Magazine Draft.

A C A D E M Y O F S A I N T E L I Z A B E T H ISSUE 7 |

LEGACY magazine

E

D I

Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

JosephZiaya

Director of Communications

Lynn A Burek

Principal

Lauren Corvo

Assistant Principal

Helen Kotoulas

Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Jean Jackson

Director of Admissions

Beth Ellen Walsh

Director of School & College Counseling

Lisa Ratz

Director of Technology

Kelly Abner

Director of Athletics

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Katherine Lordi '67

ChairwomanoftheBoard

Mariel Gesualdo '97 ViceChairwoman

Michael Martinez Treasurer

Monique Degnan P '20

Secretary

Deborah Baseil, P '08

Sr Patricia Butler SC

Nicole Chase, 87

Deirdre Gaffney, P '20

James Garrett P '20 & '21

Sr Merris Larkin, SC

Sr Noreen Neary, SC

Antoinette Plewa '72 P '02

Andrea Pribula, 07

LEGACY Magazine | SPRING SUMMER 2023

Transformative Gift

The original artwork from the 1700’s, refreshed and repainted columns and iconic ancient busts of Plato, Socrates and the like were carefully selected to elevate the space into a room that could be in the league of some of the most well known college and university libraries

Open house dates 10/15/23 and 11/2/23

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Our mission is to promote the disciplines of academic excellence and moral responsibility within our young women by sustaining a scholarly environment and a nurturing community of faith.

Panthers are riding high, page

After a tough season in 2021-2022, the Varsity Basketball team had a bounceback year, garnering a 7-5 NJAC Independence record and overall 11 wins on the season.

10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Umaima and Alen are engaged! page, Alen proposed to Umaima in front of The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI. They plan on getting married in the Fall

2023

in the Hudson Valley area Lynn A. Burek, page

wanted to develop an environment where the girls are happy to come here every day; where staff is happy to come to work. That is what you want in a school.”

Class of 2012 Reunion, page The Academy was honored to host the Class of 2012 for their

year reunion on Saturday, November 26th!

Lynn A.

The Power of a Faith-Based Education

Dear Friends of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth Community,

True to our mission, we have pursued excellence and in the process of learning and becoming “exactly who God has meant for us to be,” our young women have had some exceptional learning and faith experiences. As you will see in the pages of this edition of Legacy, the year has been marked by some outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Our students and their families truly live our mission and give of themselves in service to others committed to engaging in meaningful philanthropic and faith endeavors such as Toward Boundless Charity students adopting families from Josephine’s Place at Christmas and collecting craft supplies and toys for pediatric patients at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, collaborating with the National Honor Society to stock the Saint Elizabeth University food pantry for Thanksgiving, Spanish Club students participating in the Pulsera Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers and connects Central American artists with American schools for the purpose of creating lasting change in their communities, National Honor Society walking in support of breast cancer research, among so many other charitable initiatives. Our students are actively engaging with the world beyond the classroom and experiencing learning, faith and values through an authentic, global lens enhancing their understanding of our diverse world.

So much of the good work at the Academy stems from our incredible Parents’ Association. From the moment a cadre of enthusiastic parents showed up at our front door in July 2015 to this very day, our Parents’ Association has graciously and lovingly fostered community, caring and good will. They have also generously supported our school (and me) enhancing just about all that we do, providing a fun, festive, celebratory atmosphere –creating a tight knit community that is second to none! It has been an

Burek Principal Academy of St. Elizabeth lBurek@aose.info

Our students are actively engaging with the world beyond the classroom and experiencing learning, faith and values through an authentic, global lens enhancing their understanding of our diverse world

incredible honor and pleasure to work hand in hand with everyone who has been a part of the Parents’ Association – your impact is immeasurable and will be everlasting. I remain in awe of your energy, enthusiasm and love of our dear school.

The Academy Board of Trustees Search Committee appointed a new Principal, Dr. Beth Azar, in January. We thank them sincerely for their dedicated effort to bring a truly exemplary leader to the Academy. I am confident that Dr. Azar will be a true blessing for the Academy community – we share a common purpose and commitment to the future of the Academy and the advancement of our core values. Please join me in wishing her the very best.

To everyone with whom I crossed paths during my time as Principal: Sisters of Charity, Board of Trustees, students, parents, colleagues, alumnae and friends of the Academy, thank you sincerely for the beautiful memories that I take with me, along with admiration and gratitude for all of you. This was always a team effort – and because of your deep reverence for our school and God’s grace, together, we were able to accomplish the unimaginable. The Academy I leave behind is a polished, resplendent jewel radiantly beaming, ever so brightly – may her light shine always.

Thank you for your care and support, your kindness and compassion, your respect and confidence, and most of all, the grace and love you have shown me. Because of my relationships with all of you, I am forever changed.

Ephesians 1-16

Forever in my heart, Lynn

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…today and always.

A. Burek

Night of Spirits

During the event, two raffles were held, one for a fully stocked mini fridge, the other for our annual Tuition Raffle The mini fridge was won by Sanjay Srivastava, parent of UmaSofia, ‘25 who recently transferred into the Academy This year ’ s Tuition Raffle winner

Halloween Assembly

Our Halloween Assembly celebrated a longstanding tradition of frighteningly fun times shared amongst the students, faculty and staff

During this year ' s assembly, arranged by the Student Council and under the guidance of Ms Vukas, a variety of festive contests and games helped raise our "spirits" for an unforgettable Halloween celebration

Halloween celebration

During the assembly, awards were given to students and faculty members for different costume contest categories, as voted on by the entire Academy community The following students and faculty members took home a prize at this year ’ s event:

was Lisa Baca, a graduate of one of the Sisters of Charity high schools, St Aloysius in Jersey City

Lisa was attending the Academy's first open house with her daughter in September when she scanned a QR code to purchase a ticket in the Study Hall

An unforgettable celebration.

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to Ms Vukas and the entire Student Council for bringing the spirit of Halloween to life at the Academy

Best Individual Costume: Mia Foer ‘24 as David Portnoy

Best Teacher Costume: Dr Altonjy as Gru

Best Group Costume: Mrs Prasad, Dr Sharma, and Mrs Sardana as Fashions of India

Best Pair Costume: Riley Wasdyke ‘24 and Victoire Chupin ‘24 as Queen Elizabeth II and Royal Guard

Funniest Costume: Madalena Benegas ‘25 as Bigfoot

Mummy Wrapping Contest: Samantha Sloan ‘24, Clare Farrell ‘24, and the Junior Class

Halloween Charades: Greta Servitto ‘24 and Dr Reilly

Oreo Eating Contest: Anne Rojak ‘26

Donut Eating Contest: Bridget Lomax ‘24

Spooky Musical Chairs: Piper Tricarico ‘25

A "ghoulishly" good time at the Academy!

accents

Mother-Daughter Tea

The Academy’s annual Mother-Daughter Tea took on the look of a certain luxurious blue-box brand, capturing the essence of true elegance and refinement With Holly Golightly style sunglasses, glamorous pearl necklaces, and Audrey Hepburn as inspiration, the Study Hall inspiration, the Study Hall was transformed into a space where our students and their mothers could feel like true celebrities

Prior to the event, attendees celebrated Mass in Holy Family Chapel with Fr Thomas Fallone, Pastor of St Thomas More Church

Thank you to event chairwomen April MacNaughton P ‘25 Lucia Spina P ‘25 and Committee: Jennifer Kelly P ‘23 ‘24 and Marguerite Toohey P ‘25 for helping bring this wonderful Academy tradition to life this year!

