Cordecho A magazine for the Sacred Heart Academy Community
E C HOE S F RO M THE HEA RT
Distinguished Awards Nomination Form
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4 6 Alumnae Weekend
Golf Tournament
Spring ’14
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Spirit of Sacred Heart Academy LAST MONTH, the Sacred Heart community celebrated Spirit Week and what a spirited week it was! Every corner of the Academy was covered with posters in each of the classes’ colors—hallways of green, red, blue and yellow with clever and silly messages alike. The girls, nearly without exception, fully embraced the absolute wackiness of dressing as senior citizens one day, sharing their talents a different day and for the grand finale, all getting up and performing a choreographed karaoke dance routine perfectly in sync. There was standing Our SHA “Senior Citizens” during Spirit Week 2014 room only in the auditorium as parents students! In a word, Spirit Week brings joy. This joined us in the celebration. Despite the joy creates a needed counterweight to pressures all week being cut short because of the March Blizzard too present in the reality of these students’ world. and an unprecedented March “snow day,” the girls Sacred Heart’s young women excel still were able to create an early spring with their academically. Most of our girls participate in energy and enthusiasm brightening the longest and our athletic program. Many take music either at coldest winter in recent memory. Sacred Heart or with private music teachers. Most Now, reasonable people may question: Why complete more service hours than required. A dedicate a week to such shenanigans when there is good number of our juniors and seniors have jobs. so much pressure between Regents examinations, Our clubs, publications, dramatic performances Advanced Placement examinations, the SATs and and academic teams all require their time and ACTs, and Common Core? The response: It is dedication. Spirit Week is a time to let go of some exactly because of this pressure that Spirit Week of the structure and demands, and spend time and is vital to the balanced education we promise our
ONTHECOVER
SHA Leadership Program— Leaving a Legacy Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Leadership Program is designed to empower our students to leave their mark on the wider world. The curriculum is an integral part of each student’s SHA experience throughout her four years. Through formal presentations and experiential learning, students develop the skills, values, and confidence needed to serve as role models and leaders.
Seniors Lydia Phelps, Miranda Scamacca, ShaMara Mackey Holmes and Meghan Aronica 2
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As seniors, the students draw upon all the leadership skills they have explored during their first three years at SHA by completing their own projects. These projects have four mandatory guidelines: they must be personal, innovative, passion-driven, and skill-based. Students may work individually or in small groups. After completing their leadership projects, they evaluate the procedures and reflect upon their leadership experiences. The last step of this process is to go forth, serve and lead, driven by their innovative ideas and passion for positive change.
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Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Academy,
energy enjoying one another fully. It creates a sunny, warm climate of smiles and laughs and a fertile ground for friendships to take seed and grow. Joy, core to our Franciscan tradition, helps nurture relationships and community, and develops grounded, well-rounded, balanced and engaged young women. Refreshed (and let’s face it, who didn’t need that this March), they get back to their studies, sports, music lessons, jobs, service and leadership roles with a renewed commitment. In this issue of the Cordecho, we share refreshing stories of friendship and community and of Sacred Heart women living out the mission of the Academy. Our hope is that these vignettes will renew you, brighten your day, and increase your joy as you read about the positive impact Sacred Heart Academy women are bringing to this world in the areas of service, leadership, the arts, education, and philanthropy. In response, I encourage you to call a classmate you have not spoken to in a while, rekindle that friendship and laugh about your days at the Academy, whether your memories are about Spirit Week or a different special tradition. I further encourage you to share with us a story of how you or a friend are living out the Sacred Heart mission. We all could use a little more sunshine after such a long winter!
Jennifer M. Demert, Head of School S P I R I T. M I N D . B O D Y.
The tapestry on the cover of this issue was one component of the outstanding leadership project devised by senior class members Meghan Aronica, ShaMara Mackey Holmes, Lydia Phelps and Miranda Scamacca. Inspired by the loss of Lydia’s father to pancreatic cancer in 2012, the group raised funds through an ice cream social and ribbon sale to support the pancreatic cancer research efforts of Mr. Phelps’ personal physician, Dr. Howard Bruckner. Each person who purchased a ribbon (purple symbolizing pancreatic cancer and pink symbolizing breast cancer) paid tribute to those impacted by cancer. The ribbons were then woven together into this meaningful tapestry. The group raised more than $1,800 for the MZB Foundation for Cancer Research. These remarkable young women have decided to leave behind a legacy by donating the tapestry to the Academy. This incredible piece of artwork will be a constant reminder for generations of Sacred Heart students that passion, determination and drive can have an incredible impact on the global community.
