What do we love here at LC?
Well, Catholic Schools Week recently helped us to answer that question!
Read on for a recap of all the fun activities!
(And don't forget to check out a beloved food review by Erin Tellers at the end of this page!)
Article by Caroline Alegado
Photography by Christina Williamson ('23) and Ms. Callen
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrated the national observance of Catholic Schools Week from Sunday, January 29, 2023 through Saturday, February 4, 2023. LC kicked off its week-long celebrations with mass at St. Stan's, celebrated by Bishop Senior and Father O'Brien. Following the liturgy, seniors (from left to right) Bridget Keyser, Thomas McGann, Allie Huff, and Kam Schmidt each read their winning essays answering the question “What does Lansdale Catholic Mean to Me?”
On Tuesday, students were treated to soft pretzels at lunch. Then in the afternoon everyone headed to the gym for a traditional volleyball tournament! Teams of seniors faced off against each other until there was only one team left. They then took on the teachers who really made a comeback, ending the game in a tie.
On Wednesday, donuts were sold at each of the lunches and we had prayer group!
Some students were also treated to a special presentation via a guest speaker in their class; more on that below!
For the Love of Lavazza
LC parent, Frank LaRusso (Donatella, ‘26), Director of Training for Lavazza North America, treated Ms. Brady’s Italian I & II students to an authentic taste of Italy- courtesy of one of the largest coffee companies in the world!
His enthusiastic presentation included lessons on harvesting and roasting, the Italian difference when it comes to quality, and Lavazza’s commitment to fair working conditions and responsible climate action. To that end, Mr. LaRusso also shared his work with coffee growing families in El Salvador, where he’s adopted an orphanage and leads a youth ministry for children.
On this Student Appreciation day of Catholic Schools Week, he was sure to integrate cappuccino’s interesting origin story—which includes ties to Our Lady of Częstochowa—before gifting each student a medal in her name, a thoughtful nod to the local Shrine from which LC students graduate. Mr. LaRusso’s visit culminated in a latte art demonstration, plus the highly-anticipated tasting of “bicerin,” the traditional drink of Torino (Lavazza’s headquarters). This drink is layered with espresso, hot cioccolato, and fresh whipped cream!
Mr. LaRusso is currently an adjunct professor at Drexel University & Cornell’s Hospitality college. He formerly taught the “Business of Coffee” classes at Florida International (FIU) Chaplin Hospitality School & the Purdue University Marriott Hospitality School. Additionally, he’s one of just 128 individuals to receive Authorized Specialty Coffee Training (AST) certification- the highest level of coffee training certification in the world. No wonder he runs on espresso!
On Thursday we had our annual "Senior vs. Seminarians" Basketball game. Our seniors, coached by Jon Dang, fought hard but the seminarians ultimately prevailed. After the game, LC alum John McCabe spoke to the players and all enjoyed pizza and snacks.
The spirit dress down day on Friday had everyone in the mood for the LC’s Got Talent show that afternoon. This year there were so many talented acts! Our talented solo vocalists, plus returning champion, Kyle Schimidt, along with the 'Acafellas' all put on great performances, but it was Italian exchange student, Andrea Cisternino, or “Drippy Dre,” who won the competition with his mash up of hip hop & break dancing. We also had a surprise performance by some of our LC faculty who showed off their impressive synchronized swimming!
We ended Catholic Schools Week with the National Honor Society's Mother/Son, Father/Daughter Dance. LC students and their dates, dressed to the nines, enjoyed a night of love, laughter & dancing!
Photos c/o Christina Williamson ('23)
And speaking of what we love...
Who has the best chicken nuggets?
A review by Erin Tellers!