A Publication for the Alumnae, Parents and Friends of St. Catharine Academy
Summer 2022
Congratulations to our Legacy Families and our Graduates from the
Class of 2022!
Save the Date—October 15th—Reunion for the Classes ending in ‘2 and ‘7
MESSAGE from SSCCAA the PRESIDENT
We have lots to celebrate! by Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62
I
ndeed, we do! This summer edition of Pathways is dedicated to the Class of 2022. Their high school experience is shaped by the pandemic. Yet, as a class, they emerged as resilient young women. They discovered many opportunities for growth in the virtual forum and took advantage. Students looking to advance in the STEM field come to mind. Therefore, permit me to begin my message by highlighting some of the accomplishments of the 133rd graduating class of St. Catharine Academy. • 109 graduates topped a record breaking $36 million in college academic scholarships and grants. We applaud C’22’s 100% college acceptance rate. • The Class of 2022 was accepted to over 125 colleges and universities and will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, Barnard College of Columbia University, Fordham University including Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, Pratt Institute, School of Architecture, Manhattan College, School of Engineering, Boston University, George Washington University, and many, many more.
• C’22 includes 15 legacy graduates whose mothers, aunt, or sisters are all Catharinites. • These 109 young women compiled more than 30,000 service hours, demonstrating their commitment to live out our Catholic Mercy tradition. • 1 Catharinite signed to play a sport at the collegiate level beginning next school year. Jessica Carter will play basketball at St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, a Division III school. • Valedictorian Doris Prela was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the National Beta Scholarship Program, one of 252 National Scholarship recipients from more than 2,900 applications, while Salutatorian Ayya Omar earned the $2,000
Senior Scholarship from the Architect, Construction Management and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program at Manhattan College for her team’s project “Tackling Homelessness” using architecture and engineering to create 3D homes for the homeless who suffer from mental illness, are in need of counseling and motivation, or who struggle with addiction. The accomplishments of the senior class are mirrored in the overall achievements of the entire student body. Our mission is to educate young women, in the Mercy tradition, for college success, leadership, and engagement in the world community. One place where leadership is learned and fostered is in sports. Regardless of the sport, athletics is where young women learn teamwork, goal-setting, pursuit of excellence, and respect for self and others. We are especially proud of our sports teams’ achievements and congratulate our athletes and their coaches: • Varsity Cheer: 10th in the Nation in their non-tumbling division after a two-year pandemic hiatus. • Varsity Volleyball: Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Tier 2 Division Champions. • Varsity Basketball: CHSAA B Division regular season champions as well as Archdiocesan and NYC champions. • Varsity Softball: Finalists in the CHSAA Tier 2 Division. Finally, SCA completed a multi-year renovation which focused on student-centered enhancements including a new entryway and lobby, handicap accessibility, digital surveillance technology and securing the school from outside intruders. On May 5, 2022, Timothy Cardinal Dolan visited SCA to bless and dedicate the renovated spaces.
Yes, as we close the book on the 2021-2022 school year, I am forever grateful to our dedicated administration, faculty, staff, students and their families for the fruit of their dedication is evident. I St. Catharine Academy am grateful to our alumnae and friends 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891 • Phone: 718-882-2882 • Fax: 718-231-9099 • www.scahs.org whose support of SCA makes an SCA education possible. May the summer be Photography: Jessica Ruiz Contributing Writers: Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 LORS Director, Alumnae & a time of rest and rejuvenation. SeptemPatrice Athanasidy President Family Relations Peter Schuber Jessica Ruiz Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM ber is just around the corner! v Patrice Athanasidy Design and Layout: Principal Marketing Consultant
2 Pathways
•
Summerr 2022
Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62
Nanako Inoue
SCA SSCCCACAE S S S TO R I E S STUDENT SU
Naomi W. ’23, a junior, recently participated in the West Point Summer Leaders Experience. The highly competitive one-week immersion program included experiencing the academic, military and social life of a cadet. “I have always been interested in national service since my dad is a former Marine,” Naomi says. “I think this experience helped me grow in learning about different perspectives and knowing that there are other ways that Naomi W. ’23 people view things. This program hosted students from participated in West Point Summer all 50 states and even some international. Talking with Leaders Experience people from different areas of the world than what you are used to is really helpful in gaining more knowledge and un-
Ariana C. ‘22, is one of of only five students selected as a Wallace Augustus Rayfield Scholar by Pratt Institute this year. The scholarship is intended to further diversity across Pratt’s undergraduate and graduate programs. The Pratt President’s Wallace Augustus Rayfield Scholarships are named in honor of one of Pratt’s first Black alumni, Wallace Augustus Rayfield, who graduated in 1889 and was only the second formally educated African American architect to practice in the United States. The scholarship includes full tuition, fees, room and board, as well as a stipend for supplies, books, laptop and transportation. “This scholarship is an amazing honor to receive,” Ariana says. “I am extremely grateful to be able to continue
Naomi, who is an Our Lady of Victory (Mount Vernon) graduate, is a leader at SCA. She has been junior class president and was recently elected Student Body President. A well rounded student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and works on the Yearbook. Naomi is also a member of the nationally ranked SCA cheerleading team. Outside of school, Naomi volunteers as a coach for a youth track team. Looking toward senior year, Naomi wants to enjoy the little things in high school and create lasting memories with her friends.
Wallace Augustus Rayfield’s legacy and study at his alma mater, Pratt Institute. African-Americans have been historically underrepresented in many fields but especially architecture. This scholarship will allow me to make my mark on the architecture world and increase diversity. With this opportunity I hope I can open doors for others who look like me as well.” Art teacher Deborah Ross says, “I am so excited that Ariana has been given this well deserved opportunity to attend Pratt School of Architecture. She consistently demonstrates originality, perseverance and very creative problem-solving abilities. She is never afraid to challenge herself.”
Doris P. ‘22, who was valedictorian at this year’s graduation, was awarded the New York State National Beta Scholarship and became a semi-finalist at the national level. She earned $1,000 as one of 252 recipients around the nation. There were more than 2,900 applicants this year.
Doris P. ‘22 wins NYS Beta Award
derstanding parts of life that you may not be exposed to.”
“Our influential projects within the Robotics club, inspired by Ms. P. have inspired me and my teammates to work towards solving present-day environmental problems impacting people across the country,” Doris says. “Our previous projects include creating an app through which people can test their water as they travel to new territories to prevent illnesses. Our goal this year is to tackle natural disasters like fires and floods through the creation and design of a water irrigation system that collects rain
Ariana C. ‘22 selected as a Wallace Augustus Rayfield Scholar by Pratt Institute
water, and through the use of a powerful motor which generates movement to sprinkle water across territories.” Deeply passionate about architecture, Doris is a member of Team 21 of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor program. This year, the team’s goal is the redesigning of the ferry terminal near Battery Park. “We are focusing on making the terminal more efficient, creating spaces for people to navigate in, supporting families, allowing spaces for observatories, making the embarking more efficient and maximizing views. We are also passionate about creating a building that is aesthetically pleasing and can become a vibrant attraction for people living in New York but also tourists that are constantly attracted to the city’s beauty.” Summer 2022
•
Pathways 3
SCA SSC N ECA W AS
Blessing and Building Dedication On May 5, the Blessing and Building Dedication celebrated the culmination of SCA’s capital campaign which enabled St. Catharine Academy to make its first major building update since it came to the Bronx in 1953. The building renovations create a school handicap-accessible regardless of physical disability and more secure for all. His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez ’99, Sister Patricia Vetrano, RSM, Representative of the Sisters of Mercy and Architect Ernest Harris Architects, P.C. were among the dignitaries joining the dedication. The dedication included a Ribbon Cutting outside the new grand entrance and blessings of a number of locations within the building including the chapel, the STEM lab, and Higher Achievement classroom. Guests, including many who were donors to the Capital Campaign for the renovations, had an opportunity to tour the building and gather in the Great Hall to meet with the dignitaries and SCA community. v
4 Pathways
•
Summer 2022
SCA SSC N ECA W AS
Graduation Highlights and Recognitions
Miracle Lynn B. Catharinite Award
Marina C. In Her Footsteps Award
Giovanna V. Alumnae Award
T
he highest award at St. Catharine Academy is known as the Catharinite Award. This award is presented to a young woman who embodies the mission of our school through her character, leadership, scholarship and service. The 2022 Catharinite Award was presented to Miracle Lynn B. The In Her Footsteps Award recognizes a student whose selfless giving emulates the founder of the Sisters of Mercy,
Doris P. Valedictorian
Ayya O. Salutatorian
Catherine McAuley. The award was presented to Marina C. who has held leadership positions throughout her four years and always volunteered time, whether asked or not. The Alumnae Award which recognizes school service, leadership and contributions to the spirit and growth of the community of St. Catharine Academy was presented to Giovanna V. v
Summer 2022
•
Pathways 5
SCA NEWS
SSCCAA
Amanda Guzman, Ph.D. ‘07 guest speaker at the Induction of National Honor Societies Students were inducted into six honor societies, including the National Honor Society, in May at Honors Night. Amanda Guzman, Ph.D. ‘07, assistant professor of anthropology at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, and an anthropological archaeologist, was the guest speaker for the evening. The National Honor Society honors students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Students were also inducted into the National English Honor Society; Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta, the Math Honor Society; Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, the Spanish Honor Society; and the National Beta Club. Amanda told the students, “Remember to: Walk forward together—in communities that you join, that you care for, and that you build. Walk forward together—to continue to authorize your presence in academic spaces with the self-validation that you in so many ways that matter, have already succeeded. Walk forward together - unapologetically proud of who you are, where you come from and what you already know.” Reflecting on the evening she said, “It was powerful to both see all the new physical transformations to the SCA building and education, while observing that our ongoing contemporary challenges have not diminished the strength of unique connection between the students and within the community of learning.” Amanda earned her doctorate in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. She specializes in the field of museum anthropology with a focus on the history of collecting and exhibiting Puerto Rico at the intersection of issues of intercultural representation and national identity formation. Amanda serves on the Board of Directors for the Pre-Columbian Society of New York, as an Innovative Cultural Advocacy Fellowship Mentor for the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, and a Bronx Council on the Arts grant panelist. v
6 Pathways
•
Summerr 2022
C L A S S N OT E S 1956 Sheila O’Rourke Venner
shares, “Living the good life. I have ten grandchildren and four greatgrandkids.”
1957 Mary Hopkins LaValle writes,
“Retired from a career in finance. Married for 64 years to Arthur LaValle and we have 7 children, 25 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.”
1962 Eileen Farrell Donohue writes, “Greetings to the Class of ‘62. Still working and enjoying my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
Diane Valentino Romagnoli has been married to her husband Nick for 57 years. They have one son and two wonderful granddaughters, 23 & 20 years old. “Life is good to us.”
1963 Patricia McQuade Koors is
a pediatrician at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx where she has practiced for 50 years. She has also become an advocate for raising awareness of aortic aneurysms after the death of her son, Paul D. Koors, M.D., in 2018. She and her husband, Paul, have formed a foundation in their son’s memory to promote awareness, and Montefiore has opened the Paul Koors, M.D. Memorial Aortic Clinic. If you are interested in more information email koorsaorticclinic@montefiore.org.
1964 Maureen Murphy Mason
writes, “A blessing to remain connected with SCA.”
1965 Donna Battista Lioi writes,
“My oldest grandchild will be attending The Ursuline School in September. My husband and I are celebrating our 52nd anniversary in June.”
SCA
C L A SSSCCANAOT E S
top female attorney in Super Lawyers, New York Metro, Top Women Selected 2021. Her primary area of practice is Bankruptcy/Business. Wanda is a member of Borges & Associates, Syosset, New York.
1970 Patricia McLaughlin Ernest
writes, “Last August 2021, we welcomed our fourth grandbaby—Lillian Catherine into our family joining her 5 year-old sister Isabella Margaret and cousins 17 year-old Liam, and 14 yearold Colin. We are blessed.”
1971 Irene Boyd Gilmore shares, “I
had the most wonderful time at the reunion back in October. I immediately picked up where I left off with my classmates. I always knew SCA’s profound effect on me, and this reunion just reinforced that feeling. The school looks amazing, so very proud and blessed to be a Catharinite.”
back to college and graduated as a Medical Administrative Assistant. I also have an Associate Degree from Bronx Community College in Early Child Care. I have a beautiful 17 year-old daughter and I am the President of the Parent Association at Lehman High School for two school terms.”
2010 Renee Gaillard writes, “As of
September 2021, I moved to London, the UK, to pursue my Masters in Library Science at City, the University of London through October 2022. In Spring/Summer 2023, I plan to permanently return to the US and use my youth work background and degree to work as a teen librarian. I’ve been documenting parts of my journey here: www.reneeisto.com/london.” Lauren Paylor married Dennis O’Brien on March 12, 2022. Lauren and Dennis had been dating since October 2014.
