Tower Fall 2017 - Saint Gertrude High School

Fall 2017

Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy at Every Age

Women Living Abroad Six Saint Gertrude Women Share Their Stories

Global Learning Program Students Visit Haiti, Spain & France A Magazine for Friends and Alumnae of Saint Gertrude High School

Mission Saint Gertrude High School, an independent Catholic, college-preparatory school, prepares and inspires young women to answer the challenges of their changing world.

Administration 2017–2018 Renata Rafferty Head of School Peggy Boon Dean of Faculty & Academics

Core Values * We live by Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and stewardship, finding strength in our prayerful spirituality, beauty in God's creation, and joy in serving others.

Nancy Carrig Dean of Student Life Marcia Davis Finance Manager Michelle Schroeter Director of Development

* We create a diverse, nurturing, and inclusive community in which together we make one another stronger.

Margaret Shibley ’77 Director of Alumnae Relations

* We develop the whole student by stimulating pursuit of intellectual excellence, physical well-being, expressive creativity, and spiritual discovery.

Meredith McNamara ’88 Director of Admissions

* We exhibit high moral character in the way we show respect for ourselves and others. * We serve as good stewards of the resources that are entrusted to us, ensuring opportunities for as many young women as possible, regardless of economic situation.

Class Note Submissions Please send your alumnae news and photographs for upcoming issues of Tower by email to alumnae@saintgertrude.org or by mail to Director of Alumnae Relations Margie Shibley, 3215 Stuart Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221. When sending photographs, please include a full caption that identifies everyone in the photo. High resolution (300dpi) digital images are encouraged whenever possible. Editors may edit submissions for length, clarity, and style. The deadline for the next magazine is January 1, 2018.

A special thanks to all the alumnae, parents, students, friends, faculty, and staff who have contributed information for this issue.

Alexis Finc Director of Communications

Editor Meghan Madel, Marketing Communications Coordinator Contributing Writers Peggy Boon, Lisa Fusco, Meghan Madel, Happy Mahaney, Renata Rafferty, Jenny Watkins ’00, Diane York Photography Adam Ewing, Meghan Madel, Real Life Studios, Margie Shibley ’77, and various Saint Gertrude Constituents Design Scout Design

Please forward address changes to: Saint Gertrude High School 3215 Stuart Avenue Richmond, VA 23221 Or alumnae@saintgertrude.org Cover: Dawn Karns '19 helps a child with his art project in Hinche, Haiti.

The trip is part of Saint Gertrude's Global Learning Program.

View from the Tower

Women and money … in decades past, comedians like Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers made a good living at the expense (pun intended) of women’s spending habits. We may have come a long way, but the jokes continue, this time hitting a little closer to home:

I’m not sexist – I’m not! That’s why I let my female workers work longer than the men so they can make the same money.

– Al Murray, Comedian

Saint Gertrude shares its roots with virtually every other Catholic elementary and high school in the United States: the gumption, relentless devotion, and the sacrifice – financial sacrifice – of generations of vowed religious women. Responding to the calls of Bishops around the country seeking to establish schools for immigrant children, Sisters – like our own Benedictine Sisters of Virginia – left home, and often their native countries, to build a nation-wide school system unlike any other in the world.

Many of us owe our educations to these selfless nuns.

At the same time, we wonder why Catholic education used to be so cheap by comparison to today’s tuition costs. The answer is simple – the nuns.

We have forgotten that the women who built and staffed our schools did so for virtually no pay. In fact, until 1972, Sisters were not able to participate in the Social Security system, and even then, their contributions, based on salary, were minimal.

More than fifty years later, Sisters are paying a steep price for their sacrifice.

With few new vocations in women’s orders, the population of American Sisters is aging out. And so are their motherhouses and monasteries.

ABOVE From the 1980 yearbook: a ceramics class makes Christmas gifts!

ABOVE Saint Gertrude's Benedictine Sisters from the 1969 yearbook, clockwise from top left: Sister Damien, Sister Frances Marie, Sister Agnes, & Sister Kathleen.

Our own Benedictine Sisters of Virginia are no different.

A visit to their home in Bristow is a trip back in time – from the thrice-daily group prayers that date back to the time of Saint Benedict, to the mystical draw of the outdoor labyrinth and stain-glassed silos, to the humble beauty of the gardens, grounds, and wildlife.

The monastery itself, however, reflects the financial reality of an order that gave its all to us.

The building in which the Sisters live, work, and pray has aged out. Plagued with lead and asbestos, with disintegrating plumbing that has the water shut down for days, electrical wiring that cannot bear the load of modern conveniences (like decent heating and air) –

our Benedictine Sisters’ home is literally beyond repair.

But they do not complain, they are characteristically joyful in their Ora et Labora.

Safety is another matter. The top floor of the Sisters’ monastery serves as their clinic, assisted living and nursing home, and the last place many of our Benedictines will live their final, and in many cases, frail years. Lovingly cared for by other Sisters and lay help, these same women who gave their lives to us – and specifically to Saint Gertrude – live in conditions that are no longer safe.

A visit to their home in Bristow is a trip back in time – from the thricedaily group prayers that date back to the time of Saint Benedict, to the mystical draw of the outdoor labyrinth and stain-glassed silos, to the humble beauty of the gardens, grounds, and wildlife.

The bottom line – our Benedictine Sisters need a new home. They have the space on their property, they have the plans, and they so dearly have the need. But like many women of a certain age who sacrificed their all for others, they do not have the financial resources for this extraordinary project.

So, it is in honor of our Benedictine Sisters of Virginia that we dedicate this issue of Tower to women and finance. Our feature story, by Saint Gertrude English Department Chair Jennifer Watkins ’00, examines the changing relationship between women and money at different points in our lives, and shares practical financial advice for girls and women of all ages.

As long as women continue to earn 77 cents to the dollar for men doing the same work, we must be twice as wise and twice as mindful about saving, spending, and planning.

And we ask you to reflect on the role the Sisters have played in your life, in the lives of your parents, spouse, children, or grandchildren. If your education was provided by the Sisters, NOW is the time to acknowledge their sacrifice – especially their financial sacrifice – and prayerfully consider what you can do to build them a home in which they can continue to pray and work in peace and safety in their twilight years.

We owe them nothing less.

As always, we hope you enjoy the many features and perspectives reflected in Tower, and we welcome your comments, suggestions, and letters to the editor.

Peace,

Renata Rafferty Head of School

If you would like to learn more about the Benedictine Sisters’ need and plan to build a new monastery home, or if you would like to discuss a major gift or planned gift, please contact Sister Glenna Smith, OSB at 703.361.0106 or via e-mail at sglenna@aol.com

ABOVE From the 1984 yearbook: the class of ‘87 with Sister Damien.

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Campus News

Graduation

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Athletics

Alumnae Events

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Class Notes

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School Events

TABLE OF CONTENTS

features

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In Her Words Saint Gertrude Women Living Abroad

“Before you know it, you will realize the benefits far outweigh any difficulties.”

– Jennifer Curley Dearle ’90

Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy at Every Age

Reflection

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NEWS FROM OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND SGHS IN THE COMMUNITY

GLOBAL LEARNING Opportunities for Academic Exchanges Around the World

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long held Saint Gertrude tradition involves giving students the opportunity to travel abroad and to various sites in the United States when school is not in session. Over the past year, the international travel program has grown into the the Global Learning Program, offering students new ways to experience culture in Europe and Haiti.

Students involved in the academic exchange program take turns hosting and visiting in each other’s homes, forging friendships while exploring the culture and history with a native of the country.

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campus news

Richmond IS Our Campus We look forward to sharing all the ways we use Richmond to enrich our curriculum.

For more than ten years, freshman theology classes have walked down Grove Avenue to Temple Beth El to formulate a better understanding of their Judeo-Christian roots and instill in students a foundation for their study of the Hebrew scriptures. Students learn about the role of the rabbi, the cantor, Torah, menorah, and the history and symbols of Judaism. The rabbi and cantor welcome Saint Gertrude students as good neighbors and thoroughly answer all of their questions.

RIGHT Students are led on a tour of the synagogue by the cantor, Hazzan Marian Turk.

Every year, under the guidance of their dean, faculty members are encouraged to apply for a Beyond the Classroom Grant funded by the SGHS PTSO. Several years ago, Tammy Ingram, French teacher and current world languages department chair, was awarded a Beyond the Classroom Grant to begin an academic exchange program with schools in France and Spain. Academic exchanges allow students the opportunity to visit another country, stay in a home with their international peers, and explore

the culture by attending school. Students involved in the academic exchange program take turns hosting and visiting in each other’s homes, forging friendships while exploring the culture and history with a native of the country.

In January of 2017, all the planning came to fruition as seven SGHS students hosted their counterparts from Colegio la Vall, an all-girls Catholic school in Barcelona, Spain.

Over spring break, the SGHS students had their turn to stay with their sisters in Barcelona, attending school and touring the area with their host families. French students had the same opportunity with Lycée Armand Peugeot in Valentigney, France and to host their French sisters in Richmond.

The first service immersion trip to Haiti in June 2017 was an immensely rewarding experience for the six students who participated, living out the Benedictine values together with Lindsay Holtz, academic advisor, Heather Sams, school nurse, and Father James Griffin, SGHS chaplain.

Their work at the orphanage in Hinche, Haiti made a lasting impression on all involved.

FAR LEFT Erin Sullivan ‘19 at the Maison Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti LEFT Natalie Maurer ‘18 explores Barcelona, Spain on bicycle.

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Into the Woods Well-Known Fairy Tales with a Moral Twist

Over 1,000 audience members were wowed by the coed ensemble cast and the extraordinary and whimsical set.

The performing arts at Saint Gertrude continue to play a major role in forming young women with confidence, poise, good humor, and enormous talent.

This past year, the Stuart Avenue Players took on one of Broadway’s most ambitious works, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

Based on a re-imagined mash-up of well-known fairy tales with a moral twist, the Tony-winning show’s enormously difficult vocal score can be tough for even seasoned adult singers to master. Stage Director Happy Maheny and Musical Director Lisa Fusco created a brilliant production that broke all attendance records for a Saint Gertrude show. Over 1,000 audience members were wowed by the coed ensemble cast, and the extraordinary and whimsical set. But the learning experience didn’t end when the final curtain (figuratively!) came down. Lisa and Happy organized a backstage tour for cast and parents at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, followed with the national touring company’s performance of Sondheim’s fairytale masterpiece.

Students had an opportunity to see how staging and roles could be reinterpreted in the hands of other directors and performers, and came home ready to take on the school’s next theatrical challenge!

TOP Saint Gertrude Students during a performance of the award-winning musical Into the Woods. ABOVE Behind-the-scenes with students and parents at the Kennedy Center.

campus news

COAL PIT LEARNING CENTER Providing Preschool & Day Care for Young Children in Need

Willow Clark ‘19, Fiona Hefele ‘19, Katie Centofanti ‘19, and Maggie Dooley ‘17 spread Christmas joy at Coal Pit Learning Center.

Children from the Coal Pit Learning Center look forward to the Saint Gertrude Halloween Carnival every year.

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aint Gertrude students live out the Benedictine values in many ways, most notably by giving their time and service to the community. Participating in local service projects promotes a lifelong commitment to serving the most vulnerable among us.

One of our longest standing connections to a community organization is SGHS’s relationship with the children of Coal Pit Learning Center.

Dorothy Smith Gallimore ’62 founded Coal Pit Learning Center, a nonprofit organization providing preschool and day care for low-income families with young children.

For over 40 years, Coal Pit has served more than 1,000 impoverished children and their families in the Richmond area. Coal Pit provides educational, nutritional and emotional support in a Christian atmosphere, while nurturing the children’s social and academic growth so that they are prepared to enter kindergarten. For more than 20 years Saint Gertrude students have provided Halloween fun and Christmas cheer to the preschoolers.

Every October, students invite the Coal Pit children to school for a Halloween carnival, and play games, paint faces, and provide treats. At Christmas time, Saint Gertrude students purchase, assemble, wrap, and deliver Christmas packages of clothing and educational toys to the Coal Pit Learning Center, bringing a smile to a young person’s face. Giving back to the community is truly a rewarding experience for all involved.

The original school was built in 1905 to serve the African American coal mining families in Glen Allen and western Henrico County.

Learn More at coalpitlearningcenter.com tower | Fall 2017 | 9

Girls Power Tech Day Cisco hosts Girls Power Tech Day to inspire the next generation of innovators, taking science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to the next level. This year’s Girls Power Tech featured 90 Cisco offices in 50 countries across the world hosting nearly 6,000 students. Through the latest in information and communications technology, Saint Gertrude students had the opportunity to

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interact with industry leaders and other girls throughout the world.

They then used the technology to work together to complete communication and design tasks.

RIGHT Katie Centofanti ‘19 and Lindsay Schowalter ‘18 communicate design steps to Margot Powers ‘18 and Allison Toler ‘18 via Cisco telecommunication.

FAITH GROWS piritual life and formation have been at the heart of Saint Gertrude High School’s program since its opening in 1922. If the library is the heart of our campus, the chapel is its soul.

Recently, Saint Gertrude’s chapel was featured on the Richmond Museum District Association’s House and Garden Tour. Over 700 visitors came to see the beautiful stained glass windows, touch the original Benedictine prayer stalls, and admire the Montecassino-inspired marble and wood altarpiece. They were fascinated by the story of how our Sisters came to Richmond, eventually moving to Saint Gertrude’s present location to open a monastery and school.

The vast majority of our guests, reflecting the diverse population of Richmond, were not Catholic, and after the formal tour and presentation, many had questions about the school today and especially about the role of the Benedictine Sisters in our institution. Inevitably, the inquiries boiled down to one: “How does Saint Gertrude remain spiritually focused without the physical presence of Sisters?”