Toward Boundless Charity visit St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital to Donate Goods

In January, members of Toward Boundless Charity visited Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth since 1867

During Catholic Schools Week, a schoolwide drive was held to collect toys, games and crafts for the children at Saint Joseph’s Hospital With an overwhelming outpouring of support from the Academy community, over 500 items were delivered to the hospital’s Child Life Center

During their visit, Academy students met with members of the hospital’s executive team, including Mrs Jennifer Mendrzycki, P ‘26, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who put together a program with her esteemed colleagues

They shared the history of the hospital’s healthcare system, spoke about what a child life specialist does, and explained the role of the foundation in a hospital system Students also met the Chairman of Pediatrics, Dr Michael Lamacchia and had a warm welcome delivered by the President and CEO of St Joseph’s Hospital, Mr Kevin J Slavin

Additionally, the students explored a new program for high school students called “High School Job Shadow Program” and met the Sisters who live at the convent on campus

The Academy is so grateful to Mrs Jennifer Mendrzycki, P ’26, for planning a wonderful day for our Toward Boundless Charity members, and to her family for underwriting the cost of our bus transportation

Catholic Schools Week 2023

Celebrating Catholic education, especially at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth

On the Monday of Catholic Schools Week, the Academy celebrated a Blue and Gold Tag Day, along with our annual “Hide-And-Paw Seek” event Numbered paws were hidden hroughout the Academy building for students to find with each paw corresponding to a prize, which the students picked up during their lunch period Prizes included candy, Academy spirit items, and discount ons to the Panther Shop!

On Tuesday, the Academy munity gathered in Holy Family el with the Sisters of Charity of Elizabeth to celebrate Holy Mass emory of Mother Mary Xavier, dress of the Academy of Saint eth Fr Thomas Fallone, Pastor St Thomas More Church, rated the Mass, during which on Peter Fiore reminded all present of the gift that a Catholic

education affords to each student during his homily

Wednesday, in the brisk winter weather, students wore their warmest winter clothing as they worked their way through a campus-wide scavenger hunt Students worked in groups to answer Academy trivia questions and take group photos at various locations, including the Greek Theater, Softball Field, and Shakespeare Garden

The Academy celebrated its 163rd birthday with Thursday’s celebration of "Birthday at the Beth " Students were able to enjoy a true birthday party experience in the Academy's Study Hall during their lunch period

On Friday, the Academy community celebrated how Catholic education instills the values of service and selflessness Freshmen and sophomores participated

in various services projects throughout the Academy, including making cards for veterans, blankets for homeless shelters, and activity kits for sick children in the hospital Students also learned about Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth who embodied the very essence of service Students visited her shrine in Holy Family Chapel as they learned about her incredible life

At the same time, the Juniors and Seniors visited the Community Foodbank of New Jersey to help package boxes of various food items for those in need Due to all of our students’ efforts, numerous individuals experienced the very essence of our Catholic identity: to serve one another through love

2 Corinthians 9:7

"God loves a cheerful giver"-

Academy of Saint ElizabethFairleigh Dickinson University Partner for Athletic Internship Program

Starting this past winter, the Academy of Saint Elizabeth and Fairleigh Dickinson University partnered with one another for a Winter/Spring Intercollegiate Athletics Internship Program The program is focused on providing students with the opportunity to work in FDU’s College Athletic Department as a high school intern Daily experiences as a student intern focus on working within the fields of sports communication, journalism, coaching, facilities operations and athletic administration

Students are selected for the program based on their skills, abilities and career goals Once accepted into the program, students are assigned to work with a college athletic director or coach Exposure to college athletic administration as a high school student not only prepares our young women for college experiences as students and athletes, but it also provides them an opportunity that is not afforded to many students in other local schools

In the first semester of the program, six Academy students were accepted into the program, including Katharine Acken ‘23, Kate Condon ‘23, Margaret Callahan ‘23, Lola Ricciardelli ‘23, Catherine Schneider ‘23, and Maggie Sullivan ‘23 The students reported to Terry van Auken, the Internship Coordinator at FDU who helped place the students based on their current interests in the field of college athletic administration Maggie Sullivan ‘23, in her first days of internship, worked with the televised/broadcasting team at FDU By working with the team, Maggie played a part behind the scenes in putting together broadcasts of FDU’s televised sporting events Internship experiences like this provide students with experiential learning opportunities that cannot be reproduced elsewhere

The Academy looks forward to building our partnership with FDU in the future as we seek to provide the best educational experiences for our students.

accents

Be Boundless in Charity

Toward Boundless Charity ushered in the Christmas season at the Academy by making gift bags for the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Each bag had packets of hot chocolate, candy canes, and a pair of fuzzy socks to keep their spirits bright throughout the Christmas season!

#BishopSweeney

Thanks to the School Community at Academy of Saint Elizabeth for the opportunity to celebrate with them, the Opening Mass for the School Year!!

As we reflected on the Readings of the Day, I mentioned how the end of 12th leads into the (well known) 13th Chapter of St Paul's, 1st Letter to the Corinthians, " Love is patient, Love is kind " Here's the entire verse:

1 If I speak in human and angelic tongues* but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal

2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing

3 If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing

4 Love is patient, love is kind It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated,

5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth

7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things

8 Love never fails If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing

Letter to the editor:

"When I saw the picture of the three young women who are students at the Academy of St. Elizabeth welcoming Bishop Sweeney at Mass in the Chapel of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth University, I was impressed with their enthusiastic attitudes and pride in their religion and school. I find it interesting that these three were all wearing Varsity Sweaters! That was a walk down memory lane for me when I was a student at the College of St Elizabeth from 1955-1959, and each class had to wear a specific colored jacket and cap My class's color was red No matter what class, we wore them with pride as St E's girls, as I am confident these girls wear their Academy sweaters Have a wonderful year at a wonderful school Thank God every day for this wonderful opportunity your family has given you to be educated at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. Be the "Best You Can Be!"

Joann Ranalletti Wayne

from the

SPORTS DESK

A Record-Setting Season for our Panthers Volleyball Team

The Volleyball team had a stellar season with numerous milestones and accomplishments achieved by the team Under the guidance of Coach Andrew Jacobs, the Panthers amassed a 15-11 record for the season, with an 8-2 divisional record Seniors Jordan Brenner, Ella Mansfield, Amelia Calveric, Colleen Dooley, and Lola Ricciardelli, all played a pivotal role in supporting the team throughout each match Starting off the season on a 8-0 tear, the Panthers positioned themselves early on for a playoff berth The team ended up capturing the Northwestern Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Independence Division title for the first time in Academy history This accomplishment granted the team a place in the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (NJSIAA) State Tournament with a No 4 seed

In the first round of the tournament, the team played Saddle River Day School, in which the Panthers claimed the victory behind individual, single season achievements of Clare Farrell '24 and Amanda Chambers '24 During the matchup,

Clare earned her 300th kill of the season and Amanda garnered her 400th season assist, giving her over 800 career assists The team subsequently earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament against Mother Seton

