Picking a Private School

LET’S SAY YOU’VE DECIDED THAT, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, YOU WANT TO SEND YOUR CHILD TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL. NEXT DECISION: WHICH ONE?

By Barry Levine

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MOTHER SETON STUDENTS WIN PRESTIGIOUS ORATORY CONTEST
The Guarini Center for Governmental Affairs at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City recently held its Fifth Annual Oratorical Contest. Nearly a hundred high school students came from five different states to compete for six cash prizes.

The team from Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, won two of the six prizes.

Mother Seton’s team of four students included the fourth and fifth place winners for the day as well as a quarter-finalist.

The Guarini Institute had set a common topic: “What American Leader Has Made the Greatest Contribution to Our Nation?”

Mother Seton’s Lauren del Valle, a junior from Newark who spoke on Alexander Hamilton, won fourth place and a prize of $1,000. Said Sister Regina Martin, principal of Mother Seton: “Lauren’s win was especially exciting because she had never before written a speech or performed one. This was her first time in this event.”

Mother Seton’s Kelly Powell, a senior from Kenilworth, won fifth place and a prize of $500 for her speech on John Adams. Kelly contended Adams was essential to the formation of the U.S.

Dr. Marylou Motto, forensics coach, noted that Kelly had performed her first original speech at last year’s Guarini contest: “Kelly was a quarter-finalist in 2005, and she enjoyed it so much that she switched to original oratory for our regular forensics competitions. How wonderful that she finalized this year!”

Michelle Frost, a third competitor from Mother Seton and a senior from Colonia, reached quarter finals. Michelle, who has won several trophies in original oratory, recently qualified to compete at a national convention in Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Motto, who teaches in Mother Seton’s English Department, was jubilant: “Our students have participated in this annual contest four times; in those four years, we have had students in the winners’ circle three times. To have two students there in one year is amazing.”

Mother Seton Regional High School, Valley Road, Clark; 732-382-1952.

EXPLORE THE ALL-GIRLS OPTION
Surely the concept of an all-girls private high school for your middle school-age daughter is far from her wildest dreams. Oh, she can’t go to a school without boys! How will she ever get a date for a dance? But even more importantly, what will her friends think if she chooses to leave them in public school and make a unique educational
choice? Yes, the choice of an all-girls private high school is unique, yet, at the same time filled with a wealth of opportunities. Seeing is believing, and in many cases the converts are won over when they spend a day on the school’s campus attending classes with future schoolmates.

There are inherent differences in how each gender learns and single-sex schools have this primary focus. Words like caring, compassion, emotions, nurturing, and relationships are heard often. Although the mission of each school will differ, the philosophy remains the same: girls can celebrate their differences, share their talents, explore their passions and journey to their dreams without the pressure of the social undercurrent.

The students of single-sex schools, both male and female, share a strong sense of camaraderie rarely evident in a co-ed setting. Here, girls delight in building relationships and there is nurturing ground for developing lasting friendships. They can express their emotions through writings, discussion and the arts without the angst of peer pressure. They can rejoice in earning leadership roles. Problem solving takes on a whole new dimension. Courses in math and science become favorites and
not dreaded requirements.

No one can deny that the co-ed public educational setting serves its students well. However, for a young female student the choice of an all-girls private school offers a plethora of potential. You will find classrooms in which to collaborate and not compete, athletic activities in which to develop the skills of teamwork, but above all, an
environment in which poised and confident young women are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their future.

In the 21st century no educational atmosphere could be more beneficial than one that celebrates feminine strengths. Explore an all-girls private school for your daughter today!

Mount Saint Mary Academy, 1645 Route 22 West, Watchung; 908-757-0108.

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