December 2012 - Oldenburg Academy

Oldenburg Academy
of the Immaculate Conception
opportunities await... every student, every day!
Close Up
DECEMBER 2012
Letter the
from
President
Every Advent I make a commitment to attend the
Women’s Advent evening of prayer, reflection and
a meal with over 150 women who live in the
Cincinnati area. It is such a reflective experience
and helps me pause and reflect on the real meaning
of the Advent season. The winter season with
the darker mornings, shorter days and often
chilly temperatures call me to go within and be
with my God.
There are so many Christmas traditions and
family expectations that at times we forget who we really are preparing to
awaken in our lives. Commercials are already promoting what companies
will think will soon be the hot item to buy. Even the stores are promoting
Christmas sales and one radio station is already playing Christmas music.
Advent: prepare, quiet, calm, solitude, being, prayer, awaiting new life…
and so much more. I’m sure each of you have your own words to describe
the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Are your words more like: gifting,
consumerism, tiredness, limited time, anxiousness, baking, shopping, wrapping,
parties, rushing, working and working?
&
Advent
Christmas
Save the Date!
December 10 2 pm
160
Celebration Mass
Whatever Advent means for you I invite each of us to take some time each
day to be with our God in the quiet of the moment. Most of all, I wish each
of you the gift of peace, peace in your families, at work, in your neighborhoods
and in our world. Wouldn’t that be gift enough if each of us did one
thing to mend a broken heart or heal a broken relationship? May this Advent
and Christmas season be one of creating inner peace so that we might
share that Christ-peace with others.
A Blessed Advent Season to each of you and Merry Christmas to you, your
loved ones and your families!
Merry Christmas!
Sr. Therese Gillman, OSF
President

Letter from
the
Principal
Season’s Greetings! Even as I am writing this, I can’t believe I am thinking about the 2012
holiday season, and parents are beginning long term formative plans for their children in choosing
a high school. To wrap you in holiday spirit that not only solidifies memories but joyful fortitude,
come check out the best gift OA has--her students--and begin thinking about the best gift you can give that no one can take
away….a high school education!
With regard to holiday events that are sure to set your hearts and spirits aglow…
• The OA Christmas Concert is December 9, 2012, at 4 p.m.
• Stuco (student council) will kick off holiday cheer in the student body with the annual “12 Days of Christmas”
event beginning on December 6th and running through the 21st.
• Holiday Under the Spires, Saturday, December 1st.
Many parents, much like where some of you were many years ago with your parents, are beginning to think about opportunities
that will generate greater life chances for their children. Oldenburg Academy and its curriculum, staff, and faculty
can help provide these greatest gifts/opportunities of all. The time, investment, and hopes we have for our children are truly
priceless.
Christmas is a time of giving; that’s true, but my challenge to you is to look at the gifts you are giving. Are they gifts that
will be enjoyed over Christmas break then soon forgotten or ones that will be enjoyed for a lifetime? In my opinion, the rich
heritage of Oldenburg Academy coupled with the dedicated faculty and staff is one of the best long term investments you
can make. I sincerely pray that both you and your family have a peaceful and renewing holiday season with gifts you will
remember and enjoy for the rest of your lives. Have a blessed holiday season!
Mrs. Bettina Rose, Principal
Celebrating
160 Years
Franciscan
of education rooted in the
Tradition
CLOSE UP - 2
I invite you to take a
walk back in time to
1852. Imagine what it
must have been like for
Mother Theresia Hackelmeier
as she ventured
from Vienna, Austria
to the wilderness of
Oldenburg to provide
education for German
immigrants. During
her first few months Mother Theresia and three other young sisters began to prepare for the opening of school. Soon they were
joined by Theresa Dreer, a young women of superior education from Switzerland. Theresa Dreer, soon to be Sister Antonia
Dreer, was appointed as the first principal of what throughout the years became known as ICA/Oldenburg Academy. The first
students comprised of twenty children. Many of the students who lived in outlying farms stayed with the Sisters. The first students
came from families who struggled economically and in return for their education they provided products from their farm.
