Accord Winter 2020

Academy of the Holy Names

ACCORD

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS WINTER 2020

|

VOL. 14

|

NO. 1

14 OUR MISSION

2019-2020

2019-2020

OFFICERS

Regina Gonzalez A’73 President

The Academy of the Holy Names empowers students to be authentic individuals who engage in independent thought, are inspired by creativity, and lead culturally aware, spiritually rich lives.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SNJM CORE VALUES

Greta Dupuy A’97 Vice Chair

Full Development of the Human Person Education in Faith

Chip Yodzis Chair

Harold Astorquiza Treasurer

Hospitality

Paola Schifino Secretary

Dedication to Women & Children

Sister Carmella T. DeCosty, SNJM At-Large

Dedication to Justice Service to People Who Are Poor or Marginalized Committment to Liberating Action Love for the Names of Jesus & Mary

DIVERSITY The Academy of the Holy Names believes that a broadly diverse community fosters empathy, strengthens teaching and learning, and promotes academic excellence. To that end, the Academy is committed to: • building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty and staff that shares our beliefs and supports our mission; • recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique; and • creating an environment that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement.

MEMBERS Schezy Barbas Sister Virginia Bonan, SNJM Kim Dingle Ernie Garateix Sister Kathleen Griffin, SNJM Kim Wilmath Hill A’05 David Jones Ernie Marquart Daphne McConnie Vivien Oliva A’63 Velen Diaz Thompson A’83 Ty Trayner Raulniña Uzzle-Harris A’82 Arthur Raimo (ex-officio)

ALUMNI BOARD

Olivia Martinez A’10 President-Elect Melissa Fernandez Bunch A’97 Secretary/Historian Victor DiMaio B’68 Treasurer Maureen O’Brien A’84 Parliamentarian Nina McGucken Alvarez A’01 Michele Diaz Avila A’82 Jeni Goodman Calhoun A’05 Allison Daigle A’10 Maria Esparza A’87 Mary Lois Hartlage Fernandez A’62 Kate Vasquez Herrera A’06 Ana Riveron Ibanez A’93 Gina D’Avanza Kelly A’75 Jessica Lopez A’04 Angela Spicola Morgan A’67 Sandra Pena Pardue A’96 Sister Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM A’55 Linda Cimino Prado S’65 Danielle Reyes A’06 Dianne Garcia Rivera A’60 Therese Cullen Seal A’60 Kasey Sherrick Siegel A’05 Sarah Tyler Sievers A’05 Jason Woodside A’01 Alex Valdes A’09

4

12

PRESIDENT Arthur Raimo araimo@holynamestpa.org CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER John Donohoe jdonohoe@holynamestpa.org DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Debbie Gavalas dgavalas@holynamestpa.org DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Patty P. Bohannan (A’77) pbohannan@holynamestpa.org DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL FUND AND SPECIAL EVENTS JoAnne Linkner jlinkner@holynamestpa.org DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Emily Wise ewise@holynamestpa.org CREDITS DESIGN: Allen Harris Design St. Petersburg, Florida PHOTOS: Selena Castillo A’10 Megan Hendrickson Jessica Lamm RiMO Photo Emily Wise AHN welcomes qualified students without regard to race, religion or ethnic origin.

Accord is published twice a year by the Academy of the Holy Names.

3319 Bayshore Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 839-5371 phone (813) 839-1486 fax www.holynamestpa.org The editor of Accord invites submissions and opinions. Please address news and information to the Advancement Office.

STANDARD OF ACCURACY The Academy of the Holy Names is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information in all its publications. However, as with any human undertaking, unintentional errors may appear. Please contact the Academy of the Holy Names at (813) 839-5371 in the event that there are any factual errors. The Academy will correct these errors in the next publication. We truly appreciate the interests and concerns of our readership and welcome any assistance toward achieving our goal.

24

22 FEATURES 4

Coding for Change

6

High School Renovation Phase I Complete

10

Proposed Lower School Renovations Complete Campus

12

Academy Student Wins State President Campaign

14

High School Theatre Presents “The Odd Couple”

18

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

IN EVERY ISSUE 2

Letter From the President

16

Athletics

20

Advancement

ALUMNI NEWS 26

Alumni Spotlight

28

Alumni Dinner

30

Alumnus of the Year

31

Young Alumni Gatherings

33

Class Notes

26 www.holynamestpa.org

1

Office of the PRESIDENT

letter from the PRESIDENT Back in 2011, I informed members of my former school community that I was stepping down after 14 years as president, and 33 total years at the school, to take the president’s position at the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Fla. Following this news, I received many notes and cards congratulating me on my retirement. It seemed that once people saw Florida was my destination, they conveniently missed the part about taking a position at another school and assumed I was retiring. Needless to say, retirement was not my plan, and to tell you the truth, some of my best years were still ahead of me. My years at Academy have been among the most rewarding of my professional career. Now, however, it’s time for me to consider the next part of my life’s journey.

2

WINTER 2020

Not long ago, I informed the Academy Board of Trustees of my intention to retire. Next school year will be my last at Academy.

It’s hard for me to believe I am closing in on the completion of my ninth year as Academy’s president. It seems like only yesterday my wife, Maureen, and I arrived here ready for a new phase in our lives — and a bit nervous since we knew no one in Tampa. During our time here, we have made many wonderful friends and have grown to love this community. From the very start, we have felt welcomed, which made our transition that much easier. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Office of the PRESIDENT

Working in an SNJM school has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. Partnering with the Sisters and getting to know them has been a real joy.

With a strong partner in the Board of Trustees and the support of so many alumni, parents and friends, much has been accomplished during my time here. The renovation and expansion of our beautiful facility, improvements in our academic and extracurricular programs, expanded service opportunities and an ever-increasing enrollment have all contributed to the Academy’s ongoing improvement.

While the end of my tenure is in sight, the work I have left is not over by a long shot. This summer, the second floor of the Bayshore building, including the wings, will be renovated and brought up to the standard we have established on the third and fourth floors. With your continued support, I will raise the money necessary to renovate the lower school on the first floor. When that project is complete, every student from pre-K to 12th grade will learn in brand-new, 21st-century spaces.

In addition, I will be working with the Board to create a new strategic plan that will go into effect at the beginning of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Working in an SNJM school has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. Partnering with the Sisters and getting to know them has been a real joy. I consider myself extremely lucky to have spent the last of my working years with them and this special community.

I am making my intentions public now to give the Board adequate time to find the Academy’s next president; June 30, 2021, will be my last day. Between now and then, I assure you that I will continue to work with the administration, faculty and staff to make the Academy the best school it can possibly be.

Sincerely,

SEARCH TIMELINE

Late February Focus groups with AHN stakeholders March Candidate profile shared and job posted for application Late Spring Catholic School Management begins initial screening interviews. Reference interviews are conducted for appropriate candidates.

The President Search Committee interviews final candidates.

The Committee’s goal is to announce the next president, pending approval by the local Board of Trustees and Sisters of the Holy Names’ Corporate Member Board, by the end of the calendar year.* *Timeline is subject to change.

PRESIDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE

Ernie Garateix President Search Committee chair, trustee, parent of Samantha A’18 Greta Dupuy A’97 Board of Trustees vice chair Harold Astorquiza Board of Trustees treasurer, parent of Sara A’12 and Rachel A’14 Daphne McConnie Trustee, parent of Luke A’16 and Macy A’18 Sister Carmella DeCosty, SNJM SNJM Representative, trustee Doug Bogle Dads Club president, parent of Robert (6th grade) and Anna (4th grade) Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90 Mothers Association president, parent of Griffin (8th grade) and Emma (6th grade) Darcy Dwyer High School college counselor

Arthur Raimo President

Allison Warren Almendares A’06 Second grade teacher

www.holynamestpa.org

3

Feature STORY

4

WINTER 2020

Feature STORY

CODING FOR CHANGE In the fall, high school computer science and math teacher Jessica Lamm traveled to Doha, Qatar, to present at the Model United Nations Leadership Conference. She spoke about empowering technology users to become innovators and about the student-created app, TRuCE, which was developed by Clare Grammig A’21 in last year’s AP Computer Science class. TRuCE was created to offer youth a safe place for difficult conversation on topics such as politics, religion and racial tension. Its purpose is to facilitate communication through empathy. Lamm’s session centered on using app development to serve a greater good for society.

Lamm is quick to point out that she attended the conference on behalf of her students, who push her and encourage her to learn. She says computer science is the avenue in which her students feel they can inspire change on a larger scale. “The education students gain is something we want to expand outside of the Academy and for the mission of the Sisters. What happens next is up to the students and the aspirations they have. At this point, they are teaching me more than I could ever teach them,” Lamm said.

Although Grammig and her classmates were not able to attend the conference, they did join the TRuCE session via Skype. The video chat proved advantageous for the students on both sides of the globe. The students exchanged emails so they can try to code together. Lamm says this will broaden the lens and perspective of Academy students.