There is no one answer. Our academic program requires four years of theology study. We celebrate allschool Masses (Catholic Eucharistic liturgy) throughout the year, adding multiple chapel meetings, prayer services, and small-group Masses each month. Each of our students completes a minimum of forty hours of community service before graduating, tying the lessons of scripture and social justice to real-world needs, and students attend annual class retreats during their four years at Saint Gertrude.

They were fascinated by the story of how our Sisters came to Richmond, eventually moving to Saint Gertrude’s present location to open a monastery and school.

The growing spiritual interests and activities of our students (only 60 percent of whom are Catholic) led to our engaging a part-time campus minister last year.

Lindsay Holtz applied her extensive experience in youth ministry and master’s degree in school counseling to expand student involvement in charting the spiritual life of the school.

The culmination of the year’s activities was Saint Gertrude’s first service immersion trip abroad. Six students, accompanied by Lindsay, School Nurse Heather Sams, and our Chaplain Father Jim Griffin, travelled to Hinche, Haiti, shortly after the end of the school year. They were welcomed at the Maison Fortune Orphanage where they shared their hands, hearts, and love with the boys and girls of this very special refuge.

They also prayed and visited with St. Mother Teresa’s Mission Sisters of Charity in Hinche, where only a handful of nuns are responsible for nearly three hundred children in their hospital’s care.

Saint Gertrude will be expanding its service immersion trip program next year, and will also be introducing Kairos retreats for upper level students. We’ll keep you posted as our faith traditions continue to grow.

campus news

HONORS ENSEMBLE “Singing the National Anthem gives me a sense of national pride. It reminds me to honor all those who have bravely died for the freedom of our country.”

– Adreanna DeMarino ’19

“I think it’s interesting that the National Anthem ends with a question asking if our flag still flies over ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’ today. It serves as a reminder that it is our responsibility to ensure that the values of our nation are upheld over time, and provides motivation to continue striving for freedom and courage.”

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onors Ensemble is the select choral group of the four choirs at Saint Gertrude, and has won superior rankings at district assessments from the Virginia Choral Directors Association for the past seven years.

Ensemble members are class leaders of the school’s Song Contest, actors in the fall musical, and student leaders in a broad range of school activities including student government, service, tutoring, clubs, and sports.

Led by Lisa Fusco, Ensemble often performs for the general public. They are frequently invited to sing the National Anthem for the VCU Rams, Flying Squirrels, and at other local venues. They perform full concerts at a number of locations including Busch Gardens Christmas Town, The Jefferson Hotel, and Bruton Parish in Williamsburg.

Their widest audience has been for the NASCAR Virginia 529 Race at Richmond International Raceway.

Ensemble has sung the National Anthem at the nationally-televised race three times, in 2012, 2013, and 2016. Their heartfelt and respectful performance garnered national exposure, and Ensemble received compliments from across the country. Nancy Benedum of Ohio located the school and sent a congratulatory note. “Your ladies were smartly attired and very poised in their presentation. The singing was

– Kate Statelman ’17

excellent. The enunciation superb. And thank you for not over performing the dotted eighth and sixteenth notes with two eighth notes!” Her notes are always accompanied by cookies in appreciation. Maureen Young of Florida extends this praise, “Your young ladies captured the essence of our national anthem.

They understood Key’s words and those words touched their hearts.”

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A TRIBUTE TO SISTER ANITA SHERWOOD A beloved Saint Gertrude teacher and principal for a remarkable 45 years and lifelong friend of the school, we remember and celebrate the life of Sister Anita Sherwood.

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ister Anita Sherwood, OSB, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at age 98. Eighty-three years prior, she joined the Benedictine Sisters in Bristow, Virginia at the age of fifteen. After forty-five years in the ministry of education, including fifteen years as the principal of Saint Gertrude High School (1961–1976), Sister Anita moved into parish ministry until her retirement in 1999. Sister Anita also served St. Benedict School in Richmond, Linton Hall School in Bristow, St. Charles Borromeo School in Arlington, and St. Rose of Lima School in Hampton. Wherever she taught, her students were blessed with her love of literature, especially poetry. Her parish service included Church of the Epiphany in Richmond, Prince of Peace in Chesapeake, Sacred Heart in Hoadly, St. Elizabeth Seton in Lake Ridge, and St. Ann’s in Arlington.

Quotes from the Community She was a special person and I am sure she is a saint who is looking after all her Gertie Girls now.

– MARY KATHERINE (KAY) ZICH GRAPPONE ‘72

She was tough but very kind and I am so grateful that she was my English teacher.

– CLARA VOLGYI BURROW ‘64

I would not be where I am today without her great teaching. She was one of a kind.

ABOVE Sister Anita teaching English in 1964.

– AELISE CURLEY NOONAN ’69

She always challenged her students to aim high for success in academics and in life.

– CATHERINE COWAN ANGEL ‘76 12

campus news

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ALL SCHOOL FIELD TRIP TO DC

xperience is central to the learning process and nothing encapsulates that better than the SGHS annual All School Field Trip to Washington, DC. Students experience and interact with exhibitions in museums, public buildings, monuments, and parks located on the National Mall and elsewhere in our nation’s capital.

This memorable experience increases students knowledge as they develop critical thinking skills, clarify values, and reflect on ways they may develop a deeper commitment to being active community participants and civic leaders.

Each grade level has a unique itinerary while touring Washington, DC, derived from the big topics students explore throughout the year in theology, math, science,

social studies, and English. This past year the freshman trip, Flights Literal and Figurative, offered students a chance to experience the Marine Corps Memorial, Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum. The sophomore trip, entitled Crisis & Catastrophe: 20th Century Watershed Events, included visiting the World War II Memorial, Holocaust Museum and Memorial, and the International Spy Museum. The junior trip entitled I, Too, Am America, encompassed tours of the Lincoln Memorial, the Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Seniors focused on exploring Democracy in Action through interpretive visits to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, US Capitol, and the Newseum. The All School Field Trip is experiential education at its best, facilitated last year by two creative and dedicated faculty members, Nancy Rives and Kim Bullock, in consultation with Peggy Boon, academic dean.

TOP RIGHT Maeve Oliver ‘17 and Madison Schmidt ‘17 respectfully peruse the Vietnam Memorial during the All School Trip to DC. ABOVE Grace Edmunds ‘17, Emily Provenzo ‘17 and Madison Schmidt ‘17 savor the memories on their last All School Field Trip to DC.

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SGHS Faculty Award A new SGHS annual award, Hearts at Work: Faculty Ingenuity Award, recognizes a faculty member who identifies a need in the school community and implements a thoughtful solution that positively impacts the student body and/or faculty. The recipient of this award for the 2016–17 school year was Susan Farmer, mathematics department chair and teacher. Prior to the start of the school year, Susan offered to provide a daily after-school study hall for students who were struggling academically and had been placed on academic review. Through Susan’s efforts, the AR study hall was established to provide students with a supportive environment where they

could develop the academic habits and skills that would help them meet with success at SGHS. Throughout the school year, Susan measured and evaluated the progress of the students participating in the program and made adjustments designed to affect each student's abilities to meet their goals. Her willingness to step up and voluntarily devote hours of her personal time to this initiative greatly impacted the AR program and students’ lives. A nurturing, patient, and kind woman, Susan has high expectations for students which encourages students’ accountability, effort, and achievement.

Susan was recognized for her efforts at the Annual SGHS Awards Day Ceremony in May where she received a check for $500 and the gratitude of the entire school community. A role model for all faculty, Susan has taught at Saint Gertrude High School for 28 years where she has positively influenced the lives of many students.

New Website Saint Gertrude High School recently launched a new website. If you have not done so, check it out!

– saintgertrude.org

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campus news

Saint Gertrude High School students, circa 1930

Did You Know… ?

Wise financial counsel at a key moment in Saint Gertrude’s history allows our school to enjoy its prestigious location in the heart of Richmond’s historic Museum District as well as the spaciousness of an entire city block in a neighborhood of primarily small, narrow townhouses.

The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia arrived in Richmond from Pennsylvania in May of 1868 to reopen the old Saint Mary School, located downtown, that had been shuttered by the Sisters of Notre Dame at the start of the Civil War. By 1912, the Sisters knew they needed more space, and the lightly populated West End held the best possibilities. Their original plan was to purchase the relatively small lot on which now stands the original monastery, chapel, and a few basement classrooms.

Thankfully for Saint Gertrude, Joseph W. Bliley, Sr., who was advising the Sisters,

energetically advocated that they think longterm and purchase the entire block. Generously, he even advanced the funds that would allow them to do so.

Less known is that Saint Mary School was noted for its comprehensive music program, and that legacy continued with the Sisters’ move to Stuart Avenue. Well into the 1970s, Saint Gertrude was known for its outstanding music program, drawing visiting music professors from Catholic University in Washington, DC, who hosted master classes and musical competitions at the school.

Today, Saint Gertrude’s music program focuses on choral music. Its famed Honors Ensemble, under the direction of Lisa Fusco, has achieved superior ratings in regional competitions and has performed on national television as well as throughout Virginia. And so, the musical legacy continues!

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SONG CONTEST

n Friday, March 3, 2017, we welcomed parents, alumnae, faculty, staff, friends, judges, and honored guests to the 66th Song Contest. Before the students performed, hundreds of alumnae, led by Cornelia White Waters ’67, took to the stage to sing the alma mater. Head of School Renata Rafferty presented the 2017 Distinguished Honoree Awards to Sister Cora Marie Billings, RSM, 2017 Distinguished Friend of the School; Mr. William T. Hupp / Estes, 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist Award; and, Sister Cecilia Dwyer, OSB, ’63, 2017 Distinguished Alumna Award. All the classes delighted the audience with an amazing show. In the end, the senior class of Orange and Blue won first place and the junior class of Purple and White earned second place.

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campus news 1 The Class of Purple & White sang the alma mater and claimed second place.

2 Maggie Scott ‘20 led the freshman class of Black & Gold.

3 Renata Rafferty presented awards to the distinguished honorees.

4 Alumnae filled the Altria stage to sing the alma mater.

5 The class of Orange & Blue demonstrated their experience as seniors.

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6 The senior class of Orange & Blue stole the show with great harmonies and synchronized motions.

7 Former principal, Sr. Charlotte Lange (in pink) is loved by all.

8 Cornelia White Waters ’67 led alumnae in the alma mater.

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CLASS OF ORANGE & BLUE College Acceptances

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The University of Alabama

James Madison University

Roanoke College

Appalachian State University

University of Kentucky

Rochester Institute of Technology

Auburn University

Liberty University

Rollins College

Ave Maria University

Longwood University

Saint Joseph’s University

Beloit College

Loyola University Chicago

Saint Louis University

Bridgewater College

Loyola University Maryland

Savannah College of Art and Design

Case Western Reserve University

Lynchburg College

Shenandoah University

The Catholic University of America

Marian Military Institute (SAP)

University of South Carolina

College of Charleston

Marist College

Southern Methodist University

Christendom College

Mary Baldwin College

Sweet Briar College

Christopher Newport University

University of Mary Washington

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Citadel, The Military College

Meredith College

Texas Christian University

Miami University, Oxford

Vanderbilt University

Clemson University

Michigan Technological University

University of Vermont

Coastal Carolina University

University of Mississippi

Villanova University

University of Colorado at Boulder

Mount Saint Mary’s University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Denison University

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Virginia Military Institute

DePaul University

University of North Carolina

Virginia Tech

of South Carolina

East Carolina University

at Wilmington

Virginia Wesleyan College

Elon University

North Carolina State University

University of Virginia

Emerson College

Northeastern University

Wake Forest University

Flagler College

Norwich University

Warren Wilson College

Florida State University

University of Notre Dame

College of William and Mary

University of Florida

Old Dominion University

Xavier University

Fordham University

Oregon State University

George Mason University

University of Oregon

Goucher College

Pennsylvania State University

Hampshire College

Queens University of Charlotte

High Point University

Radford University

Hollins University

Randolph College

Illinois Institute of Technology

Randolph–Macon College

Indiana University at Bloomington

University of Richmond

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Bold Indicates Matriculations

Legacy Graduates & Little Sisters

graduations

Claire Eleanor Baugh ’17, daughter of Robin Marrin Baugh ’82 Caroline Elizabeth Duley ’17, granddaughter of Mary Boehling Will ’47*

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$4,902,710 Scholarship Money Awarded

Julianne O’Neil Hulcher ’17, granddaughter of Mary Alice Hall Hulcher ’60* Bridget Boehling Mayfield ’17, daughter of Jacqueline Saunders Mayfield ’86, granddaughter of Joyce Boehling Mayfield ’55* and sister of Anne ’13 Melissa Ann McBarron ’17, granddaughter of Alice Bucker Ross ’56 Eleanor Brennan McCune ’17, daughter of Kristin Williams McCune ’82 and sister of Mallory ’11 and Allyson ’13 Virginia Mercedes McNeil ’17, daughter of Paola Dyer Goldman McNeil ’80 Margaret Ann Pilcher ’17, daughter of Pamela Monahan Pilcher ’85 and granddaughter of Margaret Hawkins Monahan ’65

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Murphy Anne Snow ’17, daughter of Stacie Powers Snow ’88 and granddaughter of Frances Murphy Powers ’63 Helena Katherine Baldecchi ’17, sister of Brooke ’14 Millicent Paige Bell ’17, sister of Morgan ’15 Claire Lynn Carter ’17, sister of Ellie ‘14 Sierra Dawn Coleman ’17, sister of Hailey ’15 Cassandra Joan Franke ’17, sister of Christina ’13 Annah Concetta Gore ’17, sister of Ally ’11 and Grace ’19

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Madison Eleanor Gray ’17, sister of Abby ’21 Megan Elizabeth Hassett ’17, sister of Hayley ’15 Cary Virginia Keller ’17, sister of Wilson ’13 and Cannan ’14 Allison Kathryn Kreck ’17, sister of Meredith ’20 Carly Pawlowska Lewis ’17, sister of Rachel ’19 Mary Katherine McAleer ’17, sister of Abby ’14 Mary-Grace Josephine Siwko ’17, sister of Lucy ’19 Martha Haley Wilson ’17, sister of Hannah ’20 * Deceased

1 Valedictorian Cassandra Franke ‘17 addresses the audience.

2 Alumnae from the class of 1957 celebrate their 60th reunion at baccalaureate.

3 Sierra Coleman ‘17, Rose Foulis ‘17, Victoria Martin ‘17, Melissa McBarron ‘17 and Molly Powers ‘17 will always remember their days at Saint Gertrude.

