HOPE: Hold On, Pain Ends

Hold On, Pain Ends

By Katie Helland - Director of Communications

More than a year ago, we welcomed 2020, sure it would bring surprises. But, no one imagined a global pandemic. In the US, alone, the number of people who have died from complications of the novel Coronavirus exceeds 500,000. For nearly a year, many Americans — including teachers and students — have worked from home, bringing laptops, keyboards, and desks into tiny bedrooms and kitchens across the nation. High school sports came to a grinding halt. So did milestone events for teenagers, like 16th birthday parties, proms, and a diploma wielding, in-person graduation.

Today, the nation is still in the middle of this crisis, but hope has arrived in the form of several FDA-approved vaccines. As we start a new year — 2021— many of us have the same resolutions we’ve had in other Januarys: lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more, and spend less time on our phones and computers. Basically, we want to be better, happier versions of ourselves. But this past year has left us with new goals too. Racism, inequality, and massive unemployment demand our attention. In addition to that, long weeks of isolation have caused many to re-evaluate how we spend our time and money. With all these changes, what’s new about 2021? Maybe that we’re starting to talk about hope.

In December, at the school’s Advent Liturgy, which was held virtually via Zoom, Father James

Okafor, the school’s chaplain, defined hope for our community. He shared his experience visiting juvenile hall, where he met a young woman we’ll call “Audrey,” who seemed full of hope, despite her situation. One day, Father James asked her “Why?” Audrey shared that a teacher told her the word “hope” stands for “hold on,

pain ends.” This definition works in juvenile hall, but it also works in 2021. Today, we hope the pandemic will end soon, and we will be able to visit loved ones, near and far. This year, bringing hope to students has been a guiding focus for the administrators, teachers, and staff at Archbishop Mitty High School.

Father James presided over the Mass of the Holy Spirit in person in 2019, before shelter-in-place orders sent students home last spring. This school year, liturgies and Masses have been shared via Zoom. At the Advent Liturgy, Father James talked about hope.

GOD IN TIMES OF CRISIS

The school’s Campus Ministry program has been especially focused on helping students find hope by providing Monarchs with community and opportunities to grow closer to God. Virtual events, like the Advent Liturgy, bring students together with inspiring messages, not just from the Gospel, but from peers and teachers, who share monthly reflections.

In November, Campus Ministry also ran a Kairos Retreat for more than 40 socially-distanced seniors and a Quest Retreat for 20 socially-distanced juniors on campus. Monarchs were able to see classmates in person for the first time in nine months. Through meetings in small groups and meditative prayer in the school’s chapel, students grew closer to God. The Kairos

and Quest retreats were the first in-person retreats held since March, when shelter-in-place orders hit Santa Clara County and prevented gatherings of people from different households.

“Our retreats are an important part of the Mitty experience, where students learn in a very real way that they are loved for their authentic self in a supportive community,” said Tim Wesmiller, the Director of Campus Ministry. “For the students who were able to attend November’s retreats, it gave them a renewed sense of hope that community is still a reality, not something to be taken for granted, and something to fight for when the pandemic is over.”

Retreats aren’t the only way students have come together in this time of crisis. Each week, Campus Ministry hosts at least one prayer service, inviting Monarchs to quiet their minds and find God and community in short services held via Zoom. Seniors can also join LIFE Team, a youth group that provides a sense of normalcy for upperclassmen through small base communities, where students get a chance to check in with each other via Zoom and talk about faith and the challenges of their senior year. Together, these groups unpack readings from the Gospel, as well as recent events, helping Monarchs find hope in difficult times.

Finally, Campus Ministry’s Mitty Advocacy Project has been leading a variety of social justice initiatives this school year, reminding Monarchs that faith and action go hand in hand. Following the murder of George Floyd over the summer, Monarchs supported the Black Lives Matter Movement, sharing resources on how to disrupt racism through website posts and social media campaigns. MAP student advocates also used Zoom to host a guest speaker from the Northern California Innocence Project who talked about systemic racism in the justice system. Other Monarchs have been working with Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) and Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) to find ways to reduce the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on migrant farm workers. The team also used Zoom to host Professor Stephanie Masta from Purdue University, who talked about decolonizing curriculum and engaging Indigenous voices in schools.

Through Campus Ministry programs, students are reminded they’re never alone. Regular gatherings with friends — in person or via Zoom — help Monarchs feel connected to their school community and God, even during this difficult time of social distancing. Through prayer and activism, these Monarchs work to build a better world.

Students participating in the Kairos Retreat for seniors or the Quest Retreat for juniors enjoyed seeing each other for the first time in months in a sociallydistanced manner outdoors, in classrooms, and in the school chapel. Seniors also gathered in Base Communities via Zoom to check in with each other, pray, reflect, and participate in Campus Ministry’s annual pumpkin decorating contest.

