Mariner News 

Words of Wisdom and Encouragement at Honors Assembly

Students gathered on Monday for the honors assembly, celebrating the academic and citizenship accomplishments of 1st semester.  Parishioner and friend of SMCHS, Suzanne Nora Johnson, served as the keynote speaker and inspired Mariners with her passionate presentation.  Ms. Nora Johnson impressed upon students their responsibility to others in their community and in the world.  She encouraged them to take advantage of the chances and opportunities given to them in life by using these opportunities to make an impact. She shared inspiring stories from the life and works of people such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Meg Whitman, and Nelson Mandela.  After she spoke, Suzanne was given a cross made out of the original gymnasium floor in recognition of her support of the SMCHS community.   She was especially moved because nearly two decades ago, she brought her parents to Mass in the St. Monica gymnasium. This year, Ms. Nora Johnson sponsored a logo-design art project and 5 winners were awarded tuition scholarships!  We are proud of the academic and citizenship successes of our students and are grateful to Suzanne Nora Johnson for her inspiring words and her unwavering support of our Mariner family!

Dancing With Our Stars Announces Top-Notch Lineup

St. Monica Schools will be hosting the first ever "Dancing With Our Stars" competition!  On February 3, the stars will align as SMCHS's own Mr. Chacon, Ms. Dixon and Ms. O'Neill join forces with Fr. Tim, and SMCES's Dr. Quinly, Ms. Sessarego, and Mr. Clark to dance the night away for our schools' instrumental music programs!  The St. Monica stars have been paired up with experienced ballroom dancers (provided by USA Dance - www.usadanceLA.org) and will compete in front of a live audience.  The event MC, Mr. Gasper, will take the audience through the voting process to determine which dance duo will claim victory!  Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults (and include two votes).  Please email Cheryl Birch at cheryl@cherylbirch.com or call (310) 394-3701 x1303 for more information!

Ballroom Bootcamp for DWOS Contestants

The Dancing With Our Stars contestants gathered for a ballroom bootcamp in preparation for the competition on February 3.  Toes were pointed, positions were reviewed, and dancers determined which style of dance they will perform.  The audience on February 3 will be able to see whether Mr. Chacon chose Tango or Swing Dance; whether Ms. Dixon chose Rumba or Fox Trot; whether Ms. O'Neill chose Cha Cha or Waltz!

Students Head to Yellowstone for Out-of-the-classrom Learning!

 Six SMCHS students (grades 9-12), accompanied by Biology teachers, Mr. Wengeler and Ms. Santana, experienced a winter wonderland in Yellowstone National Park!  The students and teachers spent six days learning about Rocky Mountain ecology, wildlife biology and winter survival.  Though most of the roads in the park are closed due to heavy snowfall, students were fortunate enough to explore the park in a snowcoach, which allowed access to areas of the park most people don’t have the opportunity to view in winter!

Gymnasium renovation wrapping up!

Crews have been working since August to renovate our gymnasium which hasn't seen any major changes in over 60 years! Check out our third webisode installment which focuses on the Mariner Time Capsule.

If you would like to see the previous gym webisodes, please click here