VALEDICTORIAN Cassandra Joan Franke ’17

SALUTATORIAN Rachel Frances Gottschalk ’17

4 Head of School Renata Rafferty welcomes Hunter Parker ’99 to address the graduates. Hunter is the co-founder of New Hope School for Girls in Tanzania.

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Field Day 2

Here are some highlights of our favorite moments during the 2016–2017 school year.

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1 The class of Orange & Blue break into a cheer during Field Day. 2 Students from Saint Gertrude and Benedictine engage in an epic tug of war battle.

3 Seniors take part in the long-standing tradition of dancing around the May Pole.

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4 This year May Day was celebrated with Mass followed by the May Pole Dance. The 2017 May Court is pictured here L to R: Fiona Hefele ‘19, Sophie Rust ‘18, Cassandra Franke ‘17, Erin Gill ‘20, May Queen Eleanor McCune ‘17 and Maid of Honor Kate Statelman ‘17.

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school events

May Day

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Sponsors Day 5 The class of Purple & White show off their Saint Gertrude rings.

6 Saint Gertrude Sponsors join their Sponsoring Officers for Review.

7 Field Day hijinks 8 Some friendly competition at Field Day.

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Student Leadership Conference

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Robotics 22

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school events

Grandparents’ Day 1 The Class of 2020 began their high school career by attending a student leadership conference. #leaderswearkilts

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2 Vicky Smith-Parker ‘18 smiles with her grandparents during the Grandparents‘ Day Luncheon.

3 Caroline Blair ‘18 enjoys the luncheon with her grandmother.

4 Isabella Boehling ‘18 poses for a picture with her grandparents.

5 Emily Elmore ’17, Madison Schmidt ’17, Maddie Brannau, Sister Charlotte Lange, OSB ’58, and Eleanor McCune ’17 celebrate the Feast of Saint Gertrude.

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6 Ava Gibrall ‘20 and Roxanne Sawyer ‘20 grab sundaes during the Feast of Saint Gertrude.

7 Lucy Siwko ‘19, Mary-Grace Siwko ‘17, Julia Shelton ‘19, Reagan Leahey ‘19, Willow Clark ‘19 and Emma Loucks ‘19 at the March for Life.

Thirty-one students from Saint Gertrude traveled with 13 students from Benedictine to attend the March in Washington, DC.

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Feast of Saint Gertrude

8 Kate Sanders ‘19, Peyton Embrey ‘18, Emily Cale ‘18, Dr. Chad Suhr, Molly Powers ‘17, and Julia Nichols ‘19 are cheered on by the SGHS Gator at one of their competitions. tower | Fall 2017 | 23

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FALL SPORTS he varsity field hockey team finished this season with ten wins, the most in recent years and also finished first in the Highland Springs Tournament.

Megan Hassett ’17, Madison Schmidt ’17, Ellie Baldecchi ’17, Eleanor McCune ’17, and Mason Patton ’17 were chosen for the all-tournament team with Mason being named tournament MVP. In the LIS tennis tournament, Isabella Boehling ’18 placed fourth at #6 singles and fourth in #3 doubles with her partner, Lily Calkins ’18. Lily finished fifth at the #5 spot in singles. The team also had wins over Veritas and Walsingham Academy and carried the largest roster in recent years.

The volleyball season was highlighted with a second place finish in the Gator Classic Tournament. The team finished fifth in the LIS tournament this year and with a solid group of rising juniors and underclassmen returning, the team is set for big things in the next year. Andre Spencer was named the head varsity coach for the fall 2017 season.

The cross-country team finished second place in the Windy Hill Invitational with Mary Hanrahan ’17 finishing first overall in the race. Scott Schaefer will be the head coach for the fall 2017 season with the squad practicing with the Benedictine College Prep team.

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athletics

2 1 Katie Centofanti ‘19 and Anna Dittore ‘19 run their cross-country meet with smiles on their faces.

2 Varsity basketball wins their first Winter Gator Classic Tournament.

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3 Varsity field hockey celebrates their championship win at the Highland Springs Tournament.

4 Grace Edmunds ’17 keeps her eye on the ball during her tennis match.

5 Junior varsity volleyball plays a tough match against STAB.

WINTER SPORTS

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asketball Captain Sierra Coleman ’17 was named to the all-LIS basketball team this year highlighting a solid season for the Gators. Varsity basketball defeated Bishop Sullivan in the semifinals and John Marshall High School in the finals to win the first Winter Gator Classic Tournament. Aimee DeBell ’18 was named the tournament MVP, and Sierra and Megan Twomey ’18 were named to the all-tournament team. The team had 13 wins this season and made it to the first round of the state tournament.

The swim team finished fifth overall at the LIS championships and highlights of the meet included a fifth place finish in the 200–yard medley relay and 400–yard freestyle relay.

Willow Clark ’19 took third place in the 100–yard backstroke and fourth in the 200–yard freestyle.

The team competed in the 2017 NoVa Catholic Invitational Championship and finished sixth place overall. Emily Provenzo ’17 placed second

in the 500-yard freestyle and Mary Cornett ’19 placed second in the 100–yard breaststroke.

Emily also placed fourth in the 200–yard freestyle and the freestyle relay team of Willow, Mary, Emily, and Madison Schmidt ’17 placed fourth, as well.

The indoor track and field had a great year with Olivia Albergo ’17 placing 11th in the 55– meter dash, Ann Curran Merithew ’18 placing 13th in the 300–meter dash, Emma Wilson ’18 finishing seventh in the 1,000–meter run, and the relay team of Olivia, Ann, Natalie Sebastian ’17 and Vicki Smith-Parker ’18 finishing third in the 4×200–meter relay at the Boo Williams Tournament. The team finished fifth in the LIS conference tournament. Highlights of the meet include a third place finish in the 4×200–meter relay (Olivia, Natalie, Caroline DeSouza ’17, and Fiona Hefele ’19), and ninth and 10th place finishes in the 300-meter dash by Leah Bishop ’20, and Fiona, respectively.

tower | Fall 2017 | 25

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SPRING SPORTS he outdoor track and field season was the best in recent years. Lexi Lamb ’18 broke a long standing school record in the shot put, and finished second in the Collegiate meet. Eve Maddock ’19 finished fifth in the 100, 200, and 400. Lexi, Fiona Hefele ’19 and Leah Bishop ’20 all qualified for the VISAA tournament in their various events.

The lacrosse team continued to improve, winning a record seven games this season and finishing fifth place in the LIS conference. Mason Patton ’17 and Madison Schmidt ’17 were named to the all-LIS team for the second year in a row.

The soccer team finished fifth in the LIS conference in the regular season and placed stand-out player Aimee DeBell ’18 on the all-LIS team for the second year in a row. The squad finished second in the St. Margaret’s Invitational.

The softball team competed at the junior varsity level this season, but with some solid incoming players and a good core group of returners, the team will continue to grow and improve from one year to the next.

Golf Captain Martha Anne Hotinger ’17 was named one of 40 girls chosen nationwide and the only one from Virginia for the LPGA Leadership Academy. In 2015, the LPGA Foundation began a new, exciting journey, as we introduced a two-day LPGA Leadership Academy to keep teenage girls engaged in golf and prepare them for leadership opportunities. Forty participants received a scholarship to participate in this unique event.

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1 The varsity lacrosse team enjoys a successful season.

Go Gators!

2 Seniors celebrate their last varsity soccer game.

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athletics

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3 Gator Athlete of the Year Aimee DeBell ’18 4 Recipient of the Commitment Award, Ellie Baldecchi ’17 5 Madison Schmidt ’17, winner of the Bernard Lange Sportsmanship Award, goes on the attack in field hockey.

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College Commitments Three members of the class of 2017 have plans to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Emily Provenzo ’17 (left) signed a National Letter of Intent to swim at Villanova University this year. Sierra Coleman ’17 (middle) committed to playing basketball at Virginia Wesleyan University and Merritt Young ’17 (right) committed to playing soccer at Randolph-Macon College.

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in her words 28

Saint Gertrude Women on Living Abroad Saint Gertrude instills a love of language, culture, compassion, and community in students. The Benedictine values reinforce the importance of understanding and supporting the communities in which we live, work, and play. Our students move outward from the school, to the Museum District, the Richmond region, the state, the country, and the world. Our alumnae live in all parts of the world, and they share their insights and discoveries on those global experiences.

Janet Terrell Brot ’79 Switzerland

In 2001, Janet, her husband, and her young twins moved to Switzerland.

Although they lived in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and Janet had studied German in college, she found the Swiss dialect very different.

“I spent hours at various social events not understanding a word, but over time it gradually came to me.” The early years of raising children were challenging with unspoken rules, customs, and expectations of the culture.

For Janet “the quality of life in Switzerland is nothing short of amazing.

That’s honestly no exaggeration.”

Janet attributes much of this due to the small size of the country and community involvement. Politics begin at the village level. In general, there isn’t a pronounced class system and the standard of living is high. Rich and poor – and everyone in between – attend school together, attend church together, play on the same teams, participate in the same hobbies, are cared for by the same doctors, and live in the same communities.

Continued on page 30

Janet Brot leading a tour group through Belfast, Northern Ireland.

“Before you know it, you will realize the benefits far outweigh any difficulties.”

Jennifer Curley Dearle ’90

“Cultural adaptation and language acquisition both require a lot of patience.”

– Janet Terrell Brot ’79

As an educator, Janet enjoys introducing American culture and politics to her students. This cross-cultural exchange is enriching for both her and her students. Janet has also passed down her love of language and culture to her twins. Her daughter, Naomi, recently spent three weeks with a family in Toulouse, France, refining her French. She is also learning Spanish and Chinese. Her son Stefan recently travelled to Ticino (the Italian speaking part of Switzerland) and is learning Italian and French.

Jennifer Curley Dearle ’90

England and Hong Kong

Jennifer always had a deep curiosity about other countries and cultures.

Travel and exploring the world were ambitions of hers for as long as she could remember. She started by studying in London one summer during college and after that, was hooked on the idea of living abroad.

Jennifer agrees that being away from family and friends is definitely the hardest part of living overseas.

However, technology has made it easier to keep in touch. She laughs about it now, but coming to grips with a different culture, language and food led to situations that were a bit awkward. Jennifer seems to always have a positive attitude.

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She sees living abroad and any challenges she may face as a constant learning experience that turns every day into a bit of an adventure. “Being immersed in a different culture on a daily basis is fascinating and really deepens your understanding of the world and (at the risk of sounding cheesy) yourself.”

Jennifer encourages anyone in any stage of life to travel. And, if you want to live outside of the United States, do whatever you need to do to make it happen. Do not be deterred that it might be hard or scary at first. Those feelings are only temporary and “before you know it, you will realize the benefits far outweigh any difficulties.”

Head of School Renata Rafferty (L) spent five weeks teaching English to Chinese medical students this summer. She had the opportunity to meet up with Jennifer Dearle '90 in Hong Kong.

women living abroad

Joya Subudhi ’93 Germany

Joya was raised in a multicultural household and was exposed to other cultures at an early age. After Saint Gertrude, she studied international relations at Boston University and made friends with people from all over the world. Graduating into the dot com boom, many of Joya’s first clients were global. This eventually led to Joya starting her own PR agency, Wireside. Her work continues to take her all over the world. She recently spent time in Geneva, London and Berlin.

As a business owner, Joya faced a number of challenges in setting up her business and residency in Germany. In addition, finding the time to improve her German while running a business was challenging.

Missing friends and family were softened a bit by having her dog with her in Germany. As an American, she is accustomed to excellent service and having lots of options. She finds Germany is not as customer-centric as the US. All of the experiences make it worth it. Meeting new people and having new experiences is extremely rewarding and Joya take full advantage of all of the cultural opportunities. Greater emphasis is placed on the arts in Germany than in the US and because of solid government and corporate funding, many artistic and cultural activities are free.

“Living in another country isn’t the same as going on vacation.”

– Joya Subudhi ’93

Joya (L) and her colleague, Andrea Maclean, a Wireside Media Strategist, at a team dinner at the Café du Soleil in Geneva, Switzerland in April 2017.

PEACE CORPS

Joya advises anyone interested in living overseas to do it. However, she recommends spending time in a country before officially relocating. “Before I moved to Germany, I spent several years living in different countries for three to six months at a time.”

“The toughest job you’ll ever love.”

To find out more about the Peace Corps, visit

PEACECORPS.GOV tower | Fall 2016

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Maggie Farmer ’04 Moldova and Liberia

Maggie with her colleagues during her time in the Peace Corps.

After college, Maggie was looking for a chance to learn more about a different culture in addition to helping a community in need. Maggie found this by joining the Peace Corps.

