Winter/Spring '23

THEOAKS

MAIN OFFICE

650.343.3631

ALUMNAE OFFICE

650.762.1192

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

650.762.1190

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

650.762.1114

FAX

650.343.2976

EMAIL alumnae@mercyhsb.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Penny Stack Alexander ‘78

Billy Armanino

Kelli Benz, P ‘11, ‘12

Bob Grassilli

Mary Schaffer Kircher ‘78

Jamie Jweinat Lechleitner ‘02

Patricia O’Conner P ‘22

Meghan Chavez Railey ‘04

Cathy Dunleavy Rosaia ‘72, P ‘99

Patrick Ruff

Michele O’Connor Tyler ‘68, P ‘97, ‘00

Alison Vorsatz ‘99

Randy Wong, M.D., P ‘12

EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Caroline Ocampo

ART DIRECTOR & DESIGNER

Jill Scerri

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cover Photo: Steph Mullen

Shardie Ezell, Sandy Flaherty, Carol Fraher, Kelly Hickey, Jillian Loftus, Niki Nielsen, Joy Thiesen-Braunstein, Vic Valbuena Bareng, Steph Mullen & Ken Hong

For details on these and other events www.mercyhsb.com

Tri-School Spring Musical MATILDA

Serra High School

March 24, 25, 31 April 1, 2

Tickets at trischoolproductions.com

Making a Difference Benefit

Marriott Burlingame

Thursday, April 20

Spring Dance Performance

Cañada College

Thursday, May 4

Spring Chorale Concert

Mercy High School

Tuesday, May 2

Mercy ArtsFest

Mercy High School

Wednesday, May 10

Baccalaureate Mass

Our Lady of Angels Church

Saturday, June 3 at 7PM

Graduation

Sunday, June 4 at 2PM

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THE OAKS is published twice yearly for alumnae, parents, and friends of Mercy High School, Burlingame. A Catholic, all-girls College Preparatory since 1931, Mercy is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

Dear Mercy Community,

As we continue to roll out our Mercy Education Core Values, we will be centering each Oaks around one Core Value beginning with Educational Courage.

5 13 16

20 28 27

14 22 24

Mercy Education 4

Educational Courage 5

Pathways 8

Career Day 10

Robotics 11

Gellert Foundation Award 13

Athletics 14

Varsity Volleyball Soars 16

Making A Difference 2023 18

The Chapel 20

VPA 22

Student Life 24

Homecoming 27

Alumnae Spotlight 28

Alumnae Class Notes 30

In Memomoriam 34

The term Educational Courage is in itself unique and strong. Where many schools set their student learning outcomes to include the standard term of academic excellence, Mercy Education boldly proclaims the core value of Educational Courage. To be educationally courageous speaks to the journey one must take to fully see through their curiosity and thirst for knowledge; to be educationally courageous, students must approach life with a fearlessness towards those things that they desire to better understand and change in our world. When students are willing to take the leap of faith required to truly be educationally courageous, they nurture their critical thinking skills alongside their character and reach their full potential.

Like our students, Mercy High School must welcome the challenge of pursuing our full potential by ensuring we develop a culture that promotes educational courage. As such, we have been busy this year developing our Pathways Program and designing new courses to offer our students such as Leadership Development, AP Seminar, Introduction to Engineering Design, AP Precalculus, Medical Interventions, and International Relations.

We are committed to challenging ourself as an institution so we may transform into the Mercy our students need today— a Mercy that fosters and celebrates educational courage.

Sincerely,

Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan, ’02 Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

What Educational Courage Looks Like at Mercy

Students at Mercy consistently challenge themselves and demonstrate the educational courage that would have made our foundress, Catherine McAuley, proud. Whether adding that extra AP course, participating in water polo as a novice, or starting the “Be Like Shireen” club, our students know they can follow their passions and allow their curiosity to guide their learning at Mercy.

We recognized that as a school, Mercy had to provide avenues where students could not just “do school,” but “do school” in a way that fits them as a learner. Creating our Pathways Program allows our students to tailor their educational experience based on their interests. The Pathways Program, with its focus on project-based learning and its individualized nature, gives Mercy students the opportunity to take ownership of their education and prepare for their future careers now, while still high school students.

Mercy students are the future changemakers of the world. As Maya Angelou once said, “I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.” The addition of the Pathways program to our studentcentric academic, athletic, and club offerings, allows our students to cultivate their passions and be the educationally courageous young women Catherine would smile down on.

Mercy High School is a member of the Mercy Education System of the Americas, which is the umbrella organization of 54 schools in six countries all sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.

These Core Values are the hallmarks of a Mercy Education. These are the ideals we stand up for and strive to live up to. We hold ourselves to these standards as an institution, as a community, and as individuals. Each value is interconnected and necessary as we take Mercy into the world.

This issue of The Oaks focuses on the core value of Educational Courage

Mercy students welcome the challenge of pursuing their full potential in a culture of excellence, critical thinking and curiosity. Their multifaceted journey builds character while it builds essential skills. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge, and personal responsibility, while preparing students to thrive for a lifetime.

–Arthur Walker ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ACADEMIC

To read the full description of each core value please visit www.mercyhsb.com/faith-service/core-values

Mercy Education Core Values

Inspired By Faith

Educational Courage

Compelled By Mercy

A Voice For Dignity And Respect

Principled Leadership

Lamina Lee ’23

EDUCATIONAL COURAGE in the Eyes of Tristran

Student Speech from the Board of Directors, Faculty and Staff Core Values Summit

In the fall, Mercy’s Board of Directors, faculty, staff, and student leaders gathered for a training and presentation on the Core Values of Mercy’s Education System of the Americas. Senior Tristan Lamina Lee shared this powerful testimonial.

Mercy students welcome the challenge of pursuing their full potential in a culture of excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity. Their multifaceted journey builds character while it builds essential skills. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge, and personal responsibility, while preparing students to thrive for a lifetime.

When I first came to Mercy, I hadn’t realized what a place school could be. I had spent the last two years at my old high school merely going through the various motions of schoolwork with no real motive behind it all, completely lacking in inspiration or knowing where I was headed. I lived in this endless cycle of checking boxes and watching as new ones filled their places. Nobody there really cared about anything. I wanted to care so badly, and to a certain degree I did when I was alone, but in practice I found myself much like the rest of the school: gray and sad, and feeling trapped. For a while I didn’t go at all, but that only made me feel worse. So when I transferred to Mercy, and I was initiated into this pleasing crowd of welcoming faces and united attitudes, I began to see myself change. Perhaps it was the novelty of the new and beautiful place I was in, but perhaps it was that I had entered a new threshold for a different kind of learning.

To me, being educationally courageous means pursuing one's passions. Knowing that your voice is valued is a very comforting prospect. And I’ve felt that here, however different we all might be from one another. Once you feel that your ideas are important and worthy of the conversation, it becomes a lot less daunting to say something you might think to be crazy. Being crazy is one of the best decisions you can make. Finding what you love to do - if you don’t know - can also be scary,

but when you value your voice you tend to listen to yourself more. That's how I found that I loved reading. Not only did I love reading, but I loved characters. Being in theatre all my life, I had been living through the same characters the whole time without realizing it. I loved the characters and their innerworkings. I loved their motives, and fears, and history. One day I looked around and saw that all of us are characters ourselves. That got me thinking.

