SUMMER 2022 Rooted in Tradition
Photography courtesy is extended to the following: Al Fuchs Photography, the Congregation of St. Joseph, Downie Photography, Rebecca Fischer ’95, Jill Satanek Garlock ’92, Athena Glista ’23, Nicole Jamieson ’16, Madeline Keefe ’10, Jane Kosko ’12, Kathleen Kress-Farrell ’01, Lifetouch Photography, Ellen Martin ’23, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Melissa Murphy, Pete Nezovich, Christine Nguyen ’23, PhotoDAC/David Cleveland,
Lainey Rambert ’23 and Ripcho Studios For more information, please contact Marketing Communications Director Cheryl Arnold at 216.251.6788 x217 or carnold@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. 3470 Rocky River Drive • Cleveland, Ohio 44111 216.251.6788 • www.sja1890.org • N – Nazareth alumna • T – St. Therese alumna • P – Parent of SJA student • † – Deceased
After two years of having the privilege to lead Saint Joseph Academy, I feel that I am grasping the essence of a true SJA experience: namely, that our community— past and present—and our commitment to unifying love make us strong. With clarity and motivation, I look to this next year and promise to work to continue to provide the exceptional experience that is expected here and to keep unifying love at the center of all that we do. There is nothing more important than having compassion and empathy as we live and lead in relationship with one another and our broader world.
Letter from the President
With Kathryngratitude,H.Purcell
You may have noticed a new section in the last issue of UPDATE called “Living the Mission,” which will be a standing feature. Within these pages, our Vice President of Mission Dr. Jessica Wrobleski will continue to share reflections and information related to our mission and the charism of the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph. Since Saint Joseph Academy’s mission guides and informs the educational experiences offered here, each student is provided with a multitude of opportunities to put her faith into action through service to others and to the world, with the goal of helping each of them see they are part of something larger than themselves. Empathy and compassion are crucial and “Living Our Mission,” asks us to be deliberate about developing these qualities in our students. Our past helps to inform our future. That is how we all stay connected. Much loved traditions remain - but they also evolve with time in ways that allow their meaning to continue. The Tree Ceremony is a way for our Seniors to feel connected to the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, to one another and to our amazing campus. Although this special ritual has evolved over time with the needs of the day, it remains a beloved part of our students’ high school experiences. It is also important for our students to hear from and learn about our wonderful alumnae and their accomplishments. By sharing our stories and our history, we help students see that they are connected to a sisterhood— a legion of women who have shared these halls, traditions and values and who have carved a path that led us to this moment. We were able to celebrate four such alumnae at our Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was an incredibly special evening, and I was honored to be present with those who came together to celebrate. The love for the Academy and for the experience of SJA was palpable. We will continue to connect alumnae with current students and to allow their stories to inform and inspire.
Contributors to this issue of UPDATE include Kristen Barrett, Maggie Berry ’10, Judy Case, Brendan DeVenney, the Congregation of St. Joseph, Kathy Flinn, Diana Fogarty, Hannah Hill ’16, Erin Hoffert, Micki Matheis P’22, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Melissa Murphy, Carolyn Conway Novak ’06, Tammi Olle P’12 & ’23, Bryce Ormiston, Beth Pleban, Kathryn Purcell, Julie Schuler, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE, Tammy Sparks, Jeff Sutliff, Jordan Testerman, Clare Toole, Dr. Jessica Wrobleski and Rob Zdankiewicz.
On the Cover: The Class of 2022 at their Tree Ceremony at the Joseph & Mary George Circle UPDATE is published by Saint Joseph Academy for alumnae, parents/guardians and friends.
Dear Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae, Parents/Guardians and ThisFriends,last semester of the school year was filled with many accomplishments, beloved traditions and so much joy! In this issue of UPDATE, you will read about the Class of 2022’s “Walk of the Roses,” commencement and other end-of-year traditions, Seniors’ impressive capstone presentations, college results and other academic accomplishments and milestones in our community. There is much to share, and we hope that you enjoy reading it all!
Grace Nussle ‘22 presents her HSHP capstone 3D model of the Academy building created by Jillian Wilde
hen Sophia Krizek ’22 presented her Health Sciences Honors Program (HSHP) Purple Pathway capstone this past April, it was the culmination of three years of hard work –and the foundation for what’s to come: attending The Ohio State University Honors College and majoring in biochemistry.Sophia,along with HSHP Seniors Kate Gallo (sister of Sarah Gallo ’20), Katie Love, Grace Nussle (sister of Hannah Nussle ’19) and Isabella Zolikoff, and Engineering & Design Honors Program (EDHP) Seniors Nora Roche, Jillian Wilde, Abagail Tackas, Makena Guzzi and Briget Kropf made their capstone presentations in front of each program’s Advisory Board as well as members of the faculty, staff and administration. Each student’s presentation included reflections about their time in their chosen program, detailing countless hours of hands-on learning. Students also discussed their career goals and answered questions from the panel.
“Being able to present all of the hard work that I have put into the EDHP over the past few years nearly brought me to tears,” said EDHP participant Jillian. “I have such overwhelming love and appreciation for the experiences and knowledge that the program has given me. The Engineering & Design Honors Program has been so rewarding, showing me that I can use my skills and passions to create something beautiful.”
The programs, which strive to prepare young women for a life of compassionate leadership and service in their chosen field, offer two pathways, Purple or Gold. Program participants choose the pathway that aligns with their career interests. Those completing the Gold Pathway delivered their capstone presentations in front of fellow students and faculty. Sophia knows her HSHP experience will serve her well into the future. “The Health Sciences Honors Program has opened up a multitude of clinical experiences for me. I have been able to dip my toes into all areas of the health field–everything from sea turtle rehabilitation to heart surgery. This program encouraged me to try it all, which was especially helpful in narrowing the scope of my prospective career field. I would have never realized that I wanted to major in biochemistry without HSHP pushing me to try AP® Biology. It also provided me with connections to colleges throughout the nation, bringing in representatives to meet with us. Saint Joseph Academy’s Health Sciences Honors Program was instrumental in helping me plan my future, giving me all the pre-professional tools to be successful.”
HSHP participant Katie Love said the experience confirmed her desire to go into medicine, which she’ll be pursuing at the University of Cincinnati starting in the fall. “On multiple field trips, I practiced intubating mannequins and used ultrasounds. One of my favorite moments in HSHP was when on a field trip at Cleveland Clinic, I got to learn how a DaVinci Surgical System (a robotic surgery system) works, and practice using it, which was an absolutely amazing experience since I want to go into the surgical part of Themedicine.”programcoordinators plan field trips, seminars, labs, service projects and more. EDHP Program Coordinator Mr. Robert Zdankiewicz said many of this year’s graduating EDHP students all hit on similar topics in their presentations: facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and learning from the challenges that being a high school student during COVID presented. “This year’s class of students had a unique experience due to some of the COVID limitations these past few years. We had to offer a lot of virtual
‘22 SAINTJOSEPH ACADEMY HONORSPROGRAM Health S ciences
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College-level Experience in High School: Honors Programs Set Students Apartordigital
programming and operated with much smaller groups for field trips and guest speakers, but that had a silver lining: it allowed the students more access while on those trips. The students also completed a lot of related programming on their own time, either on weekends or during the summer. I was truly impressed with how much they did on their outside-of-school hours related to the EDHP,” Mr. Zdankiewicz explained.
Students typically join their chosen honors program their sophomore year, giving them ample time to complete the rigorous requirements. For HSHP students, this includes 60 clinical hours of learning, which program coordinator Ms. Clare Toole notes helps each young woman truly experience a full spectrum of medical professions available. “The program is there for you to learn what you want to do in the future. Entering high school, some students may see the medical field as only doctors and nurses. This type of program shines a light on all the opportunities that are out there,” she said.
2 Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE memory you would like to share, please scan the QR code with your smartphone. “Advice from a Tree” Dear Friend, Stand Tall and Proud Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Reflect the light of a greater source Think long term Go out on a limb Remember your place among all living beings Embrace with joy the changing seasons For each yields its own abundance The Energy and Birth of Spring The Growth and Contentment of Summer The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter Feel the wind and the sun And delight in their presence Look up at the moon that shines down upon you And the mystery of the stars at night. Seek nourishment from the good things in life Simple pleasures Earth, fresh air, light
The ceremony began with a welcome and opening remarks from President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell. “We are so very proud of you. Your perseverance and resilience in the face of these past few years has filled all of us with hope for the future. Your love of one another and this school has been on display throughout this entire year,” President Purcell shared. “As your Leadership Team plants your class tree and, symbolically, your own roots on this beautiful campus, I want you to know that you are always welcome here. Please come back again and again to this special place, this special campus. This is your school, now and forever.”
Following Mrs. Purcell’s remarks, Anna Duesenberg ’22 shared a poem by Ilan Shamir entitled “Advice from a Tree” before joining the other members of the Senior Class Leadership Team (Lily Hynes, Mallory Palagyi and Hannah Siy) for the ceremonial planting of their class tree, a white oak. The ceremony concluded with a prayer and singing of the “Alma Mater,” one of many links between the present and the long history of this beautiful and beloved tradition.
L-R: Senior Leadership Team members Hannah Siy, Lily Hynes, Anna Duesenberg and Mallory Palagyi ceremonially plant their class tree
Anna Duesenberg ’22 reads a befitting poem to classmates and their families “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is in the LORD. She is like a tree planted by the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought and never fails to bear (Jeremiahfruit.”17:7-8)
This past May, 165 members of the Class of 2022 participated in their Tree Ceremony, the first of several Saint Joseph Academy traditions leading up to the “Walk of the Roses” and Commencement. Family members, faculty, staff and several Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph gathered at the Joseph and Mary George Circle as Seniors, donned their white caps and gowns, processed through the main doors of the Academy building to the circle.
Planting New Roots
Rememberingroots. Our Roots
Students’ Tree Night Ceremony in the 1940s Tree Night Ceremony in 1938 1970s Tree Night Ceremony
When Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice, CSJ first purchased 52 acres of farmland along the Rocky River for the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1898, the area was a rural community known as Rockport Hamlet.
