UPDATE Magazine: Winter 2020

Sharing a Tradition of Excellence with Alumnae, Parents and Friends • www.sja1890.org • WINTER 2020

Makerspace Innovation Lab Expansion

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/guardians and friends.

Contributors to this issue of UPDATE include: Allison Busser ’04, Donna Corrigan Ernst ’80, P’14, Kathy Flinn, Erin Grace, John Manuszak, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Nikki Mohar, Tammi Olle P’12 & ’23, Kathryn Purcell, Mackenzie Schuler, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE and Jeff Sutliff.

Photography courtesy is extended to: Congregation of St. Joseph, David Cleveland Photography, Downie Photography, Kaylee Hargis ’16, Nicole Jamieson ’16, Loyola University Chicago, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Katie Moos Photography and Ripcho Studios.

For more information, please contact Communications Manager Mackenzie Schuler at 216.251.6788 x217 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.

On the Cover: Meagan Figler ’21 configures her VEX robot

Dear Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae, Parents and Friends, It has been said that behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and throughout the summer and fall we have relied on our faith to find these silver linings in the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic. We share these hopeful silver linings in this issue of UPDATE, in which you will read about wonderful backyard concerts, state-qualifying athletics teams, a virtual play, Theology projects that safely connect the Sisters and Associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph with the students and more. Our faculty and staff have really stepped up to think and plan creatively throughout this pandemic.

While constantly recreating and reimagining is certainly exhausting, it can and often does result in silver linings!

Our mission and charism affirm the fundamental importance of relationships, and throughout the pandemic, it has become even more clear that we all seek personal connection and value the effort of others to make those connections. Whether it is through Zoom, in the backyard of campus or socially distanced throughout the Academy, we can - and must - find ways to connect. Community is what we seek, and fortunately, Saint Joseph Academy has a solid understanding of this need and how to achieve it. While these connections and relationships may look different right now, the members of this school community strive to maintain them in new ways. Silver linings.

In October, we held an Open House that lasted six hours instead of the normal four-hour Open House. We did that in order to allow prospective families to register for a time slot and ensure that there were not too many people in the buildings at once. We also allowed academic departments to determine a schedule for their department so teachers knew when they needed to be here as well. In the end, we hosted more than 200 families, many of which expressed much gratitude for our willingness to plan for a safe way for them to tour the Academy. Our faculty enjoyed the fact that there was a steady stream of families and that the timing allowed for real interaction and conversation. We are grateful that we were able to hold an in-person Open House in spite of the pandemic, and may actually shape our Open House plans in the future due to the positive feedback we received. Silver linings.

While we are missing in-person prayer services and masses, we have been able to record both a Memorial and Prayer Service for Deceased Alumnae, Family and Friends and a Thanksgiving Prayer Service. I mention these because I am so appreciative of the efforts of those who reimagine the event, learn new skills, and take the risk that is associated with trying something new. Whether it is trying to have a golf outing in the midst of a pandemic or offering a Zoom wine tasting event for alumnae, we are taking the risk of envisioning and creating new possibilities for community events. These risks become rewards. Silver linings.

There is a small group of Seniors who have discovered one of the new, beautiful reflection rooms in Fitzmaurice Hall. I struck up a conversation with them one day, chatting about their college applications, timelines and the busyness of senior year. It was a glorious moment of hope for me to hear that they still had some of the “normal” stresses of senior year. Since then, they have visited me in my office a few times searching for snacks and conversation. I have also been able to work with a small group of Seniors who started a Debate and Discussion Club. Being able to witness their thoughtful approach to civil discourse and the importance of it certainly brings me hope! They have been able to have a few conversations so far about mail-in voting and the recent Supreme Court nomination.

They have set ground rules, norms and are practicing the skills of respect and civil discourse.

Again, silver linings.

I am grateful for the faith that allows us to search for hope in the darkness, which sustains and helps us to get through hard times. I am hopeful that you too have found silver linings throughout this pandemic. I know that you will appreciate the articles in this issue of UPDATE and hope that you appreciate the silver linings as I do!

Wishing you and your family a blessed and peaceful holiday season, With gratitude,

• N – Nazareth alumna • T – St. Therese alumna • P – Parent of current SJA student • † – Deceased

Kathryn H. Purcell

Makerspace Innovation Lab

Expanded to More than Four Times Original Size!

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aint Joseph Academy continues to expand its STEAM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) course offerings to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for its young women and most recently renovated the space where much of that learning takes place. Single sex education helps students focus and excel because “girls’ schools create a culture of achievement in which

Abigail Takacs ’22 creates on the laser engraver

academic progress is of great importance, and the discovery and development of a girls’ individual potential is paramount,” states the National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS).

With this in mind, Saint Joseph Academy took the step to expand its Makerspace innovation lab to 4,800 square feet, nearly four times of the former space. This expanded dedicated space creates a larger hands-on area for students to activate their imaginations and bring their ideas to life by using advanced

technology and equipment.

“By incorporating subject matter, students can create, invent and explore using a variety of tools. At Saint Joseph Academy, our young women have not only any opportunity, they have every opportunity. The key to making the Makerspace innovation lab a place that students think about using in their design process is to provide our young women with structured opportunities so they are comfortable with the equipment and develop the ‘what if’ mentality. The Class of 2020 graduates were three times more likely than the national average of females choosing engineering as a major. By utilizing and experiencing the Makerspace innovation lab, Graphic Arts, Digital Media and Production labs, our students will be exposed to advanced technology tools that will prepare them for college-level education. Even if young women choose not to pursue engineering, design, digital media, they will gain valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills, be exposed to the creative process, participate in meaningful and hands-on collaboration. The Makerspace innovation lab will also enable young women to explore STEAM careers, as the possibilities continue to grow for young women as engineers, graphic designers, architects, digital media and other fields,” stated Mrs. Purcell.

The most popular tools in the Makerspace innovation lab include 3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, the green screen and digital cameras. The

L-R: Mary Lepore ’22 and Abby Collins ’21 complete a project on the 3D printer

Google Tilt Brush systems enable creation with brush strokes in a 3D virtual reality environment are gaining popularity. There is also a dedicated supervised workshop for students that features a variety of woodworking equipment such as electric saws, 3D routers and a drill press.

“It is extremely important that Saint Joseph Academy has a dedicated space like the Makerspace innovation lab because it gives us the ability to learn how to use machinery and technology that will redefine the future. This space gives us the ability to get ahead in the STEAM field by having previous knowledge of various types of technology and how to conduct ourselves in maker spaces. We learn how to not only safely use the machines but respect them,” stated Catherine Mayer ’21.

The Makerspace enables students to experiment and apply learning from multiple subjects – such as designing artwork on computers to producing engineering prototypes on a 3D printer.

Photography lightbox (far left) and a dedicated area for VEX robots in the Makerspace innovation lab

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Two Seniors Honored through National Merit Scholarship Program

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wo students in the Class of 2021 were named with honors through the PSAT/NMSQT®!

Katelyn Blouch ’21 is a Semifinalist in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

She 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. Katelyn 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.

Gwen Pierce ’21 was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, naming her among the select group in the top five percent of the 1.6 million students who entered the 2021 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test to earn the designation of Commended Scholar.

Principal Jeff Sutliff shared, “We know that this recognition will expand their education opportunities. We are very proud of their incredible achievements.” Congratulations, ladies, on your academic excellence!

National Merit Semifinalist:

National Merit Commended Scholar:

Katelyn Blouch ’21

Gwen Pierce ’21

Middle School: Avon Middle School

Middle School: St. Raphael School

Extracurricular Activities: String Orchestra, Stage Crew, Debate Club, Introduction to Accordion class and Playhouse Square Volunteer Usher

Extracurricular Activities: Swimming, Calliope, Lifeguard and St. Raphael Parish Volunteer

Plans to Apply to: University of Notre Dame and Duke University

Plans to Apply to: Fordham University and Loyola University Chicago Career Interests: Undecided

Career Interests: Engineering

Theology 9 Participates in Thought-Provoking “Portrait of a CSJ” Project CORE Ministry teacher Mrs. Kristen Pungitore Busa developed a powerful project, “Portrait of a CSJ” project in which Theology 9 students learn from the tapestry of the incredible women who are Sisters and Associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph.