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Recently, the Board of Directors gathered at Stella Niagara for our annual retreat. We joined with other board members from the sponsored ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis. I always enjoy this day as it provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reflect, reconnect, listen and pray. This year’s theme, “What makes an Institution Franciscan?” challenged us to examine our institutional mission, vision and values in relation to the teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare. The Franciscan tradition calls us to respect the dignity of others and all of God’s creations; be compassionate, just, peaceful and accepting; provide help for those in need; serve; believe; appreciate our environment; and be joyful. As our mission statement states, the Sacred Heart community is committed to providing a challenging Catholic education rooted in the core values of this Franciscan tradition. Our mission includes preparing young ladies intellectually and spiritually with a commitment to service and with the leadership skills to have a positive impact on the world. Our mission and the Franciscan tradition are very important to us as we make decisions regarding our school and our students. I believe it is why Sacred Heart Academy continues to be successful and why it is such a special place. This past January, the Amherst Town Board conducted a hearing regarding a petition to designate our school building a local historic landmark. The Sisters of St. Francis, as owners and stewards of Sacred Heart Academy, and believing landmark status was unnecessary and could prove to be a burden in the future, brought their objections to the Board. Articulate and thoughtful presentations were made, but in the end our beautiful building was designated an Amherst Historic Landmark. Though the outcome of the hearing was not what we had wanted or expected, our disappointment was softened by the outpouring of concern and support for Sacred Heart Academy by our school community. That evening, students, alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, administration, neighbors, friends, board members, and, of course, the Sisters, joined together to make our case and we made a great team. It was an outstanding demonstration of loyalty, leadership, commitment and doing what is right. It was a very powerful example of living the mission. In a few weeks we will be welcoming back alumnae to visit Sacred Heart Academy. Many activities are planned. Women will take tours of the campus, pray together at Mass and share a meal. Members of the anniversary classes will enjoy special celebrations with their classmates. Fond memories from high school will be relived and talk concerning family, careers and interests will take place. Many wonderful, happy, sad and surprising stories will be shared. As a proud member of the golden jubilee class of 1964, I look forward to hearing these stories and catching up on 50 years. At the Annual Alumnae Mass and Breakfast, where our celebration will continue, we will also honor the 2014 Graduating Class and recognize them as new members of the Alumnae Association. We will wish them well as they make plans for new beginnings. Though most of their stories have yet to be written, young and old, we share a common bond. We alumnae sisters are thankful for a lasting tradition, a Franciscan tradition that has influenced our beliefs, guided our actions and continues to call us to believe, to serve, to lead, to accept and to be full of joy! Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barczak Horrigan ‘64
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SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS DINNER
Sacred Heart’s Highest Distinction
T 11.6.14
HIS YEAR’S Scholarship and Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014. Nominations for the awards portion of the program are being accepted through May 16, 2014. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please complete and mail back the form below. Should you have any questions, please contact Amy Szefel Starck ‘91, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 716.834.2101, ext. 318 or astarck@ sacredheartacademy.org.
DISTINGUISHED AWARDS 2014 NOMINATION FORM
CHRISTUS SUPER OMNIA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AWARD Awarded to Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart alumnae who have distinguished themselves in their careers and/or civic and community activities and exemplify the spirit and tradition of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart.
Please complete the form for the candidate(s) you wish to nominate. Due to the number of submissions, we ask that you include additional materials or documentation to support your nomination. I am pleased to submit the following individual/group for consideration:
Name: Class of (if applicable):
THE FRANCISCAN CHARISM AWARD
CHRISTUS SUPER OMNIA
Awarded to members of the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s extended family who have given unselfishly of their time and talents to further the mission of the Academy.
FRANCISCAN CHARISM
LIVING THE SPIRIT
I offer the following information in support of the candidate:
LIVING THE SPIRIT AWARD Awarded to individuals and/or organizations of the larger community who have chosen to use their God-given talents in outstanding service to others, following the tradition of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Professional accomplishments:
Community or Volunteer activities:
NAME OF NOMINATOR
Example of Franciscan Spirit:
DATE EMAIL HOME PHONE
Awards and Honors:
WORK PHONE
41 0C CO OR RD DE EC CH HO OS PS IPRI IRTI . T .M MI NI DN .D .B OB DO YD . Y .
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Katie Warner ’09
Answering the Call By Joanna Haumesser ’03
Katie Warner ’09 knew that she could no longer deny the calling that she felt within, even if that meant turning down a job at a distinguished news program. While a student at Sacred Heart, Katie fully embraced her social responsibility and willingly gave her time by becoming actively involved with a number of service-based projects. Each year at SHA, Katie went above and beyond the call of duty by completing an outstanding number of service hours, which earned her the honor of being named a recipient of the St. Clare Award for Excellence in Service. She continually sought out opportunities to help others; most notably, in 2007, when she participated in The Pickle Jar Project, which raised funds to help build a clinic in Sudan. Katie’s dedication to service work was also evident during her time in college as a student at John Carroll University (JCU), where her leadership skills were Katie Warner ’09 on display as a member of several other service-based programs and activities, such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She majored in communications, with a minor in political science, at JCU and was named the first recipient of the Tim Russert Scholarship. This accomplishment later set the stage for a major opportunity upon graduating from John Carroll in May 2013, when Katie was offered a position to work on the set of NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Although she considered the offer an “incredible opportunity,” Katie says, “When I was on the set meeting people and interviewing with the staff, I knew in the depth of my heart that I was called to minister with the marginalized, and that if I didn’t pursue this missionary year, I would always have regrets.” In the summer of 2013, she began a year-long missionary trip serving in the remote regions of Mandeville, Jamaica.
