Cachet
Spring 2021
Nothing Masks Our Joy Bright Spirits in the Face of Challenges
In spite of the changes that came with this year, we knew that the Tableau, which has been part of our Holy Child tradition since our school began, must continue. Pictured above is our re-imagined Grade 8 Tableau (performed on the Tudor Building porch and balcony) which the Grade 8 parents were able to watch while physically distanced on our playground. Pictured right is Holy Child School at Rosemont’s first-ever Tableau. We are thrilled this tradition has spanned seven decades. Here’s to 70 more years!
CACHET | Spring 2021
CONTENTS Departments A Message from Tom Lengel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Admissions Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Around School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Features Nothing Masks Our Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Faculty Profile: Jen Levin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Remembering Sr. Helen McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Holy Child Alumni in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Campus Expansion Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Head of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas G. Lengel Associate Head of School, Director of Middle School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Hren Director of Institutional Advancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily McAlpin Rauch Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Abate Director of Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elise Baker Assistant Director of Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Ferrarelli Parents’ Liaison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Storrer Director of Leadership Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Ainsworth Director of Leadership and Planned Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. Mary Broderick, SHCJ Advancement Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Rafferty Petroni ’98 Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elise Baker Writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Abate, Lauren Ainsworth, Elise Baker, Christine Dymek, Jessica Ferrarelli, Thomas G. Lengel, Emily McAlpin Rauch Photographers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elise Baker, Jessica Ferrarelli, Mark Tassoni Graphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marlo Hall: Down the Hall Design
Cachet is published twice annually for alumni, parents, and friends of Holy Child School at Rosemont. Letters and commentary: Christine Dymek at 610-922-1010 or cdymek@HolyChildRosemont.org
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A MESSAGE FROM TOM LENGEL Thomas G. Lengel P’12 Head of School
Dear Friends and Supporters, As our current parents know—and appreciate—we have been open for in-person schooling since September. I couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment. It’s a testament to the hard work of our parents, teachers, staff and administrators, and our School’s Re-Opening Task Force which created the protocols and procedures that have kept us safe. Kudos also to our Pandemic Advisory Council (PAC) which has met weekly for 75-90 minutes since September to monitor and modify our Re-Opening Plan as needed and has provided indispensable guidance that has allowed us to remain open. You’ll read more about the PAC in this issue. There is a lot that has changed about our program this year, most of it temporarily. We did not have fall or winter sports, Homecoming, or the class cocktail parties. Because the students learn, travel, and exist as grade-level cohorts, the only school assemblies we have are virtual, and the buddy program, whereby older children interact with their buddies from younger grades, has also had to go virtual. And in order to achieve physical distancing to help mitigate the spread of the virus if it did enter the building, children now sit at their desks, in rows, in their classrooms. It’s a picture and approach right out of the 1970s or 80s, although these children wear masks all day. Yet these temporary measures do not mask the joy that our children experience being in school, with their classmates and friends, being taught by faculty who love them and care for and about them. The children still bound out of the car in the morning at drop-off; they still love seeing their classmates, and learning with them, and having recess with them. If we weren’t operating in a pandemic, our classrooms and program would look a lot different than they do now. But that is OK. We have met the biggest challenge by far: providing an in-school program and teaching—safely—the 325 children entrusted to our care. The joy that most distinguishes a Holy Child education is alive and well...for our teachers, for our parents who drop their sons and daughters off each morning, and for the children who know they continue to be well-loved and well cared for here at Holy Child School at Rosemont. I hope the stories and pictures in this edition of our Cachet magazine, and those posted on social media if you follow us there, provide insight into the workings of the school in these challenging times. Most importantly, I hope they demonstrate to you that we are very much “meeting the wants of [this] age” as Cornelia Connelly enjoined us to do. D Sincerely,
Thomas G. Lengel P’12 Head of School
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
ADMISSIONS CORNER
A Year of Light, Love, Strength, Hope, and Joy Christine Dymek Director of Admissions and Marketing
“Nothing masks our joy!” It was a phrase
that flashed through my mind one night, about three weeks into the school year. I wasn’t wearing my marketing hat at the time, hadn’t been searching for a slogan. Rather, I had been reflecting on the day and was overcome by the realization that after six months in which absolutely nothing seemed untouched by the pandemic, life inside the walls of Holy Child felt so incredibly normal. If this issue of Cachet were digital, I would include for you a recording of the school day so that you could hear the joy and laughter that carries through the hallways and across the playgrounds. I would share a video of excitedly raised hands and voices during a lesson, the crinkling eyes that convey the warmth and friendliness of a masked smile, and the beautiful predictability of a school day in a year that is otherwise ever-changing. Learn, laugh, play, repeat. In the absence of a digital medium, however, I hope that the
texts and images in the pages ahead leave you with the same joyful appreciation and sense of relief that I felt on that drive home in September. I appreciate our teachers, who continue to amaze me with their unflappable calm and agility; our parent community, who lifts us up every day with its support and gratitude; and the volunteer leadership of our Pandemic Advisory Council—some of whom you will meet in this issue—who tirelessly commit themselves to the safety of this community. And I am relieved to let go that bit of worry I once shouldered. As I write this today, we are on the brink of a widespread vaccination program that will lead us on our return to normal. As dark as this tunnel has been at times, I know that we in the Holy Child community have been blessed with a year of light, love, strength, hope, and JOY. As one remarkable little first grader (whose mother serves on our Pandemic Advisory Council) told me in car line this week, “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!” D
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NOTHING MASKS OUR JOY: BRIGHT SPIRITS IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES
“Sustain a bright and joyful spirit.” Never
has there been a year where our students and faculty have lived out Cornelia Connelly’s words more fully. In a climate that has required large adjustments to our expectations, routines, and traditions, the heart of a Holy Child education remains unchanged (due largely to this spirit!). Laughter erupts from the classrooms, collaboration continues in our grade-level cohorts, and many yearly traditions proceed in a reimagined, creative format. While plexiglass may divide some of our desks and multicolored masks hide our expressions, N O T H I N G M A S K S O U R J O Y. Community is an integral part of Holy Child School at Rosemont and maintaining our rich traditions and rites of passage (while adhering to safety practices) was essential upon our return to
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e see their joy in the simple things: seeing Mr. Harold in car line, eating lunch outside with friends and enjoying time on the W field and playground. Our boys have loved all that the school has done to keep up the Holy Child traditions of Saturday Night Lights with their cohorts. They continue to be challenged in the classroom. We are amazed and inspired by their teachers with their willingness to be present and to continue to evolve and excel in this new world.
