Posted February 21, 2017
Summit earns SportsmanshipTrophy at Hallissey Tournament
A Summit Academy girls’ team participated in the Hallissey Tournament held in Boise last weekend. This Catholic Basketball Tournament, started by the late Monsignor Hallissey 54 years ago, focuses on Christian Sportsmanship. This year thirty-four teams played a combined seventy-four games over the course of the weekend. That's a lot of basketball!!!
The Summit team, comprised of two 8th graders, two 7th graders, two 6th graders, and one 4th grader, competed against 7th and 8th grade teams from other Catholic schools or parishes around the diocese.
The Summit girls, coached by Norm and Julie Sonnen, won their tournament opener Friday night against a St. Mark's 7th grade team. This win paired them against a tough 8th grade team from St. Joes for their second game of the night. A tough press and turnovers plagued the team early on, but they were able to close the point gap to within 8 by the final buzzer. The next morning the Summit team, facing elimination, worked their way through the loser bracket playing four more games in just seven hours. Their amazing ability to find the energy to come back and play with such few players astonished the spectators. The girls' winning streak ended with their 4th game on Saturday, losing once again to the tough St. Joe's 8th grade team, but by only five points this time.
The girls' great sportsmanship and love of their teammates impressed the Tournament committee, and they were selected as the recipient of the Girls' Hallissey Sportsmanship Trophy. This is the coveted award for the weekend and is presented after the tournament Mass on Saturday night.
The team thanks the student council for a fun filled spirit week and pep rally before the tournament, as well as all the parents, alumni, and high school students who made the trip to Boise to cheer them on. Cheering non-stop and often standing throughout the game, the fans were amazing in how they encouraged the team for every point, rebound, and steal. We will never forget how the stands erupted after the three-point-buzzer-beater-shots, and when the team switched their offense to help every player try to score. Every girl on the team felt needed, loved, and appreciated!
Thank you to Saint Anthony's Society for helping sponsor the team, as well as the Tri-Parish team members for joining us for a pizza party Saturday night; it was a great way to celebrate the success of all of the teams from Cottonwood in the tournament.
Posted December 21, 2016
The Whole World Celebrates: The Coming of the King
Summit students in all grades participated in a Christmas Program presented on December 16th. Groups of students presented Christmas traditions in countries around the world. The third and fourth grade represented Mexico and enacted the tradition of Los Posadas, where the holy family travels from home to home to find a place to stay. After the enactment, they sang a rousing rendition of Feliz Navidad. Christmas customs in Italy were portrayed by the fifth and sixth grade, who performed traditional flag-waving in time to music in addition to telling the audience about Italian Christmas traditions. The final area represented was the Holy Lands where the Christmas story was portrayed. All the students brought their gifts to the live baby Jesus. Each gift contained a note from the student stating the intention they had been praying for during the daily lighting of the school Advent wreath. Other countries represented in the program were England, Germany, Sweden, Korea, and the Old West USA. After the presentation students invited guests to visit decorated booths for each country. A sample of a traditional Christmas treat and beverage was offered at each booth including gingerbread, scones, tea, shortbread cookies and Mexican hot chocolate. The student enjoyed learning about traditions in other countries and sharing what they learned to others as well as sharing the light of Christ to all who attended.
Posted December 12, 2016
Summit Hosts Chess Tournament
Summit Academy was the hosting site for the 4th Annual Holiday Family Chess Tournament. Sandy the Chess Guy organized, promoted, and collected prizes for the tournament. Tons of prizes were awarded, but the top overall winners were Summit 6th grade student Cody Wassmuth 1st place, Alli Kohrman 2nd place, Summit 6th grade student Torry Chmelik 3rd place.
Pictured here with their medals and cash prizes are: Left to right Cody, Alli, and Torry.
