SJA Spring/Summer 2017 Newsletter

The Joanette

St. Joan Antida High School Newsletter and 2015-16 Annual Report • Spring/Summer 2017

Featured Story:

SJA Annual Auction

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 4 SJA News and Happenings 5 Upcoming Events 8 Admissions Office Update 10 SJA in Time 11 Partner Spotlight 26 Gifts at Work 27 Faculty Spotlight 28 Catching Up With...

29 Class Notes 30 2015-16 Annual Report

Student Spotlight: Kaszmeir Rawls, ‘20

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Alumnae Spotlight:

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Maria Monreal-Cameron, ‘63

SJA celebrates diversity and raises quarter of a million dollars at 24th annual auction St. Joan Antida High School’s (SJA) 24th annual auction, Many Faces. One World., shattered previous records and was a night to remember, thanks to the many alumnae, friends, and volunteers who came together in support of our students on Saturday, April 29. The event raised more than $253,000 in support of the students of SJA, setting a new all-time record for the auction.

More than 285 guests filled the school for a memorable evening of raffles, a surprise guest performance, silent, live, and scholarship auctions, with catering provided by Antigua Latin Inspired Restaurant (owned by SJA alumnae Citlali Mendieta-Ramos, ’97, and Nicolas Ramos). Each year, SJA’s auction raises critical support dollars for educational programs, student scholarships, and student enrichment programming. This premier event showcases the students of SJA and celebrates their success that is enabled by our invaluable supporters.

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Letter from Head of School Dear Friends, As we close our books on yet another successful school year, it is my honor to take this chance to reflect back on the moments, events, and achievements that remind me of how lucky I am to work daily with such passionate students and faculty. Each day, the teachers and staff of St. Joan Antida High School arrive with the dedication to carry on the proud SJA tradition of educating and empowering young Milwaukee women to become servant leaders in a continually Parent and alumna Karen (Miller) Kopacz, ’85; globalizing world. From our many 2017 valedictorian Sarah Kopacz, ’17; and community partnerships that brought the SJA Head of School Paul Gessner SJA classroom into the community to the celebration of our diversity and unity at the 2017 Auction, this year was filled with countless examples of SJA’s mission in action.

It has been incredibly humbling to see the seeds of what we planted five years ago start to grow as our first International Baccalaureate (IB) cohort completed the program this spring. More than 66% of the senior class tested in at least one subject area and 48% completed the research, service, and core components to earn the IB diploma. We eagerly await their results which will be released in July. We are also excited to see that 60% of the rising seniors are participating in the program for next year.

At St. Joan’s we are blessed with an extremely dedicated and hard-working faculty and staff. This year, we saw three faculty members individually recognized for the work that they put into educating our women on a daily basis. History Teacher Mary Jane Rios and Math Teacher Bonnie Best were nominated for the Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship Awards and Math Teacher Peter Sisto was recognized as a Top Early Career Educator. We are incredibly grateful for and proud of the accomplishments of all of our teachers as they continue to provide high quality instruction and guidance for the young women of SJA.

Our Vision: St. Joan Antida High School embraces young women, empowers them to discover their God-given potential, give voice to their passions, and change the world.

Head of School Paul T. Gessner Executive Editor Joel Cencius Director of Development and Communications Art Direction/Design Naomi Kaufman Naomi Lee Designs Photography Front Room Photography John Ferraro JFerraro Images Contributing Writers Alexis Carter Director of Admissions and Enrollment Kevin Foley Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator

There is a great deal of activity to prepare for what promises to be an incredible summer.

We are excited to welcome more than 70 freshwomen to campus as they participate in the SJA Summer Academy. This program will give students a “head-start” on being high school students. They will work as a team with SJA faculty on fun projects that also enhance their preparation to be SJA 9th graders. This program is in its second year and is growing faster that we could have dreamed. It is truly a blessing to be able to serve this many children over the summer and give them that extra support as they become high school students.

Nicole Perow, ’93 SJA Alumnae Association

Thank you for being a part of our journey. With each new graduating class, there is pause for reflection and deep appreciation for all the many hands it takes to make our work possible. From our parents, students, staff, faculty, alumnae and community members, you all come together each year to bring our mission to life. I will forever be grateful for all you do to help us in educating and empowering our city’s next generation of women leaders.

The Joanette is produced three times a year by SJA’s Development Department for alumnae, friends, and families of St. Joan Antida High School.

God’s Blessings and Care,

Paul T. Gessner Head of School 2

Our Mission: In the spirit of Saint Joan Antida Thouret’s passion to educate and empower young women, we prepare our students to lead and serve in a global society through a values-based Catholic education.

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Rachael Habermehl Development Manager Sioux Henzig, ’64 Alumnae Contributor

Address updates, questions, and feedback: St. Joan Antida High School Development Department 1341 North Cass Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Email: alumnae@saintjoanantida.org Phone: (414) 274-4728

Letter from Alumnae Association St. Joan Antida High School Board of Directors 2015-16 Provincial Team Sister Anne Marie Baemmert, SCSJA Provincial Leader Sister Mary Ann Cera, SCSJA ’63 Provincial Counselor Sister Theresa Rozga, SCSJA ’77 Provincial Counselor 2016-17 Board Officers Judith (Dougan) Hurley ’68 Board Chair Retired – Northwestern Mutual Life Tricia Knight Board Treasurer Partner – Ritz Holman Jerry Murphy Board Secretary Vice President of Field Operations – MGIC David Roettgers Board Vice Chair Attorney – von Briesen & Roper, S.C. 2016-17 Board of Directors Janice Biel President – Biel Family Foundation Melanie Cannon Vice President – Dohmen Foundation Vanesa Carmona-Lewis, ’04 Quality Assurance Analyst – ResCare Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen ’73 Retired – Brady Corporation Ellen Hopper Chief Operations Officer – Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Christine (Budnowski) Lamarre, ’68 Retired – MGIC Sharon Malenda Retired – Mount Mary University Dr. Jennifer Maney Executive Director – Greater Milwaukee Catholic Education Consortium (GMCEC) Sister Marlene Neises, SSSF Associate Vice President of Academic Services – Alverno College

Dear SJA Alumnae,

St. Joan Antida High School (SJA) has just wrapped up a successful spring semester, culminating with the graduation of the Class of 2017. This year’s graduating class was awarded their diplomas on May 31, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

SJA Alumnae Association representative Joy Chappell, ’89, welcomed students into the Association and encouraged them to continue their SJA journey by staying connected to the school and with fellow alumnae. Graduation is a time of reflection, not only for the graduating class, but for all of us graduates of the school. I hope you will join me in being reminded of your connection to SJA, and in encouraging the SJA alumnae you know to stay connected and to give back to the school that helped make us the women we are today.

Over the past year, the Association has been excited to see many alumnae renew (or begin!) their involvement with SJA through various means. A wide range of alumnae have joined us for alumnae events such as the Alumnae Brunch, Alumnae Holiday Social, Alumnae Tour Social, and of course the annual Spaghetti with the Sisters event! Keep your eye out for our postcard with all 2017-18 event dates on it, to arrive in mailboxes in late August.* What’s more, we have welcomed several new alumnae into our acting Alumnae Association, who have joined our monthly meetings to plan our activities for the year. All alumnae are welcome to attend one or multiple meetings – please join us!** Whether you are interested in a social event or an association meeting, we encourage all alumnae to attend an event or meeting in the coming year. We welcome your involvement!

Speaking of alumnae involvement, the Alumnae Association is pleased to welcome your nomination for the 2017 Alumna of the Year Award.*** The Alumna of the Year Award recognizes a graduate’s outstanding contributions to her profession and/or community which support the mission of SJA. This award is a way for us as an association to recognize the wonderful SJA women who have gone on to be great leaders in their community and workplace. We encourage everyone who knows an outstanding alumna to submit a nomination today!

I wish you all a beautiful summer and encourage you, once again, to be in touch as we celebrate SJA and all of our alumnae and friends!

Warm regards, Nicole Perow SJA Class of 1993 * Update your mailing address or email address via alumnae@saintjoanantida.org or (414) 274-4728. ** SJA Alumnae Association meetings are generally held on the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at SJA. Contact alumnae@saintjoanantida.org or (414) 274-4728 for a full schedule or for more info. *** Access SJA Alumna of the Year Award nomination criteria and form at: www.saintjoanantida.org/award.

Jerry Vite Retired – IBM Sister Elizabeth Weber, SCSJA Director of Mission and Ministry – St. Joan Antida High School

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SJA News and Happenings

Celebrating the Class of 2017!

Commencement On Tuesday, May 31, the Class of 2017 gathered with family, friends, and SJA faculty and staff at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for SJA’s Commencement Ceremony. This traditional ceremony at the Cathedral included the Lighting of the Candles, readings and psalms led by SJA graduating Seniors, a Senior song performance and the blessing of the graduates as they move on to bright futures after SJA.

academic achievement, service to SJA and service to the community as part of the annual Senior Honors celebration.

Paul Gessner, Head of School (L), and Archbishop Jerome Listecki (R) with the SJA Class of 2017

Maria Monreal-Cameron, SJA Class of 1963 and retired President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, served as the 2017 Commencement speaker. Monreal-Cameron shared her experiences at SJA, life lessons learned and encouraged graduates to become leaders in whichever career fields they choose.

The program concluded with the official moving of the tassels and a welcome to the SJA Alumnae Association from Joy (Glomski) Chappell, SJA Class of 1989. We congratulate this year’s Valedictorian, Sarah Kopacz, and Salutatorian, Na’ilah Ingram.

We also congratulate our Seniors who took their International Baccalaureate (IB) program exams.

We are proud to announce that 100% of the class of 2017 are pursuing post-secondary studies and this fall are attending colleges such as Howard University, UW-Madison, Marquette, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), to name a few. The class of 2017 was awarded scholarships totaling $726,091 for their first year of college alone. Congratulations, class of 2017 – you are heading toward a bright future!

