On Thursday, January 29, we presented our annual Distinguished Alumni Awards at a special prayer service. This award has been created by our Alumni Association and is presented to graduates of Cardinal Mooney High School who demonstrate a continuing concern for and dedication to Cardinal Mooney High School and who witness with their lives the values of our school. The 2004 honorees are: Mrs. Kathy Coppola Villella '69 and Mr. Terry Reardon '81.

Special thanks to, Reverend Daniel Venglarik, Pastor of Saint Charles Parish in Boardman, who was the leader of prayer for our service.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 3 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. All parents are invited to meet with the teachers in their respective classrooms. No appointments are necessary.

SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION

As announced in our calendar, school will not be in session on Friday, February 13 or Monday, February 16. The school office will be open on February 13 but will be closed on February 16.

SCRIP

Enclosed with this newsletter is a Scrip order form. Remember that you can earn tuition credits without any further expense to you by using Scrip. Two percent of all Scrip that you purchase will be credited to you. If your tuition account is paid for this year, you can start earning credit for next year now. And, if your son or daughter is graduating, you can apply those credits to an account of any student of your choice.

HAZARDOUS RAILROAD TRACKS

Several parents have commented on the unsafe condition caused by the uneven railroad tracks on Indianola Avenue. One of our parents contacted State Senator Robert Hagan regarding this matter. Senator Hagan indicated that if enough people wrote him letters of complaint regarding this situation, he would be able to take action. If you are concerned about this situation and would like to contact Senator Hagan, a suggested letter follows:

Dear State Senator Robert Hagan,

I travel over the railroad tracks on Indianola Avenue (near Cardinal Mooney High School) daily, in Youngstown, Ohio. These tracks are unsafe and in disrepair. Please help us by having this track repaired for the safety of the school children and everyone that travels over these tracks.

Sincerely,

TUITION ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Application forms and materials explaining the tuition assistance program at Cardinal Mooney High School are now available in the school's main office.

Please note that all tuition assistance will be given on the basis of family financial need as shown in the Confidential Student Aid Form (PSAF) which parents must file directly with the Private School Aid Service. When completing the form, please note that a completed copy of your most recent (2003) Federal Income Tax Return must accompany your application. The tuition aid form is the application form for all tuition grants and should be mailed to the Private School Aid Service no later than April 15, 2004.

Applications for CMHS scholar-ships and for the job program at school are also available and should be returned to the Cardinal Mooney High School office by April 15. Anyone applying for a memorial scholarship or for student or parent jobs must also file a Student Aid Form with the Private School Aid Service before he/she can be considered.

Please note that a form requesting assistance must be completed each year. Only families meeting the April 15 deadline will be notified of grants in June.

If you have any questions regarding the tuition assistance program, please feel free to contact Sister Jane Marie at school.

YOUNGSTOWN DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Application forms for the Youngstown Diocesan Catholic School Scholarship Fund which was established in honor of Mary Ellen Cushwa Wolsonovich are now available in the school office. Students who have demonstrated an academic initiative and require financial assistance to attend a Catholic school are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

To apply for this scholarship, a family must complete the school financial aid form (PSAF) and a special single sheet for the Diocesan Scholarship. A copy of your most recent tax form (2003) is required and a single filing fee covers both applications.

The application form for this scholarship can be obtained in the school's main office. To be considered for the Diocesan Scholarship Fund, the application forms must be submitted no later than March 22, 2004.

REGISTRATION FOR 2004-2005

Cardinal Mooney High School is currently registering students for the 2004-2005 school year. If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending Cardinal Mooney High School next year, please have them contact Mrs. Joanne Carney Smith at school for an appointment or to obtain information.

PLACEMENT TEST

A make-up placement test for any incoming freshmen who have not yet taken the test will be held on Saturday, February 28 at CMHS. Students should arrive at 8:55 a.m. and have two sharpened No. 2 pencils, a calculator, and their social security number with them. Parents are asked to call Cardinal Mooney to make a reservation (330-788-5007). The test will be finished at approximately 11:45.