Resurrection of the traditional Tree Night ceremony for the Class of 2009 and subsequent years again gives each graduating class a sense of unity and a deep connection to the Saint Joseph Academy graduates who have come before them, as well as to the physical campus. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the ceremony happened virtually during the day. Tree Night became the Tree Ceremony, and has continued to take place during the day in 2021 and 2022. Our beloved traditions endure, but they also evolve with time. With Fitzmaurice Hall renovated for school use, Saint Joseph Academy once again conducts classes in this historic and now modernized building. All future generations of Academy students and staff will know the story of this great visionary leader, Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice who brought Saint Joseph Academy to the campus we know today. The Tree Ceremony is about more than simply planting a tree–an act that we now understand is a reflection of our ongoing ecological commitments as well as our history. It is about continuing the story that began with Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice more than 100 years ago and witnessing the ways that our graduates grow, branch out and bear fruit from these
Although many graduation activities are geared toward students’ individual accomplishments, the Tree Ceremony is meant to unify the graduating class and allow them an opportunity to express their gratitude to the community that has nurtured them for four years. Each class brings something fresh to the tradition in the form of songs, poetry, dances and stories, just as every class leaves their distinctive mark in our school community. As the Senior Leadership Team plants their class tree, they claim this place as their home for years to come. Like the sapling trees that they have planted, Saint Joseph Academy students continue to grow and change once they have graduated from the Academy and gone forth. In a similar way, the Tree Night tradition has changed over time. While each class continued to plant a tree (at times in their sophomore or junior year and in the auditorium), for a while the ceremony surrounding it had been lost.
At the time, many people thought she was crazy to try to establish a convent and school so far from the city center of Cleveland, and some even referred to the property as “Theresa’s folly.” The only structure on the property was a farmhouse near Rocky River Drive, which became the first convent and schoolhouse until the Motherhouse (now Fitzmaurice Hall) was built at the start of 20th century. Some twenty years later, in 1928, the Saint Joseph Academy building was Photographsconstructed.stillexist from those early days, and although they are old and faded, Saint Joseph Academy’s campus is clearly recognizable. However, there aren’t the majestic trees that grace this property today. For nearly a century, since the 1920s, each graduating class has ceremonially planted a tree on the school grounds as a way of beautifying our campus and symbolizing their lifelong connection to Saint Joseph Academy. Yearbooks from 1938 until the 1990s have documented this special senior event, and a great majority of the mature trees on campus are from the Tree Ceremonies of those classes. Historically, it was an event for family and friends to see all the graduates in caps and gowns, as tickets to the commencement ceremony at Our Lady of Angels Church were limited. The Tree Ceremony predates other long-standing traditions such as the “Walk of the Roses,” which began in the early 1940s.
A symbol of unity and growth
“It’s such a fun event,” NAHS member Mora Forkapa ’22 shared. “You get ice cream and support the Cleveland Food Bank while also getting to take home a one-of-a-kind bowl!”
“I think at that level (9th grade) to be able to dive into a real problem was so important. Students saw that there wasn’t one solution or one correct answer. A lot of times students don’t have the opportunity to do work like this until later in high school,” said Mrs. Barrett.
Empty Bowls Benefits Local Foodbank
Students researched, engineered, prototyped and collected data on their insulators using everyday items like polystyrene insulation, foil, duct tape, invisable tape and rubber bands as their building blocks and metal measuring cups as their control.
“It is interesting to work on a real-world problem because it shows us how much work goes into each project trying to send someone into space,” said Grace Novak ’25. “You can’t just send someone into space, you need to have science to back up all the problems that might occur.”
NASA subject matter experts trained both teachers and consulted periodically with them as they created the lessons. NASA Heat Transfer Research Engineer Mr. Wesley Johnson spent time with the students, reviewing their ideas and answering questions.
“A project like this makes science a little more real life. Students drew things out and made decisions based on data,” said Mr. Ormiston. “Because it was a team project, there was learning about working as a group as well – not just focusing on an individual design but also collaborating.” Adela Munishi ’25 explained, that this teamwork helped her group discover the meaning behind teamwork makes the dream work. “I calculated the equations while my team members were waiting for the ice to melt. We had to do it three times so splitting the work resulted in us finishing our experiment early,” said Adela. “It was important to have this project be collaborative because your partners may think of other things you don’t. It makes the project flow so much easier because if you don’t understand something your partners can help,” shared Grace.
NASA-Sponsored Project Builds Knowledge & Fosters Teamwork
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When most students think about working on a “really cool project” they likely don’t imagine they’ll be making cryogenic tanks to keep liquids from melting on the surface of Mars. Yet, for Mrs. Kristen Barrett and Mr. Bryce Ormiston’s Freshman Physical Science classes, that’s exactly what a NASA-funded grant allowed 57 of their students to do. Science teachers Mrs. Barrett and Mr. Ormiston applied for the grant, sponsored by the educational arm of the NASA Glenn Research Center, in late 2021 and spent the last several weeks of the 2021-2022 school year working with students using the tools, guidance, funding and training that NASA provided.Theproject coined “Keep It Cool” invited students to come up with a design plan for keeping the cryogenic fuels that will be needed to send crewed spacecraft to Mars “very cool.”
Adela Munishi ‘25 carefully measures water for her team’s experiment
Members of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) hosted the return of an in-person Empty Bowls fundraising event—with a twist this year. Students sold handpainted ceramic bowls for a $10 donation, and purchasers had the opportunity to fill their bowls with ice cream.
“We’re so glad we were able to bring this event back this year,” said Mrs. Tammy Sparks, Visual Arts teacher and Department Chair. “It connects classroom curriculum, leadership and service into one big event that allows a large number of students to participate and engage with the entire Saint Joseph Academy community.”
Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists around the world to raise money for food-related charities in their communities. Saint Joseph Academy began hosting its Empty Bowls event in 2016 and has offered it each year with the exception of 2020 (due to COVID-19).Thisyear,the Academy donated $1,000 to the Cleveland Food Bank–its best year yet!
The Show Choir opened the concert with spirited performances of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from the musical Hairspray and “Rockin’ Robin.”
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The Advanced Choir delivered an emotional rendition of “Omnia Sol” by Z. Randall Stroope. The choir also performed “Over My Head,” a traditional spiritual.
On May 17, the Saint Joseph Academy community was treated to the talents of more than 50 student musicians at the Spring Backyard Instrumental Concert. in the Academy’s backyard to enjoy performances by the Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Band under the instruction of Instrumental Music teacher Mr. Brian Patton. The Orchestra’s five-song set featured selections by Mozart and Tchaikovsky along with a trio of compositions that paid homage to J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy series, “The Lord of the Rings.” Emma Welch ’23 (daughter of Mary Babington Welch ’86), and a finalist this spring in the 39th Annual English Speaking Union’s Regional Shakespeare Competition, accompanied the musicians by reading passages from “The Hobbit.”
The Academy Chorale delighted attendees with its performance of the choral classic “Set Me as a Seal” by Rene Clausen along with pop favorites “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo and “Dreams” by The Cranberries.
The Show Choir performs on back campus Concert Band performs their last concert for the year The Concert Band delivered an internationally themed set with songs representing China, Scotland, Mexico and the United States. The theme of love was explored by the Jazz Band. A highlight of this group’s performance was the three Tenor Saxophone players from Seniors—Catherine Chambers, Elizabeth (Betsy) Gerrity, and Antonia Vucica—who each had a solo for the Duke Ellington composition, “In a Sentimental Mood.” These performances were a testament to the abundance of talent at Saint Joseph Academy.
On May 12, the Show Choir, Advanced Choir and The Academy Chorale held their Spring Concert on Saint Joseph Academy’s beautiful back lawn with a set list that offered something for everyone. The three groups were instructed by Miss Kathleen Cooper, outgoing Performing Arts Department Chair and Vocal Music teacher.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays “that all may be one” (John 17: 21) in the same way that He and God are united in love. This foundational scripture of the Congregation of St. Joseph highlights the centrality of relationships to our mission and charism. The feeling experienced by visitors to the campus is rooted in the spirituality of our founders and continues to be the most commonly stated reason why our students choose to attend Saint Joseph Academy: “I feel welcome, like I belong.” Relationships are at the heart of everything we do with our academic program. The “College Block” schedule ensures that teachers and students have more time to build and maintain relationships, as each teacher has fewer students on their roster than most other high schools. Teachers have fewer students to get to know and are usually able to call each student by name by the second day of classes. They get to know each student’s learning PRINCIPAL’S CORNER: style and interests earlier in the semester and understand how best to support each student. Students appreciate having more time in class to work collaboratively with their peers and seek support from teachers. The benefits of relationships extend beyond the classroom. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with a number of service organizations, enabling our students to start learning the importance of “serving the dear neighbor” as Freshmen so they are able to assume leadership roles by the time they are Juniors and Seniors. Many of our students regularly tutor grade school students or lead them as camp counselors, inspiring these younger students to succeed academically and consider a future at the Academy. These opportunities to “serve the dear neighbor” provide essential context for all student learning and empower each student to develop holistically to reach her full potential. Relationships with alumnae and our friends in the greater Cleveland community provide networks of support and opportunity for our students. Each year, they welcome students for the Academy’s Junior Professional Shadowing Program, offering students firsthand experience in a professional workplace environment. This is an important step for Juniors as they narrow down their college choices. Additionally, monthly learning lunches facilitate ongoing interaction between students in our honors programs and professionals in the community. These experiences give our students a window on their future and inform their discernment process as they choose a college and course of study. As our students graduate and move on to the next phase of their lives, we are grateful that we have been able to share part of our life’s journey with them, and to their parents for trusting us with the care and education of their daughters. We also know that no matter where they go from here, our Saint Joseph Academy graduates will always be part of the community, carrying with them the ability to build unifying relationships as agents of God’s abundant and overflowing love.
