DUCHESNE TODAY
DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART — OMAHA | SPRING 2024
3601 Burt Street Omaha, NE 68131 402-558-3800 duchesneacademy.org
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic collegepreparatory independent high school for girls of all faiths and backgrounds, is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. The schools of the Sacred Heart Network share five goals which commit them to educate to:
A personal and active faith in God
A deep respect for intellectual values
A social awareness which impels to action
The building of community as a Christian value
Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Editors
Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Hannah Miller
Copy Editors
Julie Dineen Swartz A’91
Margaret Schropp Schroeder A’06
Photography
Emma Korgie A’26
Adriana Olvera A’26
Julianne Marie Photography
Stacie Kinney
Hannah Miller
Contributors
Katie Risch Bakhit A’94
Lilly Risch Bakhit A’24
Thomas Becker
Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71
Meg Huerter Brudney A’83
Sheila Haggas
Sara McConnell
Laura McKee Hickman, Ed.D. A’85
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04
Hannah Miller
Sophia Owens A’24
Printer
PrintCo
Front Cover
Evelyn Jeffreys A’26
Inside Cover
L-R: Amelia Aspen A’27
Adele Bruce A’27
2023-2024
School Year Theme
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; taking this world as it is and not as I would have it.
CELEBRATING BOLD SPIRITS
Dear Duchesne Community,
What a transformational school year it has been for Duchesne Academy and Preschool. It is my pleasure to share this forward-focused issue of DuchesneToday.
This spring our students showed their gifts both in the classroom and in the community. Projects like Senior Service Immersion allowed students to grow in their faith while practicing Goal Three: A social awareness which impels to action. You will read two students’ experiences on pages 12 and 13.
Young women at Duchesne are academically brilliant. They have so many opportunities to develop into wellrounded individuals while guided by their faith. You will read how Duchesne students are making strides in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), achieving top awards in performing arts, and creating positive change.
The theme of this issue of DuchesneToday is The Future is Female. As we begin Phase II of the Campus Master Plan, my colleagues and I have spent hours researching how to best serve female athletes. We’re taking a close look at everything from the design of the locker rooms to the food they eat. Driven by the A Bold Step Forward campaign, the innovative future for Duchesne Athletics and the student body is exciting.
Thank you for being an integral part of our supportive community. I wish you and your family a safe, peaceful, and joyous summer!
Sincerely,
Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 Head of School
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Seattle University
Seton Hall University
South Dakota State University
Southern Methodist University
St. Edward's University
St. John's College (Annapolis)
St. Lawrence University
St. Olaf College
Stevens Institute of Technology
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The College of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Scholastica
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The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
Unity Environmental University
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University of Central Florida
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University of Miami
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University of New Mexico (Main Campus)
University of Notre Dame
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University of Portland
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University of St. Thomas
University of Tulsa
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Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wayne State College
Western Michigan University
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Xavier University
by
Photo
Ben Drickey
Duchesne Academy Class of 2024
Duchesne Prize
Sophia Owens
Lilly Risch Bakhit
Success In Studies Prize
Paulina Gilgenast
Spirit of Kindness Award
Maeva Davis
Tatum Vaughan
Stuart Creativity Award
Gwendolyn Corcoran
Ali Tupper Sportsmanship Award
Claire Niehaus
Anne Hoover
Athlete of the Year
June Mullen
Photo by Stacie Kinney
On
is the Future Female
leaders in STEAM
Sustainability Project Wins Big at MSEF
Congratulations to Hadley McComas A'24 (left) and Alyssa Moheiser A'25 (right) for their project in sustainability and solar panels which earned them first place in the Environmental Engineering category as well as two special awards. One of those awards was given by the Society of Women Engineers, and the other was the Midwest Labs Award. Hadley and Alyssa competed in the Metro Science and Engineering Fair as part of their STEAM II and Advanced STEAM courses.
Aubrey Nguyen A’25 Wins Regional NCWIT Award
Duchesne student Aubrey Nguyen A’25 received the Regional NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC). The award, powered by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes 9th-12thgrade women students for their computing-related achievements and interests as part of an effort to encourage a diverse range of students to choose careers in technology. The National Award is generously sponsored by Bank of America.
"Aubrey is a brilliant and hardworking student who is very humble about her wide range of talents.She generously shares her gifts with our community and is so deserving of this recognition," Duchesne Computer Science and Robotics teacher Sarah Stratman said.
Four hundred award recipientswere selected from high schools across 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and all U.S. overseas military bases. They were selected for their outstanding aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Applicants were required to submit several short essays, letters of recommendation, and answer a series of multiple choice questions.
“Encouraging students who have historically been underrepresented in technology fields is critical. Computing underlies an increasing number of the products and systems we use every day, and to ensure they are beneficial to the broadest group of people possible, a diverse group of people must dream them, and then create them,” said NCWIT CEO and Executive Director Terry Hogan.
Three Duchesne Students Honored as Grit Scholars
Three Duchesne students will have an opportunity to attend Creighton University thanks to the Grit Scholarship sponsored by The Heider Family Foundation.
Seniors Maeva Davis, Madeline McGuire, and Molly Siedlik received this honor from Creighton University in March 2024.
Below is an excerpt from Creighton University's Grit Scholar flyer:
"A Grit Scholar is exactly that: hard-working, high achieving, full of perseverance and passion for his or her goals, and ready to change the world. As a Grit Scholar you will be a difference-maker, prepared to be transformed into a next-level leader, focused on the greater good. As a Creighton graduate, you will appreciate and understand the importance and impact of grit in your work, family, and community, and continue your never-ending desire to change the world, breaking down barriers that get in your way."
Mock Trial Team Competes at National Championship
Duchesne Academy’s Mock Trial team earned 12thplace at the National High School Mock Trial Championship.
The team traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, May 3 and 4 to compete against hundreds of other high school students across the country. Duchesne’s team won the Nebraska State Championship earlier this year, which granted them a ticket to the national competition.
Members of the team include: team captain Lilly Risch Bakhit, Claire Jeffries, Susie MorganGirgis, Libby Saal, Ann Mammen, Emma Carlson, and Camila Castro. Coaches include: Judge Stefanie Martinez, Jerry Laughlin, Rick Jeffries, and Mark Laughlin.
“Our Mock Trial team is representative of Duchesne’s academic rigor,” Duchesne Principal, Laura McKee Hickman A’85, said. “This team put in countless hours of practice to be one of the best in the nation. They show what it means to work hard toward a goal.”
Duchesne has a history of a strong showing at the National Mock Trial. In 2015 they took home the National Championship, and placed 2ndin 2016. This is the first time Duchesne has competed as reigning state champion since 2020.