Posted November 21, 2016
Students Celebrate the Saints
Summit Academy's students and guests participated in a Holy-ween presentation and party on Wednesday, November 2nd. The students, all dressed as saints of their choice, learned about four saints while rotating between stations. Many stations had mazes for the students to crawl through before finding the saint. Saint skits were put on at each station by high school students. St. Francis of Assisi was found praying in the woods with his animals and nature sounds all around. St. Andrew Kim Taegon was represented by Korean exchange student Young-min Sim. St. Andrew's story was presented in Korean, with his 'guardian angel' translating into English for the children to understand. Students also learned about St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Gonsalo Garcia. After the saint presentations all the students were admitted to 'heaven' where a litany was prayed for all the saints represented in costume. The afternoon ended as every young child imagines heaven to be: all-you-can-eat ice cream sundaes with ALL the toppings.
Ally Sonnen named Division Player of the Year
Posted November 21, 2016
Summit Senior Ally Sonnen was named Player of the Year for 1A Division 2 Volleyball. The team was seeded third going into districts, but a loss to Logos, then Deary, put them out of the running for a state berth.
Ally was also awarded third place for her Voice of Democracy speech, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In addition to her athletic and academic awards, Ally is a wonderful role model for the younger girls in the school. Her hard work and positive attitude are respected by faculty and students alike.
Pumpkin Chunker Challenge
Posted November 14, 2016
Physical Science students at Summit Academy recently held a pumpkin launching competition. The ninth and tenth grade students used concepts they learned in class to build the launchers, then demonstrated them to the rest of the students and the public. Sophomore Taylor Lustig said, "It was exciting that we could learn science and have fun at the same time." The competition entailed three challenges. The air powered launcher was the winner in the distance competition, while the spring-loaded crossbow style launcher won for height. The final challenge was to hit a target in the field within two minutes. The crossbow launcher was able to hit the target first, but suffered a minor breakdown and wasn't able to recover within the two minutes. The air powered launcher was able to hit the target more times within the time frame. Pictured left to right are Nicholas Beckman, Luke Wassmuth, and David Wassmuth resetting the launcher for it's next shot.
Posted October 12, 2016
Mystery Night winner announced
Summit Academy held their 19th annual Mystery Night Fundraiser on Saturday, October 8th. The Greencreek Community Hall truly looked ‘Out of This World’. The entryway was transformed into ‘heaven’, with lights and billowing clouds all around as well as an image of a welcoming Jesus. A pile of moon rock guided guests into the main hall where the décor turned more galactic. The entire hall was blacked out and had stars lighting many walls as well as giant planets, nebulas and a crescent moon. Eerily colored lights with more moon rock graced the tables as centerpieces. Shirley Stubbers and Therese Schmidt headed up the decorations, along with a crew involving many Summit parents.
The event, chaired by John and Patti Watson, began with time for socializing and enjoying food prepared by volunteers led by Kim Stubbers and Linda Beckman. Specialty drinks including a ‘Milky Way’ and ‘Big Dipper’ were available in light-up cups which gave guests a chance to join in the cosmic look. Attendees also browsed and bid on a variety of silent auction items donated by many generous businesses and individuals.
Rick Musick once again led the live auction, which included alumni antics to show off each item. Several hosted dinners including a Murder Mystery Dinner were in high demand. Also auctioned off were several trips including a week of skiing and an overnight stay at Mackay Bar Ranch.
The elimination raffle was the evening’s main event as one by one the 350 tickets were drawn. Each 10th ticket drawn won that guest a trip on stage to choose a $100 prize. Stage MC’s were the silver-clad Kevin Rehder and Norm Sonnen who, along with their wives Kathy and Julie, dressed in glowing celestial gowns, helped winners choose their prize. Prizes and auction items were procured by a committee headed by Alea Wassmuth.
Finally, the last 10 Mystery Night ticket holders were called out and enthusiastically welcomed onto the stage by the Summit Academy alumni. The elimination process continued as the final 10 names were drawn out one at a time. Each of those ticket holders was given a consolation prize as the alumni performed skits to add to the anticipation and fun. Barbara Flerchinger, grandparent of Summit students, was the last name left in the tumbler and the winner of $10,000 in gift certificates to be used at the Mystery Night sponsors: Lindsley’s Furniture and Appliance, Sonnen Meats, Les Schwab Tire Center–Grangeville, B & A Performance Auto, Intermountain Feed & Mercantile, Hoene Hardware, Chesky Woodworking, and Cottonwood Foods. Thank you to all who supported our largest fundraiser of the year through attending or donating.
