Winter Pep Rally and Christmas Break!

Hey guys, yesterday was our winter pep rally. All of the varsity winter teams were announced and the cheerleaders performed. Afterwards, the step squad and dance team performed, as well. Many activities were going on like the 3 on 3 basketball tournaments against the teachers (who were pretty impressive)! There was also knockout and a half court shot competition. The gym was decorated green, red, and white for Christmas. The pep rally is always a great way to get everyone pumped about the winter season and a great way to leave the school for winter break.

Christmas break is coming before we know it and I'm sure everyone is excited. We could all use a nice break to relax before midterms. Christmas is such an exciting holiday to celebrate whether you're away or at home. It's a great time of year to get together with family and friends and just appreciate all that we have. There are so many fun traditions that come along with Christmas that only make it better. It's also a great way to end the year. Can you believe it? The next time we come back to school it will be 2010 so enjoy 2009 for the next couple of weeks while you can! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and break. I'll try and write before we come back to school. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :)

Christmas Semi Formal and Tree Shopping!

Hey everyone! This past Friday was our Christmas Semi Formal, like I mentioned in my last blog. The gym was completely transformed and looked awesome! Good job to everyone who worked on the gym the days before semi; we all worked really hard to make it great. My friends and I took pictures before we headed to semi. We had a great time together and this was a good way to start the Christmas season.

This weekend, I also went Christmas tree shopping on Sunday. I went with my family, my aunt and uncle, my cousin and her fiancé, and my cousin and her boyfriend. The Christmas tree farm we went to was gigantic and there were so many trees to choose from. Since it snowed the day before, the ground and the trees were covered with snow. All of us decided to have a snow ball fight and we even made a mini snowman. After searching for a while, my mom and aunt finally picked perfect trees. My aunt’s tree was 12 feet tall (our tree was only 8 feet)! Our tree is drying outside of our house right now and we’re all so excited to decorate it soon! Good luck everyone with finding your own Christmas tree :) !

Thanksgiving Weekend!

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed your nice long weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is usually a time to just eat, relax, and set up Christmas decorations, but this year my family had a lot going on. The day after Thanksgiving was my grandmother’s 70th birthday so my mom, aunt, and uncle decided to throw her a surprise birthday party. Of course, my cousins and I had to help too, so for a lot of the day on Friday we were busy with that. That night the party took place and my grandma sure did seem surprised (although she totally knew all along, you can’t hide anything from her!). I know that she had a great time with all of her friends and family and I could tell everyone else there had a great time, as well. On Saturday, my family also planned to take a trip to Pennsylvania. My other grandparents had bought tickets for us to see a Christmas show. My family, my grandparents, and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins all drove to Pennsylvania to see the Miracle of Christmas at the Sights and Sounds Theatre. The show was fantastic. There were live animals and the stage was on all sides of the theatre. Finally, Sunday was a day just to relax and enjoy before going back to school. I don’t know if all of you had as busy as a weekend as I did, but I hope you enjoyed it!

Coming up this Friday is our Christmas Semi-Formal. I can’t believe it’s already here! Remember tickets are on sale this week before school and during lunches. We have a lot to do to prepare for semi and everyone should get excited! For all those who are not yet in high school, semi is definitely something you should look forward to! I’ll write more about it next week! :)

November Updates

Hey guys! I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. A lot has been going on and it’s all been happening so fast. Halloween has already passed and now it’s almost Thanksgiving! Can you believe that? Thanksgiving is only 10 days away :) The first marking period just recently ended and report cards were sent out. I think everyone is relieved that we get to start fresh this marking period. The first is always the hardest because we all have to adjust and get back into school mode after the summer, but we all made it!

Not too long ago was the Junior Ring Ceremony and it was a very exciting night for us juniors. These rings are something great for us all to look at and remember high school, our friends and everything we’ve been through in the 4 years (well for some people like me, 3 years and for new transfers, 2). It reminded us how close we are to graduating and that we need to enjoy high school while we can and preserve all our memories.

Discover UC days/nights have also been going on recently. A couple weekends ago the first one of the year took place and there is another one Tuesday, November 17th at 7 pm. You’ll get to see our school, ask any questions you have and learn a lot about Union Catholic. So parents and students definitely come check it out!

Back to School!

Hey guys, I can’t believe it’s already October! Already so much has been going on and the year has started off great. I think everyone is pretty settled in school and we’re all back into the swing of things. Our field is looking better and better every day and it will soon be ready for games :). If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely something to check out! Everyone is so excited for it. Last Thursday was the 8th Grade Day of Recollection and those lucky 8th graders were able to see the field. They had a day full of fun activities that helped them to get to know each other and the school. They had a lot of questions for us, the big brothers & sisters, who were working the day! If any of you ever have questions, always feel free to ask!

