OLP March 2022 Magazine

OLP MAGAZINE

SPR ING SING…

U N STOP P A B L E ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE (SPRING 2022)

OLP

MAGAZINE

Dear OLP Community, One of the most defining aspects of the

LEADERSHIP

Academy of Our Lady of Peace is our

Head of School Lauren Lek, Ed.D.

almost 140 years, OLP has inspired young

Interim Assistant Head of School Aarón González Leadership Team Shiva Gholami Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Alison Knoll Jessica (Goncalves) Occhialini ’88 Inez Odom Sara Osmus Toni Russo Amy Schmitz Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School Damian McKinney, Board Chair Francesca Castagnola Monsignor Richard Duncanson Clair (Cunningham) Kennedy ’81 Deacon Lane Litke Gayle McMahon Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ Carrie Sawyer Michele Shiele '85 Seanna Thompson '93 Timothy Truxaw Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98 Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ Provincial

focus on empowering young women. For women to be leaders who impact global change by building community through a conscious love of God and love of the dear neighbor without distinction.

Equally important, is our non-monolithic approach. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual girl and intentionally strive to foster an inclusive community, celebrating sisterhood and unifying love.

For 52 out of our nearly 140-year history, Spring Sing has been an important way we

demonstrate

and

commemorate

the OLP sisterhood. Year after year—even during the COVID-years—our students have gathered to dance together…sing together…act, write, and entertain together. This issue of OLP magazine highlights the resilience of such a time-honored tradition. Take a walk down memory lane with some of the yearbook photos reproduced here, and read details about the 2022 production. And we’d love to hear your own experiences with Spring Sing. Please feel free to send your old photos and memories to communications@aolp.org.

I have come to be quite grateful for the daily exuberance on campus during the Spring Sing rehearsal weeks. Truly the girl’s laughter, leadership, and love for one another helps create an uplifting tone and tenor. How needed this tone and tenor are as we watch unimaginable events unfold in Ukraine. At OLP, we heeded the call from Pope Francis that Ash Wednesday be dedicated to fasting and prayers of peace on behalf of Ukraine. We cannot begin to know what will transpire in the weeks to come on the world stage. What we can be assured of is that God is in control. He will continue to watch over his almost-140-year-old Academy of Our Lady of Peace, its young women, faculty, staff, alumnae, and families. As my favorite

MAGAZINE TEAM Contributors Hansa Astrup Beatriz Cabañas ’13 Czarina Datiles '23 Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Lauren Lek Robyn Scherer Editor Amy Schmitz Designer Hollis Maloney ’07 2 | OLP MAGAZINE

church hymn reminds us, “when we can’t see his hand, trust his heart.”

Our desire is that through the pages of this Spring edition of the OLP Magazine you, too, will find pockets of joy, unity, and love awaiting to uplift your spirits and hearts to the hope that lives on in the legacy of this beautiful school and the students therein.

This Lenten season 2022, we rest in God who continues to bestow his gracious gifts upon us and remain fervent in our prayers for peace in Ukraine and in our world. May our dear neighbor, no matter how far they reside, know our love and compassion, through the prayers we offer up this Lenten season.

God Bless,

Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2022

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C E L E B R A T I N G A FA I T H FILLED LEADER

CAT H O L I C SCHOOLS MASS

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S P R I N G S I N G U N STO P PA B L E

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

O U R M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T

Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”

N O N - D I S C R I M I N AT I O N STAT E M E N T

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace admits students of any color, race, ethnic origin, or faith to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, ethnic origin, or faith in the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.

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Malone Dougherty '22, Cameron La Marca '22, Katiana Yazdani-Bosdet '22 at the 2022 Miss OLP celebration.

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Celebrating A Faith Filled Leader MONSIGNOR RICHARD DUNCANSON’S 50TH GOLDEN JUBILEE

On January 8, 2022, surrounded by a full congregation, along with brother priests, deacons, and the Bishop of San Diego, Monsignor Richard Duncanson celebrated his 50th Golden Jubilee mass.