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campus this past fall. With the ingenuity, hard work, and dedication of our faculty and staff, we have been fortunate to re-imagine many of these community events and routines that pepper our calendar. We weren’t about to cancel our Christmas Tableau which has been performed every year by our Grade 8 students since the school’s inception. And so, it became an outdoor performance on our Tudor Building porch and balcony with Grade 8 parents watching physically distanced on our lawn. Our whole-school assemblies and prayer services have also been re-imagined. Through interactive Google Meets, our students have led and participated in: Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month assemblies, Mass of the Holy Spirit, Ash Wednesday and Epiphany prayer services, and several other whole school events. Grade 1 hosted an outdoor,
CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
” —Nicole Linehan P’26’26’28
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distanced performance of their renowned Ugly Pumpkin play, while Grade 3 taped and shared their annual Biography Bash with their parents. In classrooms throughout our building, we are holding fast to time-honored traditions and routines as much as possible. For the first time in five years, our students were fortunate to hit the snowy slopes behind the Tudor Building after a sled-perfect snowfall. Unlike past years when our students could socialize more across grades and divisions, this year our students learn, eat, and socialize in their grade-level cohorts. However, this change has brought about a unique opportunity for the children to really bond with their fellow classmates and has allowed for the reinstatement of our Friday and Saturday Night Lights outdoor play program (by cohort), as well as our upcoming Spring Musical. The musical titled, Any Dream Will Do: A Look Back As We Look Ahead, is a medley of grade-level videotaped performances of songs and skits from plays of the past 12 years in tribute to this being the last year the play will be performed in the O’Neill Gymnasium. Next year’s play will be debuted at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts and Athletics Center. While events within the walls of Holy Child have remained quite the same, we also have strove to maintain relationships with the larger Holy Child community extending beyond our campus. Community service projects have been widely participated in by our families (learn more about them on page 10) and each grade is planning a special surprise for the Holy Child Sisters who live across the street at the Holy Child Center since our monthly visits to the Sisters have been on hold for the past year. In a year where many students have been forced to learn remotely, with the diligence of our families, faculty, and staff, we have been able to remain open for all the days Pennsylvania schools have been legally allowed. Our hallways are a feast for the eyes—pastel sketches from art class adorn the walls, short stories hang from bulletin boards, and display cases are filled with ceramic sculptures and STEAM projects. A quick stop at any classroom door shows eager hands in the air and sparkling eyes as students engage with the teachers and classmates they only saw through their computer for three months last spring. Learning is no doubt in full swing at Holy Child and while inperson instruction has definitely created consistency and growth for our students, what has most put a smile in the eyes and hearts of our students is the gift of being together. In a year where so much was put on hold, the simple joy of community has been realized and savored by our students. Let these photos and testimonies be proof of the joy abounding despite the masks! D
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I feel very joyful when I am in school because I am here with all my friends and teachers. First, we can see each others’ faces, happiness, and kindness. We also can play all together, go outside, and have fun as a class. We don’t have to stare at a screen all day and sometimes have trouble with our connection! I am very thankful that we are all together and I am thankful that our school and teachers worked very hard so that we could come back to school in September. My last thing is that no matter what, we are all a Holy Child community!
”—Julia Toscani ’26
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There’s been the joy of seeing friends again after such a difficult time and having the support of teachers to guide our way. I’m enjoying spending time with friends after the quarantine and being at this wonderful school.
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—Connor Vazquez ’25
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Some things that make me joyful are seeing all of my peers and teachers in class everyday. I am incredibly grateful that we can engage safely, even if it’s from a distance. All of the teachers, faculty, and staff have worked so hard to find new ways to keep all of us engaged while also keeping us safe. Thank you to everyone who has helped us adapt to the new environment.
” —Teagan Cook ’22
I see the joy every day when I walk into the classroom and watch the children greet one another with enthusiasm, when I listen to the children giggle with their friends, and when I watch them collaborate academically with one another. While they may be wearing masks, I see their eyes smile throughout each and every day! —Alexis Morsell P’23’23’25 Grade 1 Teacher 6
CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
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Part of what makes Holy Child so special is the amazing community and traditions. I am so joyful to be back in person, to have social interactions, and to see my friends and my teachers. Being behind a screen, it is difficult for Holy Child’s incredible traditions, but being in person allows us to participate in new ways, as we did for the 8th Grade Tableau.
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—Charlie Cutler ’21
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It’s joyful because we get to communicate with teachers regularly and are able to talk to our friends. Now that we’re back in person, I like to focus on art. It feels as if school is easier in person.
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—Aubrey Gallman ’24
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Hallmarks of
Holy Child
Grade 4 hangs their handmade ornaments on a Jesse Tree during their annual prayer service.
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
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Congratulations to Grade 2 on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation in December. Kindergarten poses with the puzzle they completed as part of our Black History Month assembly.
Grade 1 poses with their bags of gifts for their loved ones after shopping at Santa’s Workshop.
Three of our Falcons students address our community to kickoff our all-school Black History Month assembly.
In science class, Grade 6 uses characteristic properties to identify unknown substances.
Grade 8 is surprised with balloons and cupcakes to celebrate the 100-day countdown until their graduation.
Ms. Stewart reads Pancakes, Pancakes! by Eric Carle to Young Falcons before they enjoy some yummy pancakes.
PreKindergarten rehearses their Twelve Gifts of Christmas performance. Jane Goodall, Walt Disney, Aretha Franklin, oh my! Grade 3 dresses as well-known historical figures during their annual Biography Bash.
Grade 5 leads our all-school Epiphany Assembly.
After a big snowfall, Grade 7 enjoys sledding down Wendover Hill.
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Catherine Stuart Says Farewell At the end of the school year, Holy Child
School at Rosemont will say farewell to Librarian Catherine Stuart as she retires after 16 years. In the fall of 2005, Catherine was hired as our full-time librarian after being a stay-at-home mom. “The day I interviewed, I met people who clearly embodied the Holy Child spirit,” Catherine said. “I knew I wanted to work here and was fortunate to get the job offer.” During her time as our librarian, Catherine has enriched, supported, and taught our students to become independent and responsible lifelong learners and fostered a love of reading. One of the highlights of her role is watching the students grow up through the years. “One aspect of my job I have really enjoyed is teaching the same students over several years,” Catherine said. “I see Young Falcons through Grade 4 students on a weekly basis, year after year. I love watching them grow and blossom into their authentic selves. By the time they get to Middle School, I feel I know them quite well.” Catherine and her husband welcomed their first grandchild this
year, so after Holy Child they will be spending plenty of quality time with her. She also plans to travel to National Parks, sew and knit, volunteer at her favorite organizations, and read, of course! “I look forward to more reading! I’ve spent many years reading children’s and young adult literature. I know I’ll continue to read these titles, but I’m excited to read more adult literature. I love mysteries and biographies.” Catherine is looking forward to starting this new chapter in her life, but she will never forget everyone she has met at Holy Child. “First, I will miss my colleagues. Aside from being exceptional educators and professionals, our teachers and staff are really kind and generous people, which has made for a happy workplace over the years. I have made some wonderful friends with whom I hope to stay in touch. Also, I will miss the students—their light and energy, their laughter, and their hugs. They bring me joy every day. Finally, I will miss Kathryn Tucci’s chocolate chip cookies!” D
Holy Child Service Learning Program
2020-2021 Highlights
Throughout the years, Holy Child School at Rosemont students, parents, faculty, and staff
have participated in community service projects around the Philadelphia area. While we were unable to travel or gather as a community due to the COVID pandemic, our Service Learning Committee found creative ways to give back to the local community while staying safe.
Thanksgiving Canned Food Collection
Plaid Pajama Project
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Blessing Bags
In November, we collected non-perishable canned food items for The Patrician Society, the largest emergency food cupboard in Montgomery County. Due to the COVID19 crisis, their client base had doubled and resources were becoming sparse. Consequently, they were in great need of donations.
In December, Holy Child donated over 300 pairs of pajamas to the Plaid Pajamas Project! The pajamas were distributed to The Devereux Foundation, Cradles to Crayons, and Turning Points for Children. The students wore their pajamas to school the day of the collection and reflected on the importance of giving to others during the holiday season. You can see just some of the pajamas on the shelves above!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we could not invite families on campus for our typical Martin Luther King Jr. Morning of Service. In place of this, we invited families to spend the morning of January 18 creating Blessing Bags that went to the Patrician Society in Norristown, PA. Our community packaged 420 Blessing Bags, containing items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, Chapstick, BandAids, and handwritten notes.
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
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A Conversation with
Jen Levin
Grades 5-8 Math Teacher What brings you joy about teaching math to the students of Holy Child School at Rosemont?
Since I teach students more than one time or for multiple years in a row, I am able to see their growth over a long period of time. I love when they have an “aha” moment and make a connection between something they just learned and a concept that they learned a year or two before. Our students stay children longer; they don’t grow up too fast—what I mean by that is they have a youthful energy related to learning. They are excited when they notice a pattern that turns out to be a mathematical property and are always curious to explore further.