“The most challenging aspect of the Peace Corps was trying to communicate while learning a new language.” says Maggie. “Things don’t always communicate exactly, so you need patience and understanding when trying to communicate.”

Besides the amazing food she was able to explore, Maggie loved getting to know new people the most. “It was wonderful meeting so many amazing people.” She has developed life-long friendships out of her travels.

Maggie advises anyone looking for a similar experience to stay open-minded. If you decide to join the Peace Corps or a similar organization, you don’t always get to make the choices about where you will live,” Maggie says. “You must be able to adapt quickly. The cliché to think outside the box truly applies here.”

“You are the outsider, so be mindful that the experiences and successful solutions you tried in the the past won’t necessarily be the right answer for your new community.”

– Maggie Farmer ’04

Annabelle Bugay ’16

Ireland

Annabelle knew she wanted to go to school in Ireland to study. The University of Limerick was the only school which offered a degree in Irish music and dance. After living in the Ukraine for three years as a child, the idea of moving to another country for school didn’t seem that intimidating or unusual to her.

Annabelle has the sense that people assume her life in Ireland is similar to an Irish vacation and thus have a very idealized image of what living in another country is like.

Although she absolutely loves living and going to school in Ireland, she says among the hardest challenges are the differences in college norms. For example, most students go home from school on the weekends and there isn’t a dining hall.

The pride of completing a year of schooling overseas is very rewarding. When Annabelle reflects on all of her accomplishments and the independence that she has gained, she realizes how much she has grown. Although there have been a few bumps along the way while adjusting to her new surroundings, she is able to look past these challenges and appreciate her new and exciting experiences.

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Annabelle Bugay ‘16 is always dancing.

Here she practices her moves at the Cliffs of Moher.

women living abroad

“ If you are considering studying overseas, go into this new phase of your life with an open mind and flexible attitude.”

Annabelle Bugay ’16

Sarah Shelton ’18 Although Sarah is still in high school, she has her sights set on living overseas. She has a passion for languages and cultures. Her love for the French language, history, literature, and culture stems from her SGHS French classes and was enhanced by an opportunity with the Governor’s Academy French immersion program. Because of her intense love of French, she was encouraged to apply to this competitive immersion program by her French teacher Tammy Ingram. Sarah attended the Virginia Governor’s Foreign Language Academy for French for three weeks at Washington and Lee University. She was required to speak French 24/7 during the immersion course. She took classes in poetry, Portuguese, phonetics, exchanges and intercultural communications in the world, and languages in danger or requiring revitalization. Sarah also spent time learning various cultural aspects of French-speaking countries including cooking, art, choir, theatre, and sports. Sarah was honored to be chosen by the professors to give a closing speech in French at the French Academy to her fellow académiciens about her experience during the three weeks.

Sarah plans to attend college in the States, but hopes to study abroad in France or a French-speaking country. In addition to French, she hopes to study other languages and cultures and spend time in those respective countries. After college, she plans to live in France and teach English to schoolchildren for a few years.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

— MATTHEW 22:39

To find out more about volunteering with Catholic Charities, visit

CATHOLICCHARITIESUSA.ORG

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DOLLARS SENSE Jenny Watkins ’00 and Renata Rafferty

Most of us – women especially – have had little formal training in the art and science of managing money. What we know was often learned from watching our parents manage the family budget, or from magazine and newspaper articles, or television, or maybe from a spouse or partner whose experience with money has been different than our own. Tower explores what financial literacy looks like at every age.

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hile the rules of finance have remained essentially the same, there are a few game-changing factors that apply to women that can’t be ignored. Women are working longer, traditionally earning less than men, spending more time out of the workforce (whether to raise a family or serve as a caretaker for an ailing parent or spouse), and living longer. All of that adds up to an increased need for women of every age to have a solid plan in place to be financially secure long-term. That plan starts with education. From our very first piggy bank, we quickly learn the agonizingly slow pace of accruing wealth, along with the feeling of sacrifice or anxiety when it’s time to cash out. But beyond that, most major financial lessons are learned real-time, often too late and at a costly premium that can include painful or frightening consequences.

It’s never too late – or too early! – to learn new and better ways of both managing and relating to money, and to encourage family members and friends to look at their finances in a new light.

CHILDREN ARE LISTENING

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rom the first quarter (or dollar) received from the tooth fairy or in a birthday card, every child has begun a relationship with money that will last their lifetime. How we talk with our children about money from their youngest years can have a profound influence on how comfortable they will be in managing money and making smart financial decisions.

According to financial expert and author Beth Kobliner, toddlers as young as three years old are capable of understanding financial concepts such as saving and spending. And by age seven, according to a study by Cambridge University, children’s money habits are already formed. The simplest lessons to be shared with youngsters include waiting to save for something we want, not buying something for our child (or grandchild) each time they are with us in a store, and letting them see you use cash or a check instead of a credit card.

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TAMING THE SPENDING HABIT IN TEENS With so much focus in education on multiple literacies, from digital to global, where does financial literacy fall? And how are we preparing teens – especially girls – for a fiscally successful future?

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Whether and when to give a child an allowance is a very personal matter. By offering an allowance, children can gain experience in controlling money and even curb the “I want it now” impulse. An allowance also provides the opportunity to begin forming a three bucket habit that many adults are still trying to master – that is, dividing any income (or allowance) into saving, spending, and sharing accounts. Using glass or plastic jars allows the child to see money both grow and disappear as they make decisions about saving and spending.

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n a recent study conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute, researchers found that among students about to enter college, most believe they are good with money, yet more than half do not know how to pay a bill. When asked to identify which is more expensive – a night out on the town or a month’s rent – only half recognized that rent would be their second highest cost item after tuition. So high school is a critical time to start having the more serious discussions about financial management, the cost of living, and the perils of debt.

When it comes to teaching teens to manage money, it’s best to start simple. While many students can code a new program or provide an in-depth analysis of fifteenth century poetry, they still struggle to confidently define budgeting. As a teen begins to earn wages at their first part-time job, look into financing their first cars (or purchasing auto insurance), or plan for their first year of college, that is the best time to cultivate healthy financial habits and for the adults in their lives to empower them to make wise investments.

Stefanie Wilson, Spanish and US government teacher at Saint Gertrude, addresses the need for seniors to have a greater understanding of the world beyond our four walls with a yearly economics and personal finance workshop. “While financial knowledge has evolved over the past twenty years, the themes stay the same,” she says. “We try to focus on basic definitions and the core components of personal finance. We discuss long and short term financial goals.”

dollars & sense During the workshop, students explore checking and savings accounts, investments in the stock market, insurance policies, income tax management, and credit cards. The goal is to give students a greater understanding of the benefits of developing a realistic plan and, most importantly, to determine the difference between needs and wants.

Students in Nancy Rives’ sociology class participate in a similar learning experience, but through a different lens. Using online resources specific to the City of Richmond, the girls are tasked with creating a budget for living expenses, this time assuming an income below poverty level. As they learn to assess and reassess their budgets, students reflect on what is truly essential and what they would be forced to give up, which both encourages empathy and provides them with a realistic understanding of what living on minimum wage looks like.

Isabella Boehling ’18 appreciated the opportunity to have a real-world budgeting experience without the real risks. “I’ve never had to budget for things like education or a mortgage,” she noted. “I feel like it would be a lot easier now to control my spending in college and to plan for the year.”

While financial knowledge has evolved over the past twenty years, the themes stay the same.

We try to focus on basic definitions and the core components of personal finance. We discuss long and short term financial goals.

– STEFANIE WILSON

Tools for Tracking Your Money

MINT

For the app-obsessed, Mint keeps money matters right at your fingertips. Access bank accounts, budget overview, bills, and investments right from your phone.

BUDGET SIMPLE

Just as the name suggests, an easy-to-use web-based program for those who struggle to prioritize spending; it analyzes your finances and makes suggestions for small, manageable steps.

QUICKEN

An old-school classic, Quicken has gotten a 21st-century makeover and can now import your banking and financial transactions to provide a comprehensive overview of your finances.

DAILY WORTH

A female-focused website that offers practical advice on money, career, business and life, with an extensive directory of professionals paired with every article.

Intensely readable.

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TABLE TALK

If your teen has a credit card, lay out the ground rules. What is an acceptable use for the card and when is using cash preferable? Who will pay the credit card bill and how?

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econsider the old adage that religion, politics, and money don’t make for polite dinner conversation. While teens can learn the basics of finance, budgeting, and investing in school, sensing that money is a taboo topic at home can hurt their forward momentum.

If you’re willing to discuss college majors, house rules, and boyfriends, why not cash? Remember, much of what we know and feel about money as adults has its roots in what we observed and heard about finances in our family.

Accompany your teen to the bank to open their own checking and savings accounts, perhaps using what they’ve accumulated through the three-bucket system. Role model for them how to present oneself to a banker. Let them complete the application, select their checks, and, if appropriate, a debit card. Show them how to write a check, and explain about holds, overdrafts, and interest.

If your teen has a credit card, lay out the ground rules. What is an acceptable use for the card and when is using cash preferable? Who will pay the credit card bill and how? Do the math together so they will understand how long it will take to pay off a credit card bill if only minimum payments are made each month. Ask your teen to explain to you how compounding interest works to be sure they know that they will owe more than just the amounts of their purchases.

dollars & sense If giving your teen a credit card seems a little too risky, try starting with a prepaid card – or a debit card linked to their new checking account – so they can develop the habit of discerning when it’s acceptable to charge versus use cash.

Financial experts also insist that the high school years are a critical time to help teens grow an interest in investments. Yet, the majority of parents do not. They either feel they don’t know enough about investing themselves, or worry it’s too advanced a topic for their teen, or are afraid their teen will develop an unhealthy obsession about money, or assume their daughter or son will simply learn on their own when they get older.

There are tons of resources and clubs out there both for parents and their children to learn and apply investment skills. This can be a family learning experience. And don’t worry about not having real money to invest. Start with a paper portfolio funded with pretend money. You and your teen can explore researching, analyzing, and investing without any risk.

Needing to pique their interest in what seems like the boring old stock market?

Challenge your teen to research and track a stock that has to do with their interests.

There’s a stock tied to just about anything they might be excited about, from Apple stock for the tech-savvy to Urban Outfitters stock for the chic-seeker. Start by investing on paper, and when they are confident enough, help your teen move up to an actual small investment. Just a small amount gets them in the game and opens the door to conversations about index funds, compounding interest, and more.

Parents and grandparents might also consider buying their teen a single share of stock as a gift. Multiple companies online offer single shares of various stocks as a gift item, providing the actual stock certificate framed for display.

The added bonus to getting the teens in your life comfortable with investing early?

Time is on their side!

INVEST IN YOURSELF AT EVERY AGE

Teens

Begin to tuck away money from your summer job or babysitting gig in a longterm savings account.

Utilize college scholarship search engines to find the scholarships that are right for you – over $2.9 billion goes unclaimed per year.

20s

Establish the habits that will set you up for success in later life. Make a plan for budgeting, saving and living within your means (see our list of tracking tools). And while a lot of things may come as a surprise in your 20s, your credit score should never be one of them. Keep on top of it with monthly credit checks.

30s

Now that you’ve found your lane in life, it’s time to re-budget. You may have advanced in your career or made some major investments. Protect them by adjusting your insurance coverage. Finally, honor thy future with the 10 percent commandment: put away a minimum of 10 percent of your income for retirement, no matter what.

40s & 50s

Remember the 10 percent commandment? Now’s the time when you may be tempted to dip into your retirement fund for college tuition or to defray the cost of a wedding.

DON’T. Take stock of your assets. Is your home in good shape and eligible for refinancing? Does your investment asset allocation still work for you? No matter where you stand, now’s the perfect time to meet with a financial planner if you haven’t already. And don’t forget to look into long-term care insurance while you are still in good health.

Figure out how to make the most of your money in retirement.

60s

With retirement clearly in sight, reimagining your budget is in order.

Have you talked with your financial planner about an estate plan or planned gifts? Unexpected expenditures could chip away at your funds – make sure you are prepared for any bumps in the road. Begin to downsize. Get your paperwork in order.

70s & Beyond

Have you downsized to a level that is manageable for you? Have you had a frank discussion with children or grandchildren about your plan or preferences in the event of illness or incapacity?

Do they know where copies of all your important documents are: powers of attorney, will or estate plan, bank and investment statements, etc.?

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REAL WORLD 101

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anaging money when one moves away from home for the first time can be both shocking and overwhelming. That’s why early training in planning and budgeting is imperative. Many families feel like they’ve gotten over the college expense hump once they have figured out how to pay for tuition, room, board, and transportation. But both parents and students need to think and plan early for all of the other costs of higher education.

“College was definitely a shock for me in terms of fiscal changes,” says SAVANNAH BOWEN ’15 . “I spent my entire summer saving up money, but was shocked when I got to school. Textbooks are definitely the kicker; they’re insane.”

Other costs that can take a student by surprise?

That morning latte and breakfast sandwich may be their saving grace for surviving a 7 a.m. seminar, but at an average of six dollars a pop, that can add up quickly. As for books, the College Board now estimates an average of $1,168 is spent annually on books and supplies. And for a Saint Gertrude grad, let’s not forget the sudden oxford-and-kilt-sized hole in your wardrobe that will need to be filled with clean civilian clothes every day. If your teen hasn’t experienced the thrill of the hunt for great clothes at thrift and consignment

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stores, they’ll be amazed at what they will find, from designer apparel, to one-of-a kinds, to authentic vintage – all for just a few dollars (and don’t forget about this tip when they start assembling their first post-college, real job wardrobe!).

