Sharing a Tradition of Excellence with Alumnae, Parents and Friends • www.sja1890.org • Winter 2019
Construction Academy
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
1
Letter from the President 3470 Rocky River Drive • Cleveland, Ohio 44111 216.251.6788 • www.sja1890.org
UPDATE is published by Saint Joseph Academy for alumnae, parents and friends. Contributors to this issue of UPDATE include: Allison Busser ’04, Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71, Dennis Cushing, Kathy Flinn, Erin Grace, Lisa Gregorski, Betty Hjort, John Manuszak, Mickie Matheis, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Nikki Mohar, Alison Morgan, Kristen Pungitore, Julie Grippo Schuler, Mackenzie Schuler, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE and Jeff Sutliff. Photography courtesy is extended to: Congregation of St. Joseph, Donna Corrigan Ernst ’80, Lifetouch Photography, Marianne Mangan, John Manuszak, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Dr. Ka-Pi Hoh, and Ripcho Studios For more information, please contact Mackenzie Schuler at 216.251.6788 or mschuler@sja1890.org.
MISSION Saint Joseph Academy, rooted in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph, fosters unifying relationships with God and all creation, empowers each young woman to achieve academic excellence and inspires a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.
Dear Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae, Parents and Friends, Saint Joseph Academy is in an outstanding position, now in our 130th year dedicated to excellence in the education of young women. Enrollment is robust with students. Our exceptional curriculum, co-curricular and extracurricular programs are second to none. We warmly welcomed the Class of 2023 to our school community. It’s a great time to be a Jaguar! Little did I know 30 years ago, when I was invited to join the first Board of Directors of Saint Joseph Academy, what a life-changing opportunity that would be! I was humbled to be able to give back to the school that had given me so much as a student. I served on the Board of Directors at two separate times and twice was the board chair. When the new president/principal leadership model was introduced in 2006, I became the first president of my “dear alma mater,” Saint Joseph Academy. Now in my fourteenth year as president, and after much prayer and discernment, I have decided to retire at the end of this academic year in June 2020. I am proud of the many achievements of Saint Joseph Academy during my tenure as president – in deepening the charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph, in elevating the academic offerings and programs, in expanding the arts and athletic teams, in broadening the professional and international opportunities for our students, in strengthening the financial foundation, in improving the physical facilities for a dynamic learning environment and growing enrollment of students. I am grateful for the faculty and staff who made these achievements possible. The thousands of amazing young women who walked the hallways of Saint Joseph Academy have touched me deeply and what an honor it has been to watch them grow in wisdom, beauty and spiritual grace. The faculty and staff are talented, dedicated professionals who give their best for these young women entrusted to our care. The parents/guardians have blessed us with their most precious daughters. The alumnae have proudly claimed their legacy and continue to serve the dear neighbor. The benefactors and friends have been generous. The Board of Directors has provided guidance and support. Most of all, the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph have poured their prayerful, financial and spiritual resources on us all. I am so very grateful to everyone who has impacted Saint Joseph Academy and me personally during these years! The search committee, selected by our Board of Directors, is overseeing the process for the next president. I am grateful for their commitment to this important work. With Mr. Jeff Sutliff in his seventh year as principal and a stable administrative team remaining in place, Saint Joseph Academy is poised for success for years to come. What an exciting time for me and the future of the Academy! I am filled with gratitude for your support. I love Saint Joseph Academy deeply and will gladly assist the new president’s transition. My commitment to providing a high quality, Catholic education for all the young women entrusted in our care remains steadfast. Sursum corda! Lift up your hearts!
On the Cover: Saint Joseph Academy’s Construction Academy
Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71President • N – Nazareth alumna • T – St. Therese alumna • P – Parent of current SJA student • † – Deceased
Construction Academy
Creates Hands-On Learning Opportunities
T
wenty students involved in the Academy’s “Construction Academy” are experiencing contextual educational opportunities through the renovation efforts at Fitzmaurice Hall. This educational piece provides students an innovative, hands-on experience. Students have worked with architects, engineers, electricians, plumbers and more during this exciting renovation. The construction project is being completed by Regency Construction Services, one of the largest female-owned construction companies in Ohio. Regency’s Principal, Founder and President Tari Rivera is a role model in an industry dominated by men. Ms. Rivera previously served on the Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors a number of years ago. She is also a source
The groups learned that “being creative is essential to fix existing challenges within a construction project. I have learned skills that will be applicable for the rest of my life,” shared Catherine Mayer ’21. Kate Luciano ’20 voiced, “I have been involved in art my entire high school career. It wasn’t until I became involved with Construction Academy that I realized how important a creative and artistic view is needed during construction projects. During this process, I am able to view renderings of Fitzmaurice Hall and collaborate with my peers on this construction and architectural project.” “The purpose of conducting Construction Academy is to advocate for young women to get involved in building and construction careers. Many of our team
Renovations of Fitzmaurice Hall are on schedule and on budget to date. We anticipate beginning to occupy the building in the May/June 2020 timeframe, with classes being held in August.
Construction Academy students cut piping for the plumbing in Fitzmaurice Hall
Athie Dek ’20 practices masonry work
Construction Academy's students learn about electrical work
of inspiration for female students interested in fields including architecture, math, engineering and sustainability. One of the recent sessions had students divided into three different stations where they rotated between learning about masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical circuitry and carpentry. They had the opportunity to create pipes and help install parts of plumbing, and use and work with drywall. They discussed the various pieces of construction, saw the materials used and the purpose in the project.
involved in this project are female,” stated Project Manager Janelle Heinle. “This really is a great opportunity to show the young women that you can grow up in construction, engineering and other STEM fields even if there aren’t a lot of women in them right now. By using all of the skills they have learned in the classroom, such as math and physics, we can show young women that there are a lot of opportunities for them in fields they wouldn’t otherwise consider.” Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
1
Three Seniors Honored through National Merit Scholarship Program!
T
he Class of 2020 has three students named with honors through the PSAT/NMSQT®! Gabrielle (Gabi) Kim ’20 is a Semifinalist in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Gabi competed with 1.6 million students from 22,000 high schools nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT®, the initial screen for National Merit Semifinalists. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state and represents
less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Gabi now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit® Scholarships worth nearly $32 million that will be offered next spring. Lauren Sherrard ’20 was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, placing her among the select group in the top five percent of the 1.6 million students who entered the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to earn the
designation of Commended Scholar. Veronica Barranca ’20 was also being named a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. This honor highlights the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT® test takers in the region. Principal Jeff Sutliff shared, “We know that this recognition will expand their education opportunities. We are very proud of their academic achievements.” Congratulations, ladies, on your academic excellence!
National Merit Semfinalist
National Merit Commended Scholar
Gabrielle Kim ’20
Lauren Sherrard ’20
National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar
Middle School: Lee Burneson Middle School (Westlake)
Middle School: St. Mary Catholic School (Berea)
Extracurricular Activities: Yearbook Editor, Science Olympiad President, Academy Ambassadors Executive Board, Math Club Treasurer, St. John Medical Center volunteer and Parish School of Religion teaching assistant at St. Ladislas Parish
Extracurriculars: Engineering & Design Honors Program, Construction Academy, Academy Ambassadors, Peer Mediation, Douglas MacArthur Girls Leadership Academy tutor, Kairos retreat leader and dance teaching assistant
Plans to Apply to: Undecided
Plans to Apply to: Georgia Institute of Technology, The Ohio State University, North Carolina State University and Purdue University
Plans to Apply to: Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin Wallace University, John Carroll University, University of Miami, The Ohio State University and Miami University
Career Interests: Engineering
Career Interests: Finance and Spanish
Career Interests: Economics/Mathematics
2
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Veronica Barranca ’20 Middle School: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Cleveland) Extracurriculars: UNITY Club, Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice, Spanish Club President and One-On-One Mentoring Program with Esperanza, Inc.
Record-Breaking 81 Students Named AP Scholars!
C
ongratulations to all of the students recognized recently as AP® Scholars, including 13 students who received the top award, AP® Scholar with Distinction (must receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP® Exams taken; scores of three or higher on five or more on AP® exams). In all, 81 students were honored in the 2019 Advanced Placement (AP®) Scholar Awards, which recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college level achievement through AP® courses and exams. Most colleges accept AP® courses for college credit when a student score three or higher on their AP® exam. Students who take AP® courses are better prepared, thus making them more likely to succeed in college. Since the results are from the 2018-2019 academic year, they include 52 AP® Scholars of the Class of 2019 who graduated in May plus 29 students from the Class of 2019. Eighty percent of the Class of 2019 took at least one AP® class during their Senior year.