Posted March 24, 2015
Student Body officers elected
Posted September 26, 2016
Student Body representative elections were held Tuesday, September 20 after speeches by all the candidates were made during lunch. The results were announced after closing prayer on Wednesday. Senior Ellie Watson was elected President, while Senior Young-min Sim was elected Vice President. Young-min will also serve as senior class representative. Junior class representative is Lauren Stubbers. Sophomore representative is Taylor Lustig. Junior high is represented by Dani Sonnen and freshmen by a partnership of Hailey Stubbers and Lexi Currier.
Posted July 1, 2016
Posted May 25, 2016
May Crowning and Hike-a-thon
Summit Academy held their annual May Crowning and Hike-a-thon fundraiser last Friday. The day began at the school with mothers, grandmothers and other guests taking part in the crowning of Mary. This was followed by a student led rosary for the intentions of all the special women in our lives and for the intentions of our Hike-a-thon donors. A reception was held afterward with many students presenting a gift to their mothers and grandmothers.
Following the reception, the students were transported to Winchester State Park for this year's Hike-a-thon. Earlier in May, students were given a goal and two contest options to motivate them to collect pledges. The goal hasn't quite been reached, but pledges are still coming in. Students are competing to receive either the largest amount in pledges or the largest number of pledges. The families that win each of these contests will be allowed non-uniform dress days for the last week of school. At the Hike-a-thon, students from preschool through 12th grade walked on the Winchester Lake trail from two to six miles, depending on their age. While the day was cool, the students were happy the rain held off long enough for their hike. The students have been praying for the intentions requested by our donors and are thankful for their support of the Hike-a-thon.
Posted May 23, 2016
Murder by Indecision
The Summit Academy High School students acted in another roaring success with this year’s play ‘Murder by Indecision’. Junior Ally Sonnen played aging playwright Agatha Crispy, who, with senility setting in, is writing her final manuscript. Her agent, Ruth Less, played by Theresa Uhlenkott, is pressuring Crispy with a four week deadline. Ms. Crispy struggles through the plot as her play's characters come to life on stage. Victor Greedly, played by senior Caleb Currier is a crooked CEO. His relationships with his wife, children and employees are full of anger. Senior Rachel Waters played snide Mrs. Greedly, while sophomore Lauren Stubbers played the snobby daughter. Freshman Luke Wassmuth played the Greedly’s spoiled son, who thinks he is an artist. Ms. Crispy frequently trashes another page of her script which causes all the characters on stage to crumple. They eerily rise once the typing resumes. Ms. Crispy carries on many one-sided conversations with her typewriter, nicknamed Typy. During her breaks from typing, the characters take on a life of their own, lamenting the ruin of their reputations in the literary world with this latest manuscript. When Victor Greedly dies by gunshot, stabbing, bludgeoning, poisoning and strangulation, all at the same time, the characters know that Ms. Crispy has really lost it. The characters decide they must somehow intervene in the writing process to save all their reputations.
Victor feels his career is at an end until the characters encourage him to step across the boundary to the real world and influence Ms. Crispy. Ms. Crispy believes that Typy is giving her advice on the manuscript when Victor gains the courage to speak up. More typing breaks allow the characters to discuss their past work and many of the characters discuss their turn as the villain. The characters that are new to the business express a mix of excitement and worry that they may be the murderer. ‘Writer’s block’ causes a weeklong break in the writing, during which the characters are stuck on the set with nothing to do. Ms. Crispy finally brings the play to what she thinks is a magnificent end, only to be persuaded by Victor to try again. On the third try Ms. Crispy produces a truly original and unexpected ending. The characters, exhausted by the long process are pleased with the ending, and escort Ms. Crispy from this life in to the world of her characters.
