In an effort to reduce printing and mailing costs, we have eliminated the multiple copies of mailed to each household. Please contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 if you would like to receive an extra copy or if you would prefer to receive your copy electronically.
Standard of Accuracy
Ramona Convent is a welcoming Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and committed to excellence in education. Ramona’s graduates are empowered, resilient, socially conscious leaders well prepared to meet the challenges of life as contributive members of the global community.
A Ramona Graduate is a
A Woman of Faith
A Critical Thinker
An Effective Communicator
A Confident Leader
A Creative Problem Solver
Committed to Personal Growth
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Cultivating and respecting the talents, abilities, and potential of each person, contributing to the development of all aspects of a person’s life.
EDUCATION IN THE FAITH
Creating an atmosphere that invites people to live, develop, and express their faith.
HOSPITALITY
Being a gracious, accepting, and welcoming presence for each person.
DEDICATION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Embracing as guide, inspiration, and strength the persons and names of Jesus and Mary. is published twice a year by: Ramona Convent Secondary School. 1701 W. Ramona Road Alhambra, California 91803 (626) 282-4151 (626) 281-0797 (fax) www.ramonaconvent.org
We are committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information in all of our publications. However, unintentional errors may appear. As a result, we ask you to contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 in the event that there are any factual errors. We will correct these errors in the next publication. We appreciate the interests and concerns of our readers and welcome any assistance toward achieving our goals.
Seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of women and children.
DEDICATION TO JUSTICE
Committing time, energy, and resources to the pursuit of right relationships of equality, justice, and solidarity.
SERVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE POOR OR MARGINALIZED
Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned, or living at the fringes of society.
COMMITMENT TO LIBERATING ACTION
Seeking with others the freedom needed to live life fully without oppression
LOVE FOR THE NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY
A Message from the President
Dear Friends,
As we move toward Ramona’s 133rd birthday in November, we are keenly aware of how much has changed from the arrival of the first Sisters until the present day. When they first looked at the property designated to be Ramona, they remarked “No trees relieved the bareness of the site. Wild mustard and scant grasses were the only vegetation. It had never been plowed but had served as a sheep pasture for some years.” With the population of Los Angeles at only 50,000 (less than Alhambra is currently), the venture of a school “in the wilderness” did not seem promising. Ramona today looks much different! The school is definitely not removed from civilization! We look back with gratitude at what has gone before us and we re-commit ourselves to continuing the vision of our foundresses.
As an all-girls’ school, Ramona is more relevant than ever. Research has shown over and over again the advantages of girls’ schools. Like their peers at other girls’ schools, Ramona’s young women receive opportunities not as readily available in a co-ed environment. They are taught in the way girls learn best. Community and collaboration are at the heart of curricular and co-curricular activities. To hear the girls speak: “It’s the sisterhood.”
Ramona students are more likely than their co-ed peers
To become interested in environmental programs
To be active in volunteer work
To communicate their opinions about a cause
To participate in social action programs
In addition to the arts and humanities, girls’ schools provide young women with more opportunities in STEM. All positions are open to them and they have STEM role models in their teachers. As I write this, a group of our young women are enjoying three days at a science camp on Catalina Island. Soon another group will embark on an East Coast College tour designed to broaden their horizons about the educational opportunities available to them.
Here at Ramona we foster girls’ voices; we want them to feel empowered and to advocate for themselves, to take the initiative to speak to their teachers with questions about class materials or grades: that’s what office hours are for. They are free to bring concerns to appropriate administrators and feel that their ideas will be listened to. This will be so important for them as they go on to college and enter the world of work.
In other parts of this issue you will read more about the programs that have been introduced this year. As always we are grateful for the support of parents, alumnae and friends who enable us to continue our mission here at Ramona and make our vision a reality.
Sincerely,
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Patty Lepe Smith ‘79 Chair
Arthur Dominguez Vice Chair
Janice Burrill ‘75
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Michelle Del Rio ‘99
Kathleen Garvey
Cynthia Jarvis
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM ‘63
Marla Provencio ‘74
Felix Nunez
Jennifer Siu ‘77
Linda Reilly Swick ‘76
Gordon Trask
Dennis M. Harley
Tom McKernan
Hon. Patricia Schnegg
Oppenheim ‘70
A Message from the Principal
Dear Ramona Convent Alumnae Community,
One of society’s greatest inspirations, Helen Keller, once wrote “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.” If only Ms. Keller were here today, she would see a Ramona community truly living up to her words. For here at Ramona, we continue to meet the needs and wants of our students, their families and alumnae with great hope for a more unified tomorrow.
This year, instead of focusing on only two of the eight core values of the Sisters of the Holy Names Jesus and Mary (SNJM), we have decided to focus our commitment to the greater humanity by reigniting the flames of all eight core values! It escapes no one that the foresight of the Sisters in creating the core and essential values by which to live, provides for us now a roadmap to follow for a better and more unified world. As alumnae, you were exposed to these living, breathing values and I hear time and again how valuable they have been for many of you.
In further guiding your on-campus Ramona sisters to find and experience these essential life affirming gifts, we are embracing the values in a variety of creative, and even artistic, ways. At Wednesday assemblies, two of our students will share one core value at a time and challenge their sisters to live the value on and off campus. In addition, we have installed beautiful banners that line the driveway from the Ramona Gate with our values and photos of our students living them in real life. Also new this year, as part of our morning prayer, we share the history of how the value came to be so that we can all fully understand its purpose.
The Sisters of the Holy Names and your Ramona sisters invite you to join us in our re-dedication to their core values which can be viewed on the inside front cover of this magazine. After reading and reflecting upon the values, ask yourself
How often do we take for granted the gifts of the people in our lives?
How often do we neglect to give of ourselves when asked to do so by God?
How often do we see a woman or child in need and feel sad for them, but not really know how to help them?
How often do we forget to pray and call on the precious names of Jesus and Mary in our own need?
