Alumnae Spotlight - WINTER 2018

Alumnae Spotlight Newsletter Winter 2018

Alumnae Jhanice V. Domingo Calulo 1995 Diana White 2017 Faculty Member Kathleen Joseph Students Jenna Frenick Jillian Frenick School News Upcoming Events

Alumnae Spotlight: Jhanice V. Domingo Calulo, MSR ‘95 B.A., Boston College, 1999 J.D., Seton Hall Law, 2002 Jhanice V. Domigo is a Partner at Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Barbarito & Frost, P.C. -- a comprehensive full-service law firm with offices in New Jersey and New York. Jhanice specializes in family law and represents the firm’s clients in litigation of complex, high-conflict family law cases and in alternative dispute resolution of simple family law matters. Since 2011, Jhanice has served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Family Practice Committee.

She was named by New Jersey Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2009-2010, 2012-2013, 2015-2016 and 2017. She is an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated attorney and was selected for inclusion into the 2013 edition of the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers. In 2013, Jhanice was one of 50 New Jersey attorneys selected by New Jersey Law Journal to receive the New Leaders of the Bar Award (formerly “Best 40 Under 40”). She is also one of 100 early- to mid- career minority attorneys to be selected in the Lawyers of Color Inaugural Eastern Region 2013 Hot List. In 2017, Jhanice was one of 15 attorneys recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal as “Diverse Attorneys of the Year.” The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ) and the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law also selected Jhanice to be awarded “Professional Lawyer of the Year” in 2017.

Jhanice is the Immediate Past President of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) and Chair of NFALA’s Judicial & Executive Nominations Appointments Committee. Jhanice is also a Past President of APALA-NJ and is the Chair of APALA-NJ’s Judicial & Prosecutorial Appointments Committee (JPAC). As JPAC Chair, Jhanice is the point of contact for APALA-NJ’s judicial candidates, advising them about the process and facilitating their candidacies with the Governor’s Appointments Office, various senatorial offices, other government officials, NAPABA, and the NJSBA. Her Commentary, “Seeking Greater Diversity in the Bench and Bar” was published in the August 2013 edition of New Jersey Lawyer Magazine.

Jhanice was born in Manila, Philippines and has been a New Jersey native since moving to the United States at the age of nine. She is fluent in Tagalog and active in the Asian Pacific American community. She is the Vice President of the Legal Section of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Korean American Family Service Center and its Benefit Committee. More than a decade-long resident of Somerset County, where she resides with her husband and daughter, Jhanice also serves on the Board of the Somerset Community Action Program.

Here at Mother Seton, Class of 1995, Jhanice was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math and Science Leagues, Assistant Literary Editor of the yearbook, and a four year member of the Varsity Tennis Team and was elected Co-Captain in her Senior year. She and her sister Joanne (MSR1996) were known as “The Dynamic Domingo Doubles Team.” In her Senior year, Jhanice served as Student Council President.

Jhanice and her husband Terence are the proud parents of nine year old Gisel. Perhaps she will carry on the family tradition of her mom and two aunts, Jhiselle ’93 and Joanne ’96 and will become the fourth member of the family’s MSR tradition.

Alumnae Spotlight: Diana White, MSR ‘17 Diana White, a recent graduate, is a Freshman at Seton Hall University, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in Biology and the duel degree program of Master of Science Physician Assistant. An Honor Roll student throughout her four years at our school, she has continued that illustrious achievement with the four year annual award of a Seton Hall University Merit Scholarship.

Certainly Diana will bring the same well rounded, cheerful, and socially conscious personality to her college experience that she honed here at Mother Seton. Portraying lead roles in The Sound of Music, Annie, Hairspray, and,The Wizard of Oz were just the more visual displays of her many talents. Diana was a Mother Seton Ambassador, Vice President of GlamourGals, Senior Editor of her yearbook, Publicity Chair of Student Council, and served as an Algebra I and II tutor. She was also Junior Class President and Sophomore Class Publicity Chair.

Organizing school events, creating videos and flyers, delivering school announcements, and representing our school at fairs and open houses, Diana is the embodiment of Seton Spirit. No task was too large or too small to receive her serious attention and special touch. It is no surprise that during the summer of 2017, Diana served an internship at the Kessler Foundation in East Hanover, New Jersey, learning about the needs and tests performed on patients with multiple sclerosis, autism, and traumatic brain injuries.

Diana White is a credit to our school and a graduate we will certainly keep our eyes on as she continues to add to her accomplishments. Diana will prove to the world that when a young lady graduates from Mother Seton, the future is hers!

Faculty Spotlight: Kathleen Joseph Like any good math equation, variables exist to help fuel answers. Mrs. Joseph’s educational career has traveled varied paths bringing her to Mother Seton Regional. A native New Yorker, Kathleen got her BS at Marymount Manhattan College, her MS in Math Education at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and her PD in Education, Administration and Supervision at Saint John’s University.

Her teaching career began at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, Queens, an all girl’s Catholic high school of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Kathleen served as the Math chair and met her husband, Leslie, a fellow math teacher, there as well. Their marriage brought another adventurous path to her life. Together they visited Leslie’s native country, India.

Eventually, they returned there to adopt an infant, their daughter, Lori, from one of Mother Teresa’s orphanages. The adoption also contained many variables that the couple surmounted together with interesting and miraculous effects.

Mrs. Joseph, was a working mother, teaching part time at Saint Michael’s in Cranford, where the couple raised Lori. Mr. Joseph changed careers and became an actuary for insurance companies. As her daughter grew, Mrs. Joseph joined the staff, part time, at Mother Seton. When Lori went off to the University of Vermont, and Mr. Joseph was working in Baltimore during the week, Sister Regina found a way to fill her time and Mrs. Joseph went from part time math teacher to a 120% course load, thereby helping relieve her empty nest environment and ably filling the math needs of our Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus students.

In an interesting complete circle, Lori is now a math teacher, following her mother’s example, at Piscataway High School!

While Kathleen enjoys the administrative aspects of an academic career, teaching is her true joy. The students at our school have always impressed her with their self-assurance, confidence, and commitment to service. Being the advisor to the National Honor Society and assistant Junior Class advisor affords Mrs. Joseph continued exposure to the students’ creativity and devotion to good causes. The National Honor Society began a project to raise money for Life Choices, a group that supports medical services and alternative choices to abortion. Their current project is a children’s book drive to donate volumes to needy children in nearby schools. Mrs. Joseph will also be helping with the Junior Ring Ceremony, prom, and the annual Junior/Senior Luncheon.

Mother Seton is proud to have Mrs. Joseph with all her talents and tales as a valued member of our academic staff and a true devotee of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s mission.

Be sure to click this link and check out Mrs. Joseph’s Geometry class and their triangle project.

Student Spotlight: Jenna and Jillian Frenick 2018 Meet the Frenick twins, class of 2018, who bring literal and heartfelt truth to the term Seton Sisters! Jillian and Jenna embody all the spirit, splash, and splendor that our school fosters. Both girls are talented members of the Seton Ensemble with Jenna on drum set and Jillian on guitar. But these two are no fish out of water because they both also excel on the MSR swim team in backstroke and breaststroke respectively. We caught them on dry land long enough to get some more details about this dynamic duo.

The girls have been swimming for eleven years and are members of three different swim teams including MSR. Add the Riptide and Brookside to their many lanes for trophies and success. They credit their parents, coaches, and family support for their ability to maintain a year round swimming schedule. Both sisters admit to winning several meets and awards but were too modest to brag or list those honors. Jillian and Jenna also work as life guards at the Brookside pool during the summer.

Also academically successful, these young ladies have applied to nine colleges, 8 in common and one different school each. Their nine prospects include each of their parents’ alma maters, Rutgers, New Brunswick and The College of New Jersey. Other colleges on their lists include Stockton University, Alvernia University, Seton Hall, University of Scranton, DeSales University, and Kean University. They have garnered scholarship offers at most of them and even some special incentive financial awards based on their chosen majors. Jillian is looking forward to studying Physical Therapy and Jenna, Athletic Training. They are not completely decided yet but so far Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania is the leading contender.

Bringing a sister along as your roommate eliminates some of the angst of meeting and adjusting to a new personality, the twins agree. Lebanon Valley also reminds the girls of the feeling they enjoy here at Mother Seton. The small campus mirrors the camaraderie and warmth of our halls of truth and knowledge.

Mr. and Mrs. Frenick have raised two wonderful, centered young ladies who appreciate their extended family and their parents’ devotion. The girls credit their mom with keeping her eye on their writing abilities from her career as an editor and writer for a Princeton firm, while Dad’s Tech career for the United States Golf Association adds another dimension to their skill set. They all enjoy relaxing together during family vacations in Maine, Cape May, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Jillian and Jenna, we wish you all the best as you look forward to college and thank you for being such accomplished Seton Sisters.

Jenna Frenick ‘18

Jillian Frenick ‘18

School News: MSR Launches the New S.T.A.R. Program

Beginning in September, Mother Seton Regional High School will offer an expanded college preparatory program for newly admitted freshmen. S.T.A.R, Success Through Academic Readiness, will offer selected ninth graders and some current students, an opportunity to pursue a challenging academic program with the added benefit of increased classroom support and individualized instruction.

“We recognize that students learn in a variety of ways,” says Corinne Wnek, the Director of Guidance at the high school. “We also understand that students are at different points of readiness for their transition to high school. Teachers within the S.T.A.R program are trained to work with students academically, socially and emotionally, so that the students have a positive freshman experience.”

Sr. Jacquelyn Balasia, Principal of Mother Seton, agrees. “We want all students to be successful here at Mother Seton right from the start. The new S.T.A.R program is designed to help students strengthen academic skills in the ninth grade so that they will be ready to pursue their high school career at Mother Seton confidently and successfully.”

School News: HGTV - MSR Version

Our Home Ec kitchens needed some TLC and we didn’t have to turn on the TV to improve Mrs. DeMaio’s classroom. The original yellow cabinets were yellowing with age and rust spots; therefore a facelift was necessary. Our goal was to keep the original cabinets and have them painted which was better for our budget and the environment. Teddy, our craftsman custodian, painted the room and had it pristine for the cabinet work and the installation of new shades. The results are amazing! Our kitchens of a certain age now look shiny, refreshed, and modern. The best news is our generous benefactors completely financed this renovation.

Now our students and the adults who attend the evening cooking seminars are treated to a revitalized kitchen setting to work their magic with expert teachers and exciting recipes.

But we didn’t stop the facelift there. The cabinets also needed filling and updating. Mrs. DeMaio has developed a kitchen wish list on Amazon. Check out the active registry on Amazon to help purchase necessary new dishes and utensils for this exciting make over. Many thanks to all who have already contributed to filling the cabinets through the Amazon Shower.

Pre-Makeover (Is this the kitchen you remember?)

Click this link to be brought to the Home Ec Wish List on Amazon.com REMEMBER to use AMAZON SMILE account and choose MSR as your Non-Profit of choice!

New and Improved

Upcoming Events at our Alma Mater:

Gala 2018 - Save the date!

Plans have already begun for the third Annual Gala to be held again at the Westwood on Friday, October 5, 2018. The event promises to be filled with friendship and Seton Spirit enhanced by a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, music, cocktails, dinner, and the awards ceremony.

Please consider getting involved in this worthy project by being on a planning committee or at least marking your calendars to attend this very special Mother Seton event.

Attention Class of 1968 - 50th Class Reunion Contact the Class of ‘68 Facebook page to help with ideas and suggestions for our 50th reunion.

Bon Voyage Gift Auction - March 2 The Mother Seton Parent’s Guild will be hosting their annual gift auction on Friday, March 2nd. Doors open at 5:30pm with the ‘first call’ happening at 7:30pm.

Admission is $25 per ticket.

Get your tickets today by using this link.

Seton Super Sweepstakes Raffle - Drawing Date: March 2 WANT TO WIN up to $25,000 and help our school to raise $25,000 in the process?

Here's your chance - buy a SUPER 50/50 Raffle Ticket. Tickets are $50.

Click this link to purchase a 'Seton SUPER Sweepstakes' entry.

Easter Egg Hunt - March 18 from 1pm to 3pm What a great way to celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring! Meet the Easter Bunny and join in the fun at our second annual Easter Egg Hunt. This event is open to all Mother Seton families. Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, ages 1-10 will enjoy hunting for eggs while their families enjoy the afternoon together. The Mother Seton Alumnae Association is happy to sponsor this event. Any donations are appreciated.

Click this link to register today for this FREE EVENT.

Upcoming Events at our Alma Mater:

Alumnae Social - April 13, 2018 7pm to 10pm THE CRANFORD SOCIAL, 220 South Avenue, Cranford, NJ Let’s gather all our alumnae together to welcome spring in a celebratory atmosphere that will include a Mother Seton Signature Martini - Red and Gold of course! - 3 hour open bar of beer, wine, and soda along with passed hors d’oeuvres of mini quiche, spring rolls, chicken quesadillas, and Jack Daniel beef skewers, with a cheese, fruit, and crackers station. Class of ’68 this is a fantastic kick off to your 50th reunion year and class of ’93 your 25th reunion year!

Bring your classmates and make this event a real celebration of Seton Spirit complete with MSR Trivia games!

Sign up at our site for reservations - $45.00 includes friendship, food, and libations.

Click here to buy your admission ticket and reserve your spot.

Alumnae Induction Ceremony - May 24 @ 7pm You are invited to join our Candlelight Ceremony as the Class of 2018 enters our Alumnae Association. A prayer service, special alumnae speakers, readings, and the singing of our Alma Mater will all enhance this meaningful ceremony. The following reception will give you the opportunity to meet and connect with our newest members and welcome them into our alumnae sisterhood.

Invitation to Worship Please join us at our future school liturgies: March 26 @ 9:30—Stations of the Cross April 30 @ 9:30—School Liturgy