What influenced you to become a teacher? My high school Algebra II teacher made me feel like I could do anything. When I was 15, I was really terrible at explaining how I got my answers and being in a class with a lot of older students made me nervous. My teacher encouraged me to use my voice in class and taught me how to revisit the decisions I made as I solved and to explore why what I did made sense. This not only helped me learn how to communicate math better, but it also made me more confident. I always wanted to be a teacher, but I really wanted to be a math teacher after her class. I wanted to help kids feel confident and fall in love with math the way she helped me.
How does the mission of Holy Child influence your role here?
The most important aspect of our mission to me is that children are actively engaged in their education. This allows them to meet the other standards of our mission, which include academic excellence and fostering joy. I’ve heard it said many times that “happy children learn best.” But, this really stuck with me, and I really believe in it. My lessons vary every day, but include games, independent discovery and pattern exploration, and partner work that allows students to engage in mathematical dialogue as they share their ideas and solutions with each other. Giving students different types of opportunities for learning helps me reach all our different kinds of learners and this makes them happy.
What is your teaching philosophy and what do you hope for your students?
Though influenced by many educational philosophers that I studied in college and graduate school, I’ve always gravitated toward the idea that children learn best by doing. Hands-on discovery learning allows children to explore math before concepts are formally introduced. It gives them a chance to start thinking about what they already know and how it relates to what we are about to learn. Coupled with exploration, I believe collaborative learning is also essential to making mathematical progress. When students share their thinking with each other, they learn how to approach problems in a different way which makes them more flexible mathematically. Typically when students explore and learn together they end up figuring out how things work before we even begin the traditional lecture. Giving students ownership of their learning in this way makes math more meaningful to them, and when procedures are officially introduced and recorded, it only serves to cement the understandings they have already begun to develop on their own.
Aside from teaching mathematics, what do you enjoy most about being at Holy Child?
The community at Holy Child is the best part! I love coming to work every day and leave my house excited to see my students and my colleagues. D
A LITTLE ABOUT MRS. LEVIN What Mrs. Levin is known for with her students: Having lots of energy Favorite Food: Tacos Hobbies: Reading, going on walks with her family, jigsaw puzzles Fun Fact: In 2008, she was a member of the West Chester University National Championship Lacrosse Team Bucket List Item: Learn to speak a second language proficiently Favorite Cornelia Connelly Quote: “We are what we are in the sight of God, nothing more or less.”
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MEET THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS BEHIND OUR
PANDEMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL Summer 2020 brought much hope to our Holy Child School at Rosemont community as we
planned to re-open for in-person learning at the beginning of September. Opening and remaining open would not have been possible without the diligent work of our Pandemic Advisory Council (PAC) which meets weekly. It consists of members of our Board of Trustees, several staff members (including our School Nurse, Jessica Travaglini, who has managed on-site testing), and four medical professionals, all of whom have volunteered a substantial amount of time. Learn more about these medical professionals whose guidance has allowed our children to return in person to their second home.
Dr. Soo Abboud P’24 ’26
Chief of Otolaryngology at Penn Presbyterian Hospital I’m the Chief of Otolaryngology at Penn
Presbyterian Hospital, where I’ve practiced keeping our patients and staff safe this year. It’s gratifying to see many of the same strategies that work in the clinical setting work at Holy Child. I was initially on the Campus Re-Opening Task Force, which led to the decision that we could open safely in the midst of the pandemic, as well to our Re-Opening Plan. This team of administrators and board members made difficult decisions when there was little information about the virus and its transmission in schools. The Pandemic Advisory Council meets weekly to discuss everchanging guidelines and discuss scenarios that relate to our school and our community. There’s always much to discuss. We strive to be agile and try to avoid cookie-cutter approaches and solutions to each situation; there is no one-size-fits-all solution in this pandemic. I am most proud of helping to develop protocols that have resulted in such a safe and joyful environment of learning and friendship at Holy Child. I am so impressed with the way the administration, faculty, and staff at Holy Child have created such a special environment for the students—the utmost safety a school can offer, without diminishing the freedom of spirit and joy that define Holy Child. I am also extremely proud of the friendships that have been forged between members of this Pandemic Council, as well as the overall educational experience the Council offers. We work well together, and we learn from each other! It’s a fantastic group of health care professionals, school administrators, and board members. I certainly feel fortunate to be part of a school where the entire community is committed to keeping the school much safer than the community around us. We wouldn’t have our record if it weren’t for this entire community effort. I remain confident that when we have COVID-positive students or faculty members in the classroom, our protocols and procedures will mitigate spread.
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
most proud of helping “ Itoamdevelop protocols that have resulted in such a safe and joyful environment of learning and friendship...
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—Dr. Soo Abboud P ’24 ’26
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Philip Okala P ’19 ’22
Chief Operating Officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System I have been a healthcare executive for
Dr. Carl Deirmengian P’26’26 ’29 Orthopedic Surgeon at Rothman Orthopedic Institute
I am an orthopaedic surgeon with a research
focus on infectious disease and diagnostics. I was already on the pandemic board of a local hospital before joining the Holy Child Pandemic Advisory Council. I have worked with a quite talented group of Holy Child staff and parents who applied basic pandemic response concepts toward the effort to enable in-person learning for the children. The parents and staff stepped-up and became involved to provide a robust pandemic response. Instead of backing away with fear, we were able to control the situation with a sound and balanced response based on science. The consequence was the successful and safe implementation of in-school learning through multiple waves of the pandemic. The Holy Child community has demonstrated a remarkable willingness to sacrifice their usually social lives to create an environment that benefits the children. The overall prevalence of the virus in our community has been shockingly low, despite a high regional prevalence. It is the safe culture and cooperation of our overall school community that has really resulted in our ability to keep the children in school.
almost 25 years across six healthcare systems in the country. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer for the University of Pennsylvania Health System. On the Pandemic Advisory Council, I have been involved in every aspect requested by the Head of School. We have worked as a team across the board, in an advisory capacity to the Head of School and his management team, to ensure a safe in-person schooling environment for our children, faculty, and staff. I am very proud of the level of engagement and teamwork on the Pandemic Advisory Council; an unimpeachable level of professionalism and outstanding work! I am familiar with our school community, so I understood early on in this pandemic that our resourcefulness, size of the school, caliber of management, and excellent governance could comfortably facilitate an in-person learning environment for our children. This is what is playing out. It does not diminish in any way the fact that we are still a reflection of the broader society, and we have had our share of challenges. Fortunately, we have managed them quite successfully. We are still working our way through a pandemic, so every attention to taking care of our community and each other is highly warranted. Each and everyone one of us should continuously do our part.
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Dr. Kristen Rock P’28 ’30
Anesthesiologist and Intensivist at the University of Pennsylvania I am an anesthesiologist and intensivist at
the University of Pennsylvania, and I was on the front lines of taking care of the initial wave of COVID ICU patients there in the spring. As a result of this early experience of seeing what worked in hospitals, combined with what I was reading in the medical literature, I became convinced that we could successfully reopen our schools in the fall. I reached out to Tom Lengel to see if I could help at Holy Child. As one of “the medicals,” as Tom calls us, I have been involved in translating the science, medicine, and epidemiology into school policies regarding testing, quarantine, and day-to-day school activities. I also keep the COVID metrics up to date on the school website. I am so proud that we have helped to keep the school open since August for all the days that we were legally allowed to be open,
without a single case of COVID transmitted within the school. The Council is a collaborative effort, bringing together people with different backgrounds and skill sets. It is a wonderful example of the whole being better than the sum of its parts. It seems easy to say this with the luxury of hindsight, but I was confident that with a “let’s figure this out together” approach, we could make in-person school a reality. I was never really worried about the childrens’ ability to adapt. However, Holy Child’s success is a reflection of concerted efforts of the entire community, and I think that has been truly special. Our family is so grateful to be a part of Holy Child, but never more so than in 2020! I am hopeful that 2021 will bring an end to the surge, high vaccination rates, and a return to something that looks closer to normalcy for all of us! D
am so proud that we have helped to keep the school “ Iopen since August for all the days that we were legally allowed to be open, without a single case of COVID transmitted within the school.