I wondered if there was a way to see people for who we really are. Life lacks an omniscient narrator to tell you what everyone's thinking, feeling, and doing at all times. What makes us tick? Why are we the way we are? How do our beliefs affect each other? I wanted to know the people around me, and not only know them, but see what the inside of their brains looked like. I said, “There's got to be a word for that…”

Once I found the word, I didn’t stop thinking about it until I figured out what to do with it. And when I did, I founded the Philosopher’s Club. A few years ago I wouldn’t have even dreamed of making my own club, but Mercy made it feel so accessible. I felt like I could really do anything I wanted to, and so I did. Without this educational courage, I could have never started something beautiful like the Philosopher’s Club. Now at every one of our meetings I learn something new about our members and myself, which is something to be proud of.

Tristran Lamina Lee ’23

STEM Brown Bag Lunch Series

Mercy launched a STEM Brown Bag Lunch Series featuring young women in engineering and the sciences. STEM series coordinator Dr. Bradley said, “I started this speaker series because I believe that there are so many STEM related fields that our students could learn about by having these guests tell them their stories—How they got to this point in their careers, why they chose STEM fields, what interests them, what they are currently working on, and how they are impacted by being a female in a very male dominated career. These speakers give our students a view of their lives before college, during college, and after college and they educate them on possible career paths that they wouldn’t otherwise learn about.”

JOT SAMRA ‘15

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS (SWE): STACEY ZENG, EMILY WOODMAN, AND ANJANA SURESH

Students gained valuable insights from three women in science students majoring in engineering at the University of Michigan’s SWE. Junior Stacey Zeng and senior Emily Woodman shared their research as students studying Chemical Engineering. Emily also spoke about the field of biopharmaceutical engineering. Meanwhile, junior Anjana Suresh shared her experience as an Industrial & Operations Engineering student and what it’s like to study statistics.

MICHELLE BRALEY PH.D. ‘11

Michelle Braley Ph.D. ‘11, a Patent Agent in the Patent Prosecution Morrison & Foerster LLP in Palo Alto, shared her journey through college and graduate school as a woman in the physical sciences, and she described what working in intellectual property law has entailed. Michelle graduated from Colgate University in 2015 with a B.A. in Biochemistry and a minor in Political Science. After graduating, she earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology from UCLA in 2020. Her doctoral research was focused on characterizing enzymes within the Coenzyme Q biosynthetic pathway. While working as a Patent Agent by day, Michelle is also attending law school part-time at Santa Clara at night, in hopes of becoming a Patent Attorney.

The first featured guest speaker was Software Engineer Jot Samra ‘15, who earned her degree in Computer Science and her Masters in Information and Data Science from U.C. Berkeley. During her undergraduate years, Jot interned at Amazon and then accepted an offer to return full-time after graduation. She shared her journey and transition from an engineering student to an Amazon engineer. Jot said, “I was inspired to pursue a degree in computer science by the ever increasing role that technology plays in our daily lives. Especially having grown up in the Bay Area, we are at the center of innovation in the world. I wanted to educate myself to be a part of the innovation disrupting the tech industry. Studying computer science opened the door to many diverse job opportunities, and I ultimately became a software engineer because I was drawn to the opportunities to work on cutting edge technology and the great work life balance that the industry offers.”

15 Honor Societys

California Scholarship Federation

Catherine McAuley Chapter

National Honor Society

Catherine McAuley Chapter

La Société Honoraire de Français

Chapitre Antoine de St. Exupéry

American Sign Language Honor Society

La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica

Misericordia Chapter

Tri-Lingual Scholar Society

National English Honor Society

Triumvirate Society

Rho Kappa National Social Studies

Honor Society

Townsend Chapter

National Mathematics Honor Society

Science National Honor Society

National Computer Science Honor Society

National Art Honor Society Mercy Chapter

Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society

National Honor Society for Dance Arts

International Thespian Society

MERCY WCEA/WASC 2023 Accreditation Visit

Every six years schools take part in an accreditation process to affirm the great things they are doing and to identify an action plan that will help to guide the next six years. In March Mercy welcomed a Visiting Team of educators made up of a WCEA Commissioner and local educators from Cardinal Newman, ICA, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and St. Ignatius who immersed themselves into Mercy’s academic and student life programs. In their final report, the Visiting Team affirmed Mercy’s commitment to education and our forward-thinking program development stating that “Despite challenges, the school has demonstrated a high-level understanding of the work needed to ensure the continuation of Mercy High School and its high standard of educating women.” Among the many comments in their final report include:

Catholic Identity: Mercy High School’s Mission and Core Values are central to the decision-making process. Their spiritual dedication and formation is woven throughout their four year retreat program and service learning.

Teaching and Learning: Mercy provides a highly rigorous educational program with strengths in preparing collegeready students. Mercy High School faculty employ various instructional techniques to achieve student learning outcomes and maximize the learning experience for each student. The curriculum helps boost each student’s capacity for learning by providing a strong structure for increased knowledge.

Student Support: Leadership is highly encouraged, and leadership development is integrated across curricular and co-curricular programs. Student support services have been strengthened, with additional staff hired to support the AMES Program and the Counseling Department.

Organizational Efficacy: Students' dignity and concerns are at the forefront of decision-making. Mercy High School’s Educational Core Values are central to daily operations and are integrated throughout campus activities. The school’s Administration has provided quality leadership to faculty and staff both in personnel management and operations with strong guidance in religious and educational objectives.

Material Stewardship: The Mansion, the grounds, and the campus are stunning and well-maintained. The new Wellness Center, the beautiful LEAD (Center) and campus ministry spaces, the well-used library and AMES spaces demonstrate a quality house fit for its students. It is said that a budget is a moral document and can show what an institution truly values. It is immensely clear that Mercy’s mission is lived out in each spreadsheet.

Photo by Vic Valbuena Bareng

FEMALE LEADERS, INNOVATORS, CHANGEMAKERS

Pathways PROGRAM DEVELOPING

Mercy High School has launched a new Pathways Program that will give students unique learning and leadership opportunities that will support them to thrive as they develop into future leaders, innovators, and changemakers in a workforce that men have traditionally dominated.

The new Pathways Program allows students to dive deeper into one of six pathways: Biotechnology, Creative Arts and Design, Engineering, Global Scholars, Leadership Education and Development, and Women’s Studies.

Data speaks to the importance of bringing focused opportunities for our students to gain their confidence and voices in underrepresented fields: only 23% of CEOs at biotechnology companies are women; just 8% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs; only 29% of artistic directors from founding to present have been women in the largest 50 U.S. ballet companies; engineering is the most male-dominated field in STEM with only 13% of women making up the workplace; three of the world’s most-visited museums, the British Museum (est. 1753), the Louvre (est. 1793), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (est. 1870), have never had female directors.

Each Pathway is uniquely developed to engage students through curriculum, leadership, co-curricular activities, capstone projects, and mentorship opportunities. This school year, students applied to be part of the Biotechnology, Global Scholars, and Leadership Development and Education Pathways.

Biotechnology Pathway introduces students to the field of biotechnology and provides tools to gain experience and confidence in their skills as they build resiliency in problemsolving. Biotechnology combines biology and technology. Modern biotechnology is a fast-evolving field that can be broken into five branches. The biotechnology industry spans from helping to fight hunger to saving energy to reducing our ecological footprint.

“One of the greatest skills we can develop in our students is the ability to recognize and overcome obstacles to their achieving leadership positions in their professional and personal lives. Our LEAD Pathway Program will provide our girls an opportunity to take theoretical concepts on leadership and personal development into leadership in action.”

—Jennifer Clifford, Assistant Head of School for Student Life.

Global Scholars Pathway supports Mercy students with an interest in global affairs and prepares them for potential careers in international relations, global studies, or other interdisciplinary careers focusing on fundamental global citizenship per the Core Values of a Mercy Education. Students can earn the certificate with distinction by enrolling in Honors and AP courses.