P.S. The gymnastics team won our first meet of the season on Tuesday against Dayton! All the girls did very well and we're hoping to do just as well today at the Cougar Invitational. Wish us luck!

End of Summer

Hey guys! I know it’s sad that summer’s ending, but it is :[ I’ve had a pretty busy last couple of weeks, but it’s turning out to be a great ending to the summer. First of all, my grandpa took my two cousins and me to the Boston/Yankee game August 6th. We had amazing seats and the game was great (those of you who watched it and love the Yankees know they beat Boston 13-6)! Pretty soon after that my grandparents, parents, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great aunts all made tomato sauce together. It’s a tradition in my family and we always make it every year. Making the sauce takes a lot of work. The night before we have to wash and peel all the tomatoes (keep in mind there were 17 huge bushels filled to the top with tomatoes!). The next morning at 5:30 am there are many other steps you have to complete before the sauce is finished like, washing the basil, taking the seeds out of the tomatoes, and boiling them. It’s a lot of work, but worth it in the end! Last weekend I went to see Taylor Swift in concert with three of my friends. She was amazing and I had a great time! I would definitely recommend for anyone to go see her if you have the chance! Also last weekend, I went tubing in the Delaware River with my family. I know that seems kind of random, but it was a lot of fun! The river is so calm, peaceful, and surprisingly warm. It’s a great place to go with a group of people, relax and enjoy yourself.
Even though I enjoyed all of that and I want it to continue, I know schools is starting soon. I had orientation today and it was great to see everyone again. I know you guys might want to hold off on school for a little while longer, but I’m sure once you’re there you’re going to be happy to see all your friends (maybe not so happy to see the school work though, but who is?!). For everyone out there who is a new student, transfer or freshman, don’t stress. You’re going to have an awesome school year and you’re going to meet so many new people. And all you freshman, I’ll see you at your orientation tomorrow!

European Discovery '09! I Gotta Feeling...

Hey everyone, I am finally back in the United States again and have gotten over my jetlag! Europe was awesome and I’m so glad I was lucky enough to go. I met so many amazing people and saw so many amazing things! Out of all the countries I went to, Switzerland surprised me the most and Italy was my favorite. France was first and we went to many different places like the Louvre, Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower (which was my favorite! My friends and I had a blast climbing all the way to the top and racing down :) ). In Austria we learned a traditional Austrian dance, which was a lot of fun. We each stayed with our own family in Germany and for three days got to experience the life of a German teen. Switzerland like I said, was the country that surprised me the most. Everyone had told me that it was beautiful, but I didn’t expect it to be as breathtaking as it was. We didn’t spend that much time there, but I would love to go back there someday. We stayed in the mountains in Switzerland and met up with the New York People to People group on the boat ride to our hotel. It was pouring rain and was the loudest and craziest boat ride I’ve ever been on. Italy was last, but certainly not least. It was where we spent the most days. On our first day we went to Venice (which is my favorite city in Italy) and rode in gondolas! We also went to places like the Catacombs, the Coliseum, and the Vatican. Our last day in Italy we had a scavenger hunt around Rome; we separated into groups and had to use the map to find different tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain. When we were there we had to answer a question like, ‘how many columns are on the Trevi Fountain?’ to prove we actually we there. Oh, the gelato was DELICIOUS! I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to have regular ice cream again!

I had a fantastic time in Europe and I’m so lucky I was able to have this experience. I’ve now been to so many beautiful places and seen many things people never get to see in their life. I mean, how many people do you know that can say they went all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower? I also met some great people who, over the course of three weeks, have now become some great friends. I had such a great time and maybe I'll get to do it again next summer :)

P.S. If you're wondering about the title, our group song was I Gotta Feeling and we would listen to it every morning on the bus. It was insane when we all got into it! haha

P.P.S. The picture at the top is me with a couple of my friends sitting outside our hotel in Tuscany, Italy! The view was gorgeous!

SUMMER 2009

Hey guys! I know it’s been a while, but summer has been a little crazy so far for me. During the last week of school I got the flu :/ so I was out for a while and had to make up all of my finals after everyone was already done with school. After that I’ve been spending a lot of time down the shore, driving around with my permit :D and preparing for my trip to Europe. I leave on SUNDAY! Wow, I can’t believe it came this fast. I’m a little nervous, but I’m also getting more and more excited. I know I’m going to have an awesome time. I’m definitely going to take a lot of pictures and tell you all about it!