”
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
—Dr. Kristen Rock P ’28 ’30
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Rest in Peace
Sr. Helen McDonald 1940-2021
On January 8, 2021, the Society of the Holy
Child Jesus and the Holy Child School at Rosemont community lost a beloved friend, Helen McDonald, SHCJ, who was a Sister of the Holy Child Jesus for 57 years. Among the many things she accomplished, Sister Helen was a teacher at Holy Child School at Rosemont from 1966-1972, our Head of School from 1975-1983, and member of our Board of Trustees from 1986-1988 and 2013-2020. She also served as the American Province Leader of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus from 2005-2011. More influential than any leadership position she held was her legacy of kindness and joy. This legacy is best articulated by three longtime Holy Child School at Rosemont faculty members and former colleagues of Sister Helen.
Judy Wankmiller Cassidy ’59 P’85’86’90’93 Former Grade 2 Teacher and Current Grade 1 Assistant “I met Sister Helen about 53 years ago. From faculty member to Trustee she always loved and remained interested in Holy Child. So much of what we enjoy here each day was part of her vision. She and I were teachers together, my first year, in 1967, when she was using her religious name, Sister Vincent de Paul. Our classrooms were on the third floor of the Tudor Building across the hall from each other. She taught 4th grade and I taught 2nd. She was so much fun to be with. She’d come running across the hall and say, ‘I don’t know what I’m to do with these children!’ Teaching grade 4 was not her favorite assignment, but we had so much fun learning together. I was there when she had to start buying clothes because the habit changed and the Sisters could wear a modified habit and then secular clothes. Marie Sweeney P’91’93’96’97’99, a former faculty member and good friend, and I were reminiscing that she bought a red coat! I think her color choice really showed her spirit. She is the one, back in 1982, when my daughter Tricia was turning three, that called me and said, ‘Are you planning to ever come back? You’ve had a long enough “vacation!” If you are, this is the time!’ I loved working with her; she always had a smile and a tender heart. Once, she told me to start listening to classical music to stay calm. We always laughed about that! Thank you Sister Helen for all you did. I might need some Mozart now.”
Sr. Helen McDonald, Dan Algeo, and the Class of 1979.
Steve Clarke ’73 P’01’03 Middle School Teacher “In January of 1979, Sister Helen McDonald decided that she would hire me as a PE teacher and coach at Rosemont School of the Holy Child, where she had been my second grade teacher 12 years earlier. I often joked with her later that neither one of us knew what we were getting into. Helen stuck with me through some rocky times early in my career as I learned to be a teacher while on the job. She was many things to many people. To me, she was a mentor and later a friend. More importantly, Helen is the person who set me on the life path that I still walk. For that, I will be forever grateful. Sister Helen passed away last night, and for this, the world is a bit emptier today. I love her, and I will miss her terribly.”
Rita Smith P’06’08 Director of Early Childhood and PreKindergarten Teacher “Sister Helen hired me fresh out of college in 1981. My classroom was outside her office in the Tudor Building. At my first contract meeting she said, ‘I don’t really know what you do in there, but it all seems to be going well. Would you like to return next year?’ She always had a smile on her face and saw the good in everyone. She never missed an opportunity to laugh. One of my fondest memories was when, as a Trustee, she visited my classroom. She sat right next to me as I was working with the children. She leaned over and said, ‘I am so proud of you.’ When I think of Sister Helen I think of the word joy. She saw the joy in everything around her, especially anything Holy Child. She will be missed.” D
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Why We Give to Holy Child “Generosity, generosity, generosity, must be the beginning and end of our life.” - Cornelia Connelly Philanthropy is an important part of the culture at Holy Child School at Rosemont. Nearly
half of our school community (parents, alumni, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents, past parents, and friends) gives back to the school through The Holy Child Fund, Capital Campaign, EITC/OSTC Scholarship Program, Faculty Retirement Fund, Parents’ Auxiliary fundraisers, and other special gifts and grants. Not only do these gifts support Holy Child’s operating budget, but they also demonstrate our community’s faith in the school, our mission, and our vision for the future.
Jamie Berlanska and Rasto Berlansky P’21’25 We love many things about Holy Child, especially the fact that the school provides a consistent and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow from preschool to 8th grade. Both our children started their journey in Early Childhood; Anya is about to be a Holy Child graduate and Marcus is going to be a Middle School student. It’s hard to believe, but it has been a joy to not only watch them grow, but to see how much pride they have in their school and how much they care about their teachers, friends and their own learning and development. We give back to Holy Child because we see the benefits that the Holy Child experience has had on our children, and we would like for other children and their families to benefit from the same experience.
Netchen and Ed Kaier ’59 P’92’98’01 Why do we donate to Holy Child? There are at least two reasons: First, out of gratitude for the education and faith formation which we received (for Ed and our three children) from the members of the Society and the lay teachers who so dedicate themselves to their students. And second, with the hope and expectation that those same experiences will continue to be available to others for many years to come. (Ed and his twin sister, Anne ’59, entered the school in its second year (1950), and Netchen coached sports teams at the school for a number of years.) Over that long period, we have witnessed with some wonderment the development of the physical plant and the curriculum from when a cachet meant one’s report card to now when Cachet spreads the word about this wonderful institution.
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Ways to Give There are many different ways to support our school financially, and our Advancement Office considers it an honor to facilitate your gifts in a meaningful way. For general philanthropic inquiries, please contact our Director of Advancement, Emily McAlpin Rauch, at 610-922-1021 or erauch@HolyChildRosemont.org.
Lauren and Gennaro Bifulco P’29 Giving back is so important to us as a family because we strongly feel that it is imperative to help others in both good times and in bad. We believe that any sized gift, or even the gift of your time, can be so impactful to an organization or an individual and is something we want our children to carry forward. We are motivated to support Holy Child because we believe in the school and the community— every child looks genuinely happy to be there, including our daughter Mia, and it is a cumulative effort of everyone that is a part of it. The entire staff truly goes above and beyond to make the children happy, comfortable, and smiling. The mission of Holy Child is another motivating factor that aligns with our values as a family.
The Holy Child Fund is our school’s annual giving program. It is the cornerstone of our philanthropy initiatives, and it is arguably the most mission-driven way to support the school. Gifts to this fund are used for general operating purposes. For the most part, these are unrestricted funds that are allocated in a way so that they will have the biggest impact, and they are used during the fiscal year in which they are received. By donating to The Holy Child Fund, you are not only supporting the aspects of our school not directly covered by tuition, you are participating in a tradition of giving, and you are showing your support of and faith in Holy Child School at Rosemont. To make a gift to The Holy Child Fund, please send a check made payable to Holy Child School at Rosemont and use the attached envelope. You may also make a gift online: www.HolyChildRosemont.org/onlinegiving or via Venmo: @HolyChildRosemont.
Wadiyah Ali P’87’96 GP’30 and Persia Ali ’96 P’30 We give to Holy Child because of all they have given us. It’s a way to return the love, kindness, and excellent education they have provided, which has made a meaningful difference in our lives. D
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AROUND SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS
DRIVE-THRU 2020
Santa Claus made his 14th annual visit to Holy Child on Sunday, December 6 to share the Christmas spirit with current families, alumni, past parents, faculty, and staff. Santa and his elves merrily welcomed a parade of cars at our physically-distanced outdoor event. Even our Falcon donned a festive cap to greet our guests!
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AROUND SCHOOL
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ALUMNI IN ACTION
Holy Child Alumni in Education “Lead their pupils by love” was the instruction of Cornelia Connelly to her teachers.
The nurturing and joyous environment of Holy Child School at Rosemont fostered by our staff has led a significant number of alumni to become educators themselves and to carry on the charism of a Holy Child education into their roles within schools, districts, and in educational policy. Hear from a few of them about the impact of a Holy Child education and what they are doing in their communities.