Summit students in several grades participated in dissection projects last week ranging from cow eyes, to entire fish. The 5th & 6th grades' project was on Tuesday. There was much squeamishness for several days prior to the project, but in the end the students enjoyed the dissection of cows' eyes and hearts. Sixth grader Dani Sonnen most enjoyed "cutting everything open." The students removed and viewed the lens of the eye, which was clear and gelatinous. It also magnified objects that were viewed through it. 5th/6th teacher Mrs. Michelle Sonnen stressed the importance of practical application which brings the concepts to life for the students. She is grateful for the help of Mrs. Colleen Sonnen, who directed the students in their dissections.
Students in 7th & 8th grade dissected steelhead on Thursday under the direction of Miss. Kim Frei. The fish were donated to the school by the Department of Fisheries Resources Management, part of the Nez Perce Tribe. They also donated steelhead eggs that the students have raised and will release later this month. For the dissection, students first took a print of the fish's scales by lightly painting it and pressing paper over the paint. They later examined the print to study the scales and exterior of the fish. They proceeded to dissect the fish and examine the interior organs. Samples of the gills, scales and all the interior organs were viewed under a microscope. Seventh grade student Claira Osborne enjoyed viewing heart tissue under the microscope saying, "you could see the vessels." Eighth grade student Jessie Sonnen liked the scales, comparing them to a fly's wing.
Dissection Week
Posted May 23, 2016
Posted April 25, 2016
Receiving the Sacraments
Several Summit students received sacraments of initiation recently. Six students in grades 9-11 received the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday April 20th. Three students in grades 2-3 received their First Holy Communion. All the students were presented with gifts from the school during morning prayer. In addition, the first communicants received their sashes that they earned during their preparation to receiving the sacrament. Badges were earned on their own time and included spending time in adoration, receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, praying the rosary and Angelus, and doing apostolic works among other activities. By Summit tradition, 1st communicants wear their special outfits to school on the Monday after their first communion.
Posted April 18, 2016
St. Joseph's Feast Day Apostolic Project
The 5th through 12 grade girls put together several pasta baskets and delivered them to the homebound on March 17th. The baskets are a traditional way to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph which falls on March 19th. In the middle ages, the Sicilians faced a serious drought and were saved through the intercessions of St. Joseph. The girls worked together to prepare the baskets which they then delivered to several families around the community. Their cheery faces and basket of gifts brought joy to many.
Posted April 4, 2016
Science Fair
Summit Academy held their science fair on Wednesday, March 9th. Students in Kindergarten through 4th grade completed projects as a class, while students in upper grades completed projects individually or in small groups. Dr. Ken Wareham, professor of Education at LCSC, along with 5 of his students judged the projects. In the 1st division (grades K-4) the 1st & 2nd grade class won in the creativity category. Their project tested hand washing effectiveness. The knowledge category in Division 1 was won by the 3rd & 4th grade with their project about tooth staining. The creativity award in the 2nd division (grades 5-8) was won by Nicholas Beckman and his hydraulics project. Erin Wassmuth won in the knowledge category in Division 2, having studied lung capacities. Division 3 consisted of the high school grades. A group project on hydroponics won in the creativity category. Dylan Krogh, Luke Wassmuth and Chris Chmelik grew many healthy looking plants without soil. The knowledge category was won by Ellie Watson whose project was about co-planting. The judges assessed all the projects on a numerical scale in several criteria. The 3rd & 4th grade class project had the most points and won the overall prize.
Top left: 1st and 2nd grade with their Effective hand-washing project.
Far left: 3rd and 4th grade with their Knowledge Award for Division 1, and the overall trophy.
Left: 3rd and 4th grade with their 'eggs'periment using eggs shells to test what beverages are worst for our teeth.
Above: Kindergarten students and their display board for their heart rate project.
Posted March 7, 2016
Spirit Week
Summit Students celebrated Spirit Week prior to the district basketball tournament. Students had different themes to dress for each day including Era Day where different grades dressed in clothes from the 1500's, 1920's, 1980's and the future. On Twin Day students paired up with their 'brother' or 'sister' to dress alike. All students in 7th through 12th grades have a younger student as their little brother or little sister. They are encouraged to be a role model and special friend to that student. The younger students love having a big kid that they know individually. They are encouraged to pray for their big brother or sister and love to have a special person to cheer for in sports.