Spring Concerts Showcase the Talents of Student Musicians and Vocalists
Athena Glista ‘23 alongside a staff member at Big Creek Pet Hospital
ELLEN MARTIN ’23 shadowed Dr. Stacey Zahler, a Pediatric Oncologist and Hematologist at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, and observed patient visits at various stages of treatment, including those who have exhausted all their options. “The case was so heartbreaking, but it gave me a great look into some of the situations that I would have to cope with if I were to go into pediatric oncology. Not every child can be cured, not every patient can be saved, and I have to prepare myself for the reality of this job. But at the same time, I will be able to tell a parent that their child is going to survive, we got all the tumors out, their tumors are shrinking, or he/she has beat cancer. My shadowing experience with Dr. Zahler was one that I will never forget. I got to experience how the hospital runs, the complexity of the kinds of patients with field handles, and how the role of each healthcare provider is so important. This opportunity made me fall in love with this field even more, even though I know it is a very sad and difficult field. I love the idea of working with kids and their parents, and the complexity of tumors.”
Early Experiences Help Juniors Discover Decisions…decisions:
Junior Professional Shadowing:
ATHENA GLISTA ’23 shadowed at Big Creek Pet Hospital in Middleburg Heights, observing complete eight-hour shifts that allowed her to fully immerse herself in the experience. “Each day was a new adventure,” she said. “The first day I got to observe a handful of exams. I saw dogs get their nails clipped, get vaccinated, as well as get a normal checkup.” On her second day, she observed two minor surgeries. “Now I know what it is like to be a vet, what goes into it and all the behindthe-scenes magic. My thoughts and feelings varied throughout this experience. Going into it I was excited knowing that this was something I wanted to do. Throughout the three days, I did enjoy it. However, I changed my mind about what I wanted to major in, which is now digital marketing. I am an animal lover, and I will never forget my shadowing experience because it was fun. However, it’s not something I am 100% set on doing for the rest of my life.”
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All Juniors participate and this year’s class of 173 young women worked with their College Counselors to discuss career plans and to secure shadowing opportunities with professionals. This upfront step of securing a placement also helps students learn about networking to develop invaluable communication skills.
High school students are often faced with the question, “What do you want to do after you graduate?” While visiting colleges allows students to try on the fit and feel of university life, what to study can be a different and overwhelming decision entirely. That’s why, each winter, Eleventh graders at Saint Joseph Academy participate in a 3-day Junior Professional Shadowing Program. The program allows students to spend up to three days observing the work of a professional in a field that piques their interests. Students then complete coursework to analyze and report on what they learned. The experience happens early enough in a high schooler’s academic life to allow time for reflection before college decisions and applications are made.
LAINEY RAMBERT ’23 explored many shadowing options related to criminal justice before finding the ideal fit: an opportunity to work alongside Ms. Kristin Riley, the Captain in the Homeland Special Operations Unit of the Cleveland Police Department (CPD). Riley’s daughter Kayla Riley ’11 had completed her shadowing at CPD in 2010, so she was well equipped to provide a dynamic shadowing experience. Lainey spent her three days visiting different units with the CPD, including her biggest interest: forensics. “I ended up spending the whole day in the Crime Scene and Records Unit. According to the organizational structure packet on the Cleveland Police Department website, this unit collects and processes crime scene evidence, photographs crime scenes, photographs and fingerprints prisoners and homicide victims, examines and classifies fingerprints, and creates and maintains criminal and civilian files. I shadowed them on Wednesday. The day before, there had been a body found, and the unit returned late at night, leaving work to do the next day. Because they left all the evidence in the storage room, I learned how to package evidence and label it. I liked the fact that they treated me more like an adult than a kid. Honestly, that helped me learn and made everything enjoyable.”
Career Dos – And Don’ts
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CHRISTINE NGUYEN ’23 shadowed at Kaczmar Architects Incorporated (KAI) and observed the planning and development stages for a variety of architectural projects, including an additional outdoor classroom and chapel, a music festival at the Flats, and a Hyatt Hotel in Montana. The experience reinforced that while Christine hopes to one day work on projects focused on green, environmentally friendly buildings and structures, she needs to find the right fit. “I was surprised to see how almost everything was done online — communication, designing and research. There were not a lot of traditional paper sketches or physical modeling like I presumed. Even though the design process is very fun, sitting at a computer all day is not at all interesting to me. I want a career that allows me to move around and work on my feet. I understand that this isn’t a cumulative summary of their workday. I was told that there are days when they travel out to project sites to measure space for their buildings. Overall, I am very grateful to have had this experience and for all the insight that KAI has provided me. Architecture is something that I can see myself doing in the future, but I want to explore other careers to be sure.”
Christine Nguyen ’23 in front of the reception desk at Kaczmar Architects Incorporated
We sincerely appreciate those who served as shadow hosts, including Dr. Meghan Cruite ’02, Dr. Deborah Ghazoul-Mills ’79 Lisa Hoekenga ’00 and Bride Sweeney ’10, as well as Board Member Anne Marie Ahern P’24, Maureen Chambers P’19 & 21, Rose Chandler P’24, Corri North P’23, Sue Wadden P’23, Judith Waters P’14 and Heather Weisenseel P’23.
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On May 21, Seniors enjoyed their Prom at Windows on the River. Prior to the start of the event, many Seniors followed tradition by taking photos with classmates and/or their guests on the Academy’s beautiful campus. As in years past, a favorite location was on the front steps of the Academy building. During their Senior Parade, also their last day of class, the Class of 2022 drove onto campus in style. In preparation for this fun celebration, students gathered at Kamm’s Corner to put the finishing touches on their ContinueAcademy’sTraditionstoLeaveLasting
As April turned into May, the Class of 2022 geared up for several busy weeks leading up to their “Walk of the Roses” and commencement ceremony.
As the 2021-22 school year was coming to an end, the excitement of Saint Joseph Academy’s beloved spring traditions was felt by not only the Class of 2022 but the entire community. Some of the traditions include Paws for Pride, the Tree Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass, Prom and the Senior Parade.On April 29, the long-awaited Paws for Pride celebration was held.This hallmark tradition showcases Saint Joseph Academy’s school spirit and offers a bonding experience for the entire community. The creativity of each class’ hallways, decorated in their selected themes, did not disappoint. The Seniors’ hallway, themed Senior Storybook, took the award for the best hallway, as well as the trophy for winning Paws for Pride.“My favorite SJA tradition is definitely Paws for Pride! Ever since freshman year I have loved to spend time with my friends both during and after school painting and drawing things for the hallway,” said Hannah Siy ’22. “This year, as a Senior, I really enjoyed being able to be there for our younger SJA sisters by always offering to help and support them.”
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Paws for Pride 2022 2024 2025
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L-R: Mariana Maddox, Mercedes Lewandowski, Madeline Justice, Emma Claire Lambert-Shemo and Jordan Kohut
L-R: Gracie Dzurko, Erin Strauss, Council Officer Claire Ginley who sang the responsorial psalm. Fellow Senior Student Council Officers Mary Gassman, Grace McNamara and Dareen Wahdan joined them in the offering of petitions. Seniors Cassandra Ciryak, Jillian Langley and Jenna Stutzman served as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Following Communion, Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff presented The Holy Family Award to Board Member Mr. Matt and Mrs. Laureen Fergus ’88 Gardner P ’22 & ’26 before concluding with a blessing of parents/ guardians and students, led by Mary Gassman ’22 and her mother Mrs. Beth Gassman P’17 & ’22.On one of the first 90-degree days of 2022,165 young women dressed all in white caps and gowns, carrying a dozen red roses, processed in their “Walk of the Roses.” Lined two-by-two, the Seniors processed from Our Lady of Angels Church to Saint Joseph Academy for Commencement. “My favorite Saint Joseph Academy tradition is the “Walk of the Roses.” It is such a beautiful and symbolic way to end the journey of our time here at the Academy, said Anna Duesenberg ’22. “I will miss all the traditions and people that make SJA so incredibly unique.”
Impressionscars,trucksandevenafewboatsbeforeparadingupRockyRiverDriveintoSaintJosephAcademy,circlingtheparkinglottothecheersofstudents,facultyandstaff.Followingtheparade,allclassesenjoyedacookoutonthebackcampus,aswellasagiantwaterslide,gamesandmusic.OnMay25,theClassof2022returnedfortheirTreeCeremonyatSaintJosephAcademyandtheirBaccalaureateMassatOurLadyofAngelsChurch.Rev.RobertC.RamserpresidedovertheMass.DuringtheMass,SeniorStudentCouncilOfficerIsabelaBobéreadascripturepassagefollowedbySeniorStudent
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The graduates began the memorable day by processing up Rocky River Drive from Our Lady of Angels Church to Saint Joseph Academy in their celebratory “Walk of the Roses,” which many alumnae cite as their favorite high school memory.
On May 31, the Class of 2022, composed of 165 young women, graduated from Saint Joseph Academy.
• Six have both mothers and grandmothers who are alumnae
• Three have mothers and grandmothers and are related to CSJs who are also alumnae
The Class of 2022 had many legacy connections, Twelve have mothers who are alumnae Fifteen have grandmothers who are alumnae Four are related to Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph who are also alumnae
Congratulations, Class of 2022! We officially welcome you as members of the Saint Joseph Academy alumnae community and are excited to see what your futures hold.
Rep. Bride Sweeney ‘10
Valedictorian Morgan Rudolph ’22 will be attending The Ohio State University to major in Mathematics or Statistics. Morgan was named a National Merit Finalist. At Saint Joseph Academy, Morgan was an Academy Ambassador, a member of the Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams, a member of the Math Club, National Honor Society and served as a peer tutor.
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Students were led by President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell and the Commencement Speaker, Ohio State Representative (14th District) Bride Sweeney ’10 whose sister, Margaret Dempsey Sweeney ’22, was a member of the graduating class. Rep. Sweeney was one of the youngest speakers to address graduates. Rep. Sweeney shared that change has been a constant for this class as they navigated high school during a global pandemic, pointing out how they have gained something that most other classes haven’t at this age – the understanding that nothing is guaranteed in life besides change. “I can promise you will have beautiful, joyous and exhilarating moments in life, but I also have to promise you will have moments of loss, heartbreak and devastation in your life as well,” she said. “And I know it is cliche, but the one thing I was reminded by all of you, is that the downs in life make the ups worth getting to.” Rep. Sweeney also shared, “You have one of the best gifts now, which is being a part of a forever sisterhood. Seek it out and cherish it.”