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Working in groups, students interviewed a Sister or an Associate (virtually) to learn about her story and the role of the charism in her life. Following the interviews, each member of the class was invited to use Canva, a graphic design platform, to create a portrait of the Sister or Associate to display in Fitzmaurice Hall.

Sisters were asked to describe themselves as teenagers, why they choose to become a CSJ, their favorite part of being a Sister, how to live out the charism and what advice they would give to someone in high school today trying to make decisions about their future.

Mrs. Pungitore Busa voiced, “This project has been absolutely phenomenal. The students loved meeting as a class to share sweet stories that the Sisters shared with them. Some of the Sisters have teared up while telling the stories of their lives and I feel like I’m understanding the charism better just by listening. It’s been such a treasure, including interviewing Sisters who attended Saint Joseph Academy, the younger Sisters from across the U.S. and Associates of Saint Joseph Academy. All the interviews are recorded and will eventually be a part of the CSJ archives! It’s a special way to remember this time and to document the lives of these important women.”

Record-Breaking 87 Students Named AP® Scholars Congratulations to all our students who were recognized recently as AP® Scholars, including one who was recognized as a National AP® Scholar, the highest recognition.

In all, 87 Academy students were honored in the 2020 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 students 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 20192020 academic year, they include 61 AP® Scholars of the Class of 2020 who graduated in June plus 26 students from the Class of 2021. 80% of the Class of 2020 took at least one AP® class during their Senior year.

Below are this year’s AP® Scholars.

National AP® Scholar: Gabrielle Kim ’20 AP® Scholars with Distinction: Katelyn Blouch ’21, Reagan Bushok ’20,

Sarah Gallo ’20, Gillian Ginley ’20, Ella Halligan ’20, Darcy Hayes ’20, Malina Infante ’20, Gabrielle Kim ’20, Abigale Luber ’20, Kerrigan Ponsart ’20, Grace Quasebarth ’20, Gretta Schlueter ’20, Lauren Sherrard ’20 and Julianna Stroemple ’21 AP® Scholars with Honor: Sarah Barendt ’20, Sara Bauer ’21, Mackenzy Burns ’21, Madison Comeau ’21, Jenna Copen ’20, Athie Dek ’20, Meagan Figler ’21, Victoria Gantzer ’20, Meghan Haggerty ’20, Isabella Issa ’21, Claire Kapitan ’20, Abigail Krempa ’20, Christina Logvynyuk ’21, Aoife McGowan ’20, Kaelyn Nelson ’20, Gwen Pierce ’21, Valentina Santiago ’21, Sarah Scarpitti ’20, Gerry Schirmer ’20, Jane Sessions ’21, Kaitlyn Smith ’20, Hannah Zerman ’20 and Anya-Lynn Zurawski ’20 AP® Scholars: Selena Alamir ’20, Emily Austin ’20, Caroline Baker ’21, Veronica Barranca ’20, Julia Bennet ’20, Abigail Boehnlein ’20, Celia Boushelle ’20, Katherine Boyce ’20, Lauren Buck ’20, Patricia Burns ’20, Caroline Chudowsky

’20, Abigail Collins ’21, Mary Therese Conway ’20, Grace Davis ’21, Ashlin Fegen ’20, Kate Flannery ’20, Elizabeth Fox ’20, Annie Gallagher ’20, Anna Godlewski ’21, Brynn Haas ’20, Megan Harrison ’20, Veronica Hewitt ’20, Audrey Higgins ’21, Catherine Hilow ’21, Victoria Holtz ’20, Abigail Hvizdos ’20, Maya Johnson ’21, Maura Jordan ’20, Amanda Keim ’20, Celia Kennedy ’20, Alyssa Kiss-Benke ’21, Christina Kuemerle ’20, Tatiana Lipert ’20, Frances Marshall ’21, Jane Matousek ’21, Nora McCarthy ’21, Izzy Micheli ’20, Katie Munro ’21, Alyssa Olivera-Cerpa ’21, Caroline Petters ’20, Carly Pinter ’20, Olivia Puzon ’21, Elizabeth Rajnicek ’20, Claire Shepherd ’20, Lexi Soltesz ’20, Htoo Htoo Thaw ’20, Alexa White ’20, Alyssa White ’20 and Laura Wirtz ’20

that through Christ’s death we are reborn and glorified. This school year has provided many teachable moments, none more important than this fundamental teaching of our faith.

Each day brings its own challenges and opportunities. A simple, “How are you?” in greeting one another provides the opportunity for sharing the state of the heart, as each of us work our way through one day at a time. Through all of it, we are constantly reminded of God’s loving presence and ultimate victory.

In that spirit, here are a few images of God’s light: Each class gathered separately to celebrate Mass during our Community and Connection Days.

Our students engaged in civil discourse around the presidential election, listened to one another, and reflected both in and out of the classroom.

The Arts continued to create beauty through socially distanced “Backyard Blossom” concerts on the Howley Terrace, a fall play,

filmed and shared with an audience at the AutO-Rama Twin Drive-in theatre, and student artwork on display in the hallways.

Fall sports seasons ended with District championships and trips to States.

Students on campus and learning remotely leveraged technological tools to work collaboratively, build and maintain connections.

Our seven Theology teachers, each dressed as a day of creation for Halloween, reminding us of the creative power of God, that we are divine beings created in God’s image and that sometimes we need to rest.

The fall weather in the first week of November, highlighted daisies and mums still in bloom against the backdrop of the glorious autumn colors on our campus, a reminder of God’s holy presence, the “brightness like noon” as winter approaches.

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER: “Brightness like noon shall rise in the evening” (Job 11:17). So reads the sign below the crucifix on the Grand Staircase in Fitzmaurice Hall. Formerly located in the Sisters’ chapel, the crucifix, like the building itself, is a powerful symbol of rebirth and resurrection.

It reminds us of the power of God to renew and strengthen us in even the darkest times.

Between the challenges of a global pandemic and the most contentious political environment our country had experienced in generations, our community faces a world troubled by uncertainty, discomfort and anxiety. And yet, every day, our students and the adults of the Academy remain in community. School looks different than in years past, but the fundamental relationship between and among students and their teachers endures and is reborn in new ways.

We teach our students the Paschal mystery,

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Founders’ Day Reimagined, Class of 2021 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Morgan Jeffries ’21 celebrates becoming a Eucharistic Minister by serving her mother Dawn Klepek Jeffries ’83 communion

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he week of October 15, the Saint Joseph Academy community celebrated the Congregation of St. Joseph’s Founders’ Day. This year marks 370 years since the founding of the Congregation of St. Joseph by Fr. JeanPierre Medaille, S.J., and six courageous women committed to sharing God’s love with their broken and hurting society.

To commemorate this special day during a global pandemic, the Academy’s administration knew it would take some creativity to bring the community together. Celebrating Mass as an entire school community was a challenge. To

overcome the challenge, Mass was held over multiple days, with each grade having their own socially-distanced Mass at Our Lady of Angels Church.

The Class of 2021, faculty, staff and families gathered on the last day of the Founders’ Day Mass celebrations to witness the commissioning of 28 Seniors as Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion. The Seniors were blessed to be commissioned by Rev. Eric Garris of St. Raphael Parish at a Class of 2021 Mass. Each newly commissioned Eucharistic Minister later provided Holy Communion to their parents/ guardians who were present at the Mass.