Posted February 22, 2016
Spelling Bee
The all-school spelling bee was held Friday, February 19th.
far left: Winner Lane Wassmuth is pictured with Principal Jim Hickel and Spelling Bee Coordinator Michelle Sonnen.
left: Competitors were each winners in their class spelling bee.
bottom left: Mr. Hickel awarded torphies to the winners.
bottom right: The competitors chatted before the bee began.
Hallissey
Sixth through eighth grade girls competed at the Monsignor Hallissey Basketball Tournament where they won the sportsmanship trophy. They were sent off with a rousing pep rally in which they played 'basketball musical chairs.' When the music stopped, they raced to make a basket, then back to get a seat.
Posted February 22, 2016
Posted February 1, 2016
The wonder of the cosmos
Dr. Peter Beaulieu visited Summit Academy on Tuesday, January 26th to speak to the 7th through 12th grades. Dr. Beaulieu served in the navy and was part of the crew that recovered the astronauts after their ocean landing from both the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. He shared many stories about the missions including how the astronauts read from Genesis as they orbited the moon. Dr. Beaulieu spoke about the wonder of the cosmos which is so evident in space. We are able to marvel at what God created. Dr. Beaulieu said we must also wonder at the creation of ourselves which is essential in growing closer to God. The students enjoyed hearing Dr. Beaulieu speak about how he lived his faith in all aspects of his life, whether at work or home.
Posted February 1, 2016
Boise March for Life
Summit Academy students in grades 7-12 headed to Boise on Friday January 22nd. On Friday afternoon they toured the Idaho Capital Building with Senator Sheryl Nuxoll. That evening the students gathered with other youth at St. John's Cathedral for an overnight pro-life youth rally. Ramona Trevino, speaker for the pro-life march gave a special presentation to the students. Ms. Trevino is the former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic. They spent the rest of the evening preparing signs for the next day's march and playing games. Saturday morning brought Mass at St. John's Cathedral and then the March for Life which led them to the Capital Building once again. It was an excellent opportunity to defend and share their faith. The students returned home Saturday night exhausted from the crazy schedule and all the walking, yet energized by the pro-life movement.
Posted January 11, 2016
Jr. High Coffee Hour
Mrs. Sonnen and the 7th and 8th grade language arts students have a weekly coffee hour where they read and respond to letters to the editor of local newspapers. 8th grade student Hailey Stubbers often brings a treat to share with the class. Last week she outdid herself and created a cake for fellow 8th grader Lexi Currier's birthday. The cake is shaped like a stack of books, each with fondant frosting and including the titles, which are all books the class has read this year. The top book has a reproduction of the cover art for "The False Prince". Also included are a ruler and note paper of fondant.
Posted January 6, 2016
Christ Comes to the Land of the Scots
Summit Academy staged their Christmas program Friday evening to a packed house. The entire student body took part in the play "Christ Comes to the Land of the Scots". Seniors Rachel Waters and Dean Stubbers played the leads of Margaret and King Malcolm. Caleb Currier, also a senior, acted as the king's advisor Fergus, who met his demise at the hands of Malcolm during the play. The audience enjoyed scenes of dragon slayers, ice dancers, princesses, wedding dancers, and little snowflakes in addition to the traditional nativity scene. Mrs. Gina Lustig adapted the play from the book Margaret of Scotland. Author Anne Guerin attended the production and offered signed copies of her book for purchase after the play.
Posted December 14, 2015
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Celebration
The Summit student body celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass in the chapel followed by cinnamon rolls and cocoa. Students in grades 7-12 also watched a movie of St. Bernadette, who had visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France in the 1850's. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception has been celebrated since the 7th century, but it was during one of Bernadette's visions that Mary said "I am the Immaculate Conception".
Posted December 7, 2015
In the spirit of giving, the Kindergarten class at Summit Academy held a Baby Bottle campaign for the Hope Center in Grangeville. Because of the overwhelming generosity of students, faculty, and parents we raised $968.63 for this cause. The 7th & 8th grade class contributed the most money and will be treated to a pizza lunch with the Kindergartners. The Kindergarten class was given a tour of the center and treated to milkshakes. We appreciate all the Hope Center offers to our communities on the Prairie.