Since then the school has grown and flourished. Fast forward to 2012 and you will find ICA/OA alums in ten countries and
forty-nine states. The mission of providing “ Franciscan Catholic college preparatory education committed to academic excellence,
social responsibility, leadership and personal growth for our students who excel in our ever-changing world continues to
impact each of us today and as we go forth to share our gifts with others.”
Let us celebrate our rich 160th anniversary by joining in prayer on Monday, December 10th at 2:00 PM in the Sisters’ Chapel.
Join with us in giving thanks to our loving God for the blessings received throughout the years, and for God’s continued guidance
and wisdom as we face the future with hope. Most Reverend Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. will serve as celebrant
for our Eucharistic Celebration. A reception will follow in the Sisters’ dining room.
Sr. Therese Gillman, President

Department of the
Month:
Mr. Maple’s Classes
Business Foundations:
The Business Foundations class has been busy learning about a variety of topics such as Business Organization, Management, Human
Resources and Career Planning. Currently, they are learning about Marketing. Students had the opportunity to learn interview
skills and create their own resume and cover letter. These skills will be vital for each student in the future. Students look forward
to the annual etiquette lunch on December 7th.
Business Foundations is a one-semester course. Next semester, students will take Personal Finance. All students are welcome and
encouraged to take this class, which will be helpful in the future. Freshmen to Seniors are welcome to enroll in the course.
Entrepreneurship:
Students are busy creating their own business plans. This year, the Entrepreneurship class will be participating in the Maverick
Challenge. Sincere 2008 the Maverick Challenge has worked with over 370 students and mentors, to help students learn about
entrepreneurship and starting their own business. The Maverick Challenge is a high school business planning competition for high
school students in Southern Indiana.
The Maverick Challenge aims to further develop the innovative spirit of our region by reaching out to high school students and
showing them viable career opportunities through entrepreneurship. Students have access to all the tools needed to take their idea
from a concept and develop it into a full business plan. Students are linked up with community business mentors, and will present
their plans at a competition held at the OA gym on December 14th. Nine community judges will judge the students.
The top three students will win prizes and move on to Columbus for the regional competition. The prizes include: $500, $300 and
$200 for first through third place respectively.
For more information on this competition, please contact Mr. Jonathon Maple, Business Teacher, at jmaple@oldenburgacademy.
org or 812.934.4440 ext. 241.
Journalism:
Journalism is working hard at preparing various school videos (which can be found on YouTube), the yearbook, daily OA Today
announcements, as well as airing every week on Country 103.9 WRBI, and writing for the school blog!
Attention Senior Parents: Don’t forget to send in your Senior ad form received in the mail to Mr. Maple before Christmas Break!
Attention Business Owners: Help sponsor the OA Yearbook by buying a business ad!
Contact Mr. Jonathon Maple, Business/Journalism Teacher, Oldenburg Academy, 812.934.4440 ext. 241 or jmaple@oldenburgacademy.org
Creative Writing/SAT:
Recently, the Creative Writing class wrote poems – they decided to share their thoughts on the Creative Writing/SAT prep class
with you through poems!
Creative writing is super fun
We always get a lot done
We always take vocab tests
So on the SAT we can do our best
Mr. Maple is a crazy cat
His witty comebacks are always up to bat
Our school day always starts off with a bang
When we get to Creative Writing with the gang
I think Mr. Maple would be pleased with us now
We’d like to end it with a bow.
We look forward everyday
To Mr. Maple’s smiling face.
We all get along so well,
No one feels out of place.
Sometimes we work together.
In a circle we have fun.
We write creatively, and learn,
Until the class is done.
Some days we get cupcakes.
Some days we take a test.
But everyday, no matter which,
This class is better than the rest.
