The High School of Saint Thomas More hosted its Second Annual Showcase of Thanks honoring its loyal and committed donors. Father Stephen Willard, President of the STM Pastors' Board, presented the 2007 Paideia Award to Tom and Andrea Harrington.

Congratulations to the following GR-R-Reat Saber Raffle Winners...

$15,000: Donna Miller

$2,500: Mary Wurth

$250 Seller Winners: 5 plus Winners:  Carla Grady and Felix/Cathy Cimakasky

$500:  Donald Custin, Jean Jones, Scott Lutz, Fr. Martel Scholarship Fund, Margaret Smock, Fr. Keith Walder, and Kevin Waspi

$200:  Julie Gay, Esther Johnson, David Mills, Laura Muscatella, Gayle Nogle, Scott Ryle, Mary Schlorff, Julie Schultz, Kathy Thompson and Donna Wetzel

$150:  Sue Bonadies, Tom Cain, Mary Cargo, John Carson, Phyllis Cler, Alan Dodds, Teri Ellis, Kenda Hess, Lezlie Kunkel, Susan Jepsen, Joseph Jankowski, Sherman Johnson, William McCabe, Lisa Pierce, Ann Petizy, Marty Sierra-Perry, Steve Simko, Phil Trautman, Jane Wakeland, and Joe Whalen

Winners may stop by STM during normal working hours (M-F 7:30 to 4:00) to claim their cash prize OR may call the office (352-7210) to make other arrangements.

CONGRATULATIONS TO STM STUDENTS
Katie Jean, a Junior at The High School of Saint Thomas More, has been selected to the 2008 Hugh Cranford All-Scholastic Team. Only four junior golfers, ages 16-18 are selected for this honor given for academic and athletic achievements. As a member of the 2008 All-Scholastic Team, Katie receives an automatic exemption into the 2008 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships held July 29-August 3 at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This exemption includes an invitation to participate in the championships. Katie will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony on July 30 at PGA National.

Joe Palazzolo, a senior at The High School of St. Thomas More, signed a letter of intent to play collegiate baseball at Quincy University in Quincy, IL.  The Quincy Hawks are a NCAA Division II program and a member of The Great Lakes Valley Conference.  Joe will major in Sports Communication at Quincy.
 
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STUDENT CLASS NEWS – FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

Click here for the latest Student Services tab on our home page for issues of More Guidance Matters.
http://www.hs-stm.org/blogs/rbedwell/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/more-guidance-matters-april-29-2008.pdf

Seniors
1) Naomi Jakobsson, State Representative for the 103rd District is offering a $500 scholarship to one senior from each of the high schools in the district in which she serves.  Deadline is May 2, 2008 and applications are available on the rack in the east lobby of our school.

2) Scholarship Giveaway - Visit Michelle's and M2 to view their exclusive 2008 Prom Collection and register to win a $500 scholarship drawn on Saturday, May 3rd.  Their select dresses aren't available at any other store in downstate Illinois and they guarantee they won't sell your dress to anyone else at your school.  Visit Michelle's and M2 for the complete scholarship details.

3) Busey Bank is offering two Community Reinvestment Act Advisory Committee Scholarships for $1000 each.  The purpose of the scholarship is to support the academic endeavors of low and moderate income students.  Deadline for filing is May 15, 2008 and applications are available on the rack in the east lobby of our school.

4) If your student has won a college merit award, please let Mrs. Bedwell know.  If you want, that information will be listed in the program for the Senior Awards Recognition (even if it is an award from a school that your student will not be attending.)  If you’d rather it be kept confidential, please let us know that and we’ll use it for historical purposes only.

Juniors
Attention junior parents whose students are interested in taking Advanced Placement English:  Students and at least one parent/guardian are required to attend an informational meeting.  The meeting will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the school library.  Parent(s) and students need only attend once.  For questions, please contact Mrs. Neitzel at tneitzel@hs-stm.org. 

Student Services
1) AP exams will begin the week of May 5th and conclude May 16th.

2) ACT exams at The High School of Saint Thomas More is June 14, 2008.  Sign up online at www.act.org.  Registration dead line for June 14th test is May 9th.

3) ACT Prep Course STM English teachers Tracy Neitzel and Krista Mayer will be holding an ACT Prep course open to both Sophomores and Juniors.  The class will meet at STM Monday though Friday from 6-8pm beginning June 2 and ending June 13.  This class ends prior to the ACT test offered on June 14.  The cost is $350, and covers the cost of the course and all materials (two books and one binder of materials). Registration for the STM ACT Prep Course ends on May 15.  If you have any questions about the class or need a registration form, please contact Tracy Neitzel at tneitzel@hs-stm.org or call 352-7210 x201.