Summit Raises over $900 for Pregnancy Center
Posted November 25, 2015
Summit Honors Veterans
Summit Academy presented a Veteran’s Program on Thursday, November 19th in the school gymnasium. Students in 1st through 8th grade participated in the program which was open to the public. Several students read their Patriot’s Pen essays, including Dani Sonnen, 2nd place winner of that contest in our area. A quilt of valor was presented to Nick McDonough who served our country with the Coast Guard. The students presented a variety show with singing and dancing to honor our military, country and faith. All the veterans attending received a gift of our appreciation for their service and stayed for lunch with the students. The students traveled to Lewiston on Friday to present the program at the Veteran's Home.
Posted November 11, 2015
Getting it 'All in Order'
Summit Academy students are not only working hard to earn high marks in their academic courses, but are practicing virtue as a way to improve their spiritual formation as well. This emphasis for this first semester of school is for all students to strive for the virtue of exterior order.
Students, whether at school or home, were recently challenged to help grow this virtue through the “Make an Effort” all school campaign. Students earned tickets from staff or family members for keeping their belongings in order, for helping out at home, and for giving themselves in service with a cheerful attitude. Students then brought the tickets to school for their chance to win a prize, Chinese auction style, made up from articles left over from the Mystery Night fundraiser.
“I believe the campaign really worked and touched the hearts of the students,” commented Mrs. Lustig, organizer of the campaign. “I was so pleased to see that the children worked so hard to really rake up all the leaves at home, for example, to earn a single ticket. I was even more pleased when I saw a young, charitable boy use his seven tickets, one for each parent and sibling, so that they would have a chance to win a prize too. “
Mr. Hickel, our school principal, explained at the start of the campaign, “Only when the child possesses exterior order, is he or she then able to gain interior order of the soul.” The campaign of emphasizing exterior order this semester is a natural stepping stone to fostering interior order the following semester.
Posted November 2, 2015
Summit Staff Sign Oath of Fidelity
On Thursday October 15th, faculty and staff of Summit Academy signed the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Summit Academy is a private Pre-K through 12 school located in Cottonwood Idaho. The signing was held during Mass and was witnessed by Fr. Paul Wander, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Cottonwood. The document states that all employees "preserve communion with the Catholic Church whether in the words I speak or in the way I act." The employees also vowed to “preserve the deposit of faith in its entirety, hand it on faithfully, and make it shine forth ... [and to] assist diocesan bishops so that apostolic activity … is carried out in the communion of the same Church.”
Summit Academy’s Senior Class celebrated its graduation on June 6th at 7:00 pm.
"The LORD bless you and keep you:
The LORD make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you:
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-25)
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Posted June 11, 2015
Senior Graduation
Photo courtesy of Greg Wherry of the Cottonwood Chronicle.
8th Grade Promotion
Posted June 9, 2015
8th Grade Promotion
Parents, Grandparents, and the Summit Academy student bodyattended the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony, held on Thursday, June 4th.
Thank you, Dr. Brown for being a great 7-8 grade homeroom teacher!
Parents, Grandparents, and the siblings of the Kindergarten class attended the Kindergarten Graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 3rd at 2:15 in the Kindergarten classroom. What a joyous occasion! Thank you, Mrs. Rehder, for a year well planned!
Kindergarten Graduation
Posted June 9 2015
Sister Maria Elena's Story: Life is Worth Living When We Give Our Life for Others
Posted June 3, 2015
In May, Sister Maria Elena Schaefers of St. Gertrude’s Monastery shared with the Summit Students her life as a missionary. Sister Maria had worked all around the world, with people from all walks of life.
For several years, she devoted her life to prison ministry. There, she helped men find hope by turning their lives to God in prayer and finding their purpose in life, albeit behind bars.
One man, who had been punished with a total of four-life sentences, said, “I did some stupid things when I was younger.”
Sister Maria told him. “You’re a good man. You can do a lot of good.”