POT OF GOLD RAFFLE

Cardinal Mooney will kick-off its annual Spring raffle in mid-March and the drawing will be held on May 12. The raffle will follow the "Pot of Gold" format that we established last year . . . $10,000 in cash prizes. The grand prize will be $7,500 and a second prize of $2,500 will be awarded. All students can earn tuition credit for 50% of all sales beyond their quota. Seniors whose tuition is paid can earn cash! We wanted to alert you to this raffle now in order that you can start "lining up customers" in advance.

BASKETBALL GAMES RESCHEDULED

Due to the cancellation of school because of inclement weather, it was necessary to reschedule 2 boys' basketball games. The January 23 game at Ursuline was played on February 10. The game scheduled for January 27 against Akron Hoban will be played at Cardinal Mooney on Monday, February 23.

TOURNAMENT BASKETBALL GAMES

Tournament schedules for both boys' and girls' basketball are included with this newsletter. Tickets for all boys' and girls' tournament basketball games will be on sale in the school office prior to each game. If you plan on attending any tournament game, please consider purchasing your tickets at school. We receive a percentage of all ticket sales from tickets purchased at Cardinal Mooney. We do not receive any percentage for tickets sold at the door.

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Cardinal Mooney High School invites you to join us at our twelfth "Athletic Hall of Fame" dinner to be held at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman, Ohio on Sunday, February 15, 2004. There will be a dinner buffet and open bar from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the program to follow at 8:00 p.m.

This twelfth "Hall of Fame" class will include the following inductees:

Jim Boniface '81 - football
Jim Colla '70 - football
Melanie Congemi Stitt '86 - track
Devlin Culliver '86 - football
Jamie Dunn '68 - basketball
Mike Giambattista '82 - football/
baseball
Jim Halloran '64 - football
Tony Hayek '84 - tennis
Kathy Keffler Apple '82 - basketball
Dennis Misko '63 - basketball
Nancy Shugart - significant
contributions
Mark Stoops '85 - baseball/
football

All proceeds from the evening go directly into the Ron Stoops Scholarship Fund which was established by the Stoops Family in memory of Ron. These scholarships are given to assist students to attend Cardinal Mooney.

Tickets are available at school for $60 or $480 for a table of 8.

OPEN HOUSE

Thank you to all who attended our Open House on February 1. The winners of the two $500 tuition credit prizes were:

8th grade
Elaine Miller from St. Luke School

7th grade
Cory Okular from Holy Family School

THEATRE DEPARTMENT

The Cardinal Mooney Theatre Department will present Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella March 18-21. All shows will be presented in the auditorium and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Our annual dinner theatre will be on Thursday, March 18. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30. Reservations are required at least one week in advance for the dinner theatre. Advanced tickets for all shows are available from a cast member or call Mrs. Joanne Carney Smith at the office.

Directors are Ed Smith and Joanne Carney Smith, choreography by Anita Lin, and musical direction by Kris Harper.

Principals roles will be played by seniors Jillian Giannios and April Sauline, juniors Ja'Maela Byrd, Ashley Leonelli, Bethany Sauline, Brendan Trewella and Rob Wyman, sophomore Colleen George, and freshman Joe St. George.

THEOLOGY NEWS

. . . ACRE Test

On February 12, the seniors will take the ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education) Test. This test assesses the religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perception of students as well as an evaluation of their religious knowledge.

All Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Youngstown will take this test. We thank the senior class for their serious and prayerful approach to this assessment.

. . . Ash Wednesday

On February 25, our school community will gather for liturgy and distribution of ashes. All are invited. Mass begins at 10:45 a.m.

. . . Lent

Throughout this Lenten Season, we, the Mooney Family, will rededicate ourselves to the Lord. Each morning we will begin the day with a Scripture reading and Lenten reflection.