The Sisters who taught you way back when or taught you yesterday, still inspire us today and so, I ask that you keep in prayer your on-campus sisters as they work to live these core values. Reaffirming your own commitment to these values will enable you to find ways to “achieve through faith all that is possible.” Let us continue to live with the hope that is in us all to inspire those in our lives who we are called to love and serve. I remain
In His Peace,
Sr. Kathleen Callaway,
SNJM
President
Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Alberto Chavarria
Associate Principal for Academic and Student Services
Halina Szymanski Associate Principal for Curriculum and Faculty Development
Elena Margallo Director of Business Office
Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski, JD Principal
131th Annual Commencement May 28, 2022
A REASONABLY normal school year culminated in a very traditional graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022. The Ramona community of faculty, staff, families and friends gathered together on a pleasant Saturday afternoon to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable young women.
As generations of graduating classes had done before them, the seniors processed through Rose Heath to the stage, wearing white and carrying bouquets of yellow roses.
The address was given by Ramona alumna, Michelle Del Rio ‘99, a Business Affairs Attorney for Disney General Entertainment. She shared both her Ramona memories and advice with the graduates to help them as they transition to college life and the world beyond. Michelle’s mother, Lupe Del Rio, was seated in the front row smiling with delight as she listened to her eldest daughter speak to the audience.
Salutatorian Marisa Gomez spoke with pride of the achievements and resilience of her classmates as they navigated through the pandemic. She represented her class well as she recounted their time together at Ramona and their hopes for the future.
Congratulations Class of 2022! We wish you much happiness and success as you pursue your dreams!
Marisa Gomez ‘22
Michelle Del Rio ‘99
This was the second year that the Baccalaureate Mass has been held in Rose Heath. Taking place the evening before commencement, it was a lovely and meaningful way to begin the graduation festivities.
Our Legacy moms proudly pose with their daughters
l-r: Jereen Bautista Santiago ‘92 with Lauryn, Josephine Aversa Valadez ‘86 with Samantha, Eugenia Solis Montoya ‘88 with Isabella and Patricia Contreras-McJunkin ’94 with Valeria.
Fiesta de Ramona Kicks Off School Year for New Students and their Parents
THE 2022 2023 school year is off to a great start!
the year before lifted, Ramona has been able to return to the many curricular and co-curricular happenings of our busy campus!
In August, we invited our freshmen students to join us on-campus for orientation and freshmen retreat. Returning to our past traditions, the girls ate together, prayed together, and slept together in the gym though from what we heard, not many of them actually slept as they were too busy getting to know one another, and bonding as new Ramona sisters. In addition to the laughter, giggles, and conversation, screams apparently rang-out as the ghost of the “White Nun” once again made an appearance! Following a long night (at least for the teacher chaperones – Patricia Contreras ’94, Amanda Argueta ’11, and Michelle Herrera), the next day brought sunshine, new family orientation, and Fiesta de Ramona! This year was our second annual Fiesta, and it was a true team collaboration! We had teachers and parents of
musicians of Mariachi Fiesta Mexicano, and a performance by Ramona’s Folklorico Dance Club started and run by Valeria Torres ’25. Our Folklorico dancers were Rose Milian ‘25, Cathryn Carbajo ‘25, and Isabella Torres ‘25. Everyone enjoyed the dancers (and they are so good!), the food and the piñatas. Our Institutional Advancement team (Julie Huntley ‘72 and Kelsey Davidson ’02) ran a festive, and sometimes sad cake-walk! You could hear the audible sound of disappointment when Julie stopped the music and another group of kids (and adults!) were asked to step off the wheel without winning a cake! Those that won were overjoyed as there were over 20 cakes from which to choose, made and donated by our very own Ramona faculty, staff and alums. A water slide and bouncy house kept the dozens of kids busy, while adults laughed, ate and generally had a wonderful time getting to know one another.
In addition to our Fiesta, Ramona is offering a new course! Cultural Studies focuses on four different cultural groups –Latinx, African Americans, Asian Americans and Indigenous peoples bringing to our students the rich heritage of each group while sharing the contributions of the strong women within each culture.
Ramona continues to thrive in sports and the arts. This year, we are performing Radium Girls at the Fremont Theatre in South Pasadena on October 21 and 22 with two shows). Make sure, also, to watch for tickets sales for this spring’s musical Godspell, which will be performed at Cathedral High School’s beautiful theatre!
Ramona continues to be the place where great things are always happening. We hope to see you at some of the many opportunities we have for you to reconnect with your alma mater!
California Environmental Leadership Program
THIRTY ENTHUSIASTIC and adventurous Ramona students embarked on a trip to Catalina Island for an educational and fun trip in September called the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP). While enjoying the natural beauty of the island, the students were able to learn about the island's ecology, the marine ecosystem, the interconnectedness of our environment, practical aspects of composting and a microscope lab where the smallest of organisms were discovered. They continued the learning with other fun activities such as hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. A highlight of the trip was seeing the beautiful bright orange Garibaldi fish all over the bay! Old and new friends enjoyed sleeping in cabins on the beach, outdoor meals, a campfire and games throughout the days. Our students and chaperones will remember our days at
Archdiocesan Prayer Breakfast
ON TUESDAY, September 20, Sister Kathleen, Mrs. Sienkowski, and eight Campus Ministry student representatives joined 1100 Catholic leaders and high school students from throughout the Archdiocese for the annual Archdiocesan Prayer Breakfast. In order to get to the Cathedral and in our places by 6:30 a.m. for the Rosary recited by our regional bishops, everyone met at school at 5:45 a.m. Mass, celebrated by Archbishop José Gomez, followed at 7:00 a.m. After Mass everyone gathered on the Cathedral Plaza for breakfast and a talk by Curtis Martin, founder and CEO of Focus, known for their outreach on college campuses. The group currently serves on nine college campuses in California.
