Saint Gertrude High School Tower Magazine - Winter 2018-19

WINTER 2018

A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNAE OF SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL

#MeToo

Combatting Sexual Harassment in College and the Workplace

Women in STEM

Four Alumnae Share Their Career Paths

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.

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.

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

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

• W e exhibit high moral character in the way we show respect for ourselves and others.

• W e 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.

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

Administrative Staff RENATA RAFFERTY Head of School REBECCA HOFFMANN Dean of Student Life NANCY CARRIG Faculty Chair MARCIA DAVIS Finance Manager MICHELLE SCHROETER Director of Development MARGARET SHIBLEY ’77 Director of Alumnae Relations MEREDITH MCNAMARA ’88 Director of Admissions

Editor Alexis Finc Director of Communications Photography Adam Ewing, Alexis Finc, Meghan Madel, Real Life Studios, Margie Shibley ’77, and various Saint Gertrude constituents Design Bacio Design & Marketing

COLLEEN CARPINELLI Director of Student Activities and Campus Ministry ALEXIS FINC Director of Communications

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. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity, and style.

The deadline for the next magazine is September 1, 2019.

To report address changes, visit saintgertrude.org/alumnae or email alumnae@saintgertrude.org.

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to one another, the assumption being I was simply there as Jerome’s “plus one.” I didn’t have to say a word – Jerome proudly set them straight about which of us was the “plus one.” Is that harassment?

Or did it only become harassment when my boss threatened to withhold my bonus if I didn’t go out for a drink with him?

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t didn’t have a name when I first experienced it. It was my freshman year of college and I was the only girl on my side of the chemistry lab. Surrounded by thirty young men vying to do well on their journey through pre-med studies, I was quietly and excitedly focused on whatever chemical concoction I was working on that day. The professor stopped by my lab bench and complimented me on my work to which the less-than-stellar student – male – at the table next to me exclaimed for all to hear, “A girl should have her bread in the oven and her buns in the bed.”

It was another two decades before the term sexual harassment would come into usage, and even now, many of us struggle to understand what the term really means. Does it include silly, stupid comments like the one made in chem lab that day and dumb blonde jokes? What about cartoons posted in the office (that were offensive but funny)? How about mudflaps sporting seated, wellendowed silhouetted women?

My late husband once accompanied me to a very prestigious Fortune 500 conference at which I was speaking. The only woman at the table, I was bypassed as the men all introduced themselves

With the relatively recent advent of the #MeToo and #Enough movements and their accompanying media coverage, the definition of sexual harassment has become even murkier, often being confused with sexual assault or sexual abuse.

To be clear, assault and abuse are distinctly different from harassment. Left unchecked, however, sexual harassment normalizes the objectification of all God’s children – especially women. And left unchallenged, it can lead to the kind of widespread and gross violations that we are learning have become commonplace in certain industries … Hollywood, high tech, venture capital, and finance, to name a few.

Like our own Saint Gertrude girls, I graduated from an all-girl Catholic high school as a poster child for the documented advantages of single-gender education: higher scores on college entrance exams, a strong sense of self-confidence, a willingness to take on leadership opportunities, and excited to study a STEM field (we called it science back then).

But I was totally unprepared to handle the subtle – and later not-so-subtle – jokes, digs, insults, professional sabotage, and ultimately, threats that I experienced simply because of my gender. And it was many years before I learned that my experiences of sexual harassment were common for most women AND for some men.

In this issue of Tower, we take a closer look at the subject of sexual harassment – what it is, how to recognize it, why it happens, and how we – as individuals and as a community – can respond and work together to eradicate it. It is also offered as a tribute to the thousands of Saint Gertrude alumnae who, in the face of many obstacles, including sexual harassment, have done great things in our world … for themselves, for their families, for their professions, and for the greater glory of God. We welcome your feedback!

Renata Rafferty Head of School

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SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL

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CAMPUS NEWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS

ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

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SCHOOL EVENTS

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ALUMNAE EVENTS

features FOND FAREWELL: Nancy Carrig

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FACULTY PROFILE: Dr. Chad Suhr

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WOMEN IN STEM Four alumnae working in the STEM field share their career paths

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#METOO

Combatting Sexual Harassment in College and the Workplace

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CLASS NOTES

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UPDATES FROM STUART AVENUE AND BEYOND

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Dr. Christine Darden autographs a graphing calculator for Katie Novak ’18.

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Hidden Figures Revealed A passion for mathematics and a determined spirit — how Dr. Christine Darden broke racial and gender barriers at NASA

top rank in the federal civil service. She also completed a PhD and raised a family. During her visit to SGHS, Darden discussed her career path and her innate passion for mathematics, spoke about her research, and answered questions about sexism, racism, and perseverance, leaving the audience in awe.

Katie Centofanti ’19 had the opportunity to introduce Darden at the presentation. She had admired Darden based on the summer reading, but meeting her and hearing her speak gave her an entirely new appreciation.

“I was impressed to learn that Dr. Darden planned to become a teacher after college and always had a passion for math. Even though she did not need to take as many math classes in college, she did it anyway because she loved it,” said Katie. “She didn’t have a plan. She pursued what she enjoyed and it eventually led her to the many new opportunities at NASA.” Katie wasn’t the only student who left a bit star struck. Girls lined up to have their books and graphing calculators autographed, and some even snagged selfies with the esteemed engineer.

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hen Dr. Christine Darden was preparing to graduate college in the late 1950s, there weren’t many jobs available for young, black, female mathematicians. As she told students on October 20, 2017, she tacked on a teaching certificate out of necessity, assuming that she would become a high school math teacher. Darden did become a high school math teacher briefly, but her passion for mathematics led her to take advanced courses at night and on weekends. And in 1967, Darden joined NASA as one of the “human computers,” a pool of women who performed calculations for the company’s male engineers. If her story sounds familiar, it’s because Darden’s journey was profiled in the 2016 bestselling book “Hidden Figures” by Margo Lee Shetterly.

Dr. Christine Darden addresses students during a Discover Leadership talk on October 20, 2017.

For the next 30 years, Darden worked at NASA, becoming a leader in sonic boom minimization research, and was one of the first African-American women promoted into the Senior Executive Service, the

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Beyond the Classroom:

Makerspaces

or better. It really reinforced the idea that there is success in failure,” Meghan explained. “It was also good to be in a situation as an adult where you’re learning something entirely new. Our students are always in that situation. It was eye-opening to experience that level of vulnerability.”

How communal creative spaces are transforming education

Faculty members had the opportunity to carve pumpkins using a laser cutter.

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ow do you encourage the next generation of innovators? For many schools, the answer is makerspaces.

Makerspaces are places where students can get together to build, tinker, invent, and explore.

While every makerspace is different, they can feature 3D printers, power tools, electronics, sewing machines, laser cutters, and programming equipment.

Last fall, eight faculty members received a Beyond the Classroom grant from the PTSO to learn more about makerspaces and the benefits of maker-centered learning for students. The grant consisted of an eightweek study with Dr. W. Monty Jones, a professor in instructional technology at VCU, and a membership to Build, RVA, a makerspace community in Richmond.

Meghan Madel, Saint Gertrude’s Academic Technologist, was one of the faculty members who participated. “Build, RVA was so cool. We could learn anything – welding, laser cutting, woodworking, 3D design. And they encouraged us to take creative risks which fostered an atmosphere of innovation.” During her time at Build, RVA, Meghan built a picture frame, etched glass, carved a pumpkin with a laser, and even built her family a new kitchen table and bench. Other faculty members were equally ambitious, constructing wind chimes, light fixtures, reupholstering chairs, and using 3D software to design ornaments and other home items.

In the end, the faculty agreed that the experience was invaluable. “We were learning new skills, and there was a lot of thinking about how to do something differently

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Rebecca Richards, English teacher, sands the leg of a chair that she reupholstered at Build, RVA.

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Erin Geary ’18 collects student donations for Sylvia’s Sisters.

Bella Roman ’18, and Erin Geary ’18 pose for a photo with JoAnne Kaperich and Jane Carrington Tarsovich ’76 of Sylvia’s Sisters.

Sisterhood in Action

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“It’s girls helping girls stay in school.”

he bond between alumnae and current students got a lot stronger this year. In the fall, SGHS was contacted by Jane Carrington Tarsovich ’76 about Sylvia’s Sisters, an organization that collects and distributes feminine hygiene products to girls living in poverty – both locally and abroad. “I first became involved with Sylvia’s Sisters in the winter of 2017,” said Jane.

“It broke my heart when I learned that girls living in extreme poverty right here in Richmond were forced to miss multiple days of school each month because of humiliation and embarrassment due their inability to afford feminine hygiene products.” Jane knew this organization was a perfect match for SGHS. “I thought why not bring Silvia’s Sisters to SGHS?” explained Jane. “It’s girls helping girls stay in school.”

A drive was organized through Student Outreach to Society (SOS) and students brought in sanitary pads, underwear, wipes, and gift cards. Inspired by the success of the student drive, Margie Shibley ’77, Director of Alumnae Relations, extended the invitation to alumnae

attending Vino on the Veranda. “There is never a cost to attend Vino, but I thought this would be a great voluntary admission charge to the event, especially since it’s one of our most well-attended gatherings,” said Margie. “Every woman knows the expense of feminine hygiene products and can relate to the mission of the organization. It is such a good fit for Saint Gertrude.” By the end of Vino, the collection basket was overflowing with products.

When the two drives were added together, Saint Gertrude collected a total of 4,696 sanitary pads, 134 pairs of underwear, and 200+ wipes—enough to help more than 600 girls—plus $370 in cash and gift card donations. Sylvia’s Sisters was very grateful. JoAnne Kaperich, treasurer of the organization, sent a card of appreciation. “As for myself, I can only say WOW to Saint Gertrude’s faith in action. Girls helping girls! Thank you!”

If you would like to get involved with Sylvia’s Sisters, visit sylviassisters.org.

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ow do you tackle an issue as complex as hunger? One bowl at a time. In the fall of 2017, students in Kristin Polich’s art classes took part in the Empty Bowl Dinner at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. At the event, attendees paid $20 for a bowl of soup; they were then allowed to keep the bowl after they finished their meal. Artists and community members donated all the bowls – and that’s where SGHS stepped in.

Alyssa Charnichart ’20 paints her bowl for the Empty Bowl Dinner.

Sixty students in Kristin’s classes painted bowls and donated them to the event. “I actually participated in the Empty Bowl Project as an art student in high school,” said Kristin. “When I became an art teacher 10 years ago, I found out that many art teachers were participating in the project and I jumped in. It’s been part of my curriculum ever since.” The bowls were bought pre-made, and students painted them with underglazes, after which the bowls were fired. The only requirement was that a mandala, a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe, was incorporated into the design. Though it was hard for the students to give up their bowls at the end of the project, they thought it was well worth it. “It was one of my favorite pieces, so it was very hard to let go of my bowl,” said Gabi Unger ’20. “But knowing that this bowl was going to help raise money for those in need, gave me a bigger satisfaction than ever keeping the bowl myself.”

Empty Bowls and Full Bellies A simple art project changes a community

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Nikki Haynes ’20, Natalie Olenic ’20, Abby Smith ’20, Katie Cury ’18, and Hannah Wilson ’20 show off their finished bowls for the Empty Bowl Dinner.

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A New Look

So far, only freshmen and sophomores are required to have the new skirt with the black shoe. All incoming classes will also have the new uniforms. As for the students, they seem to love the new look. “The blackwatch plaid skirts makes us look more sophisticated,” said Ida Adeso ‘21. “We have more shoe options and you don’t see as many stains as you would with the lighter skirts. I really like the new uniforms.”

“They looked so neat in their uniforms.

We realized that their darker skirts showed less wear and appeared cleaner than our light-colored skirts.”

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hen exchange students from Barcelona visited Saint Gertrude in 2016, they stood out – and not just because of their beautiful accents. “They looked so neat in their uniforms. We realized that their darker skirts showed less wear and appeared cleaner than our light-colored skirts,” said Nancy Carrig, former Dean of Student Affairs. This visit began a discussion about the current uniforms at Saint Gertrude, and a uniform committee was created.

Open to any and all students, the committee made suggestions, solicited samples, and met with company reps. New uniform options were displayed in the front hall of the high school, and students, parents, faculty, and staff weighed in with their opinions.

In the end, SGHS selected a black watch plaid skirt to replace the green and white plaid skirts – the biggest change to the uniform in 14 years. Footwear also got an update, with black shoes replacing brown shoes.

“There are so many shades of brown that the shoes never looked cohesive,” explained Nancy. “But there is only one shade of black and many options in that color. I think parents are finding it easier to shop for their daughters.”