Standing: Stefanie Martinez, Jerry Laughlin, Camila Castro A’27, Emma Carlson A’26, Anne Mammen A’26, Libby Saal A’26, LeClara Gilreath
Seated: Claire Jeffries A’25, Lilly Risch Bakhit A’24, Susan Morgan-Girgis A’25
Molly Siedlik A’24
Madeline McGuire A’24
Maeva Davis A’24
Duchesne’s Teacher Retention Strengthens Amidst Shortage
ByLauraMcKeeHickman,Ed.DA’85
Duchesne’s teacher retention remains on track even after analyzing statewide education data.
These graphics were provided to all school leaders by the teacher shortage summit organizers in the fall of 2023. While we are all watching the shortage with great concern, we remain fully staffed at Duchesne.
Efforts by the Parent Association to ensure a robust teacher appreciation program, paired with a very competitive salary and benefit package, and the joy of working with the students of Duchesne, has maintained our highly qualified and dedicated staff.
Duchesne has a long tradition of sending our graduates into the Omaha community as wonderful teachers. We hope to strengthen that tradition by offering a 2024 course that is a dual enrollment with Creighton University’s Department of Education and a prerequisite toward a teaching certificate.
Duchesne
TJ Mullaney, Theology Teacher
BySaraMcConnell
SeniorService
What does it mean to be a Sacred Heart student? Faith, service, and community are foundational. These real-world values are at the root of theSenior Service Immersion Experience.
On Tuesday, February 20, the senior class joined the faculty and staff in the chapel for a prayer service, a “sending forth” of the seniors to serve in the community. From that sacred moment in the chapel until Wednesday, February 28, every senior went to a service site from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. every day. There were twenty-five different service sites around the Omaha Metro, including Holy Family, Heart Ministry, Scatter Joy Acres, Via Christe, and the Furniture Project. Two additional service trips, available to all grades, to Winnebago and the Dominican Republic were also included.
Each day, studentsexamined their gifts and limitations, fostered their relationship with God, served the common good, analyzed injustice, initiated a life-long commitment to service, and contemplated their responsibility to create a more hopeful future.
Sophia’s Reflection
BySophiaOwensA’24
My service experience at Holy Family allowed me to blossom in my faith and discover the beautiful garden of God’s love that surrounds me. Even in the worst living conditions, the people experiencing homelessness in Omaha opened their hearts to me and taught me lessons I will never forget. As I was handing out lunches directly into their hands and learning more about their lives, I discovered God in a way I have never felt before. God is found in small moments of happiness on the gloomiest days and in the moments of gratitude when you need Him the most. When you believe in God and participate in a faithful life, finding these moments becomes easier and more fruitful. To believe in something is not just acknowledging its existence, it’s dedicating your actions and thoughts to exploring its potential and applying it to the greater world around you. My faith is something that, like a flower, is continuously growing and faltering, but will result in a beautiful God given gift. My newfound understanding of Goal One has left me with immense gratitude.
Lilly’s Reflection
ByLillyRischBakhitA’24
I traveled to Guadalajara and San Luis Potosí in Mexico with the Sacred Heart DNA group, an international and intergenerational group of young adults and Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) who create space and opportunity for young adults to connect, grow in faith, build community and take action. I traveled with them last summer, and I was invited to join them again. Despite the slight language barrier and cultural differences, we are all connected through the Sacred Heart values that we share. While in San Luis Potosí, I volunteered with an organization connected to the Society called Iyolosiwa. Its mission is to educate the poorest children in the community. I volunteered at one of its schoolhouses in an extremely impoverished neighborhood. The children I served lived in houses with dirt floors and tarps as roofs.
See more photos from Senior Service by scaning this QR code!
…story continues below
Everyone aged three to twelve attended a one-room school that lacked many supplies. The children did not have any books, pencils, or backpacks. Despite lacking these necessities, the children were full of curiosity, constantly asking me to translate something into English. They eagerly showed me their artwork and told me all about themselves, their families, and their friends. They welcomed us into their homes and their classroom with open hearts. On this trip, I grew in social awareness through my service and developed stronger relationships with God and the people I met in Mexico.
Erin Everson A’12, Lilly Risch Bakhit A’24
A’24: Kylie Troshynski, D Mason, Maeva Davis, Judith Kadjo-Gnambi
Back Row A’24: Olivia Schack, Ivey Welch, Gretchen Hazel, Lilly Risch Bakhit Front Row A’24: Mary Matuella, Kate Kelley, Caroline Shanahan, Ellie Shanahan
Back Row: Corinne Mansour A’25, Claire Niehaus A’24, Izzy Johnson A’24, Caroline Woodward A’24, Emma Boggust A’24, Anne Hoover A’24 Front Row: Drew McMahon A’25, Sophia Finney A’25, Natalie Theiler A’24, Anne Cooper A’26, Sophia Owens A’24, Tatum Vaughan A’24
A’24: Marinn Drickey, Grace Oxley, Eva Longo, Alexa Ahumada
Successful Congé Strengthens “Burt Street Bond”
Once again, Congé brought the party back to “our place,” welcoming parents, alumnae, grandparents, and friends. This year’s party was co-chaired by Janelle and Brian Ward, parents of Payton A’24, and Melody and Ken Wentz, parents of Josephine A’25 and Eva A’23.
The “Burt Street Bond” theme exemplified Duchesne’s desire to unify the community spirit by welcoming more than 425 guests. Fun and festivities were everywhere, and no one could match Hap Abraham’s catering. The wine was donated by “Friends of Duchesne.” The event ended with desserts catered by Lola’s Cafe.
Science teacher Kim Kries and her husband Andy introduced a beer flight tasting with three sessions booked solid. Each session included beer education while tasting, explaining how to test the beer by aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. The team helping with this fast-paced event were Technology-STEAM teacher Susan Proulx-Herron and husband Tim Herron. Participants took home the wooden flight boards, etched with a sacred heart.
Another hot item was the chance to win a golf foursome with Duchesne teachers Ben Mihovk and Jake Hervert. The golf package allowed the foursome to play at any Omaha golf course of their choice.
The success of Congé 2024 was due to the generosity of The Heider Family Foundation’s match of every $1,000 gift toward tuition assistance. This vital program helps academically qualified students receive a Sacred Heart education, regardless of family income. Cindy and Scott Heider’s daughter, Courtney, graduated from Duchesne in 2019.
Congé’s live auction took place in the newly renovated theater. This year’s net earnings were $550,000.
Thank you to all who supported this event; your support helps us continue to foster lifelong bonds and prepare young women to be leaders in our world.
Back Row L-R: Payton Ward A’24, June Mullen A’24
Front Row L-R: Mara Hartwell A’26, Angel Lugang A’27, Victoria Cali A’26, Janine Fell A’25
Duchesne
Congé chairs L-R: Brian Ward, Janelle Ward, Melody Wentz, Ken Wentz
L-R: Board Member Bob Kula, Head of School Meg Brudney, Board Chair Erin Fogarty Owen A'89
Duchesne Preschool Celebrates 25 Years
BySheilaHaggas,formerHeadofSchool
Twenty-five years ago, everything about Duchesne was new and exciting to me. As a new Head of School, with no previous experience in Sacred Heart, I was captivated by the history and charism of the Religious of the Sacred Heart, and I was enthralled with the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie. I loved the stories of her life and her evolving legacy. I remember my first years at Duchesne as a time of learning from the past as we planned for the future.
