OLM Eighth Grader Caroline Colligan to Represent RI at National Civics Bee in Washington, DC
As the previous school year was winding down last spring, two OLM 7th graders were still busy studying and preparing for one last test. On June 17, Caroline Colligan and Aileen Block represented OLM at the first ever RI State Civics Bee at the Swift Gymnasium in East Greenwich. Hosted by the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Steve Lombardi, the RI State Civics Bee Finals included 20 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 from middle schools around the state.
Caroline placed First, closely edging out her classmate Aileen, who finished second. With her top finish, Caroline also earned the opportunity to represent RI at the National Civics Bee being held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Lafayette Square behind the White House in Washington, DC this Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11. She has been hard at work preparing for the venture, which she will make with her parents. She states, “I’ve had a couple of months to prepare, and I’ve been studying. I had to rework my essay a little bit and input it onto flashcards for the national competition. This week, I’ve just been practicing a ton.” She added, “I’m really nervous, but I’m also really excited.”
Also making the trip to our Nation’s Capital to cheer Caroline on is OLM Middle School History Teacher, PJ O’Neill. As he prepares to go and support Caroline in DC, he shares, “Caroline competing in the national competition, representing our state, brings me great joy and pride in her achievement. The reward for teaching is to witness the success and flourishing of our students.”
The entire OLM School community is certainly proud of Caroline and wishes her all the best.
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School supports its students as they strive to be the saints and scholars that God is calling them to be. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich, RI offers its students the opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts in a nurturing environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