. . . Liturgy

During the season of Lent, each grade level will gather for a special liturgy. As we walk these days with Jesus, we will be nourished for the journey at the Table of the Lord.

. . . Sacrament of Reconciliation

Students will be invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. Our local clergy will celebrate this sacrament of God's forgiveness and healing.

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

On Sunday, February 8, Mooney's Academic Challenge Team advanced to the semifinal round defeating Springfield Local 470 to 230. In the semifinals, they lost to Ursuline and thus placed in the top 4 out of 36 teams from Ohio and PA. Team members included seniors Elyse Healey, Dan Finnerty, Zac Liptak, and Jay Dehghani. Mooney's appearances will be broadcast on Channel 33, WYTV on February 14, May 8 (vs. Springfield), and May 29 (vs. Ursuline) at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Karen Wright and Miss Eileen Bacha served as team advisors.

CARD CONTROL

Card-Control will be starting its annual seat belt campaign this month. We will be handing out surveys to students on whether or not they wear seat belts during mentoring periods. We are encouraging students and those riding in their car to buckle up! We will be monitoring the entrances and exits of the school parking lot to check on our progress in encouraging everyone to buckle up! We are also encouraging parents or relatives who are dropping off or picking up students at school to wear their seatbelts. Being concerned about your safety is an important issue.

. . . Road Facts About Seat Belts

Lives lost
Car occupants form 64% of all road casualties.
In 2000, 206,799 people were killed or injured while traveling in cars. Of these, 181,093 (87%) were drivers or front seat passengers.

Not belting up
Despite continued advertising about the dangers of not wearing a seat belt a core of 12% of the nation's 28 million drivers still fail to belt up for every journey.
Women (91%) are more conscientious than men (85%) at belting up.
Almost a third (32%) of people questioned don't always belt up in the back of the car and one in ten never bother.

The excuses
The most common reason for not belting up is because people say they forget and one in six say they don't bother if they are only going a short distance.
A third of people say that belting up in the back doesn't occur to them and one in six say it's uncomfortable or they couldn't find the buckle. One in twenty don't buckle up in the back because they feel safer.
One in ten would be embarrassed to ask a friend to belt up if they were traveling as a passenger in their car.

The law
Drivers and front seat passengers in cars must wear a seat belt, unless they have a medical exemption certificate.
Children under the age of 14, traveling in the rear of a car, which has appropriate restraints, must belt up.
Adults traveling in the rear of a car must also use seat belts, if they are fitted. It is the responsibility of the adult passenger (not the driver) to ensure that they are using the seat belt.

RECYCLING PROGRAM

Cardinal Mooney and the Environmental Science class will soon be developing a recycling program. A few years back this was attempted but had to be dropped due to lack of pick-up. This time the "Green Team" is going to take care of the pick-up. Each room will have a box in which to put used paper and magazines. At the end of each week, the paper will be collected and taken to be recycled. The more paper we bring the more we will benefit the environment. In addition, we hope to see a decrease on the school trash bills. Please help preserve trees in our nature and start recycling.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT

. . . Alumni

All Band alumni are reminded to watch the newsletters for the 2004 Mooney/Ursuline Football Game date. The Band will once again invite alumni and next years' 5th- 8th graders to join us on the field.

. . . Auxiliary

Any student who is interested in auditioning for the 2004 danceline, flagline, or twirler and does not have the information from the meeting needs to contact Mrs. April Wood at 330-788-5007.
Audition Date:
Tuesday March 23 - 4:30-7:00
St. Dominic Gymnasium

Rehearsal dates are:

Twirler
Friday March 5 - 3:30-5:00
St. Dominic Gymnasium

Dance line
Friday March 12 - 3:30-5:00
CMHS Cafeteria

Friday March 19 - 3:30-5:00
St. Dominic Gymnasium

Flag Line
Friday March 12 - 5:00- 6:30
CMHS Cafeteria

Friday March 19 - 5:00-6:30
St. Dominic Gymnasium

Auxiliary members are also able to receive the band school tuition scholarship.

