Coeur à Coeur - Fall/Winter 2023

FALL/WINTER 2023

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Magazine

“HOUSE” CALLS The Making of a New Woodlands Tradition Pg. 10

Coeur à Coeur is produced by the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Marketing and Communications Department: Garett Auriemma

D I R E C TO R O F S T R AT E G I C C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N D M A R K E T I N G

Nikita Barnes

D I G I TA L C O N T E N T M A N A G E R

Barrie Fromme

M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I N ATO R

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa Ciaglo ’24 Patricia Colbert ’69 Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. Larry Farmer Kit Kirkendall ’25

PHOTOGRAPHY Garett Auriemma Nikita Barnes Amy Coles Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. Erin Drewitz Jeff Mateer Natalie Starks James Vitullo

GRAPHIC DESIGN Jeff Hendricks

LEADERSHIP TEAM Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

Garett Auriemma

D I R E C TO R O F S T R AT E G I C C O M M U N I C AT I O N A N D M A R K E T I N G

Nikki Bonamarte

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Rocco Gargiulo PRINCIPAL

Gregory Lobe

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION

Christine Schmidt

A S S O C I AT E H E A D O F S C H O O L , DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES

ON THE COVER: Kaley Meister ’24, Frances (Rosie) Graziano ’25, and Greer Talty ’24 ©2023 Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart All rights reserved.

F E AT U R E S TO R I E S 1 2 4 5 6 8 10 14 16 19 20 22 24

Head of School’s Letter Woodlands News Research at Argonne Honors for Woodlands Seniors A Year of Inspiration Sacred Heart Summer “House” Calls: The Making of a New Woodlands Tradition Larry Farmer: The Road to Woodlands Celebrating the Woodlands Class of 2023 In Memoriam: Susan Morrison Think Globally!

Reunion 2023 Recap Upcoming Events

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Bridget Egan Albertson ’79, P’19 Mary C. Bernstein, RSCJ Patricia Colbert ’69 Niall Cullinane P’20 Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D., H E A D O F S C H O O L Ariana Gammel P’23 Colm Heaney P’20 Carmen Heredia-Lopez P’24 Jenifer Dreiling Holderman ’80 Joy Fiorini Kaspi ’80 Heather Ann Kotlarz P’14, P’15 Nancy Kehoe, Ph.D., RSCJ Hon. Susan Kennedy-Sullivan ’70 Michael Kerns P’18, Vice Chair Lynda Mooney P’22, Chair Steve Pace P’23 Anthony Rettino P’22 Ennedy Rivera ’93 Tami Hoekstra Rocha ’80, P’05 Sue Rogers, RSCJ Michele M. Sparks P’22 Kathyrn Talty P’24 Aimee G. Walters P’23

Dear Woodlands Academy alumnae and friends, It is with great joy that I share with you the Fall/Winter 2023 edition of Coeur à Coeur. Contained herein are highlights of the transformative experiences being supported at your school. You have much to be proud of as a Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart or Barat College alumna. I hope you will enjoy reading about the most recent graduating class, how the teachers are bringing content to life in their classrooms, and how students are experiencing the world in which they live through the Global Odyssey Program. It is a great time to be at Woodlands!

Today’s students, much like our alumnae, are women of courage, confidence, and compassion. Each brings a unique gift to the school. I was so impressed by the talents exhibited by our actors as they took the stage in the Susan St. James Performing Arts Center for the production of Steel Magnolias and then High School Musical. Our Fine Arts Evening showcased the visual arts with award winning painting, drawings, and photography on display by the artists. The evening included music and original poetry performed by the students as well.

Woodlands took to the courts and fields in an exciting year of athletic competition. We offered three volleyball teams, two tennis teams, basketball, softball, and soccer teams. Our athletes participated in post-season play and the Varsity Soccer team was the Regional Champion! Wildcats benefited from soccer and softball field improvements and the tennis teams are enjoying the benefit of the new tennis courts completed just in time for the first match of the season.

Sacred Heart traditions are celebrated at Woodlands. Members of the sophomore class just received their Mater medals at the Feast of Mater Admirabilis Mass and members of the junior class just ordered their Woodlands class rings. And of course, goûter remains a favorite tradition! This week we will also acknowledge the Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. We will recognize her life given to God, a life simultaneously grace filled and challenged by instances and decisions that were inconsistent with operating from this grace–a life through which we owe the presence of Sacred Heart education on these shores and from which we strive to grow in understanding the impact of our own actions.

I hope that reading the articles and seeing the pictures from your school will bring back happy memories and inspire you to reach out to a fellow alumna to revisit your shared memories.

United in mission,

Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

Fall/Winter 2023 2020 | 1

Woodlands Tops Again:

Named Best Catholic High School, Best AllGirls School in Illinois Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart has yet again received top grades when it comes to faith-based education for young women.