Phi Beta Kappa award recipient Jessica (Jess) Kowalski ’22 intends to major in Global Resource Systems and Animal Ecology at Iowa State University this fall. Jess was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and was a member of many clubs including the Chess, Academy Inclusion, Environmental Concerns of Students (ECOS), Garden and Middle Eastern Cultural. She was also a member of both the Concert and Jazz Bands. As part of her Independent Inquiry project, Jess also developed a pollinator garden on the Academy campus to protect native insects and beautify the campus.
The Class of 2022 Celebrate Their Last Beloved Traditions as Academy Students
Valedictorian Morgan Rudolph KowalskiPhiGerritySalutorian‘22Elizabeth‘22BetaKappaJessica‘22CommencementSpeaker
• Three have great grandmothers who are alumnae
Elizabeth (Betsy) Gerrity ’22, the Salutatorian, will attend Thomas Aquinas College and major in Liberal Arts. Betsy was honored as a National Merit Finalist and was a member of the Concert Band, Jazz Band and String Orchestra.
Penn State University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Regis RochesterUniversityInstitute of SaintTechnologyJoseph’s University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College of SaintCaliforniaVincent College Santa Clara University School of the Art Institute
L-R: Abigail Harden, Haley Gunn, GraceMcNamara, Kiersten Sapp and Abigail Meisinger
YoungstownXavierWrightWittenbergWheatonWesternWestWestWalshVillanovaValparaisoCollegeUniversityUniversityUniversityVirginiaStateUniversityVirginiaUniversityNewEnglandUniversityCollegeUniversityStateUniversityUniversityStateUniversity
Stetson UniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityTrinityTrineTiffinThomasTheTheTheTheTheTheTheTempleSyracuseUniversityUniversityUniversityCollegeofWoosterGeorgeWashingtonUniversityOhioStateUniversityUniversityofAkronUniversityofArizonaUniversityofNewOrleansUniversityofToledoAquinasCollegeUniversityUniversityCollegeofBridgeportofCaliforniaDavisofCincinnatiofColoradoBoulderofColoradoColoradoSprings
Saint Joseph Academy SUMMER 2022 11 Class of 2022 Highlights 96% plan to attend a college or university 41% graduated with high honors 21% graduated with honors 73% earned a total of more than $28 million in merit-based awards 63 Ohio Honors Diploma recipients 4 National Merit Scholarship Finalists 2 National Merit Commended Scholars 1 National Hispanic Recognition Scholar 61% of Seniors graduated with a GPA of 3.7 or above 21 Health Sciences Honors Program graduates 5 Engineering & Design Honors Program graduates 13 Seniors signed NCAA Letters of Intent Albion AmericanAMDAAlleghenyAlbrightCollegeCollegeCollegeCollegeofPerformingArtsInternational College American University Aquinas College Art Institute of Chicago Ashland HollinsHofstraHiramHighHawaiiGuilfordGrandGeorgiaGannonFranklinFranciscanFortFordhamFloridaFloridaFloridaFlaglerFairfieldEmersonElmiraEdinboroEasternDuquesneDePaulCuyahogaConcordColumbiaColoradoColoradoCoastalClevelandClevelandClemsonClarionChathamCentralCaseCapitalCanisiusButlerBrunswickBrandeisBowlingBaldwinAveAugsburgUniversityUniversityMariaUniversityWallaceUniversityGreenStateUniversityUniversityCommunityCollegeUniversityCollegeUniversityWesternReserveUniversityStateUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityInstituteofArtStateUniversityCarolinaUniversityMesaUniversityStateUniversityCollegeChicagoUniversityCommunityCollegeUniversityUniversityMichiganUniversityUniversityCollegeCollegeUniversityCollegeAtlanticUniversityGulfCoastUniversityStateUniversityUniversityLewisCollegeUniversityofSteubenvillePierceUniversityUniversitySouthernUniversityViewUniversityCollegePacificUniversityPointUniversityCollegeUniversityUniversity Holy Cross College Hope IndianaCollegeUniversity Bloomington Iona College Iowa State University Ithaca PaceOhioOhioOhioNotreNortheasternNorthNorthNorfolkNiagaraNewNewMorganMontanaMichiganMiamiMercyhurstMarquetteMariettaMarianManhattanvilleMaloneLoyolaLoyolaLoyolaLorainKentKentJohnJacksonCollegeStateUniversityCarrollUniversityStateUniversityStateUniversity,GeaugaCampusCountyCommunityCollegeUniversityChicagoUniversityMarylandUniversityNewOrleansUniversityCollegeUniversityCollegeUniversityUniversityUniversityStateUniversityStateUniversityStateUniversityEnglandCollegeYorkUniversityUniversityStateUniversityCarolinaAgriculturalandTechnicalStateUniversityCoastCollegeUniversityDameCollegeNorthernUniversityUniversityWesleyanUniversityUniversity
The Class of 2022 was University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Denver University of Detroit Mercy University of Florida University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Mount Union University of Nevada Las Vegas University of North Carolina University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Southern Maine University of Tennessee University of Vermont University of WisconsinUniversityMadison of Wisconsin Stevens Point Ursuline College Valley Forge Military Academy and
SetonChicagoHall University Seton Hill University Skidmore College St. Bonaventure University
accepted into 129 colleges/universities:
Madison Roth ’23, and Shannon Gardner ’22 (granddaughter of Betty Ann Distefan Fergus ’47 and Patriciann McNulty Gardner ’52, daughter of Laureen Fergus Gardner ’88) were recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA and InnerView in the Fifth Annual National Community Service Impact Awards.
Students Win National Awards For Community Service Impact
As a Saint Joseph Academy community, we are blessed to be rooted in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph, which encourages us to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of our changing world. We will continue to encourage our students to pursue “anything of which a woman is capable”--and indeed, to continue to expand our vision of what is possible for us to do together and in partnership with others. With gratitude for our own rich history and traditions, we know that fidelity to our mission also calls us to face the challenges of today with openness to the Spirit and a willingness to grow as we look with hope to the next 150 years.
When the Congregation of St. Joseph was founded in France in 1650, the idea of women religious in active ministry (rather than a cloistered convent) was itself an innovation, but that did not deter our founders from their call to serve the people around them. Their advisor, Jesuit Fr. Jean-Pierre Medaille, instructed the first Sisters to carry out “all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of which a woman is capable and which most benefit the dear neighbor,” which they did through offering education (in particular, teaching the skilled trade of lace-making) and caring for the elderly, sick and poor around them.
The first Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in the United States in the 1830s, in response to the needs of a rapidly expanding new country. In 1872, the first community of Sisters of St. Joseph in Ohio settled in Painesville, and five years later a Motherhouse was established on Fulton Road in Cleveland. In 1890, Saint Joseph Academy was founded on Starkweather Avenue, and in 1898, Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice acquired the current property on the West Side of Cleveland. As readers are aware, many changes have taken place on Rocky River Drive since then, and yet the spirit of service remains strong.
Following the Second Vatican Council’s call for renewal in religious communities, in the 1970s and 1980s the Sisters’ ministries in Cleveland expanded beyond education to include work in parish and campus ministry, social services, health care and advocacy for peace and justice. The Sisters also adopted a more egalitarian model of leadership and community discernment at this time and invited lay Associates to join them in collaboration and prayer. Such changes were not simply about “modernizing” as an end in itself but were rather a response to the changing concerns and needs of the times.
A History of Innovation
This summer, Saint Joseph Academy joins with others in Cleveland and beyond to celebrate the Congregation of St. Joseph’s 150 years of ministry in backOhio.NortheastLookingonthisrich history, one of the most notable qualities of the Sisters of St. Joseph has been their willingness to evolve and innovate in order to remain faithful to the mission of serving and seeking unity with God and neighbor.
Joseph
Fifteen years ago, in 2007, a process of discernment led the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cleveland to join with six other
Saint Academy
Shannon received a Merit Award for a second year. She volunteered her time at various Saint Joseph Academy programs and events. “Service was a way for me to step outside my bubble and see the world from another perspective,” Shannon said. “I was able to meet interesting people, in situations much different than mine, and engage in experiences of which I will be forever grateful.” “God’s holy love is always at work in us. We never arrive but are always a work in progress.” (Maxim 92)
LIVING THE MISSION Madison Roth ‘23Shannon Gardner ‘22
UPDATE
Madison was recognized with an Honor Award for a second consecutive year, mainly for her work volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse in Lakewood.
Dr. Jessica Wrobleski
independent communities to form one Congregation of St. Joseph, believing that they could better serve the needs of the neighbor together than they could do separately. This reconfiguration has allowed for not only a sharing of resources but also deepening wisdom and expanded partnerships. And yet change can also be painful, as some ministries are brought to completion or spaces repurposed. As the Congregation continues to discern its future in a world of rapid change, the past serves as a foundation, not a limit. For an organization to thrive for 150 years or more, it must be able to evolve while remaining faithful to what is most essential: in this case, the love of God and service of the neighbor without distinction.
“Volunteering is such a rewarding experience; I love how welcoming and affectionate the kids and community are,” Madison said. “I love getting hugs from all the kids, hearing them laugh and seeing them smile at events! I am beyond grateful to be a member of the Youth Board because I’ve formed many amazing relationships with the kids and other volunteers.”
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Using the Howley Makerspace Innovation Lab in Service to Others
Helping to elevate learning opportunities drives the overall structure, size and scale of the Howley Makerspace innovation lab. More than just a few 3D printers and CAD-coding software, it includes an extensive collection of tools, equipment and building materials that assist with all facets of the school’s engineering curriculum, including the Engineering & Design Honors Program. The lab is also open to any student or club that can benefit from the available equipment and support. Several recent initiatives reinforced the lab’s versatility as a tool for outreach and learning. During the first half of the school year, the school’s Intro to Engineering class partnered with 18 fifth-grade girls from St. Joseph School (SJS, Avon Lake) to reimagine known fairy tales. The grade-schoolers rewrote the stories; Saint Joseph Academy students were then tasked with using the lab to create a visual representation of each new tale.
