Students who are accepted meet the following academic and character-related requirements:

Congratulations on your tremendous academic achievement, Cougars!

Natalie Almeter, a junior at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota, is one of 50 high school students from across the nation to be accepted to the National Catholic Youth Choir. She was accepted based on her application, two recommendation letters and an audition. Natalie will spend two weeks in Minnesota this summer working with the choir, and her experience will conclude with a concert tour and recording session.

Natalie recently appeared as a member of the Sarasota Youth Opera Chorus in the Sarasota Opera’s production of Bizet’s “Carmen.”  She has also appeared in many musical productions at Cardinal Mooney and at her middle school, St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton.

Most recently, Natalie performed as part of the Annual Dinner Auction in a Hollywood Song Medley and, just last month, with Cardinal Mooney's Spring Musical, Schoolhouse Rock, Live!

According to Performing Arts Director Kyle Lacertosa, Natalie's selection is "a huge honor for her and for the school, as well". She encourages everyone to "please congratulate her!"

Congratulations, indeed, Natalie, and best wishes as you represent Florida Catholic Schools in the Youth Chorale presentation.

Update: Thanks to all who contributed to the 36-Hour Giving Challenge. Donations received by Cardinal Mooney families and supporters allowed us to qualify for no less than $5,000 in matching financial gifts!

Here's a recap of how the Campaign was conducted:

This online event inspired donors and citizen philanthropists to learn more about the nonprofits and causes in Southwest Florida they care about by "giving" $25 dollars or more over the course of 36 hours on March 27th and 28th.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Manatee Community Foundation—with the support of The Patterson Foundation—have partnered to launch The Giving Partner and to make the 36-Hour Giving Challenge possible. Together, they are providing matching funds of $501,000.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Thank you for sharing our excitement about this amazing opportunity and you can check out our profile anytime at www.thegivingpartner.org.

The 2011-2012 CMHS Varsity Boys Basketball team will be remembered for their exciting finish to a season that saw high scoring players sidelined* and those who remained stepping up to earn the Class 3A-District 11 Title. This was something that had eluded the Cougars since 1999.

The Cardinal Mooney District 3A-11 Champions!

Third-year Head Coach Stefan Gates, who received accolades as FACA Coach of the Year, deflected the praise onto his hard working players with special mention reserved for the “motor” of his 6' tall junior, Parker Del Medico.

“He’s the most versatile player we have, on both offense and defense”, said Gates. “He improved by averaging more points per game as the season drew to a close.” The work ethic that Parker demonstrated proved effective in forcing turnovers and limiting the opponent’s opportunities to put points on the scoreboard. “He is the one person who is going to make it difficult for the other team to move the ball.”

Coach Stefan Gates

Perhaps the greatest indication of Parker’s dedication to the game and his team was an award received after the District Championship game with Bradenton Christian (a 45-42 win). In a Herald Tribune Prep poll, Parker was voted Player of the Week for February 11-18 with a vote total of 1,436 votes out of 2,700 cast. 

Parker Del Medico on the Move

It’s no surprise to those who know him. By having increased his season per game point average from 12.5 to 20 in the final three playoff games, Parker was the player to rely on for free throws and when the stakes were high. In his own humble opinion, it was the combined effort of his teammates who made the wins possible. Most of all, he’s looking forward to building on this momentum when he returns for his senior year.   

Way to go, Cougars, and keep that motor running, Parker!

*Most notably the injured Jamie Glasser, who was chosen as HT Player of the Year for District 3A.

Note: This story was written from the combined articles of HT Prep sportswriters and photographer Dennis Maffezzoli, and Jim Brockman appearing at Htpreps.com during February and early March 2012.

The following students won the Poetry Out Loud competition held this year:

1st place – Senior Alexandra Simic-Hachmann - Epiphany

2nd place – Junior Alexandra Barth - St. Martha

3rd place – Senior Adam Seacord

Cardinal Mooney completed the school-wide Poetry Out Loud Contest in Early February under the direction of English Department Chair, Mrs. Jan McGovern. 

This annual project is the result of a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation with U.S. state arts agencies in support of the reading of poetry out loud. The contest encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation.

In addition to the actual event, the program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

You can find out more about Poetry Out Loud by clicking this informational link:  http://www.poetryoutloud.org/about 

Congratulations to our three winners on your recitation skills! We send our best wishes to Alexa Simic-Hachmann for continued success as she advances to the State competition.