tidings academy of the h oly ange l s
s p on s ore d by t h e s c h o o l s i s t e rs of n otre dame
a p ub licat ion fo r alumn ae, pare nts and fr i e nd s
fa l l 20 1 6
Jean Benzenberg Mullooly ’83 takes the helm at AHA
Friday, march 31, 2017 S six thirty in the evening
The Palisadium in Cliffside Park
Cocktail Hour S Sit Down Dinner Silent & Live Auctions with Exciting Items 50-50 Raffle Drawing S Live Band & Dancing
All event proceeds to be used towards the purchase of classroom furnishings and equipment for Sister Genevieve Kelleher Hall. Visit our website for info on reservations, sponsorships and journal ads. www.holyangels.org/angelicevening2017
tidings
p r e s i d e n t 's m e s s a g e
V o l u me I X , n u mber 1
EDITORS Jillane Ferreira
Director of Communications jillane@holyangels.org
Dorrie Voulgaris
Dear Friends of AHA,
Director of Advancement
“In unity is our strength, therefore we must hold to this anchor above all.” Choosing these words from our foundress Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger as our school wide theme, we began our 138th year here at Holy Angels full of optimism and great hope for our school’s future. The construction of Kelleher Hall has become a reality. Through the generous support of an anonymous donor, Kelleher Hall has been named after Sister Genevieve Kelleher, SSND, who served at both AHA campuses for more than sixty years. We anticipate the groundbreaking for the project in February 2017 and look toward completion of the building by the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. I am grateful to our donors to date, our Board of Trustees and the members of our capital campaign cabinet for all of their support and guidance. In addition to the renovation of the Hall, we also have plans to create a STREAM lab in the Science wing of the main school building to enhance our Math and Science programs. In this issue, you will once again read about the accomplishments of our students in the classrooms, on the performing arts stage, on the playing fields and in service throughout our local and world communities. You will also find stories about the extraordinary planning and generosity of our alumnae as you read about the Rempe Endowed Scholarship and the bequests received through our 1879 Society. The foresight of these donors will provide financial support to future generations of Angels for many years and I hope you will take a moment to learn more about our planned giving program.
advancement@holyangels.org
Jennifer Crusco
Communications Assistant
jcrusco@holyangels.org
administration Melinda Hanlon
President
president@holyangels.org
Jean Mullooly
Principal
principal@holyangels.org
Francesca Tambone-Puzio
Dean of Academics
ftambone@holyangels.org
Andréa Beyer
Dean of Students
abeyer@holyangels.org
George Ballane
Facilities & Technology Administrator gballane@holyangels.org
The Lord has blessed us in so many ways here at the Academy of the Holy Angels and I thank each and every one of you for your fidelity and support. My prayer for you and your families this holiday season is for peace, good health and happiness. May God continue to bless and guide all of us, as together we lead our beloved school into an exciting and promising future.
ADVANCEMENT Barbara Burklund
Assistant Director of Advancement - Events bburklund@holyangels.org
Blessings,
Kathleen DiGiulio
Assistant Director of Advancement - Giving kdigiulio@holyangels.org
Melinda A. Hanlon President, Academy of the Holy Angels
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angel scholars National Scholarships
AP Scholars AHA Principal Jean Mullooly has announced that the College Board recently named 75 Holy Angels students Advanced Placement Scholars. The school administered 358 AP exams to 163 AP students, who posted an aggregate passing rate of 94 percent. Students who achieve passing scores through the AP program receive college credits in a variety of academic subjects.
National AP Scholar
Michelle Lu was named a National AP Scholar for receiving an average score of at least 4 on all of the exams she took, and for achieving a score of 4 or higher on 8 or more exams. Michelle took 10 AP exams, and received an average score of 4.10. She received the top score of 5 on the English Language Composition exam, the U.S. Government and Politics exam, and the U.S. History exam.
AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION (21) (scored an average of 3.5 or higher on at least five exams) Stephanie Albert Rasa Anvari Dahlia Chacon Kayla Christofoletti Katherine Dalvano Aine Doyle Jennifer Faiz
Elyse Howell Caroline Hyer Kristen Kahrer Julia Keem Samantha Kim Emily Loftus Michelle Lu
Kelly Mandella Michele McDevitt Erin McNamara Samantha Pereira Bridget Quinn Alyssa Romanos Elizabeth Saccoliti
AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR (22) (scored an average of 3.25 or higher on at least four exams) Riskalo Arcari Emma Ascolese Samantha Bott Julia Camney Mairead Dillon Danielle Gazda Alison Kim Nahee Kim
DaYoung Lee Joanne Li Grace MacNeill Stephanie Madonna Nicole Margiotta Bridget Owens Phoebe Ozuah Angelene Perez-Vento
AHA Scholarships
Abigail Rivoir Sheena Santos Holly Slepian Lauren Snyder Kelly Wacker Emily Yankovich
Once again, AHA has presented six Angels with Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarships. The 2016 recipients are seniors Olivia Luongo and Grace MacNeill, juniors Aprile Bertomo and Angela Romanos, and sophomores Aimee Hannoush and Ashley Hess. This year’s semi-finalists were seniors Samatha Kim and Christine Lim, juniors Mary Haws and Laura Pesanello, and sophomores Olivia Mandella and Timea Papp.
AP SCHOLARS (32) (scored an average of 3 or higher on at least three exams) Isabelle Akinyemiju Grace Belthoff Sabrina Celis Sarah Daniello Gabrielle DiVerita Emily Doherty Alexis Driscoll Ruby Duffy Rim El Kaddioui Kiera Feldner Clare Hayes
Patricia Krisan Christine Lim Daniella Liporace Olivia Luongo Sabrina Maciariello Melissa Maruri Stephanie McCarten Christina McCarthy Emily Mills Claudia Morgan Michaela Mudrick
Fifteen AHA students were recognized for their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit® Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Academy’s Semi-finalists include Clara Jeon, Nahee Kim, Samantha Kim, and Joanne Li. These students were among those who earned the highest PSAT/NMSQT scores in the state. In February 2017, some 15,000 Semi-finalists will be chosen as Finalists in the scholarship program. AHA Commended students, who placed in the top 5 percent on the exam, include Olivia Luongo, Grace MacNeill, Meredith Shamamian, Julia Keem, Sabrina Celis, Emily Mills, and Alyssa Romanos. The National Hispanic Recognition Program honorees include Megan Cawley, Stephanie McCarten, Mikayla Valdes, and Cecilia Zayas. These Hispanic and Latina students placed in the top 2.5 percent in the region. These Angels are pictured above with AHA President Melinda Hanlon, Principal Jean Mullooly and Dean of Academics Francesca Tambone-Puzio.
Helen Park Siddhi Patel Pamela Restrepo Arianne Rowe Samantha Ryan Kerry Sammon Meredith Shamamian Francesca Sotomayor Melanie Welch Kelsey Westermann
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spirituality Summer Service Trip every site bringing new challenges and successes. One day, my work crew and I ventured out to tear down an older woman’s porch and start to build a new one. This was our first worksite, and personally, my first time ever doing any kind of demolition/ construction work. At first, I was hesitant, but after some great instruction from the rest of my crew, I quickly got the hang of it. This past summer, AHA students and faculty went on many service trips throughout the United States. Below are the reflections of two students who worked at Nazareth Farm. This farm is located in Appalachia, West Virginia and serves the community by building personal relationships and working alongside their neighbors to repair their homes. It is a Catholic community that promotes the preservation of the land as well as the Earth, by abstaining from unnecessary waste. In Angela’s words... It was a lot to take in, especially after ten hours on the road with four other girls from AHA. Living in the suburbs of NJ, I was used to homes with front lawns lined one after the other. I’d yet to experience life in a rural community, especially one as eco-friendly and sustainable as Nazareth Farm. To say I was in for a surprise was an understatement. In the morning before breakfast and in the evening after dinner, we had prayer services. The environment that surrounded us made me so much more aware of God’s presence, and I frequently found myself sending Him a quick prayer of thanks in the middle of a task. The volunteers were broken into several groups, called work crews. We were sent to a new worksite with a different task each day,
My heart and my faith are forever changed after this experience. My mind has been opened and inspired by those I have met, whose hard work and sacrifice I recognized instantly. I was so incredibly lucky to meet the most genuinely kind and good-hearted people that have taught me so much about challenging myself, putting all my trust in God, and the value of hard work – all in the span of one week. I’m going to miss so many things about wonderful West Virginia: the stars that we don’t see here in NJ, horse flies larger than a quarter, and sitting out on the porch when it’s so dark that you can only see a foot in front of you. Most importantly, I’ll miss the farm, the great individuals I met, and all the love they spread. I can’t wait to someday receive another exuberant “Welcome Home!” and a warm hug like only the people of Nazareth Farm can give. In Elena’s words... After unloading the car and setting up our bunk beds, we took a little tour. To my relief, there was a bathroom with running water, a full kitchen, a snack counter, a prayer room, and games to last for months. But, there were a few rules: Conserve water, and no laptops, cellphones, or watches. Their concept was simple – no technology allowed – everything, as they had put it, was on “God’s time.” Now, as teenagers, we thought it was going to be impossible. But, I would quickly learn that
Eucharistic Ministers Seventeen students from Academy of the Holy Angels were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers during the Feast of the Guardian Angels Mass. Father Larry Evans II, pastor of Saint Francis Church in Ridgefield Park, presided over the Mass. The new Eucharistic Ministers include seniors Emily Doherty, Kayla Weir, Kerianne Costello, Mairead Dillon, Daniela Pagnozzi, Noelle Florio, Sabrina Romano, Nicole Margiotta, Kaeli McGowan, Micaela Maron, Jillian Vlacancich, Christina McCarthy, Veronica Andrade, Olivia Sheppard, Olivia Luongo, Sofia Carvajal and Jessica Danylchuk. Eucharistic Ministers are pictured at right with Campus Ministers Kathy Sylvester and Maryanne Miloscia.