CLOSE UP - 3

STUCO’s 12 Days
of
Christmas
OA’s annual 12 Days of Christmas celebration begins on December 6th. Students
look forward to the fun themes chosen by STUCO for the days before Christmas
Break begins. Student Council has been organizing this event for many years, and
days like “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” and “Christmas Sock Day” really help
boost Christmas spirit around campus.
Another activity planned is the 3rd annual Christmas tree decorating contest. The
four classes compete against each other for the prize. Last year’s winners, the
Class of 2013, will work hard to claim the victory again this year.
Junior Class President, Gabrielle Mungcal, says, “With semester exams and
the close of the year, it can get pretty stressful for all of us here at the Academy.
Twelve Days of Christmas is a great way to spread cheer and get into a festive
Christmas mood.”
Student Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year!
Amy Grills, Math Department Chair
Student Council & Junior Class Moderator
Lucky
Buck
CLOSE UP - 4
11.2.12 $100 Winner: John Rumsey
Seller: Lyndsey Piche’
11.9.12 $100 Winner: Bob Ortman
Seller: Aaron Moorman
11.16.12 $100 Winner: Carol Meister
Seller: Direct Mail
11.23.12 $100 Winner: Dan & Zita Hartman
Seller: Courtney & Jackie Unkrich
11.30.12 $100 Winner: Dick Lang
Seller: Lora & Luke Weisenbauk
11.30.12 $500 Winner: Ms. Dorothy Rasfeld
Seller: Direct Mail

Admissions
Merry Christmas to all!
Placement Test for the Class of 2017
Saturday, December 8, from 8:30 AM to 12 PM in the
academic building. Students can sign-in between 8 AM and
8:30 AM in the school lobby.
This test is for placement purposes, and there is no minimum
score required for acceptance. All supplies for the test will
be provided (even some snacks!) Students are encouraged to
get a good night’s rest the night before the test and to relax
and just do their best.
During the test, parents are encouraged to attend a parent
orientation in the school cafeteria. Information regarding
freshmen scholarships, academics, curriculum and courses
selection, co-curricular activities, financial aid and service
opportunities will be presented.
Pre-registration for the Placement Test is encouraged. To
register, please complete and submit a Placement Test Registration
Form available on-line at www.oldenburgacademy.
org. The test fee is $15. Checks and completed registration
forms can be mailed to Oldenburg Academy, c/o Mrs. Annette
Hunger, P.O. Box 200, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036.
For more information about the Placement Test, contact Mrs.
Annette Hunger, Admissions Director, at 812.934.4440
ext. 231 or hunger@oldenburgacademy.org.
Join us for
Christmas
Memories
Come one and all to the annual Oldenburg
Academy Christmas Concert, Christmas
Memories, December 9th, Sunday, at 4pm.
As the theme denotes, there will be many Christmas pieces
that you remember from Christmas’ past and childhood
memories. The concert choir will present Little Drummer
Boy, Christmas Madrigal, Christmas Blessings, and One
Small Child. The Academy singers will sing Jazz Gloria,
Breath of Heaven, The Sleigh, Alleluia Madrigal.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Orchestra will play such
Christmas Selections as A Most Wonderful Christmas, Pat
A Pan, White Christmas, Tintinabulations, Baby It’s Cold
Outside, the Beatles favorite Wonderful Christmas Time, An
Old World Christmas and Greensleeves.
Saxophones, Solos and Sultry Christmas Ballads await as
special soloists Alexa Fangman, Zach Gorman, and others
will be recognized!
Ms. Kris Wampler, Music Department Chair
To be eligible for incoming freshmen scholarships, students
must take the OA Placement Test.
Congratulations to the 5th and 6th grade speech
participants!
Oldenburg Academy congratulates the 60 fifth and sixth
grade students who participated in the Batesville Deanery
Speech Contest held at OA on November 3rd. The students
did an outstanding job presenting their speeches. A big
round of applause goes to the students and coaches for their
time and hard work. The following students earned the top
score in their category.