Those early years were a time of steady enrollment growth in the Academy. We had an abundance of space, much of it unused. The educational program at Duchesne had changed dramatically over its long history. At one time our campus included an elementary school, high school, college, and convent. We were using the former elementary school to house the academy art department on the ground floor, but the entire second floor had become a storage area.
In early 1998, we began a year-long study of ways we might expand the educational program at Duchesne and bring Sacred Heart education to a new population. We conducted focus groups and explored the benefits and obstacles of every idea. We continued to dialogue and discern ways that Saint Madeleine Sophie’s vision could meld with a need in our community. Our conversations with alumnae, neighbors, and colleagues helped identify that need, and an idea began to take shape – Duchesne Preschool of the Sacred Heart.
In the following months we moved from dreaming to planning as we began this new chapter in our history. We continually asked for the intercession of Saint Madeleine Sophie, and we felt her blessing most especially in two major decisions. In our many meetings, our alumnae spoke enthusiastically and passionately about wanting a Sacred Heart education, at least in the early years, to be available for their sons as well as their daughters. The decision to open the preschool to girls and boys was made with joy and eagerness.
Sophie also watched over us when we hired Sara Wachter A’79 as preschool director. She built the curriculum, hired dedicated teachers and turned the forgotten space of the former elementary school into welcoming, cheerful classrooms. Sara worked with the newly hired preschool teachers to incorporate Sacred Heart traditions into the curriculum and daily experiences of the children. One of the most endearing adaptations was the writing of the Sacred Heart Goals in language suitable for little ones to understand.
In January of 1999 the first class of Duchesne preschoolers was enrolled. Immediately, they brought new energy and whimsy to life on campus. The stitched names on the little boys’ polo shirts and collars of the girls’ gingham uniforms were both charming and an aid in welcoming our new little ones into our community. It was such a joy to call a preschooler by name and watch as she or he looked amazed when the “big girls” and adults would know their name.
There are countless stories and memories of the last 25 years of joy and love as the preschool program strengthened community and exemplified the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie. As I reflect on the circumstances and decisions that resulted in the addition of the Preschool, I return to our initial desire to expand Sacred Heart education at Duchesne and in the greater community.
Arts
Arts
Artwork by: Aubrey Nguyen A’25
Becker’s Totally Rad Interpretation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
ByThomasBecker
Since arriving in 1996, I’ve directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream three times at Duchesne. The first was in 1996 when we set the production in the 1930s, the second was in 2006 when it took place in the wild west, and this year we placed it in the 1980s. One of the beautiful things about Shakespeare’s work is that you can perform it in any time. I chose the 80s for this production because it seems like such a visually distinct decade with a lot of crazy color combinations and distinct styles. The same goes for the music— it’s distinct and fun.
This year’s cast was a pleasure to work with because they took direction well and were still able to bring their own contributions to the piece. Comedy is difficult; it takes an innate understanding of how text, physicality, and audience reactions synchronize. This cast perfected it. I only wish we had a few more shows, because it was getting better every night. My favorite part of this show was the meeting of Titania’s and Oberon’s fairies. In the text, Puck tells us that these two “never meet but they do clash”. We decided that their “clash” would be a dance off. Duchesne’s new sound system helped this part of the show stand out.
“My
favorite part had to be the runs and dress rehearsal because it had the action of opening night but without the fear.”
—
A’25,
Performance
“My favorite part of this production was by far the opportunity to get closer to the cast and crew. This was one of the most kind, driven, and talented casts I’ve ever worked with, and I couldn’t be prouder of all of them.”
— Changun Dak A’27, played Starveling the Tailor
Caroline Michonski
played Helena, choreographer and dance captain
FINE Art Awards
Nebraska All-State Orchestra
Madeline Bean A’26 (violin)
Annie Heldridge A’25 (viola)
University of Nebraska Omaha BOCH (Band, Orchestra, Choir, Honors) Festival
Cecilia Rickett A’26 (flute in band)
Madeline Bean A’26 (violin in orchestra)
Nebraska Wesleyan Honors Festival
Kyra McWilliams A’24
Grace Reyelts A’24 (choir)
Doane Vocal Honor’s Festival
Kyra McWilliams A’24
Grace Caskey A’25
Grace Reyelts A’24
Caroline Rogers A’24 (all choir)
Nebraska Young Artist Awards
Grace Caskey A’25 in music and dance
Brevard Music Center Summer
Institute Selective Symphony
Madeline Bean A’26 (Violin)
Duchesne Academy’s robust Fine Arts program turned out several awardwinning pieces. Below is a list of creative works and highlights from the 2023-24 school year.
Scholastic Art Awards
Gold Keys:
Delaney Focht A’26
Lizzie Tran A’26
Silver Keys:
Kate Gering A’25
Ana Gonzalez Yuil A’24
Sophia Hegarty A’27
Wynne Lake A’26
Emily Reed A’24
Summer Stidham A’25
Honorable Mention:
Adeline Beller A’27
Mayat Elezai A’25
Sara Henin A’26
Claire Jeffries A’25
Camille Kane A’27
Emma LaCrosse A’25
Anastasia Manhart A’27
Adeline Martin A’27
Ella McGrath A’24
June Mullen A’24
Honora Pulido Volkmer A’27
Kate Reed A’24
Elise Schaben A’25
Sophia Tinley A’25
Susie Wood A’25
First Place Omaha Music Teachers
Association Senior Scholarship Award
Rachel Fernandes A’24
Duchesne Combined Concert Choir received a 1+ for their performance at District Music Contest. This is the highest score you can achieve.
Duchesne Today | Spring 2024
Grace Caskey A’25 accepts the Nebraska Young Artist Awards
Madeline Bean A’26 played violin with The Piano Guys in May at the Holland Center for Performing Arts
Artwork by: Claire Jefferies A’25
Artwork by: Kate Gering A’25
Artwork by: Elise Schaben A’25
Artwork by: Honora Pulido Volkmer A’27
Artwork by: Elezai Mayat A’25
Artwork by: Wynne Lake A’26
Duchesne Woman Spotlight
Grace Heldridge A’17 will say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to her life in the States later this summer as she travels to Berlin, Germany, to sing with the Komische Oper Berlin.
Heldridge discovered her love of music at a young age while singing in the choir at her church. That’s where she learned the art of opera. When she arrived at Duchesne, she was set on becoming an opera singer.
“Mrs. Eller encouraged me to audition for a lot of the choir festivals like All-State,” Heldridge remembered. “I found a lot of success in those, I realized ‘maybe this is something I’m good at.’”