Clara Drendel ‘21 and Ida Adeso ‘21 model the new uniforms, which include black watch plaid skirts and black shoes.

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Introducing … the Hub Need a coffee break? A relaxed place to finish homework? A space to hang out with friends? For SGHS students, there’s now the Hub.

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or SGHS students, there’s now the Hub. Located across from the technology office, it has served as a meeting area, a storage room, a classroom, and a computer lab throughout the years. Most recently, it was called the group room and served as a flexible teaching space, though it was rarely utilized. In 2017, Meredith McNamara ’88, Director of Admission, saw more potential in the space. “I knew for awhile that SGHS was lacking a relaxed space for students to gather, work together, and have some down time between classes,” said Meredith.

A few coats of paint, new artwork and furniture, a coloring station, and a Keurig coffee maker (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are provided by SGHS) were all it took to transform the space. Now, the once neglected room is the place to be for students. Girls use it before school, during study hall, for open lunch, and after school hours.

Students hanging out in the Hub.

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“It’s fun to have a space where we can chill with underclassmen since they can’t hang out in the senior lounge,” said Emily Cale ’18. “We used the space almost everyday.” Abby Clark ’18 agrees. “We were definitely lacking this type of space in the school. The library is for silent study only, and while you can talk in the Collab Lab, it was strictly for work. Before we would just hang out in the hallway and now we have a great place to go.”

For Meredith, the revamp was definitely worth it. “I love walking by the Hub, hearing laughter, and seeing lots of smiling faces. The students appreciate and respect the space. I am thrilled that they enjoy it and it has become a haven for our students!”

Donations of Keurig K-Cup Pods — especially hot chocolate — are always welcome.

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Destruction in Puerto Rico caused by Hurricane Maria.

Hurricane Help “I was definitely surprised by how much was raised and it made me feel proud of my school because of the selflessness shown.”

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hen Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, it caused immediate destruction, including a complete power grid failure, flooding, property damage, and loss of life. As SGHS watched the storm unfold, members of the Student Cooperative Association (SCA) began to think of ways to help those affected. In the end, they decided to host a fundraiser through the International Commission on Benedictine Education for the three Benedictine schools on the island – Santa Escolasatica, Colegio San Benito, and Abadia de San Antonio Abad. SCA’s initial goal was $1,500, and students only had two weeks to raise the money. If the goal was met, everyone would receive a special Spirit Week leading up to Homecoming.

At the end of the two weeks, everybody had reason to celebrate. Not only did SGHS meet the goal, but far exceeded it. Together, students, faculty, staff, and a few generous parents managed to raise $3,093.25. “The amount of care shown surprised me. I thought people would give five or ten dollars, but some came with fifty and one hundred dollar checks,” said Eden Winfield ’18, SCA President at the time. “I was definitely surprised by how much was raised and it made me feel proud of my school because of the selflessness shown.”

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Immersion

Near and Far “These experiences are designed to make all of us feel a little uncomfortable, to experience different cultures, and walk in the shoes of someone whose life is very different from our own.”

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earning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Just ask Fiona Hefele ’19, who went to Hinche, Haiti, in the summer of 2017 as part of SGHS’ Global Immersion Leadership Program. “My visit to Haiti really taught me patience and how to connect with others who are way different than me,” said Fiona. “I encourage others to travel so that they too can forge relationships outside of their comfort zones. With an experience like this one, a new spirit arose within me, one that has created a desire for helping children all over the world.” It is precisely this thinking that led Saint Gertrude to create the Global Immersion Leadership Program.

“These experiences are designed to make all of us feel a little uncomfortable, to experience different cultures, and walk in the shoes of someone whose life is very different from our own,” explained Colleen Carpinelli, Director of Student Activities and Ministry. “It’s through these experiences that students are challenged to engage the realities of the world while reflecting on the values of human dignity and servant leadership.”

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Eve Maddock ‘19 and Mary Cornett ‘19 with the girls at Maison Fortuné Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti, in June 2017.

Along with a return visit to Haiti this past June, SGHS expanded the program to include immersion

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experiences to El Paso, Texas, and Bristow, Virginia. For the 2018 El Paso program, SGHS partnered with the World Leadership School (WLS) and a local Catholic non-profit, Annunciation House, to provide students with a unique and multifaceted view of immigration.

Students visited the government agencies responsible for controlling the border, including the U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Court System, and Detention Center, as well as the many non-profit and religious

Housing, which provides housing and support programs for families facing homelessness, and BEACON, an adult literacy program that focuses on helping low-income immigrants learn English. The Bristow program was created after Madison Schmidt ’17 spent a week at the monastery. “It was truly an eye-opening experience,” said Madison. “Although I never wanted to become a nun, this experience opened my eyes to see the good each and every Sister does for the community. I can’t thank them

Students in the newly expanded Global Immersion Leadership Program journeyed to El Paso, Texas, this summer to study immigration.

organizations that work with migrant workers and undocumented immigrants. The experience allowed students to get a firsthand glimpse into the complexities of immigration and the challenges on all sides of the issue. “As soon as I read the description, the trip piqued my interest,” said Melissa Dolfi ’19.

“The visits to government agencies sounded amazing and I really wanted to learn about them and their policies. I also wanted to learn about different Mexican and Central American cultures and how life is for immigrants to this country.”

For the August Bristow experience, students had the opportunity to live and work with the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. The stay focused on the different ministries the Sisters have established, such as BARN Community

enough for welcoming me into their home and giving me a school from which I was proud to graduate.” These new immersion experiences build on past European tours and our academic exchanges with France and Spain.

“Whether it is through an exchange program, a travel program, or a cultural immersion experience, our students have the opportunity to see the world outside the doors of Saint Gertrude and bring that perspective back to school to share with their classmates,” said Colleen. “As our students travel around our community, our nation, and our world, they enrich not just their own lives, but they impact the lives of other students, making a lasting impression on our culture here at home.”

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FALL

Athletics

Reagan Leahey ’19 carries the ball up the field.

HIGHLIGHTS Fall 2017 was a season of growth for Saint Gertrude’s athletic program. Not only did the program grow with the creation of new teams and player interest, but SGHS also incorporated new training for our athletes, moving toward a more holistic athletic program. In August, a nutritionist from Bon Secours came in to discuss how to fuel bodies for performance, preworkout and post-workout meals, and healthy food options.

SGHS also instituted mental skills training with all of our teams, an important tool for athletes. And we continued our relationship with Bon Secours sports performance training at the Redskins Training Center. (As of October 2018, Saint Gertrude is proud to be partnering with VCU/MCV Associated Physicians as our team health system.)

By Fran Pochilly, Athletic Director

VOLLEYBALL Varsity volleyball found its groove in 2017. Students’ confidence skyrocketed, and they had a clear game plan that every player bought into and executed. The team had a huge conference win at St. Anne’s Belfield on Tuesday, October 31, playing with a purpose and taking the match, 3-0, in the first round of the LIS tournament. The team turned right around to travel to No. 2 seed, St. Margaret’s, the next day but lost a tight match, with first two sets going to 23-25! A special congratulations to Devin Scofield ’18 who was named to the All-LIS team for volleyball.

In 2017, the JV volleyball team had one of its winningest seasons in recent years, finishing with an overall record of 16-6-1—one of the best records of any of our fall teams.

SGHS also added a freshman team for the first time. This is a developmental team providing an opportunity for new players to learn the game, have fun, and gain experience that they can carry into the JV program moving forward.

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Teammates support Renee Bosetti ’20 as she goes up for a kill during a match against The Steward School.

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FIELD HOCKEY Gator field hockey is on the rise! It was a tough season, as our girls compete in one of the most competitive leagues on the East Coast. 2017 was a year of individual growth and improvement for all the players. Goalie Emma Fox ’20 amassed over 200 saves for the varsity team! In the spring, SGHS hosted a field hockey play day at the OAC. Students from Henrico High School joined us for a friendly scrimmage.

CROSS COUNTRY SGHS had some amazing freshman runners on its 2017 cross-country team who complemented strong leadership from the upperclassmen returners. In November, SGHS participated in the LIS meet at Fork Union. Four freshmen from Saint Gertrude finished in the top ten of the JV race, led by Estelle Journet ’21 who finished fourth. The crosscountry team is heading toward growth in numbers and in competiveness in the league.

Anna Dittore ’19 and Ashley Gonzalez ’21 give it their all during a meet with Banner Christian at Benedictine College Prep.

TENNIS The seniors of the varsity tennis team.

Varsity tennis players really honed their skills in 2017 and had the highest finish in recent years. The team finished fifth in the LIS conference! Caitlin Crowder ’19 upset upset the No. 4 seed in No. 2 singles and led the team with a fourth place individual finish. In the second day of the conference tournament, the Gators won six of their nine matches, including all three doubles matches. It was a great finish to a solid year for the tennis squad!

Caitlin Crowder ’19 gets ready for a serve.

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WINTER & SPRING

Athletics HIGHLIGHTS

Brynn Vea ’21 dribbles up the field.

INDOOR TRACK The indoor track team had a new coach in the 2017-18 winter season, Ed Gotta. Our runners worked hard and showed a lot of improvement by the end of the season. The team finished its season at the St. Christopher’s JV meet on February 16. Highlights for the Gators include Estelle Journet ‘21 finishing second place in the 1600-meter, Morgan Scofield ‘21 finishing fourth in the 300-meter dash and fifth in the 55-meter dash, Grace Davis ‘21 finishing sixth in the 500-meter run, and Madeline Tuckley ‘20 finishing sixth in the 300-meter run.

SOCCER The soccer teams had solid 2017-18 seasons. The JV team only lost one game all season and the varsity team finished 6th in the very competitive LIS conference. The varsity team’s season ended in the first round of the LIS tournament with a loss to St. Anne’s-Belfield.

SWIMMING

Senior swimmers: Lexi Lamb ’18, Terra Funk ’18, Meg Lukhard ’18, Natalie Farrey ’18, Sarah Shelton ’18, Bridget Davis ’18, and Abby Clark ’18.

Five swimmers qualified for the VISAA meet held in February in Stafford, Va. The Gators finished 17th overall out of 27 schools competing. Mary Cornett ’19 led the Gators with a fourth place finish in the 200-meter individual medley and a ninth place finish in the 100-yard butterfly.

BASKETBALL The varsity basketball team ended a successful 2017-18 year with a loss to Episcopal School in Alexandria, VA in the first round of the VISAA tournament. Saint Gertrude was seeded 10th in the bracket and Episcopal was seeded seventh. The team’s season was highlighted by wins over three teams who finished in the top 12 of the VISAA. Varsity also won the 2nd Annual Gator Classic Tournament held over the 2017-18 Christmas break at SGHS, and Aimee DeBell ’18, was named to the All-LIS Conference team. There was a great turnout for basketball, so there was two JV teams playing. Both teams had a lot of succes!

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The varsity basketball team celebrates a win at St. Catherine’s.

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LACROSSE The varsity lacrosse team had a tough 2018, but was able to win two of its last three games of the season, including an exciting 10-9 victory over Norfolk Collegiate for senior day. The varsity team finished sixth in the LIS tournament and ended its season with a loss at St. Anne’s-Belfield in the first round of the LIS tournament. The JV team finished out a great year with a tournament at Forest Park High School where the team went 1-1 for the day.

Lacross player, Autumn Kash ’20, was named to the AllConference team for the LIS. Autumn was also named to the All-State Second Team!

Autumn Kash ’20 carries the ball up the field in a lacrosse match against The Steward School.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The outdoor track team had a number of highlights in 2018, including Lexi Lamb ’18 breaking the SGHS school record in shot put. There were a number of runners on the brink of qualifying for the state tournament, but Lexi was the lone Gator to attend the 2018 VISAA meet this year. She finished fifth overall in the shot put event.

Ashley Gonzalez ’21, Ida Adeso ’21, and Estelle Journet ’21 at an outdoor track meet (left).

SOFTBALL

GOLF

CONGRATULATIONS

The softball team was elevated back to the varsity level for spring 2018 and had a great season.

They went 6-3, finishing the year with an exciting extra inning game against Saint John Paul the Great.

The golf team had a number of new players on the squad in 2018, and were led by Isabella Riley ’20, who was the consistent low scorer of the season.

Three student-athletes in the 2018 class went on to compete in collegiate athletics: Isabella Boehling ’18 (RandolphMacon College, tennis), Emma Wilson ’18 (Hollins, cross country and lacrosse) and Aimee DeBell ’18 (Randolph-Macon College, basketball and soccer).

We also celebrated four major athletic award winners during Awards Day in May:

Gator Athlete of the Year Aimee DeBell ‘18 and Athletic Director Fran Pochily at Awards Day in May.