The date for the joyous occasion was chosen specifically to avoid conflict with any other holy day, allowing the greatest number of friends and priests to attend. “I have been preparing for today’s homily my whole life,” said Monsignor Duncanson, as he rose to speak at the celebration.

A giggle emanated from the crowd, as though we were seeing before us our dear friend, preparing to share yet another moment of wisdom. In his ever-witty fashion, Monsignor Duncanson framed his homily with the sixth commandment of preaching: “assume a disinterested audience…be biblical, biographical and brief.” With that, the congregation’s giggle turned into full laughter, and we all settled in.

Monsignor Duncanson’s journey in the Diocese has allowed him to serve at more than seven unique parishes, as well as having three different appointments at the Diocese of San Diego, and most recently serving as the Chaplain for the Order of Malta. He has also once again returned to the Board of Directors at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace to resume his service, which was briefly interrupted as he led the Church of the Nativity in Rancho Santa Fe from 2015-2019 as pastor.

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During his homily, he spoke of his spiritual genealogy and his joy in supporting his brother priests in formation. Bishop McElroy similarly echoed this sentiment by providing a parallel of Monsignor Duncanson’s life to the Parable of the Sower. His life could be represented in the four fields, with devotion to the formation of priesthood and diaconate and bringing others into union with Christ being the most difficult task one could be called to. Looking at the life of Monsignor Duncanson, Bishop McElroy stated that he carried out his calling with love and sensitivity.

Bishop McElroy further affirmed Monsignor Duncanson’s servant leadership in his role as an administrator and the way he cared for those entrusted to him. This was most especially seen in the support he offered his brother priests.

He is an advocate and someone who offers wisdom.

"So often, as in the Parable of the Sower, the doer does not see their harvest,” said Bishop McElroy. However, at his Golden Jubilee, Monsignor Duncanson saw manifest a part of the harvest. Bishop McElroy affirmed and acknowledged that even by virtue of the crowd gathered, “the harvest of this priest is vast and rich! We give thanks we have such a man amongst us!”

At the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, we too have been richly blessed by the wise leadership of Monsignor Richard Duncanson, who has so faithfully guided OLP through the years. Monsignor Duncanson served on the OLP Board from 2009-2016 and rejoined as a director in 2020. His servant leadership is seen and felt as he delves into the care of each OLP student by ensuring her best interest is always at the forefront of decisions.

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LE A DE RSH IP

OLP Student Wins NCEA Award

Imperial Beach resident Isabella Cubillas ’22, a senior at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), is one of only 10 students nationwide and the only student in the state of California to win the Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). The award annually recognizes extraordinary young people in Catholic schools in the United States who, through their selfless service, innovation and commitment to social justice, are changing the world.

Isabella is the founder and president of the Tijuana Sin Hambre (Tijuana Without Hunger) social justice club at OLP, which supports a local nonprofit organization focused on ending hunger in the border city of Tijuana. Isabella volunteered more than 785 hours in 2021, delivering food and home goods to low-income families living in Tijuana. Collectively, the group has helped more than 20,000 Mexican residents. The group receives about 55 calls on average each day asking for help.

OLP’s club Tijuana Sin Hambre has 60 members committed to making a difference. Isabella’s role is to provide information to the club members about the realities of families in Tijuana, many of whom have children the same age as Isabella and her OLP peers.

NCEA received hundreds of nominations from across the United States. Matthew Cordes, associate director of schools for the Office of Schools at the Diocese of San Diego, and representing NCEA, presented the award to Isabella on February 1 during Catholic Schools Week.

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Along with OLP's Service Learning and Retreats Director Katie Wilson, Isabella appeared as a guest on Fox 5 San Diego on February 25 to talk about the club and her award.

Isabella with Head of School Dr. Lauren Lek and Matthew Cordes from the Diocese of San Diego at OLP's Catholic Schools Week Mass.

Lifetime Leader: Sister Ann Bernard, OLP BOAR D O F D IR EC T OR S

Sister Ann Bernard was born and raised around the San Francisco parish where the Sisters of Saint Joseph ministered; it was the only religious community she knew from the time she entered kindergarten until she graduated high school.

"I had wonderful teachers,” she says. “And many of them were young, so they would play sports with us. I could see they really enjoyed life.”