During the Quarterfinals, the Panthers played valiantly in a 2-1 loss During the game, Lola Riccardelli ‘23 amassed 15 digs, for a total of 178 digs on the season, breaking the Academy’s single season record Additionally, Lola passed 300 career digs with a final total of 311, the highest recorded in Academy history Colleen Dooley ‘23 also accrued her 100th kill of the season, thus ending her Panther career with 229 career kills, the second most in school history Colleen Dooley ‘23 and Clare Farrell ‘24 are the first teammates to each score triple digit kills in the same season, another recordbreaking milestone

Alongside these achievements, the Volleyball team set all time records in wins, kills, digs, assists, and aces With a season for the ages, the 2022-2023 Volleyball team has surely “spiked” their legacy in Academy athletics history

PANTHERS SOCCER - Bright future

Led this season by Seniors Kathleen Byrne, Kate Condon, Lauren Santoriello, Emilia Lucas, Isabella Cortes, Emma Dietz, Katelynn Clifford, Lucia Ferriso, Ava Marcantonio, Allison Shannon, Catherine Schneider, and Maggie Sullivan, Panthers Soccer played a hard fought season as they focused on developing new talent with the impending graduation of several senior players in the

class of 2023 With some close matches throughout the season, the Panthers persevered together, honing important skills as a team, both on and off the field The future looks bright for the Panthers Soccer team as numerous underclasswomen prepare to step up and take charge on the field for the upcoming 2023-2024 season

Field Hockey

The 2022 Panthers entered this past tournament with a desire to prove themselves worthy of a spot Facing Red Bank Catholic, the team took an early lead in the first quarter with a goal scored by Emerson Lezynski ‘25 assisted by Brynn Kearns ‘23 The 1-0 score was bolstered by a third quarter goal from Abigail Villa ‘24 assisted by Addison Heuck ‘25 The team went on to win 2-0 in great part due to

the 9 saves of Mia Foer ‘24 throughout the game, granting passage to the quarterfinals During the quarterfinals matchup against Kent Place, the Panthers played their hardest against a worthy opponent While the Field Hockey team lost the match they did prove to themselves that they are a force to be reckoned with in upcoming seasons as the team seeks to build off this year ’ s strong successes

The Field Hockey team put on one of its strongest seasons this past fall, culminating in an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Tournament Coach Jessica Cullari led the team to an 8 win season, which is the most wins the team has had in a single season since 2017-2018 Seniors Magnolia Kern, Katie Acken, Brynn Kearns, Sonali Suri, Sydney Foer, and Margaret Callahan, all provided great leadership and support to their fellow teammates While the team faced a challenging start to the season, that all changed when the Panthers went 7-3 from the end of September through midOctober Some close final matches led the Panthers to a spot in the NJSIAA Tournament for the first time since 2017

The Panthers Were Off to a Hot Start This Tennis Season

Following a strong 2021-2022 season, Panthers Tennis hit the courts sprinting with Head Coaches Ellen Edson and Joan Braulio at the helm A 7-0 start to the season was achieved in great part due to Seniors Annabella Biondo, Caroline Clarke, Emma Kelly, Alyssa Rossini, and Emer Vesey Strong-handed victories against Boonton, Pequannock, and Vernon displayed the team’s strengths on the court in both singles and doubles play

The team entered the NJSIAA Tournament with a 7-1 record, facing of against the Academy of the Holy Angels The Panthers fought hard against a strong Angels team, eventually losing the match, but holding their heads high for a well-played match The team now looks to next season as up-and-coming players like Sophie Deutsch ‘24, Avery Kelly ‘24, and Luciana Guido ‘25, seek to capture the team’s next divisional title

Basketball WINTER SEASON

Panthers are riding high

Seniors Kate Condon, Colleen Dooley, Molly McHale, Catherine Scheider, and Maggie Sullivan all contributed to the overall team’s success, even with various injuries that sidelined the players throughout the season Major wins on the season involved victories over Dover (Final Score: 47-11), Veritas Christian Academy (Final Score: 60-19), Villa Walsh Academy (Final Score: 39-20), Whippany Park (Final Score: 65-39), and Parsippany

(Final Score: 40-28) During the season, Greta Servitto ‘24 was named a finalist for NJ com ’ s Player of the Week, finishing a close 2nd place for her achievements on the court

SWIM

The Varsity Basketball team had a bounceback season after a tough 20212022 season, garnering a 7-5 NJAC Independence record and overall 11 wins on the season Greta Servitto ’24 led the team on the court with 355 total points scored this season (103 two-pointers, 20 three-pointers, and 91 free throws made) and 230 rebounds Molly McHale ‘23 also had an incredible season, scoring 210 total points (44 two-pointers, 37 threepointers, and 11 free throws made)

AquaPanthers record-breaking season

Led by Seniors Katharine Acken Sophia Dobrusin Sydney Foer Brynn Kearns, Alexa McCarus, and Naomi Murphy, the AquaPanthers had another record-breaking season for the Academy Kasey Desiderio ‘25 accounted for several 1st Place finishes throughout the season in competitions including the 100 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle (Undefeated), 500 Freeform (Undefeated), and more Brynn Kearns ‘23, who tried out for the swim team for the first time this past season, garnered incredible accolades in her rookie (and only) season with the team: Brynn found her stride in the 200

Freestyle 200 Individual Medley and 200 Medley Relay placing 1st and 2nd Place in several competitions Sydney Foer ‘23, who also came out for the team as a senior, contributed in numerous events throughout the season, including the 200 Medley Relay and the 50 Freestyle

Additional personal records were broken by AquaPanther members Alexa McCarus ‘23, who dropped 40 seconds in her 500 Freestyle and over 20 seconds in the 200 Freestyle, and Shannon Hunt ‘25, who dropped over 30 seconds in her 200 Freestyle, over 45 seconds in the 500 Freestyle, and over 10 seconds in her 100 Butterfly

In the Morris County All-Star Game, Molly McHale ‘23, the only Academy player selected to participate in the event, took home the victory in the 3Point Shootout against other top athletes from local high schools In their final game of the season against St Dominic Academy (Jersey City) in the NJSIAA Tournament, the team played an intense back-and-forth game which extended into overtime While the team did not advance forward, the Panthers played an amazing season they look to build upon next year with even greater prospects of success

ICE Hockey

Our team takes home a big award

Mia Foer ‘24 was joined by upstart player Audrey Rohlf ‘26 this year on the Academy of Saint Elizabeth-Morris Catholic Co-Op Ice Hockey team

While Audrey spent the season honing her skills in practice with the team, Mia took to the ice for some strong, competitive bouts Mia had a stellar performance in the teams 6-1 victory over Parsippany Hills, scoring a goal in the 2nd Period

For her characteristics of “Humility, Character, Compassion, Community Service and Commitment,” Mia was selected by the divisions’ coaches to

receive the Harry Shatecl Memorial Award for the Charette Division This award is most commonly known amongst the division as the “Unsung Hero Award ” Mia has continued to embody and live out these characteristics, not only on the Ice Hockey team, but in every interaction she has with others, whether it be at school or elsewhere The Academy community is exceptionally proud that Mia was awarded this honor, especially due to all the hard work and dedication she puts into her craft of being a well-rounded ice hockey player and young woman

Fall-winter Conference

Honors

First Team All-Conference

Ava Marcantonio (Soccer)

Emer Vesey (Tennis)

Alyssa Rossini (Tennis)

Clare Farrell (Volleyball)

Amanda Chambers (Volleyball)

Anne Rojack (Field Hockey)

Greta Servitto (Basketball)