Margot Powers ’18: Bernard Lange Sportsmanship Award Aimee DeBell ’18: Gator Athlete of the Year Emma Wilson ’18: Commitment Award Devin Scofield ’18: Scholar Athlete of the Year Kaitlin Puccinelli ’21 warms up before the next batter.

Golf team captain Isabella Riley ’20 tees off.

Look for the 2018-19 athletic highlights in our next issue of Tower.

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Arts FA L L

The Belle Tones perform “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors at Grandparents’ Day in October.

HIGHLIGHTS

By Lisa Fusco, Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair and Kristin Polich, Art Teacher

MUSIC The student musicians of Saint Gertrude had a busy end to 2017. In October, Chorus, Belle Tones, Tower Ringers, and Honors Ensemble performed for the Grandparents’ Day luncheon, and Honors Ensemble demonstrated their musical skills at the school’s Open House. Individual student talents were featured at the Visitor’s Day talent show in November.

SGHS singers also reached out to the community in November by participating in the Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ “Holiday Festival of Music” at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Honors Ensemble sang in two holiday concert series, the first at Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg, where the choir received a standing ovation and many compliments from the audience. Honors Ensemble has performed at Bruton Parish Church yearly since 2008. The second performance was to a large, appreciative crowd at The Jefferson Hotel’s Music at Midday series, marking SGHS’ 30th continuous year there.

Saint Gertrude holds the distinction of being the group that has performed for the most successive years at The Jefferson, and they are eager for us to return each year.

Two Saint Gertrude students, Sarah Hess ’20 and Gracie Vallei ’18, had the professional experience of singing with the Richmond Ballet and the Richmond Symphony in December as part of “The Nutcracker” Snow Chorus with students from other area high schools. The SGHS Christmas Concert featured all the performing groups, including Chorus, Belle Tones, Contemporary Commercial Music, Tower Ringers, and Honors Ensemble. Even faculty members experienced the joy of making music together during the holiday season, with a faculty/staff hand bell choir that played for their colleagues’ Christmas party!

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Honors Ensemble at Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ “Holiday Festival of Music” at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Sarah Hess ’18 performs “Love Song” by Sarah Bareilles at the Visitors’ Day Talent Show.

Honors Ensemble perform at The Jefferson Hotel during the holiday season.

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THEATRE

Fugiae landelent, temolupta nestian destium asitest, coris parcium que Stuart Avenue Players, the theatre organization porro at consent fugiam, Saint Gertrude, proudly presented “Godspell” sus, in fall aut mo con nimpor 2017, accompanied by a live band of Richmond-area professional musicians. SGHS students and guest male actors portrayed the stories of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew with non-stop energy. Cast and crew members enjoyed answering questions from the audience during the talk back after each performance. After the school show ended in November, Stuart Avenue Players gathered as a group to see “Legally Blonde” at VCU, starring Theatre Director Happy Mahaney as the Professor, and to see “The Little Mermaid” at CharacterWorks, starring Harper Mugford ’19 as Ariel.

Serah Ngendakuriyo ‘19 and the cast perform in “Godspell.”

VISUAL ART Saint Gertrude welcomed Kristin Polich in 2017 as its new art teacher. Kristin previously taught art for nine years in Chesterfield County. She is a graduate of Hollins University and is a working artist who exhibits her artwork locally. She is currently on the Teacher Advisory Committees at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA).

Top: Student artwork on display at the Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Bottom: Local artist Katie Shaw discusses her artwork with SGHS students.

The 2017-18 school year kicked off with an exhibit in the SGHS art gallery by local artist Katie Shaw. Titled “Octagons,” the series explored textile design, scientific diagrams, and architectural structures. Katie visited SGHS and spent time talking with the students about her artwork and creative process. It was her artwork that inspired the mandalas that students created on their bowls for the Empty Bowl Project. (To read more on the Empty Bowl Project, see page 08.)

SGHS also staged a student exhibit called “Exploration” that featured works from Ceramics, Drawing, Intro to Art, and Honors Portfolio art classes, and a reception was held during the fall musical “Godspell.” Students also had an off-campus exhibit at the Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House at St. Mary’s Hospital, for patients and their families to enjoy during their stay.

Art students continued to visit the VMFA during their art classes to view works for inspiration. The ceramics class enjoyed the exhibit “Hear My Voice: Native American Art of the Past and Present” featuring many inspiring vessels and ceramics.

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Arts SPRING

HIGHLIGHTS

Visiting artist and metalsmith Sarah Tector teaches a workshop on jewelry making for Honors Portfolio students.

VISUAL ART The 2018 spring semester was full of many student art shows, field trips to exhibits in the community, and visiting artists in the classroom. Honors Portfolio students received a private tour of Try-me, a contemporary art study space, which houses the private art collection of Pam and Bill Royall. There students learned about the artists and their processes as well as the world of collecting and exhibiting art from Try-me’s head curator. In March, Honors Portfolio students participated in a jewelry workshop with visiting artist and metalsmith Sarah Tector.

Students created multiple pieces of jewelry and learned how to use metalsmithing processes and equipment.

These students ended the year with an exhibit of their work, featuring five to ten of their strongest pieces.

A wonderful celebration was held after the May Day festivities where family and friends came to view their art.

Students try out shibori dyeing techniques in the garden.

Local artist Sunny Goode speaks with students about her artmaking process.

Other highlights of the spring semester included a bright and vibrant exhibit and artist talk by visiting artist Sunny Goode. Sunny shared her inspiration and advice with SGHS painting students. A reception was held during lunchtime for all students to have a chance to meet her over lemonade and cookies. SGHS also had students share their work in an exhibit at the Belmont Library, as well as at an end of the year art show where all of second semester art students were represented.

As always, SGHS benefits from our close proximity to the VMFA, and classes often visited the museum. Multiple art classes were able to enjoy the Terracotta Warriors, which provided inspiration for ceramic students’ projects.

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Honors Porfolio students visit Try-me, a contemporary art study space owned by Bill and Pam Royall.

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THEATRE Stuart Avenue Players’ presented “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder in spring 2018. This classic play tells the story of the fictional town of Grover’s Corners and the townspeople who live there during the beginning of the 20th century. With the timely message to cherish each moment as we live it, it was no surprise that audiences were deeply affected. The backdrop was a beautiful hand-painted landscape designed by local artist, Pam Cosby-Smith, and painted by our students, and which now hangs as a work of art in our MPR.

Harper Mugford ’19 as Emily Webb in the spring production of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder.

MUSIC

A scene from the spring choral concert.

Spring 2018 saw SGHS students perform for several important community and school events. In February, Honors Ensemble was one of only three choirs invited by the Virginia Catholic Conference to participate in Virginia Vespers at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, where members of many faiths gathered to pray for unity, peace, and the needs of all Virginians. A few short weeks later, Honors Ensemble singers earned highest honors for the eighth year at the District Assessments in March, being awarded a superior ranking and perfect scores in sight-reading by the judges. The Benedictine Sisters chose Honors Ensemble to sing at their 150th anniversary celebration Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in May. Chorus, Belle Tones, Tower Ringers, Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM), and Honors Ensemble presented a spring concert reflecting the year-long theme “Discover.” Each group had at least one song that allowed them to discover something about another culture, another historical era, a different musical style, or the depth of family relationships.

Honors Ensemble finished the year by bringing their concert music and favorite Disney tunes to the patients at Children’s Hospital. Our students also sang the National Anthem several times this spring: Honors Ensemble sang in front of about 7,000 people at the VCU men’s basketball game against George Mason in February, as well as at a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game in April. A group of students from different choral groups gathered to sing for Benedictine College Prep’s graduation in June.

The entire school enjoyed two cultural music assemblies this year. YouTube sensation Resound, a gospel trio based in Richmond, spread hope and joy to whole student body in

Honors Ensemble gets ready to sing the National Anthem at a Flying Squirrels baseball game in April.

February with their assembly performance of gospel music for Black History Month. Another Richmond-based group, River City Taiko Drums, brought their stirring rhythms, traditional Japanese culture, and massive drums to play for students during World Language Week, and after the performance, they taught a group of interested girls some of the basics of playing the huge drums.

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Art

GALLERY

Cate Bobitz ‘21, Drawing

WORKS FROM SGHS ART CLASSES

Mary Waitt ’20, Graphic Design

Gabi Unger ’20, Ceramics

Natalie Farrey ’18, Honors Portfolio

Christina LaRosa ’18, Honors Portfolio

Arielle Heywood ’21, Drawing

Brynn Vea ’21, Intro to Art

Tanyi Ojong ’18, Honors Portfolio

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Introducing The NEW

Nearly 100 years ago, the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia founded Saint Gertrude High School with the goal of educating young women to learn, lead, and serve in a complex and fast-changing world. Throughout the decades, our school and our graduates have thrived because of this vision. Yet, for too long, costs have been perceived as a barrier to access the unique educational opportunity provided at Saint Gertrude.

The Benedictine Sisters are dedicated to creating a school with a diverse, nurturing, and inclusive culture in which together we make each other stronger. As such, the commitment to educational equity is foundational to Saint Gertrude High School. In June, members of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Visitors and the Benedictine Sisters met with parents of our incoming freshmen, and rising sophomore and junior classes to introduce our new Flexible Tuition Program, which will be replacing our traditional financial aid program in 2019-2020.

Flexible tuition, also known as indexed tuition or variable tuition, is a sliding-scale tuition model designed to meet each family’s unique financial situation.

While every family will continue to contribute their daughter’s tuition and fees, our new Flexible Tuition Program enables all families the opportunity to access an affordable Saint Gertrude education for their daughters. Families with the economic means to do so will continue to pay the actual cost of educating a young woman at Saint Gertrude (“full tuition”), and those whose family resources are less abundant will pay a tuition fee based on their ability. Thus, all students are afforded the opportunity to be welcomed into our community as equals and will be prepared to succeed in a world that is as economically, culturally, and racially diverse as they are.

If you would like to know more about the NEW Flexible Tuition Program, please visit saintgertrude.org/ flexibletuition or email Meredith McNamara, Director of Admission, at mmcnamara@saintgertrude.org.

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school events LOOKING B ACK...

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Grace Davis ‘21, Clara Drendel ‘21, Katie Pilot ‘21, and Rachel Graves ‘21 represent Red and Blue at Field Day at Benedictine College Prep.

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The gold team gives it their all during tug of war at the schools’ joint Field Day.

Lillian Gotiom ‘19 helps visitors at the Halloween Carnival pick out books — gifts from Saint Gertrude.

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Lindsay Schowalter ‘18 shares a laugh with her grandparents during Grandparents’ Day.

Cheyce Ross ‘19 supports Kimberly Vonderlehr ‘19 during the Blood Drive.

Paige Simon ‘21, Adreanna DeMarino ‘19, and Elise Borghi ‘19 grab a sweet treat during the Big Sis/Lil’ Sis ice cream social.

The Peanuts gang makes an appearance at Halloween — Maggie Scott ‘20, Caroline Gill ‘20, Rebecca Peppers ‘20, Megan Hoag ‘20, Dr. Chad Suhr, Lauren Horan ‘20, and Linh Ho ‘20.

Kat Fortner ‘19 recruits students for Media Club during the annual Club Fair.

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May Day, 2018

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Senior theology students participate in the annual Christmas Nativity.

Seniors visit the top of the tower, a special tradition that happens during the last week of school.

In celebration of Black History Month, students organized a soul food feast that featured corn bread, mac ‘n cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, deviled eggs, and much more!

The May Court: Ronnie Patterson ’20, Fiona Hefele ’19, Maid of Honor Margot Powers ’18, May Queen Erin Geary ’18, Morgan Scofield ’21, and Sophie Rust ’18.

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Vicky Smith-Parker ’18 gets ready to waltz at the Sponsors’ Ball.

Kelly McGranahan ’19 receives her class ring from Sr. Cora Marie Billings, RSM at the Junior Ring ceremony.

Juniors at the Junior Ring ceremony in October.

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Alumnae gather on stage to sing the alma mater.

The class of Silver and Pink move into formation during their performance.

The 2018 Distinguished Honorees: Jamie Bosket of The Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Kimberly Wilson of The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Sr. Charlotte Lange, OSB, ’58, Ruth Miller Ambrogi ’63, and Bobby Lukhard.

The class of Purple and White, led

by Sophie Rust ’18, stole the show and snagged first place.

The classes of Purple and White and Red and Blue celebrate after learning of their winning scores.