Congratulations to this year’s commissioned Eucharistic Ministers: Seniors Francine Adkins, Grace Bilak, Maeve Blum, Bridget Boland (daughter of Eileen Chambers Boland ’84, sister of Celia ’19 and Mary ’17, and granddaughter of Mary Alice Hageman Boland ’47 †), Julia Butler (great-granddaugther of Eileen Fleming Calabrese ’41†, granddaughter of Barbara Calabrese Doyle ’65†), Colette Conway (sister of Mary Therese Conway ’20), Kathleen Crump, Sarah DiCapua, Anna Godlewski, Catherine Hilow (daughter of Judy Ghazoul Hilow ’81 and sister of

Elizabeth Hilow ’06 and Eleanore Hilow Andreani ’08), McKenna Hoefsmit (sister of Kiara Hoefsmit ’18), Madeline Jarosz, Morgan Jeffries (daughter of Dawn Klepek Jeffries ’83, sister of Kathryn Jeffries ’10 and granddaughter of Dorothy Podracky Jeffries T’48†), Grace Kmiecik (granddaughter of Elizabeth Schmitz Kmiecik T’47†), Meghan Laubert (sister of Katherine Laubert ’10), Ellen Lloyd, Catherine Mayer, Nora McCarthy (granddaughter of Kay Mullaly Leonard ’57), Elizabeth McGuire (granddaughter of Jeanne Price McGuire ’66†), Megan Mennen (granddaughter of Patricia Bringman Frindt ’65†), Kate Nieberding, Kathryn Pofok, Ella Roberts, Alma Rodriguez (sister of Victoria ’16 and Lluvia Rodriguez ’09), Ursula Saadeh, Valentina Santiago, Mei Saurette (sister of Mia Saurette ’19) and Jane Sessions (sister of Mary Sessions ’18).

To make these celebrations more memorable, socially-distanced Community and Connection Days were held. These days strengthened relationships between classmates, further building an environment of unifying love. Students participated in activities around campus, including COVID-19 friendly activity fairs, cookouts, backyard games and more!

Environmental Science Collaborates with Congregation of St. Joseph for ‘Season of Creation’ Science teacher Mrs. Maureen Becker’s Environmental Science and CORE Ministry teacher Mr. Dan Guion’s Theology 12 classes took part in the Season of Creation prayer service on the Congregation of St. Joseph’s (CSJ) campus in September.

The Season of Creation is a celebration and remembrance of the ideas presented by the Vatican in the encyclical called Laudato Si’. Every autumn, there is a celebration of the writings called the Season of Creation.

The season begins in September and ends on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis.

“The Season of Creation serves as a pivotal moment, a time where everyone can focus on their spiritual life, connect it to their day-to-day activities and choices, while promising to be better caretakers and advocates of God’s creation. This year’s 4

Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

event proved to be an incredibly vital time around the world, with climate change worsening wildfires,” stated Mr. Guion.

“Our class has been working with the Congregation of St. Joseph’s sustainability team to host events this year.

To commemorate our work together, we gathered for a prayer service. Students wrote their own original prayers. Students designed a meditation walk through the CSJ and Saint Joseph Academy properties. The meditation walk was a collaborative effort with CORE Ministry, as this walk features original writings by CORE Ministry teacher Mr. Dan Guion’s Theology 12 class. Additionally, the Environmental class shared insights on the plant and animal life that can be found at six specific sites on the properties,” stated Kate Nieberding ’21.

Kate Nieberding ’21 reads the prayer she wrote for the Season of Creation prayer service, which was celebrated with the Congregation of St. Joseph

Performing Arts Provides a Note of Hope Amid COVID-19

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s Saint Joseph Academy headed back to school in the midst of a global pandemic, academics, athletics and the arts faced a never-ending torrent of restrictions and requirements to help keep the entire community safe while still providing a quality, Catholic education.

The Academy’s well-rounded and comprehensive education consists of many aspects to keep students engaged and learning, including a robust Performing Arts program. The intense critical-thinking and problem-solving skills required complement the aesthetic, self-expression of the performer.

“The Performing Arts are vital to education and student growth by holistically developing and nurturing students. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to creatively reconfigure traditional Performing Arts structures to enable our students to continue learning, performing and enriching our community.

Fortunately, the expression of art is a diverse, rich area. We are able to work beyond the traditional stage and concert hall; from tapping into modern, technology-based performances to discovering the natural performing spaces of our campus landscape.

The show must go on,” voiced Performing Arts Department Chair and Vocal Music teacher Ms. Kathleen Cooper.

With hard work and a deep commitment to ensuring quality music instruction continued, the Performing Arts Department took on the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Instead of the usual concert programming, the Performing Arts Department hosted a ‘Mini-Series’ this academic year. With smaller groups of students, shorter

performance times and appropriate spacing enabled more creative use of the Academy’s campus. The entire MiniSeries was constructed to provide new experiences The concert band prepares to play in the “Backyard Blossom,” a mini-series of concerts performed in a COVID-friendly environment for students. Other facets of this series include the live-streamed Christmas orchestra concert, The Academy safety and flexibility as our top priority,” Chorale concert in January and the open stated Drama Director Mrs. Ising. floor plan Winterguard and Dance concert Finding a new way to learn during the in February. pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, In October, the Performing Arts and the reinvention of how we educate Department presented the first two concerts students and how we prioritize what we in this Mini-Series (featuring the Concert need to do has provided a valuable lesson in and Jazz Bands) named “Backyard Blossom” and of itself. which took place on the Howley Terrace “Beyond herself, the artist has an outside of the Dining Hall. On our beautiful obligation to her community: bringing back campus grounds families enjoyed a lovely excitement to the mundane, beauty to daily evening listening to the students’ performances drudgery, and uplifting downtrodden spirits. from the comfort of their lawn chairs.

While our hearts are troubled in our current The fall play was also reimagined into climate, the performing arts are a distinctly a virtual show, She Kills Monsters: Virtual human, God-given gift. Saint Joseph Realms. The cast and crew learned how Academy performers will continue to use to perform, produce and record a play their talents, despite COVID-19, to lighten using Zoom. Their efforts culminated in a burdened souls and carry our community to screening of the play at the Aut-O-Rama better days,” stated Ms. Cooper.

Drive-In Theater in November. “Theater The Performing Arts program at Saint is incredibly important for a number of Joseph Academy is essential to a robust reasons, especially now, but the first one that educational experience. While it may look comes to mind is to create a support system very different this year, and possibly for for our young women. It offers them an years to come, it is more than just another activity that can not only relieve their stress education standard to meet or a lesson plan and express themselves but can also build so to fit into the schedule. It’s an emotional many skills for their futures. A virtual play state, it’s a way to cope, and for many it’s a allowed us to think outside the box with an vital part of what makes them who they are. entirely new theatrical form, while keeping Bravo, students, on a job well done!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update In light of the Congregation of St. Joseph’s strengthened call to address institutional racism in 2020, Saint Joseph Academy is taking action to encourage empathetic justice and promote the dignity and equality of all people. As a first step, we have established a faculty-staff Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Through this committee, in the coming months we hope to engage the full community in a review of our attitudes, actions, policies and programs in order to identify areas in need of change or growth so that the Academy continues to be a place that is truly welcoming to all people.

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Welcome, Class of 2024!

Members of the Class of 2024 celebrate a COVID-19 friendly Freshman Rose ceremony

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n August, the Class of 2024 – all 169 students - joined the Saint Joseph Academy community. Each member of the Freshman class (and 11 transfer students) received a yellow rose to signify the beginning of their Saint Joseph Academy journey.

The Freshmen were welcomed warmly

by President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell and Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff in a sociallydistanced outdoor ceremony.

Some fun facts about the Class of 2024: Students live in 38 zip codes, they live as far west as Lorain, as far east as Euclid and as far south as Hinckley. These students came to the Academy from 65 different schools and Grace is the most common first name.