Stella Hillenbrand: St. Louis, Batesville - Serious
Logan Smith: St. Mary, Greensburg - Humorous
Sophie Brown and Kate Poltrack: St. Louis, Batesville -
Duet
St. Louis earned first place with the highest average school
score for the competition.
Congratulations to all the students!
Can’t Make the Concert?
Come and join all the music students, Orchestra
and Academy Singers at the Live Nativity at St.
Anthony’s this year around 5:30 pm on Dec. 7th.
The Orchestra students will be walking around and
playing christmas music at the town of Harrison
on Nov. 30 from 6-8pm and in Oldenburg for the
Spires weekend of Dec. 1, around noon to 2pm. As
long as there is no snow, rain or sleet.
CLOSE UP - 5

Alumni Homecoming
Re-cap
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible.”
St. Francis of Assisi
This statement has been the mantra for the OA Alumni Association this past year while we moved forward in chartered and
unchartered territories.
On September 29th the Alumni Association presented Antsy McClain & the Trailerpark Troubadours in concert and while the
turnout was lower than expected, we were appreciative of the concertgoers who attended our first fundraising event and they
were presented with a very entertaining performance. This event allows us the opportunity to set up a new Alumni website
which is connected to our OA site. Please visit www.oaalumni.org to view the site, which will be updated within the next few
weeks to include information about upcoming Alumni events.
We kicked off Homecoming weekend on Friday, October 12th with the Annual Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner held at
Hillcrest Country Club. Guests gathered at 6:30 pm to honor Dr. Maureen A. Murphy “72, former aspirant, currently residing
in Baraboo, Wisconsin where she is the Director of Medical Affairs for St. Clare Hospital. We were pleased to have some of her
family members, classmates, Oldenburg Academy staff, Sisters, and friends from the community, present when she was presented
with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Early Saturday morning, October 13th over 175 former students of OA/ICA descended upon the Village of the Spires for
Homecoming 2012. We had representatives from most of the anniversary classes and many others from non-anniversary
classes. Homecoming is a time for former students to return and reminisce about their time at OA/ICA, time that seems like
only yesterday, yet time also tell us differently when we realize it has been 25, 50, or more years since we last came together as
a class. Thanks to Carmie Gindling Meyer ’63 and Veronica Starost ’62 for starting us off with the breakfast in the dining hall.
This was followed with mass in the chapel, which a special thanks to Marsha Hartman Parcell ’87 for arranging such a memorable
celebration. At the conclusion of the mass, the presentation of the 2012 Virtue Honor Education Award was awarded to
Sister Constance Smith, OSF ‘40. Linda Nobbe Siefert ’62, Trustee and former student of Sr. Constance presented the award
and Sr. Margie Jean Niemer accepted the award on behalf of Sr. Constance. Following the presentation lunch was served in a
very festively decorated gym compliments of Diane Enneking Dierkman ‘70 and Deb Currence Enneking ‘72 who graciously
helped Jane Bedel Walke ’76 and Liz Hartman Stenger ‘71. The festive ambiance set the tone for the celebration of the 160th
Anniversary of Oldenburg Academy and the 114th Anniversary of the Alumni Association. My sincere thanks to everyone for
their hard work. In lieu a business meeting, I presented an update of the changes and events our Board of Trustees have worked
on since January 2012. Following the announcements we were treated to a flare of sparklers atop a beautifully decorated cake
from Bertie Hartman Schmidt ’64. At the conclusion of the Homecoming Celebration, current students conducted tours of the
campus and at 2:00 PM former aspirants (these were students who were anticipating entering the Sisters of St. Francis) gathered
in the dining hall for a presentation from Carolyn Meyer and Jane Schaefer, Co-Directors of the Associate Program offered
by the Sisters of St. Francis.
