Academy of Our Lady Penguins welcomed prospective student and their families at the annual Open House held on October 20, 2011.  Greeting our future penguins as they approached the campus were the AOL Cheerleaders and Crystallettes.  As the guests entered the gym, club displays for viewing along with student representatives were available to inform visitors of the numerous extracurricular activities available at AOL. 
 Members of Cantate and the cast of the upcoming musical 13 provided entertainment for the crowd of elementary and middle school students.  Sr. Michelle Geiger, principal, led the group in prayer and began the presentation focusing on the four criteria of a Salesian school.  Sr. Michelle spoke to the hearts of the parents while explaining that first and foremost the mission of Academy of Our Lady was as a church that evangelizes in the Salesian traditions founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazarello.
Explaining how Academy of Our Lady is a home that welcomes was Mrs. Terri Brossette, Archbishop Blenk Class of 1984.  Mrs. Brossette gave a heartfelt account of the sadness she felt at the closing of Blenk, but the blessings her family found at Academy of Our Lady.  Her daughter Emily Brossette is an 8th grade student at AOL.  “You don’t know the wonderful opportunity your daughters have right here in our backyard,“ Brossette said.  Quoting a wise woman Brossette commented, “Your daughters will cross many bridges in life, going to high school shouldn’t be one of them.”
Mrs. Michele Coulon, Academic vice Principal, explained the third criteria, “a school that prepares for life,” by giving the details of our academic programs including the benefits of attending Academy of Our Lady in the eighth grade.  Student Council Treasure focused on the final criteria, a playground where friends meet.  She gave a personal account of the fun she has at school with her friends through the activities, assemblies, and special events.
Rounding off the presentation was Mr. Craig Kirtland who updated families on the progress of the new campus to be located on the Westbank Expressway near Archbishop Shaw.  ”Trees are coming down on the property and construction plans are being finalized,” Kirtland touted, “It’s an exciting time for Academy of Our Lady.”
Student Ambassadors and AOL faculty members then led campus tours for the prospective students and families. Highlights of the tour included  displays by all academic areas, student work in fine arts, hands-on science and math activities, iPad 2 demonstrations, culinary tasting, and health care exhibit.  At the conclusion of the evening guests enjoyed refreshments hosted by Parent Club Officers in the K. C. Hall.