St. Catharine Academy Pathways Summer 2021 (Bronx, NY)

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

St. Catharine Academy

Congratulations to the Class of 2021

The 132nd Graduating Class, June 5, 2021 at Salesian High School, New Rochelle, New York

Summer 2021

MESSAGE from SSCCAA the PRESIDENT

Celebration!

T

by Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62

he first thing that came to mind as I reviewed the draft of this summer edition of Pathways is a song sung by Sisters of Mercy around the world— Celebration by Sr. Dolores Nieratka, RSM. Composed and produced as part of a Mercy global collaborative music project more than 25 years ago, it is now sung at Sister of Mercy Jubilee celebrations worldwide. It begins with this refrain:

Celebration, jubilation, Look at how we’ve come this far!

God has led us to this moment now, Let our spirit sing!

For those of you who read music, here is the score:

Celebration Dolores Nieratka, RSM

REFRAIN

Cel -

come this far! God

Let

bra - tion,

ju - bl la tion,

has led us to this mom - ent

our spit - it

sing!

Look at how we’ve

now,

Through God’s Kind - ness,

These words describe precisely how I felt as we approached the final weeks of the academic year, readying ourselves to enter into the long-standing rituals of transition and celebration which had been suspended due to the pandemic. True, they would be different than pre-pandemic, mindful of social distancing, but we, as an SCA community, were sure we would find a way, and we did!

On May 25, 2021, in the school auditorium, SCA held two separate National Honor Society Induction ceremonies, one for seniors and one for juniors (see P. 6) with each inductee having two guests who sat with her. Two days later, members of the Junior Class received their SCA ring using much the same format. Finally, on June 5th, SCA awarded diplomas to 108 seniors in a joyous celebration on the parking lot of Salesian High School, New Rochelle. The temperature climbed to almost 100 degrees but that did not dampen the enthusiasm and joy of the day.

We are proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2021.

They have received more than $18 million in academic scholarships and grants. Come fall they will begin the next chapter of their lives at such notable colleges and universities as Boston College, Fordham University, Iona College, Manhattan College, St. John’s University, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Stony Brook and many more. Reflections from members of the Class of 2021 are found on Page 3.

As proud as we are of their academic achievements, what makes my spirit sing is that they persevered. It was not easy for many. But with God’s grace, individually and collectively, they prevailed, and can sing with gusto: “Look at how we’ve come this far!”

Class Notes I personally want to thank all those who contributed to this edition of Class Notes. Class Notes are not only an important way for us to stay in touch with our alumnae, they also tell the story of the fabric of an SCA education no matter the decade. Your contributions for this edition, which spanned six decades, illuminate just that. We are so proud of your successes, many of which began at SCA.

In Conclusion The celebrations of 2021 are over. Our eyes are fixed on the coming academic year and welcoming all of our students back. We plan full in-person instruction. With the completion of the lobby and entryway renovation, and the addition of a four-story elevator, we look forward to welcoming the entire SCA community St. Catharine Academy and our neighbors to a fully accessible 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891 • Phone: 718-882-2882 • Fax: 718-231-9099 • www.scahs.org school building. Though we are not quite through with the devastating impact of the pandemic on the Bronx community, Jessica Ruiz Contributing Writers: Photography: Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 Director, Alumnae & we’ve chosen as our 2021-2022 theme, Patrice Athanasidy Provided by SCA and LORS President Family Relations Jessica Ruiz Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM “Alive and Thriving!” The spirit of Design and Layout: Patrice Athanasidy Principal Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 Nanako Inoue Media Associate celebration continues! v

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SCA A FILES S E N I O SRSCC PARO The Class of 2021 collectively has earned more than $18,000,000 in academic scholarships and have also been accepted into 122 colleges and universities. Here are a few members of the Class of 2021.

Safiyah A.

Majoring in Forensic Science, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice How has SCA prepared you for college?

SCA provided many opportunities to earn college credits through AP classes and through St. John’s dual enrollment.

What will you miss the most about SCA? I will miss the friends that I made.

Kianna L.

Majoring in Biology, SUNY Binghamton How has SCA prepared you for college?

SCA gave me the pre-professional push I needed to achieve my goals. It wasn’t until I came to SCA that I realized I could use my voice in the best way possible and evoke change through not only my words but my actions as well. SCA has instilled values in me that I did not think I could attain on my own and with that, I am eternally grateful.

What will you miss the most about SCA? I will miss the environment at SCA.

Sasha S.

Majoring in Biology, Iona College

How has SCA prepared you for college?

SCA has prepared me for college in many ways. To help me grow as an independent student, to provide me with the basic tools that are required to succeed in life. SCA has proven to me that in life you are going to face many challenges, but those challenges will only push you into becoming a better person.

What will you miss the most about SCA? I’m going to miss the faculty and staff, because of all the help and dedication they have provided me throughout my four years of high school. From the little timid girl that I was, SCA has helped me come out of my shell and made me into a social butterfly. When other schools refused to give me the opportunity, SCA welcomed me with open arms. Without the help of SCA, I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have accomplished today. For this reason, I am grateful and honored that I am always going to be a Catharinite.

Thi T.

Majoring in Mathematics, SUNY Binghamton How has SCA prepared you for college?

SCA has prepared me for college through its rigorous classes, such as AP courses, and the academic program that is given to me in the Trustee Scholar Program. The teachers helped me find a balance between academic and social life at SCA, making it easier for me to branch out. SCA’s sense of sisterhood also enabled me to feel empowered, which lead to my desire to contribute my learning abilities in STEM. What will you miss the most about SCA? I will miss my friends and I will miss the teachers that really helped me and advocated for me the most. I will miss the environment of SCA and the indirect sisterhood of my fellow peers that helped me these last four years.

