Rising seniors Victoria Dew and Katie Sanders were selected to attend the annual Palmetto Girls State Encampment held recently at Columbia College. Rising seniors Josh Bathon and Jacob Hanna were selected to attend the annual Palmetto Boys State Encampment held recently at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Both events, which took place the week of June 7-12, offered a one-week leadership and citizenship-training program to further educate outstanding high-school students about state and local government.

Rising senior Cindy Stanley was selected to attend The University of Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program. Based on her academic achievements and other criteria, Cindy earned a place in the 2009 Notre Dame Summer Scholars Theology Track. The program runs from June 21st to July 4th.

The St. Joseph's Fine Arts Department, under the leadership of Fine Arts Department Chair Teresa McGrath, offered several enrichment camps for both boys and girls during the month of June:

SJCS Middle School and High School Drama Teacher Teresa McGrath offered a week-long theatre camp in early June.  Thirteen students, ranging from grades 3-7, attended the camp in which they received hands-on experiences in proper actor warm-up techniques, building characters, and the overall rehearsal process. Every day was spent working toward the final production of "Mother Goose Has Talent," performed on the last day of camp. High school students who assisted with this production included: Denise Azores-Gococo, Emily Blake, Will Dameron, Alex Panuccio, Jessica Peck, and David Rogozenski.

SJCS Strings Teacher David Saliny offered two Summer String Orchestra Camps.  The first camp, for beginning string orchestra students with one year of experience, allowed students an opportunity to work on developing their individual technique and on various sheet music pieces.  The students rehearsed solos from the Suzuki violin books, duets by Mozart, Pachelbel, and various folk songs.  The second camp, for intermediate string orchestra students, allowed students an opportunity to also work on individual techniques: developing an expressive vibrato, learning various bowing articulations, practicing ensemble performance, and working on the following pieces:  Amazing Grace, Minuet In G, Allegro Maestoso, Trumpet Voluntary, and others.

SJCS Art Teacher Deborah Henderson offered three Summer Art Camps in June. The first camp was a mixed medium class that focused on seeing the beauty and similarities of everyday objects. The students focused on line, pattern, and color.  The second camp was a mixed medium class that combined collage, color choice, and layout.  The students chose a person or band they liked and all the collage elements had to more fully explain that choice. The end result was a three layer collage/painting.  The third camp was a drawing class for adults.  The students began by focusing on line, moving into shape, and ending with form created by shading with an emphasis on gray scale/variance.  By the end of the week, the students had a completed charcoal, still-life drawing ready to be matted, framed, and hung for display.

Click here to view more photos.

Rising senior Tara McGarry was selected to attend the Columbia College 2009 Leadership Institute Summer Program. She is currently participating in the LEAD 4 Session (June 21st – 25th), which is an advanced leadership course for rising eleventh and twelfth graders. This community based interactive program will further participants' skills in conflict resolution, problem solving, team building, and communication.

History Department Chair Meby Carr, Math Department Chair George Carr, and History Department faculty member Kevin Stanton were all invited to read Advanced Placement (AP) Exams during the month of June in Louisville, KY. Meby Carr graded AP U.S. History exams for her seventh year, George Carr graded AP Statistics exams for his fourth year, and Kevin Stanton graded AP U.S. History exams for his second year.

The SJCS chapter of the National Honor Society wishes to thank the many families who helped to support their recent Bottled Water Drive. Over one hundred cases were delivered to the Marie Younts Girls Home and to St. Anthony's School.

The following SJCS athletes, recently named SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) All-State Players for spring sports, will be honored at the High School Sports Report Banquet to be held on Sunday June 28th in Orangeburg:  rising junior Alex Burnikel (Boys Soccer), rising senior Carly Hudson (Softball), graduates Jackson DeMere (Boys Tennis), and Emily Zankman (Girls Soccer).  Zankman was also named SCISA All-State Player of the Year. 

Seventh grade students in Joanna McLucas's middle school science classes recently finished up their study of the human body by dissecting a frog. They looked for similarities and differences from the human body. After overcoming their jitters, many students were fascinated by their first look at the way all the organs fit together inside a living organism.

Click here to view more photos.

Congratulations to rising seventh grader Julian Hodge, who won his age division in the South Carolina Level 7 Men's Gymnastics Competition held this spring in Irmo, SC. Julian achieved his highest score of the season in the state meet, an all around score of 82.5, and earned a spot to then compete at the Regional Men's Meet held recently in Miami, FL. The Regional Meet included competitors from seven states. Julian has been competing in competitive gymnastics for four years, and has qualified for the Regional Meet every year for which he was eligible.

Congratulations to rising junior Katie Helvey, who recently won Honorable Mention in the Color and Design Category at the 19th Annual Upstate High School Art Exhibit sponsored by Greenville Technical College. Her entry, Sign Language, along with two first place entries from the SJCS Annual Art Show, Emiko Kakimoto's photograph, Little Miss Sunshine, and Claire DeMars charcoal drawing, Arabic Platter and Ceramics, represented SJCS at the recent 28th Annual Congressional Art Competition sponsored by Congressman Bob Inglis.

Click here to view the Fourth Quarter Honor Roll.

Commencement Address, Mr. Dale Ahlquist - Part 1:

Commencement Address, Mr. Dale Ahlquist - Part 2:

Farewell Remarks from the Headmaster, Mr. Keith Kiser - Part 1:

Farewell Remarks from the Headmaster, Mr. Keith Kiser - Part 2:

Over forty SJCS volunteers, including grandparents, parents, students, and friends of the school, descended on Thornblade Country Club May 14th through May 17th in support of St. Joseph's and the BMW Charity Pro-Am. Carrying standards (scoring placards on poles), in spite of the hills, heat, humidity, and rain, was not an easy task; nonetheless, the SJCS volunteers performed admirably. The scoring professionals who assisted our volunteers recognized rising ninth graders Martin Pazdan and Tyler Neves, and rising tenth graders Anja Gardziola and Tyler Visin for their strong work ethic and positive attitude. Also singled out for exceptional work were incoming ninth grader Charly Van Norden and his father, SJCS Varsity Golf Coach Bob Van Norden. The school also thanks SJCS Class of 2007 members Adam Broering and William McClintock, and Nick Kickham, brother of SJCS volunteer Alex Kickham.  Special thanks goes to SJCS Board of Trustees Member Mike Panther and to Bob Smith, a friend of the school, who played in the Oobe Charity Challenge Pro-Am on Tuesday, May 12th at Carolina Country Club, earning St. Joseph's an extra $1,500. 

The school's thirteenth Commencement Exercises were held on Saturday, May 30, 2009. The Class of 2009, consisting of 56 members, was awarded college scholarship and grant money in excess of $3 million dollars. Forty-five members (80%) of the class received scholarship money at an average of over $80,000 per student, including 39 members who were awarded money from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education: 8 Palmetto Fellows Scholarships, 28 Life Scholarships, and 3 Hope Scholarships.  Seven members of the class were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Organization.  And four members of this class, the most from any previous SJCS graduating class to date, were awarded athletic scholarships.  The Class of 2009 was also distinguished by the addition of 17 new colleges and universities to the ever-growing list of schools to which the previous 410 graduates were accepted, including the European Business School of London, The University of Florida, and Centre College, among others.  Seven graduates are continuing their Catholic education at Catholic universities, including Belmont Abbey College, DeSales University, The University of Dallas, The University of Notre Dame, Thomas Aquinas College, Wyoming Catholic College, and Xavier University.  This also marks the fourth year in a row that a St. Joseph's graduate was awarded a Furman University Hollingsworth Scholarship, one of only 20 awarded statewide.

Click here to view more photos from Commencement 2009.

Click here to view Ernest Rawlins Portrait Studio graduation photos.

Click here to view The Tribune-Times graduation photo gallery #1.

Click Here to view The Tribune-Times graduation photo gallery #2.

Click here to read Kelsey Larson's Salutation to the Class of 2009.

Click here to read Travis Dziad's Farewell Address to the Class of 2009.

Seniors returned to campus on Friday, May 22nd to take part in the annual Senior Send-Off Ceremony.  High school students met in an assembly as faculty and staff spoke of fond memories and offered words of encouragement to the Class of 2009.  The Senior Video was shown and the Red Door Ceremony was held.  As a tribute to the school's early beginnings, where every student entered and exited the first campus through a red door, graduating seniors, on their last day, now leave campus through that same red door.  Prior to the fifty-six members of the Class of 2009 processing through the door and around the campus to cheers from students and staff, Headmaster Keith Kiser read the following excerpt: 

In the autumn of 1992, St Joseph's School opened its doors. On that September morning, the first thirteen students entered the school through a red door. At the time, the red door was the entrance to a little house next to St. Michael's Lutheran Church on Augusta Road. Since then, by God's providence, the generosity of many friends and family members, and the hard work of countless people, St Joseph's has become a beacon for fine Catholic education in upstate South Carolina.

During our fifteenth anniversary celebration, the red door was donated to St Joseph's and placed here at the center of our school.

Seniors, every door is a symbol of transition. As you cross the threshold, you step into a new chapter on your adventure of faith. Your future is bright because your foundations are sure. If you build on what you have received at St Joseph's Catholic School, your life will be full of blessings because it will be full of God's grace.

Before long, we will celebrate your graduation with all due ceremony and joy, but today, I ask you to pass through this red door as a symbol of your farewell to St Joseph's Catholic School. This is not the end, but a new beginning.

As you go through the red door, remember that Christ calls Himself the door and the way to eternal life. He invites us to step out of our normal expectations and follow Him on the greatest adventure life has to offer: the adventure of faith.

 To quote Pope John Paul II, "Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!"

Seniors, we hope that as you go you will always remember your time at St Joseph's Catholic School with affection and loyalty.

May God bless you and protect you.

Fare forward and farewell.

St. Joseph's Catholic School does not rank its students, and therefore does not name a Valedictorian or Salutatorian.  Instead, graduating seniors must meet other criteria in order to receive the top student awards.  At the school's recent year-end Deo Gratias celebration, Headmaster Keith Kiser presented three members of the Class of 2009 with the school's top three awards:

• The Outstanding Christian Athlete Award was presented to Jill Biediger.  This award is presented annually to the graduating student athlete who best embraces the mission and philosophy of St. Joseph's Catholic School, both on and off the playing field.  Members of the Senior Class may nominate any senior athlete that they feel is deserving of this award, whose names are then submitted to the Headmaster, with the recipient being selected by faculty vote. 


• The Father Fox Award was presented to Kelsey Larson. This award, named in honor of Father Fox, the first priest to celebrate Mass regularly at St. Joseph's Catholic School, is given annually to the senior who epitomizes the qualities of Christian charity and compassion.  Members of the Senior Class may nominate any senior that they feel is deserving of this award, whose names are then submitted to the Headmaster, with the recipient being selected by faculty vote.  The recipient delivers the salutatory address at graduation. 


• The Redemptoris Custos Award was presented to Travis Dziad. This award is given annually to the senior who excels in scholarship, Christian leadership, and service and who best exemplifies the virtues of St. Joseph and the principles upon which the school was founded.  This is the highest honor a student may receive at St. Joseph's Catholic School. Voted on by the faculty, Redemptoris Custos is the Latin title for St. Joseph, meaning Guardian of the Redeemer. The recipient delivers the farewell address at graduation. 

At the school's recent year-end Deo Gratias celebration, Headmaster Keith Kiser recognized the 2008-2009 Top Faculty Award Winners:  

The Deacon Robert Brady "Excellence In Teaching" Award – Peter Adair
This award is presented annually to one Middle School faculty member who demonstrates commitment and dedication to St. Joseph's Catholic School while exemplifying the spirit of teaching in all walks of life.  The Middle School Teacher Award recipient is selected by vote of the Eighth Grade Class.  A returning teacher may receive this award once every three years. Peter Adair teaches Middle School History, moderates Middle School Youth in Government, and assists with the Middle School Quiz Bowl Team.

The Father Hayden Vaverek "Excellence In Teaching" Award – Karl Orbon
This award is presented annually to one High School faculty member who demonstrates commitment and dedication to St. Joseph's Catholic School while exemplifying the spirit of teaching in all walks of life.  The High School Teacher Award recipient is selected by vote of the Senior Class.  A returning teacher may receive this award once every three years. Karl Orbon teaches High School Theology and moderates the Future Business Leaders of America Club, the Ultimate Frisbee Club, and the Dodge Ball Club.

At the school's recent year-end Deo Gratias celebration, Headmaster Keith Kiser recognized the following SJCS staff members for length of service: 

• Five Years of Service:  Melissa Broering, Mary Cassabon, George Gabor, Katy McClintock, Juliana McLellan, Ann O'Dea, Jay Tierney 
• Ten Years of Service:   History Department Chair Meby Carr and Foreign Language Department Chair Lavinia Plumblee

At the school's recent year-end Deo Gratias celebration, Headmaster Keith Kiser recognized those students who embodied the mission of St. Joseph's Catholic School in the 2008-2009 school year.  The Commended Student Award Winners were:   Sara Baker, Josh Bathon, Thomas Cannon, Travis Dziad, Belle Host, Carly Hudson, Emily Kiser, Megan Kopscik, Theresa Krupka, Chris Lagnese, Kelsey Larson, Tara McGarry, Erin McLear, Mary O'Connor, Giovanna Quattrone, Julia Roman, Mitch Sams, Alex Schaeffer, Emily Schrank, Maggie Suhrer, and Emily Zankman. 

The Eighth Grade Convocation was held on Friday, May 16th following the final All-School Mass of the 2008-09 school year. Eighth grade students were presented with Certificates of Achievement recognizing their successful completion of middle school and transition into high school. After the convocation ceremony, eighth graders and their family members enjoyed a catered luncheon in the School Gym.

Click here to view more photos.

Click here to view photos from the final Team Day Competition of the 2008-2009 school year.

Seventh grade students in Sarah Wicker's math classes recently completed a unit of study that involved creating boxes by folding flat patterns, called nets, into three-dimensional solids. The themed boxes are part of a cumulative geometry project. Students also calculated the surface area and volume of their boxes. The purpose of the project is to help students visualize three-dimensional solids and better understand surface area.

Click here to view more photos.

St. Joseph's fielded thirty-four sports teams for the 2008-2009 school year: nine middle school teams, nine junior varsity teams, and sixteen varsity teams.  Within the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) AAA League, the combined seasons produced four state champions:  Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Boys Swimming, and Girls Swimming.  Varsity Girls Volleyball, Varsity Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys Basketball, Varsity Girls Soccer, Varsity Boys Soccer, Varsity Girls Softball, and Varsity Boys Tennis all advanced to the state playoffs.  JV Boys Tennis went undefeated in regular season play.  Middle School Girls Volleyball, Middle School Boys Golf, Middle School Girls Soccer, and Middle School Boys Soccer were all crowned Conference Champs.   

Twenty-three students received the SCISA Scholar-Athlete Award.  In order to be eligible, a student must have earned a 3.5 GPA and have lettered in two varsity sports.  The following students met that criteria: freshmen JD Brookbank, Dani Inglesby, Chris Schrank; sophomores Alex Burnikel, Seth Kiser, Ben Longenecker, Katie Lynam, Jeanne Morrison, Liz Reynolds, Stephanie Saunders, Caroline Sparr, Mary Stanton, Blaire Wolski; juniors Austin Cajka, Emily Coggins, Alex Davidson, Jena Mohr, Amanda Morel, Katie Sanders, Jimmy Williams, Katie Winebarger; seniors Chrissy Fowler and Mitch Sams.  

Twenty SJCS athletes were named to the SCISA All-State Teams in their various sports:   Emily Coggins, Kayli Henk, Dani Inglesby, Katie Lynam, Katie Sanders (Girls Cross Country), Brad Benore, Josh Benore, Ben Longenecker (Boys Cross Country), Kate Kelly, Aya Nance, Kelly McNulty (Girls Swimming), Graham Kauffman, Jared Kauffman, Jeremy Mehl (Boys Swimming), Jill Biediger (Varsity Girls Volleyball), Ahmad Dbouk (Boys Wrestling), Emily Zankman (Varsity Girls Soccer), Alex Burnikel ( Varsity Boys Soccer), Jackson DeMere  (Varsity Boys Tennis), and Carly Hudson (Varsity Girls Softball ). 

The following players were named SCISA Players of the Year:  Graham Kauffman, Jared Kauffman (Boys Swimming), and Emily Zankman (Varsity Girls Soccer). 

One coach was named Region Coach of the Year:  Jan Carino (Varsity Girls Volleyball) and three coaches were named SCISA Coaches of the Year:  George Carr (Boys Cross Country), Marie Kernell (Girls Cross Country), and Jill Holliday (Swimming). 

Click here to view the list of honorees from the All-School Athletic Awards Ceremony held on May 22, 2009.   

To view a list of those students recognized at the Annual Academic Awards Ceremony held at the school on May 5, 2009, click here.

With their high school career coming to a close, seniors recently celebrated their last day of classes wearing t-shirts reflecting their college choices.

Click here to view more photos.

Six SJCS ninth grade history students recently qualified as National Finalists for the National History Day Contest to be held in Washington, DC:  Andrew Anderson, Amy Hase, Mitchell Jones, Jessica Peck, Eric Spears (for their collaboration and performance of a play titled Cleopatra) and Grace Hanna (for her paper titled "Andrew Jackson and the Southeastern Tribes").  Ninth grader Taylor Murphy qualified as a National Contest Alternate, and earned South Carolina's John C. West Award for Outstanding Entry on Military History (for his paper titled "Victory in Europe: The Role of Dwight David Eisenhower in the Allied Victory").  In addition, other individual state awards were presented to the following students at the State History Day Contest in Columbia:  Dani Inglesby (The Julia Peterkin Award for Outstanding Entry on Arts and Entertainment for her project titled "Dorthea Lange: Voice of the Great Depression") and Joshua Schammel (The Jimmy Doolittle Award for Outstanding Entry on Military History for "Stauffenberg: Architect of the Valkyrie Project").  

The SJCS Fine Arts Department presented an evening of music at the 2009 Spring Concert held on Friday, May 15th.  The school's Beginner String Ensemble and Intermediate String Ensemble, conducted by SJCS Strings Instructor David Saliny, opened the concert, playing a variety of pieces, including selections from The Fellowship of the Ring, and Sleepers, Wake by J.S. Bach.   Following the strings performance, the Middle School Chorus entertained the audience with a medley from the 1960's.   The High School Chorus repertoire included sacred Latin music, along with jazz, Broadway, and contemporary pieces that exhibited the vocal skills of the 43 student participants.   Both the Middle School Chorus and the High School Chorus were conducted by SJCS Choral Director Jennifer Gurn.  The highlight of the evening was W. A. Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus performed by the High School Chorus and accompanied by the Intermediate Strings Ensemble.   Dr. Don Campbell, Professor of Music at Southern Wesleyan University, guest speaker and choral judge, was delighted with this selection and the performances from all ensembles.  The St. Joseph"s Jubilate Guild hosted a light reception following the concert to honor all of the participants.

Click here to view more photos from the concert.

Members of the St. Joseph's family came out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to enjoy the first annual "Blue vs. White" Alumni Soccer Match held on the campus grounds on May 10th.   The day afforded many former students a chance to reunite with friends and coaches, and to re-connect with the school.  Many of the graduates who played soccer for St. Joseph's were responsible for the reputation that the school's soccer program currently enjoys.  The event met with such success that the school plans to make it an annual tradition.

The Lady Knights Varsity Soccer Team faced off first against members of the St. Joe's Alumnae Team (including SJCS graduating Class of 2009 members) in a battle of youthful energy and rhythm versus experience and legendary talent.  The alumnae squad was composed of 13 members from as far away as the University of California Irvine. 

Alumnae Roster:

The Lady Knights Varsity Roster included: Ellen Andrews, Taylor Boyle, Emily Coggins, Carlin Friedholm, Grace Hanna, Katie Helvey, Dani Inglesby, Katie Lynam, Ashley McCarthy, Cara Mohr, Jena Mohr, Caitlin Rowe, Sarah Ruble, Katie Sanders, Mary Stanton, Anna Wilkes, Katie Winebarger, and Blaire Wolski.

About midway through the first half, sophomore Mary Stanton scored the first goal for the varsity team.  That goal was quickly answered when Julia Gragtmans connected with senior Emily Zankman for the alumnae, tying the game with only minutes left in the first half.  In the second period, sophomore Blaire Wolski scored, giving the varsity team the lead, but once again, the alumnae rallied when Gragtmans finished a corner kick with seven minutes remaining in the game.  The score was tied 2-2 and then went to a PK shootout.  Junior Jena Mohr played goal for the varsity, and Sarah Sullivan protected the alumnae goal.  When the dust settled from the PK shootout, the alumnae team bested the current team 4-3 with goals coming from senior Emily Zankman, Brooke Devon, Liz Sanders, and Jessica Benore.  Juniors Katie Winebarger, Anna Wilkes, and sophomore Blaire Wolski scored for the Lady Knights.

"It was great to be able to play again with some old teammates," stated SCISA 2009 Region I Player of the Year Emily Zankman. "This is a great tradition that I'm excited to be a part of, and I can't wait to play again next year to defend our title."   

After the game, the girls and their families met for hotdogs and hamburgers as they caught up with one another and watched the boy's match.   "An alumni game is exactly what our program needs," stated SJCS Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Shannon Herman.  "We have so many talented individuals who have created a wonderful tradition of St. Joseph's Soccer, and to have them back to play against our current students makes that tradition come to life. I couldn't have been more pleased." 

Next up, the Varsity Boys Team took on former alumni soccer greats in an equally exciting match-up, pitting a very technically talented alumni squad against a very quick, but youthful, varsity squad. Varsity Coach Frank Kucinic originally took the field in an alumni jersey, but changed to the Varsity Boys team right before the start of play. 

Alumni Roster:

The Knights Varsity Roster included: Ashton Ardoin, Alex Burnikel, J.D. Carino, Michael D'Onofrio, David Frazao, Andrew Grant, Miguel Larrain, Collin McMillan, Tariq Namouz, Will Tomlinson, Tyler Visin, Jimmy Williams, and Eric Witzke.

The varsity team got on the scoreboard early with senior David Frazao scoring the first goal.  After the halftime break, the varsity squad increased their lead when freshman Tyler Visin scored midway through the second half.  The alumni team quickly responded when Chris Carino passed the ball into the eighteen-yard box to Matt Rivera, who tapped it past sophomore backup goalkeeper Alex Burnikel to put the alumni on the board.  Unfortunately, the alumni goal came too late, and the match ended 2 to 1 in favor of the Varsity team.

"It was fun to see the guys that I have spent my high school years playing with again," said junior Michael D'Onofrio.  "This is a great tradition and I can't wait for next year."  Coach Kucinic added, "I felt like Father Time playing against all these young guys, but nonetheless, I was able to show them that I still have some magic left in these boots."

In an effort to develop an assessment database to help educators determine if students are meeting national standards in science and to determine what common misconceptions students hold that need to be addressed, SJCS students have been chosen, along with students from other selected schools across the country, to field test assessment questions. Science Department Chair Joanna McLucas and High School Science Teacher Jennette Pelicano applied for and were selected to participate on Project 2061, a five-year National Science Foundation funded project administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).  Pelicano and McLucas will be giving the AAAS assessments to all of their students this month, and their scores and responses will be used, along with other schools, to determine science standards for future students.

Congratulations to junior Josh Bathon, winner of the inaugural year Scott Hahn Apologetics Scholarship.  Established in 2009 by school chaplain Father Dwight Longenecker, this award is designed to encourage a new generation of apologists for the Catholic faith.  Juniors and seniors are invited to apply, and applicants are required to submit an essay on a subject chosen by the chaplain. A $1,000.00 prize, to be applied towards school tuition, is awarded to the winner. 

