Beyong the Academy #4

SPRING 2019

SPRI NG

2019

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Regals at Stanford

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Tefi Ma’ake Transforms NDA Community

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“Newsies”

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Emily Oetzell Sabrina Cotugno

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Pathway to the NCAA

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Around Town

“Spiritual Anatomy” by Allana Campbell ‘22

EDITOR Kristin Callaghan

Allana created this mixed media piece in response to the question, “What does spirituality mean?” See more interpretations on page 14.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN Raynelle Duronslet ‘98 Sophia Beauvy ON THE COVER “Newsies” Spring Musical

D E A R F R I E N D S, I don’t know about you, but nothing motivates me more than hearing “You can’t.” To me, those two little words represent the perfect challenge. They’re guaranteed to inspire a flood of conversation, analysis, team building, and strategy, even when they also initiate a walk through uncharted territory. And while that “neutral zone” can be unnerving because it’s unstable, it also provides a unique excitement and unmatched energy as together we create something new and achieve what no one thought we could.

Most importantly, addressing any kind of challenge always marks a renewal of my faith as well – it’s humbling to be reminded that the more obscure the path, the more we must rely on Christ as our guide to light the way. Our primary goal must be to further God’s plan, and to help our students prioritize that goal in their lives as well.

Our retreat program reinforces the centrality of faith in our students’ lives. Throughout this issue, you’ll see other ways our faculty, students, and alumnae are inspired to pursue their passions in their work, in their relationships, and in their communities.

I have never been a big puzzle person. While other people devote their Sunday morning to the Times crossword or look forward to Sudoku marathons on rainy days, that’s not the type of challenge I seek.

Instead, I prefer to hear “You can’t,” and you can bet I’ll respond, “Watch me!”

Lilliam Paetzold President/Head of School

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THREE REGALS CALL STANFORD H

From left Shana Hadi, ‘17, Amanda Rizkalla, ‘16 and Katherine Irajpanah, ‘15 2

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY

OME

Three NDA alumnae currently grace the campus of Stanford University: Katherine Irajpanah, ’15, Amanda Rizkalla, ’16, and Shana Hadi, ’17. All three are building on their NDA foundation in very different ways. Katherine, currently a senior at Stanford, is studying international relations with an emphasis on international security studies. Amanda is majoring in English with plans for graduate degrees in creative writing, while Shana is focusing on computer science and English.

Their paths cross less often on the Farm than at NDA because Amanda is on a culinary internship in Italy this semester, but all agree they were well prepared to face the academic rigor at Stanford, largely because of the confidence they developed at NDA. “I didn’t miss a beat,” said Katherine. “I felt equipped with my academic shield and armor.

My only disappointment was realizing that I couldn’t study everything I wanted to – that I’d need to specialize a little bit.”

“There are so many opportunities and no barriers to study,” agreed Amanda. “With all of the resources available here, students can be authentically themselves and pursue any course they choose.”

“With our proximity to Silicon Valley, an entrepreneurial spirit pervades the campus and our courses,” added Shana. “It creates countless opportunities to throw yourself in front of something and see if it works.”

And all three have done just that. From geeking out on a Neil Gaiman master class and researching magic realism in Indonesia (Shana), to developing her original manuscript, Hunger (Amanda), to creating a nonproliferation activism group (Katherine), each has committed to maximizing her experience at Stanford.

“NDA empowered us not only with the confidence to try something new,” said Katherine, “but also with the ethical framework to be attuned to issues and engage with them on a moral level.”

As for college search and application advice for current NDA students, Katherine suggests that research is key.

“Look at the course offerings and professors and ask yourself, ‘would I take a class at this school?’”

Ultimately, however, Shana reminds students, “Don’t forget who you are, who you want to be, and what changes you want to make in the world.”

We can’t wait to see the many improvements these three have planned!