And of course there’s the trap almost all college students fall prey to: off-plan snacking. While the meal plan provides for all of a student’s dining needs, sometimes the late night siren song of a hot pizza delivered straight to the dorm is too enticing to resist. Planning to be near the campus cafeteria around meal times can seriously bolster a college student’s slush fund. And care packages from home are more than just love in a box – they represent snacking dollars saved.

Has your daughter or granddaughter always aspired to going Greek? Another hidden expense they and you might not have budgeted for is rushing. Yes, Greek life can lead to lucrative business connections after graduation, but for four years, it will cost approximately $500 a semester in member dues. Then there’s the additional expense of formalwear, rush outfits, and gifts for little sisters. A college student can establish those same long-term bonds without the expense of Greek life. Clubs, student government, campus faith groups (like the Newman Center or Hillel), performing

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arts opportunities, and more, are filled with people like your student, depending on their interests, who would love to get to know them and will continue to be there for them long after college.

If your college student should find themselves in a financial fix, many universities have on-campus resources to help them get back in the black. From work study to paid internships, there’s money to be made. And even small changes like renting a textbook or buying through a used book dealer can also provide some financial relief.

The most important lesson about managing money in college?

Budgeting for the future.

“The way I learned to budget was to make enough money (for the year) the summer before, and give myself an allowance of $100– $150 a month for anything I need. Then I budget out my dues and Christmas money,” shared Savannah. “That’s the thing I’ve noticed with college – you have to plan.”

Lastly, beware the deluge of credit card offers that are made to unsuspecting college students from virtually the moment they step on campus. A study by TrueCredit.com found that one in four college students leaves with over $5,000 in debt, and one in ten leaves with debt in excess of $10,000.

The unschooled student who hasn’t had some solid training in managing credit while still a teen is easy prey for credit card companies.

Don’t expect the card salesperson to teach them about compounding interest, minimum payments, or credit. These companies are banking on the young adult’s desire to have it all now without being able to afford it. And the card companies see it as a low-risk proposition.

They know that when a student gets in over their head, mom and dad are likely to pay off the bill.

The way I learned to budget was to make enough money for the year the summer before, and give myself an allowance of $100–$150 a month for anything I need.

Then I budget out my dues and Christmas money. That’s the thing I’ve noticed with college – you have to plan.

– SAVANNAH BOWEN ’15

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FACING DOWN THE DEBT MONSTER

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ne of the biggest potholes on the path to economic success is failing to make a plan to deal with debt. From student loans to credit cards, slowly paying back debts with high interest rates can make it impossible to build wealth (remember our friend, compounding interest?). Make an aggressive and specific plan to pay off debt as quickly as possible. It may require negotiating with creditors.

From student loans to credit cards, slowly paying back debts with high interest rates can make it impossible to build wealth.

The best tactic is to make the absolute largest monthly payment possible on the highest interest debt, while making minimum payments on all your other accounts. As each high-interest debt is paid off in full, transfer the extra monthly payment amount to the next highest interest card, and so on, until all are paid off.

If you are drowning in catastrophic or overwhelming debt and all else has failed, do not be afraid to consider the bankruptcy option.

Bankruptcy laws were enacted to help people who find themselves at a level of debt that is no longer manageable over the long-term.

There are lots of free sources of information on bankruptcy online, and no- and low-cost nonprofit credit counselling agencies can also offer sound advice. Before working with a bankruptcy attorney, be sure to check their references.

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dollars + sense

LETTING YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

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f your debt is under control, what do your investments look like? Perhaps the first question is, “Do you have any investments?” Statistically, women are more risk-averse than men when it comes to dealing with finances, and are particularly hesitant to get involved in serious investing. Too often, women leave the handling of higher level finances to their spouse. The ignorance stops being bliss when the partner is gone, through death or divorce, and the woman faces her financial reality clearly, perhaps, for the first time.

If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the entire concept of investing, be the modern-day mother to yourself that you wish you had. Go back to the section on teaching teens about investing and follow those steps yourself. There are also women’s investment groups and clubs that can be a source of education and support as you take control of your financial health and future. Talk to other women in your family and in your circle of friends about their experiences with money and be open to learning from them if you are certain they are financially astute. If you’re still feeling gun-shy about investing or planning, turn to a professional to help you establish and build your portfolio over time. Ask your friends for referrals to their advisors, and know there are also many women in the field who have been specially trained and are uniquely sensitive to the financial needs – and fears – of women.

When it comes to the stock market, there is something to be said for playing it safer the older one becomes. Greater longevity means women can and should be taking some smart risks.

Remember that bit about living longer? If the market happens to take a dive, women are likely to have more time to recover than a man of comparable age.

But even the best laid plans can go awry. When life happens (and it will), a backup plan gives you the freedom and security to take care of yourself and your family. From a leaky roof to a major health crisis, potentially destructive shocks lurk around many a corner. Your “break in case of emergency” fund will look different depending on where you are in life.

For a younger woman starting out in her career that may be an emergency fund holding six months’ living expenses. For a woman in young middle age, especially with risk factors for a chronic condition such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, security might mean purchasing a long-term care insurance policy. Just a gentle reminder: by the time you find yourself needing a long-term care policy, you will not be able to purchase one. You must purchase while you are still in good health with no symptoms of a chronic or terminal condition.

One certainty is that having a plan requires dedication, periodic review and adjustment, and transparent communication with anyone who might be affected by your financial plan, both during or after your lifetime.

Again, a financial planner whom you trust is a great resource for setting up the safety net you will one day need. Don’t settle for working with a planner with whom you feel uncomfortable, belittled, or rushed.

Your “break in case of emergency” fund will look different depending on where you are in life. tower | Fall 2017 | 43

Teach Your Children Well RESOURCES FOR TODDLERS TO TEENS

1

MONEY AS YOU GROW Offers families twenty essential, age-appropriate financial lessons with corresponding activities – ConsumerFinance.gov/ Educational-Resources/ Money-as-you-Grow

2

THE MINT: It Makes Perfect Cents Colored tabs at the top of the home page mark sections for kids, teens, parents, and teachers – TheMint.org

3

TEENVESTOR: The Practical Investment Guide for Teens and Their Parents – Teenvestor.com

4

UNIQUE STOCK GIFT Purchase a single share of stock in your gift recipient’s favorite company – UniqueStockGift.com 44

LEAVING A LEGACY

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o matter whether you are 20 or 70, single or married, wealthy or not, and whether you believe it or not, you have an estate and it’s time to pin down a plan. It’s easy to continue letting this life step slip to the bottom of your to-do list (right after cleaning the dryer filter and alphabetizing your DVDs). It can feel frightening, overwhelming, upsetting, and intimidating. There’s no simple way to tackle it, so just take one step forward. That could mean deciding who would serve as your financial power of attorney or health power of attorney in the event of illness or accident. If you have minor children, have you named a guardian in the event they were in need of one?

Depending on where you are in life, the steps will be different. What’s important is that you just move forward.

Another pressing issue for women beginning the estate planning process is how to allocate their assets. The US Census Bureau reports that a staggering 36 percent of women over the age of 65 are widowed, as opposed to a mere 12 percent of men. That means that many of the major decisions regarding distribution of wealth after death will fall to the woman. So how do we, both men and women, take care of the ones we love after we’re gone?

Again, the financial advisor is your friend. They can walk you through all the options at hand, including wills vs. trusts, beneficiary designations and gift taxes, life insurance vs. inheritance, and more.

Also, do not be afraid to investigate philanthropic options with your financial advisor. Too often, we worry that in order to leave something to charity we have to take it away from our heirs. The reality is that when we pass on, our assets will pass to one or more of three recipients: Uncle Sam (in the form of taxes), our heirs, and/or charity.

Sound financial and philanthropic planning ensures that the assets going to charity come from Uncle Sam’s pot and not from that of your heirs.

Here is one simple example. Let’s say you bought Microsoft stock when the company was young and the stock was cheap. Over the years, the stock has appreciated significantly in value. When you pass on, if the stock has been left to your heirs, they may be liable for both estate tax and for capital gains tax if they liquidate the stock for cash. And, as the probate process may take a while, your heirs may not get anything very quickly.

Let’s say, however, that before you died, you gifted your stock to a charity in the form of a charitable remainder trust. First, you would receive a significant charitable tax deduction derived from the fully appreciated value of the stock. Second, you would avoid paying any capital gains tax on this appreciated stock.

dollars & sense

And thirdly, with the annuity payments made to you by the charitable trust for the duration of your life (and possibly that of a named successor), you could purchase a life insurance policy for the fully appreciated value of the stock you just placed into the charitable remainder trust, naming your heir as the beneficiary. When you pass, your heir would receive the full dollar amount of the policy benefit, outside of the probate process, and without paying any estate or capital gains tax.1 If you would like to include one or more charities as recipients from your estate, be sure you work with a financial planner with proven philanthropic planning expertise, or speak with the head or development director of a charity you trust who can share a variety of philanthropic planning options with you or assist you in identifying an independent and knowledgeable certified planner.

As with every aspect of budgeting, small strokes can make big waves. So have a discussion with your family, give yourself a financial check-up, or schedule an appointment with a financial planner today.

No matter how minute the move, it’s a step in the right direction.

For more information on making a planned gift to Saint Gertrude High School, visit saintgertrude.org/ plannedgiving or contact Head of School Renata Rafferty at rrafferty@ saintgertrude.org or 804.358.9114

1. The example noted in this article is not offered or intended as legal or financial planning advice.

Please consult with an attorney or financial advisor expert in philanthropic planning.

tower | Fall 2017 | 45

2016 Vino on the Veranda

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alumnae events

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1 Ara Hopkins Hawkins ’99 enjoys the festivities.

2 Great smiles from Quita Tansey Collins ’61 and Dee Dee Dvorak Gowen ’61 3 Jeannette Carter ’75, Kathy Bunce ’75, and Sharon Craig Pierce ’75

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4 Millicent Loehr Lynch ’02, Whitney Lewis Logan ’02, Lauren Wray ’12, and Kate Finley-Parker ’13 5 Sister Charlotte hugs an alumna.

6 Sharon Krug ’83 was one of many vendors who participated in the annual Holly Spree. All earnings from Holly Spree go directly to scholarships for alumnae children and grandchildren.

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Holly Spree 2016

7 The class of 1974 made a strong showing at Vino: Denise Mercer Meador, Barbara Dzierzek Harlowe, Leslie Smith, Colleen Kelly McNally, Teresa Shibley Nadder, Dottie Holzgrefe Carter, Terry Tatian Goodwin, and Cindy Craig LaFratta.

8 Marie Elder ’09, faculty member Carol Chase, and Molly Johnson ’09. tower | Fall 2017 | 47

1

2016 Homecoming 1 Celebrating their 30th reunion, class of 1986: Mary Fisk-Taylor, Laura Bailey Butler, Katie Boehling McNeil, and Terry Royster Dikes with their classmates from Benedictine 2 Graduates of 50+ years meet regularly at Saint Gertrude to play cards.

Their favorite game to play is Five Crowns.

Clockwise: Peggy Griffin ’60 (black and white shirt), Judy Lowry Adkins ’60, Marie Zicone Walker ’60, Cookie Carroll Johnson ’60, Madeline Williamson McKenna ’63, Mary Frances Cross Creasman ’63, Maggie Higgins Disney ’62, and Mary Johnson Puccinelli ’60

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2016 Alumnae Memorial Liturgy & Brunch

alumnae events 3

Board Games Night 2

Spring 2017 Legacy Day

Legacy Day

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3 Mother-daughter team enjoying the Legacy Luncheon: Marcie Lange Adams ’84 and Anna Beckstoffer Lange ’58 4

Katie Nelson Marsh ’01 with three generations of Gerties: Anne Stewart Hatfield ’21, Mary Louise Stewart Johnson ’62, and Katherine Johnson Hatfield ’93

5 Sisters Kelly Irvine ’13 and Katie Irvine ’10 6 Mary Timmins ’76, Cristin O’Brien ’06, Christine Fowler Cleary ’76, and Patty Harvey Lewis ’76 7 Honoring our deceased alumnae of the classes ending in 1s and 6s tower | Fall 2017 | 49

News from Our Students, Faculty and SGHS in the Community

49 It was as if we were back in the cafeteria and no time had passed.

Time flies when you’re having fun!”

Margaret-Beth Nott Meyer ’61

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Anne Campbell Hoenniger and her husband Fred had their eighth great-grandchild in December. They are enjoying life at the Freedom Plaza in Sun City Florida and welcome visitors.

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Mary Anne Nott Gardner and members of the class of 1953 met last spring for lunch at the home of Suzanne Miller Gallagher to welcome her back to Richmond. Suzanne lives in Brandermill.

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Harriet Ayres Chamberlain and her husband Bert celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. They took their family vacation to Miromar Beach, Florida to watch the fireworks on July 4.

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Ann Dreelin Shepard and her husband Shep enjoyed many trips and visits with family, relatives and friends this past year.

The France Riverboat cruise billed the Best of Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Provence was the highlight of their year.

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Cookie Carroll Johnson and her husband Mike celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 6. They have three children: Chris (BHS ’86), Brian (BHS ’87) and Erin Johnson Roland ’93. They also have four grand-girls, Meghan, Kaylee, Lindsey, and Kate.

Mike and Cookie live in Rockville, VA.

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Margaret-Beth Nott Meyer gave news from members of the class of 1961: “Bravo! Last year we celebrated our 55th reunion.

class notes

Our class was very fortunate to have been invited to a lovely seated luncheon at the beautiful home of Anne Mehfoud Rochecharlie ’67 as her guests. We had such a wonderful time. Margie Shibley ’77 and Renata Rafferty from SGHS joined us. It was as if we were back in the cafeteria and no time had passed.