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Song Contest

TRADITION AND COMPETITION

O

n Friday, March 9, 2018, Saint Gertrude High School welcomed parents, alumnae, faculty, staff, friends, judges, and honored guests to the 67th Annual Song Contest at the Altria Theater. Before the students performed, hundreds of alumnae, led by Barbara Leahey Daniel ’68, took to the stage to sing the alma mater. Head of School Renata Rafferty presented the 2018 Distinguished Honoree Awards to Bobby Lukhard, Distinguished Friend of the School; Ruth Miller Ambrogi ’63, Distinguished Philanthropist; Sr. Charlotte Lange, OSB, ’58, Distinguished Alumna; and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and The Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Inaugural Distinguished Partners. All the classes delighted the audience with an amazing show. But in the end, there could only be one winner … the senior class of Purple and White! Second place was awarded to the freshmen, the class of Red and Blue.

CLASS THEMES Seniors: Purple and White Start Your Engines!

Juniors: Welcome to the Jungle of Silver and Pink!

Sophomores: Tickets Sold with Black and Gold!

Freshmen: One Fish, Two Fish, Red and Blue Fish!

After countless hours of practice, each class shows off its skills on the Altria stage.

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graduation 2018

O

n June 5, friends, family, board members, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate graduates from the class of 2018. The day began with a Baccalaureate liturgy at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, where the graduates celebrated Mass alongside the Golden Jubilarians, the class of 1968. After the liturgy and outdoor reception, the crowd headed to VCU’s Stuart C. Siegel Center Pavilion for commencement. Jennifer Curley Dearle, Esq. ’90, an international attorney, who focuses on combatting money laundering and corruption, served as the commencement speaker.

Other highlights included speeches from Salutatorian Bridget Boggs ‘18 and Valedictorian Sophie Rust ‘18; the presentation of the Lori Savik Memorial Award to Catharine Kelley ‘18, the Marian Character Leadership Award to Erin Geary ‘18, the Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship to Abby Clark ‘18 and the Ann Marie Caraker Hancock ‘64 Award to Eden Winfield ‘18; and the conferring of the diplomas.

Graduates at the Baccalaureate Mass.

Erin Geary ’18, Noelle Valerie ’18, and Abby Clark ’18 get ready to process in at the Baccalaureate Mass.

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Golden Jubilarians from the class of 1968 attend the graduation festivities: Dot Murphy Murray, Carolyn Curley Butler, Cathy Covert Talbert (top row), Joanne Kastelberg Wellford, Teeta Bliley Donlan, MaryDownes Meyer Amrhein, Kathy Holzgrefe Bliley (middle row), Cathy Dowd Pemberton, Susan Newcomb Kopecko, and Carol Lenzi (bottom row)

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES The University of Alabama* Allegheny College Auburn University Averett University Bridgewater College Bucknell University The Catholic University of America College of Charleston Christopher Newport University* Clemson University Coastal Carolina University* University of Denver Drexel University East Carolina University Elon University University of Florida* Furman University* George Mason University* University of Georgia Hamilton College - NY* Hampton University* High Point University

Hofstra University Hollins University* James Madison University* La Salle University Liberty University LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising) Longwood University* Louisiana State University* Loyola University Maryland Lynchburg College* University of Maine University of Mary Washington* University of Mississippi* Mount St. Mary’s University New York University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University* Occidental College Old Dominion University* Olivet College Pace University, New York City Pennsylvania State University Radford University Randolph College Randolph-Macon College*

University of Richmond Roanoke College Saint Joseph’s University Savannah College of Art and Design University of South Carolina* Southern Methodist University St. John’s University Queens Campus University of St. Thomas* Syracuse University* Temple University* University of Tennessee, Knoxville The American Musical and Dramatic Academy* The Ohio State University* Vanderbilt University* University of Vermont Virginia Commonwealth University* Virginia Tech* Virginia Wesleyan University* University of Virginia Wake Forest University West Virginia University* College of William and Mary* *Indicates matriculation

A scene from graduation.

Valedictorian Sophie Rust ’18.

Bisola Olowe ’18 and Bridget Davis ’18 celebrate after graduation.

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When Dr. Chad Suhr joined the Saint Gertrude community in 2016, he was moderately new to teaching. He had recently completed a PhD in physics, which included a stint at the Large-Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, in Cern, Geneva. Along the way, he also earned a master’s degree in philosophy.

A teaching assignment at another independent school was all it took for Dr. Suhr to realize that he loved teaching high school, and within months of joining SGHS, Dr. Suhr quickly endeared himself to students through his wacky humor, intriguing experiments, and innovative teaching methods. Tower sat down with Dr. Suhr to find out why he likes teaching at an all-girls school, how he brings philosophy into the classroom, and why certain physics assignments are his favorite.

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faculty profile: DR. CHAD SUHR

Physics Fun

A

fter completing your PhD, what made you decide to teach high school?

After I finished grad school, I knew that I didn’t want to stay in research. For me, research had meant sitting in an office being angry with a computer. I really like interacting with people, so I looked into jobs in education—college and high school. In 2014, I was hired to help design and teach a project-based, interdisciplinary curriculum at an independent high school in Charlottesville. I worked on that for two years—one year was spent designing the curriculum, and the other, teaching the pilot year. Those two years were the coolest master’s in education that you could get; it was like a crash tour. The program did not go beyond the pilot year, but I really had a lot of fun and realized that I enjoyed teaching high school.

At a high school, there is an emphasis on relationships with students. I know the kids I teach. I’ve developed a special relationship with them. I can joke with them. And a lot of schools have programs that are really neat. They are trying to do interesting things. There is thought about creative ways to present material.

What is it like to teach at an all-girls school?

This is my first experience with it. Before this, I taught at a coed school. Boys and girls are very different animals. At this age, girls typically have more executive function than boys do, so they are able to make plans and execute them better. I think it’s that functioning that helps with inventiveness. Yes, girls can be a bit boy crazy, but there aren’t boys in the classroom to be crazy about so they don’t have to think about what the boys are thinking and doing. The girls can just be present in the classroom. I’m glad an allgirls education is an option for families.

At SGHS we teach physics freshman year. Many students also take a more advanced physics course their senior year. Why do we teach physics first? How does this benefit our girls?

Physics is really the fundamental science, and understanding principles in physics—force, energy, motion, etc.—are useful in subsequent courses. In the standard biology-chemistry-physics progression, the first time you use much math is in chemistry and the concepts are often a bit more abstract. Not only are the concepts there less familiar, but you can’t always see them in action. Also the hazards of working with chemicals make safety paramount. Physics concepts can be explored with things like springs, rubber bands, toy cars, and the like, so we can play around a bit more.

Also, by teaching physics first, we ensure that everyone takes physics. It’s no longer a junior elective. Everyone is exposed to this fundamental science.

Dr. Chad Suhr helps students to build an accelerometer using Arduino, an open-source electronics platform.

What is your favorite physics assignment?

Senior projects in Physics II are fun. These are quarter-long projects where students construct a product or demonstration and then discuss the physics of what they have built in a group presentation. Last year students built a Rubens’ tube—a tube that is filled with gas and attached to a speaker. The gas is lit on fire, and sound waves cause the flames to vary in height.

A Rubens’ tube allows students to see the wave structure of sound. (You can find videos of a Rubens’ tube online.) Of course it’s fire, so it’s cool. This year students are talking about building a hovercraft!

More than the actual project, the students have to create their own plan for building and learning, everything from figuring out what they need, what safety precautions they have to take, and what they must understand in order to be an expert on their particular project. This is what most things in real life are like. You have to figure out what you need to do and how to do it. You have to understand enough to know where your knowledge ends and whether that is sufficient for your purpose. It is easy to find information on the Internet and recite it, but much more difficult to explain it in your own words or use it to create something.

How do you bring philosophy into the classroom?

I have always enjoyed philosophy. Philosophy allows a way of thinking about science that is not just about calculation.

Science is a certain type of knowledge and it’s important to understand how science relates to other types of knowledge.

Philosophy does that.

Philosophy is concerned with everything and how different fields fit together. It helps place science alongside other types of knowledge in a cohesive whole, including fields like ethics and religion. Many students share the default assumption of our culture that science and religion are inherently opposed to one another. I want them to see that this is not necessarily the case, that there are ways of integrating these ways of thinking that do justice to both science and religion, and present a rich picture of the world.

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Fond Farewell:

Nancy Carrig When Nancy Carrig arrived at Saint Gertrude High School in the fall of 1987, she only expected to stay at the school for a year or two. Hired as a part-time government teacher, Nancy thought she would eventually return to the county public schools once her three young children were a little older. No one is more surprised than Nancy that she stayed for 31 years. This past summer, she retired as Dean of Student Life. She will be deeply missed by faculty, staff, and students alike.*

H

ow did you come to be hired at Saint Gertrude High School?

I never applied for a job at Saint Gertrude.

I received a random phone call from Sr. Charlotte Lange, OSB, who was principal at the time. She was desperate for a social studies teacher, and had heard about me from my neighbor who was a teacher at SGHS. I told her that I could work part-time and I would need to be done before 12 p.m. as I had children in preschool and elementary school. I thought I would help out for a year and then go back to teaching in the county at a public school, but here I am.

What were your first impressions of Saint Gertrude?

I quickly realized that Saint Gertrude was a small community and the smallness was one thing that made it special. Sr. Charlotte—her warmth and her commitment to Catholic education and the Richmond community—was another large part of what made Saint Gertrude such a special place.

You started as a teacher, but you’ve spent the last few years as Dean of Student Life. What have you learned in your new role?

I’ve learned that it takes a village to run a school.

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Nancy Carrig in the classroom, 1992 I understand this now in a way that I didn’t fully understand as a teacher. There are so many good things going on this building that I wasn’t aware of as a teacher. As a faculty member, I was more focused on the learning going on in the classroom, the lesson planning, research, and daily interaction with students; however, as an administrator I can see the whole picture, the importance of the Discover Leadership program, athletics, Big Sis/Little Sis, and various service projects.

These co-curricular and extracurricular components complete the SGHS package and help to shape these young ladies into the young women they will become.

In your 30+ years at SGHS, do you have a favorite memory or two?

I have so many, a lot of which I can’t mention here.

[Laughter] I’ve always loved the New York City Senior Trip. I’ve been going on it for over 25 years. It’s a special time for the girls to see me and me to see the girls outside of the school. *S pecial note: Nancy agreed to stay on in a part-time role assisting the Head of School as Faculty Chair for the 2018-19 school year.

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Also, it’s always fun to prank the seniors back during Senior Prank Day. The class of Black and Lime stuffed the front office with balloons, so Susan Kopecko ’68 and I took all those balloons and put them in their cars, all the girls who had left their car doors unlocked in the senior parking lot. It was truly hilarious and the girls loved it.

One of the most touching moments was when the faculty and staff sang “How Do You Say Goodbye to Sister Charlotte?” the night of Song Contest to the tune of “Maria” from the Sound of Music. We practiced for days in secrecy, assigning teachers to watch for Sister roaming the halls after school. It was a complete surprise to her that night. We celebrated her retirement many times, all of us wondering how Saint Gertrude would go on without her.

But of all the memories that I will treasure, the most will be the friendships I have made. Having laughed together at the lunch table, cried together over a particular sadness, or fought together when wronged, I will always remember my colleagues and that is what makes me saddest to leave SGHS. I have been so lucky to work with such an energized and talented group of women and men, whom I will never forget.

Will this upcoming fall be hard for you once you retire?

Fugiae landelent, I’m not sure. I worried before my husband retired—he temolupta nestian destium retired this past year—but now I go home and seeparcium que asitest, coris he’s having a fun time. It’s time to retire. Iporro wantconsent to fugiam, hike, travel, see all the places I haven’t seen before.

I’llnimpor sus, aut mo con finally have more time to read and I’ll definitely spend more time with family. Two of my three children are expecting babies in the next few months, grandchildren five and six!

What are your hopes for the future of Saint Gertrude?

I’d like for SGHS to cease being the best-kept secret nestled in Richmond’s Museum District and become a true destination for parents and their daughters. I want students knocking down our doors to get in. Somehow we need to find a way to market our excellence so that girls know what they have to look forward to before coming rather than having the realization in college that they experienced a truly great education at SGHS. I can’t even begin to tell you how many graduates over the years have returned to share that our community made a profound difference in shaping their lives. And, hopefully, they will continue to see the importance of family and community and to serve others selflessly.

Nancy and Kevin Carrig at Awards’ Day in 2018; Nancy and Hannah Wolpert ‘10, former Student Activities Coordinator, have fun at the Prom

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Joanna Kettlewell ‘09 at work in her lab.

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IN HER WORDS:

STEM

When discussing careers of the future, it’s not unusual to hear a lot of talk about the STEM fields— science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or medicine. Many experts cite these areas as the sectors with the greatest potential for growth and employment given our increasingly technology- and information-based world. But what does it mean to be in a STEM career? What are the challenges of this chosen career path? What are the triumphs? Tower spoke with four alumnae currently working in STEM fields, and learned how these alumnae are shaping the future.

