Veritas Spring 2016

Spring 2016

SPRING 2015

Veritas

WE ARE DOMINICANS

Celebrating the 800th Jubilee of the Dominican Order

90 0 0 B ELL AIRE B LVD, HOUS TON, T X 77036 713. 219.54 0 0 S T-AGNES.ORG

Dominican Trustees

Office of Advancement

Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56, Prioress Sr. Antoinette (Kitty) Carter, O.P. ‘57, Vicaress Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61, Councilor Sr. Julie Greig, O.P., Councilor

Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement Lisa M. Chmiola, Dir. of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Reema Kasavich, Director of Annual Giving Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations Katie Coppedge, Donor Services Coordinator Emma Ebbs, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator Allonna James, Advancement Associate

St. Agnes Academy 2015– 2016 Board of Directors Arnie D. Azios, Jr.

Stephen Harding

Principal’s Team

Cathy Beathard

Robert L. Heston

Patricia Biggio

Raquel Fuquen Janoe ‘94

John J. Brennan, III

Keli Luce

Robin Burks Ph.D.

Michelle Lyn, M.D., FAAP

Mimi Butler

Marsha Mallon

Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61

Kevin Matocha

Dan Castaneda

Bob McLamb

Deborah Whalen, Principal Rebecca Brady ‘00, Academic Dean Elaine Henderson Eichelberger ‘79, Dean of Students Amy Mattes, Director of Athletics Brigid Schiro ‘81, Director of Admissions Kim Coffey Scoville ‘95, Dean of Faculty Debbie Skelly, Director of Guidance Anna Sklut, Director of Campus Ministry

Julia Conlon, M.D., FAAP ‘98

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.

Tim Day

Mary L. Raia ‘77

Sr. Adrian Dover, O.P.

Edward C. Ramon

Philip G. Fraher

John Steffes, CPA

Susan Greteman, Chair

Maria Isabel Torras

Kelly Hackett ‘00

Sean Wheeler

Greg Hardin

St. Agnes Academy Foundation Trustees Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ‘64

Gregory E. Schockling

José Enriquez

Stephen T. Schwarzbach

Kevin Holt

Pat H. Swanson

Christopher A. Matlock

Shelley Savarino Ulm ‘84

Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56

Jeffrey J. Weiner Ana Maria Gonzalez Wood ‘82, President

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Gregory L. Phillips Julie Plessala Samson ‘80

Team St. Agnes AgnesAcademy AcademyExecutive Executive Team Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., Head of School Deborah Whalen, Principal Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement Finance and Facilities H. Leon Howard, Head of Finance, Facilities and Technology

Stephanie Crowl, Director of Communications 713.219.5406 stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org

STAY CONNECTED FACEBOOK facebook.com/st-agnes-academy TWITTER twitter.com/st-agnes-academy INSTAGRAM instagram.com/stagnesacademy/ www.st-agnes.org For change of address or other questions, contact the Office of Communications at 713.219.5406 or news@st-agnes.org.

IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2016

Features 09

ST. AGNES STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS An Amazing Display of the Strength of Our StuCo

10

WALKING SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH THE DOMINICAN SISTERS to Preserve Our Heritage & Values

12

DOMINICAN SISTERS’ HISTORY: A Snapshot

14

HOW WE LIVE THE DOMINICAN STORY

Departments 06

CLASS NOTES

16

TIGERS’ DEN

19

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT

20

ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS

28

ADVANCEMENT FOCUS

Veritas

CONTENTS | 3

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SR. JANE MEYER, O.P.

AT ST. AGNES, WE CELEBRATE OUR FAITH DAILY. Whether it’s in theology or biology, Mass or meditation, we consider our Catholic faith and our Dominican heritage something special. This year, we mark the 800th Jubilee of the Dominican order. St. Dominic founded the order to preach the truth of the Gospel throughout the world. I am proud to be a member of the Order of Preachers, standing for social justice and the truth of the Gospel, whether it is an easy choice or not.

The mission of St. Dominic continues at St. Agnes Academy and is stronger today than ever before. In 1999, the Dominican High School Preaching Conference began, and we signed up without hesitation! Dominican schools across the country sent students who would meet to discuss the Dominican charism. Our girls returned with language that we were living but had not formalized or put into words—the four pillars—prayer, study, community and preaching. Finally, we put words to actions we’d be living all along. They are now part of our DNA. So, how are we living them? Let me begin with prayer.

As Dominic showed us, there are a variety of ways to pray. For Dominicans, prayer is about pausing to reflect, and connecting with yourself and with God. Our day begins with studentled prayer over our morning announcements.

Students attend Mass, pray the rosary at lunch, but also practice yoga, sit in the prayer garden, and seek God’s presence in nature as well as in themselves. Our Wellness Counselors began a meditation program this spring to help our students to find a place of peace amid the hustle and bustle of SAA. Recently, I donned the pleated skirt to see the halls of St. Agnes through the eyes of a 9th grade student in honors classes. It was part of our Student for a Day program, celebrating it’s second year at SAA. It was an incredible experience and made me realize that we have nailed the pillar of study. I was blown away by the amount of creative and critical thinking taking place in each class. Study is not simply opening a book, it is exploring the world in new ways. I saw this happening in the classes that I attended. And, we don’t back off from the hard issues of the day—we study them from all 4 | LETTERS

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angles and ask questions. Voices of Black Youth, VOBY, presented an assembly for Black History Month that addressed the issues of slavery, institutionalized racism, and police brutality.

VOBY consulted one of our police officers to ensure the information presented was both accurate and fair. VOBY extended an invitation to all alumnae to attend the Black History Assembly. Joy Sewing, Sr. Mary Magdalen ’58, and Daphine Sands ’69, accepted the invitation.

Daphine Sands was one of the first three black students, two 9th graders and one sophomore transfer student, to enter the Academy in 1965.

St. Agnes was the only Catholic school to which she applied that was ready to integrate. She helped pave the way, and now 51 years later the St. Agnes student body is 10% black students.

Community has always been a hallmark of St. Agnes. Our students are like stars in the night sky; they make up multiple constellations, be it Debate, Lacrosse, Choir, Student Council or the That’s so Raven Club. Each group has a strong sense of community within itself, but when we all come together, you see the fullest sense of community—Sisters each, inspiring all!

I could hear it in the cheering at the State Swim Meet, see it on the stage as our dance team, the Tiger Girls, lifted one another up, and read it in Rodney Miles’ report on our success at Harvard Model Congress (read more on pg. 7). Every girl has a place here.

The pillar of preaching is quite simply the way we live our lives. I love being a Servant Leader Advisor for our service program. I hear wonderful stories from our seniors about the way they have touched lives, whether caring for a handicapped child or dancing with an Alzheimer’s patient. They find their passion

across the globe or in their own backyard. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about a student who continues her service long after completing her required hours. Our Campus Ministry program has increased to more than 200 girls, 75 of them trained Dominican preachers, leading small groups at retreats and giving inspiring talks. Our students learn to become advocates for the marginalized, boldly demonstrate love, and inspire change in our world. Through preaching, they are the voice of truth.

I see this strong Dominican foundation in our alumnae. It is definitely part of the fabric of their being and accompanies them in various ways throughout life.

The Jubilee year is one of celebration, renewal, and of course, preaching. This issue of Veritas explores our Dominican heritage and ways that you can be involved. I invite you to learn more about what it means to be Dominican and celebrate with our community.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL DEBOR AH WHALEN

At the start of this semester, St. Agnes screened the award-winning documentary Most Likely to Succeed for our faculty and interested parents.

Directed by acclaimed documentarian Greg Whiteley, Most Likely to Succeed has been named “among the best edu-documentaries ever produced” by Education Week. Another publication suggested that this film should be a required course for all parents and educators. It was certainly engaging and thought-provoking! We were shocked by some of the statistics presented in the film: • Today, education in the United States is ranked only 18th out of 23 industrialized countries.

• Our school system was designed in 1893, and has changed very little over time.

• Only 1 in 4 high school students graduate college ready in English, Math and Science.

• 85% of current jobs require some or more college or post-secondary education.

As educators, we are challenged to prepare our students for jobs that do not even exist today! With a world of information available a click away, and the modern workplace valuing soft skills like confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking, a rote-based system of learning has become outdated and ineffective.

I thought the documentary was very affirming of what we aspire to do at St. Agnes—provide the foundation for life-long learning and create opportunities for our students to experience hands-on learning whenever possible. After seeing the film, one SAA parent applauded our efforts to examine the homework load so that our young women had more time to explore extracurricular activities where so much important learning takes place. Think of what our athletes, student leaders, artists, and performers gain through their pursuits. Or consider the enriching experience of those who serve in the community, attend Harvard Model Congress, or participate in Speech and Debate. I recently judged the Rube Goldberg competition where I was able to witness first-hand the “soft” skills our students gained through working together to solve a complex physics problem. The popular egg-drop and CO₂ car races are other physics projects that lend themselves to experiential learning. Our US History teachers recently staged an Ellis Island simulation so that students could better understand what it was like to enter our county as an immigrant during the last century. I know these lessons will be more memorable than most classroom lectures or directed reading assignments.

Most Likely to Succeed: A Summary “The current educational system in the United States was developed a century ago during the rise of the industrial age and was once the envy of the world. However, the world economy has since transformed profoundly, but the US education system has not. Schools are attempting to teach and test skills, when mastered, that still leave graduates woefully unprepared for the 21st Century. After presenting this problem, the documentary focuses on the story of a school in San Diego that is completely rethinking what the experience of going to school

The challenge is to find the balance between covering the necessary curriculum to prepare our

looks like. As we follow students, parents and

students for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT and AP, and still find the time for project-based

teachers through a truly unorthodox school

learning. At St. Agnes, we are working hard to find that balance!

experience, the audience is forced to consider what sort of educational environment is most likely to succeed in the 21st century?”