RON ALGEO ’83
Assistant Head of School for Student Leadership Malvern Preparatory School Malvern, PA YEARS IN EDUCATION: 30
On Holy Child’s influence: I am a huge believer in “Actions Not Words.” My experience at Holy Child helped me understand what that looked like on a daily basis. As an Assistant Head of School for Student Leadership, I try to let my actions and example do the talking. I am blessed to have a role where I can help influence young men to be humble leaders and hard workers. I learned those values at Holy Child, and I try to practice those every day. On education as connection: Education boils down to “connection.” Students learn from people: through discussion, modeling behavior, and coaching and feedback. If there is a strong connection between the teacher and student (or coach and player), learning is at its best. On instilling leadership in students: I want students to know who they are, to recognize their strengths, to appreciate their gifts, and to get the most out of their abilities. If they can accomplish those things, then focus on making the world a better place, then I have done what I have been called to do. I love being able to help support students and help provide opportunities for them to demonstrate the skills they have worked so hard to improve. Leadership is not a title or a position. Leadership is a mindset, and there are many qualities that make a great leader.
On where it all started: We had an essay assignment in Mrs. Gallagher’s (Helen Gallagher, former Middle School teacher) class. We were in the middle of basketball season (my life) and all I could think about was how I wanted to be a coach. As a seventh grader, I started marking up my coaching books to inform my future practice. That got me thinking about what it meant to be a coach and teacher. It was not until much later that I could see just how extraordinary of an education it was. Reflecting on the practice of my teachers is a constant reminder to serve not through words, but actions. On Holy Child as a second family: I have so many fond memories of friends, faculty, and staff. I think the most illustrative is my very first day. I took the bus to school. With all of my nerves of starting a new school, I got off at the wrong stop. Specifically at a nearby all-boys school! Before I could even worry, Jeanne Marie Blair P’96’99’04, then Director of Admissions, was at the door to take me to school. I was immediately put at ease. From the very beginning at Holy Child, you’re made to feel like you’re family.
On her educational philosophy: My philosophy is rooted in the belief that to teach a child requires a holistic understanding of that child and a concern for his or her well-being. Children will reach the bar you set for them. I hope that students at my school take away that they matter. They have limitless potential to overcome obstacles, to achieve what they set out to achieve. Finally, to never underestimate the power of kindness and honesty.
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CAROLINE CARLIN ’03
Principal Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chattanooga, TN YEARS IN EDUCATION: 10
ALUMNI IN ACTION KRISTEN HINCKLEY ’09 DANIELLE FRAIDER FUREY ’01
Physical Education & Aquatics Instructor PK-12, Upper School Advisor, Middle School Basketball & Volleyball Coach The Baldwin School Bryn Mawr, PA YEARS IN EDUCATION: 11
Master’s Candidate in International Educational Policy and Former Kindergarten Teacher in Peru at Colegio ALEPH Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Cambridge, MA YEARS IN EDUCATION: 4 On her current and future endeavours: Through my coursework, I
SPENCER LATRAN ’08
History Teacher, Health/PE Coach, Dorm Parent, Strength & Conditioning Coach The Phelps School Malvern, PA YEARS IN EDUCATION: 3
On the inspiration for her teaching am focusing on early childhood development On the impact of Holy Child on career: I attended Holy Child from and teacher professional development in the teaching: As a boarding school, Phelps Kindergarten-Grade 8, and loved every second of it! School became a second home for my sister and me. I was fortunate to have excellent teachers and coaches who not only were passionate about teaching, but also took the extra time to get to know us outside of the classroom. They had such a positive impact on my life, and I knew I wanted to get into education and do the same! I always felt safe and supported at school. I strive every day to do the same in my classes.
On her teaching philosophy:
Latin American region. After graduation, I hope to work in Latin America to contribute to interventions and policies that are evidencebased and data-focused to improve early learning environments for young students.
On the impact of Holy Child: I always admired my teachers. They were not only passionate about teaching, but I also could tell they genuinely cared about us as people. As a teacher myself, I try to emulate these characteristics. My students learned more and felt more comfortable in class after we had established a personal relationship. This was something that I value about my Holy Child experience. Our teachers focused on the values they wanted to instill in us, as opposed to just memorizing facts.
Teaching is a lifelong learning experience; teachers are learning just as much as the students are learning. Every day is a new opportunity to create, to motivate, and to inspire students. I believe the classroom should be a comfortable, supportive On her educational philosophy: environment where all students can learn, In my opinion, the relationship between grow, find their passions, and challenge the “educator” and “student” needs to themselves. be a horizontal relationship where both On her hopes and joys as a teacher: are learning together. The teacher fills a I hope students find an activity or sport that facilitator role to help the student discover they fall in love with. I hope to motivate and and grow in one’s learning. Based on this inspire my students to find a physical activity foundation and the importance of nurturing that they enjoy and to live a balanced, healthy relationships between students and teachers, lifestyle. I love that I get the chance to teach I think the best education for our students is my students from when they are very young, one that challenges them to think critically and to watch them grow into confident, and creatively, to back up their perspectives young women who graduate in high school. with evidence, to collaborate with others, and to be global citizens.
facilitates the ability to develop relationships with students outside of the classroom. Holy Child’s faculty and staff were not confined to their specific area of the campus. They would pop their heads in classrooms to say “hello.” They would attend sporting events. In short, they would be a stronger presence in students’ lives than the average teacher or coach. I’ve adopted this way of thinking, attempting to be engaged with students outside of the scope of my work.
On his hopes for his students: If there is anything students can take from my classes and sports practices, it is that the student becomes more responsible for their results in life. My hope is that my students learn to maintain consistency in any goal they pursue by seeking the small wins that eventually add up to a larger achievement.
On the responsibility and joy of being a teacher: Coming to class, the field, or the weight room every day, I know I have the ability to impact our students through several different experiences. How I treat myself, yearn to acquire knowledge, and strive to inspire our youth as an educator is all based on what I do to improve while no one is watching. Being an educator is a daily challenge to better yourself to serve others. I am thrilled to rise to that occasion each day. That is the ultimate joy of being a teacher.
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ALUMNI IN ACTION
More Alumni in Education SARA MURPHY MISSETT ’83
Director of Elementary and Gifted Education and Member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet West Chester Area School District West Chester, PA YEARS IN EDUCATION: 27 On fond memories of Holy Child: I have quite a few memories from attending Holy Child. I remember Sr. Mary Broderick’s monkey collection (there were a lot), First Holy Communion at Rosemont College, sledding down the hill, the chapel in the Tudor Building, May Day, playing organized sports for the first time under the coaching of Ms. Quinn, 76’ers Coach Mr. Billy Cunningham P’83’88 GP’18’22 coming to teach the girls’ basketball team to do a lay-up, our class trip to Canada, Mr. Dan Algeo’s P’83’85’90’95 four-hundred-word essay (although I never had to write one) and meeting my life-long friend, Elizabeth A. Reilly ’83.
On her hopes for the students of her district: My favorite aspect of being a school administrator is interacting with the students. There is nothing like talking to a child about what is right and wrong. Their insight is truthful and real. I hope that all the students, regardless of what school they attend, are successful in and out of the classroom. I want all children to be safe and always have the curiosity to learn more.
