Our Lady of Sorrows: Champions in the Classroom and on the Field

The community at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange had a lot to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving. In recent weeks, the students at OLS have proven themselves champions both in the classroom and on the field.

On November 23, Our Lady of Sorrows competed in the 18th Annual Pirate Open Quiz Bowl at Seton Hall Preparatory School.

Both OLS teams fared extremely well in the competition against both Catholic and Public schools, the school said.

The first team, comprised of David Simari, Jesse Carson, William Ince and Bryce Payne finished the competition undefeated, earning an automatic berth into the National Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia in May 2014.

The second team from OLS, comprised of Adam Budzyn, Gavin Wentworth, Christian McNeill and Kevin Goines faired well also, and remain in the running for an additional entry into the finals.

The entire OLS community is proud of our students for this impressive display of brainpower.

Earlier this month, the OLS Soccer team won its first ever GIL championship with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the defending champion St. Thomas of Bloomfield. Despite allowing an early goal, the team from Sorrows tightened up their defense behind goalkeeper Adam Budzyn and eventually tied the game on a breakaway goal by Reece McLean.

The resilience of the OLS team showed in the championship winning goal, scored by Christyan Jean-Charles on a rebound of his own shot off the St. Thomas goalkeeper. The championship win completed a 4-1 regular season that was best in the league, and earned the OLS Soccer team their first-ever championship banner among the many on the walls of the school gym.

"These championship performances are indicative of the mission and values lived every day at Our Lady of Sorrows," school officials said. "Our students are encouraged to excel both in the classroom and on the field as we strive to develop both minds and bodies into well-rounded young adults. Our students are supported by a strong mix of teachers, administrators and family volunteers."