PRACTICE SIX FEET APART

Student athletes also find hope in continuing to play sports during the pandemic. The original stay-at-home orders banned all practices for high school and college athletes, as well as professionals. But, this did not deter Archbishop Mitty from continuing to inspire student athletes to work toward their goals. To encourage Monarchs working out at home, Assistant Athletic Director Brett Nichols asked more than 50 alumni who play college or professional sports to serve as guest coaches of strength and conditioning classes on Zoom.

“I am so proud of our student-athletes, our coaches, and our staff for how they faced all the challenges of virtual workouts, modified training sessions, and navigating all the unknowns,” said Athletic Director Brian Eagleson. “Involving alumni athletes in virtual workouts provided an additional shot of energy and enthusiasm and strengthened that connection between who we are and who we are striving to be.”

In August, things improved when some teams were allowed to return to campus for in-person, socially distanced practices. Monarchs were allowed to meet for outdoor workouts in small cohorts of 12 athletes. To keep everyone safe, the county required participating student-athletes to give up other extracurriculars with in-person meetings, including club sports.

In an unprecedented year, mental skills training became an especially important focus for student athletes. In the fall, the school offered a 12-part Zoom series with Mental Performance Coach Grant Parr, who works with Olympians and professional athletes. The workshops taught Monarchs to develop confidence, visualize success, and refocus when they faced obstacles. These skills are normally important for athletes, but proved especially timely this year as Monarchs slogged through months of Zoom classes and a constantly changing sports season.

“Providing a mental skills series was another attempt at providing a release-valve from the uncertainties of the pandemic,” Mr. Eagleson said. “It was a way to equip them with some tools to set aside the uncertainty of the future for a couple minutes, to center themselves, breathe, and empower them in that moment.”

December provided a high note for athletes when Cal-Hi Sports declared Archbishop Mitty the State School of the Century. Schools were judged based on the number of times they had been named the State School of the Year for men’s, women’s, or overall athletic programs between 2000 and now. In an article announcing the award, Cal-Hi Sports recognized the school’s legendary basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball programs.

Recent weeks brought even more good news after Santa Clara County cleared several limited-contact sports to begin seasons during the county’s purple tier. So far, cross country, tennis, and golf have all started competition seasons. Athletics looks forward to having more teams start competition seasons in the weeks to come.

Student athletes, like these soccer players, continued to practice on campus in small cohorts. During the summer, Assistant Athletic Director Brett Nichols asked alumni, including Coach Dave Brown ’71, to teach strength and conditioning classes via Zoom. Signing Days continued to take place with parents joining student-athletes to take photos at a socially-distanced event on campus.

Students danced in their living rooms, patios, and driveways as part of The Royals’ performances this year. Monarchs also took the stage in the school’s first-ever virtual Shakespeare Festival, wearing elaborate costumes and setting up lights at home, so they could bring smiles to their audiences during a difficult year.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON(LINE)

For aspiring actors, actresses, singers, and comedians, the show must go on(line). This year, Monarchs have been keeping the arts alive through a variety of virtual performances designed to make audiences laugh. Perhaps one of the department’s most impressive undertakings was a virtual Shakespeare Festival in the fall. Students donned elaborate costumes and gave live performances of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” plus more contemporary shows inspired by the Bard, like “The Book of Will” and “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play.” The shows, performed using Zoom Webinar and streamed by ShowTix4U, were enjoyed by audiences from the East Coast all the way to Ireland.

“We made the decision to create the AMHS Fall Shakespeare Festival to give our students a creative outlet, with an emphasis on live performance, so we all could continue a vital social element of the creative rehearsal process,” said Director of Performing Arts Doug Santana. “Nothing beats live theater and I’m proud of the work our actors, student composers, virtual crew and artistic staff did to keep the arts alive virtually for our community.”

When students aren’t working on theater productions, many are preparing for choir and orchestra performances. Moving regular concerts to YouTube and Zoom provided opportunities to share good music while celebrating student accomplishments with family, friends, and classmates. The online venues also allowed family who live out-of-town to enjoy productions they might not have normally been able to see.

“The response to our virtual choral and instrumental concerts on YouTube has been overwhelmingly positive!” Mr. Santana said. “We set a record on our YouTube Channel for viewers with our AMHS Holiday Radio Hour in the first 24 hours that the show was posted online. Having a venue for audience members all over the country, including family and friends who would not normally have been able to attend a concert on our campus, was impactful for our student performers. The virtual applause was a great way to end the fall semester.”

Last summer, Pardon My French, the school’s sketch comedy group, also went online, hosting “Distance Laughing,” a weekly series which focused on the quirks of pandemic life. Teen comedians made light of the problems of distance learning, including muted mics and dropped Wifi connections. Later shows brought laughs to audiences on holidays like Halloween, when Monarchs were cooped up at home.

