2018-2019 In the News
OA Senior Sarah Preston Recognized as Purdue University Stamps Scholar![]() The newest class of Stamps Scholars has been announced, with representation at nearly 40 universities nation-wide. Sarah Preston from Oldenburg Academy has been named one of the incoming Stamps Scholars at Purdue. She will also be a member of the Purdue Honors College.
The Stamps Leadership Scholars Program covers a student’s full cost of attendance (tuition, room, and board) and connects students with a national network of dedicated peers. Funded by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, the award also gives scholars access to an academic enrichment fund of up to $10,000 to finance activities such as academic conferences, study abroad experiences or internships. Eligible students are automatically considered for Stamps award upon applying to Purdue. Stamps Scholars demonstrate academic merit, strong leadership potential and exceptional character. The Stamps Foundation welcomes and supports students from all backgrounds and areas of study. The Stamps Scholarship program was created by Penny and Roe Stamps, originally at the University of Michigan and Georgia Tech. It has since grown to award multi-year merit scholarships across the United States. Preston plans to study Health Sciences/Pre-Medicine while attending Purdue University. Assistant Principal Jonathon Maple commented, “we are so proud of Sarah and this outstanding accomplishment – Sarah works hard and truly demonstrates academic merit, strong leadership and exceptional character that will allow her to excel. We are excited to see her future dreams become a reality!” Preston will graduate from Oldenburg Academy on June 2, 2019. Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Leadership Award![]() Oldenburg Academy recently honored Bob and Autumn Hurm with the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Leadership Award. This award was presented at the annual Dinner Auction and is given annually to someone whose dedicated service has demonstrated outstanding leadership in support of the Academy as first exemplified by the school’s foundress, Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
President Diane Laake shared with the audience that evening: “Put quite simply: ‘Service is in their DNA’. Whether it’s inventing ‘Twister Taters’ to sell at Freudenfest, providing in-service for our staff on how to administer epi-pens, serving on the OA Board of Trustees for over a decade, or rallying folks to join them in giving of their ‘time, talent and treasure’, these two have stepped up time and time again. They have been the driving force for several years expanding OASIS’ role in Freudenfest and thereby becoming the single largest fundraiser for athletics at OA. And they do all this and so much more with perpetual smiles on their faces, contagious laughs, and a profound belief in the power of an OA education to make a real difference – in the lives of their 3 children and in the world. With a grateful heart, it is my honor to award the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Leadership Award to Bob and Autumn Hurm!” OA Celebrates Years of Service![]() This week, Oldenburg Academy joined the over 6300 Catholic schools across the country to remember and celebrate the gift of Catholic schools. Among the various events planned was an all school Mass during which OA thanked members of their school communities, both past and present, who are such an integral part of what makes OA so special: their faculty and staff. “All Catholic school educators and staff members are part of a sacred heritage, a legacy of faith and excellence, and for us, one that spans 167 years. When I meet graduates, parents and members of the community and discuss why OA is such a great school, the first thing that always come to mind is how great our teachers and staff are! And I heartily agree.” states President Diane Laake
Characteristic of the fact that people retain a life-long allegiance to the Academy, members of the Ammann and Munchel families asked that the Mass be offered for the intention of two former Academy teachers: Sr. Mary Ammann OSF and Mr. Kelly Munchel. “They are icons of dedicated service, barrier-breaking enthusiasm, and the true commitment to making a difference.” Laake reminded the congregation. Also recognized and honored were Amy Grills, Math Teacher, and Cindy Nurrenberg, Finance and President’s Office Support, for their fifteen years of dedicated service thus far. Principal Brian McFee stated: “Over the past 15 years Mrs. Grills has mentored countless students, numerous teachers and just like the ‘roots’ of an established tree she has nourished the lives of all she has come into contact with! Mrs. Grills has taught just about every math course we have to offer here at OA and continues to work to grow as an educator and be a relatable face for all math students.” Mrs. Nurrenberg joined OA when her oldest daughter Kate enrolled as a freshman. Now fifteen years later and the proud mom of 3 Academy grads, she continues to provide faithful service in the Finance and President’s Offices. “She is one of those ‘behind the scenes’ dedicated souls who provide conscientious attention to details. She keeps my plants alive, my office cleaned, and my letters typo-free! She is always the first to remember someone’s birthday, be guiltily delighted by a piece of chocolate and tries her best to keep Sr. Dominica out of trouble.” OA students slow down to learn an ancient craft
![]() “Teenagers today live in a fast-paced, computer driven world. Everything comes to them in a moment, whether it’s streaming over the Internet or on the stores’ shelves. Students are disconnected from where things come from and how things are made. Printmaking is a chance for students to slow down and learn craftsmanship.” These objectives will now be able to be met by OA art students. Their teacher, Theresa Murphy, recently received a John and Joan Hillenbrand Vision Grant for the purchase of a printing press to be used in classes at OA.