Tefi Ma’ake Transforms Community Through Kairos, Campus Ministry Beloved Leader to Move to East Coast this Summer Twelve years ago, fresh from her experience with PLACE Corps and with a newly minted Master’s in Theology in hand, Campus Minister Tefi Ma’ake visited NDA for the very first time for her interview. “I walked on campus and knew this is where I wanted to be.”

She joined NDA with two goals in mind: to establish Kairos, a four-day retreat for seniors, and to cultivate leadership capacity in students in Campus Ministry. The inspiration for her work comes from her own Ignatian experience at Loyola Marymount University.

“It’s about the student’s relationship with God, the realization of her inherent worth, and of how loved she is,” said Ms. Ma’ake, “because if she could see herself the way God sees her, she can discern her deepest purpose and be all God wants her to be.”

That message, which informs all four years of religious instruction and annual retreats, culminates in Kairos senior year. Ms. Ma’ake trains student leaders and shepherds the seniors through four days devoted to “God’s time.” Students count it as one of the most transformative experiences at NDA, and not just because there are no cell phones.

Ms. Ma’ake is comfortable with her message being countercultural. “I’m inspired by the challenge,” she said. “There is so much that obscures the message of God’s unconditional love, so many voices saying they aren’t good enough, aren’t lovable. This tiny little piece I can do.”

“Tefi has been a beacon of light for hundreds of students at NDA,” said Brad Fuller, assistant head of school for academic operations. “Her warmth, care, wisdom, and guidance have been invaluable supports to young ladies as they struggle with the challenges of adolescence, friendships, academic stress, personal struggles, and issues of faith. She has been a model of grace on our campus, calling us all to the best versions of ourselves.”

“Ms. Ma’ake is really a spiritual guide,” said Sofia Sanchez, ’19. ”She intentionally provides an opening for individual students to grow in faith and confidence while guiding the Campus Ministry group as a whole.”

For some students, NDA is really their first opportunity for an independent experience with God. “In elementary school, your faith is really dictated by others,” said Sofia, “but here you have the chance to plant your own roots, to grow and learn and think for yourself about your faith.”

Some are even inspired to study theology in college, a challenge

Ms. Ma’ake supports.

“The female voice hasn’t always been heard in the Church, so the more women we have studying theology, the better,” she said. “ More importantly, theology is, by its nature, interdisciplinary and equips you to address world needs in creative ways. There are ethical and justice conversations that are relevant to every innovation.”

“It’s about the student’s relationship with God, the realization of her inherent worth, and of how loved she is...” - Ms. Ma’ake

Ms. Ma’ake’s recent engagement means she will leave NDA in June to move to the East Coast, where she will embark on a new adventure.

“Tefi’s depth of faith and spirit of kindness and justice have left an indelible mark on our community,” said Nancy Ehrmann, advancement director. “How blessed we are that God’s journey for Tefi brought her to NDA. During her time at

the Academy, hundreds of hearts have been nourished, enriched, and deepened by her organic and joyful message of God’s compassion and love. We are all better because of her presence in our lives; she has shown us all how to be a ‘person for others.’”

“It’s hard to imagine working anywhere else,” said Ms. Ma’ake. “It might be great, but it will never be the same.”

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Over 50 students involved, 108 hours of rehearsal, 10 big dance numbers , 50+ costumes, Stage dressing and Art Direction led by students, Record attendance for all four performances!

Mrs. Kristin Duerr - Director of the Drama Department 7

ALUMNAE IN THE ARTS EMILY OETZELL When her colleagues discover that Emily Oetzell, ’12, attended an all-girls, Catholic high school, many look at her blue hair and piercings and respond, “That explains a lot.”

And Oetzell would agree -- not because her look is evidence of some hackneyed cliché, but because she attributes much of her confidence to her experience at Notre Dame Academy.

“When I left NDA, I had a good handle on who I was as a person,” said Oetzell. “The [supportive teachers and welcoming all-girl] environment fostered a sense of community that helped to build character and confidence.”