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without the “noise” of social media, it was easier to see God’s beauty in nature and in other people. The next morning, we woke up to the charming sound of a guitar playing while a volunteer sang. It was the only time that I have ever woken up pleasantly on a Monday. At the 1st bell, we went upstairs for prayer, ate breakfast, and fulfilled our daily chores: weeding the vegetable beds, weed-whacking the property, painting benches, vacuuming, and washing dishes. But, my favorite part was working at people’s homes with my demolition crew because it was rewarding to see the difference we were making in people’s lives. Working long days with acquaintances, it is amazing how much you learn about them. On day three as we were sitting by the bonfire, I realized that the 27 people who were once strangers, became family. Because of this transformative experience, we are working to reduce plastic bottle waste at AHA and are partnering up with the kitchen staff to encourage composting. By making these differences, we hope to bring the values of simplicity and sustainability from Nazareth Farm to the Holy Angels community.
angels in the arts Kyra Gensinger
Maggie Flahive
Jessica Yale
ART NATIONAL RESULTS Risako Arcari: Gold Medal in Design Kyra Gensinger: Silver Medal in Jewelry
REGIONAL RESULTS
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Brair Conners
Julia Keem: Silver Key and an Honorable Mention Christine Lim: Two Gold Keys Nikki Margiotta: Two Gold Keys, Four Silver Keys and Two Honorable Mentions Francesca Marsh: Two Honorable Mentions Claudia Morgan: Two Silver Keys and Two Honorable Mentions Sadiya Ramos: Honorable Mention Meredith Shamamian: Gold Key and an Honorable Mention
Na Young Lee
WRITING
Tyara Estrada
Gold Key Honorable Mention Two Honorable Mentions Gold Key and Silver Key Two Honorable Mentions Two Honorable Mentions Silver Key Silver Key and an Honorable Mention Gold Key Gold Key Gold Key Honorable Mention Silver Key Gold Key and Silver Key Honorable Mention Silver Key and an Honorable Mention Honorable Mention Silver Key Silver Key Silver Key Silver Key and an Honorable Mention Two Honorable Mentions
Risako Arcari
Risako Arcari: Nina Aversa: Ashley Chang: Briar Connors: Colleen Cotter: Kayla Cristofoletti: Evelyn Dolan: Jasmine Espejo: Tyara Estrada: Maggie Flahive: Kyra Gensinger: Margeaux Gould: Suwon Joo: Na Young Lee: Joanne Li: Maggie McCarthy: Shanan McGraw: Molly Menapace: Erica Muniz: Vanessa Sakong: Jessica Yale: Ruobing Yang:
Dance Team – National Champs! Academy of the Holy Angels’ competitive dance team secured the National Championship title in Small Varsity Hip Hop at the 2016 National Dance Team Championship (NDTC). The team also made history by securing 4th place in Small Varsity Pom, 2nd place in JV Pom and 4th place in JV Hip Hop, collectively the highest placement ever achieved by a New Jersey dance team at NDTC! The NDTC is administered by Universal Dance Association, a division of Varsity Spirit. The NDTC is the only nationallevel dance team championship that is endorsed by the National Federation of State High School Associations, the national service and administrative organization for high school athletics and fine arts programs in speech, debate, theater, and music.
In order to compete at the National level, the Angels train year-round. The team, which consists of 26 members – 13 on Varsity and 13 on JV – takes studio classes each week in jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater and technique. In addition, they also have boot camp style workouts. The girls attend a Universal Dance Association (UDA) summer camp, they participate in workshops throughout the summer, and they compete at UDA competitions from Virginia to NJ. The commitment and work ethic instilled by Academy of the Holy Angels serves this team well as they progress towards their ultimate goal each year, the National Dance Team Championship.
The competition attracts over 250 teams, in various categories, from all over the United States. In the Small Varsity Hip Hop category, the Holy Angels dance team ultimately outscored over 50 other teams to claim the title. To then place 4th in Pom, with JV placing 2nd in Pom and 4th in Hip Hop, was truly above and beyond all expectations.
Children Eden Impresses! of
METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE AWARDS
Outstanding Lobby Display Risako Arcari, Emily Loftus & Michaela Mudrick
Win n e r : Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Ariela Pizza
Outstanding Achievement by a Director Katie McSherry ’04
No minat i o ns : Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Sofia Carvajal
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction George Croom
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE RISING STAR AWARDS
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Nick Berninger
Win n e rs: Outstanding Achievement by a Teacher/Outside Director Katie McSherry ’04
Outstanding Performance of an Actor in a Supporting Role Bill Fitzpatrick
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Direction George Croom
Outstanding Dance Performance Kristen Grabbe Outstanding Duet – “In Whatever Time We Have” Bill Fitzpatrick and Ariela Pizza Outstanding Chorus Outstanding Graphic Design
Outstanding Performance by a Chorus N o min at ion s: Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical Outstanding Performance of an Actor in a Leading Role Nick Berninger Outstanding Achievement in Choreography & Staging Ariane Ryan
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Ariela Pizza
angel athletes Our Angels are stars in the classroom – and on the track, field, and courts!
Captain Bridget Owens and Jessica Schwanwede were both named Second Team All-League, and Emily Mills received Honorable Mention.
Basketball Team Jells A combination of clear-cut roles and goals, and hard work, helped AHA’s basketball players jell as a team this year. The Angels earned win 700 for Coach Sue Liddy and finished the year 17-9. During Senior Night vs. Ridgewood, AHA showed up with a fierce full-court press and made free throws down the stretch to post a victory. The Angels’ second game was vs. Old Tappan. Despite being down by eight points, AHA came back to tie the score with just 20 seconds left, but lost by two points. The team’s state run ended with a loss to Pope John.
Winter Track Enjoys Accomplishments The winter track team enjoyed multiple accomplishments, including a 20-point win over Paramus Catholic to earn the title in the first Non-Public County Relay Championship. AHA also won the distance medley relay in the Ed Church Invitational. At the State Meet, Caroline McGann and Darcy Ottomanelli combined for a win in the pole vault. In the Big North Meet, Holly Slepian won the high jump, Anya Skae won the shot-put, and Grace Jansson was victorious in the 1600.
Bowlers Knock down the Competition The AHA bowling team finished the league season 14-2, winning the Big North’s United Division with an undefeated divisional record of 6-0. The Angels also won the New Year’s Team Challenge, defeating Westwood, the previous year’s champion. The team was the county finalist at the BCWCA County Tournament and won the Group 2 State Sectional title to earn a return trip to the State Finals.