Below are the Class of 2024’s mother, grandmother and great-grandmother legacy connections: Vivian Ahern great-granddaughter of Frances Tighe Sullivan ’37†, Zoe Barnhart daughter of Sarah Barnhart ’95 and granddaughter of Susan Haas Shobe ’71, Jacinda and Jadin Bonham daughters of Nicole Martowitz Bonham ’89, Megan Chura granddaughter of Mary Bunosky Chura ’56, Bridget Collins greatgranddaughter of Nancy Garvey Fulton ’46†, 6

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Grace Dugan daughter of Jennifer Saker Dugan ’95, Molly Fegen greatgranddaughter of Alberta Marowitz Fegen ’31†, Emma Fox daughter of Elizabeth Peters Fox ’97, Rachel Garlock daughter of Jill Satanek Garlock ’92, Emilee Harden daughter of Megan Wagner-Harden ’97, Theresa Heffernan granddaughter of Barbara Thompson Heffernan ’56, Erin Houghtling daughter of Marie Roth Houghtling ’87, Erin Hvizdos daughter of Keli Rook Hvizdos ’91, Catherine Keane granddaughter of Colleen Coughlin ’68 and Sharon Barry Keane ’59†, Mary Kearney granddaughter of Margaret Kilbane O’Malley ’51†, Bridget Kelly daughter of Kathleen Musil Kelly ’86 and granddaughter of Mary Filbin Musil ’44†, Elizabeth Krotine granddaughter of Ramona Wilczewski Krotine N’68† and great-granddaughter of Isabel Joseph Thomas ’40†, Anna Mancuso granddaughter of Alice Seidl Mancuso ’53†, Frances McBride daughter of Rhonda Verchick McBride ’91 and granddaughter of Mary Mulrooney McBride ’54, Reagan Michalski daughter of Patricia York Michalski ’89 and granddaughter of Joyce Steigerwald York ’57†, Kaitlyn Oberg

daughter of Stacey Kartson Oberg ’94, Ava Puchmeyer granddaughter of Judith Campanella Puchmeyer ’62 and Mary Ann Aust Davidson N’63, Claire Rath granddaughter of Rosemary Cassidy Rath ’44†, Storey Reichert daughter of Anne Marie Turchan Reichert ’86, Fiona Ross daughter of Bridget Monroe Ross ’96, Hannah and Zoe Schmidt daughters of Andrea Isabell Schmidt ’84, Kaitlyn Schmidt daughter of Tracey Schummer Schmidt ’91, Hannah Smiddy daughter of Claudia Conforto Howatt ’94, Sun-Hee Smith granddaughter of Margaret Ames Smith ’49, Fiona Steinmetz granddaughter of Sandra Keegan Kerrigan ’65 and great-granddaughter of Ruth Kemer Kerrigan ’31†, Andrea Suhay granddaughter of Diane Vale Suhay ’73, Olivia Szoradi daughter of Heather Milota Szoradi ’92, Charlotte Thompson daughter of Jennifer Patton Thompson ’93, Geneva Uhlenbrock daughter of Denise Toth Uhlenbrock ’88, Alexis Voss greatgranddaughter of Heloise Prudhomme Voss ’38†, Georgia Wagner daughter of Marcella Hamilton ’00 and granddaughter of Loretta Smolko Hamilton ’67, and Joselyn White daughter of Jennifer White ’01.

New Made-from-Scratch Lunches from AVI

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delivered in more of a self-serve format and include a salad bar.

“Lunch should be stress-free. It’s something you look forward to when you’ve got a big exam in the morning,” says Mr. Lorah.

AVI Fresh is part of AVI Foodsystems, America’s largest, family-owned and operated food and hospitality provider, serving prestigious clients in the business, education, healthcare and leisure sectors.

Health Sciences Honors Program Reinvents Offerings N

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In the midst of all of the academic changes happening, the Health Sciences Honors Program has had to reconfigure how to offer programming to students in this distinguished program.

While students are not able to gather to participate in hands-on learning at the moment, they are hopeful to do so in the near future. In the meantime, there have been many virtual guest speakers, including alumnae, who are in the healthcare field.

HONORS These include Exercise Physiologist Elizabeth Stanek Reagan ’98, Registered Dietician Katherine Mone Patton ’02, Occupational Therapist Lauryn Wasil ’08, Dermatologist and Health Sciences Honors Program Advisory Board member Dr. Meghan Crute ’02 and Intensive Care Unit Nurse Julia Heidler Petticord ’15.

Students have also been able to connect with colleges with strong health sciences programs to ask questions on academics, how COVID-19 is affecting their student population and more.

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tudents looking for a healthy homemade meal during the school day are turning to a familiar place: the Dining Hall.

The school recently partnered with AVI Fresh – a food service provider committed to increasing the quality, tastiness and allergen-friendly options available in Saint Joseph Academy’s meals.

The new partnership allows students to order everything from made-from-scratch turkey burgers to robust, colorful salads to panini-style sandwiches. Faculty and staff can also enjoy the full menu or use AVI to cater events. “It’s always our goal to put a fresh spin on things. If we’re offering hummus, it’s made from scratch. If we’re using chicken in a dish, it’s roasted that day.

We utilize classic cooking methods to bring out the flavor and healthy qualities in our dishes,” explains Mr. Michael Lorah, who runs the Saint Joseph Academy Dining Hall and has a culinary background that includes experience in fine dining establishments. Mr. Lorah and his team evaluate what’s in season and build menus around these ingredients. “Our veggie wraps right now have freshly chopped zucchini and squash that we roast with fresh herbs. They’ve been a big hit with students.”

Another major benefit of the new dining relationship is AVI’s ability to create a more allergen-sensitive experience. Students or faculty looking to avoid gluten, soy, egg, dairy or nuts will find a variety of choices, all made with the same attention to quality.

The new dining experience is the direct result of current and prospective student feedback. It also ties in with Saint Joseph Academy’s commitment to wellness – an effort to support each student’s mind, body and spirit. “We hope to inspire and empower students to take responsibility for their own health and wellness during their four years of high school and beyond. The new menu items and overall dining experience sets this positive example,” stated Dean of Women Ms. Marie Ciolek.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, AVI has adapted their food delivery methods, but not the food’s quality. Meals are cooked fresh, then packaged in recyclable or compostable containers and given to each student. In the future, food will be

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Fall Sports Volleyball Advances to Final Four The volleyball program was established as one of the top teams in Ohio once again in 2020. The Jaguars advanced to the OHSAA Division I Final Four for the third time in the last five years. The Jaguars ended their season at 16-10, falling in the State semifinals to Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame.

The Jaguars went through Sectional, District and Regional play without dropping a set as they won their third Regional crown and fifth District championship in the last six years. The Varsity volleyball team knocked off Olmsted Falls High School 3-0 in the Regional final and were able to celebrate a District championship on their home court as they beat Medina Highland High School 3-0. Overall, the Jaguars finished ranked #6 in the state and #57 in the country, according to MaxPreps.

Varsity volleyball after their Regional victory

Two Tennis Players Qualify for State for First Time in 42 Years The Jaguar tennis program reached new heights this year as the Varsity team finished the season ranked #5 in the Division I state poll and sent two singles players to the State tournament. The team went 15-4 on the season and recorded four top10 victories, including a win over six-time defending Division II State champions Hathaway Brown. The Jaguars also topped state powers Notre Dame Academy, Massillon Jackson and Olentangy Orange High Schools throughout the season. In league play, the Jaguars finished second in the “A” Division of the Northeast Ohio Tennis Association High School League which featured the top teams in the area.