. . . Band

Remember that the first meeting for the 2004 Cardinal Pride Band & Drumline is April 1, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. A sign up sheet is available in the back of the newsletter for you to join. All 9th - 12th grade students with a good sense of rhythm, ability to read some music, and knowledge of one instrument can join. Opportunities are available for 5th- 8th grade students to join the band at various home games. Use the sign up sheet to receive the CMHS Music Newsletter. School scholarships offered are as followed:

Band Class
1st year-$250
2nd year-$300
3rd year- $350
4th year- $400
Mentoring Period
1st year-$125
2nd year-$150
3rd year- $175
4th year- $200

ALL SCHOLARSHIP APPLI-CATION FORMS MUST BE IN BY JULY 1, 2004.

. . . Choir

All 9-12 grade students are reminded that they are eligible and welcome to bring their voices to choir. No recommendations are needed to join. Just bring a good attitude and a willingness to sing a variety of songs from Bach to Rock.

. . . Music Boosters

Next meeting is March 4, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room.

. . . Music Banquet

Banquet will be held on Monday, May 17 at The Georgetown. Awards will be handed out at this time.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY CONTEST

The National History Day Contest is April 3 at Youngstown State University. The topic this year is "Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History". The different categories include:

- individual historical paper
- individual or group exhibit,
performance or documentary
- multiple choice test on
American History

Any student in grades 9-12 can enter. The deadline for entry is March 1 and the cost is $4.00 per student. Please see Mr. David Petty in Room 156 to enter or for more information.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Any junior with a GPA of 3.2 or higher will be receiving an NHS information packet in the mail. This packet should be read through by both the student and his or her parent/guardian. All materials are due back by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 18. There are no exceptions to this deadline. A faculty council will decide where to make the point cut off. All decisions are final. The induction ceremony will be Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Please contact Mrs. Tina Hughes at 330-788-5007 if you have any questions.

YEARBOOK REMINDER

It is time once again for the yearbook staff's annual Senior Ad Sale. Show your senior how proud you are of them by purchasing an ad. The deadline for these ads is March 31, 2004 at 3:00 p.m.

ART DEPARTMENT NEWS

Congratulations to this year's Scholastics Art Competition winners, Colleen George, Melissa Danus, Sarah Clarke, Greg Delost, and Diane Khawli. Colleen received two Silver Key regional awards for her pastel drawings. Sarah, Melissa, and Diane also received regional honors. Melissa and Greg received Gold Key honors which are national awards. Melissa's metal casting and Greg's drawing will be sent to New York to compete nationally. Amber Dilisio, Arica Angelo, Jacob Hobby, Britini Brocker, Jillian Giannios, Mark R. Thomas, Stephanie Brett, and Adrienne Hudak also have strong works of art in the show. The exhibition is a spectacular example of some of the fine art being produced in our area from grades 7-12. The show can be seen at the McDonough Museum on Wick Avenue from January 24 to February 13 and admission is free. Congratulations again to everyone who participated and represented Cardinal Mooney in this prestigious, creative venue.

APPLES FOR THE STUDENTS

Giant Eagle's Apples for the Students program provides a way for you to help us get FREE computers and support equipment. No tapes need be saved if customers register their Giant Eagle Advantage Card.

Customers may call Giant Eagle at 1-800-474-4777 to register by phone. Give the twelve-digit number from the back of your Advantage card and our school number -- 0145. The campaign will last until March 20, 2004.

During the last few weeks of this year's program, Giant Eagle is offering a special Apple Double- Point promotion. In order to promote sales of Giant Eagle brand products, double school points will be given with the use of your registered Advantage Card. Products include Giant Eagle brand soups, ice cream, packaged cheeses and luncheon meats, milk & yogurt, and refrigerated juices and drinks. Try these products that are usually priced lower than national brands and are of equal or better quality. Help our point total in the last weeks of the campaign. This promotion will begin on February 15.

SPARKLE CASH REGISTER TAPES

The Sparkle Market Program will conclude for this year on February 14, 2004. All green Sparkle tapes must be turned in by February 21, 2004. Thanks to all of you for sending us your receipts.

RECYCLING CELL PHONES AND PRINTER INK CARTRIDES

We continue to collect old cell phones and printer inkjet or laser cartridges. If you change phone plans, send us your old phone. These recycling programs help us purchase printer supplies for our students.

OCIS (Ohio Career Information System)

Cardinal Mooney High School is now participating in a grant program to provide our students and their parents with the most current information to help with career and educational planning. This program is offered in conjunction with the Mahoning Country Career Development Program.

OCIS is a computer based career information system containing a wealth of educational and occupational data. It is a user-friendly, efficient information source for relating the career decision-making process with postsecondary educational and training choices, as well as to national employment opportunities based on current labor market information.

Some features of the program include an introductory questionnaire, which produces a list of occupations based upon the expressed interests, abilities, and personal preferences of the student.

Occupational information includes job description, working conditions and employment prospects; skills needed and licensing requirements. Military careers and their relations to civilian occupations are also covered.

Programs of postsecondary education and over 3,600 two and four-year colleges are described in detail. Up to three schools may be compared at one time. Extensive information is available on financial assistance including government and private scholarships.
The Job Search area includes information on resumes, applications, and employers as well as current job openings.

Students will be given training in using the program as well as username and password information for home access in our Library/Information Center.

Any questions regarding this program may be directed to Mrs. Joan Ruffing in the Information Center/Library 330-788-4371.

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

. . . Testing Dates

The following dates are remaining to take the SAT or ACT. Testing is not given in July, August, or September.

ACT
April 3, 2004
Registration Feb. 27, 2004
Late registration Mar.12, 2004

June 12, 2004
Registration May 7, 2004
Late registration May 21, 2004

SAT
March 27, 2004
Registration Feb. 20, 2004
Late registration Mar. 4, 2004

May 1, 2004
Registration March 26, 2004
Late registration April 7, 2004

June 5, 2004
Registration Apr. 30, 2004
Late registration May 12, 2004

. . . SB #140

There will be a meeting on March 11, 2004 at Cardinal Mooney for anyone interested in SB #140. SB #140 pertains to students who can attend YSU and earn college credit while simultaneously attending high school. Parents of qualified students will be receiving a letter outlining the details of this meeting. Criteria needed to participate in this program are as follows:

Juniors/seniors
GPA 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
23 ACT or 1070 SAT

Freshmen/sophomores
GPA 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
28 ACT or 1260 SAT

. . . FAFSA

FAFSA's can be completed on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The FAFSA forms for college financial aid may be picked up in the Guidance Office. Remember, you may qualify for financial aid for college based on need.

Some points to remember on the FAFSA:

1. Use black pen or a #2 pencil (not blue ink).

2. Fill in the ovals - do not just put a line through them.

3. On the dollar blanks, fill in a "o" if not pertaining to you so they know you did not skip that question.

. . . Juniors

Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio has a program for juniors who are seriously thinking of going into the field of education as a career. The Ashland University Teacher Education Scholars Pro-gram has been established to identify juniors who would be good teacher education candidates. It involves a one-day program at the university on Saturday, April 24, 2004. Candidates must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. More information and applications are available in the Guidance Office. Applications must be turned into the Guidance Office by the end of February.

. . . National Youth Leadership Forum on Technology

Information on the National Youth Leadership Forum on Technology is now in the Guidance Office. This forum will be held in San Jose, California from July 26 to August 4, 2004 and is reserved for exceptional high school sophomores and juniors who exhibit academic excellence, leadership skills, and an interest in the fields of computers, the Internet, or information technology. A GPA of 3.3 or higher is required. This is a tuition-based program. More information can be obtained through the Guidance Office.

. . . Scholarships

Kent State University is hosting the Oscar Ritchie Memorial Scholarship for talented minority students in their junior year of high school If you're a minority student with a minimum GPA of 3.25, stop in the Guidance Office for an application.

Penn State Cosmetology is offering a scholarship for one student interested in pursuing a career in nail technician cosmetology or cosmetology teacher. If interested, stop in the Guidance Office for an application.

Western School of Health and Business Careers is offering 6 tuition scholarships valued at $5,000.00 each. This school is in Pittsburgh and offers a variety of 2-year health careers such as respiratory therapy, veterinary technology, dental assistant, massage therapy. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office.

Cleveland State is offering their Presidential Scholarship. A 1000-word essay, auto-biographical essay, 3.5 GPA are some of the qualifications necessary to apply. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office.

. . . College Fairs/Summer Programs

Brown University is offering a pre-college summer program for high school students. They offer a variety of 7-week courses. If you are interested in this program, stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

The University of Dayton's Women in Engineering Summer Camp offers an opportunity to stay on campus for 1 week and learn about the many opportunities in the field of engineering for women. Stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

The University of Notre Dame is offering a summer experience from June 20 to July 3. Students may experience 2 weeks of campus life at Notre Dame pursuing a variety of academic tracks. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office.

Hillsdale College Summer Study Abroad Program offers an opportunity for a student to earn undergraduate credits while traveling to some of the oldest and most historically rich places in England. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office.

Pittsburgh National College Association of College Admission Counseling is hosting a national college fair for juniors and seniors. The workshop pertains to financial aid, admission selection process, practice essay writing, and student athletes. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office and ask for a pamphlet. This event is scheduled for February 26.

Ohio Society of CPA's and National Association of Black Accountants is offering a summer long enrichment program for minority high school sophomores and juniors who have an interest in pursuing business and accounting as a career. Stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

The United State Military Academy is hosting its 29th Annual Invitational Academic Workshop in June, 2004. If you are a current 11th grade student who:

1. is in the top fifth of the class
2. is taking college prep classes
3. has PSAT scores of 62 verbal, or 62 math
4. has leadership skills
5. plays organized sports and is interested in West Point Academy, stop in the Guidance Office for information on how to attend the workshop.

Ashland University is seeking nominations for the 2004 Teacher Education Scholars Program. Selected juniors will be recognized as AU Teacher Education Scholars to attend the special one-day seminar at Ashland University. For more information, stop in the Guidance Office.

Michigan State University is now offering a major specialty field in sports medicine. If you are interested in receiving information about this area of medicine, stop in the Guidance Office.

The University of Chicago is offering a summer school program of undergraduate courses to high school students for college credit.

Georgetown University is offering programs for high school students for the summer of 2004. If you are a student who is interested in spending time in Washington D.C. this summer, stop in the Guidance Office for information.

Penn State is hosting the 2004 Winter Open House for juniors or seniors interested in visiting this campus and touring the school on February 19, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. Stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

Alfred University of New York is offering summer programs in the area of creative writing this summer. Stop in the Guidance Office for a brochure.

Carnegie Mellon is offering summer programs for high school students in architecture, art, design, drama, and music. Stop in the Guidance Office for more information.

AYT Leadership Conferences is offering leadership training this summer for a week. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please stop in the Guidance Office.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR ASSEMBLY

Our juniors and seniors will attend an assembly on February 10, 2004 at 1:45 p.m. with Mr. Robert Anastas, the founder of Students Against Driving Drunk and "Check In to a Winning Life". He is an educator, author, lecturer, and counselor. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. He has written numerous articles and papers on adolescence and is the author of three books dealing with parent/child communication.