SJCS fourth quarter art students are exploring art through several different mediums:

The second period Exploring Art Intermediate class is working on monolithic prints.  Students drew themselves somewhere in the art room, transferred that design to a linoleum block, and then carved out the design after choosing which areas would be the positive and which would be negative. At the end of the project, each student will have four black and white prints and five multicolor prints.

The third period seventh grade girls art class is working on a variety of Impressionism projects.  The girls chose either Claude Monet's painting Study of a Figure on a Hill or Vincent Van Gogh's painting Starry Night using oil pastels or Georges Seurat"s painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, capturing the artist's use of pointillism by using markers to make dots. The application of the paint, pastel, and marker are essential to capturing the style of these artists.

The fourth period Exploring Art I students are combining their knowledge of drawing faces and color to reproduce Henri Matisse's Portrait of Madame Matisse painted during the fauvist movement. Matisse was more concerned about color (oftentimes shocking color) than details, so the students' drawings of SJCS senior Mitch Sams will be less detailed and painted with two sets of complimentary colors.  The background will be divided into simple shapes.

The sixth period sixth grade boys art class is learning about perspective by drawing a cat sitting in a window. The view seen through the window is to be drawn from an actual window in their home.  This project teaches students that things close by appear larger, while things further away should appear smaller.  It also teaches students to slow down and closely observe things in their daily lives that tend to be overlooked, such as the scene out of a window.

The seventh period eighth grade girls art class is working on fashion design.  Students are drawing different types of clothing modeled by fellow students and drawing from magazine photos.  The girls must then design a dress outfit, a pants outfit, and a uniform…either a new school uniform or sports uniform.

Click here to view more photos. 

The following SJCS athletes were recently named South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) All-State for spring sports: sophomore Alex Burnikel (Boys Soccer), senior Jackson DeMere (Boys Tennis), junior Carly Hudson (Softball), and senior Emily Zankman (Girls Soccer).  Emily Zankman was also named SCISA All-State Player of the Year. 

The following SJCS athletes were recently named SCISA All-Region for spring sports: senior William Joseph (Baseball); senior David Frazao and sophomore Alex Burnikel (Boys Soccer); senior Jackson DeMere (Boys Tennis); eighth grader Ali Griffin, sophomores Liz Reynolds, Caitlin Rusnak, Stephanie Saunders and junior Carly Hudson (Softball); sophomore Mary Stanton and senior Emily Zankman (Girls Soccer). Emily Zankman was also named SCISA All-Region Player of the Year. 

The following middle school students were recently named All-Conference for spring sports: Aly Cajka, Elizabeth Ann Satterfield, Meredith Schosky, Nicholle Stein (Middle School Girls Soccer); Justin Finnigan, Bradley Kauffman, Alex Kickham (Middle School Boys Golf).  Bradley Kauffman was also named Conference Champion.   

The following students were named SCISA All-Stars and will play in the All-Star game on Saturday, May 16^th at Orangeburg Prep:  Alex Burnikel (Boys Soccer), Mary Stanton and Emily Zankman (Girls Soccer), Carly Hudson and Liz Reynolds (Softball). 

In addition, sophomore Chandler Consonery was recently named the SCISA Open Tennis Tournament Champion. Consonery defeated Ashley Kitchens from Hilton Head Christian in a grueling three-hour match 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 at Orangeburg Country Club. 

The Lady Knights Softball team recently wrapped up their regular season, posting a 14-7 overall record and a 6-2 conference record, with the only two conference losses against defending state champion Cardinal Newman School (Columbia).  The Lady Knights put forth their finest performance during the second half of the season and peaked at just the right time for the state playoffs. 

"The team raised the bar the second half of the season, and the girls established a higher standard of play," stated Head Coach Bill Hudson.   A recent 10-0, one-hit shutout game against conference rival Ben Lippen (Columbia) marked the end of the conference schedule and served to confirm Hudson's statement.

The Lady Knights made an impact throughout the year with solid defense, while outscoring opponents by more than forty runs.    Five players, Alli Griffin, Carly Hudson, Liz Reynolds, Caitlin Rusnak, and Stephanie Saunders, were named to the All-Conference Team.  Carly Hudson was also named to the All-State Team and was Runner-Up for Conference Player of the Year. 

"All of these ladies have definitely been standout players and have made big plays, both offensively and defensively," added Coach Hudson.  "They have been a privilege to coach."

The Lady Knights went on to compete in the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) AAA State Softball Tournament this past weekend in Columbia.  Armed with the confidence of a winning season and strong appreciation for team play, the girls had hoped to make a run for the title, but lost in the opening round on Friday to Orangeburg Preparatory School (OPS).  They were able to advance on Saturday, following a win against Ben Lippen, but once again lost to OPS in the elimination game.   Although unhappy with a disappointing tournament performance, the Lady Knights gained valuable tournament experience and a resolve to advance further in next year"s tournament. 

The future remains bright for the squad.  With only two juniors and the remainder of the team members sophomores or younger, the Lady Knights Softball Team looks forward to future success.

Click here to view more softball photos from SJCS vs. Shannon Forest 05-04-09.

The SJCS Middle School Girls Soccer Team won their third straight Carolina Middle School Conference (CMSC) Tournament Championship on Friday evening, May 8th, against Mitchell Road Christian Academy (MRCA).

Eighth grader Aly Cajka scored first to give the Lady Knights a 1-0 lead in the first half. MRCA managed to score twice midway through the second half to take the lead. The Lady Knights fought back with another goal from Cajka, and regulation time ended with a 2-2 tie. Play then resumed, resulting in two non-decisive five minute overtimes. The girls then went into penalty kicks, with SJCS eighth graders Alexa Lagaly, Nicholle Stein, and Meredith Schosky managing to score and clinch the title.

Seventh grader Megan Copsey, who stepped in to play goalie with regular goalie Molly Lynch out due to injury, allowed only two goals the entire night, and was considered the game's Most Valuable Player. Aly Cajka, Elizabeth Ann Satterfield, Meredith Schosky, and Nicholle Stein were named to the 2009 All-Conference Team.

"I'm so proud of all the girls on the team this year," stated Coach Jervey Inglesby. "They continue to play with such heart, and they are always so disciplined in their style of play. This concludes two undefeated seasons for us and our third straight CMSC Championship."

In honor of May, the month of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph's held its annual May Procession and Crowning during the weekly school Mass on Friday, May 8th. A student representative from each household joined the procession with flowers that were presented on the altar before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Seventh graders Madeline Fric and Melissa Zankman then proceeded to crown Mary with a wreath of roses. "We celebrate with flowers, because flowers symbolize all the beauties of spring: new life, beauty, joy, innocence, grace, and goodness," stated SJCS school chaplain Father Longenecker. "In this way, we celebrate the goodness, innocence, grace and joy that the Blessed Virgin brought into the world. It was through this pure young girl's positive 'yes' to God that His Son came to bring that same grace and goodness to us all."

Congratulations to seventh grader Gil Gonzales, who placed second in the Division 4 Class at the first annual Greenville Catholic School Chess Tournament held at St. Mary's School on Saturday, May 2nd. In addition to Gil, SJCS sixth graders Cameron Cummings, Benjamin Haertel, Ryan Litzinger, Charles Vandross, Evan Willoughby, seventh graders Luke Lepak, and eighth grader Noah Davis competed amongst a field of sixty-two players. SJCS Math Department Faculty Member Anne Gragtmans serves as the team advisor and oversees the weekly meetings every Tuesday during Middle School Lunch.

Click here to view the Greenville News Photo Gallery from the Greenville Catholic School Chess Tournament.

The St. Joseph's Catholic School family celebrated the feast day of "St. Joseph the Worker" on Friday, May 1st by working in the community for various organizations and charitable causes. Students and staff volunteered at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Goodwill Industries, Catholic Radio, Knights of Columbus, Miracle Hill Ministries, the Meyer Center, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Project Host Soup Kitchen, Monastery of St. Clare, the Salvation Army, and NHC Nursing Home, just to name a few. Jobs included, but were not limited to, cleaning up the Reedy River, working with special needs children, painting and doing yard work, visiting the elderly, clearing out brush and debris, and supervising elementary school field days.

Click here to view more "St. Joseph the Worker Day" photos.

Congratulations to SJCS seventh grader Alec Biscopink, who was named the South Carolina state winner for the SHADE Foundation of America 2009 Poster Contest.  Alec's winning entry, #29 on the link below, is now eligible to compete in the national contest, with the winner selected by online voting. You may vote once between now and May 10, 2009. 

Click here to cast your vote for the winning poster.

Alec entered the contest as an extra credit assignment under the direction of SJCS Science Department Chair Joanna McLucas.   Alec received a digital camera and the school also received gifts.  The national winner will receive a family trip to Disney World and the national winning school will receive a Weather Tracking Station and software, along with a Smart Board for the teacher's classroom. 

Congratulations to SJCS seventh grader Melissa Zankman, who recently captured First Place in the South Carolina State Parks 75th Anniversary Photo Contest.  Her winning photo, "Blue Ice in Oconee,"  placed first in the Student Division for March 2009.  In addition to winning a High Sierra camera backpack and an MP3 player, Melissa is now eligible for the Best in Show Prize of a Nikon camera to be awarded at the conclusion of the year-long contest.

The St. Joseph's Middle School Golf Team finished their season in style by winning the Christian Middle School Conference (CMSC) Tournament on Monday, May 4th at Carolina Springs Golf Club.  The Knights blistered the course with a score of 325, defeating Oakbrook Prep by three strokes (328) and the rest of the field by forty or more shots. 

Team scoring was led by All Conference player Bradley Kauffman, who fired a one over par 73 to win his second straight tournament medalist honor. In addition to Kauffman"s strong performance, fellow 8th graders Alex Kickham and Justin Finigan also received All Conference honors firing scores of 77 and 80, respectively. Eighth grader Tomas Larrain shot a season best score of 95, followed by seventh grader Tyler Yearwood with a 109.  Sixth grader Patrick McLear also competed, but had to withdraw early in his round due to an injury. 

The team finished second overall in the conference during the regular season with a record of 8-2.  Conference Champion Bradley Kauffman led the team in scoring for the season, averaging just 3.25 strokes over par per round.  

"We couldn't have asked for a better performance from these guys," concluded Middle School Coach Scott Yearwood.  "Each player contributed his absolute best performance when it mattered most. They left virtually nothing on the course. It was truly a 100% contribution from all and they did it in tough weather conditions and under pressure. They are great competitors and a great group of boys." 

Father Michael Cassabon, a priest of the Diocese of Charleston and SJCS graduate of 1998, has returned to the Carolinas from canon law studies in Rome and from pastoral work and studies in spirituality in New York.  He is presently in residence at St. Mary's Church in Greenville awaiting permanent assignment to a parish in May.  He celebrated Mass at St. Joseph's this week and hopes to be able to visit his alma mater on a more frequent basis now that he is closer to home. 

Congratulations to SJCS seventh grader Alec Biscopink and sixth graders Danielle Grosse, Patrick McLear, and Andrew Schatteman, who were all recently named winners in the Conservation Essay Contest, writing on the topic "Water for a Thirsty Planet."  Their winning essays were selected from among several hundred that were submitted for judging.  The Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District, who sponsored the contest, will honor each of these students with a $75.00 check at their annual awards banquet to be held on Thursday, May 7th. 

Senior Boys Play Key Role in Rebuilding

This season, four seniors were commissioned to take a very young, but talented, Varsity Boys Soccer Team and get them to believe that they could compete against any team they had to face.  And the team's senior leadership did just that.  Led by J.D. Carino, David Frazao, Mitch Sams, and Eric Witzke, the team experienced some early season wins against larger public high schools, and some very closely contested games against talented local teams.  And even though the squad didn"t win as many games as they would have liked, the boys made it perfectly clear that they aren't going to let anybody or anything keep them down.

"As a coach, there are some things you just can't teach," stated Coach Frank Kucinic.  "These seniors exceeded my expectations this year as leaders and each one brought something very special to the team."  Three out of the four seniors (Carino, Frazao, and Witzke) had been a part of previous SJCS state championship soccer teams and they left a long-lasting legacy that will forever be a part of the school's soccer history.

J.D. Carino's actions spoke louder than his words.  "As the field general, J.D. was my eyes and ears on the pitch," said Kucinic.  "Like any good leader, he corrected issues as they arose."  David Frazao, a talented mid-fielder, had a knack for making people smile. "His willingness to take on players was top notch, and the moves he could do with the ball were, at times, magical," stated Kucinic.  Eric Witzke, the senior who was most vocal, consistently organized the younger players in getting them to play together as a team.  "Mitch Sams was the senior who sort of brought it all together," added Kucinic.  "Even though he didn't see as much playing time this year, Mitch's ability to encourage those around him was admirable."

"I am very grateful for having senior leadership like we had this year," concluded Kucinic. "I will miss this great group of boys, but I know they will make St. Joseph's proud in all they do in their years ahead."

Varsity Girls Tied For Second In Conference

The SJCS Varsity Girls Soccer Team rallied to defeat Catholic school rival Cardinal Newman 3-1 in Columbia this past week, finishing their regular season tied for second place in the conference.  "The girls made a decision to reach their potential in this game, and that's exactly what they did," stated Head Coach Shannon Herman.

The Knights' first goal came a couple minutes into the game, when junior Anna Wilkes shot a long-range ball off junior-captain Jena Mohr's assist.   The Knights and the Cardinals battled through the rest of the first half and into the first ten minutes of the second half before sophomore Blaire Wolski connected to sophomore Mary Stanton, who found a second goal from 35 yards out.  With only eleven minutes left in the game, the Cardinals finally answered with a goal, only to see the Knights return with a third goal, when Stanton connected to senior-captain Emily Zankman right in front of the Cardinal's goal.  At the closing whistle, the Knights' bench rushed the field to celebrate the win.  "This was a great performance for us," stated Emily Zankman. "We finally stayed intact the entire game, and we are peaking at just the right time."  Zankman was name the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) 2009 Conference Player of the Year, and Stanton was named to the 2009 All-Conference Team.

The Lady Knights graduate two seniors this year, Zankman and Mary Williams.  Zankman, a four-year team member, has been named an All-Conference Player the last four years, and made the All-Region Team the last three years.  Williams joined the team last year after moving to Greenville.  She has also been a large part of the team's success. 

Herman says both girls will be sorely missed by the squad next season, as Zankman heads off to Washington and Lee University and Williams to Belmont Abbey College.  "These girls had the positive attitude necessary to lead their team through the ups and downs of a tough season.  They worked hard to create a culture of trust and appreciation for all team members, and it has been an amazing season because of them."

The Knights will head into the SCISA AAA Conference Tournament next week, with the first round played on Tuesday, May 5th, followed by the semi-final round on Thursday, May 7th. The State Championship Game is scheduled at Porter Gaud in Charleston.

Middle School Girls Undefeated For Second Year Running

The SJCS Middle School Girls are back to their winning ways with an 11-0 regular season record. The girls, who have not lost a single soccer match in over two years, hope to be successful in defending their CMSC (Christian Middle School Conference) Championship Title on Friday, May 8th at 7:15 at Mitchell Road Christian Academy (MRCA).

This year's team is especially strong up front, with the threat of Elizabeth Ann Satterfield and Meredith Schosky.  The mid field and defense have allowed less than fifteen legitimate shots on goal all season, while totally controlling the position of the play on the field.

The Lady Knights continue to play with a stifling "control of possession" style of play. This past week's match against Our Lady of the Rosary started off with over 35 consecutive passes and a finish to goal within the first three minutes.  The team has given up only one goal this year against a strong MRCA team. 

"I would expect to see them (MRCA) in the championship game again this year," stated Coach Jervey Inglesby. "So far, we have managed a 3-0 win and a "come from behind" 2-1 victory over Mitchell Road this season.   They have many talented club players and are very motivated to get a victory over the Lady Knights.  They always come to play when matched against us, but make no mistake…we'll be ready."

Click here to view Varsity Boys Soccer Season Highlights.

Click here to view Varsity Girls Soccer Season Highlights.

Click here to view Middle School Girls Soccer Season Highlights.

As part of their month-long theme of compassionate leadership, the SJCS Women's Leadership Club recently hosted guest speaker Kristin Rollins from Safe Harbor.  She presented a program to a group of students during the high school lunch period called the "Megan Project," an educational program that focuses on the warning signs of dating violence and relationship violence prevention.   SJCS Faculty Members Meby Carr and Megan Koon serve as the club advisors. 

SJCS Latin students recently participated in the 2009 National Latin Exam, along with over 135,000 students from all 50 states and 11 foreign countries.  On the Latin I Exam, Cody Davidson, Andrew Grant, Jack Lynch, Alex Schaeffer, Nicholle Stein, and Bernadette Wersinger earned Silver Medals and Maxima Cum Laude Certificates; Timothy Litzinger and Nic Poupore earned Magna Cum Laude Certificates; and Kevin Carey, Hannah Lorenzen, and Carrie Weber earned Cum Laude Certificates.   On the Latin II Exam, Amy Hase, Mitchell Jones, and Taylor Murphy earned Gold Medals and Summa Cum Laude Certificates; Gabrielle Genal and Caitlin Rowe earned Silver Medals and Maxima Cum Laude Certificates; and Carly Campbell and Brace Plumblee earned Magna Cum Laude Certificates.   On the Latin III Poetry Exam, Cole Buchanan, Katie Lynam, and Stella Watson earned Silver Medals and Maxima Cum Laude Certificates and Jared Kauffman earned a Magna Cum Laude Certificate.  On the Latin IV Poetry Exam, Meghan Hudak earned a Magna Cum Laude Certificate and Katie Winebarger earned a Cum Laude Certificate.

Ninth grade students in Carol Dunn's Biology classes are observing how creatures grow from tiny babies to adults. The class is using the scientific method to study the effect of nutrition on the growth of chickens. Students are collecting and analyzing data on baby chicks as they monitor their daily growth, while at the same time making new discoveries about them, such as which gender grows more quickly, how animals develop from babies to adults, etc. When the chickens are grown, they will be taken to a farm belonging to SJCS Science Teacher Paul Barra. "The students are having a great time and discovering that they really enjoy science," stated Dunn. "Baby chicks make learning fun."

Click here to view more photos.

Congratulations to SJCS rising ninth graders Timothy Litzinger and Kaitlyn Posa, both of whom were recently selected as the recipients of the St. Joseph's Scholar Award. This scholarship, awarded annually to two incoming freshmen, recognizes academic excellence. Tim is the son of Karl and Kathy Litzinger of Simpsonville and Kaitlyn is the daughter of Jim and Joanne Posa of Greer.

Congratulations to High School Sports Report (HSSR) Honorees Moses Burgess (All-State Basketball), Ahmad Dbouk (All-State Wrestling), and Jena Mohr (All-State Basketball).  They were recently honored at the HSSR Banquet held in Orangeburg, SC on Sunday, April 26th.

The school's St. Anne's Society recently sponsored their annual Book Fair at the school. Suggestions for books to be included in this event came from both students and faculty, and were presented, in advance, to local retailer and event supplier, "The Open Book." St. Anne's Society members, under the leadership of founding member Jean Hever, worked many hours setting up tables, unpacking books, and displaying them in an attractive manner for sale. Students, staff, and parents purchased books for gifts, summer reading, and enjoyment. The school library, the beneficiary of the St. Anne's Society's dedicated service for several years now, once again benefitted from the proceeds of this year's Book Fair. More information on the St. Anne's Society can be found on the school website under Advancement.

Seventh grade girls in Joanna McLucas's science classes used their knowledge of solubility and pigment separation in a creative way during a recent T-shirt Chromatography Lab. Permanent markers were used to create designs, then a solvent was used to cause the pigments to spread out through the material.

Click here to view more photos.

St. Joseph's Catholic School faculty member Megan Koon was named "High School Teacher of the Year" by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) at their annual awards banquet held in Orangeburg on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Megan has been a member of the St. Joseph"s faculty since 2005, and teaches high school English.  She was also the 2008 recipient of the Father Hayden Vaverek Excellence in Teaching Award. Megan holds a BA Degree in English from Furman University, and she earned a Masters Degree in English from The Citadel and The College of Charleston. 

In addition, SJCS faculty member Ryan Koon was named one of two SCISA "Middle School Teacher of the Year Finalists."  Ryan has been a member of the St. Joseph's faculty since 2005, and teaches Middle School Science and Pre-Algebra.  Ryan holds a BS Degree in Chemistry from Furman University.

Each winner and finalist receives a cash award and a plaque commemorating this distinction. SCISA is an association of approximately 100 independent schools serving more than 3,000 teachers and 34,000 students throughout the state. 

Twelve SJCS ninth graders will travel to the State Archives in Columbia, SC on Saturday April 25th to compete in the annual South Carolina National History Day Contest.  Students earned their entry into the State Contest by winning a regional competition held in Anderson on March 13th.  Andrew Anderson, Perry Bolick, Sara Campanelli, Grace Hanna, Amy Hase, Dani Inglesby, Mitchell Jones, Taylor Murphy, Jessica Peck, Cory Satterfield, Joshua Schammel, and Eric Spears each earned an "Excellent" acclamation for their research projects and were invited to advance to the state level.  Any student who wins at the state level will automatically qualify to compete at the National Contest to be held in Washington, D.C. in early June. 

Rev. Tad Pacholczyk, Director of Education for The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, was on campus on Monday, April 20th speaking to high school students on stem cell research. Fr. Tad is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts.  He earned undergraduate degrees in philosophy, biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and chemistry, and later earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Yale University.  Fr. Tad worked for several years as a molecular biologist at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.  In addition, he studied for five years in Rome, where he did advanced work in dogmatic theology and bioethics.  Father has given presentations and participated in roundtable discussions on contemporary bioethics throughout the US, Canada, and in Europe, and has done numerous media commentaries, including appearances on CNN, ABC, and National Public Radio.  

The 2009 St. Joseph's Varsity Boys Tennis Team has had a solid season as they approach the end of their schedule. With a season-to-date record of 8-3, the team has enjoyed victories over opponents Ben Lippen, Cardinal Newman, and Southside Christian, while having difficulty securing wins over conference foes Hammond and Heathwood Hall.

With the last week of regular season play now in progress, these matches will be pivotal in determining the season's success. "With convincing wins against upcoming opponents, we will go into the conference tournament with confidence," stated Coach Sean Chapman.  "However, a different scenario could take shape if we don't do well this week."

But whatever happens, one thing is clear to Chapman; the team is loaded with potential. "Even in the matches that we lost to exceptional teams, such as Hammond, we had some highly contested matches, and in some cases, the players even went to a third set tiebreak. The main thing I would like to see change is for our guys get over that hump. There have been a few too many close matches, with our guys coming out on the wrong end."

Coach Chapman adds that the only way this will happen, and the key to the team's future success, is for the younger players to push themselves harder, in practices as well as in matches. "All of these guys have tremendous potential; all of them have the necessary skills.  The only thing standing in their way is a deeper commitment to excellence."    

JV Boys Tennis Undefeated 

As they near the close of their season, the Boys JV Tennis squad continues to impress, having run their record to 8-0.  After downing a solid Spartanburg Day team 8-1 on March 17th, the boys traveled to Columbia on March 19th to face a talented Heathwood Hall team.  The match was hotly contested at every position, and ultimately came down to the final two doubles matches, with St. Joseph's earning a hard-fought 5-4 victory.   The JV Knights returned home on March 30th to face a rare "double-header" with Hammond Academy of Columbia, and earned wins in both matches, taking the first 8-1 and the second 6-1 (two matches waived), sweeping the singles in both matches.