Amara Brahmbhatt ’24 and Tia Clemens ’23 became the school’s first state qualifiers in 42 years as they advanced to the Division I State tennis tournament in Mason. Both players led the team with 24-6 records for the season. Delia Guzic ’23 recorded her second consecutive twenty-win season and qualified for the Division I District Tournament in doubles with Mary Kate Kahl ’21 (daughter of JoAnn Aerni Kahl ’82, sister of Brooke ’14, Michelle ’09, granddaughter of Margaret Lynch Kahl ’58 and Marilyn Westfall Aerni ’50†), who closed out a fantastic Jaguar career with her second District tournament appearance and finished third in program history with sixty-nine career wins. Tyler Schuerlein ’23, Grace Kamis ’21 and Catherine Mayer ’21 also made major contributions to help lead the Jaguars to a fantastic season.

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Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

Tia Clemens ’23

Amara Brahmbhatt ’24

Cross Country Finishes 14th at State Cross Country Meet

Soccer Has RecordBreaking Season

The cross country team capped its outstanding season with a 14th place finish at the Division I State meet.

The Jaguars, competing in their fourth State meet in the last five years, were led

by Ali Blouch ’23 in 19:22 to finish 56th overall. Erin Hvizdos ’24 (daughter of Keli Rook Hvizdos ’91 and sister of Abbie Hvizdos ’20) was 66th in a time of 19:29 while Sarah Scott ’23 was 71st in 19:32. Seniors Bridget Chambers with a time of 20:23 (sister of Mary Kate Chambers ’12 and Molly Chambers ’19) and Lizzie McGuire, 20:26, (granddaughter of Jeanne Price McGuire ’66†), finished next to each other in 121st and 122nd place overall. Carlee Blankenship ’22 (20:59) and Grace Rowell ’24 (21:13) also competed for the Jaguars.

The Jaguars made it to the State meet with strong performances at Districts and Regionals. At the District meet, the team finished fourth to advance to Regionals at Boardman High School. The Jaguars then finished sixth at Regionals, which advanced them to the State meet. 16 Seniors played an instrumental role in the success of the team this year.

Ali Blouch ’23

The soccer team completed an outstanding season, making history along the way.

The 12-5-3 Jaguars had its historic season end in the OHSAA Division I District Championship game at Brunswick High School. The Jaguars, playing in their first District final in the Academy’s history, fell to #3 seeded Brunswick 3-0.

The Jaguars also set a school record for wins on the season (12) including an upset over #4 seeded Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School to advance the team to the District final. Other season highlights include ties against top ranked programs such as Walsh Jesuit High School (1-1) and Rocky River High School (2-2).

The team was led by five Seniors, Kate Pofok, Ellen Lloyd, Maddie Maline, Katie Donnelly (daughter of Mary Clare Sweeny Donnelly ’81) and Georgia Popovic-Ita under the leadership of Head Coach Mr. Mark Koehler, Assistants Mr. Chris McNally and Mr. Brent George.

Six Seniors Lead Golf in 2020; Katie Kane ’21 Advances to Districts The golf program was led by a large Senior class that helped the Jaguars to a solid season. Senior golfers included Catherine Dial (daughter of Ann Faulhammer Dial ’86 and granddaughter of Rosina McGarrity Dial ’56), Meagan Figler, Katie Kane, Michaela Kenney, Mattie Krankowski (daughter of Julie Szy-Krankowski ’91 and granddaughter of Rita Hakey Szy ’63) and Kyleigh Streeter. At the Sectional tournament to end the season, Katie Kane ’21 became just the second golfer since 2014 (Libby Poole ’19 was first in 2018) to advance to the District tournament. She shot a personal-best (90) at The Legacy Course at Sweetbriar to finish fifth overall at Sectionals. As a team, the Jaguars had a strong showing at sectionals, finishing seventh out of 16 teams. Devon Maxwell ’23 had a great showing with a 101 to place T-23 while Seniors Catherine Dial (106) and Meagan Figler (108) also played well in their last match for Saint Joseph Academy. Regular season highlights for the Jaguars included wins over Westlake, Lake Catholic and Brunswick High Schools and a win in the regular-season finale over Archbishop Hoban High School.

Katie Donnelly ’21

Katie Kane ’21

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ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:

Serving the Dear Neighbor Colleen Marie Kordish, PhD, RN, CNE, CAPM ’87

Growing up, Colleen remembers people calling her a nice and caring person. She never gave the description much thought until she began working as a bedside nurse.

Her empathetic nature made it easy for her to connect with patients and for them to connect with her. “As a bedside nurse, you’re able to share the personal highs and lows of your patients,” she says. “You’re able to encourage, support and advocate for them.”

Colleen began her nursing career on a medical-surgery floor at a medical center in North Carolina. When she felt she had become proficient in that role, she moved to the next level of care. She continued to do this throughout her career, moving to critical care, cardiac procedures, and then healthcare quality and research.

For many years, bedside nursing provided a clear sense of purpose as she helped individual patients and fell in love with her profession. “When I had an opportunity to work on a hospital project to improve nursing practice, and hundreds of patients were helped at once, it was a revelatory moment,” she shares. She quickly realized that this was a way she could help many patients at a time. Over a period of years, some of the hospital-based improvement projects she worked on were 10

Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

also research projects.

Once Colleen began working in research, she sought a deeper understanding of science and the scientific process. That led her to pursue a PhD in nursing, which she earned in 2019 from Loyola University Chicago, where she currently teaches.

She received her BSN from East Carolina University and an MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix.

Along with her PhD, she took extra classes in advanced statistics to obtain an academic certificate in Measurement and Quantitative Methodology. Colleen is a certified nurse educator and holds a membership from the National League for Nursing. She has a certification in Project Management and belongs to the Chicago Chapter of the Project Management Institute. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing, and Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit universities.

She is currently an Assistant Professor with the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago.

She has taught undergraduate quality improvement, healthcare project management, nursing research, and graduate courses in the Nursing Healthcare Administration tract for the last three years.

Her specialty in understanding statistical analysis has been especially valuable in the era of COVID-19, enabling her to help students sift through the many studies to find evidence for healthcare practice.

Colleen considers herself a woman of faith, and she acknowledges Saint Joseph Academy’s hand in shaping her as such. She believes the Academy’s rich history with the Congregation of St. Joseph makes the school special. Sr. Dorothy, her Theology 10 teacher, had an open goodness to her soul that still touches Colleen to this day. A former kindergarten teacher, Sr. Dorothy would joyfully ask her class, “Are we all in our places with bright, shiny faces?”—a line that Colleen occasionally will use with her university students to bring levity to the classroom.

Nicole Troy, MD ’96

Medicine was a natural career choice for Nicole Troy given the genuine joy she derived from caring for people.

When she attended the Academy, she assisted her parents, aunts and uncles in taking care of her grandparents. “It was always done with respect for them as people,” she recalls, an approach to patient care that she mirrors today.

During Nicole’s residency, her mother had a stroke which resulted in some paralysis and the inability to speak.

“Watching my father and mother navigate the healthcare system drives me to treat my patients in a way that I would want someone to treat my family,” she says.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Combined Sciences from Youngstown State University in 1998 and graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in 2002.

She completed her residency in family medicine at Cleveland Clinic-Fairview Hospital in 2005 and is a physician at Berea Family Medicine, part of the

Nicole Troy, MD ’96

through Healthcare Laura Dunson Caputo ’09 University Hospitals (UH) network. She has worked for UH since 2011, providing primary care for patients of all ages.

Nicole chose family medicine because she enjoys getting to know her patients and their families and helping them throughout the different life stages.

“In some cases, I take care of three generations,” she shares.

Her philosophy is that while there are many conditions that cannot be cured, there is always something she can do to help, to lessen suffering, and to bring comfort. “I try to connect with my patients as people so we can work as a team to manage any health issues,” she explains.

She lists patience, empathy and resiliency as qualities that make her well-suited for healthcare work, especially during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.

“With so many people anxious and scared, it’s critical that those of us in medicine remain calm and reassuring and deliver the care that patients need,” she says.