“Do whatever allows you to love more.”
By living through the ideal of “being a woman for others,” Katie works with the Catholic Passionist Volunteers program in Mandeville, Jamaica. As a Passionist Volunteer, Katie dedicates her time, to the rural poor. She visits various mission sites throughout Mandeville, but her main mission community is Albion Gully, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains, yet also one of the most impoverished parts of Mandeville. Katie frequently visits the homes of families of Albion Gully to determine and assess their needs; along with offering tutoring and reading help, and leading a weekly youth ministry group in the community. According to her blog, Wake Up and Live, Katie writes that a wise friend told her to, “Do whatever allows you to love more.” These words led her to Jamaica, and based on the work she has done in the time she has been there, Katie feels she made the right choice. “Making a simple choice in finding what can allow me to love more, has ultimately filled my life with more love than I could imagine.” Katie has responded to God’s call, and finds she truly lives the values of St. Francis and St. Clare that were foundational influences during her time at Sacred Heart.
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Class of 1964 The Buffalo Club May 31, 2014 6 p.m. Cocktails & 7:30 Buffet Contact Eileen Snyder ees104@juno.com
Exciting plans are under way
Alumnae
WEEKEND
So many amazing things are happening at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart in our 137th anniversary year. Enrollment is increasing, faculty is expanding their knowledge of technology, the entire SHA community is spreading Franciscan joy to others through the hundreds of hours of service, and there is a beautiful new convocation center and gym rising in the backyard.
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On Sunday June 1, 2014, we will hold the annual Alumnae Sunday Mass and Breakfast, celebrating all of our graduates—past, present and future. This is always a special time, especially for the Jubilee classes, and this year we want to make it “a weekend to remember” as we offer guided tours of all of the beautiful renovations and additions to the campus, including the Library Media Center and the Sisters of St. Francis Academic Wing. Each Jubilee class, whether five years or 75 years, may be gathering for lunch or dinner at a different time, but we would like to invite everyone to come back to the Academy on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. Please consider returning to our beautiful building for these events:
All Class Reunion Saturday, May 31, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Members of all classes are welcome to visit the building, connect with fellow alumnae and learn about all that is happening at Sacred Heart. Refreshments will be provided throughout the evening. There is no admission fee, but please let us know if you plan on attending.
Alumnae Sunday Mass and Breakfast Sunday, June 1, 9:30 a.m. All alumnae are welcomed to join in the celebration of the Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. This is a very special time for our community, as we are welcoming the class of 2014 into our alumnae, while honoring our many years of history. Breakfast will be served following Mass. In addition, many of our milestone anniversary years have organized gatherings for later in the evening on Saturday, May 31. If you do not see your class listed at the right, and you would like to help plan an event for your class, please contact Sue Reiser Daniels ’92, sdaniels@sacredheartacademy.org , 716.834.2101, ext. 352 or Sister Mara Walton’59, smara@sacredheartacademy.org , 716.834.2101, ext. 317.
FIRST NAME
MAIDEN NAME
LAST NAME
HOME PHONE
CLASS YEAR
WORK PHONE
Class of 1979 May 30, 7:30 p.m.: Brunners (cash bar) May 31, 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Cocktail Party (location and price TBD) Additional details will be posted on the Alumnae page of SHA’s website and our class Facebook page (“SHA Class of ‘79”) Contact Jackie Wopperer Stoj at rj1991@ roadrunner.com for information or to be invited to join our class Facebook page. Class of 1989 The Steer May 31, 2014 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Party Contact Krista Henning Bushorr kbee099@aol.com or Julie Collins Mills jlmbooks@yahoo.com Class of 1994 The Century Grill May 31, 2014 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Party Contact Julie Heffern Doyle heffernjulie@yahoo.com Class of 1999 The Hotel Lafayette May 31, 2014 7 p.m. Cocktail Party Contact Jen Held jheld1025@gmail.com Class of 2009 Giancarlo’s May 31, 2014 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Party Contact Jenna Wegzryn jennaweg@buffalo.edu Reunion information as of 4.1.2014.