AP® Scholar with Distinction (Average score of 3.5 on all AP® exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): Ella Calleri ’19, Erin Davenport ’19, Darcy Hayes ’20, Julia HontarukLevko ’19, Ella Kappler ’19, Grace Kelley ’19, Kathleen Kelly ’19, Gabrielle Kim ’20, Olivia Martinez ’19, Julia Patterson ’19, Jane Roche ’19, Veronika StropkoJorgensen ’19 and Grace Thomas ’19. AP® Scholar with Honor (Average score of at least 3.25 on all AP® exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams): Emily Bailey ’19, Sarah Barendt ’20, Brooke Bulan ’19, Maggie Cornelison ’19, Athie Dek ’20, Riley Drellishak ’19, Sarah Gallo ’20, Margaret Griffin ’19, Kathryn Hinton ’19, Meghan McGilley ’20, Olivia Morabeto ’19, Kaelyn Nelson ’20, Hannah Nussle ’19, Libby Poole ’19 and Mia Saurette ’19. AP® Scholar (Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP® exams): Selena Alamir ’20, Molly
Armstrong ’19, Emily Austin ’20, Nicole Baddour ’19, Lillian Beech ’19, Abigail Boehnlein ’20, Katherine Boyce ’20, Lauren Buck ’19, Sofia Buckley ’19, Reagan Bushok ’20, Keri Fabrizi ’19, Sarah Farina ’19, Victoria Gantzer ’20, Sophia Gentile ’19, Kailah Gordon ’19, Cecylia Guye ’19, Ella Halligan ’20, Maddie Harden ’20, Abigail Helmer ’19, Victoria Holtz ’20, Claire Horansky ’19, Anna Isabella ’19, Celia Kennedy ’20, Genevieve Kramer ’19, Christina Kuemerle ’20, Lizzy Lopez ’19, Tatiana Lipert ’20, Abigale Luber ’20, Rachel Mancuso ’19, Aoife McGowan ’20, Sofia Motelka ’19, Hannah Nodge ’19, Marlena Noeth ’19, Kathleen O’Donnell ’19, Caitlin Patton ’19, Carly Pinter ’20, Kerrigan Ponsart ’20, Grace Quasebarth ’20, Elizabeth Rechin ’19, Molly Rogers ’19, Gretta Schlueter ’20, Teresa Schnell ’19, Lauren Sherrard ’20, Camryn Smith ’19, Lexi Soltesz ’20, Cecilia Tompkins ’19, Kathleen Tuley ’19, Cassie Van Etten ’19, Kaitlin Vasil ’19, Emma Weiss ’19, Hannah Zerman ’20, Katy Zoller ’19 and Anya-Lynn Zurawski ’20.
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER: The Gospel teaches us that we come to know God and manifest God’s spirit through relationships. Who we serve determines who we are and who we become. According to Marcella Clancy, CSJ, “The teaching of the Gospel is clear and direct. It is challenging, indeed, but it is clear in what it asks of us.” Service to the dear neighbor without distinction is a powerful and challenging invitation to live the Gospel with intentionality and purpose throughout our day. When we love and serve others, we love and serve God and all creation. One of the most visible articulations of our Catholic identity is our commitment to service in the spirit of the Congregation of St. Joseph (CSJ). As part of our ongoing efforts to develop young women of unifying love in the spirit of the Congregation,
the focus for the 2019-2020 school year is “serving the dear neighbor without distinction.” This year, we celebrate our rich tradition of service in a special way. The character of a Saint Joseph Academy graduate is shaped and defined by her service to the dear neighbor. Each of our students performs at least twenty hours of service in her community and seventy percent of our students exceed that expectation. Last year, our students engaged in more than 27,600 hours of service, building relationships and being formed by their experiences. One of the great joys of being the principal of Saint Joseph Academy is hearing from both our students and from the organizations where they serve about the impact of their work. Whether feeding the hungry at St. Augustine’s, working alongside young people with physical disabilities through Youth Challenge or using their engineering and design skills to improve lives, Saint Joseph Academy students rise to the challenge of the Gospel.
The Academy’s service program is carefully designed to nurture student development through scaffolded opportunities that build one upon the other. In a student’s freshman year, she engages in experiences designed to broaden her perspective and awaken in her a call to commit herself more fully to service. As she matures, she is encouraged to reflect on how her service experiences form her in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph. She understands that, in the CSJ tradition, she is called to meet the unmet needs of her time. Ultimately, she will grapple with larger issues of social justice and work toward systemic change in service to the mission of unity. Most importantly, a Saint Joseph Academy graduate comes to understand that she must extend herself toward others if she is to live the dream that God has for her.
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
3
Women’s Leadership Symposium Brings World of Possibilities to Students
O
n Tuesday, November 5, students gathered for a day filled with inspiring stories and personalized guidance at Saint Joseph Academy’s 13th annual Women’s Leadership Symposium - an event designed to expose students to female leaders, many of whom are alumnae. Shannon Walsh ’20 introduced the keynote speaker, Justice Melody J. Stewart. “whether she finds herself sitting on a bench
elected to any statewide office. Justice Stewart has more than 30 years of combined administrative, legal and academic experience. She previously spent 12 years on the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals. A proponent of lifelong learning, Judge Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
L-R: Shannon Walsh ’20 and Justice Melody J. Stewart
behind a piano or in the Supreme Court, this remarkable woman is an inspiration for each and every one of us. She has spent countless hours serving various organizations and the community through boards and committees of civic, educational and professional entities,” shared Shannon. Justice Stewart is the first AfricanAmerican justice to be elected to Ohio’s Supreme Court. With this role, she is the first African-American woman and the first African-American Democrat elected to the State of Ohio’s highest court and became the first African-American Democrat 4
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
at Cleveland State University and a Ph.D. from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University as a Mandel Leadership Fellow. Justice Stewart is a great role model whose educational and professional background is a great fit for the many students of Saint Joseph Academy who are interested in this field. Her keynote address touched on what prepared her for leadership, with both her personal and professional life. She credited her all-girls Catholic education for being well-prepared for a life in public service.
“Law school found me. I didn’t aspire to be a lawyer. As much as you’ve heard about my background, I still want to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Know that you can make a difference wherever you are planted. It doesn’t mean anything if you don’t serve your purpose. Service is not about you, rather, it is always about others,” stated Supreme Court Justice Stewart. Justice Stewart shared how thrilled she was that Saint Joseph Academy had 40 Seniors who were serving at the general election polls because “I have been voting since I was 18 years old. This year marks the year that Congress passed the 19th amendment, which grants women the right to vote. It is important to vote because people of color and women have had to fight for their right to vote.” “You’re going to take risks in life. It’s okay that you don’t know what to do or what to be. Major in something you love and are passionate about and good grades will follow you there, as it is a topic of passion for you. Build a strong foundation now so you have a solid springboard for the future. Learn from your extracurriculars, work, etc. Take advantage of every opportunity you have been given. Narrow your focus on what you can control now. Don’t worry a single ounce about your future, as you haven’t met the versions you will become 10, 20 years from now,” voiced Justice Stewart. In addition to the keynote address, more than 50 professional women (including 22 alumnae, with the most representation from the Class of 2010) spoke with students in Career Breakout Sessions. These women represent careers as varied as finance, entrepreneurship, visual and performing arts, education, operations, law, health sciences, engineering, community development and nonprofit enterprises. These speakers work at Parker Hannifin, NASA, Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland Clinic, The Lubrizol Company, United Airlines, Cleveland Indians, Deloitte, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and several nonprofit organizations. They brought with them a distinctive perspective on how they achieved their goals, sharing real-life and practical advice on potential careers.