Her love of music quickly bloomed into a love of musical theater. While she had many small roles in theater productions while at Duchesne, Heldridge said her first musical ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ sparked a new form of joy in performing.
“My role as Snoopy opened my eyes to comedic acting and musical theater. That influenced a lot of what I did in undergrad,” she said.
After graduating from Duchesne, Heldridge attended the University of Kansas where she earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance. While at KU, she performed with the KU Opera and served as Executive Director of the Rock Chalk Revue (RCR). The RCR is a student-run
philanthropic organization, and she had the opportunity to co-write, direct, produce, choreograph, and perform original one-act musicals. She won numerous awards such as Best Performance by a Female Lead, Best Original Song, Best Story, and Best Vocal Performance.
“I think my love of musical theater comes from my experience from Duchesne,” Heldridge said. “Mr. Becker introduced us to a lot of plays and it was really fun.”
Doors continued to open for Heldridge as she continued her singing career. In 2023 she performed with Central City Opera, the Brookline Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Conservatory of Berklee. She won several awards, including being named a semi-finalist in the Mass Opera Competition and the NextGen National Vocal Competition, among many others.
Recently, Heldridge graduated with an M.M. in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Right now she’s performing with Opera Maine during their summer season. In August she will join Internationales Opernstudio at Komische Oper Berlin for the next two seasons.
“Moving to another country will be a challenge,” Heldridge said. “I take big leaps, and I’m excited to go for it!”
Heldridge returned to Duchesne in April to see her sister, Annie, receive her ring during Ring Ceremony. This was the first time she had seen Duchesne’s new Theater since its construction.
“I hope Duchesne keeps flourishing,” she said. “I would love to see the arts continue to grow, and to encourage students to try new things. You never know if it’s something that could become your passion.”
READY
Duchesne is ready to begin construction on Phase II of the A Bold Step Forward campaign after receiving a $5 million grant from the State of Nebraska.
The funds come from the state’s Shovel-Ready Grant Program and match funds that have already been secured. This program assists organizations with capital projects that have been delayed due to COVID-19 or will provide a positive impact in the State of Nebraska.
To comply with the grant guidelines, Duchesne must begin or resume construction no later than June 30, 2025, and complete it by December 31, 2026.
STATUE OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS (RELOCATED)
FRENCH GARDEN CLASSROOM
ATHLETICS ENTRANCE
GROTTO OF MARY (RELOCATED)
AMPHITHEATER STAIR
SOCCER FIELD
CHAPEL
A BOLD STEP FOR
FORWARD OUR COMMUNITY
Student Common Space
At Duchesne Academy, two unwavering priorities are that “We eat together, and we pray together.” The first phase of A Bold Step Forward, ensures that we can all pray together in our beautifully restored historic chapel. The Student Common Space will allow our community to eat together.
The new multi-use commons will comfortably seat our entire student body together in one lunch period. Various styles of seating that include a combination of round and rectangular tables will create an inviting place to share meals.
Students will be able to access this new space from a staircase that is currently located on the first floor of the main hallway.
What is now the cafeteria will be repurposed to include a commercial kitchen and servery from which students may choose from a variety of nutritious meal stations similar to what you might see on a college campus. This new facility and commercial-grade kitchen will greatly benefit chefs and service to our community.
Equipped To Lead
Phase II of Duchesne Academy’s Campus Master Plan is set to begin in the Fall of 2024. This project will include construction of a state-of-the-art athletic complex tailored to serve female athletes.
Jada James A’27 came to Duchesne after being approached by basketball coach Ryan Reese. The Iowa native said she fell in love with the team and Duchesne’s academics but was not impressed with the athletic facility.
“When I first came to Duchesne, I thought ‘why is the ceiling yellow?’” James laughed.
Other than a new paint job, the new top-loading gymnasium will have several upgrades including an indoor track, locker rooms designed for female athletes, and a larger weight room.
Payton Ward A’24 was a three-season athlete at Duchesne. As a former basketball player, she said the increased seating and ability to have a student section will be a major upgrade to the current facility.
“My mom always says I play a ton better when there’s a student section,” Ward said. “Just knowing you have a large group of girls who have your back and are cheering for you no matter what, will be really beneficial.”
Members of the Duchesne administration team visited collegiate and high school athletic facilities to research the needs of female athletes. Some of the takeaways included creating a comfortable space for athletes to unwind after practice or a game to watch film, and a locker room big enough to accommodate all of their needs.
“I make mistakes in games, and when I watch the film, I realize what I need to do better,” James said. “When you rewatch it as a team, you can see the team dynamics. It’s so important.”
Lauren Aliano Mueller A’00 is Duchesne’s Director of Admissions and Varsity Soccer Coach. She said positive messaging and space to offer nutritious snacks for the athletes will be an important part of the locker room design.
“I’m excited Duchesne is putting an emphasis on this,” she said. “This way we are showing our athletes ‘you matter, you are important, you’re really good, and here are facilities that match your abilities.’”
A BOLD FOR
In addition to the upgrades in the gymnasium, the outdoor field will have a top tier surface for sports like soccer and lacrosse. Right now, athletes are competing on grass, which can cause game and practice delays due to the mud.
“The amenities need to match the skill level,” Mueller explained. “We are a top program in so many sports in the state.”
June Mullen A’24 was a three-season athlete at Duchesne. This fall she will attend Western Michigan University to play D1 soccer. While at Duchesne, she competed in state soccer and helped bring a state title home with the golf team.
“It’s super amazing the school is getting new facilities,” she said. “I love Duchesne so much and I’m so glad I got to play here for four years.”
With construction starting this fall, A’27 is projected to be the first class of current students to enjoy a full year with the athletic complex. James claims she is most excited for the facility.
“Right now, we’re kind of seen as the under-dog,” she explained. “I want us to be someone everyone is a little afraid to play.”
Expanded athletic facilities will complement our emphasis on health and wellness. Increasing research demonstrates the correlation between participation in sports and the emotional wellbeing of young women, including higher levels of confidence and self-esteem and lower levels of depression. We know athletic participation has a positive impact on building life skills. Research suggests that those who engage in physical activity in high school, whether or not it’s an organized sport, demonstrate better time management, goal-setting, and leadership skills.
STEP FORWARD WOMEN’S ATHLETICS
The Athletic Complex
Adjacent to the Commons, a state-of-the-art Athletic Complex, constructed to support and meet the specific needs of our female athletes, will offer space for our students to grow, learn, and compete.
The Athletic Complex will be not only a larger, more spacious area for physical activity, but also a tailored space that champions and addresses the specific requirements of women’s athletics for Duchesne Academy. The design team, along with members of Duchesne’s board and administration team, engaged in months of study, research, and best practices to design facilities specifically for women.
