Saint Mary’s Musical, Blood Drive, Garden, Basketball, Scholars, and More

Saint Mary's College High School Performing Arts students will dazzle you with catchy songs and exciting dance routines when they present Disney's High School Musical for six performances during March and April. The familiar and highly-acclaimed show takes audiences on a journey through high school cliques, first loves, and self-discovery. Performances will take place on March 30, March 31, April 1, April 7, and April 8 at 7:00 pm. A 2:00 pm matinee will take place on Sunday, April 9. All shows take place in the school auditorium. Doors open one hour prior to show time. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased online in advance through Brown Paper Tickets or at the door (cash only). (Disney Channel image)

Saint Mary’s annual Red Cross Blood Drive will take place in the school gymnasium on Tuesday, April 4 from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Online registration is available at redcrossblood.org (enter Sponsor Code SMCHS) or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Saint Mary's seniors Naama Weksler and Seth Howell have been named 2017 National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Seth and Naama are recognized not only for their academic achievement and high test scores but also for their outstanding extracurricular and volunteer activities. Seth is Saint Mary's Student Body President and both students are El Cerrito residents.

The Bay Area’s and Saint Mary’s own Bert “Buzz” Bertolero – “The Dirt Gardener” – Saint Mary’s Class of 1964, whose family owned and operated Navlet’s Garden Centers for decades, worked with Saint Mary’s Garden Club last week (pictured), bringing Winter vegetable seedlings and giving students great gardening tips. The garden was renovated last year as a Senior Project by five Class of 2016 students and faculty moderators. Thanks, Buzz!

Valentine’s Week included awesome “heart-y” burgers sold by the school’s Barbecue Club (photo) and the annual hair donation event for Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths program. Twelve students and a school parent gave the precious gift of their hair for the cause. Napa-based stylist Kayla Headley (photo) and two colleagues again graciously donated their time and talent for the event.

Congratulations to the Lady Panthers who’ll meet the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons at Laney College tonight (March 1) at 6:30 p.m. as the NCS basketball playoffs continue!

Saint Mary’s is located at 1294 Albina Avenue in Berkeley, off Hopkins Street. Saint Mary’s was founded with Saint Mary’s College in San Francisco in 1863, and will mark 90 years at its Berkeley campus in August 2017. The school has been conducted by the De La Salle Christian Brothers since 1868.