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
I will be attending Alumnae Sunday ($25 enclosed)
I will join the “All Class Reunion” at SHA on May 31
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO: Alumnae Department Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14226-3398
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Save me a spot for my reunion! My class gift is enclosed $
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Ginny McWilliams Conway ’79
Leading by Example GINNY MCWILLIAMS CONWAY ’79 truly embodies the Franciscan values that she learned while she was a student at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. She is an exemplary individual who puts the needs of others before her own. Ginny first became involved with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) more than 10 years ago when her eldest son Craig, now 19 years old, was in second grade and joined Cub Scouts. She and her husband Vance at first were just active parents, but in the few years that followed both became actively involved leaders—she as a Den Leader, Advancement Chair, and Treasurer, and he as Cubmaster. When their youngest son Scott, now 16, moved from Cub Scouts into Boy Scout Troop 457, she followed, and after two years became an Assistant Scoutmaster in the troop of 100. As she and others saw a need to expand the opportunities for older scouts in the troop, she led the way in organizing a co-ed Venture Crew in 2011. She became the founding unit leader of Crew 457, a position she still holds. Over the years she, along with her scouts and venturers, has experienced a lot of what the scouting program has to offer: tent camping from -2 to 96 degrees, service projects, hiking, fishing, skiing, canoeing, backpacking, leadership training, first aid training, and trips to places near and far. While her oldest son, an Eagle Scout, is no longer active in scouting, her youngest son is currently in his 10th year and working his way toward the rank of Eagle Scout. She continues to serve BSA as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 457, Advisor in Crew 457, and as an active member of the Order of the Arrow (OA) Lodge 159. “The most important lesson I teach my scouts is one that I learned at Sacred Heart; to lead by example,” Ginny notes. As a scout leader, Ginny has mentored more than 200 youth, primarily boys, and has donated thousands of hours
Ginny McWilliams Conway ‘79 and one of her many scouts, CJ Long, who has become a true leader over the last six years.
“The most important lesson I teach my scouts is one that I learned at Sacred Heart; lead by example.”
of service to BSA. She attributes much of her success in scouting to fundamental values she acquired while a student at Sacred Heart—mutual respect and trust. As a work study student at Sacred Heart, she was entrusted with a key to the library and opened it every day by 7:30 a.m. She has carried these values forward into her scouting experiences. The adults she serves with and the youth she mentors trust her and respect her leadership and,
in turn, she shows them the same level of trust and respect. “While I was a junior at SHA, Mrs. Cuddy, our accounting teacher, identified that several of us weren’t being challenged by the curriculum. As a result, she offered us an independent study in accounting,” Ginny recalls fondly. “She advised us, but she trusted us enough to allow us to learn on our own. Most of us ended up earning college degrees in accounting.” Ginny served as First Assistant Scoutmaster at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree held at the Summit Bechtal Reserve in West Virginia for Troop B333, a troop comprised of 36 scouts and four adult leaders from across Erie County. Additionally, she and her scouts have built a mountain biking trail in West Virginia, boated in the Florida Keys, and canoed for a week in the Adirondacks. Ginny says the greatest honors she has received were those given to her by scouts. Her troop chose her as 2010 Scouter of the Year. A scout, Noah Gould, presented her with his Eagle Mentor pin. In 2013, the youth of OA Lodge 159 selected her for the OA Vigil Honor, which recognizes members for their continued service and dedication to others through the OA and scouting. Most recently, Ginny earned the OA Unit of Excellence Troop Representative Advisor Award in recognition of her role as a troop advisor. The two scouts she advises in that role are taking on significant jobs in the OA in June—one was elected Lodge Chief, the youth in charge of running the entire Lodge, and the other as Vice Chief of Program. “I see many parallels between the lessons that I learned at Sacred Heart and what I have taught my scouts over the years,” she recounts. “Through scouting I seek out and support opportunities for youth to develop leadership, promote citizenship, provide service, and practice teamwork—all skills that I acquired while a student at the Academy.”
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2013-14 Sacred Heart Academy Annual Loyalty Fund Campaign
Providing Others with the Gift of a Sacred Heart Education hank you to the hundreds of alumnae, parents and friends who have already donated to the 2013-14 Sacred Heart Academy Annual Loyalty Fund Campaign. As a result of your generosity, our students are provided with a stimulating learning environment rooted in the core values of the Franciscan tradition.
Calling All Alumnae
As alumnae and friends of the Academy, you know how important the Sacred Heart experience is to the young women of our community. The Sacred Heart Academy Loyalty Fund provides ongoing philanthropic support, helping us to offer financial assistance to students with the greatest need, as well as underwriting costs necessary to educate each student.
May 6th and 7th 3:00-6:00 p.m. Location: SHA Cafeteria
Your unrestricted donation to the Loyalty Fund Campaign supports everything that happens at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart and ultimately benefits each student. Through the Loyalty Fund, we are able to provide a superior education to all of our students, regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic or religious background. Giving to Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart has never been easier. Simply return the envelope provided in this issue or visit our website at sacredheartacademy.org and click on the “Donate Now” icon on the homepage.
Sacred Heart Phone-A-Thon
One important component of our Annual Loyalty Fund Campaign is a successful Phone-A-Thon and we need your help! Each year at this time, Sacred Heart’s Advancement Department asks our alumnae, current students, parents and friends for assistance with this initiative. The Phone-A-Thon is the perfect setting to reconnect with classmates while supporting the Academy. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Susan Reiser Daniels ’92 at 716.834.2101 ext. 352 or sdaniels@ sacredheartacademy. org. We look forward to seeing you!