4)  Summer School If you think your student may fail a core class, please begin thinking about summer school.  Most, not all, school districts offer summer class with limited classes.  We will have forms here (and make them available) whenever the offering schools send us the necessary information.  You are encouraged to contact school districts yourself, too. Students wishing to take a summer school class are required to notify The High School of Saint Thomas More Student Services before registering.  A permission slip must be signed (these are available in our office.)  As stated in our handbook, students may not take a class at summer school that is offered at The High School of Saint Thomas More unless they have failed that class previously here, unless they are attempting to move ahead in the math sequence.  Contact Mrs. Robin Bedwell at rbedwell@hs-stm.org or by calling 352-7210.

5) Parkland Pathway to Illinois program – have you heard about it?  This is a program that helps provide a seamless transfer and admission process to participating UIUC programs from Parkland College.  Participating colleges at UIUC include:  ACES, Engineering, and Fine and Applied Arts.  Students pay Parkland tuition but integrate their time with resources and classes at Illinois. The priority deadline is May 1st.  Contact Jennifer Smith at jensmith@parkland.edu for an application.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Prom Season
Get fitted to fit in!!!!  Prom season is here and it is time to get your tux ordered!  Visit M2, The Place for Prom and have one of our knowledgeable sales staff help you pick out the perfect tux or dress.  Their select Prom dresses aren't available at any other store in downstate Illinois and they guarantee they won't sell your dress to anyone else at your school.  Our store is located at 2210 N. Willow Road, Urbana.  Hours are M, W, Th, 10-8; T, F 10 - 5; Sat. 10 -6.  Call 337-7766 for more information.

And while you are there, register to win a $500 scholarship drawn on Saturday, May 3rd.   Visit Michelle's and M2 for the complete scholarship details.

ISBE Parent/Guardian Transportation Reimbursement forms are now available in the office. Students are not permitted to bring this form home, nor can students fill out the form in the office.  The information must be submitted by the parent or guardian. You must provide your social security number (not the student's) and one-way mileage from your home address to STM (ISBE recommends using MapQuest). Deadline for submission is June 27,2008.  NO APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED AFTER THIS DATE.  

Parent Association News
The Parent Association is currently looking for volunteers to serve on the 2008-2009 Parent Association Board.  The purpose of the Parent Association is to provide volunteers and support for selected school projects and events for the High School of Saint Thomas More.
 
Positions available:
Secretary; one parent representative for the Class of 2010, and the Class of 2011, and two parent representatives for the incoming freshman Class 0f 2012. If you are interested in serving on the Parent Association Board, please contact Claire Prudhomme by May 2nd (359-6059, or by e-mail at cmprudhomme@ameritech.net).

Service Hour Opportunities
National Association of Letter Carrier's (NALC) Food Drive
The National Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 10th.  People leave food out in their mailboxes for their mailmen to pick up.  The carriers bring the food back to the post office.  And then the food is taken to the Food banks.  Volunteer are needed to unload Postal trucks two locations.  One is the main facility on North Mattis (2001 N. Mattis).  The other location is the downtown Post office at 600 N. Neil St.  The 600 N. Neil facility has the younger carriers and will probably have lunch served.  The times would be from noon to 5 PM. Volunteers do not need to stay the entire time.  The peak unloading time will be from 3-4 PM.  Our local union President is Don Thompson Jr may be reached at drtjr@sbcglobal.net to answer questions or to volunteer.  You may also contact Lynn Jordan at 352-2067.  In past years, we have had TV, Radio and newspaper coverage of this event.

MDA Summer Camp
The MDA camp is needing 160 volunteers to be a big brother or big sister to the campers with Muscular Dystrophy. They are looking for older high school as well as college students to help out with this. It would be a great opportunity for service hours, as well as a great way to serve God and his people, especially if you love children.  For questions, please contact Michele Nickrent at micnic1@gmail.com.

Catholic Heart Work Camp – St. Matthew
This summer CATHOLIC teens from all over the country will experience the power of God as they CARE, SHARE, and OFFER HOPE to those in need.  This summer spend time serving on the OUTSIDE and experience a change on the INSIDE. The St. Matthew Youth Group is attending CHWC in Rockford, IL from July 13-19 at the Bishop Lane Retreat House.  Music provided by Dante Schmitz. Camp Chaplain is Fr. Jeff Lucas. Free day on Friday, July 18, and will be spent in Rockford or the Chicago area, heading home that night.  Cost for the camp is $300. Travel is estimated at $100 (we will be taking vans this year).  Estimated cost of Free Day is $100. There are only 10 spots remaining.  A $100 deposit secures your spot. First mandatory camp meeting is Monday, May 5. Contact information: Debbie Benz, 359-4224 (work), debbiebenz96@aol.com. For more info, visit the CHWC web site at www.heartworkcamp.com.

