Sentinels in Motion ( February 19, 2025)

Polar PJ Palooza: A Community-Building Fundraiser Sets the Stage for Spring

Stella Maris Academy is preparing for an evening of community engagement and fundraising with its second major event of the academic year, the Polar PJ Palooza. This comprehensive event, scheduled for March 1st, promises to bring together students, parents, and staff across all grade levels in a multi-faceted celebration.

The evening's carefully orchestrated schedule begins at 5:30 PM, transforming the high school gymnasium into an entertainment hub for K-6 students. Young participants will immerse themselves in a variety of engaging activities, enjoy a specially prepared dinner, and cap off their evening with a screening of the beloved animated film "Toy Story." This portion of the event runs until 8:00 PM, providing parents with a perfect opportunity to participate in their own concurrent activities.

While the younger students enjoy their programming, parents are invited to an elegant Italian dinner featuring guest speaker Pat Melea. This adult-focused segment of the evening creates an important space for parent networking and community building, strengthening the bonds within the Stella Maris family.

The night takes on a new energy at 8:30 PM when grades 7-11 begin their dedicated session. These older students will enjoy their own mix of activities, dinner, and entertainment, ensuring that every age group has a tailored experience during the event.

A distinctive feature of the Polar PJ Palooza is the distribution of branded pajama bottoms, following the successful model of the previous Flannel Fest's themed apparel. This creative touch helps create a sense of unity and school spirit among participants. The event serves multiple crucial purposes: it strengthens community bonds, raises essential funds for student activities that aren't fully covered by registration fees, and provides valuable volunteer opportunities for older students who will assist with both the K-6 activities and the parent dinner service.

Registration for the event will be available through a link in the school newsletter, with options for parent participation, student attendance, or simply purchasing the commemorative PJ bottoms. As the school looks ahead, spring activity registrations have also opened, marking an busy and exciting period in the school calendar.

Mr. Chris Lemke

Activities Director

Register for the Polar PJ Palooza Here

 
 

Rising to the Challenge: An Interview with Alpine Skier Annabel

Stella Maris Academy Alpine skiing standout Annabel offered a compelling glimpse into the life of a student-athlete preparing for state championships. Worth noting is that this interview was recorded the day before she placed an incredible 12th at the Minnesota Alpine Skiing State Championship. Her journey represents a remarkable balance of academic excellence and athletic achievement, showcasing the values that Stella Maris Academy aims to instill in its students.

Daily Routine and Training

Annabel's approach to training reveals a well-structured routine that prioritizes both academic and athletic development.

"My training routine normally starts off with me eating breakfast at home. Go to school normally, and then we have practice after school. I really like having practice after school because it's nice. I mean, it's a little busy with homework and stuff, but normally I can get it done right away because I'll go to practice."

She emphasized how her coaches play a crucial role in her development, focusing on specific areas for improvement and speed enhancement.

The Path to State Championships

The moment of qualifying for state championships stands as a defining point in Annabel's athletic career. Her recollection of the announcement captures the intensity and emotion of the achievement.

"I was sitting with one of my friends and we were just going over the list and counting like over and over and over... As soon as he said 17, I just folded over with excitement and emotion because I was so relieved that I made it. It was just the thing where I was like, it was meant for me to do this."

Team Dynamics and Support System

Despite being the sole high school student on a team primarily composed of seventh and eighth graders, Annabel has found strength in the unique team dynamic.

"I actually really like the Stella team. They're all amazing and they're so hilarious... We all support each other. We all cheer for each other at the finish. I think it's just a great environment to be in as a team. Even though it's not a team sport, we're still working as a team to get stuff done."

Academic Balance and Time Management

Managing the demands of both academics and competitive skiing requires careful planning and dedication.

"It's a lot of late night working for me. I'll just go to teachers before I'll get my homework that I need to get done. It's a lot to deal with, but once you figure out a right routine to do it, it's just a lot more fluent."

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring athletes dreaming of reaching similar heights, Annabel offers practical and motivational advice.

"You have to work at it. If you don't work at it and put all the work into it, you're not going to get as much out of it. You have to just keep working at it and more and more and putting your heart and soul into it, like how I do. You just have to believe in yourself."

As she prepares for the championship, Annabel's gratitude extends to her entire support network, including her coaches, particularly her father who serves as one of her coaches, her parents who coordinate her busy schedule, her teammates, and the friends who have supported her throughout her journey. Her story exemplifies the powerful combination of individual determination and community support that characterizes the Stella Maris Academy experience.

Spring Registration is Here!

Alexios Belavilas