1973 Andrea Reid Olivera retired
2000 Lisa Elezovic Camaj writes,
2002 Precious Love
shares, “I worked for over 17 years as a transportation clerk at Modell’s Sporting Goods. Due to the pandemic, I lost my job but I kept my faith in Jesus and went
IN MEMORIAM Carole Vilardo ‘58 December 5, 2021 Mary Peters December 23, 2021 Mother of Danielle Peters ‘18 Mary Anne Lavery Cobb ‘46 January 27, 2022 Linda Zaccarello Roffi ‘71 January 31, 2022 Catherine Schaefer Iturrino ‘68 February 12, 2022 Domenica Attinello February 20, 2022 * Mother of Dolores Attinello Piergentile ‘70, Roseann Attinello Scaffiddi ‘72, and grandmother of Jennifer Piergentile ‘99 Maureen Thersea Flynn Koeltl ‘60 May 8, 2022 Sister of Kathleen Flynn McAvoy ‘61 Eileen Donohue Ricci ‘65 June 6, 2022 Sister of Mary (Sr. M. Sharon) Donohue ‘57
in January 2021 and became a grandmother in July 2021. “I’m married to my husband, Anthony Camaj for the past 5 years and we have two daughters, Alessandra (3 years old) and Michelle (1 year old). I work as a school psychologist for the NYC Department of Education.
m
Rosanna Fragola Farzi ‘89 June 10, 2022
2018 Melanie
Dr. Patricia Ridge Wilkinson ‘57 June 13, 2022
Crisol graduated Cum Laude from Macauley Honors Lehman College with a B.A. in Psychology.
Robert W. Buckingham June 18, 2022 Husband of Adrienne Clemente Buckingham ‘61 Josephine Calvaruso ‘88 June 27, 2022
Add your Class Note!
*Previously printed in the last edition of Pathways with the incorrect date.
m
1968 Wanda Borges was listed as a
Summer 2022
•
Pathways 7
St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891
www.scahs.org
Address Service Requested
St. Catharine Academy is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and is a member of the Mercy Education System of the Americas, Inc.
B
Class of 2022 - Acceptances to College and Universities
B
The Class of 2022 has been accepted to over 125 colleges and universities and received $36 million in academic scholarships and grants. *Indicates scholarship(s) awarded.
Adelphi University *
CUNY/LaGuardia Community College Husson University *
Morgan State University *
Southern New Hampshire University
SUNY/Stony Brook *
Barnard College/Columbia University *
CUNY/Lehman College
Iona College *
Mount Saint Mary College *
St. Bonaventure University *
SUNY/University at Buffalo *
CUNY/Medgar Evers College
Ithaca College *
Nazareth College *
St. John’s University *
Barry University *
CUNY/Queens College
Johnson & Wales University *
New York Institute of Technology *
St. Joseph’s College *
SUNY/Westchester Community College
Bloomfield College *
CUNY/Queensborough Community College
LaSalle University *
New York University *
St. Leo University *
Syracuse University *
Norfolk State University
St. Petersburg College
Temple University
Nova Southeastern University *
St. Thomas Aquinas College *
The College of Saint Rose
Pace University *
Stevens Institute of Technology *
The Culinary Institute of America
Palm Beach Atlantic University
SUNY/Albany *
The George Washington University *
Pennsylvania State University
SUNY/Alfred
Thomas Jefferson University *
Penn State -Scranton
SUNY/Binghamton *
University of Connecticut *
Pratt Institute *
SUNY/Brockport
University of Hartford *
Quinnipiac University *
SUNY/Buffalo State College *
University of New Haven *
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute *
SUNY/Cortland
University of Tampa *
Rockland Community College
SUNY/Delhi
University of Pennsylvania *
Rochester Institute of Technology *
SUNY/Geneseo
University of Scranton *
Rowan University * Sacred Heart University *
SUNY/Herkimer Community College Utica College * Vaughn College * SUNY/New Paltz *
Saint Joseph’s University
SUNY/Old Westbury
Virginia Commonwealth University
Seton Hall University *
SUNY/Oneonta *
Wentworth Institute of Technology *
Siena College *
SUNY/Oswego *
West Virginia University
Boston University * Bowie State University Bryant University * Canisius College * Cazenovia College * Central Connecticut State University College of Mount Saint Vincent * College of St. Rose * CUNY/Baruch College CUNY/Bronx Community College CUNY/City College Macaulay Honors College CUNY/College of Staten Island CUNY/Hostos Community College CUNY/Hunter College CUNY/John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Le Moyne College * CUNY/The Bernard and Lincoln University * Anne Spitzer School of Architecture Long Island University Brooklyn CUNY/York College Long Island University * Delaware State University * Louisiana State University Dominican College * Loyola University * Drexel University * Lynn University * Emory University * Manhattan College * Flagler College * Manhattanville College * Florida Gulf Coast Marist College * Fordham University * Marymount Manhattan College * George Mason University Mercy College * Hampton University * Mercyhurst University * Hartwick College * Meredith College * Hillsborough Community College Molloy College * Hofstra University * Montclair State University * Howard University * Moore College of Art & Design
Southern Connecticut State University SUNY/Plattsburgh *
B
B