Supporting Student Success N
avigating high school can be difficult for both the teenage daughter and her parents/ guardians. There are boundless amounts of pressure both in and out of the classroom for students learning under the rigor of a college preparatory program. For students to succeed, they need a variety of different support systems and Saint Joseph Academy is committed to providing them. Saint Joseph Student Support Services Academy’s Student Department Chair Support Services Mrs. Lisa Gregorski P’23 Department supports a diverse array of students navigate and achieve academic goals through the Academy’s opportunities and resources while creating a meaningful high school experience. We address academic, career, personal and social skills, empowering young women to become confident thinkers while helping prepare them with quality learning and lifelong success. Comprehensive and coordinated support opportunities are vitally important for the social, emotional and character development of students and the development of learning climates that are conducive to student achievement of high academic standards. This type of support fosters positive relationships among educators and students, thereby increasing students’ engagement in school. It also serves as an essential link between students, their families, school resources, and community-based health and social services. These services support students and their families by addressing underlying issues, such as academic, behavioral and mental health issues that contribute to challenges and are barriers to student success. The earlier these services are provided, the better the results are for students, in turn, creating
a positive school culture. Saint Joseph Academy “offers so many opportunities for students, helping prepare them for success,” shared Student Support Services Department Chair Mrs. Lisa Gregorski P’23. Student Support Services includes: • Instructional and Peer Tutoring • Writing Center • Resources for parents/guardians and teachers to share academic concerns and consult regarding strategies • Time management consultations with students • Tutoring and/or skill building opportunities during Activity Blocks • Creating initial or three year multi-factored evaluations • Writing of accommodation plans for students with learning or other disabilities • In-class support from Intervention Team members in selected classes • Review and preparation for state-mandated tests • Working with ACT and the College Board to secure accommodations for eligible students • Providing summer study skills workshop for interested incoming Freshmen “The most beneficial thing we do to support all students is working in the classroom to either co-teach or provide direct skill instruction. Though we work with all academic departments, our focus is the Freshman level regular classes and math. We also help individuals who need accommodations. These students are not taken out of class, rather, we bring help to them. Since we are regularly in the classroom, we build deeper relationships with students,” voiced Mrs. Gregorski. Another crucial component of student success is our School Psychologist Ms. Melonee Davis, Ed.S. She is available to consult with parents/guardians, school counselors, teachers and administrators regarding the social and emotional well-being
of students while providing direct support to students in need. Additionally, Ms. Davis can provide psychoeducational evaluations, re-evaluations and interpret outside evaluations used in determining eligibility for Accommodation Plans. Our school psychologist is also a wonderful resource for those with questions regarding adolescent development. Other services she provides include crisis intervention, academic and behavioral intervention and risk assessments. Throughout the high school experience, all students are supported by the Guidance Department. Starting their freshmen year, School Counselors provide direct and indirect counseling services, advise students on academic and career planning, and offer social and emotional support as student’s transition to high school. The School Counselor’s role is to foster personal responsibility in students, based on Christian principles, as they work toward becoming successful 21st century citizens. As students advance to Juniors and Seniors, College Counselors provide a series of planned, sequential learning experiences/ opportunities which contribute towards their college and career goals. The College Counseling Department has extensive programs and resources for the college search process, creating successful outcomes for our graduates. In 11th grade, students participate in a three-day Junior Professional Shadowing Program to help them hone their career interests and understand their career likes and dislikes. The department also brings over 70 colleges on campus annually to make it convenient for students to discover what each has to offer. By providing all these areas of support, we aim to deeply contribute to the high school experience and create a greater sense of belonging for all students. By fostering open, honest communication that encourages healthy discussion and promotes student success, we are creating a community for different kinds of learners to flourish. Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
5
I
Welcome, Class of 2023!
n August, the Class of 2023 – all 172 students - received a Jaguar welcome in August as they celebrated their first Mass together with the entire student body. The entire Saint Joseph Academy community walked down Rocky River Drive to Our Lady of Angels for Welcome Mass. After returning to campus, the Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors lined
the walkway leading to the front steps of the Academy, clapping and cheering as the Freshmen and eleven transfer students received a single yellow rose from Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff and President Mrs. Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71. The Freshmen then gathered together on the front steps of the Academy for a group picture with class
moderators and Math teachers Mrs. Colleen Ross and Ms. Maggie Flannery. Some fun facts about the Class of 2023: Students live in 32 zip codes, come from 50 different schools, Elizabeth is the most common first name and four have greatgrandmothers who are alumnae of Saint Joseph Academy.
Here are the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother legacy connections for the Class of 2023: Lauren Blakely, granddaughter of Sheelah Novak Glovna ’58, Kate Boland, daughter of Eileen Chambers Boland ’84 and granddaughter of Mary Alice Hageman Boland ’47, Eileen Costello, daughter of Clare Maloney Costello ’88, Margaret Dalton, granddaughter of Ann O’Malley Dalton ’66, Abigail Flannery, granddaughter of Judy Haluscsak Flannery ’57, Sarah Granzier, daughter of Jane Gerace Granzier ’87 and granddaughter of Margaret Mary Cox Granzier ’54, Lorelei Hack, daughter of Melissa McGuire-Hack ’86, granddaughter of Toni Nowak Winget ’63 and great-granddaughter of Rita Saly McGuire T’34, Ella Healey, daughter of Eileen Seeholzer ’87, granddaughter of Louise Gerbasi Seeholzer ’50 and great-granddaughter of Mildred Ursem Seeholzer ’32†, Erin Hyland, granddaughter of Margaret McNeeley Harkness ’60, Ava Kappler, great-granddaughter of Isabel Joseph Thomas ’40†, Faith Kmiecik, granddaughter of Elizabeth Schmitz Kmiecik T’47†, Samantha Krankowski, daughter of Julie SzyKrankowski ’91 and granddaughter of Rita Hakey Szy ’63, Theresa Kratt, daughter of Catherine Waters Kratt ’87, Shannon Lane, granddaughter of Nancy Coughlin Williams ’70, Elizabeth Mack,
6
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
daughter of Winnie McMarlin Mack ’96, Evelyn Maloof, daughter of Laura Schwind Maloof ’90 and granddaughter of Florence Cregan Schwind ’56, Mary McEwen, daughter of Christine Maher McEwen ’88, Molly McGlynn, great-granddaughter of Loretta Arth Cleary ’40†, Molly Mennen, granddaughter of Patricia Bringman Frindt ‘65†, Maeve Mullen, granddaughter of Margaret Tumney Mullen ’51, Kathryn Mulloy, granddaughter of Marilyn Lieb Mulloy ’65, Kelsey Niehaus, granddaughter of Kay Koch Niehaus ’51, Meghan O’Boyle, daughter of Adrienne Arth O’Boyle ’88, Lainey Rambert, granddaughter of Marian Baldassar Schane ‘60†, Margot Rechin, daughter of Helen Koustis Rechin ’87, Kylie Reese, daughter of Lori Jamiol Reese ’00, Cecelia Roche, daughter of Malena Nanni Roche ’93, Madison Roth, granddaughter of Marie Henke Roth ’54, Julia Scheatzle, granddaughter of Paula Branaghan Suveges ’66, Victoria Sly, granddaughter of Sharon Butler Carlin ’69, Elizabeth Sonby, daughter of Barbara Waters Sonby ’90, Abigail Szoradi, daughter of Heather Milota Szoradi ’92, Emma Welch, daughter of Mary Babington Welch ’86 and Maiya Zagaria, daughter of Nicole Zagaria ’93.
Fitzmaurice Hall Birthday Celebration
T
he entire Saint Joseph Academy community gathered on August 29 with the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph and generous benefactors to celebrate the birthday of Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice, CSJ, for whom Fitzmaurice Hall is named. The event also honored gifts from the Congregation of St. Joseph and other
charitable benefactors. Student Council President Shannon Walsh ’20 (daughter of Megan Darcy Walsh ’84 and sister of Caitlyn Walsh ’18) presided as the Mistress of Ceremony, welcoming all of the guests to the Academy for this special day. President Mrs. Mary Ann CorriganDavis ’71 addressed the Sisters, sharing “it
Kathy Brazda, CSJ shows the gift of the original slate of Fitzmaurice Hall, which was engraved in the Academy’s Makerspace innovation lab
Saint Joseph Academy community, donors and the Congregation of St. Joseph come together to celebrate the birthday of Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice, born August 29, 1862.
is hard to describe just how grateful we are for this gift where your foremothers lived, worked and prayed for more than 100 years.” Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ of the Congregational Leadership Team and Sister Nancy Conway, CSJ ’65, shared a blessing with all of the attendees. Mrs. Corrigan-Davis then presented the Sisters with an original piece of slate from the roof of Fitzmaurice Hall to the Congregation of St. Joseph that was engraved in our Makerspace innovation lab. We are forever grateful for the gift of this beautiful, historic building that will benefit future generations of Academy students!