According to recently released 2024 rankings by Niche, an independent research company, Woodlands has been named the #1 Best All-Girls High School in Illinois. This is the seventh year in a row that Woodlands has received this ranking.

In addition, Woodlands Academy is again ranked as the #1 Best Catholic High School in Illinois, the #2 Best Boarding School in Illinois, and the #7 Best Private High School in Illinois, along with receiving an overall grade of A+ in this year’s report.

The Woodlands Academy Class of 2024 launched the school year with great enthusiasm with their annual “Seniors Rule” party at the start of the first day of classes on August 22.

Members of the senior class arrived at school in the early hours to decorate the hallways and main entryway. Upon their arrival in the morning, Woodlands faculty, staff, and students were greeted with music, streamers, balloons, dancing, and spirited signage that played off popular memes and cultural touchpoints, including “Little Miss Senior” and “Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party!”

Following the celebrations, another Woodlands tradition was observed. Just prior to the start of classroom activities, the entire Woodlands Academy community gathered for the annual

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“Each day at Woodlands, the teachers and staff pour their hearts and souls into the education of our students,” Head of School Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D., said. “The results of these efforts are realized in the growth and success of these young women. To see this work also recognized through our Niche ranking is further affirmation of the amazing education being provided at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart.”

Woodlands is also ranked among the Top 25 of all Catholic high schools in the United States, where it is joined by six other Sacred Heart schools.

commissioning of faculty and staff and official opening of the school year. The ceremony included welcomes, reflections, and blessings from Head of School Dr. Susan Tyree Dempf, Associate Head of School Christine Schmidt, and Principal Rocco Gargiulo, along with greetings to each class from Woodlands Academy Council of Representatives (WACOR) President Aanya Sahu.

“It has been such a wild ride,” Sahu told her fellow members of the Woodlands senior class, “and I know it will continue to be a wild ride with you all. But I am so excited to see where we are going and the bright future ahead of us.”

A R O U N D

C A M P U S

New Tennis Courts a “Match” for Woodlands

How It Started

How It’s Going

Woodlands Academy’s new tennis courts officially opened on August 29 with a ribbon cutting by Coach Jim Franke and the Varsity Tennis team (who went on to christen the new courts with a 7-0 win!).

Ground was broken on the courts on June 17, and work progressed over the summer.

The five new “Woodlands red”-colored courts represent the latest in a series of ongoing upgrades to the campus’ outdoor facilities, dubbed the “Backyard Project.” Also included in this round of work were improvements to the soccer field, softball field, and Carney Athletic Field that will aid with drainage and keep them usable throughout the year.

Gallery memorializes beloved Woodlands teacher A prominent area containing student artwork in Woodlands Academy’s front hallways bears the name of the late faculty member who envisioned and then nurtured it with her love of showcasing students’ creations.

The Jamie Pierce Tuttle Gallery was named in memory of Tuttle, a vital member of the school’s arts faculty for three decades who inspired generations of Woodlands students with her dedication to the arts. Tuttle passed away in 2020 after a heroic battle with cancer.

Thanks to all the generous donors whose support is making the Backyard Project a reality.

Tuttle’s photography focuses primarily on capturing landscapes and the life that inhabits them. In her own words, “It is the ephemeral, the flux of life, the messiness and tenderness of being alive that I look for and photograph.”

Senior festivities

“While Jamie Tuttle continues to be greatly missed by the Woodlands Academy community, we are proud to have a permanent display of her incredible work,” notes Associate Head of School Christine Schmidt, who began her Woodlands Academy career with Tuttle in the fall of 1990.

kick off the new school year

“For years Jamie proudly took care of updating our student art pieces in the front gallery,” adds Schmidt. “She also worked to bring in talented women artists to share their crafts with our students.”

Woodlands’ gallery features a special memorial display located near the front of the school. Along with a portrait of Tuttle are two of her photographs chosen by her family—“Hand & Peaches” and “Self Portrait in the Garden.”

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“The experience at Argonne gave the ladies an indication of what scientists do every day,”

Woodlands students conduct research at Argonne

­— DR. VALERIE RICKERT

Four Woodlands Academy students received real-world chemistry experience in one of the nation’s leading research centers. In a program sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory, Allison Jenner ’24, Karishma Bhatara ’24, Raisa Clare David ’24, and Judith Koukol ’24 (pictured above) took part in an independent science research class mentored by Argonne scientists Dr. Yu-Sheng Chen and Dr. Tieyan Chang.

The purpose of the project was to determine the effect of temperature on potassium aluminum sulfate. Potassium aluminum sulfate is also known as alum, which finds use in water purification and as a treatment for fireproof textiles.

The students wanted to see if the temperature changed the structure of the crystal.

