Moments at the Mount

From football to campus ministry to the 2024 “Lip-Dub,” there has been so much activity around Our Lady’s campus. With senioritis still at large, there’s no telling what the Rockets may encounter next. 

Gold for Good

With a new school year comes a new season of Rocket football. This year, under the direction of Coach J.D. Runnels (a former fullback for the University of Oklahoma), the team has seen great success in a short amount of time.

The dress-out theme for the first home game on Sept. 6 was “Gold Out” in recognition of a goal to beat childhood cancer. Spectators wore their Rocket blue and gold accents, with some even exchanging stories of children they know who are presently battling cancer. The Gold Out raised more than $1,600 for the Ronald McDonald House to help families experiencing childhood cancer. The Rockets claimed their first home win of the season, defeating Community Christian 29-21.

Loud and Proud

The football team credits its two home game successes (thus far) to the participation and presence of spectators, particularly in the student section. Whether they succeed or fail in the execution of a play, Rocket fans can be heard shouting encouragement from the stands.

One such form can be both heard and seen: the Mount St. Mary Band. Formally known as the Instrumental Music Ensemble, these students play at every home football game as well as at pep rallies under the direction of Kaleb Benda. Composed of just six seniors, one junior and two freshmen, they are certainly “little, but fierce,” to quote William Shakespeare. 

Student Spotlight

Andrew Harris, a senior at Mount St. Mary, is deeply involved in the robotics program, plays on the boys soccer team, and is a prominent example of faith on campus.

Though a cradle Catholic, his parents and older sister originally came from a Methodist background. The catalyst for their conversion? Father Rick Stansberry. Harris’s mom worked at Rosary Catholic School for many years under his direction.

Harris is known for spending his 45-minute study hall in the chapel, where he practices Lectio Divina, meditates on scripture, and reflects on his personal experiences. Any time the campus ministry office is leading an event, Harris is the first one to show up.

“It’s important to focus on whatever gifts are being presented,” he explained.

His favorite memories from the Mount are those of “when we step back as a class or a school and take time to simply enjoy ourselves.” Such opportunities arise at retreats and our annual Field Day, to name a few.

 “If you have a chance to spend time in Adoration,” he said, “please understand that you are staring into the face of Jesus Christ. Bask in his love. That is what will give true meaning to your life.”

Opening Convocation and 2024 Lip Dub

MSM held its first Opening Convocation as well as the shoot for the 2024 “Lip Dub” on Aug.18. The day began with an all-school Mass celebrated by our chaplain, Father Jerome Krug, Class of 2011.

“We begin this year by creating a time and space for the Holy Spirit,” he emphasized during his homily.

The traveling relic exhibition for the centennial of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was also held in MSM’s chapel on Sept. 18 and 19 for veneration. After lunch, students and staff drenched themselves in glitter and face paint in preparation for the Lip Dub shoot, a school-wide event that occurs every two years. In just two hours, the entire school community was able to film, in essence, a music video to Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.”

During one of the takes in the gym, the music suddenly stopped, but the students kept dancing and singing. It became a flash mob! Spanning several different locations around campus, the video will feature Addison Schweinberg, Class of 2025, as the lead performer.