The dynasty is alive and well.

Almost like a prize fighter, the O'Connell softball girls found themselves on the ropes at various points during the spring campaign, losing three of four games after spring break, not to mention surrendering nine runs to Elizabeth Seton and dropping a 14-13 decision at Riverdale Rec to the WCAC foe.

Injuries threatened to derail what looked like a promising season, with All-American Kathryn Sandercock returning for her senior season. First, Sandercock underwent labrum surgery in her hip in October. Rehab and recovery were tougher than anticipated, although Sandercock worked her way through it.  Then, All-State shortstop Caitlin Jorae was restricted to a Designated Player role because of a torn labrum in her shoulder, limiting her to just hitting.  As if that wasn't enough, returning All-State catcher Meadow Sacadura suffered a broken hand in the fourth game of the season against Marshall.  Arguably, the team's top three talents were limited in what they could do all season.  None of the three were ever 100 percent healthy again.

Yet, here they were – hosting the Virginia Independent Schools (VISAA) State Championship Game against rival Paul VI on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington at Tuckahoe Park.

Through the years, Coach Tommy Orndorff has insisted what his girls do best is that they know how to win.  It's what they do!  Injuries aside and a brutal spring weather-wise, O'Connell's girls did what they do best:  they won – defeating Paul VI, 4-2, to win their 23^rd State title in 25 years competing in the tournament.  Amazingly, the Knights record in State Tournament play is now 73-2.

Sandercock was on her game, hurling a three-hitter and striking out 16 in notching the win, upping her record to 19-3 on the year.  Offensively, Madelynn Bates delivered the key blows – plating three runs on a double and staking the victors to a 3-0 lead in the first frame before roping a triple in the sixth inning and scoring moments later on a sacrifice fly to center by Lyndsay Flippin.  In essence, the sophomore standout was responsible for all four O'Connell runs.

The dynasty is alive and well.

Sandercock was named the VISAA Division I Softball Player of the Year, joining Jorae, Kiaris Alvarado-Rojas and Elizabeth Hoeymans as 1^st Team All-State selections.  Sacadura was a 2^nd Team honoree.

READ MORE...

Bishop O'Connell softball beats Paul VI, 4-2, in seventh straight VISAA title
Washington Post, May 23, 2018

O'Connell wins another WCAC softball crown
Inside NOVA, May 6, 2018

O'Connell's Tommy Orndorff retires as assistant athletic driector
Arlington Catholic Herald, May 23, 2018

Bishop O'Connell High School held its 58^th commencement exercises at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 31. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, presented diplomas to the 233 members of the class of 2018.

Jennifer Bigelow, Ed.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools, addressed the graduates, sharing her own lessons from her high school to college transition, which didn't go as smoothly as most might have imagined. Reflecting on her missteps, she encouraged the class of 2018 to stay close to their faith during this time of many changes. She left them with a light-hearted quote from none other than Snoopy: "Be outrageously happy."  

Caitlin Mea, the class salutatorian, looked back on the last four years, remembering many of the high points—from high achievements in the classroom to a record-setting Superdance and far beyond. Her reflections centered around a memorable quote from the spring musical, Mary Poppins: "Anything can happen if you let it. Life is out there waiting, so go and get it." She applauded her classmates for their willingness to do more every day, and encouraged them to continue their next chapter of life with the same gusto.

Matthew Ehlers, the class valedictorian, used a quote from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to frame his remarks: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on the fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries..." He shared his personal journey through high school, where he embraced the tide and tried new ventures. Though it sometimes came with uncertainty, it nonetheless brought him to experiences he would have forever missed. "I encourage all of us soon-to-be graduates to open ourselves to our new and exciting futures and remember Shakespeare's lesson of seizing opportunities when presented with them."

God Bless the Class of 2018!

View photo highlights from graduation day below or at THIS LINK.

Four long-time members of the Bishop O'Connell faculty retired at the end of the 2017-2018 school year, after a combined 123 years of service and dedication to our school community. Their contributions to the O'Connell story are legendary, and we wish them nothing but the best in their next endeavors!