Leadership Development and Education Pathway supports Mercy students in gaining practical experience in critical areas of leadership. Students gain leadership experience and education that, in turn, support the development of their authentic voices and leadership styles.

“I believe that the new Global Scholars Pathway will accentuate what Mercy does well by providing unique opportunities to excel in a borderless world.”

“We’ve created Pathways to support young women who want in-depth study in various fields that have been traditionally dominated and influenced by men.”

—Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02 Head of School

—Art Walker, Assistant Head of School for Academics

This spring, students will be able to apply to be part of our Engineering, Creative Arts and Design, and Women’s Studies Pathways, which will begin in fall 2023.

“

As a teacher in the sciences and a parent of three Mercy alumnae, I am so excited that Mercy is bringing these programs to our community. I am especially encouraged by the addition of the Biotechnology and Engineering components. All three of my daughters entered into careers in the sciences (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Research) and had a strong beginning due to the opportunities they had at Mercy, but these new opportunities will progress our current programs even further. This will allow our students interested in STEM pathways to enter college even better prepared. In addition, the programs are more interdisciplinary within the sciences and technology and offer students a better opportunity to enter 21st century STEM careers.” —Dr. Patricia Bradley, STEM Educator

Engineering Pathway

introduces young women to the field of engineering and empowers them to find their confidence in this maledominated industry. The engineering field has dramatically expanded over the past decades as it continues to evolve to meet the various needs of our world. As a result, today’s students have options to study areas ranging from Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Engineering to Aerospace Engineering and Marine Engineering. In addition, the innovations awaiting within the field of engineering are endless.

Creative Arts and Design

Pathway combines creativity, ideas, imagination, and self-expression to encourage young women to solve problems through various art forms, including art, drama, dance, painting, music, design, and graphic design. The study of Creative Arts and Design is critical to the world as it supports the development of crucial life skills such as emotional intelligence, confidence, discipline, creativity, commitment, and problem-solving.

Women’s Studies

Pathway is an interdisciplinary study intended to educate students on the social roles and cultural issues affecting women through the lens of history, literature, psychology, and politics. In exploring the challenges that women have overcome and those they continue to face today, girls learn to find a voice in issues that relate to them. In knowing women’s achievements throughout history, girls develop a greater sense of what is possible in a world that has traditionally been dominated by men. Through the unique lens of women’s studies, girls gain confidence in issues that continue to affect them and their futures.

I hope to increase my social, organizational, and leadership skills, and interact with different members of the community to work towards a common goal. Additionally, leadership is crucial in everyday life outside of the academic realm and classroom. Advancing my leadership skills will better prepare me to tackle what will come in the future and help me later on in life.

—Nikki Vo ‘24, Leadership Pathway Scholar

Mentorship is a vital component of the Pathways Program. Knowing that female mentors can significantly impact another woman's life, all Pathway students will be partnered with a mentor who is an alumnae or local community member within their chosen field of study. The mentoring program is designed to offer Mercy students the opportunity to learn first-hand about a career of interest, gain guidance on achieving it, support their career-specific skills and leadership development, and see first-hand representation. In addition, through regular check-ins, mentors will help to introduce Mercy students to the workplace, support their networking in the Bay Area, and encourage them to pursue their interests.

At Mercy High School, students leave knowing they have already begun the networking process that is crucial to their career success. With advocates in the classroom and within the community, Mercy students gain confidence and practical experience that will carry them into their young adult lives.

Alumnae Keynote Speakers

Our two keynote speakers were joined by 25 other professionals (12 Mercy alumnae and 10 members of the Mercy Parent Community) from various fields: architecture, pharmaceuticals, biology, therapy, culinary arts, genetics, pediatrics, nursing, legal, photography, television, pathology, engineering, sales, teaching, and probation. We thank them all for sharing their time, experiences, and wisdom at Career Day 2023!

Estrellina (Pacis) Rius ‘97 NASA Ames Systems Engineer

Ester (Pacis) Rius ‘97 works for NASA Ames and the Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC). As the Project Lead for multiple robotics projects focused on developing small ground robots used by the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, she is responsible for managing projects from inception to fielding, including directing multidisciplinary teams of engineers from Government and private industry, supporting Government Program Offices on acquisition strategies, and developing new architectures to advance robotic controller software.

Ester also works at NASA Ames in Mountain View as a Systems Engineer in the Intelligent Robotics Group. Her focus is on areas at the system level that incorporate all the multiple disciplines like electrical engineering, computer software, and interface design needed to build a robotic system. Having learned to not only excel but to lead in these traditionally male dominated robotics and engineering fields, Ester is an amazing example of finding a passion and letting nothing stand in the way of accomplishing goals once they are established.

Jennifer (Estrella) Peneyra ‘93 Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Jennifer leads strategic initiatives with a focus on building an inclusive workplace for recruiting, developing, and advancing diverse, top talent teams. She works with leaders across their global organization to create an environment where employees from all different backgrounds can successfully use their unique experiences to contribute meaningful impact and grow in their careers. Jennifer has deep insights into the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace and why it is so important to keep pushing DEI efforts forward in all types of work environments.

Mercy Career Day 2023 Presenters

Mary Desing ‘02 Architecture

Scott Balsitis P ‘25 Biomedical Research

Michelle Queano Slavik ‘97

Biotech/Mental Health

Mikaela Ribi ‘15 Biotech/PhD

Ana Corina Perez

Civil Engineer/Construction

Carrie Philpott P ‘23

Counseling/Therapy

Carlos Sanchez P ‘24

Culinary Arts/Hospitality

Jocelynne Braham Frazier ‘89 Teacher

Beverly Desuasido ‘97 Film/TV

Eva Ferino Genetic Counselor

Bridget Phillip Doctor/Anesthesiologist

Colette Devereux P ‘25

Nurse Practitioner

Jo Fletcher Physical Therapy

Claire Woo P ‘25 Radiation Therapist

Babak Nikravesh P ‘25

Law Firm/Partner

Jennifer Warner ‘08

Lawyer/In House Counsel

Stephanie Mullen P ‘22

News Media - Photography

Deirdre Bonitz ‘16 Project Engineer/ Construction Management

Chrystelle Azcona ‘11 Real Estate

Noma Smith ‘04 Social Work/Therapy

Santi Nevett Software Engineer

Janette McAfee

Speech Language Pathologist

Kara Abendroth ‘02 Technology/Sales

Don Uy-Barreta Teacher

Glenda Escalante

Law Enforcement/government

ROBOTICS

The Mercy Mechs, FTC Team 18233, was named second runner up for the Innovate Award at the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition. Student robotics teams competed by designing, building, and programming a robot to compete in an alliance format.

This year our own Mercy robotics team, the Mercy Mechs, participated in the FIRST FTC program with some fun results and the promise of future growth. Despite the many bumps that any rookie/rebuilding team has, the girls were able to qualify for semi-finals at the league tournament. All season, the robot required redesign after redesign, as we attended meets where we were progressively more and more capable: our arm was defunct until the third meet and sometimes pieces were rattling around somewhere inaccessible. Every success was celebrated, from fundraising to skill building to competing in all aspects of the game, which was called Powerplay this year. Girls with different talents stepped up at different times to do what they could, with captain Mika Oamil ‘23 to take us to the next level. We are grateful for the guidance and support given by our mentor Aiden Wolfe, an engineer at Boeing Aerospace, who often ran 6-hour sessions for the girls on Saturdays, teaching them design thinking, machining, construction, soldering, and game strategy, along with random facts about space.

