It was Holy Name’s week to shine

Principal Richard McMahon, right, spoke with prospective parents Willie and Elvira Cabreja at Holy Name’s open house on Jan. 26 to kick off Catholic Schools Week.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

One of the physical challenges in the Brain Challenge was a tug-of-war.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

Dylan Gomez, 9, Savannah Butler, 9, Avery Butler, 7, Kelsey Leighton, 10, Julia Kulis, 10 and Rebecca Carey, 11, all participated in the social studies fair.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Teachers tested their knowledge in the Brain Challenge on Jan. 28.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

Rebecca Carey, 11, looked over projects in the social studies fair.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Nicholas Ortiz and Althea Onaifo were the final two in a game of Simon Says.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

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Students at Holy Name of Mary School know the education they are receiving is a little bit different from that of other students in Valley Stream. They wouldn’t have it any other way.

With an education that focuses as much on academics as it does on faith, children at the school know the expectations for them are high both as learners and as people. But just like all children, once in a while they like to let down their hair and have some fun.

Catholic Schools Week gave them a chance to do just that. It is an annual week of celebration for Catholic Schools across the county, and a slate of events was planned throughout the week of Jan. 26 that were both fun and educational.

It kicked off with an open house following the 10:30 a.m. mass that Sunday, where students from the National Junior Honor Society gave tours of the school to prospective families. Principal Richard McMahon said about 30 families came to visit the school, and at least a half-dozen parents have already signed up their children for next year.

While teachers were there to answer questions, visitors were taken around by the students, whom McMahon called the best ambassadors for the school. Prospective families should hear directly from the students about their experiences at Holy Name, McMahon explained.

Guests were also treated to a social studies fair, getting to see some of the work students have completed this year.

On Jan. 27, the school hosted its annual trike-a-thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Students in pre-K, kindergarten and first-grade scooted their way around the gymnasium.

That afternoon featured the student-teacher volleyball game. In five matches, teachers squeaked out three wins over the eighth graders. McMahon said it is activity students look forward to once they get to eighth grade. The younger students sat on the sidelines to watch and cheer.