Nicole credits her time at Saint Joseph Academy with giving her the foundation to grow as a future medical professional.

The school nurtured self-confidence as well as the drive to help improve lives. She learned critical thinking and how to view situations from the perspective of others.

And she came to embrace the concept of community and the importance of being a contributing member to that community, whether that meant her friend group, her volleyball teammates, her peers in the Class of 1996, the school as a whole, or the West Park neighborhood.

Theology was her favorite subject for the role it played in shaping mind and morals. “We learned to use our conscience to guide our behavior and actions even when that was not the easiest path,” she recalls.

Laura went into the mental health field because she wanted to be part of a larger effort around providing appropriate care, fighting the stigma surrounding mental illness and prioritizing mental well-being.

“We all have mental health, and so just like we check in with physicians and medical teams for our physical health, taking care of our mental health is essential to our well-being,” she says.

This work is important now more than ever as a result of COVID-19’s impact on relationships, work and lives. “My hope is that if we collectively take away anything from the pandemic, it would be patience with our mental health and a commitment to supporting one another’s mental health journeys.”

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Religion from Baldwin Wallace University and an M.S.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University. She is in her second year of a

Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Kent State University.

She works as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Cuyahoga Community College, providing counseling to students. Her clinical areas of focus are trauma, anxiety, and addressing sociocultural injustice with adult and adolescent clients.

She also teaches counseling courses at Kent State University through her Ph.D. program and is involved with several organizations, including Counselors for Social Justice.

She regards her work as a perfect intersection of healthcare, education and advocacy, as it requires understanding the function and biology of mental illness, the sociocultural development of mental health, and the need to advocate for people’s safety and well-being on a societal level.

Her love for counseling is rooted in a love of stories. She gratefully remembers an Academy English faculty member that helped students understand how important their voices were and how important it was to create space for people to share them. Serving as a Kairos team leader helped Laura realize that her calling was just that: to create space for people to heal, grow and feel supported.

Laura discovered her drive and passion for social justice during her years at Saint Joseph Academy. She recalls the impact of a Vietnam and Holocaust course taught by retired English teacher Michelle KellyFlanagan. “It was a difficult, painful class,” says Laura. “But she guided us through themes of awareness, advocacy and activism and helped instill a knowledge that not only could we actively work toward addressing injustice but, in many ways, it is our duty to do so.”

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ADVANCEMENT

Why We Need You

O

ur generous donors are the reason that many of our students are able to attend Saint Joseph Academy, go on to college and have successful careers. Raising money is vital for our mission to empower each young woman to achieve academic excellence, and to be inspired to live a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.

Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of education for a student at Saint Joseph Academy, so virtually every student receives tuition assistance and 73% of our students receive additional financial support. Your generosity empowers intellectual curiosity and discovery, inspiring a love of lifelong learning in our young women.

Most gifts made to Saint Joseph Academy are under $1,000, but together they add up to millions in financial aid, academic programs, the arts, athletics and other programs. It is not too late to make a gift before the end of the year. Please consider a gift today at www. sja1890.org/donate or in the enclosed envelope to provide our students with the financial support they need, so they can focus on their education, pursue their passions and serve the dear neighbor.

Make a Gift and Receive New Tax Incentives The CARES Act, passed earlier this year, is designed to help individuals, businesses and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the pandemic. Here are a few key provisions that will expire this year: The CARES Act allows taxpayers to take a charitable donation of up to $300 for those who take the standard deduction. You may think that a $300 gift from one individual will not make a huge difference, but if many donors gave “just” $300, that support would make a huge impact on the young women of Saint Joseph Academy.

For those who itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities, like Saint Joseph Academy, to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.

While the new law temporarily suspends the requirements for required minimum distributions (RMD) in 2020, donors 70 ½ years of age or older may still direct up to $100,000 directly from their IRAs without having to pay income taxes on the money.

A Tax-Savvy Way to Benefit from Growing Assets Securities and mutual funds that have increased in value and been held for more than one year are popular assets to use when making a gift to Saint Joseph Academy. Making a gift of securities or mutual funds offers you the chance to support our work while realizing important benefits for yourself. When you donate appreciated securities or mutual funds in support of our mission, you can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer. If you itemize deductions, you may also be entitled to a federal income tax

charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the securities at the time of the transfer.

We are deeply grateful for your continued interest and support of the young women entrusted in our care especially during this difficult time. For more information on including Saint Joseph Academy in your current charitable giving or estate plans, please contact Vice President of Institutional Advancement Constance Sipple, CFRE at 216.671.0166 or email csipple@sja1890.org.

Every gift matters! Donate today to the Annual Fund and make a difference!

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Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

26th Golf Classic Results in Record-Breaking Event A record 138 golfers enjoyed a beautiful, crisp fall day on the Legacy Course at Sweetbriar Golf Club Saturday, October 17. A special thank you to everyone who joined us and to our sponsors who helped us exceed our fundraising goal for the second year in a row! We are thrilled to announce that we raised nearly $30,000 for the Saint Joseph Academy Scholarship Fund.

On behalf of all of us at Saint Joseph Academy, especially our students, we thank you for your continued support and generosity!

GOLD SPONSOR:

Premier ProduceOne - Tony Anselmo

Blue Chip - a core BTS company

Regency Construction Services

1890 SPONSORS:

West Park Dental - Dr. Michael E. Gallagher & Dr. Brian D. Gallagher

Michael, Margaret ’14 and Eileen Baugh Biehl ’75

Cicerchi Development Company, LLC Ret. Hon. Colleen Conway Cooney & John G. Cooney Donald Bohning & Associates The Draves Family

EnnisCourt

BEVERAGE SPONSORS:

Julia and Dan Mayer

Benedictine High School

Mary Lou Durkin ’54 and Family

Torrmetal

Henry Hilow & Judy Ghazoul Hilow ’81 and family

The Floods Real Estate Susan Flood

Mike Mural Building Contractors

Ann & Joe Kalt

Marge McNeeley Harkness ’60

Kernels by Chrissie

Drs. Robert, Christopher, Jill Harter, DDS

Strategic Logistics, Inc. The Harrison Family

JAGUAR SPONSORS: Avalon Foodservice The Durkin Family Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union Saint Ignatius High School Schoolbelles Uniforms PURPLE SPONSORS: Terrence & Anna Sopko Keenan ’75 OneDigital - Jim Schade, Sr. Benefits Consultant OrthoWest Ltd. - Dr. Mark Lembach & Shannon Vandenhaute Lembach ’01

Minotti’s Fairview Park Wine & Liquor SP Mount Printing

Student-golfers at the 26th Annual Golf Classic

Norris Brothers Company, Inc.

Stripmatic Products/Bill Adler

Italian Creations

Casey O’Connor, DDS

JP Recovery Services

Cheryl H. O’Malley ’77, DNP, NEA-BC

Linda Kane ’75 HOLE SPONSORS: A Taste of Excellence Jim Adler Allen Graphics Maryann Boyer, CPA Chambers Funeral Homes

KRH Trading Company, Ltd. Eileen Rees Papotto ’87

The Peura Family

Lakeside Supply Company

Richard Rose, MD

Litzler Automation

Catherine Sherman

Maloney † Novotny, LLC

In Honor of Patrick A. Sweeney

The McGorray Family

Villa Beach Communications

McGraw & McGraw, LPA

Wiemels-Hiros Plumbing

Joan Wasmer Rawlings ’46 †

A Jaguar Jackpot Thank You! Thank you for your incredible support of the Jaguar Jackpot! As a result of the incredible efforts of our students, their families and our loyal alumnae, the Academy’s goal was surpassed at a record-high 110% of goal! Our initial sales exceeded $223,800! The Jaguar Jackpot supports tuition assistance for each and every student. Congratulations to the 1980s, the decade most represented by tickets sales and to Kathleen Hennessey ’85, winner of the $50 Amazon eGift card. Thank you all again for your amazing efforts!