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It’s never too late to
RECONNECT
By Teri Herrman Donner ‘68
When I take a moment to reflect back on my days at one another’s homes. We have shared weddings, at Sacred Heart in the 1960s, my memories are births of grandchildren, deaths of parents and always happy ones. I was a joiner by nature and siblings, illnesses and recoveries. We have laughed involved in a variety of activities at SHA, which and cried together, and have an appreciation for one allowed me to meet and interact with many of my own another that wasn’t possible as teens. At our age, we classmates, as well as members of other classes. As I look can be so open and nonjudgmental and all feel truly back, I seemed to know just about everyone, yet really blessed to share our lives as the wonderful adult didn’t belong to a group. I got along with lots of the girls women we are today. but no one became a lifelong friend. As I graduated and moved on to college, marriage, children and a career, I rarely saw the SHA girls that I had known in school. I would occasionally run into a fellow alumna, mostly through my three children and their activities, and it was always a treat to reminisce over old SHA times. There was always that special Sacred Heart connection. My friends, however, were from different areas of my life. Things began to change when my own daughter decided to attend the Academy in 1996. I knew a member of the faculty, The SHAdy Ladies from the class of 1968 Seated L to R: Kathi Walsh Simonin, Teri Herrman also a SHA graduate, through a Donner, Melissa Swierczynski O’Dell, Karen Eckert. Standing L to R: Sue Herdlein Kennedy, mutual friend and was invited Debra Daniels, Molly Burnham Terhaar, Candy Kaye Mye, Diane Boergers Justinger. Absent: to be a part of a long-range Margaret Walter Lampka, Debbie Mills Wachowicz, Mary Richert. planning committee for the Academy. All of a sudden, my love for SHA was rekindled and I found myself reinvested in the school and all that it had meant What is amazing is that although a few of the ladies to me. The best part, however, was yet to come. have known each other since grammar school, some of Now feeling once more a part of the Sacred Heart us admit to never having spoken more than a sentence community, I quickly volunteered to assist in planning to each other during our four years at the Academy! my 40th reunion. Once the reunion was over, the Yet somehow we have felt this intense connection and planning committee, plus a few more local ladies, now we can’t imagine our lives without each other. We decided to continue to get together on a regular basis. call ourselves the “SHAdy Ladies” and prove that it’s For the last six years, this group has seen each other at never too late to appreciate the wonderful women with least six times a year. We celebrated the entire year that whom we spent our high school years. “We give SHA we all turned 60! We have gone on wine tours, seen the credit for bringing this special group together, shows at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and entertained even if it took some of us 40 years!”
“We give SHA the credit for bringing this special group together, even if it took some of us 40 years!”
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Sandstone Dinner Auction Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in its planning and execution, and to the 180 attendees, the Sandstone Dinner Auction was an overwhelming success!
Co-chairs Mary Perna Greenwald and Beth Montague
Established nearly a decade ago, the event has evolved from a small gathering of parents to one of our signature fundraisers. This year, under the leadership of co-chairs Beth Montague and Mary Perna Greenwald, the evening took on a new form, including dinner stations provided by Bing’s Restaurant, Irish dancers, and the extraordinary talent of our Sacred Heart students. The silent auction was filled with a wide variety of exciting items ranging from highfashion accessories by Vera Bradley and Kate Spade to anything and everything for your home. The live auction featuring Cash Cunningham, had guests bidding high and often on items such as a week stay in Fort Myers, dinner catered by chef and SHA dad, Mark Herle, a Canandaigua cottage vacation and much more. We are especially grateful for the support of Presenting Sponsor, Ulrich Sign Company, as well as our Brick Sponsors, Betsy and John Sullivan, Auction Suite Sponsor, Mader Construction and Bar Sponsor, Picone Construction.
Janice Cheney ’80, Mary Ann Wurster Cheney ’57 and Lisa Cheney Abruzzino ’85
Are you interested in getting involved in this fantastic fundraiser next year? If so, please contact the Advancement Department by calling 716.834.2101, ext . 318 today!