Class of 2020 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
S
tudents, faculty, staff and families gathered in September to witness the commissioning of 40 Seniors as Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion. The Seniors were blessed to be commissioned by Rev. Eric Garris of St. Raphael Parish at an all-school Mass. Each newly commissioned Eucharistic Minister later provided Holy Communion to their immediate family members present at the Mass. Congratulations to Annie Allen, Charlotte Baker (granddaughter of Sharen Landers Thompson ’63), Sarah Barendt (granddaughter of Kathleen Griffin Barendt ’48†, sister of Rachel ’15 and Natalie Barendt ’18), Jillian Bouley, Reagan Bushok, Caroline Chudowsky (daughter of Tracie Aerni Chudowsky ’78 and granddaughter of Marilyn Westfall Aerni ’50†), Mary Therese Conway, Carol Creter, Nora Dickens (granddaughter of Bernadette Daly McCrone ’64 and sister of Bridget
Dickens ’16), Lily Free, Adriana Gadd, Sarah Gallo, Gillian Ginley (daughter of Anne Pesta Ginley ’85), Jennifer Gonzalez (sister of Claudia Gonzalez ’17), Madeline Haas, Megan Harrison, Elly Hanna (daughter of Tobey Douglas Hanna ’94 and granddaughter of Kathleen Flannery Hanna ’58†), Gabrielle Ialacci (sister of Rachael Ialacci ’17), Amanda Keim, Celia Kennedy (daughter of Mary Kay O’Malley ’85), Maeve Lenehan (daughter of Rose Gallagher Lenehan ’89 and sister of Mary Grace Lenehan ’15), Abigail Lewandowski (granddaughter of Pamela Pawlak Lewandowski N’65 and sister of Elizabeth Lewandowski ’18), Adalyne Lorek, Lucy Lowe (daughter of Mary Companey Lowe ’81 and sister of Hannah Lowe ’12), Maggie Marshall (daughter of Molly Metzger Marshall ’90), Eva Mihelich, Marie Musser (daughter of Elizabeth Harkin Musser ’79 and granddaughter of Karen Hayes Musser ’56†), Mary Jane Nguyen, CarrieAnne Pataky,
Caroline Petters, Carly Pinter (granddaughter of Angela Scherry Liberatore ’54), Lucy Polkinghorn, Aisling Ryan, Gracyn Sage (sister of Lainey Sage ’17), Sarah Scarpitti, Gretta Schlueter, Kaitlyn Smith (daughter of Erin Kelly Smith ’88), Anna Soltes, Victoria Thorman and Hannah Zerman.
Gretta Schlueter ’20 provides Holy Communion to her mother, Maureen Schlueter
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
7
CHARISM:
Serving others is a Saint Joseph Academy philosophy that extends beyond the school day – and even the school year. For the past nine summers, students and faculty members have spent time in service to others, traveling near and far to help where needed. In the summer of 2019, the tradition continued with service trips to New Orleans, Louisville, Kermit, WV, the Dominican Republic and closer to home – in Cleveland.
“I really enjoyed serving at two separate homeless shelters in Cleveland each day. It was a great way to personally interact and understand the homeless of our own city,” noted Kate Flannery ’20 (granddaughter of Judy Haluscsak Flannery ’57). Kate, along with nine other students, served daily meals at St. Augustine’s and St. Herman’s Hunger Centers. They also took the opportunity to learn more about the daily lives and challenges facing those here in Cleveland. “My favorite experience was having a picnic with the local homeless in Ohio City. I felt such a sense of community and God’s presence when they shared with us their personal stories about their lives. We participated in a game of badminton, and it was humbling to see them laugh and hang out like we all knew one another,” said Madeline Haas ’20. Anna Godlewski ’21 volunteers in Kermit, WV
working with local children to create a summer camp. “This experience taught me that poverty looks very different from place to place. It was really eyeopening. I have seen urban poverty throughout my community before, but I had never really seen true rural poverty which is very distinct,” explained Julia Roth ’21 (granddaughter of Marie Henke Roth ’54). Julia saw the joy as well. “The kids were always Julia Roth ’21 (left) reads to a boy at ABLE Families in Kermit, WV so happy and constantly kept the biggest smiles on their faces. It was Students that attended one of two crazy for me to see how close, only six hours KERMIT, WV trips (one of the most away, that we live to the people in Kermit, socioeconomically disadvantaged counties yet their everyday life seems so different in the United States) also saw the effects compared to mine.” of poverty only a car ride away, specifically
8
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Other domestic trips also opened students’ eyes to the struggles and service needs all around us. For students visiting NEW ORLEANS, that meant seeing the effects Hurricane Katrina still had on the area more than a decade later. As chaperone and CORE Ministry teacher Mrs. Theresa Avila-John pointed out, Hurricane Katrina was an event that happened when the current students were quite young. “When tragedy strikes, we as women of faith should not be ‘one and done.’ The committed service relationships that the Academy has fostered in New Orleans are very much in keeping with the Gospel message and with our Congregation of St. Joseph charism, and that is an invaluable lesson.” A major service component of the trip included working at a food bank and, for Anna Santora ’20 (sister of Ashley ’14 and Gina Santora ’15), this provided the opportunity for fellowship. “I made so
Service to the Dear Neighbor: 2019 Service Trips many great relationships with the people volunteering at the food bank and the people who were doing their everyday shopping. Being at the food bank really helped me put into perspective how blessed I am to have the basic necessities and more.” In LOUISVILLE, service was more personal than ever. This year, participants were given a fabric strip on their first day and were encouraged to write the names of all the people they met. “It was a way to remember that every stranger has a story and not to judge anyone before you speak with them,” explained Math teacher and chaperone Mr. Dennis Cushing P’19 & ’23. Throughout the trip, students spent time interacting with immigrants, individuals struggling with drug/alcohol addiction at a rehabilitation facility and disabled adults. “The people that I encountered throughout the week did so much more for me than I could ever do for them. I was taught that
you absolutely do not need materialistic things to live a life filled with happiness and love. I learned that the biggest act of service that I could do is being present in conversation and opening up my heart to tell my story and hear theirs, too,” shared Carol Creter ’20. Venturing farther from home – to the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – meant service and struggles of a different kind. “Students have to be physically, mentally and spiritually ready and strong for this type of service immersion,” said Global Program Director and chaperone Mrs. Alison Morgan P’19. The service trip is done in partnership with local organization Mission Possible and includes students from Saint Joseph Academy, as well as other volunteers from across schools and the Cleveland area. “To see the growth and transformation within each student is what draws me back every year! One of my favorite parts of this
Students help children in the Dominican Republic
Students and chaperones in Lousville, KY
trip is watching the students hit a major roadblock – whether it be with the language barrier, the heat and humidity, the food, or even a sudden change in the day’s eventsand see how successful they are in working through it,” said Mrs. Morgan. Making this year’s trip especially meaningful was the launch of a new program, started by Mrs. Morgan’s daughter, Haley Morgan ’19 along with a local graduate from another local area high school. The program, called Propósito, is meant to empower the women of Higuey, Dominican Republic through faith, education and the understanding of others. The goal with all of these service programs is to create a transformative experience. As CORE Ministry teacher Ms. Kristen Pungitore, who helps coordinate these trips explained: “The end goal is to build relationships based on mutuality, love and kinship. Jesus was not just there ‘for others,’ He was there with others.”
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
9
Fall Sports Cross Country Has Record-Setting Season; Finishes Eighth at State The cross country team has had some outstanding seasons over the last two decades but few have rivaled what the 2019 team was able to accomplish. On November 2, the Jaguars ended their season with an eighth place finish at the OHSAA Division I State meet. It marked a tie for the second-best finish in at the State meet in the 11 Jaguars’ appearances behind only the 2002 team which finished fourth overall and then 2004 team which also was eighth. Annie Allen ’20 finished her incredible Saint Joseph Academy cross country career with an 18th place finish to earn All-Ohio honors. With her finish, she becomes the first four-time All-Ohio athlete in school history as she also earned All-Ohio honors in 2018 (17th), 2017 (21st) and 2016 (16th). Amanda Keim ’20 ended her cross country career on a high note as she posted a time of 19:21 to finish 61st in her final race at the Academy while Danica Hruby ’21 was 97th, Ali Blouch ’23 was 112th and Marie Musser ’20 (daughter of Elizabeth Harkin Musser ’79, granddaughter of Karen Hayes Musser ’56†) The cross country team at the State Meet finished her final race for the team in 19:57. Sophomores Carlee Blankenship and Emma Hvizdos (daughter of Keli Rook Hvizdos ’91) also ran for the Jaguars at the State meet and gained valuable experience for the future. The Varsity cross country team also captured the Regional championship for the third time in school history and the first since 2002. They had advanced to Regionals thanks to a District runner-up finish in Medina on October 19. Congratulations to Coach Kieser and all the Jaguars on their outstanding season!
