5 minute read
Alumni
Alumni Spotlight
Kathleen Shields Anderson ’93
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For Kathleen Shields Anderson ’93, serving others is a common thread in her career: She worked as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, formerly served as a Philadelphia assistant district attorney, and is now at the University of Pennsylvania working as the vice president for the Division of Public Safety. Reflecting on her career, Kathleen remarks that she often finds herself coming back to the motto of our founder Cornelia Connelly, “Actions, Not Words,” and sees it as a guiding principle for her path in life. “As a Holy Child student, I remember hearing these words, which came from Cornelia, and learning that this was one of the founding principles of the [Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus] who came together in service of their community, of their faith,” she reflects.
Learning about the Holy Child mission at a young age impacted Kathleen, who felt drawn to service. Her current role at Penn allows her to amplify this message of service and responsibility and direct it toward her local community, including the university’s campus and West Philadelphia, which are intertwined. Service is also a value that she sees evidenced in the students at Penn, sharing, “For someone who works in higher education, [service] takes on an important meaning, as I see what many other college campuses are seeing now: people being inspired and impacted by what’s going on in the world and wanting to make a difference. This generation of college students is one of the most informed and engaged generations in a long time.” Recognizing commonalities between service-minded college students at Penn and the values taught to Holy Child School at Rosemont students, Kathleen adds, “The lessons about volunteerism and civic engagement and the principle of ‘Actions, Not Words,’ are messages that Holy Child has always taught. By doing so, they are preparing the next generation to be civically engaged and to contribute to our greater community.”
The Holy Child community in particular stands out in Kathleen’s memory as she reflects on her 10 years as a student of our school. “So many aspects of Holy Child are ingrained in my memory,” she reminisces. From caring, engaged teachers to the emphasis on our Holy Child Goals, Kathleen notes, “I felt that as a school and as a community, we were always thinking about how to make sure everyone felt welcomed, supported, and included. Inclusion is an enduring value of our school community.” In her life and career, Kathleen clearly sees the impact of our community and its inclusive approach. “The people at Holy Child, and the school itself, are things that helped form me. The support and preparation provided by the Holy Child community are important factors that influenced who I am and where I am today,” she says.
Kathleen’s family connection to Holy Child School at Rosemont runs deep: Her father Bob Shields P’83’86’89’93 GP’19’19’21 served as a longtime trustee and chair of the board, and her siblings and nephews also attended Holy Child. Through the lens of being an aunt to three recent graduates, Patrick ’19, Reid ’19, and Liam ’21 Shields, Kathleen has continued to see evidence of the school’s efforts to “stay current on trends for elementary education,” and be thoughtful about the future of education and “how [the school] can best prepare and support students today.” In addition, she has a further connection to the Holy Child mission through knowing and spending time with her aunt and great aunt, both of whom were Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. As students, Kathleen and her classmates visited the Sisters at New Sharon, located across the street from Holy Child School at Rosemont. “Visiting the Sisters was and continues to be an important reminder for us about who has come before us and why we, as a school community, are here,” shares Kathleen. “It was one of the most enjoyable experiences, and it emphasized the importance of continuity and community.”
Golden Alumni Luncheon
Reunion Classes of 1956 to 1973 / Friday, December 2, 2022
Diane Castner ’62 is greeted by members of the Student Council including Macrae Brenan ’23 (Grade 8 representative) and, pictured in the background from left to right, Conor Morsell ’23 (co-president), Shelby Rhodes ’23 (co-president), and Finley Nolen ’23 (Grade 8 representative).
Judy Wankmiller Cassidy
’59 P’85’86’90’93, Al Wankmiller ’67, and Jackie Wankmiller McNevin ’66.
Dennis Boylan ’69 P’12, Florence Lane
Bazhaw ’69, and Frank Sherry ’69.
Former Head of School Sr. Marcia Sichol, SHCJ, Christina Rigterink ’57, Helen Meeks Horstmann ’59, and Catherine Ameche Cappelletti ‘70.
After the second-grade students sang a few songs for the alumni, Jim Finegan ’68
P’98’01’04’07’10 GP’28’29’33
and his granddaughter, current student Grace Moser ’29, posed for a photo. Grade 2 celebrated their First Reconciliation on December 1, 2022 and proudly displayed their lambs. Mimi Sherry Lurio ’70, Madeline Sherry ’66 P’01’03, and Frank Sherry ’69.
Homecoming &
Fall Festival 2022
1. Some of our most recent graduates of the Class of 2022 gather at Homecoming. Left to right: Elizabeth Storrer, Frankie Tomaszewski, Noah Brand, Ryan Storrer, Teddy Gillin, Lucas Scott, Jack Rischitelli, Sofia Casey, Ava Schlich, and Audrey Manion.
2. Left to right: Khiya Salley ’21, Charlie Cutler ’21, and Stacy Garcia ’22 catch up with faculty member Señora Peggy Stephens.
3. JV football is ready to take on Ancillae-Assumpta Academy’s squad.
4. Left to right: Stephanie Cunningham Ortiz ’83, Former Head of School Sr. Marcia Sichol, SHCJ, and April Bright ’83.
5. The Rhodes family celebrates their 8th grade field hockey player! Left to right: Brian Rhodes, Shelby Rhodes ’23, Alicia Downs Rhodes ’90, Eden Rhodes ’27, and Savannah Rhodes ’18. 6. Troy Sams ’93 and his children admire Steve Clarke’s ’73 pumpkincarving skills.
7. Our Middle School Choir kicks things off with “The Star Spangled Banner”.
8. Varsity field hockey celebrates a goal at their Homecoming game against Ancillae-Assumpta Academy.
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