L-R: Sister Jennifer Daul, SCSJA ’69; Melinna Gonzalez, ’17, St. Jeanne Antide award recipient; Sister Elizabeth Weber, SCSJA; and Sister Marie Grohall, SCSJA

Valedictorian Sarah Kopacz, ’17

Senior Luncheon SJA Board member and longtime supporter Janice Biel hosted the annual Senior Luncheon at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin on Friday, May 19. Now in its seventh year, the much anticipated luncheon celebrates the next chapter in the lives of SJA’s graduating seniors. TMJ4 news anchor Carole Meekins was the event’s featured speaker and shared her personal story of perseverance and accomplishment, giving a “top 10” ingredients listing for a successful life and career. Of that “top 10” list she encouraged students to avoid jealousy, remain flexible, stay humble and kind and never stop believing in themselves.

Luisa Arellano, ’17; Andrea Reyes, ’17; and Maria Sanchez, ’17

Yesica Sanchez, ’17, and Sarah Kopacz, ’17

Baccalaureate Mass Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki presided over SJA’s 2017 Baccalaureate Mass, where SJA faculty, staff and students gathered together for the final mass of the 2016-17 school year on Friday, May 19, at St. Rita’s Parish. The Baccalaureate Mass is held in honor of the graduating class. It is a time for students to recognize each other’s successes and reflect on the accomplishments they have made throughout their high school career. The Mass is also a time for the SJA community to come together in support and prayer for the paths that lay ahead for our students. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged graduates to stay connected to the St. Joan Antida High School family, finding ways to give back and to pave the way for the generations that follow. Before the Mass, Seniors received awards for 4

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Carole Meekins with the SJA Class of 2017

L-R: Sarah Kopacz, ’17; Jada Barnes, ’17; Karisa Bogdan, ’88; Shayla Jones, ’17; Erika Ramirez, ’17; Yesica Sanchez, ’17; and Jeriah Allen, ’17

L-R: Janice Biel, Judy (Dougan) Hurley ’68, Carole Meekins, and Jackie Biel

SJA News and Happenings

Board of Directors adds four new members

Save the date for SJA’s 2017-18 Events:

SJA welcomed four new members to the Board of Directors this school year, each committing to a three-year term. We thank them for completing their first year of service as board members.

Time: 10 a.m. | Location: SJA Join us for the 3rd annual Alumnae Brunch and catch up with classmates and friends, tour the school, enjoy a complementary brunch and be present for our 2017 Alumna of the Year award presentation.

Janice Biel joins the Board of Directors at SJA. Biel is President of the Biel Family Foundation and has extensive experience in fundraising, marketing, and teaching.

3rd Annual Alumnae Brunch - Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017

Soles for Catholic Education Walk - Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017

Location: Mount Mary University Show your SJA pride and join the St. Joan Antida High School team as we help raise money for Catholic schools at the annual Soles for Catholic Education Walk! All donations made on behalf of SJA go directly to our school.

Open House - Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017

Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen, SJA Class of 1973, joins the Board of Directors at SJA. Herbstreit-Kalinyen is retired from Brady Corporation and is an active community volunteer. Herbstreit-Kalinyen has experience in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing.

Ellen Hopper joins the Board of Directors at SJA. Hopper is Chief Operations Officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.

Hopper has experience in strategy, organizational design, staff development, and process design.

Dr. Jennifer Maney joins the Board of Directors at SJA. Maney is the Executive Director of the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Education Consortium (GMCEC). Maney has over 20 years of experience in management, career development, counseling, crisis management, communication, and teaching.

Location: SJA Discover your potential at SJA! Know of a family looking for an excellent college-bound high school for their daughter? Attend our Open House to tour the school and learn all about SJA’s International Baccalaureate (IB) academic program.

62nd Annual Spaghetti with the Sisters - Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 Time: Noon - 5 p.m. | Location: SJA It’s SJA’s longest running event – don’t miss out on the iconic meatballs and pasta that has made this event our most popular for 62 years! Dine-in or place a carry-out order.

3rd Annual NUN RUN Refueling Party - Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 Time: 1 - 5 p.m. | Location: Three Lions Pub, Shorewood, Wis. Participate in SJA’s 3rd Annual NUN RUN – the no-run/walk to support the students of SJA! The only race is to register and receive a commemorative t-shirt. Build your team and then join us for the Refueling Party after your no-run/walk!

25th Annual Auction - Saturday, April 28, 2018

Time: 5:30 p.m. | Location: SJA Event co-chairs Ginny Finn, SJA Class of ’78, and Sue Hickey, Johnson Bank, invite you to SJA’s biggest party of the year! Our 2018 Auction will celebrate the Class of 1968 and raise vital funds for our academic programs and student scholarships. Don’t miss out on our signature event that is sure to be a sellout.

RSVP for all SJA events by visiting our website: saintjoanantida.org/support/special-events Interested in becoming an event sponsor or underwriter?

Contact the SJA Development Department at developmentasst@saintjoanantida.org or (414) 274-4728.

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SJA News and Happenings

SJA brings the classroom into the community The 2016-17 school year offered the students of St. Joan Antida High School a number of opportunities to take their learning outside of the classroom and into the Milwaukee community. These experiential learning opportunities helped contribute to the International Baccalaureate education that “prepares students for learning, working, and leading in a global economy.” Below are some of the opportunities in which SJA students participated: • Water Testing Project: The IB Biology Junior students took part in the Testing the Waters program’s “Train the Trainer” workshop.

The program, Linking Students and Water through Technology (TTW) is an environmental education program through the Riveredge Nature Center that trains high school students in the Milwaukee River Watershed to become active decision makers. Through this program, students receive an education in river ecology and responsible citizenship.

During the fall session of the “Train the Trainer” Workshop, student representatives learned to collect water quality data and discovered how land use practices influence the river. Our IB Biology students will now serve as team leaders for our SJA Testing the Waters Team as we conduct twice yearly assessments of the Menomonee River at 38th and Canal Street. These teams teach their classmates back at school how to perform the nine water quality tests needed to monitor their site twice a year (fall and spring).The work of our participating students has added to a 25-year database of water quality data for the Menomonee, Milwaukee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers.

• Milwaukee Repertory Theater After School Program: SJA students participated in a ten-week after school arts program called “Creating Change Through the Arts.” The program was taught by Milwaukee Rep Theater Teaching Artist Joshua Pohja and Teaching Assistant Maura Atwood who led the students in activities to develop skills in theater acting and movement. There were also guest artists who taught sessions in spoken word, playwriting, collage making, and photography. The workshops were centered around the themes from the Rep’s production of “The Royale” that provided students with an in-depth examination of themselves, Milwaukee, and their neighborhood. The program culminated with a Student Showcase in the theater’s Stackner Cabaret, for which SJA students created a video to showcase the work they completed over the course of the program. In addition, the program included a backstage tour of the Rep before the production of “The Royale” and field trips to the Rep to see “Disgraced” and “The Glass Menagerie”.

• Milwaukee Public Museum Digitization Project: More than 25 SJA Seniors took part in a digitization project hosted at the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) this past fall. Students visited MPM to work with their collections staff on an international project designed to support the digitization of natural history collections for the purpose of making the data available to scientists. Students were provided access to collections and the process of preparing decades- and century-old specimens for digitization by volunteers. In addition to digitizing specimens they were able to meet and engage with four of the museum’s scientific staff to learn more about careers within a museum.

• Hidden Figures Viewing and Talkback: Marcus Theaters and Aurora Healthcare teamed up with to provide the SJA student body the opportunity to attend a private screening of the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures” followed by a talkback with women healthcare leaders at Aurora, applying the themes of the movie to their own real-life experiences.

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Milwaukee School of Engineering and the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee also hosted SJA students at their “Milwaukee’s Hidden Figures” event – a community talkback regarding the themes of the “Hidden Figures” movie. The panelists at the talkback included Milwaukee-area STEM professionals who addressed questions about how they have successfully climbed the career ladder despite the challenges they faced as women in often male-dominated fields. They were able to draw comparisons between their own lives and those of the women in “Hidden Figures,” and they offered advice to the SJA students in attendance.

• Career Days: SJA students attended two separate career days hosted by Northwestern Mutual and Johnson Controls. The event hosted

by Northwestern Mutual at their Franklin campus was focused on their technology division, exposing high school students to careers in the IT field. SJA was one of three schools invited for a full-day of IT-related activities including a hands-on STEM project where students had to use programming skills working in teams to solve a real-world problem. The “Girls in Engineering Day” at Johnson Controls was planned by four SJA alumnae who are now students at MSOE and current interns at Johnson Controls. It was attended by 20 SJA students who had the opportunity to learn more about Johnson Controls’ many product lines, how products are engineered, and the many career possibilities within the company.

• STEM Forward’s EgGS Initiative Workshop: STEM Forward is a Milwaukee-based organization dedicated to promoting STEM education and careers to all students through collaboration with business, education, government, and the community. This spring, SJA students participated in their EgGS Initiative (Engaging Girls in STEM) Workshop. The half-day Saturday workshop offered high school students a unique opportunity to work with STEM professional women from a variety of companies on strategies and business skills to help them thrive in fields traditionally dominated by men.

SJA celebrates first IB Cohort On Tuesday, January 31, St. Joan Antida High School held its first International Baccalaureate (IB) Silver Platter Ceremony, an important event celebrating SJA’s first IB Cohort. The Silver Platter Ceremony is a celebration of the completion of the Diploma Programme’s Extended Essay and the Careerrelated Programme’s Reflective Project. Representing the last 18 months of research in their respective programs, IB candidate students presented their completed research to their faculty advisors during the ceremony and received their SJA IB Diploma candidates with Head of School Paul Gessner IB pins in recognition of this milestone. The Extended Essay and Reflective Project are original student works and are core components of the IB program. Below are just two examples of students’ fine work and research this year: • Senior Marisa Rodriguez completed the Extended Essay under the guidance of faculty advisor, Ms. Bonnie Best. The Extended Essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words and offers the IB Diploma Programme candidate the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest. It also acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. The topic of Marisa’s essay was in the field of history and her guiding research question was: “To what extent has Sir George Ripley’s text entitled The Twelve Gates influenced the artwork of German Renaissance Artist Albrecht Durer?”

• Senior Sarah Kopacz completed the Reflective Project with the guidance of faculty advisor, Ms. Cindy McLinn. The Reflective Project is an in-depth body of work produced over an extended period of time and submitted towards the end of the IB Career-related Programme. Through the project, students identify, analyze, critically discuss, and evaluate an ethical issue arising from their careerrelated studies. Sarah’s project dealt with the topic of the gender pay gap and centered around the question: “Is it ethical to pay women less than men in STEM fields?”

