Mrs. & Mr. Everton Harris Visits BA

Each year, we have the distinct pleasure of seeing our dear Ericka Davis, Class of 2007, come visit during our Thanksgiving Prayer Service.  This year, she brought her new husband, Everton to meet her Benedictine Academy family!  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Davis!

Ericka is currently studying Early childhood and is President of Ladies with Values.  Her husband, also studying and a Preacher, has recently opened his new church near their college campus in North Carolina.  They visited with several of the freshmen classes sharing the importance of self-respect and listening to the Word of the Lord.  When asked what was their favorite Scripture passage, they replied:
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want... " Psalm 23 

We gave Ericka and Everton a WOW experience in appreciation of their encouraging words of wisdom and warm hearts. 

STUDENTS IN ACTION WINNER

During our Thanksgiving Prayer Service, we gave thanks for all the acts of mercy and good works that our entire school community has been performing.  November was overflowing with food drives, clothing collections, operation shoe box for little children, bake sales, tutoring, and helping the homeless. However, there was one outstanding student who stood out among her classmates.

Caroline, a Student In Action Leader, proudly shared how this unsung hero spends several hours each and every week tutoring young children who cannot speak English, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, and reaching out to lend a hand to anyone in the local community who is in need. 

When asked why, she simply replied it was her life-long passion to help others.  It gives her great joy when she can bring a smile or share her gifts or talents.  The students applauded loudly when they heard it was Ewa, a sophomore student leader. We give thanks to God for Ewa and ask God to bless her in abundance as she has blessed all of us.

Attitude of Gratitude

It is a Thanksgiving Tradition to have our loyal friend, Rev. Bill Paige, share a Thanksgiving reflection for our Ecumenical Prayer Service. We had the added blessing of meeting his delightful granddaughter, Morgan.  

The Scripture reading was from Luke's gospel: Jesus parable of the Ten Lepers.  Jesus healed ten lepers and yet only one returned to say "thank you".  The power of "thank you" is so underestimated and under utilized in our daily lives.  What does it cost?  We are so quick to ask for help, for God and others to have pity on us, but so slow to give thanks and praise in return.

Bill reminded us of the importance of showing our gratitude to God as well as other people in our lives. Let us remember to say "thank you" and show a grateful heart for every kindness shown to us.  It will bring us, the Lord and others much happiness.

N.J. Governor's Award

A few weeks ago, the Star Ledger issued a special edition spreading the Good News on Benedictine Academy's SHAC SQUAD.  The Shac Squad had received the N.J. Governor's Award for their efforts in raising awareness to help eradicate Human Trafficking.  

 

 

Our Students In Action Leaders were selected, one of nineteen nominees out of over 800 adult/youth nominations in the state, for their exceptional community volunteer service and acts of charity!  

The New Jersey Youth Service Award recognized their work with the United Nations Blue Heart Campaign,  Colleges and Universities, and younger children in the local communities.  

 

 

At Benedictine Academy, we believe all our students are called to be great leaders.





You can read the article at: http://www.nj.com/helpinghands/jeffersonawards/index.ssf/2011/11/2011_governors_jefferson_award_19.html

http://njtoday.net/2011/05/25/benedictine-academy-students-receive-nj-youth-service-awards/


http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2011/07/benedictine_academy_in_elizabe_2.html

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Two months ago, our students made a commitment to perform 

911 good deeds.  In remembrance of the good lives lost on 

September 11,  they have been doing small acts of kindness, 

generous giving to help those in need, and volunteering 

their time and talents to the local and global communities.

Filled with passion to make a difference in this world, our school 

community showed what the Power of One and the Power of 170 

students when they joined together. 

This morning, the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless sent a large 

van to our school to collect over 1520 cans and boxes of dry goods 

to feed those who have less than us.  Together, we can and are 

making our world a better place!

Operation Shoebox

The holiday season brings much cheer and joy to all the little boys 

and girls around the globe  But what about the child who will wake 

up on Christmas morning to an empty spot under the tree?  

While our National Honor Society was planning and organizing gifts 

for the Christmas Giving Tree for the Elizabeth Coalition for the 
Homeless, Ms. Medina's students decided to work with Santa 
in wrapping shoe boxes filled with stocking stuffer items such 
as new boxes of crayons, pens, T-shirts, balls, stuffed animals 
and boxes of Uno.  They also collected over $100 to give for 
shipping costs of the shoeboxes.

Franklin Graham, the President of Samaritan’s Purse, which oversees 

Operation Christmas Child, encourages all his volunteers to “Pack 

your shoe box with love, send it with prayer, and share the Good News 

of Jesus Christ with a poor little child. That’s the power of a simple gift.”

At Benedictine Academy, we did just that!  Students and staff 

brought in shoeboxes packed with love, good things, and a 

little prayer.  It was an early Christmas for all of us as we experienced 

our own gift of joy this season.

Clothing Drive

Benedictine Academy is paying attention to the signs of the times.  
The early snow fall was a message from Mother Nature warning us to 
be prepared for the cold winter months ahead.   We also had cause to 
reflect on our neighbors who were falling on hard times.  "Whatsoever 
you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto Me.  When I was 
naked, you clothed me..." (Matthew 25:31-46)

Mrs. Paul sent an S.O.S.  throughout the school and we collected 
over 20 giant bags of clothing weighing in at over 1000 lbs!!!  
 At Benedictine Academy, we believe it is our responsibility to reach 
out into the local communities and serve our brothers and sisters in need.