Rockin’ Robotics Teams (above): The First LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Teams at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (OLMC), Newport News, is marking some victories. OLMC has four FLL Robotics Teams; one team is in Division 1 and three are Division 2. The OLMC Blue Team competed Dec. 10, 2023, at the FLL State Competition and won the Champions Award, 3rd Place, Division 2. The state award is a first for the school’s robotics program. The team now advances to the FLL Global Invitational in Massachusetts in June. The OLMC White Team won a regional qualifier for Division 2 and also made it to the state competition. Aquinas Team is OLMC’s first Division 1 team; they won two categories at the regional qualifier and competed in the state competition.
Bringing warmth to others (below): Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia (CCEVA) and the Knights of Columbus hosted a Christmas party Dec. 2, 2023, for families in CCEVA’s Grandparents as Parents (GAP) program. During the party, 100 new coats were distributed to the children in the GAP program as part of the Coats for Kids partnership with CCEVA. Seven additional coats were purchased after the party to ensure a perfect fit for all the children. Families who were not in attendance were able to pick up coats and winter accessories later, and 102 additional coats were donated to CCEVA’s continuing programs, particularly the Eastern Shore Migrant Ministry. Participating Knights of Columbus councils: Father Edward Richardson, SMA Council #111984; Kempsville Council #10515; St. Teresa of Calcutta Council #12117; and San Lorenzo Council #12378; along with St. Teresa Ladies Auxiliary and San Lorenzo Ladies Auxiliary.
Bottles, Bibs and Booties (below): Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, Portsmouth, decorated its Advent tree for its annual Bottles, Bibs and Booties event. Approximately 200 donations were given to Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia for distribution to families in need. In addition to baby bottles, bibs and booties, students also put blankets and diapers under the tree, which was adorned with socks, hand-crocheted hats, and other sweet items to swaddle newborns.
