In a typical high school curriculum, having a class with students from all four levels is unheard of, but here at Mount Carmel we have one period that does just that.  All MC  students experience Studium three times a week for 25 minutes. This is important to Colin Kainrath, a freshman from Studium 206,who enjoys meeting kids ” from all over the city, and kids from all grade levels.”

One of the unique things about Studium is that each of the 24 stadiums has a unique character.

Studium gives teachers time to conduct fundraisers; such as our Mission Collection which has raised over $3000 in the first trimester, Canned Food Drive which brought in over 3400 cans, Toy Drive that takes place this month, and Walk-A-Thon donations in the spring. Also during those 25 minutes teachers read school announcements about events and scholarship opportunities.

Students also have the ability to participate in three different intramural sports: football in the fall, dodgeball in the winter, and basketball in the spring. Along with intramurals students can relax and interact with fellow students. Studium is a chance for students to fix academic problems as teachers and students are available for homework help during this time.

One aspect of Studium that has not caught on over the years is the Caravan Cup. MC’s 24 Studiums compete for the Caravan Cup, an award that is given to the floor whose Studiums perform the best in various activities throughout the school year. In the past, factors like grade point average, support for the Missions, and success in intramurals all have been considered in awarding the cup.  Unfortunately last year the Caravan Cup was not even awarded, but the award can be something that students strive for and motivates them to achieve their stadium goals.

Some Studiums attempt to over achieve on MC’s many fundraisers. Mr. Andy Sobucki, who moderates Studium G203, always requires more of his students. He requires students to bring in 10 cans rather than the school-wide minimum of five. G203,the only room in the school that has couches instead of desks, “is a great place to relax during the school day” according to junior Gavin Quintero. Quintero, enjoys Studium, but if he was in charge he would make Studium longer and make it everyday of the week.

If Junior Emmanual Reid was in charge of Studium he would make it more of a total free period. Reid being an AP student is always looking for a jump start on his homework, “I want to have the ability to walk around and visit the library to do homework instead of a noisy Studium.”

As for me, Studium is a time to relax and take a break from the busy school day. I especially enjoy going to intramurals and being able to run around with my classmates. Also Studium has given me a chance to meet new people, not just my freshman year but every year after that i get to meet a new group of kids.