As a result, from the equipment to the facilities, every aspect of the gym will be thoughtfully designed to foster the development and empowerment of female athletes. The gym's expansion not only represents physical growth but also a commitment to supporting the diverse needs and aspirations of the school's female student body, fostering a culture of inclusivity, strength, and excellence.
This athletic complex will serve a large majority of our campus, as 75% of Duchesne students play at least one sport. The complex will feature a competition sized gymnasium that can seat up to 1200 people, including a student cheering section, indoor track, an expanded weight room, and updated locker rooms other amenities.
The final piece of the Sports Complex is the renovation of the current soccer field. While the field will remain in its same location, it will have a new turf playing surface for our state-qualifying soccer team and other field sports like lacrosse.
“We have some of the best athletic teams in the state. Our students deserve greatness.”
— Marissa Ringblom Athletic & Activities Director
A Bold Step Forward
From Phase I to Phase II, the project will impact our students and will attract more young women to Duchesne. Every improvement and addition is funded by A Bold Step Forward.
Our hope is to help strengthen our Duchesne community through this campaign. It would not be possible without the historic and bold generosity of benefactors of all kinds – parents, alumnae, board members, past parents, foundations, and friends, all who share a passion for the mission.
Duchesne is truly taking A Bold Step Forward toward our future with this campaign, the largest, and the most successful, in our history.
Please visit bold.duchesneacademy.org or contact Katie Risch Bakhit, VP of Advancement, at kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org to learn more about the campaign progress.
Sports Update
For the first time since 1997, Duchesne SOCCER competed in the State Championship Final, finishing as Class B Runner-Up. Earlier in the season, Duchesne Soccer won the River Cities Conference (RCC) Championship, knocking out Skutt for the first time in almost two decades.
Duchesne-Roncalli TRACK & FIELD took home some hardware in the State Championship tournament. Ellie Shanahan A’24 earned 4th in the 100m and 7th in the 200m. Cece Kramper A’27 and Sania Taylor A’27 also competed at State. In the RCC Championships, the girls earned 2nd place overall as a team, with 14 athletes earning top spots in their categories.
TRAPSHOOTING celebrated an award-winning season. The team earned 3rd place handicap Team Champion and 3rd place High Over Team Champion at State. Grace Nigro A’24 took 2nd place High Over All Female Champion. In addition to the State Championship, the team took home 93 total medals from various competitions this year.
Duchesne’s TENNIS team scored big this season after several successful matches. The Cardinals placed first in the River Cities Conference Championship in May. At the State Tennis Championship, #1 and #2 Singles, and #1 and #2 Doubles took home medals. The team placed 4th in the Class B division.
Duchesne’s LACROSSE Club hit the field with strength this season. The Cardinals earned a spot in the tournament semi-finals. Coach Jen Schroen also represented Duchesne in the USA Lacrosse Women’s Tournament in North Carolina. She coached the league’s first-ever Iowa/Nebraska team.
DUCHESNE GOLF WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Duchesne’s Golf team brought home another State Championship trophy in 2023. This win marked the 6th championship title for Coach Jeff Nielsen.
“I love to see kids improve in the game of golf and grow up as a young adult,” he said.
This was Nielsen’s 17th season coaching at Duchesne. When he started coaching, only 6 or 7 girls played golf at Duchesne. Now, the roster has at least 30 girls. Nielsen said he makes an effort to keep each of his players motivated throughout the season.
“I’m proud of the number of girls,” he said. “I love seeing the improvement and drive each girl has.”
The Duchesne State Golf team competed in Scottsbluff in October 2023. This is the second consecutive championship title for the team. Though they were previously champions, Nielsen said they were not favored to win.
“It’s nice to win a championship when on paper we were not supposed to,” he explained.
Nielsen said he credits the teammates’ bond for this year’s win.
“This team was unique because of how close they were,” he said. “June Mullen and Kate Kelley took over as leaders, and it was really cool to see Whitney, Ellie, and Martha look up to them.”
Members of the 2023 State Championship team were, left to right, Martha Mullen , Kate Kelley and June Mullen A’24, Whitney Dahir A’26, and (not pictured) Ellie Jung A’27.
Develop�g HabitsH�lthy
Soccer Athletes Focus on Nutrition
Nutrition and hydration were a key component of Duchesne Soccer’s success this season.
Head coach Lauren Aliano Mueller A’00 asked Daena Thalken, a nutritionist and Duchesne soccer parent, to teach the girls about fueling their bodies for peak athletic performance.
“It’s something we don’t talk about enough,” Mueller explained. “It resonated with the girls and gave them tangible takeaways.”
Payton Ward A’24 said her pre-game anxiety has made it challenging to fuel her body. She said having a dietician explain what to eat 90, 60, and 30 minutes before a game has helped take the edge off.
“I think it really impacts my play,” she explained. “I can be more demanding of my body because I’m eating the right things at the right time.”
June Mullen A’24 is one of the lead scorers for the Cardinals. She will be playing soccer at Western Michigan University after graduation. She said she feels like practices have been easier since changing her mindset with nutrition.
“We’ve been talking about our bodies and visualization,” Mullen explained. “It’s about taking care of your body to be better on the field.”
Mueller said she hopes this dialogue can help the female athletes feel healthier both physically and mentally.
“I feel like every message they get is, ‘you’re not good enough, you’re not skinny enough, you’re not tall enough, whatever,’” she said. “You are an athlete. Be proud of how strong your legs are. This is why you need to eat more than someone else not playing soccer that day.”
How To Be a “Sacred Heart Coach”
For many teams, success means winning a championship. Duchesne builds a culture of excellence in its athletic programs by shaping athletes to become well-rounded individuals on and off the field.
Duchesne administrators introduced coaches to the Five Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria at a special workshop in February 2024. Coaches from 16 athletic programs had an opportunity to see how each goal can fit within their coaching style. The purpose of this exercise was to create consistency between athletics and academics.
“They’re going to maybe play four years of a varsity sport,” explained head soccer coach and workshop leader, Lauren Mueller, “They’re going to be a child of the Sacred Heart forever.”
Track coach Nicole Behm started coaching at Duchesne in 2023. This was her first time learning about the Goals and Criteria. She said this is a new concept to coaching that she has not seen at other schools.
“Athletics and school can feel like two different things for the girls,” Behm explained. “We should be able to tie those two together to make it transferable.
For many coaches, Sacred Heart coaching starts before the first practice. Varsity Tennis coach Hylan Miller starts her season in the classroom. The team works on their Standards of Integrity where they list their values as an individual and expectations of themselves as part of a larger team. This year’s Standards of Integrity were: Team Player, Accountability, Grit, Passion, and Sportsmanship.
“Coaching at Duchesne is unique from any other school because of its true sense of authenticity and honoring every human as a whole person,” Miller said. “Every person is valued for more than their school or sports performance.”
