Dear People of Palma,
This is a good month to be American. Certainly November is commonly noted for our national holiday of gratitude near the end of the month that we celebrate as Thanksgiving. We welcome the opportunity to break from work to visit with families and indulge in a delicious feast of family recipes and traditional turkey and fixings, as we thank God for our many blessings. Prior to this, however, we will experience Election Day, when we exercise our privileged right to vote, and Veterans’ Day, when we honor our military — active duty and not — who have sacrificed to preserve many privileges we have come to appreciate as rights. This is also Native American Heritage Month, when we honor the heritage of our indigenous peoples — an American tradition celebrated since 1990 when President H.W. Bush dedicated this month to provide “enhanced self-esteem, pride, and self-awareness to young Native Americans.”
American Catholic schools have an impressive record of civil servitude that extends far beyond leadership in the Church. Research has proven that when compared to public school graduates, Catholic school graduates are three times more likely to give of their time and money, and twice more likely to give of their talent through volunteer efforts for the common good. Other studies have demonstrated that an overwhelming majority of American leaders in public health, the corporate world, politics and more have had extensive formation and education in Catholic schools.
There are many correlative and causal explanations for Catholic school graduates’ propensity for leadership in the Church and society. Perhaps we need to validate the more pertinent factor here, however; that the young men and women of Palma are challenged, motivated, and intellectually prepared to be gifts of love and selves to a world that needs their leadership more than ever. We praise and challenge them for their service because it is the right thing to do — not because they have done it for an extrinsic reward, for prizes, or even because they are required to do so at a minimum of 60 hours before they graduate.
Educating our students is a collective responsibility here at Palma, and civil servitude is in demand everywhere. The holidays will present a myriad of opportunities for us to give to others in need. In the footsteps of our saintly founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, let us commit ourselves to service simply because it is the right thing to do. Go Chieftains!
Yours in Blessed Edmund Rice,
House Happenings
Holly Harris
Director of Student Activities
email
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Willie Beesley ’86
Director of Campus Ministry
email
Congratulations to Palma's ACTION Ambassadors who represented Palma in New Jersey in October amongst 13 other Edmund Rice Schools from the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, and Ireland. Palma was awarded "most Improved" for the Mission Collection Efforts last school year. ACTION has some exciting plans this year to help meet the needs of those without a home or shelter.
ATHLETICS
Rob Bishop
Athletic Director
email
Guidance
Irina Short
Guidance Department Chair
email