On how to inspire: I learned from Cornelia Connelly’s philosophy that actions speak more loudly than words. I believe that inspirational teaching is leading by example. D
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Persia Ali ’96 — Vaux Big Picture High School, Philadelphia, Special Education Teacher Judy Wankmiller Cassidy ’59 — Holy Child School at Rosemont, Grade 1 Assistant Teacher Eileen Algeo Cianfrani ’95 — The Baldwin School, Lower School Learning Specialist & Instructional Coach Stephanie Clarke ’03 — Wallingford Elementary School, School Psychologist Steve Clarke ’73 — Holy Child School at Rosemont, Grade 6 Teacher Jacqueline Curry ’12 — Episcopal Academy, IT Support Specialist Ed DeHoratius ’87 — Wayland High School, MA, Latin/Classics/English Teacher; eAchieve Academy, Latin Teacher M. Kathleen Roach Fallah ’00 — Chester County Intermediate Unit, Reading Specialist Jay Greytok ’79 — The Haverford School, Head of Middle School Dan Heist ’94 — University of North Carolina Wilmington, Assistant Professor, Department of Public and International Affairs Michelle Gullotti Jeffries ’93 — Sacred Heart Academy, Bryn Mawr, Grade 2 Teacher Kristine Algeo Kennedy ’90 — School District of Haverford Township, Instructional Assistant Dr. Elizabeth Langran ’84 — Marymount University, VA, Professor, School of Education Dr. Irene Langran ’82 — Albright College, PA, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science; Director, Interdisciplinary Programs in Public Health and International Relations Lauren Lehane ’95 — Ss. Simon and Jude, West Chester, Middle School Teacher John Makous ’75 — Providence Day School, NC, Physics Teacher Megan Marshall ’11 — The Aaron School, NYC, Grade 3 Teacher John McConnell ’66 — Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, President and Founder Mandy Hayden McConnell ’88 — The Wetherill School, Kindergarten Aid Mollie Manno Miller ’99 — Holy Child School at Rosemont, Middle School Math Teacher and Learning Specialist Robert Roulston ’08 — Springfield School District, Grade 5 Teacher/Team Leader Troy Sams ’93 — Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, Dean of Work-Study Katie Schneider ’10 — Kent Denver School, CO, Computer Science Teacher Stacie Scott ’68 — United Friends School, Quakertown, Art Teacher Emily Tucci ’09 — The Episcopal Academy, Middle School Art Teacher Lisa McBride Woodcock ’86 — Hilltop Preparatory School, Employability/Transition Teacher and Instructional Support
Attention Holy Child Alumni! Should your name be on this list? Contact Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations Tina Abate P’07’11 at tabate@HolyChildRosemont.org with your updated professional information.
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ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES 1973 Gordon Cooney was recently honored by The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) with the announcement of the J. Gordon Cooney, Jr. Fellowship in Criminal Justice in recognition of his significant leadership as former UWGPSNJ Regional Board Chair. Gordon is a senior partner with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. The Cooney Fellowship is a six-month fellowship presented to people who have lived experience with the criminal justice system in Philadelphia, aspire
1983
1993
Ron Algeo is the assistant head of school for
Marianne Connolly Lauber and her husband,
student leadership at Malvern Preparatory
Brian, are the proud parents of Charley, Grace,
School. Learn more about Ron Algeo in our
Madeleine, and most recent addition to the
Alumni in Education section on pages 20-22.
family, Michael Patrick, born on July 20, 2020. Michael was born premature at 31 weeks
Sara Murphy Missett is the director of
while Brian was deployed on the USS Dwight
elementary and gifted education for the West
D. Eisenhower as Commanding Officer of the
Chester Area School District. Learn more about
Gunslingers of VFA-105. Brian returned home in
Sara in our Alumni in Education section on pages 20-22.
August 2020. Their family was complete when they welcomed Michael home after 97 days in
1986
the NICU at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. The family resides in Virginia Beach, VA.
John Schwarz was named president of Bryn Mawr Hospital in December 2020. John has been a member of the Main Line Health team since 2013 when he joined as vice president of administration for Lankenau Medical Center.
to a career in criminal justice or community organizing, and who have shown a commitment to social equity.
1974 Carol Szczepaniak Smith, since retiring from USPS, enjoys being a Master Gardener, golfer, and Babci to her four grandchildren, Jack, Emma, Isaac, and Francesca.
1976 Babette Schubert and her husband moved to Okauchee Lake, WI, acquiring her husband’s family’s home outside of Milwaukee that has been in the family for over 115 years. Their daughter, Liz, is getting married in Cleveland, OH in August 2021. Their youngest son, Joe, is in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and was recently traded from the New Jersey Titans to the Odessa Jackalopes. He is committed for D1 hockey to the Air Force Academy. Their middle son, Tommy, is a drummer in the successful band, Tipling Rock, in addition to his systems logistics job.
John Schwarz ’86
Lisa McBride Woodcock is working at Hill Top Preparatory School where she is teaching a course on employability and transition to high school sophomores. She also serves as an
Marianne Connolly Lauber’s ’93 children Charley, Grace, Madeleine, and Michael.
1997
instructional support staff member for middle school and high school students.
1987 Lisa Raymond was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in November 2020 in honor of her successful tennis career.
Andrea Downs Cooper ’97 and her husband, Adam, welcomed their fourth child, Boden Matthew, on April 20, 2020. Big sisters Quinn (3), Cecilia (5), and Stella (8) proudly hold their newborn brother.
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ALUMNI
2000 Andrew Chipego has been living in Boston, MA for the past seven years as a director of business development for SEI Investments. He and his wife Nicole have been running around chasing after their very own quarantine baby, Andrew, who turned one year old in March. Andrew and his family are looking for opportunities to move back to the Philadelphia area.
Giuliana Vetrano ’01 married Ben Hartwell on October 14, 2020 in Vergennes, VT. Pictured here are Tony and Kate Vetrano, Giuli, Ben, and Adriana Vetrano Cornell ’03, her husband Ben Cornell, and their son Edwin.
2003 Caroline Carlin is the principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, TN. Learn more about Caroline in our Alumni in Education section on pages 20-22. Andrew Chipego ’00 with wife Nicole and son Andrew
Lindsay Gosnell Green and her husband Jordan welcomed their second son, Torin Christopher, on February 4, 2021. Big brother Lachlan is two and a half years old.
2001
Adriana Vetrano Cornell and her husband, Ben Cornell, had a baby boy, Edwin Ely Cornell, on March 5, 2020. While the pandemic has presented its challenges, they feel blessed to have had the quieter time at home with their son during his first year of life. Adriana has also enjoyed continuing her work as a mental health counselor, working remotely via Zoom.
Danielle Fraider Furey is a physical education teacher and coach at The Baldwin School. Learn more about Danielle in our Alumni in Education section on pages 20-22. Christopher McNabb, pastor at St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore, NY, was the guest speaker for our Grade 8 students’ virtual retreat in September 2020. Chris facilitated a
Adriana Vetrano Cornell ’03 with husband Ben and son Edwin.
conversation with the students regarding the retreat theme of servant leadership.
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Christopher Cox ’03 married Grace Arnold on December 9, 2020, in Big Sur, CA. They live in Venice Beach, CA and both work in the advertising industry.
ALUMNI
Kevin Crenny ’03 married Helen Marie Berg on September 5, 2020 at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. The couple resides in Washington, D.C.
Joe McLaughlin recently graduated with a master’s degree in analytics from Villanova School of Business in December 2020. He is an internal auditor at SEI Investments in Oaks, PA. David Wietlisbach is currently living in Washington, D.C. as he finishes studying towards his MBA at Georgetown University. After graduation in May 2021, David will be moving to New York City to work in Mergers & Acquisitions at Evercore, an investment bank. He loves to travel and just recently climbed the second highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi, at 19,350 feet.
2004
2008
Elizabeth Carnall-Cupo, BSN received the
Michael Eichert is currently working at Hulu in
Joan Bretschneider PhD, RN Award given at the
Los Angeles as a manager of corporate strategy
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for
and business development. He will be attending
excellence in nursing leadership. Liz is chair of
Harvard Business School in the fall of 2021.
the Staffing for All Seasons (SFAS) unit council and was the impetus behind the increase in
Spencer Latran is a teacher, coach, and advisor
nurse certifications, which validate nurses’
at The Phelps School. Learn more about Spencer
competency and mastery of knowledge in
in our Alumni in Education section on pages 20-22.
specific nursing areas, such as in critical care or maternal/newborn care.
2007 Carly Cox ’07 recently became engaged to Daniel Palombo, and they plan to marry in June 2022. Carly is currently finishing her MBA at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and plans to return to Deloitte Consulting in Philadelphia after she graduates in May 2021.