Kathy Hardesty Warren, Ph.D. ’94 Senior Engineer GE AVIATION When Kathy Hardesty Warren ’94 was a freshman at Saint Gertrude High School, she was asked to write a paper on what she wanted to do in the future. Kathy did some research and ultimately decided that she wanted to be an aerospace engineer. “From that point forward, I knew I would be an engineer,” she says. “It really has come full circle since I’m working in aviation.”

As a senior engineer at GE Aviation, Kathy works with a suite of programs that are used for aviation design and analysis worldwide. On a typical day, she interfaces with users and helps them use the tools. She also runs analyses of her own and works on the programing of the tools. “I enjoy when I solve a problem that lets other people do their job,” says Kathy.

“I love being surrounded by the technology and seeing people push it, try new things. The tech advances are super impressive and to be a part of that, it’s exciting.”

Before working at GE, Kathy completed a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky. Her research involved radial lip seals, i.e. rubber seal technology.

Engineering is still very much a male-dominated field, and there are challenges to being a female engineer. “There are still

Kathy Hardesty Warren ‘94 in front of the GE90 engine, the world’s largest turbofan engine.

a lot of meetings where I am the only female in the room,” says Kathy, “You feel the weight of not validating certain stereotypes of women, like not being good at math. You feel responsible, like you have to represent [all women]. At the same time, it doesn’t shape my career.” For Kathy, diversifying the STEM field comes down to education. “How do we get girls interested in STEM? We need to start young. If you are a woman involved in STEM, let younger girls see what you do. Volunteer. Tutor.”

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Amy Edwards, Ph.D. ’97 Laboratory Technician HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITIES What’s in your drinking water? If you give Amy Edwards ’97 a sample, she can probably tell you. As a laboratory technician for Hanover County Public Utilities, she spends a large part of her day analyzing water and wastewater collected by the county. “I do a lot of wet chemistry, so I do a lot of measuring liquids with cylinders, beakers, and pipettes, adding chemicals and reagents to samples, and using instruments such as probes and ultraviolet light to read results,” Amy explains. “My favorite part of the job is the physical part—using lab glassware and equipment to run tests on samples. I especially love it when a chemical reaction makes a sample turn pink or blue. I actually have fun at work!”

Amy’s love of science started early. “I’ve been fascinated with wanting to know how nature works since I was a kid, and I had a good idea I wanted to go into the science field by the time I was in high school,” she explains. She received her B.S. in geology from James Madison University, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in environmental chemistry from Florida A&M University. Over the years, Amy has worked in a number of science-related fields. She was a geologist intern at Mammoth Cave National Park, a hydrologic technician with the Forest Service, and even inspected and helped regulate industries that discharged industrial wastewater in Roanoke, all before her current stint with Hanover County. “The environmental science field is vast and includes everything from law and policy jobs

Amy Edwards ‘97 testing water samples at work.

to research, field technician, teaching, writing, and regulatory jobs. I tried several out and decided the laboratory setting was the best fit for me.”

Amy’s love of science isn’t just limited to her 9-to-5. In her off time, Amy keeps busy volunteering at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, as well as continuing to publish research in peer-reviewed journals. She also loves caving (aka spelunking) and doing scientific research on caves. So what is her advice for females entering a STEM field? “Don’t wait for anyone to hand you anything. If there is something you want to do, get on the internet and find out what opportunities are out there. Network via email or talk to people who are doing what you want to do,” says Amy. “This sounds cliché, but you really can’t do it on your own, so find people willing to mentor you.”

Joanna Kettlewell ’09 Ph.D. Student, Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AT MANOA The summer after her freshman year of high school, Joanna Kettlewell ’09 saw her first cadaver. She was attending a medical camp at William and Mary. “I remember thinking, wow, science is really cool,” Joanna says. “I was really lucky in that my parents gave me the opportunities to explore different interests.” The cool factor was definitely a bit unexpected. As a student at Saint Gertrude, Joanna excelled in history and government. “Reading and writing came more naturally to me,” she explains. “I didn’t excel in math. I never reached the upper levels of math. I

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PhD student Joanna Kettlewell ‘09 in her lab.

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struggled in chemistry.” Yet, the summer camp piqued an interest in lab work and a possible career in medicine.

At VCU, Joanna took a class sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that looked at bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, and their potential role in the treatment of tuberculosis. That was when she discovered a love of disease pathology. She ended up majoring in biology, and after graduation began working at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), aka the state lab, in Richmond.

When a coworker was analyzing malaria samples as part of a CDC course, Joanna was intrigued by the appearance of the varying strains as they developed within human red blood cells. She realized diagnostics was only part of a larger world of infectious disease. She decided she wanted to become an expert in the field, so she began to investigate doctoral programs. “I wanted a program that was not just basic science

Emma Elliott ’13 Researcher, Adaptive Automation

research,” Joanna says. “One of the reasons that I liked the program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa was because of the holistic approach to infectious disease science: pathogen life cycle, immune system response, disease, and treatment.”

Today, Joanna is a third-year Ph.D. student in Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She is busy preparing for her doctoral exams, and developing a research project involving HIV, oral medications, and the brain-blood barrier. (It’s pretty complicated!) As for Joanna’s plans after graduation, she’s open to opportunities that might arise, particularly with the CDC or WHO, and is thrilled about what’s ahead. “I get excited at the idea of studying the cross-section of the natural world with human health. I would love to survey bat or bird populations and discover unknown viruses.”

Emma Elliott ‘13 with her tools of the trade — a laptop and a VR headset.

COMMONWEALTH CENTER OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING There are many ways to tell a story—a movie on the big screen, a bestselling novel, an immersive dance. For Emma Elliott ’13, virtual reality (VR) is the storytelling of the future. “To me, virtual reality is a more immersive platform for storytelling. When you read a book or see a play, you can get lost in that world,” she explained. “VR can do the same, just with 3D graphics rather than words on a page.”

Emma knows this firsthand. When she was a senior at Lynchburg College majoring in computer science, Emma created a VR video game using Google Cardboard and the game engine Unity.

“The concept was that the player would explore a maze inside a space station and solve puzzles to proceed to the next level with the ultimate goal of escaping,” Emma said. “I designed and implemented the code, with some help from my professor, then used friends and peers for testing. It was fun to watch people be in awe of this simple game I created. I will always be proud of what I accomplished and built.”

Emma’s tech-centric studies had a lot of support from her engineer parents. “My father is a network engineer and my mother was a software engineer so I was always surrounded by computers. Technology was just something that was common for me and I always enjoyed it,” Emma said. “But it was not until high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in it.

Someone suggested that I turn my love of video games into a job and I instantly knew I wanted to do computer science.

Sometimes the major was difficult, but I am glad I stuck with it.”

Today, Emma is a researcher of adaptive automation at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) in Disputanta, Virginia. “I do 3D visualization of manufacturing and robotics as well as front end development,” Emma explained.

“I’ve dealt with two robots, MiR100 and MiR200, which move parts or materials around the factory floor. I also work on CCAM’s powerwall, which is like a projector screen, but it creates 3D images of models that a person can get close to and interact with. I love my job!” And if you want to see Emma’s work in action, her team is currently working with the Science Museum of Virginia to design the new robotic centerpiece to their upcoming exhibit.

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#METOO

IN THE WORKPLACE FIGHTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT While colleges and companies may change policies in the wake of #MeToo, what does that mean for those currently experiencing sexual harassment in school or the workplace?

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B

ill O’Reilly. Harvey Weinstein. Matt Lauer. James Franco. Charlie Rose. Patrick Meehan. Mario Batali. The list goes on and on. Last fall, it seemed that every day surfaced the name of a man behaving badly. While the news channels and press outlets expressed shock at these revelations, for many women, the claims didn’t feel surprising at all.According to a report issued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2016, 60 percent of women report having experienced harassment in the workplace. Other studies have put that number higher. Even more disheartening? Once an incident has occurred, the majority of women do not report it. Many chose to avoid the harasser, deny or downplay the harassment, or just ignore or endure the behavior. And there are many women who ultimately decide to leave their job rather than deal with the abuse.

In the midst of these allegations, a simple hashtag—#MeToo— began to empower many women to finally tell their stories.

Though #MeToo was first coined in 2006 by community activist Tarana Burke, it was resurrected by actress Alyssa Milano, who tweeted on October 15, 2017, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.” With that, a movement was started. But what does that mean for women in college and in the workplace? Will more men (and women) be held accountable for their inappropriate behavior?

The good news is many professionals see the movement as the beginning of significant change for working women. “It has raised awareness,” said Ann Marie Hulcher Petrucelli ’85, a consultant specializing in organizational design, development, and HR management. “Companies are nervous. Many haven’t made sexual harassment policy and training a priority. It is considered a compliance issue and they just ‘check the box’,” Ann Marie explained. “With the tremendous amount of media coverage and an increased awareness of the consequences, companies are taking it more seriously and moving it up the priority list.”

And companies would do well to take sexual harassment claims seriously. A lost lawsuit can cost a company millions of dollars not to mention the impact on the company’s brand and reputation. “In a practical sense, companies want to attract great talent and keep great people,” said Ann Marie. “To do this, companies need a culture that supports and respects people.

That’s where it all begins. If a company truly values and respects

What exactly IS sexual harassment?

In essence, sexual harassment is any form of unwanted verbal, nonverbal, or physical attention or contact that is sexual in nature. Harassment can occur in person, via text or e-mail, or through a variety of forms of communication.

The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) defines two types of sexual harassment: • Quid pro quo (“something for something” in Latin) harassment, where an individual is pressured to provide sexual favors or to tolerate sexual advances or other forms of verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature (such

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people, they don’t put up with poor behavior or look the other way. They hold people accountable. Great talent isn’t typically attracted to a bad culture.” Ultimately, these types of issues do affect the bottom line. “Never underestimate how employee engagement can add to profitability, productivity, and brand reputation,” said Ann Marie.

While companies may be changing policies in the wake of #MeToo, what does that mean for those currently experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace? What steps should you take if you’re being sexual harassed at work?

1. Be clear, if possible

“My first recommendation is to make it clear to the harasser that their behavior is unacceptable,” said Ann Marie. “Nip it in the bud. Say ‘I don’t like that talk, I prefer you not behave that way.’ Sometimes people just need to be told they’ve crossed the line. Calling someone out on their behavior isn’t everyone’s style but communicating clear expectations can be very effective.”

2. Document the details

When an incident of sexual harassment occurs, it’s important to write it down immediately. Memories fade and details get fuzzy. “As time passes, your mind can play tricks on you,” said Mary Cutherell Parsons ’66, a former HR director with over 25 years experience. “The rule of thumb in HR is if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.” A proper log should include the date, time, location, people involved, exactly what happened or was said, any emails, texts or supporting documents, and the names of any witnesses to the incident, said Mary.

3. Report the incident

Once you have a log of the incident, it’s important to report the incident to the company, whether that’s to a direct supervisor or the HR department. “Typically companies have an avenue for making a complaint. A large company might have a hotline or an online option. If not start with your manager—as long as the harasser isn’t your manager,” said Ann Marie. “It is every manager’s responsibility to take any complaint seriously and move it into action.”

as hugging, patting, or unwanted bodily contact) in order to receive a particular grade, positive evaluation, job promotion, other performance-related benefit, or even to simply keep one’s job.

• Hostile environment harassment, where conduct or speech has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s school or work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Examples include the unwelcome display or communication of sexually offensive materials, comments about one’s physical appearance, sex-based jokes, gender-specific insults, or spreading rumors about a person’s sexual activity.

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Once the claim reaches HR, they’ll launch an investigation.

“Claims of this nature are serious, and timely action ensures employees feel heard and respected,” said Ann Marie. “I aim to launch an investigation within hours of a claim.”

One thing to keep in mind: There is often an assumption of confidentially when you speak with HR, however, that’s not true in issues of workplace misconduct. “It’s not uncommon that the person reporting harassment asks HR (or their manager) to keep things confidential, often saying, ‘I want to tell you about an incident but please, don’t tell anyone…’ Unfortunately, because investigations usually include other people, managers and HR professionals have a responsibility to investigate further,” said Ann Marie. “We will, however, keep it very close and only share information on a need-to-know basis.”

During an investigation, HR typically speaks with anyone involved—and yes, this includes the accused harasser as well as any witnesses to the incident. HR will also review any supporting documents like texts, photos, and/or emails. The facts and perspectives from all involved are weighed in light of the legal criteria for harassment, and then an outcome is determined. Accountability varies based on this information and ranges from a written warning, reassignment, demotion, or termination. Every case is unique; outcomes depend on individual circumstances for a given situation.