For student, Sarah Karl ’25 the process of trying to properly 3D design her model was a major part of the learning experience and required significant refinement. “My project mainly used the 3D printer and the laser engraver. The laser engraver cut out little wooden characters, and the 3D printer printed the main part of our model. This allowed for us to experiment with these machines quite a bit. We had to learn how to use the machines in ways we never knew how to before. The satisfaction when our 3D print was what we had wanted definitely made all the hard work worth it.”
Outside of the classroom, student clubs have used the Howley Makerspace to engineer service projects. The “Free to Smile” Club raises funds and awareness for mission trips to help provide cleft lip/palate surgeries to children around the world, focusing on impoverished areas where the need is greatest. The Academy’s club utilized the lab to design and produce much-needed straps that help prevent children from disturbing any post-surgery incisions, allowing them to heal properly.
L-R: Alyssa Hayes ’24 and Haslly Najarro ’23 cutting love bug patterns
When students can apply their learning to a situation that benefits others, the knowledge tends to stick. That is the idea behind several initiatives taking place within the Howley Makerspace innovation lab, where students are applying the tools and knowledge available to them to make a difference both locally and globally.“We often ask ourselves as educators, ‘How can we reach out to our andthereparticular,innovationHowleydepartmentintermsservicepartnerscommunityandbeoftoothers?’InofwhatwedotheengineeringandtheMakerspacelabinwhenisapurposepersononthe other end of what we strive to create, it elevates the experience for the student,” said Mr. Rob Zdankiewicz, Engineering & Design Honors Program Coordinator. “It enhances the quality of what students
Closer to home, local business Imagine That & More, a sewing and hobby store located in Kamms Corner, worked with Saint Joseph Academy students and alumnae to create nearly 100 “Little Love Bugs.” These hand-sewn comfort pillows were donated to the Ronald McDonald House, and will benefit children throughout the Cleveland
“There were no preset parameters on what the visual representation needed to be, and this resulted in a wide variety of creative outcomes,” explained Engineering Teacher Mr. Bryce Ormiston. Students sewed pillows, 3D printed beds, laser-cut characters and more. Collaboration was essential, with Zoom meetings with the grade-schoolers and visits to the lab for one-on-one work and input. “A project like this allowed us to take students through the design process in a practical and tangible way. Since the Howley Makerspace provides students the opportunity to prototype and test, they could physically make something to see what worked and what didn’t. Because the lab is so extensive, there are so many different options for them, and they didn’t feel limited in what they could do. They are free to make mistakes, which is how we learn,” said Mr. Ormiston.
Shannon Kelly ’22 helping a SJS student create fairytale characters
While a student at Saint Joseph Academy, Ms. Hill played Varsity softball and golf. Being on these teams enabled her to make connections with many of her teammates. One friendship includes Ms. Katie Jones ’15, the Academy’s current Head Varsity Softball Coach. Hill and Jones remained close after high school, and Ms. Hill will be in Ms. Jones’ wedding party this fall. When Ms. Hill graduated from Saint Joseph Academy, she walked away with excitement for what was next: continuing her education at John Carroll University (JCU). She also felt the nostalgia she was leaving“I’mbehind.avery sentimental person. I’ve always loved the “Walk of the Roses” tradition. I went every year I was in school because it’s such a beautiful event. I hold great value in places and things that were part of a significant time in my life. A lot of people say that high school was some of the best years of their lives, but for those of us who went to SJA – that statement has a deeper meaning,” she shared. Now, many years later, Ms. Hill is returning to her roots – joining the Academy as its new Alumnae Director on the Institutional Advancement Team, where she’ll be responsible for reconnecting with alumnae using a variety of outreach activities, events, communications and services. The path she traveled to this new role speaks deeply about her time at the Academy, and how events during high school inspired the direction her life took. Ms. Hill’s career journey started out with an interest in dentistry or pre-med, but that later changed. “My interest in the nonprofit sector came about when I began an internship for Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. As a graduate of an all-girls high school, I was excited to work for an organization where I could align myself with a mission I believed in [Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place],” Ms. Hill said.
lie at the heart of Saint Joseph Academy, which is evident in the relationships between students, faculty, staff and alumnae, including Ms. Hannah Hill ’16
Hannah Hill ’16 Returns to the Academy as the New Alumnae Director
Institutional Advancement Ms. Constance Sipple.Ms. Hill readily admits that returning to the Academy has been an emotional experience – and she wouldn’t have it any other way: “I have this incredible opportunity to speak with and meet the remarkable women who graduated throughout the years. Regardless of age or geographical location, there is still that connection and level of comfort I have with my own former classmates. It’s a beautiful thing. You can meet alumnae anywhere you go; it’s a powerful network. I am thrilled to tap into this in new ways. There’s a rich tradition here, with many events that our alumnae look forward to. Getting to plan and execute those activities is energizing. I also hope to engage younger alumnae in new events and mentorships.” This summer, Ms. Hill is excited to engage with alumnae and friends of the Academy at the annual golf outings. She shared, “when I tell people that I golf it becomes a talking point. Younger women golfers are hard to come by.” Ms. Hill credits much of her interest in playing briefly at the collegiate level to Mrs. Maureen Fallon Adler ’79. Ms. Hill looks forward to experiencing all the Academy’s beloved traditions through the lens of an alumna.
JCU’s Nonprofit Administration Program and the program’s sole graduate assistant job. The role required her to wear many hats: leader, student and professional. She handled event planning and alumni engagement; served as the liaison between her department and students in the program; and was a representative at all community events and workshops. At the end of her time within the program, she worked with JCU’s Director of the Nonprofit Administration Program, Dani Robbins, to plan and host the inaugural NE Ohio Nonprofit Conference.
saidalumnaewhat’sWethoseandtraditionsideasrole;aknowledgeexperienceHilltocarriedgraduatethroughoutschoolandmethroughmylifepath,”Ms.said.“Ms.Hill’sandmakehergreatfitforthisherpassionandfortakingthewehavebuildingonareamazing.can’twaittosharenextwithournetwork,”VicePresidentof
14 Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
Relationships
“This gave me the chance to cultivate and steward relationships with alumni of both the program and JCU as a whole,” she said. It also set a strong foundation for her new role at Saint Joseph Academy. In fact, it was almost as if her career trajectory had come full circle. “While in high school, I always loved the Women’s Leadership Symposium. Hearing from alumnae and other successful women was very influential. It always covered such a vast and varied range of careers. I realize now, that was where I discovered the world of nonprofits and the importance of mission alignment. Natalie Leek ’85, the President and CEO at Providence House, spoke about trying to make an impact in whatever corner of the world you may find yourself in. Her words often replayed in my mind
Founded in 1921, the NHS elevates a school’s commitment to the pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character—values that are just as relevant today as they were 100 years ago and align with Saint Joseph Academy’s mission. The NHS induction ceremony for the
Saint Joseph Academy SUMMER 2022 15
On April 27, the Saint Joseph Academy Athletic Department celebrated its Seniors who will be participating in collegiate athletics. Of the 13 studentathletes recognized, three will be attending NCAA Division I schools, four will be playing at the Division II level, and six will be competing on the Division III stage. In addition, three will be playing at Catholic institutions. Congratulations to the following Jaguars who will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level: Kirsten Barrett: Georgia Southern University, Volleyball Carlee Blankenship: John Carroll University, Cross Country, Track and Field Anna Duesenberg: Hope College, Cross Country, Track and Field Ryan Elbert: University of Bridgeport, Basketball Ava Haddad: Clarion University, Basketball Emma Hvizdos: John Carroll University, Cross Country, Track and Field Jordan Kohut: Trine University, Softball Emma Claire Lambert-Shemo: Wheaton College (Massachusetts), Swimming Olivia Lopez: Capital University, Softball Ella Neitzel: Walsh University, Basketball Nora Roche: Michigan State University, Crew Cadence Shea: University of North Carolina, Volleyball Magaret Sweeney: Queens University of Charlotte, Rugby College Signing Ceremony
students to be as successful as possible and encourage us to embrace our creativity. The art courses I have taken have helped me if it weren’t for all that I learned in Saint Joseph Academy’s Visual Arts Department,” stated Inductee MacKenzie Hammond ’22. Jessica Kowalski ‘22 lights the ceremonial candles
Back Row: Ella Neitzel, Kirsten Barrett, Cadence Shea, Ava Haddad, Ryan Elbert, Margaret Sweeney and Oliva Lopez Front Row: Emma Hvizdos, Carlee Blankenship, Anna Duesenberg, Emma Claire Lambert-Shemo, Nora Roche and Jordan Kohut
Students Inducted into National Honor Society, National Art Honors Society
Spring was indeed a season of celebration as six Seniors and 40 Juniors were inducted into the Saint Joseph Academy chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), and six students were inducted into the National Art Honor Society (NAHS).
Allison Carson ’22 Jordan Kohut ’22
Spring Sports
Kelsey Niehaus ’23 (granddaughter of Kay Koch Niehaus ’51 the Jaguars to new heights by leading in multiple statistics, including causing 40 turnovers and picking up 45 ground balls. Grace Mattimore ’22 also made an impact on the Lacrosse program. Graduating with 206 goals, she is ranked nationally in assists, finishing the season with 88, a program record. Mattimore ’22 will hold the school record for career assists, with 150, and goals in a single season, with 83 in 2021. She will also hold the record for assists in a game with nine versus Granville this year.
Congratulations, Jaguars on a great season!
Softball Competes in Toughest Season
Kohut and Olivia Lopez ’22 (daughter of Michelle Boyle Lopez ’91) were named to the All-Northeast District Team as Honorable Mentions, while Kohut and Madison Booth ’25 were both named Honorable Mention AllCuyahoga County for the season. In addition, Kohut, Katie Love ’22, Anna Erdos ’23, and Hannah Caruso ’23 were named All-District Scholar Athletes.