Woodlands chemistry teacher Dr. Valerie Rickert arranged the students’ participation in the program and worked with them throughout the 2022-23 school year. The Argonne mentors met with the students weekly via Zoom to teach them about crystallography and to help them understand the programs they would need in order to successfully analyze the data.

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In addition to researching crystallography, the students also researched methods needed to synthesize potassium aluminum sulfate and potassium chromium sulfate.

After synthesizing the crystals at Woodlands, the students took the crystals to Argonne in Lemont. They spent an entire weekend as scientists, using the research center’s instrumentation and other equipment. Once the data was collected, they analyzed their data, created a poster, and presented their findings at a symposium at Argonne.

“The experience that the ladies had at Argonne gave them an indication of what scientists do every day,” said Dr. Rickert.

“They noticed that not everything works and that there is waiting time as the experiment is in progress.”

Their poster summarizing their research and findings currently hangs in the hallway outside the Woodlands chemistry lab.

Woodlands seniors named

National Merit Semifinalist and Commended students Three Woodlands Academy seniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their outstanding academic achievements.

Gianna Keuer ’24 is among the less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors achieving semifinalist status in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

This group of academically talented students will continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million awarded next spring. Each semifinalist must be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

The 2024 National Merit Scholarship competition began during the last school year with more than 1.5 million juniors taking a preliminary exam. The resultant nationwide pool of approximately 16,000 semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Approximately 34,000 students—the top two to three percent of all takers of the qualifying exam—receive commended status.

“The entire Woodlands community congratulates Gianna, Megan, and Aanya for their outstanding achievements, and we wish Gianna continued success during the rest of her National Merit Scholarship quest,” said Gargiulo.

“Gianna is a leader in the classroom who motivates her peers to do their best,” said Woodlands Principal Rocco Gargiulo. “She is a remarkable student who works incredibly hard, and we are so proud of her for achieving this national recognition of her academic excellence.”

Also recognized were Megan Caserio ’24 and Aanya Sahu ’24, who were both named National Merit Commended Students.

(L to R) Gianna Keuer ‘24, Aanya Sahu ‘24, and Megan Caserio ‘24 were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 5

A Year of

Inspiration

by Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

This will not come as a surprise for those who have heard me speak to students at Mass or at a retreat, or to the faculty during our Institute Days. I truly believe that each person has a purpose, God given, and that purpose belongs uniquely to each. I think that holding this belief is what drew me, in part, to this school of Christ’s heart.

At Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, young women are educated in preparation for their future. One could not have imagined 50 years ago that today’s freshmen in A little over a year ago I arrived at Woodlands to begin in my

high school would never live in an era without cell phones

role as Head of School. I knew of Woodlands from my days

and global connectivity via the web. As such, it is essential

as a Sacred Heart student. I knew of Woodlands as a Sacred

that her education be forward-thinking. Communication,

Heart educator at a Network school. And now, I can say I am

creativity, innovation, and problem solving are essential

growing in my knowledge of Woodlands as a member of the

skills that students need to be prepared for their future. At

community—as a member of the Woodlands family.

Woodlands I have found that opportunities to gain these

One of my very favorite quotes from Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, is the following: We must remember that each one of our children is destined for a mission in life. Neither we nor they can know what it is, but we must know and make them believe that each one has a mission in life and that she is bound to find out what it is, that there is some special work for God which will remain undone unless she does it, some place in life which no one else can fill.

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skills occur across the disciplines and increase in complexity by grade level. Time and time again I have been impressed by our students—whether it is their stage presence in Steel Magnolias, their understanding and ability demonstrated at a robotics competition, their original poetry, or the intricacy of their drawings and paintings, Woodlands women are extraordinary!

As an undergraduate at a Liberal Arts college, I was

Earlier this fall, I spoke with the Senior class at their

taught the role of education was to introduce students

retreat focused on discernment. Beyond subject content,

to opportunities that afford them the chance to see the

I understand that Woodlands Academy is preparing

big picture—to enlighten, to humanize, and to challenge

students for all the possibilities and probabilities that

the assumptions upon which knowledge is based. This

await them. Helping a student come to know that she is

is what I have found to occur at Woodlands. Dialogue,

loved by God, helping her to discover how she engages in

not simply lecture, is the method through which learning

prayer and discernment, and helping her to trust in God

occurs. Woodlands students find a safe place to ask the

are essential parts of a Sacred Heart education. In her life,

question “why?” and a faculty that genuinely supports

as in our own, she will face accomplishment and joy as

their curiosity.

well as challenges and grief. In each of these life moments her faith formation will guide her response and serve as a

I have been inspired by the work being done in the Global

reflection of her relationship with God. It is a gift and a

Studies Program. Supported by a common theme, classes,

privilege to share in this journey.

as well as significant travel experiences, are offered in the spring to each and every Woodlands student. Add

To each who has come to a Woodlands event—be it a

to this exchange opportunities at other Sacred Heart

reunion, luncheon, coffee, cocktail gathering, school play,

schools around the world, and it becomes evident why

sporting event, or perhaps my installation last year—thank

and how Woodlands graduates enter their college and

you for joining us. Thank you for welcoming me to your

university studies with a global mindset, prepared to

school as you have done so lovingly. I am happy to be part

engage and collaborate with others. Since my arrival last

of your family.

year, Woodlands Academy students have studied in Japan, Australia, Spain, France, Austria, Portugal, Italy, and Belize. I want to be a Woodlands student!