Fencing Team Forges Bright Future This year’s fencing team was comprised of five veterans and five brand new members, all of whom are working hard to produce results. First-year fencer Stephanie McCarten placed third in the Epee individual event at the County Tournament hosted by AHA. Team
softball Players Display Confidence & Commitment Holy Angels’ softball team is gaining confidence and displaying commitment. The Angels qualified for the tournaments at both the county and state levels. In the first round of the States, AHA defeated arch rival Paramus Catholic three times, including a come-frombehind 8-3 victory. The team ended the season 12-15. Golfers Turn in Notable Performances The Holy Angels golf team continued its winning ways, finishing the league season with a 12-3 record. They won the Arcola Invitational for the first time in school history and finished second in both the Big North and Bergen County tournaments. Kelly Sim was named First Team All-League, First Team AllCounty, First Team All-State, The Record’s Female Golfer of the Year, The Star-Ledger Female Golfer of the Year, and NJ.com Female
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Golfer of the Year. Sim also repeated as state individual champion, making up a four stroke deficit with five holes to play, with four consecutive birdies. She won the state title with a two under par round of 70. The Record called it “the most amazing comeback in New Jersey State championship history.”
Spring Track Stars Shine Brightly The spring track stars experienced several shining moments, including a second place finish in the 4x400 relay and a third place finish in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays. Elizabeth Garcia, who was named the Outstanding Track and Field Athlete at the County Relays, also won the State Sectional, and a League Championship in the 100m hurdles, breaking a school record in both events. Liz was named First Team All-County in the hurdles and was the State Group Champion in the triple jump. She also qualified for Nationals in the hurdles and the triple jump. Caroline McGann won the pole vault championship in the League, County, State Sectional, and the State Group meets, breaking the school record with an 11-foot vault. Alexa Vecchione was the League and County Group champion in the javelin, Anya Skae was the League and County Group champion in the discus, Tara Lyons was the League champion in the 800m, and Grace Jansson was the County Group champion in the 3200m. The 4x800 relay team of Tara Lyons, Mackenzie Hughes, Grace Jansson, and Kelly Mandella placed in the County, State Sectional, and State Group meets.
lacrosse Posts Best Record to date The 2016 Holy Angels lacrosse team posted a program best 16-3 record (5-0 in division play) and was crowned American North Division Champions. The team also won the program’s first ever state game, defeating Voorhees. Returning team members will include the players responsible for all but 14 of the 240 goals scored this year, including Melanie Welch (Midfield, 69 goals, First Team All-League, Second Team All-County), Devin Toolen (Attack, 78 goals, First Team All-League, Second Team All-County) and Maggie Kiess (Goalie, Honorable Mention All-League). In addition, Iris Knowles (Midfield, Second Team All-League), Teagan Cunningham (Defense, Second Team All-League) and Isabelle Shea (Attack, 20 goals, 44 assists, First Team All-League) and Catie Bagin (First Team All-League, Second Team All-County) will lead a young and talented group.
Angels Excel in Gymnastics The Angels gymnastics team ranked #1 in The Record’s weekly standings throughout the season. They finished their season undefeated at 7-0, and were the first team to beat Ramapo since 2010, breaking the Raiders 53-match winning streak. They made AHA history when they posted the team’s highest score in a meet against Ridgewood and Pascack Regional. In the County Tournament, the Angels placed third in the team competition, with Maggie Kaczmarczyk finishing fourth in the All-Around. The individual finishers were Shannon Furletti with fifth place on Vault and third on the floor, Maggie Kazmarczk with first
place on bars, and Alexis Driscoll with fourth place on the floor. At the League Championships, the Angels had only three healthy gymnasts to compete. They finished with a solid performance and secured second place. In Individuals, Alexis Driscoll earned fourth place on the floor and fourth on the bars, Maggie Kaczmarczyk achieved first place on the bars, fifth place on the floor and the beam and a fourth place finish in the All-Around. AHA qualified both as a team and as individuals for the State Tournament. GREAT season for Cross Country The cross country team qualified for States, and the stellar Olivia Mandella will run in the State Meet of Champions. Mackenzie Hughes had an amazing season, winning the Group E County XC race with the fastest time of all races at the Meet. Mackenzie has already been named an Athlete of the Week by The Record.
Thank you to the PAA and the donors who made the resurfacing of our tennis courts possible!
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COURTING SUCCESS This year’s tennis season had some great moments. Varsity qualified for the State Tournament and won a first round match against Oak Knoll, but later lost in the second round. The season finished with a 10-7 record, while JV posted a 14-2 record. Standout tennis player Ashley Hess won the Girls 16’s Division in the L1 Port Washington July Tennis Championships. In her drive to win the title, she won four consecutive matches without dropping a set. This autumn, Ashley represented Holy Angels at the State Singles Tennis Tournament at Mercer County Park, where she reached the Quarterfinals.
angels around the halls ACADEMICS Elana Babich, Christina McCarthy, Kyra Gensinger and Ivelisse Mandato (Class of 2016) participated in Holy Name Hospital’s week-long Advanced Healthcare Discover Program. In addition to shadowing doctors and observing multiple surgeries, the participants learned to insert IVs and catheters and became certified in CPR.
LEADERSHIP As an intern at the UN Human Rights Policy Center in South Korea (Kocun), Sara Kim spent a month conducting research about married migrant women. She also helped translate “KoreaVietnam Care-Together,” a proposed project that would help educate migrant women who arrive in Korea without basic knowledge of the country, or their future husbands. Sara explained that many women’s human rights are violated and, if these women opt to divorce and return to their homes, they are not welcomed back because they have been through a divorce. Sara also aided Kocun by sharing the fundraising tips she gained as a member of the Equality Now club at Holy Angels.
Katherine Staff participated in the Maywood Rotary Club’s 2016 Kenya Project trip to Maasai Mara, Kenya. Katherine and multiple adult volunteers spent their days working to improve the health of students from the Nkineji Primary School and over 600 community members who visited the clinic that is based in one of the school’s classrooms. Katherine showed the children proper hand-washing techniques that help prevent ringworm, which is a common malady in the region.
Gabriella Licini earned a Leadership Award at the Diva Dance Nationals in Plymouth, Pennsylvania for taking charge of her dance group and providing instructions to her peers. Gabriella is part of the Ambition Dance Academy team. She is pictured above with her group mentor, Jaime.
HELPING HANDS
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Principal Jean Mullooly, teacher Laura Kraytem, and several students attended Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference in San Diego, CA. During the conference, the AHA representatives took part in “Until We Heal,” an awareness walk that drew 500 participants. Operation Smile is a nonprofit organization that provides cleft lip and palate surgeries to children around the world.
Attention current parents, students and faculty! We love hearing your news, to be shared in AHA’s monthly newsletter and possibly featured in Tidings! Send announcements and photos to news@holyangels.org
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Sofia Carvajal received an annual scholarship to the Berklee College of Music for the fall of 2017.
AHA students and Mission Team Leader Carol Fay recently volunteered with Friends of Rockaway. The local group joined forces with students from the Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore to rebuild homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. While some have forgotten this devastating 2012 Super Storm, many people are still dealing with the aftermath. Jaya & Maya Sharma entertained for Spectrum, a non-for-profit organization that provides group housing and other services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Hanora Chapman has been accepted as a Finalist in the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series. Hanora’s acceptance as a Finalist is the first step toward performing as first alto with the Honors Women’s Choir. This select group of international vocalists will be directed by Dr. Tim Seelig during a performance at Carnegie Hall.
ATHLETICS Angel Shannon Dobres and her studio dance team recently earned a Platinum Award, the highest possible designation, at nationals. “As a team, we struggle to get this award at any competition all year long. When we received it at nationals, it was a great feeling,” Shannon said of the experience. Nicole Margiotta recently earned her second degree black belt at the Shukokai Karate Dojo in Fords, NJ. She is pictured with her brother, Vinny.
THE ARTS Gillian van der Have traveled to Ireland to participate in Fleadh Cheol, an international Irish music competition.
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Elizabeth Garcia has signed her letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Hartford. In addition to being a star on the basketball court as a center/forward, Liz is also a state champion in track. She is the State Group Champion in the triple jump, State Sectional Champion in the 100m hurdles, and was named Most Valuable Athlete for 2016. She has also participated in a track competition in Australia. Liz is currently the captain of the AHA Varsity Basketball Team, and is poised to hit 1,000 points this year. She is pictured above with her family and Dean of Students Andréa Beyer, Varsity Basketball Coach Sue Liddy and AHA President Melinda Hanlon.