I hope everyone is having a great summer and I know you don’t want it to end, but I hope you’re all excited for the new school year! It'll be here before we know it! I know that even though I love summer, I’m pretty excited to be a junior. For all of you new students, you should be excited too. Coming to a new school, particularly high school can be scary, but there’s no need to worry. Union Catholic is very friendly, welcoming, and easy to get around. You're going to meet a lot of new, great people who will become you're closest friends over the next four years. Also, remember that you always have your Big Brothers and Big Sisters to help you!

Keep enjoying your summer and when I get back to the USA I’ll write more. Maybe if I can get on a computer in one of my hotels, I’ll blog!

Weekly Update!

For those of us at UC, we had a pretty packed week! This past Monday, a funeral was held for Sister Eloise, one of our freshman guidance counselors. It took place at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, where Sister Eloise was previously the directress. The mass was very nice and very crowded with all those who loved her. She will definitely be missed and remembered forever. On Tuesday, the 9th, 10th, and 11th graders went to Great Adventure for the day. Everyone was nervous when we left because it was raining, but when we got to Great Adventure the weather was hot. In fact, it was almost too hot! I had so much fun and I know everyone else did, too. I can’t wait for next year! Wednesday was a very special day for the juniors. They had their Rite of Passage ceremony and are now officially seniors! Technically, I am now a junior along with the rest of my sophomore, wait, JUNIOR class :] Now, we’re all starting to review for our final exams as the year comes to a close. Good luck everyone!

UC Phonathon and Memorial Day!

Hey everyone! Last night I helped out with the phonathon at UC. Some other sophomores and I came to the school last night to make some phone calls to alumni. We were calling about the 2008-2009 Annual Fund. All the donations made to school help each and every person in the building. It helps with many things that we as students need, do, and participate in every day. Every gift is important and appreciated no matter how small or large. For many of us it was the first time. We were handed lists of alumni and got to work! Some of us got answering machines, disconnected numbers, and alumni not interested, but some of us also got donations! :)
As I’m sure you all are aware, Memorial Day weekend is this weekend! Today is our last day in school for the week at UC and we are all definitely looking forward to the five day weekend. I know that I’m going down the shore and I hope you all have something fun planned. Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone :) and I’ll blog again next week!

Birthdays and Summer Trips

May is a busy month for birthdays, at least in my family. These past couples of weeks have been birthday celebrations right after another including mine on Monday :] and last night was my cousins. One of my birthday presents was my trip to Europe that I told you in my last blog I would tell you more about, so here we go! In the beginning of this year, I got a letter from a student ambassadors group called People to People which was started by President Eisenhower in 1956. I had always gotten these letters in the past, but I ignored them until this year. The reason I decided to open the letter this year was because last summer, my friend Michelle went to Australia with this program and had a great time. Three of my friends had also gotten the same letter this year and I was convinced to go. The next step was convincing my parents to let me go to four different foreign countries without them. I still don’t know how it happened, but now I’m getting closer and closer everyday to traveling around the world with a great group of people including 2 of my best friends. I can’t wait to go to Italy, France, Switzerland, and Austria this summer and I’m grateful my parents are allowing me. I’ll keep you updated with my trip!

Class Rings and Progress Reports

Hi everyone! First, as you know there was an open house last week and it was my first time working a UC open house. I am glad to say it went very well and hopefully those of you who went to the open house, I’ll see soon! Second, not too long ago the sophomores had an assembly about our class rings we will get as juniors if we order them. There are many different types of rings you can get and there are many ways to make it your own. There are so many choices of designs like different sports and activities. Also, you can engrave your name or whatever you would like on the inside of your ring. The stone we will all have on our rings is Viking blue. I wasn’t so sure at first if I really wanted a class ring, but last night I asked my parents (who both went here) to see their class rings. My mom’s ring is a lot like what I had in mind for mine and my dad’s is definitely unique (I noticed an inscription on the inside of his ring that he’s keeping a secret! Haha) I decided that a class ring would be a great way to remember my time here at UC and I just ordered it at lunch. Now I get to participate in the Junior Ring Ceremony next year!
Once again, it’s time for progress reports. This is the last progress report of the year which is scary and exciting at the same time. As usual, everyone’s a little nervous for them, but like I said, excited because that means were almost done with the year! It’s scary that the year’s almost over, I feel like it just started! But, I won’t complain because I can’t wait for summer and I’m pretty sure all of you can’t either. This summer of course will be spent mostly doing gymnastics, hanging out with friends, and being at the beach. I am also going on a trip to Europe, but that is something I’ll blog about next time!

Spring Updates!

Hey guys! I hope everyone had a fun Spring Break and is finally back into school mode. Believe it or not, summer is only a few months away so before we end for the year there are still some things coming up. Our Spring Open House is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 29th for all interested in coming. I will be there as part of my new ambassador duty :] and of course because I hope to see all of you there!