Four-time All-Ohio, Annie Allen ’20
Tennis Ties School Record for Wins; Captures NCL and Northeast Ohio Tennis Association Titles The tennis team tied the Academy’s record for number of wins in a season (16), while also recording the best winning percentage in a single season in school history. The Jaguars finished with an impressive 16-3 dual match record, winning both the North Coast League (NCL) and the Northeast Ohio Tennis Association (NEOTA) Division B title. The team also advanced a school record five players to the Northeast Ohio Division I District Tournament. Other season highlights included a 3-2 victory over state-ranked (Division II #6) Laurel, along with close 3-2 victories over Walsh Jesuit, Hudson and Shaker Heights High Schools. Melissa Martin ’20 closed out an excellent tennis career by setting a new school record with 78 career victories. She won 24 matches in 2019 and paired 10
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
with Delia Guzic ’23 to finish second at the OHSAA Division I Sectional Tournament and advance to Districts. The Jaguars also captured the NCL Blue Division title by claiming four of five championship matches over the Walsh Jesuit Warriors. Tia Clemens ’23 earned NCL MVP. Tia Clemens ’23, Melissa Martin ’20, Delia Guzic ’23, Grace Kamis ’21 and Catherine Mayer ’21 won NCL individual titles and were First Team All-League. Kerrigan Ponsart ’20 and Mary Kate Kahl ’21 (daughter of Joann Aerni Kahl ’82, granddaughter of Marilyn Westfall Aerni ’50† and Margaret Lynch Kahl ’58, sister of Michelle ’09 and Brooke Kahl ’14) were runners-up at first doubles and were Second Team All-League. Tia Clemens ’23, Melissa Martin ’20, Delia Guzic ’23, Kerrigan Ponsart ’20 and Mary
Kate Kahl ’21 were all district qualifiers. The Jaguars’ league titles were their first in the North Coast League and the highest NEOTA division title in Saint Joseph Academy’s history.
Melissa Martin ’20
Volleyball Captures District Championship Again! During the 2019 season, the volleyball program continued to prove their standing among the top programs in Ohio. The Jaguars were ranked in the top 10 in the state in Division I all season long and finished at #8 in the state coaches poll. The Jaguars ended the 2019 campaign with a record of 19-7 playing one of the toughest schedules in Ohio. The Jaguars captured their third District championship in four years as they topped rival Magnificat 3-1 in the District championship game. The team had several big wins during the regular season including an earlier 3-0 sweep of Magnificat and victories over State-ranked opponents Notre DameCathedral Latin (twice), Lake Catholic (twice), Dublin Coffman, Notre Dame Academy and Gilmour Academy. Several members of the volleyball program also were recognized individually for their performances this season.
Soccer Finishes Challenging Season This year was the first season that the soccer team competed under the new leadership of Head Coach Varsity Soccer Mr. Mark Koehler. The team ended its season with an extremely hard-fought loss to the number two seed, Berea-Midpark High School in the OHSAA Division I Sectional final game. The Jaguars competed with the state-ranked team the entire game, scoring two second half goals to tie it, eventually sending the game into two 15-minute sudden victory overtime periods before penalty kicks were needed to decide the match. In the Sectional semifinal, the Jaguars put 10 goals on the board as they topped Normandy. Brynn Haas ’20
The volleyball team celebrates their District Championship victory
NCL Honors Izzy Micheli ’20 - Defensive MVP and First Team Heaven Bartell ’21 - First Team Kirsten Barrett ’22 - First Team Jenn Follmer ’20 (sister of Jessica Follmer ’15) - Second Team Lauren Gardner ’20 - Second Team Molly Harrison ’21 - Honorable Mention In All District voting, Izzy Micheli ’20 earned First Team recognition, while Kirsten Barrett ’22 was Second Team All-District and Heaven Bartell ’21 was All District Honorable Mention.
Golf Builds for the Future in 2019 The golf team gained valuable experience during the 2019 season. Under the direction of first year Head Coach Varsity Golf Ms. Bonnie Sherman, the Jaguars built a solid foundation for the future. Katie Kane ’21 earned team Most Valuable Player honors and was the medalist in the majority of matches this season including the Sectional tournament to end the season. Freshmen Emily Jones and Devon Maxwell also earned valuable playing time this year, which will help them in Katie Kane ’21 2020. The Jaguars had a strong showing at the NCL tournament where they finished in fourth place. Emily Jones ’23, Katie Kane ’21 and Maddie Harden ’20 (daughter of Megan Wagner-Harden ’97) earned NCL Second Team honors while Maddy Yuhasz ’20 (daughter of Colleen Marquardt Yuhasz ’92, sister of Macey ’15 & Haley Yuhasz ’16) earned Honorable Mention All NCL honors.
During the regular season, the Jaguars played a challenging NCL schedule that included several state ranked teams including Walsh Jesuit, Lake Catholic and Archbishop Hoban High Schools. Three athletes received league recognition. Captain Brynn Haas ’20 earned First Team All-Conference recognition while Sophia Pedone ’20 earned Second Team All-Conference recognition and Mary Therese Conway ’20 earned Honorable Mention status.
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
11
Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Memorial Golf Outing Celebrates 20th Anniversary
L-R: Lisa Hagan Berry’s son, Brendan, daughter Colette ’11 and husband, Thomas Berry
A
lasting legacy is the reward of a well-lived life.
That’s why it was important to the large and loving family of Lisa Hagan Berry ’81† to memorialize the 31-year-old when she passed away in 1994 after a brief battle with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma.