Lamm also gives the girls credit for waking up early on a day they didn’t have school to Skype in and meet peers from around the world. It is that motivation, she says, that is propelling the computer science program forward in ways that she could only imagine. She notes the girls have turned to larger-scale thinking — global even — and are seeking ways to raise awareness for those in need. “They’ve developed their confidence through doing [this work] … Computer science is the avenue to making that happen in a technology-based world. It’s a huge thing in a maledominated field that they are confidently doing all these things. There is no fear in the things they are willing to try.”

“The Academy’s environment enables students to explore socially responsible, large-scale applications,” Lamm says.

Using the core values of the Sisters, which seamlessly align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Academy students have the power to change the world at their fingertips.

AP Computer Science students Zoe Wolff A’21, Ellie Rinker A’21, Clare Grammig A’21, Caitlin Otte A’21 and Sophia Hasara A’21 attend the TRuCE session in Qatar via Skype.

Conference attendees display TRuCE shirts that Jessica Lamm handed out.

www.holynamestpa.org

5

Feature STORY

HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATION PHASE I COMPLETE In the fall, Academy unveiled the newly renovated third and fourth floors. Not only does the space have a new look and feel but its infrastructure has also been completely replaced, including electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and a new roof.

The renovation committee, which included administration, faculty and students, was careful to balance a modern and mature aesthetic with the traditional architecture. The choices have been well received among the students. Junior Adriana James-Rodil noted, “The mix of colors and ‘fun’ furniture makes it more enjoyable to study. I think administration did a really good job of finding a balance between study and play.”

Both floors feature a central learning commons surrounded by new learning studios, the 21st-century equivalent to a classroom. The building’s original skylights are the crowning feature of the fourthfloor commons, which now houses the high school library. Junior Amelia Cuttle is one of the many students who regularly takes advantage of the commons. “My favorite part of the renovations are the commons,” she said. “I feel like the students really have a nice, quiet place to relax and work — and, in comparison to before, I really appreciate them.”

LEARNING STUDIO

Flexible furnishings allow students to sit in small groups or in the round to engage in Harkness-style or Socratic learning. Each tabletop provides room for technology and books, and Epson projectors allow both students and teachers to project their work for the class.

6

WINTER 2020

All learning studios face the bay, allowing students optimal views and an abundance of natural light. Technology continues to play an important role, as each learning studio has two ceiling-mounted projectors to facilitate group work. Flexible furnishings allow seating to easily be rearranged to accommodate the day’s lesson.

According to James-Rodil, “Instead of the traditional rows of desks facing the boards and teacher, the moveable chairs and desks allow us to sit in a large circle and engage in collaborative learning. This is how all schools should be ... because learning is more enjoyable when it’s more similar to a conversation than a lecture.”

Because the building was designed with 21st-century learning styles in mind, the faculty has more options to engage the students. English teacher Sara Moses enjoys teaching in the new learning spaces. From her perspective, “There is fluidity to the classroom and common spaces that give students and teachers more flexibility in our learning environment. For example, if we are working on projects, many of my students enjoy gathering in the library commons to work together, allowing us to spread out a bit so [that] I can work with smaller groups one-on-one in the classroom.”

This summer, the second floor of the Bayshore building, including the wings, will be updated. When complete, the entire high school will have undergone a $12 million renovation.

Feature STORY

COMMONS

Booths, study carrels and break-out rooms outside the commons allow for both individual study and collaborative work. Furnishings resemble those seen at modern university campuses and office spaces.

LEARNING DECK

A seldom-used patio on the third floor was converted to an outdoor learning deck with a sunshade. Students also have the opportunity to study on the balcony facing the bay. According to English teacher Sara Moses, her students have really enjoyed gathering on the new outdoor patio as they take in the fresh air while working on writing assignments or collaborating on projects.

Photos courtesy of RiMO PHOTO. Design work by Rowe Architects and construction by Creative Contractors. www.holynamestpa.org

7

Feature STORY

SCIENCE LAB

The second floor will house all of the science labs and the senior lounge. Most significantly, it will include the addition of an engineering lab to allow for the construction of larger-scale projects. The school knows the value of a STEM education is great, especially when considering the kinds of jobs our future workforce will have the largest need to fill. A modern engineering technology space will help our young women develop confidence in their abilities and support them in becoming 21st-century professionals.

LIBRARY

The fourth-floor commons houses the library beneath the building skylights, as well as the President’s Office, board room, Development Department and Business Office. All offices are in the back of the building, so students may have prime views.

8

WINTER 2020

Feature STORY

ACADEMY

LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH TECH GIANT

RELIAQUEST

AHN and ReliaQuest agreed to a five-year partnership to expose Academy students to the skills necessary to put them on a path to build careers in information technology and cybersecurity. Students will gain hands-on, realworld experiences using ReliaQuest’s secure operating center environment. Working with ReliaQuest, Academy faculty will develop an age-appropriate curriculum to help students build critical skills using the latest cybersecurity technology via hands-on simulation. Students will also spend time off campus at ReliaQuest, gaining real-world business experience. AHN has already welcomed ReliaQuest staff to campus to share valuable career development skills and plans to host them again in the future.

In conjunction with the partnership, ReliaQuest has committed a major gift to provide professional expertise for program development and the creation of science facilities on the second floor of the Bayshore building.

www.holynamestpa.org

9

Feature STORY

PROPOSED LOWER SCHOOL RENOVATIONS COMPLETE CAMPUS In the final phase of the Academy Ascending capital campaign, the Academy’s goal is to raise $2.5 million to complete the lower school and bring it in line with the rest of the Bayshore building. The Dads Club kicked off fundraising by pledging $250,000, paid over the next five years through their annual events.

In completing the first floor, the entire campus will have undergone renovation, including necessary system work to bring the building up to date. Projects include new lighting and flooring, replacing the HVAC system, reworking the existing classrooms into 21st-century learning studios, and bringing in new furnishings that are flexible and age-appropriate. As long as we hit our goal, construction for this final phase will take place in the summer of 2021. With your support, the Bayshore campus will exceed 21st-century education standards.

PROPOSED LIBRARY AND MAKER SPACE *Renderings are subject to change.

10

WINTER 2020

Feature STORY

PROPOSED LEARNING STUDIO *Renderings are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL PLANS AND NAMING OPPORTUNITIES Early Learning Center for pre-K to 1st grade

RESERVED

Lower School Wing

$250,000

Expanded guidance suite

$150,000

including a testing center for students with learning differences

Principal’s new office suite

$150,000

Expanded medical clinic

$100,000

Art Studio/Maker Space

$75,000

Updated media center

$75,000

New learning studios

$50,000

Two learning commons

$50,000

New faculty break room

$50,000

for pre-K to 4th grade

To learn more about campus plans and how you can help, call Debbie Gavalas at (813) 835-3522 or visit holynamestpa.org/ascending. www.holynamestpa.org

11

Feature STORY

article by Kara Manelli

ACADEMY STUDENT WINS STATE PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN In December, members of the AHN Junior Beta Club traveled to the Florida Junior Beta Club Convention in Orlando to participate in two days of academic and fine arts competitions. More than 30 AHN students joined 1,500 Junior Beta members from across the state to showcase their academic and leadership abilities in categories including performing arts, engineering, marketing and communications, and more. At the convention, state officials were also elected, with the Academy’s 7th-grade student, Cameron Powell, winning Junior Beta President for Florida.

Together, people will see Junior Beta as an ocean of unique individuals.

Powell prepared a speech and a skit for the entire convention while campaigning throughout the two days. Her speech touched on this year’s theme at the Academy: To Be Unique. She related this theme to the members in Junior Beta, saying, “As your president, I would work to make sure everyone feels comfortable in their own skin. … Together, people will see Junior Beta as an ocean of unique individuals. If you elect me as your 2020 Junior Beta president, we will leave a mark on the world nobody can wash away.” Cameron was then asked a question at random: “What does your school do to give back to the community?” Cameron says her answer couldn’t have gone better as she spoke about the Academy’s annual Community Service Day. AHN Elementary School Assistant Principal and Junior Beta Club Sponsor Becky Elliott attended the convention and was impressed

by Powell’s stage presence and delivery skills. She also noted how Powell’s fellow club members supported her during the campaign.

“They initiated conversations with every group of students they encountered and made everyone feel welcome and accepted. They truly modeled what we mean by our motto, ‘Esse Quam Videri: To be, rather than to seem.’”

12

WINTER 2020

Powell’s term as the Florida Junior Beta Club president begins on July 1, 2020, and will end at next summer’s state convention, where she will have the honor of emceeing the event. She will give a keynote address and will assist with preparing the new candidates.

Powell will receive a free trip and tuition to the National Junior Beta Leadership Camp in Greenville, Tenn., this summer. She also qualifies to attend the National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, in June. She even may be interested in running for national office!

Powell stays busy at AHN outside of Junior Beta Club. She plays on four middle school sports teams: soccer, basketball, track and softball. Powell is also a student council representative and excels academically, achieving first honors. Her experiences and opportunities at the Academy prepared her for the Florida Junior Beta Club presidential campaign. Powell said, “The learning environment and the way I’ve been pushed to succeed [at AHN] have been very helpful.”