The Jaguar Softball program had one of its toughest seasons and schedules in 2022, trying to live up to expectations from their district title run in 2021. The Jaguars posted an 8-14 record, clinching a sectional final win over Westlake High School before ultimately falling to Brunswick High School in the district semifinal. Throughout the season, the Jaguars posted some positive, momentum-building wins. One of those wins came in the Wendy’s Classic against Ontario, picking up a 10-9 win when Jordan Kohut ’22 went 3-for-4 with a double, two triples and three RBIs. The Jaguars also defeated rival Magnificat Blue Streaks, 6-5, in mid-May. Sydney Ollie ’23 went 5-for-5 in that game, and Kohut hit a two-run home run.
Lacrosse Has Historic Season
Finishing with a program record of 18-3, it was a season to remember for the Jaguar Lacrosse team. They suffered just two losses the entire regular season and held a 15-game win streak going into their Regional Semifinal matchup with Hudson High School, a team that handed Saint Joseph Academy two of their three losses on the season. Despite the loss, it was the furthest any lacrosse team has gone in school history, raising a banner in the gym for the first time ever. One of the leaders on the team this year was Allison Carson ’22 (sister of Nicole Carson Hunt ’15 Carson ’18). Carson ’22 scored 43 goals for the Jaguars and will graduate with 92 goals in her career.
Congratulations to the Jaguars on making history this year! The Saint Joseph Academy community is extremely proud of your accomplishments.
The Jaguars were also able to send the Varsity 8+, Second Varsity 8+, and the Freshmen 8+ crews to the SRAA National Championship Regatta in Camden, New Jersey. The Varsity 8+ finished 20th in the country, Second Varsity 8+ came in 10th, and the Freshmen 8+ had a 13th place finish. Congratulations to the Jaguars on a fantastic season and representing the Purple and Gold on the national stage!
The Jaguar Crew added to its long-standing success in 2022 by starting the year off with a first-place finish at the Lindamood Cup in Marietta. The program placed first in all seven events to kickstart the season. Then, at the Kensington Sprints in Milford, Michigan, the Jaguars placed second, finishing first in the Varsity 8+ and Second Varsity 8+ races. For the fourth consecutive year, Saint Joseph Academy took first place at the St. Mary’s Laddie Cup in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Rowers came in either first or second place in seven of the nine races to take home the heralded Debbie Mitchell Women’s Regatta Champions Trophy.
It was another fantastic season for the Saint Joseph Academy Rugby program. The Jaguars started with a lot of momentum by taking two of three games at the Nash Bash Rugby Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. They took down Memphis Inner City Rugby Club and shut out Noblesville. The Jaguars were led all season long by Margaret Sweeney ’22 (sister of Molly ’09, Bride ’10 and Samantha ’14) and Megan Chura ’24 (granddaughter of Mary Brunosky Chura ’56). They both converted a team-high 13 tries for the Jaguars this season. Chura had five of her 13 tries in a 54-41 battle win over Highland on the road at the beginning of May. Georgia Wagner ’24 (granddaughter of Smolko Hamilton ’67, daughter of Hamilton ’00) was 42-for-57 on conversion kicks on the season, making her the leading point scorer for the year with 84 points. In the state tournament, the Jaguars were able to pull out a win over the Medina Bees, a team they lost to in the regular season. They defeated the Bees, 19-12, to advance to the State Semifinals, but ultimately fell to Brunswick.
Outdoor Track & Field Completes Stellar Season
Rugby Finishes Another Strong Season
Crew Has Another National-Qualifying Year
The Junior Varsity program competed at the 22nd Annual High School Girls Rugby National Tournament at Notre Dame College. The Jaguars dropped their first two matches on the first day, but came back and defeated Penn Girls Rugby, 20-15, to finish in fifth place in the tournament.
SUMMER 2022 17
The season wrapped up at the Midwest Scholastic Championship Regatta back in Milford, Michigan. Competing against 48 teams from six different states, the Jaguars sent nine boats to the Grand Finals. The Second Varsity 8+ and Third Varsity 8+ teams finished in second place. For the second time in the championship’s 38-year history, a “B” boat medaled in the Grand Finals with the Jaguars’ Fourth Varsity 8+ team finishing in third place. The second-place team finish is the fourth time Saint Joseph Academy brought home the runner-up trophy.
Carlee Blankenship ’22 Saint Joseph Academy
Many individuals in the Track & Field program had outstanding seasons. The Jaguars started the season at the Pirate Relays at Perkins High School in Sandusky. Lexi Krych ’23 earned a personal best in the shot put, finishing in third place with Rylee Ehrett ’23 (sister of Alex ). The distance medley team of Carlee Blankenship ’22 and Shannon Gardner ’22 Betty Ann Distefan Fergus Patriciann McNulty Gardner ’52, Laureen Fergus Gardner ’88), along with Erin Hvizdos ’24 (daughter of Keli , sister of Abbie ’20), and Grace Rowell ’24 finished second. Overall, the team started the season out hot finishing in Blankenship played an instrumental role in the overall success of the program. She led the way for the 4x800 meter relay team of Erin Hyland ’23 (granddaughter of Marge McNeeley Harkness ’60, sister of Brigid Hyland ’20), Bridget Mullen ’25, and Anna Duesenberg ’22, taking first place at the 50th Annual Dick Dei Invitational in Wheeling, West Virginia. Rowell and Erin Hvizdos ’24 also had stellar showings, taking first and third place respectively in the 3200-meter race. The Jaguars finished in fourth place at the invite out of tenTheteams.Saint Joseph Academy community is so proud of your hard work, Jaguars!
18 Saint Joseph Academy UPDATE
for both sports, and All-District Honorable Mention in basketball. She developed a love for coaching while attending the University of Notre Dame. “I really enjoy the strategy involved,” shared Jill. Jill coached Freshman and Varsity basketball and track & field at Saint Joseph Academy for many years. She served as the Athletic Director from 2004-2009 and was honored with the John Peyton Athletic Director of the Year Award in her final year in that role. She highly values the benefits of high school sports for young people. “You are taught to be a good teammate and to deal with disappointment as well as excitement,” said Jill. She also learned a lot from her coaching colleagues, including Al Wagner, Larry Chernauskas, Maryann Marek, Don Kostell, and FredJillKieser.hasworked at Saint Joseph Academy for 19 years and is currently a mathematics teacher. Jill’s two sisters—Tressa Satanek Kemer ’91 (2013 Athletic Hall of Fame honoree) and Janet Satanek ’97—are also alumnae.
On June 10, Saint Joseph Academy inducted four new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame. Created in 2011, the bi-annual event recognizes the contributions of those individuals instrumental in the advancement and excellence of Saint Joseph Academy Athletics. This is the sixth year for the Athletic Hall of Fame. Honorees over the years have included student-athletes and coaches in a variety of sports as well as outstanding supporters. The Athletic Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome the Class of 2022:
As a student-athlete, Jill played three years of Varsity basketball and Varsity softball, earning six Varsity letters. During her Senior year, she was captain of both teams, Softball Defensive MVP, Basketball MVP, Greater Cleveland Catholic Girls Athletic Association All-Star
Jill has always loved sports—and she has her parents to thank. They instilled that love in their children from a young age. She has demonstrated a singular devotion to athletics at Saint Joseph Academy. Over the years, Jill has worn many hats when it comes to sports at her alma mater—student-athlete, team captain, coach, athletic director, basketball scoreboard operator, and prolific spectator.
• Kathleen Kress-Farrell ’01
Jill Satanek Garlock ’92
Jill Satanek Garlock ’92
•
• Rebecca Fischer ’95 • Madeline Keefe ’10
“I love supporting our students and attending games,” said Jill. “I have driven all over to cheer them on.”
“This year’s inductees not only had successful athletic or coaching careers at Saint Joseph Academy, but they demonstrated indelible leadership, sportsmanship, commitment and character,” said Ms. Maggie Berry ’10, Athletic Director. “In addition, each inductee left her unique mark on a high school athletic program built on providing a positive, formative experience, an emphasis on education, and an authentic, caring environment.”
Four Named to ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Maddie’s sister Lindsey Keefe ’14 is also an alumna.
Rebecca Fischer ’95 Becky has many fond memories of playing sports at Saint Joseph Academy, but her favorite was a home basketball game where she scored 30 points in the presence of her parents, uncle, and a former teammate. Becky played Varsity basketball and Varsity softball all four years of high school as well as Freshman volleyball. She earned eight Varsity letters and a number of other honors. She was named All-District for basketball, and she was named a captain, MVP, and All-Conference for basketball and softball. She was The Plain Dealer Player of the Week for basketball and softball and was also named to The Plain Dealer All-Star Teams for both sports. She gratefully remembers Team Captain Jill Satanek Garlock ’92 taking her under her wing as a Freshman. “I was very lucky to have her as a mentor,” shared Rebecca.
Kathleen earned a Bachelor in Exercise Science from the University of Dayton, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Kent State University. She works as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Neighborhood Pediatrics in Lakewood. Her sister Brook Kress ’00 is also a graduate of the Academy. Some of her favorite high school memories of playing golf were waiting for her teammates to come in from their rounds. “Each of us would compete with an opponent from a different school, then we had to wait for the other groups to finish,” explained Maddie. “It was exciting to finally hear everyone’s results.” When she is back home in Ohio, she still loves to go golfing.
Becky is a graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety. She works at Rockwell Automation as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Academy Athletics Department introduced rugby in 2007, Kathleen joined as a coach. She coached four years and helped lead the team to two State Championship titles. She is exceedingly grateful to her coaches, especially Al Wagner. “He challenged me not only to be the best athlete I could be, but the best daughter and friend,” she says. She feels privileged to have coached at Saint Joseph Academy and hopes her players derived some of the same benefits from sports that she has. “I believe sports can empower young women to find out who they are, provide structure, live a healthy lifestyle, and make lifelong friends,” said Kathleen.
