St. Catharine’s has a long tradition of family members attending the Academy with moms, daughters, aunts, sisters and cousins all proud to have the same claim to their alma mater. It adds another layer to the SCA family when so many are actually family.
More about Sisters Act: pages 4 & 5
Iam one of four daughters who attended St. Catharine Academy. The first, Marie, started in September 1954, while the last, Eileen, graduated in June 1972. Dorothy ’68 and I were in between. Four sisters, all SCA alumnae, who attended SCA into three decades, and never together. One of us would graduate and the next one would arrive.
Our development office staff began to wonder, “What is it like today for sisters to attend SCA together?” St. Catharine’s has fifteen such families. We decided to ask them. On pages 4 and 5 you will hear from nine sets of siblings, bonded together in family and SCA sisterhood, finding support, encouragement, and hope for one another’s future.
While our “Sister Act” Catharinites describe what it means to learn and grow together, this edition of Pathways also illuminates how one program, our STEM program, enables students to learn and grow into futures they never imagined. On page 3, you will meet three juniors, Brianna, Jasmine, and Laura, who recently participated in Harvard and Princeton University programs in coding and applied mathematics. They are well on their way to applying to colleges and universities with in demand majors in software and mechanical engineering. And, on page 6, you will meet Angelina Persaud ’21 who traveled their same path. Two years later she is a chemical engineering major at Manhattan College while serving as editor of the College’s weekly newspaper. It’s a good read.
Lots of our readers turn to Class Notes for the first read. In the “In Memoriam” section you will see the name, Sr. Elizabeth Marie McCarthy RSM, ’49 (she was Katherine when
Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 President Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Principal Jessica Ruiz Director, Alumnae & Family Relations Kathleen Alston Director of Enrollment Management Patrice Athanasidy Marketing ConsultantContributing
RSM ‘62Dear Alumnae and Friends of St. Catharine Academy, St. Catharine Academy has been a symbol of excellence in Catholic education in New York City
since its founding in 1889. On Tuesday, February 20th, our Board of Trustees voted to extend
Grades 6 to 8 will be located in a discrete part of the school building. We will follow the
this tradition of excellence beyond our current grades 9-12. Effective September 2023, St.
Catharine Academy will offer its quality college preparatory education to girls in grades 6
traditional Catholic school curriculum for grades 6 through 8, with emphasis on developing
through 12, creating the St. Catharine Academy Middle School (6 to 8) along with our high
school.
fundamental skills in reading, math, and science while developing students’ critical thinking and
reasoning skills. At the same time, the students will also enjoy expanded opportunities in STEM,
confirmation.
art, and music, sharing such resources with the high school. All students will have a dedicated
guidance counselor, and dedicated services are available for students with a learning
accommodation. The religious curriculum will open a pathway for students to receive the sacrament of
Sincerely,
When St. Catharine Academy was founded in 1889, it included a grammar school. More than a
century later we are returning to those roots, reimagining how to deliver a Catholic education in
these times. We ask for your prayers and support as we move forward with this new opportunity.
Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Principal
St. Catharine Academy is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the
Americas and is a member of Mercy Education.
she attended SCA). Elizabeth was a pioneer in education, community organizing, and parish ministry. She remained lifelong friends with classmates and was a strong supporter of St. Catharine’s. I share with you the inspiring reflection given at her funeral liturgy.
Finally, I share with you an important upcoming change at SCA. Effective September 1, 2023 St. Catharine Academy will offer a quality college preparatory education, Grades 6-12. Above is a letter sent via email to alumnae and friends, dated February 27, 2023. I ask your prayers and support as we move forward with this new opportunity.❖
St. Catharine Academy students focusing on STEM at St. Catharine Academy often have opportunities outside the classroom as well. Recently several students took part in prestigious programs with Harvard University and Princeton University.
Harvard Student Academies
Brianna R. ‘24 and Jasmine C. ‘24 attended Harvard Student Academies in November. The mission of the Academies is to provide high school students with opportunities that “transcend the classroom topics.” They joined students from around the globe and worked with Harvard undergraduate instructors.
Both students, who are co-captains of the SCA Robotics team, took a twoday intensive Intro to Python Program class. They have already worked with Python coding in the Advanced Robotics class at St. Catharine’s.
“Being selected to participate in the Harvard Student Academies program was an amazing learning experience in which I was able to brush up my knowledge and skills in python programming,” Brianna says. “I’m always looking for programs and opportunities to learn and improve myself in coding and programming, and the HSA program did such a great job at providing that. The instructors were so helpful and the tasks given were able to both refresh and challenge me.”