Since then, the team has not played due to weather, but did obtain a win by forfeit from Cambridge Academy.  Nevertheless, the boys have stayed sharp with competitive practices and indoor conditioning, and are ready to complete the season this week following the Easter Break.  Led by Coach Joel Brandon, the team winds up its season with two tough matches, at home on April 21st against Heathwood Hall and on the road against Spartanburg Day on April 23rd.

View more photos from the Varsity Boys Tennis Match vs. Ben Lippen 04-20-09.

The St. Joseph's Middle School and Varsity Boys Baseball Teams have been on similar roads this season, beginning with the basic fundamentals of the game, and adding new procedures and plays as the season progressed.  

"Our goal in the beginning was simply to compete," stated Head Coach JB Barwick. "We decided to practice both teams together to establish a foundation of learning from the ground up. The boys have been incredible learners, with a true will to reach the next level. Practicing together has established a consistent learning process from the sixth grader to the twelfth grader, and has eliminated any intimidation of competition for the younger players.  We also chose to work on character, confidence, and focus. We want everyone to know that we gave them a fight, respected them, and showed character all the way."

Offensively, the Varsity Team is led by Doug Cates, Alex Davidson, William Joseph, and LJ Kleger, while the middle school offense is led by Patrick Frick, Tucker Genal, John Hawkins, Nick Leonard, and Alex Malcsh.  Defensively, the Varsity Team has been led by Scott Burnley, Alex Davidson, Cody Davidson, William Joseph, LJ Kleger, and Aaron Lesiak, while the middle school defense has been led by Stan Bikulege, Cody Davidson, John Hawkins, Graham Roberts, Ryan Stamler, and Joey Wooten.

"It is critical to note that all our players have contributed in some way this season," added Coach Barwick.  "Both squads have had the advantage of giving younger players solid game time, enabling them to gain priceless experience for the coming years."

The difference between the two teams has been the scoreboard. Given the youthfulness of the varsity squad, they have competed well in most games, despite their lack of pitching depth.  While currently 4-9, the varsity season highlights have included two dramatic "come from behind" wins, both in the bottom of the seventh innings. Playing mostly older teams, the middle school has won more games, while also enjoying greater pitching depth than the varsity.  Currently 10-2 for the season, the season-to-date highlight for the Middle School Team was winning the Steadmon Hawkins Spring Fling Baseball Tournament (14/15 & Under Division) played in early April against JV teams from Boiling Springs, SC, Spartanburg, SC, and Madison County, GA.

"It"s hard to see down the road sometimes, but we feel that a solid foundation has been laid for the future," concluded Coach Barwick.  "With only two seniors and two juniors this year, the outlook is extremely positive. We continue to stress with the boys the need to give 'all they've got, all the time.'  So whether they leave the field, the classroom, or home, they can be proud, but not satisfied, with their performance. By understanding that we're running a marathon, not a sprint, we'll meet our objectives and get to the finish line with a successful program. As our season winds down, we continue to strive to finish strong, and the years ahead for the program appear bright."

Following a week off for Easter Break, the Varsity Team will play at home on Monday, April 20th against Ben Lippen at 5:00 P.M. and on Thursday, April 23rd at 5:00 P.M. against Hammond.  They will end their season on Saturday, April 25th in Asheville, NC. The Middle School Team will end their season at home on Monday, April 27th against Southside Christian.

Click here to view more baseball photos:

Middle School Baseball vs. Hammond on 04-07-09

Varsity Baseball vs. Greenville Tech Charter on 04-09-09

Nine SJCS seventh grade students qualified for State Recognition by scoring above the national average on a least one part of the college entrance SAT or ACT tests as a result of the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP):  Alec Biscopink, Ben Dunphy, Kayli Henk, Stephen Krupka, Wil Magaha, Austin Mattison, Katherine Schroder, Julia Sexton, and Tyler Yearwood.    Forty-six SJCS seventh graders, or 52% of the class, qualified for participation in the Duke TIP by virtue of their performance on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), scoring in the top five percentile in one of the qualifying sections during their sixth grade testing sessions.  The Duke TIP helps identify academically talented seventh grade students based on standardized test scores. 

  

SJCS junior Mary Lewis, freshman William Lewis, and eighth grader Kaitlyn Posa each received an Outstanding Rating, the highest possible rating for piano performance, at the South Carolina Music Teachers Association (SCMTA) District 1 Audition held at Furman University on March 28th.  As a result, these students were invited to perform at the state level at the SCMTA piano auditions being held on April 25th at the USC, Columbia. In addition, all three of these students have each been awarded scholarships by The Greenville Women's Music Club.  Scholarship winners were selected from hundreds of Greenville area music students who auditioned before judges on April 8th at Furman University.

Varsity Boys Golf Extends Winning Record

Despite a whipping wind and the chilly April temperatures, the St. Joseph's Varsity Boys Golf Team hung onto a one-shot victory over Spartanburg Christian, while also safely defeating Oakbrook Christian, at Verdae Greens Golf Course on April 6th.  Led by their number one player, sophomore Craig Scholz, and aided by juniors Michael Baliker and Austin Cajka, along with freshman Jay Rex, the squad extended their season record to 5-3. The team's winning record has also been aided by sophomores Peter Bynarowicz, Mike Devon, and freshman Chris Schrank.

The Knights have one remaining match before the all important third and final regional match being held in Augusta, GA after spring break.  In the first two regional matches, both of which took place in Columbia, St. Joseph"s finished third and fourth out of six schools.  In a very tight conference race, the team is one point out of second place, while at the same time, only one point out of fifth place.  Four schools will go on to compete in the South Carolina State Championships to be held in Myrtle Beach at the end of April. 

"Our team is gathering valuable playing experience, while hopefully enjoying golf and team spirit," stated first year Coach Bob Van Norden.

Middle School Golf Team Undefeated

After a decisive victory over Our Lady of the Rosary and Shannon Forest Schools on March 30th, the Knights enter the second half of their season undefeated at 4-0.

"No doubt our success is a product of our team's depth," stated Coach Scott Yearwood.  "We have four great eighth grade players in Bradley Kauffman (last year's conference champion), Justin Finigan, Alex Kickham, and Tomas Larrain. Luckily for us, our four younger players are also contributing and improving at an astonishing rate." Scoring leaders Kauffman and Finigan have either held or tied for medalist honors in each event.

In what was the highlight of the season to date, Tomas Larrain recorded a hole-in-one on the 150 yard par three sixth hole at Carolina Golf and Tennis Club while competing against Mitchell Road Academy on Tuesday March 24th.  

The team takes to the course again on Tuesday, April 21st in a home match at Carolina Springs against Oakbrook Christian Academy beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Click here to view photos from the Varsity Golf vs. Spartanburg Day 03-09-09.

Click here to view photos from the Middle School Golf vs. Shannon Forest and OLR 03-30-09.

Eight SJCS high students have their artwork on display at the nineteenth annual Greenville County High School Art Exhibition:  Philip Calabro (charcoal drawing), Allison Espada (design and color), Katie Helvey (design and color), Jessica Marohn (acrylic painting), Angela Quaranto and Stephanie Saunders (color and design), Jay Rex (sculpture), and Elizabeth Reynolds (graphite drawing). The exhibit, sponsored by the Greenville Technical College Department of Visual Arts, runs through April 24th on the Greer college campus.  Families are encouraged to visit the exhibition to view these and other art works from around the Upstate.

In addition, St. Joseph's held its third annual Spring Art Show March 30th-April 3rd at the school with both middle school and high school students represented. Categories included drawing, painting, photography, color and design, and 3D/sculpting.

• Art work was judged on three criteria: creativity, composition, and technique. Judges from the Greenville art community included: Linda McCune, Greenville Technical College Fine Arts professor and sculptor; Mark Mulfinger, local artist and teacher; Adam Burgess, JL Mann Academy Fine Arts teacher, and Beth Burgess, local artist and a member of the SJCS Advancement team.  The exhibit was coordinated by Deborah Henderson, SJCS Art Teacher. 
• High School winners:  First Place, Claire DeMars (Arabic Platter and Ceramics - charcoal drawing); First Place, Emiko Kakimoto (Little Miss Sunshine – photography); Second Place, Emiko Kakimoto (Dancing for Peace – photography); Third Place, Jay Rex (In-School Suspension - Color and Design/3D); SJCS High School Favorite "Blue Knight Award," Claire DeMars (Arabic Platter and Ceramics - charcoal drawing)
• Middle School winners:  First Place, Melissa Zankman (Sunbathing Tortoise - photography); Second Place, Melissa Zankman (Boardwalk to the Sea – photography); Third Place, Sierra Hyer (Kissing Fish – painting); SJCS Middle School Favorite "White Knight Award," Sierra Hyer (The Stare - charcoal drawing)

Click here to view more photos from both Art Exhibits.

 Congratulations to SJCS varsity volleyball players Allison Suhrer, Alexa Lagaly, and junior varsity volleyball player Kelsey McCormick, members of the Club South 14 National Team, which placed first out of thirty-two teams in this past weekend's Palmetto Regional Tournament. With this win, the team has qualified to participate in the AAU National Tournament to be held this summer in Orlando, FL.

The St. Joseph's Middle School Baseball Team won the Game Day Steadmon Hawkins Spring Fling Baseball Tournament (14/15 & Under Division) played on April 4th and 5th at the JB Owens Recreation Complex in Easley. Other teams competing in the tournament included the Boiling Springs Bulldogs, Madison County Clash, and Stars Academy. The Knights defeated Boiling Springs for the championship title. Team members include Stan Bikulege, Scott Burnley, Ryan Cerino, Cody Davidson, Patrick Frick, Andrew Friedholm, Tucker Genal, John Griffin Hawkins, Nick Leonard, Alex Malsch, David Marable, Will McLellan, Tucker McMillen, Angelo Pahila, Graham Roberts, Ryan Stamler, and Joey Wooten. Greg Simms serves as the team's Head Coach and JB Barwick serves as the Assistant Coach. Sixth grader Evan Willoughby serves as the Team Manager. With a season-to-date record of 9-2, the team plays at home next on Tuesday, April 7th against Hammond at 5:00 P.M.

The St. Joseph's Varsity Girls Soccer Team has begun an uphill battle towards the elusive State Championship title they held three years ago.  They opened their conference play against Augusta Christian in Augusta with a 10-0 win.  "It"s always nice when we get a chance to play all of our team members in various positions so early in the season," stated Coach Shannon Herman.  "This win gave us some confidence, but more importantly, a chance to try out some player-position combinations." 

The team then faced Hammond in Columbia losing 4-1.  "This was a frustrating loss for us," says Herman.  "Senior Captain Emily Zankman was out with the flu, and the next day four more girls came down with it."  Sophomore Mary Stanton scored the Knights' lone goal in the first half. 

The Knights played Ben Lippen the following week in Columbia with only 13 of 22 girls, but managed to squeeze out a win in a PK shoot-out.  Sophomore Blaire Wolski scored first off a corner kick from junior Anna Wilkes.  The Eagles answered with a goal in the second half.  Junior Co-Captain and goalie Jena Mohr held the Knights in the game with 3 PK saves, while Wolski and Wilkes finished their PKs.

The next week the Knights managed to regain their health and win in Columbia against Heathwood Hall (4-2).  Herman began to see her team coming together in this game.  "We found our rhythm…we started connecting passes, resulting in four great goals."  Zankman scored three of the goals and Wolski scored the fourth. 

After two out-of-conference wins against Shannon Forest and Southside Christian, the Knights rallied again to defeat Hammond 2-0 on the Knights soil last week.  Zankman scored both goals.   The Knights' victory, however, was short-lived, as they fell at home the next night to Catholic school rival Cardinal Newman 3-2 in overtime.   Mohr came out of the goal to play for Wolski (out with a strained MCL) and scored the first goal only one minute into the game off an assist from Zankman.  The Cardinals answered with two goals in the first half, but junior Katie Winebarger connected to Zankman for an early goal in the second half, and the two teams battled to the closing whistle and through eight minutes of over-time play before the Cardinals clenched the victory. 

With the season halfway over, Herman feels the Knights are still in it.  "We are tied with two other SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) AAA teams, Hammond and Ben Lippen, and have defeated both at least once." 

The Knights will play Christ Church at CCES on Tuesday, April 7th at 5:00 P.M. before heading into Spring Break.

Click here to view more photos from the SJCS vs. Cardinal Newman game on 04-01-09.

Congratulations to SJCS eighth grader Jack Lynch, who captured First Place Overall in the Junior Division (Grades 6-8) of the Greenville County and South Carolina Regional Science and Engineering Fair held on March 24^th at the Carolina First Center.  Over 150 middle school projects, representing both public and private schools, were presented at the fair.  

In addition to a First Place cash prize, Jack received a cash award for placing first in the Behavioral and Social Science category with his project The Effect of Cell Phone Use on Driving, as well as a cash prize for receiving the Director's Award.  Jack's name will be permanently engraved on a plaque at the Roper Mountain Science Center.   

St. Joseph's Catholic School was also recognized for capturing First Place overall in the Middle School (Junior) Division.  SJCS Eighth Grade Science Teacher Ryan Koon serves as the moderator for this event. 

The following eighth graders also garnered recognition at this event:  Julia Roman captured Second Place in Physics (The Effects of Air Pressure on Rolling Distance), Austen Burnikel captured the Greenville County Medical Society Alliance Award and placed third in Medicine and Health (Does Drinking Water Through a Straw Decrease the Amount of Bacterial Backwash?), Theresa Pometto placed third in Biological Sciences (Does Color Affect Photosynthesis?), Kaitlyn Posa placed third in Behavioral and Social Sciences (The Effects of Exercise on Short Term Memory), and Noah Davis placed fourth in Behavioral and Social Sciences (The Effects of Color on Memory: A Statistical Analysis). Receiving Honorable Mention was Adam Miller in Biological Sciences (The Effect of Temperature, pH, and Quantity of an Enzyme on its Activity) and Amy Asbury in Behavioral and Social Sciences (Does Bucket Color Affect Water Consumption in Horses?).  Cody Davidson (Panel Pandemonium) and Joey Wooten (Does Ethanol in Gas Affect MPG?) also presented their projects. 

Middle school students conducted several different types of research during a recent Wednesday Omega Day Schedule:

Seventh grade students in Joanna McLucas's Science class studied the different types of chemical reactions. Performing chemistry experiments using well plates allowed them to mix seven different chemicals in every combination to see which react with each other and which do not. Formation of gases, color changes, and formation of precipitates were observed. Lastly, pH was tested using a universal indicator solution.

Students in Ryan Koon's eighth grade Science class studied spectroscopy; specifically, how the composition of distant stars can be determined by studying the light they emit. In a laboratory investigation, students conducted flame tests on six different elements: copper, calcium, strontium, sodium, potassium, and lithium and observed the colors of light each element emits when it's electrons are excited in the flame.

Students in Joel Brandon's eighth grade Literature class used the Internet to find information for their Poetry Unit research projects. The poetry covered ranges from highly metrical to free verse, and poets from the 16th Century to the modern era. The project entails the memorization and recitation of an assigned poem, a brief biographical sketch of the poet, and full poetic explications of at least two of the poet's works. The students will compile their research into PowerPoint presentations for class demonstrations.

Click here to view more photos.

Congratulations to SJCS middle school boys Ben Dunphy, Stephen Krupka, Gene Langan, Alex Luzzatti, Alex Malsch, David Marable, Feras Namouz, David Reed, and Daniel Travan, who recently captured First Place in the Catholic School Basketball Tournament, Junior League Division, as members of the Our Lady of the Rosary (OLR) Parish Team.  These boys, most of whom have been playing basketball together since Kindergarten, played during the regular season on SJCS middle school and JV basketball teams.  Under the guidance of Coach Peter Dunphy and Coach Gene Langan, they came together to compete in this tournament, and, with less than a month of practice time, competed against and defeated all seventeen teams in their division in their quest for first place. 

The school community celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph with a Team Competition Day held on the campus grounds on Friday, March 20th.

Click here to view photos.

In honor of St. Joseph, the school's patron, the SJCS Advancement Office is currently featuring an oil painting of St. Joseph with the Christ Child.  This exhibit, which runs from March 19th (the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary) to May 1st (the Feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker), is now on display in the school's lobby.   The 34" x 28" oil painting was painted by local artist Yvonne Arrowood (pictured here) from an original by Guido Reni (1575-1642).  The artist has graciously loaned the painting to the school for devotional use and enjoyment during this period.  For more information about the artist, visit www.yvonneherdarrowood.com.  For information about purchasing the painting, contact Beth Burgess in the Advancement Office at bburgess@sjcatholicschool.org.

With their eyes fixed on getting back to the state finals, the SJCS Varsity Boys Soccer Team has started their season off doing all the right things. Strong leadership, as exhibited by Captains Alex Burnikel, J.D. Carino, David Frazao, and fellow upperclassmen Eric Witzke and Michael D'Onofrio, has allowed the Knights to get off to a great start, with an overall record of 4-2 and 2-1 in conference play.

The team started off the season by playing in the Byrnes Invitational Soccer Tournament. Having played three games in the tournament against larger schools, the Knights tallied a win against Blueridge High School (3-2), a game in which SJCS goalie Miguel Larrain made all the difference, and another win against Southside High (2-1), where Alex Burnikel and David Frazao connected for a goal with the final minutes of the game. The Knights only loss was to Easley High School (3-0).   

"When I looked at the Easley team roster, I knew that this was going to be a battle," stated Head Coach Frank Kucinic.  "Their team was composed of players that had played together a lot longer than my boys. Granted, they played better than us and deserved the win, but my guys simply need a little more time to gel."

In conference play, the Knights defeated Augusta Christian (3-0) in a very physical game where Alex Burnikel was able to score three goals. Assisting Alex were Michael D'Onofrio, and David Frazao.  "David and Alex have a knack for finding each other on the field," added Coach Kucinic. "That partnership is instrumental in getting their teammates around them to pick up the level of play." 

The last conference game was played against Ben Lippen School, in what was a very close physical battle that ended up tied 1-1 in regulation play. The game then went through two overtime periods, and the outcome was decided on penalty kicks. It came down to the sixth shooter, and sophomore Klyn Carr sealed the victory for the Knights by placing the ball in the upper left corner.

The Knights only conference loss to date was against Hammond School (2-1). "Hammond is a very well coached team and they got the best of us," said Kucinic.  "They caught us sleeping and scored a very soft goal, and then quickly scored another. However, I will give my guys credit for fighting back and putting a little bit of worry into the opposing team's coach that day."

The future looks bright for the Knights.  "My primary goal this season is to get my athletes to believe, not only in each other, but to believe that they are capable of doing things beyond their imagination," concluded Kucinic.  "We got to the state finals last year when nobody gave us a chance."

Congratulations to SJCS senior Pat Lang and sophomore Cole Buchanan, who, along with their ice hockey team, Team Greenville, captured the 2009 South Carolina High School Hockey State Championship on Sunday, March 22nd in Charleston by defeating the Lexington Fusion in a 4-3 victory. Team Greenville, coached by Fenton Lang, is one of ten high school hockey teams that compete in the South Carolina Scholastic Hockey Association (SCSHA). Team Greenville was also named as the 2009 SCSHA Season Champion, finishing the season undefeated with a 13-0 record. In addition, Pat Lang was named Second Team All-State, selected to the All-Star Team, and honored with a Four-Year Player Award.

Click here to view the Thrid Quarter Honor Roll.

The annual Foreign Language Honor Society Inductions, Science Honor Society Inductions, and the Junior Ring Ceremony were held on March 17th in a school-wide assembly. 

·         Congratulations to Cole Buchanan and Katie Lynam, who were inducted into the Junior Classical League Honor Society for Latin; Noelle Kling and Taylor Murphy, who were inducted into the Societe Honoraire de Francais, and Faris Armaly, Kaitlyn Dunphy, Theresa Krupka, Mary Kate McClintock, Jeremy Mehl, Liz Reynolds, and Stephanie Saunders, who were inducted into the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. The SJCS Foreign Language Honor Society is comprised of Spanish, Latin, and French students who have earned an "A" average in both semesters of their second year and the first semester of their third year in their language, and who are committed to the study and understanding of other cultures.  

·         Congratulations to the following juniors and seniors who were inducted as charter members in the school's first Science National Honor Society (SNHS) Induction:  Faris Armaly, Denise Azores-Gococo, Thomas Cannon, Nora Carey, Ahmad Dbouk, Sara Fawcett, Katie Fountain, Jacob Hanna, Kaitlin Hartsoe, Meghan Hudak, Nicole Kayse, Chris Lagnese, Kelsey Larson, Miggy Maceda, Shelly Mamo, Tara McGarry, Amanda Morel, Alex Panuccio, Katie Sanders, Emily Schrank, Maggie Suhrer, Lauren Visin, Anna Wilkes, and Katie Winebarger.  The SNHS was formed in 2000 to encourage and recognize high school students in the Sciences. The society has expanded to include 379 chapters in 34 states.  The SJCS chapter began in the fall of 2008 with a group of interested students who met all the qualifications for membership, which include maintaining a B+ average in all lower and upper level science courses. The students also participated in the first service project in November 2008, assisting with the middle school St. Albert the Great Science Fair.  Science Department Chair Joanna McLucas and Science Faculty Member Jennette Pelicano serve as the SJCS Chapter Advisors.

·         Congratulations to the members of the junior class who received their class rings.  Originated in 1835 by the graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the custom of class rings spread rapidly to other institutions as a means of perpetuating the ideals and traditions of each school. The seal on the SJCS ring identifies the rising senior as a Knight of St. Joseph's Catholic School and as upperclassman.  The class ring is a unique symbol of pride, class unity, and school recognition.

The St. Joseph's 2009 Varsity Boys Tennis Team is off to a strong start, posting three early season wins against Cardinal Newman, Southside Christian, and Spartanburg Christian.  With only one conference loss to date against Hammond School (Columbia), the team will soon face other SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) rivals, including Ben Lippen, Heathwood Hall, and Augusta Christian Schools.

SJCS Faculty Member and former St. Joseph's JV Tennis Coach Sean Chapman coaches this year's varsity squad.  Team members include seniors Jackson Demere and Jeffrey McMillan, sophomores Patrick Key, Ricky Schosky, Tristan Sexton, Alan Thomas, and J.P. Wilmeth, and freshmen Andrew Holsen, Ian Miller, and Justin Peck.

"Although the team is young, they hold great potential," stated Coach Chapman.  "With only two seniors amongst the top ten, our squad is loaded with freshman and sophomores.  This bodes well, not only for this year, but for the years to come."

This young team, however, will have to work especially hard this year and beyond to fill the shoes of the current seniors. "Our number one seed, Jackson Demere, is a remarkable player who rarely encounters an opponent who is his superior," added Coach Chapman.  "Jeffrey McMillan is a coach's dream…he has a great attitude, he's always attentive, and always ready to fill in where needed. He leads by quiet example."

The Knights look to finish the season at the head of the conference.  "As the team develops over the season, my team goal is for the boys to develop a deep sense of fidelity to their fellow teammates, one in which they move beyond their own individual performances and encourage and root for one another," concluded Chapman. "My personal goal is to instill in my players a strong work ethic and a strong desire to move beyond their current level of play."  

This year's Boys JV Tennis squad is a balance of new and old.  Eighth graders Phillip Key and Grant McMillan and seventh graders Patrick Mobley and David Reed return a solid nucleus of players from last season's successful team, and all are counted on to be contributors to this year's group.  Newcomers to the team this year include sixth graders Jimmy Fountain, Ryan Litzinger, and John Knight, seventh graders Patrick Hudak and Andrew Stein, eighth grader Connor Bolick, and freshman Tyler Lagnese, each of whom is expected to receive playing time in either singles or doubles slots. 