Robotics Team

Moderator & Science Teacher

Ellen Lin

Robotics Team

Mikayla Oamil '23

Gurleen Samra '23

Marrien Gomez '23

Persia Ehteshami '24

Maya Reynoso '24

Gianna Lertora '24

Karina Monsanto '24

Audra Rodgers '24

Madeline Tzifas '24

Noalani Victorio '25

Presley Livsey '25

Cadence Wong '25

Caitlyn Chen '25

The Mercy Mechs 18233 is a rookie robotics team at Mercy with members ranging from all grade levels. Participating in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) events, we teach young women the beginnings of engineering, computer science, graphic design, and management in hopes of inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM. While it is vital for us to get our work done, we also prioritize team morale and aim to cultivate an environment in which we can rely on each other wholeheartedly. This year we not only had passionate members who persisted in challenging work, but supportive guidance and instruction from our teacher, Ellen Lin, and mentor, Aiden Wolfe. As a group, we were able to achieve being a semifinalist in a League Tournament.

Mikayla Oamil ‘23, Robotics Team Captain

The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation Awards Mercy High School $4.75 million

THE LARGEST GIFT IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

We are pleased to announce that we have received a generous grant from the The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation in the amount of $4.75 million— money that will be allocated for the school’s Capital Campaign for an Athletic and Student Life Center and a new endowed scholarship in the name of the Gellert Foundation.

“This is an incredible, life changing gift for Mercy High School in that it will open so many doors. The obvious answer is that a gym will allow our student athletes to finally have a home facility, which is a game-changer, yet there is also a significant community aspect that it will bring to the school that we are so excited about,” said Mercy Head of School

Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan '02, Ed.D. “It is incredibly meaningful that the foundation sees us as an institution because it shows that they see us—they see the value of our education, they see the mission of our education,” Cirigliano Brosnan said.

This grant is served as enormous boost to Mercy’s Building the Dream Capital Campaign which aims to raise the funding necessary to construct an athletic

and student center that will house a gymnasium, pool expansion, and a student life space on campus. The Gellert Foundation has dedicated $3.5 million to the capital campaign and another $1.25 million to create a newly named endowment fund for tuition assistance.

Part of the mission of The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation is to support Catholic schools. The foundation’s mission believes that investing in Catholic education “provides a critical path for the future success of our youth.” The foundation is a respected supporter of Catholic organizations focused on building a strong community.

Four members of The Gellert Foundation made a visit to Mercy to deliver the check. According to Gellert Foundation Board Member Bob Grassilli, this gift from the foundation will build on every girl’s experience at Mercy. “The main reason the investment will make such a big difference is because we are investing in a school that has existed for more than 90 years and has done a wonderful job of educating young women and preparing them for the world. Students at Mercy enter as girls and leave as confident, young women. The new gymnasium and student life center is just an add-on to this and will change the experience for these girls, and we are happy to play a part in its progress,” Grassilli said.

PICTURED ABOVE L-R: Mary Lund (Director of Advancement), Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan ‘02, Ed.D. (Head of School), Bob Grassilli (Gellert Foundation Board of Directors), Jack Fitzpatrick (Gellert Foundation Executive Director), Christine Whelan (Gellert Foundation Board of Directors), Mike King (Gellert Foundation Board of Directors), Mary Schaffer Kircher ‘78 (Mercy High School, Vice Chair of Board of Directors). Photo: Rosie Kirk, Spread LLC

Our Varsity Volleyball team soared to new heights in 2022! They began the season on a 9 match winning streak that set them up for a league opener with Notre Dame Belmont. We hosted our first ever “Blue Out” at that game and took the win streak to double digits. The team finished league tied for 2nd overall in the highly competitive WBAL league. After they were incorrectly given the number 5 seed for the CCS Tournament, our athletes found themselves determined with something to prove. After beating Gonzalez we found ourselves with a rematch against Notre Dame Belmont. We hosted our first ever “Black Out” and passed out black playoff shirts to all of our fans as we packed the stands in Belmont. After we swept the Tigers we made our way to Carmel, upsetting the number one seed and taking us to the CCS Championship game against Harbor in which Mercy won its first ever CCS Team Championship in any sport. Throughout the entire CCS Tournament, Mercy Volleyball did not drop a set, winning each match in three straight sets. After winning the CCS Championship, Mercy entered the Northern California Volleyball Tournament as the number 3 seed in CIF Division 3. After continuing their three set win streak and beating Foothill, Kingsburg, and Pleasant Valley, Mercy Volleyball found itself competing in the first ever CIF Norcal Championship Game against Archie Williams. Just one game shy of the state championship, our season came to a respectful end.

We will forever be grateful to our 2022 Volleyball Student-Athletes for inspiring our school community and filling us with pride in a sports season fit for laying the ground of a future inspirational sports movie. Congratulations to this team for all they accomplished- they will go down in our record books.

—Kelly Hickey ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

VOLLEYBALL

Varsity Volleyball See the amazing story left, and photos on page 16.

ALL LEAGUE HONORS:

1st Team Anna Snigorenko

2nd Team Raquel Calderon

Honorable Mention Katie Callagy, Ava Cacao

Junior Varsity Volleyball had an amazing season. They placed in every tournament they participated in, securing titles as the Tiger Cup Consolation Champions, JV Spikefest 3rd Place Silver Division Team, and the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Fest 2nd Place Gold Team. JV Volleyball finished league this year tied for first place. Freshman Volleyball learned and grew tremendously throughout the season. They placed 3rd overall at the Half Moon Bay Tournament and were the Tiger Cup Consolation Champions. Freshman Volleyball finished 2nd in league play.

TENNIS

Varsity Tennis faced some stiff competition early with preseason matches against Crystal Springs and St. Ignatius. They were especially proud of their victory against Riordan. When it came to league play, every match proved to be close, and our athletes persevered time and again.

Junior Varsity Tennis found their pre-season matches to be critical to their preparedness for league play. When it came to doubles they excelled in league and went undefeated, earning them the WBAL Skyline Division League Champions. Congratulations to Coach P and all of JV Tennis.

GOLF

Varsity Golf Varsity Golf finished with a 6-8 record in league and 8-8 overall. Eva Denten ‘23 and Jaylyn Remolona ‘24 competed in the CCS Golf Championships where they took on the most challenging holes of Laguna Seca Golf Ranch while the sun was still shining. Both athletes scored a 93 and finished in the top half of 119 golfers.

ALL LEAGUE HONORS:

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country led by a core group of seniors in Nicole Castagna, Elise Trinidad, and Sophia Knapp, Cross Country continued to improve their times each race. In her first year on the team, Nicole had a personal record of 22:45 in the WBAL League championships which qualified her for the CCS Championships. Congratulations to Nicole and all of Cross Country.

ALL LEAGUE HONORS:

2nd Team Maria Shelley, Honorable Mention Persia Ehteshami, Audrey O’Brien

WATER POLO

Varsity Water Polo built on their successes from last year with a strong senior core and one brand new senior to the sport. While they faced some adversity under the water against some aggressive opponents, they made tremendous strides as the season progressed and celebrated each victory with excitement and grace. One of the many highlights for this program was the return of the Watsonville Tournament which has served as a Mercy water polo tradition for decades and an overnight weekend of fun and bonding time.

ALL LEAGUE HONORS:

2nd Team Kelly Philpott

Honorable Mention Summer McGuire

For the first time in many years, Mercy fielded a Junior Varsity Water Polo Team. The team was composed of all underclassmen who gained incredible experience as they played against other local JV teams as well as played at the Varsity level when opponents only had one team.

1st Team Jaylyn Remolona 2nd Team Eva Denten

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

CCS Team

Champions

3rd Seed CIF Division 3 ALL THE WAY to Nor Cal FINALS!