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LETTERS | 5

CL ASS NOTES THE GREAT DEB8 The speech and debate team has qualified seven students to nationals this year! They must place in the top four individually in our district in order to qualify. We have a very competitive district, comprised of 50 schools. They will represent St Agnes at the national tournament in June in Salt Lake City, UT. Cara Day ’17 placed second at the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator’s Debate Series Greater Texas Regional Meet. Cara’s performance makes her one of 16 students in the country who are invited to debate at the Ronald Reagan Great Communicator’s Debate Series National Tournament held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The Ronald Reagan Great Communicator Debate Series is designed to

TOP ROW:

provide an avenue for high school students across

Aleza Schellingerhout - Lincoln Douglas Debate

the country to develop their civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions as they research, discuss,

Mary Angela Ricotta - Lincoln Douglas Debate and Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking

and engage in public debate. The program ends

Elizabeth Humber - Dramatic Interpretation

with each student who goes to Nationals splitting

Amani Henry and Chelsea Ezikeuzor - Duo Interpretation

a share of a $40,000 scholarship. Just by

BOTTOM ROW:

qualifying for the tournament, Cara has earned a

Gracie Mahoney - Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking

$1,000 scholarship. Cara will head to Nationals

Bridget Rasmussen - Program Oral Interp

July 14 - July 17, 2016.

LEFT: Cara Day ’17

ECONOMICS CLASS EARNS TOP PRIZES IN STOCK MARKET GAME Our students took first and second place in the Houston Regional Stock Market Game program, against 450 other teams. These seniors are in Mark Albright’s honors economics class.

Congratulations to both teams: Our first place team (top)- Analisa Ruiz, Chioma Onuoha, Sidney Phillips, and Ellie Roppolo Our second place team (bottom)- Sara Colburn, Tiffany Dulaca, McKinzie Chambers, and Julia Douglas The FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, has sponsored the SMG team fees in the Houston area this year. They will also be inviting these students and their parents to a reception in May.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

This year’s Spring Musical was The Addams Family. Based on the characters of Charles Addams, The Addams Family musical is an original musical comedy created by Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice, and Andrew Lippa, and premiered on Broadway in 2010. The musical brings to life the beloved characters while introducing the audience to new ones.

Daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a “normal” boy, and it’s time to bring the families together. Students took classes on hair and makeup in order to prepare for such an artistic show.

Led by Performing Arts Chair Art Buckley, Theatre Arts Director Jewell Handy ‘88, Music Director Jeremy Wood and Dance Director Julie Chilton, our outstanding cast and crew was comprised of both St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit students.

Left: Kate Tentinger ’18 applies airbrush makeup to Clare O’Neal ’18 who played Wednesday Addams.

6 | CLASS NOTES

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“Style show was really great because not only did I fulfill my childhood dream of walking the runway, but I also got closer to a lot of the girls in my class; overall it was a great experience and a great way of beginning to end my senior year!”

- ARIS SMITH ‘16

Above, Aris Smith and Fernanda Goudet walk the runway at the Senior Style Show.

The Class of 2016 was “Walking on Sunshine” at this year’s Mother-Daughter Luncheon and Senior Style Show. Amidst the sunflowers and soft garden lights, the ‘senior models’ dazzled on the runway in vibrant, elegant colors, a beautiful selection of styles, and beamed the most radiant of smiles for the audience. The seniors handled the runway andall the preparations in advance of this event with grace, respect, and true St Agnes spirit. This wonderful tradition of St. Agnes Academy filled everyone’s heart with sunshine!

SENIOR APPOINTED TO U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY St. Agnes is excited to announce the appointment of Triona Swanson ‘16, right, to the United States Naval Academy. Triona was appointed by U.S. Congressman and alumna parent Pete Olson. With an acceptance rate of under 8%, the Naval Academy is one of the most selective schools in the country.

Triona will graduate as an officer.

“I am very excited to be a part of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2020. Thanks to the help of the wonderful teachers at St. Agnes, my family and Congressman Pete Olson’s nomination, I am able to accomplish a goal that I have had for over three years.”

-TRIONA SWANSON ’16

HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS St. Agnes made another very impressive showing at Harvard Model Congress-Boston this year.

Cara Day ’17 won the Outstanding Delegate award in her House committee and received the coveted gavel for her involvement. In addition, the District Court team capped off a most impressive year by winning the gavels for the best District Court team in the competition. They knocked off Georgetown Day, which had won the award the past several years.

The team, pictured L-R: Catherine Gassiot ’17, Aubrey Calaway’16, team captain Sara Bobb ’16, team captain Catherine Buthod ’16, Alena Peters ’16, Maddie Nassif ’16, and Outstanding Delegate winner Cara Day ’17 We had many other girls who participated most impressively. Among them were Marissa Barnes ’16, Emily Loncarich ’16, Angelina Anderson ’17, Victoria Shelby ’17, and both Supreme Court teams of Mia Simon ’16 and Evie Stathatos ’16, and Meredith Rasmussen ’16 and Dorothy Nugent ’16.

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CLASS NOTES | 7

CHRISTINA FU ‘16 WINS NATIONAL SILVER KEY Senior Christina Fu has won a National Silver Key for her digital art work, a level of art award at the Scholastics Art competition rarely awarded in our history. Faculty member Terry Suprean says, “In my 11 years at St. Agnes I have only had one other student win a National Scholastics Award; it is a very rare achievement, and Christina worked very hard for it. If you know Christina give her a high five, she’s made quite the achievement.” Her winning work, “Hidden Constellations” is pictured below.

Christina says of her art: My style of graphic art focuses on the juxtaposition of natural, organic images with precise, inorganic geometric shapes and lines. This piece is very reflective of my emotional state at the time, where I was dealing with stress from the death of people that I knew or other people.

This piece was like a tribute and a therapeutic way to process the deaths that had occurred during that time.

The initial idea came from listening to Mr. Suprean talk about a piece that a student did several years ago and, oddly enough, a friend’s sweatshirt.

Visual Arts at St. Agnes BAILEY HAYES ’17 I am a junior at St. Agnes Academy. When I

forward to the days that I would spend making

designing pieces that I thought best represented

was in eighth grade, I vividly remember touring

and editing my photography with other girls

parts of myself and didn’t necessarily go with

St. Agnes with my school. I recall that one of

who were passionate about it—just like me.

one another. Now seven months later, my

the most impactful reasons I was drawn to St.

I have now been attending SAA for almost

pieces are complete and, in my opinion, they

Agnes was because of the art department, most

three years; however, until this year I have idly

do a wonderful job of capturing large parts of

specifically digital arts. I was obsessed with

watched and admired the incredible works

me, conceptually. Thanks to the St. Agnes art

photography at such a young age, and when I

that came out of Mr. Suprean’s mac lab. This

department and staff, I have a chance to fulfill

heard about the photography class, and listened

year I decided to take Digital Photography in

one of my wildest dreams to showcase some of

to Mr. Suprean’s speech about everything

the fall; it was nothing that I had expected. In

my work in an Art Show hosted by the school. As

he could provide us with, I was hooked. I

the first few weeks, Mr. Suprean exposed us to

it grows closer, the chaos grows too, but we are

specifically remember when he said, “Our goal

so many photographers, photography styles,

all so excited to be a part of such an incredible

is that if you can imagine it you can create it.” I

and genres. At first it was a bit overwhelming

show full of different works and ideas that do a

knew then that even if I didn’t have a desire to

to see. However, in that enormous PowerPoint,

beautiful job of encompassing just some of the

peruse photography as a career, I would most

there were some photographs that have strongly

opportunities given to each student at St. Agnes

definitely make the most out of his classes.

compelled me to do my work very differently

Academy.

then I originally intended in the eighth grade.

Bailey helped organize the 2016 Art Expo, an annual art show of theater, dance, choirs, and visual arts hosted each April at SAA.

Thankfully, I was accepted to St. Agnes, and as much as I was excited for the entire “High

After discovering my intense feelings towards

School” experience, I very specifically looked

conceptual photography, I worked all year on

8 | CLASS NOTES

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St. Agnes Student Council Elections AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF THE STRENGTH OF OUR STUCO On April 6, students gathered in the auditorium

Ann Postlewaite, National Association of

to hear from the candidates for Student Body

Secondary School Principals student program

President and Vice President. Four teams sat on the stage, made presentations, and answered questions. They were joined on stage by a classmate who had nominated them for the position. After the assembly, students returned to their homerooms to vote. The first ballot resulted in a runoff between two groups. In the end, our Academy women voted Sarah Berno ’17 and Ellen Alley ’17 as our future leadership team.

This is just the beginning of elections for our student council. A jaw-dropping 275 students ran for office this year. That’s almost thirty percent of our current enrollment. Each student was required to write a letter to their class on why they deserved the position. Offices range from Homeroom Representative to Class President.

This years’ election is just one sign of the strength of our student council. For the sixth year in a row, St. Agnes has been recognized by the National Association of Student Councils as a 2016 NASC National Gold Council of Excellence. Receiving this distinction shows SAA has consistently demonstrated the highest standards in the basic requirements, leadership training, school and community service projects,

Class of 2017 President: Tess Peterson

director.

Vice President: Julia Calaway For the eighth year in a row, the Texas

SAC*: Abbey Rank, Sara Van Tuerenhout,

Association of Student Councils has named

Audrey Welsh

St. Agnes Academy a Sweepstakes School. To receive this honor, we must achieve a high level in all five areas of Student Council: Energy & Environment, Pride & Patriotism, D.A.S.H. (Drugs, Alcohol, Safety, & Health), Community

Class of 2018 President: Grace Daigre Vice President: Bridie Hibbler SAC: Ezinne Anozie, Taylor Crawford, Tessa

Service, and Outstanding Student Council.

Mack

On February 25, SAA won the election to be Class of 2019

president of District 13 for the Texas Association of Student Councils. Ellen Alley ’17 will serve as President, Sarah Berno ’17 will serve as Treasurer, and Aris Smith ’16 received one of only three scholarships. St. Agnes needed to make a presentation, which you can view on our

President: Rachel Humber Vice President: Maggi Oria SAC: Alia Jones, Madison Lucas, Julianne Boyd, Hannah Watkins *Student Advisory Council

Facebook page.

Our incredible Student Council is led by Director of Student Activities Tommy Calais, Becky Rushing, and Debbie Sieck ’87. In 2014, our Director of Student Activies Tommy Calais received the Eddie G. Bull TASC State Advisor of the Year Award, selected out of 1,300 member schools. This year he is nominated for the National Advisor of the Year, to be announced this summer.

spirit activities, and financial planning.