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Anna Kasprczak ‘14 entertains the crowd in SHA Hall
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And the Winner Is… Annie Stoll ‘03 By Joanna Haumesser ’03
Annie Stoll and I were in the same math class sophomore year at Sacred Heart. We usually sat near each other in that math class, and I would catch glimpses of her papers—not to see if my work matched hers, but to view the drawings and the comics that appeared in the margins surrounding the numbers. No doubt, the girl could draw. While Annie was drawing, I kept busy with music. My own SHA years were when my musical tastes really began to take shape, and I spent a lot of time making countless mixed CDs for myself and my friends—Annie being one of them. Throughout high school, and even beyond graduation, we had many epic concert-going adventures, and Annie credits those shows and mixed CDs for “getting me into certain types of music, and eventually they’re what got me interested in joining music with art.” Fast forward to 2013, Annie told me about a band from upstate New York for whom she had designed, and that it had been submitted for contention as a possible Grammy nomination. “If it actually happens, you’ll have to introduce yourself as ‘Grammynominee Annie Stoll’ to everyone for the rest of your life,” I told her jokingly. “I know!” she said, “And it’s probably a long shot, but it would be really cool if it happens.” And happen it did. In December, Annie was nominated for a Grammy Award in the best recording package category for her design work on Automatic Music Can Be Fun. At age 28, she is also the youngest female graphic designer to be nominated in that category in the past 20 years. The art for the album package was based on the concept of a scratch-off ticket. Scratch-off material covered a majority of the lyrics. Select words and phrases from each of the album’s ten songs were left uncovered to create a poem. Music was then written to accompany the uncovered words, thus creating an eleventh track that was inspired by Annie’s artwork. She’s come a long way since those math homework margin comics. The Grammy ceremony took place on January 26th, and though
“Not only is Sacred Heart where I made friends, it inspired me to dream big.”
Annie and her fiance, Tim, show off her engagement ring at Golden Gate Park
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Left: The “scratch off” Grammy-nominated artwork; Right: Annie strikes a pose on the red carpet
she did not win her category, “The entire experience was rad and fun, it was like being in a movie for a day,” she says. “Actually being there, it definitely wasn’t what you would expect from only having seen it on TV, but it was still completely unreal.” Annie hung out with Steve Martin and Billy Crystal, and saw Pharrell’s now iconic Mountie hat in person. The ultimate highlight of the evening was watching Taylor Swift dancing in the front row during the telecast. “You haven’t seen anything until you see Taylor Swift dance the way she does,” Annie says. Two days after the awards, Annie and her boyfriend Tim Ferrara trekked up to San Francisco, where the good times kept on coming. “We explored Lucasfilm (George Lucas’s production company), which was amazing, and later we went to Golden Gate Park,” she says. “I was already having such a great time, and then Tim asked me to marry him. It was the best three days ever.” Now living in New York City, Annie is forging ahead with her design work within the music industry and is considering writing a book/comic about her Grammy experience. It goes without saying how amazing it has been to see her extraordinary art career skyrocket firsthand, but the best part to come out of this is how Annie remains to be the gracious, extremely funny and creative girl I first met at Sacred Heart. “SHA is an awesome place,” she says. “Not only is it where I made amazing friends, it inspired me to dream big, taught me how to be a leader, and uphold a sense of community. Every little bit helped shape me into the person I am today.” S P I R I T.
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Sacred Heart Religion Teacher Honored by 9/11 Tribute Center
Kirsten Smith Kenny ’96 Receives Award for Excellence in the Classroom ELIGION Teacher and Alumna, Kirsten Smith Kenny, recently received accolades from the 9/11 Tribute Center for excellence in the integration of the events surrounding the attacks on September 11, 2001 into her freshman religion curriculum. Ms. Kenny and nine other educators from across the country were honored during the seventh annual September 11th Teacher Awards on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at the 9/11 Tribute Center, which is located at Ground Zero at 120 Liberty Street in New York City. As a result of the creation and implementation of exemplary educational projects that help students understand the impact of September 11, 2001, the honorees were presented with a certificate of merit and a $500 award to benefit their respective schools. Ms. Kenny and her colleagues were selected based upon their ability to engage
their students in unique projects that focus on historical and humanitarian aspects of 9/11 history, making the lessons of 9/11 tangible to children too young to remember the attacks. Her awardwinning project enables Sacred Heart students to experience 9/11 as a lesson in civic engagement using religion, history, community service and visual arts. More specifically, Ms. Kenny’s lesson revolves around the personal experiences of her Sacred Heart Academy classmate and close friend, Courtney Timms Maloney ’96, a survivor of the attacks, and FDNY Chaplain, Father Mychal Judge, and is designed to inspire discussions of faith, spirituality, existentialism and human connections. “In Kirsten Kenny’s 9/11 curriculum, she has blended personal experience with historic significance to bring her lessons to life for the young women of the Academy and help them find meaning and hope in one of this country’s
Kirsten Smith Kenny ’96 and NYS Regent, Dr. Lester Young, Jr.
most tragic events,” remarked Head of School, Jennifer M. Demert. “On behalf of every member of the Sacred Heart community, I congratulate Kirsten on receiving this prestigious award and thank her for her dedication to her students, her commitment to hope and to her embodiment of our Franciscan ideals.”