David Wietlisbach ’08
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ALUMNI
2009 Olivia Calamia received an offer to attend Widener University Delaware Law with a Dean’s Select Scholarship, and has accepted. She will begin in the fall of 2021. Olivia will continue working at Moody’s Analytics while attending classes part-time.
Emily Tucci ’09
2010 Matthew Magargee graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design with a master’s degree in city planning in May 2020. He now works for the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Economic Development Administration, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, as an economic development analyst for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Olivia Calamia ’09
Will McDevitt ’13 (right) at his Raven Society induction.
2015 Kayla Angelique Brown was the Judge of Elections at her Philadelphia district for the 2020 Primary Election in November 2020. She was in charge of election oversight and directing voters to the booths in an organized and safe fashion.
2012
2016
University’s Graduate School of Education.
Maddie Keane is a sales development
Learn more about Kristen in our Alumni in
representative at UiPath. She started in this
Will Keane is a freshman at Penn State
Education section on pages 20-22.
position in January 2021. Maddie graduated
Kristen Hinckley is a Master’s Candidate in International Educational Policy at Harvard
in May 2020 from Penn State with a degree in Emily Tucci is a middle school art teacher
Advertising, a minor in Spanish, and a Smeal
at The Episcopal Academy. Her artwork was
College of Business Certificate.
recently showcased at Episcopal’s Crawford Campus Center Gallery in an exhibit titled, In Memoriam : In Honorem. Emily’s artwork focuses on wildlife conservation and animal rights in the Serengeti ecosystem. Emily received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in fine art and honors Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of Delaware where she was able to study abroad in Tanzania. She later received both her Post Baccalaureate in studio art and her Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the Rinehart School of Sculpture at Maryland
2013 Will McDevitt was inducted into the Raven Society, the oldest and most prestigious honor society at the University of Virginia, named for Edgar Allan Poe who attended UVA. Will graduates in May 2021 with degrees in chemical engineering and computer science. He plans on pursuing a master’s degree in data science.
Institute College of Art.
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University and is involved with Thon, a studentrun philanthropy enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Will is pursuing a business degree.
2017 Brendan McGinn earned a Scholastic “L” Award (First Honors) and Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, during the 2019-2020 academic year at LaSalle College High School. In October, Brendan was inducted into the De La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) and was appointed Secretary of the De La Salle Chapter of the NHS for 2020-2021. Brendan is a senior at LaSalle.
ALUMNI
Condolences Peggy Giangiulio Calvert ’62 — July 11, 2019 Christopher Joy ’86 — February 14, 2021 — brother of Michael Joy ’85 Mary Ellen McCormick ’78 — February 17, 2021 — sister of Suzanne McCormick Kelleher ’70, Kathy McCormick Gresh ’74, and Chip McCormick ’80 Gerry Houghton Wallace ’77 — November 5, 2020 — mother of Peter ’07, Maddie ’10, and Olivia Wallace Joseph Abbondandolo — August 8, 2020 — grandfather of Michelle Molchan ’05 Marlene Benelli — December 28, 2020 — grandmother of Patrick Shields ’19 Margaret Carney — November 20, 2020 — mother of Carroll Carney Robertson ’72, Susan Carney Fahey ’73, and Resie Carney Flaherty ’77 Marie Dooner — December 27, 2020 — grandmother of Bobby ’10 and Ryan ’13 Loftus Regina Dreyer — October 29, 2020 — grandmother of Regina ’04, Bridget ’06, and Natalie ’12 Burns Anita Fitzgerald — October 28, 2020 — grandmother of Francie ’08, Maggie ’10, and Teddy ’12 Fitzgerald Joan Fynes — December 28, 2020 — grandmother of Samantha ’08 and Emily ’11 Siegfried Edmund Gaffney, M.D. — October 2, 2020 — father of Kara Gaffney Ross ’80, Keenah Gaffney Comizio ’81, Ed Gaffney ’82, and Becky Gaffney Campbell ’83 R. Fulton Hannan — November 5, 2020 — father of Ren Hannan Page ’93 and Hilary Hannan Saylor ’01 John Kuhn — January 22, 2021 — father of Claudio Kuhn ’87 James Larkin — January 19, 2021 — grandfather of Katie ’09, Jimmy ’10, and Michael ’13 Larkin Norman Makous — January 21, 2021 — father of Martin ’74 and John ’75 Makous Dolores McDonald — January 15, 2020 — grandmother of Jean Adelberger ’05 Sallie Naylor — February 5, 2021 — mother of Anne Naylor Schwarz ’73, John Naylor ’75, and Robert Naylor ’77 Louis Paolino — January 18, 2021 — grandfather of Emily ’07, Margaux ’12, and Thomas ’16 Paolino Theodore Raymond — March 2, 2021 — father of Lisa Raymond ’87 and Stefanie Raymond Dill ’89 John Rouse — February 24, 2021 — grandfather of John Rouse ’20 Margaret Mary Sherry — December 27, 2020 — mother of Madeline Sherry ’66, Frank Sherry ’69, Mimi Sherry Lurio ’70, and the late Mary Ann Sherry Campanella ’61, and grandmother of Patrick ’01 and Michael ’03 Devine Robert Sims — October 21. 2020 — father of Lisa Sims Byrne ’74 and Dana Sims Hospedar ’76 Eva Weissenberger — December 1, 2020 — grandmother of Gregor Weissenberger ’20
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ALUMNI
Emma Woodcock is a senior at Villa Maria Academy. She is an honors student and was
Cydney Brown ’18 Youth Poet Laureate
chosen to lead and coordinate her class’s Kairos
Cydney Brown ’18 is the Philadelphia Youth Poet
Retreat this past August 2020. After a lifetime of
Laureate. She is currently a junior at Abington
playing softball, Emma has decided to hang up
Friends School. Cydney has been featured on The
her softball cleats and has committed to Elon
Philadelphia Inquirer, 6abc, and Fox 29. She loves
University to further her track and field career
how there are no limitations with writing. She
on an athletic scholarship at the Division 1 level.
wrote a book of poems entitled Daydreaming and is
She currently holds her school’s record in both
currently working on another. Her poetry explores
weight throw and discus and is ranked third
the topics of love, self image, and social justice. She
in the state and 35th in the nation for discus.
won first place in the National Hip Hop Workshop
Emma is looking forward to studying sports
Poetry Competition in 2020. Cydney wishes to
management at Elon in the fall of 2021.
inspire people to stand up for what they believe in and to share her poetry with the world. Learn more about Cydney and her poetry at cydtalks.com.
2019 Tripp Adams earned a Scholastic “L” Award during the 2019-2020 academic year at LaSalle College High School. Tripp is currently a sophomore at LaSalle. Nicholas J. Bolden is in his sophomore year at William Penn Charter School. He made honors again the first semester and continues to thrive academically. Nicholas is a proud member of both the varsity soccer team and Quake Makers Social Entrepreneurship Club. In the fall of Emma Woodcock ’17
2020, Nicholas started his own business which specializes in marketing and promotions; he is
2018 Laura Wallon is the president of the Diversity
also an avid stock trader. Nicholas is looking forward to soccer season, and plans to work this summer as a junior counselor at Penn Charter Summer Camps.
Club at Archbishop John Carroll High School and advocates for students of color. She just recently
Eliana Okala ’19 is a sophomore at The Agnes Irwin School. She recently earned high honors distinction in the winter of 2021. In addition, Eliana’s Photography I photo (pictured above) was selected for The Arts Newsletter of 20202021.
2020
was awarded with the Widener University Apogee Leadership Award and Scholarship. She was a participant of the Telluride Association at Cornell University and wrote an article about
Jack Gallagher is currently a freshman at
immigration for The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Acel
Harriton High School. This fall, Jack played
Moore program.
varsity golf and is currently playing basketball. One highlight of Jack’s golf season was placing fifth in a Junior PGA tournament. He is looking Nicholas Bolden ’19 at Penn Charter vs. Germantown Academy soccer match.
