Stadium (photos at right) as a fundraiser.<br><br> Proceeds this year will benefit the Mother 9s Club scholarship and used uniform program. The wooden keepsake is 5 1/2" wide by 3" tall and is approximately 3/4" thick. It makes a great gift item for students, teachers, coached and alumni.<br><br> The price is $20 and checks can be made out to DeSales High School. It can be purchased in the book store or you can contact Cathy Wickert at: cwickert@insight.rr.com . She will arrange to have the piece delivered to you.<br><br> Mother's Club Upcoming Events October 9 OPEN HOUSE; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 1 Fall Show; 7:30 p.m.<br><br> 10 Mid-term Week begins 12 Stress & Wellness Workshop; 7:00 p.m. November 2 Fall Show; 7:30 p.m. 7 Grandparents Day Liturgy; 7:00 a.m.<br><br> Grandparents Day Breakfast; 8:00 a.m. (Students with last names A-L) DeSales will hold its 11th annual Alumni Memorial Mass on Friday, October 31st at 9:45 am in the gymnasium. All are invited to attend as we celebrate the lives of our departed faculty, staff and alumni.<br><br> If you know of someone in the DeSales family who has passed away, please contact Alumni Relations with their name, class year and a photo to include in the memorial vide o. Please join the St. Francis DeSales Boys 9 Basketball Program in The 5 th Annual Eli Cowan Alumni Basketball Game For Cancer Research When: Saturday, November 29 th Freshmen @ 4:00 pm, JV @ 5:30 pm, Varsity @ 7:30 pm Where: DeSales Gymnasium Why: Games will serve as a preview for the 2008-09 Stallion Boys 9 Basketball Season.<br><br> Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Last year 9s event raised approximately $3,000 for this cause. Admission to this event will be $5 per person ($3 Children U12).<br><br> Canned Food Drive begins Nov. 3 and con- tinues to Thanks- giving Break! WE CAN St.<br><br> Francis DeSales High School will host a Bookfair at the new Barnes & Noble at 1560 Polaris Parkway on Saturday, November 15, 2008. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. This is a great oppor- tunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping while raising funds for new furniture for our Media Center.<br><br> Enjoy student artwork, musical performances by DeSales students, dramatic read- ings, face painting for children, an academic quiz session between our In- the-Know team and a faculty team, and much more! Be sure to bring your Bookfair voucher with you. Bookfair vouchers are available on the DeSales website, as well as in the main office.<br><br> November BOOKFAIR

less