Congratulations to Cameron Powell and the following AHN students who placed at the Florida Junior Beta Club Convention: FIRST PLACE QUIZ BOWL Keala Hollencamp, Maddie Berg, Christa Masiello and Diego Tobon FIRST PLACE SOLO PERFORMING ARTS Reese Edlund SECOND PLACE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Maisi Sigler, Bella Otte, Madison Ratchford, Catherine Neely and Kamila Muraharesetti THIRD PLACE LITERATURE Rory Martineau THIRD PLACE POETRY Rory Martineau THIRD PLACE MIXED MEDIA Maia McCullough

www.holynamestpa.org

13

Feature STORY

High School Theatre Presents

“THE ODD COUPLE” In November, eight members of the Academy’s talented theatre troupe delighted audiences with the female version of Neil Simon’s hugely successful play, “The Odd Couple.” In this version, the lead characters transform into Olive Madison and Florence Unger. Together with their girlfriends and the hilarious Costazuela brothers, several one-liners and a witty dialogue kept the audience laughing. The theatre department certainly has a bright future with this young cast: Gigi Alfonso A’23, Abigail Chudzinski A’23, Mikayla Croissant A’23, Julia Dean A’23, Natalia Guzman A’23, Bethany Masiello A’22, Isabella Ruano A’21 and Leslie Sanchez A’22.

14

WINTER 2020

Feature STORY

www.holynamestpa.org

15

ATHLETICS

CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Ray Rodriguez Assistant Coach: Stacy Filocco

During the regular season, the team placed 1st at the Mitchell High School Invitational and the West Hillsborough County Invitational.

The accomplishments didn’t end there as the team captured the Class 2A, District 5 and Class 2A, Region 3 championships and advanced to the Class 2A state meet. Individually, Megan Hughes A’20 earned the title of Class 2A, District 5 and Class 2A, Region 3 champion, and she finished 6th at the Class 2A state meet.

Most Outstanding Runner: Megan Hughes A’20 Most Improved: Rachael Petrarca A’21 Jaguar Spirit Award: Alexa Fredericks A’20 Coach’s Award: Sarah Gonzalez A’20

GOLF Head Coach: Chris Kumka

The team earned the titles of Class 1A, District 9 champion and Class 1A, Region 3 runner-up and accomplished its goal of advancing to the Class 1A state tournament for the first time in six years. Individually, Georgia Ruffolo A’20 was featured as Spectrum Sports Bay News 9 Athlete of the Week. She also earned the title of Class 1A, District 9 and Class 1A, Region 3 champion during the state series.

Most Outstanding Player: Georgia Ruffolo A’20 Jaguar Spirit Award: Riley Schindler A’20 Coach’s Award: Haley Angel A’20

16

WINTER 2020

SWIMMING Head Coach: Bill Shaffer Assistant Coaches: Chuck Hahn, Kathy McNeil, Ken Wiebeck Record: 14-10

Led by Bill Shaffer, the Jaguar swimming and diving team continued its tradition of excellence. The regular season prepared the girls for a fantastic postseason run in which the team captured its 12th consecutive district championship and 10th consecutive region championship. The swim team finished 4th overall at states, with the 200 medley relay of Cassidy Neely A’21, Ashlin Cannella A’24, Sydney Wills A’20 and Kate Petitt A’23 placing 2nd.

Coach Shaffer was named the 2018-2019 Florida Girls Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations. Not only has Shaffer been instrumental in developing students’ athletic abilities but he has also created a unique family environment within the program.

Most Valuable Swimmer: Ashlin Cannella A’24 Most Outstanding Swimmer: Cassidy Neely A’21 Most Outstanding Diver: Kara Petitt A’20 Most Improved: Gigi Alfonso A’23 Mara Shultz Award: Kara Petitt A’20

ATHLETICS

high school VOLLEYBALL JV Head Coach: Justin Van Vliet Record: 17-4

Most Valuable Player: Amanda Moroney A’23 Jaguar Spirit Award: Bridget McLaughlin A’23 Most Improved Player: Ava Politz A’23 Lady Jaguar Award: Jordan McDede A’23 Varsity Head Coach: Randy Thomas Assistant Coaches: Jordan Duffy, Hannah Smallwood A’19, Justin Van Vliet Record: 20-11

Under the guidance of second-year head coach Randy Thomas and staff, the varsity volleyball team played an extremely competitive match schedule that paid dividends in allowing the squad to achieve a long playoff run. Highlights of the season included a dominating win over Berkeley Prep at Spike and Splash and an epic five-set victory in the region semifinal match against Tampa Catholic.

The team was crowned Class 4A, District 7 and Class 4A, Region 3 champion and advanced to the state final four. Only one other time in school history, in 1977, has an AHN volleyball team captured the district and region championship in the same season.

Additionally, Coach Thomas was named the Tampa Bay Times Hillsborough County Coach of the Year, a well-deserved honor based on the accomplishments the program has achieved under his guidance. According to Athletic Director Kevin Vargas, the recognition is “a testament to all of the hard work, preparation and planning that Randy puts in on a daily basis, in the offseason and throughout the course of the volleyball season.” Thomas emphasizes the importance of playing hard and playing as a team, and he strives to keep each of his players on the same page.

Thomas said, “Coaching and being a part of AHN means a lot to me. Every day during the season I get to coach at an outstanding school and collaborate with some of the best faculty and staff around. AHN truly embraces the family-first philosophy. I always have great support and help.”

TAMPA BAY TIMES HONORS Randy Thomas Hillsborough County Coach of the Year Camryn McClendon A’21 All-Hillsborough County Second Team, All-Tampa Bay Honorable Mention Camille McClendon A’23 All-Hillsborough County Third Team, All-Tampa Bay Honorable Mention Campbell Halme A’23 All-Hillsborough County Honorable Mention Kinsley Warbritton A’23 All-Hillsborough County Honorable Mention Most Valuable Player: Camryn McClendon A’21 Lady Jaguar Award: Sara Vivero A’20 Coaches Award: Olivia Mortellaro A’21

www.holynamestpa.org

17

ATHLETICS

Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee PETE ALONSO A’09

Pete Alonso attributes much of his success to his parents, Peter and Michelle, who taught him to always give his best effort at anything he was doing.

In January, Major League Baseball’s 2019 National League Rookie of the Year was inducted into the Academy of the Holy Names Athletics Hall of Fame. Pete Alonso, who attended Academy during grades 6-8, was on hand to receive his award during a middle school assembly.

After graduating from the Academy, Alonso played baseball at Jesuit and Plant high schools, where he had a career batting average of .460, and he was recognized as a Louisville Slugger High School All-American and received the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award. Although he had the opportunity to enter the draft from high school, Alonso chose to play baseball at the University of Florida. He was a 2014 Freshman All-American and a member of the SEC All-Freshman Team, and he played in the College World Series in 2015 and 2016. Also in 2016, he was First Team All-American, ABCA All-South Region First Team, Most

18

WINTER 2020

Outstanding Player, recipient of the Dick Howser Trophy, and a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist for best college baseball player.

Alonso was a second-round draft pick for the New York Mets in 2016. He made his major league debut at first base in 2019, when he became the Mets’ all-time, single-season home run leader and broke the record for most home runs by a National League rookie with 53. Alonso also won the Home Run Derby, only the second rookie to do so.

Alonso’s former teachers — language arts teacher Glenda Secrest and PE teacher and lacrosse coach Mike Doyle — formally inducted him into the Hall of Fame. Both spoke of Alonso’s impressive work ethic and dedication on and off the field, a theme that echoed throughout the morning’s presentation.

ATHLETICS

To watch the complete induction ceremony, including a Q&A session with Alonso, visit https://vimeo.com/holynamestpa/petealonso.

Several classmates were at Pete Alonso’s induction ceremony, including Andrew Sassone, Marisa Infante, former language arts teacher Glenda Secrest, Catherine Young, Alex Diaz and Jack Wolfe. Other classmates shared video messages of congratulations.

In his acceptance speech, Alonso told the students, “Throughout your life, people are going to say no or that you can’t. All you have to do … is shed off any sort of negative energy or anyone who says you can’t, because you can. It’s all about putting in the work.”

Spanish-speaking teammates. “The people here want to get you to be the best person that you can be here and now. … They want to challenge you so [that] you guys can eventually become who you want to be,” he said.

Beyond stressing the importance of hard work, Alonso emphasized the importance of self-growth and acceptance. The audience was delighted when he exclaimed, “Being weird is cool, guys!”

Secrest spoke fondly of Alonso, saying, “They may call him the Polar Bear, but he was our Teddy Bear first.”

Although he would not choose a favorite teacher from his time at the Academy, Alonso acknowledged that it was Secrest who helped him prepare for interviews and to be a writer, that two of his middle school history teachers inspired him to major in the subject at the University of Florida, and that learning Spanish at the school helped bridge the communication gap between himself and his

Fellow Hall of Famers Mike Doyle and Pete Alonso.

ADVANCEMENT

WHY I GIVE BACK TOGETHER AS ONE!