SJCS Faculty Member and JV Tennis Coach Joel Brandon is impressed not only by the respective skill levels of his players, but by their work ethic and attitude as well.  "It's been a pleasure to watch each of these young men improve during our tryouts and early season matches.  And, while tennis is not a traditional `team sport,' I have been extremely proud of the way these guys have supported each other during both practices and matches - they're all fine representatives of St. Joseph's."

Thus far, the team has enjoyed early season success, running its record to 4-0 with an opening match win over Cambridge Academy (9-0), and three recent matches against Christ Church (5-2 and 4-3) and Spartanburg Day (8-1).  The team travels to Heathwood Hall in Columbia for a Region Two Conference match on Thursday, March 19th.

Click here to view more photos from the JV Boys vs. Spartanburg Day match on 3-17-09.

The Fine Arts Department recently took home several honors from the SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Music Festival held in Columbia at the University of South Carolina School of Music. 

• The following students received Superior Ratings:  sixth grader Joseph Kiser on piano, seventh graders Alec Biscopink and Michelle Lee on violin, eighth grader Surya Veerabagu on piano, freshmen William Lewis and Jessica Peck on piano, and junior vocalists Mary Lewis and Nikki Scarlett.   
• The following students received Excellent Ratings:  seventh grade vocalist Savannah Klosowski, eighth grade vocalist Kaitlyn Posa, and sophomore vocalist Anna Wong.

Junior pianist Adam Mosley accompanied vocalists Nikki Scarlett, Mary Lewis, and Savannah Klosowski and SJCS Music Teacher Jennifer Gurn accompanied all the students to Columbia.

High school students performed several lab experiments in science classes on Wednesday, March 11th:

•  Students in Julie Schroeder's Honors Physics Classes worked together on three thermodynamics mini labs.  In the first lab, students mixed ice with water and were asked to determine the heat of fusion of ice.  In the second lab, students measured the temperature of a metal and a wood and were asked to explain why they felt so different even though they had close to the same temperature. In the third lab, students placed glow sticks in hot water and cold water.  In the hot water, the glow stick would glow brightly, and in the cold water, the glow stick would be dim. Students then had to explain why the glow sticks had this reaction.
• Students in Paul Barra's Honors Chemistry Class conducted a lab that involved reacting two solids to produce a liquid.  The reaction absorbed heat from the flask and from the water in which the flask sat, freezing the glass to the wood block in ice. Temperatures reached as low as -10 degrees Celsius. This was an example of an endothermic reaction.
• Jennette Pelicano's AP Biology students conducted a lab investigating the changes that occur in the circulatory system as a result of various activities.  They learned how to find the blood pressure and pulse rate of an individual and analyzed their cardiac fitness based on their lab data.

Click here to view more photos.

Congratulations to the SJCS Middle School Girls Soccer Team for their third straight tournament championship in the Mitchell Road Christian Invitational Tournament on Saturday, March 14th. The Lady Knights won five games and tied one. Sixth grader Molly Lynch, at goalie, and Aimee Coggins, Alexa Lagaly, Melissa Mohr, and Nicholle Stein, as defenders, did not allow a single goal to be scored against the team throughout the tournament. Eighth grader Elizabeth Ann Satterfield, at striker, was greatly responsible for the team's offensive success, leading in goals and assist throughout the tournament. Eighth grader Meredith Schosky was named to the All Tournament Team and seventh grader Christina Barrington was named Tournament MVP.

"The team is looking great at this point in the season," stated Coach Jervey Inglesby. "The girls' style of play is pretty to watch. With a needed improvement in converting goal opportunities, the Lady Knights hope to win a third straight CMSC (Carolina Middle School Conference) Championship."

Congratulations to the Middle School Math Team for placing eighth out of twenty-five teams that participated in the annual MATHCOUNTS competition. Alyson Brown, Noah Davis, Gil Gonzales, Matthew Jennings, Patrick McLear, William Tierney, Alexandria Wise, and Surya Veerabagu represented the school. The event, held February 28th at Clemson University, is sponsored by the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers. SJCS Math Department faculty members Anne Gragtmans and Sarah Wicker accompanied the students to Clemson.

St. Joseph's recently announced that seven students out of a class of 56 seniors have qualified for early awards as Palmetto Fellows: Ahmad Dbouk, Travis Dziad, Erin McLear, Emily Schrank, Philip Wilmeth, Eric Witzke, and Emily Zankman. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program recognizes academically talented South Carolina high school seniors and encourages these individuals to attend colleges in state. These students met the Early Award requirements by maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 and scoring a minimum of 1400 on the SAT I(Critical Reading and Math) or 32 on the ACT. Each Palmetto Fellow may receive a scholarship of up to $6,700 annually, renewable for three years, to pursue a baccalaureate degree at a participating college or university in South Carolina.

A beautiful hand painted icon of the Holy Trinity recently donated to the school was blessed at the Friday, March 6th All-School Mass by Father Longenecker.  Created by local iconographer Ruth Ballard, the icon is a replica of the famous Rublev Holy Trinity Icon.  Placed permanently in the school's Blessed Sacrament Chapel, this icon will help to serve as a reminder that everyone is created in God's image. "With mind, body, and spirit, we are all called to be little icons of the Holy Trinity," stated Father Longenecker.  "At St Joseph's, we strive every day to build up mind, body, and spirit so that we might all grow into the fullness of the image of Christ."

Congratulations to seventh grader Kurt Arevalo, who was named a third place winner at last week's Bi-Lo Invention Convention. Kurt's entry, The Vest Pack, was a teacher's choice winner in the school's "St. Albert The Great" Science Fair held at St. Joseph's in November.

St. Joseph's hosted a special science presentation on Wednesday, March 4th as part of the school's Omega Day Activity period.  Dr. Massimo Robberto, a scientist at the NASA Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, MD, was on campus to present and explain his work to the student body.  Dr. Robberto currently works as an Instrument Scientist for NIRCAM, the near-infrared camera for the James Webb Space Telescope.  His main expertise is the concept, development, and operations of new infrared instrumentation, both for ground and space astronomy. Dr. Robberto conceived SPACE, a Dark Energy Mission selected for the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 assessment phase. His other historic research field is Star Formation. Currently, Robberto's main scientific project is leading the HST Treasury Program on the Orion Nebula Cluster. This is the largest Hubble program ever dedicated to Star Formation and has produced one of the most beautiful images ever made by Hubble.

After coming off a strong season last spring, the St. Joseph's Varsity Boys Soccer Team has been working hard with the mindset of getting back to the State Championship Finals. Last year's team captains Tim Bailey, Cory Holbein, Matt Rivera, and J.D. Carino led the Knights to an exciting season finale, only to fall short in the state title game, suffering a 2-0 loss to SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) powerhouse Pinewood Prep. Leading the effort this year will be the three team captions, Alex Burnikel, J.D. Carino, and David Frazao, along with seniors Mitch Sams and Eric Witzke. "Two out of these five team leaders played on the 2007 State Championship Team, and they know what it takes to bring home another state title," stated returning Head Coach Frank Kucinic.

The squad looks younger than last year, with twelve of the eighteen-man team roster consisting of underclassmen.  J.D. Carino, a staple in the Knights defense this year, along with Mitch Sams, will mentor several of the talented sophomores and freshmen, including Asheton Ardoin, J.D. Brookbank, Klyn Carr, and goalie Miguel Larrain. Helping in the midfield and in the attack will be Michael D'Onofrio, David Frazao, Andrew Grant, Collin McMillen, Tyler Visin, and Jimmy Williams.  Frazao, as one of the team captains, will serve as the Field General.  Rounding off the squad and playing on the goal scoring side of the field, will be a talented sophomore, Alex Burnikel, who will lead the attack, along with Seth Kiser, Ben Longenecker, Tariq Namouz, Will Tomlinson, and Eric Witzke. 

"I have been extremely pleased with the boys thus far," concluded Kucinic.  "The way the upper classmen have mentored to the underclassmen has been impressive. Our younger players have been very coachable and our practices are intense. I want these boys to believe in each other, and more importantly, to believe in themselves. If they can do that, regardless of the outcome this year, we will be champions."

Following a late start due to inclement weather, the St. Joseph's boys golf season is now underway. This year, the varsity team is led by Coach Bob Van Norden, a new member to the Knights Athletic Staff.  A recent transplant from the New York metropolitan area, Van Norden has been playing competitive golf for over forty years, including fifteen club championships.   

Team members include returning juniors and third year players Michael Baliker and Austin Cajka.  Representing the sophomore class are Pete Bynarowicz, Mike Devon, and Craig Scholz.  Scholz, returning to the squad after having last played as an eighth grader on the varsity team two years ago, brings back a powerful game and is expected to step in as a highly ranked player.  The team's two freshmen are Jay Rex and Chris Schrank. 

"This is a rather young team with no seniors and only two juniors," stated Coach Van Norden.  "Our goal is to grow together as Christian gentleman, high school teammates, and competitive golfers." 

The team will be practicing and playing their home matches at Verdae Greens Golf Course. The squad will compete against Spartanburg Day on March 9th, followed by a Regional Match in Columbia on March 11th. The golf team looks forward to upholding the St. Joseph's athletic tradition and competing in a rigorous schedule of events. "I feel pretty confident that we will remain a fairly competitive team against our local opposition," concluded Cajka. 

The Middle School Boys Golf Team is led by four returning eighth graders: Justin Finigan, Alex Kickham, Tomas Larrain, and last year's Conference Champion, Bradley Kauffman. Newcomers to the team this year include seventh grader Tyler Yearwood and sixth graders Grant Espada, Patrick McLear, and Antonio Zimeri.

The middle school team recently had the opportunity to attend a training session at Furman University Golf Course, and received one-on-one instruction from the Furman Ladies Golf Team, as well as from Professional LPGA Tour Member and Assistant Coach Sarah Sargent.  

"I have set some pretty lofty goals for our team this year," stated SJCS Coach Scott Yearwood.  "In the end, however, our primary objective is for the boys to have fun and to take pride in the representation of our school and in our values as Christian athletes."

The team has been practicing since mid-February and starts the season against Shannon Forest at Carolina Springs on Wednesday, March 18th.

Click here to view more photos of the Middle School Golf Teams's Day at Furman.

St. Joseph's recently hosted a group of foreign exchange students from Saint-Denis International School, a Catholic school located in Loches, France.  The program ran throughout the month of February and involved six French students between the ages of 12 and 16.  Saint-Denis students attended morning classes at St. Joseph's and were instructed by their school chaperone in the afternoon.  The French students and their chaperone lived with "host families" from St. Joseph's during their time in the upstate. As part of this immersion program, each French visitor lived with a different St. Joseph's host family. Special thanks go to the following families for volunteering to open their homes to these students: the Blaso, Burgess, Carey, Krupka, McCullough, O'Dea, Posa, and Suhrer families.  As hosts, these families were instrumental in providing a warm welcome to this foreign exchange group by providing food, lodging, transportation, and activities. The French visitors enjoyed a wide range of weekend experiences with their host families, including a day trip to Atlanta touring the King Tut exhibit, a trip to Washington, D.C., an afternoon at The Daytona 500, and campus visits to Emory University, The University of South Carolina (Columbia), and Wofford College. Locally, the students enjoyed a community theater performance of Grease, an afternoon at Reedy River Park, ice skating at the Pavilion, and much more. St. Joseph's host families were surprised by how delighted the French students were by some "simple American pleasures," such as cheeseburgers, milkshakes, maple syrup, Scooby Doo fruit snacks, and peanut butter. "America is so cool...St. Joe's is amazing," stated Saint-Denis student Mélodie Grousset, summarizing her first foreign exchange experience.   In appreciation for St. Joseph's hospitality, the Saint-Denis students are producing a musical documenting their experiences in America.

Congratulations to sophomore Jeremy Mehl, who earned the highest score of any SJCS student in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 12.  High school students recently participated in the AMC, the first in a series of exams leading up to the International Math Olympiad, and honor is awarded to those students who earn the highest scores.  Other students who placed well on the AMC 12 included junior Connor Bolton, who placed second with the next highest score, followed by juniors Meghan Hudak and Stella Watson in third place.  On the AMC 10, the highest scorer was sophomore Elizabeth Plott, followed by freshman Mitchell Jones and sophomore J.P. Wilmeth, who both tied for second place.

Congratulations to the Schroeder and Hudson Households, both winners in the school's spring Box Tops for Education Contest. Both the winning high school and middle school households will receive a SCRIP gift card for the teacher and a pancake breakfast for the students.  The Schroeder Household collected 543 Box Tops and the Hudson Household collected 525 Box Tops.  Special thanks to all the participating households, with over 4,500 Box Tops collected as a result of this contest.  For the 2007-2008 school year alone, SJCS earned almost $2,000 from this program, and the funds were used to help purchase a rolling laptop computer lab for the school.  Families are reminded to keep saving Box Tops and another contest will be announced in the fall.

Students in Kevin Stanton's ninth and tenth grade history classes recently completed research projects for the National History Day Contest in South Carolina.  Students selected topics that reflected this year's contest theme "The Individual in History." Projects included a variety of research papers, exhibits, films, power point, and dramatic presentations. Over one-hundred SJCS students participated in this event, held in the school library on Friday, February 20th.  Forty-two students have now qualified as finalists for the Regional History Day Contest to be held at the Anderson County Museum and Anderson University on March 13th.    The school finalists are:

• Research Papers:  Sara Campanelli (Apollo II), Abby DeMars (Luigi Giussani), Aniela Gardziola (Pope John Paul II), Grace Hanna (Andrew Jackson), Katie Helvey (Charles Darwin), Taylor Murphy (Dwight D. Eisenhower), Emily Norton (John Paul II)
• Individual Exhibits: Perry Bolick (Willis Haviland Carrier), Noah Coish (Jackie Robinson), Dani Inglesby (Dorothy Lange),  Kelly McNulty (Henry Ford), Katie Mobley (Joel Roberts Poinsett)
• Group Exhibits: Carly Campbell/Madeline McMillan (The Beatles), Matthew Dix/Maddy Longenecker (Arthur Fleming), Andrew Holsen/Justin Peck (Arthur Ashe), Brace Plumblee/David Rogozenski (Barry Gordy), Alexandra Viera/Emily Waddell (Grace Kelly)
• Individual Documentary:  William Lewis (Scott Joplin), Katie Lynam (Dwight D. Eisenhower), Cory Satterfield (Rosalind Franklin), Josh Schammel (Claus von Stauffenberg), Mark Schott (Adolph Hitler)
• Group Documentary:  Mary Bathon/John Dutch (Doctors at the Nuremberg Trials), Clark Burgess/Steven Schwark (Herb Crews),  Priya Harper/Tori Kling/Jenny Schosky (Twiggy), Patrick Key/Ashli Lagaly/Tristan Sexton (Josef Stalin)
• Drama: A short play written and performed by Andrew Anderson/Amy Hase/Mitchell Jones/Jessica Peck/Eric Spears (Cleopatra) 

Students in Ryan Koon's Eighth Grade Science Classes have been studying rocketry and the Moon Race of the 1960's. As part of their Astronomy unit, the students were able to build and launch their own model rockets. Each group experimented with different trajectories to see how far and how high they could successfully launch their rockets. After reaching a maximum altitude of 1,000 feet, each rocket was designed to land safely via a parachute. Every group successfully launched their rocket at least once, and several groups were able to successfully recover and re-launch their rockets a second time.

Click here to view more photos.

Congratulations to the Middle School Girls Basketball Team, who earned the title of Conference Runner-Up in the final game of the season held on Friday, February 20th. Under the leadership of Coach Alexis Walker, the girls had a successful season learning how to press and beat the press, as well as how to trap the offense while on defense, and keep the ball out of the key. "It has been an honor to coach these girls and watch their growth and development over the season," stated Coach Walker. "They have grown into true basketball players who are eager to learn more."

The school chaplain, Father Dwight Longenecker, has several activities planned for the student body during the liturgical season of Lent. Father will be providing resources for Religion classes and Household Deans to help students understand the reasons for fasting and abstinence, and ways to link this with the school-wide campaign to support children in El Salvador. Father Dwight and his Campus Ministry Team are also planning a Lenten Day of Reflection on Wednesday, March 18th to include the Living Stations of the Cross. Local priests will also be available on this date to hear confessions. On Tuesdays during Lent, students may join in the recitation of the Rosary during middle school lunch. On Thursdays during Lent, Eucharistic Adoration will be offered throughout the day in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Households will also be encouraged during Lent to continue their work with their Household charity.

The SJCS International Thespian Society Chapter 6388 participated in the Palmetto Dramatics Association and South Carolina Thespian Festival held February 20-22 at Francis Marion University in Florence.  Approximately twenty schools from throughout the state competed in the event.  SJCS highlights included:

·         Senior Ali Beischer received an Excellent Rating for Hero's Costume Design in Much Ado About Nothing.

·         Sophomore Theresa Krupka's solo acting performance was showcased in the festival's ending performance and was recommended to compete at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) to be held in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.

·         Junior Chelsea Lawyer's solo musical performance was recommended to compete in the ITF.

·         The Happy Journey to Camden and Trenton received an Excellent Rating and was recommended to the Regional Play Marathon.  In addition, the play garnered individual awards:  Senior Emily Kiser received a Superior Rating for her performance, Ali Beischer received a Superior Rating for Costume Design, senior Travis Dziad received Excellent Ratings for both his performance and his directing, and junior Josh Bathon received an Honorable Mention for his performance.

SJCS Fine Arts Director Teresa McGrath and Music Teacher Jennifer Gurn accompanied the students to Florence.

Youth, Enthusiasm, Tenacity Hallmarks of Basketball Season

The St. Joseph's Catholic School boys and girls basketball teams had a much different look this past season, with young players throughout the line-ups, along with a new coaching staff. 

Under the guidance of Head Coach Michael Morrison, SJCS Director of Basketball, the theme for the season was one of teaching, learning, and striving to do the best work possible, which Morrison states, is his foundation for success.

"This year was all about learning and improvement, and we couldn"t afford a day off from these goals," said Coach Morrison.  "Every practice was a teaching session." Morrison went on to state, "While we were young and inexperienced at the start of the season, the kids showed heart, desire, intelligence, and hustle, and both teams were able to turn those strengths into a couple of key wins for the school over the course of the season."

However, Morrison and his coaching staff, comprised of Mark Joseph, Tim Anderton, and Jessica Writ, are quick to point out that winning is much more than what the scoreboard shows.  "Winning is how much you improve every day," added Coach Morrison.  And improve they did. Playing in the tough South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Conference, the varsity teams tipped off against each opposing team twice during the season.  The boys team consistently played relentless defense, coming away with its first conference win in two seasons.  They were able to restrain traditionally strong scoring teams, and limited opposing teams' best shooters to occasional baskets versus consistent opportunities. The girls team also reaped significant gains in the win column during the season.  Both St. Joseph's teams earned berths to the SCISA Conference Tournaments, a first in over five years.

"Playing with a purpose, sharing the ball on offense, and supporting one another on defense has definitely improved the quality of the game this season for both teams," remarked Coach Joseph.  "It was impressive to see a player pass up an opportunity for a good shot to assist a teammate for the great shot, and towards the end of the season, that was a common play." 

SJCS recognized the contributions and the leadership of the seniors during the last regular season game on February 13th.  The large Friday night home crowd cheered during Senior Send-Off, as the school honored varsity team members and seniors Moses Burgess, Rebekah Hildebrand, and Megan Kopscik. 

"It was a great season and the team has come such a long way since last year," stated Kopscik. Hildebrand added by stating, "Coach has taught us so much about the game itself, and with such a young team, they are just going to continue to get better and better." Burgess acknowledged that the expectations were set high for the seniors, who were called to be leaders for the many younger players. "It was good for us to have those high expectations, because it pushed us to be better," said Burgess.  "Now it's up to the rest of the team to step up and provide that leadership for the underclassman." 

With only three seniors graduating between the two teams, Morrison acknowledged that both teams will still be on the young side of the equation next year.  Because of a heightened sense of the game, more of his players are committed to working harder during the off-season and this will translate to more confidence on the court next season.  "More of our players have become passionate about this game, and they're devoting a lot of time to the practice and study of the game.  We will quickly see that as individual skills improve, the entire team will improve, which is part of the growth process we are striving for."

"We have taken another step towards earning the respect of our opponents," concluded Coach Morrison, "and we are going to continue to become the right kind of competitor that is worthy of that respect."

Middle school students recently received their results from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). Students took these tests during the week of October 13-16, 2008. Of the 254 middle school students who tested, seventy percent scored above the 75th percentile for Core Total, which is a combination of Reading, Language, and Math totals. Fifty-three percent scored in the 90th percentile or higher for Reading and/or Math. Sixty percent of the 6th grade class had at least one score of 95th percentile or higher on an individual sub-test qualifying them for participation in Duke University's Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) this coming Fall.

Within the South Carolina Independent School Association, St. Joseph's Catholic School senior Graham Kauffman and sophomore Jared Kauffman were named High School Sports Report (HSSR) Co-Swimmers of the Year. In addition, the following SJCS fall students were named HSSR All-State Athletes in their respective sport: Boys Cross-Country: Brad Benore, Josh Benore, Ben Longenecker; Girls Cross-Country: Emily Coggins, Dani Inglesby, Katie Lynam, Katie Sanders; Boys Swimming: Graham Kauffman, Jared Kauffman; Girls Swimming: Kate Kelly; and Girls Volleyball: Jill Biediger. SJCS Math Department Chair and Boys Cross Country Coach George Carr was named HSSR Boys Cross-Country Coach of the Year. Class of 2006 Alumnus and SJCS Varsity Swim Coach Jill Holliday was named HSSR Boys Swimming Coach of the Year.

All of these individuals will be honored at the High School Sports Report Banquet in Columbia on Sunday, February 22nd.

Susie Benkert's sixth grade girls religion classes recently made Valentine cards and roses for senior citizens associated with Catholic Charities Senior Companions Program. Senior Care Coordinator Stacey Lazurek taught the girls how to make the roses from craft foam and chenille stems. The seventh grade girls recently completed a clay sculpture project entitled Gospel Images of Jesus. After completing their study of the Gospels, the girls sculpted clay to portray images of Christ shown in the Gospels, such as the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Real Vine, the Way to the Father, etc. These images are on display in the school's Library/Media Center.

Click here to view more photos.

Click here to view a story written by City People contributing writer Lark Reynolds on St. Joseph's seventh grader Melissa Zankman.

The Greenville News 02-11-09.

Click here to view the story written by City People Writer Abe Hardesty on Greenville newcomer and SJCS Director of Advancement Charlie Bathon

The Greenville News 02-11-09.

After a discussion in Lavinia Plumblee's seventh grade girls Latin classes regarding classical art techniques that are still practiced today, the students had an opportunity recently to practice their mosaic skills by gluing half-inch paper squares, called tesserae, onto a grid in very simple geometric patterns. The classes discussed the difference between floor mosaics, with their rug-like, geometric patterns, and the more elaborate wall mosaics that look like pictures. The students came to a greater appreciation for the artists who could produce life-like pictures with millions of tiny squares of glass or stone.

Click here to view more photos.

The Orbon Household organized a visit to St. Anthony's School on Wednesday, February 11th. Student volunteers Michael Kopscik, Chris Lagnese, Tyler Lagnese, Tariq Namouz, David Rogozinski, and Craig Scholz brought gifts, read stories, and helped the younger students with an art project.

Click here to view more photos.

The Greenville News 02-10-09

Click here to view a gallery from the SCISA Individual State Wrestling Championships 02-07-09

Congratulations to junior Nikki Scarlett, who recently placed as a Finalist in Classical Singer Magazine's High School Vocal Competition '09 held at Converse College. Nikki will now advance to the second round of competition to be held on May 30th in Chicago, Ill. Students will compete nationally for cash prizes and scholarships. For more information, visit http://www.classicalsinger.com/convention/hscomp/winners.php.