12
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Lisa was the youngest of six girls and the seventh of nine siblings born to Mary Catherine and William (Bill) Hagan. The family lived in Fairview Park before moving to Rocky River into a house built by Bill, a Cleveland firefighter. The respect for Catholic education began at home. All of the Hagan children attended St. Angela Merici School and then went on to Catholic high schools. Lisa followed sisters Dr. Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 and Kellie Hagan King ’78 to Saint Joseph Academy. There was a good deal of history between Lisa’s extended family and the school. Her father’s sisters, Mary Hagan Barrett ’42† and Betty Hagan Neary ’48†, were alumnae. Kathleen Kilbane, CSJ ’52 (Sr. Ann Michael), one of the founders of the West Side Catholic Center, was her mother’s cousin and Miriam Therese Ebenger, CSJ, was her father’s aunt. Lisa’s daughter,
Colette Berry ’11, attended the Academy as have several of Lisa’s nieces. Saint Joseph Academy was a special place for Lisa. She already embodied many of the characteristics of a Saint Joseph Academy graduate, which were developed more fully throughout her high school years. She was involved in choir, bowling and skiing and made lifelong friends. In fact, for years after Lisa died, her high school friends would call or stop by the Hagan household on her birthday and at Christmas. After graduation, Lisa attended Hiram College, earning a degree in Education. She became a fourth-grade teacher at St. Mel School in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood, where her grandparents were parishioners. Students absolutely loved her. She was very approachable, a good listener and always positive. She made learning fun. There have been moments
over the years where Lisa’s family members have encountered former students who still remember her as their favorite teacher. According to her family, Lisa was extremely shy as a young girl. She grew more outgoing and confident over time, lighting up a room and easily engaging people with her warmth and cheerful personality. She loved to make people laugh. She was patient, compassionate and calm. Her nurturing nature served her well as a wife, mother, teacher, daughter, sister and friend. Lisa married Thomas Berry in 1987, and the couple had a son, Brendan, in 1990. She was pregnant with daughter Colette in 1993 when she was diagnosed with cancer. She delivered Colette in June and passed away the following February. Given Lisa’s vocation as an elementary school teacher, her lifelong devotion to her faith and a love of helping the dear neighbor, the Hagans and Berrys decided that supporting Catholic education seemed like the perfect way to honor Lisa and celebrate her life. It was during one of their annual summer getaways to Gem Beach at Catawba that the family, inspired by sun, sand and beer, came up with the idea of a memorial golf outing with St. Mel School as the beneficiary of funds raised from the event. The Lisa Hagan Berry Tuition Trust was established at St. Mel in 1999, and the inaugural Lisa Hagan Berry Memorial Golf Outing was held at Springvale Golf Course in North Olmsted that September. The event drew between 50-60 people. The annual golf outing continued to benefit St. Mel until the school closed in 2009. “That’s when we approached Saint Joseph Academy about creating the Lisa
Hagan Berry ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship,” said The Honorable Brian Hagan, Lisa’s brother. September 2019 marked the 20th anniversary of the golf outing and the ninth one supporting the Academy. “We’re incredibly appreciative that so many people continue to support Lisa’s memory,” shared Cheryl. Still held at Springvale (where it’s the longest-running charity event), the golf outing regularly attracts a large crowd. The atmosphere is loud and celebratory as the foursomes vie for the coveted L & O Club Cup, a martini shaker that serves as the winning trophy. This iconic vessel also appears in the event’s Irish-themed logo. (Fun Fact: The L&O Club stands for ‘Loud and Obnoxious’, a “club” in which membership is contingent upon having Hagan DNA and a fondness for a good time.) The family has a mailing list of approximately 300 people and there were 140 people at the 2019 outing—nearly a sell-out. Supporters range from members of the Hagan and Berry extended families to high school friends to organizations connected to the families, including the pipefitters. Bishop Gries also has attended the last few outings. What keeps the same people coming back year after year? Kevin Haney, a cousin, regularly makes the trek from his home in Detroit to complete a foursome made up of Lisa’s three brothers—Brian, Pat and Neil. Kevin has only missed one of the golf outings in 20 years. “The Hagans are a close-knit family and it’s a joy to participate in something that means so much to them,” he says. Close friend Patricia Kilbane is another
long-time participant. “I really enjoy the fun, easygoing atmosphere, and I like feeling that I’m part of something special—that I’m personally contributing,” she shares. The Lisa Hagan Berry Memorial Golf Outing has contributed $85,000 to the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship over the past nine years, which has provided 22 students with scholarships. The family has pledged to increase that amount to $100,000. The fund provides multiple scholarships each year, making it possible for students like Mei Saurette ’21 (sister of Mia Saurette ’19) to attend the Academy. “I would like the Hagan and Berry families to know Saint Joseph Academy has shaped me to be the young woman I am today,” Mei shared. “I’ve learned so many things about myself by being here for the past three years, especially when it comes to faith and community.” In particular, Mei credits the Academy with developing her love for service and people. For example, this past summer, she attended a week-long service immersion trip to Louisville, Kentucky. “Because of this trip, my love for service flourished even more,” she voiced, subsequently getting involved with Labre, a program which ministers to the homeless and making plans to participate in the next Arrupe Summer Camp because she loves working with children. It’s exactly the kind of legacy Lisa would be proud to call her own. Editor’s Note: Saint Joseph Academy would like to thank the Hagan/Berry families as well as the Sandoval family for their continued support of the Academy with their longrunning golf outings.
The siblings of Lisa Hagan Berry
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
13
1969
D
uring the second weekend in October, nearly 300 graduates spanning eight decades from 1944 to 2014 gathered at Saint Joseph Academy to celebrate what sincerely was a Grand Reunion. These women traveled far and near from more than 21 states - some traveling more than 2,400 miles - to join their classmates to renew bonds of friendship and share fond memories of their dear alma mater. The weekend was filled with events: a young alumnae gathering on Friday evening, a Grand Reunion dinner for all on Saturday, and a brunch for golden alumnae (celebrating 50 years or more since graduation!) On Sunday, the Saint Joseph Academy community celebrated Mass together, followed by student-led tours and a reception. Thank you to everyone who served as a class representative and social media ambassador to help us spread the word about the Grand Reunion. 14
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
The Class of 1969 not only celebrated their 50-year reunion, they were also recognized for having the highest participation in the Grand Reunion Class Challenge with 37% of the class making a gift. A special thank you to the Class of 1969 and to everyone who donated to the Annual Fund in honor of their reunion year. The gifts from all reunion classes totaled more than $23,000! Thank you for your continued support through our annual fund, helping Every Student. Every Day.
1944 1949
1954
1959
1974
1979
1989
1994
2004
2009
1964
1984
1999
2014 Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
15
ADVANCEMENT
The Science Behind Smart Giving
D
r. Ka-Pi Hoh knows a thing or two about being methodical. As a scientist, she values the role that research plays in sound decision-making, whether it’s in a workplace setting or in other aspects of life, such as charitable giving.
L-R: Dr. Ka-Pi Hoh and her husband, Dr. Brian Perry
When Ka-Pi wanted to make a meaningful financial gift to Saint Joseph Academy, she turned to her financial advisor for recommendations. He suggested a unique philanthropic approach that allowed a substantial payout for a relatively modest investment: setting up an insurance
policy with the death benefit designated to the Academy. The process is simple but savvy. With the help of the Advancement Office or their own insurance representative, donors purchase an insurance policy in the amount they wish to leave as a gift. The donor may designate the gift for a specific program or scholarship or let the school choose where to direct the funds. Saint Joseph Academy is named as the owner and beneficiary of the policy and pays the premium each year while the donor makes an annual restricted gift to cover the cost of that premium. As long as the premium is paid, the school will receive the full amount of the policy after the donor’s death. The gift is potentially tax-deductible as a charitable contribution (consult a tax professional). Additionally, charitable giving tied to an estate plan automatically grants the donor lifetime membership to the Saint Joseph Academy Fontbonne Legacy Society. When it comes to philanthropy, Ka-Pi and her husband, Dr. Brian Perry, also a scientist, are generous to causes that align with their passions. The mission of Saint Joseph Academy checks two of the boxes— education and STEM initiatives, especially for females. Ka-Pi has a history of helping women in STEM-related fields and admires the many programs and pathways that have blossomed under the tenure of President Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71. She has become a dear friend of the Academy in every sense of the word: through financial donations, attending our Celebrate the Academy gala, speaking at Women’s Leadership Symposiums and
Annual Golf Classic Marks 25th Year! Thanks to everyone who joined us for our 25th Annual Golf Classic to benefit the Saint Joseph Academy Scholarship Fund. More than 125 golfers enjoyed a day of friendly competition at Sweetbriar Golf Course. Special thanks to the individuals and organizations that sponsored this year’s event, which raised a record-breaking $25,000! Since its inception, the Golf Outing has raised $275,000 for students with financial need.
16
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
connecting colleagues in the science field with the school for onsite STEM workshops to inspire students. Ka-Pi’s own journey in a STEM field began over three decades ago when she graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a B.S. in Polymer Engineering and a minor in Economics. She also received an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She accepted a position in 1988 as a research chemist at The Lubrizol Corporation, a leader in specialty performance additives headquartered in Wickliffe. She has held several pioneering roles at Lubrizol over the years, including serving as the first female technical manager at the company’s Hazelwood, UK facility, and overseeing the construction and subsequent staffing of a research and testing laboratory in Zhuhai, China. In addition to her many professional commitments, Ka-Pi has always made time to mentor and coach women and high school students. This is why she appreciates what she sees at Saint Joseph Academy and why she gives. “We need more girls in STEM fields and in STEM leadership roles,” she shared. “Offering a wide variety of programs means young women can discover what they like to do and find a way to turn that passion into a career. Places like Saint Joseph Academy can make that happen.” To learn more, please contact Vice President of Institutional Advancement Constance S. Sipple at csipple@sja1890. org or visit plannedgiving.sja1890.org.
SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY
G LF CLASSIC
Behind Every Gift is a Story.
Gifts to the Annual Fund are powerful investments that impact each and every student, every day and help to fund the $1,400 gap between tuition and the actual cost of one year of a Saint Joseph Academy education.