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READERS: The Post Office does not forward Tidings. Postal regulations require the school to pay for every copy not deliverable as addressed. Please notify us directly of any changes of address, giving both the new and old address. PARENTS: If this publication is addressed to your daughter and she no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office at 201-768-7822 x211 or by email at alumnae@holyangels.org.
faculty news We bid farewell to:
Director of Communications Jillane Ferreira and her husband Dennis welcomed their second son, Maddox Joseph, on February 16, 2016, six weeks ahead of his due date. Maddox was 6lbs 2oz and 18.5in, and despite his healthy size for a preemie, he had a rough start in life. But thanks to much love and many prayers from the AHA community and beyond, Maddox is now doing amazingly! He is adored by his big brother Nixon and his dog Scrabble.
Miss Jennifer Moran stepped down as Principal after 29 years of service to the Academy. AHA President Melinda Hanlon shares, “Jennifer’s rich legacy is branded by her insightful creation of our STREAM initiative – integrated learning grounded in solid academics and fueled by eager young minds and dedicated teachers. AHA’s STREAM initiative is unique from others – a true cross-curricular program involving every subject and open to every student. Her dedication to education is unparalleled, and her compass is steady and true to the SSND charism and vision – to educate the young women our world needs the most. Our foundress, Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger wrote, ‘Let the light of your good example shine.’ Her words provide a most fitting tribute to Jennifer Moran’s leadership.” In May, the AHA community celebrated Miss Moran Day in her honor. The celebration included a prayer service, gifts from students, and ice cream for all at lunchtime. On graduation day, AHA President Melinda Hanlon officially made Miss Moran an honorary Holy Angels alumna.
Faculty member Stephanie Gibney ’08 married Kieran Dowling on September 4, 2015. The ceremony took place at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield, NJ. A reception followed at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. Angels in the bridal party were Nicole Schiavone ’08, Allison Gadaleta ’08 and Nicki Gross ’07.
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Faculty member Erica Pritchard married Gary Cunningham on September 19, 2015. The ceremony took place on the beach in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, followed by a reception at The Columns.
Robert Kopil retired after 37 years as a Latin and Religious Studies teacher. Many alumnae will also remember him as the first soccer coach for the Academy. Thank you Mr. Kopil for Bene Merenti – good service.
Dean of Students Andréa Orlando married Philip Beyer on November 7, 2015 at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ. A reception followed at the Indian Trail Club.
Jennifer Goodell came to AHA in 2012 and has taught physics as well as moderated the ExMass club. She is pursuing her Master’s Degree at Boston University.
Faculty member Briana Frabizio married Carlo Portuesi on December 31, 2015. The wedding took place in Smithtown, NY with a reception at the Smithtown Landing Country Club.
Welcome to: Mr. Russell Ash (Chef/Manager, Aladdin Foods) Miss Alyssa Cataldo (Math)
College counselor Rita Goff and her husband Matthew welcomed their first son, Nicolas Paul, on April 8, 2016 at 10:46pm. He was 9lbs 2oz, 21.5in long. Rita says, “He has filled our hearts!”
Ms. Jennifer Crusco (Communications) Dr. Louis Faso (Physics) Miss Lauren Kravitz (Athletic Trainer) Miss Lilah Terwilliger (Latin)
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Spotlight on... h ol y a n gels ’ Ne w A dm i n i strat i v e T eam Mrs. Francesca Tambone-Puzio Dean of Academics As the Academic Dean, Mrs. Tambone-Puzio brings to AHA twenty-nine years of experience working in Catholic education in various administrative roles. She has also served as a teacher, moderator, guidance counselor, and coach. At Holy Angels, she will participate in the development and implementation of long and short term plans for the Academy while also overseeing the Performing Arts program and the International Students program. In addition to working with students, parents and faculty on academic scheduling, she will also provide support and coaching for new faculty members. Mrs. Tambone says, “My style of collaborative leadership complements my ability to empower educators to develop their own instructional skills while guiding them to implement new innovative teaching initiative and curricula in the classroom. I believe that my ability to recognize and validate the unique gifts and talents of each person will empower young ladies not only to contribute to our community, but to make a difference in the world.”
Mr. George Ballane Facilities & Technology Administrator Mr. Ballane takes on a new role this year as the Facilities & Technology Administrator. He will be responsible for the oversight of major projects at the Academy as well as security initiatives and vendor relationships. Mr. Ballane states, “I will be working with Administration and the Board of Trustees as we renovate Kelleher Hall and create a new learning environment. Our students are proud to call this attractive campus their ‘home away from home’ and I am committed to the ongoing improvements to our programs and facilities.”
Jean Mullooly Principal Ms. Mullooly brings many years of experience at the Academy, having served as the Dean of Students and a teacher in the English department. She is also a proud Holy Angels alumna, as well as an alumnae parent. Ms. Mullooly shares, “My journey is a long one that began as a student here many years ago and while the world has changed greatly since that time, the mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame has not changed, for it is timeless. Daily, you will find our students thinking critically, asking essential questions, problem solving, working collaboratively, using innovative technologies, praying, effectively communicating, being creative, developing time management skills; in short, learning the tools and skills they need to effect change in the 21st century.” In a letter to AHA parents, Melinda Hanlon, AHA President stated, “Ms. Mullooly is an experienced educator who embraces the mission of our school and the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She certainly understands the potential for the future of our school and I look forward to the great things she and I will accomplish together for Holy Angels.”
Mrs. Andréa Beyer Dean of Students Mrs. Beyer has been a member of the Academy’s math department and was the moderator of Student Council. In her new role, she will be responsible for many day-to-day facets of life at Holy Angels, such as attendance, safety and security, supervising the over 90 clubs and activities, and working alongside the Athletic Director to oversee the AHA athletic program. Mrs. Beyer shares, “While lessons in the classroom are very important, at Holy Angels we give our students every opportunity to be well rounded, by offering this vast array of clubs and activities. Each day, we integrate the teachings of the School Sisters of Notre Dame into our lessons and programs and hope that our students take these teachings out into the world with them, never forgetting that they will always have a home at Holy Angels.”
AHA’s Campus Ministry Director Makes First Covenant as SSND Associate In August, Kathleen Sylvester, Director of Campus Ministry, made her first covenant as an SSND Associate in Wilton, CT. Since 1977, the SSND Associates have grown to more than 400 women and men in the Atlantic-Midwest and the Central Pacific provinces. Sister Susan Renner, SSND explains, “To be an associate is to be in relationship with others and to walk a journey of faith together in the spirit of Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger. Primarily, the associate relationship is a spiritual relationship with the School Sisters of Notre Dame that is grounded in a common spirituality and mission. Associates are women and men in whom the School Sisters of Notre Dame charism has found a home. It is the charism embodied in Blessed Theresa, which gives focus to their life and mission.” For more information about the SSND Associate Program, please visit www.ssnd.org/partner-us/associate. Kathy is pictured at right with her sponsor, AHA faculty member S. Kathleen Dunham, SSND.
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Comprehensive Planning for our Present and our Future!
AHA to Further Enhance Educational Opportunities THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLLY ANGELS 315 HILLSIDE AVENUE
NEW JERSEY The Academy DEMAREST, of the Holy Angels continues to enjoy increasing enrollment – evidence of the endorsement of alumnae, students, and the many tristate area families who actively pursue the AHA experience. In an effort to build on this success, plans are now in progress to enhance the Academy’s many educational opportunities through a series of renovations that will begin with updates to the former convent.
Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, AHA’s founders and sponsors, the school’s Strategic Planning Committee launched a collaborative effort that involved every AHA constituent group. The committee developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan (2014-2020) that addresses mission fulfillment, student recruitment and retention, career-long faculty professional development, facilities, Board of Trustees structure and function, and financial stability. School officials also developed a master campus facilities plan with an eye toward AHA’s mission, and conducted a pre-campaign feasibility study to engage
constituents andNEWmeasure support for ENTRANCE FOR: aSISTER proposed campaign. GENEVIEVE KELLEHER HALL 04.18.2016
Significant Capital Projects Launched AHA’s proposed capital projects will benefit students in multiple disciplines and provide renewed facilities for current and future Angels. The school community believes these capital projects will benefit all students and every course of study in direct and complementary ways. This spring, an anonymous donor provided the school with a $1 million gift to transform the convent, the portion of the school that was once home to 40 School Sisters of Notre Dame. The space will be transformed into a hub of interdisciplinary instructional space, artistic expression, sacred reflection, and worship. This project will be the first in a series of facilities renovations. Each stage will be completed in phases to minimize the impact on students and staff.