Finally, The Royals, the school’s dance team, developed choreographed dances to share with classmates at virtual rallies and recitals. Since the dancers could not perform as a group in person, Mr. Justin Karr, the school’s technical director, edited together videos of students performing at home. One of those videos was shared at the virtual Spirit Week Rally in October. The video shows dance can be beautiful everywhere, as Monarchs performed to music from the safety of their backyards, living rooms, and driveways.

By bringing shows online, Monarchs continue to entertain audiences around the Bay Area. Their choreographed dances and music and theater performances remind viewers that beauty continues to exist, even in hard times. So do laughs, smiles, and hope.

Student Activities worked to bring Monarchs hope and joy during the pandemic. During Spirit Week, Monarchs from each class performed socially-distant outdoor dances, which were shared with classmates during a virtual rally. Student Activities also decorated the senior parking lot with holiday lights and snow to share a little Christmas spirit. Finally, the Christmas Rally, which was held virtually on YouTube, featured Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the live delivery of presents to Monarchs living throughout the Bay Area.

ZOOM RALLY

Members of Student Government also continue to work to bring Monarchs joy and hope in new ways during distance learning. One of the most popular events was the Christmas Rally, which was streamed live in December. The event was a socially-distanced take on the annual rally traditionally held in the Fien Gym. Students nominated classmates to receive surprise presents, which included everything from Hydroflasks to surf boards. This year, members of Student Government, dressed up as elves, delivered presents to homes and captured live video of students receiving the gifts from six or more feet away.

“The event allowed us to continue one of the longstanding AMHS traditions of granting Christmas wishes for students,” said Student Activities Director Greg Walker. “Recipients were thrilled with the presentations, happy to see their fellow Monarchs, and mentioned that it truly got them in the Christmas spirit.”

Members of Student Government also decorated the senior parking lot with Christmas lights. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors were invited to drive through the holiday display on a day reserved for just their class. The school’s Interim President and Principal Kate Caputo joined Santa in waving to families and welcoming them back to campus. Just before cars exited the parking lot, snow dusted the vehicles. The event was popular and may become an annual tradition.

Bringing Monarchs joy during the holidays was one of many projects Student Activities took on this year. Classic high school experiences, like dances, also had to be transformed into virtual events. In the fall, Student Activities hosted a virtual Spirit Week Dance. Event attendees logged into Zoom and enjoyed music provided by Monarch DJ Kay Rich ’04. Monarchs also enjoyed a Back to School Dance earlier in the year. That dance had a slumber party theme, so students joined the virtual event in their pajamas.

In addition to dances and rallies, members of Student Government also brought Spirit Week to life with the help of Zoom. They hosted themed dress-up days, created a virtual Spirit Week Rally, and kept traditions, like the class dance competition, alive. Since large groups of students couldn’t gather together in person, members of Student Government asked representatives from each class to don masks and film choreographed dances outdoors, while maintaining proper social distancing guidelines. While nothing can beat an in-person gathering, Student Activities worked hard to bring the community together and give them a few laughs in distance learning.

Despite the present circumstances, Monarch Madness will also continue. Student Activities is currently planning an event for April that will be hosted by West Wind Capitol Drive-In to showcase the events and spirit that define the “Greatest Night to be a Monarch.”

LOOKING AT 2021…

Obviously, nothing beats in-person gatherings on campus. That said, each program has worked hard to give students as much of the Mitty experience as possible during distance learning. From the recent Kairos Retreat to plans for Monarch Madness, the goal is to bring students together and celebrate the community which makes this school so special. Whether Monarchs are taking the stage as part of a virtual show or kicking a soccer ball across the field in small cohorts on campus, students know they have a community that supports them. As this new calendar year starts, we hope to gather soon in the Fien Gym, which has been the site of so many basketball games, liturgies, and all-school assemblies over the years. We also remember the definition of hope that Father James shared just a few months ago: hold on, pain ends. This too will pass, and we look forward to being together soon on campus.

What does Open House look like in a pandemic?

Even Open House went virtual this school year. Since County guidelines prohibited large gatherings of people, the school’s Admissions Office had to run Open House, an event that usually brings 3,000+ people to campus, remotely.

The admissions teams worked with an off campus vendor to set up a virtual tour that featured video recordings of six current students as tour guides, along with 300+ photos that showed what life normally looks like on campus. On Sunday, November 22nd, prospective students and their families logged into Zoom and met with teachers, administrators, and students representing Athletics, Campus Ministry, Performing Arts, and Student Activities. Monarchs shared their experiences on campus with prospective students, while teachers and staff answered questions. The event was well attended with more than 3,000 people stopping by Zoom rooms over a two-hour period.

Check out the virtual tour and our Open House website here: openhouse.mitty.com.