Principal’s Desk News & Information Upcoming Dates High School Counseling
High School (9-12)
Mar 5
Spring Break!
On behalf of all our faculty and staff in the high school, I wish you a happy and healthy Spring Break ‘26! This break always seems to be strategically placed for the health and wellness of all stakeholders! Rest, enjoy the change of pace, and safe travels for all who will be leaving town.
As we take a break, I will continue to ask the Holy Mother to keep our Springs community close to her and our Lord. School offices will be closed for the week. As always, please reach out by email or phone to reach a member of the administration if you need anything during Spring Break.
End of Year Planning and Special Dates for the Class of 2026!
This communication is the first of three for all parents and guardians – but especially pertinent to the families of seniors. It provides an overview of the important dates, events and celebrations that occur during the final month of school. This is an initial notice to please mark your calendars!
- Saturday, May 2 – Junior/Senior Prom (Prairie Center/ FCC). Event details will be shared soon by junior moderators.
- Saturday, May 9 – Jazz Night. (Prairie Center/ FCC) 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This will be the final jazz performance of the year, and in the high school career for some seniors in vocal and instrumental Jazz ensembles. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
- Thursday, May 14 – Ledger Honors Convocation (Holy Family Church) from 9am – 10:30am. This is an assembly that includes ALL high school students, and integrates annual Department Awards and SMSA heritage awards. The accomplishments of underclassmen and seniors shall be highlighted and celebrated. Key academic recognitions and legacy awards will be presented in the presence of the whole school community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. A livestream link to the event will also be made available later this Spring.
- Sunday, May 17 – Senior Honors Ceremony (Stayer Center, Marian University) from 2-4pm. This is a special event and reception is for all seniors and their parents, who will be joined by class moderators and administration. The event agenda shall include: presenting the traditional senior superlatives; viewing the senior video; and a special “parade of seniors” – which includes the formal presentation of cap & gown as well as special gift from Campus Ministry to all graduates. The high school accomplishments and future plans of each senior shall be highlighted.
- Wednesday, May 20 – Spring Concert (Prairie Theatre) from 7-8:30pm. This will be the final chance for some senior students to share their musical gifts publicly in our community. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. Special senior recognitions will be part of the program.
- Thursday, May 28 – Final Day of Classes for Seniors – End of Quarter 4, Semester II, the 2025-26 School Year, and high school. All academic responsibilities must be completed/submitted.
- Friday, May 29 – No school for Seniors. Commencement Practice (Holy Family Church) from 10:30 to Noon. REQUIRED. Class moderators and administration will guide seniors through the movements and details of both Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement.
- Sunday, May 31 – Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement (Holy Family Church). Mass begins at 2:30pm. There shall not be any limit/restriction on guest attendance! Students are asked to arrive/check-in at Holy Family Church by 2:00pm to begin lining up in the church hall. After a brief 15 minute break following Baccalaureate Mass, the Class of 2026 Commencement ceremony will begin (also in the Church – beginning at approximately 3:30 pm). Distribution of diplomas, speeches from the Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian, and a final musical performance will highlight Commencement. Both events will be livestreamed.
The traditional “Big Three” events for senior families include – Ledger Honors Convocation, Senior Honors Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement. These beautiful events not only recognize our seniors, but also uniquely celebrate our St. Mary’s Springs Academy mission and heritage.
National Merit Scholar Finalist!
The National Merit Scholarship Program recently determined which of the 16,000 Semifinalists named in September 2025 have met the requirements to advance to the Finalist stage in the competition.
The Springs administration, faculty and staff extend a hearty congratulations to SMSA senior Jackson Pelz for being named a National Merit Finalist, which places him in the top 1% of 1.5 Million students nationally who took the PSAT-NMSQT administered by the College Board. With this rare status, Jack advances in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship. We are all proud of you!
Earlier this month, Jackson also earned recognition as the Class of 2026 Salutatorian! It has been a good year for Jack!
Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.