As my first year as a transfer is coming to a close, I would sum it up as being pretty great. In just ten months I have made new friends, learned things outside and inside the class, joined a team and activities in school, and I have truly felt like a part of Union Catholic. I am glad to say that my year as a transfer was a success and I am looking forward to next year. Some of that has to do with my brother coming here next year. It has been a couple years since I’ve been in school with him and it’ll be a nice change to have him back in school with me. It will be nice to see the face of a family member around here. I’m also looking forward to being an upperclassman (which means different skirts!), a new gymnastics season, ambassadors, blogging, and more. I hope all of you are looking forward to your next whether you’re still in middle school, moving on to high school or college.

Spring Break, Interviews, and Report Cards

Hey guys! Can you believe this year is almost over? Spring break is coming fast and before you know it, it'll be June! I know that along with many other students I can't wait for Spring Break! I am so excited! Every year I go to Florida with my family to visit my grandparents and this year my cousin is coming too. Usually we go to Disney and we might even go to Sea World this year also. I hope you all have a great Spring Break and I’ll keep you updated on mine.
Since the year is almost over, we all have a lot to do to prepare for next year. As an upperclassman next year, there are more opportunities for me. Some of the biggest activities the juniors and seniors can apply for are Student Ambassadors, Peer Ministry, and Big Brother/Big Sister. I applied for all three and just a couple days ago I handed in my Big Brother/Big Sister application. Besides handing in applications, interviews are also part of the process. Many students have been interviewed and just recently this morning I had my interview for Student Ambassadors. Right before school ended I found out that I was accepted! A lot of my friends are also Student Ambassadors. I know that this will be a great experience for all of us and we're all lucky to be able to represent Union Catholic. There will be a spring open house which I will be working at so I hope to see you all there!

Also, I’m sure everyone is excited that it’s the fourth marking period, but that also means the third marking period is over and we have to get our report cards soon. As usual, everyone’s a little nervous because they’re being mailed today! I think I did well this marking period and good luck to all of you, too.
I hope everyone has a fun and safe Spring Break! I'll blog again soon!

Class of 2013!

The Class of 2013 is now official! All of you have gotten your acceptance letters now and are getting ready to join us at UC. It’s pretty exciting to know you’re almost out of middle school and moving on to high school! My younger brother is part of the Class of 2013. I know he is looking forward to next year and I’m sure you all are. I know my brother has questions sometimes about UC and it’s good that he asks me. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions to have about next year!
This Friday, is the Class of 2013 Lock-in. I know that my brother is going and I will be there also. There will be games, food, and of course your new classmates! I hope everyone is planning on coming and if you haven’t responded you can e-mail Mr. Luciano and let him know you are coming dluciano@unioncatholic.org . I hope to see you there!

REACH

Hey everyone! I thought that I would tell you guys all about REACH which is a new club at UC. Sophomores and two friends of mine, Michelle and Sean, have just formed REACH this year. REACH stands for Raising Educated Awareness for the Cause HIV. This club is all about HIV and aids awareness. The goal is to help children and teens afflicted with HIV somewhere in their lives whether it is their parents or themselves.
REACH has just finished a book drive for the Academy Street Fire House in Newark which is a shelter for anyone who has issues with HIV and aids. The goal was to collect 200 books and around 675 books were collected. There are new projects already starting up. REACH is raffling off two red iPod nanos that have REACH engraved on the back. Also, Staples has given us a 500 dollar grant worth of school supplies. Last club period, all the members assembled back packs with schools supplies which will be given to the Academy Street Fire House.
I am an active member in this club and I think it is a great club for anyone to join. If you’re an incoming freshman or even currently a student in the school and have not joined the club, I recommend joining. It is a fun club that does great things for a great cause.

Hello 2009!

Hey everyone! Wow, so much has happened since I last blogged. Sorry it has been awhile. Here at Union Catholic we have had Winter Pep Rally, Winter break, Christmas, the start of a new year and semester, midterms, and report cards are coming out soon!
Winter Pep Rally was so much fun because I actually got to watch instead of participate in it this time around! Winter break was a lot of fun, as usual. It was great to relax and hang out with my friends. Like my great grandma used to say, “Another Christmas come and gone”, and boy, was she right! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and got what they wanted. New Years was a blast and it came even faster. One of the other bloggers, Megan, celebrated New Years with me and she wrote about it on her blog, Girl Talk. When we all returned from winter break a new semester was just beginning and we had to get right down to studying because midterms were just around the corner. Midterms can be very stressful, but when they’re done and over with you feel good about it. Report cards are coming very soon along with our midterm grades. Wish me luck!
Can you believe the year is pretty much half over? It’s going by so quickly and I’m very happy to say that life as a transfer is going great. I can’t wait for the rest of the year and to fill you guys in on it, too!