career. In her post-secondary education, Julie was a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, was recognized for her dedication to her academics on the University of Mount Union’s Dean’s List and was a member of the Alpha Mu Gamma National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society. Through her profession, she consistently plays the role of a compassionate leader. Julie builds a culture of inclusion as an advocate for her students. Her genuine curiosity and natural leadership have allowed Julie to display a unifying love for the students she assists every day. Julie is thankful for Saint Joseph Academy because it allowed her to discover and foster her interests that later led to a passion and her career. What Would You Tell Your Twelfth Grade Self? “Don’t be afraid of change! International higher education was nowhere on my radar when thinking about a career but through my education at Saint Joseph Academy and at my respective universities, I found a field of work that I absolutely love!” – Julie Seman ’09
Emily Rose Smith ’09 Front End Developer, ExchangeBase Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University Resident of Cleveland, OH
Emily’s broad interests and determination to follow them, no matter the odds, have led her to where she is today. Emily quickly rose from student to Senior Systems Engineer at The Ohio State University. She pushes herself out of her comfort zone by publicly speaking in front of more than 10,000 attendees at the ServiceNow Conference, thriving in a male-dominated career and developing her knowledge of new languages in her personal time. Emily was a mentor to aspiring software engineers at The Ohio State University, where was a recipient of the Rising Above Value Expected Award and the Quarterly Team Award. She recently took a position with ExchangeBase in Cleveland. Emily’s integrity and dedication shine through every commitment she makes and every task she tackles. What Would You Tell an Eighth Grade Girl About Saint Joseph Academy? “Saint Joseph Academy is a safe space to figure out who you are. You will make lifelong friendships and have opportunities to learn things most high schools do not offer. In all of my education experiences, Saint Joseph Academy will always be my favorite.” – Emily Rose Smith ’09
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Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Maureen Wolf ’09 Third Grade Teacher, Avon Heritage Elementary Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies, Ohio University Master of Arts in Education – Licensed Intervention Specialist (Mild/Moderate Educational Needs) and Early Child Education, Baldwin Wallace University Resident of Rocky River, OH
Maureen’s compassion for others has led her to volunteer her time to make the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses come true as a Wish Maker volunteer for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. While earning her graduate degree, Maureen volunteered with Youth Challenge and learned American Sign Language through evening classes. She showcases compassionate leadership in her classroom as a third grade teacher, spending countless hours after school helping students with homework and counseling them on their problems. Maureen is not only a teacher to these students but a mother, nurse, therapist and friend. She encourages her students to consider becoming scientists and engineers through her “Engineering Hour” initiative each week. Veteran teachers have applauded Maureen on her ideas implemented into the classroom and empathy for her students.
”25 Under 35“ Honoree Leads Students and Alumnae in Service This summer, 15 Saint Joseph Academy women, both alumnae and current students, had the opportunity to all work together at St. Augustine Rainbow Camp in Tremont. The camp serves nearly 150 campers each summer with a staff of about 45. Campers are from the neighborhood, the parish and many have varying Top row, L-R: Leland Pestak ’12, disabilities. The young women Ashley Santora ’14, Jessica Calton ’15, from Saint Joseph Academy Annemarie Brady ’16, Annie Rolf ’17, provide wonderful role models for Meghan Hahn ’17, Maggie Weaver ’17 and Beth Brady ’18 these campers. Second row, L-R: Leah Giallourakis ’11, “This is my 15th summer Renee Rawlings Zorger ’06 and Rachel Caja ’11 with St. Augustine Rainbow Bottom row, L-R: Kara Whalen ’19, Camp and my 10th summer as Anna Santora ’20, CarrieAnne Pataky ’20 a director. It always gives me so and Francine Adkins ‘21 much pride to see Saint Joseph Academy so well represented working with the campers! The camp was founded 45 years ago by Sr. Corita Ambro, CSJ ’53 when she saw a need for entertainment for local children and deaf children for the summer. The camp continues to be low cost to families and we function primarily on donations and fundraisers,” shared Renee Rawlings Zorger ’06, an honoree of the inaugural “25 Under 35” Awards.