Serviam Girls Academy Explores Justice System on Law Day

Students from Serviam Girls Academy embarked on an exciting educational journey to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, home of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The visit was part of a special Law Day event, thoughtfully organized by the Honorable Judge Maryellen Noreika, Magistrate Judge Sherry R. Fallon, and their dedicated clerks, as well as by our partner, Richards, Layton, and Finger, Delaware's largest law firm. This unique experience gave the students an engaging look into the American justice system.

The day’s agenda included a guided visit to the judges' courtrooms, where the girls observed the setup and procedures of real-life courtrooms. The students learned about the roles of judges, attorneys, jurors, and other courtroom personnel, gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricate workings of the judicial system.

The highlight of Law Day was undoubtedly the mock trial. The case centered on a car accident caused by texting while driving. The students took on various roles to bring the trial to life. Jayla B. stepped into the shoes of the prosecutor, delivering a compelling case against the defendant. Yvonne R. skillfully defended the accused, showcasing sharp legal reasoning. Ava took on the role of the defendant, passionately telling her side of the story. After hearing all the arguments, the jury—made up of their peers—deliberated and returned a verdict: guilty of negligent driving.

The mock trial not only illustrated the responsibilities and challenges faced by legal professionals but also sparked meaningful discussions about the consequences of distracted driving.

To commemorate their visit, each student received a swag bag filled with memorable items from the event. Beyond the keepsakes, the girls walked away with a greater understanding of the American justice system and an appreciation for the work of judges and legal teams.

The trip was made even more memorable by the fact that it was a walking excursion. The students enjoyed the fresh air and camaraderie as they made their way to and from the federal building. It was a fun and educational outing that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Nativity Prep Receives a $500,000 Gift from Eileen Patricia Sullivan Roche Foundation!

Nativity Prep is excited to announce a transformative $500,000 gift from the Trustees of the Eileen Patricia Sullivan Roche Foundation. This significant pledge highlights the Roche family’s longstanding dedication to education and their deep commitment to Nativity Prep.

Eileen and Daniel F. "Bud" Roche were introduced to the school in 1994 and immediately demonstrated their remarkable generosity, which spanned decades. Eileen and Bud were devoted supporters of the Nativity annual fund and key leadership contributors to two capital campaigns. They were also early champions of the Student Sponsorship program, which provides scholarships that enable Nativity Prep to provide a tuition-free education to middle school boys from underserved communities. The Roche’s steadfast belief in our culture and mission was passed on to their children and grandchildren, who have continued impacting our school and positively influencing countless students.

This gift from the Trustees of the Eileen Patricia Sullivan Roche Foundation is dedicated to enhancing our teaching fellow program, one which serves a crucial role in inspiring and developing future educators. In recognition of this exceptional generosity and to honor Mrs. Eileen Roche’s legacy, Nativity Prep is proud to name the program the Eileen P. Roche Teaching Fellow Program.

The Eileen P. Roche Teaching Fellow Program will continue to support the newest Nativity Prep educators and encourage their growth as they shape the lives of our students. This initiative reflects the Roche family’s deep passion for nurturing young minds and their vision of a brighter, more inclusive future.

Nativity extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Trustees of the Eileen Patricia Sullivan Roche Foundation for their confidence in our mission and for their unwavering support. Together, we honor Eileen’s legacy and pave the way for the educational leaders of tomorrow.

San Miguel Academy Rowers Raise Over $2000 for Charity on MLK Day of Service

Olympic rower Molly Reckford and award-winning author and rower Arshay Cooper joined San Miguel Academy rowers for their Rev. Martin Luther King Day of Service. San Miguel Academy hosted a rowing exhibition and raised over $2000 in support of Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornell NICU and the Knights of Columbus Relief Fund for those impacted by the California Wildfires.

Molly Reckford, who competed in the women’s lightweight double sculls event at both the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, was on hand to cheer them on and to offer some coaching tips. Before the exhibition, Molly shared her rowing journey with the San Miguel Academy student-athletes, which included a lot of “getting kicked down but never quitting.” A walk-on at Dartmouth College, Molly stuck with it all four years and emphasized that she was always a student first and an athlete second.  After a few years in the workforce and rowing with a master competitive team in Menlo Park, Molly decided to go all in on her dream of becoming an Olympian. Sacrificing financial security and living off her savings, Molly dedicated herself to training; she told the students, “You have to decide every day that you’re going to do it, continually asking yourself, how far are you willing to go for what you love?” After the exhibition, Molly signed Olympic postcard mementos and took a tour of the School, including a demonstration of the STEMPilot simulator by two of our 'senior' aviation students! 

Arshay Cooper is one of the driving forces behind the success of the San Miguel Academy Rowing program. Thanks to his support and encouragement, San Miguel Rowing has been able to find its competitive edge at both indoor and outdoor events.  A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund supports Arshay's work of bringing rowing, academic support, and college access to under-resourced communities. Thanks to the Fund, San Miguel Rowing received two new 2-person Hudson boats, named for black rowers Malcolm Hawkins and Alex Osborne, who competed in the 2012 Olympics in London, and 20 state-of-the-art ergometers for year-round dry land training.

Arshay’s work has been featured in many national publications, including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and People Magazine. It has inspired the founding of new diversity-focused rowing programs worldwide. A much sought-after speaker, Arshay has shared his message of human potential with top corporations, universities, and nonprofits, including the Obama Foundation, the Aspen Institute, JP Morgan, and Princeton University.