Bill Carpenter '76 (science teacher – 38 years) – Mr. Carpenter is one of three brothers who graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School. After studying biology and education at William & Mary, he returning to his alma mater to share his love for nature and wildlife with the newest generation of Knights. During his tenure, he also coached wrestling for 29 years, football for 22 years, and was even a substitute cross country coach for one year. His four children are also O'Connell alumni, graduating between 2001 and 2009. What's next for Mr. Carpenter? "I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to be when I grow up," he said. He hopes to be able to continue to travel and focus his energy on conservation and awareness of eco-systems in peril.

I don't remember much from my high school days, but I do remember Mr. Carpenter's passion in the classroom as my biology teacher, and on the athletic fields. I appreciate your dedication and perseverance in having such a big impact on me and on so many lives over your 38 years. – Class of 1984 Alumnus

Tommy Orndorff (assistant athletic director – 33 years) – Coach Orndorff is a graduate of West Virginia University, where he studied journalism. He began his career as a sports writer, before joining O'Connell as the communications/publications director and head softball coach in 1985. Since 1991, Orndorff has served as the school's assistant athletic director, meticulously managing all 27 teams' schedules and game day management. He is equally adept behind a camera, having masterfully captured student life during his tenure. Amassing more than 770 wins over his 33-year tenure at head coach of the Lady Knights softball team, he is only one of two travel coaches named to the Amateur Softball Association's Hall of Fame. "It has been a good run," Orndorff recently said to the Arlington Catholic Herald. "I love sports and athletics, and coaching softball. It's been the best of all worlds for me."

Coach Orndorff made me want to work harder, play with more grit and value teammates. These are lessons I've carried with me through college, career, and with my family.   – Class of 1995 Alumna

Patrice Connolly (religion teacher – 27 years) – Mrs. Connolly came to O'Connell as a 9^th and 12^th grade religion teacher in the fall of 1979, with the encouragement of Fr. Mark Pilon who was teaching religion at the time. Her name was Patrice Connelly when she arrived, but this is where she met her husband, Joe Connolly, who taught AP calculus and physics. They were married in 1982, and she only had to change one letter in her name! When their son was born in 1985, Mrs. Connolly became a stay-at-home mom, returning to the classroom in 1997. That fall her husband was diagnosed with cancer, passing away in early December after a 31-year career at the school. "The O'Connell community was incredibly supportive and we grieved together," said Mrs. Connolly. "Our son graduated from O'Connell in 2003, and this place has truly been a home to the Connollys!"

Mrs. Connolly began as a 9^th and 12^th grade religion teacher, but eventually transitioned to teaching mostly juniors and seniors. During her career at O'Connell, she served as a student council and yearbook moderator, and even had a short stint as a freshman cheerleading coach. She has also served as a member of the school's talented photography team, working closely with Coach Orndorff to cover school activities with dedication and care. "It has been my great privilege to share the beauty and truth of the Catholic Faith with my students," she said. "One of my great joys has been teaching the sons and daughters, nephews and nieces of my former students. I thought it best to retire before their grandchildren started to enroll and lower my class load to my own grandchildren, ages 4, 3, and 1." She is looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this next phase of her life.

I'll never forget the last day of Morality class, junior year, when Mrs. Connolly told us to close our books. She looked at us intently, and told us she taught us everything we needed to know to choose the good. We could never claim ignorance. I knew she was right and I felt the yoke of my faith, ever so gently, tethering me to our beloved a God and all His plans for me. – Class of 1982 Alumna

Mary Lou Wentzel (English teacher – 25 years) – Mrs. Wentzel first became involved at Bishop O'Connell as a PTO volunteer during the time her three children attended the school. "After getting to know many of the teachers, students and their parents, I knew this was the school where I wanted to teach," she said. Unfortunately, there were no openings in the English department initially, so Mrs. Wentzel waited it out, teaching at Thomas Jefferson for two years before finding the position she wanted at Bishop O'Connell. She taught Freshman English as well as Public Speaking, and has been a dedicated mentor to scores of students over the years who have entered civic speech and essay contests, earning nearly $20,000 in scholarships and prize money.

Mrs. Wentzel believed in my daughter, gave her the chance to challenge herself, became her mentor throughout--not to mention being her public speaking coach. Our daughter was honored and grateful to have her as her teacher, mentor, and someone she could confide in. – Class of 2019 Parent

Congratulations to O'Connell alumnus, Rev. Paul F. deLadurantaye '81, who was recently appointed to the English section of the Vatican Secretariat of State. Father deLadurantaye is currently the executive director of the St. Thomas More Institute and secretary for catechetics and sacred liturgy for the Diocese of Arlington.