Fall/Winter 2023 | 7

Sacred Heart Summer This past summer, Kit Kirkendall ’25 took part in a five-day Sacred Heart Network Service Project in New York City where she had the opportunity to both learn and teach. Meanwhile, Teresa Ciaglo ’24 was chosen to represent Woodlands internationally at “Belong and Act as One: Discovering our Sacred Heart DNA”—a two-part pilgrimage that started in Rome and culminated in Lisbon on World Youth Day 2023 with Pope Francis. We asked Kit and Teresa to share their stories of their “Sacred Heart Summer.”

Kit Kirkendall ’25 This summer, I participated in a Network of Sacred Heart Schools Summer Service Project in New York City. It was called “H2O:GO” and was all about the water. During my time in New York, I experienced many impactful moments. The group included girls from other Sacred Heart schools, and three teachers who led the project.

On this trip, we all received our lifeguard and first aid certification after much learning and training.

We also learned how to teach children to swim, no matter what stage of the learning process they were in. The most rewarding part was on the last day, when we got to get in the water with our students to give them a lesson.

We also did many activities outside of the water. We learned how to develop a proposal to try to make a difference within our own communities. We toured Convent of the Sacred Heart, the Sacred Heart school in Manhattan. Each night there were fun events planned. Some activities included visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walking around Times Square, going to Brooklyn Place mall to eat, and kayaking on the Hudson River. My favorite part about the activities was being able to take the subway or ferry to each destination. I felt as if I was getting to know the New York culture.

Something I really noticed about the trip was the Sacred Heart community. There were girls from all

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over the United States, including Connecticut, Boston, Detroit, and a few who were already located in New York. Before the first day even ended, we were already talking about our shared Sacred Heart experiences like Mater and Congé.

Each morning (and a few evenings) we talked about Sacred Heart Goals. Each of the girls spoke, either alone or paired with a partner, about the Goal that they were assigned. After the week was over, I felt as though I fully understood each Sacred Heart Goal.

All six participants were from all-girls’ schools, too.

Every night we slept in the same room and got to have late night talks, which helped us get to know one another even more.

The Sacred Heart Network Service Project was an experience I will never forget. I still keep in touch with all of the girls and we are hoping to all meet up again before the end of the school year. It was so nice to connect with other girls throughout the country who are also experiencing the same Sacred Heart education and Sacred Heart values.

Teresa Ciaglo ’24 This summer, I participated in a program offered through the Society of the Sacred Heart which brought me to Rome and Lisbon. The purpose of the experience was to learn more about the history of the Sacred Heart community and understand the values of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. As I packed my bags, I anticipated many surprises over the course of our two-week-long pilgrimage.

Upon my arrival, I was introduced to the four other girls who attended Sacred Heart Schools across the United States. We formed quick connections and enjoyed discussing the similarities between our schools, like the tradition of Congé and the ring ceremony. I then met a group of girls from Poland and despite the language barrier (the only phrase I knew was idź spać — go to sleep), our shared values and laughs helped us form friendships.

I have marveled before at how international the community of Sacred Heart is, and the group I was with was a terrific representation of this since the program’s 28 participants hailed from the United States, Poland, Mexico, and Chile.

During our first week, we grew closer through workshop discussions and by exploring Rome.

I shared many meaningful conversations while walking to the Colosseum, entering the Vatican and devouring way too much gelato. Personally, the most special moment in Rome was when we visited the original Mater Admirabilis. This fresco of Mother Mary is well known by those in the community as she is represented and celebrated in Sacred Heart schools.

And as I looked through the Mater guest book, I got a better glimpse into the expansive Sacred Heart network by reading the names in several languages from Sacred Heart community members. This was exhilarating, and it was powerful to know that I was part of something bigger than myself.

On our final night in Rome, there was an overwhelming amount of joy, and I could scarcely believe how strong our community had become. We exchanged trinkets from our home countries and ended by wishing one of the girls “Happy Birthday” in four different languages (English, Spanish, Polish, and Italian). It was clear to me that this Network was truly special, and its central values were unwaveringly pushing us to be open, passionate, and full of love for others.