SJCS seniors Kaitlin Hartsoe and Emily Schrank captured First and Second Place, respectively, in the Business Law Competition at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District One Conference held on January 31st in Spartanburg.  In Personal Finance, senior Maggie Suhrer took Second Place and junior Amanda Morel took Fourth Place. This is the first year the new St. Joseph's Chapter of FBLA has participated in the competition, and all four SJCS students who competed won trophies.  These students will now go on to compete at the State Conference to be held in Charleston in March.  SJCS Staff Members Karl Orbon and Ann O'Dea serve as the club moderators. 

Fowler, Burnikel Place Second at SCISA State Championships 

St. Joseph's senior wrestling co-captain, Ahmad Dbouk, took home the gold Saturday for his third straight SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) Individual Wrestling Championship at Heathwood Hall School in Columbia.

"I'm just happy I could finish off my wrestling career at St. Joseph's this way," stated Dbouk. "I was really nervous this year. I just didn't want to make any mistakes. In the finals, I didn't wrestle that well, but I got the job done. It was a bittersweet day, because I'm really going to miss wrestling here." 

In the semi-finals, Dbouk dispatched Sandifer of Orangeburg Prep with a quick pin in the first period. Once again, Dbouk's opponent in the finals was Bradford MacGillvary of Hammond School. Even though the two wrestlers were evenly paired and prepared for each other, Dbouk prevailed with a major decision victory, 16-7. 

St. Joseph's other co-captain, senior Steven Fowler (160 lb.), had the same goals as Dbouk entering the tournament: win a third straight title. Unfortunately, Fowler had to settle for second place after being disqualified during his final match because of an illegal move against Adam Touma of Cardinal Newman School. 

"As coaches, officials, and parents, our primary goal in this sport is the well being of the kids, not wins and losses," said St. Joseph's Head Wrestling Coach Jason Smith.  "In Steven's match, the referee judged one of his moves to be illegal, and Adam was injured because of it. In this sport, the offending wrestler is punished by being disqualified. It is unfortunate for both wrestlers, but our main concern is Adam's health and recovery." 

Also getting a second place medal for the Knights was sophomore Alex Burnikel in the 135 lb. weight class. After a semi-final victory over Parker of Orangeburg Prep, Burnikel took on number one seed Lattimore of Cardinal Newman. Although Burnikel fought hard, it was not enough to defeat the older, more experienced wrestler. 

Also earning medals for the Knights were senior Danny Collins (285 lb.) and sophomore Will Dameron (189 lb.). Both athletes wrestled back after tough semi-final losses to win third place. In the consolation finals, Dameron took on Sweeting of Augusta Christian School. Although the Augusta wrestler got out to an early lead, Dameron came back, put Sweeting on his back, and earned a pin with just three seconds left in the period.  Collins took on another senior, Weathers of Orangeburg Prep, in what was the final match for both wrestlers. Unlike Dameron's match, Collins dominated, finishing off the Orangeburg wrestler late in the first period. 

"It was a good day for us, overall," said Coach Smith. "Everyone on the team wrestled tremendously, and most wrestled at peak performance. I'm pleased with the way our young wrestlers progressed through the season, and I cannot wait to see them blossom into champions next year."  

In the weeks leading up to the SCISA Individual State Championships, the Knights competed in a busy two week schedule, with two wrestlers breaking the 20-win mark as the regular season winded down. 

In the Knights' last home meet, St. Joseph's hosted Asheville School on January 27th . The contest was competitive as the two schools were evenly matched. But, even after the hard fought battle, the Knights fell 48-30. There were plenty of highlights for the St. Joseph grapplers as Joey Schosky (103 lb.), Michael McCall (125 lb.), Ahmad Dbouk (145 lb.), Clark Burgess (152 lb.), and Steven Fowler (160 lb.) all picked up wins for the Knights.

"We had a lot of fans at the match that night," said sophomore Clark Burgess following the Asheville match.  "I'm glad we performed well, and got some big wins. Our seniors deserve it."

A couple of nights later, St. Joseph's hosted the first round dual meet of the SCISA State Championships. The number five seed, Ben Lippen School of Columbia, traveled to Greenville to take on the number four seeded Knights. The two evenly matched squads went back and forth the whole meet, with the Knights slowly pulling through to claim the victory, 54-30.

"Our upper-weights really came up big for us that night," said Coach Smith. "We needed Will (Dameron) and Danny (Collins) to win in order to secure the victory, and they both came through, big time."  Sophomore Will Dameron added, "Coach came up to us about halfway through the match and said that one of us needed to be a hero; that we needed to do it for the team."  Also claiming victory for the Knights that evening were Schosky, Noah Davis (112 lb.), McCall, Michael Kiser (135 lb.), Alex Burnikel (140 lb.), Dbouk, and Fowler.

After the victory over Ben Lippen, the Knights moved on to the State Semi-Finals on Saturday, January 31st, where they faced-off against the number one seed, Catholic school rival Cardinal Newman School. Although prepared, the Knights did not have enough fire power and came up short against Cardinal Newman, who moved on later that same day to defeat Hammond School, claiming the title of SCISA State Champions. Only two SJCS wrestlers claimed victory against Cardinal Newman: Fowler and Dbouk.  Fowler won his match in dominating fashion, winning by a score of 11-4. In an equally impressive effort, Dbouk won his match, 9-0, a major victory. The win was Dbouk 20th win on the season, making him the first ever St. Joseph's wrestler to claim at least 20 victories in a single season.

After the SCISA Dual Championships, the Knights set up one more tune-up match before the Individual State Championships: a rematch with Asheville School, this time in North Carolina. Although the Knights were prepared for the upset, they again fell short against this team. Securing victories for the Knights were Nadir Dbouk (103 lb.), McCall, Burnikel, Ahmad Dbouk, and Fowler. For Steven Fowler, the victory marked his 20th of the season, making him the second St. Joseph's wrestler to accomplish this feat, and bringing his overall record to 20-5 with 14 pins. While his little brother, Nadir, was getting his first ever varsity win, Ahmad Dbouk quietly brought his record up to 22-2 (11 pins), which includes 19 straight victories heading into the Individual State Championships.

"I've had the distinct pleasure to coach seniors Ahmad (Dbouk), Steven (Fowler), and Danny (Collins) for three years now," concluded Coach Smith.  "Each is an incredibly well rounded individual, and I cannot say enough good things about them. I will miss them terribly next year."

Click here to view highlights from the 1-27-09 match against Asheville School.

In keeping with the Catholic Schools Week theme of "Celebrate Service," and in honor of "Respect Life Month," St. Joseph's students were asked to donate baby items for Birthright of Greenville in January.  Due to the student's generosity, more than fifty packs of diapers and wipes, numerous clothing items, including newborn sleepers and outfits, bags full of blankets, bottles, shampoo, and lotion, as well as monetary donations were brought into school.   The donated items were delivered to Birthright and will go towards supporting the mothers and babies whom Birthright serves.  The main focus of Birthright is helping women in difficult pregnancies to choose life for their babies.  The love and friendship of the Birthright volunteers and the generous support of donors goes a long way to save lives and bring hope.

The St. Joseph's school community celebrated the Feast Day of St. Blase, a fourth century Bishop and Martyr, with a Mass and the Blessing of Throats on Tuesday, February 3rd.  In his homily, Father Dwight noted that St. Blase was also a physician who had rescued a boy choking on a fish bone. From early days, therefore, St. Blase has been invoked as a saint to help with the healing of throat ailments. However, in this annual blessing of the throats, Father reminded those present, including members of the school choir, that this presented a good opportunity to ask God's blessing on that whole area of life. Throats produce voices and voices produce music, singing, compliments, and goodness.  In asking St. Blase to pray for our throats to be blessed, we not only ask God to cure us from a sore throat, but also from all the negativity that comes from minds and hearts through voices and speech. 

The Knights Varsity Boys Basketball Team was eager to redeem itself following an early season loss to their cross-town rivals, the Shannon Forest Crusaders.

Playing at the Shannon Forest gymnasium on January 26th, the Knights strong defense held the Crusaders scoreless through the first seven minutes of the first quarter, while building a 13-point lead due to the scoring efforts of the starting lineup. The Knights defense allowed only 8 points for the Crusaders during the second quarter and added 16 points to their score.

"Our guys were patient and took advantage of the opportunities presented that night," stated Head Coach Mike Morrison, following his team's strong performance.  "We wanted to make the Crusaders earned every point they got, and our defensive efforts were rewarded."

Coming off a 30 point lead at the end of the third quarter, the Knights sealed the victory with a final score of 57-30.  Senior Captain Moses Burgess turned in a well rounded game with 15 points, 5 offensive rebounds, 4 defensive rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.  Coming off the bench for the Knights, freshman Chris Shrank added another 10 points and had 4 offensive rebounds, 3 defensive rebounds, and 2 steals.  Juniors Michael Baliker and Roger Clinkscales each contributed 5 points, with Clinkscales nailing a 3-pointer as the first quarter buzzer sounded.  Sophomore Alex Winebarger contributed 10 points, 1 assist, 2 defensive rebounds, and 1 steal.  Turning in an outstanding performance, junior Ian Okinaga added 7 points and had a season high 5 steals.  "Coach says that I have an unconventional way of playing defense," said Okinaga. "I just like to try to steal the ball and force the turnover so I can go in for the lay-ups."

The Lady Knights faced the Lady Crusaders for the third time this season and came away with their third victory, 35-26.  A defensive battle quickly ensued between the two teams, and scoring was limited in the first half of the game.  St. Joseph"s led by a mere 3 points going into the second half.  Both teams returned to the floor and worked hard to find their shots.  The Lady Knights held a slim advantage at the end of the third quarter with a score of 20-19. Scoring efforts were redoubled by St. Joseph's during the final minutes of play, and the ball was spread equally among all the team members.  Sophmores Caroline Sparr and Liz Reynolds combined solid defense (8 offensive rebounds and 7 defensive rebounds between the two teammates) and added 9 points to the win.  Junior Jena Mohr and eighth-grader Alyson Brown were high-point scorers with 6 points each.  Senior captain Meghan Kopsick contributed 4 offensive and 1 defensive rebounds to the mix.

"I was pleased with the intensity of play that the Lady Knights demonstrated," stated SJCS Assistant Coach Mark Joseph. "I was especially pleased when the girls were able to control the play and add 15 points to their tally in the fourth quarter.  The Lady Crusaders held us in check, and we were shooting in the mid-30% range on field goals, a season-low for our team."  Sophomore Caroline Sparr added, "Coach has had us working hard to improve lots of different parts of our game, and we just have to play like we know we can through the rest of the season so we can get more wins like this."

Both St. Joseph's basketball teams savored their successes at Shannon Forest, coming off tough losses last week to Hammond School and Ben Lippen, SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) conference foes located in Columbia.  "There is no doubt that the SCISA Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the state," added Coach Morrison. "While St. Joseph's is both young and in a building-mode, it remains our goal to play our best at every opportunity and to take away positive highlights along with challenges to work on."

Both Coach Morrison and Assistant Coach Joseph were impressed with the manner of play demonstrated by the Knights at Hammond School on January 20th.  In front of Hammond Skyhawks' home crowd, the Knights were able to start junior Michael Swoyer for the first time since Swoyer suffered a foot injury in mid-November.  "Having Michael back is huge for us," said Coach Joseph.  "His strength under the net and his ability to spread the ball are terrific assets to the team."

The Knights held tough with the Skyhawks and, at the end of the first half of play, were down by only ten points.  The Knights defense put the pressure on in the second half of the game limiting Hammond to 26 points (compared with 35 the first half).  Scoring efforts were again led by Burgess with 15 points and 6 rebounds and junior Roger Clinkscales was 2/2 both outside the arc and at the free-throw line, adding a total of 10 points. Sophomore Craig Scholz lent great scoring pressure to the effort with 10 points, six resulting from his 3-point shots.

Hammond will visit St. Joseph's on Friday, February 13th, the final game of regular conference play for the Knights.   "I'm excited for the rematch," added Coach Joseph.  "We had a couple of turnovers at critical times in this first match up with Hammond, and that always changes the tone of the game.  Minimizing mistakes is what it takes to win a ball game, and there is no doubt that our guys will be fired up for the next Hammond match-up."

The Lady Knights put together a strong game the first three and a half quarters against Hammond, and were only two possessions away from taking the lead before they were plagued by a combination of foul trouble and turnovers.  Caroline Sparr posted one of her strongest games yet this season, and attacked the boards with determination.  She ended the game with 5 offensive rebounds, 4 defensive rebounds, 3 steals, and 6 points for the Lady Knights.  Jena Mohr had 4 steals and scored 7 points, and junior Laura Twomey contributed 6 points.  One of Twomey's field goals put the Lady Knights within 3 points of a tie.  After a Sparr rebound, she fed the ball to Twomey, who was able to finish for 2 points.  It was at this point that foul trouble and turnovers beleaguered the Lady Knights.  "We were definitely in this game and had the chance to win," stated Allison Brown following the 46-33 loss to Hammond.  "We just didn't pull together at the end, but you can be sure we'll be ready for them when we meet again on our court next week."

The Knights had an impressive game against the Ben Lippen Falcons when they visited St. Joseph's on January 27th.  Strong performances were turned in by the starting line-up, with Okinaga having a breakout game, scoring a season high of 20 points.  Contininuing to play aggressive defense while Ben Lippen maintained a constant full court press for close to eighty percent of the game, the stamina of the Knights players was clearly evident. The pace of the game was quick, with both teams explosive off the boards.  Foul trouble midway through the fourth quarter eliminated both Burgess and Winebarger from play.  The Lady Knights also matched up well with the Lady Falcons and outscored them by 2 points in the third quarter of play.  The Lady Falcons answered, however, in the fourth quarter, to key the 44-40 win over St. Joseph's.  High point scorers for the Lady Knights included Jena Mohr with 10 points, Laura Twomey with 6 points, and Caroline Sparr with 5 points.

Morrison, recently hired as Director of Basketball, is extremely optimistic about the future of the St. Joseph's program, and is especially pleased with the level of commitment his players have for the game, their school, and their team.  "I'm blessed to be surrounded with both excellent coaches and student athletes at St. Joseph's, who all share a passion for the great game of basketball," concluded Morrison.  "We have made so much progress in the few short months we've been together.  I'm really looking forward to the next two weeks when we play against SCISA-conference foes for the second time this season."

The Knights will host Ben Lippen on Tuesday, February 10th and Hammond on Friday, February 13th for the last week of regular season play.  Senior Night is scheduled for the Hammond game, honoring all senior basketball players and cheerleaders for their years of contribution to St. Joseph's.

St. Joseph's Catholic School celebrated Catholic Schools Week January 25-31 with a variety of events designed to highlight the blessings of Catholic education.  Under the 2009 theme of "Catholic Schools Celebrate Service," part of an initiative by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), highlights of the week included Staff, Student, and Volunteer Appreciation Days, and much more.  The annual event rejoices in education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life by also preparing students for a Christian life. 

Click below to view highlights of the week.

Catholic Middle School Basketball Jamboree

Staff Appreciation Day

Student Appreciation Day

Volunteer Appreciation Day

Celebrations

Members of the newly formed Girls Running Club exercise after school.   Headed by Varsity Girls Cross Country Coach Marie Kernell, the Girls Running Club is open to all girls, grades 6-12, and meets every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in front of the gym at 3:15.  New members welcome at anytime throughout the semester.  For more information, email mkernell@sjcatholicschool.org. 

The St. Joseph's Chapter of the National Honor Society recently sponsored a free Adult Computer Class on campus in the school's computer lab. NHS members volunteered on a Saturday morning to help teach adults and senior citizens the basic use of Microsoft Word and the Internet. This class, offered every year in January, represents one of the many service commitments made by the NHS students. This school year, NHS has donated school supplies to St. Anthony's School, run the children's area at Dragon Boat Upstate, sponsored a school-wide pumpkin decorating contest, went Christmas caroling at Haywood Estates Retirement Home, and volunteered for Christmas in the Park at Simpsonville City Park. The group will also give thank you notes and snacks to teachers during Catholic Schools Week, donate boxes of tissues to the school, collect bottled water for Camp Opportunity, a camp for abused and neglected children, and volunteer for a campus clean-up day. Students are selected to NHS based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. NHS members are expected to complete at least one NHS service project per quarter. Last spring, the St. Joseph's Chapter of NHS was recognized as the National Honor Society of the Year by the South Carolina Independent Schools Association. SJCS staff members Christine Wiethop and Jennifer Church serves as the club moderators.

Students in Joanna McLucas's seventh grade science classes recently participated in the St. Mary Magdalene Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest. In the Anti-Alcohol Abuse Category, Savannah Klowsoski captured First Place honors, Jennifer Coggins placed second, and Tucker McMillen placed third.  Honorable mention was awarded to:  Alec Biscopink, Madeline Fric, Kayli Henk, and Sierra Hyer. In the Anti-Drug Abuse Category, Melissa Mohr captured First Place honors, Stephanie Azores-Goccoco placed second, and Campbell Plumblee placed third.  Honorable Mention was awarded to:  Megan Copsey, Ben Dunphy, Christopher Heijjer, and Isabella Mekker.  First Place Winners received $25.00, Second Place Winners received $15.00, and Third Place Winners received a $10.00 cash prize. Mike Windey, Youth Chairman for the Knights of Columbus Council 10819, presented the awards at a recent Middle School assembly.

Click here to view the winning entries.

Hockey may not be that well-known in the Upstate, but that's not stopping one senior from doing what he loves. SJCS senior Pat Lang is one of fifteen members of Team Greenville's Ice Hockey squad. The team, a close-knit group of boys, all from different Greenville area high schools, practice together twice a week and travel around the state to compete. The team is currently undefeated.

Click here to listen to commentary by SJCS senior and WYFF High School Playbook Reporter Belle Host.

The SJCS Middle School Boys Basketball Team has been hard at work and is improving every day. They are eager for more playing time, more practice to work on their skills, more games to test their skills, more opportunities to learn and improve, but mostly, more time to have fun. The team started the season as 15 individuals who wanted to play basketball. Now they have become a team. They respect each other. They are not afraid of any opponent, and learning to be "ferocious" with their playing time. They are hustling for the ball, trying to make good passes and good shot selection. They are learning to read the court while running the plays. The execution of their offense is starting to produce. In addition, they are crashing the boards and bringing down lots of rebounds. They have exhibited a passion for stealing the ball from the opposing team.

Team members include: John Hawkins; Andrew Friedholm, Stephen Krupka, Alex Luzzatti, David Marable, Patrick Frick, Alex Malsch, Austin Van Houten, Gene Langan, Sean Rusnak, David Reed, Tucker Genal, Bradley Kauffman, Feras Namouz, and Dan Travan.  The team is coached by Jackie Hurwitz.

The team record stands at 2-4, with the team having a total of 96 points scored versus 93 points scored by opponents. The team is shooting 21% from the floor and 48% from the free throw line. They have amassed 56 rebounds, 43 steals, and have given 55 turnovers. Leading scorer is Bradley Kauffman with 16 points, Alex Malsch has 9 rebounds, with Alex Luzzatti and Bradley Kauffman tied with 8 rebounds. John Hawkins leads the team with 11 steals.

SJCS fans are invited and encouraged to come out and experience the excitement of this team at work!

The St. Joseph's Knights Varsity Wrestling Team recently hosted its first home event of 2009 against SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) rival Ben Lippen School of Columbia. The Knights came away victorious against an equally prepared Ben Lippen squad, 51-30.

"This was a very close dual meet," said the Knights Wrestling Coach Jason Smith. "As a team, we performed better than we have all season. Ben Lippen has an experienced team, and the score could have just as easily been 30-50 in the other direction."

The match started with a forfeit to the Knights' seventh grader Joey Schosky at the 103 lb. weight class. It was Schosky's first win on varsity after having success in some statewide Middle School Tournaments. Eighth grader Noah Davis took the mat next for the Knights in the 112 lb. weight class against Ben Lippen's John Howell. After falling behind early, Davis took control of the match and finally secured a pin halfway through the second period.

"He came after me, and really wanted to win," stated Davis. "I just kept wrestling hard, and things worked for me. The team needed me to win."

In the 119 lb. weight class, SJCS sophomore Michael McCall took on Ben Lippen's Tyler Carpenter. McCall took control early, and won the match with a 36 second pin.

Ben Lippen fired back to get on the scoreboard with a victory via pin in the 125 lb. weight class. Knights' eighth grader Tanner Roberson did not have enough experience to handle the much older and stronger Ben Lippen wrestler, Bobby Carle.

"Tanner is getting better and more mature everyday," stated Coach Smith. "His opponent was very tough, and is one of the top SCISA wrestles in this weight class. Tanner has lost to four different State Champions this year, and he understands that these losses just make him a better wrestler. He thrives on the experience."

The Knights' middle weights then took control of the match and the scoreboard, successfully earning wins in the next four weight classes. Freshman Andrew Anderson (130 lb.), sophomore Alex Burnikel (135 lb.), senior Ahmad Dbouk (140 lb.), and eighth grader Nathan Henk (145 lb.) were all victorious. But none were more exciting than Anderson's victory, with a dramatic 10-8 win over Ben Lippen's Matthew Crutchfield, in what was the closest head-to-head match of the evening.

"I saw a new Andrew Anderson that night" added Coach Smith. "He wrestled with a newfound intensity I hope he never loses. Andrew had his back against the ropes early, battled back, took control, and then took the lead. Once in the lead, he wrestled flawlessly to make sure there was no comeback. It was a great match."

Ben Lippen got back on the scoreboard with two straight victories in the 152 and 160 lb. weight classes. Knights' sophomore Clark Burgess had the daunting task of wrestling Ben Lippen's Senior Captain Stavros Christoermos. Burgess wrestled well against the highly-ranked 152 lb. wrestler, but he fell midway through the second period. Knights' freshman Gabe McCall also had a similar fate against Ben Lippen's Jason Blackwell in the 160 lb. class.

Knights' Co-Captain, senior Steven Fowler, sealed the victory for his team with a pin in the closing moments over Ben Lippen's Allen Reinherd in the 171 lb. weight class. This victory was Fowler's 14th victory of the season. The match ended with St. Joseph's forfeiting two of the final three matches, while the Knights' heavy weight, senior Danny Collins, also claimed victory via forfeit.

St. Joseph's then traveled to Westminster, SC last week to take on Daniel High School and host West-Oak High School. In the opening match against Daniel, Alex Burnikel (135 lb.), Ahmad Dbouk (140 lb.), Steven Fowler (160 lb.), and Gabe McCall (171 lb.) all picked up victories for the Knights in a tough 21-53 defeat. In the second match, the Knights fell again to SCHSL-AAA Powerhouse West-Oak. The Knights lone victory came via decision by Dbouk with a score of 11-8. The victory was Dbouk's 14th in a row, and team-leading 17th of the season.

"I was the last match of the night, and we didn't have any wins," stated Dbouk. "I did not wrestle my best that night, but I knew I had to pull through for my team. I couldn't let us get shut-out."

The Knights next match will be at home on Tuesday night, January 27th at 5:00 P.M. against Asheville School. On Thursday evening, January 29th, the Knights will once again host Ben Lippen at home in the first round of the SCISA State Dual Championships. Thursday's match will be a battle of the # 4 and # 5 seeds for an opportunity to face number one ranked Cardinal-Newman in the State Semi-Finals next Saturday.

Click here to view more photos of the Ben Lippen meet.

St. Joseph's Eighth Grade Class presented the school's inaugural Eighth Grade Play, "Keeper of the Tales," on Thursday evening, January 22nd in the school theatre. The play was directed by SJCS Fine Arts Department Chair Teresa McGrath.