While it may be uncomfortable to discuss harassment claims with a supervisor or to engage your HR department, it’s important that you follow the company’s sexual harassment policy regarding reporting. “If you end up in a lawsuit, you need to show that you went through all the proper channels first in order to have a solid claim,” said Mauritia Kamer ’84, an employment lawyer in Kentucky.

Harassment on College Campuses If you have a daughter, granddaughter, or friend studying on a college campus, chances are that she has or will experience harassment. The organization Hollaback! surveyed undergraduate, graduate, and part-time college students and administrators on campuses from the urban, suburban, and rural U.S. Their findings might surprise you …

67%

of students experienced harassment on campus

61%

witnessed another student being harassed on campus

20%

said harassment caused inability to concentrate in class

Only 17%

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23%

said harassment prevented attendance in class/social activities

of students said that they reported harassment to a person of authority

RESOURCES Equal Employment Opportunity Commission eeoc.gov

9 to 5 Winning Justice for Working Women 9to5.org

Lean In Empowering Women to Achieve Their Ambitions http://leanin.org/sexual-harassment

4. Go external

What if you work for a start-up or a smaller company that doesn’t have an HR department or person? What if you feel like your claim wasn’t being handled properly by HR? You can always file a claim externally through the EEOC. The EEOC is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination. When someone files a claim with the EEOC, the agency can dismiss the claim outright if they believe there is no merit, offer to mediate between the

According to a 2005 study by the American Association of University Women Education Foundation, peer harassment is far more common than harassment perpetrated by a faculty or staff member, but it does occur:

18% of students say that faculty and staff often or occasionally harass them

7% of harassed students have been harassed by a professor

Although the percentages sound low, the raw numbers are concerning — roughly half a million undergraduate students are sexually harassed by faculty or other college personnel while in college.

The situation is even more difficult for graduate or professional school students. In a 2015 survey of 150,000 students by the Association of American Universities, female graduate students who experienced sexual harassment identified the offender as a teacher or adviser at more than three times the rate of female undergraduates. And though women were more frequently harassed, men also reported experiencing such misconduct.

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two parties, or decide to investigate the claim. “If they do decide to do an investigation, they are very thorough,” said Mary. “They talk to everybody and they know exactly how to get the information they need.” According to Nicholas Finc, a lawyer who handles EEOC cases in New Jersey, “The EEOC can’t force the employer to mediate, but refusing to mediate will make the employer’s life more difficult depending on the particular circumstances and the validity of the claim. The investigation is often burdensome on the employer in terms of administrative work. Sometimes it can feel that you are trying a court case before you even file a lawsuit.” An EEOC investigation takes about 10 months to complete.

If there has been a violation of the law, the EEOC will work with the claimant to secure a voluntary settlement with the company. If they cannot secure a settlement, the EEOC can opt to take the employer to court.

Once the EEOC has completed the investigation, regardless of the outcome, they will issue a Notice of a Right to Sue. An employee needs this notice to be able to file a sexual harassment lawsuit in federal court. (State laws vary.)

5. Talk with a lawyer

If you receive a Notice of a Right to Sue, it’s definitely time to engage an employment attorney. Keep in mind that once you receive a Right to Sue letter, you only have 90 days to file a lawsuit. However, you can contact a lawyer at anytime for advice. Those with experience in employment law can walk you through the steps of filing with the EEOC as well. “If you don’t feel like you’re being heard, you can always call a lawyer,” said Ann Marie. “If you’re trying to solve a problem and you are not getting results, a lawyer is a better megaphone.”

6. Know that you are not alone

Confronting sexual harassment in the workplace can feel overwhelming and it’s important to remember, you’re not alone. “It’s not easy to report a sexual harassment incident,” said Ann Marie. “It takes a lot of courage. Chances are if someone is harassing you, that person is doing it to someone else.” And with #MeToo gaining traction, many are optimistic this movement will permanently change the conversation about sexual harassment. “My hope is that with new generations coming into the workforce, young people are taught that certain things [behaviors] are not acceptable from a young age,” said Mary.

Callisto: Reporting Sexual Assault and Harassment on Campus CONSIDER THIS: • 25 percent of women are sexually assaulted during their college experience • Less than 10 percent of survivors report their sexual assault • Those that do report, wait an average of 11 months after the incident • An estimated 90 percent of sexual assaults are committed by repeat perpetrators Those statistics are sobering to be sure, but what to do?

Callisto thinks it has the answer.

Callisto is a non-profit that creates technology to combat sexual assault, empower survivors, and advance justice. The organization currently offers a platform that allows students on college campuses to document and/or report incidences of sexual assault and harassment. When students login to their school’s unique Callisto website, they have three options: Create a Record: Survivors can immediately create a secure, encrypted, and time-stamped record, preserving evidence right after the incident. No one can view the record without the survivor’s consent.

Wait for a Match: Survivors can input the identity of their perpetrators. If a match is found, the survivors and the school will receive an email. Survivors can then decide whether or not they would like to submit their records.

Report: Survivors can send an electronic copy of their report to their school triggering an investigation or consultation.

Callisto is currently in use at 13 different colleges and universities, such as Stanford, University of Southern California, and Loyola Marymount, and serves over 150,000 students. In 2018, they expanded and started offering their services to professional industries, like theatre companies and guilds.

As founder and sexual assault survivor Jessica Ladd told “PBS News Hour,” “I would like a recent victim to know that I believe them and that there is life after this, that life keeps going, and you will find people who love you,” said Jessica.

“And while you might feel very, very alone, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try trusting the people around you.

And a lot of them will probably surprise you. A lot of them will have your back. And, if they don’t, I will.”

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Rewarding Leadership Ann Marie Caraker ’64 and Tom Hancock

T

DONOR PROFILE

om Hancock (BHS ’63) is used to surprising his wife, Ann Marie Caracker Hancock ’64. Over the years, he has amazed her with unexpected trips, unique family get-togethers, and plenty of loving gifts. But when it came time for Ann Marie to celebrate her 50th high school reunion, Tom really outdid himself. As Ann Marie sat alongside her fellow Jubilarians at Saint Gertrude’s 2014 graduation ceremony, she saw her husband stride up to the stage. A few moments later, Ann Marie learned that Tom had established an annual scholarship in her honor, rewarding a graduating senior with $5,000 to help offset college expenses. “I’m used to his surprises, but I was still in shock,” said Ann Marie. “He did this because he loves me, but Tommy also knew how much Saint Gertrude meant to me.” Added Tom, “I wanted the leadership and initiative exhibited by Ann Marie at SGHS to serve as an example for aspiring student leaders. The 50th reunion seemed the appropriate event at which to launch the ‘Ann Marie Caraker Hancock ‘64 Award for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement,’ and graduation the proper time to annually present the award.”

As a student at SGHS, Ann Marie was a leader in her class.

She served as student council president, was voted most outstanding citizen at Girls State, a leadership and citizen program run through the American Legion, and participated in debate throughout high school. Ann Marie also met Tom at this time, a student at Benedictine High School (now, Benedictine College Preparatory), who was as equally as inolved as Ann Marie. While at Westhampton College, Ann Marie was selected to be the first female news reporter for WRVA radio. Her media career took off, and it wasn’t long before Ann Marie was the face of WWBT-TV’s “Good Morning,” a 30-minute public affairs show where she racked up interviews with politicians, celebrities, authors, and even past presidents. While the big stations in NYC and LA recruited her, Ann Marie never gave any thought to leaving Richmond. “Richmond is my community,” said Ann Marie. “My family comes first and we did not want to compromise our values.”

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Since ending her successful TV run, Ann Marie has spent her time writing, authoring three books of nonfiction, “Be a Light,” “Wake Up America,” and “You Can’t Drive a Car to Your Own Funeral.”

Ann Marie credits Saint Gertrude for providing her with a strong foundation.

“Our catholic education is so important to us. We were given a foundation of faith.

We were given the saints, Ann Marie on the cover of the angels, the Blessed Lifestyle magazine in 1979.

Mother,” she explained.

“There is a tremendous need for spirituality today. We are a world that has strayed from its heart. Faith is true confidence. Without it, we are lost.”

As for the scholarship, Ann Marie and Tom have high hopes for the recipients. “We strongly believe that proof of what a person will do is what they have done,” said Ann Marie.

“There is proof in pattern. People who work hard and are goal oriented will find those traits run throughout their lives.” For Tom, the scholarship is also a way to celebrate the young women who have worked hard throughout high school. “This scholarship is a way to show these young women that their effort is appreciated and recognized; that their hard work is truly meaningful.”

Tom and Ann Marie at Disney World, one of their favorite places.

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Past Recipients of the Ann Marie Caraker Hancock ’64 Award for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement Katherine Rose McMahon ’14 Katherine graduated from the University of Virginia in May. She majored in media studies with a minor in environmental science. While at college, Katherine spent time as an event coordinator, bringing comedians and concerts to the school. She also helped produce several student short films, worked as an intern at arvold.casting, and studied television production in Melbourne, Australia for a semester.

“This award was a vote of confidence from a place, SGHS, that had come to mean so much to me over the course of four years. It was a reminder that although I was leaving, the community I joined and the memories I made were something that I could carry with me wherever I went.”

Annie Corbin Bailey ’15 Annie just completed her junior year at Virginia Tech where she is majoring in accounting. She is also very involved with her sorority, where she served as Director of Parent Relations last year. She spent her spring semester studying abroad in Lugano, Switzerland, and this summer, Annie interned with Deloitte in Washington, D.C. Annie used her Hancock award to pay for her travel while abroad.

“I have been lucky enough to visit (as of now) eight different countries and see firsthand the diverse cultures that exist out in the world … The gracious gift of $5,000 is truly allowing me to have the experience of a lifetime and for that I am incredibly grateful!”

Alexis “Lexi” Nichole Weber ’16 Lexi just completed her sophomore year at the University of Virginia. She plans on majoring in philosophy, politics, and/or English, with the hope of attending law school after graduation. Besides her classes, Lexi keeps busy as a member of UVA’s Honor Committee; College Mentors for Kids, an organization that matches students to disadvantaged children in Charlottesville; Books Behind Bars, a literature class that visits a juvenile correctional facility weekly; and Sustained Dialogue, a discussion-based organization that creates conversation about contentious issues and current events.

“The award I received was a blessing beyond what I could have ever expected. Mrs. Hancock’s incredible background and the family’s extremely generous monetary support have inspired me both in my personal and academic life … I only hope that one day I am in the position to pay their kindness, generosity, and inspiration forward.”

Cassandra Joan Franke ’17 This fall, Cassandra began her sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame. As part of the Glynn Family Honors Program, Cassandra is majoring in neuroscience and behavior, as well as minoring in linguistics. She is heavily involved with the musical scene on campus, as part of the Notre Dame Chorale, and the Notre Dame Handbell Choir. This summer Cassandra participated in the Summer Service Learning Program, where she worked at the Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness outside of Washington, D.C. “This award has allowed me to take advantage of each new experience as it arises, helping me to discern how I will be best equipped to use my talents and knowledge to improve other people’s lives after I graduate, and I could not be more grateful for the Hancocks’ generosity.”

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reunions 1977 C L AS S OF

1982 CL A SS OF

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A great turnout for the Class of 1982’s 35th-year reunion.

The class of 1977 enjoy their 40th reunion at Ann Fadool Dale’s house on October 12, 2017.

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1992 C L AS S OF

2007

The girls had a blast at the class of 1992’s reunion in October.

C L ASS O F

The class of 2007 did not miss out on the fun during their 10th reunion.

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alumnae events

1 1. Alumnae enjoy card and game board day; Cookie Carroll Johnson’60, Sheila Hudgins Oliva’60, Betty Zicone Walker ’60, Judy Lowry Adkins ’60, Peggy Griffin ’60, Mary Johnson Puccinelli ’60, and Madeline Williamson McKenna ’63

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2

2. Mason Patton ’17, Rachel Gottschalk ’17, Grace Edmunds ’17, Grace Jeter ’17, Caroline Duley ’17, and Emily Elmore ’17 (clockwise from top left) return to Saint Gertrude for the annual alumnae college panel.

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4 3. Pam Cook Autry ’85 and her husband, Tommy, florist extraordinaire, teach Patricia Nadder Funk ’00 and other alumnae and friends how to make beautiful wreaths for the holiday season.

4. Laurie Lewis Shepherd ’73, Kay Wellhouse White ’73, Jay Baxa, and Susan McNamara ’82 get out their glasses to see the greens at Golf fore Gerties held on October 30, 2017.