Saint Joseph Academy SUMMER 2022 19
Becky continued her basketball career at the University of Akron as a walk-on for one year until she discovered women’s semi-pro football. She joined Cleveland Fusion, a full-contact female football team, and played from 2003 to 2018, including two years as a captain. She believes sports—or any team-oriented extracurriculars—are important for personal growth. Besides offering the benefits of fitness and fun, sports challenge youth to set goals and reach them. “Being a part of a team taught me how to work with others, develop patience and discipline, and learn from failures,” said Rebecca.
“They are also great for helping with commitment and goal setting,” saidMaddieMaddie.graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s in Fashion/Apparel Design. She works as a sweater designer for apparel retailer Madewell, which is owned by J.Crew.
Kathleen went on to play rugby all four years at the University of Dayton and was a captain. The team won the National Championship title her sophomore year. She continued her rugby career after college, eventually playing for USA Rugby Women’s U-23 Team. When the Saint Joseph Madeline (Maddie) Keefe ’10 made history at Saint Joseph Academy by becoming the first golfer to individually qualify for States. She accomplished this during her Senior year along with being named a captain, MVP, The Plain Dealer Player of the Week. She was a four-year Varsity letter winner and an Academic MVP for three years. She received a golf scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. Growing up, Maddie’s parents enrolled her in sports as a way to make friends, have fun, and learn She grew up on a golf course playing with her father. “I’ve always been naturally competitive, and golf was the sport I happened to excel at,” said Maddie. “My family played a lot. It was a good way for us to have fun and be active together.”
Kathleen Kress-Farrell ’01 Kathleen has always been drawn to sports due to her competitive nature. She played softball and basketball as a Freshman at Saint Joseph Academy. She went on to earn three Varsity letters in basketball and was a team captain for two years. She was also a member of the track & field team, earning three Varsity letters and twice advancing to Regionals in the shot put event. She was recognized her Senior year with the Don Kostell Award for Excellence in Athletics and the Ohio Sportsmanship Award.
“Golf is the only sport I play now as an adult,” said Maddie. “I’m happy that it’s similar to riding a bike in that I can pick up where I left off—even if I am a bit rusty.” She regards sports as an important way to build community.
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Thank for Supporting Our Students grateful to the 1,490 donors who helped us raise more than $500,000 for the 2021-2022 Annual Fund. This has a powerful impact on the experience of every student, every day at Saint Joseph Academy. donation makes a difference in our students’ lives and helps us faithfully fulfill our mission and prepare another generation of Saint Joseph Academy women to build a more compassionate world. would like in making a difference in the lives of our students, visit www.sja1890.org/giving or the women of unifying love at Saint Joseph Academy!
$503,026 AMOUNT RAISED 187 NEW DONORS 804 ALUMNAE DONORS NUMBER OF 1,490DONORS DONORS FROM 37 STATES ADVANCEMENT
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Graduates Mariana Maddox and Isabela Bobé became the first Saint Joseph Academy students to be each awarded the prestigious Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship. These $4,000 college tuition awards will support their studies at the University of Miami and The Ohio State University, respectively. This was the first year that Saint Joseph Academy was invited to participate in the scholarship program. Established in 2020 by the family of the late Paul Nelson Randolph, including his daughter Simone Randolph ’04, the Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship Foundation is committed to continuing his legacy of encouraging high school graduates and others to pursue additional education and training to obtain critical employment skills and economic stability. Paul always encouraged others to pursue their own dreams, generously offering mentorship and resources to anyone in need. His passion for helping others was rooted in the very simple premise that everyone should have the ability to live life abundantly. The Foundation seeks to encourage and support underrepresented student groups through college and/or vocational school. The Foundation also aims to create a culture of racial equity, by providing these students with financial resources to gain access to postsecondary education. Paul Nelson Randolph Abundant Life Scholarship with your
The Academy Chorale’s performance of “For the Longest Time” and the Alma Mater added to the enjoyment of the day. With everyone’s enthusiastic support, this year’s Scholarship Fund netted more than $17,500.00. The outstanding selection of raffle baskets was assembled by Mary Ellen Prunty Kraus ’75, Mary Smetana Kolick ’83 and Christine Lynch Dorsey ’66. Special thanks to all our sponsors. Lead Sponsor: EnnisCourt/Patrice Campbell; Presenting Sponsors: Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71, Judy Ghazoul Hilow ’81, P’06, ’08, ’21; Supporting Sponsors: Mary Smetana Kolick ’83, P’15, Board Member Julia Mayer P’21 and our Generous Sponsors: Anonymous, Tony Ansalmo P’22/Premier ProduceOne, Cherie A. Van Uum Friedman ’80/Friedman Search Group, Tari Rivera/Regency Construction Services and Board Member Diane Strojin ’83. Saint Joseph Academy invites our entire community to join the Make-A-Will Movement. Nearly 67% of Americans do not have a will, so we are on a mission to ensure everyone in the Jaguar family has an estate plan to protect their loved ones. To do this, we’ve partnered with FreeWill, an online estate-planning solution that walks you through creating a legally valid will in about 20 minutes. Using FreeWill, you can join the movement of nearly 500,000 folks who have secured their future with this online resource. As you write your will, the Academy invites you to create a legacy for Catholic education by naming Saint Joseph Academy in your estate plan. Whether you just graduated or last walked our campus years ago, you’ve made a mark on the Academy — and now, it can be a part of your lasting legacy as you support future generations of students. Learn more by visiting FreeWill.com/ SJA1890 or scanning the QR code: You Could Win $20,000 Supporting the Jaguar Jackpot! What would you do with $20,000?
Hannah Hill '16 Alumnae hhill@sja1890.org216.619.1653Director
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 of Institutional csipple@sja1890.org216.671.0166Advancement Melissa mmurphy@sja1890.org216.251.6788DevelopmentMurphyDirectorx232
Saint Joseph Academy SUMMER 2022 21
On Wednesday, September 14, Saint Joseph Academy will kick off its annual Jaguar Jackpot raffle to support tuition assistance for each and every student. Tickets may be purchased online from a Visitofstudentspecificorinsupportanystudent.www.sja1890.org/jaguarjackpot for more information and to purchase tickets online (Ohio residents only) through Sunday, October 16, 11:59 p.m. EST. You could be this year’s winner!
Contact Us Thank You for Making the Scholarship Luncheon a Success
After waiting 1,099 days to meet again in person, alumnae and friends of the Academy gathered for our Annual Scholarship Luncheon at Westwood Country Club. The afternoon included Isabela Bobé ’22 sharing her personal story and the impact her Saint Joseph Academy education has had on her life and future plans.
Ellen Spaniol Tilow ’46 on the death of her brother, John Spaniol. Ann Kilbane, CSJ ’54, M. Margaret Kilbane Stearns ’56, Grace Kilbane Stropko ’62 and Patricia Kilbane Geniusz ’67 on the death of their brother and Karen Kilbane Salaschak ’90 on the death of her father, Thomas Kilbane. Carole Soltow Adams ’56 on the death of her sister, Janet Soltow McGill ’59 Barbara Watson Murphy ’58 on the death of her sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Watson Ross ’57. Isabelle Daly Hill ’60 and Bernadette Daly McCrone ’64 on the death of their brother-in-law and Wilma Daly Gneuhs ’65 on the death of her husband, Arthur Gneuhs. Marilyn Joniak Rolko ’60, on the death of her husband, Jack Rolko. Kathleen Forrey Gallagher N’61 on the death of her husband, Edward Gallagher. Mary Lockwood Gilham ’62 on the death of her husband, William Gilham. Rita Kopczewski Taggart ’64 on the death of her mother, Helen Kopczewski. Mary Cain Baltus ’65 on the death of her sister, Madeline Cain. Maureen Hughes Koma ’65, Pat Hughes Novak ’67, Kathy Hughes ’68 and Shannon Hughes Seikel ’85 on the death of their sister, Sheila Hughes ’72 Joanne HerdmannReinhard’67and Catherine Reinhard ’70 on the death of their mother, Jeanne Reinhard. Barbara Martin Kling N’67 on the death of her husband, Raymond Kling Sr. Patricia KrutowskisCorcoran’67on the death of her husband, Alex Krutowskis. Lois Carroll Cerny ’68 on the death of her sister, Dianne Carroll Ally. Eleanore Chihil-Jakubowski N’68 and Laura Chihil McCarthy N’73 on the death of their mother, Eleanore Flick. Mary Jo Synk Pleva ’68 on the death of her brother, Richard Synk. Kathy Monahan Frye N’69 on the death of her mother, Rose Monahan. Mary McManamon ’69 on the death of her mother, Janet Corcoran McManamon ’46 Michaella Bowman Dunn N’70 on the death of her sister, Martha Bowman Tieber N’63. Nancy Varga Yanik N’70 on the death of her sister, Mary Ann Varga Byndas N’67 Anne Marie Carey Pecon ’71 and Mary Kay Carey Adamczyk ’76 on the death of their mother, Kathryn Vanderwyst Carey ’45 Anne Morrow Star N’71 and Elizabeth Morrow Simon N’73 on the death of their sister, Mary Morrow Tlucak N’69 Debbie Janison N’72 on the death of her husband, Tom Foote. Beth Smolik Braden ’73 on the death of her brother, Lois Smolik III. Eileen Baugh Biel ’75, Therese Baugh Whitmore ’77, Katie Baugh Hofman ’79 and Mary Baugh Martin ’84 on the death of their mother, Carol Ann Baugh. Linda Kane ’75 on the death of her stepson, G.D. Leo Stewart II. Geralyn Gebura Radevic N’75 on the death of her mother, Margaret Gebura. Tamara Olenchuk Hipp N’77, Cathleen Olenchuk Poston N’79 and Joanne Olenchuk Higginbotham N’80 on the death of their father, John Olenchuk. Barbara Mlinar Mabry N’77 on the death of her mother, Mary Mlinar. Adrienne Takacs Dennis N’79 on the death of her father, Edward Takacs. Donna Dudash Lozinski ’79, Karen Dudash Fergus ’80, Linda Dudash Lohman ’81, Nancy Dudash ’85 and Julia Dudash Hershberger ’92 on the death of their mother, Dorthea Dudash. Stephanie Fasko Frost ’80 on the death of her mother, Anna Fasko. Linda Weakland McGonegal ’80 on the death of her mother, Dorothy Weakland. Eveyln Dzurilla Moore ’80 on the death of her sister, Dianne Dzurilla Williams ’81
Memoriam
Please remember in your
Losses from the CSJ community: Sr. Delphine Kennedy
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Losses from the adult community: Kathy Flinn on the death of her sister-in-law, Deb O’Brien. Constance Sipple on the death of her sister, Patty Sipple. Lou Ann Wensink on the death of her brother, Randy “Buzz” Punches.