Second Team All-Conference

Catherine Schneider (Soccer)

Tennis Team

Lola Ricciardelli(Volleyball)

Colleen Dooley (Volleyball)

Addison Heuck (Field Hockey)

Brynn Kearns (Field Hockey)

Ellla Delatush (Field Hockey)

Molly McHale (Basketball)

Honorable Mention All-Conference

Emma Bradley (XC)

Grace Gehm (Soccer)

Caroline O'Callaghan

Greta Servitto (Volleyball)

Fiona Farrell (Field Hockey)

Grace Gehm (Basketball)

Kasey Desiderio (Swimming)

Caitlin Flanagan (Swimming)

Academic All-Conference

Clare Farrell

Catherine Schneider

Colleen Dooley

Caroline Clarke

Luciana Guido

Avery Kelly

Emma Kelly

Alyssa Rossini

Anne Rojack

Addison Heuck

Brynn Kearns

Ella Delatush

Greta Servitto

All-County

3rd Team: Ava Marcantonio (Soccer)

Honorable Mention:

Catherine Schneider (Soccer)

Caroline O'Callaghan (Soccer)

Brynn Kearns (Field Hockey)

ative pollinators are on the decline

Since 2006, American beekeepers have lost around 30% of their colonies every year (Bee Informed Partnership) These are staggering losses, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, pesticide use and parasites In order to combat this global trend, the Pollinators Committee was founded in September 2021 by thensophomore Morgan Lomax It has since sponsored numerous schoolwide projects and initiatives, including the Academy of St Elizabeth’s first-ever pollinator garden Such ambitions were established early on The Committee’s mission is as follows: “[it] consists of dedicated young women that are instilled with the values of environmental stewardship and sustainability so as to help sustain the pollinator population The Committee promotes student-led initiatives to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world and of pollinators ” These values were certainly upheld in the year of the Committee’s founding From September 2021 through June 2022, the group formed within the pre-existing Ecology Club - organized a range of creative projects in order to raise money for the garden: a seed bomb fundraiser, origami project, Adopt a Flower Fundraiser, poster contest within the club, bake sale, bracelet fundraiser, Adopt a Butterfly Fundraiser, and butterfly release

Pollinators

By: Morgan Lomax ‘24

The seed bomb fundraiser was in large part inspired by the planting method’s popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown To create the “seed bombs,” one must simply mold balls out of a mixture of water, dirt, and seeds, allow them to dry, and then distribute them outdoors The seed bombs themselves were handmade by Committee members and sold alongside “pollinator pods,” which was the name given to peat pots donated by Bartell Farm and Garden Supply filled with soil and native wildflower seeds The first-ever Pollinators Committee fundraiser was met with great fanfare, inaugurating the group and setting the stage for future successes

One of the aims of the Pollinators Committee is to provide Academy students with opportunities for leadership This idea was particularly relevant in the second semester of the 2021-2022 school year, during which time the majority of the Committee’s fundraisers occurred The origami project, completed in February 2022, entailed the creation of small, pollinator-shaped figurines which were then distributed to the homerooms The intention of the project was to not only bring awareness to the wide variety of native pollinators, ranging from bees to bats to butterflies, but to also beautify classrooms during the drearier winter months The following year, Committee members again folded origami, but the figurines were instead sold during the Valentine’s Day craft fundraiser to raise

money for the expansion of the pollinator garden

Generally speaking, all fundraisers were held with the garden in mind The Sponsor a Flower and Adopt a Butterfly fundraisers, consolidated into one fundraiser in 2023, provided a fun option for students who hoped to contribute to the Committee’s efforts

For five dollars, students and faculty could either sponsor a flower that would be planted in the pollinator garden or “adopt” a native butterfly that would be released in May of that year Those who sponsored a flower received a digital certificate and those who adopted a butterfly were able to name their very own Painted Lady butterfly

The idea for the garden emerged out of exigency: according to New Jersey Audubon, the state is projected to be the first in the nation to reach “build out ” This does not bode well for pollinators because most depend on native plants for habitat and nutrition The Academy pollinator garden contributes to the nationwide “pollinator pathway,” providing an oasis among manicured lawns and concrete jungles It is located in the courtyard behind the school known as “The SEA of Flowers,” which had been overrun with overgrowth In May 2022, student volunteers and Pollinators

Committee members planted one of the plots with noninvasive, native flower species using the Great Swamp Watershed Association’s “shade kit ” The seedlings were a collection of pollinatorfriendly flowers: Foamflower, Blue Lobelia, Wreath Goldenrod, Blue Wood Aster, and Christmas Fern Similar species were planted next to one another, forming clumps and “ green mulch,” thus reducing space for weeds In June, the garden was supplemented with full-grown perennial plants

Unlike in most domestic gardens, the flower stalks were left through the winter to provide shelter and food to wildlife Besides the pollinator garden, the Committee is also excited to plant butterfly milkweed in the garden beds near the picnic table area

Ultimately, the Pollinators Committee hopes to cultivate an appreciation for native pollinators at the Academy and beyond, fulfilling the motto of being “all the buzz ”

LYNNBUREK

By:JosephZiaya

Several Christian symbols and traditions are based in the text of a second-century manuscript known as the Physiologus, composed by an unknown author, yet bears import eighteen centuries later, especially to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth One such symbol recorded in Physiologus is that of the pelican feeding her starving nestlings with her own blood by pecking her breast, mortally wounding herself so that her children may live

This eloquent symbol is found in the seal of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, as well as in the Academy of Saint Elizabeth’s school seal and crest

Another such symbol recounted in Physiologus is that of the legendary

phoenix, a bird which burns with blazing fire into its eventual own ending, yet arises anew, eternal and transformed; a perfect blending of its old and new selves into one being In many ways, the legacy that Mrs Lynn Burek has etched into the Academy of Saint Elizabeth resembles that of the mythology attributed to the pelican and the phoenix: that of selfless love and transformative power Her eight years as principal of the Academy has seen great transformations in academics, extracurriculars, social life, and expression of mission, all while remaining true to the

historic 163-year-old legacy started in 1860 by Mother Mary Xavier and her fellow Sisters of Charity Mrs Burek is herself a symbol of the Academy, transforming and changing when the Sisters of Charity entrusted her to be the first lay principal When Mrs Burek accepted the offer as Mrs Burek’s vision for the Academy began and ended with one word: community She did not seek to impose her vision of what a school should be Rather, through selfless love and a desire to help transform and grow the Academy, she sought to work with others in the formation of the school’s future

Sister Mary Agnes O’Neill 1860–1877

Sister Mary Pauline Kelligar 1877 – 1922

“My idea for the Academy was to use the vision of the people who were already here: the Sisters of Charity, the parents, the students, and the faculty and staff It had to be a shared vision ” That shared vision began with preparing the Academy for what the future of education looked like With only 124 students enrolled in the school at the start of Mrs Burek’s tenure as principal, the task of transforming the Academy was vital to its future success Now, as Mrs Burek prepares to retire, the Academy boasts an enrollment of 222 students The Academy, a phoenix rising anew, offers a competitive educational

experience necessary in the 21st Century, while at the same time remaining true to its original mission, traditions, and identity as the oldest all-girls Catholic high school in the State of New Jersey But how did this transformative vision come to fruition? For Mrs Burek, the answer is clear