Click here to view a photo gallery.

SJCS Theology Faculty Member Karl Orbon organized and led a group of St Joseph's students, parents, faculty, and supporters in the Annual March for Life Rally at the Statehouse in Columbia, SC on Saturday, January 17th. This group joined hundreds of other pro-life supporters throughout the state. Prior to the march, the group attended a Catholic youth rally and a Pro-Life Mass at St. Peter's Church, concelebrated by many priests from throughout the diocese. The rally at the Statehouse commemorated 35 years of South Carolina citizens standing up for life at similar events. Speakers included former SC Governor David Beasley, Pastor Bill Monroe, and Beatrice Fedor of the "Silent No More" campaign.

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While completing a unit entitled "Waves, Sound, and Light," students in Ryan Koon's eighth grade science classes studied the properties of waves using Slinkys as models. The students used the Slinkys to create transverse and compression waves and to measure wave properties, such as wavelength, speed, and amplitude. Students in Sharon Ruble's sixth grade science classes are studying the ocean, and recent labs centered around the proper use of microscopes. To enhance their skill with microscopes, students looked at a variety of protozoa, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. With the new projector microscope, the students were able to view the specimens from the deep well slide on a projection screen.

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Congratulations to seniors Jill Biediger and Alex Rinz, who have been nominated by the school to compete in the National Honor Society Scholarship sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Nominees were selected based on their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, outstanding character, and exemplary academic performance. Two hundred NHS winners will be chosen from nominations nation-wide to receive $1,000 college scholarships in spring 2009.

Second Quarter Honor Roll

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The resounding theme for the St. Joseph's Catholic School Knights Varsity Men's Basketball Team thus far this season has been defense.  Add equal parts determination and grit, together with a solid offense, and the result is victory.  The Knights have had a share of success the past few games, including a victory on the home court against SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) conference foe Augusta Christian on Tuesday, January 13th.  Coach Mike Morrison was pleased with the teams' first conference win of the season.  "With continued effort and diligent team work, the teams' goal is to continue to improve their game over the next few critical weeks," said Morrison.  He was especially pleased with the play of junior team member Roger Clinkscales, who had a tremendous game, both offensively and defensively.  "Roger was able to connect on three 3-point shots at a critical point in the game, and his exciting plays were key in keeping the team alive and ahead." Sophomore Craig Scholz also turned in a strong performance.  "We picked up the momentum, especially with the loud home crowd cheering us on," stated Scholz.  "We started getting a lot more aggressive on defense and that helped us on offense too." Clinkscales had a season high of thirteen points during the game.  Senior Captain Moses Burgess contributed fifteen points, while sophomore Alex Winebarger scored twelve points and three assists in the 54-47 win over the Augusta Christian Lions.          

While the Knights are making headway, Coach Morrison and Assistant Director of Basketball Coach Mark Joseph both realize that their team is young and will be facing a field of tough competition during the remaining SCISA conference games.  That was never more evident than when the squad traveled to Columbia to face Catholic school rival, Cardinal Newman, on January 9th.   In front of a boisterous home crowd, the Cardinals dominated the boards, both inside and out, and had a total of eight 3-point shots in the decisive win over the Knights.  In their first season leading the Knight's Basketball program, both coaches agreed that the game against Cardinal Newman was eye-opening, proving that conference play will be extremely competitive, and that the level of play will be intense and tough.  Coach Morrison went on to add, "It also gave us a glimpse of what our program is striving to become and what we can become if we continue to work hard."    Freshman JD Brookbank noted, "We have to make improvements and adjustments to execute our offense better to win these conference games.  We have the potential to rise to these standards when we meet up with them again in a couple weeks."  Coming up in a huge fashion, both offensively and defensively for the Knights against the Cardinals, was junior Ian Okinaga with ten points. 

Immediately prior to kicking off SCISA Conference play, the Knights hosted Brashier Middle College, and Coach Morrison congratulated both Scholz and Burgess with their outstanding defensive and offensive play.  "Brashier Middle College is a pretty new team, just like we are, and we look forward to tipping off against them in the years ahead," stated sophomore team member Alex Winebarger. "Just as we have jelled as a team, so have they, and we wish them success in the rest of their season."  Playing tenacious defense, allowing only twelve first-half points, the Knights won the contest 65-30, with Burgess scoring twelve points, Scholz scoring nine, and freshmen Chris Schrank adding ten points.

The Lady Knights, an equally young team, has had several great outings as well in the past few weeks.  Led by Senior Team Captain Megan Kopscik, the girls have tipped off against Brashier Middle College, Cardinal Newman, and Augusta Christian.  Coming on strong with a 17-2 lead after the first quarter, the Lady Knights maintained that intensity and posted a 41-20 win against Brashier Middle College.  Sophomores Caroline Sparr and Mary Stanton led the team in scoring with eight points each, and eighth grader Alyson Brown added in five key assists.  Also contributing on offense was sophomore Elizabeth Reynolds, adding two field goals and a free throw shot to the tally.  Kopscik and junior Jena Mohr led key defensive plays.

The Lady Knights faced equally stiff opponents over the next two games, beginning with Cardinal Newman on their home court.  "Cardinal Newman was able to move the ball around and create a lot of scoring initiatives during play," stated Coach Morrison.  "Minimizing turnovers is critical during any game, and the well coached and highly talented Cardinal Newman team was able to capitalize off the majority of our turnovers." Reynolds led the scoring effort with five points and junior Laura Twomey helped the effort in contributing four points.  Kopscik and Sparr each had six rebounds.  In the end, it was a loss for the Lady Knights, something they hope to turn around when Cardinal Newman comes to Greenville.

While Augusta Christian won the tip-off against the Lady Knights on January 13th, "the score was really closer than indicated," stated Assistant Coach Mark Joseph.  The Lady Knights kept the game close through the third quarter, before the Lady Lions poured on the three-point shots.  In total, Augusta Christian scored 21 points (seven 3's) over the course of four quarters to post the win.  Sparr and Reynolds were key contributors, each scoring seven points.  "We should have won this game," added Reynolds.  "In the first half, we were pumped and ready to play.  Once we pull together, we can't be stopped. But then we got in a slump, and just couldn't make that happen this time."  Sparr and Jena Mohr played well defensively for the team.

The Lady Knights look forward to the next few conference games with great optimism.  "We are working a lot better together as a team which has really helped our game," concluded junior Amanda Koshis.  "We are a young team, but we are learning how to work together better, which should result in a lot more victories for the rest of the season." 

The next home games for the Varsity Knights and Lady Knights are set for Saturday, January 24th against Christ Church Episcopal School. 

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SJCS Middle School teachers (seated, left to right) Peter Adair, Jay Tierney, Ryan Koon and Katie Fryml confer over a question posed by Middle School teacher and Moderator Joel Brandon (at podium) during the Student/Faculty Quiz Bowl Match on Wednesday, January 14th. The competition was held at the school during the a recent Omega Day assembly, during which a variety of offerings for students, ranging from speakers, musical concerts, and presentations like this one, are offered every other Wednesday.

Students in Deborah Henderson's Third Quarter Art Classes are working on a variety of projects: 

·        High school students in second period Exploring Art II Class are reproducing an optical illusion painting by Victor Vasarely, the father of OP Art, called Vega-Noir. 

·        Seventh grade boys in third period art class are discussing the Renaissance and the artists of that time period, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.  Based on the reality of the artwork, the boys are drawing a self-portrait.

·        High school students in fourth period Exploring Art I Class are learning how to speak without using words by creating a project that shows who they are through symbolism, 3D elements, and color.

·        Sixth grade girls in sixth period art class created a design based on the first letter of their names, focusing on the use of space, color, and theme. 

·        Eighth grade boys in seventh period art class recently designed and created masks.

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Congratulations to seventh grader Alec Biscopink, who had the second highest score in the 2009 All-State Orchestra Competition held on Saturday, January 10th in Columbia. Alec competed against sixty of the best string orchestra players in the state and earned the honor of serving as assistant principal in the Middle Grades String Orchestra.

Congratulations to senior Travis Dziad, winner of one of six 2008 Upstate Student Of Integrity Awards.  This scholarship contest, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, seeks to recognize high school students who personify high character articulation through leadership, community service, and overall personal integrity and academic history.  Dziad's high school activities include an active membership in the National Honor Society, Greenville Youth Leadership Council, Varsity Cross-Country Team, Student Council, Youth In Government, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Drama Club.  He has also participated as a member of the S.C. Junior Academy of Science Challenge Bowl, SJCS Biology Olympiad Team and Math Team, and has served as a representative with the Student Ambassador Program as well as the March For Life.  In addition, Travis has repaired homes for the elderly and underprivileged through Homeworks.

SJCS seniors Ahmad Dbouk and Steven Fowler, co-captains of the Knights Wrestling Team, continue their winning ways, with each winning all four of their dual-meet matches against opponents from Heathwood Hall, Whitmire, Woodmont, and Chesnee High Schools in the team's first two events of the new year.

Both two-time S.C.I.S.A. (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) Individual State Champions,  Dbouk (14-2, 8 pins) and Fowler (13-4, 9 pins) are currently ranked first in their respective weight class by SCMat.com.

"I lost a really close match to a tough opponent right before Christmas Break, and that has just really motivated me," stated Fowler.  "I am going to work as hard as I can from now to February to make sure I don't lose like that again." Dbouk added, "I take it one match at a time. Coach has confidence that I can win every time I step onto the mat, so I go out there and wrestle as hard as I can for six minutes, and try the best I can to win each and every match."

As a team, the Knights performed well this past week, falling just short of a team victory in each of the matches. The week started in Columbia, where they faced off against host Heathwood Hall School and Whitmire High School. In the opening match against S.C.I.S.A. rival Heathwood Hall, the Knights lost a nail biter, 42-30.

"It came down to the last weight class," said Knight's Head Wrestling Coach Jason Smith. "If Danny Collins (senior, 285 lb.) would have gotten a pin in his match against Heathwood, the final score would have been tied, and we would have won based on tie-breaking criteria. But Heathwood Hall's Harrison Penndarves fought back hard, and beat one of our best wrestlers. As a team, we did everything we could to win that match."

Picking up wins against Heathwood Hall for the Knights, along with Dbouk and Fowler, were Noah Davis (103 lb.), Alex Burnikel (135 lb.), and Michael Kiser (140 lb.). In the second match of the evening, the Knights again lost another close match to Whitmire High, 48-30.

In the next match of the dual meet, Noah Davis got the Knights started with a victory by pin over Trey Nelson from Whitmire.  Following that victory, Davis stated, "I had lost my last five varsity matches before tonight. So, it is a big deal to me to get two pins in one night. I'm really happy, and I'm ready to wrestle again." Along with Davis, also earning victories for the Knights over Whitmire were Dbouk, Fowler, Collins, and Nathan Henk (145 lb.).

Later on in the week, the Knights traveled to neighboring Woodmont High School to compete with Chesnee High School and the host school, the Woodmont Wildcats.  In the first match, the Knights took on an emerging program in Chesnee. And, even though the Knights performed well, they dropped the match, 39-18.

"Chesnee has a really good program developing there," said Coach Smith. "There were some really close, competitive matches, but unfortunately, they were just a little bit better than we were.  However, I am extremely proud of the effort our guys put out."           

Dbouk put the Knights on the board with a dominating 6-3 victory over Chesnee's 140 lb. wrestler. Later in the match, in the 160 lb. weight class, the Knight's Gabe McCall was competing in a close 2-1 contest when he twisted his ankle, and was unable to finish the match. "It's just a strained muscle," McCall said. "I twisted it the wrong way, but the trainer said I should back to 100% within a week."

In the following match, at the 171 lb. weight class, Fowler took on one of his toughest competitors all season. After finishing the first two periods with a slim 2-0 lead, Fowler pulled away in the final two minutes, winning by a final score of 6-1.

Later in the dual meet, the Knights nearly tasted victory again in the 285 lb. weight class, when St. Joe's Collins battled Chesnee's Ovalle. The first period was all Collins, with a dominating offense that put him up 4-0. In the second period, Ovalle started to battle back, earning two points, and not allowing Collins to score at all.  Down 4-2, Ovalle kept the momentum and scored three quick points to take the lead, 5-4. In the closing seconds of the match, Ovalle got a second penalty assessed, tying the score at five, and sending the match into a "Sudden Victory" overtime period. The two big men battled on their feet for nearly a minute before Ovalle finally took Collins to the mat, securing the victory for the Chesnee wrestler.

"It was the most exciting (285 lb. class) match I have seen in a long time," added Coach Smith.  "Everyone in the gym was on their feet, and both wrestlers got standing ovations at the end. This is the kind of match that instantly makes both guys exponentially better wrestlers."

Also picking up victories for the Knights versus Chesnee were Michael McCall (119 lb.) and Andrew Anderson (125 lb.).

In the final match of the week, the Knights took on a tough Woodmont team, falling 54-18. Dbouk, Fowler, and Gabe McCall were the only Knight's wrestlers able to pick up victories against the Wildcats.

"It was a great week for us, despite the final team scores," concluded Coach Smith.  "We are getting better as a team and as individuals each time we step on the mat (whether it's during a match or practice). Our captains are pushing themselves, and their desire to win is making everyone around them better. They even inspire me to be a better coach. I cannot put into words what Dbouk and Fowler mean to this program."

SJCS sixth grader Keyes Gilmer, a member of last year's lego robotics team from Oakview Elementary School, along with other former team members, recently presented their findings from last year's competition to the Greenville County School Board.  The team researched and discovered that their classrooms had too much light, and by removing some light bulbs, resulting in a more comfortable level of light, Greenville County Schools could save a significant amount of money.

The SJCS Mathematics Department is currently offering an Investment Class, which meets every Thursday after school from 3:15 to 4:00 P.M. in Classroom 5. The class, open to all students and running through the second semester, will give students a basic knowledge of investing with a focus on the stock market. Fundamental concepts will be covered, such as the importance of investing and saving, the function of stock markets and company stock, what characteristics to look for when analyzing a company, common mistakes made by investors, where to find information, and where and how to start the process. The course will seek to engage students by encouraging open dialogue and using real world examples to make the class fun and interesting. SJCS parent Nelson Arrington, President of V.M. Manning and Co., Investment Securities Firm, will teach the class. Interested students can contact Math Department Faculty Member Anne Gragtmans at agragtmans@sjcatholicschool.org for more information.

The recent Christmas tournaments, hosted by Southside Christian School and St. Joseph's, proved to be both validating and inspirational for the boys and girls teams.

In the Southside Tournament held several days prior to Christmas, SJCS senior Megan Kopscik credited the lower pressure of the tournament in helping the Lady Knights gel as a team.  "We were on the brink of making the whole thing click," she stated following their first game victory over Oakbrook Prep, as she felt the confidence of her teammates rise. 

Oakbrook Prep was an aggressive group of girls, but the Lady Knights responded with their own aggressiveness and came out ahead with a final score of 36-13.   Sophomore Stephanie Saunders led the team with 8 points in that victory. In the next match-up, St. Joseph's defeated Tamassee-Salem 40-32, and walked away as the Tournament Champions.  Eighth grader Alyson Brown led the Lady Knights with seven points in this final victory over Tamassee-Salem.

The lady Knights took a few days off for the Christmas holiday before hosting their own tournament. This tournament featured Spartanburg Day School, Shannon Forest, and the Greenville Home School Teams.  St. Joseph's opened up with the eventual tournament champion, Spartanburg Day School. 

"I felt we played like a team that had six days off," stated Coach Michael Morrison.  "Spartanburg is a good team and you can't play like we did and expect a good team to give you the game.  They are well coached and they did a great job capitalizing off our mistakes." Despite the long lay-off, the Lady Knights had their share of opportunities to win the game.  Too many turnovers and poor free throw shooting contributed to the 39-54 loss.

In the consolation game the Lady Knights played Shannon Forest.  They redeemed themselves with an impressive 47-28 victory.  "In our first game, we were not making our free throws, but we improved in our second game," stated sophomore Caroline Sparr.  "We also pulled together as a team in the second game, which led us to a great win."  Coach Morrison added, "Basketball is fun when you win.  The sun doesn't always shine, but after so many rainy days, it's sure to come out."  

For the boys team, the tournaments were victories, despite the scorebooks. "We didn't win either tournament, but we are becoming a better team and understanding each other," stated eighth grader Cody Davidson.

The Knights won the first round of the Southside Tournament 78-33 against Oakbrook Prep.  Freshman Chris Schrank led the team in scoring with 22 points.  The Knights came out for the next game with intensity, but lost in the second round. Despite a disappointing loss in the first round of the St. Joseph's tournament to Greenville Home School, a team they had previously defeated, the Knights were not discouraged.  The boys pulled together in a great team effort and won the consolation game 61-42.  Moses Burgess led the Knights with 20 points and Roger Clinkscales chipped in 13. 

Both the girls and boys teams look forward to building on the momentum attained during the Christmas Tournaments.  Assistant Coach Tim Anderton summed it up well.  "Our teams are continuing to improve each game. Our defense is our identity. We will only be as good as our defense. Out girls are 3-1 after two tournaments, and the boys are 2-2. That's pretty good."

SJCS Chaplain Father Dwight Longenecker's blog "Standing On My Head" has been nominated as one of ten global finalists in the religious blog section of the Annual Weblog Awards.

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The SJCS Advancement Office hosted the annual Alumni Christmas gathering on Monday evening, December 22nd at City Range Grill. Approximately fifty alumni enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks in the restaurant's lounge with classmates from the following years: 1997, 1999, and 2001 through 2008. Matt Foster ('04) helped to spearhead the event, and Tom Dettmer ('06) and Ryan Fernandes ('04) won the door prizes. The party was SJCS's most recent opportunity to continue its connections to the ever-growing alumni network, and is just one way in which the school maintains close ties with its graduates, including annual events at Homecoming and Christmas, The Guardian alumni newsletter, and the new SJCS Facebook page. For more information, visit the alumni page of the school's website.

The St. Joseph's Knights wrestling team opened the 2008-09 season earlier this month, and so far, the Knights have faced off against some of their toughest competition yet from South Carolina and surrounding states, gaining valuable experience each time out.

"We have three really experienced, strong, and competitive seniors leading our team," said Head Wrestling Coach, Jason Smith.  "However, the rest of our team is young and relatively inexperienced. Even our older members have lost some valuable mat time due to injuries. But the great thing about having younger wrestlers is that they learn something new everyday, and the best part of this job is allowing me to watch these young men grow as athletes right before my eyes."

The Knights started out the season with a tough loss to the three-time defending SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) State Champions Hammond School of Columbia, 54-22. The following weekend, the Knights took on some of the toughest wrestling programs in the Southeast when they wrestled at the Southern Slam Tournament at Eastside High School. This tournament featured not only some of the best teams in South Carolina, but also some of the best teams from Georgia and Alabama as well. Two St. Joseph's wrestlers, Noah Davis (103 lb.) and Steven Fowler (171 lb.) each claimed eighth place finishes in this tough two-day event.

Next, the Knights took on their neighboring school, J.L. Mann High School, in the first home match of the year. Unfortunately, the Knights fell again.  "That was a tough night for us," stated Coach Smith. "We were missing three of our starters, and J.L. Mann was great at capitalizing on our mistakes. They earned the victory, but we learned from our mistakes."

The following weekend, the Knights headed up to Hendersonville (NC) High School to compete in the Bearcat Challenge. The dual-team tournament featured schools from Western North Carolina and the Upstate area of South Carolina.

"Although our team record did not show it, we had a great tournament," added Coach Smith. "We came together as a team, and I've never seen a whole team get better in one day. Each one of our wrestlers greatly improved as the day went on, giving us lots of hope for the second half of the season."

During the Bearcat Challenge, the Knights had two wrestlers go undefeated. Ahmad Dbouk and Fowler each went 4-0 on the day in matches against Mt. Heritage, Chesnee, Hendersonville, and Landrum High Schools. Fowler not only had four pins, but none of his opponents that day managed to score a single point. Also picking up big victories for the Knights were first-year wrestlers Noah Davis (1-3), Tanner Roberson (1-3), and Gabe McCall (2-2).

The Knights ended their Fall Semester in late December in dual meets against Christ Church and Travelers Rest High School. St. Joseph's opened the evening against a tough and experienced Travelers Rest squad, and fell 75-6. In what was by far the best match of the evening, senior co-captain Fowler faced off against the Devildog senior co-captain, Josh Hammond. Hammond, considered one of the best 171 lb. wrestlers in South Carolina, came away with a dramatic 5-4 victory. The lone victory for the Knights came via pin at the 3:16 mark by the other senior co-captain, Dbouk, over the Devildogs' Morris in the 140 lb. weight class.

In the second match, the Knights went head-to-head with a short-handed Christ Church team. St. Joseph's came away with their first dual victory on the season, 30-24. Picking up wins for the Knights were Fowler, Dbouk, freshman Andrew Anderson, and sophomores Michael McCall and Alex Burnikel.

The Knights will begin 2009, following the Christmas break, with a match in Columbia on January 7th, grappling with SCISA rival, Heathwood Hall School and Whitmire High School. Following this, another SCISA opponent, Ben Lippen School, will travel to Greenville to face-off with the Knights on January 14th at St. Joseph's.

After a rough start to the season, the St. Joseph's Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Hurricanes of Greenville Home School in mid-December and earned a much-needed victory with a score of 42-41.  The game was tied going into the fourth quarter, 26-26.  St. Joseph's defense came on strong, due to the efforts of freshman Michael Kopscik and sophomore Alex Winebarger.  "As a team, our strength has to be our defense.  When we defend well, we get easy baskets," stated Head Coach Michael Morrison.  Junior Roger Clinkscales and sophomore Craig Scholz led the offensive charge, connecting on two three-point shots. 

"We're really starting to gel together as a team," stated Clinkscales, one of the veteran players on the team.  "Coach Mike brings professionalism to our program and he makes us earn everything we get." 

The boys scored another victory that same week with a win (59-46) over Brashier Middle College Charter High School.  This game was highlighted by the hustle and defensive intensity of the Knights.  Winebarger, junior Ian Okinaga, and Scholz took down Brashier with a stifling defensive effort.  "Our goal is to get more opportunities on the offensive end by getting stops on the defensive end," added Coach Mike.  "I thought we did an excellent job of forcing them out of their offense." Senior Moses Burgess scored 34 points, with 12 rebounds.

 "I feel that we are improving every day under the guidance of Coach Mike," added Burgess. "I only wish that I could have been part of the program that he is developing at St. Joe's for more than one season."

The St. Joseph's Lady Knights are off to a developing season as well.  Although they posted two losses the week before Christmas break, Coach Mike is optimistic. "I see great improvements in our girls program since the summer when we started.  We are so young that this team is being built for the long race." 

The Varsity Girls and Boys Teams will host their third annual Holiday Hoops Tournament on Monday and Tuesday, December 29th and 30th.   On December 29th, the Varsity Girls will challenge Spartanburg Day School at 1:00 P.M., followed by the Boys Team battling Greenville Home School at 3:00 P.M.  On December 30th, the Consolation Games will be played at 1:00 (Girls) and 3:00 (Boys), and the Championship Games will be played at 5:00 (Girls) and 7:00 (Boys), respectively. 

"This season is a foundation setting season," concluded Coach Mike.  "We only have three seniors total in both the girls and boys varsity programs, so as we develop our identity, we are setting our stakes deep in the ground." 

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St. Joseph's students, clubs, organizations, and households volunteered their services in many ways during the Christmas season to help spread holiday cheer:

§ Student Council and the International Thespian Honor Society combined forces in a Canned Food Drive, resulting in over 1,500 pounds of food being delivered to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

§ Student Council and National Honor Society students sponsored a Toy Drive to benefit both Christmas in The Park and The Salvation Army Christmas Project. Over 100 new toys were donated this year.