Volunteers Needed for HEAT Swim Meet
Volunteers are needed to assist with concessions, timers, running bullpen, etc. at the HEAT Swim Meet on May 16, 17, and 18.  Volunteers need to report to the Urbana Aquatic Center at 7:00am for the morning session and 12:00 noon for the afternoon session.  Food will be provided to volunteers.  This is an approved service project opportunity.  For questions, please contact Eury Bauer at ebbauer@uiuc.edu or Melanie Michaels at melaniem@volomail.net

STM 2008 Summer Sports Camps
Baseball Hitting Camp, June 9, 9:30am to 11:30am, 5th-8th grade.
Baseball Pitching Camp, June 10, 9:30am to 11:30am, 5th-8th grade.
Football Camp, non padded, June 16-19, – 9:30am to 11:30am – boys and girls 5th-8th grade.
Volleyball Camp, June 30-July 3, – girls 5th-6th grade 11:30am to 1:00pm, girls 7th-8th grade 9:00am to 11:00am.
Boys Basketball Camp, June 25-27, 5th-6th grade 8:00am to 10:00am, 7th-8th grade 10:00am to 12:00 noon. 
Visit www.hs-stm.org for the complete details and registration forms. 

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Spanish News
Spanish I Piñata Due Dates:  May 8 (8 a.m):  last date for piñata project to be turned in
 
MAY 10: SPANISH CLUB'S BIG FIESTA:  CINCO DE MAYO
              SAVE THIS DATE (EVENING)
              LOTS OF FUN, LATIN DANCING, TREATS, DANCE LESSONS, STM
              PERFORMANCES IN SPANISH, PIÑATA CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED...
              WANT TO HELP?????  CONTACT tstewart@hs-stm.org

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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES BY DATE

Friday, May 2
All School Mass at 8:30am.  Seniors will be receiving a special blessing at this Mass.  All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, May 6
Senior Retreat (not optional) at the 4H Camp at Allerton.  More details to follow.

Wednesday, May 7
STM's Annual Fine Arts Night
This is one of the most important dates of the year for our fine arts students, and we are very excited about showing off their work and talent! The art show opens and hors duerves are served at 6:00 with the concert beginning at 7:00.  The art exhibit will feature the work of all art students at STM, and there will be a special auction and Advanced Placement Portfolio exhibit.  The STM Music Department will also be featured.  This is a MANDATORY performance for all students enrolled in a music class.  Report times are as follows:
Percussion - 5:00 pm on the stage
Band - 5:45 pm on the stage
Choir - 6:15 pm in the music room
Guitar - 6:30 pm in the

Friday, May 9
Last regular day of classes for our seniors.

Monday, May 12
IHSA First Round Playoff Match:  6th Seed.  Girls’ Varsity Soccer.  Monday, May 12 vs Decatur Lutheran at Decatur Lutheran, 4:30pm Dismiss 2:15p.  Depart 2:30p.

May 13-14
Senior Final Exams.  Click for review.
http://www.hs-stm.org/documents/1/204/Senior%20Final%20Exam%20Schedule.pdf

Wednesday, May 14
Madrigals
Auditions for the '08-'09 Madrigal season will be held on Wed. May 14.  The audition clinic will be from 3:30 - 6:00 pm in the music room.  Students who wish to audition must attend the entire clinic.  All students (incoming freshman, current students, and returning members) are required to audition.  Audition materials will be provided at the audition.  No advance preparation of music is required.  Contact Mr. Stefanic with additional questions.

Thursday, May 15
Due to a conflict in scheduling we are moving the Varsity Football Parent/Player meeting scheduled for 5/7 to Thursday 5/15 @ 6p in the gym. This is for the 2008-09 Seniors through Sophomores. If there are any questions or you cannot attend this meeting, please contact Coach Dan Hennessey at dhennessey@hs-stm.org or by calling 352-7210.

Friday, May 16
Senior Awards Luncheon

Sunday, May 18
Baccalaureate and Commencement

May 19-21
Semester Final Exams.  Click here to review.
http://www.hs-stm.org/documents/1/110/Semester%20Exam%20Schedule.pdf

Tuesday, May 20
There will be a mandatory football meeting for all incoming freshmen students wanting to play football and their parents. This will be on May 20th @ 6p in the the school's gym. If for any reason you can not make this meeting please let Coach Hennessey know. Either call him at 217 369-9226 or email dhennessey@hs-stm.org.

Saturday, June 14
June 14, 2008 is the other ACT exam @ STM and that deadline is May 9, 2008.   School code number is 140-599.

August 12 - Registration Date
Mark your calendars now for the 08-09 registration.  Registration will take place Tuesday, August 12th from 7am to 1pm and from 4pm to 7pm.  If you are interested in volunteering to help on that day, please contact Mrs. Strater at jstrater@hs-stm.org or by calling 352-7210.

Wednesday, August 13
Girls Golf Tryouts will be held at Stone Creek Golf Course on August 13, 2008.  The time is TBA.  Please check our web site for further information.  If you have any questions please contact Coach Hettermann by email at: phettermann@hs-stm.org

Please click on the link for the April 29th issue of More Guidance Matters.