Eamonn O’Keeffe
Principal, High School
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships & Camp Opportunities
Fond du Lac County Bird and Nature Alliance (formerly Audubon) is offering Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarships for the summer of 2026. Dave Stetter, a science teacher at Goodrich High School, highly valued hands-on environmental education for instilling conservation values. The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association sponsors summer camps that offer such experiences. Middle school youth (entering grades 6-8 in fall) may attend the at Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, from June 28-July 1. High school students entering grades 9-12 in the fall are eligible for scholarships to at North Lakeland Discovery Center from North from June 15-18. See camp brochures and details at: https://wisconsinlandwater.
Scholarships cover camp fees and parents are expected to provide transportation to/from the camp. To obtain a Dave Stetter EE Fund application visit the Fond du Lac County Audubon webpage: https://fdlaudubon.org/wp-
The scholarship application/instructions are listed below. Scholarship applications are due on April 30, 2026.
2026 Conservation Camp Scholarship Information
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Scholarship Application
Questions may be directed to Margie Winter (jmwinter@charter.net or 920-517-5416) or Kathleen Stetter (krstetter@gmail.com or 920-410-7768).
Wisconsin Her Day Teen Summit
2026 SMSA Post Prom
Junior & Senior Families:
Post Prom for SMSA juniors, seniors and their (one) guest is a safe and fun event that will begin when Prom convenes on Saturday evening. Your child is invited whether or not they choose to attend prom. This year’s Post Prom event will take place at Kornel’s On the Avenue from 10:30P-1:00A. The event will feature a casino, pizza, snacks, and lots of great prizes!
In order to make this special event successful, the SMSA parent led Post Prom committee is asking for your support. Please consider contributing any amount of funds. All donations will help to defray the cost of tickets, food, prizes, decor, etc.
Ways to contribute:
- Drop off cash or check (made payable to Valerie Everson) in an envelope marked Post Prom at the HS Office.
- Venmo Valerie Everson @Valerie-Everson-4 – The 4 digits if needed are 3719.
- Donate $25 gift cards for Target, Kwik Trip, Culver’s or Starbuck’s (The Scrip office sells these.)
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Valerie Everson
920-251-3719
Custom Letter Jackets
Letter jackets can be a most visible display of pride in a student’s high school community.
Tradition: By the 1930’s jackets had largely replaced letter sweaters popularized by Harvard U’s Baseball teams of the 1860’s. With the exception of a couple of our area schools’ girls jackets, which we enjoyed updating, each school’s decoration has remained the same for a long time.
For several decades Jack’s Team Sports has been the provider to our area schools. While we’re happy to meet at the school for “Letter Jacket Day” we prefer to have students come into our Main Street shop allowing for individual attention and being able to share the experience with parents; often grandparents, who enjoy being part of the process, some who now remember getting their letter jacket at Jack’s.
We’re fortunate to have two companies making letter jackets in Wisconsin. We work with MECA Sportswear out of Tomah who have been in the business since 1969. These are the highest quality jackets we have found. All jackets are custom sized for each student.
I’ll drop off a couple copies of a printed flyer soon hoping you are able to post in a good spot. If you would like to display a jacket please let us know and we’ll decorate one or two (Leather and Wool Sleeve) Springs jackets. If you have questions or ideas on how we can better serve your students and families please let us know.
100% Tuition Credit Campaign Kick Off
You Are Invited! Ledgerfest 2026 is Gearing Up for a Slam Dunk!
We are bringing all the fun, energy, and team spirit you can handle — it’s sure to be a night full of laughs, cheers, and good times!
Location: FCC (400 University Dr. Fdl)
Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm
Get ready… this event is sure to be a slam dunk!
It’s going to be a night you won’t want to miss!
Purchase your 25-26 High School Yearbook!
HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS ARE FOR SALE
High school yearbooks are available to purchase online at the SMSA website for $65. Get yours by clicking here!
Performing Arts (PPA)
The PPA is holding its next monthly meeting on March 18th at 6pm in the conference room (old music practice room) off of the cafeteria. All are welcome!
Future meeting dates:
April 15th
May 20th
Learn how you can get involved. Contact PPA@smsacademy.org to learn more!