“It started with fostering a wonderful balance of academics, athletics, extracurriculars, service, etc The Academy was a diamond in the rough and all it needed was a little polishing by every stakeholder of this wonderful community ” And so, the transformative polishing commenced

As with any transformation or change, there were moments of difficulty, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic Yet under Mrs Burek’s leadership, the Academy stayed the course as it began to rekindle itself into a competitive option for young women looking for an inviting second home One area of focus was further enhancing the welcoming atmosphere of the building as current and prospective students, their families, and alumnae entered “Every building has a pulse, I say, and you can feel that pulse the minute you step into a building I think it is the role of the principal to set the energy of that pulse It

Lynn Burek and Ann Korogolos

was my hope to foster a warm, caring, inviting energy in the hallways and classrooms of this historic building ” This warm tone, akin to the warmth of a phoenix rising from the flames, gave way to new beginnings that would set the Academy on a path of future growth, especially in the programs offered to its students and the community at large One major transformative aspect the Academy experienced under Mrs Burek’s guidance involved the enhancement of the academic programs At the start of Mrs Burek’s tenure, the Academy offered one theology class that was part of the then College Now

program, by which students could earn college credit before graduating high school A part of the shared vision to transform and grow the Academy involved adding more college courses to the curriculum Today, the University Now program offers six different courses for our students to earn college credit, spanning the subjects of theology, history, and the arts Some student favorite University Now classes include Exploring the Basics of Judaism, Christianity & Islam and Freedom, Power & Politics Other areas of transformation occurred in the Academy’s elective program offerings Mrs Burek sought to

increase the options that students could choose from so as to help our young women discover what their future dreams would look like beyond their time at the Academy “I am proud of the elective program that we have grown here It is rich and diverse, providing the students with the ability to explore different areas of education, especially in the areas of STEM, the arts and technology that are more relevant for our young women in the 21st Century ” These new advancements in the Academy’s offerings also brought about greater familiarity amongst families, students, faculty and staff Collaboration was a

Lynn Burek and Studants in the Office Lynn Burek Lead with your Heart Award.

Sister Kathleen O’Brien

Sister Clare Majella Scanlon 1965-1967

Sister Grace Benigna LaLonde

hallmark of Mrs Burek’s time as principal at the Academy, defined by various integral relationships that helped make the Academy what it is today When the Academy was separately incorporated in 2018, Mrs Burek was at the helm of guiding the school through a time of transition and transformation, maintaining strong ties with the Sisters of Charity while also working with the newly formed Board of Trustees Managing the expectations of both challenged Mrs Burek to think anew of the future of the Academy as an educational powerhouse “The Sisters entrusted me to their oldest and, I think, most beloved ministry There

is great responsibilitythat comes along with such trust I simply tried to live up to that, each and every day ” In addition to the relationships formed with the Sisters of Charity and the Board of Trustees, Mrs Burek became a welcoming presence for our Academy families, students, faculty and staff “I wanted to develop an environment where the girls are happy to come here every day; where staff is happy to come to work That is what you want in a school ” And that is the culture Mrs Burek built over the years: a pulsing, lively, welcoming school that was on the forefront of education Her collegial, warm, and inviting personality is a

defining characteristic of Mrs Burek This allowed for truly deep connections to be made between principal and faculty and staff, fostering a work environment that was always focused on the shared vision: growing and elevating the Academy for generations of young women to come Processes like reaccreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools highlighted areas of great strength and potential for growth, guiding the strategic plan that was recently instituted for the future of the Academy Yet in the end, Mrs Burek believes that the most important

aspect of the Academy is its people “I always say it is the people who make a school what it is And I will miss the people, which make up our Academy community, the most ” Yet before Mrs Burek’s final farewell to the Academy, she will experience her favorite tradition one final time as principal: Graduation Along the way of one ’ s educational career, there are several “phoenix-like” moments, where one journey ends, yet a new one begins Graduation is just an example of one of these moments, where our young women take the lessons instilled within their hearts during their time at the Academy and create for themselves a

new future One of the eternal lessons the Academy seeks to instill in our students is that of the selfless love of the pelican, willingly giving of itself for another In many ways, that is the foundational bond of SEAsterhood which has come to define the Academy and Mrs Burek’s own personal faith When our young women graduate, it is at that moment that their transformation from freshman year to senior year is complete, when they embark on a new journey As each graduation passes, another group of beautiful women become inextricably tied to the history that is the Academy of Saint Elizabeth “Graduation is

the culmination of four years of transformation for these students Seeing the young women they emerge as, particularly on that day, is always the most rewarding ”

And so, as Mrs Burek’s time as principal of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth nears its own end, her legacy is forever etched in our historic 163-year-old manuscript While the embers of her time at the Academy begin to cool like that of the phoenix, her legendary, selfless love, much akin to that of the pelican, will act as fuel for the bright, burning future that the Academy now possesses due, in great part, to the outstanding leadership of Mrs Lynn Burek

Dr. Beth Azar 2023-Present

Mrs Lynn Burek July 2015-2023

A heartfelt farewell to Mrs. Lynn Burek

I am so thankful for Mrs Burek and her dedication to Catholic education She steered the Academy through some very challenging times and worked hard to maintain the spirit and traditions of the Academy through it all Under her leadership, the Academy has thrived and became a place where the girls can grow academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally I am grateful for my daughter’s experience at the Academy and grateful that Mrs Burek was at the helm Catholic education is more important than ever, and Mrs Burek has made the Academy a place where our daughters can learn how to become the women God made them to be. May God bless her in her retirement!

Mrs Joanne Roethlin, P ‘22

Mrs Burek, thank you so much for your hard work at the Academy The warm and friendly disposition that you embody made AOSE an enjoyable community to be a part of There is no doubt that you left a positive impact on all of the students and faculty We appreciate your dedication for everything you have done to make the Academy a better place for us to learn and grow as students to prepare us for our future endeavors We are all so grateful for you

Ms Emma Chiofolo 22

Mrs Burek, you will be immensely missed in your professional capacity as principal, as well as your endearing, compassionate and selfless capacity as a woman and friend I feel lucky enough to have begun the journey at the Academy with you, beginning your first year as principal, and now I am here with my freshman daughter, Emma, as you are ending your professional career You faced every trial with immense grace and class May God bless you and your family always

Mrs Gina Cordano, P 19, 26

Mrs Burek – You are one of a kind, a rainbow and sunshine in the clouds! Thank you for being an incredible professional and life mentor to me. Even though we were only able to connect and work together for a few months, you had a profound impact on my life Your demeanor, strong work ethic, and generous spirit have inspired me to grow as a person through character and kindness

Thank you for your dedication to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I know you’ll continue to brighten others' day by putting a smile on their face, wherever the next chapter begins Thank you again for everything and best wishes!

Ms Kelly Abner, Director of Athletics

Thank you for the grace you brought to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth! May this sense of grace continue to guide and nourish you on the next step of your journey Thank you!

Dr Kimberly Borin, Theology Department Faculty Member

Mrs Burek has put the Academy of Saint Elizabeth back on the map! Her strength of character, her compassion and her caring for the school and the students we all love, have been admirable Who would have thought eight years ago, when we had the wonderful good fortune of having Mrs Burek accept the position as principal of the Academy, that her vision of the future would be so far reaching, and so successful Mrs Burek has changed the attitude, the academics, and more that has brought our Academy so far ahead in nurturing our Catholic values and ensuring their place in the lives of our students and faculty Not only do the girls appreciate the many changes that have been made in learning, but also the changes many families have wrought to the magnificent 122 year old building and the history and security it brings to everyone who enters there

Thank you, Mrs Burek, from the bottom of all our hearts!