COACHES: Ray Sum, Julia Ferraro Anmol Sharma

Photos by Steph Mullen

TEAM: Ava Cacao ‘25, Raquel Calderon ‘23, Clare O’Brien’23, Kylie Sok ‘24, Emma Landaverde-Tucker ‘23, Katie Callagy’23, Nikki Vo’24, Jenna Manuel ‘24, Juliana Mufarreh ‘24, Cece Murray ‘23, Jamie Fabula ‘23, Anna Snigorenko’24, Mia Ferdinand ‘25

CONGRATULATIONS Varsity Volleyball!

San Jose Mercury Athlete of the week Raquel Calderon ‘23 and MVP Anna Snigorenko ‘23 TALK ABOUT THEIR VOLLEYBALL CAREERS

What made your volleyball experience special at Mercy?

Raquel: Each of my four years playing volleyball have each been memorable to me. Throughout each year and with each team, I have met great girls/sisters and in return developed friendships. Freshman year I was one of three to be pulled up to the Varsity Team to play in the CCS playoffs, but making history the last two years has been even more exciting. The support from our faculty, staff, and sisters from different grades has made the experience rewarding. The team has worked well together—after all it is a team sport! We have been united as a school and motivated to push further in the sport. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to be on teams with sisters who are smart, beautiful, and talented.

Anna: From freshman to senior year, I have loved my experience playing volleyball at Mercy. This sport has given me a chance to build unbreakable bonds with my teammates. Playing Mercy volleyball has genuinely boosted my mood and increased my drive to succeed. I am always my happiest when playing for Mercy not only because of my love for the sport, but also because of the love I have for the team I play for.

What advice would you give other student athletes?

Raquel: It is okay to feel overwhelmed when you juggle your academics and sports. At one point I was also playing in club volleyball, which meant I played and practiced all year long. I was exhausted and at times wanted to give up. The advice I have is no matter how tough times get, do not give up. I learned to restructure my time and balance everything I could in order to be happy doing it all. I love the sport, so I had to make it work. When you play on a team where everyone is supportive, it helps you want to keep playing.

Anna: Some advice I would give to other student-athletes is to always work hard, commit to every practice, set goals for yourself to accomplish, and never give up.

What kind of support did you receive as a Mercy athlete?

Raquel: As a student athlete you often become overwhelmed with schoolwork and the anxiety of performing well for your sport/team. All four years my teachers supported me doing well as a student athlete, as they understood the stress and little time I had for some assignments. I was too exhausted to do my work at times, so I communicated with them. They were always understanding and offered further help to make

sure I did well in class. I have had amazing support from former AD Charlie Dougherty, current AD Ms. Hickey and teacher Mrs. Loftus. Charlie helped me with my anxiety my freshman year and was a great “cheerleader”. Ms. Hickey was very supportive, as she always made sure I was doing well as an overall person and not just an athlete. There were some rough days and the first thing she would do is give me a hug and let me vent to her. On those days I was overwhelmed, she would motivate me to go to practice and have fun. (And I always did have fun with the team!) Mrs. Loftus would show up to the games with her daughters for support. It was always great to see their smiles.

Anna: The entire Mercy community was our biggest supporter. Especially with going so far in the CIF playoffs, we always had students and teachers reaching out and congratulating us on our accomplishments. Personally, my biggest supporters were my teammates. I truly would not have played the way I played without their continuous support. Whether I messed up, or I just earned us a point, I was always receiving uplifting and encouraging comments from my teammates.

What is your fondest memory about your CCS Championship/Nor Cal Semifinalist journey?

Raquel: My fondest memory of the CCS Championship journey is when we went to Carmel to play Carmel High School. This was our second year playing there and by far our best scenic drive there. We stopped at Lovers Point to enjoy the ocean and eat before the game. It made us all feel calm and at ease. This was the moment where I realized “wow-this is it. We have to win this game because I don't want the season to stop.” We ended up sweeping Carmel in 3 sets even though their crowd was very vocal, which made the win even better. After our win, we went to Taco Bell to celebrate with baja blast freezes, truly a game winning treat!

Anna: The entire Mercy community was our biggest supporter. My fondest memory about our CCS Championship journey was winning every game in three sets and earning the CCS Championship title. I loved every moment of the bus rides to our away games and having all our Mercy supporters come out to our games to support us - “far and near.”

Be Inspired. Make A Difference. Change a Life.

Please Join Us!

MAKING a Scholarship Benefit 2023

Thursday

April 20th • 6PM San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, Burlingame

Making A Difference has changed the lives of more than 1,800 Mercy students since its inception in 2004. Having raised nearly $4 million, the Mercy experience has transformed the lives of each of these young women.

Given the rising need for tuition assistance, we remain focused on making a Mercy education a reality for so many passionate and talented young women.

Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit Dinner is an inspirational event which brings together our alumnae, parents, and friends of Mercy.

From cocktails to dinner and a short high impact program— we promise you a night to remember!

Become a sponsor or make a reservation or gift! You won't want to miss it! Seating is limited to 400.

www.mercyhsb.com/giving/mad

Amangeet Kaur Samra ‘15

Maria Levy White Downs ‘96

Patricia De Luca Padilla ‘12

FEATURED ALUMNAE

Amanjot Kaur Samra ‘15

Student Speaker Mia González

McAuley Honoree Kathryn Mountain

Your Investment Drives Impact

• 99% - 100% of our students matriculate to college

• In a competitive admissions market, providing increased financial aid packages to more families in need enables more young women to access a Mercy education

• 43% of students receive a financial bridge giving them access to the outstanding education and opportunities at Mercy

• Making A Difference makes up 15% of the tuition assistance budget; each gift is matched by 85% of other funding in order to make the most impact and help the greatest number of students

The Girls’ School Difference!

• 99% of students at girls’ schools expect to earn a four-year degree. More than 2/3 expect to earn a graduate or professional degree

• Young women who attend all girls schools when compared to co-ed schools are 6 x more likely to explore a STEM career and 3 x more likely to major in engineering

• 93% of girls’ school grads say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than peers at co-ed schools and 80% have held leadership positions since graduating from high school

• And yet, girls’ school students account for less than 1% of America’s female student population Reference: https://girlsschools.org

The Chapel

Mercy Day marked one of the greatest gifts this school year, as we were able to return to the Chapel for our school liturgies. The Sisters of Mercy Chapel holds a sacred place in the education of our students. We are mindful each time we enter the chapel of the hundreds of Sisters of Mercy who have prayed there, professed their religious vows, and were laid to rest. Our students readily acknowledge the contemplative energy that the chapel holds and the beauty of its simplicity. It is a place of deep quiet, a refuge in times of trial, a sacred place where we celebrate who and what we are as Mercy. How grateful we are to the Sisters of Mercy for opening the chapel and supporting our faith community.

Photo by Vic Valbuena Bareng

dance

Ariel Alvarez '23 (AP Art)

Kelcey Welch '24 (AP Art)

Demetri Martin once said, ‘The earth without art is just eh.’ At Mercy we strive to give our students a multitude of opportunities to showcase their abilities and expand their artistic talents. We provide avenues for them to pursue both Visual and Performing Arts. In the Visual Arts, students are encouraged to dive into diverse and dynamic exploration of painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, 3D Arts and Ceramics. The Performing Arts students showcased their breathtaking talent at our annual Winter Chorale Concert and Christmas Dance Performance. We are extremely proud of all of our students and the continued efforts they put forth!