Calling the opportunity a privilege, Jasmine says, “Within two days, I was capable of enhancing my skills in software and programming. Having kind and patient instructors enabled me to do my best and become more confident, since software engineering is what I wish to pursue in the future.”
Armed with these new skills, the co-captains have led the Robotics Team to three Judges Awards in their first four VEX competitions of the season. According to Sheree Petrignani, STEM teacher and moderator of the team, she heard from Judges that “the team aced their engineering interviews and notebooks and drove flawlessly. They were also extremely impressed with their eight design revisions, knowledge of drive trains, physics, eagle wing expansions, and passion for competing.”
Laura N. ‘24, a junior on the winning robotics team, took part in Princeton University’s W.E.B. Dubois Accelerating Learning Academy program. The program offers a variety of tracks and Laura selected the Applied Mathematics track.
“This workshop overlaps with problem-solving techniques which we use all the time on our robotics team,” she explains. “It helped me understand the importance of math in our life,” Laura says. “During the program, I got a chance to work with others who are older and younger than me and live in different states in the USA. The program helped me get exposed to many topics in STEM, specifically in Applied Mathematics which I did not experience before.”
Laura, who plans to study mechanical engineering in college, says she covered a number of topics including probability, how assumptions and weighted probability lead to biased algorithms used in coding, vertical and horizontal projectile motion, economic models, the mathematics of viral advertising, and the importance of mathematical modeling. “I learned how light contributes to the world of color around us and discovered how different types of energies can be used to do work in our lives, such as heating up food and powering electronics.” She also studied other topics including physics topics and the science-policy of solar energy.
“This prestigious program gave me a new vision and knowledge about math and science. It also gave me a chance to interact with other scholars and to learn from many professors and Ph.D’s.”❖
Mia N. ‘23 and Carly N. ‘23 are very involved in sports at SCA.
This year Mia will join Carly on the softball team. They have worked together keeping score and running the shot clock for the varsity basketball team. Carly is also the manager of both the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams, while Mia was on the varsity team. Carly says, “My mother has always wished she could have gone to SCA but she was never afforded the opportunity. My sister and I are lucky enough to attend SCA and make our mother proud. She is a very proud SCA mom.” Mia concludes, “It’s exciting sharing my high school experience with my twin sister because we get to learn together, make friends and watch each other grow. It feels amazing being part of the SCA Legacy because SCA is a real sisterhood and being able to share the experience with my twin sister is one will never forget.”
Sophia F. ‘25 and Stephanie F. ‘24 are the daughters of Jennifer Timpone Finnin who graduated in 1996. On top of their classes, the sisters take driver’s education after school this year. They both say they are grateful for how much they can count on the other.
Stephanie adds, “It feels good to share my high school experience with my sister because I always have someone to talk to.” Sophia concludes, “It feels great to be a part of the SCA Legacy because my mom had great memories here and I know I will have some great memories too.”
Neabah S. ‘26 and Newone S. ‘23 have an older sister, Yei Mansuo ‘16 who is already an alumna. Newone, who is a member of the choir, is also part of the Film Club and the International Culture Club. “I couldn’t wait for Neabah to come to SCA, because just like me, knew that she would like it,” Newone says. “I get so happy when I see my sister walk past in the hallways sometimes. I just get so excited thinking about what the future has in store for her at SCA! It is an honor to be a part of SCA’s legacy and the Mercy tradition the school upholds. I can leave the school knowing that my sister is in an environment where she belongs, and can do anything her heart desires!” Neabah, who has one class with her sister, says her sister has made the high school transition more comfortable. “I dreamed of coming to SCA ever since the 6th grade,” she says. “Since I’m here, I’m very happy that I got accepted. It’s a pleasure to be in this school! feel welcomed and appreciated.”
Gabriellia M. ‘23 and Daniella M. ‘26 are both part of the BridgeUp scholarship program.
Gabriellia, who is a member of the National Honor Society, says, “My wish for my sister is that unlike me because of Covid, she has the best four years of her high school experience. understand that high school can be stressful, but there are also fun times, and I want her to have them and enjoy them while they last.” Daniella, who is on the Cheer team, says she appreciates her sister’s loyalty. “As a freshman, having a sister to share my high school experience with at SCA is beneficial because she knows how to guide me through my first year. I always go to her for advice when need someone to talk to about school.”
Monika N. ‘24, and Sara N. ‘23 appreciate the ability to support each other at St. Catharine’s. Monika, who is currently a member of the Debate Club and the Book Club, says, “Sharing my high school experience with my sister is helpful and great overall. I admire my sister’s love for me and how she always knows what’s wrong.” Sara says, “It felt nice to share my high school experience with Monika. I was able to guide her from my experiences. My hope is for her to be independent and successful.”