Making the World a Cleaner Place
AS WE HAVE done for many years, Ramona students took part in the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 17th. Sponsored by Ramona’s Theology Department, the students (safely) combed the beaches, picking up plastic, styrofoam, and other non-biodegradable items.
A Promising Year -
Varsity Volleyball is League Champions
for the First Time Since 1995!
VOLLEYBALL IS OFF to a great start this season. Varsity is currently 5-0 in league and 12-5 overall, JV is 4-0 in league, and Frosh/Soph is 1-0 in league. This year Coach Eason returns as the varsity coach and two alumnae have joined us for JV and Frosh/Soph this season, Taylor De Luna ‘17 is the JV Coach and January Nava '21 is the Frosh/Soph Coach. The teams look forward to finishing strong and are ready for playoffs in a few weeks.
Cross Country led by Coach Ramiro Virgen and Assistant Coach/ Athletic Director Rebecca Lamas ’06 has 19 athletes this season. It is great to have so many runners compete in this first year in the new league. Cross County has completed two invitationals and just had their first league race where both JV and Varsity placed first. We look forward to the exciting season ahead.
This year finds us in a brand new league. Ramona now belongs to the Camino Del Rey Association and each sport falls within three of the four different girls leagues in this association. This places Ramona in a more competitive group. We know that we will thrive and represent Ramona well!
Varsity
Frosh/Soph
Junior Varsity
Cross Country
Forensics
Students in Ms. Dear's Forensics class are helping solve the fictitious murder of Mr. Hester Higginbotham, who was murdered somewhere on campus. Oh, my! As crime scene investigators, pairs of students collected evidence from various locations and performed a careful analysis. Students will soon discover the location of Mr. Higginbotham's murder by comparing trace evidence found on his sock to the evidence they collected at each location on campus. Best of luck to our Forensics Crime Scene Investigators!
Engineering Design
Students in Mrs. Flagan’s Engineering class designed an easy-to-use pinhole camera for people with difficulties using their fingers. They used inexpensive materials to build, test, and redesign until they are satisfied with the quality of the photographs. They also wrote detailed technical instructions for the manufacturers and users.
AP Chemistry
’s AP Chemistry students deduced the structure of an atom through flame tests! Fireworks are the best example of the beautiful colors produced when each sample of an ion is put in the flame. Each ion produces a distinctive color and this information can lead to the identification of an unknown substance.
Saying Hello to East Coast Alums
Our Principal, Jackie Quiñones Sienkowski, visited with Ramona alumnae while attending a conference in Boston last June. A great time was had by all!
This past June, I was privileged to attend the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) conference in Boston, Massachusetts. It was decided that while on the East Coast, I should take some extra time and visit some of our alumnae who live on the Eastern Seaboard. I love to travel, I love road trips, and I love Tigers (YOU!) so, asking me to drive from Boston to Philadelphia with stops in Connecticut and New York to visit with Ramona alumna was a “no brainer.”
First stop was the ICGS meeting which took place in Downtown Boston over a four-day period. I am still so grateful that I was able to sit among some of the finest educators and school leaders in the world, who dedicate their careers to educating women. At a time when the collective voice of women can be muffled, meeting with those that are dedicated to encouraging women to speak, to be heard, to shout if necessary, to be and to exist, to take up space, was truly inspiring.
From Boston, I drove to a beautiful little beach town called Branford, nestled along the Connecticut side of the Long Island Sound. I met Pamela Hetherington MD ’65 at a small diner. Not knowing what she looked like, I was guided by her own self-description, “on the short side with long gray hair.” While her physical description was accurate, she failed to include: “I smile widely and laugh heartily.” Pamela shared that she thinks of Ramona often, is grateful to Ramona’s influence on her life, and continues to support her alma mater financially. She is an adolescent psychiatrist at Yale New Haven Hospital and has done this work for many years. I shared with Pamela that my husband’s family lives in Connecticut and when I visit, I intend to look her up and meet her for another breakfast. Thank you, Dr. Herrington for the time you spent with me on that hot and humid day in
next day, a Sunday, I met and attended Mass with Mrs. Bonnie Buchter Stanio ‘57 in Meriden. With beautiful platinum hair piled atop her head, I saw her waiting for me in the front of her lovely home. Standing under a huge shade tree, Mrs. Stanio waved me down. As I came to a stop in front of her driveway, she entered the passenger side of the car with an abundance of energy and a joyful spirit. Without missing a beat, we instantly hugged one another as though we had known each other our entire lives. As I drove to St. Rose Catholic Church for the 10 a.m. Mass, we had only a few minutes to chat before entering the beautiful Gothic church named after St. Rose of Lima. Before finding our pew, Bonnie shared that she has five children and ten grandchildren with her late husband of 45 years, Fred. Fred passed in November of 2020, and it was very clear, through the tears in her eyes as she spoke of him, that she misses her husband and life-partner terribly.
The Stanio’s moved from California to Connecticut and she spent a long career as teacher and substitute teacher for young children. Devoted to her Catholic faith, I sat with her and watched her pray with absolute devotion. After Mass, Bonnie, proud of her parish, gave me a brief tour – she shared that United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, is a parishioner at St. Rose and attends the 8 a.m. Mass weekly – I was impressed. Following Mass, we had a wonderful breakfast at a small Greek diner near her home. Drinking coffee and breaking bread allowed us to continue our chat and reminisce about Ramona in the 50’s. I shared all that we are doing on campus and all that we hope to do in the future, and how we continue to love and support our students academically, socio-emotionally, and spiritually. Bonnie shared that she was, at one time, a Sister of the Holy
Pam Hetherington, MD ‘65
Bonnie Buchter Stanio ‘57
Names of Jesus and Mary! How cool is that!?
After breakfast, I dropped her off at her home. Our goodbye was bitter sweet as I was so happy to have been able to meet her, pray and eat with her, and to develop a friendship and I was saddened to have to say goodbye to such a warm and delightful woman. Fortunately, I continue to hear from her and, in fact, received a lovely card in the mail wishing me a wonderful start to the school year! Thank you, Mrs. Stanio! So far, the year has been great, and meeting you was definitely a highlight!