Printmaking is a classic art-making technique used to print the earliest Bibles; it was also used by Rembrandt, Durer and many famous Japanese artists. OA students will now have the opportunity to explore the world of handmade craft that allows them to expresses their own creativity as they develop this technique. OA Students excel in Maverick Challenge
![]() The Maverick Challenge, a business planning competition was hosted at Oldenburg Academy on December 14, 2018. Community judges adjudicated the 12 students based on the business plans and products they created for the competition. Oldenburg Academy participated in the program representing Ripley and Franklin County.
The Maverick Challenge was started in 2008 by the Columbus Indiana Chamber of Commerce and has been a growing program since. The competition is intended to simulate the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from early-stage investors, successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. Oldenburg Academy Assistant Principal Jonathon Maple is the head of the Franklin/Ripley County competition and leads the challenge at the school, “OA is thrilled to participate in the Maverick Challenge – this is a real-world learning experience that provides students with many skills beyond the business plan.” Students had the opportunity to work with business and community mentors as well as experience feedback from professional judges. The winners were announced, and they received cash prizes. Third place winner, which received $100, was Top Smoothie, which is a smoothie truck that will specialize in healthy smoothies in the local areas. Alex Geers, Gabe Haverkos and Eli Sporleder were the three smoothie makers and leaders of the company. Second place winner receiving $200 was India Burris. Burris created “Benevolent Bracelets,” specializing in friendship bracelets that gave back to nonprofit organizations and provided flowers and trees to be planted as part of the gift. The first-place winner received $450 and went to a unique flower pot company that would act as an urn for ashes. This was presented by Alex Bamonte. “The great part about each of these businesses were the personal stories that they tied to their business – they showed passion – I am very proud,” Maple commented. The top two teams will move on to the Spring Maverick Challenge Regional Competition, where nine counties will compete against each other, hosted by Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. They then have a chance to move on to the state competition at Ball State University, called Innovate WithIN. Genesis Pathways To Success out of Ripley County, Franklin County Community Foundation, Oldenburg Academy and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce all sponsor the challenge. “We truly cannot have this without their support and assistance, we are so grateful to live and work in such a supportive community,” Maple commented. Anyone interested in participating in the Maverick Challenge can contact Maple at jmaple@oldenburgacademy.org Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception is a Franciscan Catholic co-educational college preparatory high school committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, leadership and personal growth for our students who will excel in our ever-changing world. Oldenburg Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg. For more information, visit www.oldenburgacademy.org or contact Mrs. Annette Hunger, Admissions Director, at 812.934.4440 ext. 231. Congratulations Brianne!![]() Brianne Moizuk’s artwork Embracing the Leaves was selected as First Place Winner in the Franciscan Action Network 10th Anniversary Art Contest!
Franciscan Action Network received many excellent pieces including drawings, photos, stained glass and sculpture from Franciscan sponsored high schools and colleges across the US. OA Senior Brianne Moizuk will receive a check for $500.00 and her work will be exhibited at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, DC beginning January 11, 2019. Brianne’s first name and last initial, along with the name of her school and her write up about her inspiration for the piece will be included in the exhibit. The Monastery is overjoyed for the opportunity to display student’s artwork at a time when they regularly receive many visitors, as many people visit the Monastery while in Washington for the Right to Life March. Brianne’s statement that accompanied her art: My piece was inspired by the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Both valued God’s creations greatly, inspiring me to include it in my artwork with vibrant colors and whimsical movements. I had also asked my subject to throw the leaves into the air so I was able to not only capture her being one with God’s creation, but enjoying its essence as well. Feldhaus GroundbreakingOldenburg Academy is delighted to announce that ground breaking for our new fieldhouse -- the Hillenbrand Family Feldhaus – took place on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. The ceremony featured guest speakers from school (President Diane Laake, Principal/Athletic Director Brian McFee, Board of Trustees Chair Darryl Maslar, Student leader/athlete Abbigayl Eldridge), community (Holy Family Pastor Fr. Carl Langenderfer, OFM) and business leadership (Gus Hillenbrand, Todd Reed), as well as a special blessing ritual led by Fr Michael Keucher, Dean of the Batesville Deanery and Sr. Delouise Menges, OSF, Councilor for the Sisters of St. Francis with music from the Oldenburg Academy Singers. It was followed by a reception hosted by the Parents Club.
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From September 5 - 7th, 2017 Campus Ministry held a donation drive at school to help those suffering from Hurricane Harvey down in Texas. The donations that were brought in were taken to a big semi truck that was being filled in Oldenburg and taken down to our friends in Texas. The photo above doesn't even do justice to the amount of items that students, faculty/staff collected this past week. Keep up the great work Twisters!