Tribute to a Devoted Educator In providing the leadership gift, the unnamed benefactor requested that the building be renamed Sister Genevieve
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Kelleher Hall in honor of the longestserving SSND at Holy Angels. From 1948 through 2011, Sister Genevieve dedicated herself to AHA students and the SSND mission “to proclaim the Good News as School Sisters of Notre Dame, directing our entire lives toward that oneness for which Jesus Christ was sent.” 30 galesi drive wayne, nj 07470 tel 973.256.0202 | fax 973.256.0227
Sister Genevieve, 93, currently lives in the SSND retirement residence in Wilton, Connecticut. During her time at AHA, she served as school librarian and taught English, French, religion, biology and history. Sister Genevieve was present in 1965 when Holy Angels moved from its location in Fort Lee, where AHA was founded in 1879, to its present campus in Demarest. The building named in her honor will now serve as a bridge to a new future for AHA’s facilities, helping to prepare students to become leaders in their chosen fields. Kelleher Hall was largely underused for more than 15 years, and required repairs to the roof and the building envelope. With AHA’s growth in enrollment, phased renovation and repurposing (including the creation of two new first-floor multipurpose classrooms) began prior to the receipt of the $1 million gift. Students
have been using a portion of the space since September 2015. Upcoming renovations to Kelleher Hall will include: • Two new first-floor art studios with an adjacent MAC lab to meet future fine arts and STREAM program needs. (STREAM is an acronym for science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and mathematics.) • Structural repairs and aesthetic improvements to the chapel located near the instructional space on the first floor. • Creation of an SSND Heritage Suite on the second floor for religious studies classes, senior seminars, and campus ministry. This space will house archives that reflect the spiritual charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
S. Sharon M. Slear, SSND, President of the Board of Trustees explains, “The Academy of the Holy Angels has always benefited from wonderful expressions of devotion and generosity from our alumnae, parents, and friends, who join with the School Sisters to sustain the mission and vision for AHA. The interdisciplinary approach which we extol is built upon AHA’s core strengths of academic rigor and accomplishments. Over the coming months, we look forward to sharing details of our plans and philanthropic needs with all members of our Holy Angels family. We will continue to aspire to educate young women who will grow, achieve, and serve, and mirror the pioneering spirit of the school’s foundress, Sister Nonna Dunphy, and devoted faculty such as Sister Genevieve Kelleher.”
Art Studio
Mac Lab
DiCara Rubino Architects developed the concept drawings for Kelleher Hall. Plans call for construction to begin in late winter. Completion is anticipated before the start of the 2017-18 academic year. Sister Genevieve has expressed her intent to attend the blessing of Kelleher Hall, which is scheduled for October 2017. Multi-purpose Classroom
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alumnae association president We have been blessed recently with so many wonderful happenings at Holy Angels, especially Feast Day and Foundation Day. This year, both were expressions of our theme, “In Unity is our Strength.” We have already seen this put into action – the AHA community, in unity with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and their partners, Beyond Borders, are hoping to sponsor at least two families in Haiti over the next eighteen months. As no surprise, our Angels have already risen to the occasion and we are well on our way toward that goal. Thank you to all of the alumnae who joined us for Alumnae Weekend. New this year, on Friday, alumnae were able to hear from a panel of students who shared their AHA experiences; from service trips to Appalachia, rebuilding homes in the Rockaways, efforts with our Greenhouse that produced 100 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that were brought to area food banks; and students who have found their love of art. Alumnae were truly amazed by what our angels are doing on a daily basis. The weekend concluded on Saturday with our Alumnae Mass and Reunion Dinner. We again celebrated the unity of having Angels who graduated from Fort Lee and Demarest. It was that unity of spirit that brought us here to Demarest to continue the SSND mission of transformative education. As the Christmas season is upon us, I wish you many blessings now and for the coming new year. To our newest alumnae Angels who are home from college – come back and see us while you are home. Our “College Angels Reunion” is here at school on January 6, 2017. Please visit so we can hear about all the ways that each of you are spreading those wings! Sincerely, Karen Sullivan Camporeale ’88
E A N M L U A ’64
NEWS
Louise Fiocchi Gunderson ’64 has earned a spot on the inaugural listing by Forbes magazine of America's Top Advisors. Forbes researched over 11,000 advisors who were nominated, both men and women throughout the entire country, and ranked the top 200 individuals based on both quantitative and qualitative measures.
’48
For what has become an annual event, members of the AHA Class of ’48 met for lunch in May at the Ramsey Country Club in Ramsey, NJ. In attendance were, from L to R: Elyse Deublein Harney ’48, Mary Braddock Lanni ’48, S. Joan Dineen SSND ’48, Florence Doyle Brown ’48, Imelda (Mel) Donnelly Dermady ’48, Midge Martine Kennedy ’48, Florence Horgan ’48, Helen LaBe Higley ’48 and Nina Guiliano Cowell ’48.
’53
Joyce Comeau Smith ’53 is blessed with 11 grandchildren. Joyce spends her time tutoring foreign students for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University.
’65
On Thursday April 28, 2016, the class of ’65 met in Colonial Williamsburg, VA for a mini-reunion at the Williamsburg Lodge. The weekend included a private guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg and a visit to the Williamsburg Winery for a private tour, tasting and lunch. Classmates traveled from California, Arizona, North Carolina and New Jersey.
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’66
Patricia Clark Coleman ’66 shared, “Wish I could be at reunion – still living in South Carolina. My husband and I are married 45 years with four grown children and seven grandchildren. Hope you are all doing well – best wishes to all!” Christine McGoey Cummings ’66, former math teacher in Leonia, had the opportunity to meet up with her student who is now the President of Estonia. An article about the meeting appeared in the Bergen Record. “To think that one of your students, who you influenced, became the president of a country – and not only that, but he would credit you with so much of what he did to make his country so IT centric?” Christine said, “I can hardly take it in.” Carolyn Mullich Stamatakis ’66 says, “So sorry not to be able to attend my 50th Reunion! After living in the Washington DC-Maryland area for more than 40 years, my husband Steve and I are getting ready to retire to Hilton Head, SC to golf and enjoy the beach. A new adventure.”
Visit our online store! store.holyangels.org
’71
Mary Ehrhard Garretson ’71 has been married for 34 years and is a mother of three. She currently lives in Naples, FL and summers in Maine. She is a retired employee benefits consultant and holds a BS and MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mary Power ’71 shared, “Back in school! Getting a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. I hope to be a Dean of a Physical Therapist Assistant program or an Academic Advisor. Best wishes to all my classmates.”
’76
Roberta Miniter Cappiello ’76 shared, “Retired now and next year we’ll be heading to Florida.” Kathleen Kirk ’76 says, “I was recently in NJ and would love to say hi in person the next time I’m in town. Annemarie Beese Kelley ’77 and I are still dear friends – she visits me in AZ. Wishing you well!”
’78
Elizabeth Ebner ’78 writes, “In the spring of 2015, I was appointed as a federal judge in Falls Church, VA. Thanks to all my inspiring teachers at Holy Angels!”
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’81
Kathleen Rosenkranz Radcliffe ’81 shares, “Hope you all are well. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the reunion due to my wedding anniversary. We will be married 29 years! Our children are 11 years old and started middle school in September. They are loving it! Enjoy the reunion! Hope to see you all at the next one.”
’83
The class of 1983 gathered together to celebrate their classmate, Jean Benzenberg Mullooly ’83, being named AHA Principal.
’96
Rebecca E. Kennedy ’96, and her husband, John Oleszkiewicz, welcomed their son Connor Alexander on August 22, 2015. Following a job transfer for Becky, the family has returned to the Washington, DC area and is excited to be back near family.
’99 ’94
Tracy Anastasi Grassi ’94 and husband Michael welcomed with love their son Michael Salvatore, born on August 20, 2015. Baby Michael joins big sisters Noelle (6) and Alyssa (4).
Donna Tozzi Cavanagh ’79 was named Humor Writer of the Month in June 2016 for the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop. Donna is the author of the newly published How to Write and Share Humor: Techniques to Tickle Funny Bones and Win Fans. A former journalist and syndicated columnist, she gained a national audience when her work landed in the pages of First Magazine, USA Today and other national media.
