What's Up at SJA

November Newsletter 2020

National Scholars

Congratulations to these three SJA students! On the left, Sean Teo Ong '21 has been named a Commended Student in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. They are among the top 50,000 scorers of the Preliminary/SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Pictured in the middle, Pamela Greer, '21 and on the right, Sebastian Herrera '21 were selected for the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. These two students have earned this recognition because of their remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Lady Bloodhound Takes the Football Field

Cross Country Team Wins at State Competition The Saint Joseph Academy Cross Country team is breaking records! The boys took 1st place in District while the girl's team took 3rd place.

This qualified them to travel to Waco, Texas for the State meet. At the TAPPS Class 5A state meet on November 2, the Bloodhounds finished 6th out of 21 teams. Two of the Bloodhound runners earned spots on the allstate team as they finished in the top 10.

Junior, Pedro Cardenas finished 3rd with a time of 16:10.4 and Sophomore Alejandro Ramirez finished 8th and ran the course in 16:35.3. When asked how it felt to win, Pedro Cardenas replied, "It felt awesome to place 3rd in State! After all the hard work for three years it really paid off. It was one of my biggest accomplishments I've done throughout my high school career." The Lady Bloodhounds team placed 16th with the following top runners contributing: Amanda Hinojosa (59th place); Isabella Douglas (68th place); Valeria Bazan (96th place); Emma Gonzalez (98th place) Ana Guerra (108th place).

It doesn’t matter what others think of you, just be you and play. Olivia Wood '26

Olivia Wood, 7th grader at Saint Joseph Academy can remember as early as the 4th grade longing to play football. Playing football as a girl comes with its challenges.

Olivia has had to face some criticism and whispers but says that she is strong and self-confident and can handle the criticism that comes her way. Olivia said that when someone says something to her that her response is, “It’s 2020, get used to it!”. For the most part though, the boys at Saint Joseph Academy have been very supportive of her. When asked what she had to do to prepare for the fall football season, Olivia reports that she had to work on her running speed and endurance as well as the ability to lift weights. During their football training, the coach looked at the skills her and her teammates possessed, and she was chosen to play offensive right tackle and defensive left end. Olivia also loves to watch football on TV with her dad. When asked what her message to other young girls who have the same dream is, she replied, “It doesn’t matter what others think of you, just be you and play”. Olivia is grateful to her mom and dad and extended family and friends for all their support.

SJA Civic Engagement Club On Election Day, the students from the Saint Joseph Academy Civic Engagement Club volunteered and supported the election process at the Brownsville Public Library. “It’s crucial to civically engage the youth as much as possible, as we are the future leaders of society. We participated in this event today to bring voter awareness to our city of Brownsville as well as our school community” said Linda Garcia ’21 CoPresident. “We are very excited to be doing our civic duty of promoting voting, even though some of us are too young to vote. The Civic Engagement Club wants to encourage everyone eligible to get out and make their voice heard” said Carolina Vela ’21 Co-President.

What a great opportunity the Club’s moderator, Ms. Leticia Davila and Mr. Kevin Hickson have given to thier students of St. Joe. Maria Jose Morales ’22, Public Relations representative for the Civic Engagement Club said, “Our work here today helps to demonstrate the passion that we have to help shape the future of our country. Thank you SJA students for your leadership and commitment to our community.

Have You Heard?

Butterflies are Free The SJA Performing Arts group performed a production of Butterflies are Free in late October and it was a smashing success! The production was directed

by SJA Theater Director, Chris Ikner and Zachary Stutts. The Performing Arts group is already working on their next production, A Piece of my Heart for the holiday season and then will present a musical in the spring. Stay tuned for ticket information sfor viewing the productions.

Cast members: Maria Renee Garza, Jackson Rodriguez, Orlando Salinas and Vivian Wood Stage crew: Antonio Bernus and Blake Fowkes

Now Accepting Applications Priority Applications: Nov. 20th ($25) Regular Applications: Dec. 4th ($50) Late Applications: After Dec. 4th ($75)