Contact Us

Constance Sipple, CFRE

To explore the many ways you can make a lasting Vice President impact on Saint Joseph Academy, please contact 216.671.0166 csipple@sja1890.org a member of our Institutional Advancement Department for a confidential conversation:

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

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Memoriam

Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Maureen McNamara Phalen ’51, Rose McNamara Smith ’56 and Joan McNamara DeBarr ’58 on the death of their brother, Edward McNamara.

Beverly Stanton Coyle ’55 on the death of her son, Robert Coyle.

Margaret Kelly Mackanic ’56 on the death of her sister, Ann Marie Kelly, OSU ’49.

Rosemary Dister Parker ’59 on the death of her husband, Art Parker.

Kathleen Collette Dartt ’61 and Marguerite Collette Wachunas ’62 on the death of their sister, Regina Mae Collette ’56.

Lauren Mooney Pavlovich ’62 on the death of her husband, Jack Pavlovich.

Alice Gerba Haught ’63 on the death of her sister, Mary Catherine Gerba Baloun ’66.

Leah Kwait Fry N’64 on the death of her husband, Bill.

Shelia McBurney McGinty N’64 on the death of her husband, Albert McGinty.

Maryann Ryan Ditzel ’65 and Jane Ryan ’69 on the death of their brother, Gil Ryan.

Ann Marie Hart Monateri ’66 and Clare Anne Hart Borsos ’81 on the death of their mother, Rita Hart.

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Maryanne Schmitz Alyea ’67, Caroline Schmitz Pembrook ’69, Patricia Schmitz Greer ’70, Geradine Schmitz McGuire ’72 and Rosemary Schmitz Chidester ’76 on the death of their brother, Michael Francis Schmitz.

Renee Sklenka Arasim N’67 on the death of her husband Gregory Arasim.

Marie Bertha Moreau Newman N’68, Carole Moreau Chew N’70 and Janine Moreau N’74 on the death of their sister Denise Moreau Dalessandro N’72.

Elaine Shepherd Volpi ’68 on the death of her husband, Robert Volpi.

Cathy Witt ’68, Barbara Witt Cicerchi ’69, Margaret Witt Stuart ’78 and Carol Witt Wilms ’82 on the death of their brother Robert Reilly Witt Jr. Beth O’Boyle Rivera N’69 and Peg O’Boyle Clancy N’73 on the death of their sister, Marsha Ann Koly Tilitimu N’62.

Dianne Gajewski Snyder ’69, Judith Gajewski Engle ’72, Veronica Gajewski Stulock ’76 and Teresa Gajewski Guggenbiller on the death of their mother, Loretta Gajewski.

Mary Shepard Ferrato N’69 on the death of her father, Robert Shepard.

Catherine Stock Eble ’69, Patricia Stock Sobotka ’70, Regina Stock Reinschmidt ’75, Margaret Stock Allooh ’77 and

Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

Mary Stock Mruk ’80 on the death of their mother, Frances “Micky” Jonas Stock ’48.

Maureen Synk Karlstad N’72 on the death of her father, John Patrick Synk.

Susan Labuda Liscoe ’69 on the death of her mother, Maryann LaBuda.

Mary Jayne Kordel Kocur ’72, Geralyn Kordel Milewski ’74 on the death of their brother, and Chelsea Kordel ’13 on the death of her father, Francis Kordel.

Annette Kachmarick Smyser N’69 and Terese Kachmarick Trebitz N’75 on the death of their mother, Ann Marie Kachmarik.

Mary Norton Stamper ’72 on the death of her brother Lawrence Norton Sr.

Laureen Boutton Baker ’70, on the death of her mother, Rosemarie Prell Boutton ’46.

Maryellen Kurz Heller-Britton ’74 on the death of her mother, Maryellen Kurz.

Maria Gorczyca N’70 and Lucia Gorczyca N’72 on the death of their father, Edward Gorczyca.

Kathy O’Boyle Dougherty ’74, Carol O’Boyle Clark ’75 and Karen O’Boyle Beck ’81 on the loss of their sister, Sharon O’Boyle Fraley ’76.

Patricia Currie Marchant ’70 on the death of her husband, David Marchant.

Rosemary Neelon N’70 and Mary Jo Neelon Devan N’71 on the death of their brother, and Elizabeth Neelon ’22 on the death of her father Joseph Neelon, Sr. Monica Gresko Stefan N’ 70 and Karen Gresko Stout N’71 on the death of their mother, Elizabeth Gresko.

Judy Lynch Roetzer N’71, Rose Lynch Moehring N’74 and Bernadette Lynch Bulanda N’79 on the death of their sister, Margaret Lynch Fuduric N’68.

Dorothy Miller Baxendale ’72 on the death of her brother, Tom Miller.

Linda Mordarski Lingler N’74 and Dorothy Mordarski Battaglia N’78 on the death of their mother Dorothy Mordarski.

Carolyn Ensign Hanson ’76, Linda Ensign Guentert ’79 and Jean Ensign Bemis ’81 on the death of their mother, Mary Louise Ensign.

Laura Drda Tasker ’76 and Lisa Drda Schaefer ’78 on the death of their mother, Betty Drda.

Michelle Matsko N’77 on the death of her sister, Monica Matsko Long N’75.

Mary Priore Ross ’77, Colleen Priore Finley ’80 and Margaret Priore Grammatico on the death of their mother Margaret Mary Priore.

Donna Shimko Hunter N’78 on the death of her sister, Kathleen Shimko Singh N’67.

Margaret Gaul Wallison ’80 on the death of her mother, Ella McDermott Gaul.

Ellen Dzuban Lyczek ’89 on the death of her brother, Fred Dzuban.

Cathleen Burke Lavelle ’78 on the death of her father, Robert Burke.

Cynthia Barnin Harley ’81 and Joy Barnin ’88 on the death of their mother, Lillian Barnin.

Diane Uline Yanalunas ’90 and Janet Uline ’91 on the death of their mother, Sharon Uline.

Jeannine Chokan Pudwill ’78 and Cynthia Chokan Kaczmarczyk ’80 on the death of their brother, Marc Jacob Chokan.

Kathleen Kellackey Stitzlein N’78 and Nora Kellackey Fink N’80 on the death of their father, John Kellackey.

Peggy Malloy Urwin ’78 on the death of her father, James Francis Malloy.

Jeanmarie Monahan N’79 on the death of her father, James T. Monahan.

Christine Allegra ’80 on the death of her mother, Mary Columbia Allegra.

Sandra McLucas Barrow ’80 on the death of her mother, Mary McLucas.

Michele Lapinski Carr N’80 on the death of her husband, Francis “Pat” Carr.

Mary Grace Gutoskey Ogonek ’80 and Mary Rose Gutoskey Gill ’82 on the death of their sister of Mary Kay Gutoskey Bowditch ’86.

Donna Brejer Speagle ’80 and Kathleen Brejer ’82 on the death of their father, Roman Brejer.

Ellen Roshetko Bankaitis ’82 on the death of her mother, Dolores Roshetko.

Nancy Norton Dzienny ’82 and Mary Norton Rhea ’87 on the death of their sister, Jackie Norton ’83.

Pam D’Amore Heidelman ’83 on the death of her father, Richard D’Amore.

Ruth Ann Conway ’84, Rosemary Conway Wilson ’85, Colleen Conway Klein ’88 on the death of their father, Manus Conway.

Patricia Zullo Horning ’85 and Carolyn Zullo Buckley ’86 on the death of their mother, Marilyn Zullo.

Joanne Koustis Prodafikas ’85 and Admission Manager Helen Koustis Rechin ’87 on the death of their mother, Areti Kousits.

Sharon Somerville Boyes ’87 on the death of her mother, Donna Rose Somerville.

Tina Centa Feliciano ’87 on the death of her father, Raymond Edward Centa.