A personal and active faith in God
GOAL
1
The Track team prays together before each practice. One prayer is specific to running and is displayed beforehand to get everyone involved.
A deep respect for intellectual values
2
A social awareness which impels to action
“Prayer is our kickoff to practice every day.”
– Nicole Behm, Track Coach
Athletics can create an atmosphere for players to respect one another’s intellectual values. In Tennis, Coach Miller said she tries to connect life lessons on and off the court.
“As
coaches, we try to respond to that curiosity in dynamic ways that reinforce the learning and connect to other parts of their game and lives.”
- Hylan Miller, Tennis Coach
Several teams work together on service projects in the community. Last spring, Lacrosse players volunteered at local fish fries and helped pack meals for the Heartland Kids Against Hunger.
“We’re not just Lacrosse players. We’re growing strong women to be world leaders.”
- Jennifer Schroen, Lacrosse Coach
The building of community as a Christian value
GOAL
4
Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
5
Coaches, athletes, and parents are part of the whole team in Duchesne Soccer. The athletes start the season with a retreat and receive letters from both their coaches and parents.
“I think it’s a way to build community with the parents so that they feel a part of this, because they really
are.”
- Lauren Mueller, Head Soccer Coach
Girls on the Track team are encouraged to set realistic, personal goals. Coach Behm said she tries to help them improve from the beginning of the season to the end.
“A lot of people focus on making it to conference or making it to State, but realistically, that’s not everyone’s path in track. It’s good to recognize the selfdevelopment and individual goals.”
– Nicole Behm, Track Coach
Duchesne
Trapshooting team huddles at State Championship
Alumnae News
Dear Alumnae,
What a wonderful school year this has been. I continue to be in awe of our incredible alumnae community and the gifts they bring to the school. Our Alumnae Board hosted several successful events this year, led by President Emily Friel Barr A’05. Emily is organized, efficient, and so thoughtful in her leadership. It has been a joy to work with her in this capacity. Every spring as we prepare for nominations and leadership changes on the Alumnae Board, I am so heartened by women who step up to take on these duties. This Board has been going strong for more than 100 years, and they are not slowing down anytime soon! Thank you to all the women who have been part of this tradition and who keep it going. If you are ever interested in joining the Alumnae Board, please reach out!
Our students have been blessed this year by an astonishing amount of alumnae engagement. In addition to hearing from the incredible Ann Schatz A’75 in October, the girls were also captivated listening to Joi Beasley A’87 in November. Beasley, who lives in Houston, is an expert in leadership, working in human resource and leadership consulting for more than 20 years. She spoke to our students about belonging, a message we cannot stress enough. Beasley sent me a copy of her Alabaster Leader toolkit. I was so impressed with how she used her years of knowledge to create this kit. The toolkit helps leaders hone their skills by using their own value system. Beasley is truly living out our motto Empowered to Question. Equipped to Lead.
Our senior curriculum includes a series of personal finance lessons, something I hear alumnae say they wish they had! This year, alumnae in finance were invited to help teach students personal finance skills. Emily Knowles Codr A’97, Elizabeth Billings A’18, and Elizabeth Krings A’14 taught lessons to our students at Duchesne.
Several alumnae partnered with our Design Academy students in the STEAM Lab to give the girls experience designing products and materials for businesses. More than thirty alumnae participated in Community Connect Day, talking with our students about their career and life journeys. In addition to the Alumnae Board, we have alumnae leading incredible efforts on the Board of Trustees, Children of Mary, Parent Board, and Booster Club. This does not begin to capture every way in which our alumnae show up every day for the students and Duchesne as a whole. I am so thankful.
Warmly,
Trisha Clark Meehan A’04 Alumnae Relations Director
Enfants de
In an 1830 letter from Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat to the Children of Mary of the Sacred Heart, Mother Barat wrote:
“From the fullness of my heart, I most earnestly beg our Lord to pour out the blessings of His Heart on all those who belong to this Congregation, to give them LIVELY FAITH which will support them in life and VIRTUES BOTH SOLID AND LOVEABLE, so that ever faithful to the call of duty, they, may make it loved or at least respected by those who are not brave enough to obey it.
This, seems to me, is the mission of a Child of Mary.”
The Foundress blessed these beginnings, requested canonical approbation, and on March 25, 1832, the delegate of the Archbishop of Lyons officially established the adult Children of Mary Sodality. Mother Barat continued to follow the development of the Sodality, seeing it as an important aspect of the mission of the Society. The Sodality is devoted to the Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Sister Margaret Williams’ book: Saint Madeleine Sophie (Her Life and Letters) gives the account of the beginning of the Children of Mary. It tells about the medal struck with the image of The Sacred Heart on one side and the Immaculate Conception on the other, with the motto: “Cor meum jungatur vobis,” (My heart is joined to yours).
The Children of Mary Sodality continues to be an important outgrowth of the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Its expansion followed closely the establishment of Academies and Colleges of the Sacred Heart, enabling alumnae and friends to continue their religious formation as adults. Today there are approximately 10 Sodality groups in the United States. They meet monthly and for an annual retreat or days of recollection. This fosters the spiritual and apostolic lives of the members and those who join them.
In the past, Children of Mary meetings were led by the Religious of the Sacred Heart who lived in each school. Now, the meetings are led by the Sodality’s president and a monthly lecture is delivered by an RSCJ. Traveling from all over the U.S., the RSCJ speak to the group, and take time to chat with Duchesne students and faculty. With the advent of Zoom technology, opportunities for worldwide presenters are endless.
Sodality groups have:
• Monthly meetings with a liturgy, usually on the First Friday or First Saturday.
• Annual day of recollection or retreats.
• Minimal dues to cover expenses.
Members work for and contribute to charitable and mission activities of the Society and the Church. Attendance varies, and new members make their Act of Consecration and receive the traditional Child of Mary medal after a period of aspirant-ship.
Several Schools of the Sacred Heart have Children of Mary Sodalities for adults.
Please consider joining the Omaha Children of Mary, a dedicated group of 140. Duchesne’s Alumnae Relations Director, Trisha Clark Meehan, provides a video recording for those who missed the meeting.
All are welcome!
Community Connect Day offers valuable learning opportunities for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors.
Formerly Career Day, this event helps students connect with alumnae in various career fields. On this day, Juniors take the ACT.
Freshmen began their morning on campus with alumnae and split into two groups. The first group heard from a panel of speakers, which included Dr. Laura McKee Hickman A’85, Dorian Hill Stanfield A’90, Dr. Allison McGee Ashford A’99, and Lauren Anthone Dedon A’07. Dr. Hickman began teaching history at Duchesne in 1991 and has served as principal at Duchesne since 2002. Stanfield is a business systems consultant/product owner in Information Services at Mutual of Omaha. Dr. Ashford is a hospitalist, splitting her time between UNMC and Children’s Nebraska. Dedon serves as a Senior Legal Policy Advisor for the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices’ Public Safety and Legal Counsel Program.
