A little rain didn't stop more than 350 Rambler parents from gathering outside the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center for the annual Parent Welcome Mixer on Thursday, September 5. The casual event, sponsored by the
Rambler Parent Organization (RPO), encouraged parents and guardians to mix, mingle, and meet new friends.
Following check-in, parents received color-coded beaded necklaces to identify others with children in the same class. Guests were treated to a buffet of appetizers, including barbecue meatballs, chicken wings, and vegetable skewers, and enjoyed lively conversation and music.
Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, welcomed parents to the event and introduced Nancy Detlefsen LdM '93, P '24, '28 and Andrea Macina P '22, '24, '27, '27. The chairs opened with a warm welcome to freshmen parents before they reflected on their experiences with the RPO.
"Loyola is not only a four-year journey for our children but for us parents as well," said Macina. Then, Detlefsen gave a brief overview of the upcoming RPO events including Oktoberfest, St. Nick's Mass and Party, and Mom Prom, as she encouraged Rambler parents to get involved in the school community and beyond the classroom.
Loyola Academy Principal Tim Devine '88 took to the stage and discussed the transformative gift of a Jesuit education at Loyola Academy. He pointed out that Loyola is where he, and four generations of his family, first heard the call to be women and men for others. He implored Rambler parents to heed that call and serve our community through the RPO.
Congratulations to door prize winners Silvija Jakubowski, P '28 and Izabela Sadowska, P '28 who won swag from the LoyolaWear Store including a stadium chair, fleece blanket, tote bag, baseball cap, and an insulated tumbler.
The celebration didn't stop even as a little rain moved through the area. Parents took cover in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, where they continued with their evening.
Thank you to all attendees who helped make this a beautiful late-summer evening. Special thanks to event co-chairs Jen Marino '97 P '26, '27; Karen Mines, P '26, '28; and Julie Schirmang, P '24, '26; along with the dedicated RPO parent volunteers who made this event possible!
The Rambler Parent Organization is a volunteer organization that serves the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Loyola Academy community. Become an active member and enjoy opportunities to meet other Loyola parents, deepen your Faith, and partner with us in support of Loyola's time-honored tradition of Jesuit education. Visit the
RPO web page for more information and upcoming events.