—Nadine Baroudi, Ed.M VPA Department Chair and Visual Arts Teacher

Parker Lindow '24 (AP Art)

Zoe Chow '23 (AP Art)

Tristan Lamina LeeSenior ‘23 (Ceramics)

Paloma SangervasiSenior ‘23 (AP 3D)

Mother Daughter TEA

The Mother Daugther Tea is a favorite Mercy tradition that this year brought together over 400 mothers, daughters, and grandmothers to enjoy a sunny, Sunday morning tea at the Mansion. Many thanks to the Mercy Dads that volunteered to help!

Junior Ring Ceremony

The Junior Ring ceremony is a long-standing tradition of young women becoming upperclassmen and solidifying the Mercy Sisterhood. This tradition also signifies “Once a Mercy girl, always a Mercy girl” - that we are one in spirit wherever we may be.

One of the things I love most about Mercy is that we are steeped in beloved traditions that have lasted decades, and yet we continue to create new traditions. One inaugural event happened at the beginning of this school year, when for the first time our seniors were able to paint their parking spaces. The images our students created are so inspiring! Each student’s art became a reflection of who they are and who they have become at Mercy. When I drive past their spots I think about the artist and the gifts that they bring to our Mercy community.

We’ve also created a new Spirit Trip program at Mercy which gives students a chance to explore fun activities in the Bay area with their classmates and teachers. Our Spirit Trips are designed for fun, but the underlying mission is to offer our students opportunities to deepen their sense of belonging to our Mercy community. Last fall we took a spooky trip to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, and we had a December trip to the Broadway musical Frozen at the Orpheum Theater. We’re gearing up for spring Spirit Trips to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and an evening excursion to a San Francisco Giants game. I’m looking forward to working with our Mercy students to create new Spirit Trips moving forward!

Jennifer Clifford ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENT LIFE

HOMECOMING!

In September, more than 150 alumnae gathered at Mercy for Homecoming 2022. Alumnae had the chance to greet many of the Sisters of Mercy who had been their teachers, celebrate in prayer and enjoy laughter and memories over a delicious luncheon in the Mansion. We are thrilled that so many Mercy Alumnae had the opportunity to renew their bonds of sisterhood!

1957

1962

‘58, ‘59, ‘61

Alumna Spotlight

Diane Giannini Elkins ‘70 AN EDUCATOR’S JOURNEY

Celebrating 40 years in Catholic Eduction

What was it like being a woman in Education?

The teaching profession is one that has historically been run by women and so being a woman in my space was as easy as being a man in every other space. That isn’t, of course, to say that the job was easy by any means. But just as far as gender playing a role, it really wasn’t much of a factor. Being a teacher is about personal motivations, goals and experiences, about wants and wishes and needs and passions, and about what drives your students and what drives you.

So at a time when a lot of women were going through their choices of professions, it was kind of freeing in the sense that education allowed a teacher to be a teacher. What certainly played a major role in my career and what helped me to be prepared for my career was being a product of the times—in the sense that I was surrounded by incredibly strong women and an age that promoted female individualism and achievement. I was in grade school in the late 50s and the early 60s. You felt empowered from the get-go. Women were beginning to command how they wanted to be treated and the ways they wanted to be seen.

When did you know that you wanted to be an educator?

All the way up until my junior year in high school, my plan was to go to nursing school. I was pretty set on it, but in my junior year at Mercy I took a religion class that required us to volunteer. I chose the Lawrence Daycare Center in San Mateo. We provided a free tutoring service for elementary school kids, and I just fell in love with it. Almost immediately actually, I felt nursing was out and teaching was in. I started taking out all my children’s books that I had lying around the house and started donating them to the daycare center. Soon I was going on my own time, and the kids would get excited when they saw me. I continued volunteering until I graduated a year later.

I had planned on being a nurse for so long and found that I didn’t know what my college major should be. It was actually Sister Marie at Mercy who I talked to about my concerns. She knew that I had a love of reading books and said, “Well, if you really love literature so much, you do know that there’s such a thing as an English major.” The rest, as they say, is history.

What was your road to teaching like?

I had set up 8 different interviews at various Bay Area schools. At first I wanted to teach kindergarten in the public school system, so I wasn’t expecting too much from my first interview which was for a fourth grade position at a private school. On the day of my interview, I arrived early to check the place out and noticed that the Church was open. I was instantly moved by its beauty. I just fell in love with Epiphany’s students, parish, families, staff, and neighborhood. I had no idea that I would spend my entire 40-year career at one school, and then later become it’s administrator.

I ended up getting from Catholic education what I thought I would need to go to a public school for—the sense that there was no separating the school from the community. We had people that worked and volunteered for years after their children had graduated. We also had people who volunteered their time who never had any students but were just invested in the community. I could have retired sooner, but it was just very hard to leave the place that had really become my home away from home—the place that had accepted and adopted me, the place where I was challenged and where I grew as a person, and as an educator, the place where I saw and taught multiple generations within families. I can’t possibly say how thankful I am to the Epiphany community and families.

Epiphany School’s Vice Principal Sharon Fenech and student with Diane before she retired as Principal.

What aspect of Mercy did you like the most?

At Mercy, all of the student leaders were girls and the school itself was run by women—led by nuns at the time. I loved the fact that it was an all-girls school. At Mercy you could be anything and were encouraged to do everything. I believe 100% that an all-girls school is set up to empower girls in ways other schools can’t. You’re not limited in any way. Leadership and debate were always the undertone of the community and it encouraged individualism.

Mercy was empowering in a time when so many high schools were still male-dominated in sports. At Mercy, the pep rallies were for girl teams. It was a time when girls were being empowered to do anything we could think of, and we were seeing women on the television doing absolutely everything!

Who impacted you the most at Mercy?

As far as favorite teachers, there was Mrs. Rollins, our PE teacher, who was fiery! Sister Suzanne was my music teacher, and she was a strong woman. Of course Sister Marie, without her I wouldn’t have known to be an English major. I also loved Mrs. Gerber who was the PE and Speech Teacher. Her speech class was incredible! She taught us stuff that nowadays it seems many have forgotten—like when you are debating someone, you can disagree with the point that they are making or challenging, without going after the person who is making the point. She taught us that the conversations with the people that you disagree with are important ones. Learning to navigate these conversations with people you disagree with, in search of commonality, it can be hard but is extremely important. What it comes down to is that everyone should be required to take Mrs. Gerber’s speech class!

Thank You!

In September of 2021 we dedicated our Marian Grotto which is situated in the passageway between the cafeteria and room 109. What was once a nondescript median between two buildings became a place of quiet, in the midst of a busy day. To solidify it as a place of quiet prayer, graduate Maggie Payne ‘22 built a bench so students could sit quietly for a time, to get a break from the demands of the day. Maggie attached a plaque to the bench which reads “Be anxious for nothing.” Philippians 4:6

MERCY ALUMS DON’T MISS OUT!

Want to be sure you find out about all of the upcoming virtual and in person events? Register for the Mercy High School Alumnae Newtwork, Mercy Connect, at alumnae.mercyhsb.com and you’ll get all of the updates and monthly news via email. You can also find the alumnae online directory, connect with alumnae by career and college, as well as engage in mentoring!

Register at alumnae.mercyhsb.com.

Diane with her favorite horse Lightning.

