2023 Spring/Summer Legacy Magazine

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ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH

LEGACY magazine SPRING / SUMMER 2023

The Way of

St. James

A spiritual journey along El Camino de Santiago

HERstory Mary Conlin MacGuire ‘47 shares her experience at the Academy as a student during World War II

us as we celebrate Academy A Legacy of Service Join Principal Lynn Burek page 17

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A PA R E N T ’ S T R I B U T E T O M R S . B U R E K …

ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH

LEGACY magazine

ISSUE 7 | SPRING/SUMMER 2023

E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Megan Knight Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

Mrs. Burek, you will be immensely missed in your professional capacity as principal, as well as your endearing, compassionate and selfless capacity as a woman and friend. I feel lucky enough to have begun the journey at the Academy with you, beginning your first year as principal, and now I am here with my freshman daughter, Emma, as you are ending your professional career. You faced every trial with immense grace and class. May God bless you and your family always.

– Mrs. Gina Cordano, P ‘19, ‘26

We received an overwhelming number of tributes for Mrs. Lynn Burek. Read more loving words from students, families, faculty and staff on page 22.

Joseph Ziaya Director of Communications

Lynn Burek Principal

2nd Annual

THANKSGIVING EVE

Lauren Cor vo Assistant Principal

Helen Kotoulas Chief Financial & Operations Officer

GATHERING

at Grasshopper Off The Green

Jean Jackson Director of Admissions

MORRISTOWN, NJ

Beth Ellen Walsh Director of School & College Counseling

Lisa Ratz

SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, 11/22/23

Director of Technology

Kelly Abner Director of Athletics BOARD OF TRUSTEES Katherine Lordi, '67 Chairwoman of the Board Mariel Gesualdo, '97 Vice Chairwoman

HOSTED BY THE KNIGHTS OF SAINT ELIZABETH

CONNECTFOLLOWBELONG www.aosenj.org

Michael Martinez Treasurer Monique Degnan, P '20 Secretary Deborah Baseil, P '08

@AOSENJ

@academyofsaintelizabeth @AOSEathletics

@Academy1860

Academy of Saint Elizabeth

Sr. Patricia Butler, SC Nicole Chase,'87 Deirdre Gaffney, P '20 James Garrett, P '20 & '21 Sr. Merris Larkin, SC Sr. Noreen Neary, SC Antoinette Plewa,'72, P ‘02 Andrea Pribula,'07 Josephine Serrano, P '07

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Our mission is to promote the disciplines of academic excellence and moral responsibility within our young women by sustaining a scholarly environment and a nurturing community of faith.

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

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The Lasting Legacy of Mrs. Lynn Burek page 16 A fond farewell and endless gratitude to our principal.

what’s

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS On the Cover Mrs. Lynn Burek with Student Council President Emilia Lucas '23 and Student Council Vice President Emma Kelly '23.

HERstory: Mrs. Mary Conlin MacGuire ‘47 page 30

Letter from the Principal . . . . . . . . . . 4

Life as an Academy student during World War II.

Letter from Sister M. Shaughnessy . . 5 Accents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Panthers Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14 El Camino de Santiago . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16 Walking “the Way of St. James” through an alumna’s footsteps

The Lasting Legacy of Mrs. Lynn Burek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-21 Her shared vision for transformative growth helped revitalize the Academy for the future

Tributes to Mrs. Burek . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Living Laudato Si: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The mission of the Pollinators Committee

Alumnae News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-28 HERStory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-33

El Camino de Santiago, page 15 Follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Kilgore '19 as she and her mother journey along the Way of Saint James in Spain.

Toy Drive for St. Joseph’s Hospital, page 31 Toward Boundless Charity made a very special visit to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.

Mrs. Mary Conlin MacGuire ‘47 shares her Academy experience during World War II

Transformative Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 What’s old is new again in the Moran Library thanks to the support of Mrs. Suzy Moran

Supporting the Academy . . . . . . . . . 35 Knights of Saint Elizabeth LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

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Lynn A. Burek Principal Academy of Saint Elizabeth lburek@aose.info

I do not cease to give thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers... today and always.

– Ephesians 1:16

Dear Friends of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth Community, True to our mission, we have pursued excellence and in the process of learning and becoming “exactly who God has meant for us to be,” our young women have had some exceptional learning and faith experiences. As you will see in the pages of this edition of Legacy, the year has been marked by some outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Our students and their families truly live our mission and give of themselves in service to others committed to engaging in meaningful philanthropic and faith endeavors such as Toward Boundless Charity students adopting families from Josephine’s Place at Christmas and collecting craft supplies and toys for pediatric patients at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, collaborating with the National Honor Society to stock the Saint Elizabeth University food pantry for Thanksgiving, Spanish Club students participating in the Pulsera Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers and connects Central American artists with American schools for the purpose of creating lasting change in their communities, National Honor Society walking in support of breast cancer research, among so many other charitable initiatives. Our students are actively engaging with the world beyond the classroom and experiencing learning, faith and values through an authentic, global lens enhancing their understanding of our diverse world.

So much of the good work at the Academy stems from our incredible Parents’ Association. From the moment a cadre of enthusiastic parents showed up at our front door in July 2015 to this very day, our Parents’ Association has graciously and lovingly fostered community, caring and good will. They have also generously supported our school (and me) enhancing just about all that we do, providing a fun, festive, celebratory atmosphere – creating a tight knit community that is second to none! It has been an incredible honor and pleasure to work hand in hand with everyone who has been a part of the Parents’ Association – your impact is immeasurable and will be everlasting. I remain in awe of your energy, enthusiasm and love of our dear school.

In January, the Academy Board of Trustees Search Committee appointed a new Principal, Dr. Beth Azar. We thank them sincerely for their dedicated effort to bring a truly exemplary leader to the Academy. I am confident Dr. Azar will be a true blessing for this community – we share a common purpose and commitment to the future of the Academy and the advancement of our core values. Please join me in wishing her the very best.

To everyone with whom I crossed paths during my time as Principal: Sisters of Charity, Board of Trustees, students, parents, colleagues, alumnae and friends of the Academy, thank you sincerely for the beautiful memories that I take with me, along with admiration and gratitude for all of you. This was always a team effort – and because of

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your deep reverence for our school and God’s grace, together, we were able to accomplish the unimaginable. The Academy I leave behind is a polished, resplendent jewel radiantly beaming, ever so brightly – may her light shine always.

Thank you for your care and support, your kindness and compassion, your respect and confidence, and most of all, the grace and love you have shown me. Because of my relationships with all of you, I am forever changed.

Only by grace,

Lynn Burek Principal

Dear Friends, Lynn Burek has been an outstanding leader for the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. As the first lay principal, she has led the school over these last eight years with a dedication to the mission of educating young women, empowering them for leadership and instilling in them a commitment to live according to the values of the Gospel.

Lynn has successfully brought the Academy through the Middle States accreditation process and created the University Now program with Saint Elizabeth University. The environment created at the Academy and all the programs initiated have led to increased interest, applications and enrollment. The Academy is alive and flourishing!

Lynn’s time at the Academy has certainly seen its challenges. Together with her Administrative team and faculty, she navigated the COVID-19 period and kept the school open full time. The Academy became its own corporation in 2018 and Lynn worked successfully with the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff to create a six-year strategic plan.

Above all, Lynn embraced the Mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and has lived the Charism of Charity in her words and actions. We were blessed to have her.

We wish Lynn every blessing as she moves on from here and trust that the next phase of her life journey will be filled with numerous possibilities.

Sister Maureen Shaughnessy, S.C. General Superior Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

Above all, Lynn

embraced the Mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and has lived the Charism of Charity in her words and actions.

We were blessed to have her.

Peace,

Maureen Shaughnessy, S.C. General Superior

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(Left to Right) Tammy Bruno, P '25, Allie Orr, P'25, and Getchel Lubke, P '25, event chairs of A Night of Spirits.

Faculty and Administration were ready to celebrate the Academy's annual Halloween Assembly.

Halloween Fun The Academy Halloween Assembly is a longstanding tradition of frighteningly fun times shared by students, faculty and staff.

Arranged by the Student Council and under the guidance of Ms. Vukas, this year’s program boasted a variety of festive contests and games to raise our "spirits" as we celebrated Halloween as a school.

Students and staff voted for their favorite costumes in a variety of categories, and prizes were presented to all our winners.

Thank you to Ms. Vukas and the entire Student Council for truly bringing the spirit of Halloween to life here at the Academy.

Best Individual Costume: Mia Foer ‘24 as David Portnoy Best Teacher Costume: Dr. Altonjy as Gru Best Group Costume: Mrs. Prasad, Dr. Sharma, and Mrs. Sardana as Fashions of India Best Duo Costume: Riley Wasdyke ‘24 and Victoire Chupin ‘24 as Queen Elizabeth II and Royal Guard Funniest Costume: Madalena Benegas ‘25 as Bigfoot

Mummy Wrapping Contest: Samantha Sloan ‘24, Clare Farrell ‘24, and the Junior Class

The study hall was transformed into spectacular, spooky setting for Night of Spirits, the Academy’s fall fundraising event.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous wine tasting hosted by Main Street Wine Cellars in Madison, in addition to two exciting raffles.

Sanjay Srivastava, parent of UmaSofia, ‘25, won a fully-stocked beverage cooler. This year’s Tuition Raffle winner was Lisa Baca, a graduate of one of the Sisters of Charity high schools, St. Aloysius in Jersey City. Lisa was attending the Academy's first open house with her daughter in September when she scanned a QR code to purchase a ticket in the Study Hall.

Ringing in Christmas At the Academy

Halloween Charades Greta Servitto ‘24 and Dr. Reilly Oreo Eating Contest: Anne Rojak ‘26 Donut Eating Contest: Bridget Lomax ‘24 Spooky Musical Chairs: Piper Tricarico ‘25

Samantha Donnelly '26, Olive Sedlak '26, and Anne Rojack ‘26 take on their version of the Top Gun movie franchise.

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Ghoulishly Good Times

LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

The Academy's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony was a cheery celebration of the Christmas season. In addition to the lighting of our growing evergreen tree near the front entrance of the Academy, this year's festivities included performances by our Academy Dance program and Choir. Thank you to all our performing students and attendees who came to ring in the Christmas season with us!

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AOSE & CO.

accents

The Annual Mother-Daughter Tea at The Academy The Academy’s annual MotherDaughter Tea took on the look of a certain luxurious blue-box brand, capturing the essence of true elegance and refinement.

With Holly Golightly style sunglasses, glamorous pearl necklaces, and Audrey Hepburn as inspiration, the Study Hall was transfigured into a space where our students and their mothers were treated like true celebrities. A chocolate fountain, Tiffany-blue candy bar and AOSE & CO. photo props were some of the highlights.

Prior to the event, attendees celebrated Mass in Holy Family Chapel with Fr. Thomas Fallone, Pastor of St. Thomas More Church.

Thank you to event chairwomen April MacNaughton, P ‘25, Lucia Spina, P ‘25 and Committee: Jennifer Kelly, P ‘23, ‘24 and Marguerite Toohey, P ‘25 for helping bring this wonderful Academy tradition to life this year!

Traditions of Academy SEAsterhood

Credit: Joe Gigli

Joann Ranalletti, a graduate of the (then) College of Saint Elizabeth, Class of 1959, traveled down memory lane when she saw a singular photo posted in The Beacon, the Diocese of Paterson's newspaper. The photo was of three seniors at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, joyously singing and welcoming Bishop Sweeney for his annual Bishop's Mass in Holy Family Chapel. Joann took the time and wrote the following to The Beacon's editor: "When I saw the picture of the three young women who are students at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth welcoming Bishop Sweeney at Mass in the Chapel of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth University, I was impressed with their enthusiastic attitudes and pride in their religion and school. I find it interesting that these three were all wearing Varsity Sweaters! That was a walk down memory lane for me when I was a student at the College of St. Elizabeth from 1955-1959, and each class had to wear a specific colored jacket and cap. My class's color was red. No matter what class, we wore them with pride as St. E's girls, as I am confident these girls wear their Academy sweaters. Have a wonderful year at a wonderful school.

Thank God every day for this wonderful opportunity your family has given you to be educated at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. Be the "Best You Can Be!" LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

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N E W AT T H E A C A D E MY

Fairleigh Dickinson University Partnership Athletic internship program offers exclusive experiences for Academy students Catherine Schneider ‘23 and Katharine Acken ‘23 pose with Ms. Kelly Abner, Director of Athletics, at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Athletics building.

This past winter, Academy of Saint Elizabeth partnered with Fairleigh Dickinson University to launch a Winter/Spring Intercollegiate Athletics Internship Program. The program is focused on providing students with the opportunity to work in FDU’s College Athletic Department as a high school intern. Interns will have the opportunity to gain real-life experience in the fields of sports communication, journalism, coaching, facilities operations and athletic administration.

Qualified students are selected for the program based on their skills, abilities and career goals. Once accepted, they are assigned to work alongside a college

athletic director or coach. Exposure to college athletic administration as a high school student not only prepares our young women for college experiences as students and athletes, but the opportunity helps differentiate our students through an exclusive, unique experience not offered to many other local schools.

Six Academy students were accepted into the first semester of the program, including Katharine Acken ‘23, Kate Condon ‘23, Margaret Callahan ‘23, Lola Ricciardelli ‘23, Catherine Schneider ‘23, and Maggie Sullivan ‘23. The group reported to Terry van Auken, Internship Coordinator at FDU. Van Auken helped

place each student in positions related to their current interests in the field of college athletic administration.

In her first days of her internship, Maggie Sullivan ‘23 worked with the televised/broadcasting team at FDU. In her role, she was behind the scenes helping to produce broadcasts of FDU’s televised sporting events. Internship experiences like this provide students with experiential learning opportunities rarely available to high school students.

The Academy looks forward to building our partnership with FDU in the future as we seek to provide the best educational experiences for our students.

From our SEAsters to our Sisters Giving back to the Sisters of Charity at Christmas Toward Boundless Charity ushered in the Christmas season at the Academy by making gift bags for the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Each bag had packets of hot chocolate, candy canes and a pair of fuzzy socks to keep their spirits bright throughout the Christmas season! Giving back to the Sisters of Charity helped make the holiday season of giving extra special.

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accents

A Crowning Moment UmaSofia Srivastava ‘25 wins 2023 Miss Teen New Jersey title

Love Never Fails The first Mass of the school year was celebrated by Bishop Kevin Sweeney

In a dazzling moment, UmaSofia Srivastava’s life was completely changed.

Standing on stage in front of a crowd of thousands, countless hours of preparation culminated in the crowning moment of UmaSofia’s life. One of our very own SEAsters achieved the pinnacle of pageantry that only one young woman achieves each year: being named Miss Teen New Jersey 2023. UmaSofia is the first Mexican-Indian individual to be crowned Miss Teen New Jersey in state history. Now, newly crowned, she has met countless individuals at various public events, including at the New Jersey State House where she received a resolution in her honor. Throughout the upcoming year, she will make hundreds of appearances, representing our state, her nationality and background, and the Academy of Saint Elizabeth.

Words from our Bishop, as posted to Instagram on September 13, 2023: Thanks to the School Community at Academy of Saint Elizabeth for the opportunity to celebrate with them, the Opening Mass for the School Year!!

As we reflected on the Readings of the Day, I mentioned how the end of 12th leads into the (well known) 13th Chapter of St. Paul's, 1st Letter to the Corinthians, "... Love is patient, Love is kind...". Here's the entire verse: If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.

And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, . it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Follow Bishop Sweeney on Instagram!

@BISHOPKEVINSWEENEY

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C AT H O L I C S C H O O L S W E E K

Celebration and Service Academy students heralded our mission during Catholic Schools Week 2023 The Academy kicked off a festive 2023 Catholic Schools Week celebration with a Blue & Gold Tag Day, alongside the excitement of our annual “Hide-And-Paw Seek” event. Students scoured the building for hidden panther paws, each corresponding to a prize for the lucky winner. Prizes included candy, Academy spirit gear, and discount coupons to the Panther Shop!

On Tuesday, the Academy joined the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in Holy Family Chapel to celebrate Holy Mass in memory of Mother Mary Xavier, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. St. Thomas More Church Pastor, Fr. Thomas Fallone led the Mass, and Deacon Peter Fiore’s homily reminded us of all the wonderful gifts afforded to our students because of Catholic Education.

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Braving the brisk winter weather, students donned coats and hats before heading out in the cold for Wednesday’s campus-wide scavenger hunt. Students worked in groups to answer Academy trivia questions and take group photos at various locations, including the Greek Theater, Softball Field, and our treasured Shakespeare Garden.

On Thursday, “Birthday at the Beth’ celebrated the 163rd birthday of the Academy, and students celebrated with cake and the full birthday party experience in the Study Hall.

Alyssa Rossini ‘23 and Siena Bascom ‘23 distributed programs prior to the Academy’s Catholic Schools Week Mass in Holy Family Chapel.

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion,

LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

for God loves a cheerful giver.

–2 Corinthians 9:7

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accents

In closing out festivities of Catholic Schools Week, the Academy community celebrated how the values of service and selflessness are at the core of a Catholic education. On Friday, freshmen and sophomores exemplified these values through a myriad of service projects throughout the Academy. Students designed cards for veterans, crafted

blankets for homeless shelters and assembled activity kits for sick children in the hospital. Our young women also learned about Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth who embodied the very essence of service. Students visited her shrine in Holy Family Chapel as they explored the history of her incredible life.

Juniors and Seniors spent their day at the Community Foodbank of New Jersey where they helped pack boxes food items for communities in need.

The very essence of our Catholic identity—to serve one another through love— could be seen and felt through all our students’ efforts throughout this celebratory week of Catholic education.

Toy Drive for St. Joseph’s Hospital called “High School Job Shadow Program” and met the Sisters who live at the convent on campus.

The Academy is so grateful to Mrs. Jennifer Mendrzycki for planning a wonderful day for our Toward Boundless Charity members, and to her family for graciously underwriting the cost of our bus transportation.

In January, members of Toward Boundless Charity visited Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, which was founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth since 1867.

A schoolwide drive was held during Catholic Schools week, collecting toys, games and crafts for the children at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. With an overwhelming outpouring of support from the Academy community, over 500 items were delivered to the hospital’s Child Life Center.

During their visit, Academy students met with members of the hospital’s exec-

utive team, including Mrs. Jennifer Mendrzycki, P ‘26, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and her esteemed colleagues. They presented a program detailing the history of the hospital’s healthcare system, the role of a child life specialist, and the importance of a foundation in a hospital system. Students also met the Chairman of Pediatrics, Dr. Michael Lamacchia and received a warm welcome by the President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mr. Kevin J. Slavin.

Additionally, the students explored a new program for high school students

Greta Servitto '24 meets with Dr. Eileen Clifford, SC, when visiting St. Joseph's Hospital. Dr. Clifford, affectionately known as "Cliffy," is a close friend of Greta's grandmother.

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from the SPORTS DESK Field Hockey Team Advanced to NJSIAA Tournament Quarterfinals The Field Hockey team put on one of its strongest seasons this past fall, culminating in an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Tournament. Coach Jessica Cullari led the team to an 8 win season, which is the most single-season wins since 2017-2018. Seniors Magnolia Kern, Katie Acken, Brynn Kearns, Sonali Suri, Sydney Foer, and Margaret Callahan, all provided great leadership and support to their fellow players. Facing a difficult start to the season, the Panthers advanced to 7-3 by mid-October. Some close victories in final matches led the Panthers to a

spot in the NJSIAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.

The Panthers entered the tournament with a desire to prove themselves worthy.

Facing Red Bank Catholic, the team took an early lead in the first quarter with a goal scored by Emerson Lezynski ‘25, assisted

by Brynn Kearns ‘23. The 1-0 score was bolstered by a third quarter goal from Abigail Villa ‘24, assisted by Addison Heuck ‘25. The team went on to win 2-0 in great part due to the 9 saves of Mia Foer ‘24 throughout the game, granting passage to the quarterfinals.

Seniors Sydney Foer, Brynn Kearns, Katharine Acken, Magnolia Kern, Sonali Suri, and Margaret Callahan played their hardest on the field throughout the season and into the playoffs.

During the quarterfinals matchup against Kent Place, the Panthers played their hardest against a worthy opponent.

Despite a tough loss, they did prove they are a force to be reckoned with in upcoming seasons as the team seeks to build off this year’s strong successes.

Panthers Volleyball Serves Up Record-Breaking Season It was a stellar season for Panthers Volleyball, with numerous milestones and accomplishments achieved by the team.

Under the guidance of Coach Andrew Jacobs, the Panthers amassed a 15-11 record for the season, with an 8-2 record in the division. Seniors Jordan Brenner, Ella Mansfield, Amelia Calveric, Colleen Dooley, and Lola Ricciardelli all played pivotal roles in supporting the team in each match. Starting off the season on a 8-0 tear, the Panthers were positioned early on for a playoff berth. They captured the title in the Independence Division of the Northwestern Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) for the first time in Academy history. This secured a place in the NJSIAA State Tournament as a No. 4 seed.

In the first round against Saddle River Day School, the Panthers claimed the victory behind the individual, single season achievements of players Clare Farrell '24 12

and Amanda Chambers '24 in which Clare earned her 300th kill and Amanda garnered her 400th season assist, upping her career total to 800. The team subsequently earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament against Mother Seton, where the Panthers played valiantly in a 2-1 loss. In that game, Lola Ricciardelli ‘23 amassed 15 digs, breaking the Academy season record with 178 total digs. She would finish her career with 311 digs—the highest recorded in Academy history.

Colleen Dooley ‘23 also accrued her 100th kill of the season, ending her Panther career with 229 kills, the second most in school history. Colleen Dooley ‘23 and Clare Farrell ‘24 are the first teammates to each score triple digit kills in the same season, another record-breaking milestone.

Alongside these achievements, the Volleyball team set all time records in wins, kills, digs, assists, and aces. With a season

LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

Seniors Colleen Dooley, Lola Ricciardelli, Amelia Calveric, Jordan Brenner, and Ella Mansfield led the Panthers on the court to a record-breaking season.

for the ages, the 2022-2023 Volleyball team has surely “spiked” their legacy in Academy athletics history.

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The 2022-2023 Academy Soccer team poses for their group photo prior to a Pink Out match in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

FALL & WINTER ‘22

CONFERENCE HONORS

Seniors Lead a Hard Fought Season for Panthers Soccer Led this season by Seniors Kathleen Byrne, Kate Condon, Lauren Santoriello, Emilia Lucas, Isabella Cortes, Emma Dietz, Katelynn Clifford, Lucia Ferriso, Ava Marcantonio, Allison Shannon, Catherine Schneider, and Maggie Sullivan, Panthers Soccer played a hard fought season as they focused on developing new talent with the impending graduation of senior

players in the Class of 2023. With some close matches throughout the season, the Panthers persevered together, honing important skills as a team, both on and off the field. The future looks bright for the Panthers Soccer team as numerous underclasswomen prepare to step up and take charge on the field for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.

Aces Abound: Panthers Tennis Heads to NJSIAA Tournament with 7-1 Record

First Team All-Conference Ava Marcantonio (Soccer) Emer Vesey (Tennis) Alyssa Rossini (Tennis) Clare Farrell (Volleyball) Amanda Chambers (Volleyball) Anne Rojack (Field Hockey) Greta Servitto (Basketball) Second Team All-Conference Catherine Schneider (Soccer) Caroline Clarke (Tennis) Luciana Guido (Tennis) Avery Kelly (Tennis) Emma Kelly (Tennis) Madeleine Soliman (Tennis) Lola Ricciardelli (Volleyball) Colleen Dooley (Volleyball) Addison Heuck (Field Hockey) Brynn Kearns (Field Hockey) Ella Delatush (Field Hockey) Molly McHale (Basketball) Honorable Mention All-Conference Emma Bradley (Cross Country) Grace Gehm (Soccer) Caroline O'Callaghan (Soccer) Greta Servitto (Volleyball) Fiona Farrell (Field Hockey) Grace Gehm (Basketball) Kasey Desiderio (Swim) Caitlin Flanagan (Swim)

Behind the skills of seniors Samantha Lado, Alyssa Rossini, Emma Kelly, Caroline Clarke, Emer Vesey, and Annabella Biondo, the Tennis team achieved great heights over the past four years.

Following a strong 2021-2022 season, Panthers Tennis hit the courts sprinting with Head Coaches Ellen Edson and Joan Braulio at the helm. A 7-0 start to the season was achieved in great part due to Seniors Annabella Biondo, Caroline Clarke, Emma Kelly, Alyssa Rossini, Samantha Lado, and Emer Vesey. Strong-handed victories against Boonton, Pequannock, and Vernon displayed the team’s strengths on

the court in both singles and doubles play.

The team entered the NJSIAA Tournament with a 7-1 record, facing off against the Academy of the Holy Angels. Despite falling to the strong Angels team, the Panthers were proud of a well-played match.

Up-and-coming players Sophie Deutsch ‘24, Avery Kelly ‘24, and Luciana Guido ‘25, have already set their sights on capturing the team’s next divisional title.

Academic All-Conference Clare Farrell Anne Rojack Catherine Schneider Addison Heuck Colleen Dooley Brynn Kearns Caroline Clarke Ella Delatush Luciana Guido Greta Servitto Avery Kelly Emma Kelly Alyssa Rossini

FALL & WINTER ‘22

ALL COUNTY HONORS Third Team Ava Marcantonio (Soccer) Honorable Mention Catherine Schneider (Soccer) Caroline O'Callaghan (Soccer) Brynn Kearns (Field Hockey)

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AquaPanthers Make Waves with Record Breaking Performances

The Aqua-Panthers continued to break records behind Seniors Brynn Kearns, Sydney Foer, Naomi Murphy, Katharine Acken, Alex McCarus, and Sophia Dobrusin.

Seniors Katharine Acken, Sophia Dobrusin, Sydney Foer, Brynn Kearns, Alexa McCarus, and Naomi Murphy led the AquaPanthers to another record-breaking season. Kasey Desiderio ‘25 accounted for several 1st Place finishes throughout the season in competitions including the 100 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle (Undefeated), 500 Freeform (Undefeated), and more. Rookie senior Brynn Kearns ‘23 garnered incredible accolades and found her stride in the 200 Freestyle, 200 Individual Medley, and 200 Medley Relay, placing

1st and 2nd Place in several meets.

Sydney Foer ‘23, another rookie senior, contributed in numerous events throughout the season, including the 200 Medley Relay and the 50 Freestyle.

Personal records broken include Alexa McCarus ‘23, dropping 40 seconds in her 500 Freestyle and over 20 seconds in the 200 Freestyle. Shannon Hunt ‘25 dropped over 30 seconds in her 200 Freestyle, over 45 seconds in the 500 Freestyle, and over 10 seconds in her 100 Butterfly.

Bounceback Season For Panthers Varsity Basketball After a tough 2021-22 battle, varsity Basketball had a bounceback season, garnering a 7-5 NJAC Independence record and 11 overall wins on the season. Greta Servitto ’24 led the team on the court with 355 total points scored (103 two-pointers, 20 three-pointers, and 91 free throws made) and an astounding 230 rebounds. It was an incredible season for Molly McHale ‘23 who scored 210 total points (44 two-pointers, 37 threepointers, and 11 free throws made). Despite being sidelined by various injuries, Seniors Kate Condon, Colleen Dooley, Molly McHale, Catherine Scheider, and Maggie Sullivan all contributed to the team’s success.

Major wins included victories over Dover (Final Score: 47-11), Veritas Christian Academy (Final Score: 60-19), Villa Walsh Academy (Final Score: 39-20), Whippany Park (Final Score: 65-39), and Parsippany (Final Score: 40-28). Greta Servitto ‘24 was named a finalist for NJ.com’s Player of the Week, finishing a close 2nd place for her achievements on the court.

Molly McHale ‘23 was selected to participate In the Morris County All-Star Game, and took home the victory in the 3-Point Shootout.

The final matchup of the season vs. St. Dominic Academy (Jersey City) in the NJSIAA Tournament was an intense back-and-forth game extending into overtime. Despite the loss, the Panthers had an amazing season and are looking to next year with greater prospects of success.

Greta Servitto ‘24 accrued numerous accolades and record-breaking accomplishments throughout the season, helping lead the Panthers to a playoff birth.

Division Names Ice Hockey Junior “Unsung Hero” Mia Foer ‘24 was joined by upstart player Audrey Rohlf ‘26 this year on the Academy of Saint Elizabeth-Morris Catholic Co-Op Ice Hockey team. While Audrey spent the season honing her skills in practice, Mia took to the ice for some competitive bouts with a stellar performance in the teams 6-1 victory over Parsippany Hills, scoring a goal in the 2nd Period.

Mia was selected by the divisions’ coaches to receive the Harry Shatel Memorial Award (“Unsung Hero Award) for 14

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the Charette Division in recognition of her humility, character, compassion, community service and commitment. She embodies these characteristics on the ice and in every interaction she has with others, whether it be at school or elsewhere. With her tireless work and dedication to being a well-rounded hockey player and young woman, the Academy community is exceptionally proud of Mia’s reception of this prestigious award.

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El Camino de Santiago

Walking the “Way of St. James” Elizabeth Kilgore ‘19

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake.

The great affair is to move.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson I was twelve years old when I first watched The Way in my sixth grade religion class. Martin Sheen plays a stubborn doctor who walks El Camino de Santiago in a valiant act of homage to his estranged son, who died tragically along the route. I resolved on that day to complete my own Camino, and nearly ten years later, I did.

The name El Camino de Santiago translates to “the way of St. James,” and it describes a vast network of pilgrimages weaving throughout Europe and converging at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Every year, El Camino attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from every end of the Earth, hoping to follow in the footsteps of St. James and perhaps leave their own behind. Though every pilgrim embarks from a different starting point and

for a different reason, pilgrims are united by a shared commitment to weather the roads to Santiago.

I was beyond fortunate to walk El Camino with my mom, Geraldine. We walked over 400 miles on El Camino Portuguese, a leg of the Camino beginning in Lisbon, Portugal and stretching north through Portugal before crossing into Spain. We walked on every kind of surface imaginable — pavement, cobblestone, sand, dirt, grass, boardwalk.

We walked along oceans and highways and through eucalyptus forests and rainstorms.

Our first ten days on El Camino were marked by a heat wave that moved through Europe with ferocity. Those days were mostly spent walking through farmlands, meaning there was little shade to shield us from the blazing sun and

temperatures reaching 106°F. In addition to our backpacks holding all of our belongings, we carried up to ten pounds of water, sometimes traveling as far as ten miles without water stops. Those early days tested our willpower as every muscle in our bodies adjusted to their new normal.

Our daily routine was simple. We typically awoke hours before the sun to beat the heat, laced our trail shoes, and walked. And walked, and walked, and walked. We often arrived in the next town by late afternoon, just in time for a much-needed lunch and siesta. We used whatever strength we had left in our legs to explore the towns we passed through, collecting fragments of the unique history and personality of each. By each evening, we crawled into our hostel beds and fell fast asleep.

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SEASTER SPOTLIGHT

“N O P ILGRI M WA L KS ALONE .”

Early into their journey, Kilgore and her mom met other travelers from many different cultures, who will always be remembered as their "Camino Family".

Though many pilgrims arrive on El Camino solo, no pilgrim ever walks alone.

Early into our journey, we met our “Camino Family,” which expanded with each day of our journey. We often enjoyed lively, multilingual dinners with those we met on the road, employing the Spanish and Portuguese skills we had honed along the way. When we lacked a linguistic medium for communication, we relied heavily on pantomime and translation apps. Though we hailed from different parts of the world, we were united in our shared journey.

The last day of El Camino was full of emotions. It was one of the hilliest stretches of our journey, a final challenge before the finish line. The moment we

Elizabeth Kilgore ‘19 stepped into the vast plaza of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was surreal. We were joined by hundreds of other pilgrims completing their journeys, and though we had all come from different places, our paths had led us to the same destination.

In the months since returning home from Santiago, I have often found myself thinking back to the days of El Camino fondly. I think about the roads, the fiery heat and tired feet, the bonds we formed and those we strengthened, and the faith that carried us when we were too tired to walk. I hope to return to El Camino one day, but until then, I will carry the memories with me with a full heart, a grateful soul, and a sore leg or two.

Ms. Elizabeth Kilgore graduated from the Academy of Saint Elizabeth in 2019 as Valedictorian. The second of four sisters to attend the Academy, she was the recipient of the highly prestigious Jefferson Scholarship, awarded to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, in addition to supplemental enrichment experiences.

Elizabeth graduated in May with a B.A. in Cognitive Science and a minor in Social Entrepreneurship. She is excited to continue her education this fall at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce.

She has earned the Clark Construction Scholarship, another fully-funded scholarship, to pursue a Master's in Commerce on a Finance Track.

Careful preparation was key as the Elizabeth and her mom planned their trek. When walking hundreds of miles a light backpack is critically important, but so are essentials like sunscreen, rugged shoes and gear for the varied geography of their journey. At right, Elizabeth Kilgore ‘19 stocks up on water as she and her mother prepared to walk 400 miles in the blazing hot Spanish sun.

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The

LASTING LEGACY of Mrs. Burek

How the Academy’s first lay principal transformed the future

of the oldest all-girls Catholic high school in New Jersey Joseph Ziaya, Director of Communications

S

everal Christian symbols and traditions are derived from the text of a second-century manuscript known as the Physiologus. Though composed by an unknown author, it bears import eighteen centuries later — especially to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. One such symbol recorded in Physiologus is that of the pelican feeding her starving nestlings with her own blood by pecking her breast, mortally wounding herself so that her children may live. This eloquent symbol is found in the seal of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, as well as in the Academy of Saint Elizabeth’s school logo and crest. Another symbol recounted in Physiologus is that of the legendary phoenix, a bird which burns with blazing fire into its eventual own ending, yet arises anew, eternal and transformed; a perfect blending of its old and new selves into one being.

In many ways, the legacy Mrs. Lynn Burek has etched into the Academy of Saint Elizabeth resembles that of the mythology attributed to the pelican and the phoenix: selfless love and transformative power. Her Photo Credit: Ellen Denuto

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Mrs. Burek met with Academy students at the outset of her tenure as principal, gaining firsthand insight from their high school experiences.

eight years as principal of the Academy have enabled great transformations in academics, extracurriculars, social life, and expression of mission, all while remaining true to the historic 163-year-old legacy started in 1860 by Mother Mary Xavier and her fellow Sisters of Charity. Mrs. Burek is herself a symbol of the Academy, transforming and changing when the Sisters of Charity entrusted her to be the first lay principal.

When Mrs. Burek accepted the offer as principal, she knew she was being called upon to care for and grow the school’s history.

“There is an incredibly rich history here and I planned to come in and do my best to honor this longstanding legacy.”

From day one, Mrs. Burek’s vision for the Academy could be summed up with one word: community. She did not seek to impose her idea of what a high school

should be. Rather, her desire to help strengthen the success of the Academy was achieved through her selfless collaboration with others with shared goals for the school’s thriving future.

“My idea for the Academy was to use the vision of the people who were already here: the Sisters of Charity, the parents, the students, and the faculty and staff. It had to be a shared vision.”

That shared vision commenced by diligently preparing and equipping the Academy for the future of education. With

only 124 students enrolled in the school at the start of Mrs. Burek’s tenure as principal, the task of transforming the Academy was vital to its future success. Today, as Mrs. Burek enters her retirement, the school boasts an enrollment of 222 students. The Academy, a phoenix rising anew, offers the rigorous and competitive educational experience required in the 21st century, while at the same time remaining true to its original mission, traditions, and identity as the oldest all-girls Catholic high school in the State of New Jersey.

But how did this transformative vision come to fruition as a thriving school? For Mrs. Burek, the answer is clear.

“It started with fostering a wonderful balance of academics, athletics, extracurriculars, service, etc. The Academy was a diamond in the rough and all it needed was a little polishing by every stakeholder in this wonderful community.”

And so the metamorphosis began. As with any transformation or change, there were moments of difficulty, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Year after year, through Mrs. Burek’s unwavering leadership, the Academy stayed the course and began to rekindle itself into a competitive option for talented young women seeking a premier education within a warm and nurturing environment.

One primary focus was to highlight

“It was my hope to foster a warm, caring, inviting energy in the hallways and classrooms of this historic building.”

A HISTORY of Excellence

A timeline of the remarkable principals whose leadership will forever be part of the Academy legacy of success.

18

1860 1877

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Sister Mary Agnes O’Neill

1877 1922

Sister Mary Pauline Kelligar

1919 1921 1924-1932

Sister Mary AGNES SHARKEY

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the robust, welcoming nature of the Academy. Upon stepping foot in the door, Mrs. Burek wanted current and prospective students, families and alumnae to sense the atmosphere of the building.

“Every building has a pulse, I say, and you can feel that pulse the minute you step into a building. I think it is the role of the principal to set the energy of that pulse. It was my hope to foster a warm, caring, inviting energy in the hallways and classrooms of this historic building.”

This warm tone, akin to the warmth of a phoenix rising from the flames, gave way to new beginnings that would set the Academy on a path of future growth, especially in the programs offered to its students and the community at large. The Academy experienced a major transformation to its academic programs under Mrs. Burek’s expert guidance.

At the start of Mrs. Burek’s tenure, the formerly named College Now program offered just one theology class at the Academy, enabling students to earn college credit before graduation. Through Mrs. Burek’s shared vision of growth, more college courses were quickly added to the curriculum. Today, in conjunction with Saint Elizabeth University, the University Now program offers six different courses for which students can earn college credit in a variety of subject areas including theology, history and the arts. Popular University Now classes include Exploring the Basics of Judaism, Christianity & Islam and Freedom, Power & Politics.

The Academy’s elective offerings also experienced strategic enhancements. A more robust elective program would give Academy young women more options to discover what their future dreams looked

Mrs. Burek stands with Ann Lauenstein Korogolos '59, prior to the 2016 Commencement Ceremony. Mrs. Korogolos was only the second woman to ever hold the position of Department of Labor Secretary in United States history.

1921 1924 1932-1947

Sister Mary JOSEPHINE BOUR

1947 1951

like beyond high school.

“I am proud of the elective program that we have grown here. It is rich and diverse, providing the students with the ability to explore different areas of education, especially in the areas of STEM, the arts and technology, more relevant to young women in the 21st Century.”

These new advancements in the Academy’s offerings also initiated greater familiarity amongst families, students, faculty and staff. Collaboration was a hallmark of Mrs. Burek’s time as principal, defined by a myriad of integral relationships helping to elevate the Academy standards of excellence. When the school was separately incorporated in 2018, Mrs. Burek remained steadfast at the helm of the transformative venture. Guiding the school through this time of transition, she maintained strong ties with the Sisters of

Mrs. Burek speaks to graduates in the Study Hall prior to their Commencement ceremony.

Sister HELEN cecilia MURPHY

1951 1965

Sister GRACE BENIGNA LALONGE

1965 1967

Sister CLARE MAJELLA SCANLON

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Mrs. Burek visited Costa Rica this past year with Academy faculty and students during our Easter Break overseas program where she joined the students on a thrilling ziplining adventure.

Charity while also forging positive relationships with the newly formed Board of Trustees. Managing the expectations of both challenged Mrs. Burek to push the Academy to envision their future as an educational powerhouse. “The Sisters entrusted me to their oldest and, I think, most beloved ministry. There is great responsibility that comes along with such trust. I simply tried to live up to that, each and every day.”

In addition to the relationships formed with the Sisters of Charity and the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Burek’s welcoming presence helped construct pillars of great confidence within our community of

Mrs. Burek poses with a portrait, painted and gifted to her on behalf of the Class of 2023 by Emilia Lucas ‘23.

families, students, faculty and staff.

“I wanted to develop an environment where the girls are happy to come here every day; where staff is happy to come to work. That is what you want in a school.”

And that is the culture Mrs. Burek built over the years: a pulsing, lively, welcoming school ton the forefront of education. Her collegial, warm, and inviting personality is a Mrs. Burek’s most defining characteristic, and one that allows for truly deep connections between the principal and faculty and staff. Her approach fostered a work environment focused on a simple shared vision: growing and elevating the Academy for generations of young women in

“I wanted to develop an environment

where the girls are happy to come here every day;

Mrs. Burek shares some inspiring thoughts following the Academy's Ash Wednesday Mass in Holy Family Chapel.

where staff is happy to come to work.”

1967 1986 20

Sister KATHLEEN O’BRIEN

1987 2003

Sister Patricia Mary McMullen

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2003 2013

Sister PATRICIA COSTELLO, OP

2014 2015

Sister glORIA O’BRIEN

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the future.

Complex processes like reaccreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools highlighted areas of great strength and potential, driving the core principles of the Academy’s strategic plan recently instituted as a pathway for the future.

Yet in the end, Mrs. Burek believes the most important aspect of the Academy is its people. “I always say it is the people who make a school what it is. What I will miss most are the people who make up our Academy community.”

As Principal, she would experience her favorite tradition one final time before bidding farewell to the Academy: Gradu-

ation. During every educational career, many will experience “phoenix-like” moments, where one journey ends as a new one begins. Graduation is a perfect example of one of these transformative moments, where our young women take what the Academy has imparted and create for themselves a new future.

One eternal lesson instilled by the Academy is the selfless love of the pelican, willingly giving of itself for another. In many ways, the pelican illustrates the foundational bond of SEAsterhood which has come to define the Academy and Mrs. Burek’s own personal faith. The moment our young women graduate, their transformation from freshman year Erin Kilgore '22 was awarded the first ever Academy of Saint Elizabeth Lead With Your Heart Award, as instituted

by Mrs. Burek and Mrs. Corvo.

Mrs. Burek and members of the administration and faculty delivered celebratory lawn signs to members of the Class of 2020 during the initial onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

to senior year is complete, and they will embark on a new, bigger journey. As each graduation passes, another group of beautiful women become inextricably tied to the history that is the Academy of Saint Elizabeth.

“Graduation is the culmination of four years of transformation for these students.

Seeing the young women they emerge as, particularly on that day, is always the most rewarding.”

And so, as Mrs. Burek’s time as principal of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth comes to an end, her legacy is forever etched in our own historic 163-year-old manuscript. As the embers of her time at the Academy begin to cool like that of the phoenix, her legendary, selfless love—akin to that of the pelican—will fuel the bright, burning future the Academy possesses all because of the outstanding leadership of Mrs. Lynn Burek.

A Future of Promise

2015 2023

MRS. LYNN BUREK

2023 present

DR. elizaBETH Azar

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth proudly welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Azar as the 13th Principal in our 163 year history. We look forward to the numerous opportunities Dr. Azar plans to bring to the Academy.

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TRIBUTES to Mrs. Burek Mrs. Burek, thank you so much for your hard work at the Academy. The warm and friendly disposition that you embody made AOSE an enjoyable community to be a part of.

There is no doubt you left a positive impact on all of the students and faculty. We appreciate your dedication for everything you have done to make the Academy a better place for us to learn and grow as students to prepare us for our future endeavors. We are all so grateful for you.

Thank you for the grace you brought to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth! May this sense of grace continue to guide and nourish you on the next step of your journey. Thank you!

– Dr. Kimberly Borin Faculty Member | Theology Department

– Ms. Emma Chiofolo ‘22 I am so thankful for Mrs. Burek and her dedication to Catholic education. She steered the Academy through some very challenging times and worked hard to maintain the spirit and traditions of the Academy through it all. Under her leadership, the Academy has thrived, becoming a place where the girls can grow academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally.

I am grateful for my daughter’s experience at the Academy and grateful that Mrs. Burek was at the helm. Catholic education is more important than ever, and Mrs. Burek has made the Academy a place where our daughters can learn how to become the women God made them to be. May God bless her in her retirement!

– Mrs. Joanne Roethlin, P ‘22

With daughters in the Classes of 2019 & 2024, as parents we have only known the Academy of Saint Elizabeth with Mrs. Burek at the helm. As the first lay principal of The Academy, Mrs. Burek’s steady leadership to students and all stakeholders of the Academy advanced the now 163-year old high school to a modern and needed phase. Mrs. Burek continued the Academy’s focus on a Catholic values-based education, retained and understood the Academy’s deep history and traditions, and built upon and advanced the school to new heights.

She made appropriate academic changes while hiring true professionals, expanding staff and growing enrollment. Unbeknownst at the time, when a global pandemic hit in 2020, the impact of Mrs. Burek’s first five years became all the more meaningful. Mrs. Burek and her team maneuvered the Academy through an unprecedented time for which there was no playbook while keeping students’ best interest in mind. We are all so thankful Mrs. Burek was there as an educator and leader when she was needed the most. Our students are forever grateful. Thank you, Mrs. Burek. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement – you have certainly earned it!

– Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Malone, P ‘19, ‘24

“You don't choose your family. They are

God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

– Bishop Desmond Tutu

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is a family and the community has been blessed by the gift of your presence at its helm. We, as one individual family, are filled with gratitude for your service and wish you many blessings as you start the next chapter of your life! – The Beck Family, ‘21 22

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Mrs. Burek has been a thoughtful and strong leader! I especially admired the way she handled the pandemic, giving our daughters the best possible situation during a tough time. AOSE was easily the best example of keeping a school safe but still open and operating at the highest level. She has been a great role model for our girls, always offering kindness and grace. We wish Mrs. Burek a happy, restful and fun retirement! Thank you for all you have done for our school and our daughters.

- Mrs. Elizabeth Hathway Muir, P ‘22

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Mrs. Burek began her time as the Academy's Principal as I started my journey as a freshman. I never knew the Academy without her, nor would I want to! Mrs. Burek had a way of speaking to students that not only calmed us but also invigorated and straightened us out. Mrs. Burek was passionate about volunteering, investing in young women, and Catholicism. During tense political elections, current events and more, Mrs. Burek was our rock in morning prayer, afternoon dismissal, and the day-to-day. She was always there for us, office door ajar.I recall a conversation with Mrs. Burek leaving our Thanksgiving prayer service. My dear friend had commented on how she loved the shortened day, because our class periods were only 45-minutes long as opposed to the normal 55-minutes. As I smiled foolishly in agreement, Mrs. Burek approached the two of us and said, "and you are now in a state of grace to take on the rest of your day!" At first, we felt embarrassed and childish, but looking back on this moment now, this was just what we needed, and her words certainly stuck like glue! This moving moment illustrates how appreciative my fellow graduates and I are of the time and care the Academy invested in us not only academically but, more importantly, spiritually. I encourage everyone to take Mrs. Burek's spirit with you; indeed, she may leave her desk, but her aura drapes the halls. As you and I exit our next prayer service in a newfound state of grace and keep Mrs. Burek in mind, let us think: what will we make of the rest of our day?

– Ms. Olivia Cordano ‘19 Mrs. Burek has been such a guiding force and kind light for AOSE students and their families. We have felt completely confident in her skills as a leader and comforted by her wholeness as a human.

We have watched AOSE grow forward while never losing its heart and soul. Mrs. Burek welcomed everyone and made all her students feel loved.

We wish her the very best in her next adventure.

We will miss you!

– The Mansfield Family, ‘23, ‘26

Mrs. Burek – You are one of a kind, a rainbow and sunshine in the clouds! Thank you for being an incredible professional and life mentor to me. Even though we were only able to connect and work together for a few months, you had a profound impact on my life. Your demeanor, strong work ethic, and generous spirit have inspired me to grow as a person through character and kindness. Thank you for your dedication to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I know you’ll continue to brighten others' day by putting a smile on their face, wherever the next chapter begins. Thank you again for everything and best wishes!

– Ms. Kelly Abner Director of Athletics

Mrs. Burek has put the Academy of Saint Elizabeth back on the map! Her strength of character, compassion and her caring for the school and the students we all love, have been admirable. Who would have thought eight years ago, when we had the wonderful good fortune of having Mrs. Burek accept the position as principal of the Academy, that her vision of the future would be so far reaching, and so successful. Mrs. Burek has changed the attitude, the academics, and more that has brought our Academy so far ahead in nurturing our Catholic values and ensuring their place in the lives of our students and faculty. Not only do the girls appreciate the many changes that have been made in learning, but also the changes many families have wrought to the magnificent 122 year old building and the history and security it brings to everyone who enters there.

Thank you, Mrs. Burek, from the bottom of all our hearts!

- The Moran Family, ‘23 I came to the Academy as the part time Educational Services Commission of Morris County (ESC) Supplemental Instructor.

I was assigned the same year as Lynn Burek. Mrs. Burek understands the needs and supportive services needed for our ladies and she always came to me to ask if there was anything additional that I needed to make my stay at the school as comfortable as possible, and would comply with whatever I needed to accommodate our students. It has been a pleasure working with her as principal. She also was always available to talk on a personal level. I know she will be surely missed!

Congratulations to Mrs. Burek on a brilliant career.

It would not be an overstatement to say you not only saved our school, but you also catapulted the Academy into the shining example of an all-female education.

I am certain there was divine intervention when you were delivered to us. Thank God and may God bless our fearless leader in the future. Mrs. Burek, your legacy is securely among the greats who built our school.

You will be so missed.

- Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Giambattista, P ‘13, ‘18

– Mrs. Alexandra Protopapas

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Living

“Laudato Si”

Pollinators Find Inspiration in the Encyclical of Pope Francis Written by Morgan Lomax ‘24 Pollinator’s Committee founding members Morgan Lomax ‘24, Greta Servitto ‘24, Maria Clara Bragagnolo Rose ‘24, _, and Bridget Lomax ‘24 admire their work in the courtyard.

Pope Francis’ second encyclical, Laudato Si, subtitled “On Care for Our Common Home,” focuses on the calling of not only Catholics, but all people, to practice stewardship for the environment.

At the Academy, this mission has bloomed to life with our Pollinators Committee, a group of young women seeking to care for our world. Their dedication and drive to live out their mission is based not in faith alone, but also in the science which backs Pope Francis’ call to act now by showing love and appreciation for the many ecological gifts God has given to us.

Native pollinators are on the decline.

Since 2006, American beekeepers have lost around 30% of their colonies every year (Bee Informed Partnership). These are staggering losses, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, pesticide use and parasites. In order to combat this global trend, the Pollinators Committee was founded in September 2021 by then24

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sophomore Morgan Lomax ‘24. It has since sponsored numerous schoolwide projects and initiatives, including the Academy’s first-ever pollinator garden.

Such ambitions were established early on. The Committee’s mission is as follows: “[it] consists of dedicated young women that are instilled with the values of environmental stewardship and sustainability so as to help sustain the pollinator population.

The Committee promotes student-led initiatives to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world and of pollinators.” These values were certainly upheld in the year of the Committee’s founding. From September 2021 through June 2022, the group— formed within the pre-existing Ecology Club — organized a range of creative projects in order to raise money for the garden: a seed bomb fundraiser, origami project, Adopt a Flower Fundraiser, poster contest within the club, bake sale, bracelet fundraiser, Adopt a

Butterfly Fundraiser, and butterfly release.

The seed bomb fundraiser was in large part inspired by the planting method’s popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown. To create the “seed bombs,” one must simply mold balls out of a mixture of water, dirt, and seeds, allow them to dry, and then distribute them outdoors. The seed bombs themselves were handmade by Committee members and sold alongside “pollinator pods,” which was the name given to peat pots donated by Bartell Farm and Garden Supply, filled with soil and native wildflower seeds. The first-ever Pollinators Committee fundraiser was met with great fanfare, inaugurating the group and setting the stage for future successes.

One of the aims of the Pollinators Committee is to provide Academy students with opportunities for leadership.

This idea was particularly relevant in the second semester of the 2021-2022 school

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year, during which time the majority of the Committee’s fundraisers occurred. The origami project, completed in February 2022, entailed the creation of small, pollinator-shaped figurines which were then distributed to the homerooms. The intention of the project was to not only bring awareness to the wide variety of native pollinators, ranging from bees to bats to butterflies, but to also beautify classrooms during the drearier winter months. The following year, Committee members again folded origami, but the figurines were instead sold during the Valentine’s Day craft fundraiser to raise money for the expansion of the pollinator garden.

In true commitment to their purpose, all fundraisers were themed keeping the garden in mind. The Sponsor a Flower and Adopt a Butterfly fundraisers were merged together in 2023, becoming an engaging way for students to contribute to the Committee’s efforts. For five dollars, students and faculty could either sponsor a flower to be planted in the pollinator garden or “adopt” a native butterfly to be released in May of that year. Those who sponsored a flower received a digital certificate and butterfly donors were given a special opportunity to name their very own Painted Lady butterfly.

The idea for the garden emerged out of exigency: according to New Jersey Audubon, the state is projected to be the first in the nation to reach “build out.” This does not bode well for pollinators because most depend on native plants for habitat and nutrition. The Academy pollinator garden contributes to the nationwide “pollinator pathway,” providing an oasis among manicured lawns and concrete jungles. It is located in the courtyard behind the school known as “The SEA of Flowers,” which had been overrun with overgrowth. In May 2022, student volunteers and Pollinators Committee members planted one of the plots with noninvasive, native flower species using the Great Swamp Watershed Association’s “shade kit.” The seedlings were a collection of pollinator-friendly flowers:

Foamflower, Blue Lobelia, Wreath Goldenrod, Blue Wood Aster, and Christmas Fern.

Similar species were planted next to one another, forming clumps and “green mulch,” thus reducing space for weeds. In June, the garden was supplemented with full-grown perennial plants.

Unlike in most domestic gardens, the flower stalks were left through the winter to provide shelter and food to wildlife.

Besides the pollinator garden, the Committee is also excited to plant butterfly milkweed in the garden beds near the picnic table area.

Ultimately, the Pollinators Committee hopes to cultivate an appreciation for native pollinators at the Academy and beyond, fulfilling the motto of being “all the buzz.”

FROM MISSION TO AMBITION Morgan Lomax ‘24 and Greta Servitto ‘24 discovered their green thumbs through a shared mission to beautify and protect.

Maria Clara Bragagnolo Rose '24 helps the Pollinator's Committee beautify the Academy's entryways with some greenery.

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ALUMNAENEWS

The Academy Connection Reunited SEAsters will celebrate wedding of Umaima Saleem ‘12 Alen Salibasic and Umaima Saleem ‘12 met in early 2014 when Umaima was visiting a family friend at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Alen, originally from Lukavac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a student-athlete at the university, and played for the men’s tennis team. When Alen met Umaima, he was impressed with how much she knew about Bosnia and Herzegovina. Little did he know that she and fellow SEAster Stephanie Garofalo ’12, delivered a presentation on the country in Ms. O’Rourke’s Current World class. Thank you, Ms. O’Rourke!

A few years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree, Umaima discovered her true passion for books and decided to pursue a career in publishing. She interned 26

at BookEnds Literary Agency in Gillette, NJ and was one of the winners of the We Need Diverse Books 2020 Internship Grant, a grant given to individuals from marginalized communities who want to diversify the publishing industry. Currently, Umaima works as an Assistant Production Editor at Page Street Publishing.

After his graduation from Harvard Business School in 2022, Alen proposed to Umaima in front of The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI. They plan on getting married in Fall 2023 in the Hudson Valley area. Currently, the couple resides in Stamford, CT. Since graduating in 2012, Umaima and Stephanie have maintained a close friendship. Throughout the years, they have

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spent summers, Thanksgivings, and Christmases together. Stephanie and her older sister, Rosemary (nee Garofalo) Mugurusa ‘06 have always treated Umaima like another sister. Stephanie will be getting married in July of this year where Umaima will serve as her maid of honor, and at Umaima’s wedding, Stephanie will serve as her matron of honor.

After reuniting during the pandemic, Umaima and two other SEAsters, Madelyn (Maddie) McCleary ‘12 and Christine Tran ‘12, would eventually plan weekend getaways together with Stephanie. Both Maddie and Christine will join Stephanie as Umaima’s bridesmaids.

Congratulations, Umaima and Alen, on your upcoming wedding!

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alumnae news Lenten Devotional Takes a Road Trip to the Everglades This inspirational photo was shared by Suzanne Casana ‘69, from a recent trip to Florida. Suzanne writes, “I’m in an Everglades campground enjoying the Lenten Devotional at sunrise. A good way to start the day.”

We agree, Suzanne!

REUNION ROUNDUP

Class of 2012 Celebrates 10-Year Reunion On Saturday, November 26, 2022, the Academy was honored to host the Class of 2012 for their 10 year reunion!

Special thanks to Mrs. Lauren Corvo, Assistant Principal, who made a surprise appearance at the reunion, reuniting our alumnae with their favorite biology teacher and tennis coach!

Your class reunion belongs HERE! Celebrate your SEAsterhood at the Academy…let us host your upcoming reunion! Plan yours now – contact mknight@AOSE.info LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023

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A Panther and a Pirate Tie the Knot

Welcome to the family, Asher!

Robin Deehan ‘06 married her high school sweetheart Michael Giordano, Seton Hall Prep ’06, on October 8, 2022. The couple met at a Seton Hall Prep versus Delbarton hockey game at Mennen Arena their freshman year of high school and the rest is history. Robin and Michael were married at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Short Hills followed by a night of dinner and dancing at the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick. Robin’s best friend from St. E’s, Katherine Barilla ’06, served as her maid of honor. Robin and Michael currently reside in Hoboken.

Congratulations to Grace Kunas Patel, ‘11 and her husband, Uddit, on welcoming their first child, Asher, who was born on February 4, 2023.

Grace is excited to complete her residency as an emergency medicine physician in Phoenix, AZ where she will become an attending physician in the upcoming months.

Alumna Father/Daughter Fun

The Knights of Saint Elizabeth would like to thank our alumnae and fathers who joined us for our first ever Alumna Father/Daughter Bowling Tournament on the eve of Thanksgiving at STRYXE in Madison. Everyone had a great time at this new Saint E's tradition!

For this year’s gathering, The Knights of Saint Elizabeth will be hosting a private party on November 22 at Grasshopper Off the Green, from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM.

SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 22, 2023!

Registration will open in Fall 2023.

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WHERE YOU BELONG

VISIT A FALL OPEN HOUSE!

OCTOBER 15 | NOVEMBER 2

Discover life at the Academy…Register today!

Visit aosenj.org or call 973.290.5225 LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023 29

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HERStory:

Reliving the Academy Experience with Mary Conlin MacGuire ’47

Rosie the Riveter, the iconic image of female empowerment throughout World War II, embodied the experience of all American women during the darkest days of the war. The drive and determination of women to support American soldiers on the front lines involved working in factories, creating and sending care packages overseas, and living day-to-day under rations. This was true for every student at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth during World War II, including Mary Conlin MacGuire ’47. Mary sat down with Katelyn Rohlf ‘21 for our first HERStory Interview to learn more about life at the Academy during “the Great War.” Mary did not start her high school career at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth.

Rather, she transferred from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey following the end of her freshman year. Why did she transfer? Her brother, Rob, was dating one of the Academy girls who convinced her to make the change. “She [Rob’s girlfriend] said you’ll love St. E’s. She talked me into going and I never looked back or regretted the decision to transfer,” Mary recalled.

Transferring to the Academy meant Mary would become a boarding student 30

during the week, only going home on the weekends. “On Friday afternoons, I would get on the train at Convent Station and travel to Newark. I would then walk down to my father’s work office and go home for the weekend with him.”

However, life during the week was more exciting, even amongst the backdrop of World War II. With the vast majority of students boarding at the Academy, freshman year meant living in communal dormitories, whereas afterwards students could live in private rooms, either by themselves or with a roommate.

Mary reminisced how each day of the week was packed with events and classes.

The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, under the guidance of then principal Sister Marie Josephine, encouraged students to wake up early for Mass every day, followed by breakfast and classes starting at 8:30 AM. Uniforms varied throughout the year, with fall and spring uniforms including a blue jumper, white short-sleeve shirt, blue tie, blue jacket, stockings and sandal shoes and winter uniforms having a dark green jumper with matching jacket and tie and a tan long sleeve shirt. At noon each day, students were given a lunch break until 1:00 PM, with classes concluding at 3:30

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PM. On the days the students had gym, they wore a special gym dress that “went halfway down to our knees and bloomers which we would pull as high as we could,” Mary remembered, laughing. Afternoons involved outdoor walks, Study Hall sessions, and bonding with fellow SEAsters in the Circle Room. Lights were always out by 9:30 PM, especially the gas lights in the hallways, so as to conserve gas rations during the war. Yet some students did not finish their homework in time for that lights out rule, leading them to hide under their blankets with books, papers, pencils, and flashlights. Mary recalls one such incident involving her roommate and a late-night homework session.

“You had to have a good dark blanket over your bed so you could do your homework without one of the sisters telling you to turn your flashlight off. One time, and I am not sure why, my roommate was using my blanket to hide as she did her homework. She somehow burned my blanket with her flashlight, leaving a burn mark for all to see!”

Late night study sessions were common, since Mary recounts many hours of homework to do and seemingly

Continued on page 32

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1860 LEGACY SOCIETY Securing sisterhood for future generations of young women.

The Academy is the oldest Catholic high school for girls in New Jersey, building on a legacy of women since 1860. Our rich history and tradition of excellence can live on through a gift from your estate.

Planned giving creates a perpetual legacy in your name, through a provision in your will or estate. Your generosity will continue our mission

for generations of young women at the Academy.

W H E N T H E R E I S A W I L L , T H E R E I S A WAY .

For more information, please call 973.290.5226 or email mknight@aose.info Development Office | 2 Convent Rd. | Convent Station, NJ 07961 Do you have an IRA with a minimum annual distribution requirement?

Consider supporting the Academy with a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA. Sample wording that can be used: “I give to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax LEGACY Magazine | SPRING / SUMMER 2023 Identification Number 22-2738106 [insert here the exact dollar amount or other specific information].”

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Mary, with one of her horses, on her ranch in Casper, Wyoming.

Academy students gathered in what was known as the Circle Room, a common area where reading, writing and bonding occurred.

not enough hours in the day to do it all.

“We had so much homework, that’s what we worked on even when we didn’t have to! After catching me with my flashlight under my already-burned blanket, one sister said to me that if I was not smart enough to do my homework in the time allotted, I didn’t deserve to be an ‘A’ student.”

But for Mary and her fellow SEAsters during this time, such memories of life at the Academy are intermixed with the realities of a country at war. Each Academy student was a mini “Rosie the Riveter,” helping the war’s cause by abiding under the same rules and regulations the rest of the nation lived under for several years.

“People don’t realize how many sacrifices we all made then. One example was how my mother did not drive so she could save her gas rations. My mother wanted to give

the saved rations to my brothers once they came home from serving in the war so they could spend time visiting their friends.” Mary had three brothers, all of whom served in the armed forces. Her oldest brother served in the Navy, followed by a career in the nuclear power industry.

Her youngest brother served in the Air Force, though too young to fight in World War II. Her middle brother served in the Army and was sadly killed in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

Rationing, though, went beyond just gas and driving. “Everyone was involved in the war effort. It wasn’t like the wars today where you listen to it on television and that’s about all the effect it has. We rationed needles, canned goods, shoes (we got one pair of leather shoes a year), sugar, etc.” Rationing also affected the Academy, even though the sisters had farmland on

But for Mary and her fellow SEAsters during this time, such memories of life at the Academy

are intermixed with the realities of a country at war.

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which they grew apples and had their own dairy farm. Mary recollected a funny memory about her father visiting the Academy after she complained about how sour the milk was, even though the sisters were able to make it themselves.

“My father was a very good friend of the Archbishop of Newark since he was the Archbishop’s financial advisor. The Archbishop said to my father, ‘John, go up there [to the Academy] and see what the problem is with their milk.’ So, my father went up to the Academy and befriended the Mother Superior’s secretary, asking her to become one of his assistants. After that, things began to turn around at school, especially with the milk and food. Because my father made that visit, we eventually found out the chef was preparing Sunday night supper on Friday afternoons before he left! That’s why the food was so dry and the milk sour.”

In addition to rationing, many young women would write letters of encouragement to those in the armed forces. Mary recalled the letters being “decorated with flowers or something funny.” Nothing was wasted, with students even collecting scraps of food and paper to be reused in various ways. “We all were making strides to do our part for the military and the larger war effort.”

Even during the summer, Academy

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HERstory Even during the summer, Academy students and Americans were on alert with soldiers

patrolling beaches on the lookout for U-Boats and enemy submarines. students and Americans were on alert with soldiers patrolling beaches on the lookout for U-Boats and enemy submarines. At night, homes along the shore had to make sure black curtains covered the windows completely, otherwise a warden would come and knock on the front door, demanding for any infractions to be corrected. This was done so enemy ships and submarines could be more easily spotted, especially as they attempted to disrupt and destroy shipping vessels offshore. “The ocean was so full of oil from the destroyed ships that there was always a bucket of turpentine and rags on the beach to clean the oil off your body after coming out of the ocean. Everybody wore black swimming suits so the oil wouldn’t easily show. In the springtime, before the swimming season would start, people would dig deep holes in the beach, pick up the oil, and bury it.”

After the war, Mary recalls life slowly returning to normal. Following the war,

Mary recounted memories of her Junior year Prom at the Academy in 1946. “Sister Marie Josephine asked how would we have the prom since we could not invite a boy to be our date; the boys had to invite us! However, we convinced her and we had our first prom following the war. We had the prom in the Study Hall, moving all the desks and chairs out so we could decorate the whole place with Smilax. It turned out beautiful.”

The fun did not end there as Mary and her fellow SEAsters prepared for their graduation a year later in 1947. “The morning before graduation, we had a big party in the bathroom behind the Study Hall.

Nobody was supposed to know about it, though the sisters probably all knew. Each girl brought something to the party to help celebrate.”

While there was a balance of seriousness and enjoyment during Mary’s time at the Academy, she can honestly say her “most enjoyable years were at St. E’s.” And

“The Beth”, the yearbook of Academy of Saint Elizabeth, from Mary’s senior year in 1947.

having been forced to grow up quickly due to the war, her experiences as a “Rosie the Riveter,” working both toward her diploma and the war’s success, are important recollections of a time gone by which should not be lost to history. “History isn’t the same for people who haven’t lived through it. And such a feeling hasn’t happened in all the wars that have happened since, just as it affected our daily lives for the duration of the war. [This history] should not be forgotten and it’s only someone who’s lived through it that can truly express it.”

We thank Mary for sharing her vivid memories of the time she spent at the Academy, both during and after World War II, and also thank Katelyn Rohlf ‘21 for conducting the interview for this HERStory feature.

The Class of 1947 poses for one final group photo on the steps of Holy Family Chapel. Mary can be seen smiling, second row, first from the left.

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The Moran Library: What’s Old is New Again TRANSFORMATIVE GIFTS

In 1901, the Academy celebrated the completion of Xavier Hall as the new home for a library to be shared by both College and Academy students. Through the years, efforts have been made to ensure the look and feel of this iconic space maintained its original and historic opulence. In the 1990’s, a renovation of the library was generously funded and orchestrated by Mrs. Suzy Moran and her husband Brian, while their daughter Regan was an Academy student. Mrs. Moran wanted to honor the library’s rich history and ensured all upgrades were fashioned with the same grandeur and fine craftsmanship of the original library built nearly 125 years ago.

Three years ago, Mrs. Moran returned to the Academy community to lovingly renovate the Study Hall and Main Office.

Upon completion of those projects, her focus shifted to the library — the space she and her husband renovated many years ago. She began by choosing the perfect color palette for the space, and over Easter Break 2022 the library was painted and ready for her artistic touch. She then carefully selected rich fabrics, custom wood blinds and plush carpeting to properly 34

enhance the beauty of the room, now utilized as both a classroom and quiet study area for students during lunch.

Original artwork from the 1700’s was expertly curated, and both the columns and ancient busts of philosophers were refreshed and repainted. Existing furniture was then refurbished and reupholstered to elevate the space into a room inspired by the libraries of the most prestigious colleges and universities.

A notable highlight of Mrs. Moran’s endeavor was her restoration of the 19th century walnut sofa she gifted to the Academy, formerly used in the McMullen Auditorium. Mr. John Riccio, P ‘24, owner of Antiques Plus, promptly and enthusiastically picked up the treasured piece and began to restore the woodwork and structure of the sofa, honoring the historic

craftsmanship and splendor surrounding the Academy’s founding era.

After completing the structural repairs and refinishing, John’s team of artisans and craftsmen reupholstered the sofa in plush, elegant French velvet — the same fabric that now richly dresses the windows in the Study Hall, Main Offices and Moran Library.

These three beautiful spaces within the Academy's building are now branded with the grandeur, functionality and grace that together form our legacy, 163 years in the making. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Suzy Moran for investing her time, talent and treasure into our beloved school, and we promise to remain steadfast stewards of her good will and heartfelt investments.

TRANSFORMATIVE GIVING AT THE ACADEMY Be part of our legacy and make a meaningful difference for today’s students and future generations of SEAsters.

Contact mknight@aose.info to partner with us!

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support

Gratitude from the Knights of Saint Elizabeth On November 29, 2022, the Academy was grateful to celebrate a successful Giving Tuesday campaign, an annual effort fueled by generous donors and bolstered by the tremendous support of the Knights of Saint Elizabeth. Over $100,000 was raised for the Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund, established to provide financial aid to Academy families, support our Panthers athletics programs and fund countless important initiatives essential to our thriving school community.

This year, the Knights of Saint Elizabeth are especially grateful for the 28 new members joining our Founders' Circle through their single donation of $1,860 or more. During Giving Tuesday, these gifts were matched up to $23,600 through a challenge sponsored by the Knights. The Founders' Circle and matching gifts from the Knights have played an integral role in the growth of the Academy, as we continue to exponentially increase the funds available to reinvest in our students, programs and facilities.

Members of the Knights of Saint Elizabeth: Angelo Giambattista, P '13, '18 Matthew Scalaro, P '16 Gregory Lowndes, P '17 Perry Neilson, Jr.†, P '18 Kenneth Purzycki, P '19 Phillip Schubert, P '22 Mark Voccola, P '23 † In memoriam, honorary member

After receiving an overwhelming number of applications for Fall 2023, we are proud to welcome the Class of 2027 as one of the largest in Academy history. Our admissions success is a direct result of a renewed focus on competitive academics, robust extra-curricular programs and campus-wide renovations.

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is beyond grateful to every donor who helped us exceed our goal of $100,000 on Giving Tuesday.

The success of this campaign is a testament to the strength of our community and the strong bonds of SEAsterhood between past and present students and families. Together we will ensure the Academy’s legacy of excellence continues.

SAVE THE DATE

$108,633

AT THE ACADEMY

RAISED FOR ELIzabeth ann setON FUND

$606

AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT ON GIVING TUESDAY

#GIVINGtuesday TUESDAY, NOVE MBE R 28, 2023

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PAID

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

2 Convent Road Convent Station, NJ 07961

Hackensack, NJ Permit No. 1121

R E S U LT S M AT T E R and we’re proud to be one of the best!

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

The Academy is proud to share just some of the college acceptances our young women have celebrated this year!