Time flies when you’re having fun!”

Mary T. Bickerstaff Wallmeyer and her husband Frank have been married for 50+ years and have four children who are graduates of Saint Gertrude or Benedictine. She has nine grandchildren ranging in age from nine to twenty-one. Three of them live here in Richmond. One has graduated from Benedictine (fourth generation) and two are there now.

She just attended the Sponsor’s Ball and said it was good to see the tradition has continued.

The girls in their long white dresses and the boys in formal uniforms looked so special and brought back great memories.

Quita Tansey Collins and husband Bill had three children and now have nine grandchildren! The grandchildren range in age from four to eighteen years old, six live in Ashburn, Virginia, and three in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Quita and Bill are active volunteers at St. Matthias Episcopal Church with the food pantry. Bill attends a men’s group there, and Quita attends Bible Study at Huguenot Road Methodist church. Quita was chairperson for her Westhampton College/ University of Richmond class’ 50th reunion.

The granddaughter of Brenda Netherwood Gibrall , Maggie Scott ’20 , was the Song Contest leader for

her freshman class at Gertie’s. Her niece, Ava Gibrall ’20, is also a member of the freshman class. Brenda also has a grandchild (Anna Gibrall) at St. Mary’s, a grandson (Jacob Gibrall) who is a senior at Benedictine, and three grandchildren (Patrick, Frankie, and Lizzie Davis) at Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot.

Her oldest grandchild, Drew Scott, is a junior at Yale and her youngest, Philip Gibrall, is a first grader at Carver Elementary in Henrico.

She also has a granddaughter, Sydney Gibrall, who attends Sacred Heart School in Lahaini, Hawaii.

Patricia Kranitzky Simonpetri spent time with her family during the holidays. DoDo Wrenn Bowles continues to come from Roanoke for our bimonthly luncheons at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Julia Matthews was there as well.

FAR LEFT Members of the Class of 1953 at the home of Suzanne Miller Gallagher L to R Barbara Felthaus Beckstoffer, Suzanne Miller Gallagher, Virginia Dart Galli, Betty Lee Ancarrow Hurst, Mary Anne Nott Gardner, Pat Blankenship Dvorak, and Pat Graziani Stott

LEFT Class of 1956 and 1957 at their annual Christmas dinner.

RIGHT One of their favorite places for the class of 1960's monthly lunches is Olive Garden.

FAR RIGHT The class of 1960 showing off their class spirit at Tarrants.

tower | Fall 2017 | 51

It seems that the older we get, the more we appreciate Saint Gertrude.

Margaret-Beth Nott Meyer ’61

Let Us Know About Your Work Please share your latest professional achievements and news so your fellow classmates will know what you are up to. Send professional news and photos to alumnae@saintgertrude.org or by mail to Director of Alumnae Relations, Margie Shibley ’77, 3215 Stuart Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221. The deadline for the next magazine is January 1, 2018.

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Dee Dee Dvorak Gowen is house hunting, again.

Mary Grundman Vial joined us and invited everyone to join the Catholic Woman’s Club. Gretchen Powell Carreras continues to frequent car shows.

Patricia Moore Davis and Karen Boltz were not able to join us at our luncheon, but they had a wonderful visit with each other.

The daughter of Joanne Sheehy Goode, Kimber Goode (A. K. Goode) has published a mystery novel set in Uganda entitled The Harvest Killings.

A portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to ovarian and uterine cancer research.

The book is quite a thriller and very well-written.

Margaret-Beth Nott Meyer has two children. Daughter, Ryan Meyer Hogan ’92 , lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband, Dave, and their two daughters, Maggie

who is seven and Katie who is four. Son, Brant, is a graduate of Benedictine and lives with his wife, Ellen, and their children, sons Harrison who is six, Hayden who is five, and daughter, Charlotte “Charlie” who is almost two.

The class of ’61 agrees they are very blessed to have attended SGHS, have such fond memories, and have made such wonderful friends. “It seems that the older we get, the more we appreciate it.”

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Mary Margaret Lenzi Collier had some of her paintings shown at the Crossroads Art Center in May. Mary Louise Stewart Johnson welcomed the class of 1962 to her home on May 20, 2017. They celebrated their 55th reunion.

class notes

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Carol Bagley Amon immediate past chief judge of US District court for the Eastern District of New York, was honored in May with a portrait hanging in the ceremonial courtroom in Brooklyn, NY. Carol said to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “After 26 years, I still look forward to walking into the courtroom.”

Dottie Lou (Lu) Morrissey moved from Maryland to Jamaica, VA, with her spouse Lesley J. Graham. She is hoping to see more of her class of 1965 classmates.

She loves living on the Middle Peninsula near Urbanna, VA.

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The son of Terri Bryan Keel, Sam Keel, married Laura E. Koman on October 1, 2016, at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore, MD.

Nancy Lewis Brechtelsbauer is excited to share that she retired on December 16, 2016, after 20 years at Cedarfield. She plans to work out daily in her gym, travel, organize her house, volunteer, and continue to work on stained glass projects.

Angie Liscio Scott is excited her second granddaughter, Maeve Eleanor Staiger, was born August 18, 2016. Maeve’s sister, Birch Cecilia, is 18 months older. Angie and her husband David are so thankful to have two healthy and happy granddaughters!

Renee Quate Sheehy welcomes her third grandchild, Ivey Grace Sheehy.

Ivey joins her brothers, Finn (five), and Heath (two) down in Atlanta, GA, with Mom (Jessica) and Dad (Kelly). Renee's daughter, Kylene, is married and resides in Burke, VA, with her husband Ryan McGuinness.

Michelle Solari Smith her husband David and Patricia Solari Littlejohn ’85 will be joining Aly Littlejohn, Patricia’s daughter, in Quito, Ecuador.

Aly did a semester abroad program through Virginia Tech.

They planned to travel through Ecuador and Peru this past summer.

Karen Toney Gragnani has a lot to celebrate. Her youngest child, Reed Gragnani, married Halley Nitz on November 12, 2016, at St. Bridget’s Church.

Karen’s daughter Kimberly and her husband have two young sons. Karen’s other son, Robbie, and his wife welcomed a new daughter.

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Members of the class of 1974 got together to celebrate their sixtieth birthdays.

Terri Bryan Keel’s ’73 growing family: daughters Ann Rae and Ellen, son Sam, and new daughter-in-law Laura

LEFT Class of 1961 members at their monthly lunch with 93-year-old guest Myrtle MIDDLE The class of 1964’s Christmas celebration RIGHT Class of 1964 lunch buddies enjoying the Upper Shirley Vineyard

tower | Fall 2017 | 53

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Townley Hass (BCP ’15), son of Lori Hanky Haas and sister of Emily Haas Kline ’05, won a gold medal as a member of the US Olympic Swim Team in August 2016. All of his aunts, uncles, cousins, along with all of America, were cheering him on.

Renee Quate Sheehy ’73 and her grandchildren LEFT The Golden Jubilarians, class of 1967, celebrate at Willow Oaks Country Club.

MIDDLE Class of 1967 luncheon from L to R Kathy Beirne Schemmel, Ann Burnette Caudle, Roxie Brooks Anderson, Lynn Haddon Martin, Lyla Oley Wilby, Cathy Moore Stumpf, Tony DeNitto Giovenco, and Margaret Belton Strauss.

RIGHT Members of the class of 1976: Carolyn Ashey Alley, Bevie Lanier, Margaret Marchetti, Cathy Ragland Cazares, Courtney Mills, Patty Harvey Lewis, Theresa Cunningham Bahen, Chris Fowler Cleary, and Jane Carrington Tarsovich helped with Sylvia’s Sisters by collecting and making 100 feminine hygiene bags.

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Jane Carrington Tarosovich had a party with a purpose with nine of her classmates in support of Sylvia’s Sisters.

This organization provides feminine hygiene products to young teens in the Richmond metro area who cannot afford them.

Over $500 in products and materials were donated and filled 100 feminine hygiene bags.

Class correspondents, Donna Kelly Saunders and Kathy Erdman Johnson and members of the class of 1976 celebrated their 40th reunion weekend, September 22–24, 2016.

The celebration began with Vino on the Veranda Thursday evening; then BHS and SGHS classmates gathered at Independence Golf. “We had great attendance and a good time by all.” Theresa Cunningham Bahen hosted the girls at her home Saturday night.

They had a great time catching up and are sorry that some could not make the reunion festivities. They hope to see everyone next time.

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Nancy Pastore Gladden attended the 2016 Orioles Dream Week in Sarasota, Florida. She had the opportunity to play baseball at the Orioles’ spring training facility and received instructions from former Orioles’ players Jim Palmer, Rick Dempsey, and Mike Boddicker (many of the pros from the 1983 World

class notes

Series team). Training for this baseball camp was challenging, but Nancy made sure she was prepared to play baseball with the guys. Out of 80 players, only six women attended. In June, they played a game at Camden Yards. This was absolutely a wonderful experience.

Nancy was inspired to attend the baseball camp by her dad who passed away in 2014.

Kathleen Morley Dailey is proud of her son, Matthew Dailey (BHS ’08) who graduated from Radford with his master’s degree in criminal justice, and her daughter Kate Dailey who earned a bachelor’s degree from VCU—summa cum laude.

Kathleen also has a twelveyear-old going into seventh grade. Kathleen is an R.N.

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Alicia Hart Bernet was in town visiting her mom, and several of us from the

class of 1982 gathered for brunch at Kuba Kuba Dos. Always fun to catch up with everyone!

Donna Metzger Lantagne and several members from the class of 1982 gathered for lunch to visit with Kelly Doyle Massey, who they had not seen in 30 years.

“We had a lot of fun catching up!”

Anne Testin Vierela is a nurse-midwife in Pawleys Island, SC, where she has lived for the past six years.

Her three girls are all grown and two are married. She is expecting her fifth grandchild in October.

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Bernadette LaFratta Prosser worked as a nurse for years at Duke.

But now she is a school nurse at a Catholic elementary school in North Carolina and loves it. She has three grown daughters, and Bernadette and

her husband recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary.

Traci McCabe Lovelace and her husband Mark own Transoms LLC in Portsmouth, VA. The couple lovingly and meticulously restore older homes in Portsmouth, returning them to their former glory to be enjoyed by new owners and future generations.

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Lisa Layne Castin wrote that she was diagnosed with leimyosarcoma­ – a very rare uterine cancer in February 2015. She was very blessed that the cancer was able to be surgically removed. Although she has to take the cancer drug Arimidex for the rest of her life, she did not have to undergo chemo or radiation. She feels great and has completed eight marathons. Her daughter Hannah is a competitive gymnast.

The class of 1974 celebrated their 60th birthdays at the River.

LEFT Class of 1976 celebrating their 40th reunion last September. Such a great crowd!

FAR LEFT From the class of 1982 Front Row L to R Georgia Meyer Kukoski and Alicia Hart Bernet Back Row L to R Alison Gregory Wayland, Donna Metzger Lantagne, and Susan McNamara RIGHT Class of 1982 gathered for lunch to see their friend Kelly Doyle Massey. L to R Rebecca Tarrabay Fore, Donna Metzger Lantagne, Kelly Doyle Massey, Susan McNamara, Georgia Meyer Kukoski, and Stacie Hamilton Baird; Nallibe Mehfoud Ward not pictured.

FAR RIGHT Members of the class of 2006 enjoying their 10th reunion.

She trains 16–18 hours a week and is getting ready to start her competition season in November at level six.

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Laura M. Ambrogi received the Norma Alley Award at Saint Christopher’s School.

This honor is voted upon by her peers from the Lower School Faculty. The prize is awarded to the teacher who demonstrates the characteristics for which Norma Alley was known: nurturing, appreciation for individuality, and an uncanny ability to bring out the best in every boy.

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Britt Radford Griffith wanted to let her Saint Gertrude family know about the new addition and blessing to their family. Harper Brayden Griffith was born on May 23, 2016. She is an

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amazing baby. She is so spoiled by her older sister, Reagan, and her older brother, Kenneth.

“Harper has completed our lives so much. We now have two future Gertie girls.”

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Meghan Kelly Hamilton married John Franklin Hamilton (BHS ’98) on May 14, 2016. In her wedding party were Clair McDow, Kristen Kennedy , Sarah Hamilton Tromly ’94, and Katie Hamilton Sanderson ’99.

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Rhoda Hernandez Bevc moved back to Richmond from Missouri and is happy to be closer to her family. She is now working for the Office for Evangelization as an administrative assistant while her husband is working toward his degree

in engineering. They have a beautiful two-year-old daughter, Maria.

Sesha Moon was selected for the US Department of Commerce Spirit Award.

It is a huge honor which is given to an employee who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to drive engagement and relationship building among stakeholders across the agency.

She was selected out of 56,000 federal department employees. She received the honor on Monday, June 13, 2016 during Commerce Night at the Washington Nationals Baseball Park.

The chief of staff for her specific agency – the US Patent and Trademark Office – recognized her on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

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Karen-Anne McEwen married Patrick Gates at Saint Bridget Catholic Church on December 17, 2016, by Deacon Robert Giovenco.

class notes

The bridal party included many Gertie gals: Megan McEwen Hupp ’03, Sarah McEwen, Shannon Alexander, Erica Gill, Kate Kristofak, Samantha Hall Novo.

Several other Gertie gals and BHS cadets were in attendance.

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Mary Meacham married Thomas Bahen (BHS ’07) on October 15, 2017. Mary’s mother and mother-in-law are Saint Gertrude alumnae: Ann Siewers Meacham ’78 and Theresa Cunningham Bahen ’76.