Oetzell also credits NDA’s visual arts offerings and Sophia Beauvy, in particular, with igniting her love for art and animation. In addition to leading NDA’s art classes, Ms. Beauvy exposed Oetzell to other opportunities beyond the school gates.

“Participating in programs at Ryman Arts and CSSSA (California State Summer School for the Arts) fueled my development as an artist,” said Oetzell. “Ms. Beauvy opened a lot of doors for me.”

Since earning her fine arts degree in art and entertainment animation from Cal State Fullerton, Oetzell has expressed her passion as a storyboard artist for animated shows targeting both adults and children. She’s currently working at Titmouse on a Cartoon Network original kids show for Adult Swim. “[Story] boarding is much like directing,” said Oetzell, “because you take a pretty minimal outline for a story and transform it into a blueprint for animation by fleshing out the script, planning the jokes, and even anticipating facial expressions.”

Oetzell has also moonlighted as a drawing teacher at NDA, where she inspires other young artists to discover their gifts. She maintains that not much has changed since she sat in their seats.

“It reminds me of my time at NDA,” she said. “My uniform has changed and my hair may be blue, but the foundation remains the same.”

SABRINA COTUGNO When Disney Animation Director Sabrina Cotugno ‘08 was a student, her mentor gave her good counsel: “You have to be all in,” she recounts. “If you have a plan B, you should probably just do your plan B.” The Cal Arts graduate has taken that advice to heart as she’s applied her degree in character animation as a storyboard artist on “Gravity Falls,” and “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.” When she begins any illustration project, Cotugno’s goal is to “go for the emotional jugular,” because she considers herself a storyteller first.

“I’m fascinated with understanding why certain images evoke specific feelings,” she said. “I try to get at the emotional heart of a scene and make sure that everything – the scale, shot choices, color, etc., – reinforces that.”

In addition to her English, studio art, and AP Art History classes, Cotugno appreciates her religion classes for their contribution to her development as an artist.

“I didn’t expect that they would be such a source for inspiration in this industry,” said Cotugno, “but the moral foundation I built at NDA fuels my drive. One of Ms. Portman’s insights still resonates with me: ‘We are all walking, talking, breathing tabernacles of the risen Lord,’ she said, and that’s become the philosophical center of what I create.”

Cotugno seeks to use her animation expertise to tell stories that haven’t always been told – stories for women and for the LGBT and non-white communities.

Luckily for us, Cotugno is definitely all in: “It’s hard for me to separate the animation from the storytelling,” she said. “I know I would be doing this even if I wasn’t getting paid for it.”

What

inspires

you?

Pathway to NCAA to Open Fall 2019 Aileen Nasypany and Brittany Melvin Share Passion for Sports and Students

Although many students dream of a college athletic career, many realize too late that they’re ineligible academically, athletically, or both. Enter Athletic Director Aileen Nasypany and College Counselor Brittany Melvin, who have joined forces to create a Pathway to the NCAA for NDA students and families.

Designed to highlight and expand collegiate athletic opportunities, the program provides a framework and timeline for aspiring athletes and their parents. While both are passionate about sports, Ms. Nasypany and Ms. Melvin each bring a unique perspective to the partnership. Ms. Melvin balances Ms. Nasypany’s expertise as a former collegiate athlete, coach, and recruiter with advice on course selection, test scheduling, and college lists.

“Both students and parents must realize that the college search and application process starts earlier for prospective athletes,” said Ms. Melvin.

“Our goal is to demystify the process by breaking it down into manageable steps,” said Ms. Nasypany, “and to inform families about all of the requirements as early an ninth grade, while there’s still time to prepare.”

“My athletic experience was formative for me,” said Ms. Melvin, “and I want to provide the same opportunity for my students. Sports help to develop and reinforce key skills that will help them be successful in any career.”