“Receiving an NASC National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the highest dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong,

Top right: the elected officers for the 2016-2017 school year Middle right: Sarah Berno ’17, Student Body President and Treasurer of District 13, Ellen Alley ’17, Student Body Vice President and President of District 13.

well-rounded student council program,” says

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FEATURE | 9

Walking Side-by-Side with the Dominican Sisters to Preserve Our Heritage & Values ELDA SMITH With broader participation as part of their vision, in 2009, the Houston Dominican Sisters created the opportunity for lay persons to join the Dominican Family and to learn SINCE ITS FOUNDING OVER 100 YEARS AGO, ST. AGNES ACADEMY HAS TAUGHT YOUNG

about the Dominican charism. Working with

WOMEN NOT ONLY HOW TO THINK AND LEARN, BUT ALSO WHY DOMINICAN VALUES

the Sisters, participants are able to deepen

MATTER.

their understanding of the four pillars of the

That emphasis on Dominican values forms the foundation of the Academy’s mission today.

“Years ago, students did not

Dominican values: Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. More than 150 individuals,

Every aspect of what the school does is rooted

talk much about the Dominican

including St. Agnes teachers, staff, parents and

in the Dominican pillars as evidenced by school

charism and pillars, but I saw it

process, ultimately committing themselves

retreats planned around the pillars, service

alumnae have participated in a discernment

projects, individual prayer, and school-wide

in how the sisters educated us as

to lives rooted in the Dominican values. The

Mass.

the whole person. The sisters did

social justice issues (poverty, human trafficking),

In the early years of the school, Dominican

all of the things we still do today,

building community with the Dominican Sisters

Dominican charism to students by the way they

and it now makes sense within

social injustices, and praying individually

lived and through their teaching.

the context of the pillars- and I

and in community. Walking “side-by-side”

As the number of Dominican Sisters declines,

see how their work shapes what I

to live as a Dominican has changed the way

Sisters were available to demonstrate the

achieving the Academy’s vision to ensure that Dominican values and traditions remain

10 | FEATURE

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and other family members, working to address

with the Dominican Sisters and learning how

do today.”

participants look at life and has broadened their

—ELAINE HENDERSON EICHELBERGER ’79

local and global communities.

constant, relevant, and influential will require broader participation from others.

Dominican Family focuses on learning about

understanding of social justice issues within

Parents who were exposed to the Dominican charism while their daughters attended St. Agnes value the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Dominican traditions:

“Our participation at St. Agnes made us

“Thankfully, I found my way to a Dominican

aware of the Dominican charism, and we felt

Family meeting and never looked back! I have

something was missing when our daughter

enjoyed meeting the community of Dominican

graduated. So when the Dominican Family

women and the community of the Dominican

was formed, we welcomed the chance to

Family. I absolutely love the speakers and

participate. Being in the Family influenced

events we have and have learned I always come

the way I approached my work on the school

back from a meeting in a better place.”

board and informal interactions with students

—CAROLYN BOBO ALUMNAE PARENT

and faculty. I also was able to appreciate what faculty and staff did that reflected that charism, and I spoke out to be sure that parents and students could see the connection to the charism.”

—PAUL ANTOLIK ALUMNA PARENT AND FORMER BOARD MEMBER

“I leave each gathering refreshed and reconnected with my own personal faith and with God. As my daughters graduate and leave St. Agnes, the charism of the four pillars will continue to guide my journey with the Dominican Family and the Dominican Sisters of Houston.”

—ABBY

LINESCH CURRENT AND ALUMNAE PARENT

“As I have learned more about the Dominicans and have gotten to know the Dominican Family and Sisters, I can see how their principles shape the women of St. Agnes in such a positive way. They practice what they teach—social justice, helping each other, strong sense of community. There is no pressure, but the more you learn about what the Dominicans represent, the easier it is to feel like you have actually become a part of the Dominican Family.”

—MOLLY SAMPLE ALUMNA PARENT

The Dominican Family provides an excellent resource for parents to grow their faith and to remain connected to the Dominican heritage of St. Agnes. It also provides the SAA faculty and staff the opportunity to further embody the Dominican charism as they bring the school’s mission to life in their daily work. It is apparent that the Sisters’ vision for the Dominican Family is being realized. Faculty and staff comment on how their Dominican Family participation continues to strengthen the Dominican charism of the school through their deepened understanding of Dominican values.

The Dominican Family continues to grow and participation of faculty, staff, parents and alumnae is increasing. It is exciting to see how together, as a Dominican community, St. Agnes Academy and the Dominican Family are working to ensure that the Dominican charism that prepared our daughters to pursue lives of truth, passion and purpose will continue to thrive at St. Agnes for the next 100 years.

For more information on how to join, contact Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ’56 at cmayes@domhou.org.

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FEATURE | 11

DOMINICAN SISTERS’ HISTORY: A SNAPSHOT CHRISTINE BAUDIN HERNANDEZ, Ph.D WHO HASN’T LOOKED TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS AND THOUGHT, “YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE IT HARD”?

Think about it…technology is a timesaver. When was the last time you opened a paper map instead of using Waze or Google Maps? When did you last leave a note for a family member instead of texting? How did you research a topic without the internet, or edit a paper or letter without spellcheck and delete? The Order of Preachers, or Dominicans, are celebrating the 800th anniversary of their founding (1216). In the centuries that have passed, numerous technological advances have entered Dominican life. Shoes are one example. Well… some went without shoes as a way to embrace the spiritual ideal of poverty, but extensive travel made shoes helpful on rough roads and in cold weather.

The next centuries produced Dominicans whose lives would shape Christianity across the globe. These influences included the vast theological works of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Renaissance art of Blessed Fra Angelico, and St. Martin de Porres’ care for the vulnerable of Peru. Dominican women’s influence rivalled that of their male counterparts. St. Catherine of

Fast forward to the late 19th century United States and imagine you’re a

Siena was a mystic and theologian, who spoke her mind to the Pope when disunity threatened the Church. St. Rose of Lima, a friend of de Porres, dedicated herself to the poor and maintained a strong, ascetic piety. The Dominican legacy did not end in the European west but continued its expansion to the Americas, moving into the heart of the United States and its southern borders.

and southern states. Catholic women religious (nuns or sisters) were to

Dominican sister who must travel from Ohio to Texas. The train was your technological friend, and much faster than the 13th century foot or 16th century ocean vessel. Here is where the Dominican women’s ingenuity and grit bridged the more than 1,000 miles that divided the northern maintain enclosure as much as possible. According to Church regulations, women who took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience were to live in a communal cloister; that is, a convent that separated them from the distractions of the world. The Dominican sisters improvised cloister rules on their journey, and the train car became a mobile convent with chapel, refectory, and sleeping quarters in one small space.

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The demand to adapt continued for the sisters upon

The mission-driven spirit that brought Magevney

their arrival to St. Mary Cathedral Parish in 1882.

and Gannon to Texas continued throughout the 20th

One of their first tasks was to choose the chapel’s

century. The congregation was an entrepreneurial

location to accommodate daily prayer and Mass. They

force. By the 1920s, the Dominican sisters moved their

devised the convent’s first, albeit temporary, altar

Motherhouse to Houston, where they established St.

from a dresser, ironing board, and white cloth. Their

Agnes Academy in 1906. Women’s education was a

permanent altar – a bit steadier than the first – came

continual piece of the Dominican educational charism

from wooden packing crates. The heat of southeast

that the sisters carried from Ohio to Texas. They

Texas introduced the women to threats of yellow fever,

availed Catholic and non-Catholic young women with

dengue, and the need for mosquito netting in order to

a cutting-edge education, from the classics to business

prevent both. They were Northerners, unaccustomed

courses to today’s Advanced Placement courses. Many

to the climate and its rather large insects and their

graduates went on to teach in southeast Texas and/or

deadly potential. The women arrived to Galveston in

enter the congregation themselves. In addition, nearly

an era when postwar tensions remained vivid and the

50 Catholic schools in the Beaumont, Austin, and

Industrial Age had yet to make headway in the face of

Galveston-Houston dioceses were opened and operated

the frontier. Sacred Heart Academy, a private Catholic

by the Dominican sisters. These schools included

school for young women and children, was a continuation of the sisters’

numerous elementary schools and the co-educational Dominican high

Midwestern endeavors. However, they adjusted their mission to the young

school, St. Pius X (1956).

Diocese’s needs. They opened Holy Rosary School for Galveston’s black Catholic children, despite some Academy parents’ threats to withdraw their children. They also took reduced pay to open a free Catholic school at the Cathedral parish to encourage Catholic families to enroll their children in parish schools.

Mother Mary Agnes Magevney (1841-1891), O.P. who founded the Dominican Sisters, Congregation of the Sacred Heart, in Ohio, oversaw the congregation’s settlement in Galveston. Her determination and leadership was notable, and so too was her sense of humor. Sisters described one occasion when a neighbor gifted the convent with frogs to cook for a meal.

Magevney, to the surprise and shrieks of her fellow sisters, let them loose!

Mother Pauline Gannon (1862-1921), O.P., who succeeded Magevney from 1891-1921, oversaw the continued expansion of the congregation. During her leadership, more than a hundred young women joined the congregation from the Midwest, East Coast, Texas, and as far as Germany and Ireland.

The grit that these women and their fellow sisters demonstrated was built on strong family ties, friendships, and a network of religious connections.

The Magveney family gave financial support to the congregation and furnished its convent and schools at various intervals. New members included cousins, biological sisters, and close friends. Strong relationships with local religious and clergy

An educational infrastructure had emerged in the 20th century with a curricular depth built on the sisters’ professional expertise. The Dominican sisters oversaw curriculum development and accreditation in the Beaumont, Austin, and Galveston-Houston dioceses. They also introduced innovative pedagogical methods, such as individualized learning and Catholic Montessori education. In Houston alone, the congregation established 14 diocesan schools and expanded their ministry to California (1914) and Guatemala (1966). Their educational development and professional training was central to their success, with summer classes at the Catholic University of America, educational courses at the University of Texas, or degree programs offered through their own Sacred Heart Dominican College (1946-1974). In the one hundred plus years since the Dominican sisters settled in southeast Texas, technology has advanced and the population has multiplied and diversified. The women’s ingenuity and grit continue in its schools and has become an integral partner in raising awareness of justice and peace amongst the greater Houston population.

