Combing Art, Service Learning, and Fun!

Q. In what class can you learn to throw a pot, help others less fortunate than you, and have a great time?

A. Ms. Terry deBardelaben’s “Empty Bowls” pottery class at SSSAS!

During this past semester, my classmates and I learned basic wheel and hand-building techniques, glaze application, and gas kiln firing.

 Not only did we learn how to create beautiful bowls, but we also learned about issues related to poverty and hunger. At the end of the semester, we organized the annual Empty Bowls Dinner to raise money and awareness to fight hunger.

 Guests enjoyed a simple dinner of soup and bread while learning about pottery techniques as well as hunger in America. During the dinner, several of my classmates demonstrated throwing techniques on the wheel. Guests also browsed the many beautiful bowls made by the students and selected their favorites in exchange for donations.

 We raised more than $1,200 in one night! All proceeds from the Empty Bowls Dinner go to organizations that help to feed those in need. SSSAS is so lucky to have exceptionally talented and dedicated teachers like Ms. deBardelaben to create unique learning and service opportunities for students!

Second Semester

Is there a slo-mo button for life? Because I feel like the past four years have been a whirlwind of awesome and glee and I completely lost track of time. I am a second semester senior! What?! Last Friday marked the end of the second academic quarter and first academic semester. That means I am in the final stretch; I have only one semester left as St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, and I plan to make the absolute most of it. 

In terms of college, I am done applying to all of my schools and I am now playing the waiting game, and the teachers here could not be more supportive. While walking through the halls I am frequently stopped by a teacher who wants to know where I am looking at and if I've heard back from any place. The phrase "Keep me posted! I'm sure you'll have many options!" is repeated often and comforts me in this time of complete unknowing. I am so honored and blessed that I get to finish my high school career at such a great place! :)

2014

I can't believe it is already 2014! It is a big year for me and the rest of my class since we are graduating. So, we are all making the most of every day we have left at SSSAS.

We only have a week left in the second quarter which means a lot of tests and projects coming up! In AP English, we are working on presentations on authors. In AP Biology, we are writing up a formal lab report and having a mini science fair. Next week will be pretty busy!

Even though it's been cold, we have all been finding ways to have fun. Numerous students have been attending ice hockey games, basketball games, and even a few swim meets or wrestling matches. In addition, we have the Saints for Sustainability Conference coming up and also the Green Cup Challenge in which we try to reduce our energy use.

I cannot wait for it to get a little warmer and for spring sports to start. I think it will be a great 2014!