Alexandra B. ‘24 and Paula B. ‘23 do the forensics club and newspaper together. Paula, who is vice president for both clubs, says Alexandra helps her plan and steps in when she is unable to be there.
Alexandra is also on the Drone Team, plays volleyball and is a member of the Coding Club. Paula says, “I admire my sister's passion and hard-working attitude…Her passion and ambition for doing well in school makes me want to work harder.” Alexandra says, “To share my high school experience with my sister is comforting. It made it easier to fit into a new school when I had an older sister attending who made my high school experience better.”
St. Catharine’s has a long tradition of family members attending the Academy with moms, daughters, aunts, sisters and cousins all proud to have the same claim to their alma mater. It adds another layer to the SCA family when so many are actually family.
Meet the current siblings at St. Catharine’s. They all say how proud they are to be part of this 133 year legacy.
Angelina P. ‘26 and Emily P. ‘23 are the daughters of Michelle Baez Perez who graduated in 1994. Michelle says, “As an SCA graduate, I’m extremely honored that my daughters, Emily and Angelina, decided to continue the legacy of attending SCA. The education, the community, and the values that I gained there have carried me beyond high school and I’m proud to see those same attributes now instilled in them.” Freshman Angelina reflects about her sister saying, “I admire how organized Emily is and how she inspires me every day. hope my sister gets into the college she wants and is able to pursue her major in criminal justice/law. It feels good knowing I’m part of a legacy family and there’s much familiarity with SCA.” Emily, who was on the dance team for three years, says. “It feels like I can have someone to relate to in terms of school life and we can bond over experiences and topics about school.”
Angela M. ‘23 and Andrea M. ‘25 are glad to share their high school experience together.
Andrea says, “It feels good to share my high school experience with my sister because I’m not used to being away from her. My hope for my sister is that she gets everything she wants in life.” Angela, who has been part of Student Council, says, “I hope my sister creates more memories with St. Catharine’s like I did. know I will miss this school but my sister will still be here making more SCA memories….I’m very honored to be a part of the SCA legacy because St. Catharine’s really changed my perspective on everything and made me the person I am today.”
Mona O. ‘24 and Lena O. ‘25 have a sister Ayya Omar ‘22 who graduated last year. Mona and Lena are in the Debate Club and International Culture Club together. Mona, who is also part of Campus Ministry says, “I admire that Lena’s confident in herself and outgoing. I hope she enjoys high school as much as she can.” Lena says, “Having to share my high school experience with my sisters makes me feel more comfortable and safe at the school. I feel honored to be part of the SCA legacy so that one day my story might inspire other girls.”
Angelina Persaud ‘21, who was awarded The Catharinite Award at graduation, is making her mark at Manhattan College as an honors student in the chemical engineering department and as a leader on campus. A scholarship member of the College’s weekly newspaper, The Quadrangle, since freshman year, Angelina was recently named News Editor.
Angelina says studying engineering and writing for the paper are not as different as they sound. She would like to write science articles in the future to make science concepts understandable for many and also write for scientific journals.
Now as news editor, she tells stories about all different topics on campus and plans the entire news section of the newspaper each week. “It is more
responsibility,” she says of the new position, having served as assistant news editor last spring. “I feel like I know almost half of the people on campus now.”
As a commuter, Angelina likes being able to connect to so many while she tells the stories of the Riverdale college. She says she interviews faculty and students and also meets experts who come to give lectures and alumni who return to campus. Last spring, she covered the dedication of the Aimee and Michael Kakos ’58 School of Science. Her story included interviews with the director of the capital campaign, dean of science, students in the school of science and the honorees.
Co-captain of the Robotics Team while at St. Catharine’s, Angelina is now active in co-curricular clubs in engineer-
ing. She joined the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). SWE, which was founded in 1950, “provides women an environment in which to achieve success in engineering, both academically and professionally.” AIChE has over 50,000 members in over 100 countries. It is the world's leading organization for chemical engineering professionals. The Manhattan College chapter, chartered in 1963, participates in a number of annual events. Angelina looks forward to joining in activities such as Chem-E-Car Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, as she delves more into her major. She explains that the engineering program lays a foundation in classes for freshmen and as a sophomore she is getting into more complex engineering classes.
“I think this is one of the best decisions I ever made,” Angelina says. “I am so glad I found the chemical engineering department. They are so supportive and always there.” She plans to continue exploring engineering this summer with summer research on campus or an internship. Angelina believes she has these college opportunities because of her time at St. Catharine’s. She was an active member of all the SCA honor societies as well as president of the Women's Empowerment Club and co-captain of the award-winning Robotics Team.