Now imagine you are a St. Agnes student today. You enter the administration foyer and two of the dominant images that meet your eyes are paintings of Magevney and Gannon. The black and white habits, or religious garments that the women wore, dominate the pictures and

buoyed the sisters resolve.

ingrain the Dominican legacy

Galveston Bishop, Nicholas A.

in the viewers mind. Yet

Gallagher, O.P., who worked

behind these pictures are two

with Magevney in Ohio,

dynamic personalities that

traveled with the women to

remind us of the ingenuity

Galveston and oversaw many

and grit that vivified their

of their spiritual needs. As

mission and created a lasting

the Dominicans sought out

impact on the Galveston-

professional training and

Houston archdiocese. That

higher education, they invited

legacy continues at St. Agnes

other women’s religious

Academy and permeates

congregations in the diocese,

the lives of the thousands

including the Ursuline and

of young women that have

Incarnate Word sisters, to

passed through its hallways.

join them.

Mother Pauline Gannon, O.P. pictured with St. Mary Cathedral Parish in Galveston

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SPECIAL EDITION | 13

HOW WE LIVE THE DOMINICAN STORY ANNA SKLUT, Director of Campus Ministry Six months into my time at St. Agnes Academy,

at St. Agnes, the teachers were practically

communities, a transitional living community

I found myself sitting in the Dominican

all Dominican sisters … Now most of our

for women, and several schools for people with

Motherhouse staring at an immense

Dominican schools are run and staffed by lay

special needs. This short immersion clarified

handwritten timeline as several Dominican

people … It is the current families, students and

and illuminated the realities facing the poor and

Sisters of Houston explained the history

faculty and staff that are proud and empowered

vulnerable in Houston. The class of 2018 spent

of the Dominican Order. The sisters spoke

to be Dominican. They are not afraid to stand

the rest of their retreat studying the current

enthusiastically of Dominic’s encounters with

for the important social justice issues of our day.

issues in our world and praying about how they

many different people as he set out to preach the

My hope is that the sisters and families walk side

could make a difference. Students left retreat

Good News and educate communities on the

by side in our Dominican ministry and mission.”

energized by their potential to impact our world

issues of the day.

In this, the 800th Jubilee of the Dominican

That evening, the sisters invited me into the Dominican story.

It is a narrative that continues to unfold, and one in which the St. Agnes Academy community plays an integral role.

Order, we celebrate the richness of the Dominican story, but maybe more importantly,

between students, faculty, staff and parents.

Parents, past and present, are vital to our

and strengthen our dedication to prayer,

Dominican mission. Providing the resources

study, community and preaching. This Jubilee

for their daughter to attend a Dominican

invites us to look again at what makes us (all of

school is one thing, but they also participate in

us—students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae)

dinnertime conversations following thought-

Dominican, and how we can continue to bring

provoking Theology class discussions or their

veritas alive for the next 800 years.

daughter’s field trip in Human Rights Class,

Considering ways in which our Dominican

growing responsibility to carry on the tradition

charism is renewed during this Jubilee Year, I

of truth and justice that the Dominican Sisters

think first of Sophomore Retreat—bringing the

of Houston have so beautifully exemplified for

four pillars to life. Nearly 350 students, parents,

so long. Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. put it best when

faculty and staff spread throughout Houston on

she said:

a February morning. It was an incredible sight to

“For years it was the Dominican sisters who

send so many Dominicans into the community.

were the carriers of the mission. When I was

The groups served in underprivileged elementary schools, senior assisted living

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not have been possible without the interplay

we enter into this narrative. We strive to revive

The lay Dominican community in Houston has a

14 | FEATURE

as Dominicans. Such an experience would

or participation in the service portion of Sophomore Retreat. Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching are familiar parts of our parents’ repertoire: the Booster Club’s support of athletics, Mothers’ Club’s toiletry drive for Martha’s Kitchen, Dads’ Club celebrating Mass and enjoying community at Father/Daughter Brunch. Each of these events, and so many more, invite our parents into the Dominican charism.

Pray with us, study with us, grow with us, serve with us this jubilee year, and into the next 800 years. The future of the Dominican order depends on the vibrant, energetic, faith-filled, passionate St. Agnes academy students, faculty, staff, families, and alumnae continuing the charism, walking alongside the Dominican Sisters to praise, to bless and to preach the gospel with our lives.

The energy within our community is palpable, whenever we are together. So, how do we harness that energy in this Jubilee, to send us into the next 800 years? A few suggestions: Be inspired by the stories of “Our Sisters” on the Dominican Sisters of

Consider a Dominican read: The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality:

Houston website (www.domhou.org). Learn how these women entered the

A Drink Called Happiness by Paul Murray, OP. This book explores the

Dominican Story, and consider how you might join in mission with them.

interplay between the intellectual side of Dominican Spirituality, and the

Research Dominican Saints. Each summer, four students from St. Agnes

apostolic, evangelizing call of the charism.

participate in the Dominican Preaching Conference in Adrian, MI. The

Celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit with the St. Agnes Community on

conference includes presentations on the lives of Dominican Saints. Our

Friday, September 2, 2016 in the auditorium at 8:15 a.m. Join the St.

students are always moved to mission hearing about how these holy men

Agnes Community as we invite the Holy Spirit to bless and animate our

and women preached with their lives, and you will be encouraged, too.

school year.

One of the saints the students meet at the Preaching Conference will

Participate in a gathering of the Global Dominican Family: “St. Rose of

be in Houston, May 6 & 7: the Dominican Sisters of Houston welcome

Lima and St. Martin dePorres, Preachers of Social Justice,” October 21-

Nancy Murray, OP, an Adrian Dominican, who transforms herself into St.

23, in Dallas, TX. Paul Farmer and Gustavo Gutierrez, OP are expected

Catherine of Siena. Her interactive presentation invites participants into

keynote speakers.

the life of St. Catherine, who is a doctor of the Church, and an influential 14th century Dominican.

The Dominican Sisters of Houston will continue to post information and events as they are scheduled. Visit www.domhou.org for more

Write some Dominican Feast Days on your calendar, and remember them

information.

in a special way: St. Dominic on August 8, St. Rose of Lima on August 23,

Above, Sophomore Retreat. Clockwise from the top, Angie

St. Martin de Porres on November 3, St. Thomas Aquinas on January 28,

Sanchez Cane, Maddie Foster, Alyssa Dizon, Meredith Dickson

St. Catherine of Siena on April 29.

(junior DPT leader), Faith Lansang, Mia Venkatesan, and Elizabeth Henke,

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FEATURE | 15

TIGERS’ DEN

Coming Home: ST. AGNES GRADUATES RETURN TO EDUCATE AND COACH THE NEXT GENERATION ST. AGNES ACADEMY’S DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO ITS ALUMNAE, AND NOT JUST FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 25 ALUMNAE WHO MAKE UP 123 FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS. OF THOSE, SIX ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF OUR ATHLETICS STAFF. “It’s no secret we like to hire our own. We already know we are getting a hardworking, intelligent, goal-driven, St. Agnes-loving, Tiger,” said Director of Athletics, Amy Mattes. “We will always hire the best teacher and coach for the job, so it’s a huge bonus for us when an alumna happens to be the best candidate,” she added.

“Hiring an alumna is the best of both worlds. She has already lived the culture, she has been a part of the traditions, she survived the academic workload – she understands what it is like to be a St. Agnes student-athlete,” said Mattes. Chelsea Bass ’10, who played basketball for the Tigers, added, “I believe my experience has helped me become relatable to the girls. I’m able to tell them I’ve been in their shoes and I know exactly what they are going through.

More importantly, I’m able to tell them that although they don’t recognize it now or have an appreciation for it; the stress and pressure that they experience at St. Agnes will not only prepare them for college, but for life as well.”

“To have alumnae from St. Agnes return as members of our faculty means that we did something right,” said Principal, Deborah Whalen. “It is a privilege to have them back and speaks volumes about the work that teachers do to impact their students.”

What Brought You Back?

Although some graduates may never plan to

putting the jersey on my back for! What a great

by Sr. Jane, Deborah Whalen, Amy Mattes, and

opportunity to come back.”

Alice Melendez. It’s because of this community, these coaches, along with the great student-

return to their alma mater to teach, these six

“When I moved back to Houston, it was my goal

women had St. Agnes in their career plans.

to one day come home to SAA ... I was lucky to

When asked what made them return to St.

be able to return when there was an opening in

Agnes, the responses were all very similar.

2011,” said Rebecca Brady, who played soccer for

“As an athletic trainer, most people think I deal

St. Agnes.

with injuries. I’ve learned that while I do deal

Jamie Colley who played softball and volleyball for SAA said, “Since I graduated from St. Agnes,

What do you enjoy about getting to work/

it has held a very special place in my heart. After

coach at SAA?

college, I decided that I wanted to make a career out of teaching and coaching, and I always had a goal to make it back to St. Agnes. Working here is my dream job! I hope that I can give back the same way Coach Kercheval and all of my teachers gave to me during my time at St. Agnes.”

Tigers added, “St. Agnes is home. It’s the place I dreamed about going when I was in middle school and then became the school that I loved 16 | TIGERS’ DEN

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the office is absolutely worth it!”

with injuries, I really deal with people. Having an environment where we are very studentfocused and driven allows me to do this to an

Brittanie Polasek, who played softball during

even greater degree,” said Rebecca Wechter, who

her high school years, said, “The best things are

was a student athletic trainer for St. Thomas

the coworkers and my bosses. They are so much

during her high school days.

fun to be around and are all genuinely helpful when it comes to needing just about anything.”

Colley added, “I absolutely love the supportive

Jennifer Peyton, who played volleyball for the

athletes, that waking up early or staying late at

administration/staff/teachers here at St. Agnes.

It’s the epitome of what a ‘community’ truly is.

Everyone is eager to lend a helping hand! I love the other coaches and feel completely supported

What has it been like to work with your Student-Athletes?