Sister Ann Bernard followed their lead and entered the sisterhood in 1955, knowing she would be a teacher. She began teaching first grade in 1959 and loved it.

“I was able to spend a lot of time with children, conversing with them, seeing their eyes light up,” she says. “It was a gift back then to be able to spend so much time with students—before technology. To see them learn in the moment, and to see their joy at learning something new.”

This rewarding experience led her to teaching positions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Concord, California, as well as the state of Arizona. By then, Sister Ann Bernard had earned a master’s degree, though she never stopped teaching, even while studying.

Once credentialed as an administrator, it was to Concord that she returned to open a school—and become a principal. That school—St. Agnes—is now celebrating its 50th year.

Sister Ann Bernard went on to hold administrator roles in Redondo Beach, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Menlo Park.

All this meant she was incredibly well equipped to take the reins at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace when Head of School Lauren Lek went on family leave six years ago after the birth of her daughter.

"I knew I was walking into a well-run school when I came to OLP,” Sister Ann Bernard says. “All the faculty and staff rallied around so we were able to go on seamlessly. It was a well-oiled machine; everyone knew what they were doing and did it very well. The students were clearly learning the charism of CSJ and continuing the school the way the sisters started it. It was like being home.”

Sister Ann Bernard embraces the fact that more and more laywomen like Dr. Lek are assuming school leadership positions.

“The laity have brought a tremendous gift, especially when they have experience working with religious men and women,” says Sister Ann Bernard. “And today, young men and women have opportunities as laity that did not exist 60 years ago. Assuming the responsibility and learning the tradition and charism of the community means the laity carry on what we started."

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OLP alumnae, Marguerite "Terry" (Sorgi) Camarata '77, Christie (Camarata) Smith ‘00, Carolyn (Camarata) Gallagher '00, and Audrey (Camarata) Lelevier '05 with their families.

Legacy Means Hoping for the Future A Q & A W I T H MA R G U E R I T E " T E R RY " (S O R G I ) CAMA R ATA ' 7 7

As we prepare to break ground on Phase II of Boundless,

Of all the worthwhile organizations in the community, why have you

Marguerite "Terry" (Sorgi) Camarata '77 reflects on her time

chosen to be a benefactor at OLP?

at Our Lady of Peace as well as on her family’s commitment to supporting the current and future generations of OLP

“It is so important to support the circle in which you live. Being a benefactor is simply a statement of how I wish to be remembered. I want to be remembered as an OLP girl. I also believe that you should

students. The Camaratas are just one example of the many

leave the places you go and the people you meet a little better than you

multigenerational families connected to OLP, further

found them. Academy of Our Lady of Peace is a very important place in

exemplifying our rich history and legacy of empowering and educating young women.

my life and the people I have met there are also very important to me.

It is only fitting that I want it to be a better place for future generations... hopefully my future grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on.”

What lifelong lessons have you learned at OLP?

If you had any advice to current students, what would it be?

“OLP's environment gave me assuredness and confidence and gave

“I entered this school as a young girl and after four short years entered

me the opportunity to become the person I wanted to become. OLP

the world as a young woman with all of the tools I needed for life.

also showed me the importance of being part of a community, with

Families, careers, faith, individuality—OLP teaches girls to pull it all

friends I could rely on throughout my life. Additionally, OLP enhanced

together. You are being given an opportunity to become a part of this!

the importance of being part of a faith community with strong values.

Take full advantage of all the opportunities you are offered during your

My experiences in religion classes, special prayer services, on-campus

time here at OLP and ongoing in your life. I am proud to be an alumna

masses, retreats, community service projects, the peer counseling

of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. And I am thankful that I took full

program, classes that discussed relationships as well as the study of

advantage of all its offerings.”

other religions and faiths all are a great part of the development of my Catholic beliefs today.”