§ National Honor Society students volunteered at Christmas In The Park in Simpsonville.

§ The School Choir entertained shoppers with Christmas songs at Barnes & Noble in December.

§ The International Thespian Society entertained patrons with a Coffeehouse performance in December at the Barnes & Noble Café.

§ Deborah Henderson's Art Students decorated and donated Christmas ornaments to help raise money at the school's annual fundraiser, The Knight Before Christmas Auction Gala.

§ National Honor Society students sang Christmas Carols at Haywood Estates on December 6th.

§ The Lettermen's Club purchased Christmas gifts for several children they helped to sponsor through A Child's Haven ministry.

§ The Wiethop Household, along with Student Council, assembled gift bags for needy families through The Salvation Army Christmas Project.

§ The Ryan Koon Household donated items to Miracle Hill Ministries from their "Wish List."

§ The Kranick Household delivered Christmas presents and treats to the K5 class at St. Anthony's School on December 10th.

§ The Hudson Household worked with Diligent Hands/Gracious Hearts doing yard work for the elderly on December 13th  

§ The McLucas Household collected and assembled items for the Open Arms Hospice Comfort Bags.  The bags were delivered to Hospice in December.

§ The O'Connor/Stanton Household collected hats for the Heavenly Hats Foundation, which distributed the donated hats to cancer survivors.

§ The Ruble and Tierney Households visited St. Anthony's School and read to the students, as well as delivered Christmas treats.  They also delivered Thanksgiving treat bags and warm clothing to St. Anthony's in November.

§ The Longenecker Household will be helping the Knights of Columbus organize and distribute food boxes for the poor on December 19^th and 20^th.

§ The Chapman Household traveled to the Frazee Center, an after-school program for impoverished children, and helped by providing snacks, playing games, and tutoring children.

§ The Megan Koon and George Carr Households collected housewares for the Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network Transitional Housing Program.

§ The Fryml Household donated needed items to the Carmelite Sisters in Greenville.

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A full house was on hand for the St. Joseph's Christmas Choral Concert,  "Oh Holy Knight," on Thursday, December 11th.   Under the direction of David Saliny, the Beginner and Intermediate Strings Ensembles performed several Christmas classics, both as a prelude to the Concert and following the Invocation.   The Middle School Chorus and the High School Chorus, both under the direction of Jennifer Gurn, performed many sacred Christmas songs as well as familiar holiday classics.   The High School Chorus performance of Jingle Bell Rock also included a performance by members of the SJCS Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Tami Kiser.  SJCS junior Adam Mosley served as the accompanist for the choral performance.  The program concluded with a reception hosted by the school's Jubilate Guild.  Patrons brought in over 275 canned goods to help re-stock St. Anthony's Parish Pantry.

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Congratulations to senior Graham Kauffman, sophomore Jared Kauffman, and eighth grader Kate Kelly, who were each named South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Swimmer of the Year. In addition, the following student-athletes who were recently named to the 2008 SCISA All-State Teams in their respective sport: Boys/Girls Cross Country: Josh Benore, Brad Benore, Ben Longenecker, Emily Coggins, Kayli Henk, Dani Inglesby, Katie Lynam, and Katie Sanders; Boys/Girls Swimming: Graham Kauffman, Jared Kauffman, Kate Kelly, Kelly McNulty, Jeremy Mehl, and Aya Nance; and Girls Volleyball: Jill Biediger. These athletes were honored at the SCISA All-State Reception held in Sumter, SC on December 7th. SCISA is a non-profit association of approximately 100 independent schools serving more than 37,000 teachers and students throughout the state.

The school's newest organization, The Aviation Club, began with a proposal submitted by eighth grader Trey Shows.  Other club members include junior Brandon Blaso, and sophomores Seth Kiser, John Pereira, and Will Tomlinson.  Theology Department faculty member Neil O'Connor was asked to serve as the Club Moderator, and Foreign Language Department Chair Lavinia Plumblee has joined the group to lessen her fear of flying by learning more about aircraft operations.  The club plans to explore various aviation-related topics, including flight training, airport operations, air traffic control, and aviation-related careers via guest speakers and field trips.

Last month,  the club welcomed Trey's flight instructor to discuss flight training, followed by a visit from the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) Manager to describe the structure and workings of a commercial airport  The club's two fields trips, to date, have included a tour of the air traffic control tower at Donaldson Center and a visit last Thursday to GSP where the members toured the tower, the terminal radar approach control (Greer TRACON), and the fire department.

While hearing about the equipment and responsibilities of the GSP Fire Department, the alarm sounded for an airliner diverting to GSP due to smoke in the cockpit.  The group was able to view, from runway level, the aircraft's approach and landing and the fire engines' pursuit.  The aircraft blew several tires on landing, witnessed by smoke trailing from the landing gear, but came to a safe stop with no injuries reported.

Forty-two SJCS high school students and twelve middle school students attended the YMCA's annual Youth in Government (YIG) Conference held at the State House in Columbia, SC December 3-6. The conference comprised over 1,200 high school students and 200 middle school students from across the state. SJCS History Department Chair Meby Carr, along with faculty members Peter Adair, John Devanny, and Katie Fryml, accompanied the students to Columbia.

§ The entire high school delegation once again received Premiere Delegation recognition, an accomplishment that this group has won for the past seven years.

SJCS Fall Coaches George Carr, Marie Kernell, and Jill Holliday were each named South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Coach Of The Year in their respective sports. Carr, SJCS Math Department Chair, serves as the Boys Cross Country Coach, a position he has held at the school for seven years. Kernell, an Assistant to the school's St. Thomas Aquinas Program Coordinator and an avid runner, coaches the Girls Cross Country Team. Holliday, a former SJCS standout swimmer and member of the Class of 2006, is a junior at Anderson University and has been coaching the St. Joseph's Swim Team for the past three seasons. These coaches were recognized at the SCISA All-State Reception held in Sumter, SC on December 7th.

High School students in Deborah Henderson's Mixed Media Class recently completed an upholstery project that began by drawing a still life from several different angles and then adding color to the drawing.  Once this was completed, students chose an area from their drawing to replicate 6-9 times in order to form a pattern.  Then, the students tried various color combinations before choosing the colors to compliment their design. The next step was to reproduce that design on three 18" x 24" pieces of blank newsprint.  Once it was dry, students fit the pieces onto a chair that they had chosen, bringing new life to an old chair.

Students in Sarah Wicker's middle school math classes recently enjoyed playing a game of probability. Students were introduced to the concept that a game is mathematically fair if the probability of winning is equal to the probability of loosing. Students worked in pairs and drew checkers from a paper bag to see if they matched. Students predicted which of three combinations of checkers would make the game fair, and they were surprised when experimental data did not match their predictions.

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The Senior Class recently sponsored a fundraiser at Mutt's Barbeque. Members of the Class of 2009 spent an evening waiting tables and cleaning the dining room. The students received 10% of the evening's proceeds, as well as tips. Over $200 was raised, which will go towards the purchase of the Senior Class Gift to the school.

Congratulations to SJCS Headmaster Keith Kiser, who was recently honored with the SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Dr. Charles Aimar Educational Leadership Award.  Mrs. Pearl Harris, St. Joseph's Catholic School Board of Trustees Member, presented Mr. Kiser with the award following the School Mass on Friday, December 5th.

During the Season of Advent, St. Joseph's is busy preparing for Christmas in a variety of ways:

§ Advent was the focus of school-wide Mass on Friday, December 5th, and again on Monday, December 8th.   The school community celebrated St. Nicholas Day at the Mass on December 5th by reviving the medieval custom of the Boy Bishop.   Middle School altar server and eighth grader Tyler Neves, elected by his peers to be Bishop of St Joseph's for a day, processed into Mass and afterwards preached a sermon.  In honor of St. Nicholas, "Bishop Neves" and his court distributed candy during lunch, while eighth grader Martin Pazdan spread mischief in the revived role of Black Peter.

§ During the school's activity period on Wednesday, December 10th, the school's Music Department and Campus Ministry have planned an Advent Reflection time.  This time will also present a special opportunity for Confessions with visiting priests. Students will be working in their Household during this time making Christmas decorations, Christmas posters, and a large composite Nativity mural. 

§ In addition, Campus Ministry has organized a schedule for Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays in Advent and the recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary during Middle School Lunch on Tuesdays in Advent.  Finally, students will take part in various Christmas charity efforts throughout the Greenville area.

Click here to view more photos from the 12-05-08 celebrations.

High school students in Julie Schroeder's Honors Physics Class recently conducted a lab experiment outside given a simple direction: "Find the distance between two points." It wasn't until the students went outside that they understood the true challenge of the lab. The two points were the basketball goal and the baseball field dugout, two points clearly across campus from one another, with the high school building and the gym in between them. Students were given measuring tape, protractors, and string. They were not told what path to take from one point to the other, nor were they told at which point to begin; the choice was theirs. The object of the lab was to get students to find displacement vectors that would lead them around the buildings to the opposite point. Once they found the vectors, they had to use sin, cos, Pythagorean Theorem, and the inverse tangent to add the vectors, thus finding the distance. When finished, they compared their results. No matter which path the students took or where they started, the distance between the two points was the same, proving that vectors can be added in any order and that there are various combinations of vectors that can add up to equal the same resultant vector. 

The St. Joseph's Knights Wrestling Team traveled to Hammond School in Columbia, SC on Wednesday, December 3rd, for a head-to-head match-up with the reigning SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) State Champions. Although there were several good matches, the Knights opened their season with a loss to a team that has won the last three state championships.

"They (Hammond) are a young team this year, but so are we," stated SJCS Head Wrestling Coach Jason Smith.  "This year should be our year to finally beat Hammond. We match up well with them, but on this particular night, their young guys were just a little better than our young guys."

Two young members of the St. Joseph's squad are first-year wrestlers, sophomore Alex Burnikel and eighth grader Tanner Roberson.  Both won their first-ever match on Wednesday night, accounting for over half of the Knights total score. In the 135 lb. weight class, Burnikel defeated his opponent with a pin in the first period. Roberson also got his victory via a first period pin over the Hammond wrestler in the 119 lb. class.

"It feels really good to win my first match ever," stated Burnikel. "Hopefully, I'll keep getting better, and be able to win a lot more."

Ahmad Dbouk and Steven Fowler, St. Joseph's two senior co-captains, also picked up victories for St. Joseph's. Dbouk defeated Hammond's Bradford MacGillivray in the 140 lb. class, 12-2. "Bradford and I have wrestled many times over the last three years," added Dbouk.  "It never gets easy. He is always a tough match." In the 189 lb. weight class, Fowler got his season rolling in a dominating fashion with a third period pin over Joseph McDougall.  "So far, I've met all my goals for the season," stated Fowler. "I'm undefeated and I haven't been scored on."

In the evening's other matches, eighth graders Travis Carrico, Noah Davis, and Nathan Henk all lost via pin in the first period. Freshmen Andrew Anderson and Gabe McCall had similar outcomes, both also falling in the first period of their respective matches.

"Everyone of the guys that lost on Wednesday night had an opportunity to win on Wednesday night," added Coach Smith.  "Each one made one or two small mistakes that they just couldn't recover from. It's nothing that can't be fixed. The next time we face Hammond, we'll be a whole different team."

St. Joseph's wrestled Hammond missing four of their experienced starting wrestlers. Sophomore Michael McCall and senior Danny Collins had school commitments and could not make the trip. Sophomores Clark Burgess and Will Dameron were out of the line-up with short-term injuries.

"After Christmas Break, we'll have everyone back competing and in good shape," concluded Smith.  "We'll be ready with a full, and hopefully healthy, line-up when we get to the State Championships."

Sarah Wicker's sixth grade boys religion class recently competed in a game of Jeopardy. Students were engaged in reviewing the names, places, and events found in the Book of Genesis. Questions and answers were typed into a form and saved on a game cartridge. The software includes authentic visuals and keeps track of each team's score.

Eighth grade students in Marla Kranick's Literature Classes have been reading The Diary of Anne Frank and discussing the Holocaust.  Anna Roman, grandmother of SJCS eighth grader Julia Roman, recently came to speak to the classes about what it was like to grow up under the Nazi regime.  She was  nine years old when Hitler came to power.  She talked about a number of things,  including the fact that her family was Catholic and did not support Hitler.  Mrs. Roman told many stories and answered questions from the class about how everyone lived in fear, without being able to trust anyone, including friends and neighbors.

Congratulations to SJCS seventh grader Melissa Zankman, who captured First Place and a cash prize in the Seventh Grade Photography Category at the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) Art and Photography Show held recently in Orangeburg, SC. Senior Erin McLear won Honorable Mention in the Grade 12 Photography Division and freshman Katie Helvey won Honorable Mention in the Grades 9-10 Artwork Division. SCISA is a non-profit association of approximately 100 independent schools serving more than 37,000 teachers and students throughout the state.

Congratulations to senior Jimmy Carney, who captured First Place in the High School Division at the SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Open Chess Tournament held recently in Orangeburg. The event was run in two phases, a morning and an afternoon session. The morning phase was a session of five 30-minute timed matches, during which players were paired for single-game competition. Participants accumulated point records during this session, and the highest four advanced to the afternoon phase of semi-finals and finals competition.  The semi-finals paired the top four players from the morning phase for three-game, 30-minute timed matches. Winners then advanced to the final three-game match. Pictured with Jimmy is SCISA representative Michael Fanning.  SCISA is a non-profit association of approximately 100 independent schools serving more than 37,000 teachers and students throughout the state.

Dbouk and Fowler look for three-peat

The St. Joseph's Knights recently began their wrestling practice and are getting ready for a successful season ahead. With a nucleus of seniors, including co-captains Ahmad Dbouk and Steven Fowler, along with some talented younger wrestlers, third year Head Coach Jason Smith says the Knights are looking for more.

"This season is all about "more," stated Coach Smith. "We have more wrestlers on our team than ever before. We have more coaches. And, as a result, we have more (higher) expectations for ourselves."

Along with Coach Smith, the Knights have added Ken Winslow to the staff as the Head JV/Middle School Coach. The team also has several volunteer assistant coaches, including St. Joseph's alumnus Philip Hearn.

"Each of our assistant coaches bring something positive to our program. They all have a role to fill, and they are willing give of their time to help this program get better," added Coach Smith.

Also looking for "more" are seniors Ahmad Dbouk and Steven Fowler. Both Dbouk and Fowler are two-time state champions, and are looking to end their wrestling career at St. Joseph's with a third SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) Individual State Championship and the school's first ever Dual-Team State Championship Title. 

"Other schools throughout the state have been keeping an eye on us for a couple of years now," stated Dbouk.  "They know who we are and we're not going to be able to sneak-up on anyone." Fowler added, "Ahmad and I are targets. All the best wrestlers in the state are going to be looking to beat us, but we're ready. We've been working hard during the off-season, hoping to make the most of our senior year." 

After the first week of practice, Coach Smith projected the Knight's Varsity Team line-up.  In the 103/112 lb. weight class, eighth graders Travis Carrico and Noah Davis will be battling for starting positions.  In the 119 lb. weight class, sophomore Michael McCall will be followed by freshman Andrew Anderson at 125 lb.  The 130, 135, 140, and 145 lb. weight classes will include a rotating line-up of Dbouk, sophomore Alex Burnikel, and eighth graders Nathan Henk and Michael Kiser.  Sophomore Clark Burgess will wrestle in the 152 lb. weight class.   The 160 and 171 lb. weight classes will be manned by Fowler, along with freshman Gabe McCall.   Sophomore Will Dameron will wrestle at the 189 lb. level.  Senior Danny Collins will anchor the Knights line-up at the 285 lb. weight class.

"We are blessed this year," concluded Coach Smith.  "We're going to come close to having a complete line-up for the first time. We have senior leadership, experience, and abilities. We also have a group of young wrestlers who are itching to get on the mat in competition so they can show what they can do. There's been a lot of excitement in the halls about this wrestling team. As always, I hope we can exceed our expectations."

The Knight's first test of the season will be Wednesday, December 3rd in Columbia against the SCISA four-time defending state champions, Hammond School. The Knight's will then test their mettle against some of the best wrestling programs in the southeast when they travel to Eastside High School on December 5th and 6th for the annual Southern Slam Tournament.

The SJCS Science Department hosted their annual middle school "St. Albert The Great" Science Day on Wednesday, November 19th in celebration of St. Albert the Great, Doctor of the Church and Patron of Scientists.  Eighth grade students presented their Science Fair projects and sixth and seventh grade students presented projects demonstrating scientific concepts. The afternoon was open for family viewing.

• The Eighth Grade Science Fair Winners included:  First Place:  Jack Lynch (Effect of Phone Use on Driving), Second Place: Noah Davis (The Effects of Color on Memory), Third Place:  Kaitlyn Posa (The Effects of Exercise on Short Term Memory), and Fourth Place: Cody Davidson (The Impact of External Conditions on Solar Panels). These students will now compete in the Greenville County Regional Science Fair to be held at Roper Mountain Science Center in March.
• Eighth Grade Science Fair Honorable Mention included Amy Asbury (Does Bucket Color Affect Water Consumption in Horses?), Allison Suhrer (Can the Life Span of a Soap Bubble Be Extended?), Tyler Neves (Why Frozen Pucks?), Joey Wooten (Does Ethanol in Gas Affect MPG?), Julia Roman  (The Effects of Air Pressure on Rolling Distance), Adam Miller (The Effect of Temperature, pH, and Quantity of an Enzyme on its Activity), Austen Burnikel (Does Drinking Bottled Water Through a Straw Decrease the Amount of Bacterial Backwash?), Jensen Grim (Are You Sure?), and Theresa Pometto (Does Color Affect Photosynthesis?).
• In the St. Albert The Great Science Day Invention Category, parents voted for their favorite inventions.  The winners were: First Place:  Kira Sawyers (The Doggie Lighted Flap Jacket), Second Place Tie:  Alec Biscopink (The Shock Clock) and Gene Langan (The Screw Pen), Third Place Tie: Sierra Hyer (The Hands Free Hairdryer Stand) and Alexander Powell (The Solar Jack), Fourth Place Tie:  Patrick Hudak (The Tennis Ball Oven), Patrick Mobley (Hold'em Open), Graham Roberts (Grocery Helper K28), Tyler Grant (Drive 'R Find 'R), Andrew Stein (SUV Super Sudzer), Caitlin Moon (The Whistle and Seek), and Stanley Bikulege (The Benchwarmer).
• In the St. Albert The Great Science Day Teacher's Choice Category, the winners were: Kayli Henk (The Ever New), Jennifer Coggins (Spill-Endid), Caroline Travan (MediBite Delights), Julia Sexton (The Active Baby Changer ABC), Madeline Fric (The Learning Monster), Stephen Krupka (Wik-Lid), Kurt Arevalo (The Vest Pack), and Tyler Yearwood (The Keep Cool Water Bowl).

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Some sweeping changes have come about to St. Joseph's Catholic School's basketball program this year. Coach Mike Morrison was hired as the Director of Basketball operations and charged with the task of developing what he calls a "foundation for success," both on and off the basketball court.  "St. Joseph's already had the spiritual, educational, and social foundation in place," stated Coach Morrison. "It's a coach's dream job to now develop and build a basketball program from this foundation."

Morrison got a chance to get to know some of his prospective players this summer at camp.  "Team camp was an opportunity for the team to get an idea of my coaching style and what some of my off-the-court expectations would be," added Morrison.  "The boys team did well, as we competed with Cardinal Newman School for the championship in the Boys Varsity Division."

Mark Joseph was named the school's Assistant Director of Basketball and will serve as the Assistant Girls and Boys Varsity Coach.  Tim Anderton will head up the JV Boys Team and assist with the varsity boys.  Eric Hagerman will coach the Middle School Boys Team.  Both Mark and Tim are schoolteachers. "It was important to me to hire young coaches with a passion for kids," added Coach Morrison.  "At the end of the day our biggest and most important job is developing good people."

Members of the Boys Varsity 2008-2009 Team include:  Moses Burgess, Roger Clinkscales, Michael Baliker, Austin Cajka, Ian Okinaga, Michael Swoyer, Alex Wineberger, Mike Devon, Craig Scholz, J.D. Brookbank, Chris Shrank, and Michael Kopscik.  The Boys JV Team members include:  Cody Davidson, Ben Quattrone, David Rogozenski, Jered Wolski, Ben Dunphy, Alexander Powell, David Estes, Austin Mattison, and Tyler Lagnese.

Jessica Writt has been named the Girls Head JV Girls coach and will assist on the Varsity squad.  Alexis Walker and Iren Hamilton are the Middle School Girls coaches.  Coach Morrison felt it was important to have knowledgeable women coach whom the girls could relate to and talk to if needed. 

Members of the Girls Varsity Team for the 2008-2009 season include: Amanda Koshis, Alyson Brown, Stephanie Saunders, Caitlin Rusnak, Liz Reynolds, Jeanne Morrison, Caroline Sparr, Jena Mohr, Cara Mohr, Rebekah Hildebrad, Megan Kopsick, and Laura Twomey. The Girls JV Team is comprised of: Kayla Twomey, Meredith Moore, Megan Heijjer, Kaitlyn Dunphy, Mary Stanton, Carlin Friedholm, Monica Fric, and Elizabeth Moore.

"We feel that winning will come in time, but we earn the right to have a chance to win every day in practice.  Winning is much more than what the scoreboard shows.  It's how much you improve each day," concluded Coach Morrison.  

Click here to view more photos from the Opening Home Varsity Games.

Seventeen SJCS students, representing French, Spanish, Latin, and Japanese languages, competed in the 36th annual Clemson Declamation Contest held on Saturday, November 8th at Clemson University.   St. Joseph's competed with over hundreds of students from over thirty schools throughout South Carolina and Georgia.

§ In the French category, the following students captured third place: Matthew Dix (French IIA), Bernadette Wersinger (French IIB), Maggie Surher (French IIIA), and Taylor Murphy (French IIIA).   Also competing in the French category was Noah Davis (French I), Mary-Grace Carey (French IIA), and Jose Cabrera (French IIB).

§ In the Spanish category, Jessica Peck (Spanish IIA) captured second place. Third place honors went to Abigail DeMars (Spanish IIA) and Theresa Krupka (Spanish IIIA).  Also participating in the Spanish category was Kelly McNulty and Stephanie Raczowski for Spanish IIA and Emily Cinquemani for Spanish IIIA. 

§ In the Latin category, Amy Hase and Taylor Murphy competed in Latin II and Kelsey Mazur in Latin III.

§ In Independent Study, Japanese students Brendan Watterson and Emiko Kakimoto both competed in the Native category.

St. Joseph's Foreign Language Department Chair Lavinia Plumblee, along with SJCS French teacher Charlotte Dabbene and Spanish teacher Mireya Lumbreras, accompanied the students to Clemson.

SJCS Fine Arts Department presents its first-ever Shakespearean production of Much Ado About Nothing November 21-23. Show times are Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, at 7:00 P.M., with a Sunday matinee at 3:00 P.M. You won't want to miss a moment of this classic tale, featuring characters making "much ado about nothing" while rumors, overheard as facts, cause couples to fall in and out of love. Come enjoy this fresh performance of the Bard's best comedy! Ticket prices, which include refreshments at Intermission, are $10 for children and senior citizens and $15 for adults. For more information, call (864) 234-9009, ext. 386.