Kathleen Ashdown Baldwin ’82 on the death of her sisterin-law, and Erin Ashdown ’19 on the death of her mother, Maureen Isabella Ashdown ’89 Therese Kensick Crowe ’82, Ruth Kensick ’84 and Mary Jo Kensick Kuharik ’87 on the death of their mother, Betty Kensick. Lisa LawlessRoggenburk’82 on the death of her brother, Matthew Roggenburk. Mary Kay Donoughe Schneider ’82 on the death of her sister, Deborah Donoughe Oller ’70 Cheryl Czekaj Camiola ’83 on the death of her father, Bernard Czekaj. Eileen Brady Grant ’83 on the death of her mother, Margaret Brady. Julie Granfors Keifer ’84, Lisa Granfors ’85, Kate Granfors ’89 and Megan Granfors Nodge ’91 on the death of their mother, Joyce Granfors. Cynthia Urmetz Castor ’86 on the death of her father, James Urmetz. Regina Sowa McAfee ’88 on the death of her husband, and Margaret McAfee ’15 and Kathryn McAfee ’17 on the death of their father, Michael McAfee. Rebecca Berwick ’91 on the death of her mother, Gail Corrigan Berwick. Jennifer Kemer O’Shea ’91 on the death of her mother, Marie Kemer. Bethany Bocan ’94 on the death of her father, Steven Bocan. Maura O’Malley Smith ’96 on the death of her father, Patrick J. O’Malley. Holly Acklin Ahlman ’99 and Jamie Acklin Adams ’02 on the death of their mother, Margaret Acklin. Kristen Case ’03 on the death of her father and retired Receptionist Judy Case on the death of her husband, Richard Case. Eva Mihelich ’20 on the death of her father, James Mihelich. Emily Scheutz ’16 on the death of her father, and retired faculty member Paula Schuetz on the death of her husband, Mark Scheutz.
prayers the following deceased alumnae: Rita Zichacek Braden ’44 Kathryn Vanderwyst Carey ’45 Janet Corcoran McManamon ’46 Mary Margaret Finnerty Rhoa ’46 Joyce Morgan Obral ’50 Ruth Elliott Donnelly ’55 Elizabeth (Beth) Watson Ross ’57 Patricia Leary Hutton ’59 Janet Soltow McGill ’59 Janet Cupolo Schrott ’59 Rosemarie Burke, SIW ’62 Agnes Kasa Temesvari ’62 Martha Bowman Tieber N’63 Dianna Kenny Walker ’63 Ann Marie Pruchnicki Booher ’64 Janice Macho Osters ’65 Mary Ann Varga Byndas N’67 Mary Morrow Tlucak N’69 Deborah Donoughe Oller ’70 Sheila Hughes ’72 Constance Kacik N’77 Dianne Dzurilla Williams ’81 Maureen Isabella Ashdown ’89 Theresa Kalasz ’89 Denise Duke Semmens ’99 Crystal Rerko-Selvage ’03Memoriams include those that were received prior to June 24, 2022.
Class
Monica Weber Babcock ’72 published a new book, A Melancholy Union, based on the lives of her great-great-grandparents who emigrated from Ireland during the Famine only to face hardship and Civil War in America. Her prior novel, Burden of Remembrance, set in the 1940s to the1960s in Cleveland portrays a multigenerational family facing individual challenges of war, betrayal and sickness. Nancy Ozimek Molnar N’74 was recently recognized for the quality of her reporting for the Times Reporter by the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors (APME) Newspaper contest. She was awarded first place for the Best Explanatory Reporting category for the “Zoar Fire Department Dispute”’ She earned second place for “Best News Writer” and “Best Feature Writer.”
L to R: Ali Conkey (History teacher at Saint Joseph Acad emy), Sarah Reinhold ‘12, Kelsi McCafferty-San filippo ‘12, Jillian Tesny ‘12, Caroline Speice ‘13, Jane Kosko ‘12, Katherine Speice-Schiau ‘12, Hannah Millar ‘12, Megan Scelza ‘12 and Maureen Fallon Adler ‘79. Joseph Academy
NotesAlumnae 1990s
1970s
Megan Arms Bokar ’07 and Jonathan Bokar a daughter, Hannah born May 11, 2022. Eleanore Hilow Andreani ’08 and Michael Andreani a daughter, Charlotte Kalima born March 30, 2022. Bridget Urban Sulzer ’09 and Aaron Sulzer a daughter, Sloane Scullin born November 16, 2021.
2000s Rosemary Brewka ’03 married Gregory Shuck on October 16, 2021 at Saint Stephen Church in Cleveland. Clare Brewka ’05 and Anne Brewka ’07 were Co-Maids of Honor. 2010s Farrell O’Malley ’11 was appointed at the Chief Probation Officer for the Lakewood Municipal Court. The appointment was made by Lakewood Judge Terease Neff on January 1, 2022. Jane Kosko ’12 married Matt St. John on May 28, 2022 in Lakewood at St. Luke Church. Saint Joseph Academy was well represented in the wedding party including CubClub Nora Kelly Bartolotta ’01 and Matthew Bartolotta a daughter, Maeve Elizabeth born March 12, 2022. the mother of the groom Laura Heffernan St. John ’79 and among the wedding guests were Eileen Adler ’10, Colleen Meder-Mandoza
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod recognized their 2021 Bigs of the Year, which included Big Sister Wilma Lopez ’93 for her impact, support and guidance to her Little Sister. Paula Rosenberg ’01 married Lou Mazella on April 2, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. Lou proposed with a specially designed ring on her birthday. Paula’s sister, Sarah Rosenberg Ackerman ’02, was her Lady of Honor.
1980s Nancy Grabnegger ’87 married Iris Sommer in Schaumburg, Illinois on September 21, 2021. Anne Marie Tirpak ’89 has been announced as the new President of De La Salle Institute, a Catholic co-ed secondary school in Chicago. After an extensive nationwide search, Anne Marie was selected for her skills and experience in advancement, admissions, alumni relations, development, capital campaigns, DEI, community relations and strategic planning.
Sister Rita Shinhearl, CSJ (Sister Ceciliamarie) 70 years
Celebrating a Special Retiree: Judy Case
Jubilarians Congratulations to Jubilarians whose incredible service to the Congregation of St. Joseph is inspiring!
Sister Mary Lou Storey, CSJ (Sister Eileen Marie) 70 years
Sister Mary Brinkman, CSJ 50 years
Saint Joseph Academy SUMMER 2022 25
constant. “An accurate image for Judy is our Patron, St. Joseph,” said Mr. Jeff Sutliff, Saint Joseph Academy Principal. “Like St. Joseph, Judy never waivers; she’s always loyal and courageous – someone who doesn’t talk about how hard she works or how busy she is; but someone who will do whatever it takes to get the job done. And she does it with gentleness and a humble nature that neither seeks nor expects any reward beyond the opportunity to do a job well and properly.”
We are very proud of their dedication and service to ‘the dear neighbor.’ The Jubilarians below have more than 485 years of combined service.Attheend of the 2022 school year, Main Office receptionist Mrs. Judy Case retired from Saint Joseph Academy. She served the community for nearly 30 years, in a role that changed and evolved during her service. She joined Saint Joseph Academy as a part-time study hall monitor in 1992 and became a fulltime staff member the following year as Events Coordinator for Advancement activities. After 10 years in that role, Mrs. Case spent the following twenty years welcoming everyone who visited the Academy as the receptionist in the Main WhileOffice.Mrs.Case supported the Academy community in a number of ways professionally, her loyal service and commitment to doing the best job remained
Sister Jane Ann Comerford, CSJ
(Sister Marie Corde) 60 years
We are grateful for Mrs. Case’s 30 years of service to the Saint Joseph Academy community and wish her the best in her retirement, which will enable her to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.
Admission/Scholarship Testing with Parent Forum: Saturday, October 22 and Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. During testing, parents/guardians are invited to attend an informative presentation regarding what makes the Academy unique, the admission process and tuition assistance.
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 email alumnae@sja1890.org.
In an effort to be good stewards of both the environment and your generous contributions, we are now sending only one magazine per household.
Calling all alumnae who graduated in years ending in ‘2’ or ‘7’ to save the weekend of October 8-10 for their 2022 Grand Reunion! Activities include tours, family-friendly activities, an all-alumnae Mass and more! 8th Grade Shadowing Dates (select dates September-December) Fall Open House: Sunday, October 16, 1-4 p.m. Prospective students and their parents/guardians are invited to tour the Academy building, the Howley Makerspace innovation lab and the readapted building that is now Fitzmaurice Hall.
Saint Joseph Academy 3470 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44111 Datedwww.sja1890.orgMaterial Non-Profit Org. U.S. PermitCleveland,PAIDPostageOHNo.912
Admission/Scholarship Testing (No Parent Forum): Wednesday, November 2, 4-7 p.m. Admission Only Testing: Saturday, January 7, 2023 and Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 4-7 p.m. Admission consideration only. Visit www.sja1890.org/admission for more information and registration.
High School Placement Test (HSPT): Required for 8th-grade students interested in applying for admission to the Class of 2027.
LOOKINGAHEAD
Grand OctoberHomecomingReunion/Weekend:8-10.
Stay Connected
Important Admission Events for 8th Grade Girls
Nazareth Academy Reunion Luncheon: Sunday, September 11, 1-4 p.m. Nazareth Academy alumnae are invited to attend their annual reunion luncheon at Cleveland Yachting Club in Rocky River. RSVP by Tuesday, September 6 to Alumnae Coordinator, Mrs. Tammi Olle at tolle@sja1890.org or 216.251.6788 x245.