Dear OLP Pilot Community,

After returning from winter break, it seems the days leading up to May are building with excitement. This joyful exuberance comes from the momentum of things such as College Acceptances, Spring Sing, Miss OLP, St. Joseph’s Day Mass, the Women’s Symposium, our Spring Soirée Gala, Prom, the welcoming of our new Frosh class, and Graduation. Whew, I think the calendar concurs with my sentiments! When considering the semester ahead, the idea of a roller coaster is top of mind. With each day we experience fun and exciting life moments as the clock counts down to our May end-of-year activities.

Like a rollercoaster, there are periods when we will experience some highs and lows, ups and downs. There are times where a “dear neighbor” may be needed for a bit of encouragement, or an OLP sister comes along to offer an empathetic ear. Concurrently, the excitement of receiving the good news of college acceptances and the joy of Spring Sing around campus. These highs and lows might present as somewhat of a “Ground Hog Day” for all of us in education, yet for our students this is their new and first go round. As I walk around campus, seeing students support students is what makes OLP so special. Moments of lifting each other up creates the opportunities for students to bond and form friendships that last beyond OLP years. These are the times when the sisterhood legacy takes root; a legacy that spans 140 years and is highlighted in the stories within this Winter edition of our OLP Magazine.

As the events of 2023 begin to unfold, enjoy getting a glimpse into the excitement around OLP today, as shared in this OLP magazine. Allow yourself to be immersed in the beautiful stories; allow these moments of love, compassion, and kindness to fill your new year with hope for our future.

Please also mark your calendar for the upcoming events as all are invited to join us for a Mass or two on campus. In closing, I am reminded of Maxim 11 from the Sisters of St. Joseph, that reads, “Always speak favorably of others and value highly the good in them, excusing and covering up, in the best way you can, the deficiencies that they might have.”

As we journey alongside one another, let us remember to focus on the good around us and let us take a moment to stop and feel proud, considering all that our students have achieved thus far in the school year. Remember the curves and bumps of the rollercoaster are part of the ride, and the love and encouragement we extend carries us forward to the high points once more.

Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace

Head of School

Lauren Lek, Ed.D.

Assistant Head of School

Brandy Sato, Ph.D.

Leadership Team

Diana Agostini

Rivka Bent

Jamie Flannery

Alonso Hurtado

Alison Knoll

Ryan Martin-Spencer

Jessica Occhialini

Sara Osmus

Tiffany Rajski ’07

David Ritzmann

Kaila Weedman ’08

Christine Wilson ’04

Contributors

Kelly Culver

Inez Odom

Ryan Martin-Spencer

Heather Tiegs

Katie Wilson

Design, Layout and Editing

Rivka Bent

Monica Hickey

Elsi Hildebrand

Inez Odom

Christine Wilson ’04

Proefessional Photography

Tim Hardy

Melissa Jacobs

Gary Payne

Robyn Scherer

Board of Trustees

Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School

Danitza Villanueva ’98, Board Chair

Paul Baribault

Francesca Castagnola

Monsignor Richard Duncanson

Chris Herrera

Dr. Steven Jones

Deacon Lane Litke

Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ

Carrie Sawyer

Michele Schiele ’85

Dr. Seanna Thompson ’93

Timothy Truxaw

Joel Tubao

Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ Provincial