“I tried to put myself out there,” Angelina says. “I found people who encouraged me, especially Mrs. P. [Sheree Petrignani, STEM teacher and robotics moderator]. She saw that leadership in me and gave me harder tasks. Now I can use that experience to apply myself here at Manhattan.”❖
Alumna blends engineering and writing to make the most of her college experience
1955 Barbara Jannotti Barna writes, “I have been married 63 years to the same man, who took me to my SCA prom at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.”
1957 Patricia Melody McMahon wishes everyone a Happy New Year!
1958 Nancy Silvestro Tuccillo writes, “My granddaughter Nicole is now a Physician Assistant Certified and works at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC Cardiology.”
1960 Nancy Slavin Healy shared, “Going on to 80 years old! Will never forget my happy years at SCA!”
Linda Baldante LaVopa writes, “Louis and I were married 61 years on July 16, 2022! We have lived in Maine since April of 1963.”
1961 Barbara Cotter Heber writes, “I love SCA and Sr. Pat.”
1962 Ann Sgrignoli Gerbeth writes, “I really enjoyed our 60th reunion last October. It was very gratifying to see so many alumnae from the Class of ‘62.”
Kay Loftus Lyons wishes her best to Sr. Pat for all you do.
1964 Janet Manco Rooney writes, “Retired at 70 and loving every minute of it.”
1965 Janice Bonanno Imundi shares, “Ron and I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with our family in Disneyland this past May.”
Donna Battista Lioi writes, “My oldest grandchild, Mia Donna is a freshman at Ursuline in New Rochelle.”
Teri Messina shares, “Only have the warmest of memories from my years at SCA. It opened the doors to my interest in higher education and a lifetime career as a psychotherapist. I look back at SCA, my family and friends and smile, Thank You!”
1971 Irene Mary Boyd Gilmore writes, “So enjoyed not once but twice our Class of ‘71 reunions on October 2021 and July 2022.”
1982 Valerie Irick Rainford founder of Elloree Talent Strategies, which advises C-suite executives on best strategies for advancing diverse talent, was recently inducted into the Inclusion Magazine’s 2023 Hall of Fame. She was one of eight inductees. To read the full article scan the QR code.
2010 Lauren Paylor
O’Brien was recognized by the Black Women in Food which recognizes women for their work across the food and beverage industry. To read more about this award and Lauren’s accomplishments scan the QR code.
2020 Anabel Nolasco is in a 5th year program (BA and MS) that she’ll complete in 4 years thanks to the AP’s she took at SCA. She’ll get her BA in June in computer science with a concentration in game development and begin the MS in the fall at Iona University.
2022 Jessica DiBattista made the Dean’s List for her first semester at Manhattanville College.
m m Multi-Year Reunion for the Classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008. Saturday, September 30, 2023
Eileen Lang Garvelli ‘60
March 17, 2022
Elizabeth Maguire Rice ‘45
September 8, 2022
Margaret Lewis Osder ‘50
2005 Nicole McGee is the new Executive Chef at American Yacht Club in Rye.
Save the Date! Please remember St. Catharine Academy in your will. Our legal title is St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, New York 10469
November 14, 2022
Mary Jane Russo Heffernan ‘65 November 17, 2022
Susan E. Alexion ‘59 January 30, 2023
Sr. Elizabeth McCarthy, RSM ‘49 February 13, 2023
Candice S. Peterson ‘75 February 13, 2023
Desiree Pabon ‘09 February 20, 2023
Mark Sutter
March 6, 2023
St. C atharine A cademy
2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891
www.scahs.org
Address Service Requested
The Higher Achievement Program at St. Catharine Academy is an immersive one of a kind 3 week program targeted at preparing girls entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS).
The Higher Achievement Program at St. Catharine Academy is an immersive one of a kind 3 week program targeted at preparing girls entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS).
Over the course of the program, students will be exposed to the testing format, test-taking strategies, and area-specific content in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Over the course of the program, students will be exposed to the testing format, test-taking strategies, and area-specific content in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Program participants will also be introduced to the high school environment, SCA’s STEM Lab and Robotics program, and a variety of extracurricular activities that puts them on a pathway towards achieving their unique potential.
Program participants will also be introduced to the high school environment, SCA’s STEM Lab and Robotics program, and a variety of extracurricular activities that puts them on a pathway towards achieving their unique potential.
July 10 – July 28
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cost: $500
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.