The second leg of our journey to Lisbon for World Youth Day felt like the proper climax to our trip, because we were expanding our community to include the Church. The dozens of flags waving down every street reminded me of how far people had traveled to come celebrate. It was completely overwhelming to be in the colossal crowds, and they brought out all the emotions in me. Overall, I came to know myself better in Portugal, and I realized that I certainly am adventurous and enjoy talking with people from different cultures.

Throughout this trip, I recognized how Sacred Heart values have shaped me, and I dearly hope to continue being influenced and welcomed by this extraordinary community!

Fall/Winter 2023 | 9

“House” Calls A new Woodlands tradition is bringing students together for fun and purpose Tell us if this sounds familiar.

All of Woodlands is divided into four “houses,” with each student (and adult faculty/staff member) placed into a house.

These houses engage in friendly competitions throughout the year to see which one can garner the most points. Oh, and each house has its own distinct personality.

It may sound like something straight out of Harry Potter, but the “house” system actually has its roots in boarding schools in the United Kingdom that go far beyond Hogwarts.

And the Woodlands program goes even deeper, with a direct connection to key historical figures in the Society of the Sacred Heart, as well as to the five Goals of a Sacred Heart Education.

Each fall at Woodlands, shortly after the start of the school year, new students are “called” into one of four houses, based on their responses to a carefully constructed 16-question quiz. Each house is comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and is named after one of the “Founding Mothers” of the Society of the Sacred Heart—St. Madeleine Sophie Barat; St. Rose Philippine Duchesne; Mary Aloysia Hardey, RSCJ; and Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ. While the house program was started only two years ago by former teacher Peter Cashman, with support from faculty and staff members members Elliot Coffey and Julia Dunn, Sarah Hindman ’14, and Shalonda Jones ’15, the Calling Ceremony has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

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Importantly, each house is also aligned with one of the Goals of a Sacred Heart Education. House Barat aligns with Goal I, a personal and active faith in God. House Stuart aligns with Goal II, a deep respect for intellectual values. House Duchesne aligns with Goal III, a social awareness which impels to action. House Hardey aligns with Goal V, personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. And the house program as a whole aligns with Goal IV, the building of community as a Christian value.

The house program also supports student leadership opportunities. Each house has class representatives and officers who form a House Council. These student leaders work with their faculty Head of House to set agendas, develop plans, and coordinate between the other houses to complete projects and make decisions.

Kaley Meister ’24, President of House Hardey, saw the program introduced during her sophomore year at Woodlands. “Since then,” she says, “I have watched it grow into an integral part of the school. The friendly but serious competition has brought students from all grades together and developed a sense of belonging for us as students.”

Karishma Bhatara ’24, Vice President of House Stuart, concurs, noting that the House program “allows all students to interact and work together, promoting friendship and community with those in your grade and across all grade levels.”

The idea of bringing students together regardless of what “year” they are in is one that resonates with Woodlands students—in fact, it is one of the primary reasons the program was developed. Students sought opportunities to connect with each other. The inter-grade level community that the house system fosters does just that.

As Ida Psencik ’25, President of House Stuart, explains, “the house system allows for those who are new to the school to meet others that are like-minded and have the same ideals at the forefront of their minds. It allows each student the opportunity to connect with people both younger and older than themselves and foster discussions.

It allows me to connect with people I normally wouldn’t get the chance to talk with and allows me to create friendships that will last a lifetime.”

The like-minded nature of the house program comes from the unique personality of each house. House members feel a strong connection to the Sacred Heart Goal upon which their house is based.

with…a social awareness which impels to action,” she says.

“And every year as we gain more members, it makes me proud to know that other people value this specific goal and its criteria as much as I do.”

So what about those competitions?

During most weeks, a new House Challenge is announced on Wednesday morning following Chapel service. The challenges can range from the silly to the sublime— everything from which house’s members can take the most selfies with Woodlands staff members in their same house, to which house can bring in the most non-perishable items for a local food bank. A recent challenge this year asked house members to take a photo that included all four house colors—green, blue, red, and white. Several times a year, major competitions are held, providing opportunities for students to cheer for their house.

As Janel Ivy ’24, President of House Barat, explains, “not only does being a member of House Barat mean we show a personal and active faith in God, but that we show love and care to those around us. By doing this we are acting just as Jesus did—and leading by example.”

After each challenge, the points are tallied and displayed publicly as a running total. At the end of the school year, the house with the most points overall is awarded the House Cup. For two years running, House Hardey has come out on top. But each year is a new chance to take the cup. And Barat, Duchesne, and Stuart all plan on taking the prize from Hardey this time. Only time—and teamwork—will tell.

Greer Talty ’24, President of House Duchesne, is proud of her fellow “Goal III” house members. “All of us were chosen to be in this specific house because we resonate

Woodlands Academy is home to a long history of traditions—and the House program has added an exciting and engaging new chapter to that ongoing history.

Ready to be called into a house of your very own?

Turn the page to take the Woodlands House Quiz and find out if you’re in House Barat, Duchesne, Hardey, or Stuart!

