SETON NEWS – 1ST INQUISITOR
Really enjoyed the 1st issue of Seton’s newspaper. Here’s a recap of what it contained. This year’s editor is Andrew Bishop. His editorial “Back to School Basics—How We Should Treat Others” is excellent. Here’s a bit of it: “This summer I went on a life-changing mission trip to Honduras, and one thing really stood out to me. It was the friendliness of the people and their willingness to share anything and everything with others. The people in Honduras are poor [and technology free]. However, because of this lack of constant outside entertainment, they were some of the friendliest people and caring people I have ever met. They would come up to you and begin talking as if you were an old friend even before they knew your name. They would offer to carry your things, give you gifts, and do many other small acts of kindness that we rarely even receive from our closest friends. I believe that we can all take a lesson from them: we do not need technology to make us happy. What we need is to reach out to others, especially those that we don’t normally interact with.”
Inside was an article on the missionaries: Maria Pogue, Sean McCardell, Brett Kellogg, Maria Zambrana, Jonathan Stine, Morgan Vallimont, Megan McCardell, Tommy Shaw, Mary Scheetz, Ian Heisler, Mary Bookwalter, Margie Curran. Former Seton teacher Miss Faur who stayed in Honduras as a long term missionary and Mr. Heisler led the group. [At least three alumni siblings in the group: Zambrana, Shaw, Bookwalter; three alumni children: Pogue, Heisler, Stine; three teachers children: Pogue, Heisler and Scheetz.] In brief the article described a typical day and the state of affairs in Honduras. 5 a.m. rising, cold shower, 30 min. personal prayer, morning prayer and Mass, breakfast, groups head to assigned villages, return home for supper, adoration and night prayer. Experienced material poverty of Hondurans, but great generosity. Experienced spiritual poverty – Catholicism not widely practiced. Few priests, infrequency of sacraments available lead to apathy. First program missioners offered two teens showed up. By the end the number had risen to 20. Saw openness to the Faith, but need evangelization. [Several of those who went on the Mission Trip gave a presentation to this year’s student body to encourage even more to attend next summer.]
Another group: Mary Alexis Jackson, Meridyth Rosato, Mary and Elizabeth Troup, Kayla Reyes, Katie Hugo, Sarah and Annie Tohill, Sophie Groves and Anna Cook went to Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg for “Fiat Days” a five day camp run by the Vocations Office of Arlington. The days were filled with devotions, conferences and recreation. One purpose of Fiat Days was to help high school girls give consideration to the vocation God is calling each to.
Next we meet this years new full-time teachers: Miss Milani is from Minnesota and a Christendom grad. She learned of Seton from many people at Christendom and one of her teachers suggested she apply for a teaching position. She said, “I love the students; they are so joyful. I also love the fact that I can make Catholicism part of any class I teach.” Miss Puvel is from Maryland and a graduate of Catholic University. She learned of Seton from a friend of Miss Faur (now in Honduras). Apparently the students of Seton are a pretty good lot because Miss Puvel says, “These first two weeks have been the best two weeks of my life.” There are three part-timers. It is good to see that one of them is a returning teacher, Mrs. Minarik, who will again be teaching art. She says, “I’m glad to be back and anticipate wonderful things from the kids at Seton School.” Mrs. Tsukalas, sister-in-law of alumna and former teacher Leslie Tsukalas, is teaching a junior high grammar. The last couple years she has designed the fantastic sets and backdrops for the Seton musicals. She is eager to be creative and make learning fun for the students whose character is what makes her so glad to be at Seton. And Mrs. Cackett is the new geometry and Math B teacher. She taught for nine years in public schools, but will now be teaching where her two daughters, Haley and Ashley attend. She has another daughter Giana and a foster child Ava, whom she hopes to adopt. She is glad to be at Seton where she will be able to pray with her students and incorporate the Faith into her classes.
“Inquisitor Earns Distinction” Virginia High School League holds competitions for school newspapers and Seton earned 2nd place honor level with their submission.
Sports brings us to the end of the newspapaper. Soccer has a young but already successful team this year. After a senior loaded state qualifier last year, this looked to be a rebuilding year. But the early returns shows Seton doing very well. You can always check MaxPreps to see how the soccer and volleyball teams are doing. Volleyball opened with a win against Oak Crest. Last year’s star, Lexy Smith, is now playing for George Mason – Seton’s first Division One volleyball player. Cross Country is off and running, but this year Mr. Violett will not be leading them. Twenty-five years at the helm, Seton is very grateful for his dedication to the sport and making Seton a perennial power. Top returning runners, Geni Lucas and Tim Jackson are looking for even better seasons this year. Both ran at the All-States race last year. Seton’s 5K record is 16:51, and Tim has breaking that record as his goal. Geni is looking to go under 20 minutes sometime this season. And the girls tennis team has a new assistant coach, Mrs. Atkinson, who will join with Mrs. Heim to lead the team. [Note of interest. Seton played Oak Crest in an early tennis match. Coaching Oak Crest, the wife of Seton alum Matt Hilleary.]