This gave the inmate hope that even in prison, God had a plan for him.
During the 1960s, she answered the call of Pope Paul VI to go to Latin America to serve the poor. There, she helped start and run Catholic schools for boys, teaching them how to develop self-control and discipline. Children and youth who lived in slum-filled shanties with dirt floors would travel miles to attend.
Sister Maria Elena then spent several years with a Lebanese colony, aiding people with very little health care provisions. “So often, we had to choose which one to help and which one to let die. We just didn’t have enough resources for everyone. People would cram themselves into tiny houses, where up to forty-three family members would live together.”
Day and night, Sister Elena would find ways to help people find food and live with greater sanitation, preventing the spread of disease. Eventually, Sister Maria gave up teaching in order to devote more of her time toward finding US sponsors for the poor families she served. During one year, she rallied 2,500 sponsors.
Sister Maria had many more stories to share. She encouraged each of the students to really attend to the call God has for each of them. “We are called to give our lives, whether in marriage or in the religious life.”
Sister Maria has found that life is worth living when we give our life away.
Posted June 2, 2015
Physical Fitness Day at Summit Academy
In preparation for an active summer, Summit students enjoyed a full day of athletic intensity. The students in grades Pre-K through 10th grade completed the Presidential Fitness Challenge. Students tried to reach benchmarks for National and Presidential achievement levels.
Pictured are students performing chin-ups, running relays, and completing timed curl-up exercises.
The Anatomy of Comedy - Deo Gratias!
Posted May 29, 2015
Thank you to the many people who have pulled together to make the Spring Play an enormous success! Kim Frei did a great job directing! Thank you to all the helpers who did gate, concessions, lights, sound, props, stage prep, and everything else!
Universal Intention - Hospitatlity
That immigrants and refugees may find welcome and respect in the countries to which they come.
Posted June 2, 2015 from http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org/reflectionsmonthly.html
Pope Francis's Prayer Intentions for June 2015
Evangelization Intention - Vocations
That the personal encounter with Jesus may arouse in many young people the desire to offer their own lives in priesthood or consecrated life.
1-4 Grades Visit Palouse Discovery Center
Posted June 3, 2015
This spring, the 1-4 Grades of Summit Academy engaged in comprehending more about the physical universe at the Palouse Discovery Science Center.
Students confronted physical intensity. They witnessed bio-luminosity, visualized light bouncing off of objects, and felt the power of chemical luminescence. Improving in their mental acrobatics, students entered the “Balancing Center” where they grasped how tectonic plates are under immense amounts of pressure. Students will not forget their contact with dinosaur bones, fish vipers, snake spiders and glow fish.
The Pullman Discovery Center also helped students appreciate more about the greatness of God.
“God loves us. That’s why he made all those things;”
“God made stuff I didn’t know about;”
“God is really smart;” said 1-2 graders.
The Palouse Discovery Science Center, located in Pullman, Washington, provide live demonstrations and interactive science centers for children of all ages. The field trip heavily reinforced what students are learning in their daily science classes.
Jr High Girls' Basketball
Posted June 3, 2015
This fall, shortly after we return to school the Jr. High girls’ basketball season begins. The first game will likely be September 15th or 17th. We need to line up a girls’ basketball coach now so that practice will be able to start as soon as school starts. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Community Yard Sale
Posted May 23, 2015
Thank you to all who came and worked at the Community Yard Sale. Lots of people came ahead of time to sort and organize the sale items. We had plenty of volunteers to run the sale on Saturday also. Thank you so much to everyone who came and helped with the BBQ, the yard sale and the car raffle! Special thanks to the women who worked to get the whole event organized: Lisa Hickel, Sandy Sommers, and Jeanne Wimer.
The yard sale was a big success we made $2,000 for the school with raffle tickets, food sales, and yard sale items.