 "This appointment is a recognition of Father deLadurantaye's faithful priestly service and his many gifts and abilities," said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in a statement to the Arlington Catholic Herald. "In addition, the appointment bestows a great honor upon the Diocese of Arlington and our priest."

Read more about Father deLadurantaye and this new appointment in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Play Like a Champion's Nan Tulchinsky Athletic Leadership Award given to Bishop O'Connell High School and student-athlete Maggie McDonough

The Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series presented both Bishop O'Connell High School and student-athlete Maggie McDonough '19 with the Nan Tulchinsky Athletic Leadership Award. For five decades, Nan Tulchinsky has served the South Bend Community as a teacher, coach, athletic director and volunteer mentor. This award is given annually to a person or organization that models her example of character, passion, integrity, service, leadership and love for all children.

The 2018 award was presented during a Friday evening banquet dinner at the 2018 Play Like a Champion Today Sports Leadership Conference, held June 22-23, 2018 at the University of Notre Dame. McDonough was a speaker at the event, presenting as part of a high school coach and administrator discussion session on leadership. Bishop O'Connell High School has been a blue-ribbon partner of Play Like a Champion, annually training coaches, parents and student-athletes in the Play Like a Champion philosophy.

A rising senior at Bishop O'Connell High School, McDonough is the founder of the school's CHAMPS club. Standing for Character, Honor and Morality in Play by Student-Athletes, CHAMPS is comprised of a group of student-athletes who meet regularly to participate in faith-sharing and faith-formation centered around athletics. An accomplished student-athlete at the Arlington, Va. school, McDonough has worked tirelessly to build the program in her school.

"Maggie is a young woman of character with a strong faith in Christ," said Kristin Sheehan, Program Director for the Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series. "A true servant leader to her classmates, school and community, she inspires us to build the Kingdom of God and make the world around us a better place."

Bishop O'Connell's award was accepted by Mr. Carl Patton, the school's Assistant Head of School and Director of Instruction and Curriculum. Said Sheehan "Bishop O'Connell's deep commitment to mission integration through all elements of the educational process reveals a dedication to educating the whole student in mind, body and spirit. All schools can find inspiration in their dedication to developing our youth."

Pictured below: McDonough receives her Award from Program Director Kristin Sheehan (left) and the award's
namesake Nan Tulchinsky (center).

When teachers and students returned to Bishop O’Connell in late August, they were treated to an orientation experience that included flying paper airplanes, building towers with spaghetti, and working with LEGO bricks and Mr. Potato Head. This was more than just ice-breakers; it was the work of the school’s igKnight professional development team working with teachers to help students feel engaged, empowered and excited about learning.

“Drawing from educational reform research dating all the way back to 19^th-century pioneers like Benjamin Bloom, John Dewey and Maria Montessori, we know that students learn best from the classes where they feel most actively engaged,” said English teacher and instructional coach John Meehan. “Our goal as teachers is to help get students really excited about the activities that they do in our classrooms in order to inspire deep learning through creativity and choice.”

Read more in the August 30 edition of the Arlington Catholic Herald.

THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:

Bishop Burbidge came to school today for a pastoral visit that included the celebration of Mass on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Bishop's homily focuses on the capacity of Christ's love to ease the burden of the crosses we are carrying. He encouraged students of the opportunity to visit our chapel for a moment of peace and the opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to "make us wise" as we confront difficult challenges and decisions.

The bulk of Bishop's time with us was spent with students in various settings, and we are very grateful for his continued interest in our efforts at O'Connell.

Please enjoy a brief slideshow capturing moments from our Bishop's visit below or at this link: https://www.bishopoconnell.org/cf_media/index.cfm?g=264.

We hope you can join us on Sunday, Oct. 14 for our annual Open House!

Presentation begins at 1 p.m. in the auditorium.

Classroom interactive demonstrations follow and run until 4 p.m.