Connecticut was truly lovely. In full disclosure, my in-laws live in Connecticut and I had a wonderful time visiting with them also really!
The next stop on the alumnae train was the Big Apple! New York City! In addition to catching Moulin Rouge, I had the wonderful opportunity to have dinner with Patricia Santillan ‘81, who is one of five sisters who graduated from Ramona! While enjoying a pasta dinner, we spoke of the connection that Patricia and her sisters still have for Ramona. They keep up with the happenings and alumnae events like La Fête. The story she shared that I just loved is that every Sunday, she “Facetimes” with her sisters to stay connected. Distance cannot come between the Santillan sisters, and they feel similarly about their alma mater. It was such a great time at dinner, I didn’t want the time to end, nevertheless, I drove her home to Queens! I believe, if I’m not mistaken, my next visit will include another dinner this time in Queens – one of my favorite places for good food!
My last stop on the alumnae visiting tour was Philadelphia! My hotel was in the downtown area , directly across the street from where the Declaration of Independence was signed and read aloud to the people. Not only is Philadelphia known for Independence Hall, but also as the city of brotherly (and sisterly) love! And that is exactly what I felt when I met Brenda Canales Marerro ‘94 for dinner at a fantastic restaurant called Giuseppe & Sons. We had a chance to talk about her experience at Ramona, and the experience of her younger sister who also lives in Philadelphia but was unable to join us for dinner. We spoke of her move to
Philadelphia after graduating from Ramona to attend college, then law school at Drexel where she met her husband, who is also an attorney! Brenda shared her love and passion for the work she does helping people in Philadelphia who cannot afford legal services. Brenda says that she attributes her passion for serving the less fortunate and marginalized to the service she participated in at Ramona. Several years ago, her parents moved to Philadelphia so, while there is still one sister left in California, the rest of the family are in Philadelphia. Brenda continues to stay in touch with her Ramona sisters. Brenda, I had so much fun with you…it was like being with a kindred spirit. I know that you offered to teach a portion of our cultural survey course via Zoom, and I would love to take you up on that. Thank you for your company. Philadelphia truly is the city of sisterly love!
With all of our East Coast alumnae, I was able to share all of the great things happening at your alma mater. We currently offer 15 different AP courses, have introduced American Sign Language as one of our world languages, have a new librarian who is also a great resource teacher working with students who might struggle in a specific area, offer a cultural survey course that focuses on four different cultural groups (Latinx, African American, Asian American, and Indigenous people), and prioritizes the contribution of women to the cultures we study in: law, science, engineering, culinary, literature, the arts, music, and so much more.
The time I spent with the Ramona alumnae, was truly a highlight of my summer. I made new friends in each of the Tigers I spent time with. I learned so much about each of them, and shared a ton about the Ramona happenings. I ate and ate and ate and loved every minute of it. I guess the only other thing I would say to all of the Tigers is when I send an email or call you pick up…I might be in your area and would love to take you to dinner!
~Jackie Quiñones
Sienkowski
Patricia Santillan ‘81
Brenda Canales Marrero ‘94 and Jackie
School Year Focus: SNJM Core Values
The eight Core Values form the foundation of the SNJM ministries.
VISITORS TO Ramona’s campus these days cannot help but notice the colorful banners aligning the driveway past the gym. Pictures of smiling girls adorn each one; however, a closer look reveals a deeper message–the eight SNJM Core values. Though the banners are new, the core values are not. They have been part of the lives of the Sisters of the Holy Names since our foundation in 1843. Going and coming, students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as visitors to our campus are reminded of what we stand for. These values are the underpinnings of all of our SNJM ministries and are incorporated into our lives here at Ramona and, hopefully, beyond.
Full Development of the Human Person Commitment to Liberating Action
Dedication to Justice
Dedication to women and children
Education in the faith Hospitality
Service to the Poor and Marginalized
Devotion to the names of Jesus and Mary
For this academic year, we are focusing on one of the eight each month. The school year has begun with Hospitality: being a gracious, accepting and welcoming presence to each person. Each day as part of our morning prayer and announcements, students and faculty have been challenged to undertake a specific action expressing hospitality here at school and then extending it to our families and wider communities.
Through curricular and co-curricular activities students are also made aware of the values they are living out. In October, during Rose Week, as we celebrate our foundress, a senior who best exemplifies the charism and values of Blessed Marie-Rose is honored during our Mass on October 6. This year all of the clubs have also been invited to participate in a video contest telling about their Club and at least one Core value its activities and projects exemplify. As component of Rose Week of Giving (October 3-7), participants were invited to vote for their favorites!
Think of the Sisters who taught you here at Ramona, how they lived out these values, and how this impacted your life. If you would like to, please e-mail Sister Kathleen Callaway (Callaway@ramonaconvent.org) a story about how you experienced these values during your school days. Your stories can be an inspiration to our current students and would be shared anonymously.
Blessed Marie-Rose Award Winner
WHEN RAMONA began celebrating Rose Week in 2011, we introduced the Blessed Marie-Rose Award. The Award is presented to a Junior or Senior who exemplifies the virtues of Blessed Marie-Rose and the Core Values of the Sisters of the Holy Names, especially dedication to justice, dedication to women and children, and service to the poor and marginalized. The school community is invited to nominate candidates for the award, and the award committee thoughtfully reviews the nominations. It’s never an easy choice! A plaque listing the names of all the recipients of the award hangs in the main office where everyone can see it.
This year, the award went to Joslyn Luz Reyes ‘23, a young woman of many talents, which she has shared generously with others. Always a welcoming presence, she has been a booth volunteer at various community events. She is a Ramona Ambassador, helping with Tiger Playday, Open House, Half Day visits and just about anything else she is asked to do to show Ramona hospitality. Joslyn set a goal of raising $50,000 for a cure for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She organized and promoted the “HER” drive here at Ramona. She and her friends collected boxes and boxes and more boxes of various feminine and personal hygiene items for the Downtown Women’s Shelter. Congratulations Joslyn!