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NEW Faculty and Staff for 2017-18 at Oldenburg Academy
OA is excited to welcome the following to our team: Maddie Sterchi, Guidance Office Assistant, Janna Stonebraker, Art Instructor, Steven Hensley, Engineering, AP Computer Science (new class this year) and Biology instructor, and Troy Cockrum, Director of Instructional Technology (also teaching a new course this year in Media Literacy). We also welcome Kevin Ferneding as our Varsity Football coach, Joe Price as Cross Country head coach, and announce Gary “Ace” Moorman as our Assistant Athletic Director. They bring a wealth of experience and dedication to Catholic education in support of our mission. |
OA Receives 2016 Indiana Advanced Placement (AP) Award
Oldenburg Academy was the only local recipient of the 2016 Indiana Advanced Placement (AP) Award at ceremonies held on June 14 at the North Atrium of the Indiana Statehouse by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). According to the IDOE, to be selected, schools must have at least 25 percent of their 2016 graduating class receiving a 3 or better on an AP exam. 72 schools achieved this distinction.
AP is a research-backed method to facilitate student participation and success through delivery of college-level courses and corresponding exams in the high school setting, the IDOE says. Qualified students who pass AP courses enroll in college at higher rates than other groups of students, require significantly less remediation, and have higher average first year grade point averages and credit hours earned than other groups of students.
For the 2015-16 school year, 11,904 graduating students passed at least one AP exam with a 3 or better. This is an increase of six percent over the year prior, and an increase of 114 percent in the past 10 years, says the department of education.
At OA, 55.8 percent of their AP students earned a 3 or higher on exams.
In a statement, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick shared: “Research tells us time and again taking and passing AP courses prepares students for the rigors of the college classroom,” said McCormick. “I am pleased with the dedication these schools and their educators have shown in providing a head start into higher education for their students. I applaud the success of each student who worked hard to study and pass their advanced placement courses and exams.”
OA President Diane Laake concurs. “OA’s mission is to prepare our students for success in college and beyond. AP classes play a crucial role in providing our students with the rigor, expectations and academic challenge essential for future success. With 100% of our graduates pursuing post-secondary studies, this award is a welcome indication that we are meeting this goal. The fifty-nine members of OA’s class of 2017 provide further reinforcement: $9.6 million in scholarships, 73% received Indiana Honors diplomas, and 99% received dual and/or AP credit. We are very proud of these hard-working students and their extraordinary teachers.”
AP is a research-backed method to facilitate student participation and success through delivery of college-level courses and corresponding exams in the high school setting, the IDOE says. Qualified students who pass AP courses enroll in college at higher rates than other groups of students, require significantly less remediation, and have higher average first year grade point averages and credit hours earned than other groups of students.
For the 2015-16 school year, 11,904 graduating students passed at least one AP exam with a 3 or better. This is an increase of six percent over the year prior, and an increase of 114 percent in the past 10 years, says the department of education.
At OA, 55.8 percent of their AP students earned a 3 or higher on exams.
In a statement, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick shared: “Research tells us time and again taking and passing AP courses prepares students for the rigors of the college classroom,” said McCormick. “I am pleased with the dedication these schools and their educators have shown in providing a head start into higher education for their students. I applaud the success of each student who worked hard to study and pass their advanced placement courses and exams.”
OA President Diane Laake concurs. “OA’s mission is to prepare our students for success in college and beyond. AP classes play a crucial role in providing our students with the rigor, expectations and academic challenge essential for future success. With 100% of our graduates pursuing post-secondary studies, this award is a welcome indication that we are meeting this goal. The fifty-nine members of OA’s class of 2017 provide further reinforcement: $9.6 million in scholarships, 73% received Indiana Honors diplomas, and 99% received dual and/or AP credit. We are very proud of these hard-working students and their extraordinary teachers.”
Good news about OA’s College Readiness!
OA recently received a report from the Indiana Commissioner of Higher Education describing some key indicators of how well our grads are prepared for post-secondary study as well as freshmen year results for Indiana state universities. For the Class of 2015 here are some of the notable data points:
63% earned an Honors diploma; 37% earned a Core 40
98% earned dual credit from an Indiana Public College
93% enrolled in a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program
28% enrolled in STEM; 24% in Business; 10% in Education; 10% in Health
3.4 average Freshman GPA (Honors diploma grads); 2.8 Average for Batesville and Franklin County high schools
3.1 overall average Freshmen GPA of all OA grads (not available for public schools)
More reasons why OA is “so worth it”!
63% earned an Honors diploma; 37% earned a Core 40
98% earned dual credit from an Indiana Public College
93% enrolled in a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program
28% enrolled in STEM; 24% in Business; 10% in Education; 10% in Health
3.4 average Freshman GPA (Honors diploma grads); 2.8 Average for Batesville and Franklin County high schools
3.1 overall average Freshmen GPA of all OA grads (not available for public schools)
More reasons why OA is “so worth it”!
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