CLASS NOTES

Maureen Marconi Class of 1963 and her husband on South Shetland Island in Antartica

Let us know what you are up to! We love to have information for the Class Notes section of The Oaks. Submit your updates and photos online at alumnae.mercyhsb.com under Welcome/Submit Class Notes. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to alumnae@mercyhsb.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

1958

Clare Hardy Mullin ’58 is so thankful that her mother sent her to Mercy, because she has such good memories. She has lived with a seizure disorder since age 10, and the privacy and prayers were perfect for her. Claire says, “Being Catholic was a blessing because my prayers and faith were my strength. My greatest gifts are my mother and daughter, Catholic crucifix, rosary, piano, ballet toe shoes, home, sun, and rain. Thank you God!” She enjoyed 15 years of hosting Airbnb guests from around the world, and has supported herself with a San Mateo rental property. She plans to pass it on to her creative daughter Elizabeth, who studied costume, fashion design, and modeling. Due to TBI at age 50, Claire learned to speak again with help of Toastmasters. She got involved in writing and TV for 15 years, and created a show called the “Colorful Journey of Success” that can be seen online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM7m6FUnwoI). She had the pleasure of interviewing so many interesting people. With regards to the pandemic, Claire says, “We live our lives in so many ways either by choice or force. The pandemic closed so many down. Designing Color Wheeling for daily planning helped me recover so I plan to write a book to help others organize life.”

1961

Greetings from Malava, Kenya! After nine years teaching in Solidarity Teacher Training College in Malakal and Yambio, South Sudan, Carolyn Buhs ’61 was able to return to Kenya to join her Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in their Notre Dame Educational Center in Malava, in Western Kenya, somewhat near Mount Elgon on the Kenya-Uganda border. Carolyn is very much enjoying organizing the Primary School Library and encouraging the elementary age children to borrow and read library books in English and Swahili. God is so very good!

1963

Sandy Thiemann Lamson ’63 finds it hard to believe that she has been out of school that long. She has been married to Paul (Flip) for over 55 years! Mercy taught her to be a true giver, and over the years, she has presided over many charity events always doing whatever job needed to be done. She has been taking care of her four grandchildren for the past 24 years. Her last one is now in 6th grade! Her daughters Kacy and Erica are both teachers, and her son Luke has his own advertising business. They are all doing great, and she is so proud of them all!

In 2022 Maureen Marconi ’63 and husband Alan Roth made up for the two years of not being able to travel—Transatlantic and Mediterranean cruises in March/April, May trip to the Big Island, July land tour of Scotland, New York, Montreal, and New England cruises in September. They ended the year with WOW moments in Easter Island, Patagonia, Jouazu Falls, and Antartica. Whew! Plus trips to Virginia to see the grandkids and Chico for a nephew’s wedding. She hopes 2023 brings all of us love, health, happiness, and peace PIctured left, Alan and Maureen on South Shetland Island in Antartica

1965

Patricia Flanagan ’65 enjoyed a visit to the deYoung Museum in San Francisco to see Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs. Pictured above, the following members of the class of 1962 also enjoyed the day: Edy Howell Ternullo, Toni Galli Coughlin, Pat Flanagan and Joan Hammes.

Carol Henry Prata ’65 wanted to let her Mercy family know that her beloved husband, Joe Prata passed away this past November. Joe was also the sister-in-law to Marie Henry ’66.

1966

Helen O’Brien Albano ’66 received her twenty year pin in 2022 for her volunteer work with the California State Parks. She volunteers at two state parks in Nevada County, Empire Mine and South Yuba River, demonstrating gold panning, patrolling the many trails, and working at special events. She has been blessed with three children (Dominic Jr, Aaron, and Sarah), one foster son in Uganda (Joseph, who is in the seminary), twelve grandchildren, and a 55 year marriage to Dominic Albano whom she met while attending Mercy. She retired from the Pleasant Valley School Dist. in 2008, but she has continued to work with the state parks and for her Catholic Church. Pictured left Helen O’Brien Albano, volunteering at the South Yuba River State Park.

Cheryl Kistner Romig ’66 reports that she has retired to Beaufort, South Carolina after a successful 20 year career in real estate in Laguna Beach, California. “Mercy holds a very special place in my heart!”

Marie Henry ’66 can be seen on YouTube reading three of her poems (and playing a little blues harmonica) in a group reading that took place last summer on ZOOM. You can find it by doing a YouTube search for: Episode 3, 2022 Marin Poetry Center Traveling Show. Marie is the 3rd of 6 poets to read. Her segment runs 11 minutes, starting around minute 23 to 34. Her entertaining set list includes “Mouth Harp Man” (with blues harmonica accompaniment), “The Air Thick with Everything,” and “Café Jack”.

1968

In May 2022, Victoria De Martini ‘68 and her daughter, Adrienne, rambled along the northern England Coastto-Coast trail with Sierra Club. Wind & driving rain were bravely faced, slippery rocks & muddy trails were traversed, and the quest to hike up & over the Pennines was a success. Along the way, stone buildings were explored and hundreds of cavorting sheep were witnessed. If you’re looking for a rural adventure, this might be the trip for you! Advice from the locals: don’t take a shortcut across a bog.

1969

1969 alums Susan Ryan Maloney, Janice Bazzani, and Marilyn Cullen Quinlan met recently in New York City to enjoy theater, food, and fun together, celebrating over 50 years of friendship and memories. It all began at Mercy High School! Above, Susan Janice and Marilyn enjoying the town!

1972

Cheryl Landucci McFall, ‘72 and some of her classmates get together regularly to celebrate each other’s birthdays. This gathering on October 21 included - Above L-R: Kathy Daly Fericano (St. Roberts & Mercy HS), Rose Maher (All Souls & two years at Mercy HS), Donna Bachle (All Souls alumnae), Kathy O’Leary (All Souls and Mercy HS), Cheryl (All Souls & Mercy HS), the chef for the evening at her San Francisco home, Annette Liberty (St. Roberts and Mercy HS), and Kathy Maher Felice (All Souls & one year at Mercy HS). Some of their friendships go back to kindergarten. They also enjoyed their 50 year Mercy HS Reunion in September. “It was amazing to be back at the Mansion with all the wonderful memories it holds for us. We are eternally grateful for our time at Mercy High School. A big thank you to our parents and faculty for this amazing experience. The night before our 50th high school reunion, some of us gathered together. This is the picture at our pre-party/ dinner at the Fish Market the night before the reunion.”

Pictured L-R are Annette Liberty, Kathy O’Leary, Chris Valencia, Cheryl Landucci, Mimi Kelleher, Judy Turner, Sue Landucci, Back row: Joan Monahan, Kathy Houle, Rose Maher, Debbie Zocchi, center as always Kathy Daly and behind Lorry Estelita. The class would also like to hold in remembrance the anniversary of the loss of two of our 1972 classmates in Jonestown, 11-18-78. There is a memorial celebration every year on that date at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland. Terry Carter and Mary Lou Meyer. RIP.

Pictured above, At a December groundbreaking event for a 101 pedestrian overpass in East Palo Alto which was followed by a reception honoring retiring Rep. Jackie Speier ’68. Jackie and interim City Attorney Valerie Armento ’69, had the opportunity to discuss challenges facing San Mateo County. As one of her last congressional achievements, Jackie secured $1.5 million for a new public library in East Palo Alto.

Since graduation, Janine Mignault Greenwald ‘74, reported that the ‘Squad’ who has shared life through the years, was finally able to connect again after COVID. First a fabulous potluck dinner gathering at the home of Ann Armento Dunn in April and the second a Holiday lunch, the Garden Club, So. S.F. 48 years of Love and Life. “We are blessed.” Above, L-R, Marie Vaillancourt Nielsen, Janine

Rodriguez,

Mignault Greenwald, Angi Ventura

Cathy Ferrari Lagomarsino, Anne Armento Dunn and Cindy Chin Wallace.