The Camarata Family named OLP’s front lobby with their contribution to Boundless: The Campaign for OLP. As the welcoming hearth of campus,

Given the multigenerational alumnae nature of your family, what

the Camarata Family Lobby is laden with historical photos of students,

does the word legacy mean to you?

biophilic features, and gracious staff, a beautiful reminder to all those

“Legacy means hoping for the future. I moved to California the

who come to campus that they are our dear neighbor.

summer before my freshman year. Being the oldest daughter, my parents spent some time researching schools. My mother had attended an all-girls Catholic high school, and she was delighted to see Academy of Our Lady of Peace as an option for me and my three sisters. My mother loved her high school years and truly understood the importance of a single-sex Catholic education. It was very important to her that we would have the same experience as she hoped for our ‘best future.’ My experience at OLP was such a positive and influential time for me that I also felt it was very important to make sure that my daughters have that same experience. It is like passing on a timeless part of myself to my own daughters.”

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Leave Your Legacy Today Contact Stephanie Kanaski '99, Director of Institutional Advancement, with inquiries about Boundless or naming opportunities at skanaski@aolp.org.

Mark Your Calendars!

Save the date for these exciting upcoming events!

We look forward to seeing you!

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022 11:00AM

Jewel Jubilee and St. Joseph’s Day Mass Alumnae from the Class of 1971 and earlier, join us for Mass in the Aquinas Amphitheater, followed by lunch on Vista Point and student-led campus tours.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

The 8th Annual OLP Women's Symposium

Keynotes by Esther Rodriguez of Rodriguez Consulting and board member of VIDA Wellness and Beauty; and Beverly Magtanong and Jelynn Rodriguez, founders of Mostra Coffee.

THURSDAY APRIL 7SATURDAY APRIL 9 2022

THURSDAY MAY 26 2022

The Greek

OLP’s drama department is ready to entertain you with this year’s spring production: The Greek.

RESCHEDULED: FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

30th Annual Golf Tournament and Spa Day Don’t miss our 30th Annual Golf Tournament at Singing Hills Golf Resort in Sycuan. Not a golfer?

Enjoy Sycuan’s newly renovated spa and pool before everyone comes together for an evening reception featuring live music.

A la carte tickets for the evening reception will also be available.

Class of 2022 Commencement Celebrate with us on North Terrace.

FRIDAY MAY 27 2022

Class of 2020 Commencement

Celebrate in-person the graduation that was COVID-interrupted!

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Spring Sing UNSTOPPABLE The Year of the Child

T H E R E ’S N OT H I N G L I K E T H AT S P R I N G S I N G T R A D I T I O N

By Czarina Datiles '23

Rehearsal in 1999

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After a year of restrictions, social distancing, and adapting to the virtual world, one of OLP’s longest and most memorable traditions is coming back in full force in 2022: Spring Sing.

Spring Sing, which celebrates its 52nd anniversary this year at the San Diego Civic Theater, is a musical production held annually where students from all four grade levels create, direct, perform, and compete with one another. This year’s theme is “Stories Untold.”

OLP students throughout the years have consistently found there is something very special and unique about Spring Sing that separates it from other school productions.

For example, Ainsley Savant ’23, an actor for the junior class, which is focused on stories from “inside the jukebox,” says Spring Sing is an opportunity to establish strong and lifelong friendships.

Spring Sing is more than just the singing and the dancing,” she says. “It allows each class to create memories that stay with us forever.

The Frosh class, rehearsing "That's Entertainment" in 1987.

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Spring Sing UNSTOPPABLE

THE SPIRIT OF SPRING SING For many OLP students like Ainsley, Spring Sing is also an opportunity to learn something new— sometimes a new skill, like dance, that one hasn’t tried before, and sometimes an old skill, like organization, that needs new attention. Isabel Borossay ’23, also in the junior class, found that time management was something that this year’s Spring Sing forced her to prioritize.

1997, "Wind"

“It’s been difficult to balance my schoolwork with Spring Sing and all my other extracurriculars,” she says, “so I really had to learn how to make compromises in order to fit Spring Sing into my schedule.”

1993, "Fantasyland" 14 | O L P M A G A Z I N E

1993, "Frontierland"

The Spring Sing Cast in 2007

1987, "Water" OLP MAGAZINE

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Spring Sing UNSTOPPABLE

Sophomores rehearsing in 1987.