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Stefanie Collantes ’99 married Erwin Bouvry on September 13, 2014 in Erwin’s hometown of Marcillé-Raoul, France. Her sister and fellow Angel Gabrielle Collantes ’08 was the maid of honor. Stephanie and Erwin welcomed their daughter Enora Quinn Bouvry on April 29, 2016. She weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 20.5in.
’05 ’01
Nicole Di Lorenzo Dragona ’01 and husband Gary joyfully welcomed their son Dominic Gabriel into the world on May 28, 2016. Dominic weighed 6lbs, 7oz and was 18.75 in.
’02
Ashley Pastor ’02 married Thomas Stone on March 5, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. The couple met while Ashley was in graduate school at Auburn University and have been dating since 2010.
’03
Angela Cucco ’03 married David Jenkins on October 10, 2015 at the Church of the Ascension in New Milford, NJ followed by a reception at Nanina's in the Park in Belleville, NJ. Fellow Angels Liz Ariemma Sheehan ’03, Erin Holm Barna ’03, maid of honor Laurie Cucco ’05 and Caroline Norris Wright ’03 were in attendance.
Julia Osellame Kilberg ’05 and her husband Andrew are happy to announce the birth of daughter, Alice Antonia Rose. She was born on March 17, 2016. The family lives in McLean, Virginia.
Elizabeth Kohli ’05 married Yoni Landau on September 19th, 2015. The couple met in their freshman year of college at the University of Pennsylvania. Angels in attendance were Elizabeth's sister and maid of honor Anna Kohli ’13, Christina Burke Kubissa ’05, Kathleen Clifford ’05, Jaclyn Zambrella ’05 and Ashley Miller Colona ’05. Elizabeth and Yoni honeymooned in Bali and Singapore and currently reside in Brooklyn, NY.
Sarah Oldfield ’05 married Christopher Galvez on November 7, 2015 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tenafly, NJ. Bernadette Oldfield ’11 served as maid of honor, and Samantha Wiener Henry ’05 and Ashley Miller Colona ’05 served as bridesmaids. Other Angels in attendance were Beth Ann Oldfield DiLorenzo ’64 and Regina Oldfield ’74. The happy couple honeymooned in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and they currently reside in Hoboken, NJ.
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’06
Denise Casagrande ’06 is currently living in a cottage on the beach in Manasquan, NJ. When she's not soaking up the sun, she is heading the Social Media team at PCG Companies in Eatontown, NJ where she educates and advertises for automotive industries across the country. She currently has been traveling to speak at different events and has appeared on Auto Marketing Now on CBT News. Be sure to look out for her first book What’s in an Ad, which she has written with her company’s digital director, set to come out this January 2017. Denise also writes a blog, Do You Yoga.
’07
Dana Harencak ’07 graduated with a major in Spanish and minor in Italian from Providence College in 2011. She furthered her education and received a Master’s of Science in Communication Disorders and Sciences, with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration, from William Paterson University in May 2015. She began a full-time position in September 2015 as a Speech-Language Specialist/Pathologist at two middle schools in the Lyndhurst Public School District. In November 2015, she was selected to present her Master’s thesis at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado. She has received her Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA, officially recognizing her as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and was excited to begin her second school year in Lyndhurst. Katherine Greenwood ’07, pictured at right, earned her Master's Degree in History from Seton Hall University in May 2016. Her thesis, Not With an Iron Fist, But With a Velvet Glove: The 'Good Germans' Theory in Nazi Occupied Denmark, is published
’11 Christine Byrne ’11 graduated magna cum laude in May 2015 from Seton Hall University with a BA in Music and a BA in Theatre. After having an emergency appendectomy at 3:30am the morning of her graduation, she went on to perform the national anthem, the school Alma Mater and the song “Astonishing” at her commencement ceremony. She was awarded a position in the Music Master program at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales, that she began in September. She is a member of the BBC Welsh National Chorus and has been chosen to sing “Habanara” from the opera Carmen with Carlo Rizzi conducting the Welsh National Orchestra. Bernadette Oldfield ’11 married Andrew Humm on July 9, 2016 at the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel at Marymount University, where Bernadette attended college. The couple celebrated with their family and friends at Riverside on the Potomac in Leesburg, VA. Angels in attendance were Maura Oates ’11, Emily Becker ’11, Lauren Wiener ’11, Katie Vincentz ’11, Briana Ciccarino ’11, Mary Callagee ’11, Jen Molke ’11, Beth Ann Oldfield ’64, Regina Oldfield ’74 and Sarah Oldfield ’05. The happy couple now resides in Charlotte, NC.
Jennifer Navatto ’11 is in her first year of Dental School at Rutgers University.
’12
Danielle Gherardi ’12 and fellow AHA grad Simone Virani ’10 are the founding members of the Delta Nu Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau Sorority at Stevens Institute of Technology. They each received the Emerging Leader Award from the Office of Student Life as well as the Greek Leader of Distinction Award from the Stevens Office of Greek Life for their efforts. Simone has developed the Designated Walker Program at Stevens, which is an initiative to prevent intoxicated assault on college campuses, and partnered with her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, as well as the Peer Educators and Sigma Nu Fraternity at Stevens. Stevens is now the second university to have this program nationwide. Simone received a BS in Chemical Biology is working in Leopold Labs at Stevens. Danielle is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and plans to continue to pursue a Master’s in Engineering Management.
Photo credit: William Smith College
through the University's Library. She received her undergraduate degree in History from Franklin and Marshall College and is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. She plans to teach in the fall.
of the season at the Harry F. Anderson Invitational and her best 6k time at the Geneseo Invitational. Eva posted three top 15 finishes, including a season-best fourth place finish at the Cross Country Only Conference Championship.
got news? We love hearing from our alumnae! We want to celebrate with you by sharing your good news and accomplishments with the entire AHA community. Send your news and photos for the next issue of Tidings to alumnae@holyangels.org by March 1, 2017. We love pictures, and we want you to look good! Photos that are below the acceptable resolution for print will not be published. Here are some tips for sending us digital photos that will look fantastic in print: • Make sure your camera is set to the best photo setting (usually “FINE”) so that your photos will be > 300dpi • Do not send photos directly from your phone, as they are automatically sized down to a lower resolution
’15
Eva Gurian ’15 is in her second year at William Smith College. She was awarded the Sharon Peckham Best ’62 Most Valuable Cross Country Award. Eva was the top William Smith finisher in seven of the eight races she competed in last fall. She posted her best 5k time
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• Please “attach” your photo to the email, just as you would a document. JPEGs are preferred.
Shore Angels On September 12, 2016, the Shore Angels event took place at the Black Trumpet in Spring Lake, NJ. A wonderful time was had, reconnecting and meeting new Angel friends in the area. In attendance were: Kathleen Kilkenny Brodie ’65, Ms. Lillian Cooke ’63, Deborah Detjen ’66, Cookie Puig Dolan ’75, Diane Neary Ewing ’60, Margaret Hart ’57, Patti McGovern Hill ’78, Patricia Jund Keegan ’65, Desiree Kirk ’95, Barbara Bertolini Luizzi ’49, Lisa Mayer ’74, Elizabeth Jones McIntyre ’57, Francesca LaFiura Noon ’65, Mary Power ’71, Maria Raccuia ’72, Mary Rooney Schneider ’65, Nancy Canning Shalhoub ’56, Yvonne Marnell Sullivan ’49, Karen Ross Tanzola ’59, Suzanne McCue Winge ’60, AHA President Melinda Hanlon and Director of Advancement, Dorrie Voulgaris.
M E R Z S C H O L A R S HI P Over 100 years ago, Ellen Reilly Merz graduated from AHA, but her impact on our alumnae is stronger than ever today! The Merz Scholarships established by Ellen, a ward of the foundress, Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy, SSND, are awarded annually to graduates of Holy Angels. The scholarship covers partial tuition for one year in an undergraduate or graduate program and is intended for those pursuing a degree in education or field where education plays a significant (or important) role. Holy Angels commitment to excellence in education does not end on graduation day!
Congratulations to our 2016 Merz Scholars Julia DeSimone ’15 Tulane University Political Economy Megan Emmich ’06 University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Osteopathic Medicine Margaret Reuter Stubner ’86 Georgetown University Family Nurse Practitioner
Deadline is March 10, 2017.