May Crowning
Posted May 12, 2015
Thank you to Mrs. Lustig and Mrs. Sonnen for organizing the beautiful May Crowning event. Thank you to Joanne Sonnen for donating the carnations and the crown for Mary! It was nice having fresh flowers. Thank you to Colleen Chmelik, Leah Prigge, Jim Hickel, and Shirley Stubbers for helping with the refreshments. The statue of Mary used for this May Crowning was donated by Pat Trautman, and we extend our thanks to her family for this donation. We also wish to recognize and thank those who helped make the repairs on the statue: Pat Gehring and Blanche Rockwell and Josh Frei for the transportation.
Hike-A-Thon
Posted Jun3 2,, 2015
Thank you to our Summit parents for your participation in this event! Almost every family was present at the picnic and many helped lead some of the hikes. This would have been a lot of work without your support!
Thank you to all who have worked so hard to collect pledges. We achieved our goal! As of right now, we have raised $17,231 and 178 pledges. Congratulations, Students! There will be an award for you on Friday, June 5, 2015.
Senior Theses: "They did fabulous!"
Posted May 22, 2015
The Humanities students did an excellent, fabulous job on their thesis presentations," says Principal Hickel. Their first round was on May 13th to the students and faculty and the public hearing was May 18th.
Topics discussed were from a wide-array: focused-leadership, healthy living, the negatives of contraceptives, atomic bomb justification, the Tea Party, the problems of legalized abortion, Edward Snowden, and gun rights.
Summit Alumnus Ordained!
On May 22, Mark Uhlenkott, a 2005 Summit Academy Alumnus, was ordained to the transitional diaconate in preparation for the priesthood. The Bishop was here for this special occasion.
Mrs. Gina Lustig headed up a warm, inviting reception following the ordination. Friends, family, and clergy throughout the Diocese of Boise came to this festive, celebratory invent.
Summit Trash Pick-Up
Posted June 3, 2015
In celebration of the God who created the heavens and the earth, Summit Academy’s 9-12 ladies picked up trash between Cottonwood and Nez Perce on US 95 on Tuesday, April 21. In 2006, Pope Benedict said, “The world does not exist by itself; it is brought into being by the creative Spirit of God, by the creative Word of God.” Human beings, as the crown of God’s physical creation, are called to respect and care for all of the lower forms of life around us, even the dirt God’s used to breathe His life into us (Genesis 1-2).
Second Hand Treasures is in need of more volunteers. Second Hand Treasures is a great way to help our school and people in our area. If you could help, please contact Lisa Hickel for more information.
Lisa can be reached at the store: 983-5549 or her cell 507-2332
Posted March 24, 2015
Helping Hands Needed
5th/6th Grade Basketball
Posted April 14, 2015
The girls played the last game of the year for the 5th/6th grade basketball on April 1st. We extend many thanks to Karla Krogh for coaching and being the Jr. High A.D. for game scheduling. The 3rd-6th grade girls participating on this team had some really great games and learned a lot in a short time. Thank you to Jeanne Stubbers for keeping scorebook for the team at the games.
"Sportmen of the Year!"
Posted March 9, 2015
Congratulations, Patriots! The High School Boys won the 1A District Sportmanship Award on March 7, 2015.
The High School Varsity Boys' Patriots won the Idaho Class 1A Division II District II boys’ basketball tournament at the LCSC Activity Center on Wednesday, February 25, 2015.
They completed their regular 1A 2 District League season in first place, with a 14 wins and 4 losses.
Felicitations to Coach Ron and Coach Kim for their hard work Coach Ron has been voted as Division 1A District 2 Coach of the Year. Josh Lustig will be playing in the All Star Team later this year.
Thank you to the many families and friends who have helped the team make it this far.
Summit 7th Grade Volleyball Season: a Serving Success
Posted March, 4 2015
The Summit Junior High Girls’ volleyball team completed their season with six wins, two losses and 1st Place medals in the 7th Grade Tournament. Coach Rose said the team did an excellent job serving and working together.
“Next year, we will continue to work on the fundamentals which grow into good skills for future teams.”
Summit Academy is grateful for the work of Amy Rose, Coach; Ally Sonnen, Assistant Coach, Mrs. Gina Lustig, Record Keeper; and the many parents who attended throughout the season. Thank you, Prairie Elementary School for hosting the 12 team tournament and championship game on February 28th.