• Tour our renovated science classrooms (biology, chemistry, engineering and physics labs) 
• Find out about our "Project Lead the Way" engineering program.
• Learn about our Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment partnership with Marymount University.
• Hear more about our Global Studies Certificate Program.
• Explore our college-prep curriculum, including our 28 AP subject areas.
• Visit our chapel and the student lounge sponsored by the Chaplain's office. 
• Learn about our Expanded Services for students with intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
• Find out more about our First Year Experience program and our comprehensive college counseling program. 
• Have a conversation with the staff of the Muller Academic Services Center.
• See our arts program in action on stage and in our visual arts studio. 
• Come out to our sports fields and gym and feel the excitement of Knights athletics.
• Explore our diverse clubs and activities available to all students. 
• Find out more about scholarships, tuition assistance and O'Connell bus transportation. 
• Meet our faculty, administration and coaches and chat with current students.
• Experience the O'Connell community first-hand, and find out why it's a GREAT day to be a KNIGHT!

SAVE TIME! Download and fill out the Open House registration form before you arrive. Bring the form with you to OPEN HOUSE and return to the registration desk upon arrival.

DOWNLOAD the registration form HERE.

Questions? Contact admissions@bishopoconnell.org or call 703-237-1433.

Congratulations to junior Schuyler Workmaster, whose artwork was chosen by popular vote as the winning entry in Arlington County's annual auto decal contest.

Workmaster was a finalist in the contest the previous two years, but her perseverance paid off this time.

"It's nice to see my efforts realized," she said. "I put a lot of work into my pieces and the recognition is appreciated. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of people who have supported me."

Read more in the Arlington Catholic Herald...

The fall soup drive is a 45-year tradition at Bishop O’Connell which brings out the spirit of the school community while benefiting local Catholic Charities food pantries. After two weeks of stiff competition among advisory classrooms, students gathered on the football field on Oct. 25 to pray a Living Rosary for the people and families who will be the recipients of these donations. When every can was counted, students were thrilled to hear that they reached this year’s goal of 15,000 cans—setting a new record for the school.

Read more from the Arlington Catholic Herald.

View a slideshow from the 2018 Living Rosary above or at THIS LINK.

Bishop O'Connell will be closed today, Thursday, Nov. 15, due to weather conditions.

This is a change from the earlier delayed opening announcement. Fairfax County announced this change just before 8 AM. We apologize for this late notice.

It was an exciting night for players, coaches and fans alike at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, as the Bishop O'Connell High School ice hockey team came away with the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) title for the first time since 2009.

The Knights finished the NVSHL league play with a 10-0 record before defeating Chantilly, 7-1, in the quarterfinals and shutting out Briar Woods, 4-0, in the semifinals. O'Connell faced perennial Northern Virginia powerhouse, Broad Run, in front of a spirited crowd in the championship game, as both teams were defending undefeated records in league play.

Bishop O'Connell scored first and never lost the lead. When the final horn sounded, the Knights were on top, 4-2. O'Connell goals were scored by Victor Musoke '20 (assist by Ben Gibbons '20), Jake Smith '19 (assists by Alex Vouras '20 and Victor Musoke), Ben Gibbons (assist by Alex Vouras) and Alex Vouras (unassisted). The Knights goalie, Jack MacKinnon '19, proved instrumental in net, stopping 28 of 30 shots that came his way.

"In the fall we defined our team goal and it was to win the state championship," said Head Coach Flip Collins. "As a coach the most rewarding part of coaching is helping these student-athletes set their goals and design a plan for them to achieve that goal. We did just that."

The Knights played one of the most demanding schedules in the Washington metropolitan area, competing not only in the NVSHL, but also in the Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League (MAPHL), as well as the WCAC league, where they defeated Gonzaga in the semifinal tournament round before coming up short in the championship game against DeMatha. The team finished their season with the most wins ever, and a 21-10-2 record.

Congratulations to the following all-league honorees:

Jack MacKinnon - first team goalie in the NVSHL
Victor Musoke - first team honors in the NVSHL, the MAPHL and the WCAC
Alex Vouras -second team honors in the MAPHL and the WCAC

MORE...

Video Highlights from the NVSHL Championship Game

After the lights go out, O'Connell flips a switch and wins NVSHL title
Washington Post, March 2, 2018

Bishop O'Connell wins NVSHL
NVSHL News, March 3, 2018

Visit the O'Connell ice hockey team page HERE.