Eiric, Nicole, Chloe and Zach Mintz.

20

WINTER 2020

ADVANCEMENT

Nicole and Eric Mintz have been part of the Academy’s parent community for 12 years. Their children, Chloe and Zach, are now sophomores in high school, Chloe at Academy and Zach at Jesuit. Nicole’s history goes back further, as she is an alumna from the Class of 1990. This year, she is the high school chair of the Parent Annual Fund.

Q: As an alumna, your family has a long history with the Academy. What do you like best about being a part of the community?

Q: Nicole, you have been active in the Mothers Association since Day 1. How has your experience in the organization given you a better understanding of the Academy?

A: The Academy Community is remarkable for its ability to move forward, adopt a progressive curriculum and embrace new technologies while adhering to its longstanding core values. The teachers, the coaches and the administration do an amazing job of encouraging our children to develop into young adults with a strong sense of both self and faith.

A: I love being a part of the Mothers Association. I knew we would be at the Academy for the long haul and wanted to be involved right away. When the kids were younger, it was more that I wanted to be a part of their school life, and that was a fun way for me to do that. Now that they are older, I want to try to get more high school parents involved in the school.

Q: Nicole, how has the Academy changed since you were a student? How is it the same?

Q: Are you or your husband involved in organizations outside of the Academy?

A: The Academy has always been a beautiful school, but the facilities are by far the most significant change. When I graduated, the pool was where the middle school is now. The third and fourth floors on the south side were a residence for the Sisters. I never knew there were skylights! The Bailey Center is just beautiful, and I am so proud to show it off. The field is fantastic; I’m so glad that Zach enjoyed it in middle school and that Chloe is using it now in high school. Even with all the fancy upgrades, AHN is still the same at heart. It’s a true family community, committed to educating and graduating not just the “best and brightest” but also a well-rounded student committed to education, faith and charity.

A: I am very involved at Jesuit. I also help out with gift baskets for Sparkle Power, which provides goodies for children who are hospitalized for long periods. Closest to my heart is the fundraiser, Chain Reaction, that Chloe co-founded. The event donates its proceeds to the CailinStrong Foundation.

Q: Why is giving back important to your family?

A: Giving back is important because our children have received so much from the school and benefitted greatly from the school’s significantly upgraded facilities.

Q: Why did you decide to co-chair the PAF? A: Well, I find it hard to say no when AHN calls.

Q: What is your personal goal for the PAF? A: I would really love for all families to participate at any level for the PAF. It’s so important to support our school — 100% participation would be awesome! We’ve had more grades than ever reach 100%, but we still have more work to do.

Q: What do you want parents to know about the PAF? A: Contributing to the PAF is incredibly important to the wellbeing of the school. It sends a strong signal of approval of the administration’s ambitious vision for the school.

To date, 51% of families have participated in the Parent Annual Fund.

Please remember, giving at any level is vital to the school.

www.holynamestpa.org

21

,

ADVANCEMENT

Blessed Marie Rose Society

GUEST SPEAKERS

Reception & President’s Dinner

The Bailey Family Center of the Arts set the stage this year for a beautiful Blessed Marie Rose Society Reception and President’s Dinner. The evening began in the Valdes Gallery and capped off with dinner on the stage. Guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment by the Quarter Notes and socializing with fellow society members. Each year, the Academy hosts the event to honor those who have contributed $1,500 or more during the past fiscal year. The Blessed Marie Rose Society honors the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Blessed Marie Rose Durocher.

Katelyn Chau A’20 and Clare Grammig A’21 gave poignant speeches. Both students spoke of their appreciation of service and the Academy’s influence on their perspectives and the young women they have become. Chau told the guests, “Being engaged is fully devoting yourself to each action you make. It is diving into situations headfirst, with tenacity and boldness, without fear of judgment or failure. This is the type of girl the Academy fosters: a future leader, a diverse figure and an impassioned young woman of creativity and intelligence.” Grammig echoed, “This school has taught me what love truly means, and equally important, to use my intellect and analytical abilities to seek solutions and not just react emotionally. The Academy of the Holy Names has instilled an appreciation for the blessings I have had and a passion for using my abilities to serve others.”

Robert and Laurel Grammig with their daughter and guest speaker, Clare Grammig A’21.

Katelyn Chau A’20 with her mother Tuyen Chau.

22

WINTER 2020

Justin Wilber and Zeina Takieddine, Greg Lieb and Stephanie Crane Lieb A’99, and Brent and Blakely Kriegshauser.

,

ADVANCEMENT

Jordan and Amy Rivait with Megan and Eric Ochotorena.

Rick and Marie Barkett.

Ernie and Yvette Garateix.

Ruth and Fred Lynch with President Art Raimo, center.

Harvey Schonbrun, Ty Trayner and Tom Holt.

Sr. Lisa Perkowski, IHM, with Carol and Todd Schweitzer.

Jeff Thompson and Velen Diaz Thompson A’83 with Chris Hill and Kim Wilmath Hill A’05.

The Academy Quarter Notes.

www.holynamestpa.org

23

ADVANCEMENT

HONORING THE HOLY NAMES

Legacy Society

Keynote speaker Linda Danco MacGregor A’79 enjoys the luncheon with her granddaughter Sofia Peralta, mother Rosemarie Christ Danco S’56, daughter Lisa Peralta and granddaughter Liana Rodriguez.

The Academy established the Holy Names Legacy Society to benefit the AHN Endowment and future needs of the school by providing financial assistance for students, professional development for faculty and staff, and maintenance of the facilities. To learn how you may join the Holy Names Legacy Society, please contact Debbie Gavalas at (813) 835-3522 .

24

WINTER 2020

ADVANCEMENT

Encouraging new planned gifts as a means to build the school endowment was a focus of the first phase of the Academy Ascending capital campaign. The campaign goal of securing 20 new planned gifts was exceeded with 26 new commitments, bringing the current total to 37 members. In December, the Academy thanked those who have made a commitment to the school in their estate plans.

This year’s featured speaker was Linda Danco MacGregor A’79, who comes from a long line of Academy graduates. She is a fourth-generation student educated by the Sisters.

Her grandmother, Hazel Rothert, was a member of the Class of 1928, and her mother, Rosemarie Christ Danco, graduated from Sacred Heart in 1956. Her great-uncles attended The Convent of the Holy Names in the late 1800s when the school was downtown.

MacGregor has at least 55 family members who were educated by the Sisters!

She credits the teachers and administrators for helping her toward an engineering program.

“I was in high school in the late 1970s. While that period might be characterized in many ways, one factor was the success of NASA and the entry of women into technical careers.

The teachers and administrators recognized this trend and steered those of us that liked math and science towards engineering college recruiters. Brilliant!” she exclaimed.

MacGregor attended Vanderbilt University, where she earned an environmental engineering degree. Her career has included a variety of “water” consulting roles and placements with state governments. She is currently the water department director for the city of Gainesville, Ga., where she is responsible for the $80 million water, wastewater and stormwater operations.

Even after she graduated from the Academy, MacGregor turned to the Sisters for guidance.

She credits Sister Mary Glavin for helping her “navigate rough seas” during her college years while Sister Mary was serving as pastoral minister at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

MacGregor also had an ongoing relationship with Sister Rose Christina Momm. MacGregor says when the two first reconnected, she “talked to me at length at that very moment, as if she had been expecting my call and as if she had nothing else in her agenda for the day.”

Although the Academy has a new look, MacGregor earnestly remarks that the tradition of a Holy Names education remains. “The internet, 3D printing and even air conditioning are today’s essentials that Hazel and her uncles could not have imagined. But the nurturing and empowerment of young people, especially young women, are the same over the 100-plus years that my family has been fortunate enough to be part of this very special community,” she said. “I hope the traditions of the Sisters last for a very long time to come. I know I speak for thousands of alumni when I say thank you for helping so many of us to be, rather than to seem.”

HOLY NAMES LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Anonymous (4) Diana and Harold Astorquiza Schezy and Steve Barbas Patricia Power Bohannan A’77 Beverly Bush A’55 Jeanette Campbell Capella A’86* Irma Jean Simpson Doke S’52 Edmund J. Foody Richard Gonzmart B’67 Kimberly Valenti Grandoff A’77 Angela Ferrante Guagliardo A’59 Jane Hardin Kay Culbreath Heller Patricia Miller Herrmann A’55 Theresa and David Jones Debbie and Sam Lazzara Stephanie Crane Lieb A’99 and Dr. Gregory Lieb Debra S. Lubrano Linda Danco MacGregor A’79 Sheryl and George W. Martz Jr. Angela Spicola Morgan A’67 Terri Costantini Naylor A’68 Dorothy Corfield Norton A’60 Vivien A. Oliva A’63 Barbara and Anthony Scarpo Jan and Anthony Scicchitano Patricia Torres A’68 Terre Tulsiak Raulniña Uzzle-Harris A’82 Candace and Michael J. Valdes B’77 Mattie Tison Vega A’59 Sharon and Robert West Isabelle Williams A’48 Christopher Winiarz A’97 *Newest member

It is the members of the Holy Names Legacy Society that will ensure the mission and charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names will continue for generations to come.

www.holynamestpa.org

25

ALUMNI Spotlight

SELENA CASTILLO A’10 COMBINES PASSIONS, CREATES ULTIMATE JOB

Selena Castillo A’10 has a passion for basketball. A 2014 graduate of Emory University, Castillo was a four-year letter winner for the Emory women’s basketball team. She helped guide the Eagles to their first UAA Conference Championship and graduated as the all-time steals leader with 229, a record she still holds.

