SNAPSHOTS

Magnificat Students Excel on AP Tests

Magnificat offers 20 different Advanced Placement courses spanning art, computer science, English, math, world languages, science, and social studies, and students excelled on the rigorous AP tests taken during the 2024-2025 school year. In May, 247 students took 473 AP tests, and an impressive 87% received a score of 3 or higher out of 5. A 3 is considered “Qualified” and indicates subject matter knowledge sufficient to be considered for college credit. 100% of students received 3s or higher in the following subjects: art history, biology, chemistry, English language composition, environmental science, research, seminar, and Spanish. The high level of participation in the AP Program speaks to the academic caliber of students and their preparedness for coursework at the college level.

Sister Helen Jean Novy, HM’s Retirement Celebration

Alumnae, board members, former and current faculty and staff, HM Sisters, and friends convened in the Marian Commons on June 14 in celebration of Sister Helen Jean Novy, HM, and her 50 years of service to Magnificat. After turning 85 in January, she officially retired in June having made a lasting impact on the school’s curriculum, pedagogy, and learning spaces over five decades.

Arizona Border Immersion Retreat

In June, Campus Ministry led a summer immersion retreat to the United States/Mexico borderlands in Arizona, facilitated by the non-profit educational travel organization BorderLinks. Throughout the immersion experience, students saw the realities of an unjust immigration system, learned about the rise of immigration enforcement, and explored how to mobilize our community to respond with compassion and solidarity to God’s presence in our immigrant neighbors.

Sisters of the Humility of Mary Announce New Leadership Team

The Sisters of the Humility of Mary announced their newly elected leaders for the 2025-2029 term. They are Sister Mary Stanco ’85, HM, Sister Anne Victory ’62, HM, Pastoral Leader Sister Carol Anne Smith, HM, and Sister Barbara Wincik, HM (pictured left to right). The Sisters of the Humility of Mary founded Magnificat High School in 1955 and continue to sponsor the school as one of their ministries.

Freshman Pickleball Tournament

The Class of 2029 participated in a pickleball tournament on campus in July as a way to get to know fellow freshmen before the start of the school year. More than 36 girls registered and were assigned partners for a casual round robin competition, which also included snacks and information about several school clubs. The event was organized by Sophie Persia ’26 in coordination with the Enrollment Office and Pickleball Club moderator Megan Stroh Rutkowski ’98. Persia has a nonprofit called Pickle for a Purpose that raises money for different charities through tournaments. “I remember how nervous I was during my first few weeks at a new school,” Persia said. “I wanted to make sure the members of the Class of 2029, who were most likely feeling that same anxiety, were able to enjoy themselves while also meeting some of their fellow classmates!”

National Merit Scholars

Six Magnificat students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional performance on the PSAT last year. Angela D’Souza ’26 (pictured above, far right) achieved Semifinalist standing, placing her among the top 1% of test takers in Ohio. Mikaela Davala ’26, Maeve Lavelle ’26, Allyson Liller ’26, Megan Martin ’26, and Maggie Steen ’26, (pictured above, from left) were named Commended Scholars, placing them among the top 5% of test takers. This recognition makes students stand out during the college application process, and the Semifinalists qualify to compete for scholarships to offset the cost of college tuition.

New Director of Strength and Conditioning

Magnificat has hired AJ Short as Director of Strength and Conditioning in the Athletics Department. This is a new role focused on strength training, injury prevention, physical literacy, and self-confidence in Magnificat student-athletes. Magnificat is one of the few girls’ schools in Ohio to have this as a full-time faculty position. Coach Short most recently worked at Saint Ignatius High School, where he was the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning for six years. He holds a BS in exercise science from John Carroll University and an MS in exercise physiology and adult fitness from the University of Akron.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Each August before the school year begins, the Leadership Team awards special recognition during Mission Day to outstanding faculty and staff members who have been nominated by their peers. These two individuals model and promote the Mission, heritage, and core values of Magnificat and have made a positive and lasting impact on the school community. This year, the Sister Carol Anne Smith, HM Award went to English teacher Monica Orlando ’01, PhD, and the Julie Sims Gibbons ’80 Award was awarded to Horticulture Manager Karen Ryan Tigue ’85.