Community Connect Day
The women on the panel shared insight on their various career paths. Dr. Ashford spoke about imposter syndrome, and how it impacts so many women. This helped remind the girls they are capable of anything in their educational and career paths.
A’27 learned about pediatric physical therapy with Natalie Strawhecker Matuella A’14. Afterward they enjoyed activities with the UNL Engineering School.
Sophomore students spent the day at Creighton University, touring the campus, sitting in on classes, and hearing about students’ experiences.
Senior students met with various alumnae. They connected at job sites or at local coffee shops to discuss their education and career journeys. Though the seniors might not have met with someone in their future profession, they learned about Duchesne’s amazing network of supportive women and the importance of lifelong curiosity.
Dr. Mary Finnegan A'90
Thank you to the following professionals who welcomed Seniors students into our incredible alumnae network:
Cece Bartek A'87
Dr. Mary Finnegan A'90
Elizabeth Palacios Kothenbeutel A'92
Morgan Dugdale Shradar A'95
Therese Pogge Creswell A'96
Abby Cheshier Goranson A'96
Rebecca Duchman A'99
Sara Howard A'99
Julie McGargill Gust A'02
Stephanie Connolly VanKat A'02
Megan Place McAfee A'04
Julia Robinson McCarville A'04
Dr. Abigail Hasebroock Mousel A'04
Dr. Meghan Connolly Vaglio A'04
Michelle Marron Brannen A'05
Kate Tomka Gerber A'05
Sarah Morris Rotermund A'08
Elise Fountain A'09
Dr. Lauren Dahlquist Lier A'10
Brianne Wyatt A'10
Kaitlin Belitz VanOrmer A'13
Abby Nelson Law A'14
Bailey Petty A'14
Kathryn Zieno A’14
Hannah Petty A'16
Samantha Corey A'18
Natalie Strawhecker Matuella A’14
Dr. Laura McKee Hickman A’85, Dorian Hill Stanfield A’90, Dr. Allison McGee Ashford A’99, and Lauren Anthone Dedon A’07
Dr. Abigail Hasebroock Mousel A'04
Kaitlin Belitz VanOrmer A'13
25years of kindness
The Spirit of Kindness award is given to a senior at the end of the first semester. The recipient is nominated by the seniors and chosen by a faculty committee.
The award was created by Mary Gatewood Batchelder’s daughters, Anne A’99 and Susan A’97, to honor and memorialize their mother. Gatewood Batchelder was a 1966 graduate of Duchesne Academy.
Gatewood Batchelder was known for her kindnesses at Duchesne, and later as a doctor, mother, and community volunteer. She welcomed people in a way that gave comfort and love to everyone she encountered. Gatewood Batchelder shared her high energy and sense of humor with the world, always accepting people as they were, as God would.
The first Spirit of Kindness award was given in 1999 when Anne Batchelder was a senior. When the award was given to Martha Chaput, the Prize Day auditorium exploded with thunderous applause, excitement, and tears, especially from both Chaput and Anne Batchelder. Principal Dr. Laura Hickman A’85 recalls, “I had Martha Chaput in my advisory and she is one of the kindest students I have met. She deserved that recognition.”
Twenty-five years later and with each new year, the award inspires growth, maturity, and faith in young women. Duchesne is blessed with a vast selection of women who grace our halls with their kind, resilient, and brilliant ways. The 2024 Spirit of Kindness Award was given to Maeva Davis and Tatum Vaughan.
Spirit of Kindness
In Memory of Mary Gatewood Batchelder, MD
Martha Chaput
Kyle Hassett
Carrie Pogge
Elizabeth Evans
Heidi Lang
Trisha Clark
Mary Burnett
Kelly Dineen
Lauren Pohren
Kayla Heimerman
Sarah Heimerman
Jamie Porter
Clara Hageman
Grace Wilder
Mary Maxwell
Colleen Halpin
Emma Fryda
Anne Donahoe
Claire Deetz
Maeve Cavanaugh
Kelly Mahoney
Caitlin Copenhaver
Sabrina Sulaymonova
Gabrielle Sjostedt Gabriella Freemont
Davis and Tatum Vaughan
THE ACROSS COUNTRY
As a subcommittee of the Alumnae Board, DASH Across the Country is comprised of alumnae who live outside Omaha. These women serve as the contact person for alumnae in their respective cities, arranging events to connect alumnae back to the school and to one another. DASH Across the Country held its debut event in Chicago on April 20.
Anna Knuth A’14 co-leads this Alumnae Board subcommittee effort and is the point of contact for the Chicago alumnae. Julie Lorenz Haller A’76 hosted the event at the University Club in downtown Chicago. Haller thought of every detail to make it special: red roses on the tables, Fairmont plaid table squares, and delicious food and drinks.
More than forty women attended from classes ranging from College 1955 to Academy 2021. Head of School, Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 shared her story of being a young alumna living outside of Omaha. She explained how she was called back to Omaha to serve in her current role. Brudney shared updates on school events, student opportunities, athletic and academic accomplishments, and Phase II of the A Bold Step Forward campaign.
Laughs filled the room over memories of favorite teachers and running past the RSCJ on fourth floor to go down the fire escape. Two alumnae discovered they work at the same company. One alumna will tutor another alumna’s child, while another alumna offered help to a younger alumna in her same career field. Two alumnae found nannies and one alumna realized she used to babysit for another about sixty years ago. Many coffee dates and further reach-outs are in the future for this group.
In the end, many women offered to continue the Chicago connection effort. A huge thank you goes out to Julie Lorenz Haller A’76, the subcommittee members, and our alumnae who are stepping up to host these events.
In Memoriam
November 1, 2023 – May 1, 2024
Alumnae Deaths
Ann Fisher Aslin C'58
Eileen Mary McGuire Bathen C’49
Kathleen Cogley Buchanan A'60
Susie Olhasso Buckley C'63
Nancy Russell Casad C'60
Helen Marian Shelhorn Czapla C'60
Margaret Tomek Duggan C'70
Patricia Ruck Fleming C'66, sister of JoAnn Ruck Corredato C’69
Janet Frazier Gallison C'52
Patricia Ewing Grimes A'72
Adelaide Massey Hays A'54/C'58, sister of Suzanne Massey Carlson A’51; aunt of Sara Carlson Sternglass A’79; great-aunt of Lauren Anthone Dedon A’07 and Emily Anthone A’18
Charlene Gerber Helgoth C'70
Patricia Kelley C'64
Janice Schaefer Kilbride C’61, mother of Anne Kilbride Ramsey A’82
Patricia McGovern Kisicki C'69, sister of Ellen McGovern C’63 and Peggy McGovern C’69
Joanna Ducey Lawton C'59
Marianne Fowler Loftus C'68, grandmother of Matilda Loftus A’21 and Isabella Loftus A’23
Kay Younger Mallon C'61
Roberta O'Loughlin Nauss A'59
Jean O'Neil Nolan A'58
Sr. Joan Polak, N.D. C'61
Ruth Ann Alexander Rall C'61
We apologize if there are any omissions or misrepresentations in this memorial list. Please note we include relationships to living alumnae. Thank you for continuing to update and inform Duchesne.