Pictured on opposite page (L to R): Judith Koukol ‘24, Kaley Meister ‘24, Frances (Rosie) Graziano ‘25, Greer Talty ‘24, Karishma Bhatara ‘24, Ida Marie Psencik ‘25, Janel Ivy ‘24, and Mariia (Masha) Korostelina ‘24.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 11

What House are YOU in?

Now that you know a little bit about Woodlands’ House program…would you like to know which one calls to you? Below is the quiz that all Woodlands students (and adults) take as they enter our community in their first year. Try it yourself by selecting the action that best describes your personal response to each situation. You’ll find out if you are best aligned with House Barat, House Duchesne, House Hardey, or House Stuart. The answer may surprise you!

You notice a friend appears down: A. Sit with her quietly, sometimes just being there for someone is what she needs.

B. Share a funny story with them to try and cheer them up.

You are in the midst of a disagreement with your parent: A. Pray for wisdom and patience.

C. Ask them if something is bothering her.

B. Recognize that your parent loves you, wants the best for you, is the final authority, and then let it go.

D. Ask around to find out what the issue might be and then reach out to her.

C. Listen to your parent’s concerns and suggest a compromise.

Your teacher is discussing an upcoming project assignment with your class: A. Listen to what others bring forward and support their ideas.

D. Point out a few facts that have not yet been brought forward and hope to persuade them with reason.

There is an unexpected break in your day: A. Thank God! I needed these minutes for myself.

B. Ask about the possibility of it being a group project.

B. Fabulous! I’ll go catch up with that friend.

C. Ask about selecting your own topic for the project.

C. Finally! I can work on that thing I was planning.

D. Ask about the project’s requirements and scoring.

D. Perfect! Time to get ahead on my schoolwork.

You find a lost item on the floor at school:

You are not sure if you can make it through the day:

A. Carry the item with you and ask every person you see until you find the owner.

A. God, give me the strength!

B. Snap a picture and share it on the group chat - whose is this?

C. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

C. Bring it to the lost and found at the front desk.

D. Move it to an obvious place nearby, the person who lost it will see it more easily now.

You are considering a few different service opportunities: A. Help out at your church/parish/house of worship.

B. I’m not alone, and when I get home I’ll treat myself!

D. This isn’t as bad as that one time…

A friend is out sick: A. Check in on her with a phone call and make sure she is doing OK. B. Get everyone in the group chat to send “Get Well Soon” simultaneously.

B. Serve meals at a local food pantry.

C. Send her a get-well playlist, watchlist, or recipe to get her through.

C. Design your own service project.

D. Take really good notes in class to share with her.

D. Help a local non-profit by sorting and filing.

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Things went as you had planned: A. I am grateful for things to go in my favor. Thank goodness!

There is an unexpected activity that is modifying the class schedule:

B. I did my best; it was everyone’s support that helped things to go so well.

A. I’ll enjoy this change and listen for something that speaks to me.

C. Of course, I’ve been preparing for this for some time.

B. Finally, an opportunity to engage with something non-academic.

D. My effort and attention to detail paid off!

Two of your activities are meeting at the same time: A. I’ll head to where I’m needed most.

B. I’ll follow up with the activity director and members of the meeting I skip.

C. I’ll coordinate with the activity directors and split the time.

D. No worries, I know which meeting can be skipped this time.

Your activity went late and there’s not much time left: A. I need to rest and recharge.

B. Yes, just enough time to check in with my friends!

C. I’ve already planned for this.

D. I must complete these tasks!

A teacher proposes an optional reading for enrichment: A. My plate is already full, I need to say no sometimes.

C. Again?! I’ll need to figure out how to make up for this lost time.

D. Ugh. Can we please get back to class?

A leadership position has become available, and a teacher has invited you to consider it: A. I’ll spend time thinking and praying about this before deciding.

B. An opportunity to practice some leadership?

That sounds like a lot of fun!

C. Maybe I can fit this into my schedule.

What exactly does the time commitment look like?

D. Only if my academics are in perfect order— school comes first for me!

All done? Great! Now total up your answers to see which letter you picked most often. If it was “A,” you’re House Barat. If “B,” you’re House Duchesne. “C” means you’re in House Hardey.

And “D” puts you in House Stuart.

B. Meh, I’ll pass.

C. I’ll put it on my to-do list!

D. Reading it now…

You notice an error on your corrected test, but the error is in your favor: A. Sometimes it’s best to accept a little mercy.

I’ll be thankful and let this pass.

B. After discussing with a friend and finding they answered the same as me, but didn’t get the points, I ask the teacher to correct the error.

C. I don’t need to bother the teacher about this!

D. Approach the teacher immediately after class and discuss the error.

Two of your friends are in the midst of a disagreement: A. Whisper a little prayer and give them both a big hug. Come on now! Why are we fighting?