Victoria Zayat ’13 Franklin & Marshall College Early Elementary School Education
www.holyangels.org/merzscholarship 20
Arts Hall of Fame Inductees
Deborah Clancy Porfido ’90 & Jaclyn Sabol Patton ’00 Deborah Clancy Porfido ’90 is a documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. After graduating from Holy Angels, Deborah pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Television Radio/ Broadcast Journalism at Ithaca College. It was at Ithaca that she began working with filmmaker Roger Weisberg at Public Policy Productions. They collaborated on numerous social issue documentaries, including the Academy Award nominated films Sound and Fury and Why Can’t We be a Family Again? Deborah went on to work on several historical documentaries including the 4-part series, The Supreme Court, for WNET in New York. She has been a Production Manager, Coordinating Producer and Line Producer overseeing business and production activities for dozens of documentaries, including Emmy nominated Walt Whitman and The Abolitionists, and Peabody Award winning Triangle Fire, all of which aired on the PBS historical series American Experience. Most recently, Deborah has been working with award-winning Executive Producer Dyllan McGee. As Supervising Producer, she oversees production of all of the films being produced at McGee Media. Some of her most successful projects include: Makers, a collaboration between AOL and PBS that led to a six hour documentary series that focuses on specific fields where women have broken new ground and reshaped American institutions; Once and For All – the story of the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference that chronicles the watershed event in the global struggle for women’s rights; Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. – a genealogy series which
unearths the family histories of influential people as a means of discussing race, ethnicity and identity; and Black America Since MLK – an in-depth look at the last 50 years of the civil rights movement asking profound questions about the state of black America and our nation as a whole. Deborah has garnered two individual Emmy nominations, one for her work on Makers and the other for the documentary film Poisoner’s Handbook. Jaclyn Sabol Patton ’00 began studying dance at the age of two. She danced competitively until high school, where she became the first freshman ever accepted to the nationally ranked Don Bosco Pom Squad, of which, at that time, all members were Holy Angels students. During her four years on the team, the squad competed nationally and were consistently ranked in the top five. Jaclyn served as captain of the pom squad in her senior year. After graduating from Holy Angels, Jaclyn was recruited by the Rutgers University dance team. During her years at Rutgers, she competed in the college nationals for three years before deciding to pursue Broadway in her senior year. During her
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college years, she was often invited back to coach the Don Bosco Pom Squad. After graduating from Rutgers in 2004 with a degree in Journalism, Jaclyn hit the road with the Broadway national tour of Contact. Upon her return to New York City, she accepted a corporate position at Men’s Journal, but continued performing, as a dancer for the NBA’s NJ Nets. She danced for the Nets for four years, and expanded her role into that of a sideline reporter, where she was able to put her journalism degree to good use. In 2007, she was voted by NBA fans as the Nets representative on the first-ever All-Star Dance Team. She also traveled the US with a microphone in her hand, as the first female emcee for NBA All-Star Weekend. In addition to working as a sales account director for Conde Nast, Jaclyn is a consultant and instructor for “Half Time,” a Broadway musical that is scheduled to open in 2017. The show is based on the documentary “Gotta Dance,” which traces the team of senior citizen dancers Jaclyn coached while she was working for the Nets. She taught the seniors a hip hop routine, which they performed live. Jaclyn currently works as an Account Director in advertising sales for Conde Nast. She continues to enjoy dancing, especially Latin ballroom dancing and taking dance classes with her former Nets teammates. Since 2011, Jaclyn has been actively involved with the National Brain Tumor Society as a member of the NYC Planning Committee, event emcee for the NYC Walk, and this year is honored to be a Co-Chair of the NYC Walk.
T
he annual Alumnae Weekend kicked off on a Friday, with the celebration of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Foundation Day. The highlight of the service was a presentation by Sister Limétèze Pierre-Gilles on her journey to becoming a School Sister of Notre Dame. After the service, alumnae toured the campus with a stop in the convent chapel. There, a panel of current Angels shared aspects of their AHA experience, which included service trips, and the arts and athletics programs. The tour then ended in the Learning Commons with a luncheon with AHA faculty and staff. Saturday night the celebration continued with the annual Alumnae Mass followed by a welcome reception and another opportunity to tour the campus with current Angels. At the conclusion of mass, there was a presentation of the classes. In keeping with tradition, the “golden” Angels were presented with yellow roses, recognizing their celebration of more than 50 years since graduation. The class of 1966 joined this golden group for the first time as they marked their 50th reunion milestone. The class of 1991 also received roses in honor of their 25th anniversary. Each class took time to pose together for a class photo. A link to view all the photos can be found at www.holyangels.org/reunion. The rest of the evening was an opportunity to reconnect and share memories, but most importantly time to catch up with old and new friends.
We invite you all to celebrate our next
Alumnae Weekend including a special reunion for all classes ending in 2 & 7
October 27-28, 2017!
Alumnae Weekend
Class Reunions
To view more photos or to order prints, go to
October 21-22, 2016
www.holyangels.org/reunion
Special Events at HOLY ANGELS Mother Daughter F a s h i o n Show
Fe a s t Day 2 0 1 6
Wi ne Tastin g
Ruth left a lasting legacy
Planned Giving Spotlight We recently asked Louise Fiocchi Gunderson ’64 to share some insights into her Holy Angels experience and how she plans to leave her lasting legacy through planned giving to the Academy. As a 12-year Angel from our Fort Lee campus, Louise recalls her favorite memories of her years at Holy Angels: The Christmas Well Sing, "The Bazaar," the fundraising efforts for the Demarest move, and in particular field hockey and basketball, but she felt that all the athletics were great. She fondly remembers Sister Louise as her favorite teacher. She had Sister Louise for homeroom and typing, and felt that she was kind, understood her students and really dug deep to communicate with them. The AHA years shaped Louise’s life by reinforcing the importance of family, tradition and a strong belief that a girl could be successful at all aspects of life.
Ruth Ann Rempe ’50 understood the struggles that parents face to send their daughters to Holy Angels. She herself had attended Holy Angels at a time when her family faced very trying times. Ruth’s father passed away when she was seven years old. In the years that followed, her mother struggled to send Ruth and her sister Mary Madeline to the Academy. Ruth was thankful to the sisters who ensured that the tuition was paid so that her mother did not have to worry. Because of this, she never forgot the Academy and had been a faithful donor who supported AHA’s scholarship program for many years. Her faithfulness allowed many young women the opportunity to attend Holy Angels. Ruth furthered her education at Katharine Gibbs School of Secretarial and Executive Training for Women in New York. Upon retiring in 2011 from Merrill Lynch, she had been the seventh longest-serving employee in the company’s history with over 60 years of service. She was a woman truly ahead of her time, but one who never forgot her roots and the importance of empowering young women. When Ruth passed away, Holy Angels received notification that she had named the Academy as a beneficiary of her estate. In June 2016, Ruth’s classmates gathered at Holy Angels for a “Toast to Ruth.” During the luncheon, Holy Angels was presented with a check for $2 million for the Rempe Scholarship. Ruth thoughtfully planned and now will continue her legacy at AHA with an endowed scholarship that will benefit a new generation of Angels.
Louise selected Holy Angels as part of her charitable giving because, for her, it is important to give back and also to honor the twelve fabulous years that helped her become the woman that she is today. She chose to plan her giving with the use of outright gifts of appreciated stock or cash, because she likes the ease of this method, where she can determine the size and it gives her the flexibility she seeks. When she was asked why fellow alumnae should consider the inclusion of Holy Angels in their planned giving, Louise said, “Determine what role Holy Angels played in your life. I am thankful that Holy Angels gave me a solid educational foundation for my future career.”
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1879 Society
CIETY
The Academy of the Holy Angels is pleased to recognize those who have left charitable bequests, established charitable trusts, or used some other form of estate planning to support our mission. To enroll in our 1879 Society, which honors those who have made this commitment, please visit our website www.holyangels.org/1879Society to download the registration form. If you would like further information on ways to plan your giving and language that can be used when creating your bequest, please visit holyangels.giftplans.org.
holyangels.org/1879
in memoriam ALUMNAE
Ida Castronuovo
Theresa Guenther
Alfred O’Toole
Ruth Barrett ’40
Mother of Frances Castronuovo Martini ’68 and Debra Castronuovo Joyce ’75.
