The Polar Express roared into St Mark Catholic School in Huntersville on Thursday, December 17. Students in grades K-2 dressed in their robes and slippers and met in the school library, which was transformed to look like the inside of a train. The students were treated to hot cocoa and Rice Krispie treats as they listened to a recording of the classic holiday book by author Chris Van Allsburg. Middle school students, dressed as characters from the book, acted out parts of the story. Librarian Lisa Roy coordinates the event each year. The Polar Express has become a favorite holiday tradition for the entire St Mark school community. 

St. Mark Catholic School second graders Alexander Moorman (l) and Finian Curran (r) show off their tickets to ride The Polar Express during a special performance of the popular holiday book in the school's library.

St. Mark Catholic School first grader Isabella Rosata enjoys hot chocolate and a Rice Krispie treat during a special presentation of The Polar Express in the school's library. 

On April 30th, St. Mark’s Middle School Honors Choir performed a
toe-tapping, entertaining musical comedy adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s’ Through the Looking Glass.

“Wonderland, The Musical MisAdventures of a girl named Alice”, featured an eclectic mix of genres that ranged from gypsy, swing to doo-wop and bluegrass. Ashley Martel delivered an outstanding performance as the fearless and inquisitive Alice who delighted the audience with her melodic voice and quirky innocence. As the musical opens Alice jumps through the looking glass into a “Wonderland” of her own imagination. The show is modeled on a chess game and Alice’s journey to a fantastical land where she moves from one absurd encounter to another.

The musical featured some of the favorite familiar characters of Alice In Wonderland, along with zany new characters. Andrew Liberacki, set the stage with his heart-filled version of the song “Alice in Wonderland” and thoroughly entertained the audience as the Troubadour White Rabbit and the Train Conductor.

This upbeat coming of age story featured a twist on some of the other characters. Jenna Newman, rocked the house with her hip-hopping role as the bright and powerful Red Queen joined by the Noblest Red King John Kenyon. The role of the white King and Queen dressed in Elvis-like attire were played by the charismatic Hunter Aikens and his eye-catching queen, Erica Batres . Together they sang energizing solos including the Jabberwocky and Checkmate that were each supported by jazzy white and red singing pawns... Mary Finnegan, MacKenzie Lorch, Alexandria Perini, Hannah Cutlip, Caitlin Lorch, and Mary Walters.

Throughout the musical Alice passes through chess board squares in Wonderland to meet up with dozens of new characters. After she leaves her house, Alice stumbles upon a whimsical floral garden with live talking flowers played by Carley Packard, Meghan and Colleen Ducey.

The sarcastic but very entertaining Humpty Dumpty was played by Sarah Palasick. She meets Alice as she sits on a wall dressed in traditional humpty clothes along with a cowboy hat and boots, singing, “ I was a Good Egg, But Then I Done Went Bad.” She was joined by dazzling Dixie Chicks; Haley Akins, Kaitlin Magliocco, Michaela Mueller and Audrey Petrilli, who performed action-packed western jazz numbers as well as beautiful lyrical dances choreographed by 7th grade student Savannah Golden.

Later Alice encountered the delightful Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, Emily Crock and Erin Lunny, who tell her the story of the, “The Walrus and the Carpenter.” When Alice finally meets up with Hatta, the confused but loving character played by Lucia Ahrensdorf, the audience laughed and seemed thoroughly entertained. In one scene a Unicorn played by Mary Selzer took on Alex Rouse who played the Lion for the boxing match of the century!

When Alice slides into the fourth square she finds herself playing with Boston Red Sox baseball players in a scene which featured the talented, Kevin Kirschmer, Chris Geiler, Nick Ferraro, Erick Kramlick and Rob Short.

As a whimsical train passed through Wonderland with tourists it featured many of the talented ensemble who were featured in various scenes throughout the musical The cast included, Anna Wehlan, Virginia Vasquez-Rios, Emily Crock, Kristen Conway, Kerri Hughes, Madeline Schulte, Julie Newell, and Catherine Schulter.

Then in a dark forest scene that left all breathless, the gallant white and red knights, William Louis and Paul Modzelweski, dualed for their kingdoms with modern day light sabers while singing and dancing.

The feel-good, heart-pounding performance played by the Responsibilities featured soloists Emily Mason, Megan Berry, Sarah Palasick and Anna Whelan who commanded a show-stopping gospel like number reminding Alice “ You’ve Got Responsibility!” At the end of the Musical Alice learns that being a Queen is not all its cut out to be and that the real joy is in the adventure of life itself.

 In the end, the entire cast of Wonderland posed a question when they sang the finale... "Was It all Just A Dream?” The answer was no. Thanks to the direction of first year St. Mark Music Director, LeAnn Callahan, the Wonderland production was a big hit musical!

Callahan introduced the Honors Choir to St. Mark Catholic School this year which comprises 47 selected students from 6th, 7th and 8th grades. They sing at school masses, local competitions and special area performances. “I am amazed at the talent and dedication demonstrated by the students here, it is amazing,” said Callahan. She reminds students always about Wonderland’s theme… “Anything’s possible, just follow your heart.”

"Wonderland! The Musical MisAdventures of a Girl Named Alice" was written by James Devita. The music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur and it was produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service Inc. Englewood Colorado.
 

Following an all-school mass held on Wednesday, May 13, students from St Mark Catholic School in Huntersville led a procession from the church to the school courtyard for the annual May Crowning ceremony. Each student presented a flower to the Blessed Mother, while second graders Jacob Brodof and Lauren Petterson placed the crown on the statue of Mary.

Mass was led by the second grade with participation from the Honors Chorus. The congregation processed from the church, through the school, to the courtyard while reciting the rosary.

In addition to honoring our second grade First Communicants, the eighth graders led the rosary. After the ceremony, the second graders were joined by their families and eighth grade prayer partners for a reception in the Courtyard. It was a wonderful occasion for everyone involved!

(Photos courtesy of Tracey Liberacki)

The American Diabetes Association presented St. Mark Catholic School with an award for the most money raised by a school in the 2008 National Walk for Diabetes. The presentation took place at St Mark’s Kick-Off Rally for the 2009 campaign on Monday, March 23rd, 2009

St. Mark Catholic School has participated in the ADA’s Walk for Diabetes for several years, previously receiving regional awards for fundraising. Last year’s efforts netted more than $52,000 for the organization, placing St Mark first in the nation among all other participating schools. Money collected through this campaign helps to fund summer camp programs for children with Diabetes.

During the Walk for Diabetes on April 3rd, 2009, the St. Mark students raised over $30,000. This includes donations, a raffle, and a Penny War.