After graduation, Castillo returned to Tampa and considered law school, an option that is still on the table. While coaching high school basketball and AAU, she started working at her mother’s law firm. It was there that she saw the need for graphic design with the firm’s website

26

WINTER 2020

and advertising. A new passion was born, and Castillo taught herself graphic design with the help of YouTube videos and trial and error.

In 2016, Castillo interned with Tampa Bay Sports Commission, a nonprofit organization that seeks to create social and economic benefits to the Tampa Bay region through sporting and entertainment events.

After seeing Castillo’s graphics work, the director offered her a contract job doing graphic design. Through this work and a savvy Twitter account, where Castillo started strategically building her personal social media brand years ago, she caught

Duke’s attention. A message through Twitter landed her a new role: creative director for Duke women’s basketball.

Since she’s been at Duke, Castillo has grown the team’s social media following exponentially, a huge factor in building the team’s brand and recruiting. Its overall presence has grown more than 300% since Castillo started in 2017. In November, the @DukeWBB Instagram account became the first in the ACC program to hit 40,000 followers; it is currently the most followed Instagram account among Power Five conferences at 45,100.

Castillo’s day-to-day life revolves around the sport she loves. Through graphic design, videos, motion graphics and more, she is constantly creating new content for the team. Castillo also oversees the brand and content strategy, and she ensures the athletes are representing the team through their personal content. She attends all practices and games, which has strengthened her relationship with the players. She believes this connection with the team adds to her ability to generate authentic content.

When she first started, Castillo’s role was nonexistent in women’s basketball. She

credits Duke for being ahead of the curve, and she holds herself as a standard-bearer for the sport she loves. This accountability is not lost on larger audiences. Castillo had the opportunity to speak to coaches at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Tampa, and she will again this spring in New Orleans.

She has also addressed athletes at the Duke girls basketball camp and was a featured speaker at A Step Up coaching symposiums.

Castillo would advise today’s youth to realize the power of social media and to think of their personal brand. “I took so much pride in who I was as a person and

it translated to social media,” she said.

“Your character will get you places that your talent can’t. You can strategically tell your story.”

That character is something Castillo attributes to the Academy, where she says she learned what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself and have standards to uphold. “I know at the end of day, I have family, faith and the foundation of the Academy.”

To see more of Castillo’s work, visit selenacastillo.com or @DukeWBB on Instagram.

www.holynamestpa.org

27

ALUMNI

Annual

ALUMNI Dinner

On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Holy Names Alumni Association hosted the annual Alumni Dinner at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. Alumni celebrating with classmates from their Holy Names alma maters filled the ballroom. As always, attendees enjoyed a plethora of exciting auction items, raising $11,235 to benefit the Sister Irene Marie Brunelle Alumni Scholarship.

This year’s scholarship recipient, Samantha Cuttle A’20, daughter of Anna-Maria Menendez Cuttle A’85 (deceased), thanked the crowd for their support of her Academy education.

Jennifer Griffin Bush A’00, Stephanie Smith Leuthauser A’00 and Kalinda Campbell A’00.

CELEBRATING THEIR SILVER ANNIVERSARY, MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1995 ENJOY VISITING WITH SISTER MARIELLEN BLASER. STANDING: Denise Alverio Tini, Cristina

Lorenzo, Tara Cannella Edwards, Jennifer Geis Santillan, Sr. Mariellen Blazer, Ana Urrutia Santos, Sulein Santini Bryant and Jessica Lee Fogg.

SEATED: Andrea Maniscalco Gysel and Laura Jo Fernandez Paredes.

28

WINTER 2020

ALUMNI

Sacred Heart Golden Girls Rosemary Perkins Ashby S’70 and Margie McMillan Bellware S’70.

Debbie DiSalvo Garczynski A’76, Carey Cardinale DiPompo A’76, Anne Brindley Lopez A’76, Lina Cavallo Sjoblom A’76, Becky Rocha Kratz A’76 and Bee D’Allesandro Everett A’76.

Kelley Mulfinger McIlvaine A’03, Sr. Mary Patricia Plumb, SNJM A’55, and Terin Barbas Cremer A’03.

Elizabeth Leva Clark A’05, Sr. Mary Glavin, Sarah Tyler Sievers A’05 and Kim Wilmath Hill A’05.

THE CLASS OF 1985 IS STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 35 YEARS!

THE CLASS OF 1990 WAS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE ITS ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR CLASSMATE! Jennifer Perrella, Kathleen Mikell Webb,

Wanda Frederick S’47 has long shown her devotion to the Sisters of the Holy Names!

Members of the Class of 2010 Mary Polo del Cueto, Shannon Mysak, Olivia Martinez, Alexa Rodriguez, Kelsey Rafols and Taylor DeMesa.

Laura Lodato LoPresti, Marie Prado Martinez, Daisy Souto Heiman, Katie Trautman Dierks, Kim Alvarez Perez, Carla Porcaro Powers, Ilene Portales Crowther, Kim Shaw Willis, Jodi Rivera and Melissa Paniello Castellana.

Alumnus of the Year Lisa Griffin Hodgdon, Melissa Griffin Barrus, Fe Inga Luttrell, Louise Riveron Lopez, Joanna Parrino Caranante, April Shannon McDonald, Danicet Cura, Nicole Matassini Mintz and Marci Fernandez Kant.

www.holynamestpa.org

29

ALUMNI

Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90, center, with her parents James and Judy Griffin, daughter Emma (6th grade), son Griffin (8th grade), sister Melissa Griffin Barrus A’90 and husband Keith.

Alumnus of the Year

LISA GRIFFIN HODGDON A’90 Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90 was named Alumnus of the Year at the annual Alumni Dinner in November. Hodgdon and her sister, Melissa Griffin Barrus A’90, commuted to the Academy from Plant City, a decision she credits to their mother. After the Academy, she graduated from Florida State University and graduated cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. Her two children, Emma and Griffin, attend middle school at the Academy.

Hodgdon works at Nelson Mullin where she focuses on cases involving Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Federal Civil Rights Act, whistleblower and retaliation claims, and state and local employment laws. She volunteers her time with the AHN Mothers Association as president, the Junior League and Guardian Ad Litem. She is also a Leadership Tampa alumna.

At the dinner, Hodgdon received an introduction by Academy campus minister Katie Solomon Holland A’95, who worked closely with Hodgdon during her many years as Community Service Day chair. Holland said, “Lisa absolutely deserves to be recognized as our Alumnus of the Year. She lives out our motto of ‘Esse Quam Videri’ better than any other person I have met through my many

30

WINTER 2020

years of being associated with the Academy. She balances the demands of a prestigious career with the importance of family life and still makes time to help those around her. … Lisa lives her life for the good of others and lives in a way that makes [Academy alumni] look really good.”

Upon accepting her award, Hodgdon credited the Sisters with her foundation and continuing their educational model with today’s students. “[During] my four years [at the Academy], I learned that it is all right to go outside your comfort zone, and sometimes we have to be pushed. I appreciate the Sisters of the Holy Names for doing that. … I think that outside of the comfort zone is where you reach your full potential,” she said.

With her ongoing commitment to the Academy, the community will certainly continue to benefit from Hodgdon’s service. It is in her modesty, however, that her gratitude is most evident. “Every bit I have given back does not begin to touch what I have received and [what] my family has received,” she said.

ALUMNI

Young Alumni

HOLIDAY MIXER

Courtney Mastrorio A’15, Madison Matter A’15 and Lauren Calka A’15.

Olivia Hobbs A’14, Christina Gerecke A’13, Catherine Young A’13, Alexandra Diaz A’13, Alexandra Gerecke A’13 and Madison Allen A’13.

Gabriella Perez A’10 and Bernard Perez A’11.

Michelle Wherley A’10, Samantha Mikulaschek A’11, Kathleen Sheridan A’11 and Sarah Port A’12.

Rebecca Parillo A’16, Karlee Nipper A’16, Eva Prendergast A’16, Kendal Lewis A’16 and Almarosa Torres A’16.

Olivia Rivas A’16, Caroline Yount A’16 and Julia DiFabrizio A’16.

Mary DesRosiers A’16, Megan Bajo A’16, Caroline Swenson A’16, Skylar Sinardi A’16, Madison Matesich A’16, Jacqueline Joyce A’16, Caroline Yount A’16, Jayne McLaughlin A’16, Kelsea Henry A’16 and Hadley Chillura A’16.

www.holynamestpa.org

31

ALUMNI

COLLEGE-AGE ALUMNAE

Holiday Lunch

Mia Lopez A’18, Feraby Hoffman A’18, Audrey Diaz A’18 and Sarah Conn A’18.