The Annual Fund also: • Ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have equal access to a Saint Joseph Academy education. This year, 73% of our student body is depending on the Annual Fund for tuition assistance. • Provides innovative opportunities for student exploration, collaboration and 21st century learning. • Allows Saint Joseph Academy to provide vital training for faculty and staff. In response to these needs, this year we have set an ambitious goal of $650,000. In this season of giving, it is our sincere hope that you will consider making a year-end gift to the Annual Fund in support of the young women of Saint Joseph Academy. Behind every gift is a story of a young woman that is attending Saint Joseph Academy to achieve academic excellence and be inspired to lead a life of compassionate leadership and service. Every gift has an impact on our students. Please consider a gift to the Annual Fund today www.sja1890.org/support-sja/annual-fund
Nazareth Academy Alumnae Celebrate Reunion More than 150 Nazareth Academy alumnae gathered in September to reconnect with fellow classmates at this year’s Nazareth Academy luncheon at the Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River. Special congratulations were given to the Class of 1969 as they celebrated their 50-year anniversary, with 32 class members present at the reunion! Recognition was also given to alumnae from the Classes of 1964, 1974 and 1979 on their milestone reunion years. Proceeds of the event benefit scholarships to Saint Joseph Academy for daughters/granddaughters of Nazareth alumnae. The event raised more than $1,300 for the Scholarship Fund. Thank you!
Nazareth Academy Class of 1969
Jaguar Jackpot Success! Thank you for your incredible support of the Jaguar Jackpot! As a result of the amazing efforts of our students, their parents/ guardians and families, the Academy’s goal was surpassed at 107% of goal, earning a free day! Thank you all again for your amazing efforts! Juanita Shealey, CSJ pulls the winning ticket
Contact Us
To explore the many ways you can make a lasting impact on Saint Joseph Academy, please contact a member of our Institutional Advancement Department for a confidential conversation:
Constance Sipple, CFRE Vice President 216.671.0166 csipple@sja1890.org
Nicole Mohar Development Director 216.251.6788 x232 nmohar@sja1890.org
Erin Grace Director of Major and Planned Giving 216.619.1938 egrace@sja1890.org
Allison Busser ’04 Alumnae Director 216.619.1653 abusser@sja1890.org
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
17
Memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Mary Stock Biggs Clark ’50 on the death of her son, Tom Biggs.
Leslie Rylow ’02 on the death of their father, Edward Leslie.
Anna Mae Vesey McLaughlin ’50 and Eileen Vesey Soucek ’65 on the death of their sister, Kathleen Vesey Danus ’57.
Patricia Kane Mohar ’63 on the death of her daughter, Annette Carl.
Joanne Lovell Stann ’50 on the death of her husband, Adelbert Stann. Marie Gillich, CSJ ’55 on the death of her brother, Lou Gillich. Marge Corrigan Radle ’55 on the death of her sister, Kathleen Corrigan Martin ’57. Mary “Mitzi” Werderitsch Duley ’57 on the death of her brother, Stephen Werderitsch. Carol Onacila Molek ’58 on the death of her daughter and Christine Molek Boden ’82 on the death of her sister, Cynthia Molek Loszack ’84. Jean Kilbane Stewart ’58, Bridget Kilbane Robbins ’61, Eileen Kilbane Gordon ’65 and Margaret Kilbane Began ’70 on the death of their sister, Mary Jo “Josie” Kilbane Ahmad ’66. Ruth Ann Reinartz Leslie ’63 on the death of her husband and Maureen Leslie Streett ’89, Colleen Leslie Codispoti ’95 and Kathleen 18
Rosemary Moran Wagoner ’63 on the death of her sister, Kathy Moran Laino ’71. Jacqueline Szubski Lantis N’63 on the death of her sister, Ruth Szubski. Coletta Kahl Mulloy ’64 on the death of her husband and Mary Ann Mulloy Cannon ’59 on the death of her brother, John “Jack” Mulloy, Sr.
Cathy Calamia-Downing N’66, Francine Calamia Kuzma N’75 and Patricia Gurka Figas N’80 on the death of their father, Sam Calamia. Joann Niedzwiecki Clark ’67 and Nancy Niedzwiecki Lowery-Bregar ’68 on the death of their mother, Julia Niedzwiecki. Diane Sullivan Fluck ’67 and Mary Beth Sullivan Long ’71 on the death of their mother, Marie Sullivan. Carol Harrison Panek ’67 on the death of her brother, James Harrison.
Cecelia Tardino Nelson N’64 on the death of her husband, James Nelson.
Geraldine Soat Brown ’68 on the death of her sister, Barbara Jo Soat Orth ’64.
Susan Ptak Dy ’65 on the death of her husband and Danette Belko Wolodzko ’87 on the death of her stepfather, Lungee Dy.
Kathleen Kane Cavolo N’69, Mary Kane Bolmeyer N’77 and Rosemary Kane Cugliari N’78 on the death of their mother, Grace Kane.
Nancy Dobrovic Diemer ’66 on the death of her brother, James Dobrovic.
Catherine Hoehn Jordan N’69 and Diane Hoehn Royle N’72 on the death of their sister, Nancy Hoehn Prucha N’73.
Linda Lovell Fantino ’66 on the death of her mother, Erma Lovell. Rosemary Litteria Nelson ’66 on the death of her husband, David Nelson.
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Deborah Claus Stec N’69 on the death of her sister, Maureen Claus N’65. Patricia Kilrain Khan ’70 and Phyllis Kilrain Kilner ’84 on the death of their mother, Jeanne Kilrain.
Sr. Margaret Taylor, SIW ’70 on the death of her brother, Frank Taylor. Barbara Lancki N’70 on the death of her mother, Helen Lancki. Nancy Hrdlicka Young N’70 on the death of her husband, Michael Young, and on the death of her sister, Carol Hrdlicka Faulkner N’64. Eileen Kilbane Schlather ’71 on the death of her brother, Edward Kilbane. Connie Kmieck Gleason N’71 and Denise Kmieck N’75 on the death of their father, John Kmieck. Laura Wolff Kraley ’73 and Tina Wolff Stewart ’82 on the death of their mother, Dolores Kovacevic Wolff ’49. Donna Rist Moffitt ’73 on the death of her father, Joseph Rist. Joanne Ellis Hampton N’74 on the death of her mother, Stella Nealon Calkins ’50. Theresa Schrader Middaugh ’75 on the death of her husband, Annie Middaugh ’04 on the death of her father and Maureen Middaugh Keane ’79 on the death of her brother, Brian Middaugh.
Lisa Terranova Schieman N’75 on the death of her husband, William Schieman.
Anne Mills Waters ’81 on the death of her son, Albert Waters.
Emily Borato ’03 on the death of her father, Bernard Borato.
Mary Ellen Skrovan Knodel N’76 on the death of her father, Raymond Skrovan.
Maura Mangan-Wyrock ’82 on the death of her husband and Bridie Wyrock ’07 on the death of her father, Thomas Wyrock.
Michelle Kellicker Lamb ’03 and Vivian Kellicker ’14 on the death of their father and Patti Jo Kellicker McNerney ’76 on the death of her brother, John Kellicker.
Michelle Chernek Budzik N’77 on the death of her father, John Chernek. Lynne McLaughlin N’77 and Noreen McLaughlin Boylan N’80 on the death of their father, Patrick McLaughlin. Laura Chambers Stubner ’78 on the death of her mother, Mary Ellen Libens Chambers ’55. Linda Rowbottom Winfield ’78 on the death of her father, James Rowbottom. Donna Newman Cook N’78 on the death of her sister, Mary Ann Newman N’76. Laura Gannon Fleming ’79 and Christy Gannon Lemanowicz ’84 on the death of their mother and Mary Norton Stamper ’72 on the death of her sister, Lucille Norton Gannon ’57. Renita Kolman McMillen ’81, Cynthia Kolman ’83, Kandace Kolman Trexler ’84 and Jacquelyn Kolman Indre ’86 on the death of their mother, Lois Kolman.
Claudia Molina Marchewka ’82 on the death of her father, Alberto Molina. Paula Mindyas ’82 on the death of her mother, Mary Lou Mindyas. Lisa Matzelle Kowalczyk ’84, Margaret Matzelle Wise ’93 and Paula Matzelle Stout ’94 on the death of their mother, Karen Matzelle. Natalie Leek ’85 and Susan Leek Biggs ’86 on the death of their mother, Barbara Ragon. Mary Udell ’85 on the death of her mother, Mary Udell. Jennifer Kushner ’97 and Regina Kushner ’03 on the death of their mother, Kathleen Rehnert Kushner ’72.
Elizabeth Richer Kilpatric ’04 on the death of her father, Donald Richer.