Mother of Elizabeth Guenther ’07
Father of Eileen O’Toole Sattiraju ’91
Donald Casey
Jospehine Haggett
Marie Oggioni
Mother of Barbara Haggett Case ’89
Mother of Elise Oggioni ’09 and Victoria Oggioni ’11 and Sister-in-law of AHA staff member Lisa Marciano
Lucile Graf Baasch ’38 Sister of Bernice Graf Barnes ’54
Colette Feehan Brooks ’75 Mother of Catherine Brooks Smith ’99 and Sister of Julia Feehn Tatti ’66
Eileen Smyth Faletti ’59 Sister of Cathi Smyth Burke ’59
Candace Snell Horman ’63 Sister of Claire Snell Brown ’57
S. Martha Getchell, MM ’50 Francine Quaglio ’63 Debra Russenberger ’72 Sister of Denise Russenberger D’Andrea ’72
Marilyn Braun Harrison ’59 Sister of Kathleen Braun Kavanaugh ’66 and the late Barbara Braun Ix ’56
Barbara Braun Ix ’56 Sister of Kathleen Braun Kavanaugh ’66 and the late Marilyn Braun Harrison ’59
Mary Patricia Alberse Morey ’65 Mary Harter O’Brien ’41 Mother of Mary-Win O’Brien ’65
Father of Maureen Casey ’73, Regina Casey ’75 and Patricia Casey Murphy ’78
Yolanda Cawley Mother of Megan Cawley ’17
Michael Cecco Brother of Janelle Cecco ’07
Bertram Lee Conn Husband of Arline Zenorini Conn ’46 and Father of Catherine Conn ’70, Elizabeth Conn ’73 and Susan Conn ’75 and Grandfather of Alessa Conn Woodrey ’04, Hannah Conn ’08 and Emma Conn ’13 and Brother-in-law of Marie Zenorini Canepa ’45
Joan Cooperman Grandmother of Jessica Cooperman ’15 and Jennifer Cooperman ’19
Harold Costello
Brother of Joanne Cron Albright ’66 and Mary Cron Sorrenti ’76
Dorothy Runge Porrata ’42
Rosemarie D’Alessandro
Sister Alma Caroline Statt, SSND ’43
Michelle Leyva Wall ’80 Sister of Maria Elena Leyva ’90
James Hans Father of AHA Faculty Member Maryanne Miloscia
Brian Pronovost
Daughter of Sharon Johnson-Hakim ’02
Patricia Jordan Mother of Jennine Jordan ’83
Paul Hoinash Father of Dawn Hoinash ’92
Robert Hyer
Bridget Landers
Oleydi Sanchez
Uncle of AHA faculty member Jonathan Blevis
Caryl F. Schaeder
Mother of Karen D’Alessandro Engeman ’80
Ana De La Moneda
Violeta Lascano
Annette Sorrentino
Mother of Jennifer Dominguez Greenf ’03
Jule Demarest Mother of Suzanne Demarest Cleaver ’77
Grandmother of Sabrina Celis ’17
James Longo
Margaret Devine
Father of Lauren Longo ’82 and Linda Longo ’83
Mother of Kathleen Devine Gelso ’77
Brendan Malley
Father of Kristy Ahrlich Mascarenhas ’98
Grandmother of Emily Doherty ’17
Mari Aversa
Alfred Elter
Grandfather of AnnaLaura Bombarda ’16 and Caterina Bombarda ’18
Father of Barbara Elter Maurer ’67, the late Patricia Elter ’69, Katherine Elter Daniello ’73, Ann Elter Bedford ’75 and Dorothy Elter Weller ’77 and Grandfather of Krista Maurer Alantzas ’92 and Cheryl Maurer Wilson ’96
Bobby Bornstein
Eamon T. Fennessy Husband of Mary-Louise Burns Fennessy ’49 and Father of Maureen Fennessy Bousa ’79 and Meaghan Fennessy Keeley ’83
Mother of Matilda Bruno ’83 and Grandmother of Nina Bruno ’08
Edward Foley
Manfred Bufano
Margaret Funesti
Father of Beth Butler Houder ’92
Grandfather of Briar Connors ’16
Mother of Julie Funesti Esch ’80
Alfred Butti
Louise Gorman
Brother of Teresa Callan Orth ’80
Uncle of Grace Velarde ’19 and Hannah Velarde ’19
Mother of Mary Lee Richter ’67, Patti Schaeder ’69, Joanne Schaeder ’70, and Catherine Schaeder ’79
Marian Doherty
James Callan
Hector Rodriguez
Mother of Marian Landers Moriarty ’72, Joanne Landers Randolph ’79 and Denise Landers ’84
Dieter Ahrlich
Father of Laura Butti Mason ’77
Grandfather of Gabriella DiVerita ’16
Michael Savino
Mother of Letitia LaForgia Burke ’76 and Linda LaForgia Van Valkenburgh ’77
Father of Maureen McGilloway Farrell ’85 and the late Margaret McGilloway Schneider ’84
Antoinetta Bruno
Joao Rodrigues
Mother of Michelle Amado ’95
Patrick McGilloway
Grandmother of Elizabeth Braun ’18
John Quinn Father of Carolyn Quinn Kilmer ’96 and Kathleen Quinn Murphy ’98 and Brother of Eleanor Quinn Dunn ’73
Letitia LaForgia
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Mary Patricia Braun
Father of Ashley Pronovost ’16
Father of Margaret Kiess ’17
Father of Kristin Malley Zimny ’86
Husband of Cindy Smith Nelson ’58
Paul Power
Rain Johnson-Hakim
Father of Janine Dobbs Sweeney ’84
Guisepe Bombarda
Husband of Mary Ellen Mahaney Philllips ’85 and Brother-in-law of Tricia Mahaney Crowley ’84 and Faith Mahaney ’95 Father of Sarah Power Iozzio ’90 and Amy Power Phillips ’94
Paul Gabriel Dobbs
Mother of Julia Aversa ’11, Elena Aversa ’14 and Nina Aversa ’17
John Phillips
Father of Alison Hauser ’92
Gregg Hauser
Kenneth Kiess
Raymond Cron
Cousin of Mary Jean New Green ’53, Eileen New Kuffel ’56 and the late Kathleen Cuddihy-Bruno ’37
Father of Mary-Ellen Hannigan Allen ’92
Christian Courard
Patricia Ann Moran Pogue ’60
Rosemary New Wade ’43
Lawrence Hannigan
Father of Monica Corcoran Harel ’85
Frank Corcoran
Anna Elizabeth Deevy Parr ’61
Maureen Reilly Tuvey ’64
Grandfather of Emily Halloran ’18
Husband of Andrea McDermott Hyer ’80, Father of Caroline Hyer ’16, Uncle of Kate McDermott ’16 and Brotherin-law of Anneliese McDermott ’83
Grandfather of Caitlyn Conwell ’18
Father of Frederique Courard Hauri ’86 and Helene Courard ’88
Aunt of Kristin Moran Allen ’05, Kelly Moran ’07 and Katie Moran ’10
Jerry Halloran
Mother of Patricia Gorman Klein ’62, Carol Gorman Hix ’65, Louise Gorman ’74 and Jamie Gorman Francisco ’77
Terence J. McGlynn Brother of Elizabeth Brendel ’63 and Margaret McGlynn ’65, Uncle of Anne Marie Heverin ’90, and Cousin of Kathleen Cusick Farmer ’63 and Claire Murphy ’11
Dennis Menton Uncle of AHA faculty member Maureen Ferrara and Elizabeth Ferrara ’07
James Moretti Father of Danielle Moretti Rodriguez ’86
Carol Ann Moscatel Mother of Cathleen Moscatel Cote ’91
Martin Moylan Father of Melissa Moylan ’88
Daniel Mulcahey Grandfather of Kerry Limberg ’19
Paul Novembre Uncle of Dominque Clisura ’19
Aunt of AHA faculty member Laura Wescott Kraytem ’79 and Lina Kraytem ’09
Joseph Soukup Father of Candace Soukup Fagan ’65
Richard Sy Brother of Cassandra Sy ’20
Eugene Tolomeo Father of Jodee Tolomeo Fink ’71, Maria Tolomeo Carroll ’72, Therese Tolomeo ’75 and Annette Tolomeo ’76
Fred Varas Grandfather of Samantha Herrera ’19
Robert Wunsch Father of Stacey Wunsch Zwernemann ’88 and Carey Wunsch ’95
Academy of the Holy Angels has made every effort to verify the accuracy of the data contained herein. We apologize for any errors or omissions and ask that you bring them to our attention for subsequent correction. Submissions for In Memoriam should be sent to the Office of Alumnae Relations: 315 Hillside Avenue, Demarest, NJ 07627 or email at alumnae@holyangels.org.
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