The Moran Family ‘23

Mrs Burek, we would like to thank you for your service to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth and the mission of the Sisters of Charity

You have been the modern day embodiment of the women who have guided this very special educational institution since its beginning

When we attended our first AOSE Open House, we knew that we had found our child’s academic home We cannot thank you enough for the compassion and kindness you showed to us during a very challenging time for our family in our first year at AOSE We also thank you for the compassion and kindness you showed to so many families during our time at the Academy.

The AOSE community has become a family to us and will always be thought of as such We believe your leadership helped to create that community and your guidance has allowed it to grow and thrive You have provided it with a solid and stable foundation for the future One of our favorite quotes is by Bishop Desmond Tutu: “You don't choose your family They are God's gift to you, as you are to them ”

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is a family and the community has been blessed by the gift of your presence at its helm We, as one individual family, are filled with gratitude for your service and wish you many blessings as you start the next chapter of your life! The Beck Family 21

Mrs Burek began her time as the Academy's Principal as I started my journey as a freshman I never knew the Academy without her, nor would I want to! Mrs Burek had a way of speaking to students that not only calmed us but also invigorated and straightened us out Mrs Burek was passionate about volunteering, investing in young women, and Catholicism. During tense political elections, current events and more, Mrs Burek was our rock in morning prayer, afternoon dismissal, and the day-to-day She was always there for us, office door ajar I recall a conversation with Mrs Burek leaving our Thanksgiving prayer service My dear friend had commented on how she loved the shortened day, because our class periods were only 45-minutes long as opposed to the normal 55-minutes. As I smiled foolishly in agreement, Mrs Burek approached the two of us and said, "and you are now in a state of grace to take on the rest of your day!" At first, we felt embarrassed and childish, but looking back on this moment now, this was just what we needed, and her words certainly stuck like glue! This moving moment illustrates how appreciative my fellow graduates and I are of the time and care the Academy invested in us not only academically but, more importantly, spiritually I encourage everyone to take Mrs Burek's spirit with you; indeed, she may leave her desk, but her aura drapes the halls As you and I exit our next prayer service in a newfound state of grace and keep Mrs Burek in mind, let us think: what will we make of the rest of our day?

Ms Olivia Cordano 19

Congratulations to Mrs Burek on a brilliant career It would not be an overstatement to say you not only saved our school, but you also catapulted the Academy into the shining example of an all-female education I am certain there was divine intervention when you were delivered to us Thank God and may God bless our fearless leader in the future. Mrs. Burek, your legacy is securely among the greats who built our school You will be so missed

I came to the Academy as the part time Educational Services Commission of Morris County (ESC) Supplemental Instructor I was assigned the same year as Lynn Burek. Mrs. Burek understands the needs and supportive services needed for our ladies and she always came to me to ask if there was anything additional that I needed to make my stay at the school as comfortable as possible, and would comply with whatever I needed to accommodate our students It has been a pleasure working with her as principal She also was always available to talk on a personal level. I know she will be surely missed!

Mrs Alexandra Protopapas

With daughters in the Classes of 2019 & 2024, as parents we have only known the Academy of Saint Elizabeth with Mrs. Burek at the helm As the first lay principal of The Academy, Mrs Burek’s steady leadership to students and all stakeholders of the Academy advanced the now 163-year old high school to a modern and needed phase Mrs Burek continued the Academy’s focus on a Catholic values-based education, retained and understood the Academy’s deep history and traditions, and built upon and advanced the school to new heights She made appropriate academic changes while hiring true professionals, expanding staff and growing enrollment

Mrs Burek has been such a guiding force and kind light for AOSE students and their families We have felt completely confident in her skills as a leader and comforted by her wholeness as a human. We have watched AOSE grow forward while never losing its heart and soul Mrs Burek welcomed everyone and made all her students feel loved We wish her the very best in her next adventure We will miss you!

The Mansfield Family, 23

Mrs. Burek has been a thoughtful and strong leader! I especially admired the way she handled the COVID-19 Pandemic years, giving our daughters and AOSE the best possible situation during a tough time AOSE was easily the best example (in our area and beyond) of how to keep a school open and operating at the highest level while still being safe Furthermore, she has been a great role model for our girls, always offering kindness and grace The Muir Family wishes Mrs Burek a happy, restful and fun retirement! Thank you for everything you have done for our school and our daughters

Mrs Elizabeth Hathway Muir, P ‘22

As I reflect upon my past two years, I am deeply impressed and inspired by your extraordinary dedication to the Academy and its community You have been a strong influence on my professional career I will miss your guidance, support and kindness I pray that this will be a wonderful new beginning for you Enjoy!

Mr & Mrs Angelo Giambattista,

P ‘13, ‘18

Unbeknownst at the time, when a global pandemic hit in 2020, the impact of Mrs Burek’s first five years became all the more meaningful Mrs Burek and her team maneuvered the Academy through an unprecedented time for which there was no playbook while keeping students’ best interest in mind We are all so thankful Mrs Burek was there as an educator and leader when she was needed the most Our students are forever grateful Thank you, Mrs Burek Congratulations and enjoy your retirement – you have certainly earned it!

Mr & Mrs Charles J

Malone, P ‘19, ‘24

Dr Sunita Sharma, Science Department Faculty

Sister Maureen Shaughnessy

General Superior, Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

Lynn Burek has been an outstanding leader for the Academy of Saint Elizabeth As the first lay principal, she has led the school over these last eight years with a dedication to the mission of educating young women, empowering them for leadership and instilling in them a commitment to live according to the values of the Gospel Lynn has successfully brought the Academy through the Middle States accreditation process and created the University Now program with Saint Elizabeth University The environment that has been created at the Academy and the programs that have been initiated have led to increased enrollment The Academy is alive and flourishing! Her time at the Academy has certainly seen its challenges Most recently, she, together with her Administrative team and faculty, navigated the COVID-19 period and kept the school open full time The Academy became its own corporation in 2018 and Lynn has worked successfully with the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff to create a 6-year strategic plan

Above all, Lynn embraced the Mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and has lived the Charism of Charity in her words and actions We were blessed to have her

We wish Lynn every blessing as she moves on from here and trust that the next phase of her life journey will be filled with numerous possibilities

Peace,

Maureen Shaughnessy, S C General Superior

Above all, Lynn embraced the Mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and has lived the Charism of Charity in her words and actions. We were blessed to have her.

ALUMNAE

NEWS

UMAIMASALEEM,‘12ENGAGEMENT

Alen Salibasic and Umaima Saleem ‘12 met in early 2014 when Umaima was visiting a family friend at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa Alen, originally from Lukavac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a student-athlete at the university, and played for the men ’ s tennis team When Alen met Umaima, he was impressed with how much she knew about Bosnia and Herzegovina Little did he know that Umaima and one of her SEAster’s, Stephanie Garofalo ’12, did a presentation on the country in Ms O’Rourke’s Current World class Thank you, Ms O’Rourke!