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Mary Catherine E. Buhl married Ian R. McAllister on September 10, 2016.

The wedding took place at the Manor House in Mechanicsville. Hair and make-up for Mary Catherine, her bridesmaids and her mother,

Mary Ruggiero Buhl ’83 were done on site by Jay Ellar ’03, co-owner of Salon 33. Mary Catherine and Ian live in Reston, VA.

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Caroline Tobe is busy doing a year of service with the Change A Heart Franciscan Catholic program in Pittsburgh.

She is also applying for other service programs such as PULSE and the Americorps Keys Program in Pittsburg, PA.

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With her first press pass in hand, Emma Lantagne was part of the campus press corps for the Vice Presidential Debate at Longwood on October 4, 2016. She has declared a major in communications and a minor in theatre.

She also took a job on campus as a videographer.

Sesha Moon ’01 was recognized at the Washington Nationals Baseball Park for the US Department of Commerce Spirit Award.

tower | Fall 2017 | 57

marriages Liza Graham ’07 married Jason Lau, April 2, 2016.

Rachel Wilkerson Cohee ’09 married Nathan Cohee, May 7, 2016.

Meghan Kelly ’98 married John Hamilton (BHS ’98), brother of Sarah Hamilton Tromly ’94 and Katherine Hamilton Sanderson ’99, May 14, 2016.

Elizabeth V. Hundley ’01 married Rex Richard, May 21, 2016.

Caitlin McIntire ’09 married Reid Berry, September 2, 2016.

How many SGHS alumnae can you recognize at Mary Meacham Bahen’s ’07 wedding?

Mary Catherine Buhl ’10 married Ian McAllister, September 10, 2016.

Clair McDow ’98 married Matthew Eric Schlosser, September 17, 2016.

Jessie Durbin ’03 married Drew Kisamore, October 8, 2016.

In the wedding were Emily Anne Gerloff ’03, Christina Daniel Bonini ’03, and Megan McEwen Hupp ’03.

FAR LEFT Jason and Liza Graham Lau ’07 married April 2, 2016.

LEFT Ian and Mary Catherine Buhl McAllister ’10 married September 10, 2016.

RIGHT Nathan and Rachel Wilkerson Cohee ‘09 married May 7, 2016.

FAR RIGHT Drew and Jesse Durbin Kisamore ‘03 married October 8, 2016.

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Mary Breslin Meacham ’07 married Thomas Edward Bahen, October 15, 2016.

Karen Anne McEwen ’05 married Patrick Gates, December 17, 2016.

class notes

births adoptions &

Polly Holland Hamilton ’93 and husband Matt welcomed Tucker Francis Hamilton on October 31, 2015. Tucker is also the grandson of Betty Francis Hamilton ’65.

Leigh Noland Pollard ’05 and husband Corey welcomed their son, Knox Landon Pollard on February 8, 2016.

1 “I'm such a big boy, mom!” says Charlie Joseph Sanderson, son of Joe and Katie Hamilton Sanderson ’99.

Britt Radford Griffith ’97 and her husband Richard welcomed Harper Brayden, May 23, 2016. Harper joins her two older siblings, Kenneth and Reagan. Kenneth is six and Reagan is eight.

2 “I have totally got the cuteness factor down,” says Tucker Francis Hamilton, son of Matt and Polly Holland Hamilton ’93.

Katie Hamilton Sanderson ’99 and her husband Joe welcomed their first child, Charlie, in June 22, 2016. They were expecting their second child in August 2017.

3 “Yes, I know what’s going on,” says Knox Landon Pollard, son of Corey and Leigh Noland Pollard ’05.

Carly Hanchin ’05 and Fabrizio Fasulo welcomed Viggo Serrell Fasulo, September 12, 2016.

4 “See, I can sleep,” says Viggo Serrell Fasulo, son of Fabrizio and Carly Hanchin Fasulo ’05.

Betsy Nash Gibson ’07 and her husband Robert welcomed the birth of their son, Nash Robert Gibson, born November 23, 2016.

Sarah Baker ’14 announced the birth of her daughter, Lilianna Marie Palazzotto, March 10, 2017.

5 “I am their pride and joy,” says Peyton Lily Jones, daughter of Andy Jones and Kelly Howard ’98.

Sarah Keck Holzbach ’02 and her husband Wyatt announced the birth of their son, Hatcher Andrew Atkins Holzbach, on March 24, 2017.

6 “I am a distinguished gentleman from the get-go,” says Nash Robert Gibson, son of Robert and Betsy Nash Gibson ’07.

Meghan Kelly Hamilton ’98 and her husband John (BHS ’98) announced the birth of their daughter, Quinn Kelly Hamilton, on March 29, 2017.

7 “Please call me Princess Lilianna,” says Lilianna Marie Palazzotto, daughter of Sarah Baker ’14.

Kelly Howard ’98 and her husband Andy Jones announced the birth of their daughter, Peyton Lily Jones, August 17, 2017.

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in memoriam Kathleen Cecilia Foley ’83, May 15, 2016

Marian “Pat” Binns Reardon ’56, December 28, 2016

Lucille Smith “Jolly” Lyons ’57, May 31, 2016

Joan Solari Ross ’55, December 30, 2016

Evaleen Bullock Herrold ’45, July 16, 2016

Diane Kennedy Hays ’67, January 20, 2017

Katherine Berkeley Dorsk ’99, July 31, 2016

Janet Caravati Ritzel ’52, January 25, 2017

Rosemary Fletcher Gammon ’59, September 1, 2016

Joan Marie Ferriter ’62, February 16, 2017

Rose Davis Denton ’74, October 21, 2016

Mary Frances Caravati Kastelberg ’42, April 13, 2017

Sister Anita Sherwood, OSB, December 4, 2016 Principal of SGHS 1962–1976

June Feys Browning ’52, April 13, 2017

condolences Catherine Fowler Anderson ’71 and Christine Fowler Cleary ’76 on the death of their mother Catherine Harton Fowler, March 26, 2011.

Memorial gifts were made in their mother’s name.

(This is a correction from the Annual Report).

Kathleen Kenney Wyatt ’68 on the death of her mother, Rae L. Kenney, January 11, 2016.

Nan Rennie Blackwell ’75 on the death of her mother, Eleanor Harvey Rennie, January 20, 2016.

Mary Fleming Woodle ’68 on the death of her daughter, Frances West Fleming, May 12, 2016.

Kelly Foley ’89 on the death of her sister, Kathleen Cecelia Foley ’83, May 15, 2016.

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Ashley Hatfield Stelly ’03 on the death of her father, Bennett K. Hatfield, May 22, 2016 Katherine Jacobs Wessell ’85 on the death of her father, Harry M. Jacobs Jr., May 29, 2016.

Jan Griffin Budyrk ’79 on the death of her father, Richard Griffin, May 30, 2016. Mr. Griffin was the husband of former PE teacher Rose Vecchiola Griffin.

Kelly Lyons Plageman ’89 on the death of her mother, Lucille Smith “Jolly” Lyons, May 31, 2016. Mrs. Lyons was the grandmother of Page Plageman ’20, and the sister of Dorothy Smith Gallimore ’62.

Jonni Proffitt Farish ’63 on the death of her husband, John Henry Farish, May 31, 2016.

Mary Oliver Schraudt Spitler '53, May 3, 2017

January 1, 2016 – June 15, 2017 Susan Bandrofcheck Hickey ’72 on the death of her mother, Mary Katherine Bandrofcheck, June 3, 2016.

Addie Rodriguez ’15 on the death of her grandfather, James Rodriguez, June 4, 2016.

Erin Bosher Payne ’93 and Kara Bosher Daniel ’96 on the death of their grandmother, Grace Spangler Watkins, June 5, 2016.

Rosemarie Oley Capehart ’70, Rosalie Oley Cravey ’70 and Theresa Oley Keck ’79 on the death of their mother, Rosalie Eva Norseffe Oley, June 6, 2016.

Carly Lewis ’17 and Rachel Lewis ’19 on the death of their grandmother, Ann Lee Cox Lewis, June 14, 2016.

Frances Gudell Kusterer ’64 on the death of her mother, Julia Winstead Gudell, June 15, 2016.

Rachel Zachwieja ’17 on the death of her grandfather, Alexander Stanley Zachwieja, June 15, 2016.

Reina C. Yeargain ’12, on the death of her grandfather, Vincent A. Pacelli, June 19, 2016.

Taylor Jackson ’13 on the death of her grandfather, George William Jackson Jr., June 21, 2016.

Eileen Cunningham ’15 on the death of her grandfather, Mayo “Skip” Singleton Silvey Jr., June 23, 2016.

Dinks Houston Moore ’66 on the death of her husband, Dan Moore, June 23, 2016.

class notes

Susan Franko Ettare ’68, Abby Franko Walton ’70, Joyce Franko White ’72, Mary Franko Anderson ’77 and Constance Franko Cordell ’78 on the death of their brother, Patrick Burke Franko, June 30, 2016.

Patricia Mallory Ready ’62 on the death of her husband, Keith Francis Ready, July 24, 2016.

Isabel Owen ’15 on the death of her grandfather, Heth Owen Jr., July 3, 2016.

Margaret (Peggy) Brown Noseck ’44 on the death of her son, Mark Noseck, July 4, 2016.

Mary Johnson Puccinelli ’60 on the death of her sister, Kathleen Johnson Edelblut ’66, July 29, 2016. Kathleen was a sister-in-law of Mary Louise Stewart Johnson ’62 and Carolyn Edelblut Jones ’68.

Laura Paul ’98 on the death of her grandfather, Louis “Lou” Paul, July 9, 2016.

Nicole D’Aria Florio ’03 on the death of her son, Luca Vincent Florio, July 30, 2016.

Ellie Follmer ’18 on the death of her grandfather, William “Bill” Rudy, July 13, 2016.

Anne Moses Stratton ’78 on the death of her father, Charles Anthony Moses Sr., August 11, 2016.

Brenda Campbell Bertozzi ’59 on the death of her son, Vincent Paul Bertozzi, July 18, 2016.

Beth Hughson Kinsey ’70, Joan Hughson Schuette ’72, Patricia Hughson ’75 and Kathleen Hughson ’80 on the death of their mother, Dorothy “Dot” Hughson, August 13, 2016.

Ginger Kouton ’98 on the death of her grandfather, James Joseph Kouten, July 18, 2016.

Frances Straus Stone ’62 on the death of her husband, Bob Stone, July 23, 2016.

Christy Beirne Heinen ’82 and Ida Beirne O’Leary ’86 on the death of their father, John Bucker “Jack” Beirne Sr., July 23, 2016. Mr. Beirne was the grandfather of Julia Beirne Miller ’91 and the brother of Sarah Gerwin Matt ’52.

Jesse Spencer ’20 on the death of her grandfather, John Joseph Leffler, July 25, 2016.

Linda Dip Borgerson ’99 and Susana Dip ’92 on the death of their father, Juan Dip, August 27, 2016. Mr. Dip was the father-in-law of Joanne Baker Dip ’76.

Meredith McNamara ’88, SGHS Director of Admission, on the death of her step-father, William Earl Oxenreider, September 7, 2016.

Pamela Greene Zimmer ’74, Elizabeth Peyton Greene ’78 and Ann Greene McGeorge ’80 on the death of their father, Alfred Clinton Greene, September 8, 2016.

Tia Karpus Williams ’86 and Tricia Karpus Morro ’88 on the death of their grandmother, Shirley Smith Karpus, September 12, 2016.

Maegan MaHan ’13 on the death of her grandfather, Arnold Gibson, September 17, 2016.

Morgen McElroy ’94 on the death of her grandmother, Mary Imogen McElroy, September 20, 2016.

Christopher Malone, Chair of the SGHS Board of Visitors, on the death of his mother, Helen Marie Malone, September 25, 2016.

Adair Esposito ’20 on the death of her grandmother, Nancy Ellen Esposito, September 27, 2016.

Maddie Reid ’15 on the death of her grandfather, R. Ford Reid, October 2016.

Judith Lowry Adkins ’60 on the death of her step-daughter, Diane Adkins Alcock, October 2, 2016.

In Our Thoughts The entire Saint Gertrude High School community continues to keep Emily Ferguson ’03 in our thoughts and prayers.

Emily married Bryan Griffith, a man with “gentle kindness and unyielding wit,” on December 10, 2016. On February 22, 2017, Bryan lost his battle with epilepsy after passing from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Emily continues to raise awareness and funds for research through SUDEP Action at SUDEP.ORG.

tower | Fall 2017 | 61

Catherine Thorsen Dameron ’97 on the death of her grandfather, James Brown Thorsen, October 3, 2016. Mr. Thorsen was the great-grandfather of Maddie Dameron ’20 and the father-in-law of Maria Thorsen, former SGHS theology teacher.

Courtney Dunnavent Dibble ’60 on the death of her husband, George Beers Dibble Jr., October 6, 2016.

Tosca Celeste Glave ’13 on the death of her grandmother, Patricia McKenna Glave, October 6, 2016.

Jo Evelyn Davis Raible ’66, Laura Davis Kline ’70, Angie Davis Tomlin ’75 and Mary Annette Davis Seiter ’75 on the death of their sister, Rose Davis Denton ’74, October 21, 2016.

Gina Feria Quesinberry ’89 on the death of her father, Linwood Powers III, October 21, 2016.

Patricia Melvin Seay ’79 on the death of her father, Will “Bill” James Jr., October 24, 2016.

Catherine Morrissey Jackson ’63 on the death of her fiancé, Steven Charter, November 2, 2106.

Mary Waitt ’20 on the death of her great-grandmother, Pearle Inez Bailey Langord, November 2, 2016.