As we ended a very busy weekend, I would like to extend a special thanks to our current board, Liz Hartman Stenger ’71, Jane
Bedel Wlke’76, Bertie Hartman Schmidt ’64 and Trustees, Barb Hirt ‘51, Ruth Leurck Mayo ’67, and Linda Nobbe Siefert ’61
and to Sarah Lamping, Alumni Relations Coordinator, for their hard work and dedication to OA and the Alumni Association.
Pam Decker Vonderhaar ’64,
President OA Alumni Association
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Guidance
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Kroger
Sisters of St. Francis
CabitDesign
Enhanced Telecommunications
Corporation
McKee & Gunderson PC
Senior Scholarship and/or Acceptance Notification Letters: Seniors who have been awarded scholarships from colleges,
universities, or private organizations should bring copies of notification to the guidance office. All offered scholarships and offers
of admission will be published in the graduation program and at school.
Scholarship Information and Notices
Dearborn County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship:
Seniors residing in Dearborn County are encouraged to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. This scholarship
will provide full tuition and required fees at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. Applications
are due to Mrs. Lancaster on January 9, 2013.
Franklin County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship:
Seniors residing in Franklin County are encouraged to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. This scholarship
will provide full tuition and required fees at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana. A representative
from FCCF will be at OA in December to speak with Franklin County seniors about this opportunity.
An updated scholarship listing is posted on the OA website at http://www.oldenburgacademy.org/guidance/college-scholarships
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Beginning January 1, 2013, all seniors should file so that they are
eligible for student and parent loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Even if you don’t think you will qualify
for financial assistance, you should still fill out this form! The FAFSA may be filed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov; students and
parents should first get a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. It is important to get your PIN very soon; you may get your PIN at any time
before filling out the FAFSA. The federal processor must RECEIVE the FAFSA by March 10, 2013. Visit the State Student
Assistance Commission of Indiana website for further information at www.ssaci.IN.gov.
College Goal Sunday
Mark your calendars for “College Goal Sunday” on Sunday February 24, 2013. On this day, financial aid professionals from
Indiana Colleges and Universities will be available at 40 sites throughout Indiana. These experts will walk you and your family
through the financial aid application (FAFSA) you must complete to qualify for scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms
of assistance. All you need to bring is your family’s 2012 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 form, or other 2012 income benefits and information.
Call 1-800-992-2076 or visit www.collegegoalsunday.org for more information. I encourage all parents/guardians
of seniors to attend a College Goal Sunday site near you.
Juniors and Seniors: be sure to register to take the SAT and/or the ACT! Below are test dates and registration deadlines
SAT Test Dates
Registration Deadline
January 26, 2013 December 28, 2012
March 9, 2013 February 8, 2013
May 4, 2013 April 5, 2013
June 1, 2013 May 2, 2013
ACT Test Dates
Registration Deadline
February 9, 2013 January 11, 2013
April 13, 2013 March 8, 2013
June 8, 2013 May 3, 2013
Congratulations to Cassandra Holtel ’15, winner of
the 2012 OA Christmas card cover contest.
Cassie received $50 for her winning entry and her cover will be sent to
approximately 3,500 friends of OA. Thanks so much to all the students
who spent time creating an entry and sharing their talents with us.
Debbie Lamping, Advancement
CLOSE UP - 7

Oldenburg Academy
of the Immaculate Conception
opportunities await... every student, every day!
1 Twister Circle, PO Box 200, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036
www.oldenburgacademy.org, 812.934.4440
Non-Profit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Batesville, IN
Permit No. 400
Address Service Requested
Alumni &Athletics
have joined forces to bring you the
All School
Reconciliation
December 3 1:15 pm
Sisters’ Chapel
Ammann -Brinkmoeller
Award Recipient
Find out who the lucky son-of-a-gun is at the half of the
Varsity Boys Basketball Game (vs. Southwestern Shelby)
February 12th
Please feel free to share our “good news” with friends and family
Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg