'Missy' with Bowdoin grad Principal Keaney.

Signed, sealed: Miscellania delivered flawless performance

Miscellania, Bowdoin College's oldest female a cappella group, stopped by Ursuline Academy on their 2011 east coast tour to perform an up-beat selection tunes for students and faculty.

Eileen Palmer, a senior at Bowdoin and also the cousin of our own Mary Glass (Gr.7), arranged a slew of popular hits from multiple decades for the nine young women to perform. Favorites among students include It's In His Kiss by Betty Everett, Annie Lenox's  classic 90's jam, Walking on Broken Glass and Signed, Sealed Delivered, I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder.

Principal Mary Jo Keaney, a graduate of Bowdoin, says the group is welcome to stop by on their next east coast tour. Let's hope that can be 'arranged.'

Check out some clips from the show!

Palmer & Glass - Cousins!

Marissa Wright (Princess Ingrid) & Michaela Chipman (Agent 99)

"Sorry about that, Chief."

 Ursuline Drama kids "Get Smart"

Would you believe that Ursuline students are preparing to take on an internationally ranked organization of evil on January 28th ? Would you believe the 29th?

If you have not already heard through your shoe phone, The UA Drama Club is going undercover in their upcoming production of Get Smart on January 28th AND 29th.

The script, adapted from the popular 1960s television series, is a spoof on 'secret agent thrillers' and focuses on  a clumsy agent named Maxwell Smart (also known as Agent #86) and his astute young side-kick Agent #99. The pair, working for the top-secret U.S. intelligence agency CONTROL, work to halt the sinister plots of an evil organization known as KAOS. Audiences will chuckle as they follow the agents on a slew of mis-adventures, complete with fun props and physical comedy.

The challenging role of Maxwell Smart will be played by junior Caitlin Bradley. 8th Grader Michaela Chipman, who played a memorable Charlie Bucket in this past spring's "Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" musical, will take on the role of his partner-in-crime(fighting) Agent #99. Laura Robinson will tell them whose boss, as the Chief.

After all that action and adventure, you may find yourself a bit hungry. If that is the case, please join us (after the January 29th Saturday matinee, 4pm) for Ursuline's annual Spaghetti Supper. All students and their families are invited, with the exception of anyone working for KAOS.

The Ursuline Drama Club Presents "Get Smart" - Friday, January 28 at 7pm & Saturday, January 29 at 4 pm (with Dinner/Theater pricing available.)

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Dinner & Theater Pricing 

Spaghetti Supper Only (no theater ticket purchase)

$ 8 per person up to a maximum of $35 per family

Dinner/Theater Option

$12 per adult 

$10 per child

Ursuline Hosts "Melting Pot Panel"

"Behind a person with an accent, there is always a wonderful story," says Spanish teacher Patricia Sivan, who recently worked with Ursuline's student-driven Diversity Club to organize a discussion featuring speakers willing to talk about their experience living in the United States as an immigrant.The eight person panel featured parents and relatives alike, each with a unique journey.

Paul Lugten, father of Emma (Gr. 11) and Julia (Gr. 9), grew up in Great Britain and shared his surprise at the commercialism in the U.S. He commented that plethuras of options make even the simplist of things, like ordering a sandwich, complicated.

Art teacher Elena Balmaseda-Scherer spoke of the language barrier she encountered after moving to the states from Cuba as a child, and how she learned to express herself through art.

Regina Muyuela, mother of Demi (Gr. 11) moved to the U.S. from the Phillipines, and shared a story about a time she was questioned by the police simply because she tried to pay for home decor with cash, just two days after arriving in the country.

Jyothi Malempati, mother of Sravya (Gr. 11) shared a hearfelt story about being apart from her family in India, for two years.

Montserrat Vera-Llonch, mother of Agata Atayde (Gr. 9), came from Spain and was surprised at the mixed messages sent to women about where they stand in society.

Elizabeth Conpagnone, aunt of Francesca (Gr. 12) and Elizabeth (Gr. 7) moved from Italy as a child and taught herself English. She encouraged the students to be patient with people who have an accent.

Mrs. Pauline Clarke, mother of Naedia (Gr. 9) and Nikkia (Gr.7) came from Jamaica, and shared a story about how her graduate school put her in incorrect classes because they did not understand that English was her first language. She also talked about her lack of preparation for a cold first winter in Boston!

Senora Sivan says that the event was "inspired by celebrating differences," which is the main goal of the newly-founded Diversity Club. The group meets weekly to discuss race, nationality, immigration and even women in the work place. Though the first participants were members of minority groups, the club has expanded to include students of all backgrounds.

"Race was extremely interesting to discuss," said Sivan, who showed the students a film about the Black Doll vs. White Doll Experiment. Many students were outraged at the result: that a black child chose the white doll as superior. She says that projects like this spark important conversation among young people, which helps them to learn as they grow.

The Diversity Panel will likely host a similiar panel next year, and would encourage any person, with or without an accent, to share their story.