ALUMNAE FEATURE

gathered. “As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude not only for this great honor, but for your endless support. As I’ve traveled across the country, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many DSHA graduates and I’ve learned how important community, friends, and family really are. I truly believe you don’t get where you are alone. I could not have made it where I am today without my family, friends, and this DSHA community.”

In her spare time, deGuzman loves to eat at local restaurants while she is on tour. Currently, she’s on a mission to find the best cinnamon roll in the United States! She likes to explore the different cities she travels to, drink tea, cook, bake, and keep up with her Duolingo.

Most Inspirational Teacher | “Michael Stafford was my most influential teacher. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He was the first one to tell me that if I focused on honing my skills, I could make theatre my career. He helped me create a list of colleges with good theatre programs, he helped me pick out and coached audition materials. Without his support, I wouldn’t have pursued theatre. He believed in me before I really believed in myself.”

Favorite Class | “My favorite class was AP Chemistry. I was an overachiever and spent my lunchtime with a handful of other girls and (Former Science Faculty) Cathy Loehr. The extra time we all spent together really brought out a different side of all of us. During that class each of us aced a test, failed a test, sobbed, or had a breakdown. Mrs. Loehr was great at teaching the subject while also pushing us to succeed. She allowed us to have moments to cry and be human. I remember that class being more than just an AP Chemistry class, it was a safe haven.”

Favorite DSHA Memory | “One of my favorite DSHA memories is specifically about my 2012 senior class. I secretly recorded the song Forever Young and put it on our retreat CD. I underestimated how recognizable my voice was and my class requested that I sing the song live at our Baccalaureate Mass. When I finished singing, my class gave me a standing ovation. The outpouring of support and love that I felt in that moment was unprecedented. I carry that moment with me and remember how special DSHA is for engraining in each of us the importance of empowering and celebrating other women.”