Wechter: “I love how our kids push through adversity. It’s something I never realized that I actually did while I was here. But our students work so hard to achieve their goals, and if something gets in the way, then they work

through their adversity to change paths and

Bass: “The most obvious thing that has changed

work towards what is best for them. It makes

is the uniform along with the fact they no longer

student-athletes, who are so driven and hard

have to tuck their shirts in! My untucked shirt

working, particularly awesome to work with.”

was the sole reason I received detentions at

Colley: “Along with the supportive community,

SAA!”

As pictured L-R on opposite page: Chelsea Bass ’10 began coaching the JV Basketball team in October, 2015. She will join our faculty as a full-time English teacher this fall and continue coaching basketball.

I absolutely love working with my student-

Colley: “Like Chelsea said, the uniforms!!! I

athletes. They are selfless, hard workers, and

personally think the classes (especially seniors)

dedicated to getting better as a team every day.

have a lot more privileges than we did. Free

Having been a player in the program and being

Dress Friday’s, late starts, early dismissal if

a part of the alumnae base that is very close, it

you have an open lab —we were just trying to

is so much fun to be back in the program. Even

get away with ‘sandal shoes’ when I was here!

though I graduated almost 10 years ago, there

And not having to tuck your shirt in, I have a

Rebecca Brady ’00 returned to St. Agnes in

are many traditions and things the players do

lot of friends that I would’ve seen a lot more of

2011 and is currently the Academic Dean,

today that are the EXACT same thing I did as

at lunch! For the record, I never got a detention

an English 3 teacher, and Assistant Cross

a player 10 years ago. To be able to experience

while at SAA....which is actually very hard to

Country Coach. She previously coached four

and witness the continuation of these traditions

do!”

years of varsity soccer.

Polasek: “The uniforms are cooler now. Being

Brittanie Polasek ’09 came back as a math

down at the ECAC for softball has been an

teacher and Assistant Campus Minister

adjustment. It was nice having the field in our

in the fall of 2013. She currently teaches

within the programs—softball particularly—is absolutely amazing. Once you are a part of the program, you remain a part, forever. Traditions, expectations, are all earned - that’s how it was 25 years ago and that’s how it remains today.

Brady added, “The best thing is working with the athletes. They work hard, care about each other, and are committed to success.

backyard, but now we are making new memories and traditions down the road.”

there is better communication and support technologies, it’s easy to stay connected to the various teams and how they are performing.”

In addition to the construction of the East

on campus in the spring of 2013. She is our Head Athletic Trainer, teaches Sports Medicine, and leads the Student Athletics Trainers.

Geometry and Algebra 2 and is our JV Softball Coach. She has also coached 9th grade volleyball and assisted the cross

Brady: “The athletics complex!! Also, I think for athletics. Through social media and other

What’s changed since you were a student?

Rebecca Werner Wechter ’07 arrived back

Campus Athletics Complex (ECAC), which

Although buildings, uniforms, and playing

opened for competition in the fall of 2012, the

venues have changed, Peyton added that one

uniforms still seem to be a hot topic. All of these

thing always stays the same, “the smell of the old

coaches agree – the girls have it easier now!

gym!”

country program.

Jamie Colley ’07 joined our coaching staff in August 2015 as a 9th grade volleyball coach.

She is the Head Softball Coach and will teach in the PE/Health Department.

Jennifer Peyton ’06 will join our coaching staff as the Head Volleyball coach and will teach in the PE/Health Department. We are excited to welcome her back to St. Agnes!

COLLEGE SIGNINGS: 10 Tigers From the Class of 2016 Sign to Compete in College Carly Cone

Soccer

Rhodes College

Meghan Doyle

Volleyball

Tulane

Delaney Graf

Field Hockey

Rhodes College

Beth Hawkins

Basketball

Millsaps College

Maddie Heno

Softball

Philadelphia University

Tori Hollamon

Soccer

Nova Southeastern University

Amanda Krahl

Volleyball

Appalachian State University

Racquel Lyn

Tennis

Dartmouth Collge

Kirby Matocha

Track & Field

Texas A&M University

Meghan Mogas

Field Hockey

Boston College

Lauren O’Connell Basketball

TBD

Sitting L - R: Maddie Heno, Delaney Graf, Tori Hollamon Standing L - R: Kirby Matocha, Amanda Krahl, Meghan Mogas, Racquel Lyn, Carly Cone, Meghan Doyle, Beth Hawkins Not pictured: Lauren O’Connell

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TIGERS’ DEN | 17

TIGERS’ DEN

Tennis: Four Year Streak!

Our Tennis Team continued their incredible run, earning the TAPPS State Championship for the fourth year in a row. For the second year running, Racquel Lyn ’16 and Christina Watson ’18 had an all-St.Agnes battle on the court for first and second place. Senior Racquel Lyn, who will play tennis for Dartmouth College next fall, became the first-ever TAPPS 5A Girls Singles Champion for four years in a row. Christina earned runner-up for the second year.

In Doubles, Taylor Ysaguirre ’16 and her partner Natalia Nassar ’18 walked away with first place for the second year in a row. Sophomore Jennifer Mathieu and 9th grader Kendall Couch earned third in Doubles.

Above, Left: Racquel Lyn and Christina Watson

Right: Kendall Couch, Jennifer Mathieu, Taylor Ysaguirre, and Natalia Nassar.

Below, the 2016 State Champion Swim team before their parade in our hallways

Swimming Coach Kaitlin Kelley, who swam and played water polo for Iona College, arrived at St. Agnes in the fall of 2010.

Her goal was to build upon the legacy of the program and to coach St. Agnes back to the state championship that our school had brought home 24 times before. In her first season, the team placed third overall, followed by back to back seasons of placing second. But in 2014, after a four year absence, St. Agnes once again brought home the championship! After placing second in 2015, the Tigers came roaring back with a huge team win over Dallas Ursuline for the 2016 State Championship! The future looks bright for this team!

18 | ADVANCEMENT FOCUS

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Alumnae Spotlight Chelsea Brooks Overstreet ’04 After finishing my education at St. Agnes in 2004, I was excited to start the next chapter in my life. I would explore a field of study I was passionate about, I was a cheerleader for the university I was attending, and I was in the midst of growing into a newfound confidence—a confidence I had just acquired during my days as a “Veritas Woman.”

an advertising agency as the public relations manager. A few short months later, in early 2011, I had a new job as an account executive at a different advertising agency. I was also a fulltime graduate student and teaching assistant.

Six months after my husband David and I got married in August 2011, I was working 50-hour

Below, Chelsea, David, and son Trey weeks at my agency, teaching my own course in public speaking, taking two graduate classes, and flaunting a baby bump as we waited for our son to arrive. After Trey was born in July of 2012, I realized my world had changed and I was ready to adapt.

My advertising agency career was not compatible with the kind of

My major at the University Of Missouri School Of Journalism was television journalism, and that field afforded me the chance to tell vivid news stories at the university owned NBC affiliate station KOMU. I was able to chronicle the journeys of people in the community, share stories about things I valued, like education and sports, and continually hone my writing skills.

wife and mom I wanted to be, so during my maternity leave, I searched for a new opportunity that offered what my current career was lacking: work-life balance.

I found a job as a recruiter for UTSA’s graduate school, so the extrovert in me was thrilled. To sweeten the pot, I was tasked with managing communications, marketing, and social media for the school as well.

Today, I work at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where I manage all communications for my school and assist students in acquiring practicums in health IT. I have never felt more proud of my work and more fulfilled.

After I graduated from college in 2008, I moved back to Texas and worked as a cheerleading coach while I planned my next steps. I prepared for and took the LSAT while I considered law school. As the child of two accomplished Houston attorneys, this is what I was “persuaded” to do. While searching for law schools, I explored other graduate programs, including a M.A. program in Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

Suddenly, the puzzle pieces of my life began to quickly fall into place.

Looking back, I know St. Agnes Academy helped me discover my strengths and talents as a student, and as a young woman. I struggled with understanding scientific formulas and breaking down mathematical equations, but when it came to crafting sentences, I suddenly felt empowered and knew that writing was something I was not only good at, but enthusiastic about also.

Soon after I was admitted to the graduate program at UTSA, I got engaged, and started working for

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ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT | 19

ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS Career Day 2016 Career Day occurs every two years, with students attending two sessions that vary from a panels of speakers on art, design, theatre, architecture and fashion to science and technology. This year, we had 80 alumnae, one current parent, and one friend of St. Agnes speak on 11 panels. Just a few of the alumnae careers were: research scientist; industrial/organizational psychologist specializing in astronaut teams research for the Mars Mission, plastic surgeon, teacher, principal, CEO, financial advisor, photojournalist, and a writer, editor and columnist!

Left: Karolena Serratos ’07 owner of Professional Auto Care; Jessica Sanders ’05 - OQ Compliance & Technical Training Associate Specialist for Energy Transfer; Ellen Stuchly ’07 - Geologist – Worldwide Exploration with Occidental Oil & Gas.

Networking Happy Hour We welcomed 40 alumnae for our annual networking event at Crisp in the Heights on April 12. Seasoned alumnae met with younger alumnae and discussed their career paths over pizza, light appetizers and wine!

Right: Natalie Harms ’10 (Associate Editor), Anastasia Hansen ’10 (Consultant), Cat English Theriot ‘94 (Informational Technology Specialist), Christine Petru Michels ’93 (Team Leader / Sales Representative)

Join St. Agnes 365

Save the Date

Give online today by visiting www.st-agnes.org/classchallenge.

CO-ED YOUNG ALUMNAE HAPPY HOUR

Every year, alumnae compete to have the highest participation

SAYPO Alums – Join us for the Co-ed Young alumnae Happy hour , Wednesday,

and highest dollar amount raised in giving back to St. Agnes

July 20 at Saint Arnold Brewery. Watch your inbox, Facebook and the St. Agnes

to the Academy Fund. Your support, at any level, is critical to

web page for details!

all of those young women who aspire to walk these halls and become future Academy women. We hope you will support your

SAA GATHERING IN NYC! Sr. Jane Meyer hopes to see all of our New York area alumnae on Wednesday,

class efforts and give back today to make a difference for all the leaders of tomorrow.