Gillian Ryback Carrocia ’87 and Kerrie Carrocia Heath ’88 on the death of their mother, Colleen Hagan Carrocia.

Janice Witalis ’91 on the death of her mother, Geraldine Witalis.

Margaret Sweeney Kresser ’03 on the death of her father, Patrick Sweeney.

Please remember in your prayers the following deceased alumnae: Rosemarie Prell Boutton ’46 Annette Spooner Riess ’47 Eileen Hanrahan McCarthy ’48 June McNeeley Sheehe ’48 Frances Jonas Stock ’48 Ann Marie Kelly, OSU ’49

Lisa Scalley MacAleese ’04 on the death of her mother and former Saint Joseph Academy Media Assistant Paula Scalley.

Mary Lou Friel Lavelle ’50

Erin Blesse Weiland ’04 on the death of her mother, Karen Blesse.

Regina Collette ’56

Claire Heywood ’14 on the death of her father, William Heywood.

Ashley Petras ’15 and Amber Petras ’15 on the death of their father, Richard Petras.

Losses from the adult community since July 2020 We extend our sympathy to School Counselor Adriane Hicks on the death of her grandmother Fannie M. Brown; Alumnae Coordinator Tammi Olle on the death of her mother, Kathleen Miller Unetic; Administrative Assistant Andrea Ham on the death of her father, Stephen Estes; Director of Admission Diana Fogarty on the death of her mother-in-law, Virginia Fogarty; Math teacher John Lesko on the death of his mother, Carol Lesko.

Pat Connors Farrell ’51 Colletta Komora Weisbarth ’53 Rose Marie Defranco Wey ’53 Rose Marie Dietz Vincent ’56 Sharon Pietrzak Wagner N’61 Marsha Koly Talitimu N’62 Marilyn Duffalo Buck ’65 Mary Catherine Gerba Baloun ’66 Kathy Shimko Singh N’67 Margaret Lynch Fuduric N’68 Mary Catherine Campbell ’72 Denise Moreau Dalessandro N’72 Monica Matsko Long N’75 Sharon O’Boyle Fraley ’76 Jacquelyn Norton ’83 Mary Kay Gutoskey Bowditch ’86

*Please note that this list was finalized on October 29, 2020.

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ClassNotes Alumnae

1970s

Grayson Szczepaniak ’13 accepted a position with the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal, which provides two years of research, writing and editing experience to its University of Maine Law School students. This is a significant step forward towards a career in Marine Law.

Michelle Tesar Barrentine N’74 moved from a full military career and made a “radical change” when she accepted the position of Executive Director of the Beginning Experience International Ministry, Inc. This ministry serves those who have lost a marital relationship due to separation, divorce or death.

Julia Heidler Petticord ’15 married Daniel Petticord III on July 24, 2020 in Geneva, Ohio. Members of the bridal party included Mackenzie Schoenherr ’15, Bridget Stuart ’15 and Marisa Petticord ’17.

Ann Livingston Farah ’74 recently earned a graduate certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Kansas. She adds this to her career as a neonatal nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic.

Mary Jordan ’79 is a Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent and the author of The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump, which was published in June 2020 and is available on Amazon.

2000s

Margaret Sweeney ’03 was recently recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a “40 Under 40” honoree. Margaret is the Assistant United State Attorney, a position she held for eight years. She is the lead attorney in Cleveland’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Karen Grabiec Corrigan ’07 married Daniel Corrigan on September 14, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Church, West Park. Amy Grabiec Blanke ’08, Lynn Grabiec ’00, Elezabeth Grabiec ’02, Brittany Loeffler ’09 and Jenn Rupp ’07 were all members of the wedding party. Laura Grabiec Conyngham ’95 was a reader.

Kathleen Finn Herker ’08 served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years. She has returned to Ohio and married Andrew Herker on July 4, 2020.

L to R: Mary Kostell ’10, Annie Kostell ’13, Ann Murphy Kostell ’81, Rebecca Kostell ’08, Dylan Rodriguez Kostell and Katie Kostell ’13

Kaylee Hargis ’16 graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in biology. She is pursuing a career in sea turtle rehabilitation and is participating in an internship at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL.

Rebecca Kostell ’08 married Dylan Rodriguez at St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village on October 17, 2020. Members of the wedding party included sisters Mary ’10, Annie ’13 and Katie Kostell ’13. Dylan will be taking “Kostell” as his last name to continue the legacy of beloved Saint Joseph Academy educator, Don Kostell.

Katherine Bej ’09 married Mike Skelly on August 1, 2020. Erica Kresienko ’09 was a bridesmaid.

2010s

Caroline Pallotta ’12 earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in May of this year. In October, she was promoted to Managing Editor of the Gallery Books Group imprints at Simon & Schuster. She was involved in the production of nearly 200 titles annually, including Melania and Me.

Kaylee Hargis ’16 at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL. All sea turtle work conducted under Permit MTP-194.

ALUMNAE, do you have exciting news to share about

your career or professional life? Email alumnae@sja1890.org to share your good news!

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Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE

CubClub Ruth Rowe Holden ’99 & John Holden, a daughter, Elizabeth Rose, born July 20, 2020

Emily Moore ’05 & Michael Humphries, a daughter, Iris Winifred, born Mary 26, 2020

Mary Nagle Breitweg ’09 & Chris Breitweg, a daughter, Lucille Blossom, born June 9, 2020

Lauren McAdams Susanjar ’01 & Nicholas Susanjar, a son, Easton, born May 22, 2020

Kadryn Goodwin McPherson ’07 & Martin McPherson, a son, Micah James

Courtney Jarvis ’09 a daughter, Luna, born June 30, 2020

Angela Dvorak ’02 & Padraic Finnerty a son, Rory Seamus, born May 14, 2020

Emily Rodgers Simmerly ’07 & Bryan Simmerly, a daughter, Mae Calvey, born August 5, 2020

Jeannette Abifadel Funtik ’10 & Garrett Funtik, a son, Maximus, born March 4, 2019 and a daughter, Violet, born May 19, 2020

Jacquelyn Adamich Hock ’02 & Matthew Hock, a daughter, Sydney Marie, born July 1, 2020

Brooke Vandenhaute Benes ’08 & Ryan Benes, a son, Dominic Dean, born September 18, 2020

Daniela Rojas Anselmi ’05 & Matthew Anselmi, a son, Jack Joseph, born June 24, 2020

Miranda Trexler ’08 & Patrick Paterniti, a daughter, Cora Ann, born December 23, 2019

S AV E T H E

DAT E

Emily Ginty Lindsay ’12 & Trent Lindsay, a son, Patrick Finn, born August 22, 2020

F O R T H E

2 0 2 1

C E L E B R AT E T H E A C A D E M Y

Due to the pandemic, the 2021 gala will be held virtually on Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Learn more at www.sja1890.org/celebrate-the-academy Saint Joseph Academy WINTER 2020

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U.S.Po stag e PAID C leveland, OH Perm itNo .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 High School Placement Test (HSPT)/ Admission Consideration

Spring Open House*

Saturday, January 9, 2021 and Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

Registration for a test date is required (www.sja1890.org/ admission). There is a $20 fee. Test results from these dates will not be considered for academic scholarships.

Join us on Thursday, April 8, 2021, 6-7:30 p.m. to learn more about the student experience at Saint Joseph Academy.

Open House is a wonderful opportunity to delve into our academic offerings, meet our amazing teachers, current students and coaches, as well as tour our beautiful campus including Fitzmaurice Hall and the renovated Makerspace innovation lab.

Pre-registration will be required. *Subject to change.*

Additional events are being planned. To stay up to date regarding Saint Joseph Academy’s admission events, follow us on social media or contact the Admission Office to request to be added to our mailing list.

@sja1890

@sja1890

/sja1890

/school/sja1890 /SaintJosephAcademyYT