I T TA K ES A COMMU N I TY

2010, The Angels, a 1940s baseball team

Likewise, many of the Spring Sing moderators have also learned a thing or two from their participation in the production. OLP dance teacher Kelly Culver is the production supervisor and choreographer advisor for “Stories Untold,” in charge of planning rehearsals, communicating with class moderators, and advising the choreographers of each grade level.

Something she has learned from Spring Sing is that community is the central piece that brings the production together.

“It is an entire class effort,” Mrs. Culver says, “and everyone plays an extremely important part.”

So, what is it that truly makes Spring Sing such an invaluable experience? It is the lifelong friendships that are formed among students, the opportunity to learn and grow, the laughter and smiles shared during practices, the tears of frustration, the cheers of victory, and, most of all, the memory of the entire student body coming together to be part of something extraordinary.

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Our Spring Sing 2022 theme is Stories Untold!

Each clas s wi ll create a p ro d u cti o n base d on a n u nto ld clas s i c s to r y

Frosh—Queen of Hearts Sophomore—Disney Dinner Party Junior—Inside the Jukebox Senior—Toucan Sam (Fruit Loops Cereal)

1999, rehearsal for "All Aboard"

Spring Sing is more than just a school musical production,” says Ainsley. “It is the representation of the beautiful sisterhood that is OLP.

A SP ECIAL SH OUT- OUT TO OUR AMAZ ING 2022 SP RIN G SIN G MOD ERATORS AN D SU PPO RT FROSH Ani ta Hevero n, Cou nseli ng SOPHOMORE Ni co le Rayner, Wo rld Langu ages , and Mauree n Gr i f f i n, Theo lo gy JUNIOR Stefini Ma'ake, Science, and Jiovana Goesch, Science SENIOR Alm a Ki m , Wo rld Langu ages DRAMA/SCRIPT SUPPORT J u s ti n Tracy, VAPA PROP SUPPORT B arbara J ean, VAPA MUSIC/BAND SUPPORT Anne-Mar i e Di cce, VAPA PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR/ CHOREOGRAPHY SUPPORT Kelly Cu lver, VAPA PTV SUPPORT Gi lber to Mo reno, P TV

Cast from 1987 OLP MAGAZINE

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What the return of Spring Sing after the pandemic interruption means to the OLP community:

For me, as a freshman, it’s really uplifting to see Spring Sing as entirely student-led. We’re in charge of the whole production. And we get together as a community, we have fun with each other, we support each other. We embrace the sisterhood and, shows us what we’re capable of.

– LAURA ALLEN ’25

I’m excited to see how all our hard work and efforts turn out, especially after two years of the pandemic, where we could not really have the Spring Sing experience.

– WINTER MORITZ ‘24

Sailors at rehearsal

It’s been a rollercoaster with some ups and downs, but what a wonderful journey. The cast, crew, actors, dancers— everyone has come together in the end. We’ve grown stronger as a class, and we’re going to have a great show.

– MAGGIE HOLCOMB ‘24 18 | O L P M A G A Z I N E

Spring Sing UNSTOPPABLE

Spring Sing is an experience that bonds us with people we might not be in classes with, so it’s bringing us back to that sense of community we had before the pandemic, during which we’ve been separated by Zoom. That created a disconnect, but now we’ve created again a place for a family to be formed.

– MAYA MC KO N E-SW E ET ‘ 2 2

Set Design

I’m very excited for the return after being away from the theater during the pandemic. More importantly, I’m excited for the students to have this experience together.

Rehearsal, 1999

– A L I K N O L L , AS S I STA N T P R I N C I PA L FO R CAM P US L I F E OLP MAGAZINE

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OLP’s Inspiring Assistant Principal

Sara Osmus, OLP’s Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, wants to inspire you.

This desire is the primary reason she earned an administration credential through San Diego State University, after earning her bachelor’s and master’s at the University of California, San Diego. “I started doing more activities around professional development and edtech,” says Ms. Osmus, who was teaching at Cathedral Catholic at the time. “And I found I really liked demonstrating and sharing best practices with my fellow teachers.”