Father, we thank You for the gift that You have planted in every human heart—the gift of discovery, the gift of curiosity...to know Your creation, to know not only the Earth that You gave us, but the universe in which we live. We ask You to help us to appreciate the gift of that spirit of discovery. We ask You to bless all those involved in the exploration of space, so that they might be safe, and that they might advance our knowledge of the universe, to continue to serve humanity and to help each of us to live in harmony with one another.

With this prayer, Father Thompson opened the much-anticipated Nov. 8 program, where Bishop O'Connell students were able to connect live from the school auditorium with NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor aboard the International Space Station via Amateur Radio.

MORE INFORMATION

Read all about this out-of-this-world experience and view a highlight video from The Arlington Catholic Herald.

View a photo slideshow on our webpage.

Watch and listen to the ten minute chat below or on our YouTube channel.

Thank you to the faculty and administration at Bishop O'Connell who supported this project, and to Mrs. Melissa Pore whose dedication to student engagement in STEM made this happen.  Special thanks to our partners at ARISS, ARRL and NASA SCaN who helped us make the program possible, and who continue to help nurture our students' interests.
 

Bishop O'Connell High School celebrated an important moment in its history on the December 3 when the school's gym was renamed as the Koons Athletic Center.

With the morning sun shining through the upper windows and the gym bleachers filled with enthusiastic students, O'Connell's Head of School, Dr. Joseph E. Vorbach III, shared with the assembled crowd about a transformational donation to the school's capital campaign.

"Because of this gift, we are able to proceed with the work we have begun here at the school that includes the new plaza out front, the new main entrance and open corridor, and the new wing on the site of the old convent that will have modern and flexible classrooms, as well as the new Immaculate Heart Chapel," said Dr. Vorbach.

He then turned to introduce Jim and Cece Koons, both members of the O'Connell class of 1969. "We would not be moving forward with these bold steps without their help."

Jim Koons called this a "special treat" to be at O'Connell on this day. He introduced his wife, Cece, along with his sister-in-law Denise Zimmerman (class of 73) and his daughter Krystal, who had joined him for the ceremony. "O'Connell and the Koons family share a lot of history," he said. He met his wife, then Cece Zimmerman, at the school, and the two are getting ready to celebrate their 50-year class reunion in 2019. He has three siblings who also attended O'Connell, and his older brother Joe (class of 1964) has been inducted in the Hall of Fame. Cece's father, Dr. Zimmerman, served as the school's team doctor for 30 years and is also in the school's Hall of Fame.

Having the Koons name on the athletic center is a fitting tribute to his family's legacy. "Sports were a huge part of our life at O'Connell," Koons continued. "From this we got life lessons like discipline, positive attitude, hard work, teamwork, and respect for others."

Rev. Gregory Thompson, the school's chaplain, invited the assembly to pray together, to "...bless all who assemble to compete in good sportsmanship, to teach the virtues, and to give support to all who participate in the various activities held in this building."

The newly dedicated Koons Athletic Center then erupted in high spirits as the boys and girls varsity basketball teams, along with the school's cheerleading squad and dance team hosted a pep rally as a way of thanking the Koons family and kicking off this new era of O'Connell athletics.

View photo highlight from the Dec. 3 event below or CLICK HERE.

On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the O'Connell Health Services Club held their first blood drive of the year. Members of the club, led by officers Grace Motta, Anneliese Fantini, and Franny Seldin, worked beforehand to promote the event and register both teachers and students as donors. On the day of the drive, the club members were responsible for signing donors in and providing support, comfort and snacks to all those who gave blood. Before and after the event they all pitched in to set up and clean up, too.

"Thanks again for another successful and productive Bishop O'Connell blood drive" said INOVA blood drive coordinator, John Ronan. "We registered 71 donors and collected 42 whole blood, 16 red cells, and 7 platelets, for a total of 65 blood products. This means that 195 lives can be potentially saved!"

"This drive was held the day our students came back from the Thanksgiving holiday," said O'Connell's club moderator, Ms. Alicia Doran. "I was worried initially that our turnout would be low, but I'm so proud of everyone who stepped up to make this such a great event."

The club plans on hosting another blood drive this spring. Stay tuned.

A Special Note - The enthusiastic response to these blood drives is a great tribute to former O'Connell counselor, Mrs. Kathy Black, who passed away just a few weeks ago. During her time at O'Connell (1985 – 2015) she worked tirelessly with the Health Services Club to educate others on the critical needs for blood in our area, and to ensure the success of the school's blood drives. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of giving back to the community.

