McAuley Junior Megan Whitacre of White Oak placed top in the nation for her Latin grammar skills at the National Junior Classical League's annual competition.
 
A member of "Certamen," the school's Latin academic team, Whitacre is captain of a national Latin academic team and, for the last two years, has received perfect scores on the National Latin Exam.
 
She hopes to major in Classics in college.

Hi Everyone,
 
I though I would share with you what it was like to be in DC on the National Mall for this historic inauguration.
 
My friends Alex and Nancy and I (pictured--I am on the left) woke up at 4 am and arrived at the Mall at about 5:30. We claimed a space for ourselves just a little in front of the Air and Space Museum. I think we were all expecting to see more college students,  but I would say about 60% of the people standing around us were black families and adults. Very few  white adults, although I heard from friends who had silver tickets that  they were surrounded by a reverse demographic.
 
Standing from 6:30 am to 8:00 am was the day's low point. It was still dark, and our toes were cold, and people were still arriving and trying to get past us to be even closer. However, we did have a great view of the sunrise over the Capitol, and most of the people standing around us were nice, chatty, and as excited as we were.
 
From within the crowd, it was impossible to see how extensive the attendance really was.  But when the Jumbotron started live coverage, we could see all the people stretched out in front and behind us on the mall. As the cameras panned, everyone started waving flags that had been passed out to us, and cheering and jumping up and down. It was one of the most incredible things I'd ever  felt. The closest thing I can liken it to is doing the wave at a Red's game, but more spontaneous, and more jubilant.
 
The ceremony itself was very moving; everyone went from silence to cheers after the swearing in. Obama's speech drew tears from many; I confess I also welled up a little at parts. The effect of the speech on the crowd was sobering; I think I kind of expected to be hugging strangers and cheering, and instead people were shaking hands.
 
Some other things of note: The cheers for Michelle and the girls when they appeared were at least equal to those for the President. There was also an unexpectedly enthusiastic cheer for Doctor Jill Biden.

Security on the mall was limited to snipers on rooftops: There was no gate to check bags, no gate whatsoever, and the National Guardsmen just relaxed around their Hummers. Although this cut down on the hassle, it is pretty frightening in retrospect.

Thanks to Mt. Airy Mercy Franciscan Hospital (Adopt-A-Class Partner) for inviting the Pleasant Hill Academy All-Star Singers to participate in their annual King Day program on Monday, January 19. In all, 32 students presented two powerful musical selections, and enjoyed other local performers as well.  Thanks to Principal Cherese Clark, our parent volunteers, Choir Director Kevin Hudson, and interim Music Teacher Todd O'Neal for all their hard work.  It was a great day!
 
Kudos to Chris Miller and the members of College Hill Presbyterian Church for their efforts in collecting gently used school uniforms (blue pants & white shirts), undershirts, and other clothing for students in kindergarten through eighth grades at Pleasant Hill.  For donation information call Chris Miller at 513-541-5676. 
 
All 720 students at Pleasant Hill enjoyed cookies, cupcakes and other delicious treats as we watched the Inauguration on January 20, thanks to the collective generosity of Kroger's, Golden Corral, Perkins, Restaurant Depot, E.D. Rose Catering, Ready to Learn, Mrs. Vanessa Turner, and Sams Club). This was a day  and moment in time our students will never forget!  Thanks also to Mrs. Christy Pate for her leadership in this exciting day. 

The Enquirer carried a heart-warming article about a College Hill couple who were re-engaged (so to speak) with the help of the Coffee Company and Schwartz Jewelers.  You can read the story here.