The cohort’s participation in this May’s IB exams is further cause for celebration at SJA. Overall, 21 seniors completed 102 exams in the following subjects: History, Environmental Systems and Societies, Math & Math Studies, English, and Spanish. Depending on the College/University they will be attending next fall, students who receive a passing grade on their IB exams may be eligible for college credit.

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Updates from the SJA Admissions Office

New student events: The Admissions Department is always pleased to welcome students and their families to our campus. We are always looking for unique and interesting ways to share more about what becoming a part of the SJA community means for you and your families.

Below is a brief recap of all the admissions events that took place this year.

February 9 - Valentine’s Day Pizza Social We welcomed families looking to learn more about SJA to an evening filled with information about financial aid, clubs and school uniforms. Pizza, salad and dessert was enjoyed by all – in addition to a fun Valentine’s Day card-making activity!

March 30 - Freshwoman Registration Night The Freshwoman Class and their families were able to complete all their registration materials for next year, which included signing up for clubs, activities, transportation and reviewing their selected courses for the next school year. The highlight of the event was the SJA Uniform fashion show!

May 25 - 8th grade Graduation Cookout Members of the class of 2021 came to SJA to celebrate their graduation from 8th grade. Student Ambassadors, teaching staff, students, and their family members enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs during the fun evening of music and food.

Now enrolling for the 2018-19 school year!

Know of a family looking for an excellent college-bound high school for their daughter?

Join the diverse learning community that is St. Joan Antida High School for 2018 - 19! We are looking

for young women who have the desire to transform their community by way of a quality education built

on the foundation of faith and service. SJA students are challenged academically by our International

Baccalaureate curriculum, exposed to STEM concepts through our Project Lead the Way partnership and

through community collaborations are encouraged to look at the world globally.

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To learn more, consider joining us for a shadow visit day or campus tour this fall and see if SJA is the place to help your daughter discover her potential!

Apply online saintjoanantida.org or by calling (414) 274-4709 for additional information.

Scholarships and financial aid is available for those who qualify and apply.

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SJA News and Happenings

Students give back Service to others and finding ways to give back to the community is an important component of the culture at St. Joan Antida High School.

In fact, service plays an important role in the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, as it is a requirement for both the Diploma and Career-related Programmes. Below are a few of the student-driven service activities that took place this school year.

This year we were able to collect a total of 37 pints, which equates to saving 111 lives. Because of our efforts as a school, we were given one $250 scholarship from the Red Cross to give to a graduating senior.

Nancy Plascencia, class of 2017, was given this award as one of three seniors who donated three times or more over the course of her time at SJA.

Socktober During the entire month of October, the IB Career-related students chose a project as part of their service learning in order to help both the local and global community. Students sold packages of colorful socks; for every package that was sold, SJA was able to provide a pair of warm socks to an individual at a local charity. In addition, for every 75 packages sold, we were able to provide a prosthetic leg for someone in an underdeveloped country. Through the program, we were able to donate 48 pairs of warm socks to the Repairers of the Breach, and in partnership with another school, were able to provide a prosthetic leg for a young man named Elijah in Liberia. Students who participated in this service project felt great pride in being able to focus on others through the distribution of socks.

Cass Street School Girls in Engineering Fair In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and Cass Street Elementary School, on Wednesday, April 5, SJA hosted 16 students for an afternoon of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming similar to our Biannual Girls In Engineering Fair, but in a condensed learning session. Members of our Boys & Girls Club served as STEMbassadors and guided our visitors through the activities for the afternoon. Students learned the chemistry and science involved in making bouncy balls, made their own ball, and completed a structural challenge competition using common household materials. Our visitors were able to review engineering opportunities available at SJA which included meeting members of the RoboChix Robotics team, learning about engineering and design projects in the classroom and visiting our science labs to get a feel for what high school is like.

Blood Drive SJA hosts a Blood Drive each semester in conjunction with the American Red Cross. We always have several students, staff, faculty and community members who are moved to donate. Students help to plan and run the Blood Drive – and are often the best recruiters due to personal experiences with the cause. During the spring Blood Drive one student had a family member that had cancer, while another had a friend with a blood disorder – both having received blood transfusions.

Blessing Bags for St. Ben’s During the season of Lent, SJA students focused on the three pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In partnership with Campus Ministry and LINK Crew, on Wednesday, April 12, students assembled more than 500 edible Blessing Bags that were to be distributed to those in need. Items inside of the bags included healthy food options such as: granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks and crackers. St. Ben’s was the recipient of the efforts put forth by our students and Mr. Hauser, Campus Minister, was able to deliver the bags alongside SJA students in a moving gesture encouraged by the reflective time that is Lent.

Luisa Arellano, class of 2017, shared that her reasons for donating go beyond the nerves often associated with giving. “It’s temporary pain for a big difference,” she said.

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Lady Jaguars

Lady Jaguars Volleyball: Developing leaders on and off the Court For volleyball Head Coach Julie Trzebiatowski, the focus for the 2016-17 Lady Jaguars volleyball team was to build a sense of community where all players learned the values of teamwork and leadership. This year’s team was composed of 16 student-athletes, many of whom were participating in organized volleyball for the first time. For that reason, Trzebiatowski’s daily practices emphasized the development of basic skills— such as passing, serving, and hitting—and getting the team comfortable in game situations.

Beyond how many games the teams tossed in the win category, what stood out most to Trzebiatowski about this year’s team were the strides they made as leaders and young ladies off the court.

“This year the girls held each other accountable and helped build one another up throughout the year,” said Trzebiatowski.

Trzebiatowski pointed to a moment of challenge for the team that highlights their success in leadership and teamwork this year.

Trzebiatowski’s coaching also helped the girls to develop “One of the team members their athletic ability and learn was having a difficult practice. the importance of getting Rather than let her sit it out, a in shape and taking care of group of her teammates rallied SJA’s 2016-17 Volleyball team themselves physically. Every around her, told her to keep up practice would start with basic warm-ups. After the girls were her effort, and affirmed that the team would not be the same warmed up, they would move into either skill-specific drills without her,” said Trzebiatowski. or fun games and scrimmages. The SJA team starts the season later than most volleyball teams around the area, so they are not Although the SJA volleyball team did not achieve the same level able to schedule as many games as those other teams. Because of success in terms of the win-loss record as other past teams, of that, and because the team has 16 girls— almost double Trzebiatowski said that she has never been so proud of a team what most teams have— they spent lots of time in practice she has coached. Go Lady Jaguars! scrimmaging so they got extra in-game experience.

SJA in Time

Celebrating the Class of 1992!

Spring is always a time of celebration and reflection at St. Joan Antida High School as we say goodbye to the graduating senior class, looking back on their four years of growth and looking ahead at what their bright futures hold. Below is a photo from our 1992 graduating class, who celebrates their 25th Class Reunion this year.

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The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Partner Spotlight

PEARLS for Teen Girls PEARLS for Teen Girls, an SJA partner organization, is a unique leadership development program serving young women from middle school through high school and beyond in Milwaukee, Wis. PEARLS groups are girls-only, safe-space gatherings for 20 to 30 girls with guided conversations and activities held weekly and led by an adult Program Coordinator and an assisting Teen Facilitator or Junior Program Coordinator. This program is provided at no cost to students. SJA is proud to have been one of the first school sites for PEARLS, and this year more than 30 SJA students participated in the PEARLS group.

The purpose of PEARLS groups is to improve the quality of life of girls in Milwaukee with self-development tools, guidance and support to strive for better, brighter futures by living out the PEARLS values: Personal responsibility, Empathy, Awareness, Respect, Leadership and Support. Each meeting begins with the PEARLS promise where the girls, gathered in a supportive circle, recite these values. PEARLS groups provide girls with a safe space to develop skills and build self-esteem. Their Leadership Compass programming leads to tangible outcomes, including 100% of participants choosing to not become pregnant, 96% graduating high school, and 100% on track for post-secondary success.

In addition to leadership development, PEARLS has an impactful College and Career Readiness program, equipping girls with the knowledge, resources, and tools they need to define and successfully navigate their academic and professional paths. At SJA’s PEARLS site this year, the group took trips to a Milwaukee fire station to learn about how to succeed in a male-dominated career and to Mount Mary University to tour the campus and learn about college courses. Currently, the students are working collaboratively on an anti-bullying project that includes researching the effects of bullying and compiling stories of those who have experienced it.

SJA student and PEARLS member Keynedi Thornton, ’18, loves the program because it teaches her how to be a responsible leader and how to build relationships with other girls. She says, “Through PEARLS, I’m inspired to do things I thought I couldn’t. I’m motivated to be a better person and to achieve my goals.”

Learn more about PEARLS for Teen Girls: www.pearlsforteengirls.com

PEARLS students and coordinator at an after-school session.

SJA PEARLS student Talea Hansen, ’19, (R) with fellow PEARLS group member.

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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By the Numbers

2016 Spaghetti with the Sisters SJA’s longest-running school fundraiser, Spaghetti with the Sisters, held on November 6, 2016, was a huge success, serving a record number of guests. Save the date for next year’s event: November 5, 2017.

Check out what it takes to host this iconic event… by the numbers!

350lbs

amount of meat donated by the Gahn Meat Co. for the Pompeii Men’s Club to make the event’s iconic meatballs (3,200 made in total, rolled by hand)

7 total 8 number 0 of guests + served

1,000 Cups

number of 79 tickets pre-

ordered using our new online feature!

325 total number of cannoli sold

$15,880

total amount the event raised for the students of SJA. Dollars will help fund SJA’s academic programs.

quarts of meatballs sold (our most popular carry-out item)

21% percentage of event attendees who are SJA alumnae 12

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

In October 2016, SJA launched a new and improved website that changed the way the community is able to interact with the school. Applicants, current students and alumnae can get involved with SJA like never before using the site.

The revamped website features an entirely new design that more accurately reflects SJA’s International Baccalaureate World School brand and overall school vibrancy, putting students front and center. The new site is also mobile and tablet responsive - so it will look great on any device you view it on.

amount of lettuce mix donated and used

141

SJA launches all-new website

of 1 number volunteers it 1 took to staff 0 and run event

Enhanced features include: • online student application form • comprehensive school calendar • online portals for parents, students, volunteers • expanded alumnae and donor pages ...just to name a few of the features!

The new site has logged more than 17,500 visits from 12,000 users adding up to more than 40,000 page views since its launch! Check out the features and explore revamped content: saintjoanantida.org

Student Corner

Reflecting on the student Pilgrimage experience The International Baccalaureate (IB) program encourages students to become “internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.” Every two years over the winter holiday break, St. Joan Antida High School offers the most tangible opportunity for its students to accomplish this goal through its pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi with the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program.

In a journal she kept throughout the ten-day trip, Junior Rosario Rios immediately noted both the differences and similarities between the Italian and American cultures. She also expressed the importance of interacting with a culture in a meaningful way to come to a true appreciation of its beauty.

“The first day in Rome was surreal. We began to enter the city of Rome, and we noticed things that we would see in any other city, like Milwaukee; there was graffiti, people walking up and down the streets, stores, banks, and pharmacies,” she wrote.

“It was only when we actually got deeper into the city that we saw how unique Rome is,” she continued. “It kind of reminded me that the deeper you go into something, somewhere, or with someone, the more character and individuality you find.”

Rios claims that even Italians’ attitudes toward food helped widen her horizons and be open to new experiences and ways of life. “Meal time in Italy is sacred, so all stores except restaurants close around pranzo (mid-day meal) and cena (evening meal) and reopen again later. Learning these traditions and other new customs in Italy helped me learn to accept changes and new experiences,” she wrote.

The unique and exciting religious opportunities the trip provided the students helped Rios recognize the commonalities she shared with millions of other Catholics across the world. She described her experience visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica, a site that attracts 7 million people annually.

“One spot in the Basilica that I loved was the statue of Saint Peter. There was a line to touch the foot of Saint Peter, which made me feel very connected with others through faith because there were people from around the world who were in line with me to touch and worship one of the saints. The statue has his foot worn down from all of the pilgrims touching it,” she observed.

She was also touched by the sense of interconnectedness she felt through Catholics’ shared affinity for Pope Francis during the Papal Audience the students attended. Rios witnessed a man moved to tears by a hug he shared with the pope.

“A heartfelt moment today was when a man stretched out his hand to touch the pope and Pope Francis hugged him. He broke down in tears and would not let go of the pope.

I realized his urgency to receive hope and a blessing from someone he believes in, and it made me look back on the moments I was looking for help from someone,” she reflected.

Finally, a reflective moment following the path in Assisi where Saint Clare walked as she left to follow in Saint Francis’ commitment to a life of poverty helped Rios reflect on the impact the trip had on her.

“We did this walk in silence and it was a great moment to reflect on my life and issues and how they were minimal compared to Saint Clare’s, or at least they seemed more fixable. Being outside of the city was refreshing and peaceful, and it made me have a sense of control. It made me see how much I needed calm and resolution in my life,” she wrote.

St. Joan Antida High School and our student pilgrims would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Janice Biel and The Biel Family Foundation for their generous gift as a lead underwriter for SJA’s Pilgrimage program, helping to ensure this important program continues.

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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Featured Story

24th annual auction Many Faces. One World. (continued) This year’s auction theme, Many Faces. One World., emphasized the importance of embracing differences, learning from one another, collaborating, and striving for prosperity and peace through a culture of inclusivity. The theme underscored SJA’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Both historically and present-day, SJA has had a diverse student body and has prepared those students to join a global workforce. Today, SJA is Milwaukee’s premier all-girl International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, with all students participating in an IB education that promotes open communication and thought and reminds us that diversity is to be valued and celebrated.

SJA’s diverse students were showcased at the event with a powerful spoken-word piece, where seven students shared their own life affirmations, each in their family’s native language and dressed in the traditional garments of their family’s cultural background. On the heels of the student performance, guests were treated to a surprise live performance from Naima Adedapo, ’03, American Idol finalist and SJA alumna. She performed her song “Beautifully Made,” delighting the audience by inviting students and guests to declare “I am beautiful!” as part of the song. Following Adedapo’s rousing performance, guests participated in the scholarship auction, raising more than $59,000 in minutes to support the cost of educating SJA’s students.

“We are incredibly humbled and thankful for the support we received at this year’s auction,” said Paul Gessner, Head of School. “It was truly a magical evening.”

The event was a resounding success and would not be possible without our sponsors and underwriters who helped us transform the school for a remarkable evening. A special thank-you to our platinum level sponsor, Northwestern Mutual, and our gold, silver, and table sponsors: Griselda Aldrete, ’98, Baird, The Biel Family, BMO Harris Bank, Catholic Financial Life, Johnson Bank, Johnson Controls—Building Efficiency, Kapur & Associates, MGIC (Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Company), Milwaukee Succeeds, Mount Mary University, Park Bank, PEARLS for Teen Girls, Phelan Development, Ritz Holman, Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida, The Todd Wehr Foundation, V. Marchese Inc., John and Missy Van Lieshout, von Briesen & Roper, S.C., and WaterStone Bank. Thank you to our media sponsors, Shepherd Express and Milwaukee Business Journal, and our promotional sponsor, Print-n-Press.

A special thank you to our dedicated Auction Committee, led by 2017 co-chairs Griselda Aldrete, ’98, President and CEO of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee, and Raquel Filmanowicz, Director of U.S. Community Affairs at BMO Harris Bank. Their commitment to our mission and willingness to give of their time, talent and treasure helped immensely in raising record funds for the school.

Save the date for 2018!

2018 Auction co-chairs Ginny Finn, SJA Class of 1978, and Sue Hickey, Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Johnson Financial Group, invite you to join us for the not-to-miss SJA event of the year on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Read more on pages 16-17 about the honorees who received recognition at the 2017 Auction.

Learn more about diversity at SJA in our new video which premiered at the Auction, thanks in part to our partners at Aurora Healthcare.

Visit our YouTube page (youtube.com and search “St. Joan Antida High School”).

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1. SJA Head of School Paul Gessner 2. Naima Adedapo, ’03, performing her song “Beautifully Made” 3. Guest Kathy Mykleby, anchor, WISN 12 News 4. Auctioneer Tim Miller of Believe in Auctions 5. Guests Bonnie and Brett Tomczak browse the silent auction items 6. Student Jeriah Allen, ’17, assisting with raffle ticket sales 7. Surprise guest Naima Adedapo, ’03 8. The Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida table. L-R front: Sister Gabriella Nguyen, SCSJA ‘88; Sister Elizabeth Weber, SCSJA; Sister Marie Grohall, SCSJA; Sister Mary Ann Cera, SCSJA ‘63; and Sister Anne Marie Baemmert, SCSJA. L-R back: Sister Marie Louise Balistieri, SCSJA ‘60; Sister Jennifer Daul, SCSJA ‘69; Sister Ellen Marie Corcoran, SCSJA ‘70; Sister Mary Kainz, SCSJA ‘60; and Sister Monica Fumo, SCSJA. 9. Lisa Dundas and David Roettgers, SJA Board Vice Chair 10. SJA Head of School Paul Gessner greets Auction guests 11. Geoffrey Bishop and Cris Ros Dukler 12. Students in their cultural dress greeting guests upon arrival.

L-R: Daniela Vaca, ’20; Angeles Garcia, ’20; and Carol Rodriguez, ’19.

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13. Sister Theresa Rozga, SCSJA ‘77 14. Danae Davis (Executive Director, Milwaukee Succeeds), 2017 Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award recipient, and Griselda Aldrete, ‘98 (President/CEO, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee), 2017 Auction Co-Chair 15. L-R: Danae Davis, Dr. Phyllis King, and Ted King 16. Sister Ann Josepha Lencioni, SCSJA, and Priscilla Ehlert 17. L-R: Hector Caballero; Rossana Acosta; José Aldrete; Ana Aldrete; Griselda Aldrete, ‘98; Stewart Brase; Sharon Reed; and Blake Edwards 18. L-R: Gwen Weithaus; Naima Adedapo, ‘03; and Ellen Hopper, SJA Board member 19. Opportunity basket raffle ticket sales team. L-R: Dianaysis Rivera, ’17; Antoine Carter, SJA volunteer; and Jada Barnes, ’17 20. Wish tree volunteers MJ Rios (SJA faculty) and Paola Medina, ’18

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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Featured Story

2017 Trailblazer Award recipient: Danae Davis (Executive Director, Milwaukee Succeeds)

L-R: Paul Gessner, Head of School; Danae Davis; Griselda Aldrete, ’98; Raquel Filmanowicz

The Auction included the annual presentation of the Trailblazer in Women’s Leadership Award. This award, created in 2016, acknowledges important women in our community who are trailblazers in their career and whose life and actions reflect the mission of St. Joan Antida High School. Recipients of this award are role models for our students and reflect the school’s work to educate and empower young women who lead and serve in a global society.

This year’s auction theme, Many Faces. One World., emphasized the importance of embracing differences, learning from 2017 Trailblazer Award recipient: Danae Davis Davis is Executive Director of Milwaukee Succeeds, a collective impact initiative of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation which is supported by local civic and business partners, with a mission of ensuring the success of every child in every school in the City of Milwaukee—from cradle to career.

Before Milwaukee Succeeds, Davis was blazing a trail for young women through her leadership at PEARLS for Teen Girls. As CEO of PEARLS, she sought to empower and develop the leadership skills of adolescent girls.

“Davis is helping to create a stronger Milwaukee by serving as a catalyst for organizational and community inclusivity. She has sought to better the lives of young people in this community for much of her life’s work,” said Paul Gessner, Head of School. “She not only reflects our school’s mission, but her work underscores the importance of understanding that we are stronger because we are Many Faces. One World.”

On behalf of SJA staff, students, and the SCSJA community, we honor Danae Davis for her support of our mission and her work in the Milwaukee community!

2017 Community and Corporate Partnership Award recipient: The Pompeii Men’s Club The Community and Corporate Partnership Award was created to provide notable recognition to the Southeastern Wisconsin organizations that take a stake in our work, and in the young women whom we serve. They make profound investments in our mission, often providing lead support for major strategic initiatives.

L-R: Paul Gessner, Head of School; David Doern; Anthony Baudo; Joe Palmisano; Sal Purpora; Judy (Dougan) Hurley,’68, Board Chair

SJA was pleased to announce the Pompeii Men’s Club as the 2017 Community and Corporate Partnership Award recipient.

The Pompeii Men’s Club has been a partner with St. Joan Antida High School for decades. In time, talent and treasure, they have shared their gifts with the high school. Each year the Pompeii Men’s Club hosts various fundraisers and earmark a portion of those funds to support the annual operating needs of the high school, including scholarship programs

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and special initiatives such as our Student Pilgrimage Program. Over the years, the club has donated tens of thousands of dollars to advance the St. Joan Antida High School mission.

“Many of the Pompeii Men have helped us in times of great, and sometimes very urgent, need over the years,” said Judy Hurley, ’68, Chair, SJA’s Board of Directors. “Whether it was an oven that needed replacement, or new coolers to store all of those egg rolls for Pilgrimage fundraisers, the Pompeii Men have been generous, supportive friends who always answer those calls for help.”

On behalf of SJA staff, students, and the SCSJA community, we thank the Pompeii Men’s Club for their continued dedication to our mission!

2017 Deus Solus Award recipient: Sharon Malenda The culminating part of the Auction program is the presentation of SJA’s annual Deus Solus Award. The award is the school’s most prestigious honor that is given to an individual who has shown and demonstrated a commitment to the mission of SJA. This award is presented to a person who has contributed to the life and success of SJA by embracing the charism and mission of St. Joan Antida and collaborating with school leadership and the Sisters to empower the young women we serve. Deus Solus is Latin for “God Alone”—the motto of St. Joan Antida and the Community of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida.

SJA was proud to announce Sharon Malenda as the 2017 Deus Solus Award recipient.

Sharon Malenda (R) accepts the Deus Solus award, presented by Sister Theresa Rozga, SCSJA,‘77

Malenda is a long-time supporter of the school, serving on the Board of Directors since 2011 and volunteering for multiple committees, including chairing SJA’s Fund Development Committee. She has brought her expertise in the world of education and fundraising and helped strengthen and grow SJA. Her passion for supporting our students shows in her tireless support of our mission and our programs.

On the selection, Sister Theresa Rozga, SCSJA ’77, said in her presentation of the award, “Sharon is constantly looking for ways to grow our school, expand our tactics, and elevate our goals. Sharon is a caring individual who is constantly seeking to engage others through involvement in our mission and in direct service of the students of SJA.” On behalf of SJA staff, students, and the SCSJA community, we thank Sharon Malenda for her service and support of our mission!

L-R: Judy (Dougan) Hurley, ’68, Board Chair; Sharon Malenda; Paul Gessner, Head of School

By the Numbers

Check out the 2017 Auction RECORD-BREAKING results, by the numbers!

$253,961

total dollars raised (before matching gifts)

of 705 number Opportunity

Basket raffle tickets sold to win one of the eight baskets offered

of boxes of 2 number Chocolates sold for 0 the Chocolates and 0 Diamonds raffle

$1,450

highest winning bid in the Silent Auction (for the Chicago “Hamilton” getaway package)

12

total number of Live Auction packages offered

$ 5 4 0

Average donation from all event attendees

$59,600

of 42% percentage Auction funds

total raised for scholarship support

raised before the night of event

39

most bids received for a single item in the Silent Auction (for Star Wars kids gift set)

$14,895

total raised for SJA’s Wish Tree (donations to purchase specific school and student needs)

6 0 4 %

highest percentage for a Silent Auction item selling over its Fair Market Value

68

total number of volunteers and staff needed to work the event, ensuring our guests had a fun and memorable evening The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Kaszmeir Rawls An SJA student with wisdom beyond her years As a freshwoman at St. Joan Antida High School (SJA), Kaszmeir Rawls has a unique perspective on the importance of education in her life.

Perhaps that is why she exudes gratitude and positivity when asked about her SJA experience.

“I can’t really choose my favorite classes because each one is unique in the different ways it challenges me to use my mind,” said Rawls.

Rawls credits the hard work and effort her teachers exhibit day in and day out for her appreciation of each class. According to Rawls, they are always available to help when she needs it. In addition, they are flexible enough to find new ways to teach the material she finds difficult to understand.

While her teachers serve as important motivating factors during the school day, Rawls’ family is also full of role models that help reinforce the importance of a strong education.

Rawls remembers participating in cultural and educational experiences while growing up, including attending a production of “The Phantom of the Opera,” reading works of Shakespeare, and attending Jazz in the Park in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square.

“My family shaped me by immersing me in culture and exposing me to literature from my childhood through to my adolescence. They have taught me that education is a big part of life both inside and outside of school,” said Rawls.

In fact, Rawls credits her aunt, an alumna of SJA, for playing an important role in her decision to come to SJA for high school. She recommended the school to Rawl’s mother while they were considering which high school she would attend.

As much as she appreciates the academic value of SJA, Rawls is also grateful for the positive and welcoming environment the school provides each day. For that, she says she has her friends and classmates to thank.

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“The other freshwomen have helped me transition so nicely into SJA. We have all learned quickly that we are here for each other and can depend on each other during the good times and the tough times,” said Rawls, reflecting on the strong bond she already feels with her classmates in the class of 2020.

She also understands that without the welcoming attitude of the students in the grades above her, she would not be as comfortable and confident as she is.

“The upperclassmen have been awfully sweet and kind. They offer their help whenever they can.

That helps make SJA a more comfortable environment,” she observed.

She acknowledges the role that student organizations in SJA have played in her transition from middle school to high school. She is actively involved as a lawyer in Mock Trial, SJA’s popular extracurricular program. She has also benefitted from the work of LINK Crew, a school program whose purpose is to facilitate a smooth transition for the freshwomen into high school.

“LINK Crew has helped me tremendously by teaching me new ways to study and prepare for exams. They have also taught me that high school is a big part of your academic life, but it can also be enjoyable,” she said.

While Rawls looks to these influences to appreciate what she has in the present, she also understands that they are pushing her towards success in the future.

Although she does not yet know where that future will lead her, she knows that any success will be because of the hard work and dedication she puts into it.

“My goals for the rest of high school are to maintain my grades or get even better grades and keep striving for the best. With hard work, determination, and maximum effort, I know that no matter what field I go into, if I put my mind into it, I will be successful,” said Rawls.

She also understands that although she can find motivation in her mentors, family members, and friends, she will ultimately be the driving force in whatever success she achieves.

“I realize that in order for me to get anything done, I have to push myself, strive to be my best, and push hard to correct my mistakes,” she added.

Through all of her experiences leading up to and including her first year at SJA, Rawls has grown in the confidence to understand that she plays an important role in shaping the positive environment of the school. Ultimately, she believes that her wisdom and desire to improve through educational opportunities are what make her a unique and irreplaceable part of the SJA community.

“I feel that my knowledge makes me unique. Anybody can have beauty or brains, but wisdom is something that people can spend a lifetime searching for. Wisdom is different than knowledge because someone who is wise understands different ways to learn and apply knowledge to different aspects of their life, such as personal relationships and financial situations,” she explained.

With such positive influences and a hopeful outlook on her education and future, Kaszmeir Rawls seems to be destined for a successful future at SJA. We are looking forward to seeing what the next three years and beyond have in store for her!

Did You Know?

Benefits of single-gender education With more than 750 public schools around the country with at least one single-gender class and more than 1,500 entirely single-gender schools, we wanted to share some proven researched facts of why SJA’s all-girl model is best poised to set our young women up for success post high school.

Below are researched benefits to attending a single-gender school: • A single-gender learning environment provides additional motivators for attendance, such as smaller class sizes and less distraction (by removing the need to assimilate with the opposite sex in the classroom).

• Classroom participation increases in all subjects for most students in a single-gender learning environment. Students from single-gender schools are also more likely to engage in group study, better preparing them for careers where teamwork is essential to their professional success.

• Faculty at single-gender schools are trained to understand how their students learn. They adapt their teaching styles to those specific needs.

• In addition to reporting higher levels of academic engagement, single-gender graduates tend to exhibit slightly higher levels of academic self-confidence.

• Single-gender education has a way of encouraging children to be fearless, to be curious, to be enthusiastic—in short, to just be themselves.

In particular for all-girl schools: • Young women achieve higher test scores, particularly in math and science, and accomplish more later on in life vs. their co-ed peers.

• Girls drop their shyness and begin to take risks in singlegender settings. They become more competitive and embrace activities that may be perceived as “less traditional” as girls are able to display added self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Girls attending all-girl schools were significantly more likely to attend a four-year college compared with girls attending co-ed schools.

• Educational psychologists have consistently found that girls tend to have higher standards in the classroom, and evaluate their own performance more critically.

Content source from article edited by Stacy Jagodowski entitled: “What are the Advantages of Single Sex Education” published on July 5, 2016

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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Event Recap

SJA Alumnae Association honors Griselda Aldrete, ’98, with the 2016 Alumna of the Year Award at second annual Alumnae Brunch The SJA Alumnae Association presented Griselda Aldrete,’98 with the 2016 Alumna of the Year award at their second-annual Alumnae Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. The Alumna of the Year award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an SJA alumna to her profession and/or community which support the mission of SJA. Aldrete is the President and CEO of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) and is actively involved in the Milwaukee community, serving on a number of boards and committees including the board of directors for 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, The Milwaukee L-R: Blanca Melany Avila, ’19; Griselda Aldrete, ’98, Ballet, and Pivot Milwaukee. Aldrete has been recognized by many organizations for Alumna of the Year Award recipient; her commitment to providing educational opportunities for the city’s youth and young Amalia Godoy, ’17; Estefany Mercado, ’19 professionals. In 2013, Aldrete received Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award and in 2014, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s Philanthropic 5 award. Most recently, Aldrete was selected as a U.S. Delegate for the British American Project and named one of Wisconsin’s top 48 most powerful Latinos.

Aldrete has been an engaged alumna and has served SJA in multiple capacities, including board service, serving as Commencement Speaker, and co-chairing the 2017 Auction.

2016 Alumna of the Year Award recipient Griselda Aldrete, ’98, with her parents José and Ana Aldrete

“SJA is where it all started for me. It’s where I learned how to be a strong, independent woman,” said Aldrete who accepted the award from one of her former teachers, Sister Elizabeth Weber, SCSJA at the brunch.

Hosted by the Alumnae Association, the Alumnae Brunch brought together alumnae, Sisters, and friends for food, fellowship, celebration and tours of the school. More than 65 alumnae and friends enjoyed reminiscing and learning how to get involved with SJA. The Alumnae of the Year Award and Alumnae Brunch are just two examples of the many ways the SJA Alumnae Association aims to reconnect alumnae and provide meaningful ways to benefit the school and the young women SJA serves. We welcome all interested alumnae to participate in any capacity they are able. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at (414) 274-4728 or alumnae@saintjoanantida.org.

Pictured: SJA graduates from the Class of 1976.

2017 Alumna of the Year Award nominations The SJA Alumnae Association is excited to receive your nominations of SJA alumnae who actively support the SJA mission! Do you know an SJA alumna who…

• Empowers girls and women through her professional achievements?

• Serves her community by educating and/or empowering young women?

• Is a distinguished leader in her field?

• Serves SJA directly with her time, talent, or treasure?

Alumna of the Year Award nominations may be submitted at www.saintjoanantida.org/alumnae/award.

The 2017 award nomination deadline is Aug. 1, 2017.

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2016 Alumna of the Year Award recipient Griselda Aldrete, ’98, and SJA Head of School Paul Gessner

Event Recap

Alumnae Reunions and Gatherings Summer means class reunion season is in full swing! Planning committees are invited to contact SJA’s Development/Alumnae office for reunion planning assistance. We are happy to help with outreach and invitation creation and delivery, finding classmates, and day-of support to assist with check-in, photography, school tours, etc.

Contact Rachael Habermehl, Development Manager, at (414) 274-4728 or alumnae@saintjoanantida.org for information and assistance.

40-Year Members of the Class of 1976 gathered on Aug. 27, 2016 for a funfilled evening at the Pettit Ice Center. More than 25 alumnae joined for dinner, took part in the photo booth, and shared their stories with each other. Alumnae were joined by Sister Monica Fumo, SCJSA, and former faculty member Anne Goyette.

2016 Reunion Celebrations: 50-Year The SJA Class of 1966 celebrated their Jubilee 50th Class Reunion with a full reunion weekend! Alumnae gathered on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at Meyer’s Restaurant & Bar. More than 35 alumnae from the class joined, along with Sister Monica Fumo, SCSJA, and Sister Gabriella Nguyen, SCSJA ’88.

L-R: Sandra (Tomaich) Schoenfeldt, ’66; Mary Ann (Groholski) Klipp, ’66; Cynthia (Kellner) Collins, ’66; and Claire Jurkowski, ’66

Class of 1976 reunion.

Tina Aiello, ’76, and former faculty member Anne Goyette pose for the photo booth.

30-Year Members from the SJA Class of 1986 reunited for an evening of appetizers and drinks at Rock Bottom Brewery on Sept. 30, 2016.

More than 15 alumnae gathered in celebration, joined by Sister Jennifer Daul, SCSJA ’69, Sister Monica Fumo, SCSJA, and former Principal Sioux (Czarnecki) Henzig, ’64.

Sebastiana (Fricano) Rybacki, ’66, and Janice (Gross) Purins, ’66

Class of 1986 reunion.

L-R: Sister Monica Fumo, SCSJA; Kathleen (Flees) Kas-Amby, ’66; and Sister Gabriella Nguyen, SCSJA ’88

Former SJA Principal Sioux (Czarnecki) Henzig, ’64, and current SJA staff Sister Jennifer Daul, SCSJA ’69, catch up with reunion attendees.

The Joanette The •Joanette Spring/Summer • Winter 2016 2017

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Alumnae Spotlight

SJA graduate Maria Monreal-Cameron, ’63, moves her community forward “We found that we had lifelong friends in the Sisters. We can still go to them. And Sister Mary Giovanna saw in me potential, and guided me in a sweet and compassionate way,” she said.

SJA’s emphasis on togetherness and growth is a thread that runs through Monreal-Cameron’s impressive 24-year career with the HCCW. After high school, Monreal-Cameron was accepted to the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, but at the time her parents needed her to work instead and support her younger siblings. Since then, she’s built an impressive career and has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Cardinal Stritch University.

Maria Monreal-Cameron, ‘63, is filled with passion, perseverance, and an enduring drive to elevate the lives of others. Her take on life can be summarized by her mantra, which she coined for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) during her tenure there: “Adelante Juntos,” meaning “Forward Together.”

Monreal-Cameron is the ninth of thirteen children born to Mexican immigrants. Her parents first lived in Texas, then became some of the earliest Mexican settlers in Milwaukee after hearing of opportunities for success for them and their children.

Monreal-Cameron had a strict upbringing that instilled a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. Her parents valued a Catholic education and felt that St. Joan Antida High School (SJA) would be a positive environment in which to further her upbringing. She was the first girl in her family to attend SJA and led the way for her three younger sisters to also attend: Isabel, ’64, Guadalupe, ’66, and Mary Helen, ’68.

Monreal-Cameron’s time at SJA was formative; she learned how to embrace her core values and make them part of her everyday life and persona.

The Sisters who taught at SJA nurtured the traits of companionship and discipline – traits which helped direct the future career of Monreal-Cameron.

The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Monreal-Cameron’s years post-high school were spent being a mother to her children and finding ways to stay involved in the Hispanic community. She helped grow Mexican Fiesta, the annual cultural appreciation event that raises money for scholarship awards to advance the education of Hispanic students; she also served on the board of Catholic Social Services, the first of more than 40 board and committee positions she has held throughout her lifetime.

“It was exhausting and demanding, but opening doors to opportunities is rewarding.

It was truly a labor of love.”

“SJA gave me a well-rounded education, and the environment there made it possible for me to thrive,” Monreal-Cameron recalled.

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“I’m a champion of higher education because it’s necessary now. And education is mobile wealth–no one can ever take that away from you,” she said on the subject of college.

Monreal-Cameron’s involvement with the HCCW began in 1989 as her youngest child was preparing to start high-school, leaving Monreal-Cameron with more flexibility in serving her community. At the time, the HCCW was up-and-coming, and relatively unknown, even to Monreal-Cameron.

“I went to meet the president to learn more, and I agreed to a limited contract [as President & CEO]. But after one week with the HCCW, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Monreal-Cameron said of her initiation into the HCCW.

She knew about businesses and how to budget, having assisted in her familyowned restaurant that had been open for more than 25 years. This experience and her involvement in the Hispanic community made her a good fit for the HCCW, whose mission is to create, nurture, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses.

“It was exhausting and demanding, but opening doors to opportunities is rewarding. It was truly a labor of love,” said Monreal-Cameron.

Monreal-Cameron’s persistence, enthusiasm, and dedication to helping others formed the HCCW into the impactful organization it is today. Her leadership reflected her ideals and that “Forward Together” mantra.

“I believe in paying it forward; when I took a step forward, I would grab the hand of another woman to come along,” she stated. Her work at the HCCW followed the same ideal, fostering healthy competition among Hispanicowned businesses alongside their counterparts.

“I didn’t want our businesses to be segregated; I wanted them to work in conjunction with other Chambers of Commerce in the area, for us to all grow together. I wanted to level the playing field,” she said.

more than 10,000 Hispanic-owned companies in Wisconsin and drives legislature at federal, state, and local levels.

Monreal-Cameron is now retired from the HCCW, but she’s far from idle. She’s actively involved in 12 different boards and committees, and is still a strong voice in her community.

“I believe in paying it forward; when I took a step forward, I would grab the hand of another woman to come along.”

Another way in which MonrealCameron’s work leveled the playing field was through her creation of HCCW’s Education Fund/Philip Arreola Scholarship Program, named after Milwaukee’s first Latino Police Chief and vocal supporter of the fund. She introduced the idea to the board after only a few years with HCCW, when their resources were still extremely limited. However, she saw the connection between growing Hispanic businesses now and educating the Hispanic youth who would one day go on to own such businesses. Since its inception, this scholarship program has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships to Hispanic students in need.

When Monreal-Cameron reflects on her 24 years at the HCCW, she is proud of all that she and her staff accomplished and the impact they’ve had on the Hispanic community.

“The difficult I tried to do right away; the impossible took a little bit longer,” she said only partly in jest.

Monreal-Cameron’s career with the HCCW has changed the landscape for the Hispanic community across the state and the country. The HCCW now represents the interests of

“It’s important to let people know there are other people like me – we can all share our strengths,” she said on the importance of being active in her community.

She is particularly glad to serve on the Board and the Communications Committee of the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin.

This involvement is deeply personal to her, as her husband Ed Cameron suffered from the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer’s.

“Alzheimer’s takes so much and leaves so little. It’s devastating. I’m glad to be able to make the plight public – it merits every funding dollar,” she said.

Ed passed away in in 2011 with MonrealCameron at his side.

Monreal-Cameron also remains involved in other community projects.

“I’m really excited about the ‘Many Faces One Humanity’ project – it will open some eyes,” she gushed.

The project is, in part, a collaboration with local photographer Sherry Lemke, whom Monreal-Cameron met via the HCCW. Monreal-Cameron is the President of the Board of Directors for Many Faces One Humanity™, which has grown from Lemke’s art exhibit into a non-profit organization with a full awareness campaign.

“When you look under the skin, we’re all the same, and I’d like people to be kind and accepting of one another,” Monreal-Cameron said of the project’s importance.

Monreal-Cameron has impacted the lives of many in her community and across the state, all while living by her own ideal of adelante juntos. Her deep spiritual and moral beliefs have carried her from high school to parenthood to a successful career, all based on her dedication to helping those around her to be successful. We can’t wait to see what project Monreal-Cameron brings to life next.

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Alumnae Story

Creative Writing with Mrs. Henzig: 2017 Version During my thirty-year career at St. Joan Antida High School my position and responsibilities changed rather pointedly over time, but there was always one constant during those three decades: I always had at least one Creative Writing class going; even when I was principal, I had a Creative Writing class. It was the supreme joy of my days in the school and even now, Creative Writing in a new format continues to be a substantive source of delight. This is the sixth year I’ve had two Creative Writing groups going, each one meeting twice monthly for two hour sessions. Composed of all former students who “had me as a teacher in high school” at different times since 1976, these groups offer lively conversations, billowing laughter and serve as tantalizing opportunities for my now-mature students to write and share their thoughts. My eldest pupils are from the Class of ’79 and my youngest from the Class of ’07, so they really run the gamut in age, experiences and life choices.

Since so many students at SJA shared in the product of my classes as the pieces were often displayed in the hallways, I thought current readers might enjoy a small sampling of pieces from my current students.

A “Rambling Autobiography” is a stream-ofconsciousness piece which asks the author to create facets of her life using single individual sentences which are specific statements about her experiences, and feelings, and by their very randomness create a powerful piece. Because our lives consist of things that are totally mundane, foolish, silly, life-changing, tragic, and everything else, sitting down and just jotting down statements as they pop up in your mind and in no chronological order offer a unique view of you and sound like life really is: messy, wonderful, melancholic, happy, painful. I offer four of these pieces for you to enjoy. Perhaps some of you may enjoy creating your own “Rambling Autobiography” after reading these; I would happily accept any submissions you may wish to share at: siouxhenzig@gmail.com. Anything you send will be lovingly read, commented upon and returned which has always been my custom—no grades!

Rambling Autobiography

by Margaret (Sullivan) Done, ’93 I was born as an almost bicentennial baby.

I adore a great fireworks display but miss the ground displays of my north side youth.

I remember sneaking away with Angel to buy cigarettes.

As a child there was safety in the knit sweater infused with Red Owl smoke that my dad wore.

I want the freedom back that I had as a child of seven basking in the Medford sun.

I am the daughter of an IRA loyalist raised in a house of brandy and beer.

I danced at the marriage of Paddy and Molly McFest.

I’ve known the joy of a gold medal won and the defeat of not being good enough.

My favorite escape has always been into a good book.

I’ve hidden, fearful for my life, on the streets of Belfast and run through the streets of Castletownbere, giggling like a child.

I visited my first prison at nine and 32 years later still spend 40 hours a week there.

When I was seven I thought I was free; by eight I realized my body would always imprison me.

At 17 lunch consisted of diet coke, carrots and a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar.

I looked BEAUTIFUL at my senior prom.

I tell my daughter, each and every day, how beautiful she is. I hope she still believes me at 17.

I am a mother who wears green.

I want to be a grandmother who wraps her babies in comfy and green embraces.

Margaret is a Correctional Educator, wife, mother, and Girl Scout Leader who energetically tries to make it through each day the best she can. She’s also a dynamite cake and cookie baker/decorator and makes magic in her kitchen.

Pictured: Margaret (Sullivan) Done, ’93, and daughter, Bridget, in a 2016 holiday photo.

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The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Rambling Autobiography

by Sarah (Smith) Roecklein, ’82

Rambling Autobiography

by Jennifer Schmitz, ’87

I was born on my mom’s 40th birthday.

I refer to myself as the “gift that keeps on giving.”

I couldn’t have had a better mom.

I didn’t fully appreciate my father until he died.

I love pralines, caramels and butterscotch.

That must make me very buttery.

When I was younger, I was a tomboy.

As a teen I was still a tomboy.

Only quietly.

I had never dated anyone until I met my husband.

I was 25….he was 38.

I always wanted to be a teacher.

I hate tests.

I secretly want to do standup comedy.

That’s why I love to teach.

Being a mom is great.

I swear I have a book in me.

“Rantings of an Urban Teacher” is the title.

The older I get, the more meaning my dad’s words have.

The older I get, the more I look like my mom.

I can’t believe they are both gone.

I consider myself very lucky.

I am still a tomboy.

I have good friends, family and rantings that need to come out.

Maybe on a stage.

I was born when all the hippies were putting their signs away and disco was hosting Liza and Andy. I think this is why I like so many specific and distinct artists from different decades of music, though I feel strongly that I should have been born in the 40’s since I have a love of all things vintage.

Sarah lives with husband, Joe, and two teenage children in the same house where she spent her childhood. While she lived for a time on the Island of St. Thomas and has had quite the eclectic life, she currently is teaching for Milwaukee Public Schools and engages her students with a definite humorous approach to everything.

Pictured: Sarah (Smith) Roecklein, ’82, enjoying a moment in a recent Creative Writing Class.

Someone read my past the first time I was in New Orleans and told me that I was a man in four out of my five lives.

I cried when I had to leave New Orleans after my second visit, after my 40th birthday, after I heard “When the Saints Go Marching In” from a gathering street band in front of St. Louis Cathedral.

I treasure sleep but mostly because my cats sleep near me and they are the ones I trust the most.

My favorite things change all the time except for the Walker Art Museum’s sea salt chocolate candy bar and dancing and flirting at Mad Planet. But most of all, my friends.

I loathe the way work makes me feel sometimes, like an outsider or subject of Mean Girls, but I know I’m too good to give up there.

I met Jane Goodall, but wish I could have also met Diane Fossey or Diane Arbus……something with the “d” girls I guess.

I lose my train of thought and temper when I’m hungry or don’t want to be somewhere anymore.

My mom and dad mean the world to me and losing them would be like losing my life support. It scares me more than having another surgery for another kidney.

My favorite word is “flesh;” my favorite color is “flesh” and I like red lipstick.

I like music from singers who are breathy and dark.

I never had a child and sometimes I wish I did so I could have an heir to my father’s name.

I want to ride a helicopter, sail in the sky in a hot air balloon, go to London, live alone again and get another black kitty.

I wish I would have written this by hand.

Jennifer works at Boerner Botanical Gardens, in addition to running a number of businesses: Table of Contents Vintage Rentals which specializes in vintage dinnerware and décor from our table to yours and making your wedding or event a timeless memory and Cream City Creatives, an established craft fair representing Milwaukee’s artists and crafters.

Pictured: Jennifer Schmitz,’87, at Mad Planet…yes, she also works there!

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Alumnae Story

Gifts at Work

Creative Writing with Mrs. Henzig: 2017 Version (continued) Rambling Autobiography

by Sofia (Thorn) Bambulas, ’95 I am Saturday’s child, “working hard for a living.”

I’ve called my brother “Brudder” since he made an appearance when I was two.

I met my husband at 29 when I had accepted that being single had happy potential.

The smell of a dairy farm on a summer day still makes me smile.

I felt most like Holden Caulfield in high school.

From under a blue wing chair I experienced my first funeral at almost three.

At 25 my best friend sobbed heartbroken in my lap over a boy whose name is now forgotten.

I have two of everything except sisters, cousins, grandfathers, houses and husbands.

I hate Kraft macaroni and cheese.

My first fiancé left me for Jesus so I find it hard to complain.

I am feisty passionate when I feel injustice has been done.

On rare days I can still smell my Grandpa’s pipe while watching dust motes dance in the sun.

I tried to be a journalist, but realized I cared too much about what happened after the story was written.

Tiramisu, handmade in a Roman café, was my wedding cake.

When I was in third grade a boy named Nick made fun of me for wanting to be a saint; now I am married to a man named Nick who is one.

Sofia graduated from SJA in 1995, the first of four Thorn daughters who attended the school. After living around the country and completing two degrees in Social Work, she settled back in Milwaukee. She now spends her days caring for her sons, Elias and Damian, and volunteering, “retiring” from her paid job as a Clinical Social Worker after ten years of practice.

Pictured: Sofia (Thorn) Bambulas, ’95, and husband, Nick at their wedding in Rome.

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The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

Erica P. John Fund provides critical funding for SJA’s marketing and retention efforts Since the 1950’s the Erica P. John Fund (EPJ) has been a steadfast supporter of St. Joan Antida High School and its mission. One of the Fund’s first gifts was when the organization was known as the De Rance Foundation, ran by Harry and Erica John, who made a $5,000 gift in 1953 to aid in furnishing the school chapel prior to the school’s opening in 1954. Throughout the past 60+ years, the Fund has gone on to provide grants to support numerous school needs and initiatives including student scholarships, leadership development, enhancement of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focused curriculum and student literacy programs, just to name a few.

One major area of focus in St. Joan Antida High School’s current strategic plan is marketing and brand awareness, with the ultimate goal to build school enrollment. A recent leading grant from the Erica P. John Fund in the fall of 2016 provided key funding for a comprehensive marketing campaign for the school, allowing for a complete rebrand of the school, incorporating the new International Baccalaureate (IB) designation. In addition, the grant supported the Summer Series Enrichment Program, ensuring the program could expand and continue for the 2017-18 school year.

A major component to the comprehensive marketing and rebranding campaign launched this past fall included SJA’s new website, all made possible due to the EPJ Fund grant. The new website is mobile and tablet responsive and more accurately reflects the vibrancy of SJA with multiple tools for parents, students, alumnae and donors to engage with the site (see more information on the new website on page 12). The grant also enabled the school to launch a multi-year digital marketing campaign that will allow SJA to be more competitive in the growing and competitive private-school market.

With a focus on student retention, the recent Erica P. John Fund grant provided needed funding to sustain SJA’s Summer Series Enrichment Program. This program, launched in the summer of 2016, provides transitional programming to incoming freshwomen students.

“Simply put, St. Joan Antida High School would not be the school it is today without the ongoing support and belief in our students that we receive from the Erica P. John Fund. They have always been there to answer our calls for support and provide critical funding to often our highest and most urgent priorities,” said Paul Gessner, Head of School.

On behalf of our students, THANK YOU Erica P. John Fund!

Faculty Spotlight

First-year SJA faculty member receives statewide recognition Peter Sisto, Math and Engineering Teacher Congratulations to first-year SJA teacher Peter Sisto for being named a “Top Early Career Educator” by The Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (WACTE) this Spring. Sisto was recognized for his exceptional ability as an educator, demonstrated in his first year of in-service teaching, including how he actively sought ways to be involved in student learning beyond the classroom. Get to know more about Sisto below.

Q: Where did you go to college and what did you study?

A: I went to Marquette University, and I studied secondary education and mathematics with a minor in theater.

Q: What made you want to become a teacher?

A: When I was in high school, I struggled with math, surprisingly. I didn’t really get it and I don’t know the reason. I lost some selfconfidence with math, but when I went to college I had to be put in calculus and I began to get it. I said, huh, something happened in high school where I just lost that confidence, and I didn’t want kids to go through their whole high school career thinking, “math is not for me,” when actually, they might be really good at it.

Q: How did you end up at SJA and what do you enjoy most about the school?

A: As a senior at Marquette, you do a student teaching semester, and I was placed here. I studied under Bonnie Best, our math department chair, and she was pleased with how I did and I was told I had a good rapport with the students, so I was offered a job here near the end of the year. One thing I love about SJA is the diversity, because I went to a high school that was mostly Caucasian. But here, you get to hear all these different languages every day in the hallways. There are all these different types of friendships forming, and I did not have the opportunity to meet such a diverse group of people when I was in high school, so I think that’s great here.

Q: What lessons do you hope your students learn from you beyond the classroom?

A: You’ll probably laugh here; I’m a big Star Wars fan, so there was one quote that kind of hit me this year. The quote was: “The first step towards correcting a mistake is patience.” That was from one of the Jedis. Math is so specific of a subject and students struggle with being told they’re wrong a number of times. With 2 + 3, there is only one way to do that problem, and if they don’t understand the problem, I have to keep saying, “Try again, try again, try again,” and they can get really frustrated with that. I want them to learn not to get frustrated right away, but to take a breath, have patience, and that will help them get to the right answer. And that goes for any subject, I believe, so I want them to learn it’s not always about being correct right away; it’s ok to take a breath, take a moment, and try to learn from what we do wrong.

Q: Now that you have finished your first year of teaching, do you have any advice for new teachers?

A: My biggest asset for my first year was my colleagues. I would say, don’t go into it thinking you are alone. Ms. Best and Ms. Kosiboski, SJA’s other math teachers, have given me so many resources, were my shoulder to lean on during those difficult days, and were the people I shared my successes with. We help each other, and that is definitely needed for a first-year teacher. You are learning so much that it just helps to have a mentor everyday within the building. So make sure to get to know your faculty, not just your department, because we all help each other out here.

Q: What has been your most rewarding moment or experience as a teacher so far?

A: One of my freshwoman students came to me in algebra and she was so nervous for a test at the end of the chapter. She passed, but she didn’t think she passed. She was thinking, “Oh my gosh, how bad did I do?” She came to me and I said, “You got a B-,” which to her was a big deal. She was so happy and she said, “Wow Mr. Sisto, I don’t know what happened. In 8th grade, I didn’t really get math and didn’t really know what was happening. When I came to SJA with you as my teacher, I am getting it now, a little bit better. I feel like I have a grasp on it.” And for me, that was just a nice thing to hear, so I would say that was my highest point for the year.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about what it meant to you to receive recognition for your hard work through the award for Top Early Career Educator?

A: The biggest thing for me was it was a good reassurance.

Sometimes in teaching, you feel like you are alone and you don’t know if you are doing things right. It is easy to be hard on yourself a little bit. But getting that award and being in the room with all of the other nominees who had won, it was good to know I am in the right field and I am doing ok.

Sisto with Dr. William Henk and Kirsten Lathrop of Marquette University at the WACTE awards ceremony.

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Alumnae News & Happenings

Catching up with…Ginny Finn ’78 Ginny Finn, SJA Class of ’78, has recently retired from her role as Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, where she worked for the past 9+ years to provide cancer survivorship services to breast cancer survivors in Wisconsin and nationwide. Finn currently continues her 12-year role as an independent consultant and President of Athlone Consulting, providing strategic planning, governance, and change management services to health, education, and arts nonprofits.

We recently caught up with Finn to learn more about her career path and her experiences at SJA. What about the SJA mission has meant the most to you?

Finn: One thing I loved at SJA was the expectation that we were going to be a real contributor – whether it was work, home or in your community; excellence was not just encouraged, but expected. We were expected to have integrity and high expectations for ourselves, and to be supportive of each other.

There was no lack of clarity about what was the appropriate and respectful thing to do and be. Of course, we were high-school students, so we weren’t always “appropriate and respectful”! I also loved the sense of community at SJA. The four SJA commitments of Academic Rigor, Personalized Education, Catholic Faith and Service, and Leadership Development speak to me strongly; they are an articulation of what the school has always modeled. I especially benefitted from the personalized education, with teachers who were willing to spend that extra time with me – especially my Algebra teacher, who spent oodles of time with me after class to help me understand the material!

Tell me about your time at ABCD and what drove your passion for it: Finn: ABCD provides cancer survivorship services, especially one-to-one support for survivors. I was one of the first volunteers there before I became Executive Director, and I still volunteer with them doing presentations and educational conferences. I’m passionate about empowering cancer patients to advocate for themselves and understand what’s happening to them and how they can navigate the healthcare system. It’s great that services like these are being recognized as important by the medical community – survivors with support services

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The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

have better health outcomes. Cancer has impacted many people in my life, so I know just how important these services are. And ABCD’s services are all free: www.abcdbreastcancersupport.org.

Tell me about your work as a consultant and what you love about it: Finn: My law background overlaps well with the consulting needs of healthcare and educational nonprofits, and I also work with art nonprofits because I worked in theater for 12 years before law school. I primarily focus on organizational structure and evolution, but that often includes project management – from contracting with collaboration partners to overseeing software conversions. What I love about consulting is being able to facilitate the work of other people. I get to come in with a fresh pair of eyes and ask the difficult questions, but also help them figure out the answers. They become empowered to improve their organization themselves. And, I get to meet such an interesting cross-section of people and consistently learn – sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work!

If you could live during any period in time, when would you live, and why?

Finn: I would live right now. We live in a turbulent time, but there are always turbulent times and also always miraculous times. It’s our responsibility to consider the consequences of our actions for those who come after us, and to make the time we’re living in the best we can.

If you would give one piece of advice to SJA’s graduating Seniors, what would it be?

Finn: Every day is a new day. It doesn’t matter if yesterday was successful or a complete flop – every day is a new day.

Ginny will be co-chair of St. Joan Antida High School’s 25th Annual Auction taking place on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

SJA Class Notes Karisa (Kari) Bogdan, ’88, moved back to the Milwaukee area in September 2016.

She now works at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as a Learning Specialist.

Rena Glorioso, ’73, opened her business Rena’s Fashion Boutique on Jan. 15, 2015, fulfilling a lifetime dream. Previously, she had a 35+ year career at Chase Bank. In her personal life, she has three grown children and a granddaughter who is in K4 this year.

Rena is excited for this phase of her life. You can visit Rena’s Fashion Boutique at 1023 E. Brady St. SJA alumnae are offered a 10% discount!

Ana Gabriela (Ruiz-Velasco) GomezGonzalez, ’13, is now married and has one child. She fondly remembers her time at SJA and traveling to Rome on Pilgrimage, and looks forward to volunteering with SJA in the future.

Phyllis Piano, ’73 receives the Gold Award for her novel, Hostile Takeover: A Love Story at the 2017 Independent Book Publishers Association Benjamin Franklin Awards in Portland, Oregon.

Phyllis Piano, ’73, has received a number of honors for her first novel, Hostile Takeover: A Love Story: • 2017 Gold Winner in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Benjamin Franklin Awards, Romance; • Winner of the 2017 Independent Press Award, Romance; • Finalist in the 2016 “Best Books,” Chick Lit/Women’s Lit; • Finalist in the 2107 National Indie Excellence Awards, Romance; and • Finalist in 2017 International Book Awards, Romance.

Her second novel, Love Reconsidered, includes scenes in Milwaukee and Green Bay and features the Green Bay Packers. It will be published on Aug. 8, 2017. She will launch the book with an appearance on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Boswell Book Company, 2559 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee, Wis. at 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at The Reader’s Loft, 2069 Central Court, Green Bay, Wis. “I am thrilled and honored with the recognition for my first novel,” Piano said. “I am excited about the release of my next book and hope to see my friends from St. Joan’s at the launch.”

• Sister Maria Lucia De Luca, SCSJA “Sister Lucy” – passed away on June 19, 2017 • Jeanne (Caravella) Emery ’66 – passed away in 2010 • Elayne (Kidney) Ewer ’66 – passed away on Sept. 5, 2009 • Kim (Casamento) Fasciano ’82 – passed away on Feb. 7, 2017 • Mark Gessner, father of SJA Head of School Paul T. Gessner – passed away on Nov. 19, 2016 • Margaret Burke Messier Grohall, mother of Sister Marie Grohall, SCSJA – passed away on March 24, 2017 • Marilyn (Fettig) Hansen ’58 – passed away on April 8, 2017 • Kathy Harrell-Patterson ’66 – passed away in Feb., 2005

Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler, SCSJA,’62 receives award from the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Holy Name Union.

Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler, SCSJA, ’62, currently works to serve those in need at local soup kitchens, tutors students from around the world and provides other assistance to veterans. Her education at SJA has given her the opportunity to travel around the world, start the first clinic for the homeless in Milwaukee, become an author of books, and be a nurse and nursing home administrator. In recognition of her work and commitment to serving those most in need, Sr. Ann Catherine recently received the Only Jesus award from the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Holy Name Union on May 21. This spring, Sister Ann Catherine also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the United States, given to her at a special program at the VA Hospital where she has started many programs.

We remember these alumnae and members of the SJA family who are no longer with us: • Maria (Galioto) Balistreri ’58 – passed away on Feb. 20, 2017

• Barbara (Jarecki) Hempel ’66 – passed away on Oct. 27, 2015 • Patricia (McQuitty) Maris ’58 • Rita Michalski ’67 – passed away on Feb. 13, 2017 • Margaret (Carlton) Senski ’66 – passed away on March 25, 2008 • Rose (Gullo) Zindler ’68 – passed away on July 11, 2016

Submit a Class Note!

We want to hear from you – and so do your SJA classmates! Submit us updates to share on social media and in future issues of the Joanette newsletter.

Class notes can include: • Current occupation • Promotions/awards • Community contributions or recognitions • Marriages • Birth of children/grandchildren • Reunions Submit class note updates by emailing alumnae@saintjoanantida.org or visit saintjonaantida.org/alumnae. Be sure to include your class year and maiden name (if applicable).

• Ruth (Haasch) Brockel ’66 – passed away on April 23, 1994 The Joanette • Spring/Summer 2017

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1341 North Cass Street Milwaukee, WI 53202-2796

(p) 414-272-8423 (f) 414-272-3135 www.saintjoanantida.org

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Save the Date for SJA’s Special Events: Volunteer Appreciation Event Tuesday, July 11 Alumna of the Year Award & Annual Alumnae Brunch Sunday, Sept. 24 62nd Annual Spaghetti with the Sisters Sunday, Nov. 5 3rd Annual NUN RUN Sunday, Feb. 18 25th Annual Auction Saturday, April 28