Sydney Beil A’18, Evelyn Martinez A’18, Lauren Pieper A’18, Isabella Sebek A’18, Olivia Traud A’18, Madison Williams A’18 and Neha Simon A’18.

Emily Catherine Haly A’19, Charli Young A’19, Natalie Smith A’19, Olivia Fernandez A’19 and Bailly Gray A’19.

Chloe Paman A’17, Sophia Bahr A’17, Teresa Toronzo A’17 and Rachel Rosales A’17.

Gillian Garcia A’18, Tabitha Rucker A’18, Vanessa Davila A’18, Meghan Curinga A’18, Lindsey Perez A’18, Neha Simon A’18, Lyric Vickers A’18, Pwania Taylor A’18 and Nyla Jacobs A’18.

Audrey Anello A’17, Alexandra Fonseca A’18, Jackie Beltram A’18 and Anna Padron A’17.

AHN & JHS BAR ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY

Gabby Perez A’10, Amber Schonbrun McDonnell A’01, Jamison Stevens Hernandez A’01, Sara Sheffield A’01, Carmen DiGerlando A’86, Stephanie Crane Lieb A’99, Danicet Cura A’90 and Lisa Griffin Hodgdon A’90.

32

WINTER 2020

ALUMNI UPDATES 1953-1980 Class Correspondents Edith Cockcroft Jordan herbertjc@cantv.net Rosemarie Pollock Neville stleolibra@yahoo.com

B 1967 Richard Gonzmart was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Tampa Bay Chapter, at its annual National Philanthropy Day breakfast. Gonzmart was nominated by Academy of the Holy Names, Jesuit High School, Meals on Wheels, Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation and Tampa Bay History Center.

1976 1953

S 1958

Audrey Gros Smith agbs1acm@yahoo.com

1961

Sandra Greco Diaz sjdiaz@tampabay.rr.com

1962

Mary Frances Menas Smith mfrsmith4@gmail.com Susan Krist Boyle mskb2015@outlook.com

1965

Claudia Rowley Ward wardtampa@gmail.com

1966

Pat Torres petorres49@gmail.com

1968

Karen Cuervo Rocha krocha@holynamestpa.org

1971

Jo Ann Nuccio nuccio.joann@gmail.com

1973

Nolan Power Kimball nkimball@myrapidsys.com

1974

Angie Garcia Ammon angieammon@gmail.com

1976

Stephanie Agliano sagliano@verizon.net

1977

Sandy Meyer Pieper palmtree0410@gmail.com

1978

ALUMNI EVENTS 12TH ANNUAL ALUMNI EASTER EGG HUNT March 21, 2020

HOLY NAMES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD DEADLINE April 1, 2020

SILVER COFFEE AND SENIOR INDUCTION CEREMONY May 14, 2020

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR NOMINATION DEADLINE  Joanne Grim Pistorius and Alicia Argiz-Lyons are the driving force behind Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance, a benefit for Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa. Last year’s successful charity event donated $22,000 to Shriners.

This year’s event is scheduled for April 17-18, 2020, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. For more information, visit the website at gasparillaconcours.com.

B 1977 Michael Valdes was named No. 39 on the Forbes list of Top 250 Wealth Advisors. The publication also named him No. 1 in Florida in 2018 and 2019. He has also been recognized by WealthManagement Magazine and the Financial Times Top 400. Valdes is the founder and leader of the Valdes Group, a boutique financial practice where each client gains customized support and disciplined financial oversight.

May 1, 2020

BOYS INDUCTION CEREMONY May 19, 2020

REUNION WEEKEND MASS AND BRUNCH June 7, 2020 Visit holynamestpa.org/alumni for more information.

www.holynamestpa.org

33

ALUMNI UPDATES 1981-2010 Class Correspondents Kim Savoy Wiley kim@jmwiley.net

1982

Mary Alice Fernandez Lopez malopez@holynamestpa.org

1983

Paula Castellano Golson pgolson1@jhmi.edu

1984

Jodi Rivera j757rivera@aol.com

1985

Suzette Lemrow sml86@mindspring.com

1986

Dana Leon Nazaretian dnazaretian@holynamestpa.org

1987

Jennifer Fernandez Dabbs jdabbs@mac.com

1989

Lisa Griffin Hodgdon lghodgdon@yahoo.com

1990

Meg O’Connor Seoane meg.seoane@gmail.com

1991

Dina Busciglio Sheridan dinausf@aol.com

1992

Lisa Sanabria Scanio lisascanio33@yahoo.com

1993

Casey Hurley Kiser churleykiser@yahoo.com

1994

Shannon Ratliff Corless shannoncorless@me.com

1995

Michelle Gorecki Robinson mgorecki7@yahoo.com

1996

34

WINTER 2020

1986

2005

Suzette Lemrow started a new career as a medical case manager with HIV/AIDS patients. The nonprofit clinic where she works has been in Tampa for decades; it was started by Franciscans and recently joined a large hospice company in Pinellas County. The small clinic is staffed with people who care about training their employees as much as serving their clients. Lemrow is thankful for the experiences, friendships and education she gained through her years at USF, and she is thankful and ready to use her skills in a more direct vocation.

Kim Wilmath Hill was named in the Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2019 in the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Hill is the assistant vice president of public relations and communications at the University of South Florida. She is also a member of the Academy of the Holy Names Board of Trustees.

2006

1990 Louise Lopez joined Focal Point Data Risk LLC as chief financial officer. The company is a leading cybersecurity services provider for government and Fortune 500 clients. Prior to Focal Point, Lopez was the EVP of finance and accounting at MGT of America Consulting and held a variety of roles at PwC, where she served in a strategic, globally interactive capacity, focusing largely on acquisition and integration, business case analysis, strategic planning and global strategic project management. She is grateful for her new career opportunity and the values and experiences AHN gave her; she also thanks Sister Mary Glavin for making such a significant impact on her life.

Lopez has two daughters, Mia A’19 and Lily, a sophomore at the Academy.

Louise Lopez and Sr. Mary Glavin at the annual Alumni Dinner.

Tina Thomas Sievers A’76, Kirstin Rasmussen Walther A’06, Christina Escobar A’06, Allie Howell Kessler A’06, Angie Garcia Ammon A’76, Lauren Lange A’06, Megan Lawler Bullock A’06, Bethany Wagner A’06, Mary Holtsinger Howell A’75, Caroline Kelly A’06 and Gina D’Avanza Kelly A’75 at Lange’s wedding.

2010 Kiersten DeHaven is the senior project manager for Kidame Mart, Ethiopia’s rural distribution solution. Similar to Avon, Kidame Mart recruits female entrepreneurs in rural areas to go door-to-door to sell high impact goods (soap, detergent, nutritionally fortified food, solar lamps, water filters) to their communities. More information can be found at ifundwomen.com/projects/ kidame-mart.

ALUMNI Christina Socias started a mentorship program at Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy (BELA) charter school, an allgirls high school located in the BedfordStuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y. After reading about the school’s mission of targeting an underserved community, Socias contacted the founders and launched the BELA Mentorship Program. When asked about how she started, Socias said, “I’ve always believed that investing in women’s education is the most powerful thing I could do … so this was a great opportunity to capitalize on that. Prior to BELA, I mentored a young woman in an established program in New York City, so I had some experience and was ready to create my own.”

Class Correspondents Melissa Fernandez Bunch melissa.bunch@gmail.com

1997

Jaime Gurley Helms 1998 jaime.helms@outfrontmedia.com

 Elizabeth Barrett won Best Oralist and Best Respondent Brief in the 43rd Charles W. Froessel Moot Court Competition at New York Law School, held this past fall. The Froessel Competition is one of the most demanding and rigorous intramural competitions in the country. Barrett, in her second year at New York Law School, has accepted an offer to intern this summer at the New York City office of Holland & Knight, LLP.

Gina Barbato A’10 , Christina Socias A’10 and friend Annie Badman all mentor students at BELA.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE

HOLY NAMES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD Visit holynamestpa.org/alumni to apply.

Courtney Blakeman Lambert jsangel67@hotmail.com

1999

Kalinda Campbell kalindacampbell@gmail.com

2000

Amber Schonbrun McDonnell amberschonbrun@gmail.com

2001

Victoria Pardo Booth 2002 VictoriaDyannBooth@yahoo.com Terin Barbas Cremer terin.cremer@gmail.com

2003

Claire Donovan csdonova@gmail.com

2004

Jessica Cruze jcruze18@gmail.com

2005

Kelly Carey kellyanncarey@gmail.com

2006

Emily Pantelis emily.pantelis@gmail.com

2007

Meggie Willis mwillis74@ufl.edu

2008

Shannon McCarthy smmccarthy313@gmail.com

2009

Olivia Martinez ommartinez12@gmail.com

2010

To nominate an Alumnus of the Year or an Athletic Hall of Fame candidate, visit holynamestpa.org/alumni.

www.holynamestpa.org

35

ALUMNI UPDATES 2011-2019

2011

2015

Alexa Parisey recently accepted a position with Ernst & Young in the Tampa office. She and her husband, Joel, bought a home in Tampa’s Riverside Heights neighborhood in October.

