Josephine Anzalone Drain ‘48

1. Give us the basics: when you attended St. Mary of the Valley and one of your favorite memories from your time on the SSMO campus.

I attended St. Mary of the Valley from 1937 until I graduated on May 30, 1948. It has been 75 years since I attended St. Mary of the Valley and I have lots of memories from my time there. A few of my favorites are going to Mass in the chapel with all of the Sisters. I was always so impressed because they were so saintly looking, and I thought they were certainly saints.

The Sisters had a great big St. Bernard dog, and he would jump on people. I was afraid of dogs. I asked my parents, “What am I going to do if that dog jumps on me?” My father said, “Don’t run or the dog will chase you.” I always managed to find a door to hide behind or go into the building because I was afraid he would knock me down. I still smile when I think of that big, friendly dog.

2. One of the Sisters’ Core Values is Live Valiantly. What does Live Valiantly mean to you?

Living Valiantly means doing what I know is right and having the courage of your convictions. It is important to not be afraid to go against the tide if it’s something you feel is wrong. I believe to Live Valiantly is to have the courage to display your beliefs and not be taken up by the crowd.

3. Give us a valiant example of how your time as a SMV student influenced your personal life.

Living Valiantly is incorporated into my everyday life. I have six children and it’s hard not to be valiant when you have six children. It’s about instilling in them the principles you think are right, and teaching them honesty and integrity.

4. As a Valiant Alumni, how do you describe your school to others?

I describe St. Mary of the Valley and now Valley Catholic School as a top educational institution. It is top not only in education, but in teaching students values, courage, integrity, making right decisions, and most of all trusting in and loving God.

5. Tell us how a memorable teacher left a valiant impression on you.

There were so many teachers that left an impression on me. Sister Mary Annunciata was my music teacher and I thought she was a saint. Sister Mary Everildis was the librarian and a wonderful woman. She was physically disabled so she would keep one hand on the wall as she walked the hallways. She was a valiant woman to manage her physical pain and continue to be so pleasant and cheerful with her students all the time.