“Being a collegiate athlete differentiates you from others in the professional world,” agreed Ms. Nasypany, “not only in terms of time management, accountability and perseverance, but also in terms of health, wellness, and balance.”

Together the two are focused on providing yet another opportunity for each NDA student to succeed in realizing her dreams as she maximizes her gifts both in the classroom and on the court, field, or pitch. For more information about the Pathway to the NCAA, contact Ms. Nasypany or Ms. Melvin.

Emily Oetzell, ‘12 Animator “I’m inspired by all types of humor, and by sumo wrestling – I try to incorporate some aspect of sumo into all of my projects.”

Betsy Ward Religion “The newly released USCCB document called Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call of Love, a Pastoral Letter Against Racism calls all of us to reexamine our history, our faith, our own lives in light of the Gospel. If you haven’t had time, it is worth the read! ”

Andrew Dunkle Social Science “I feel my job as a teacher allows me to do what I can to make the world a better place. It is a great opportunity and I need to be the best teacher possible to make the most of it. ”

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Around

NDA students explore countless opportunities beyond our

YMCA’s Youth in Government Seniors Brittany Mejia and Olivia Weiss have spent hundreds of hours since middle school with Youth in Government, the YMCA’s model legislature and court program.

“I’ve always been a strong public speaker,” said Brittany, “but Youth in Government has helped me become more secure in my opinions and articulate and support my thoughts in a more meaningful way in and out of the classroom.” “ This program emphasizes process over product on the local level,” said Olivia. “It has inspired me to focus on the effectiveness of grassroots activism and know that I can make an immediate difference on a local, personal level.”

Both students plan to pursue related topics at college next year. Brittany will study justice and law at American University in Washington, D.C., while Olivia will focus on political science and gender studies at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

Art

Ryman Arts is a rigorous classical drawing and painting program in which many art students participate.

“Ryman Arts taught me how to become dedicated to a routine, but also how to be dedicated to something I love,” said Isabella Rendon, ’19. “ Through Ryman, I’ve had the most gratifying experiences while painting, drawing; during critiques, and also while engaging with my peers.”

“I have developed both in technical skill and discovered more about myself,” said Jenna Yao, ’20. “By being surrounded by dedicated people who love art and who also have different aspirations and goals both in and out of the art field, I have discovered what I truly want to do and what my true potential really holds.”

Five students’ artwork was featured in the Robert Graham Memorial Exhibition at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in the spring. Ashlee Smith, Allison Waechter, Gisselle Miranda, Tatiana Gonzalez and Alexandria Sperounes were inspired by the theme, “What does spirituality mean?”

What

inspires

you? continued

Jacqueline Steves English “The beautiful role models who embody Catholic Social Teaching, including family members, teachers, mentors, and authors. It is the perfect framework to live by. Central to this tradition are beliefs that every human life is precious, community is vital, the poor deserve our help, and God’s beautiful creations need our stewardship.”

d Town

r campus. Here are just a few places you’ll find them:

Dance This summer, some of our advanced dancers will participate in programs all over the country.

Emily Hook, ‘22, will focus on ballet at the American Ballet Theater in Florida.

Zoe Singh, ’21, will spend four weeks studying contemporary ballet with the Alonso King Lines program in San Francisco.

Allison Grant, ’20, will return to Chicago for the advanced summer dance program at Hubbard Street.

Katherine Irajpanah, ‘15 Stanford “I would have to say that the joy of learning inspires me. There is always something new to learn and that is just so exciting to me. It is safe to say that I treat every experience as one for learning.”

Glen Janken Mathematics “I find a lot of my inspiration from the students. I think it has to do with the natural energy and optimism of youth. Though many of them are struggling with huge issues -- and the way they do that is an inspiration in itself -- they are always so open and responsive to the care and concern I show them. It really helps me keep going.”

Sabrina Cotugno, ‘08 Disney “I find that fighting the good fight or being the underdog can be energizing, even fun. It means there’s work to be done, and we get to do that work.”

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