Familiar Faces to Many Ramona Alumnae
THE RAMONA Community sends congratulations, best wishes, and much appreciation to these remarkable women who ministered at Ramona and who celebrated their 70th Jubilee on Sunday, September 25. Left - right: Sister Vera Ruotolo (Paul Anthony), Sister Jean Morningstar (M. Charles Dominic) and Sister Mary Ann Connell (Lenora Mary) ‘50.
Joslyn Luz Reyes ‘23 and Sister Kathleen Callaway
Meet Your All-Alumnae Advancement Team
RECENTLY, our Institutional Advancement Department made some changes. Julie Huntley ’72, formerly Director of Alumnae Engagement, has accepted the position of Director of Institutional Advancement. Julie will serve as head of the department and provide overall leadership, management, and coordination of Ramona fundraising and alumnae relations programs. She is responsible for all activities related to identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual, major and planned gifts from alumnae, friends, parents, corporations and foundations. Julie returned to Ramona as a volunteer in August 2002 and became a full time employee in January 2003. She assisted Sr. Kathleen Callaway with fundraising and marketing and helped Sr. Mary Ann Stark with alumnae outreach. Upon Sr. Mary Ann’s retirement in 2007, Julie assumed the responsibilities of the Alumnae Department. Over the years, Julie has interacted with and assisted decades of Ramona alumnae. She has created events designed to appeal to a variety of alumnae interests. And, of course, she has organized and hosted the annual Alumnae Weekend Happy Hour and Homecoming Luncheon.
In her new position as Alumnae and Special Events Manager, Kelsey Davidson ‘02 is now responsible for alumnae engagement events. She continues to manage our advancement fundraisers, designs much of the department’s outreach and marketing materials, and stewards the GEM Society giving program. Kelsey joined Ramona in September 2018 as Advancement Services Associate and quickly took on the additional role of Special Events Coordinator. In March 2020, she successfully and creatively switched our live gala and auction, La Fête, into an online format in less that two weeks! Kelsey’s fresh perspective as a younger alum has brought us a better understanding of the convictions and concerns of her alumnae contemporaries.
Our newest member, Monalisa Gonzales ‘90, taught in both the private and public sectors. Looking for a change but wanting to stay in an educational environment, she became our Advancement Services Associate in August. Monalisa maintains our database, processes donations, and manages the Parent Pledge Program. She is a welcome addition and also a Legacy mom whose daughter, Madeline is a senior here at Ramona.
Board of Trustees Welcomes New Member, Michelle Del Rio ‘99
MICHELLE DEL RIO is a Ramona Convent graduate of the Class of 1999. While at Ramona, Michelle was a recipient of Ramona’s generous scholarship program. Following Ramona, Michelle graduated with a B.A. from Cal State Long Beach, then went to work for MTV Networks for 5 years before enrolling at Loyola Law School. During her studies at Loyola Law, Michelle was one of two students selected to participate in Loyola's Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Clinic. In this program, Michelle briefed and argued an immigration appeal before the appellate court. After graduating Loyola Law School, Michelle began her legal career as an entertainment attorney at AMC Networks. She is currently a Business Affairs Attorney for Disney General Entertainment where she negotiates deals for writers, producers, directors and talent for the Freeform television brand. She has served as a member of Ramona’s Alumnae Advisory Board, in addition to spearheading the reunion committee for her class.
Monalisa, Julie, and Kelsey
This year we kicked off our first giving week - Rose Week of Giving, and turned it into not only a fundraiser, but a celebration as well. The week began with a fundraiser at Canoe House in South Pasadena that raised over $650.00. Thursday we celebrated the birthday of Blessed Marie-Rose. Alumnae and friends were invited to attend the Liturgy and enjoy birthday cake afterward. Friday we hosted “Sister Act” in Rose Heath. What a perfect movie choice! All the while, our alumnae and friends were making donations to the Ramona Fund, Scholarship Fund and named scholarships. In addition, many of the student clubs made videos showcasing their group that could be viewed on the Rose Week of Giving website. Participants had the opportunity to vote ($5) for their favorites with the proceeds going to the clubs. We raised over $3000. Kudos to the students who shared their creative abilities and enthusiasm!
We set a goal of $50,000 and exceeded it by $7,155! Three years ago we took the giving day concept and made it uniquely our ownStrawberry Day of Giving on May 10, commemorating the Sisters of the Holy Names arrival in California. Ramona has been celebrating Rose Week since 2011, so we moved our giving day to October to enable us to make it a week-long event during another uniquely Ramona celebration.
The Ramona Convent Community of faculty, staff, and students are grateful to everyone who donated, voted, joined us for the Liturgy or the movie, and spread the word to others. Thank you!
Ramona Radio
Book Buddies
Movie Time!
14th Annual Legacy Luncheon
August 19, 2022
WHAT A GREAT tradition - celebrating our Ramona alumnae and their daughters! On Friday of the first week of the new school year, we gather together for food, friendship and fun as we welcome our newest Legacy families. Many of our alum moms have been able to reacquaint themselves with old classmates. This year, the Class of 1990 has four Legacy moms! The program consisted of lunch, the pinning ceremony, and a fun game called “Whose Hair is That?” where the students had to guess the alum mom by her high school hairdo!
Class reunions are as diverse as the classes themselves! Many classes celebrate at a private home or local restaurant the weekend of Ramona's annual Alumnae Weekend celebration which is held the first weekend in March. Whatever your class chooses to do, it's a great way to reconnect with old friends!
If you need to stick to a budget or just want to take a walk down memory lane, consider having your reunion here at Ramona. The Holy Family Room, Junior Living Room, Pavilion/Fountain area or tent can accommodate different size groups. You will not have the time constraints or expense that renting a banquet room does. Some classes have celebrated by having a family picnic in Rose Heath.
In today’s busy world, it’s difficult to find the time to organize a reunion. We recommend using the Homecoming Luncheon as your reunion celebration day. Individual classes are seated together so you can just sit back and enjoy each other’s company! Organizing your reunion is the responsibility of the class itself. The Alumnae Office provides information, answers questions, makes catering recommendations, and happily connects you with other alumnae who have recently organized their own reunions.
This is how we can help your reunion be a successful one:
Provide the class list for your invitation outreach.
Advertise the date in Ramona Magazine, the alumnae e-newsletter, and on our website.
If you are having your reunion here on campus, we will do the room set-up and arrange for access to the campus.
For more information, please contact:
Kelsey Davidson ‘02, Alumnae & Special Events Manager (626) 282-4151 ext. 130 or kdavidson@ramonaconvent.org
Class of 1977 Celebrates 45 Years!
In the Spring of 2020, at the onset of Covid, various 1977 classmates joined in every Friday at 4:30 PST on Zoom from multiple cities and states to share about life during the pandemic, concerns and fears, their families, jobs, memories of Ramona, and so much more. The participants during the weekly calls varied based on time zones and availability. The calls also reunited us with classmates we had not seen in many years; one who is a nurse in Massachusetts. Hearing firsthand the trauma of Covid, as well as the overwhelming number of hours essential workers like herself spent caring for patients was alarming. Towards the end of 2021 we began to talk about planning our next reunion, our 45th to be exact. We shared ideas and asked each other, "Who do you think will attend?" Most of us said, "I will be there," while others had to think about traveling as Covid continued to pose a health risk.
Our Friday Zoom calls continued, new girls joined, and we finalized a date for our reunion - October 8, 2022. Now, with a confirmed date on the Ramona calendar, we started planning, sent out a Save the Date email and text message with the request to pass along to classmates we had lost contact with. As the date neared, travel restrictions lifted and the RSVP's confirmed classmates traveling from the cities surrounding Ramona and as far as Arizona, Hawaii, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington to reunite in the Pavilion at our beloved Alma Mater. Our Evite site kept track of the Yes's and No's, and the heartfelt comments leading up to the day.
At 3 p.m. on October 8, classmates began to arrive to check-in, share hugs, memories, "catch-up" conversations
"Look who's here!" thirty of us that attended the reunion are graduates of the grammar school and continued on to complete high school, and one alum from grammar school only), plus a few guests. The many familiar faces were such a joy to see as well as hearing so much laughter as the time passed much too quickly.
Sister Kathleen and Julie Huntley ’72, joined in our reunion and shared in the reminiscing and storytelling. Sister spoke about the SNJM Core Values and the path Ramona has taken since our class walked the long grass aisle in Rose Heath to take our place in alumnae history. Forty-five years does not seem that long ago, when we recall collective memories that remind us of a time in our lives when we were part of a community of girls in saddle shoes and pleated skirts, walking up and down hardwood floor halls and stairs, and up fire escape stairs to sit in classrooms where many sat before and after us. We are part of the past, present and future history of our "Dearest Ramona." To those classmates that were not able to share in the reunion, you were thought of and missed, and we hope to see you at our 50th reunion in 2027.
In closing, I want to thank the many girls who have joined our Friday calls and shared their input and ideas for a successful reunion. And to Sister Kathleen and Julie Huntley for their tireless efforts keeping the Ramona values at the core of Ramona and offering our Alma Mater as a place to always come back to.
~Gina Christian on behalf of the Class of 1977
Ramona Girls are Everywhere!
Every summer, with the exception of 2020, Ramona science teacher Mrs. Aulikki Flagan, visits her native Finland. This past June she was able to spend some time with Esmee Xavier ’07, who lives in Helsinki with her Finnish husband, Jyrki.
What was your education after Ramona?
I got my B.A. in Modern Literature at UC Santa Cruz and completed my last quarter abroad in Paris in summer 2011. After graduating, I interned at a local journalism website Alhambra Source, and the nonprofit, Asian Americans Advancing Justice. In 2018, I got my Master’s degree in Visual and Digital Media at IE Business School in Spain. These days I work at a tech company called SAP, doing marketing and communications for a visual programming platform.
How did you meet your husband?
I met him in Bogotá, Colombia while I was living and teaching English there. My friend Briana Luque (also a Ramona alum!) came to visit me and we were on a rafting trip together, and the rapids threw me off the boat. He actually pulled me back into the boat, so he sort of saved my life! We explored a lot of Ecuador and Peru together, including a boat trip on the Amazon.
Tell me about your passion for playing soccer.
I've played soccer my whole life and in almost every place I've lived, whether it's been as a casual hobby or on official teams. Here in Helsinki, I play on the women's team of Helsingin Ponnistus - the oldest club in Finland, founded in 1887! The best thing is it's a global sport, and no matter where I've been in the world or how much I speak the local language, it always helps me meet new friends.
What's it like living in Finland, i.e. climate, culture, language, etc.?
Helsinki is a beautiful city - you're never far from nature, whether it's the rocky coastline or green forests. I live in a historic district near a big harbor, and I love riding my bike around, when it's not raining or snowing! It's not the most "exciting" European city like Rome or Amsterdam, unless you're a big fan of silence and rules. But I really like that the coast is surrounded by thousands of natural islands, and you can easily visit them by boat or even on foot (since many are connected by bridges).
"Winter is coming" so by December, we'll only get a few hours of sunlight. You have to stay busy and active, take extra vitamin D, and then hang out in the sauna to warm up. Sauna is a huge part of Finnish culture (also 'sauna' is a Finnish word) and it's a great way to relax on Friday evenings after work. Almost every Finnish home has one, and even my company's office has one! Aside from the weather, language is a big challenge here. Finnish is not really related to any major language, and people speak in a completely different way than they write, which makes learning extra tough. I was studying Finnish a lot more before I started working full time, so now I'm at an intermediate level. Winter is my least favorite time to be here, but that's usually the best time to go back and visit my family in LA again!
Leah Gasendo Nishida an Administrative Law Judge in the California Court of Appeals for 15 years.
Devin Arias ‘03 was awarded Doctor of Public Health from Claremont Graduate University School of Community and Global Health.
Thessaly Guandique ‘10 received her Master’s in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles
Ashley Gomez Kincaid ‘11 received her MSN in Nursing Family Practitioner from Azusa Pacific University in December 2021. She is married with one daughter and another on the way!
Celina Valencia ‘11 was awarded Doctorate of Physical Therapy from USC.
Jessica Edmeier ’12 received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences.
completed her Master’s of Science in Accounting from Syracuse University. She was recently promoted to Manager of Financial Reporting at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Michelle Toapanta Sather ‘02 received her MSN in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon
Joanie Kailany ‘05 has passed her state boards and is now a licensed nurse midwife.
Genevieve Ayala ’07 recently tenured as Counseling faculty at East Los Angeles College. She received her M.A. in Educational Counseling from USC in 2016.
Melissa Rencehausen ‘00
Michelle Sather ‘02
Devin Arias ‘03
Jessica Edmeier ‘12
Yvettte Hernandez ‘12
Leah Gasendo Nishida ‘73
Yvette Hernandez ’12 earned her J.D. from Western State College of Law in December 2021.
Victoria Roca ’13 earned her Master’s in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s College.
Elle Urtecho ‘14 received her Master’s in Social Work from USC. She is working as a therapist in a rehab and recovery home for teens.
Isabella Virgen
Julisa Galan ‘15 had her White Coat ceremony and is attending the A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona.
Master’s in Counseling with a PPS Credential from St. Mary’s College of California.
Kendall Alvarez ‘16 received her B.S. California State University, Fullerton.
Castillo ‘17 received her B.A. in Music Industry with a minor in Business Administration from
Ariadna Calva ’18 received her B.A., Cum Laude, in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from California State University, Fullerton. Her goal is to become an attorney.
Kayla Carrillo ’18 received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in History from Whittier College.
Yessenia
Mount St. Mary’s University.
Isabella Virgen ‘14
Desiree Montanez ‘16
Liana Limeta ‘17
Ariadna Calva ‘18
Julisa Galan ‘15
Yessenia Castillo ‘17
Karla Gochi ’18 received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of La Verne.
Tiffany Hirokawa ’18 B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in Anthropology from the University of California, Davis. She is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health before applying to Medical School.
Katelyn Navarette ‘18 received her B.S. in Environmental Science, Technology, and Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay.
Kathleen Ngo ’18 received her B.A. in Television Production from California
Molecular Genetics from UCLA.
graduated with honors from the University of Portland with a major in Nursing and a minor in Spanish. She plans on working as a RN in the San Gabriel Valley area. Andrea was the recipient of the Carly Cruz Nursing Scholarship. She sends a heartfelt thank you to the Cruz family for their generosity.
Leiyanne Roldan in Occupational Therapy from USC.
Daniela Salatino B.S. in Kinesiology from Chapman University.
Samantha Salazar B.S. in Kinesiology from Whittier College.
Blanca Sanchez in Clinical Counseling and Psychology from St. Mary
Melanie Aguilar ‘19 graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego. She majored in Global Health with a minor in
Send your graduation, retirement, wedding announcement, baby announcement or other great accomplishments with photos to:
jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
and Special Education from the University of Oregon.
Karla Gochi ‘18
Andrea Magallon ‘18
Subashni Rajiv ‘18
Melanie Aguilar ‘19
Porsche Ocampo ‘19
concentration on Global Politics from
Megan Valadez ‘19 received her B.S., Magna Cum Laude, with a double major in Sociology and English from the University of San Diego.
Marisa Gomez '22 attended the Soroptimist meeting to receive Veronica Thee Service Award, she was happily greeted by Ramona alumna, Maureen Bateman ‘51. Maureen's class holds the distinction of being the first class to graduate in Rose Heath. Marisa and her classmates did the same – 71 years later!
ship poses with realtor and Ramona alumna, Lorraine Scurto Clark ‘64, President of the West San Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors Foundation.
BIRTHS
Luca Jeremiah, son of Alejandro and Maria Palmeri Perez-Sandi ’02; brother of Aaliyah Perez-Sandi 25; grandson of Sandra Elizondo Perez-Sandi Jones ‘77
Callista Kate, daughter of Travis And Athena
Aus Powell ‘07
Grace Emily, daughter of Nelson and Jacinda
Jade Castellanos Guerra ‘14
MARRIAGES
Brenda Minjares ’10 to Jerome Cooper
Vanessa Martinez ‘11 to Alvar de la Torre
Carolina Pimentel ‘19
Megan Valadez ‘19
Luca Jeremiah
Endowed Gifts Provide Lasting Support for Your Alma Mater
An endowment gift to Ramona Convent Secondary School provides a brighter picture for our future. When you make a donation to our endowment or create an endowed scholarship, you give a gift with both immediate and long-term benefits. Funds endowed to the Ramona Fund, provide unrestricted, continuing resources to support the school - the annual interest income helps underwrite the cost of running the school. Endowed scholarships increase our ability to offer financial aid to students who otherwise would not be able to attend Ramona.
Endowed Scholarships are named by the person or persons who establish the funds. A scholarship may be established as a memorial to, or in honor of, a beloved family member, former teacher, or by an entire family in their name (i.e., The Jones Family Scholarship).
As of June 30, 2022, Ramona’s endowment stands at $2,748,034. We are working to increase our base of endowed gifts in order to sustain the school’s economic well-being and ask that those who have the capacity, consider making an endowed gift to Ramona.
What is an Endowed Scholarship?
An endowed scholarship is a donation made to Ramona that earns interest each year. When you endow a scholarship, you’ll give the school a certain amount of money. Ramona will invest it and use the proceeds to fund a scholarship for years to come. Ramona’s Board of Trustees works closely with our investment managers to fulfill the intentions of our donors. You can add more funds over time, but the principal amount itself will never be spent. The base gift for the establishment of a scholarship fund at Ramona is $25,000 with additional payments made over five years to grow the endowment to a minimum of $50,000. This amount is to ensure that the interest earned off of the endowed funds will produce enough funds to enable the school to make scholarship awards to its students. The larger the amount of principal, the more Ramona Convent students will benefit from your endowed scholarship fund. Anyone can contribute to the principal of an established scholarship fund.
We believe in Ramona’s mission of proving an excellent and thought-provoking education to young women. We have been committed to this mission for 133 years. By making an endowed gift, you can support Ramona, honor a loved one, and know that your gift will continue to make a difference to our students long into the future.
We hope that this information answers questions that may have been on your mind. We encourage you to speak with your tax advisor, estate attorney, or financial advisor for information on the benefits of making an endowed gift. For questions specific to giving to Ramona Convent, please speak with our Director of Institutional Advancement, Julie Huntley ‘72, jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org or (626) 282-4151 ext.135
Betty Lou O’Hare Cormier ‘41
Mary Ann Kolda Irwin ‘44
Carol Jane Sebastian ‘45
Relora Elizabeth Joyce ‘45
Dolores Mueller Roberts ‘50
Patricia Walton Murphy ‘53
Marilyne Witthaus Hill ‘54
Patricia Carter Trow ‘58
Stephanie Freymuth Hall ‘66
Maureen Murphy ‘68
Catherine Kelly Post ‘69
Anita Sanchez Yamasaki ‘76
Blanca Herrera ‘77
Diane Rodriguez Rhodes ‘79
Norma Gutierrez Duran ‘80
Judy Davidds-Wright ‘87
Betty Lou O’Hare Cormier ‘41
Mary Ann Kolda Irwin ‘44, mother of Mary Suzanne Irwin Davis ‘73; sister of Sister Felice Marie
Kolda, SNJM ‘47 (RIP), Priscilla Kolda ‘48 (RIP), and Suzanne Kolda Van Dyke ‘54
Carol Jane Sebastian ‘45
Relora Elizabeth Joyce (Helene Gillis) ‘49
Dolores Mueller Roberts ‘50
Patricia Walton Murphy ‘53
Marilyne Witthaus Hill ‘54
Patricia Carter Trow ‘58
Stephanie Freymuth Hall ‘66, sister of Mary Louise Freymuth ‘57
Maureen Murphy ‘68
Catherine Kelly Post ‘69
Anita Sanchez Yamasaki ‘76
Blanca Herrera ‘77, sister of Becky Herrera (pp)
Diane Marie Rodriguez Rhodes ‘79
Norma Gutierrez Duran ’80
Judy Davidds-Wright ‘87, sister of Jasmin Davidds ‘89
Ralph Arvizu, father of Loran Arvizu ‘81
Gloria Bautista, mother of Jereen Bautista Santiago ‘92, grandmother of Halie Santiago ‘20 and Lauryn Santiago ‘22
Michael Boore, nephew of Lisa Boore Lambert ‘82 and Jennifer Bore Bahou ’87; grandson of Victoria Pauls Boore ‘61
Gertrude Bonfiglio, mother of Kathleen Bonfiglio Goss ‘73, mother-in-law of Catherine Luke Bonfiglio ‘73
Margaret “Peggy” Centola, mother of Kathleen Centola de Lorimier ‘74
Michael Chavez, father of Aide Chavez ‘04
Donald Engh, husband of Marie Theresa Engh ‘44 (RIP); brother-in-law of Mary Lou Airey De La Hoz ‘49, Sr. Margaret Airey, SNJM ‘57 (RIP) and Adrienne Airey Larsen ‘59
Ray Furst, husband of Sheila Fitzgerald Furst ‘53
Henry Garcia Sr., father of Gloria Garcia French ‘78 and Alice Garcia ‘81; brother of Maria de Jesus Garcia Reynoso ‘57, Herlinda Garcia ‘58 and Ana Garcia Schlatter ‘68
George MacKenzie, step-father to Maureen Shields ‘91
Paul McLaughlin, husband of Cynthia Martinez McLaughlin ‘78
Pauline Merino, mother of Alda B. Merino Caan ‘69 and Jo An Merino ‘70; grandmother of Alda M. Caan ‘09
Francis Morris, husband of Nancy Morris (former staff); father of Bridget Morris Travis ‘01 and Megan Morris Wolfe ‘03
Jesus Nuno, father of Monica Nuno-Sylvester ‘90 and Melissa Nuno Luevano ‘96
Allan Osaki, father of Deborah Osaki ‘87
Lily Ramirez, mother of Stella Ramirez-Gollnick ‘82, mother-in-law of Suzy D’Amico Ramirez ‘73; aunt of Sandra Ramirez ‘83
Emilia Rivera, grandmother of Mabelle Rivera ‘22
Timothy James Ryan, husband of Alice Miller Ryan ’67; father of Barbara Ryan Young ‘86
Mary Venti, mother of Gerilyn Venti Reed ‘74, Karen Venti Bush ‘76, Dianna Venti Spagnola ‘79 and Lori Venti Sefton ‘80
Carmen Villasenor, grandmother of Melissa Villasenor ‘05 and Allison Villasenor ‘09
Correction: We apologize for mistakenly listing Frank Maestas, father of Maria Maestas Gee ‘84 and Diane Maestas, as deceased in the Spring 2022 issue of Ramona Magazine.
Alumnae, family, and friends are included in our daily prayers and our Book of Intentions in the Chapel.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Friday & Saturday, March 3 & 4, 2023
March 25, 2023
Friday, May 12, 2023
To help us better understand the interests and needs of Ramona alumnae, we will be reaching out with a survey in early 2023. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
