" The other day I experienced a Veritas moment as I saw a t-shirt that read: "We make a bigger difference together!" I thought: "Yes!" That's exactly what we do at St. Agnes. A few days later, as I watched fans leaving one of our basketball games, I saw the players thanking those who came to support them. I realized more than ever that at St. Agnes we have a wonderful blend of girls with a variety of abilities.
The onlookers are as important as those who score the points; the average students are as necessary to the mix as are those who excel. All are needed. All of us work together and together we make a bigger difference! I think the fact that we do blend, that each is respected for who she is and for what she contributes, is one of the most important lessons a student takes with her as she enters the giant mixture of life.
The eclectic approach to education is so natural to us at St. Agnes, we sometimes fail to point it out. Each girl, no matter what her abilities, can participate in various activities. For instance, if a student is not elected to the Student Council but wants to participate, she can be an appointed member with the same rights and privileges. Many girls find their voices as a result of being a representative.
A few weeks ago, the Engineering Team left for a state competition. As I watched the only all-female team in Texas compete at the regional competition in Kingwood, I was awed at the composition of students and their variety of interests - from engineering to art. They represent all grade levels and abilities, and divide the daunting list of responsibilities up between them, using their individual talents to make their team strong. Girls learn valuable lessons about leading and following, even when the lessons involve failure and re-grouping. But they all enjoy competition; and they are seeking some way to express their interests and skills outside of the standard
classroom projects in every subject. Members of the team bring skills in writing, mathematics, construction, wiring, and artistry. In this instance, all of this came together to produce a winning robot and to capture the first place in state in the web-design portion of the contest! I have learned how extremely rare it is for a school to go to the state meet every year - St. Agnes does! When our students of different abilities pull together nothing is unattainable.
Believing that as students blend each is enriched in the process, we have an Academic Support Center that allows a student to get help as needed and extended time on tests if necessary. Lisa Crank, our specialist, is on hand to help students sharpen their skills, thus building self esteem.
Last week, our art instructors were getting students ready for the Scholastic Art Competition - one of the most prestigious competitions that art students enter. Those competing are following in the footsteps of artist Andy Warhol, photographer Richard Avedon, and clothing designer Zac Posen. I saw our art instructors painfully deciding which eight works of art to submit, since so many are worthy. Interestingly, the selections were from beginning drawing students, as well as intermediate and advanced level art students. Last year, we cheered for Senior Keri Belcher when she won a Gold Key Award and her work was selected for the permanent collection at Texas Children's Hospital.
Again this year, I enjoyed our yearly production of the "Messiah," and basked in the angelic voices. I was again reminded of our students as a group, sharing their various musical talents with the community. At the end of the program, each year, those alumnae who have sung the "Messiah" before are asked to join the others on stage for the Halleluiah chorus. Alumnae eagerly rose from the audience and walked to their places, knowing exactly where to stand. The others welcomed them and shared scores, creating an atmosphere of inclusion and love. As their voices rang out, I thought proudly, "We really do blend at St. Agnes. We truly do make a bigger difference together." We thank you, our supporters, for being such an integral part of this blend with your constant love and support.
God bless you,
Sister Jane Meyer, O.P., '57
Head of School
PowerPoint Presentations
The following PowerPoint presentations were developed for use at St. Agnes Academy. Versions of these presentations have been presented nationally, including the NCEA annual conferences in 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2009 (Anaheim, California).
The presentation for educators has been used with our own faculty and staff along with being adapted for administrators and counselors in other locales. Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., the Head of School, developed the presentation. She holds advanced theology and education degrees.
The presentation for 9th graders was developed by Kathleen Baker, former Dean of Students and former Theology Department Chair, and is given annually at St. Agnes Academy as part of our health curriculum. It is appropriate for high school students of all levels.
Permission is granted to adapt and use our PowerPoints for sexuality education purposes. Please preview carefully and consult your own diocesan guidelines before using.
Click here for the Sexuality Presentation for Educators
Click here for the Sexuality Presentation for 9th Graders
(After opening or downloading the presentation,
click on each slide to activate the animation or video)