That’s why, when an administrative role as Assistant Dean of Students at Cathedral opened up, she leapt at it. A few years later, she was ready to further develop her skills and learned about the opening at OLP, which focuses on curricula and working with faculty. She began at OLP in July 2021.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she says. “I focus on larger school issues, working closely with faculty, and I still get to work with students as well.”

The role is substantial and in her eight months on the job, Ms. Osmus has taken all the new learning she’s had to do—from overseeing Back-to-School night and PSAT testing to prepping for course registration—in stride, knowing that as she learns, she’s laying a strong foundation for herself and for OLP in the years to come.

And while she learns, she’s intent on building relationships so that both teachers and students alike grow used to a culture that includes classroom observation. “A school that has a strong process for sharing what’s going on inside the classroom is my ideal,” she says. “It’s important to get the process right so no one feels judged or panicked. I know it can be done.”

In the meantime, as a San Diego native, Ms. Osmus is proud to be part of an important piece of the city’s history. “I grew up knowing students who attended OLP,” she says. “I have always known what determined, action-oriented, critical thinkers we create. It’s wonderful to be part of it now, making our students who they are.”

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Your Dog Needs An Extra Pair of Hands OLP's Cassidy Matwiyoff ’22 decided in eighth grade that she wanted to be on Shark Tank some day.

“Well, write a business plan,” her mother told her.

So she did. She used her beloved longhaired chihuahua Hallie as inspiration, knowing that one of the things her dog loves best is being petted. In fact, after reading that

She also worked to code the machine so it distinguishes

dogs prefer petting over praise, Cassidy had the idea to

dogs from cats and to drop a treat from its belly to lure the

design an automatic dog petter that simulates the work of

dog over in the first place.

a human hand.

Working with a new set of students at Chico State in the Flash forward several years—that idea is now patent

2021 school year, Cassidy got her idea to a point where

pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

it was ready for patent filing. It’s already passed the first stage in the process and is posted as pending with the U.S.

Along the way, Cassidy connected with Steve Beuerle of

Patent and Trademark Office.

the Procopio Law Firm, who ended up offering patent law advice to her pro bono. Steve also connected her with

“The whole experience was truly interactive for me,”

some engineers and eventually, Cassidy found herself

says Cassidy. “I learned a lot about networking and

working with the engineering capstone program at Chico

marketing and how to embrace the unknown. I realized

State. At the end of her sophomore year in high school,

sometimes the best things come from taking risks.”

Cassidy pitched her idea to a room full of college students.

From there, she was assigned a group of engineers—all

Cassidy is confident there’s a market for her product—and

men—and despite differences in age and gender, not to

COVID only exacerbated the potential demand, as dogs

mention the disruption of COVID, Cassidy acted as chief

that became used to having their owners at home are now

designer, repeatedly testing and refining the idea, including

spending more time alone again as our workplaces reopen.

challenging a rather critical Chico State professor’s critique that his dog would “rip that thing to shreds.”

While she waits for her patent to continue moving through the approval process, Cassidy is keeping her eye on her next

On the contrary, after conducting field research at the

steps—which include pursuing passions for political science

Helen Woodward Animal Shelter, Cassidy found that dogs

and medicine at her dream college. She’s also interested

six months or older really took to the robot, seeking it out

in securing capital funding and attracting investors…and

and staying with it for petting.

maybe one day making an appearance on Shark Tank.

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Reshaping the Way We Teach History

S

ocial Studies Teacher Carolyn Williams is so dedicated to teaching AP History at Our Lady of Peace that she even attended the

intensive AP By the Sea in 2021 to immerse herself even deeper in

the course.

That experience led her to the Case Method Project, part of Harvard Business School, where she trained directly with David Moss, Paul Whiton Cherington Professor and creator of the Case Method Project. The project’s goal is to introduce a methodology for teaching history that molds students into good citizens.

“The skills Case Method focuses on are debate, discussion, critical analysis, and how to engage in complex conversations,” says Mrs. Williams. “There’s less emphasis on esoteric details and dates that might have no bearing on a student’s life in the future.”

