As a HNOM school tradition, 8th grade students receive pins to commemorate their upcoming transition to high school. During the 10:00 A.M. school mass,  the 8th Grade lined up at the edge of the altar while Father Edmund blessed them - and their pins - with holy water. As he distributed the pins, Father Edmund asked each student his/her name and congratulated them personally.

During the school mass, Fathr Edmund addressed the graduating class of 2020 with a beautiful homily in which he advised, "Be prepared to lead. Be prepared to excel. Be prepared to work hard." The simple, but strong, words resounded through the church. The priest also encouraged thankfulness and urged, "Be grateful...Don't take what you have received for granted." Before kneeling in the center aisle to pray for the 8th grade, Father Edmund asked students to close their eyes and imagine their futures. During his homily, Father Edmund had already shared his vision: "I see great promise. And I am overwhelmed." 
 

After the pin ceremony, 8th graders refocused on the school day with some help from Day 3 in their CHSEE Spirit Week. Supported by several scientific studies, peppermint in many forms - such as tea, candy, and oil - can be used to help improve mental awareness and cognition. Therefore, to take advantage of the attention-boosting smell and flavor, students enjoyed Pep-O-Mint Lifesavers from Mrs. Powell, peppermint starlight mints, and sugar-free Orbit peppermint gum. A huge tinsel candy cane became a fun prop for the day (because why not?). The minty treats helped the 8th grade power through any trace of a mid-week slump!




Read the research! Click below to read about the cognitive benefits of peppermint:

- "Aroma in Action: Enhancing Cognition with Peppermint"
- "Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain?"
- "Mint Scent Boosts Cognition, Improves Problem Solving and Memory"