62

Alice Zanzola Rother ’73 on the death of her mother, Linda C. Zanzola, November 4, 2016.

Joan Colton Lemelin ’82 on the death of her father-in-law, Donald Roberts Lemelin, November 5, 2016.

Mary Patricia Nicholson ’77, Kathleen Nicholson Wilmer ’84 and Margaret Nicholson Gorman ’81 on the death of their mother, Jean Marie Raftery Nicholson, November 10, 2016.

Elizabeth Irving Merwin ’72 on the death of her mother, Patricia Delaney Irving, November 17, 2016. Mrs. Irving was the grandmother of Katie Merwin ’00.

Caroline DeSouza ’17 on the death of her grandmother, Margaret Ann Wells DeSouza, November 17, 2016.

Blair Larcen ’99 on the death of her grandmother, Beatrice Anne Buckley Larcen, November 21, 2016.

Teresa Chancey Gates ’66 on the death of her father-in-law, Charles Henry Gates, November 23, 2016.

Susan Cox Beirne ’75, Debbie Cox Mills ’78 and Jane Cox Markow ’83 on the death of their father, William Cox, November 26, 2016.

Maria Gragnani Schutte ’58 and JoAnn Gragnani Boss ’63 on the death of their mother, Anna Mary Gragnani, November 28, 2016. Mrs. Gragnani was the grandmother of Jennifer Sole ’82 and Mary Beth Schutte ’85.

Joan Solari Giovannetti ’75 on the death of her mother-in-law, Louise Gunn Giovannetti, November 29, 2016. Mrs. Giovannetti was the grandmother of Maria Giovannetti ’01, Anna Giovannetti ’08 and Katharine Giovannetti ’11. Mrs. Giovannetti was also the sister-inlaw of Ann Schaefer Giovannetti ’56.

Theresa Tucker Sugameli ’75 on the death of her mother, Martha Bucher Tucker, December 2, 2016.

Jamie Coffin ’96 on the death of her grandfather, James Robert Currie, December 4, 2016.

Jill Fishback ’86 on the death of her father, James Kemper Fishback, December 5, 2016.

Meg Hendrick Downs ’77, Mary Beth Hendrick Deutsch ’79 and Kathie Hendrick Falls ’82 on the death of their mother, Anne Hammond Hendrick, December 10, 2016.

Laurie Hoen, (SGHS fine arts teacher), on the death of her mother, Frankie Rathbun, December 11, 2016.

Gabby Rogers ’19 on the death of her great grandmother, Helen Margaret DeBlasio, December 13, 2016.

Merrily Williams ’83 on the death of her father, Jimmie Sherwood Williams, Ph.D., December 22, 2016.

Jennifer Allen Owings ’92 on the death of her father, Herman Allen Jr. on December 22, 2016.

Mary Carroll Bailey Flynn ’70 on the death of her husband, Milton “Sonny” Flynn, December 27, 2016.

Linda Timberlake Haynes ’75 and Donna Timberlake Chalkley ’77 on the death of their mother, Effie “Jo” Timberlake. Mrs. Timberlake was the grandmother of Nicole Haynes ’20.

Sister Jeanne Solari, C.S.J. ’47 and Margaret Solari Stebbins ’53 on the death of their sister, Joan Solari Ross ’55, December 30, 2016.

Elizabeth Ferguson ’93 on the death of her father, C. Gilbert Jr, January 2017.

Hailey Davis ’17 on the death of her great grandmother, Marguerite Fuqua, January 8, 2017.

Carole Noble Park ’64 and Marie Noble Brenner ’65 on the death of their mother, Dr. Cecile Etiennette Forgeat Noble, January 14, 2017.

class notes

Jere Suyes Kitchen ’79, Susan Suyes Mateer ’84, Sara Suyes Goodwin ’86, Jana Suyes Vath ’87 on the death of their mother, Rose Marie Mehfoud Suyes, January 14, 2017.

Mrs. Suyes was the sister of Anne Mehfoud Rochecharlie ’61.

Elaine Caravati Ryan ’45, Mary Ann Caravati Slaughter ’46, Suzanne Caravati McCreight ’54 and Alice Caravati Fitch ’57 on the death of their sister, Janet Caravati Ritzel ’52, January 25, 2017.

Denise Mercer Meador ’74 on the death of her husband, William “Bill” Meador, January 15, 2017.

Mary Grace Siwko ’17 and Lucy Siwko ’19 on the death of their grandmother, Martha Jo Lowe, January 25, 2017.

Christina Daniels Bonini ’03 on the death of her mother-in-law, Michele F. Bonini, January 18, 2017.

Collette Bryant Woods ’83 on the death of her mother, Helen Jordan Bryant, January 26, 2017.

Ana Goldman Warden ’79, Paola Goldman McNeil ’80, Margaret Goldman Wilson ’83 on the death of their mother, Rosario “Charo” Goldman, January 18, 2017. Mrs. Goldman was the grandmother of Virginia (Sadie) Mercedes McNeil ’17.

Sarah Ellington Paulette ’00 on the death of her grandfather, Garland Randolph Ellington Jr., January 30, 2017.

Brighton Nott ’20 on the death of her grandmother, Judith Millis Pembroke, January 19, 2017.

Margaret Loftus ’79 on the death of her mother, Una Keenan Loftus, January 22, 2017.

Mary Quagliano Blunt ’89 on the death of her mother, Dr. Lidia Vallarino Quagliano, January 22, 2017.

Christopher Malone, Chair of the SGHS Board of Visitors, on the death of his son, Ryan Thomas Malone, January 22, 2017.

Debbie Craven Bragg ’76 on the death of her mother, Nannette Antonelli Craven, February 5, 2017. Mrs. Craven was the mother in law of Heather Burke Craven ’90.

Leah Bishop ’20 on the death of her grandfather, Edmund Henry on February 6, 2017.

Barbara Bradley Kayes ’74 on the death of her mother, Barbara W. Bradley, February 10, 2017.

Betsy Lanier Murphy ’73, Beverley Ann Lanier ’76, Patty Lanier Weir ’78, Jackie Lanier Crouch ’81 and Jeanne Lanier Longo ’84 on the death of their mother Mary Patricia Hurley Lanier, February 15, 2017.

Lyndi Chalkley Wells ’74 on the death of her brother, George Christopher “Chris” Chalkley, February 15, 2017.

Leslie Koenig Stack ’74 on the death of her mother, Rosewell Howard Koenig, February 15, 2017. Mrs. Rosewell was the grandmother of Kathryn Stack Consuegra ’96 and Leslie Rizzo Ibanez ’98.

Michele Windbiel Riley ’90 on the death of her mother, Nancy Lee Purcell Windbiel, February 16, 2017.

Sarah Bruce ’08 on the death of her grandmother, Madaline Scanland Bruce, March 10, 2017.

Ann Veillette ’06, Marie Veillette ’08, and Claire Veillette ’14 on the death of their grandfather, Leo Joseph Veillette, March 17, 2017.

Ellen Riley ’71, Nora Riley ’73, Emily Riley ’76 and Mary Riley ’84 on the death of their sister, Susan Riley Keyes, March 31, 2017.

Tara Guidt Dalton ’98 on the death of her grandmother, Elsie Louise Shumaker, April 2, 2017.

Carolyn Giannini O’Leary ’62 and Frances (Cookie) Giannini ’64 on the death of their mother Frances Chiocca “Mama G” Giannini, February 18, 2017.

Mary Lou Felthaus ’51 on the death of her sister, Kathleen F. Billingsley, April 3, 2017.

Alicia Hart Bernet ’82 on the death of her mother-in-law, Ruth Bernet, February 21, 2017.

Jenna Irby McCord ’04 on the death of her sister, Melissa Ann Irby, April 10, 2017.

Erica Gill ’05 and Erin Gill ’15 on the death of their grandfather, William “Bill” Matthew Sonnett, February 21, 2017.

Rick Kastelberg, SGHS Board of Visitors and his sister, Joanne Kastelberg Wellford ’68 on the death of their mother, Mary Frances Caravati Kastelberg ’42, April 13, 2017. Mrs. Kastelberg was the mother-in-law of Margaret Bowles Kastelberg ’72 and Elaine Becker Kastelberg ’77. Mrs. Kastelberg was the grandmother of Carrington Kastelberg Gillis ’97, Ellen Kastelberg ’04, Megan Wellford Hollomon 02, Kelly Wellford ’03,

Maggie Dooley ’17 on the death of her grandfather, Earl Gray Dooley, February 25, 2017.

Kathleen Mills Lee ’74 on the death of her father, Malachi “Chi” Monroe Mills, February 26, 2017.

Lydia Valentine ’12 on the death of her grandmother, Carolyn Foster, February 27, 2017.

tower | Fall 2017 | 63

Keep in Touch!

Our alumnae are special to us.

We want to share your latest news and photographs. ­— MESSAGES Please send by email to alumnae@ saintgertrude.org or by mail to Director of Alumnae Relations, Margie Shibley, 3215 Stuart Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221.

— PHOTOGRAPHY When sending photographs, please include a full caption that identifies everyone in the photo.

High resolution (300dpi) digital images are encouraged whenever possible. Editors may edit submissions for length, clarity, and style.

Mary Lou Kastelberg Bulger ’01 and Sara Kastelberg Culver ’03 and Amelia Kastelberg ’11. Mrs. Kastelberg was also the sister of Lenora Caravati Smith ’45, Peggy Caravati Karn ’45, Barbara Caravati Thorton ’51 and Ceci Amrhein-Gallasch ’57.

Anne Schafstedde Allen ’60 on the death of her mother, Mary Catherine Schafstedde Dunn, April 16, 2017.

Colleen Twomey ’13 and Meghan Twomey ’18 on the death of their grandfather, Robert Samuel Hussey, April 22, 2017.

Katharine Beirne Schemmel ’67 on the death of her mother, Judith Spellman Beirne, April 23, 2017.

Catherine Dart Solari ’58 on the death of her husband, Richard Frederick Solari, April 29, 2017. Mr. Solari is the brother of Helen Solari Preston ’54 and Katherine Solari Swindell ’57.

—

Caitlyn Quilter Price ’06, Ann Miflin ’09 and Victoria Quilter ’09 on the death of their father, Patrick Quilter, April 2017.

DEADLINE The deadline for the next magazine is January 1, 2018.

Robin Mathews Oliff ’80 on the death of her mother, Joyce Gowen Mathews, April 30, 2017.

Ellie Follmer ’18 on the death of her grandfather, Donald Follmer, May 5, 2017.

64

Suzanne Shumaker Zimmerman ’94 on the death of her daughter, Akaila Nicole Zimmerman, May 10, 2017.

Mr. Lipscomb was the brother-in-law of Karla Williams Boughey ’77 and Kristi Williams McCune ’82.

Tammy Flinn Farley ’84 on the death of her brother, Terry Lee Flinn, May 14, 2017.

Sarah Holzgrefe ’63, Ann Holzgrefe ’66, Kathy Holzgrefe Bliley ’68, Barbara Holzgrefe Ross ’70 and Dottie Holzgrefe Carter ’74 on the death of their father, William F. Holzgrefe, June 8, 2017.

Michelle Kralj Bowen ’77 on the death of her brother, Mark Alan Kralj, May 15, 2017.

Cheyce Ross ’19 on the death of her great grandmother, Thelma Pretlow, May 17, 2017.

Pamela Greene Zimmer ’74 and Elizabeth Peyton Greene ’78 on the death of their mother, Elizabeth Ann Atkins “Pam” Greene, May 18, 2017.

Carol Chase, chair of the SGHS science department, on the death of her fatherin-law, Charles “Chuck” Edmund Chase, June 8, 2017.

Hannah Melin ’18 on the death of her grandfather, Kent A. Follett, May 28, 2017.

Bailey Mugford ’09, Madison Mugford ’13, Taylor Mugford ’13, Mary Peyton Mugford ’16 and Harper Mugford ’19 on the death of their grandfather, Edwin Wendell Mugford Jr., June 14, 2017.

Heather Gibbs ’92 on the death of her grandmother, Margaret Carter, May 31, 2017.

Jean Gazala Watson ’76 on the death of her mother Rose Naman Gazala, June 15, 2017.

Jeanne Kline ’71 and Mary Kline Moran ’73 on the death of their father, Robert Henry Kline, May 31, 2017.

Patricia Gayle Conway Boote ’60 on the death of her husband, Howard Sherry Boote Jr., June 1, 2017.

Dana Lipscomb Brereton ’88 and Dione Lipscomb Bassett ’91 on the death of their father, Gary Stanley Lipscomb, June 1, 2017.

A Pilgrim’s Prayer

by Thomas Merton, Cistercian (Trappist) Monk

My Lord God I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end. nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.

I hope I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

from Thoughts in Solitude, 1958

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Richmond, VA Permit No. 915

2017– 2018

3215 Stuart Avenue Richmond, VA 23221 SaintGertrude.org

Admission Dates

Middle School Athletics

Alumnae Dates

Visitors’ Day November 16

Winter Registration Begins Monday, November 6

Board Game Days March 14, 2018 April 11, 2018

Spring Registration Begins Monday, January 22, 2018

Nominations for Athletic Hall of Fame Due November 15

Lunch and Learn November 7 November 28 January 9, 2018 February 6, 2018 Applications Due January 6, 2018 Testing Dates December 9 January 6, 2018 February 3, 2018

PreSpree / Holly Spree November 17 6 – 9 pm November 18 9 am– 2 pm

Song Contest March 9, 2018 Legacy Luncheon March 17, 2018 Gator Gourmet March 28, 2018 Envision!

April 21, 2018