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The High School Academic Team placed second at the SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Regional Quiz Bowl Tournament hosted by St. Joseph's on Wednesday, November 12th. SJCS was narrowly defeated in six rounds of competition by Cardinal Newman School. Other schools competing were Oakbrook Preparatory and Richard Winn Academy, who finished third and fourth, respectively. Coached by faculty moderator George Carr, SJCS team members include Jeremy Mehl, Elizabeth Moore, Taylor Murphy, Michael Newton, Jessica Peck, Jay Rex, Joshua Schammel, Peter Schatteman, and Mark Schott, who successfully answered questions on topics in art, current events, geography, grammar, history, literature, math, music, religion, and science. "For a team made up entirely of freshmen and sophomores, I was very, very proud of how well they did against mostly upper classmen from the other schools," stated Carr. "I'm really excited about what these kids can and will do in the future."

St. Joseph's History Department recently hosted a "Penny-Wars" fundraiser at the school as students 'voted' with their change for their preferred presidential candidate. All money raised from this event benefited the Youth In Government (YIG) Scholarship Program, which awards need-based partial scholarships to students to attend YIG in Columbia next month. St. Joseph's has donated to the scholarship fund during each of its seven years of participation. Meby Carr, History Department Chair, recently presented a $500.00 check to Mary Capers Bledsoe, Director of the YMCA's Youth in Government program during a school-wide assembly.

St. Joseph's students once again participated in "Forty Days for Life," a period set aside each year, marked by prayer and fasting, in an effort to end abortion. In addition to making individual prayers and sacrifices, students participated in a voluntary, student-led rosary during lunchtime one day a week. Students also prayed the rosary in their religion classes. For the first time, the school organized a group to participate in the annual Life Chain in early October, providing staff, students, and their families the opportunity to be a public witness for their faith. Future pro-life activities at St. Joseph's include a planned trip to the annual March for Life in Columbia in January 2009.

St. Joseph's paid tribute to all veterans in a special Veteran's Day Ceremony held on Tuesday, November 11th.  Hosted by the school's History Department, in cooperation with the Fine Arts/Music Department, Fr. Dwight opened the assembly with a prayer and several Boy Scouts led off with a Posting of the Colors and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Headmaster Keith Kiser spoke of the men and women throughout history who have answered the call of duty and welcomed the speakers and visitors who had joined the assembly to speak about their wartime experiences.  

• Francis Thompson served as a Private First Class in the 453rd Engineer Construction Battalion.  He served in the Army for two years, spending thirteen months in the Korean Conflict. 
• Paul Barra served five years on active duty in the Navy, two years on reserve duty, and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1973. For his service on the rivers of South Vietnam, Barra was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V", the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam's Cross of Gallantry with Golden Palm.  Barra currently teaches high school science at St. Joseph's.  
• Brody Wayne Smith attained the rank of Sergeant with the 2nd Army Ranger Battalion.  As part of his four and half years of service, Smith was deployed in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and again in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). He has received three Army Commendations Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, a Combat Infantryman's Badge, and an Expert Infantryman's Badge.  
• Father Hayden Vaverek, an Air Force Chaplain, celebrated his 20th anniversary in the Air Force this past October and currently holds the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Northern Watch and to multiple locations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq).  Fr. Hayden is a long time supporter and friend of St. Joseph's.  
• Other veterans who enjoyed the program included: SJCS alumnus Javier Yudice '02, who recently returned home from a year-long deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), currently serves as a First Lt. in the SC National Guard.  Herb Crews, grandfather to SJCS students Clark and Moses Burgess, served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, and was part of the military effort on D-Day, as well as other operations throughout Central Europe.

The School Choir performed several patriotic songs throughout the program, including American Heroes, God Bless America, and the entire assembly joined in singing America The Beautiful to close out the ceremony. 

The Senior Class enjoyed a one-day retreat at Look Up Lodge near Travelers Rest on Monday, November 10th. Father Dwight led several sessions about personality types, helping students to understand more about their own personality type, and how this knowledge can help them in future decisions. Another session focused on how different types of people encounter Christ in different ways. The seniors celebrated Mass together and had a chance to use the giant three-man swing and go boating on the lake. The beautiful autumn weather added to a memorable retreat.

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SJCS senior Graham Kauffman signed a National Letter of Intent to swim for West Virginia University.  West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, WV and competes in NCAA Division I athletics.  WVU is a member of the BIG EAST conference and is a perennial conference championship contender. Graham will be swimming for head coach Vic Riggs, who is in his third year as the coach of the Mountaineers.  Graham currently swims for Coach Peter Wright at Y-Spartaquatics Swim Club in Duncan, SC and has won multiple awards throughout his high school career, including YMCA All-American, High School Sports Report Swimmer of Year, SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Swimmer of the Year, and is a four-time All-State selection. 

SJCS senior William Joseph signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Mars Hill College. Mars Hill is a NCAA Division II institution located in Mars Hill, NC. He will be playing under head coach Dan Taylor, who is in his fifth year at Mars Hill College.  Joseph, a 6"5", 220 lb pitcher and third baseman, was the 2008 SJCS Coach's Award Recipient. In 2008, he played American Legion baseball, ending the season with a batting average of .538.    

SJCS senior Jill Biediger signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at Mars Hill College. Biediger, a 5'9" setter, will be playing for head coach Tony Fontanelle, who just completed his fifth season with the Lions. Jill was recently named All-Conference, SCISA AAA Region I Player of the Year, and will play in the Oasis Shrine Bowl for the South Carolina All-Stars.

Click here to view a Greenville News Photo Gallery of area signings.

SJCS faculty member Julie Schroeder and five SJCS students recently attended a three-day Kairos retreat hosted by Cardinal Newman School.  Kairos, a word meaning "God's time," is a three-day student-led experience totally devoted to God.  St. Joseph's students Josh Bathon, Mary Grace Carey, Theresa Krupka, Cindy Stanley, and Arianna Wise, members of the school's Campus Ministry Team, attended the retreat with the intent of gathering the skills needed to lead next year's juniors on a similar retreat at St. Joseph's. 

Julie Schroeder, a former Cardinal Newman faculty member, served as a Kairos chaperone while teaching at the Columbia school.  "Kairos was truly a life changing experience for so many of the Cardinal Newman students who were able to attend," said Schroeder.  "The juniors that went on last year's Kairos became the closest class at Cardinal Newman.  They truly came back with a greater respect for one another and for themselves.  Most importantly, however, they came away with a closer relationship with God.  In my opinion, the retreat changed the dynamics of the school. From the moment I applied to teach at St. Joseph's, I knew that I wanted to bring this experience to the school." 

Kairos asks that students step away from their busy schedules and give three days to God.  They give up clocks, watches, TVs, cell phones, iPods and schoolbooks; anything that would distract them from the purpose of the retreat.  "I've never done anything like this before," said Mary Grace Carey.  "I have honestly never felt so connected to God.  I can not wait to share the experience with my class."

There are student and faculty that speak on everything from "Obstacles to God's Love" to "Christian Leadership."  The talks were as diverse as the group of students, but each spoke to the students' hearts in a unique way. "Kairos was an amazing experience," concluded Theresa Krupka.  "I hope that the classes at St. Joseph's can also experience this because it will bring a deeper unity and love to the school."

Local members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) recently presented Headmaster Keith Kiser with a check for nearly two thousands dollars in response to their recent fundraising efforts.  Each year, the Greenville Division of the AOH organizes a fundraiser for area Catholic Schools. The Hibernians have supported St. Joseph's for several years and continue to plan new projects in support of the school.  The AOH is an Irish Catholic fraternal organization that meets at Prince of Peace Parish the first Thursday of every month and welcomes inquires from men interested in friendship, unity, and true Christian charity.  For more information, visit: www.aohgreenville.com.

Spanish I and Spanish II students in Luz Fernandez's class recently hosted a Day of the Dead Fiesta. The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is an ancient Mexican tradition that combines the traditions of the indigenous communities of Mexico with the Catholic traditions brought by the Spanish to the New World. Day of the Dead is observed on November 1st and 2nd each year. During these days, families celebrate by creating altars to their loved ones. They visit graveyards and spend the night with the spirits of the deceased. Mexico popular folk art for the Day of the Dead includes playful clay figures, papal picado (cut paper) in the form of skeletons, and painted tin skeletons.

The National Catholic High School Honor Roll has once again named St. Joseph's Catholic School in its selection of the best 50 Catholic secondary schools in the United States.  The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education, distinguishing those schools that excel in academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education.

The best schools demonstrate a balanced excellence, which includes an active Catholic culture, sound college preparation and integration of Church teaching in all departments.  These schools also display sound moral, catechetical, and civic formation that prepares students for vocations in the world as political, religious, scientific, and business leaders.

In its five years, the Honor Roll has seen over 50 percent of America's nearly 1,300 Catholic high schools participate at least once.  This year nearly 300 schools completed the three detailed surveys that measure a school's adherence to the Church's educational mission.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. It is produced in consultation with an advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and scholars. Advisory board member Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, President of Catholic University of America, said the Honor Roll's evaluation method is indispensable. "Catholic schools must examine themselves on a regular basis using a well-rounded approach that assesses adherence to the Church's educational calling," he said. "The Honor Roll strengthens schools by encouraging high standards and vibrant Catholicism."

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Marla Kranick's Household traveled to St. Anthony's School recently to help with Arts and Crafts in Tara Cabe's K5 classroom. St. Joseph's high school girls helped the children to trace their hands on construction paper. The children then cut out the shapes and glued on feathers to make small turkeys. The St. Anthony's students were elated to see their St. Joseph's friends again and knew most of the girls by name. The Kranick Household has been traveling to St. Anthony's School for the past two years to work with this group of students.

Team Day Celebration

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High school students in Jennette Pelicano's AP Biology class recently conducted experiments investigating rates of photosynthesis.  This lab, part of the College Board official AP lab series, makes use of spectrophotometers to measure experimental data.  The instrument measures the amount of light transmitted through or absorbed by a sample at a programmed wavelength.  In samples where photosynthesis was occurring, students were able to calculate the rate of the reactions by tracking the disappearance of a colored dye used as an oxidizing agent in the photosynthetic pathway.  Students participating in St. Joseph's AP Biology classes often make use of technology and techniques that were only recently limited to college laboratory settings.

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Several SJCS high school students attended the fall meeting of the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science held on Saturday, November 1st at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.  The team comprised of seniors Ahmad Dbouk, Emily Zankman, and junior Jimmy Williams placed third in the Advanced Division of the Challenge Bowl from among several teams that competed from around the state. Another SJCS team, comprised of juniors Jacob Hanna, Miggy Maceda, and sophomore Jeremy Mehl, took home second place honors in the Challenge Bowl Novice Division.  Junior Thomas Cannon, Ahmad Dbouk, Jeremy Mehl, junior Anna Wilkes, and Emily Zankman were selected as the South Carolina Academy of Science Student Directors. In addition, the students listened to presentations on nanoscience and hydrogen fuel from university professors, as well as a lecture on "Entrepreneurship Through Science" from a representative of the South Carolina Research Authority.  SJCS science department faculty members Paul Barra and Carol Dunn accompanied the students to Columbia. 

The "Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat" Food Drive netted over 1,550 pounds of canned food and boxed dry goods for St. Anthony's Catholic Church Food Bank. This annual contest, sponsored by St. Joseph's International Thespian Honor Society, ran throughout the month of October. Congratulations to the high school and middle school Household winners: the Kranick Household donated 788 items and the Tierney Household donated over 300 items.  Each winning Household will receive an ice-cream party.

St. Joseph's Fine Arts Department recently hosted Adam Critchlow and Emily Rossi, journeymen in The Warehouse Theatre's "Wooden O" Educational Outreach Program, as part of a classroom artist residency program.   Throughout the residency, the "Wooden O" used many activities for the students to utilize when reading and performing the works of Shakespeare. This residency will conclude on Wednesday, November 5th, when the Journeymen will perform for the student body a cut version of Hamlet during the school's Omega Day activity period.

The Fine Arts upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing, the school's first-ever Shakespearean production, premieres November 21-23. Show times are Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, at 7:00 P.M., with a Sunday matinee at 3:00 P.M.  This classic tale features characters making "much ado about nothing" while rumors, overheard as facts, cause couples to fall in and out of love. Come enjoy this fresh performance of the Bard's best comedy!  Ticket prices, which include refreshments at intermission, are $10 for children and senior citizens and $15 for adults. A ticket order form can be found on the home page of this website, or call (864) 234-9009, ext. 386.

Following an undefeated season that included SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) Region and State Championships, three girls from the St. Joseph's Cross-Country Team received awards at the Greenville County Cross-Country Championships held at Heritage Park in Simpsonville on Saturday, October 25th. Freshman Dani Inglesby, SCISA All-Region and All-State, finished in the Top Ten and was named to the All-County Team. Junior Katie Sanders and sophomore Katie Lynam, both SCISA All-Region and All-State, finished in the Top 15 and received awards.

To coincide with the upcoming presidential election, SJCS seventh and eighth graders traveled to the Peace Center in downtown Greenville recently to see the performance of a program entitled "VOTE."  This program acted out the history of suffrage in the United States, as well as the importance of voting.  In addition to numerous class discussions and debates about the upcoming election, the middle school students have been learning the history behind suffrage in this country.  The performance was put on by a traveling group of actors called ETC, which is based in Florida.  This program was part of the Peace Center's "POP! Series For Children."

Middle School Celebrates Fall Fest

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St. Joseph's JV Football Team closed out their inaugural season with a 42-12 victory over West Oak on October 23rd.  This victory not only showcased the team-effort approach emphasized by the coaches throughout the year, but it also marked an end to a season that saw the Knights improve with each passing week. 

"Every player participated in this season-ending victory, sending us into the off-season with good reason to believe that the best is yet to come," stated Head Coach Joe Hyland. 

The game was marked by contributions from players in each phase of the game.  The action was highlighted by a strong kicking game and a new-found running attack, which served to compliment the continued strong defense and increasingly better offensive line play. 

St. Joseph's got on the board first with a touchdown on their opening drive, something they have not been able to do all season.  The offense drove the ball down the field behind the strong play of their offensive line and the running of Ashton Ardoin.  Quarterback Aaron Lesiak then found Cody Davidson behind defenders in the middle of the field to score the second touchdown.  Later in the quarter, Ardoin broke off another long run to the West Oak two-yard line before Lesiak punched it in on a quarterback sneak.  West Oak responded later in the half with a scoring drive of their own.  With less than two minutes to play before halftime, the Knights got the ball back and the offense drove down the field and scored on Cody Davidson's second touchdown of the game to make it 21-6.

Having led at halftime in every game of the season except the opener, only to lose two of those games late in the fourth quarter, the Knights understood the importance of finishing what they started.  The second half was dominated by St. Joseph's in a way that they have not been able to do all year. 

The offense scored early in the second half, this time on a tackle-breaking run by Ardoin, while the defense made key stops throughout the game and forced two turnovers.  After returning a kickoff for a touchdown, West Oak found themselves on St. Joseph's heels for the remainder of the game as J.D. Brookbank and Ardoin both scored with the help of an offensive line that put together their finest performance to date.

Even though the Knights ended their first season 2-3, Coach Hyland believes the record doesn't give an accurate picture of all the good things happening amongst the players. "The team is a total of seven points from being 4-1, and 80% of these boys had never played organized football prior to this season. What a testament this is to their efforts." 

Hyland goes on to say, "If you look at our season, we were the least penalized team in 4 of 5 games, we found ways to move the ball, the boys were in every game, and two of the three games were lost in the fourth quarter.  We were showing improvement each week, and the attitude that the boys were starting to develop is a good sign as well."  

Towards the end of the final game, Hyland saw what he deemed the one defining moment.  "If you look at the last play of our season – we fumbled the ball, the defense scoops it up and is off to the races with what appears to be a 70 yard touchdown.  However, our defensive end, Adam Miller, doesn't quit on the play and runs him down at our 25 yard line. In one play, I saw what this program is all about…never quitting, never ever giving up - despite how things might seem, playing with heart, finding ways to get it done, and giving it your best effort.  I could not have asked for a better end to the season to close out the game and this inaugural year." 

The SJCS Advancement Office, in conjunction with the school's grandparent support organization, The St. Anne's Society, sponsored the third annual Grandparents Day celebration on Wednesday, October 22nd.  Approximately 150 grandparents and friends of the school attended the morning festivities. Grandparents and their grandchildren attended Mass in the school Chapel, followed by a Parents Guild sponsored brunch in the cafeteria.  

The school had previously sponsored a Grandparent Essay Contest, as part of the statewide contest "Greatest Grandparent of the Year 2008."  Nineteen SJCS students submitted entries, using the 75-word limit as directed by the state contest guidelines.  Following the celebration of Mass, the SJCS winners were announced and the winning entries were read. 

In addition, the morning included the Blessing and Dedication of the Deacon Robert Brady Memorial Classroom.  Deacon Brady taught middle school Religion classes during the 2006-2007 school year.  The Brady family, in wishing to honor his memory, set up a scholarship in Deacon Brady's name and each year, the school will present a monetary award to a deserving middle school student who meets established criteria. The inaugural year scholarship was awarded to SJCS sixth grader La Samrae Vandross. Mrs. Sue Brady and her granddaughter Amanda Brady, along with Deacon Matt Mannino from St. Mary Magdalene Parish, were in attendance.

The morning concluded with school tours for all the visitors.

Click here to view the list of SJCS Grandparent Contest Essay Winners.

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Having earned a berth to the state playoffs this year by placing first in their conference, the St. Joseph's varsity volleyball season ended on Saturday at the SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) AAA State Tournament in Sumter, SC.  

It was a season marked by many firsts: the Lady Knights were crowned Tournament Champions at a pre-season tournament in Charleston, and again named Tournament Champions at a six-team tournament hosted by St. Joseph's in late August.  The team was also crowned season-ending Conference Champions, defeating last year's SCISA Conference Champ and State Tournament Finalist Hammond School twice in regular season play.  The squad advanced farther this year in the SCISA State Tournament than any other previous volleyball team in the school's short history.

"I am so proud of these girls and their accomplishments. They worked hard since the beginning of the summer and all of this hard work paid off," stated Head Coach Jan Carino. "Even though they did not quite reach their ultimate goal - a state championship - I would say that they have every reason to pat themselves on the back."

St. Joseph's entered the tournament seeded third in the upper bracket and faced the number six seed, Florence Christian, in the first round. The Lady Knights started out a bit sluggish, but soon came alive and defeated Florence Christian 25-19, 26-24.  In the second round, St. Joseph's faced the number two seed, Porter Gaud of Charleston.

"Charleston has the reputation of being the volleyball powerhouse region in SCISA," said Coach Carino.  "Unfortunately, we never have the opportunity to play them in the regular season, so I have no idea what to expect until I see them on the court at the state tournament."

The Lady Knights held their own against a strong Porter Gaud team, but could not quite pull off the win with game scores of 23-25, 22-25.  

After a two-hour wait, the Lady Knights were on the court again for their third match of the night, taking on the number four tournament seed, Robert E. Lee.  "The girls were as pumped up as I've ever seen them and came out on fire," stated Carino.  "This was the best match that they played all day and possibly all season." Several players contributed to the 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory.  Carly Hudson had 10 kills and 3 aces, Ashli Lagaly had 6 kills and 2 aces, Amanda Morel had 4 kills and 2 aces, Mary Kate McClintock had 4 kills and 2 aces, and Brittany Newsome had 2 kills.  

The team's hopes of a state championship were shattered with a final loss to conference rival Ben Lippen on Saturday. 

"We played almost error free in our final game on Friday night, and then in the match on Saturday, we couldn't do anything," said Coach Carino. "It is baffling to me how and/or why this happens, and it is something that I will try to figure out from now until next season. But regardless, this was a great season and the girls should hold their heads high with pride."

St. Joseph's had three players named All Conference: senior Jill Biediger, and juniors Carly Hudson and Amanda Morel.  The region coaches voted Biediger "Player of the Year" and Coach Jan Carino was awarded "Coach of the Year."

St. Joseph's Junior Varsity Volleyball Team also met with many successes this season.  The squad finished with an overall record of 14-4 and a conference record of 10-0, earning them the Conference Championship Title. The squad also hosted the JV Region Tournament, which included the top four teams from their SCISA Region. In the first round, SJCS defeated Cardinal Newman in three games. The Lady Knights then met Ben Lippen in the Tournament Championship game, and went on to defeat the Falcons in three games, claiming the Tournament Championship trophy.

"The future of the St. Joseph's volleyball program looks bright," concluded Carino.  "With our Middle School, JV, and Varsity Teams all being crowned Conference Champions, I am very excited about what we will be able to accomplish next year."

Congratulations to the Middle School Math Team, who placed fourth out of thirty-two teams that participated in the annual South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) 2008 Middle School Math Meet held October 8th in Orangeburg, SC.  Alec Biscopink, Alyson Brown, Noah Davis, Gil Gonzales, Christopher Heijjer, Patrick McLear, Feras Namouz, Nic Poupore, William Tierney, Noah Schammel, and Surya Veerabagu represented the school.  Surya Veerabagu and William Tierney each received medals for the top team scores.   Sarah Wicker and Anne Gragtmans, SJCS middle school math teachers, accompanied the students to Orangeburg.

The SJCS Middle School Boys Soccer Team won their second consecutive Christian Middle School Conference (CMSC) Championship on Friday night, October 17th, against Mitchell Road Christian Academy (MRCA). 

The MRCA Eagles scored first, but the Knights quickly countered with a shot to the corner by eighth grader Justin Finigan, off an assist by striker Chris Heijjer. Soon afterwards, seventh grader Brennan Koslow took a direct kick, and Heijjer put the rebound into the goal to give the Knights a 2-1 lead.  With three minutes left in the first half, Heijjer again penetrated the Eagles defense and laid the ball off for an assist by striker, Michele Bottari, for a 3-1 lead.

The second half was a defensive struggle, led by eighth grader Andrew Grant at sweeper and sixth grader Kevin Lorenzen at stopper. The Knights allowed only two shots on goal the first half, and less than five in the second half, with help from sixth grader Theo Longenecker and seventh grader Patrick Hudak on the outside back positions.

Knights' midfielders Brennan Koslow, Justin Finigan, David Durham, and Patrick McLear challenged every ball. "Winning 50/50 balls has been a big improvement focus for the team this year," stated Coach Jervey Inglesby. With less than two minutes left, MRCA managed to score a goal, bringing the final score to 3-2 in favor of the Knights for the championship title. "The midfield was awesome in this championship match," added Inglesby. "They played with enough heart to overcome the size difference posed by MRCA."

Andrew Grant, Bradley Kauffman, Brennan Koslow and Kevin Lorenzen were named to the CMSC All Conference Team.

"It was great winning the conference championship two years in a row," added Andrew Grant. "Even though we lost some players from last year's team, we got a lot of new players this year who contributed to our success.  My three years of middle school soccer have really been fun!"

Congratulations to the Kranick Household for capturing First Place in the Homecoming Spirit Week Competition.  High School Households competed for points during Spirit Week by making banners, submitting names for the new mascot, dressing up for spirit days, and attending home sporting events. The top four Households were then charged with one final task: to see how many non-perishable food items they could collect over Fall Break.  The Kranick Household won decisively, with an average of over 50 items per student.  The winners will receive a Salsarita's catered lunch.

Congratulations to the Joel Brandon and Meby Carr Households, the winners in the "Box Tops For Education" Household Contest.  The Brandon Household won first place in the Middle School with 1032 box tops and the Carr Household captured first place in the High School with 622 box tops.  The winners will receive a dress-down day.

Congratulations to seventh grader Alec Biscopink, who auditioned for and was selected to participate in the 2008 Western Region All-State Orchestra. Competing against sixty violinists in grades 6-9 from Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties, Alec received the second highest score of all the violinists who auditioned. The Western Region Orchestra will take place at Easley High School on November 21-22.