A few years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree, Umaima found that her true passion was for books and decided to pursue a career in publishing She interned at BookEnds Literary Agency in Gillette, NJ and was one of the winners of the We Need Diverse Books 2020 Internship Grant, a grant given to people who come from marginalized communities and want to diversify the publishing industry Currently, Umaima works as an Assistant Production Editor at Page Street Publishing

After his graduation from Harvard Business School in 2022, Alen proposed to Umaima in front of The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI They plan on getting married in the Fall 2023 in the Hudson Valley area Currently, they reside in Stamford, CT

Since graduating in 2012, Umaima and Stephanie have maintained a close friendship Throughout the years, they have spent summers, Thanksgivings, and Christmases together Stephanie and her older sister, Rosemary (nee Garofalo) Mugurusa ‘06 have always treated Umaima like another sister Stephanie will be getting married in July of this year where Umaima will serve as her maid of honor, and at Umaima’s wedding, Stephanie will serve as her matron of honor

During the pandemic, Umaima reconnected with two of her other SEAsters, Madelyn (Maddie) McCleary ‘12 and Christine Tran ‘12 When things began to open, Umaima, Stephanie, Maddie, and Christine planned some weekend getaways to see each other Both Maddie and Christine will be bridesmaids at Umaima’s upcoming wedding

Welcome to the family, Asher!

Class of 2012 Reunion

On Saturday, November 26, 2022, the Academy was honored to host the Class of 2012 for their 10 year reunion!

A special thank you to Mrs Lauren Corvo, Assistant Principal, for surprising our alumnae with a visit from their favorite biology teacher and tennis coach!

Grace Kunas Patel, ‘11 and her husband, Uddit, are proud to announce they have welcomed their first child, Asher, who was born on February 4, 2023

Grace is finishing up her residency as an emergency medicine physician in Phoenix, AZ where she will become an attending physician in the upcoming months

The Lenten Devotional Goes on a Road Trip

Suzanne shares, “I’m in an Everglades campground enjoying the Lenten Devotional at sunrise A good way to start the day ”

Suzanne Casana ‘69

in Deehan ‘06 married her h school sweetheart Michael rdano, Seton Hall Prep ’06, on ober 8, 2022 The two met at Seton Hall Prep versus rton hockey game at en Arena their freshman of high school and the rest is y Robin and Michael were ed at St Rose of Lima olic Church in Short Hills wed by a night of dinner and ng at the Park Chateau e and Gardens in East wick Robin’s best friend St E’s, Katherine Barilla ’06, d as her maid of honor and Michael currently in Hoboken

First Annual Alumnae Father/Daughter Bowling Tournament

The Knights of Saint Elizabeth would like to thank our alumnae and fathers who joined us for our first ever Alumna Father/Daughter Bowling Tournament on the eve of Thanksgiving at STRYXE in Madison Everyone had a great time at this new Saint E's tradition!

Suzanne Casana 69

El Camino

By: Elizabeth Kilgore ‘19

Ms Elizabeth Kilgore graduated from the Academy of Saint Elizabeth in 2019 She is the second of four sisters to attend the Academy She was awarded the highly prestigious Jefferson Scholarship, which is intended to cover the entire cost of attendance for four years at the University of Virginia, plus coverage of supplemental enrichment experiences Elizabeth will graduate this May with a B A in Cognitive Science and a minor in Social Entrepreneurship She is excited to continue her education this fall at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce She has earned the Clark Construction Scholarship, another fullyfunded scholarship, to pursue a Master's in Commerce on a Finance Track

I was twelve years old when I first watched The Way in my sixth grade religion class Martin Sheen plays a stubborn doctor who walks El Camino de Santiago in a valiant act of homage to his estranged son, who died tragically along the route I resolved on that day to complete my own Camino, and nearly ten years later, I did

The name El Camino de Santiago translates to “the way of St James,” and it describes a network of pilgrimages weaving throughout Europe and converging at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain Every year, El Camino attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from every end of the Earth, hoping to follow in the footsteps of St James and perhaps leave their own behind Though every pilgrim embarks from a different starting point and for a different reason, pilgrims are united by a shared commitment to weather the roads to Santiago

I was beyond fortunate to walk El Camino with my mom, Geraldine We walked over 400 miles on El Camino Portuguese, a leg of the Camino beginning in Lisbon, Portugal and stretching north through Portugal before crossing into Spain We walked on every kind of surface imaginable – pavement, cobblestone, sand, dirt, grass, boardwalk We walked along oceans and highways and through eucalyptus forests and rainstorms

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ”

-Robert Louis Stevenson

Our first ten days on El Camino were marked by a heat wave that moved through Europe with ferocity Those days were mostly spent walking through farmlands, meaning there was little shade to shield us from the blazing sun and temperatures reaching 106℉ In addition to our backpacks holding all of our belongings, we carried up to ten pounds of water, sometimes traveling as far as ten miles without water stops Those early days tested our willpower as every muscle in our bodies adjusted to their new normal

Our daily routine was simple We typically awoke hours before the sun to beat the heat, laced our trail shoes, and walked And walked, and walked, and walked We often arrived in the next town by late afternoon, just in time for a much-needed lunch and siesta We used whatever strength we had left in our legs to explore the towns we passed through, collecting fragments of the unique history and personality of each By each evening, we crawled into our hostel beds and fell fast asleep

Though many pilgrims arrive on El Camino solo, no pilgrim ever walks alone Early into our journey, we met our “Camino Family,” which expanded with each day of our journey We often enjoyed lively, multilingual dinners with those we met on the road, employing the Spanish and Portuguese skills we had honed along the way When we lacked a linguistic medium for communication, we relied heavily on pantomime and translation apps Though we hailed from different parts of the world, we were united in our shared journey

The last day of El Camino was full of emotions It was one of the hilliest stretches of our journey, a final challenge before the finish line The moment we stepped into the vast plaza of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was surreal We were joined by hundreds of other pilgrims completing their journeys, and though we had all come from different places, our paths had led us to the same destination

In the months since returning home from Santiago, I have often found myself thinking back to the days of El Camino fondly I think about the roads, the fiery heat and tired feet, the bonds we formed and those we strengthened, and the faith that carried us when we were too tired to walk I hope to return to El Camino one day, but until then, I will carry the memories with me with a full heart, a grateful soul, and a sore leg or two

Mary Conlin MacGuire ‘47

Rosie the Riveter, the iconic image of female empowerment throughout World War II, embodied the experience of all American women during the darkest days of the war The drive and determination of women to support American soldiers on the front lines of the war involved working in factories, creating and sending care packages overseas, and living day-to-day under rations This was true for every student at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth during World War II, including Mary Conlin MacGuire ’47 Mary sat down with Katelyn Rohlf ‘21 for our first HERStory Interview to learn more about life at the Academy during “the Great War ”

Mary did not start her high school career at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth Rather, she transferred from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey following the end of her freshman year Why did she transfer? Her brother, Rob, was dating one of the Academy girls who convinced her to make the change “She [Rob’s girlfriend] said you’ll love St E’s She talked me into going and I never looked back or regretted the decision to transfer,”

Mary recalled Transferring to the Academy meant Mary would become a boarding student during the week, only going home on the weekends “On Friday afternoons, I would get on the train at Convent Station and travel to Newark I would then walk down to my father’s work office and go home for the weekend with him ”

However, life during the week was more exciting, even amongst the backdrop of World War II With the vast majority of students boarding at the Academy, freshman year meant living in communal dormitories, whereas afterwards students could live in private rooms, either by themselves or with a roommate Mary reminisced how each day during the week was packed with events and classes The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, under the guidance of then principal Sister Marie Josephine, encouraged students to wake up early for Mass every day, followed by breakfast and classes starting at 8:30 AM Uniforms varied throughout the year, with fall and spring uniforms including a blue jumper, white shortsleeve shirt, blue tie, blue jacket, stockings and sandal shoes and winter uniform having a dark green jumper with matching jacket and tie and a tan long sleeve shirt At noon each day, students were given a lunch break until 1:00 PM, with classes concluding at 3:30 PM On the days the students had gym, they wore a special gym dress that “went halfway down to our knees and bloomers which we would pull as high as we could,” Mary remembered, laughing Afternoons involved outdoor walks, study hall sessions, and bonding with fellow SEAsters in the Circle Room Lights were always out by 9:30 PM, especially the gas lights in the hallways, so as to conserve g war Yet some stu their homework in out rule, leading s their blankets wi pencils, and flashlig such incident invol and a late-night “You had to have a over your bed so homework without telling you to turn One time, and I am roommate was us hide as she did her h

She somehow burned my blanket with her flashlight, leaving a burn mark for all to see!” Late night study sessions were common, since Mary recounts many hours of homework to do and seemingly not enough hours in the day to do it all “We had so much homework, that’s what we worked on even when we didn’t have to! After catching me with my flashlight under my already-burned blanket, one sister said to me that if I was not smart enough to do my homework in the time allotted, I didn’t deserve to be an ‘A’ student ”But for Mary and her fellow SEAsters during this time, such memories of life at the Academy are intermixed with the realities of a country at war Each Academy student was a mini “Rosie the Riveter,” helping the war ’ s cause by abiding under the same rules and regulations the rest of the nation lived under for several years “People don’t realize how many sacrifices we all made then One example was how my mother did not drive so she could save her gas rations My mother wanted to give the saved rations to my brothers once they came home from serving in the war so they could spend time visiting their friends ”

Mary had three brothers, all of whom served in the armed forces Her oldest brother served in the Navy, followed by a career in the nuclear power industry Her youngest brother served in the Air Force, though too young to fight in World War II Her middle brother served in the Army and was sadly killed in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium

Rationing, though, went beyond just gas and driving “Everyone was involved in the war effort It wasn’t like the wars today where you listen to it on television and that’s about all the effect it has We rationed needles, canned goods, shoes (we got one pair of leather shoes a year), sugar, etc ” Rationing also affected the Academy, even though the sisters had farmland on which they grew apples and had their own dairy farm Mary recollected a funny memory about her father visiting the Academy after she complained about how sour the milk was, even though the sisters were able to make it themselves “My father was a very good friend of the Archbishop of Newark since he was the Archbishop’s financial advisor The Archbishop said to my father, ‘John, go up there [to the Academy] and see what the problem is with their milk ’ So, my father went up to the Academy and befriended the Mother Superior’s secretary, asking her to become one of his assistants After that, things began to turn around at school, especially with the milk and food Because my father made that visit, we eventually found out the chef was preparing Sunday night supper on Friday afternoons before he left! That’s why the food was so dry and the milk sour ”

In addition to rationing, many young women would write letters of encouragement to those in the armed forces, which Mary recalled being “decorated with flowers or something funny ” Nothing was wasted, with students even collecting scraps of food and paper to be reused in various ways “We all were making strides to do our part for the military and the larger war

effort ”Even during the students and American soldiers patrolling beac for U-Boats and ene night, homes along the sure black curtains co completely, otherwise come and knock o demanding for any corrected This was do and submarines cou spotted, especially as disrupt and destroy offshore “The ocean w the destroyed ships tha bucket of turpentine beach to clean the oil coming out of the oce black swimming suits easily show In the sp swimming season w would dig deep holes i the oil, and bury it ”

After the war, Mary returning to normal following the war, memories of her Ju 1946 “Sister Marie how would we have the prom since we could not invite a boy to be our date; the boys had to invite us! However, we convinced her and we had our first prom following the war We had the prom in the Study hall, moving all the desks and chairs out so we could decorate the whole place with Smilax It turned out beautiful ” The fun did not end there as Mary and her fellow SEAsters prepared for their graduation a year later in 1947 “The morning before graduation, we had a big party in the bathroom behind the Study Hall

people who haven’t lived through it And such a feeling hasn’t happened in all the wars that have happened since, just as it affected our daily lives for the duration of the war [This history] should not be forgotten and it’s only someone who’s lived through it that can truly express it ”

We thank Mary for sharing her memories of the time she spent at the Academy, both during and after World War II, and also thank Katelyn Rohlf ‘21 for conducting the interview for this HERStory feature

TRANSFORMATIVE GIFT

What’s Old is New Again…

hen Xavier Hall was built in 1901 to serve as the shared library for both the College and Academy students, it looked very much the same as it does today In keeping with its original beauty and grandeur, the iconic room was renovated in the 1990’s by Mrs Suzy Moran and her husband, Brian, when their daughter, Regan, was a student at the Academy The library has stood the test of time for nearly 30 years When Mrs Moran returned to the Academy community three years ago and completed the Study Hall and Main Office renovations, she set her eyes on the Moran Library, a space that her and her husband renovated all those years ago After careful planning with fabric selections, wooden blinds, carpeting and color selection, the room was painted over Easter Break 2022 The rest of the renovation was completed in stages with the space now used as a classroom and quiet study area for students during lunch

In addition to the carefully selected original artwork from the 1700’s, refreshed and repainted columns and iconic ancient busts of Plato, Socrates and the like, the existing furniture was refurbished and reupholstered to

Moran Library

evate the space into a room that could be in the ague of some of the most well known college and niversity libraries

f notable importance was the selection made by Mrs oran to remove a 19th century walnut sofa that she fted to the Academy and used in the McMullen uditorium during another renovation in the 1990’s hile her daughter, Regan attended our school Mr ohn Riccio, P ‘24, who owns Antiques Plus, promptly nd enthusiastically picked up the antique sofa and egan to restore the woodwork and structure of the ece, honoring the original craftsmanship and splendor the historic furniture which dates back near to the arly days of the founding of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth After completing the structural repairs and refinishing the wood, John’s team of highly skilled craftsmen reupholstered the sofa with the same elegant French velvet material that now dress the windows in the Study Hall, Main Office and (now) the Moran Library These three spaces within Xavier Hall are now branded with the grandeur, functionality and grace that are part of our legacy, 163 years in the making We are deeply grateful to Mrs Suzy Moran for investing her time, talent and treasure into our beloved school and we promise to remain steadfast stewards of her good will and heartfelt investments

The Knights of Saint Elizabeth

The Knights of Saint Elizabath are overwhelmed by the outstanding commitmenttotheElizabethAnn Seton Fund once again this year. Together we have raised over $200,000 for our financial aid recipient families, our thriving Athletic program and countless other aspects of our Academy community

147 separate donors give a total of 167 gift

28GiftsReceivedattheFounders’ CircleLevelorhigher ($1,860.00) 97 Gifts Between $100.00 and $1,859.00

$108,633Raisedas of February2023

Do you want to be a part of the Academy legacy with a transformative gift? Partner with us to make a meaningful difference for the students who call the Academy of Saint Elizabeth their home today and for future generations.

To learn more about transformative gift fund, or for more specific details about the young women who could benefit most, please contact Megan Knight