Special Programs for Girls in Grades 4-9 Did you know that Sacred Heart Academy offers a wide variety of educational, creative and athletic programming throughout the year for girls in grades 4-9? From the After School Science Club for Girls to the Mother/Daughter Book Club, from the S.H.I.N.E. (She Has Inner Excellence) Workshop to the Catholic High School Exam Prep Course and Practice Entrance Exam, SHA is the ideal spot for young girls to develop new skills while having fun in a supportive environment, rooted in Franciscan values. This spring, we are offering field hockey clinics with SHA field hockey, lacrosse and ice hockey coach Linda Mroz. The clinics will be held on the following Friday afternoons: May 16, 23, 30 and Visit our website for detailed information June 6 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Girls will be taught the regarding these popular summer fundamentals of field hockey, as well as game play. No programs. experience is necessary and the cost is $50 to enroll. SUMMERSPACE CAMPS For additional information regarding any of these June 30-August 1 programs or to obtain registration forms, visit For Girls in Grades 5-8 and girls entering www.sacredheartacademy.org or contact the Grade 9 at SHA Admissions Office at 716.834.2101, ext. 311. SR. MARIA PARES’ BASKETBALL CAMP June 29-July 3 and July 14-18 For Girls in Grades 3-9 12
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REMINDER Uniforms, Pianists and Actors Needed for Production As mentioned in our last issue, Penny Schnitter Frese ‘61 is producing a play about the life of Leonarda Hannappel, OSF, Sacred Heart Academy’s first principal. Penny is still looking to borrow SHA uniforms from various time periods. Additionally, any Sacred Heart alumna who is interested in playing the piano and/or acting and would like information on how to be a part of this fantastic production is encouraged to contact Sr. Gianadda, OSF by calling 716.754.4312, ext. 765.
Sacred Heart Academy’s Alumnae Advisory Council
Sacred Heart Academy’s Alumnae Advisory Council (previously referred to as our Alumnae Board) is a group of SHA graduates who work together to promote cooperation, engagement and community among our alumnae through programs and events. Additionally, the Advisory Council has worked on a revised charter to make sure that we are effectively serving the Sacred Heart community. This dedicated group remains grounded in the spirit of Franciscanism that we gained while students at the Academy. Our current president, Betty Byron McGowan ‘64, and her team of officers are committed to welcoming all who are interested in serving the Academy as a member of this team! If you would like more information, please contact Susan Reiser Daniels ‘92 (sdaniels@ sacredheartacademy.org), or Sr. Mara Walton, OSF (smara@ sacredheartacademy.org) or visit our website for a list of future meeting and event dates.
SHA Replacement Medals are Now Available Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is offering a special opportunity to purchase a replacement graduation medal for $20.00. As you will notice in this photo, this version of the SHA medal does not have the clasp on it that previously included the year of graduation. However, three initials and date of graduation may be engraved on the back. If you wish to order a medal, please send a check to Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Advancement Office, c/o Sister Mara Walton. Please include your initials and the year of graduation if you’d like the medal engraved.
Penny Schnitter Frese ‘61
Trip to Rome and Assisi Are you interested in experiencing the Franciscan tradition of the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart in a special way? If so, please consider joining other alumnae in a trip to Rome and Assisi this coming fall from September 28 – October 9. The trip is organized through Great Experiences, Inc. of New Jersey and the cost is ONLY $3500 per person for double occupancy and $4000 for limited single occupancy. Rev. Tom Hartle, OFM will be the spiritual director of the trip, leading us with daily reflections on the lives of Saints Francis and Clare. A group from Dubuque, Iowa, will be joining us and there are 15 spaces available for members of the SHA community. If you are interested in further information, contact Great Experiences, Inc. at 201.825.3725 or e-mail greatexinc@verizon.net.
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2014 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Growing to Better Serve Our Emergency Assistance for Tuition Fund July 21, 2014 The Links at Ivy Ridge Our 2013 Golf Tournament ushered in new opportunities for the SHA community to support the Emergency Assistance for Tuition (E.A.T.) Fund. The Emergency Assistance committee grew to include new faces as well those who have contributed to the past success of the event. In addition, we welcomed a wide variety of golfers. Our dedicated alumnae were joined by parents, spouses and friends—increasing the ability to support our students. The Emergency Assistance Tuition Fund serves our Sacred Heart families when their need is greatest: those faced with loss of family income, illness or even loss of a parent. This fund exists so that students in crisis can remain in our secure educational environment, even if financially unable to do so.
2014 event chairs Chelsey Keem Smith ’92 and Dr. Michael Keem
This event has become the cornerstone of fundraising for the E.A.T. Fund. Last year, more than 100 sponsors, golfers and luncheon attendees contributed over $7,500, and the goal is to substantially increase that contribution this year. Chelsey Keem Smith ’92 and her father, Dr. Michael Keem, are proud to be co-chairs of our 2014 Tournament! The event will be returning to the Links at Ivy Ridge, and will take place on July 21, 2014. We are welcoming golfers for either 18 or nine holes, in addition to attendees for the post-event luncheon. Chelsey first became involved in the event when she heard about it at her 20th class reunion. Dr. Keem and Chelsey share a deep belief in the strength of Catholic education and the positive impact Sacred Heart has on young women. In addition, they believe there is no better father-daughter bonding time than on the golf course! Together, they are planning to work with our dynamic committee to build the Golf Tournament to even greater levels of success and are encouraging new folks to join them. We encourage new committee members to join the our planning team. If you are interested, please contact Susan Reiser Daniels ’92 at 716.834.2101, ext. 352.
L to R: Mary Ruth Leberer Haberman ’57, Art Haberman, Mary Jo Hezel Ketchum ’59 and Don Ketchum
SHA Golf Team Members L to R: Anna Yeager ’17, Lauren Kase ’16, Victoria Parker ’15, Emily Connors ’14
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Classnotes The Class of 1958 is celebrating their 56th reunion at Windows on the Green on May 14 at 12:30 p.m. Contact Judy Casassa at 716.839.0017 for more information.
Melanie Frayne Warden ’87 has accepted a new position at Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola.
80s Trisha St. George ’80 has been busy singing at the May Ride 2014 Fundraiser which supports members of the military through Operation Home Front. Trisha will also take on a new challenge, GET PEDDLIN!, a bike ride for persons suffering from AIDS/HIV. The ride is 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles from June 1 – 7. Trisha will be riding her pink bike, wearing her SHA necklace and is grateful for your prayers, love and donations!
Julie Szefel ’97 to Don Held on November 2, 2013
Marietta E. Benz Sawyer ‘42 on May 28, 2013
Elizabeth F. Budniak ’01 to R.J. Killinger on July 20, 2013
Marie Seitz Troy ‘42 on February 10, 2014
Shauna Pantano ‘03 to AE 3 Lucas Mattson, USN, on October 12, 2013
Mary Ann Locke Reed ‘45 on June 27, 2013
Births
Marion Weiss Michael ‘45 on August 11, 2013 Geraldine Weisnet Hossenlopp ‘41 on August 7, 2013
50s During a ceremony held on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, Nancy Haberman Gacioch ’58 and her husband, William Gacioch, were named “Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). This award is presented to an individual, couple or family with a proven track record of exceptional generosity who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in our community.
Marriages
Marie Lesswing Dowd ‘42 on April 17, 2013
Dorothy Koeck Linhardt ‘49 on May 16, 2013 Frances Schmid Switzer ‘57 on December 13, 2013 Kimberly Schweitzer Evering ’89 worked at the 2014 Winter Olympics as a flash reporter for the sport of hockey. Out of more than 180,000 applicants worldwide, Kim served as part of a team of 20 selected by the International Olympic Committee.
Dorothy M. Baumet ‘62 on August 6, 2013 Jane Satowski Jarzyniecki ‘76 on July 28, 2013
Karen Graci ’91 and her husband, Brian Shortall, on the birth of their son, Liam in June 2013. Liam joins his big sister Keely, and the family is at home in California. Dr. Kimberly Goodman Henry ’98 and her husband, Terrence, on the birth of their daughter, Teresa Krystyna on December 28, 2013.
Andrea Georgeades Migliore ’82 on March 9, 2014
00s Kristen DeCarlo Janosko ‘05 has accepted a position as Marketing Manager, Corporate Partnerships, Vacations and Season Pass Programs at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. Kristen began working in this capacity in December, and currently resides in Greece, NY.
From L to R: Jennifer Held ’99, Kathryn Tiutiunnyk ’97, Amy Szefel Starck ’91, Julie Szefel Held ’97, Sarah Szalkowski Zabukovec ’97 and Carolyn Acker ’97
In Memoriam Please note that anyone listed in this section is an alumna of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. All other members of the SHA community who have returned to God are remembered during our Masses throughout the academic year.
Liam Shortall
Teresa Krystyna Henry S SP PI IR RI IT T. . MMI INNDD. . B BO ODDY Y. .
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Mission Statement
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is a community committed to providing young women with a comprehensive, balanced and challenging Catholic education rooted in the core values of the Franciscan tradition. We graduate young women with intellectual preparedness, spiritual grounding, commitment to service, and the leadership skills necessary to have a positive impact on the world.
Buffalo, NY 14226-3398
3860 Main Street
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 1536
Stay in Touch!
www.sacredheartacademy.org
SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS DINNER
Celebrating 20 Years of Distinguished Alumnae, Friends and Community Partners Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Scholarship & Awards Dinner will celebrate its 20th anniversary next fall. You have the opportunity to assist the event committee, led by Jacqueline Shea Wopperer ’52, James and Judy Manzella (parents to Alea ‘16 and Cara ’16) and Brian and Kim Windschidtl (parents of Grace ’16), in the selection of our distinguished award recipients. Please fill out the nomination form on page 10 and return it to the Advancement Office by May 16, 2014. For more information, contact Susan Reiser Daniels ’92 at 716.834.2101, ext. 352 or sdaniels@sacredheartacademy.org. Right: Our first two recipients, Joyce Fink ’48 and Sr. M. Paula Fox, OSF ’39
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