Kayla R.

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Manhattan College

How has SCA prepared you for college?

One of the reasons why I came to SCA is for the STEM Program (Mrs. P’s Robotics Team). Many of the teachers helped me prepare for what I plan to achieve in terms of how I will learn new things, how to interact with others, and how to do my best especially in terms of a stem career and my life career as a whole. SCA has also taught me to be independent, how to do things on my own, and prepared me when it comes to learning new things on my own.

What will you miss the most about SCA? I will miss the robotics team, saying good morning to teachers that have always been kind and helpful throughout the years, being with my friends (even if I will see them in the future), and having a great time in my own way.

Michelle Z.

Majoring in Aerospace Engineering, SUNY University at Buffalo How has SCA prepared you for college?

SCA has made me ready for the workload that I will face in college. Being on the robotics team has also made me enthusiastic about the field I will be studying for the next four years.

What will you miss the most about SCA? I will miss the enthusiasm of my teammates and of our teacher and coach, Ms. P. I will miss competing and sharing this thing I am passionate about with my peers on other teams.

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The 2021 Graduation Awards

Angelina P. The highest award at St. Catharine Academy is known as the Catharinite.

1 2 0 This award is presented to The 2 inite Cathar a young woman who embodies the Award mission of our school through her character, leadership, scholarship and service. The 2021 Catharinite Award was presented to Angelina P..

Alexandra Z. The In Her Footsteps Award recognizes a student whose selfless giving emulates the r e founder of the Sisters of In H ps Footste Mercy, Catherine McAuley. The Award award was presented to Alexandra Z. who has held leadership positions throughout her four years and always volunteered time, whether asked or not.

Jolene V.

The ae Alumn r a Aw d

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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 Jolene V. by her mother, Mercedes Munoz Vasquez,’96.

Summer 2021

GRAa DUAT

TION! CLASS OF 2021

AROUND SSCCAA

Honor Societies Sixty-four students from both the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 were inducted into six honor societies this May after last year’s ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic.

They were inducted into the National Honor Society, which honors students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. Students were also inducted into the English, Social Studies, Spanish, Mathematics, and BETA honor societies.

Ring Day Members of the Class of 2022 and their families, joined in the long tradition of receiving the SCA ring in a ceremony held in the auditorium on May 27, 2021.

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CLASS CCAAE S NSSOT

published several books throughout the years. The book featured, Dear Luisa, A Daughter Remembers can be purchased on amazon.com.

1967 Christine Carlisi Manzi happily retired after teaching Reading, grades 5-8! She writes, “St. Catharine’s was a wonderful experience! My work on the school newspaper gave me the foundation to write and publish my own book a few years ago.

Chick’N Charlie can be purchased on amazon.com.

1971 Mary Spina LoScalzo happily retired after teaching Mathematics grades 7 - 12 for 35 years! “I was inspired to become a math teacher by my wonderful teachers at SCA, Sr. Julia, Sr. Mary Gallagher, Sr. Caroline, and Mrs. Ferraro!

Loved every moment at SCA!” 1974 Carol Giuliano retired after teaching in elementary school. Carol taught for 16 years in catholic schools followed by 22 years in public. “I don’t miss the politics but sometimes I do miss the kids and the actual art of teaching.”

1986 AnnMarie DelliPizzi-Citardi is an Associate Professor of Biology, Honors Program Director, and Health Sciences Program coordinator at Dominican College, Blauvelt, NY. She has been married to Matt Citardi for twenty-eight years and has two children, Dan (25) and Lisa (22).

1987 Evdokia Tsolomytis Kalousis writes that she is blessed to still be teaching Kindergarten at St. Frances de Chantel School, Bronx.

1989 Debra Brookes was promoted to Deputy Virtual Currency Chief at the NYS Department of Financial Services.

Debra is responsible for assisting in regulating virtual currency, including bitcoin, in New York State. She is a former federal prosecutor, US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.

2003 Jessica Perez-Torres is a Health Information Manager in Greenwich, Ct. She and her husband Steve just welcomed their first child, Alessandra in February 2021.

2011 Christie Black, Class of 2021, LMU-CVM (Laboratory Animal Medicine Residencies at the College of Veterinary Medicine), Harrogate, TN, just matched for her residency position with the NYURegeneron Post-doctoral Training Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine.

2014 Leanna Bonanno writes after graduating from SCA, Leanna attended Westchester Community College earning an Associates’s degree in Engineering Science, Civil Engineering. She graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2020. Leanna works as a Project Engineer for the Railroad Construction Company.

Ashlica Malcolm graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in May 2021 and will take the Bar Exam this summer. She has accepted a job offer as an Assistant District Attorney with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office starting in the Fall.

2017 Rebecca Cutino graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nyack College with a degree in communications and broadcasting. She credits SCA’s “News and Views” program for setting her on this career path. Rebecca works at The Apollo Theatre as a production supervisor, booking events and work with stage crews and performers.

2018 Shirley Ni will graduate from CUNY John Jay College in 2022 with a BS degree in Computer Science and Information Security.

She is an intern with Oden Technologies as a Cloud Engineer.

m

IN MEMORIAM Jane Wolfersdorf Cobis ‘42 October 22, 2019 Joan Theresa Donohue Hauke ‘61 January 23, 2020 Jennifer Edwards Bremer ‘70 October 12, 2020 MaryLou Lodi Barile ‘60 December 17, 2020 Concetta Coppola Ferrara ‘62 April 5, 2021 Brendan W. Laide May 14, 2021 Husband of Marie Conway ‘65

m

1958 Linda Sparber Spitzer has

Please remember

St. Catharine Academy in your will.

Our legal title is

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

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Pathways 7

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891

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