Rita Raffo Arnold ‘75 reported that Class of 1975’s Patty Habeeb, Laurie Carney, Darren O’Malley, Joan Battaini, Rita Raffo, Joan Columbini, and Clare Pool, pictured below, met for dinner in North Beach to celebrate being 65 (65 is the new 40!).

Eileen Muldown Gendron ‘75 has been retired for 6 years from a 30+ year international aerospace career. She and her husband, Gerard, have two sons: Wil, who recently earned his Ph.D. in Virology and Gene Therapy from the Mayo Clinic and married Katherine Wikholm, MD, this past April, and Collin, an accountant

working locally in the Los Angeles area. Eileen continues to enjoy long-time Mercy friendships. Above left, Gerard, Katherine, Wil, Eileen and Collin.

1978

Moira Cue Friedland ‘78 will celebrate 32 years of marriage in March 2023. She currently resides in Redding CA where she has owned and operated California Center for Therapeutic Massage since 2015. She enjoys walks with her husband and her 2-yearold Labrador “Lily”. Her daughter is Juliette Friedland who graduated from Arizona State University Barrett’s honor college with a Masters Degree in Healthcare Systems.

Katherine Lacunza Pompili ‘78 reported that June was a whirlwind for her family! Their first grandson, Jeffrey Bernardo Pompili, was born on June 2 to their oldest, Stephen, and his wife, Jordan. She shares, “he is the joy of their lives and grandparenthood is everything and more!” Two days later they left for Los Alamos, CA to begin the wedding festivities of their second son, Edward, who married his bride, Chelsea, in an intimate, family-

only ceremony of 17 people on June 6th, but first celebrated the 30th birthday there of their third son, Joseph, on June 4th. Francesca ‘12, has been very busy with Festa.com after expanding her products to include wedding paper and invitations. “We are very blessed!” Pictured above: Edward and Chelsea, Los Alamos.

1984

After being a stay at home Mom to twins Eva and Vivian for 14 years, Kimberly Fisher ’84 is happy to report that she is back to work as an Apparel Demand Planner at Ariat—a lifestyle apparel and footwear company located in the Bay Area.

1985

Alison Genie Sevilla Pineda ‘85 reported that their 35th Class Reunion was virtual on Zoom so it was great having a mini-reunion in person at Angelica’s Restaurant in Redwood City, California. Caption: Lunch at Angelica’s Restaurant with Mercy sisters. Pictured above L-R: Beth Pipinich Champe, Nicole Briggs Sandkulla, Renee Barbanica, Laurie Hudleson, Donna Peruzzaro, Daniela Hole, Alison Genie Pineda, and Trish Yanke Entsminger

1986

Maria Massenkpff Hoppe ‘86 and her husband, Eric, have returned to the Bay Area! Now living in Mill Valley, Maria is the Executive Director of the Sweetwater Music Hall. Eric has just retired from the Cal State University system. Their son Andrew (age 27) recently completed his MPhil in History at Cambridge in the UK, while their daughter, Katherine (age 24) graduated from Barnard in 2020 amidst COVID and is now living and working in the music industry in NYC.

Jeffrey at 7mos

1997

You usually find Bernadette Desuasido Portugal ’97 behind the camera. This year her husband Fernando and two kids Ilanis (9) & Matias (8) are working models as a family. They’ve worked on a number of campaigns - one most memorable is a national

2000

Mercy Alums, Chariss Ilarine ‘00, Rhea Palaad ‘00 and Sharisse Bernardo ‘00 were invited to the wedding of Mercy English Teacher and Department Chair Alex Hyman. Alex married Riordan Alum and English Teacher Kevin Estrada ‘00 this past July in Kentucky.

2008

Danielle Ciappara Pistorino ‘08 got promoted to Vice President of Paid Media Planning & Buying at global PR firm Weber Shandwick in April of 2022. Danielle also married Nicholas Pistorino in October of 2021. The wedding took place in Cape Cod, MA, a special place for the couple where they now own a summer home. Her wedding was beautiful and perfect, but the biggest surprise of the night was when her father dressed up as The Beast from Beauty & The Beast for the father-daughter dance to the title song of the movie. Everyone loved this touching and hilarious moment, especially the bride!

2010

Cathleen “Cat” Bottini Adamis ‘10 reported that “she married her best friend (and Serra alum) on November 4, 2021 and they welcomed their first baby in January 2023. Cat has returned home to the Tri-School family and is currently the Marketing and Communications Manager for Notre Dame High School. At left: Cat and husband Zach on their wedding day in Tahoe

In Memoriam

PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING ALUMNAE IN your prayers. As of this publication, we have noted the “In Memoriams” received between July 6, 2022 to February 8, 2023. Those received after that date will appear in our Summer/Fall 2023 Oaks.

Marge Hoey Baker ‘50

Mary Ann May Bomarc ‘69

Shandi Thompson Bonner ‘94

Lilia Ramos Cady ‘52

Joan Loretz Del Secco ‘47

2001

Yasmine Kury Phelan ‘01 married Emmett Phelan on June 25, 2022 in San Francisco, CA where they now reside. They both work in Education and Yasmine Kury-Phelan recently received her Administrative Credential in Education in 2022. Above: Yasmine Kury-Phelan and her family on her wedding day including her sister Nazira, Class of ‘98.

Linda Micheli Gunn ‘67

Corinne Parmisano Konevich ‘41

Annette Torre Lopes ‘66

Linda Del Secco McCahon ‘62

Molly Magnani McQueen ‘78

Mary Magnani Moore ‘80

Catherine Parrinello Mussio ‘71

Mary O’Brien ‘63

Claire Smith Parent ‘51

Charlotte Kolloch Wiard ‘58

Rebecca “Becca” Grady Evans ‘10 graduated from Gonzaga University in 2014 with a degree in Business Administration. She married her husband, Sam, in the Fall of 2021. She and Sam enthusiastically welcomed their daughter, Emerson James Evans, this past summer and are now enjoying life as a family of three just outside of Seattle.

2013

2014

Since graduating from Mercy B, Marian Abbott Hoy ‘14 has earned a bachelor’s and master’s in business and a master’s in teaching. She teaches at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School. Marian met her husband Ryan in Denver in 2018. On December 28, 2022, Marian and Ryan celebrated their wedding at Mercy High School.

2017

Sophia Harrell ‘17 is happy to share her 11-month anniversary in San Diego as a Program Manager at Athena, a premier women’s advocacy organization that fast-tracks women in STEM through leadership development. By transforming scientists and technologists into corporate leaders, their goal is to widen the bridge to advance 1 million women in STEM, by 2030. Sophia shares that she can truly account her passion for women’s advocacy to her time at Mercy Burlingame. The faculty and teachers taught Sophia to be confident in herself and to speak up. Many are not lucky enough to have a community like Mercy to shape them into confident young professionals, so it is Sophia’s goal to share this confidence with others. And of course, if you work for a STEM company, feel free to reach out to Sophia to see how you can grow together! Caption: Athena’s Lifting While Climbing Summit focusing on DEI and ESG @ Qualcomm’s San Diego HQ - Oct. 26, 2022

2021

Olivia Ganoza ‘21 sent Christine Folan this picture of her sweet niece ready to be a Mercy Girl! We look forward to having Sunny Moon Liberato in the Class of 2035!

Catherine’s Legacy

If you have made provisions for Mercy in your estate plan (with bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of life insurance or retirement funds), you can become a member of Mercy’s Catherine Legacy Society. Please notify the Advancement Department at 650.762.1190 or Mary Lund at mlund@mercyhsb.com. For more information on planned giving visit www.mercyhsb.com/ giving/planned-giving

Carly Eppler ‘13, married Chelsey Porter in Columbus, Ohio on November 5, 2022.