Please remember in your prayers the following deceased alumnae: Bernardine Belz Walz ’45 Therese Love March T’45 Dolores Kovacevic Wolff ’49 Stella Nealon Calkins ’50 Sylvianne Mlinar Yurgel ’53
Elissa Schupp Sturgell ’05 on the death of her father, Michael Schupp. Lauren Sandoval Cook ’06, Amara Sandoval ’16 and Isabel Sandoval ’18 on the death of their father, Joselito “Lito” Sandoval. Allison Gorczyca ’13 on the death of her brother, Kevin Gorczyca. Bridget Dever ’15 and Molly Dever ’18 on the death of their mother, Elizabeth “Lisa” Dever. We extend our sympathy to Administrative Assistant Judy Case on the death of her mother, Shirley Walker.
Helen “Kay” Voneman Sliman-Hart ’54 Mary Ellen Libens Chambers ’55 Kathleen Vesey Danus ’57 Marilyn DiDomenico Fortunato ’57 Lucille Norton Gannon ’57 Kathleen Corrigan Martin ’57 Sheila Brennan Kelch ’58 Patricia Parsells Loftus ’59 Donna McGinty Conway ’61 Barbara Jo Soat Orth ’64 Carol Hrdlicka Faulkner N’64 Maureen Claus N’65 Mary Jo “Josie” Kilbane Ahmad ’66 Mary Ann Bublavy Myles N’70
Cheryl Tanko Snell ’00 on the death of her father, Blade “Joe” Tanko.
Kathy Moran Laino ’71
Meghan Roach Kapp ’01, Emily Roach ’02 and Carol O’Reilly Hughes ’53 on the death of Joshua Roach.
Mary Ann Newman N’76
Kathleen Rehnert Kushner ’72 Nancy Hoehn Prucha N’73 Cynthia Molek Loszack ’84
Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
19
ClassNotes Alumnae
1960s
Joyce Futty Koledge N’61 sang the Stabat Mater & Schubert’s Mass-G major in Florence, Italy’s Basilica Di Santa Croce on June 4-5, 2019 with the New Covenant United Methodist Church Choir from The Villages, FL. Mary Miller ’69 was a recent Fulbrightrecipient and spent 15 months in Cape Town, South Africa. Her field of study is Nurse Practitioner and Public Health.
1980s
Donna Corrigan Ernst ’80 was recently commissioned as an Associate of the Congregation of St. Joseph.
Lisa Abraham Hoekenga ’00 was selected as the 2020 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Northeast Ohio Leadership Award recipient. Megan McQuillen Early ’07 was recently named Executive Director of the Hoover Historical Center in North Canton, Ohio. Samantha Manzuk ’09 was recently promoted to Program Director at Cardinal Court Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. Meredith McGuire ’09 recently defended her thesis for her Ph.D., entitled “PGRMC1 Stabilizies Cytochromes P450” at Johns Hopkins University.
In August, Natalie Leek ’85 was honored as a recipient with Crain’s Cleveland Business’ “Notable Women in Nonprofits.”
Meredith McGuire ’09
L-R: Newly commissioned Associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph Rita Minasola ‘83, P’11, Ed Zavoda P’17, Renee Brickman ’91, Donna Corrigan Ernst ’80, P’14 and Carol Kolenda
1990s
Renee Brickman ’91 was recently commissioned as an Associate of the Congregation of St. Joseph.
2000s
Amanda Swisher ’01 married David Haas on July 20, 2019 in Charleston, West Virginia.
20
Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
2010s
Kara Kuykendall ’10 married Doug Schuster on June 15, 2019. Katie Speice ’12 married Dan Schiau on July 6, 2019. Brianna Dombo ‘13, a graphic designer for Ave Maria Press located in South Bend, Indiana recently received two awards from the Catholic Press Association. The Catholic Press Association book awards recognize outstanding achievement in publishing by authors, designers and editors. Brianna won an honorable mention in the category
“Cover Design” for her design of Gratefulness by Susan Muto. She also won an honorable mention in the category “Design and Production” for her full-book design of Side by Side, a full-color mother-daughter journal by Lori and Ava Ubowski, for which Brianna drew more than 200 original illustrations. Meghan McManamon ’13 married Patrick Markham on September 28, 2019. Shannon Scaggs ’14 graduated from the Cleveland Police Academy on September 20, 2019. Analese Chandler-Nieves ’15 was recently named a Fellow and began working at The Cleveland Foundation. The Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in the work of Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks and jumpstart a career in public service. Molly Walsh ’15 recently accepted a fulltime position as Assignment Editor with NBC Chicago (WMAQ-TV). Lainey Sage ’17 is at the University of Cincinnati finishing her junior year, majoring in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in robotics and automation. She was recently accepted into the Disney College Program, which has been her dream since the age of 12. She thanks former Engineering teacher Mary Ellen Foley Scott ’76 for inspiring her to consider engineering as a career. Lainey leaves for Florida in January but will return in May for summer classes at UC. Upon completion of the program, she hopes to obtain an internship at Disney World in their engineering department.
SAINT JOSEPH AC ADEMY
TWENTY
25 35
CubClub
U N D E R
THIRTY
Laura Simna ’03 & Joshua Martin a daughter, Aria Noelle, born March 7, 2019 Janet Gary Sornberger ’03 & Adam Sornberger a son, Henry George, born July 29, 2019 Melinda Saavedra Antill ’05 & Sean Antill a son, Mateo Jameson, born May 19, 2019 Kaitlyn Zimmerer Cobb ’07 & Kyle Cobb a daughter, Gianna Marie, born May 13, 2019 Sarah Ginty Edington ’08 & Travis Edington a daughter, Erin Charlotte, born June 24, 2019 Nicole Carson Hunt ’15 & Brenden Hunt a son, Jaxon Robert, born August 5, 2019
SAINT JOSEPH AC ADEMY
N O M I N AT I O N S “25 Under 35” awards program celebrates the Academy’s alumnae under 35 years of age and are making a difference in their communities. Candidates are either nominated by their peers or self-nominated. An independent committee of Cleveland’s female leaders will select nominees on their achievements, as well as social, philanthropic and community involvement. Nominations must be submitted via www.sja1890.org/25under35. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, February 28, 2020.
SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020 • 6:00PM AT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY, CLEVELAND, OHIO
Please join Saint Joseph Academy for a memorable evening to benefit student scholarship and academic initiatives while honoring Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71. For more information, please visit our website at www.sja1890.org or contact Carolyn Conway Novak ’06 at 216.251.6788 x224 Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2019
21
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit No. 912
Saint Joseph Academy 3470 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44111 www.sja1890.org Dated Material
PARENTS OF ALUMNAE: If this publication is addressed to your daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office at 216.251.6788 x221, or write to us at Saint Joseph Academy, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44111. In an effort to be good stewards of both the environment and your generous contributions, we are now sending only one magazine per household.
LOOKINGAHEAD Admission Test
Easter at the Academy
All 8th grade girls considering enrollment at Saint Joseph Academy are required to take an admission test. Our admission test is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2020, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 4-7 p.m. Please note this test is for admission purposes only, not scholarships. Register at www.sja1890.org/admissionevents
Girls in grades 2-5 are invited to a fun-filled event on Friday, March 27. Attendees will make an Easter-themed craft and enjoy a treat. Register at www.sja1890.org/admissionevents
“25 Under 35” Nominations Saint Joseph Academy’s “25 Under 35” awards program celebrates the Academy’s alumnae under 35 years of age who are making a difference in their communities. Nominations must be submitted through www.sja1890.org/25under35. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, February 28, 2020.
Alumnae, Family and Friends Mass and Brunch in Naples, Florida Join Saint Joseph Academy for a special gathering at the Royal Ponciana Golf Club on Sunday, March 1. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Raymond Guiao, S.J. at 10 a.m. followed by brunch. For more information, or to be added to the guest list, contact Stewardship Coordinator Donna Corrigan Ernst ’80 at dernst@sja1890.org or 216.251.6788 x263.
Spring Musical Save the date for our Spring Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Join us March 27-29 and April 3-5.
Evening of Reflection for Women Please join us on Monday, April 6, 2020 of Holy Week for our annual Evening of Reflection for Women. This event is designed to help you begin the holiest week of the year with spiritual insight and guidance. For more information, please contact Alumnae Director Allison Busser ’04 at abusser@sja1890.org. For more information about any of these events or to register, please visit www.sja1890.org/admissionevents.