—The Alumnae Office
Mary "Janet" Devoy Reisbig C'66, sister of Patricia Devoy Bonge C’71
Gloria Waris Thompson C'58, sister-in-law of Patricia Fox Waris C’66 and Ellen Thompson Kehoe C’66; cousin of Patricia Waris Rashid C’55
Catherine "Kitty" Smith Tirone A'82, daughter of Marty Holbrook Smith A’59; sister of Lisa Smith Cimino A’83 and Julie Smith McGuire A’91; aunt of Lindsey Cimino A’13, Jamie Cimino A’15, and Megan Smith A’18; niece of Lois Holbrook Ord A’48/C’52
Sr. M. Suzanne Vandenheede OSM C'64
Friends and Family
Barbara Adam, former Duchesne faculty
Pauline Allard, grandmother of Emily Carmody A’13 and Anna Carmody A’16
Mark Anderson, father of Jordan Anderson A’10, Corinne Anderson A’12, and Kendall Anderson A’15
Robert Archibald Sr., husband of Jane Egan Archibald A’59/C’63; uncle of Kate Egan Gilloon A’75 and Molly Egan Witt A’80; greatuncle of Bridget Gilloon McKenna A’05, Maura Egan Tourek A’06, Megan Gilloon A’08, Caitlin Egan A’11, and Caroline Egan A’15
Norma Begley, mother of Renee Begley Piccolo A’83, Amy Begley Masker A’84, Jennifer Begley Hess A’89, and Mindy Begley A’94
Robert Brady, father of Kathy Brady A’83 and Colleen Brady Dollahan A’86
Lorenzo Centrone, son of Suzan Seran Centrone A’95; nephew of Deniz Seran Botkin A’87
Ronald Cheffer, father of Alina Cheffer Borkowski A’03 and Amari Cheffer Thomsen A’04
Mary Eby, mother of Marybeth Goddard (Duchesne staff); grandmother of Katie Goddard A’12
David Francl, brother-in-law of Susan Mainelli Francl A’87; uncle of Sophie Francl A’21 and Grace Francl A’21
Sarah Ginn, grandmother of Caitlin Ginn A’27
Janet Horacek, former Duchesne employee; grandmother of Carolyn Hoover A’16 and Elly Hoover A’19
John Hubbard, father of Heather Hubbard A’89
Howard Irish, father of Maureen Irish A’08
Robert Jaeck, husband of Nancy Major-Jaeck A’75
Linda Kasher, mother of Beth Kasher Jenkins A’83, Mindy Kasher Ragins A’87, and Jamie Kasher Tetro A’90
David Keller, grandfather of Quinlan Keller A’13 and Emma Keller A’18
Dorothy Koraleski, grandmother of Catie Koraleski-Elliott A’12
Anthony Krakowski, father of Eric Krakowski (Duchesne staff)
Douglas Little, husband of Nano Naughtin Little A’57/C’61; father of Malia Little Schleifer A’81 and Leslie Little A’82; brother-in-law of Ann Naughtin Kineen A’59
Owen Neary, father of Julie Neary Engerman A’80 and Sarah Neary A’82; grandfather of Margaret Neary A’14 and Grace Neary A’16; uncle of Ann Higgins Batchelder A’73, Susan Higgins Hughes A’77, and Liz Beitenman Killips A’80; great-uncle of Susan Batchelder Kinsky A’97, Anne Batchelder A’99, Kyle Guenther Flanagan A02, Dani Killips Dickel A03, Elizabeth Hughes A’05, Anne Guenther Akhmejanov A08, and Abigail Hughes A’11
Mary Nelson, former Duchesne staff
William Nosek Jr., husband of Kathleen Roberts Nosek C’60
Donald Petty, father-in-law of Cheryl Coniglio Petty A’87; grandfather of Bailey Petty A’14, Hannah Petty A’16, Abigail Petty A’18, and Jayna Petty A’21
Matthew Seidel, son of Kathy Tighe Seidel A’69; nephew of Michele Tighe Kalhorn A’71; cousin of Katie Kalhorn Lauer A’98; great-nephew of Toni Donohue Fangman C’60
Elizabeth Spitzenberger, mother-in-law of Kara Knox Spitzenberger A’88; grandmother of Elizabeth Spitzenberger A’17
Ronald Stoesz, father of Kristin Stoesz Pratt A’00; uncle of Lori Kennedy Schmaderer A’90; great-uncle of Sarah Schmaderer A’25
Kevin Stormberg, son of Diane Glow A’74; brother of Sarah Stormberg Estep A’05; grandson of Rosalie Loy Stormberg C’51; nephew of Kay Glow Hess A’73, Becky Stormberg Zill A’74, Maureen Glow Fox A’78, Jennifer Stormberg Preimesberger A’79, Nancy Glow Leutzinger A’82; cousin of Courtney Stormberg Hinrichs A’02, Joan Forbes A’11, Logan Stormberg A’13; great-nephew of Shirley Loy C’57
Ronald Swassing, father of Kimberly Swassing A’84; grandfather of KayLynn Swassing Theisen A’13
Alan Thelen, father of Carly Thelen Leopold A’11
Shemaya Williams-Smith, sister of JaQuala Yarbro A’05; aunt of Hushai Yarbro A’26
Jacey Makai Wrather, daughter of Tanisha Wrather A’04
Edward Zachary, grandfather of Anna Zachary A’17 and Kate Zachary A’20
Sarah Zahm, mother of Bridget Zahm A’27
James Zelfel, grandfather of Tatum Vaughan A’24
Duchesne Academy’s chapel is, without question, a stunningly beautiful space. During the day, the sunlight showcases its beauty, but at night the area was dim.
In the fall of 2023, an illumination idea came from Scott and Cindy Heider, to ensure the nighttime chapel visibility, enhancing the stained-glass windows, the tabernacle, and the statues of Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph. Scott and Cindy are the parents of Courtney A’19. Head of School Meg Brudney says, “This new lighting will be especially impactful during evening Masses for student retreats and the annual Memorial Mass.”
Scott and Cindy commented, “The Duchesne Chapel is a very special place. Thankfully, when the building was first built, the RSCJ placed the chapel in the heart of the school which allowed students to walk past every day. Once we saw the plans to restore it, we knew that illuminating these areas would be the icing on the cake.”
The refurbished chapel looks stunning and is more welcoming than ever. The new lighting brings an understated elegance to a chapel which means so much to the students, alumnae, and friends of Duchesne.
This Heider Family gift is a glorious conclusion of the chapel’s preservation.