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
forward to lacrosse season.
ALUMNI
Andrew Jagger March 11, 2020
Devin October 4, 2020
Boden Matthew April 20, 2020
Danielle Squadrito Caputo ’00 and Chris
Andrew Chipego ’00 and Nicole
Packy McCormick ’01 and Puja
Andrea Downs Cooper ’97 and Adam
Edwin Ely March 5, 2020
Isla Sue September 28, 2020
Eloise Irene July 19, 2020
Maya Joy January 12, 2021
Adriana Vetrano Cornell ’03 and Ben
Andrew Gardner ’00 and Kelsey
Hilary Hannan Saylor ’01 and Philip
Carrie Denny Whitcraft ’95 and Michael
CONNOLLY COUSINS
Cecilia Grace April 24, 2020
BIRTHS Leah Jessica August 25, 2020
Michael Patrick July 20, 2020
Abigail Helen July 31, 2020
Charley Connolly ’97 and Amanda
Marianne Connolly Lauber ’93 and Brian
Katie Connolly Smith ’99 and Patrick
Holy Child School at Rosemont | Spring 2021 | CACHET
29
ssmates to Soulmates a l C m o r F
Deirdre Duffy Burke ’00 & Ryan Burke ’00 Married October 8, 2011
Ryan and Deirdre reconnected as students at Providence College graduating in 2008. Deirdre is a clinical research program manager in the Food Allergy Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Ryan works in Asset and Wealth Management as a director for PwC in Philadelphia.
Lindsay Chipego Rowley ’98 & Kevin Rowley ’98 Married July 27, 2019
Lindsay and Kevin were married at St. John Neumann Church in Bryn Mawr, PA. Their reception was held at the Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, PA. The wedding party included brother of the bride Andrew Chipego ’00 and fellow alum Michael Mauriello ’98. Former Holy Child faculty members Ron Duska and Ellen Monahan were in attendance.
Becky Cox Barrett ’00 & Paul Barrett ’00 Married November 14, 2015
Paul and Becky have moved back to the area with their two children, Charlie (4) and Emmy (2). Paul recently partnered with Argosy Capital in Wayne, PA to form a new healthcare private equity firm, Argosy Healthcare Partners. Becky is practicing employment law with Akerman LLP. The Barretts are excited to be back home surrounded by family and friends and look forward to spending time with the Holy Child community.
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CACHET | Spring 2021 | Holy Child School at Rosemont
Please contact Tina Abate P’07’11, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, at tabate@HolyChildRosemont.org if you are a Holy Child Alumni Couple!
Cachet
A beam signed by our students, faculty, staff, and supporters now sits atop our new building.
Spring 2021
The Campaign for Holy Child: Inspiring Joyful Excellence
THE CAMPAIGN FOR HOLY CHILD:
INSPIRING JOYFUL EXCELLENCE The school has embarked on a historic
campus expansion that will double the size of campus and better serve our current and future families. This project is the culmination of a Board of Trustees-led planning process that began three years ago, when we solicited from our various stakeholders (alumni, past and current parents, faculty and staff, and even Middle School students) their views on the current campus and future needs. Through surveys and community information sessions, clear consensus emerged that we needed a regulation-sized, multi-sport turf field. This will be the largest of its kind in the Catholic Academy League and will enable us to play home games on campus for the first time in the school’s history. There was also a strong desire for a multi-use performing arts/ assembly space that could also serve as an auxiliary gym, thus eliminating the need for some of our teams to practice at the Ellis Fitness Center, as they have been doing for the past 15+ years. Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald P’08’10’12 are the lead donors for this building and community center, which will be known as the Fitzgerald Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC). In addition to the field and PAAC, this expansion project will include a grotto with a statue of the Holy Child Jesus, new Kindergarten suites that complete the Early Childhood Center (finished last summer in time for the 2020-2021 school year), and added parking along Wendover Road. Additionally, we are creating the school’s first-ever outdoor environmental education area. This newly developed area will be named the Nature, Exploration, and Science Territory, or NEST, and will serve as an outdoor science/discovery “classroom.” The project is currently on schedule and on budget. The field will be ready for our fall sports season, which means we will host Homecoming on campus for the first time ever. And the Fitzgerald Performing Arts and Athletic Center will be ready by late October 2021, in time for our Thanksgiving Prayer Service and Christmas Concert. Look for more communication on the progress of this campus expansion later this spring and throughout the summer. These changes will truly “meet the wants of the age” as Cornelia Connelly urged her schools and will continue Holy Child School at Rosemont’s reputation for excellence. D
Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who have spent years on its design, the expanded campus benefits Holy Child School at Rosemont in several ways: • The Fitzgerald Performing Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) is a multi-use space that focuses on delivering a state-of-the-art theatre. • The entire campus expansion is multi-disciplinary, expanding the school’s curriculum, arts, and athletic programs. • This historic project impacts every child, from Young Falcons to Grade 8.
A Falcon’s eye view of our whole campus, including our soon-to-be new Fitzgerald Performing Arts and Athletic Center and regulation-sized field.
Students sign a ceiling beam that was placed in our new PAAC building
Groundbreaking, Fall 2020 Pictured left to right: Judi VonFeldt Taylor P’14’16, Capital Campaign Co-Chair and Board Member; Bill Rouse P’20’24’26, Board Member; Maria Schreder P’13’15’18’23, Capital Campaign Co-Chair; Tom Lengel P’12, Head of School; Arnie Schneider P’10’12’15, Board Chair; and Chris Topolewski P’25’27, Capital Campaign Co-Chair and Board Member.
Celebrating the placement of the signed beam
CAMPUS EXPANSION DONORS The school is grateful to our Trailblazers, those who have paved the way for a successful Campus Expansion: Soo and Joe Abboud Lilibet and Jim Barrett Kathy and Jim Barton Megan and Sean Bergin Monica and Neal Bibeau Joanne Boylan Janine and Kane Brenan Tara ’97 and Jeff Buchakjian Estate of Kathleen Broderick Sr. Mary Broderick, SHCJ The Casey Family Erin and Lew Cook Laura and Jeremy Conlon Connelly Foundation The Deirmengian Family Lynda and Mike Donahue Suzanne Donoghue Anne and Bill Ehrhart Robin Farley ’83 (Gianoukos) Priscilla and Brian Fenlin The Gaffney Family The Gilligan Family Netchen and Ed Kaier ’59 Kathy and Ward Fitzgerald
Cinde and David Hark Kathy and Dan Heist Kitty and Pat Keenan Disty and Tom Lengel Nicole and Sean Linehan The Lubert Family Foundation Suzanne and Sean ’89 Manion Laura and Joe ’98 McFalls Melissa and John McGlinn Ellen and Joe McLaughlin Ann and Mark Miller Betsy and Chuck Minnich Nancy and Bob Mitchell Alexis and Mike Morsell Elizabeth and Donald Nikolaus Megan and Paul ’95 Nolen The Okala Family Elizabeth and Michael Palazzi Abby and Todd Peterson The Petrizzo Family Anne Marie and Jim Pettit Karen and Peter Pierce Katie and Dan Pryma Eileen and Peter Quinn
Elizabeth A. Reilly ’83 Tricia and Dan Roarty John & Charlene Roberts Family Foundation Joanne ’94 and Brian Robinson The Rossi Family Molly and Arnie Schneider The Schreder Family Bob and Mary K Shields The Simpson Family Society of the Holy Child Jesus Lauren and Pat South The Storrer Family Ruth and Paul Strid ’89 Judi and Matt ’78 Taylor Chris Topolewski Kristen and Pat Traynor Georgine and Ed Trumpbour Anne ’95 and David Vazquez Tara and Ted Wahl Claudia and Gunti Weissenberger Kate and Bill Wunner Anonymous (2)