B. Help them by talking things through.

Want to stay informed about what’s going on with “your” house?

Send an email to houseleadership@woodlandsacademy.org and let us know your name and the house with which you were most aligned. We will make sure you are on the list to receive periodic “House Update” e-newsletters all about your Woodlands house!

C. I’ll stand clear and let them settle things, but I’ll jump in if things get out of hand.

D. Ask to arbitrate their disagreement; you can be impartial.

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The Road to Woodlands

By Larry Farmer HEAD VARSITY BASKETBALL COACH

Larry Farmer experienced great collegiate success as a member of the three-time NCAA national champion UCLA Bruins basketball team coached by the legendary John Wooden in the early 1970s. In addition to playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets, Farmer’s coaching credentials include the NBA Golden State Warriors, along with collegiate head coaching stints at UCLA and Loyola University Chicago.

But when Farmer decided to retire to spend more time with family, his lifelong dream to coach high school basketball remained unfulfilled. That dream finally came true last year when he assumed the duties of head varsity basketball coach at Woodlands Academy.

We asked Larry Farmer to reflect on his 44-year career, and why he chose to bring his talents to Woodlands.

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I always wanted to be a high school basketball coach.

I thought my career would take me in that direction.

While I was a student-athlete at UCLA, I envisioned playing professionally after I graduated. My goal was to play in the NBA or in Europe for 10-12 years.

I thought that after my playing career, I would go back to school and earn a teaching credential so I could pursue a position as a high school coach/mentor. I would learn the art of teaching and coaching and then, I hoped, one day move up to the collegiate ranks. I might even become a head college coach.

That was the plan. However, the Lord had a different pathway for me to follow. After one year of playing professional basketball in Europe, I got my first fulltime assistant coaching position at UCLA and by the time I was 30, I was the head coach at UCLA. Four decades later (after coaching at seven different universities, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, and the Kuwait national team) I retired.

When I decided to come out of retirement and fulfill my goal of being a high school coach, I knew what I was looking for. I applied for openings and was just starting to connect with them when I got a call from Woodlands’ athletic director. I was intrigued. It was during my interview that I realized Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart was exactly what I was looking for.

I had three different coaches in high school. Each of them played a major role in my development as a person, student, and basketball player. My relationships with those coaches taught me how important this period of time was for a young person’s development.

High school coaches teach the fundamentals of life while teaching the fundamentals of basketball.

I was looking for a school that had the same convictions and beliefs towards high school sports as I did. I’ve always felt that high school sports were really the last bastion for preparing boys and girls to become successful young adults.

Woodlands Academy strives to develop the entire person. First and foremost, the goal is to produce young women who are quality people, who will leave high school and become productive, impactful human beings.

The second goal is to give the girls the best education possible to prepare them for the competitive world that awaits them!

The third goal is to give them the opportunity to play sports. The important word being play. Having fun and learning valuable life lessons go hand-in-hand with the lessons of success and failure in competition.

At Woodlands Academy I found the balance of personal development, education, and athletics. It was a union made in heaven. I am forever grateful to Woodlands for giving me this opportunity.

Last year’s team proved to be one of high energy and high character. I am looking forward to building on the foundation we have established.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 15

Graduation 2023 On June 7, 2023, the 32 members of the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Class of 2023 took part in the school’s 164th Commencement Exercises in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.

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Fall/Winter 2023 | 17

Woodlands Class of 2023

ONWARD! We are so proud of our Class of 2023, who are matriculating at the following colleges and universities. No matter where our alumnae go, they will always have a home in the Sacred Heart.

BARD COLLEGE

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

BAY L O R U N I V E R S I T Y

S A N TA C L A R A U N I V E R S I T Y

CARTHAGE COLLEGE (2)

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY (2)

S T. O L A F C O L L E G E

C O L L E G E O F T H E H O LY C R O S S

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

TULANE UNIVERSITY

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY DUKE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (3)

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

IE UNIVERSITY (SPAIN)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F S T. A N D R E W ’ S ( S C O T L A N D )

LAKE FOREST COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OHIO

WASHINGTON & LEE UNIVERSITY

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

WHITMAN COLLEGE

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In Memoriam:

Susan Brennan Morrison ’69

By Patricia Colbert ’69 Susan Morrison was a beloved member of the Class of 1969. At Woodlands, she was active in a variety of activities, serving as Glee Club President and a member of the Sweet Sixteen choral group. An accomplished equestrian and tennis player outside of school, she was Captain of the field hockey team. She was a prefect, in Sodality, and on the Boarders Board and Leadership Council.

After Woodlands, she attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart, then took time off to teach tennis, train horses, and become an expert skier while saving money to finance the rest of her education. She transferred to UC San Diego, earning an English degree with honors.