Would you like to get involved at SMSA?
Are you looking to get more involved at SMSA? If so, join our Parent Connectors Group!! We organize events for our SMSA families & show our appreciation towards our amazing SMSA Staff throughout the year!! Please email Andrea Nuss, alnuss@charter.net if you are interested. Thank you so much!!
Refer-A-Family Program - Earn $500 Towards Tution!
March 9-13, 2026 – No School – Spring Break
March 28, 2026 – Ledgerfest
April 3 & 6, 2026 – No School – Easter
April 15, 2026 – Parent/Guardian/Teacher Conferences
Act Practice and ACT 101 Session
Scholarship Opportunity
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Association is pleased to announce its eleventh year of college scholarship opportunity. This year there will be three $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors that reside in Fond du Lac County and will be attending college next school year. The link to this scholarship along with an application is available on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.fdlsheriff.com.
Application deadline is 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.
The principal purpose of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Association is to enhance the general welfare of the community and to promote the continued growth and overall health of the community. The Benevolent Association raises money to fund opportunities like a scholarship through events throughout the year. In addition to the new scholarship offering, the Benevolent Association has conducted food drives to fill local food pantry shelves, and donated funds to other worthy causes in Fond du Lac County. We invite the public to follow the Sheriff’s Office by liking us on Facebook. All Benevolent Association fundraisers are announced on the Facebook page, and we invite citizens and businesses to participate in these fundraising events so we can continue to provide opportunities like this scholarship to our community.
Watch for upcoming Benevolent Association fundraiser opportunities on the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Facebook page.
Sincerely,
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office Benevolent Scholarship Committee
Kelly Schoebel, Ryan Schlosser, Tyler Klein, Heidi Murphy, Elizabeth Nelson
Fond du Lac Area Foundation's Scholarship Portal! Now Open!
THE 2026 COMMON APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the Fond du Lac Area Foundation!
Graduating high school seniors have until March 31, 2026 to make their submissions. You will need to make an account and based on your responses they will pair you with scholarships that you qualify for. Please let counseling know if you have any questions. Click here to apply!
DIRECT ADMIT - Student and Family Virtual Information Sessions
Direct Admit WI is hosting 45 minute Virtual Information Sessions for students and families who want to know more about Direct Admit Wisconsin. These sessions are designed for current juniors and their parents or guardians and will explain how Direct Admit Wisconsin can can help streamline the Universities of Wisconsin admissions process.
The sessions will be held at the following dates and times:
– Tuesday, March 10th at 6:00-6:45 PM – https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/egbZstONQKq1IfkO6SUMFg?_x_zm_rtaid=EmL7EuG8QRCGpflfZ3gNzQ.1770844985170.2248956d6f172bfd7264134f1dbaf04e&_x_zm_rhtaid=840#/registration
– Thursday, March 12th at 12:00-12:45 PM – https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/rHxmDTTFSeWxL77X9w425Q?_x_zm_rtaid=EmL7EuG8QRCGpflfZ3gNzQ.1770844985170.2248956d6f172bfd7264134f1dbaf04e&_x_zm_rhtaid=840#/registration
Monday, March 16th at 6:00-6:45 PM – https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/10wTstbNQPmV9u6TOxo2hA?_x_zm_rtaid=EmL7EuG8QRCGpflfZ3gNzQ.1770844985170.2248956d6f172bfd7264134f1dbaf04e&_x_zm_rhtaid=840#/registration
Senior Scholarship Opportunity - Did You Attend Lakeshore Elementary?
Senior Scholarship Information
The scholarship website has now moved to Naviance! Please remind your senior to check their Naviance account regularly for the latest scholarship updates. The Counseling Department will continue adding new opportunities as they arrive.
These state and local scholarships are specifically available to Springs students. To view them, students can log into Naviance and navigate to: Colleges → Scholarships & Money → Scholarship Search. There, they’ll find an up to date list of scholarships curated by SMSA counselors.
Please reach out to counseling with any questions!