Erika Menendez graduated from Florida State University in May and moved back to Tampa. She is employed as an associate district manager for ADP.

2014

Class Correspondents Meredith Zingale meredith.zingale@shethinx.com

2011

Reena Martinez reena.angela@gmail.com

2012

Cailin Dunne cailind@ymail.com

2013

Caroline Lamoutte clamoutte17@gmail.com

2016

Ashley Lambert ash.ley177@yahoo.com

2017

Gillian Garcia gillian1522@yahoo.com

2018

Hira Khan hirasohailkhan@gmail.com

2019

 Classmates Becca Patterson, Allie Reichert, Claire Snyder, Natalie Hahn and Carmelle Kuizon A’15 met up in Washington, D.C., in December. While there, they ran the Jingle All the Way 15k Race.

To nominate an Alumnus of the Year or an Athletic Hall of Fame candidate, visit holynamestpa.org/alumni.

36

WINTER 2020

Sydney Schaefer graduated from Florida State University in May. She accepted a position with the Colorado Springs Police Department, working as a specialist of investigations in the Violent Crimes Unit.

Konner Brewer graduated from Stanford University with a product design engineering degree. Over the summer, she traveled to Paris to be the keynote speaker for an international Type 1 Diabetes campaign. Konner recently started working for Jump Associates and as an adjunct lecturer for Stanford’s product design engineering class. She attributes so much of her confidence in who she is, her strong faith in God and her work ethic to AHN and all it instilled in her.

2018 Samantha Garateix is the president of the Gamma Pi chapter of Sigma Delta Tau at the University of Tampa.

Sigma Delta Tau is a national sorority committed to empowering women through scholarship, service, sisterhood and leadership. She is also on the Spartan Scarlets dance team.

ALUMNI

2019

LET’S HAVE A

class reunion  Madison Rooth was named the 2019 Florida Institute of Technology Farmer Scholar, the university’s most prestigious financial award. With the recognition, Rooth will receive a full, four-year scholarship including all tuition and university fees, room and board.

Additionally, the Farmer Scholar is given a stipend for enrichment through Florida Tech’s summer study abroad program at Oxford University. The scholarship is awarded to a high school graduate who is among the top 5% of his or her class and demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and outstanding personal character. Rooth plans to study astronomy and astrophysics.

Natalie Smith was chosen for the University of the South Carolina’s highly competitive Business and Community Leadership Fellows program. The threeyear program is designed to develop leadership skills that can be used to make positive impacts in the Carolina community and beyond. BCLF students work directly with executives from BB&T and the United Way. Smith will have the opportunity to network with and be mentored by business and community leaders, complete the BB&T Emerging Community Leadership Development course, and complete the United Way Board Member Development course.

She was recognized for her extensive commitment to community service.

CLASSES TO CELEBRATE IN 2019-2020:

1970 (50 years) 1975 (45 years) 1980 (40 years) 1990 (30 years)

1995 (25 years) 2000 (20 years) 2010 (10 years) 2015 (5 years)

Gatherings for the classes will take place on Friday, June 6, or Saturday, June 7, 2020. The anniversary classes were honored by the Holy Names Alumni Association at the annual Alumni Dinner in November, and they will be honored again at the Alumni Homecoming Mass and Brunch on Sunday, June 7.

Don’t miss a chance to tour the new high school spaces! Class reunion coordinators are listed below by year — their enthusiasm is contagious! Contact your class coordinator to get involved.

Elizabeth Pollock Downing edowning50@verison.net

S 1970

Vanessa Meister Bergin vanessa.bergin@yahoo.com

Elaine Guagliardo Belt elainegbelt@gmail.com

A 1970

Jennifer Griffin Bush jmg0751@yahoo.com

Tricia Freeze Givens rsgpfg@verizon.net

Kalinda Campbell kalindacampbell@gmail.com

1980 We are looking for a class reunion coordinator. If you are interested in being the coordinator or working on the reunion, please contact Patty Bohannan.

Dana Fernandez McMillian dana.mcmillian@gmail.com Taylor DeMesa taylor.demesa@gmail.com

Danicet Cura curalaw@gmail.com

1990

Olivia Martinez ommartinez12@gmail.com

Katie Solomon Holland kholland@holynamestpa.org

1995

Mica Wiley mica@jmwiley.net

2000

2010

2015

www.holynamestpa.org

37

a new leaf on the ALUMNI

family tree

Jaime Gurley Helms A’98 and her husband, Josh, welcomed their third child, a daughter, Renley Grace, on Dec. 19, 2018.

Renley weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.

She joins her big brothers, Rory and Rhett.

Michelle Tonelli A’01 and her husband, Michael Wittke, welcomed their daughter, Zephyr Elfriede, in April.

Aimy Shaluly Dominguez A’02 and her husband, Rankhses, welcomed their son, Quentin Dominguez Shaluly, on Feb. 13, 2019. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.

Kelley Mulfinger McIlvaine A’03 and her husband, Andy, welcomed their daughter, Lucy Jean, on Sept. 17. She weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Lucy was named after her great-grandmother, Barbara Jean, and was born on her grandfather Charlie Mulfinger’s birthday!

Elizabeth Victoria Layton

Christine Rothman Jones A’04 and her husband, Chris, welcomed their son, Duke Hayden, on June 24. Duke weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21 inches long. He joins his big sister, Harper.

Christine teaches 1st grade at the Academy.

Caroline Meyer Layton A’04 and her husband, Robert, welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Victoria, on Sept. 8. Elizabeth weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20.25 inches long. She joins her big brother, James.

Jessica Hudock Prather A’04 and her husband, Tim, welcomed their daughter, Eleanor “Ella” Rose, on Sept. 13. Ella weighed 8 pounds and was 19.5 inches long.

Lindsey Martinez Cheramie A’11 and her husband, Chris, welcomed their daughter, Anastasia Grace, on Sept. 26. Anastasia weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 18.75 inches long.

38

WINTER 2020

Quentin Shaluly Dominguez

ALUMNI

Duke Hayden Jones Renley Grace Helms

Lucy Jean McIlvaine

Anastasia Grace Cheramie

Eleanor “Ella” Rose Prather

Zephyr Elfriede Wittke

welcome home www.holynamestpa.org

39

ALUMNI

weddings

Lauren Lange A’06 married Matthew Smith from Cleveland on July 27 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame. Lauren and Matt live in Chicago, where Lauren works as a pediatrician and Matt works in private equity. They’re hoping to survive the winter by planning a few weekend trips to Tampa.

Megan Lawler A’06 married Cameron Bullock on Oct. 5 in Asheville, N.C. Bridal party members included Caroline Kelly A’06, and Bethany Wagner A’06 was maid of honor. Kirstin Rasmussen Walther A’06, Allie Howell Kessler A’06, Christina Escobar A’06 and Lauren Lange Smith A’06 were also involved every step of the way. The couple resides in Tampa, where Megan works in commercial real estate and Cameron works in public accounting.

Kelsey Bohannan A’08 married Graham Garrett Mackey on Dec. 14 in the Chapel of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher. The reception was held at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. Kelsey is the daughter of Academy Director of Alumni Relations, Patty Power Bohannan A’77. Kayleigh Bohannan A’05 was maid of honor. The couple resides in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Lauren Lange and Matthew Smith wed July 27.

Mary Polo A’10, married Alex del Cueto on Dec. 1, 2018, in Jesuit’s Chapel of the Holy Cross. Mary is the daughter of Mary Jo Cadrecha Polo A’83 and the granddaughter of Cynthia Tarantino Cadrecha A’59 and Sandra Spoto Polo S’57. Alex is the son of Maite “Kiki” Prado del Cueto A’82. The bridal party included Mary’s sister and maid of honor, Annie Polo A’13, sister-in-law Amanda del Cueto A’07, Rosie Posada Muratides A’10, Gina Barbato A’10, Kara Kilfoile McCullers A’10, Alexa Rodriquez A’10 and Olivia Martinez A’10. Mary’s uncle, Father Robert Cadrecha Jr. B’77, was the celebrant of her nuptial Mass.

Brynn Wiley A’12 and Robert Blain Gibbons were married on June 29 in St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Brynn is the daughter of Academy faculty member Kim Savoy Wiley A’82 and Joseph Wiley.

Monsignor Robert Gibbons S’63, uncle of the groom, presided. Brynn and Robby met in junior high while attending Sacred Heart Academy in Tampa. They reside in Macon, Ga., where Brynn is an ICU nurse and Robby is attending medical school at Mercer University.

Hannah Crall A’14 married Colin Brennan on Feb. 9, 2019, in St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Bridal party members included Angelina Fenton A’14, Cassidy Gourley A’14 and Rebecca Patterson A’14. Hannah’s sister and current AHN senior, Emma Crall, served as maid of honor. The couple resides in Pensacola while Colin completes flight training with the United States Air Force.

40

WINTER 2020

Megan Lawler and Cameron Bullock wed Oct. 5.