After graduation, she began a very successful career in advertising, first in England, then in Chicago. In Chicago, Susan met the love of her life, Bob Morrison. They were married in October 1988 and eventually settled in Lake Forest.

Susan dedicated herself to her family and to many philanthropic causes.

She served on the boards of Women Moving Millions and the Women’s Sports Foundation, which was founded by Billie Jean King. In Chicago, she served on the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the boards of the Lyric Opera and Shedd Aquarium. Susan was recognized as an Outstanding Alumna in 2014 by Woodlands. She spoke to the students about the importance of following one’s passions, lifelong learning, and how active philanthropy is a career in its own right.

Susan is remembered by her classmates for her enthusiastic spirit, her drive, her positivity, and most of all for her kindness. She graciously hosted the class for a beautiful dinner at her home for our 2009 reunion even though she was leaving the next morning for a trip. Many of us were fortunate to be with her for our 50th reunion in 2019.

Woodlands is also thankful to Susan Morrison for her extraordinary gift to the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart endowment campaign, “Living the Mission, Changing the World, One Heart at a Time.”

We will miss her warmth and generosity.

Prayer Intention

Susan J. Anderson ’76 requests prayers for her father, Dale M. Anderson, D.D.S., who passed away on August 23, 2023.

In Memoriam notices and requests for prayers may be sent to prayerintentions@woodlandsacademy.org.

Fall/Winter 2023 | 19

Avery Drehkoff ‘25 in Madrid

Think Globally!

Tubing in Belize

A Woodlands education may begin in Lake Forest, but through the Center for Global Studies, it takes our girls around the world.

As Network schools resumed their exchange programs last year, Woodlands students Teresa Ciaglo ’24, Avery Drehkoff ’25, Savannah Gamache ’25, and Giuliana Popoff ’25 took part in individual and group exchanges to Madrid, Sydney, Tokyo, and Tours, France, where they lived and attended classes with Sacred Heart students in their host countries.

In the spring, we once again hosted our group exchange with Sacré Coeur Wein, our sister school in Vienna, Austria. Twelve students—boys and girls!—were welcomed by the entire Woodlands community. (This fall, 11 Woodlands girls traveled to Vienna for the first time since the fall of 2019!)

And at the end of the last school year, 49 Woodlands students embarked on our Global Odyssey trips—a week-long immersive international experience. Global Odyssey 2023 focused on the theme of “Sustainability.” Some students traveled to Italy, where they experienced “slow foods” in the nation where the movement was born. Others explored the diverse ecosystem of Belize, where they learned how to give back to the community.

Students who did not travel did not miss out on a global education. Five innovative, globally focused classes on sustainability brought the world to them through field trips, explorations, and other fun activities!

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Keeping it local...with a global focus!

Welcome to our Vienna exchange students!

Savannah Gamache ‘25 in Tokyo

Viva Italia!

Teresa Ciaglo ‘24 in Tours

Giuliana Popoff ‘25 in Sydney

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Class of 1988

Class of 2013

Class of 1988

Reunion 2023 Woodlands alumnae—and especially those from class years ending in 3 and 8—gathered in September for Homecoming and Reunion. Whether they were catching up over drinks or brunch, engaging in some self-care with a group yoga session, visiting favorite classrooms, or celebrating Mass as a community, their Woodlands pride shone through.

Welcome back, alumnae! We hope you enjoyed reminiscing about your Woodlands memories—and making new ones!

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Class of 2013

Class of 1973

Class of 2018

Class of 1988

Class of 2018

Fall/Winter 2023 | 23

SAV E T H E DAT E DECEMBER

MARCH

6

Christmas Concert

1

10

Advent by Candlelight

JANU ARY

AP R IL

4

Young Alumnae Pizza Party (Classes of ’20 through ’23)

20

20

Trivia Night

MAY

26

Sip ‘n’ Paint

22

F E B RU ARY 7

Imagine Yourself in the C-Suite / Alumnae Career Day

24

Congé

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Alumnae Night at Woodlands’ Spring Musical “Legally Blonde”

Bagels, Blossoms, and Bloody Marys

Alumnae Association Induction for the Class of 2023

JUNE 5

Graduation

“For the sake of one child, I would have started the Society.”

Two hundred years ago, our foundress, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, made that bold statement, and for over 160 years, we have made it our mission to value, understand, nurture, challenge, and love each of our girls as if she were the only one.

Your sustaining support of the Woodlands Fund benefits every student, every day, by supporting curricular and co-curricular programs, stateof-the-art science laboratories, and our exceptional teachers.

At Woodlands Academy, a young woman thrives thanks to your generosity. She is our mission. She is our priority. She is our future.

And it all begins with YOU.

To make your gift to the Woodlands Fund, please scan the QR code at right, visit woodlandsacademy.org/donate, or use the envelope inside this issue of Coeur à Coeur.