Congratulations, scholarship winners!

Congratulations to Maria Ramirez, Anabel Juarez, and Jaxmin Sanchez Olvera!

At a special dinner today we honored these women as recipients of the Sisters of St. Benedict Scholarship to Vincennes University Jasper Campus for this academic year.

We established this scholarship for Hispanic women four years ago in recognition of our community’s long-time commitment to mission work in Latin America, to Hispanic ministry, and to the education of women. To date, we have awarded scholarships to six students, two of whom we honored at the dinner today.

Maria Ramirez is studying full time to earn her associate degree in business management and, after graduating in May, plans to return for a degree in business administration. This is her second year of receiving the scholarship.

Anabel Juarez is studying administrative office technology and works in the university Administration Office, assisting in communication with Hispanic students and translating informational documents.

Jazmin Sanchez Olvera is pursuing an administrative business degree. She was unable to be present at the dinner.

(Sister Paulette Seng)

Give Glory to God

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

We hear that our bodies are temples of God; however, the way I treat my body sometimes does not always show this. I don't get enough sleep and love sweets. Sweets in moderation are good for us. I, however, tend to go overboard. When I overindulge, I'm not treating my body like God's temple and my actions are not for the glory of God.

When I gossip or talk negatively about someone, I'm certainly not speaking for the glory of God. No benefit comes from my action. I just add negativity to the world. I add destruction instead of peace. Before I speak, I can ask myself what my purpose is. Will I be adding peace or negativity to the world? We have enough negativity, why would I want to contribute more? Before I speak, I can ask myself, will my words give glory to God.

The same is true about our actions, thoughts, and feelings. With the I64 bridge closed between Indiana and Kentucky, traffic is horrendous at times. I'm thankful that I only have to deal with this occasionally rather than everyday. I can bemoan the fact that I'm stuck in traffic and am inconvenienced. I can complain about any number of things, but why add that negativity to the world? The truth is that complaining doesn't change anything. It doesn't fix the bridge, get the cars moving, or speed things up. I'm stuck in traffic whether I complain or not, so I might as well accept it and make the most of it. It could be a time that I converse with God, listen to the radio, or listen to a book on CD. These actions are ways that I can give glory to God.

We don't have to be in church to give glory to God. How we live our lives - our words, thoughts, feelings, and actions - will give God glory if we so choose.

"Family" Support

They say if you like what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. At the end of the day, I know I've put some work in, but I do like what I do. I work at Notre Dame Academy, which is undoubtedly (in my humble opinion) one of the best schools here in Louisville. The Courier Journal recently ranked us #2 in the Top Places to Work in the Small Business Category. We also won "Top Workplaces Special Award" for "On New Ideas."

The students, faculty, and parents are always commenting on the family like atmosphere. We do care about and support each other.

This support was evident today and displayed by our students when we had the 4th-8th grade Spelling Bee. One of the students was upset when she missed a word and started crying. After the Spelling Bee, her mom was trying to console her in the hallway, and she was trying to gather herself together to finish the school day. Her classmates knew how upset she was. When she opened up the classroom door, thunderous applause erupted. Hoops and hollers and congratulations surrounded her when she was ready to enter back into the classroom. She was upset at the outcome of the Spelling Bee, but her teacher and classmates were there to support her.

Undoubtedly, Notre Dame Academy is a family and a wonderful place to work, learn, and grow.