As part of her training, Mrs. Williams took Professor Moss’s classes and upon completion, she brought the methodology into the OLP classroom.

Each case moves chronologically through history and ends in a cliff hanger, so students are left to consider and discuss “what happens next?”

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“This approach encourages them to make decisions as if they themselves were living in the moment,” says Mrs. Williams.

For example, a recent case Mrs. Williams covered with her class revolved around Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge—but the case ended before the end of the bridge was reached. Students had the opportunity to discuss if they thought MLK should and did finish the march.

“This allows students to go beyond the rote facts and figures and play a more active role in history,” says Mrs. Williams.

The cases also help students navigate complex and challenging texts and develop active reading skills, which preps them for the type of work they’ll be doing regularly in college. For her part, Mrs. Williams contextualizes each case within larger history, so students know, for example, what impact the 1965 march had on the Civil Rights Movement, or how laws passed in the 1800’s brought about the need for the march in the first place. In this specific case, students came to understand how the spirit of some constitutional amendments were undermined by the letter of the law. This then led to a conversation about modern-day voting rights, such as the state of Georgia’s new ban on giving bottles of water to people waiting in line to vote.

Mrs. Williams also works with the Case Method Project to conduct surveys after each case so that Harvard can continue to refine and develop the methodology.

Time and again and by a strong margin, she has found that students say the cases helped them understand history better.

Mrs. Williams herself is a great lover of history, having written her master’s thesis at Pace University on post-civil war reconstruction.

“History is not linear,” she says. “It’s an ebb and flow. The cases help all of us, including the students, become aware of history’s effects, whether positive or negative, and to consider all perspectives. This in turn enhances their civic engagements, which is a benefit to us all."

“History is not linear.

It’s an ebb and flow."

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OLP IN THE NEWS Czarina Datiles ’23 received an Honorable Mention in the New York Times as part of its third annual personal essay contest.

She received this recognition for her essay “Bystander.” Jordan Ho ’23 was a fourth-round finalist in the same contest for her essay “Paper Planets.”

OLP earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity

for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. OLP was one of only 13 schools in the state of California to win both A and AP awards. The awards are given annually for expanding young women’s access to AP computer science courses.

Award

Josephine Fox ’24 received an Honorable Mention for both her poetry and her personal essay from the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Other Scholastic award winners were Czarina Datiles ’23 (gold and silver award) and Mia Davis '23 (two gold, three silver, one honorable mention).

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Mia Davis ’23 was awarded an Honorable Mention Award in the international Ocean Awareness Contest for her original song titled “Underwater."

EIGHTH ANNUAL WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM F R IDAY, MARCH 2 5, 2 02 2 Join us for the Eighth Annual OLP Women’s Symposium! Friday, March 25, 2022 Make Your Mark: In Pursuit of Passion, Purpose, and Progress This year’s annual event will feature a keynote address by Esther Rodriguez, entertainment, and communications pioneer, moderated by Danita Villanueva '98, OLP Board Member.

Tickets are available now! To sponsor this event, reach out to Annual Gifts Manager Kristin Haygood '99 at khaygood@aolp.org or 619-725-9188.

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OLP Grandparents' enjoy time with their granddaughters.

a DAY i n the LIFE Pilots show their spirit during the Winter Sports Rally.

Students gathered for OLP's annual Junior Unity Mass.

The Class of 2023 enjoys their All in for OLP prize.

Dystopian Literature students participate in group projects.

26 | O Lparticipate P M A G A Z Iin NE Students Clubs for a Cause Day.

Students donated blankets, food, and more to our dear neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Seniors bond during Retreat Week.

Pilots enjoy time with therapy dogs during Christmas Wellness Day.

ASB students fill students' shoes on St. Nicholas Day. Pilots take part in a CPR event.

The OLP Community gathers for Mass of the Immaculate Conception.

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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POS TAGE PAID SAN DIEGO, C A PERMIT NO. 1592

4860 OREGON STREET S A N D I E G O, C A 92 1 16 @ACADEMYOFOURLADYOFPEACE ACADEMYOFOURLADYOFPEACE @OLPNEWS ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE