Legacy Fall 2022

ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH

LEGACY magazine FALL 2022

Praying & Playing for

Ukraine

Academy siblings inspire awareness and relief efforts

Transformative Gifts Active restoration and renovation of campus-wide spaces

ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH

Behind the Scenes

LEGACY

Academy of Saint Elizabeth gratefully acknowledges the time and talent of our graphic designer, Erika Desimone, P ‘26, who redesigned our school logo in 2016 and has crafted the layout of Legacy Magazine since its first issue.

She and her daughter Giovanna ‘26 are now a part of the Academy family and we are thrilled.

magazine

ISSUE 6 | FALL 2022 E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Megan Knight Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

Joseph Ziaya Director of Communications

Christmas

Lynn Burek Principal

Lauren Cor vo

AT THE ACADEMY

Assistant Principal

please join us

Helen Kotoulas Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Thursday, December 1, 2022 6:30 PM

Jean Jackson Director of Admissions

Beth Ellen Walsh

TREE LIGHTING

Director of School & College Counseling

CAROLING WITH THE CHOIR

Lisa Ratz

COOKIES & COCOA

Director of Technology

PANTHER SHOPPING

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

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

Unlock the 2022 Grant Challenge, page 30 Knights of Saint Elizabeth offers $18,600 in matching gifts to Seton Fund.

what’s

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS On the Cover

Praying and Playing for Ukraine, page 12 The Leshchuk sisters spread awareness through their music and continue to organize humanitarian aid efforts for Ukraine.

Uliana Leshchuk, ‘23 and Kalyna Leshchuk, ‘17 stayed connected to their cultural roots by sharing their gifts of traditional Ukrainian music.

Letter from the Principal . . . . . . . . . . 4 Accents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Junior Ring Ceremony, Beth Ball, Calendar Party, Alma Mater Competition, Mother-Daughter Tea, Father-Daughter Bowling, Field Day, Class of ‘22, Gift Auction & Senior Gala, Emma the Musical

Panthers Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Praying and Playing for Ukraine. . . . 12 Faculty Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mrs. Brady discusses the importance of writing in the modern world.

Student Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Valedictorian Grace Roethlin ‘22

SEAster News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Class of 1967 Scholarship, Art Show, Model UN Awards, AOSE A+ Niche rating, U.S. Congressional Art Recognition, Commencement Speaker Cara Cavanaugh ‘12

Academy Accents, page 5

Transformative Gifts, page 7

A glimpse into robust Academy life and thriving activities, service opportunities and accolades enjoyed by our SEAsters.

The restoration and renewal of the rich history and classic elegance within Academy spaces, classrooms and offices.

Alumnae News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Wedding Bells at AOSE, Class of 1972 Reunion, SEAsters in Italy, Class of 2002 Reunion, Career Day

Supporting the Academy . . . . . . . . . 26 Transformative Gifts, Knights of Saint Elizabeth

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An Elegant Tapestry Lynn A. Burek Principal Academy of St. Elizabeth lburek@aose.info

We have opened the 2022-23 school year with much excitement and eager anticipation of the good that is to come. Perhaps the best part of our opening was the return to normalcy for our young women after two very challenging school years. While we adjusted beautifully to the intrusive public health and safety measures, we are now free once again to experience school as it was meant to be – connecting, collaborating, communicating – we are whole, loving and thriving. A true blessing.

The Holy Family Chapel came to life with prayer, inspiration and song on September 13 as we welcomed Bishop Sweeney for the traditional Bishop’s Mass. Together with our students, parents and Sisters of Charity we asked for the Lord’s blessing for this new year. The Mass ended with Bishop Sweeney’s final blessing reminding our students “Love Never Fails’ alongside a spirited rendition of “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”

We are proud to introduce a new school motto created by student Maria Clara Bragagnolo Rose, ‘24, the winner of a contest sponsored by the Mission Integration Committee of the Board of Trustees and implemented through our Theological Studies Department. Our goal was to present the Academy mission in a clear, concise and direct manner, communicating who we are while defining the Academy experience – in very few words. Nine simple words that so eloquently capture who we are and what we value: Minds in Wisdom. Hearts in Service. Lives in Faith.

Please accept our invitation to join the Academy for cherished events like the Mother-Daughter Tea, Career Day, Gala/Senior Celebration, Class Reunions and more.

As always, we are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to bringing you back to our storied halls to take part in Academy life as student, parent, grandparent, alumnae, faculty/staff, Sister of Charity, or friend. Together we form an elegant tapestry with unique and remarkable contributions to the Academy legacy.

May God continue to bless the Academy of Saint Elizabeth community as we endeavor to bring light and love into the world through our young women – they are the future. And, we are blessed and proud to enrich the future in our work each day.

Only by grace,

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Lynn Burek Principal

accents

Alma Mater Competition Seniors capture top spot with “Pitch Perfect” video rendition

Colleen Santoriello '25 looks on as Kathryn Callahan '25 and Lily Agnew '25 stand tall in their cover of "The Family Madrigal."

The annual Alma Mater competition was pushed to new heights with the event held at Dolan Auditorium on Saint Elizabeth University’s campus. Now on a larger stage, every grade put their own twist on the Academy’s Alma Mater with incredible story telling, acting, and singing.

The freshmen kicked off the event singing “The Family Madrigal” from the hit Disney movie, Encanto, tying the message back into the amazing “power” of the Academy’s SEAsterhood. Sophomores enacted a scene from The Beth Ball where the DJ has no music and the Alma Mater

must be sung to keep the party going! The juniors took to the slopes as they placed their hands over their hearts on the Olympic podium, not to sing the national anthem, but rather to share their school pride through the Alma Mater. The seniors created a video spoofing the hit-movie Pitch Perfect before rushing up to the stage to sing the praises of the Academy in their final Alma Mater competition.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for winning the competition, and an amazing job to all of the students who helped celebrate this Academy tradition.

SEAsters Celebrate Calendar Day The annual Calendar Party was a conglomeration of celebrations for the Winter Olympics, March Madness, Jersey Shore Summers, and Mischief Night! From a basketball free throw tournament to seniors and teachers being pied in the face, this year’s celebrations marked greater returns

to normalcy and a true celebration of SEAsterhood. While Mischief Night and a recreation of the Jersey Shore (by ways of sandboxes) made a little bit of a mess, the day allowed for everyone to experience some fun in the sun before the end of the school year.

Kasey Desiderio '25, Kathryn Blount '22, and Shannon Hunt '25 celebrate Calendar Day

Emma: A Pop Musical Performs to Sell-Out Crowd This year’s Spring Musical, directed by Mrs. Kennedy and Ms. Dowd, was titled Emma: A Pop Musical. Based on the Jane Austen novel, the musical takes a modern glimpse into the life of Emma, a senior at Highbury Prep, who seeks to play matchmaker for shy sophomore Harriet. Mix in hit pop songs from The Supremes, Katy Perry, and more, our actresses put on two stellar performances to sold-out audiences. Congratulations to the directors, cast, and crew!

Congrats to our Musical Cast & Crew, under the direction of Mrs. Christin Kennedy and Ms. Erin Down, ‘08: Siena Bascom, Ava Breault, Amelia Calveric, Isabella Cerciello, Emma Chiofolo, Caroline Clarke, Mia D’Angelo, Sophia Fiore, Maggie Jones, Amelia Lisco, Bridget Lomax, Morgan Lomax, Ella Mansfield, Emma Marsh, Rebekah Marsh, Isabella Misrahi, Naomi Murphy, Kathleen Ott de Vries, Angelina Salese, Mackenzie Schubert, Keiri Shuyama, Ava Van Wie

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From left to right: Kathryn Callahan '25, Lily Agnew '25, Mackenzie Siegel '25, and Zoe MacWhannell '25 enjoy the return of the Beth Ball in the Panther Den.

From left to right: Montserrat Soriano Gutierrez '24, Anne McDonough '24, Brugge Erikson '24, and Greta Servitto '24 pose for the camera in our themed photo booth.

Belles of the Beth Ball The Academy winter tradition was “out of sight”!

Following a two-year hiatus, The Beth Ball returned to the Academy with great celebration and fanfare. With the guidance of Ms. Vukas, Student Council arranged for an evening of great music, food, dancing, and fun under this year’s theme of “Disco.”

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Our young ladies looked “fab” for their “funky, out of sight” evening which transformed the Panther Den into a dance floor with a DJ for live music, and the Study Hall hosting food and seats for when the girls and their guests needed

temporary relief from dancing.

This Academy tradition is surely one that will continue to be “off the hook” in years to come, too!

Junior Ring Ceremony

Father-Daughter Bowling

An Academy rite of passage, the Junior Ring Mass and Ceremony, was held on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Class of 2023 and their families attended Mass in Holy Family Chapel, followed by the blessing and presentation of their rings. While each ring may be made of different materials and of different designs, the unifying nature of class rings is the bond of love and respect they feel for the Academy and toward their fellow SEAsters.

This year’s Father-Daughter Bowling was a “striking” success with over 120 bowlers competing against one another at Stryxe in Madison, NJ. This year’s Top 3 Scoring Teams were Team Erickson (1st Place), Team Vocolla (2nd Place), and Team Roethlin (3rd Place). Awards for Best Team Uniform were also presented to Team Breault (1st Place), Team Murphy (2nd Place), and Team Scalamoni-Goldstein (3rd Place). A Team Work Award was also given to Team Chambers.

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Mother Daughter Tea

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An unforgettable afternoon – Une fête de Paris!

A miniaturized replica of the Eiffel Tower greeted our families and guests as they entered the Study Hall for last year’s Mother-Daughter Tea. The theme for the event, “A Cafe in Paris,” was brought to life with a greenery floral wall for photographs, stringed lights, French pastries and delicacies, and even a real-life mime!

Families and guests celebrated Mass in Holy Family Chapel before being escorted to the Academy by our very own mime, where they found the Study Hall transformed into an immersive Parisian experience. Over 250 guests enjoyed an afternoon second only to visiting France itself, as they relished in the ambience and flavors of a street cafe in Paris.

The Parents’ Association planned, coordinated, and executed the annual Mother-Daughter Tea with the utmost care and precision. We are exceptionally grateful to have such an active Parents’ Association here at the Academy!

Students Face Off in Field Day ‘22 Field Day, under the guidance and organization of Mrs. Prasad and the National Honor Society, was packed with various competitions and events for students and teachers of all skill sets and abilities. Activities such as the Hurdle/Dizzy Bat Race, Cup Tower Challenge, Water Balloon Toss, Musical Chairs, Tug of War,

Potato Sack Race, and much more were featured competitions throughout the day.

Each grade level was divided into six teams to face off against one another. Additionally, the Administration, Faculty, and Staff competed against one another in each of the competitions. Halfway through the schedule of the day, a Kona

Ice truck came to provide some muchneeded relief and "cooling down" before continuing the competition. At the end of the day, the entire Academy community took part in a "Follow the Leader" Dance Party, led by the National Honor Society Members on the front lawn.

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Class of 2022 Commencement A lifelong commitment to their SEAsters beyond graduation The Class of 2022 celebrated their Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony the weekend of June 4 and 5, capping off a high school experience blended between in-person and virtual learning. However, this year’s commencement events marked a return to normalcy as Holy Family Chapel and the Graduation were fully-attended events by the graduates’ families and friends.

During the Baccalaureate Mass, celebrated on the Vigil of Pentecost, Fr. Thomas Fallone, Pastor of St. Thomas More Church, reminded the graduates of their “mission” after leaving the Academy: just as the Apostles were sent forth into the world to spread the Gospel message of Christ, so, too, our graduates are called to bring beauty into the world through their God-given gifts and talents.

Following the Mass, Ms. Megan Knight, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, Antoinette Plewa ‘72, P ‘72, and Denise Grandmont ‘72 inducted 8

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our graduates as the newest members of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth Alumnae Association. Each graduate received their Alumnae Association card, a keepsake Academy charm, and eight personal letters from multiple generations of alumnae sharing words of encouragement and wisdom.

Pristine weather conditions and a glorious day set the stage for a beautiful Commencement Ceremony on the front lawn of the Academy. Dressed in elegant white gowns and gloves, our graduates accepted their diplomas as a sign of their completion of study at the Academy.

As students in the Class of 2022 were reminded throughout their senior year, graduation does not sever their ties to the Academy, a place where they will always be welcomed. Their bond of SEAsterhood will continue to grow stronger in a lifelong relationship that will never fade away.

After three years working in space policy in Washington, D.C., Cara Cavanaugh '12 is now studying at The George Washington University Law School, where she is pursuing a career in space law.

Cara graduated from Princeton University in 2016 with a B.A. in History of Science. She subsequently received a Fulbright Award to travel to Dublin, Ireland where she completed her Master's Degree in Science Communication.

See Cara’s Commencement Speech on page 22

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SENIOR GALA 2022 Gift Auction & Fashion Show On Thursday, May 19, 2022 the Academy celebrated the senior class at the annual gift auction and fashion show. Over 500 guests gathered for the signature event at Birchwood Manor where our young women graced the runaway as their accomplishments and accolades were read aloud to be celebrated.They have so much to be proud of in shaping the Academy, and we were so grateful to have been

there to celebrate the Class of 2022.

One of the highlights of the evening was the inaugural presentation of the R. Perry Neilson, Jr. and Caroline Neilson ’18 Award by The Knights of Saint Elizabeth to an outstanding father/daughter duo, Mark Hunter and Lulu Hunter, '22.

We extend our endless gratitude to our parent volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the Gala a fabulous success.

From left to right: Members of the Class of 2022, Caroline Villa, Abigail Faloni, Erin Kilgore, Grace Cannon, Margaret Cody, Victoria Tyson, Marina Werner, Annalisa Bio, Colleen Devenny, and Maggie Macchiarola.

Alison Breault, P '24 and Monique Misrahi, P' '24

Save the Date

FOR THE 2023 SPRING GALA T hur sday, May 18, 2023

From left to right: Avery Kelly '24, Emma Kelly '23, Uliana Leshchuk '23, and Colleen Dooley '23.

Margaret Flanagan '22 and Lulu Hunter '22

Kathyrn Blount '22 and Sophia Stuermann '22

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from the SPORTS DESK Ice Hockey Team Looks to Expand Roster The Academy of Saint ElizabethMorris Catholic Ice Hockey Co-Op Team excelled this past season under Coach Foer. Mia Foer '24 has been a stalwart on the team, contributing greatly to the team's overall success. Mia is the only female on the team and posted 1 goal, 5 assists, and 6 points in 5 games this year.

The team had 5 wins on the season, almost matching the prior year’s win total of 6 games.

The team looks forward to growing in the upcoming year and potentially adding additional AOSE girls to the roster.

Aqua-Panthers Make Waves in Historic Season Swimmers excited about new talent for 2023 The “Aqua-Panthers“ achieved new depths of success in their program's history this past season. The Swim Team contended and advanced through the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament by defeating Gill St. Bernard's in the first round. The team celebrated a historic milestone, reaching the Quarterfinals for

the first time in Academy history.

Long-standing Academy records were continually surpassed by the likes of Kasey Desiderio '25, Caitlin Flanagan '24, Kathryn Blount '22, Sophia Formanes '25, and Julia Ricco '24. Young fresh talent will be on the block this year, hoping to grow the team’s achievements this winter.

Maggie Sullivan '23 recorded 45 steals last season, helping lead the Panthers offense.

Rising Stars in Panthers Hoops After the graduation of several senior teammates in 2021, Panthers Basketball focused on reestablishing themselves as contenders on the court in the NJACLiberty Division.

With a mix of veteran players and new recruits, Coach McCloud worked on team-building, skills and drills as the season progressed. Up-and-coming players like Greta Servitto '25, who garnered 246 points and 194 rebounds on the season, and Maggie Sullivan '23, who recorded 45 steals on the season, are set to lead the team this winter alongside returning seniors Colleen Dooley '23, Kate Condon '23, Molly McHale '23, and Cate Schneider '23.

Coach Jacobs Leads Softball Partnership The Softball team Co-Op with Villa Walsh Academy helped bolster participation in the sport for both schools. The students bonded under the tutelage of Head Coach Andrew Jacobs and began to develop as a team. Morgane Farrell '24 had a season for the ages with a .512 batting average, .610 slugging percentage, 21 hits, 14 runs, and 9 RBI. Morgane collected her 10

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50th hit of her young career early in the season, ensuring many more milestones to come in her AOSE future.

The Panthers look forward to a more competitive season with Coach Jacobs and returning veterans including Ava Orr '25, Zoe MacWhannell '25, Anabella Biondo '23, and Rebekah Marsh '24.

Morgan Farrell '24 led the Softball team with a .610 batting average while recording her 50th career hit.

sports

Scarlett Clapps '25 was voted one of the Top 100 Freshman Lacrosse Players by NJ.com.

Panthers LAX – Eyes on Divisional Prize After a dominating 2020-2021 season and winning the NJIGLL Independence Division Championship, Panthers Lacrosse enjoyed a resounding 2021-2022 season featuring great comebacks and strong teamwork on the field.

Under Head Coach Kim Wood, the

team went 10-9 on the season (6-4 in their last 10 regular season games) and advanced to the Quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Tournament, Non-Public B. In the first round of the tournament, the Panthers defeated Newark Academy 13-11 with Avery Amato '22 scoring 3 goals.

The team was led in great part by Annalisa Bio '22, who scored 46 goals, 55 points, and 9 assists in 19 games last season. Avery Amato '22 garnered 37 goals, 44 points, and 7 assists throughout the season as well. Rounding out the seniors on the team was Erin Kilgore '22 with 9 goals, 18 points, and 9 assists on the season. Up-and-coming leaders of the team, Colleen Dooley '23 and Scarlett Clapps '25 played a heavy hand in scoring goals throughout the season, with Colleen scoring 32 goals and Scarlett scoring 29 goals. The team has its eyes set on a strong 2022-2023 season in pursuit of another Divisional Championship.

Stellar Track & Field Season Etches New Names in Academy Record Books The Track and Field team had another record-breaking season as the girls followed in the footsteps of years past and etched their names in Academy sport records history. Under returning Head Coach Kayla Stolarczuk and new Assistant Coach Ciara McGovern, the Track and Field Team focused on new strength and conditioning exercises to prepare for the season. This additional focus helped our athletes perform better, achieving new heights in their athletic careers.

Throughout the season, new school and personal records were met and exceeded. Early on in the season in a double meet against Boonton High School and Kinnelon High School, Caroline O'Callaghan '24 took first place in Discus, Emma Dietz '23 broke her personal record in the 400m Hurdles, and Sophia Vail '23 broke her personal record in Triple Jump.

Soon after at the Randolph Relays, Emma

WINTER ‘22 CONFERENCE HONORS Second Team All-Conference Greta Servitto '24 (Basketball) Maggie Sullivan '23 (Basketball) Honorable Mention All-Conference Kasey Desiderio '25 (Swimming) Colleen Dooley '23 (Basketball) Julia Riccio '24 (Swimming) Academic All-Conference Greta Servitto '24 (Basketball) Maggie Sullivan '23 (Basketball)

SPRING ‘22 CONFERENCE HONORS First Team All-Conference Annalisa Bio '22 (Lacrosse) Morgane Farrell '24 (Softball) Ava Romer '22 (Track and Field) Mackenzie Schubert '22 (Track and Field) Second Team All-Conference Colleen Dooley '23 (Lacrosse) Margaret Flanagan '22 (Track and Field) Julianna King '24 (Track and Field) Allison Shannon '23 (Track and Field)

Dietz, Caroline O'Callaghan, and Sophia Vail medaled in the 3x400m Hurdles, Maggie Flanagan '22, Caroline O'Callaghan, and Mia Foer placed 5th in Discus, and Maggie Flanagan broke an Academy record in Discus with a throw of 83.1 feet.

Toward the end of the season, Kathleen Byrne '23, Allison Shannon '23, Mackenzie Schubert '22, and Whitney Teagan '25 broke an Academy record for the 4x100m Relay with a time of 56.12 seconds.

Honorable Mention All-Conference Claire Daly '22 (Track and Field) Maggie Sullivan '23 (Lacrosse) Academic All-Conference Annalisa Bio '22 (Lacrosse) Colleen Dooley '23 (Lacrosse) Morgane Farrell '24 (Softball) Julianna King '24 (Track and Field) Allison Shannon '23 (Track and Field)

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Praying and

PLAYING for Ukraine.

The bandura is a light shining in the darkness for Kalyna Leshchuk ‘17 and Uliana Leshchuk ‘23 12

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midst the billowing smoke of a town recently bombed in Ukraine, one home stood alone. This home did not avoid the scars of war, as the home’s windows were shattered, walls collapsing, and roof caving inward. However, a shining symbol of the unyielding Ukrainian spirit sat untouched within this home: a bandura, or the Ukrainian plucked-string folk instrument synonymous with the country.

The bandura has become more than an instrument, but rather a light shining in the darkness and a stalworth of Ukrainian culture seeking to thrive under the accumulating clouds of war.

Over 4,700 miles away in Whippany, NJ, the bandura carries the same hope and cultural beauty for two young women, Kalyna Leshchuk ‘17 and Uliana Leshchuk ‘23, sisters/SEAsters who use their musical talent and bandura playing

Photo credit: Shutterstock.

skills to help support Ukraine. The Leshchuk sisters’ ties to Ukraine have been lifelong, as their mother was born and raised in the country before coming to the United States of America and meeting their father, born in America with Ukrainian heritage. Ever since they were children, both sisters were raised to be active members of the Ukrainian-American Cultural Center in Whippany, NJ, of which their mother currently acts as the Head of the Board of Directors.

“We call the Ukrainian-American Cultural Center a second home. We almost practically live there,” said Kalyna.

Since childhood, Kalyna and Uliana have taken part in traditional Ukrainian dance, language classes, youth groups, and music lessons through the UkrainianAmerican Cultural Center.

Building upon their cultural roots, for the past seven years the sisters have encapsulated their experiences at the Center and shared that with others by performing as a Bandura Duet. This has been especially true over the past few months since the war in Ukraine started in February 2022. While conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, the recent invasion of Ukraine has bolstered the sisters’ resolve to spread their cultural pride and gather support from the local community.

“The war has changed our connection to the bandura,” said Kalyna. “It really was always our connection to Ukraine, but now it’s an even stronger connection than anything before.”

A phone call from their cousin was how the Leshchuk family found out the invasion by Russian forces had begun.

“Our mom got a call from our cousin [in Ukraine] around midnight and she was speaking English, which was unusual,” said Uliana. “My cousin said, ‘They’re attacking…this is actually happening’ and our mom was so confused.” Their cousin was speaking in English to prevent her children, two-years-old and seven-yearsold, from understanding the conversation she was having with Kalyna and Uliana’s mother.

The following day, the Leshchuk

family took part in a demonstration before the United Nations building and the Russian Embassy in New York City. Countless other supporters marched alongside them in support of Ukraine. The support only swelled in the ensuing weeks when the family traveled to Washington, D.C. to further protest the war, as well as raise awareness as to the plight Ukraine was facing. Uliana recalled how before the

Uliana and Kalyna’s SEAsters from the Academy.

“I remember I started getting texts from my friends at school and from people I don’t normally text,” said Uliana.

“They were texting me at all hours of the night asking, ‘Are you okay?’ and ‘What can we do?’”

With support from their SEAsters, the Ukrainian community, and the community

The recent invasion of Ukraine has

bolstered the sisters’ resolve to spread their cultural pride and gather support from the local community. invasion, many members of the Ukrainian community did not believe a war would occur since conflict with Russia had been ongoing for decades. However, after the invasion began on February 24, 2022, the sense of support grew beyond the bounds of those who were Ukrainian, but to people throughout the world, including

at large, the sisters began to devise plans as to how they could help those suffering in Ukraine. “Everybody was asking me how my family was doing [in Ukraine], but it’s not really just my family…the country, in a sense, is our family,” said Uliana. “We’re worried about everyone.”

“My friends were asking me ‘What can

The Leshchuk family learned of Russia’s invasion when they received a midnight phone call from a cousin in Ukraine. Over 12 million citizens have been displaced as a result of the war, and in early 2022, Uliana joined forces with friends at the Academy to raise money and collect clothing and humanitarian aid for the people displaced in Ukraine.

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From left to right: Kalyna Leshchuk '17, Sergiy Olehovych Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, and Uliana Leshchuk '23. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Leshchuk Family went to the United Nations to voice their support for the Ukrainian people.

we actually do?’” recalls Uliana, concerning the days that followed the invasion.

Uliana and some of her friends, Emily Crabbe ‘23 and Charlotte ScalamoniGoldstein ‘23, came up with a plan to design blue and gold ribbons which could be purchased and worn by their fellow SEAsters. After spending several nights making the ribbons, Uliana, Emily, and Charlotte sold them in the Study Hall during lunch. The demand for the ribbons was so great, more ribbons had to be made.

“One of my friends [from the Academy] has a sister at Saint Vincent Martyr School [Madison, NJ], where I went to elementary school,” Uliana said. “My friend went to pick up her sister from Saint Vincent, when one of the teachers asked, ‘Where did you get the ribbon from?’”

When she answered with Uliana’s name, the teacher reached out to the Leshchuk family to not only have ribbons made to be sold at Saint Vincent, but for Uliana to also visit and give a presentation to the

entire school concerning Ukraine. Uliana gladly accepted, made more ribbons to be sold, and gave a moving presentation on Ukrainian history and culture.

After the success of the ribbon sale, Uliana's other friends began to ask what else could be done to further help Ukraine. “Let’s do a bake sale,” Uliana remembered her friend, Siena Bascom ’23, saying.“The school always loves bake sales!”

The girls reached out to each grade level and asked for donations of baked goods, with hundreds of items being sold by the end of the sale. Additionally, Ella Tully ‘23, who worked with Uliana in the Academy’s Fashion Club, planned a clothing and humanitarian aid drive. Ella personally delivered the items to the Center in Whippany to be transported to Ukraine along with the thousands of other donations collected there.

“People started dropping off things at the [Ukrainian-American] Cultural Center,” said Kalyna. “We literally thought we were

“understand the pain and sorrow we feel

Through the songs we play, people can

but also the hope and resilience the Ukrainian people carry.

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”

– Kalyna Leshchuk ‘17

not going to get out of this; it was boxes upon boxes. I thought we were going to be swallowed up by the amount of boxes we stacked up. It was like walking through an unending maze, yet it was also unbelievable to see people continually bringing donations.”

An organized drop-off drive through the Center involved four hundred volunteers to help grab boxes of donations from cars and organize them for shipment. The traffic was so great that police were called to help direct cars on North Jefferson Road near the Center with some vehicles waiting up to forty-five minutes to make their drop-off of donations. When everything was said and done and the donations were packed for transport, nine shipping containers were needed to deliver the donations first to Poland, then to be brought over the border into Ukraine.

While donations of combat equipment (clothing, boots, helmets), food, and money has continued to pour in to support Ukraine, the Leshchuk sisters are now turning an eye toward their banduras again as a new force for awareness and action in the community.

“The news can cover it [the war in Ukraine] so much before people are tired of hearing the same thing over and over,” said Uliana. “Unfortunately, people are living the same thing over and over again,

The Leshchuk sisters have come to embody

John 1:5, by becoming the light shin[ing] in the darkness. so we have to find a way to get it back in the public’s mind.”

Kalyna and Uliana have been playing their banduras at concerts almost every weekend since the start of this past summer. The audiences vary from event to event, yet the message remains the same: that of sharing the beauty of Ukrainian culture through music.

“We have recently performed to more American audiences,” explained Kalyna.

“Through the songs we play, people can understand the pain and sorrow we feel, but also the hope and resilience the Ukrainian people carry. That is our special

way of giving back and keeping Ukraine in our hearts.”

When asked what the Academy instilled within the Leshchuk sisters throughout this ongoing situation, two words stood out: community and Catholicism.

“I knew I could rely on them [friends from the Academy] since some of what people did was not because I asked them to do it; rather, it was people deciding on their own that they wanted to do something like that,” Uliana said. “We’re supposed to help others and live out that mission, which is also the Academy’s mission.”

“I value the Catholic education the Academy gave to me,” Kalyna reminisced.

“After the Academy, I attended Fordham University where I was inspired by a quote on the auditorium walls stating, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ Instilling charity and on this level is about doing good without expecting anything in return.”

The charity that both Kalyna and Uliana have exercised since the onset of the war in Ukraine is an incredible beacon of light shimmering amongst the darkness of human pain, reminiscent of that singular bandura standing strong amidst the rubble and ruin of bombings. The Leshchuk sisters have come to embody John 1:5, by becoming “the light shin[ing] in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 🌻

CO-SPONSORED

Ukrainian Scholarship The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in partnership with the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, helped sponsor Stacy Solop ‘23 for the 2022 - 2023 academic school year. Once the war began in February 2022, Stacy and her mother emigrated from Ukraine to the United States. As Stacy’s father continues to fight alongside other citizen soldiers in Ukraine, this sponsorship is helping the Solop family through this difficult period of transition.

Thank you to the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for joining the Academy in co-sponsoring Stacy and making her education a priority.

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

TRUE NORTH:

The Importance of Writing in the Modern World

by Maureen Brady, Academic Team Leader, English & World Languages

Protesting a title change on her short story in the Academy’s literary magazine, a student recently implored, “You have to understand it’s my voice, Mrs. Brady. It’s my voice.” It was important to her. She was passionate– and that passion is key to good writing, urging the writer to probe beneath the surface, to know herself better, to develop her voice. At its best, whether fiction or nonfiction, writing fosters ratiocination, the process of precise thinking or logical reasoning— a skill in high demand.

Good writing is precious.

Today’s employers are looking for competent communicators and finding them isn’t easy. As reported in the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2020 survey, more than 77% of employers are seeking strong written communications skills.1 Yet, according to Karl Uphoff, retired CIO of a large consumer insurance company, “Rarely do job candidates possess the abil1 2

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ity to write effectively. Someone who has ideas, can organize their thoughts, and express them coherently in written form, is the exception to the rule.” Why is this the case? And why is it important?

Beyond mechanics, good writing is an investigative process that requires critical thinking. Strong writing is the demonstration of informed, analytical, and organized thought. More than the passive act of simply thinking, writing forces one to delve deeper into a subject, to make decisions, to refine positions.

“Putting it in writing” used to be the litmus test for truth, an indication that there is no turning back, a verification, a commitment. Perhaps the last vestige of this belief is the signature requirement on important documents. It is written; therefore, it means something. Anything important in the span of a human life is “documented,” i.e., birth and death certificates, driver’s and marriage licenses, diplomas.

The written word carries more gravitas than the spoken word; it is official. Histor-

NACE, National Association of Colleges and Employers, 13 Jan. 2020, www.naceweb.org.; Einstein, Albert. “Religion and Science.” The New York Times Magazine, 9 Nov. 1930, p. 1-4.

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ically, the written word is perceived as true — and is destabilizing when it’s not.

Why are Writing Skills Important in the 21st Century?

Via the Constitutional right to free speech, Americans may write whatever they want-- with impunity in most cases.

Since the invention of the printing press and the advent of the Industrial Age, U.S. consumers have largely taken for granted that the editorial process would ensure the veracity of content consumed in the public square; however, in the Information Age, most digital content is not scrutinized by a qualified gatekeeper.

In the absence of editorial standards on digital media platforms, fiction and fact are often conflated, resulting in fake news.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population still assumes the “information” they read on the internet is official or at least true. Although Einstein claimed that in the advancement of science “imagination is more important than knowledge,”2

faculty when perceived as fact, imagination can wreak havoc on society. So, just as good writing can guide a society toward its true north, poor writing can navigate us away from it. Conscientious writers recognize that rhetoric comes with the responsibility of balance and accuracy, rather than contributing to the cacophony of superficial, misinformed, or biased thought. To paraphrase the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Louis Brandeis: sunlight is the best disinfectant.3

Gatekeeping In the Information Age Today, the responsibility of gatekeeping information falls on the writer AND the reader. While the term has a negative connotation as a euphemism for censorship, used properly, it can be a defensive tool against the spread of misinformation while steering consumers toward truth, facts, and science.

For example, awareness of faulty reasoning techniques can deter naïve content creation and consumption. One doesn’t have to scroll far to encounter false either/or arguments posing limited options, or non sequiturs connecting a conclusion to an unrelated premise. Additionally, persuasive devices, whether negative ad hominem attacks or positive bandwagon appeals, are shortcuts often leading to false destinations– i.e. false conclusions. While often intentional, sometimes the use of truncated reasoning is

just laziness, an avoidance of the probing, longer road of balanced reasoning. Other times, the limited perspective is caused by the author’s confirmation bias; therefore, proficient writing requires careful critical thinking.

The Power of Creative Writing While writing a narrative, discoveries made and boundaries pushed expand one’s “imaginative knowledge.” Fiction often functions as the proverbial canary in the coal mine, shedding light on the state of the writer or the society. Throughout history, fictional considerations of ‘what if?’ have inspired reflection, revelation, and revolution— affirming Einstein and Brandeis’ claims.

The reemergence of book banning in our country further illustrates that the power of creative writing is threatening to some; perhaps only more unfortunate than the banning of books is when these efforts are met with indifference. Azar Nafisi addresses the power of literature in fostering empathy and fighting tyranny in her book Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times.

In a recent interview, she pointed out that “if we believe in diversity genuinely, and if we believe in respect for the other, we do not confine ourselves to just ourselves.

Come out of yourself, and join the other.

That is the message of great novels.”4 Possibly, that is the message of all good writing. E

Students explore “imaginative knowledge” by expressing themselves in our annual student publication, SEAL.

3 4

ABOUT MRS. BRADY Maureen Brady is the Academic Team Leader of English & World Languages, moderator of SEAL: St. Elizabeth Arts & Literary Magazine, and advisor to The Beth, the Academy’s electronic student newspaper. Mrs. Brady currently teaches AP Literature & Composition, Media Literacy, Digital Publishing, Writers’ Workshop, and Public Speaking. She has also taught Critical Reading & Writing and World Literature.

Prior to working at the Academy, Mrs. Brady was Assistant Professor/ Program Coordinator/Broadcasting at Sussex County Community College, Lecturer at Bergen Community College, and Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University, Kean University, Ramapo University and Saint Elizabeth University. She received her B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University, and M.A. in Speech & Theater with a concentration in Broadcasting from Montclair State University.

Before pursuing a career in academia, she was Director of Advertising & Production at Madison Square Garden Network after working as Affiliate Marketing Manager at SportsChannel.

She has traveled to over 20 countries and is a professional writer and photographer.

Brandeis, Louis. “‘What Publicity Can Do.’” Harpers Weekly, 20 Dec. 1913, pp. 10–13.

Simon, Scott. “Author Interviews: Azar Nafisi's New Book Is on What It Means to 'Read Dangerously'.” National Public Radio, NPR, 5 Mar. 2022, www.npr.org.

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students

Small Choices,

Big Results Commencement Speech

by Valedictorian Grace Roethlin ‘22 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Good afternoon Mrs. Burek, Mrs. Corvo, faculty, family, friends, and graduates: Fellow members of the Class of 2022, I can almost hear the sigh of relief coming from the teaching faculty as they send us off from the Academy. If I remember correctly, our early days were a bit of a circus.

However, I can say with great pride that the women of the class of 2022 that are standing here today are far different from the girls who entered this school 4 years ago. Without realizing it, we have all matured–with much help, of course, from our teachers, administrators, loving parents, and each other. Over the past four years, each and every one of us have achieved amazing things–graduating is only the tip of the iceberg.

I could spend the rest of my time talking about the adversity we have faced in the pursuit of our accomplishments. However, I think everyone already knows the list: the pandemic, growing up with social media as a distraction, being a teenager in general. The real story, I believe, is how each one of us has overcome these obstacles. But how did we do it? The alarm went off, we didn’t hit snooze. Dunkin messed up our order, we drank it anyway.

We showed up to school, we went to our classes, we did our homework, we went to practice. We studied for our tests, 18

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maybe not enough, maybe too much, but at least we tried. We had a bad day, we still smiled at our friends. School went virtual, we still woke up at least a few minutes before class (hopefully) and logged on. We tackled big, global, even history-making issues with tiny, everyday choices. Whether or not we realize it in the moment, these miniscule decisions set the course for the rest of our lives. We are climbing the mountain, but doing it one step at a time.

Even coming to the Academy was a choice. Definitely one of our better ones.

This decision introduced us to the friends, teachers, and mentors that shape our lives today. We have received an education that guides us through making the right choices and an opportunity to grow and learn, even if sometimes we have learned the hard way. None of this would be possible, though, without the friends we made, the teachers who pushed us, the coaches who trained us, and the administrators who believed in us. Even before our time here, we learned how to make good decisions from our families, who encouraged us with wisdom and love to become our best selves. Above all, our faith, nurtured by our time at St. Elizabeth’s, is the foundation for the choices that we make, whether they be big or small.

However, graduating high school is by far not the last adventure that we will have

to tackle in our lives. It is merely the training ground for our future, where we exercise the muscle of good choice every day.

As we move onto the next step of our lives, college, we will need to flex this muscle even more. On our own, away from the watchful eyes of parents, teachers, and guardians, the choices we make will come down to us, alone. Luckily, though, we can move with confidence into our futures because we have been well prepared by our time here. But why am I emphasizing our small, everyday decisions? It's because every choice, even the little ones, establishes who we are. Choosing to get up in the morning, show up, act kindly, be selfless, be a friend, love others, defines who we are. We are not made from the biggest things we do, but the smallest choices we make. And if we get stuck, and we will, the way out is to just do the next right thing, no matter how small. We will make mistakes, we will make wrong choices, we will regret them, but starting over is as simple as making the next right choice. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.” To my fellow members of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth Class of 2022, congratulations. It has been a pleasure and an honor to learn with you; I wish you every luck and happiness and as my mom always says, “make good choices.”

WHERE YOU BELONG.

Everything you need today, for where you’ll go tomorrow.

Discover the Academy experience…apply now!

ApplicatiON DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 9

Visit aosenj.org | 973.290.5225

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students

Model UN Delegates Honored Awards received for several resolutions passed at the Spring Conference The Model UN team competed in their annual spring conference with schools from across the globe. Eight of our students took part and debated on the topics of Climate Change, Protecting Endangered Species, and Poverty Reduction. Each and every one of the resolutions proposed by the Academy delegates was passed by the conference. Our delegates

From left to right: Model UN Delegates Alexa McCarus '23, Sophia Vail '23, Emma Kelly '23, Kathleen Ott de Vries '23, Alyssa Rossini '23, Kate Condon '23, Uliana Leshchuk '23, and Katie Acken '23.

also received various awards for this participation, including Uliana Leshchuk ‘23, representing India, in 2nd Place for Outstanding Delegate Award for her work on the Poverty Reduction Committee; Emma Kelly ‘23, representing Brazil, in 2nd Place for Outstanding Delegate Award for her work in the Climate Change Committee; Kate Condon ‘23, representing Panama,

in 2nd Place for Outstanding Delegate Award for her work in the Protecting Endangered Species Committee, and Alexa McCarus and Sophia Vail ‘23 received 3rd Place Honorable Mention in their respective committees. Katie Acken, Kathleen Ott de Vries ‘23, and Alyssa Rossini ‘23 were all key contributors in passing their groups’ resolutions.

2022 Art Show Speaks to the Soul Student talent on display in painting, sketching, ceramics and more

Photo Credit: Ms. Ellen Denuto

Photo Credit: Ms. Ellen Denuto

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Photo Credit: Ms. Ellen Denuto

The 2022 Art Show was a great celebration of the many talented young artists here at the Academy. With a variety of mediums on display, the Study Hall was magically transformed into a gallery showcase of student work—photography, ceramics, paintings, sketches, sculptures, and more.

Under the direction and guidance of Ms. Denuto and Mrs. Rovayo, the Art Show provided a space to display how our young women continually hone their skills in the Fine Arts and use their talents in ways that speak to the soul.

Emily Crabbe Awarded Class of 1967 Scholarship

students

Pictured left to right: Ms. Katherine Lordi, '67, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Lisa Crabbe, Emily Crabbe, '23, Mr. Daniel Crabbe and Mrs. Donna Sylvester Kupper, '67.

This year’s Class of 1967 Scholarship Award recipient, Emily Crabbe ‘23, recalled how her quiet, unassuming demeanor throughout her life led to challenges in the classroom, even though she was and is an exceptionally hard working student.

Maintaining an “A” average her entire educational career, Emily wrote her scholarship essay detailing how having that high average was not enough for her to be distinguished from her fellow peers. Feeling brushed aside at times, Emily spoke about how the Academy of Saint Elizabeth helped her find her voice and become an advocate not only for her own success,

but also the success of others.

Emily plans on studying architectural engineering upon graduation from the Academy, with a desire to design sustainable, affordable housing for those living in poverty and homelessness. Using her newfound voice from her time at the Academy, Emily wishes to stand up and be a powerful voice for women in the field of engineering.

Congratulations to Emily for receiving the Class of 1967 Scholarship Award and best wishes of success in her final year at the Academy.

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth has been ranked by Niche as one of the top Catholic High Schools and All-Girls Catholic High Schools in New Jersey! Our deserving A+ ranking is based on multiple factors, including reviews from students, families, employees, and alumna.

By leaving a review on Niche about your experience at the Academy, you are assuring young women an Academy education will be their Best Decision Ever! To leave a review, scan the QR Code and visit the Niche’ Academy of Saint Elizabeth profile.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

Students, parents and alumnae: Connect with AOSE on Niche and help future SEAsters make the best decision ever!

Rachel Danzitz ‘22 Recognized by NJ Representative Mikie Sherrill Each spring, the United States House of Representatives recognizes artistically talented high school students across the nation at their annual Congressional Art Competition. Since its inception in 1982, more than 650,000 students have participated in the competition, moderated by the Congressional Institute. Students must submit their work to their district representative’s office for review by a panel of district artists. Winning entries are recognized both at the district level and at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where a gallery of work is displayed for one year in the United States Capitol.

This year, Rachel Danzitz ‘22 entered two photographic submissions for review.

Her works, titled “Five More Minutes” and “Cynomys Ludovicianus” are incredible examples of wildlife photography at its finest, using skills gleaned here at the Academy. Her photographs Rachel received a prestigious award of “Special Congressional Recognition” from Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Congratulations to Rachel on this incredible achievement and testament to her beautiful artistic capabilities.

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Reach for The Stars Commencement Speech

by Cara Cavanaugh ‘12 ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT

Good afternoon, Principal Burek, faculty, staff, families, and—most importantly—graduates. My name is Cara Cavanaugh, and I am a member of the Academy’s class of 2012. It’s strange to me that a decade ago, I was sitting in your place. It must feel equally strange to you that just four years ago you were beginning high school. Yet here we are. And in a few quick months, you will be going off to college, and explaining to your new friends that the pictures of you in a long white dress and gloves are not, in fact, from a debutante ball, but are actually from your high school graduation. (Or at least, that’s what I had to do in the first week of college).

When considering what to say today, I thought, “What do I wish I would have known ten years ago?” This moment right here is the end page of a chapter, but you have yet to turn the page to reveal the next one. I remember feeling excited but worried about the future. What I wish I had known back then, and what I hope to convey to you today, is that you are ready to face your next chapters because you have so successfully written a full one here.

All of us came to St. E’s from different

towns and different schools. Maybe you knew a few people or maybe you knew no one. Either way, you learned how to navigate taking the train to Convent Station, and you walked through those double doors to choose a seat in the cafeteria.

You put on a new uniform and new shoes, and went to class. (Also, I found out recently that you all can wear boat shoes now? When I was here, we had these clunky black uniform shoes that squeaked in the hallway!) But you didn’t just master the logistics of coming to a new school, you also became a part of its culture. You entered a place with an ingrained history, and traditions that you made your own.

When you sang in the Alma Mater contest or climbed all those steps to get to the art room or decided to join a new sports team, you built a life here for yourself.

Now that you’ve done that once, you can do it again.

And believe me, you will have to start new chapters over and over again – more times than you think. In my ten years since graduation, I have gone to college, moved to a different country, moved back, started one job, pivoted my career, started a new job, and then left that to go to law school.

When I was in your place, I thought that the most important lessons that I would take with me from high school were the ones that I had been tested on in class.

And (no offense to my former teachers sitting here today) while those were important, with hindsight, I have come to find that the most valuable lesson is using all your experiences from St. E’s as a reference for your amazing next chapters.

Let me give you an example. A couple

“valuable lesson is using all your

I have come to find that the most

experiences from St. E’s as a reference for your amazing next chapters.

”

– Cara Cavanaugh ‘12 22

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alumnae news of years ago, when I was working in Washington, DC, I had to give an important presentation at NASA Headquarters. This was a big deal since it was the culmination of over a year of researching policy issues for spacecraft sterilization. On the morning of the presentation, I was in a coffee shop, wearing my suit, practicing what I would say from my notes, and feeling very nervous. Then, I thought to myself, “Cara, you’ve done this before! Your suit is just a costume, and these notes are your script.

This is way less nerve-wracking than being in the St. E’s production of The Wizard of Oz, when you played the coroner of Munchkin Land, and had to sing one line in front of the whole school.” At least I didn’t have to sing at NASA! Then I thought, that was not even nearly as stressful as when I played Jesus in the Stations of the Cross and discovered during the performance in the Chapel that I didn’t have the core muscles to hold the “Pieta” pose at the end. So, it looked like I was having a seizure in Mary’s lap! Thinking back on those on those experiences, I realized that explaining spacecraft sterilization at NASA was a piece of cake.

All of this is to say, that ahead of each of you lies chapter after chapter with twists and turns, but your experiences at St. E’s will guide you. As you’ll soon see, you will take many trains, put on many pairs of new shoes, and choose seats in many cafeterias after this. But I know that you ladies are more than prepared to do so.

Thank you, and congratulations to the Class of 2022.

Pictured left to right, members of the Class of 2012: Alissa Pape, Chrissy Hughes, Briana Treacy, Jenn Discher Cosenza (bride), Samantha Wilkinson, Kannie Beaudouin.

Wedding Bells Ring At The Academy Alumnae reunite to celebrate fellow SEAster’s wedding at Holy Family Chapel On Saturday, October 1, Jenna Discher, ‘12 was married in Holy Family Chapel. Like something out of a fairytale, Jenna and her father arrived to the Academy’s picturesque campus in a white horse-drawn carriage. Prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride took her “First Look” pictures with her SEAsters on the grand staircase in the Motherhouse.

Proud father of the bride, Ray Discher, P ‘12, helps his daughter out of a horse-drawn carriage as she arrives at the Academy for her “First Look” photo shoot, which included stunning pictures with fellow SEAsters.

Cara and Grace stand together in front of our new Academy of Saint Elizabeth sign before the commencement ceremony as fellow SEAsters and Valedictorians, 10 years apart.

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ALUMNAENEWS Alumnae Celebrate Five Decades of SEAsterhood On Saturday, June 11, the Academy was honored to host the 50 Year Reunion for the Class of 1972. The day commemorated 50 years to the day when these women graduated on the front lawn in their white gowns. They had two special guests (their former teachers) join them, Sister Marie Russo and Sister Geraldine O’Brien. Attendees also made meaningful contributions to the Alumnae Scholarship Fund in memory of their classmate, Patricia Flothow.

“Words cannot express how blessed our reunion Class of ‘72 was to have you [Megan Knight] organize, be a part of and celebrate with us on the exact, to the day, 50 year mark of our graduation! I think I can speak for all of us attending, that we had a blast! We might be old in number but we are young at heart! I was happy everything fell into place.”

- Clare, ‘72

Need help planning your reunion?

The Academy is ready to celebrate your sisterhood!

Email mknight@aose.info to get started

Cov-Italy: An Unexpected Reunion Abroad

by Kathy Donlon Ambrosio ‘75 My husband, Dominic Ambrosio, and I went to Italy for a vacation with a group from all over the United States. We were required to have negative Covid-19 tests in order to return home. Nine of us were detained for positive test results and had to extend our stay. During the course of our extended time, I discovered one of our fellow travelers was a 1965 graduate of the Academy of St. Elizabeth. We both were so excited to discover this and had a lovely time reminiscing about shared teachers, traditions and experiences we each had (though at different times) while we attended the Academy. It is really a small world, but the Academy reaches far!

Kathy Donlon Ambrosio ‘75 and Dawn Uhlendorf Insalaco ‘65 visiting Villa D'Este in Tivoli

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alumnae news

Class of 2002 Reunion SEAsters revisited fond memories during their celebration at the Academy On Saturday, October 1, the Class of 2002 hosted their 20 year reunion at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. The party began in the Moran Library with catered food and beverages to enjoy while the SEAsters chatted, caught up on their lives and looked through yearbooks. Mark Kleban came prepared with a music playlist and speaker with the top hits of 2002 for the ultimate throwback.

The tour was probably the highlight of the evening with so many memories, laughs and stories coming back with each visit to a classroom.

Mr. Yarnall’s classroom got a visit and lots of messages on his whiteboard from his former students.

A special thank you to Ashleigh Plewa and Mary Kleban for taking the initiative and planning this special milestone class reunion.

Career Day and Founders’ Day Assembly Stories of Success and Inspiration Fuel Future Leaders On Friday, April 1, 2022, the Academy celebrated our annual Career & Founders' Day. Alumnae visited the school to speak to our current students about the different career paths they chose after graduating from the Academy, which included professions such as therapist, attorney, veterinarian, city planner, entrepreneur, engineer, and more! Students were able to select three different morning sessions about careers they were interested in learning more about from their fellow SEAsters.

The day concluded with a Founders'

Day Assembly in the Study Hall paneled by Antoinette Plewa, '72 and her daughter, Ashleigh Plewa, '02, both of whom discussed their experiences at the Academy. Thank you to the alumnae and presenters who came to share their stories of success. Our guests brought us great pride and inspired so many young women!

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ARTFUL Renewal

by Jennifer & Ted Mendryzycki, P ‘26

TRANSFORMATIVE GIFTS

When we initially toured the Academy with our daughter, Cate, we were impressed with the recent transformations of the Study Hall, Library and Panther Den, all of which were accomplished through generous gifts from former and current AOSE families. We saw the immediate impact that giving has on the experience that young women have at the Academy.

When we saw the art and dance studios, we saw the potential to make a transfor-

mative gift that would refresh and update the space while maintaining the original character. Our hope is that our gift will provide current and future classes with the opportunity to continue to foster a love of the arts and channel their talents. Our daughter Cate has always had a love for the arts, which has been encouraged by her grandmothers. Cate’s maternal grandmother comes from an artistic family, and has used her artistic gifts in painting and

singing to support her community and her Church in Florida. Cate’s paternal grandmother was a Catholic elementary educator and principal for 40 years, finishing her career as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.

We made our gift in honor of them and the commitment they have made over the years to the education and support of young women.

For 162 years and counting, every single one of us has been a steward of the incredible Academy legacy. We all need to ensure we leave the Academy

a better place than when we arrived.

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support

TRANSFORMATIVE

GIFTS The vision and generosity of Mrs. Suzy Moran, P ‘92 continues to renew the timeless elegance and renowned prestige of the Academy.

Our relationship with Suzy Moran began when the time came for Suzy and her husband,Mr. J. Brian Moran, to select an all-girls Catholic high school for their daughter, Regan, and their decision to have her attend the Academy. Two of her nieces also went on to graduate from the Academy. Fast forward a generation, and Mrs. Moran’s granddaughter, Lily, will be graduating with the Class of 2023.

Throughout the years, Suzy used her professional aptitude and love for the Academy to transform many of its spaces around campus. Her first project oversaw the renovation and the dedication of the McMullen Auditorium in 1992, followed by the Moran Library in 1998 and the Study Hall in 2000, which was done as a dedication to Saint Joseph. The iconic chandeliers that our students know and love throughout the building and administrative offices were also a mark of Mrs. Moran’s signature style.

After completing the Panther Den renovation in 2019, the Administration and the Development Office decided the Study Hall would be the newest initiative to update and renovate. The strategic plan for our #GivingTuesday Campaign was held to raise funding for the “Heart of the Academy.” When the time came to consult for the overall design of the project, Megan Knight, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations, knew exactly who to call—Mrs. Moran.

An additional fundraising event was planned and our committed and generous community rallied around the “Heart of

the Academy Campaign” on December 1, our annual Day of Giving. Friends of the Academy gave generously and alumnae shared their favorite memories together in the Study Hall. We ended the Campaign so grateful for all of our friends who graciously supported our vision and legacy together.

After nearly 18 months and many gallons of paint (even a color change!), too many cases of caulk to count, 365 yards of French navy-blue velvet fabric, custom made cornices and draperies for each window, wooden blinds, hand painted artwork in the alcoves behind the stage (which were inspired by the signature tiles throughout the building), and brand new tables, Suzy’s vision for the Study Hall finally came to fruition. The Study Hall now looks and feels like the true “Heart of the Academy”.

However, Suzy did not stop there!

Her vision continued down the hallway – her focus now on the renovation and overhaul of the Principal, Assistant Principal and the Academy main office. The design complimented and mirrored the prestige of the Study Hall. This next step included new wallcoverings, furniture, wooden blinds on every window, and the same custom blue draperies as in the Study Hall. The new wool carpeting tied all three offices together into separate, but continuous spaces. Suzy’s vision has essentially created a rebranding of the Academy’s finest features—tying separate spaces together in a timeless, enduring and classical way.

Transformative gifts, like Suzy’s generosity, received by the Academy are life changing for our school. These gifts are investments entrusted to us by our visionaries. They have a profound and immediate impact on our school. These gifts are the ultimate testament of the deep commitment in keeping the oldest all-girls Catholic high school in New Jersey ready to continue to meet the needs of young women for generations to come.

In the next issue...

THE MORAN LIBRARY Do you want to learn about ways you can invest in the Academy?

Schedule a tour, meeting or phone call with Megan Knight to learn how a transformative gift can make an immediate impact on our school.

LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2022

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

The Academy is the oldest Catholic 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.

WHEN

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 Identification Number 22-2738106 [insert here the exact dollar amount or other specific information].”

LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2019 28

Restoring our

support

HISTORY When John Riccio, P ‘24, went to his daughter’s back to school night last year he heard Ms. Megan Knight, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations, talk about a text message she received from a senior dad, “I want to leave everything better than when I got here.” That is when John and his wife, Petrina, decided they wanted to give back in a way that aligned with their professional area of expertise – restoring and honoring antique furniture. Certainly in a 120 year old school building there are plenty of opportunities to honor the past and embrace the future.

What started out as creating a custom finial for the stage in the Study Hall quickly evolved into assisting with various projects and renovations around the school. Shown here are just a few examples of the work John and his team have done as gifts in kind. We are deeply grateful to the Riccio Family and the artisans at Antiques Plus for their gifts of time and talent.

Building a future where modern innovation values the importance of restoration and preservation of our rich history.

antiquesplusupholstery.com Rockaway, NJ | 973.625.5715 john@antiquesplusupholstery.com

LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2022

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A Parent’s

PASSION Now, more than ever, we must sustain the Academy for future generations.

By Mr. Kenneth Purzycki, P ‘19 In 2014, my wife, daughter, and I entered the historic building of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth for the first time.

Through the 8th grade, both our son and daughter attended public school, yet my family wanted something more than what the local high school had to offer.

Our son, Mike, graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 2013 with an experience that far exceeded our expectations. Being six years younger, Katie was in awe of the culture at Seton Hall Prep as she watched her brother’s experience and decided that she

wanted the same for herself when it came to high school.

We toured all of the girls’ Catholic high schools in the area, but none of them offered anything remotely similar to what our son had experienced until we attended the Academy’s Open House and Accepted Students’ Night. As we drove home from the Academy of Saint Elizabeth on those impressionable nights, three takeaways left us with no doubt that this school was the right choice for Katie.

Our passion and call to support the

To say the experience exceeded our expectations “would not give justice to all the Academy has to offer.

– Mr. Kenneth Purzycki, P ‘19

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LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2022

”

Academy has only grown as alumnae parents.

We left the Academy that night with an overwhelming feeling of being wel-comed into a tight-knit family that spans across numerous generations. The Acad-emy made it very clear from the beginning that no matter what grade level a student was in, everyone, including our daughter, would be welcomed and accepted by her peers. This was the beginning of Katie’s SEAsterhood.

For the past 162 years this school has been special, and we take pride in our role of continuing such distinction into the future.

Like so many students at Saint E’s, our daughter made the life-changing decision to part ways with her childhood friends from public school and forge her own path at a school that would mold her into the young woman she was destined to become. The warm welcome from her peers is something our family values to this day.

The dedication and passion of the faculty and administration in their academic and spiritual pursuits were apparent.

Smaller class sizes allowed the faculty members to focus on challenging the students to achieve their highest potential.

Support from an administration dedicated to preparing the students for college and ensuring spiritual growth to support life’s journey was bigElizabeth differentiator.

Academy of a Saint students, Perhaps ‘32

An Annual Fund like the Academy’s Seton Fund, is established to close the gap between a school's revenue and expenses.

See how the Academy of Saint Elizabeth fares in comparison to other independent schools in the nation:

$18,600 UNLOCK AN

CHALLENGE GRANT!

NATIONAL AVERAGE GAP:

$4,500 PER STUDENT

NATIONAL AVERAGE GAP:

$5,800 PER STUDENT

Independent Schools

Independent Schools with < 300 Students

A.O.S.E. AVERAGE GAP:

A.O.S.E. ANNUAL GAP:

$2,500 PER STUDENT

2022-2023 Academic Year

Join the

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE

WILL YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? The Knights of Saint Elizabeth will contribute a bonus gift of $465.00 for each of the first 40 gifts received at the Founders’ Circle level or higher!

Turn $1,860 into $2,325 with your gift to the Seton Fund today.

• The Seton Fund accounts for approximately 10% of the annual budget at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth • 13% of our students received financial aid and merit scholarships thanks to your incredible support. This is a $145,000 increase from last year.

• The Seton Fund also supports part of our robust athletic program with nearly 75% of young women participating in one or more sports

$525,000 TOTAL ANNUAL GAP

2022-2023 Academic Year

most importantly, we were blown away by the young ladies at the Accepted Students’ Night who carried themselves with poise, maturity, and eloquence beyond their age as they detailed their passions and experiences at the school.

Today, now more than ever, it is important for us to sustain the school for future generations of young women to learn, grow, and flourish.

The Academy offered a unique opportunity, not only for young women to flourish, but also for parents to become active participants in the community. I was initially apprehensive about getting involved, as I did not want to get in the way of my daughter’s independent experience with the school she fell in love with. Fortunately, my initial hesitancy did not stop me from charting my own path of immersion in the school’s community. I served as the Parents’ Association Vice President then the President, Parent Ambassador, basketball clock operator, and now a founding member of the Knights of Saint Elizabeth.

I may have “missed the mark” of not getting in my daughter's way, but I did foster a deeper connection to the school that has become a significant part of our family’s lives.

To say the experience exceeded our expectations would not give justice to all the Academy has to offer. Our Academy

(continued on next page)

LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2019

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experience, rooted in quality academics, rich tradi-tions, spiritual development, athletic diversity, enrich-ment in the arts, and an overall sense of encouragement, surpassed what we would have received in any other high school setting. I hope each of you feels the same way and understands the importance of supporting the continued excellence of our beloved school.

The gift of giving is always a personal choice but rest assured that all contributions go to a very worth-while cause. If you are able, I invite you to join my fellow Knights in making a Founders’ Circle level gift to the Academy. GO PANTHERS!!!

Mr. Kenneth Purzycki, P ‘19

Members of the Knights of Saint Elizabeth: Charles Malone, Jr., P ’19, ’24, Chairman 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

SAVE THE DATE

#GIVINGtuesday TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022

Together we can ensure the lasting distinction of the Academy.

share your STORY WHAT DOES BEING PART OF A LEGACY MEAN TO YOU?

Help us celebrate #GivingTuesday2022 by sharing your story as a current student, alumna or family member. We all play a role in what has made the Academy a special place since 1860.

No matter where you’re going or where you’ve been… your unique story continues to build the legacy of empowered women who are the Academy of Saint Elizabeth.

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LEGACY Magazine | FALL 2022

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save the DATE

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS AT THE ACADEMY

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 Alumna Father-Daughter Bowling

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 #GivingTuesday 2022

DECEMBER 1, 2022 Christmas at the Academy

Scan to see all ticketed events!

DECEMBER 8, 2022 Junior Ring Ceremony | Holy Family Chapel

JANUARY 21, 2023 The Beth Ball

JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 3, 2023 Catholic Schools Week

APRIL 28, 2023 7th Grade Panther For a Day

MAY 18, 2023 Gift Auction and Senior Gala