Katelyn and Nathaniel wed Sept. 8.

ALUMNI

Kelsey Bohannan and Graham Garrett Mackey wed Dec. 14.

Brynn Wiley and Robert Blain Gibbons wed June 29.

Mary Polo and Alex del Cueto wed Dec. 1, 2018.

Hannah Crall and Colin Brennan wed Feb. 9, 2019. www.holynamestpa.org

41

ALUMNI

sincere sympathy

Donna Bierfischer Beckham A’68 John R. Beranek, brother of JoAnn Beranek Rodriguez S’55.

Lynn Bulleit, grandmother of Kendall Bulleit A’17.

Luke Colson Carlisle, son of Sharon Colson Carlisle A’72, grandson of Helen Patricia “Patsy” Posey Colson A’51 (deceased) and nephew of Pamela Colson Strobeck A’75.

Colette Ehrlacher Chandler S’56, sister of Constance “Connie” Ehrlacher Obispo S’56 (deceased).

Mary Frances Cooper Chapmon S’43, sister of Florence Cooper Saxton S’42.

David George Cobb, father of Melissa Cobb Legier A’76, Lora Cobb Zavada A’78 and Brian Cobb B’76 (deceased), and grandfather of Amanda Smith Laxague A’05.

Alice Cole, mother of Robert Cole B’74 (deceased), Catherine Cole Ferreri A’73, Ellen Cole Harman A’80, motherin-law of Timothy Ferreri B’69, and grandmother of Candace Cole A’09.

Doris and Eugene Fernandez, grandparents of Rebecca Castellano A’16 and current Academy student Ella Castellano, and parent-in-laws of Nelson Castellano B’80.

Dr. Sam Ferreri, father of Timothy “Tim” Ferreri B’69, Dennis Ferreri B’72, Karen Ferreri A’78 and Janelle Ferreri Thaxton A’84, and father-in-law of Catherine “Cathy” Cole Ferreri A’73.

Ralph Garcia, son of Angeles Rodriguez Garcia A’54 (deceased,) grandson of Ofelia Gonzalez Rodriguez A’25 (deceased), and brother of Angie Garcia Ammon A’76, Ann Garcia Vitali A’77, and Carole Garcia A’78.

Margaret Jean “Marge” Heese, mother of Diane Heese Scheb A’77.

Anne Hogan (formerly known as Sister James Peter, SNJM), Academy guidance counselor in the late 1960s.

Carol Luce Howell, mother-in-law of Mary Holtsinger Howell A’75 and grandmother of Allie Howell Kessler A’06.

James DesRosiers, father of Michael DesRosiers A’05, Alexander DesRosiers A’09 and Mary DesRosiers A’16.

Patricia Alvarez Ferdinando A’59.

42

WINTER 2020

Bertha M. Kruger, mother of Liliana “Lily” Bencomo Kinmonth A’74 and Rita Bencomo Phillips A’81.

William “Billy” Rednour Legier Jr., son of Melissa Cobb Legier A’76, nephew of Lora Cobb Zavada A’78 and Brian Cobb B’76(deceased), and cousin of Amanda Smith Laxague A’05.

Heidi Mohr A’06, sister of Katherin Mohr Barringer A’04.

Cecil McClary, father-in-law of Patrick McGucken A’94, and grandfather of current Academy student Patrick McGucken.

Mary Catherine Morrissey, grandmother of Bridget Kratz A’09 and Frances Kratz A’15.

Constance “Connie” Ehrlacher Obispo S’56, sister of Colette Ehrlacher S’56 (deceased).

Zoe Othero, mother-in-law of Academy teacher Ana Gonzalez, and grandmother of Andre Gonzalez A’06 and Sofia Gonzalez A’15.

John Parker, husband of Barbara Ann Ortiz Parker S’56.

Deacon William “Bill” Diaz, father of Valerie Diaz Holland A’76.

Jerry Dean Dingle, father-in-law of Board of Trustees member Kimberly Dingle, and grandfather of Ashley Dingle A’19 and Lauren Dingle A’19.

Carolyn Chambers Jones, mother of Jamie Jones Johnson A’77.

 Julia “Judy” G. Jennings, longtime AHN physical education teacher and a member of AHN’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mary Jane Scully Ingram, mother of AHN employee Michele O’Loughlin and grandmother of Emily O’Loughlin A’09 and Tim O’Loughlin A’10.

George Howard Pennington Jr., father of former Academy teacher Karyn Reina, and grandfather of Domenick Reina A’02 and Kathryn Reina A’06.

Juan Prado, father of Maite Prado del Cueto A’82, grandfather of Dr. Amanda del Cueto Dillinger A’07 and grandfather-in-law of Mary Polo del Cueto A’10.

ALUMNI

Sean Michael Quigley, brother of Mary Delia Quigley A’68, Brigid Quigley Moran A’75 and Mary Anne Quigley A’79.

Charles I. Roberts III, husband of Florence Ciaravella Roberts S’59.

Harold Rothman, father of former AHN Board of Trustees Chair Robert Rothman, grandfather of Michael Rothman A’97, Carolyn Rothman Atwood A’99, Christine Rothman Jones A’04 and Kimberly Rothman Tucker A’08, and grandfather-in-law of Kelly Russell Rothman A’04 and Matthew Tucker A’04.

Harry J. “Whitey” Schneller, father of past Academy High School principal Mary Schneller Johnson (deceased), grandfather of Margaret “Meg” Johnson Behuniak A’92, Julie Johnson Nohra A’95 and Molly Johnson Montgomery A’01, grandfather-in-law of Melissa Newcom Johnson A’94, and great-grandfather of current Academy student Morgan Johnson.

Raymond “Ray” Paul Smith III, brother of Debbie Smith Hibberts A’74 and Nancy Smith Hankin A’76.

Fernando “Freddy” Socias, husband of Ana Alvarez Socias A’78, father of Jennifer “Jenny” Socias Smith A’03 and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Socias Swanson A’06, brother-in-law of Luly Alvarez Socias A’77, and uncle of Stephanie Socias A’08 and Christina Socias A’10.

Becky Burnett Waibel, sister of Floy Burnett McNulty A’67, and grandmother of current Academy student Jenna Burnett.

Earl H. Ware Jr., father of Earl H. Ware III B’73, Jeffrey Ware B’76, Jennifer Ware Massey A’84 and Laura-Elizabeth Ware Wash A’93, brother of Linda Ware Treviesa A’62, and brother-in-law of Barbara Oldt Ware A’52.

Michael Mark Wehle, brother of Sr. Dolores Wehle, SNJM S’58, Marilyn Wehle White S’55, Sharon Wehle Mitchell S’61, Kris Wehle Holland S’65, Ann Wehle Helmer S’71 and Cecilia Wehle Garcia S’47 (deceased), and great-uncle of Meaghan Wehle A’12 and Allison Wehle A’17.

Selma Villanueva Wehling S’62, grandmother of Victoria Wehling A’19, Lauren Wehling A’23 and Avery Wehling A’26.

 Jeanne Weigel, longtime Academy social studies teacher and senior moderator.

Alice Carrera Wills S’49, grandmother of Sierra Wills A’18 and current Academy student Sydney Wills.

Lissa Lou Poindexter Witt A’55, sister of Sue Poindexter Sykes A’51 (deceased).

Ana Young, mother of Catherine Young A’13 and Margaret Young A’15.

Colleen Brady 1998-2005

Colleen Brady, Academy president from 1998-2005, passed away peacefully in January after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Brady served as president in what was a period of unprecedented growth at the school. During her tenure, she led the Bridge to the Future Campaign that saw the construction of the bridge spanning MacDill, the media center building (now the middle school), the pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and softball fields, the fitness center and the Brady Center, which was named in her honor by a generous donor. In addition, each of the wings were extensively renovated. Much of the campus we enjoy today is the result of her vision and dedication to making the Academy the best school it could be. The All-School Easter Mass will be offered in her memory on Monday, April 20, in the Colleen K. Brady Campus Center.

www.holynamestpa.org

43

First Issue

1950

1960

1970

1980

Last Print Issue

1990

Remember When?

Documenting history has always been an important part of the Sisters of the Holy Names tradition. When the Sisters first arrived in Florida, it was in the form of daily journals. The first form of a newspaper came with “Inkwell,” and nearly 80 years ago, in September 1940, the “Achona” was born. On the bottom right corner of the first edition, a poem explains the meaning behind the acronym for Achona:

A – C for Academy — the school of our choice; All of her praises we ever will voice.

H – O for holy, our aim for us all as strong Christian women we answer life’s call, With always before us the Names we revere

N – A stands for Jesus and Mary, most dear.

On September 24, 2010, exactly 70 years after its first issue as a print publication, the student-produced newspaper became an online publication.

Currently, 15 staff writers and two contributing writers run the news site.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TAMPA, FL PERMIT NO 823 3319 Bayshore Boulevard Tampa, Florida 33629

If this Accord was forwarded to you, please let us know.

B

K & WH I T C A L E

By the Bay

SAVE THE DATE March 28, 2020 Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay