Pathways Spring 2021

PATHWAYS

A Publication for the Alumnae, Parents and Friends of St. Catharine Academy

Spring 2021

Former principal Dr. Napolitano celebrates women in WSJ op - ed response

F

ormer principal Dr. Ralph Napolitano posted a Facebook response to the op-ed in the Wall Street Journal

by Joseph Epstein in late 2020. In it, he celebrated educators, family members, women, and his SCA students.

Asked about the many comments and shares of his post, Dr. Napolitano says, “I was not surprised by the reaction of many of my former students from St. Catharine Academy.

They were taught there that their opinions mattered; their voices mattered and their actions were important. I believe that their educational experiences at SCA empowered them to think of themselves as women who could and should make a difference in their communities, in their country and in their world…. I believe in my heart that SCA made them feel welcomed, valued, important and loved and they in turn have carried that message with them.”

Dr. Napolitano has given us permission to share his powerful words below.

The recent opinion “article” published by “The Wall Street Journal” entitled: “Is There A Doctor in the White House?

Not if You Need an M.D.” written by Mr. Joseph Epstein really does boggle the mind. I am not sure if Mr. Epstein is anti-doctoral holders, anti-intelligent women or anti-educators, but most assuredly he is pro-misogyny, pro-inequality and pro-stupidity. While his comments would have been unacceptable at any time and in any place, to make these comments in 2020 in America is beyond understanding.

Dr. Jill Biden earned her doctorate in education and has used the title of doctor professionally throughout her teaching career. She is certainly entitled to use this title as would anyone else who put in the time, work, interest and dedication to attain this terminal degree. What would make Mr.

Dr. Ralph Napolitano, SCA Principal from 1987-1995

Epstein and the “Wall Street Journal” think otherwise? I did not know that becoming First Lady of the United States would require Dr. Biden to relinquish her earned title. I feel honored to know that an educator will be our next First Lady. She has the knowledge, skill, experience and expertise to guide and direct the future of education in America. This should be among our top priorities, particularly after the pandemic has ravaged normal educational experiences for children over the past two academic school years. Instead of heralding the fact that an educator will be our First Lady, Epstein took the opportunity to denigrate her accomplishment and diminish this opportunity for America’s children.

On another note, I had the privilege of being an educator for 43 years. Over the course of that time, I had the opportunity to teach many phenomenal female students. In fact, for eight years I was principal of an academy for women in the — Continued on Page 3

MESSAGE from SSCCAA the PRESIDENT

Courageous Conversations Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62

I

received my second shot of the vaccine almost one year to the day from when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. What we thought was a two-week hiatus from regular school and then things would return to normal, has turned into a twelve month and counting school year filled with perpetual adaptation, uncertainty and upended expectations. As COVID-19 and its variants has raged on, its been accompanied by increasing civil and political upheaval. The moment calls us to courageous conversations about the urgent issues of our day.

Courageous conversations are not new to SCA. Therefore, I was delighted to learn that former principal Dr. Ralph Napolitano weighed in on the late 2020 Wall Street Journal op-ed by Joseph Epstein entitled: “Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if you Need an M.D.”, through a Facebook post. What flamed Dr. Nap’s indignation was the misogynist expectation that Dr. Jill Biden relinquish her earned title upon becoming First Lady. Dr. Nap found he had many supporters from the SCA alumnae community whom, he said, “were taught that their opinions mattered; their voices mattered, and their actions were important.” I invite you to read the full text of Dr. Napolitano’s response on pages 1 and 3.

There is no doubt that today’s teaching context is shaped by the pandemic and all that swirls around it. Our faculty have sought ways to empower students by exploring a variety of topics, building essential skills such as critical thinking and curiosity. On page 4 you will meet two teachers, Mary Rose Cilento and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who invite you into their classrooms where students are learning in-person and remotely simultaneously, to learn how they approach teaching in turbulent times; while on page 5, you will meet students who share their reflections on inaugural poet

Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb.” You may notice that our teachers have not shied away from grappling with questions of justice and use their classrooms to create a safe environment for students to have healthy and constructive discussion.

Every edition of Pathways features an alumnae profile, and this one is no exception. I’m delighted to introduce you to Qiana Mickie ’93 (page 6), a voice for food justice, who advocates for people’s right and access to healthy and culturally appropriate food and who credits SCA, and the specific impact of Dr. Napolitano, on becoming the person and justice advocate that she is today.

In closing, I return to Amanda Gorman’s powerful poem, “The Hill We Climb”. The past year has been a dark, frightening time for so many. As I watched Ms. Gorman deliver her poem at the inauguration I listened to every word she said and felt something lift within me. She opens the poem with a question, “Where will we find light in this never-ending shade?” And she concludes with these hopeful words which may carry you to your next courageous conversation:

“When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.

The new dawn blooms as we free it.

For there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to see it.”

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891• Phone: 718-882-2882 • Fax: 718-231-9099 • www.scahs.org

Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 President

Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Principal

Jessica Ruiz

Director, Alumnae & Family Relations

Patrice Athanasidy

Marketing Consultant

2 Pathways • Spring 2021

Contributing Writers: Patrice Athanasidy Jessica Ruiz Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62

Photography: Provided by SCA Design and Layout: Nanako Inoue

Please remember St. Catharine Academy in your will.

Our legal title is

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, New York 10469

AROUND SSCCAA — Continued From Cover story

Bronx. I will never forget that extraordinary experience. My students were thoughtful about the world that they lived in and how they were being called upon to make a difference in their world. They were hard-working, competent, generous with their time and determined to be relevant in their communities. They made head and heart work in harmony.

Many of them went on to be administrators, teachers, doctors, attorneys, social workers, psychologists and officers in our military. Many are astute businesswomen who made ethics and honesty part of their work environment. To say that I am proud of them would be an understatement. I was privileged to be part of their educational journeys. They have and will continue to be leaders for change wherever life has taken them. Did I mention that many of them are also very successful wives, mothers and scary to admit some even grandmothers. When did that happen?

“ Today, I am celebrating all of the women

teachers who taught me in elementary school and inspired me to want to teach.

”

On a personal note, Mr. Epstein’s article, while outrageous and irresponsible, gave me time to pause about all of the wonderful women who have inspired me in my lifetime.

Some had doctorates and some did not, but whatever their title - Sister, Ms. Mrs., it was their ability to inspire my thinking and influence my decision-making that for me will always stand out.

While my mother and mother-in-law did not have the benefit of education due to their time and circumstance, they were two of the most influential people in my life. Additionally, I was blessed to be married to a very intelligent woman who made a difference in the lives of her students and who raised three future educators including our daughter who teaches geometry and trigonometry. Though Mr. Epstein might think women cannot do math, my daughter’s students would differ with that opinion.

Dr. Napolitano with his grandchildren.

Shame on you, Mr. Epstein and the editors of the Wall Street Journal for defending your ludicrous opinion. I wonder if you thought that Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger, should give up his title too when he became Secretary of State. Funny, I do not ever remember that being brought up at the time. Why would it be, Dr. Kissinger earned that degree and deserved his title just as our future First Lady deserves hers.

What is most ironic to me is the word doctor comes from the Latin word for teacher. In fact, it was first used on select theologians who instructed on matters of faith and Catholic Church doctrine. The title of doctor was later extended to include other academicians and medical doctors. I stand in solidarity with Dr. Biden as she assumes her new role and maintains her title - earned, deserved and practiced. v

Today, I am celebrating all of the women teachers who taught me in elementary school and inspired me to want to teach.

I am celebrating all of the wonderful women that I worked with in education including those who worked in our school offices and cafeteria and managed huge jobs without complaint and often without full recognition. And on the anniversary (one day off from) I pray for the six female administrators and teachers who lost their lives trying to protect those 20 angels from the bullets of a madman at Sandy Hook.

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AROUND SCA

Teaching During Turbulent Times

By Patrice E. Athanasidy

T

eaching this year has had challenges beyond those of the pandemic. Teachers and students are struggling with many questions as they handle the political and social issues of the past year.

Mary Rose Cilento, social studies teacher, understands that students need to consider her classroom a safe space to discuss and share “their opinions, fears and thoughts.” She says, “I find it helpful to have structured class discussions, including the opportunity for students to share their thoughts on Google Classroom. I have the students read and discuss salient newspaper articles so they can understand the political development(s) fully and therefore substantiate their opinions and arguments with facts.”

Comparing this year’s discussions to classroom discussions of the past, Ms. Cilento says, “The students have demonstrated much more fear, anger and uncertainty this year because of recent political developments, especially the storming of the U.S. Capitol building.”

She believes creating a safe space in her classroom helps calm those fears. “Class discussions must be centered around content so students can develop an understanding of the political factors undergirding each of the recent political developments. The most impactful development upon the students was the Capitol Riot. However, that was just one of the issues we dealt with in class. These political developments included the second impeachment of Donald Trump, the presidential election and the lawsuits by Trump regarding election counts in various states, and Senate runoff elections in Georgia.”

English teacher Ryan Fitzgerald says he rearranged his curriculum a bit this year because “we are unfortunately living in a time when people in our country are experiencing injustice in a way that is impossible to ignore.”

Students usually read Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare followed by Night by Elie Wiesel. This year, Ryan had students read an article about Holocaust Remembrance Day in January and read Night first to tie into International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January.

He says, “We spent most of the time discussing ‘Why is it important that we read about the Holocaust now? What can

4 Pathways • Spring 2021

Ryan Fitzgerald teaches Grade 10 English honors.

we learn from history?’ We discuss all types of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.”

Fitzgerald says his students understand that they are learning in a time where things are less settled than have been in the past. “With the pandemic people feel more uncertain. Many of my students speak about the fact that we need to learn from the mistakes of the past in a way that seems to put them on the same level as adults who discuss this same topic.”

As students reflect on Night, they sometimes express how shocking it is that people were that bad to others during the Holocaust. “I redirect them and ask “Were people really different during WWII? Have people changed that much?”

Fitzgerald says students in his honors class have discussed the apparent genocide happening in China. They also ask “Why did the U.S. wait so long to act in WWII? Why was the Holocaust ignored for as long as it was?”

He says many of his students handle the new political and social challenges by becoming a voice on social media.

Posting videos and articles allows people to make others aware of something that is happening in a way that we never had before. The democratization of social media gives everyone a voice.”

Students had an opportunity to process much of the last year by reflecting on National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, “The Hill We Climb” in Ms. Attia’s AP World History class. The students’ thoughtful reflections can be read on page 5. v

“Merge mercy with might.”

—Amanda Gorman Students in Ms. Attia’s AP World History class reflected on National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, “The Hill We Climb” in February. The students analyzed several lines in the poem including “...But that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge our union with purpose.” and “If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright....” with the thoughtful reflections below.

Jaslyn T. ‘23

“In line 42, Gorman says, “If we merge mercy with might…” This statement can mean to find an understanding in order to fight with power. The idea of mercy is to become compassionate and forgiving towards any concept, while might symbolizes the idea of power. Uniting these two definitions can simply construct the meaning behind this quote by showing the positives when trying to overcome situations. In this case, the American people should forgive the past and try to build newer and better outcomes for the future.”

Jessica U. ‘23

“In this sense to merge mercy with might means to merge power with humility. Instead of being known as a fearful powerful person, you should be known as a strong willful, powerful, and fair leader. A leader that fights for the sake of the people and not for the sake of being talked about or looked at as less than important. To merge mercy with might means knowing when it’s time to fight and when it’s time to reconcile for the benefit of the people. It means to take charge and lead people in the right direction for their sake and the sake a of beautiful and purposeful union.”

Jehona Q. ‘23

What Gorman means when she says “If we merge mercy with might” is that we as a country need to fight with power but also be compassionate and caring to people. When some people think of mercy, they think of being weak and letting people walk over them but what they don’t realize is that you need mercy to fight, to be able to understand and convey their ideas to other people. One example that is shown through this poem is that the American people as a whole should learn from the past and take those lessons and not let history repeat itself. When Gorman brought mercy and might she was trying to convey the thought that people can still be compassionate and use mercy while still fighting for what they believe in.”

Carly N. ‘23 “When Amanda Gorman says “merge mercy with might” she means that just because you’re powerful and have a higher power doesn’t mean you can’t have empathy and understand where people are coming from because it leads to division.

The following line states, “So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.” When talking about merging mercy with might she means merging compassion with strength.”

Ta’Aliyah P. ‘23

“Amanda means in order to fight a good fight one has to have mercy to see the strength of others; mercy, to find compassion for others instead of fighting or shooting. To see people where they are in life. In order to come to an understanding- merging mercy with might creates a good bond so people feel comfortable and it makes compassion a big part of merging the two.”

Azaria P. ‘23

“The difference between striving for a perfect union and striving for a union with a purpose is that if you strive for perfection you aren’t giving yourself a realistic standard for a country because you will never get everyone to agree with you.

When you strive for something with a purpose you have true and deep emotions and meaning behind getting what you so desire. To build an America that has a purpose we can start out with educating others more about the different beliefs of others no matter if it’s racial, political, or sexual differences. In line 43 Amanda Gorman says “let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left” showing how she has a true goal and motivation on how we can improve our country.

Gorman also mentions in line 50 how “every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful” which shows how in order to fight for a country with purpose the people in won’t leave without a fight for equality and a better overall country.”

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SCA ALU MSN AAA E NEWS SCC

Meet Qiana Mickie ‘93

gift forward in my social justice efforts to other vulnerable community members.”

After St. Catharine’s she went to Hampton University, becoming the fourth generation on her Mom’s side of the family to graduate from a historically black college. Armed with a degree in marketing, she initially believed she was ready to join the corporate world.

When she returned to New York City, Qiana found she wanted a different path and as a new mom began working in the not-for-profit sector, first in a charter school and then in food justice. During her decade at Just Food, Qiana worked with farmers and community leaders as a CSA manager, policy & advocacy director and finally as executive director.

Qiana Mickie ‘93 is a voice for food justice. After working in the development field and a decade working with the notfor-profit Just Food in New York City, Qiana has become the founding principal at QJM Multiprise. She says, “I am committed to increasing racial, economic, and environmental equity within our food system, policies and communities.”

She explains, “I consult with businesses to integrate equity within their staffing and operations. I train community members and work with farmers on how to start community food projects like Farmers Markets and CSAs (Community Support Agriculture) or become Community Chefs. I also inform equitable local, state, federal and international policy on issues such as food sovereignty, land stewardship and health.”

The SCA Influence Involved in community work since her days at SCA, Qiana says, “I can see so many ties to my work now from my time at St. Catharine’s. Volunteering with the principal, Dr. Nap, being in the environmental club—these things helped me want to make a difference. Dr. Nap saw something in me that I didn’t even see at that time. He found ways for me to connect to my voice, to speak about the school and speak about my personal experience. I believe I am passing this 6 Pathways • Spring 2021

She says working as a consultant “gives me the opportunity to offer leadership to company executives, build innovative projects and engage policy stakeholders. I can spread my wings. So much needs to continue to change in our society.

I wanted to switch to a position that would help me push equity, social justice, etc., no matter the sector.”

Back in September, she worked with the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway just blocks from SCA. As the special projects consultant for Just Food, she created a connection between the Jewish Community Council and Hawthorne Valley Farm to provide farm fresh food to seniors in need. “It felt full circle to support my Bronx community so close to SCA.” Also sharing her voice in writing, Qiana posted a blog last fall called “Solidarity, Not Charity.” In it, she writes, “As we continue to strive for food sovereignty, we can take active steps now to build solidarity in our food system and shift from charity. Supporting proven regional farmers and stimulating local businesses and job creation, becoming environmental stewards, and leveraging people power within the government to vote as well as advocate for better policies from your elected representatives, and even consider running for office (like community board seats) are all immediate and feasible ways to engage.”

Qiana says she has a reputation for pushing very progressive politics and fostering community leadership. “SCA was an opportunity to find our strength in being a woman in the world. Having a son in my 20s helped me form my choices in my career and engagement. It made me want to be bolder.” v

SCA C L ASSC SCA N AOT E S 1953 Hilda Lugo Macejka writes, “My husband John passed away on October 26, 2020. Our great-granddaughter Mary Evangelina was born in November.

1955 Anne Cronin Davis writes, “Don and I were married 61 years last January. We have four children and eleven grandchildren. Thank God for all the blessings we have received.”

Kathleen Campbell McGrath writes, “Enjoying retirement in a vibrant community.”

1957 Mary Hopkins LaValle writes,

“I have been married to Arthur LaValle for 62 years. We have 7 children, 21 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1989, 32 years after graduation from SCA.”

1958 Dr. Eileen Daly Chusid writes,

“Still working full time as a Research Assistant Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Dean for Pre-Clinical Sciences for NY College of Podiatric Medicine.”

Linda Sparber Spitzer has published several books that can be purchased through Amazon.com. The titles of the books are, Dear Luisa A Daughter Remembers, Tales of the Paper Bag Fairies, Whispers in the Wind, and A Friend in Freezeville.

1960 Nancy Slavin Healy writes, “I have two grandchildren at Holy Cross, one at St. Anselm College, one at Fordham University, one at University of Connecticut, and one at Bryant College.

There are still five grandchildren in high school.”

1961 Kathleen Flynn McAvoy

writes, “Some good news, our youngest daughter Dr. Florence McAvoy and her husband, Ted had a baby girl on September 18, 2020, Kerry Rosina Kennedy. She is my 11th grandchild.”

1962 Lucille Viggiano DiRuocco writes, “I miss all my classmates from ’62. Hopefully, we will get together again after this pandemic. Some good news, my 6th grandchild Andrew James was born on October 10, 2020!”

1964 Janet Capone Delneo writes, “Retired and living in Rhode Island with my husband Gary. Our three kids and their families are all west of the Mississippi! I think fondly of my classmates of SCA.” 1965 Janice Bonanno Imundi shares, “I am so proud that SCA continues to provide such a quality Catholic education to young women in NYC.” 1970 Patricia McLaughlin Ernest writes, “Staying Healthy. Staying strong in faith and hope for 2021!”

Camille Carelli Tizzano shares, “I loved my education at St. Catharine’s. I retired after teaching for 22 years in Catholic School (Gr. 4-8). We are enjoying our five grandchildren. I pray for peace in our world and that everyone remains safe from COVID-19.”

1971 Julia Bergamini Bergeron

writes, “I remember when my mother Elaine Stadtmuller ‘42 went to her 50th reunion. Can’t believe my 50th is coming up!”

Dorothy Berti Dellapina writes, “Wishing my classmates of 1971 a healthy and safe year ahead!”

1972 Hanora Carney Sarro writes, “Our family is well (Thank God). Our daughter Caitlin is in a master’s program in Berlin, Germany. My son Thomas is a special education teacher in Bridgeport, Ct. Hope my SCA family is well and thriving.”

1979 Sadye Rivera Bartolomei writes, “In October 2020, my family held a surprise retirement party for me! After over 30 years working in the social work field in schools and mental health clinics, my family and friends gathered to celebrate my decision to step away from the workforce. Now I am concentrating on taking care of my own family and enjoying the pleasures of a blessed life!”

1993 Nina Lattarulo Esposito writes, “Nina has launched her skincare brand based on the pillars of love, inclusivity, integrity, and honesty. Apollo & Artemis Beauty by Equality will allow your beauty to dwell in your soul and shine on the surfaces!”

1998 Christina Yenchik writes, “We bought a house in November 2019 and moved to Orange County, NY. IN MEMORIAM Laura Rosado Morales September 16, 2019 Mother of Mary V. Rosado ‘68

Veronica Hine McCabe ‘58 December 26, 2019 Ashley Childs-Santos ‘07 April 10, 2020 John Peter Macejka October 26, 2020 Husband of Hilda Lugo Macejka ‘53

Mary Bedell Cotter ‘56 November 27, 2020 Lynne Hardigan Greco ‘66 November 27, 2020 James M. McCarrick December 19, 2020 Brother of Kathleen McCarrick Weiden ’75 and Colette McCarrick Geary ‘78

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