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2019 has been designated as Catholic Schools Week by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Bishop O'Connell High School has a 62-year tradition of excellence of Catholic education in our diocese, and we join with the Diocese of Arlington in celebrating this week!

Hear more about Catholic Schools Week in Bishop Michael Burbidge's special greeting.

Congratulations to junior Schuyler Workmaster, whose artwork was chosen by popular vote as the winning entry in Arlington County's annual auto decal contest.

Workmaster was a finalist in the contest the previous two years, but her perseverance paid off this time.

"It's nice to see my efforts realized," she said. "I put a lot of work into my pieces and the recognition is appreciated. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of people who have supported me."

Read more in the Arlington Catholic Herald...

It might be too cold to be on the Potomac River this time of year, but that doesn't stop the Bishop O'Connell crew team. On Feb. 2, the Knights headed to T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria to compete in the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints Championships, the largest indoor rowing competition for high school students.  Competing against over 450 other rowers, the team took home medals in four events, along with several top ten finishes.

For the second year in a row, O'Connell sophomore Sean Madden took first place in the 16-year-old Men's 2000 meter race, besting his own record time. In the Lightweight Women's 17-year-old age bracket, Caitlin Thompson came home with a second place medal in the 2000 meter distance. In addition, the Knights had podium appearances in two team events. Caitlin Thompson, Dani Manzano, Claire Bailey and Lily Bernero won the Women's Junior 4 x 500 relay competition, while setting a new event record. Nate Lindley and Daniel Bailey placed second in the Junior Lightweight Men's 3-Minute Crash (Double Slide).

Head Coach Dan Brisson was extremely pleased with the teams overall performance, giving shoutouts to Katie Vanek (a novice racing against varsity rowers), Victoria Phan (5th place finish), Annie Garner (coxed relay team), Renee Dixon (coxed Caitlin Thompson), Adam Kippenhan (4th place finish and coxed Daniel Kippenhan), Daniel Kippenhan (competing well against upperclassmen), Michael Bailey (defeated older, more experienced rowers in the 20-minute competition), Matt Vidrine (hitting his goal in the 20-minute race), Christopher Williams (strong showing in the 20-minute competition), Luke Snyder (coxed Sean Madden), and Nico Ozioli (coxed Nate Lindley and Adam Kippenhan).

According to Men's Coach, Charles Fidler, "The day was full of solid performances that put our team in a healthy position to be extremely competitive this spring."

Pictured above: (clockwise from bottom) Caitlin Thompson, Lily Bernero, Dani Manzano, Claire Bailey and Annie Garner.

Pictured below: (l to r) Daniel Kippenhan, Sean Madden, Luke Snyder, Nate Lindley, Michael Bailey, Nico Ozioli, Daniel Bailey, Adam Kippenhan, and Coach Charles Fidler.

Don't forget to get your tickets today! 

Broadway Desserts
Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
Upper Gym (Entrance #8)

Your elegant evening begins as you enter the performance venue with reserved tables seating (arranged as eight seats per table). Enjoy dessert from a delicious assortment with coffee or tea. Once the lights dim and performers step on stage, enjoy an evening of Broadway musical selections performed by O'Connell music students.

Seating is based on the following ticket levels:

• VIP Seating ($35 each) includes reserved seating at front row tables, dessert and coffee or tea.
• General Seating ($25 each) includes reserved table seating, dessert and coffee or tea.
• Student Tickets ($5 each) include unreserved chair seating, dessert and coffee or tea.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS

Tickets will be held for pick-up on performance night. Doors open 45 minutes before show begins.

Question? Contact broadwaydesserts@bishopoconnell.org.

Special FREE Film Screening of "Intelligent Lives" Postponed to Wednesday, Feb. 27

Bishop O'Connell High School is happy to host a FREE viewing of Dan Habib's new film,INTELLIGENT LIVES, now postponed to Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.  This film is a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America.  INTELLIGENT LIVES challenges what it means to be intelligent, and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships.  The 70-minute film will be shown in the Bishop O'Connell auditorium, located at 6600 Little Falls Road in Arlington, and will be followed by a panel discussion.  The event is open to the public.  For questions, please contact Susan Rinaldi, Director of Expanded Services at Bishop O'Connell High School: Srinaldi@bishopoconnell.org.