September 14 for a complimentary happy hour at Bread and Tulips, 365 Park Avenue South. To attend, please register at http://saanyc2016.eventbrite.com

REUNION 2016: Honoring classes ending in ’1 and ’6

Class Challenge

We invite all alumnae, their significant others, and alumnae parents to be our

St. Agnes 365 is a way to donate to St. Agnes monthly or

guests for our annual open house 4-6 p.m. Saturday, October 3 at St. Agnes. Enjoy

annually, to show your support of Academy women 365 a

complimentary wine, beer, light hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and performances

year! Simply select any amount to be charged, and it can be

by Triple Trio. Tour campus and visit with friends of all eras! Register to attend by

changed or stopped at any time. If every alumna made a gift

October 1 at https://saareunion2016.eventbrite.com

of $25 a month, imagine the impact we would have on future generations of Academy women!

20 | ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS

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ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS SAYPO Fall Event: Alumnae Book Signing, Shopping, and Cocktail Mixer

SAYPO hosted a book signing with Erin Higgins Nugent ’04, and her newly launched Five Seasons cookbook, at Hemline in Rice Village on November 10. The mixer featured shopping at Hemline, wine, a signature cocktail featured in the Five Seasons cookbook. Erin shared insights into her experience of authoring a cookbook and the inspiration that led her to embark on this business venture.

Above Celina Guerrera ’04, Cathleen Gready Fishel ’04, Erin Higgins Nugent ’04, Erica Sepulveda Cole ’04 and Nancy McEvily Davis ’04

Alumnae Night at the Spring Musical Alumnae and their guests joined us March 4 for the spring musical, The Addams Family. The Alumnae and SAYPO boards hosted a wine reception prior to the performance.

Below: Board volunteers at the Spring Musical: Nathalie Sessions Fye ’88, Jenn Smith ’08 and Amy McKenna Greely ‘80.

Class of 2015 Yearbook Signing Social The Class of 2015 came back to campus on January 6 to pick up their senior yearbooks, reconnect with classmates, and enjoy an ice cream bar!

Below: Reilly Knecht ’15, Sophie Belton ’15, Cara Collins ’15, Tate Mitchell ’15, Megan Eschenfelder ’15, Avery Lalumandier ’15

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ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS | 21

ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS Black History Assembly All alumnae were invited to join the St. Agnes community for the school’s annual Black History Assembly, Feburary 17. The theme was Choose Love and “Stay Woke.” Stay Woke is a phrase used by the younger generation to motivate people to stay awake and aware of social justice issues. Alumnae Daphine Sands ’69 attended. Daphine was one of the (of three) first African American students to attend St. Agnes Academy. Daphine returned to St. Agnes to speak to the Voices ofBlack Youth club. Daphine remembered SAA as a loving place, both now and then.

Left: Daphine Sands ’69 and Head of School Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Right: Daphine’s senior class photo

Class Challenge Winner Celebration The class challenge winner dinner took place January 19 to celebrate the alumnae classes that won the 2014-2015 Class Challenge!

Top Participation

CLASS OF 1975 9.72% of the class donating Highest Amount to Academy Fund

CLASS OF 1980 contributing $17,260 St. Agnes 365 Winner

CLASS OF 2000 with the most classmates enrolled in recurring giving An engraved paver stating each winner was installed on campus, and the winning decade winners were honored with a paver as well. Decade winners were: ’40’s: Class of 1948 ’50’s: Class of 1957 ’60’s: Class of 1962 ’70’s: Class of 1975” ’80’s: Class of 1988 ’90’s: Class of 1990 ’00’s: Class of 2000 22 | ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS

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Above, our Class Challenge winners, clockwise; Class of 1975, Class of 2000, and Class of 1980

ALUMNAE UPDATES The Class of 1969 met at Escalante’s, Town and Country in January to mark their 47th reunion. (1) Colleen O’Grady ’73, MA, LPC, LMFT published Dial Down the Drama: Reducing Conflict and Reconnecting with Your Teenage Daughter--A Guide for Mothers Everywhere.

In its first week on Amazon it was the number one conflict resolution book.

Becky Allday Newman ‘75, Jaime Teas Dilger ‘75, Gail New Nevlud ‘75, Katie Dilger Bibler ‘05, and Ginger Teas Caron ‘78 participated in the aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome March for Marrow 5K and Walk, in March. (2) Kristie Widner Tobin ’89 married Paul Tobin (STH ’89) on October 10 at St. Dominic Catholic Church n New Orleans. Their four children were attendants at their wedding.

Megan Farrar-Beauchamp ’90 and husband, Brad, welcomed twins, Georgia Dale and Anabelle Marcelle, last summer.

Allyson Spellman ’90 is the CEO & founder of Heels, Hustle & Muscle. She is a former actress, entertainment producer and casting

director who has worked in various capacities for TV, film and Broadway. She is currently a women’s empowerment coach, entrepreneur, author, speaker, on-air personality, TV guest expert and host. Allyson has developed programs, workshops and tools designed for women to embrace their authentic voice and reclaim their true identity. She was recently honored as one of the “Local Ladies Who Have Made History” in honor of Women’s History Month for her accomplishments and mission to help women all over the world to embrace their authentic worth.

Allyson recently co-founded a scholarship for entrepreneurial women to start, fund or expand a business. www.heelshustleandmuscle.com (3) Jessi Burton Cook ‘94’s daughter Huntley (5) is a kindergartener at St. John Paul II. On All Saints Day, the kindergarten class dressed up as their favorite saints, and Huntley chose St. Agnes. They presented three facts about their saint, and hers were, “St. Agnes was a beautiful girl who lived in Rome. She made a promise to God to never lie and she carries a baby lamb.” (4)

Margarita Olivero Golden ’95 graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1998 with a Magazine Journalism degree, and always wanted to work in food magazines.

So, in 1999 she headed to NYC, where she enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Later that year, she interned at Country Living Magazine, and then worked at The Magazine of La Cucina Italiana for three years, before venturing out as a personal chef in New York in 2002. She went on to graduate with distinction from Le Cordon Bleu in London in 2004, and she completed the patisserie program and interned in the pastry department of the Restaurant 1880 at the Bentley Hotel.

In 2005, she worked in food and beverage management at The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, before moving back home to Houston in 2008. In Houston, she worked in pharmaceutical then oil & gas sales, until she married Jeremy Golden and two kiddos (soon to be three) took over her world. She has currently come back to her passion of making specialty cakes and desserts: www.confectionaryhome.com.

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ALUMNAE UPDATES Dane Johnston Gogoshin ’96 opened an online song shop, www.lullabysweetiepie.com, where she custom-crafts lullabies as newborn keepsakes. In November, Dane released her first album of songs, Seeking, Searching, Finding, on her website www.daneleigh. com. Dane lost her mom to uterine cancer in March of this year, but her husband, Grigoriy, is working at the City of Hope’s research institute, collaborating in the fundamental research needed to find a cure. Their son, Yuriy, is three years old.

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Deborah Waleke Tavares ’96 and husband, Vinicius, welcomed Alex on October 16. He joins big sisters Amanda (7) and Alyssa (5). (5) Reesa Graham ’97 received a master’s degree in applied theatre

5

in 2015 from City University of New York. She was

Down syndrome, and is

chosen to speak at graduation, and delivered

her inspiration.

an address to her graduating class and their

gigisplayhouse.org/

families at Carnegie Hall. Applied theatre is

sugarland/

using theatre, and theatre conventions, as a means of social change. This led Reesa to work with the UN’s Working Group on Girls - a coalition dedicated to promoting the human rights of the girl child in all areas and stages of her life - at the University of Rwanda in Kigali.

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: KATE OLDEN ’98 has developed a handmade toy company for developmentally appropriate toys and games called La Luciernaga. Her toys and games are different than other handmade toys because they are designed with a real

7 their minds raced. Wanting to do something for the cause, Sara began searching for an event to participate in for Lung Cancer. She soon realized that there was not a walk, a luncheon, a golf tournament - nothing - to support it. She took action and contacted the Lung Care Alliance, recruited two other volunteers, and founded Houston’s first Lung

Katherine Wingfield ’97 and husband, Eric

understanding of how children learn through

Bjork, welcomed Annika on September 22.

play. Each is designed to engage children

Annika joins big brother Christopher.

and they recruited close to 700 participants

both individually and with their parents and

and raised $85,000. Sara is a true Academy

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:

caregivers, because children learn most

woman. She saw a need and filled it, and her

AMMIE HUDSON BLAHUTA ’98 is doing

through interaction and positive relationships.

efforts will help many.

amazing things as the board president of

She includes guidance for parents with every

www.LungLoveWalk.org/Houston (6)

Gigi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, which opened

toy or game on how to simplify or extend

its doors on December 5. Gigi’s Playhouse

play based on children’s abilities, a detailed

is a one-of-a-kind facility which offers direct

explanation about what children are learning

educational and therapeutic programs to

through play, and ideas for enhancing

those with Down syndrome, their families, and

children’s oral language development.

the community. Programs include circle time,

www.etsy.com/shop/LuciernagaToys

tutoring, and therapeutic activities formulated

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT:

to develop motor skills, speech and muscle

SARA BRANDINO ELIAS ’99 In 2013, Sara’s

development. It is open to all ages from

husband, a healthy 40-year-old non-smoker,

infants to adults with Down syndrome, and

was diagnosed with stage IV Lung Cancer and

any family is welcome as admission is free.

was told that a person with his diagnosis has

Ammie’s two-year-old daughter, Sadie, has

18 months to live. Their hearts dropped and

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Love Walk. In last year’s inaugural event

Shelley Tanner Crumpton ’99 and husband, Chad, welcomed Travis Sawyer in August.

Travis joins big sister Lexie.

Nicole Spevak Katz ’99, and husband, Evan, welcomed Roxana Sophie on November 12.

Roxana joins siblings Samuel and Alexandra.

Sophie Olyniec Magness ‘99 and husband, Marc, welcomed Noelle Claire on Nov 22. She joins siblings Merit, Beau and Zane. Sophie works part-time at her husband’s orthodontic practice Magness Orthodontics while also keeping up with her four under five. (7)

ALUMNAE UPDATES Katie Dilger Bibler ’05 and husband, Luke, welcomed James Joseph on December 22, weighing 8lb 11oz.

Jillian Brody ’05 married Brian Fredericks on Sept. 26 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. A reception followed at The Hobby Center. The wedding ceremony was performed

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by Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto. (10)

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Heather Pray Russell ‘99 married Brian James Russell on November 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A reception followed at the Junior League of Houston. The couple resides in Houston. (8)

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Jennifer Standish Wilhelm ‘99 and husband, David, welcomed Thomas Bruce on January 28.

Thomas joins siblings Nathan and Lauren.

Ginny Andrews Jackson ’00 and husband, Alex, welcomed

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Brooks Andrews on April 28.

Lauren Miller Etlinger ’01 and husband, David, welcomed Owen Thomas on March 9, 2016, weighing 7lbs and 5oz.

Margeaux LaFleur Gorman ‘01 and husband, Theodore, welcomed Sebastian Lawrence Dean on October 18, weighing 8lb, 15oz and 20 7/8in. Sebastian joins siblings Teddy, John Basil, and Meara Faustina.

Becky Barbour Leatherwood ’03 and husband, Matthew, welcomed Charles Matthew Leatherwood on December 9.

Meaghan Derrick ’04 graduated from Millsaps College in May 2008 with a BBA in Business Administration, and a second major in economics. She graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in December 2015 with an Executive MBA in Global Business. She currently lives and work in Atlanta, GA.

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: BIANCA FERRER ’04 was selected by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) as a member of the PCMA “20 in their Twenties” for 2016. The program is designed to engage the world’s best and brightest in the meetings, conventions and business events industry. In her video application, Bianca named an innovative idea for transforming the convention industry and the way it’s viewed - her goal is to put Houston on the map as a top ten convention and meetings destination globally. Bianca will be a part of a yearlong educational program and will chronicle her journey that can be followed at www.coteriespark.com/blog. (9)

Melinda Montalbano Yaklin ’05 and husband, Clay, welcomed daughter Emily Clara on November 28. She is named after two of her great-grandmothers. (11) Elizabeth Herrick Beadle ’06 and husband, Eric, welcomed Quinn Evangelista on March 14.

Alix Jacobson ‘06 is currently living in Amsterdam, and is a leading recruiter for Netflix in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Andrea Edmundson ’07 graduated from TCU in 2011 with a degree in English. She taught abroad through a Fulbright scholarship in 2012, and is currently an executive assistant to the CEO of Hoover Group, Inc., an international oil and gas company in Houston.

Mosie Hackett ’04 married Michael SoRelle on Nov 28 at St. Michael Catholic Church.

A reception followed at River Oaks Country

Leslie Jackson ’07 graduated from Northwestern University in 2011 with Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance and a certificate in Music Theatre. She is currently playing the role of Sarah in the Broadway musical Ragtime on tour. She has also played the role of Rosalie in Westside Story European

Club.

tour (2014-2015). (12)

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ALUMNAE UPDATES ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDRIA TARVER ’07 has been profiled by Refinery 29 and Kit and Ace in a four-part series called The Next Set, taking a deeper look at what it means to make it as a millennial in the art world today, and at the young women who are rewriting the script, from old-school painters to new-age art-app creators. Featured first is Alexandria Tarver ’07, 25-year-old Texas native and contemporary painter, who has hustled her way to showing her vibrant still-life work in galleries across New York and San Francisco and is also a shop girl at Assembly New York. Read the full story: http://www.refinery29.com/alexandria-tarverartist-interview (13) ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: GRACE FLETCHER ’08 won first place in the Aggies Invent competition at Texas A&M University. Her team developed a pacifier with a biometric sensor that can detect dehydration through saliva. Although this would have application in the US, the technology’s primary aim is to protect infants in impoverished countries. Grace graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in

2013, where she majored in biomedical engineering. She worked for two years at a biomedical startup company in Austin, before pursuing graduate studies. She is currently a biomedical engineering PhD student at Texas A&M University, where she was awarded the College of Engineering Doctoral Fellowship.

She hopes to eventually found her own biomedical device company. (14) ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: SANDI MOYNIHAN ’09 recently won an Edward R. Murrow Award for feature reporting and was awarded 2nd place in the White House News Photographers Association 2015 Eyes of History: Multimedia contest for her production work on the video documentary “Romanian orphan tries to ‘close the chapter’ on his troubled past.”

She produced the video story while with The Washington Post. Sandi currently works at the USO in Washington, D.C. as a multimedia journalist and freelances for several health and wellness websites, notably Spright.com. She recently started her graduate studies in public relations and corporate communications at Georgetown University and expects to graduate in May of 2017.

Olivia Collado ’09 graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2013 with Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She played soccer for St. Edward’s Soccer

team for four years, and was a top finalist for the top 30 NCAA Woman of the Year. She is currently attending Texas A&M Pharmacy School. (15) Olivia Rabalais ’09 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2013, with a BA in Art History with honors and a certificate in European studies. She married Jeffrey Ellis on August 1, 2014 and is currently the operations manager at Solaro Estate Winery in Dripping Springs, TX. Samantha Reyna Ross ‘09 married Cameron Ross on July 25 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin. A reception followed at The Allan House. Samantha received her Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin, and is currently a speech-language pathologist at Reavis Rehab. The couple resides in Austin with their two dogs. (16) Stephanie Ahn ’10 is currently in her second year at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School.

Kimberly Cuccia ’10 is attending Texas A&M University, Mays Business School Professional MBA Program - a rigorous 22-month program designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Kimberly is currently employed by Chevron as a Financial Analyst in the production, revenue and royalty accounting division.

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Molly Kudela ’10 is in her second year at UTMB Medical school in Galveston.

She graduated cum laude from Baylor in 2014 with a BS in Biology. She is currently interested in anesthesiology.

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ALUMNAE UPDATES Marielle Mercurio ’10 graduated from Colorado School of Mines in May 2014 with a BS in Petroleum Engineering.

She completed her engineer in training program with EOG Resources, and currently works in Fort Worth as a reservoir engineer.

Sarah Lach ’13 is a junior ’17 at Clark University majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Kayla Sloan ’13 was crowned Miss Phi Beta Sigma 2015-2016 for Morehouse College.

Lauren Fontenot ’12 graduated from Louisiana State University in December 2015. She is currently attending LSU in their graduate program, earning a Master in Accounting, and will graduate in December 2016. She will then study for the CPA Exam, and begin work with Ernst and Young, LLC in the summer or fall of 2017.

Marlee Burns ’11 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2015, with a triple major in Plan II Honors, Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations. During spring 2015, she interned at the White House, and is currently a Fulbright english teaching assistant in rural Azerbaijan.

Laura Byrd ’11 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business in May 2015, with a BBA in Finance. Laura is living in Austin and is an Asset Management Coordinator for World Class Capital Group.

Katharine Cooksey ’11 recently started a new role as Deputy Press Secretary for the House Ways and Means Committee in the US House of Representatives.

Emily Flynn ’11 graduated from Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus in May 2011 with a BA in Political Science, and a BS in Psychology. She is currently studying law at Notre Dame.

Jillian Jackson ’11 graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan with a degree in in Material Science Engineering. While there, she volunteered countless hours for DMUM (Dance Marathon) and served as the 2015 event chair which raised $460,000 for programs that service special needs children. She is currently working for Schlumberger as a completions engineer.

Jill Koenighain ’11 graduated from the University of Delaware in May 2015 with a BS in Marketing, and a BS in Management.

Alyssa Mahoney ’11 is living and working as an english teacher in South Korea.

Christina Rae Miranda ’11 graduated from Texas Christian University in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and Business Management. She currently lives in the Fort Worth area.

Ashley Nicolella ’11 graduated with honors from Villanova University in May 2015 with a BA in Criminal Justice and a BA in Sociology, and a minor in Theology; and She was selected as a Presidential Scholar. Ashley

Hannah McAughan ’12 graduated from Purdue University in May 2016 with a degree in Environmental and Ecological Engineering. She was a senator representing the College of Engineering for Purdue Student Government. She was part of a research project for which her team received a $10,000 grant, served as a teacher’s assistant, and taught an engineering class for two semesters.

She also mentors young women interested in engineering.

17 worked with the campus ministry team leading student retreats, and participating in mission trips - domestically and abroad – and tutored incarcerated inmates toward their GEDs, through the Service Learning Community.

Ashley interned at a private law firm her junior year, and at the Manhattan District Attorney office the summer prior to her senior year. She spent a semester abroad her junior year in Galway, Ireland. She is currently working as a legal assistant for Sullivan & Cromwell in their New York City office, and plans to attend law school in the fall of 2017.

Casey Spreen ’11 graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May 2015, with a BBA in Accounting with a Poverty Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. She is currently pursuing her MS in Accountancy at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. While at Notre Dame, she studied abroad in Ireland and China, and worked as an intern in Washington, DC, while studying at the University of California, District of Columbia campus. She served as a member of the university senate and was selected as a member of the Beta Alpha Psi international honor organization for accounting, finance, and information systems students. Casey worked as an intern for Deloitte Audit in the summer of 2015, and will join the company full-time in the fall of 2016.

Rio O’Neill ’12 graduated from Texas A&M with BS in Psychology, and is looking to start graduate school in the fall.

Leighann Westfall ’13 attends Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, and is majoring in hospitality management and tourism. She recently started an internship with the Academy of Country Music in the operations and events department, and attended 2015 ACM award show. (17)

Contact Director of Alumnae Relations, Lori Sebastian Pinter ‘88 with your alumnae updates at 713.219.5493 or alumnae@st-agnes.org.

Alumnae Spotlights are featured on our St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Facebook and LinkedIn pages. See all of our alumnae posts at: www.facebook.com/ St.AgnesAlumnae www.linkedin.com/groups/1901365

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An Evening in

Monte Carlo

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St. Agnes Academy Legacy Gala and Auction 2016 It truly was an Evening in Monte Carlo at The Westin Houston, Memorial City on April 23, 2016. This year’s St Agnes Academy Legacy Gala and Auction was chaired by Mary Jo Cantu and Amal Nassar, and honored Danny and Suzanne Smith Grant ’79.

More than 450 guests from the St. Agnes community were greeted to a French scene, skillfully decorated by Décor Chairs, Traci Demecs and Janice Johnson, alongside a large, hardworking team of volunteers. Guests enjoyed hors’doeurves, perused the silent and big board auctions, took a spin at the wine pull roulette wheel and posed for photos with the Monte Carlo showgirls.

Underwriting Chairs Michelle Hannah, Julie Samson, and Yvette Webb unrolled eight new sponsorship opportunities which proved successful, raising $30,000 alone. Underwriting donations exceeded $245,000 and overall fundraising exceeded $470,000.

1. Gala Chairs Mary Jo Cantu and Amal Nassar with their spouses. L-R, Mick and Mary Jo Cantu with Amal and George Nassar.

2. Jessica Shonbeck ’16, Sydney Davis ’17, Amber Boettiger ’17, and Elizabeth Berquist ’17 3. The honorees and their family.

Back row: Stephen Smith, Daniel Grant, Barry Smith, Danny Grant, John Boatwright, and Harrison Grant.

Front row: Stella Smith, Suzanne Smith Grant ’79, Annette Smith Boatwright ’86, Jordan Grant ’12, and Alison Rice

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Our Honorees, Danny and Suzanne Smith Grant ’79

The auction, which was chaired by Margaret Peters, Sarah Niermeyer, Mary Nesbitt and Alice Smith, was a stellar array of unique items and experiences that catered to the entire crowd! With everything from a VIP Formula One experience (that

Danny and Suzanne Smith Grant ’79, both born-and-raised Houstonians

came with tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert!) to a one week stay in a

and long-time supporters of St. Agnes Academy, faithfully embody the

luxury Exclusive Resorts location of the bidders’ choice, the winners will

values that are so much a part of the Dominican tradition. A true legacy

be enjoying some fabulous items and packages in the coming months!

family, their impact has been multifaceted and profound. For many years,

This gala would not have been a success without the generous support of

the couple has played a significant role in numerous projects and logged

our sponsors, underwriters and in-kind donors, who we thank for their

countless hours in support of our school.

vast support. A tremendous “thank you” is extended to our exceptional

We are thrilled to add the 2016 Dominican Spirit award to their list of

gala committee members, whose tireless efforts are greatly appreciated.

accolades and accomplishments; this esteemed couple has certainly left

Finally, a special congratulations to chairs, Mary Jo Cantu and Amal

their mark on St. Agnes Academy!

Nassar, who’s leadership truly allowed for une soirée magnifique!

The Dominican Spirit Award is one of the highest honors St. Agnes Academy bestows. In word and in symbol, it represents the founding vision and dedicated leadership of the Dominican Sisters, who through abiding faith, selfless leadership, outstanding service and an unwavering commitment to the truth have inspired generations of Academy alumnae toward these noble pursuits. We were proud to honor Danny and Suzanne, whose bold service to St. Agnes, unwavering pursuit of a common goal,

RISE UP FOR FINANCIAL AID Rise Up is an opportunity to provide the gift of financial aid to students who need it most. This dynamic effort helps ensure an excellent Catholic education for one in every 10 Academy women.

and true embodiment of the Academy mission have left a lasting impact

This year, Amani Henry ’16 presented to our guests on the value of her

on our campus.

Academy education, and what financial assistance has meant to her.

“I knew I needed to be here. It felt like it was my destiny, and that destiny could have never been accomplished without amazing donors like yourself.

It is because of donors like you, I was able to learn amazing things inside and outside of the classroom... I really hope you all will help give another excited, hopefully 8th grade girl the same chance I was given by donating to support her financial aid. I promise when she looks back at her four years at St. Agnes she will always be grateful to the donors who gave her the opportunity to accomplish great things at St. Agnes.”

Above, Danny Grant, Head of School Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. and Suzanne Smith Grant ’79

-AMANI HENRY ’16

Consider giving to the Rise Up Scholarship at www.st-agnes.org/RiseUp.

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SINCERE SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO THE LOVED ONES OF: Robert Adolph; grandfather of Amy Adolph ’02 and Mary Adolph ‘05

Ida Harry Fahey ’44

Josephine Weaver Angenend ’40; greatgrandmother of Elizabeth Guidry ’13 and Alexandra Guidry ’12, grandmother of Christina Angenend ’06 and Jennifer Angenend McKeon ’00, sister-in-law of Betty Dudley Weaver ‘42

Arnold Masten ’39 (dec)

John Altazan; husband of Marie Hayes Altazan ‘42 Shelia Austin; mother of SAA faculty member Ashley Bennett

Thomas Feehan; brother-in-law of Marietta

Mary Rendon Fraga ’49 Charlotte Friend; grandmother of Charlotte Friend ’13 and Barbara Friend ’07 Rosa Guerra; grandmother of Amanda Vasquez ’17 Mary Jane Barnes Gwin ’50 John “Jack” Hammer; father of Stephanie

Josephine Weaver Angenend ’40

Hammer Murray ’85 and Nancy Hammer Pratt

Mary Jane Bell; mother of Judy Bell Coronado ’78

Bill Harrell; father of Nancy Harrell Dini ’88

Edward Blackburn; grandfather of Katie Hoelter ’12, uncle of Holli Godine Gilbert ’79, husband of Janice Godine Blackburn ’42 (dec)

‘86

Kerri Helget; grandmother of Mary Helget ’16 Kenneth Lee Haseltine; grandfather of SAA staff member Stephanie Crowl

George Boyles; father-in-law of Mary Meyer Boyles ’55

Carl Hebert; grandfather of Caitlyn Addicks

Bill Bunch; father of Kelli Bunch ’11

Jennifer Hebert Addicks ’85 and Stephanie

Al Burkus; husband of Barbara Pryde Burkus ’49 (made a gift, not sure how to add the symbol!)

’14, father of Amiee Hebert Tellepsen ’87, Hebert Sullivan ‘81 Lucie Hood; grandmother of Lauryn McClung ’19

Dr. William Rugeley Livesay; grandfather of Renee Livesay ’08 and Holly Livesay ’12 Robert Lockhart; grandfather of Paige Lockhart ’14 and Casey Lockhart ’17 Ann Marek; mother of Kelly Schwartz ’95 Frances Mattes; grandmother of SAA faculty member Amy Mattes Marilyn Mae McCreight; grandmother of Claire Hornberger ‘08 Frieda McGrath Mendelsohn ’39 Jeanne Meyers; grandmother of Ellie Roppolo ’16, Meg Roppolo ’14, Sophie Roppolo ’11 Christine Pavalko; grandmother of Paige Atkinson ’11 and Audrey Atkinson ’13 Mary Rice; grandmother of Kelly Rice ’18 Phil Ross; husband of Dottie Bilski Ross ‘58 Veronica Vivian Sanchez ’83 Magdalene Martella Schwing ’50 Anne Solcher; mother-in-law of Mary DeBakey Solcher ’83, grandmother of Shelby Solcher ‘12 Sr. Clarice Sparkman, O.P.

Elvira Walker Burns ’48

Kathleen Johnson; mother of Morgan

James Butera Jr.; brother of Louise Butera Maida ‘56

Johnson ‘07

James Henry Codner, son of Leticia Conder ’50 and cousin of Leticia Knipe ’84

Kansteiner Bennett ’65

Benny Danna; grandfather of Rachel Danna ’13, Allison Danna ’02, father-in-law of Kathy Guarino Danna ’75, husband of Lucille Bonno Danna ’49, brother-in-law of Rosemary Bonno Filippone ‘54

Smith ’90 and Laura Keating Cloutier ‘85

Ronald Thornton; father of Rhonda Thornton Terracini ‘85

Amy Kenny ’94

James Trout; grandfather of Zoe Trout ’11

Richard Kennedy; grandfather of Kaitlyn

Betty Wronka; mother of SAA staff member Katie Coppedge

Peter Detweiler; grandfather of Grace Daly ’10 Edwin Herman Dossman, Jr.; father of Corrie Dossman ’90 Joseph DuBois; grandfather of Isabelle Burt ’17 and Kaitlin Burt ‘13 Thelma Weber Ellison ’49 Virginia Ennis ’61; mother of Jacquelyn Condon Cohn ’86, grandmother of Maryella Cohn ’17; sister of Sharon Ennis Axton ’61 30 | IN MEMORIAM

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Doris Kansteiner; sister-in-law of Kathy

Robert Keating; father of Mikey Keating

Kennedy ’11 Mary Elizabeth Landrum ’43 Charles “Chuck” E. Largent; father of Sara Largent Orlando ’86 Antoinette Maida Letsos ’37; grandmother of Melissa Steel ’05, mother of Karen Letsos Case ’79, mother-in-law of Patti Parke Letsos ’73 and PD Davis Letsos ’71, cousin of Marie Tardo ’42 Ernest Leyendecker; grandfather of Kathleen Leyendecker ’19

Joan Spittler; grandmother of SAA faculty member Sara Spittler Jim Strickland; grandfather of Kelly Strickland ’10

Both Academy women.

Both love their alma mater.

Both committed to helping future St. Agnes students succeed.

Ann and Kristen may have graduated from St. Agnes Academy 50 years apart, but they share a love for the school that is so great, they are supporting St. Agnes through their legacy.

Learn more about these alumnae, and how you can join them in making a future gift at www.st-agnes.org/1906Society or contact Lisa Chmiola, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at 713.219.5466 or Lisa.Chmiola@st-agnes.org

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9 0 0 0 B E LL A I R E B LV D, H O US TO N , T X 7 7036 PH O N E: 713. 219. 5 4 0 0 W W W. S T- AG N E S.O R G Alumnae parents: If you are still receiving your daughter’s Veritas although she no longer lives with you, let us know so we can update our records and send it directly to her. Contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at 713.219.5493 or alumnae@st-agnes.org.

The Academy Fund, our annual giving program, supports everything at St. Agnes from tuition assistance to classroom technology to our exemplary faculty. The Academy Fund makes our exceptional educational atmosphere possible – academically, athletically, and spiritually.

Not a student walks the halls who doesn’t benefit from the Academy Fund. Please consider sharing your gifts with St. Agnes Academy today at www.st-agnes.org/give.

How will YOU make a difference?

For more information, contact Reema Kasavich, Director of Annual Giving, at 713.219.5404 or reema.kasavich@st-agnes.org.