3 5. Jennifer McKenna Dortch ‘929, Madeline Williamson McKenna ‘63, Beverley Bucker Reuger ’79, and Barbara Bucker Wirt ’79 get into the holiday spirit with our first ever Alumnae Tacky Lights Tour.

5

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2017

1 2017

Vino on the Veranda 1. Mary Theresa Robertson Lee ’75, Mary Reardon ’75, Diana Pecci Wolfe ’75, Jeanette Carter Mullins ’75, Terri Terrell Williams ’75, Kathy Bunce ’75, Sharon Craig Pierce ’75, and Mary Ann McCraken Spicer ’75.

2. The class of 1960, winners of the highest class attendance.

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2

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3

4 3. Joanne Tresnauk McDonald ’70, Sally Marks Harrison ’70, Mary Ellen Stumpf ’70, Barbara Holzgrefe Ross ‘70, and Mary Carroll Bailey Flynn ’70.

4. Mary Simms Deaner ’60 embraces a fellow classmate at Vino on the Veranda.

5 5. Deidre Kielty Hughes ’90 (left) shares pictures of her triplets with Ceci Caravati Amrhein-Gallash ’57 and Margaret Dart Bucker ‘57.

6

6. Caroline Gerloff Parsons ’06 and Alumnae Association President Cristin O’Brien ’06.

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class notes NEWS FROM OUR ALUMNAE, FACULTY AND SGHS IN THE COMMUNITY

50’s TH E

This year Ann Dreelin Shepard ’57 enjoyed 24 days touring Nepal and India with her husband Shep. The Taj Mahal was the central attraction but they saw so much of the interesting country. Ann said that the poverty in that part of the world is heartbreaking and one can understand why Saint Mother Theresa headquartered in Calcutta. They traveled the country by motor coach, train, airplanes, rickshaw, elephant, tuk-tuk, and riverboat. “It was a wonderful experience, but it was good to get back home,” Ann said.

60’s TH E

Sheila Oliva ’60 moved to New Jersey in January. She misses everyone and hopes to see everyone soon.

The class of 1960 had a great time at Olive Garden in September, Bertucci’s in November, and Maggiano’s in Short Pump for a Christmas lunch in December. They invited Ann Dreelin Shepard ’57 with her husband Shep near the Taj Mahal.

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Margie Shibley ’77 to join them as their mystery guest. The class loves their lunches.

The class of 1964 enjoyed another successful Halloween lunch at Pegi Einig’s ‘64 home.

70’s TH E

Barbara Holzgrefe Ross ’70 was visiting from Lexington and members of the class of 1970 gathered in the fall for dinner at Baker’s Crust. Please keep in your prayers Cathy Blot Jordan ’70 who lost her husband this past year.

Joanne Tresnauk McDonald ‘70 has her hands full. She welcomed her twin granddaughters, Isabella Marie and Madison Grace, born on January 17, 2018. Her grandson, Harrison Joseph, was born on March 8, 2017, the son of Katherine Fahed McDonald ‘05 and Jonathan (BHS ‘04).

Mary Ellen Stumpf ’70 was appointed president of the SGHS Board of Visitors for one year.

Sally Marks Harrison ’70 welcomed her greatgranddaughter, Maisie Alexis, born on November 6, 2017.

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Rebecca Yohe Lavelle, ’91 is her grandmother. On December 22, 2017, another greatgranddaughter, Isabella Jade, was born.

Barbara Daffron Kramer ’76 and her husband, Bubba Kramer (BHS ’70) recently moved back to Richmond after living in Greenville, SC, for 36 years.

Bubba had a booth, Bubba’s

Woodworking, at the Holly Spree in November.

Meg Boehling Traynham ’78 became a grandmother!

Ben and Katherine Traynham welcomed baby Anna Shields Traynham on January 16, 2018. Grandchild number two from Sarah Kate ’06 and Will Shepherd was due in February.

80’s TH E

Gertie girls from the classes of ’83 and ’84 celebrated the holiday season at Margaret Matt Monnett’s ’84 beautiful new home on December 30.

90’s TH E

Rebecca Gardner Pleins ’94 is excited to announce she became a grandmother in May.

(top left) The class of 1960 at Olive Garden in September

(top right) The class of 1964 at Halloween

(bottom left) Mary Pat Blair Hudgins ’84, Charity Stevens ’83, Helen Smith Dickerson ’84, Margaret Matt Monnett ’84, Lisa Harr ’84, Kathy Cluverius Calhoun ’84, and Mary Riley ’84 have a festive time at Margaret’s house

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Valerie Acors Thornburg ’96 is currently working in Topeka, Kan., as a middle school teacher at Most Pure Heart of Mary. She has two daughters.

2000’s TH E

Shuwanza Goff ’02 was very excited for her sister’s wedding. April Goff ‘06 was married to Richard Ahiagbede on June 16, 2018.

Ellen Kastelberg ’04 has begun Ellen Kastelberg Interiors. Her business includes interior paint, lighting, furniture, décor, rugs/carpet, and window treatment selection, as well as sourcing, ordering, and installation. Her business email is ellenkastelberginteriors@gmail.com.

Stephanie Harding ’05 recently joined the Yeatman Group, led by Kyle Yeatman, at Long & Foster Real Estate’s Tuckahoe office in Henrico.

Julia Zweifel ’08 accepted a position with the City of Charlotte as an associate city planner focused on growth and development policy.

Olivia Jackson ’09 is now working for Associated Insurance Systems.

Be sure to check with Olivia Jackson ’09 for your insurance needs.

Rachel Zachwieja ’17, a sophomore at VMI, talked to students about her love for SGHS and VMI.

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2010’s THE

Kaitlyn LaVoie ’11 just became a big sister again on May 11, 2017, to Justin. Justin is also the brother of Johnny (BHS ’14) and Katherine.

Proud parents are Tony (BHS ’90) and Jennifer LaVoie. His proud aunts are Crystal LaVoie ’93 and Donna LaVoie Perry ’96.

Bridget Mayo ’13 was married to Robert “Tucker” Ombert on October 26, 2018. Bridget lives in Fairfax, Va., and is currently an intern at the Arlington County Department of Human Services.

Rachel Zachwieja ’17, a sophomore at VMI, stopped by school to speak with students about her experience.

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Marriages

Molly McSweeney ’01 married Enrico Grammaroli on May 13, 2017.

Amanda Cousins ‘05 married David Cover (BHS ‘07) on June 24, 2016. Amanda’s mother, Robbie Stanley Bean ’76, and grandmother Vera Thomas Stanley ’34, were SGHS graduates. Bridesmaids included Katie Cover Hamner ‘04, Sarah Cover ‘09, and Matron of Honor, Lynn Cutter Morris ‘05.

Julia Zweifel ’08 married Rice Jensen “Jens” Lund on July 15, 2017.

Judy Lewis ’88 married Jim Heretick (BHS ’85) on July 30, 2016.

Katie Volgyi ’01 married Sean McDevitt on November 11, 2017.

Stacey Tibbs ’07 married Sean Ellis on November 25, 2017.

Bridget White ’08 married Christopher Waldron on January 6, 2018. Bridesmaids were Liz Singleton ‘04, Lisa Gervasoni ’08, Anna Giovanetti ’08, Nicole Horton ’08. Kelly Shepherd ’07 was a reader, while Erin Gervasoni ’09 and Amy Shepherd Enroughty ’05 were greeters.

(top left) David and Amanda Cousins Cover and their bridesmaids. How many Gertie girls can you name? (top right) It is a beautiful day for Julia and Jens Zweifel Lund ’08. (middle left) Presenting Sean and Katie Volgyi McDevitt ’01. (middle right) The beautiful union of Sean and Stacey Tibbs Ellis ’07. (bottom) Bridget White Waldron and all her Gertie friends.

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Births

Valerie Acors Thornburg ’96 and husband Todd welcomed Rosemarie on January 1, 2017.

She joins older sister, Cecile, age eight.

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Katherine Fahed McDonald ‘05 and husband Jonathan (BHS ‘04), gave birth to their son, Harrison Joseph McDonald on March 8, 2017 Courtney Howard Swartz ’02 and husband Jon announced the birth of their son, Holden McDonough Swartz on May 1, 2017.

Gabrielle Ditsler Carpenter ’97 and husband Paul welcomed John Bolling “Bo” Carpenter on June 1, 2017. He joins big sister, Tilden, age five, and big brother, Laws, age three.

Julia Ellar Whritenour ’07 and husband Scott welcomed Cecilia Elsie on July 5, 2017.

Cecilia joins her brother Flip James.

Jessica McGirt Hall ’08 and husband James gave birth to Branch Lee Hall on June 22, 2018.

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2 Kristin McDonald Gretz ’05 and husband David welcomed their second baby on June 9, 2017.

Garrett Scott joins his big sister Greta.

Paige Guedri Gill ’00 and husband Mike (SGHS mathematics teacher) welcomed Virginia “V” Gardner Gill on October 24, 2017.

Kate Huffstetler Gitzinger ’00 and husband Matt welcomed Caroline Elizabeth Gitzinger on July 20, 2017. Big sister Charlotte—not Sister Charlotte— is very proud.

Belinda Booker Walsh ’93 and husband Richard welcomed their daughter, Bella Kathleen Walsh on December 12, 2017.

Erin Burke Brown ’99 and husband Kirkland welcomed Emma Burke on August 31, 2017. Emma joins her brother, Harry, age seven.

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Elizabeth Jennings Richard ’01 and husband Rex gave birth to their daughter, Vernette Rose Richard on January 20, 2018

1. Grandma Gloria Acors Sisson ’64 with her newest granddaughter Rosemarie Thornburg.

2. “I know you cannot wait for me to get up,” says Holden McDonough Swartz, son of Jon and Courtney Howard Swartz ’02.

3. The Carpenter family all dressed up: Paul and Gabrielle Ditsler Carpenter ’97 with Tilden, Laws, and baby Bo. 4. I love my family,” says Cecilia Elsie Whritenour with her mom Julia ’07, her dad Scott, and big brother Flip.

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Condolences

6 7

Mike Gill (SGHS mathematics teacher) on the death of his father, Edward Joseph Gill Jr., on June 17, 2017; Edward’s daughter-in-law was Paige Guedri Gill ’00.

Susan Dewey Ulmer ’79, Linda Dewey Mitchell ’88, and Mary Beth Dewey ’95 on the death of their sister, Maureen Patricia Dewey, June 19, 2017

8 5. “I am truly a bundle of joy,” says Branch Lee Hall, son of James and Jessica McGirt Hall ’08.

6. “I know I am in great hands,” says Garret Scott Gretz, son of David and Kristin McDonald Gretz ’05.

9 10

7. Proud mamas and their babies: Claire Micas Campbell ’00, and her children Leighton and Walker; Kate Huffstetler Gitzinger ’00, and her children Charlotte and Caroline; and Shannon Carlton Patel ’00 with her child Rami.

8. “I am the twinkle just like my shirt says,” says Emma Burke, daughter of Kirkland and Erin Burke Brown ’99.

9. “I am glad my big brother Carter is looking after me,” says Virginia Gardner Gill, daughter of Mike and Paige Guedri Gill ’00.

10. “I’m just saying...,” says Bella Kathleen Walsh, daughter of Richard and Belinda Booker Walsh ’93.

Annie Schnurman Drivas ’74 on the death of her mother, Joy L. Schnurman, June 18, 2017 Cecelia Arrighi Poh ’70, Anne Arrighi Awad ’71, and Pamela Arrighi Jones ’76 on the death of their mother, Janet Nelson Arrighi, June 24, 2017; Janet was the grandmother of Jennifer Awad Conde ’90, Emily Awad ’91, Amanda Awad ’93, Phaedra Poh Clark ’99, and Molly Awad ’09.

Sister Jeanne Solari, CSJ ’47 and Margaret Solari Stebbins ’53 on the death of their brother-inlaw, Robert George “Bob” Ross, June 28, 2017 Rachel Zachwieja ’17 on the death of her grandmother, Mary “Sue” Johnson Gaborik, June 30, 2017

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Lisa Jones Dixon ’77 on the death of her father, William Collins Jones, July 5, 2017 Tracy Gibrall Craddock ’83 on the death of her father-in-law, Charles Edward Craddock Sr., July 9, 2017; Charles was the grandfather of Mariah Craddock ’15 and Avery Craddock ’18.

Blair Larcen ’99 on the death of her mother, Barbara Barrett ’69, July 12, 2017 Peggy Hanafin, SGHS Assistant to the Deans, on the death of her mother, Bridget Mary Loftus, July 8, 2017 Eunice Dougherty Graham ’63 on the death of her sister, Rosemary Dougherty Collier ’54, July 9, 2017 Christine Bliley Caton ’67 and Mary Anne Bliley Petersen ’68 on the death of their mother, Antoinette “Nettie” “Boo Boo” Cecile Joan Bliley Hiltz, July 12, 2017 Michele Thurman Williams ’82 on the death of her father, Robert Lewis Thurman, July 17, 2017; Mr. Thurman was the brother of Bettie Thurman Stacy ’63.

MaryAnne Dolbeare Dunlap ’88 on the death of her mother, Anne Daffron Dolbeare ’54, July 26, 2017 Lindsie Hillsman Kniska ’02 on the death of her grandmother, Frances Giannotti Hillsman, August 12, 2017

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Beverley Lane ’55 on the death of her brother, Joseph “Joe” Patrick Lane, August 14, 2017

Ritamarie Hoof Hensley ’84 on the death of her mother, Julia “Judy” L. Hoof, September 10, 2017

Christina Rogers ’95 on the death of her father, Guy Norwood “Boots” Rogers, October 6, 2017

Dorothy Caserta ’15 on the death of her grandfather, Winfred “Wick” Marshall Gillespie, August 19, 2017

Catherine Curley Murphy ’75 on the death of her son, Daniel Lucas Murphy, September 11, 2017

Mary Lou Brasington Thomas ’66 on the death of her mother, Mary Elizabeth Hvostal Brasington, October 12, 2017

Meredith Whitmer ’21 on the death of her grandfathers, Fred G. Matheson and Paul McLees “Mac” Whitmer, July 29, 2017 and August 23, 2017, respectively

Jennifer Spede ’87 on the death of her mother, Suzanne Snedegar Spede, September 11, 2017

Catherine Blot Jordan ’70 on the death of her husband, Robert “Bob” Jordan, August 27, 2017 Jere Suyes Kitchen ’79 on the death of her father-inlaw, Ronald Edward Kitchen, August 29, 2017 Corine Lewis McDade ’71 and Laurie Lewis Shepherd ’73 on the death of their mother, Evelyn Moss Lewis, September 2, 2017; Evelyn was the grandmother of Molly Shepherd Oleger ’01, Amy Shepherd Enroughty ’05, and Kelly M. Shepherd ’07.

She was also the sister of Bobbi Moss Werner ’52.

Meg Boehling Traynham ’78, Amy Boehling Lehmkuhler ’83, and Katie Boehling McNeil ’86 on the death of their mother, Margaret Pruner “Peggy” Boehling, September 7, 2017.

Peggy was grandmother of Sarah Kate Traynham Shepherd ’06 and the motherin-law of Mary Thomas Boehling ’80.

Mary Kathleen Puccinelli Loving ’97 on the death of her sister-in-law, Noelle C. Loving, September 13, 2017 Tierney St. Louis Martin ’96 and Darcie St. Louis ’99 on the death of their father, George St. Louis, September 24, 2017

Maria Loehr Carreras ’83 on the death of her grandmotherin-law, Launa Carreras, October 14, 2017 Alicia Hart Bernet ’82 on the death of her mother, Joan Scharf Hart, October 16, 2017 Barbara Leahey Daniel ’68 on the death of her sister, Mary Crawford Leahey Bliley ’57, October 30, 2017

Sarah Gerwin Matt ’52 on the death of her sister, Elizabeth Gerwin Loving ’45, September 25, 2017

Victoria Saunders ’16 and Alexandra Saunders ’19 on the death of their grandmother, Joyce Diane Miller, October 30, 2017

Carolyn Miller Kane ’86 on the death of her father, Robert Manning “Bob” Miller, October 2, 2017

Stacey Coleman Samitt ’95 on the death of her grandmother, Rose Marie Jacob, November 2, 2017

KiAundra Hurt ’00 on the death of her grandmother, Anna Beatrice Ferebee, October 2, 2017

Liz Czaja, SGHS science teacher, on the death of her father-in-law, Donald Czaja, November 10, 2017

Nancy Kerner Broaddus ’73 and Karen Kerner Neil ’76 on the death of their brother, Craig Stephen Kerner, October 3, 2017; Craig was the brother-inlaw of Kelly Smith Kerner ’86.

Kathy Lazzuri Bosch ’70 on the death of her sister, Maria Lazurri Thorpe ’61, November 11, 2017

Bea Spinella Sykes ’55 on the death of her brother-inlaw, Paul Carlo Bonuccelli, October 4, 2017

Katie Nelson Marsh ’01 and Charlie Nelson ’04 on the death of their grandfather, Joseph Bingler, November 20, 2017

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Rebecca Astruc ’11, Ana Astruc ’13, and Grace Astruc ’18 on the death of their grandfather, Juan Astruc, M.D., Ph.D., November 25, 2017

Marlana Cirillo ’10 on the death of her grandmother, Floriene Harriet “Flo” Jamerson Malek, December 27, 2017

Barbara Felthaus Beckstoffer ’53 on the death of her sister-in-law, Mary Louise Beckstoffer, January 27, 2018

Mary Ellen Wallo Wash ’73 on the death of her son, Benjamin Scott Wash, November 30, 2017

Sheila Holiday Talley ’63 on the death of her sister, Patricia Lynn “Pat” Hamm, January 7, 2018

Joanne Kastelberg Wellford ’68 on the death of her son McDonald “Mackie” Wellford, December 1, 2017; Mackie was the brother of Megan Wellford Holloman ’02 and Kelley McDonald Wellford ’03

Lisa Finnegan Jenkins ’78 on the death of her mother, Marjorie Ann DeSouza Finnegan, January 14, 2018

Christi Keck ’77 on the death of her mother, Eileen McDonough Keck, January 29, 2018; Eileen was the grandmother of Sarah Keck Holzbach ’02 and Jillian Keck Hogan ’05. She was also the grandmother-in-law of Whitney Lewis Logan ’02.

Lindsay Crump Porzio ’87 on the death of her father, Eugene L. “Bill” Crump, December 1, 2017 Anna Marie Rossi, SGHS Finance Assistant, on the death of her brother, Michael Nicholas Ross, December 1, 2017 Suzannah Carretto ’11 on the death of her mother, Jeanne Vickery Carretto, December 5, 2017 Nancy Rives, SGHS social studies department chair, on the death of her mother, Rosalynn Boggs Jawish, December 5, 2017 Mary Kline Moran ’73 on the death of her granddaughter, Lelia Winsboro Cross Moran, December 7, 2017 Bea Spinella Sykes ’55 on the death of her sister-in-law, Zelda P. “Beanie” Spinella, December 17, 2017

Theresa Moates Wicker ’58 on the death of her brother, Lawrence Anthony Moates, January 18, 2018 Caroline Duley ’17 on the death of her grandfather, the Honorable Donald Hall Kent, January 19, 2018 Marcia Field Hohl ’53 on the death of her husband, Charles Francis Hohl, January 21, 2018 Leslie Brooks ’93 on the death of her father, C. Fair Brooks, III, January 21, 2018; C. Fair was the brother of Patse Brooks Younkins ’64.

Stephanie McCann Sullivan ’83 and Shannon Bess McCann ’89 on the death of their father, John Patrick McCann, former SGHS Chair of the Board of Visitors, January 22, 2018.

Burkeley Poh Kim ’95 on the death of her grandmother, Dorothy Poh, January 24, 2018

Lisa Wilburn Austin ’92 and Amy Wilburn Jackson ’93 on the death of their father, John Davis Wilburn, February 3, 2018 Jill Snead Shimp ’86 on the death of her husband, Kevin Shimp, February 10, 2018

In Memoriam

Mary Oliver Schraudt Spitler ’53, May 3, 2017 Barbara Barrett ’69, July 12, 2017 Rosemary Dougherty Collier ’54, July 9, 2017 Barbara Blake “BB” Burckell ’49, July 12, 2017

Yolanda Angelini Sweeney ’64 on the death of her husband, John Joseph Sweeney, February 11, 2018

Anne Daffron Dolbeare ’54, July 26, 2017

Jayne Myers Smith ’70 on the death of her husband, Richard Earl Smith, February 12, 2018; Richard’s sister-inlaw was Mary Leighton Myers O’Connell ’69.

Lizabeth Tichacek Howard ’64, October 23, 2017

Meg Rock ’80, October 14, 2017

Maria Lazurri Thorpe ’61, November 11, 2017 Margaret Brown “Peggy” Noseck ’41, November 19, 2017 Jazzmine Alvin ’06, December 3, 2017 Palma Maria Seta Waldrop ’55, December 31, 2017

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SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL

A Special Friendship The Frances C. Giannini Endowed Student Assistance Fund “Mama felt that we got a good foundation at Saint Gertrude, and that the school made us strong women.”

W

hen Hil Beck was a young boy, he frequently spent time at the Giannini house. Though Cookie ’64 and Carolyn ’62 were a bit older than him, Hil thought of the girls as his cousins, and called their mother, Frances Chiocca Giannini, Aunt Frances. Together, they would play cards or drive around town with Hil in the backseat. “The whole family meant a lot to me. I loved Aunt Frances very much and Aunt Frances loved me,” Hil said. “I really felt like I was a member of their family.” This past summer, Hil created an endowment in honor of Frances. “Aunt Frances played a leading role in the lives of many Saint Gertrude students,” he explained. “There is no better nor simpler way to memorialize a member of the Saint Gertrude community than to establish a named scholarship. And by doing so, family and friends can further fund it as desired.”

family attended Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church, and when it came time to choose a high school for the girls, there was no choice but Saint Gertrude. “Mama felt that we got a good foundation at Saint Gertrude, and that the school made us strong women,” said Cookie. “I remember when I went to open my own business, Mama was nervous but felt that I had the confidence. A lot of that was from being in leadership roles at Saint Gertrude.”

While Cookie was in high school, her father suddenly passed away. “Mama had just turned 42 and had never worked a day in her life. She went out and got a job so that she could raise us,” said Cookie. “She became our best friend.” Frances ended up working for the State Department in taxation for over 20 years, until she retired at 65. In February 2017, Frances passed away after a long battle with advanced Alzheimer’s.

It doesn’t surprise Cookie that her mother meant so much to a community. “Mama made a great impact on a lot of people,” said Cookie. “She was just about perfect.” And with this endowment, Frances Chiocca Giannini’s legacy lives on.

When Cookie and her sister learned of the endowment, they were taken aback. “We were shocked at Hil’s generosity. We are proud that Mama made such an impression on him as a young boy.”

Born in 1920, Frances grew up in Richmond and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. She married Andro Giannini in 1941, and a month after the wedding, Andro shipped out to fight in World War II. He returned safely, and they had Cookie and Carolyn in the late 1940s.

When asked to describe her mother, Cookie said, “Mama was the typical 1950s housewife. She didn’t work, but she did everything for us. She made every piece of our clothing, attended every event that involved us.” The

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Cookie Giannini and Frances Giannini at a Sponsors’ event in 1963.

If you would like more information about establishing a named endowed scholarship fund, or would like to contribute to the Francis C. Giannini Endowed Student Assistance Fund, please contact Director of Development Michelle Schroeter at 804.358.9114 or mschroeter@saintgertrude.org.

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On Becoming Ultra-Human…

e have the capacity for a new world, and the energy for this world is already within us; it is the presence of God-Omega. Science has discovered some of the secrets of nature, but we do not yet know the secret of our own lives. We have mapped the genome and measured the planets, but we are ignorant about our own interior universe.

We need to discover the vast inner layers of the human person, the realms of mind and consciousness — and contemplative prayer is a good place to start.

Perhaps in this New Year we can turn inward by sitting still, meditating, listening to the sounds of silence, comfortable in the dark as we seek the light, stretching toward the One who is the power of all life to bear new life.

It is time we set out our goals on becoming ultra-human.

- Ilia Delio, from the “Global Sisters Report” January 9, 2018

Franciscan Sister Dr. Ilia Delio is a leading American theologian specializing in the intersection of science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics, and neuroscience, and the import of these for theology. Among her many degrees, she earned a doctorate in historical theology from Fordham University, as well as a doctorate in pharmacology from New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University. She has authored sixteen books and won two Catholic Press Book Awards, and is the general editor of the series “Catholicity in an Evolving Universe.” Dr. (Sister) Delio holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Christian Theology at Villanova University.

3215 Stuart Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

2018-2019 S AV E T H E DAT E S

JANUARY 11 Admission Applications Due

MARCH 27 Gator Gourmet

FEBRUARY 10 Flexible Tuition Program Applications Due

APRIL 5 - 6 Spring Play

FEBRUARY 23 Envision!

MARCH 8 Song Contest

JUNE 4 Baccalaureate and Graduation