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November 5, 2025“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Most mornings, the rising sun illuminates Glass Family Field, home of the football Rockets. Now, the sun will light the east wall of the new Hospitality Center.
This is one of three buildings that is part of Mount Saint Mary’s Higher Ground program, now in Phase II. The Hospitality Center will be home to the new concession stand and restrooms. Part of Phase II will also be a new field house with a weight room and a sports annex with a batting cage.
When the original concession building was torn down in 2024, they found trash in the walls of the building. This inspired the school to make sure that if the new building is ever torn down, people will find God’s word and not trash, thanks to a special addition to the project.
Avery Frizel, the on-site construction manager with AC Owen Construction, came up with the idea to have students sign the wall. Senior theology teacher Brian Boeckman took it one step further by having the senior class write bible verses on the walls to bless the building.
“It aligns with who we are at MSM,” said Chris Stiles, director of advancement at the school.
“Buildings are buildings, but what God really cares about is our hearts. When scripture is the foundation of your life, you will live a blessed life.”
The senior class was asked to pick out bible verses and took time during theology classes to write their verses on the wall. These quotes ranged from Genesis to 2 Peter and everything in between. Although the quotes won’t be able to be seen once the building is complete, the seniors have left their mark and God’s blessing on it for generations to come.
Celebrating the Sisters of Mercy
Powder Puff Team Photo Gracie Martin.This year, Mount Saint Mary Student Council brought back a tradition known as Mercy Week.
“Mercy Week is a week for Mount Saint Mary to take the time to fundraise for the Sisters of Mercy,” said Mia Kalsu, executive chair of StuCo. “It allows us as a community to give back to them for all they have done for us.”
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to participate in different events, including a Powder Puff volleyball tournament and a pickleball tournament, with all the proceeds directed to the Sisters of Mercy.
The first Mercy Week in 2022 was created because as a Mount community, the student council, realized that the student body didn’t do much to thank the sisters for all they have done for the school.
“We brought it back this year because the student council decided that we needed a way to remember them in our daily lives,” Kalsu said. “It’s amazing to see the student body come together in support of these amazing women.”
Romeo and Juliet, interactive
Rachel and Allen Reenacting the famous balcony scene“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
This famous line has been recounted throughout the generations, in houses and classrooms alike. For freshmen honors English students, Mrs. Betty Ray takes reading Shakespeare to the next level.
Instead of just having her students sit and read “Romeo and Juliet,” Ray makes it interactive. Each student gets a role, and for a few class periods they wear costumes and act out scenes from the classic play.
“This experience has been fun to both perform and watch my classmates perform from the script,” said freshman English student Lydia Cage.
“As an actress, this experience of acting out the play has been really fun for me. I think it’s a very interesting concept to change up the class instead of just reading a book and answering questions.”
For Ray, she believes teaching “Romeo and Juliet” this way is an important experience for the students.
“Never one to shy away from strong emotions,” she said, “Shakespeare is a master storyteller that keeps students on the edge of their seats with sword fighting, an intense romance, and parental conflict.
“Students are surprised to learn that not much has changed with human nature in 400 years. Questions like ‘Is it okay to keep a relationship secret from friends and family?’ or, ‘Is there a difference between a crush and true love?’ are still relevant questions today.”
For the students, experiencing Shakespeare in this way allows them to be in the story and explore talents they may not know they have.
“When the students perform the play, they can immerse themselves in the drama, seeing the action come to life in front of their eyes,” Ray said. “Some of the students grab a hat and move toward the stage without any prompting. It is wonderful to see their talents!”
Photo: (Above) Jessica Abshagen signed the Hospitality Center. Photo Lucy Rosenhamer/Sooner Catholic.