SCA Pathways Winter 2022

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

Winter 2022

What makes SCA unique, is the diversity of its community!

Meet the IDEA Council on Page 5

MESSAGE from SSCCAA the PRESIDENT

Hope and Promise

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elcome to our Winter edition of Pathways. I like to think of it as an explosion of stories of hope and promise.

Our cover introduces you to the St. Catharine Academy of today. It was created by SCA’s Council for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) whose purpose is to explore and create a new structure for SCA to engage issues of race, diversity and inclusion in a more meaningful way. They carefully selected the quote from the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as it captures their daily experience of SCA: “We may have different religions, different coloured skin, but all belong to the same human race.”

To better understand our community, the IDEA Council polled the student body asking them to self-describe their ethnicity. One-third of the students responded. From this sampling we learned that our students represent five continents—Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America—and represent at least 41 different countries. The SCA of 2022 is an international, intercultural, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith community. Diversity is our strength. It is also a challenge. I count it as a blessing. To learn more about the IDEA Council’s hope for SCA, please read more on page 5.

Milestone Gift Often the difference between a student attending SCA, or graduating, is the availability and access to financial aid. This has been true from the very beginning as many alumnae can attest. Today, more than 60% of the SCA student body receive a tuition discount.

by Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 Valerie Saputo Puglisi ’68 has long been a steadfast supporter of SCA with generous gifts directed toward tuition assistance.

However, at Christmas, and in anticipation of her 55th anniversary in 2023, Valerie made an historic $1 million gift to establish the Valerie Saputo Puglisi ’68 Scholars Program which will provide 75% financial aid, and hope and promise, to seven SCA students annually. What sets Valerie’s gift of financial aid apart from any other such gift is its uniqueness.

Recipients of the Valerie Saputo Puglisi ’68 scholarship will sign a letter acknowledging their responsibility to support future Catharinites if their eventual financial position permits (see p. 3). Valerie’s example is inspirational. Hopefully, others will consider joining her transformational giving.

Victory Laps When obstacles are put in their way, Nicole Pennacchia Sallustio ’00 and Marjorie Velazquez ’99, have something in common. They are passionate, goal-driven, dedicated women who find a way through. For Nicole, who has coached SCA’s Varsity Cheerleading team since 2000, her goal was to rank in the top tier in the National High School Cheerleading Championship after a two-year break because of the pandemic. For Marjorie, it’s about creating change through serving in elected office. St. Catharine’s congratulates Nicole and Marjorie on achieving their goals. The SCA Varsity Cheer team achieved 10th place ranking on the National level. Marjorie was elected in November 2021 to the NYC City Council serving District 13, SCA’s district. To read more about their hopes, see pages 4 and 6.

In Conclusion As I reread the articles in this Pathways I was struck by how often the word “hope” appears. “My hope.” “I hope.” Not pie in the sky hope without a plan.

St. Catharine Academy Rather, hope which gives rise to action.

2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891 • Phone: 718-882-2882 • Fax: 718-231-9099 • www.scahs.org When you put all of the stories together, they speak of hope for a better Photography: world and women who are committed Jessica Ruiz Contributing Writers: Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 LORS Director, Alumnae & Patrice Athanasidy President to making that happen. We are so forFamily Relations Peter Schuber Jessica Ruiz Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Patrice Athanasidy Design and Layout: Principal tunate to know them. v Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 Marketing Consultant Nanako Inoue

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SCA CAA A ROSUSCN D SCA

Alumna Valerie Saputo Puglisi ’68 gives milestone gift to St. Catharine Academy for scholarships

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alerie Saputo Puglisi ‘68, a long-time supporter of St. Catharine Academy, presented SCA with a magnificent Christmas gift. In anticipation of her 55th reunion in 2023, Valerie made a $1 million gift, the largest single gift in the 132-year history of St. Catharine Academy. With this gift, Valerie has initiated the Valerie Saputo Puglisi ‘68 Scholars Program, a unique effort to make a St. Catharine Academy education possible for those with demonstrated financial need while inspiring multi-generational giving.

“Valerie has never hesitated in being extraordinarily generous to St. Catharine’s,” says Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM, St. Catharine Academy President. “Her steadfast support in gifts for financial aid over many years, as well as major gifts to SCA’s first ever capital campaign, are a testament to the meaning and value of a St. Catharine Academy education.”

The Valerie Saputo Puglisi ‘68 Scholars Program will provide 75% financial aid to seven SCA students annually.

Students will begin receiving aid in the 2022-2023 school year.

A unique feature of the program is that it includes an acknowledgement by student recipients that they have a responsibility, if their eventual financial position permits them to do so, to help future Catharinites.

This understanding of a long-term commitment to financially support St. Catharine Academy in a meaningful way is meant to inspire an ongoing, multi-generational effort to provide an SCA education for students in need.

Each Saputo Puglisi Scholar will be asked to sign a letter reflecting her understanding of the scholarship and her future financial responsibility to support future Catharinites.

Valerie has kept in touch with classmates over the years and always enjoys gathering for reunions. She says when the story about the scholarship was printed in Catholic New York, she heard from a number of classmates.

“I got so many compliments from my fellows.”

Valerie looks back at her years at St. Catharine’s fondly. A cheerleader for three years, she says being a member of the team was vigorous. She truly appreciates what SCA’s Cheer teams are doing today to rank on the national level.

“It is my hope” says Valerie, “that the Valerie Saputo Puglisi ‘68 Scholars Program can lay the framework for St. Catharine Academy students in the coming years to be successful—and ultimately continue this tradition of impactful gift-giving for future generations of Catharinites. I want to encourage others to pay it forward after graduating from college.” v

She says SCA has always had great teachers. She enjoyed her classes and especially geometry and algebra. “I had a ball at SCA,” she says. “I loved it. I loved my four years.”

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Valerie, who has been a regular donor, says her husband provoked her to make the gift value of $1 million. She also credits Sr. Pat. “She is energized. God bless her for what she is doing,” Valerie says. “She has the energy and the foresight of being a wonderful woman and nun. And she always appreciates everything.”

Save the Date!

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Multi-Year Reunion for the Classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017.

Saturday, October 15, 2022 Winter 2022

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SCA Cheer teams show dedication and teamwork year after year

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he Cheer teams at St. Catharine Academy have been the little teams that could for nearly two decades and 2022 continued the trend. By the end of Nationals in Florida, the Varsity ranked 10th in the nation and the JV had a strong showing in the semi-finals.

Ranked nationally for more than a dozen years, the teams have competed against schools with larger populations and experienced cheerleaders from a younger age. The one constant at SCA? Nicole Pennacchia Sallustio ‘00.

“Being ranked top 10 in the country never felt sweeter.” Nicole says.

“This ranking is a symbol of the determination to recover from the time taken from us due to the pandemic.

It was so amazing to see the girls take

the floor once again at nationals and become finalists. Being able to remain consistent after such a huge setback is all we could ever ask for.”

Nicole began her connection with St. Catharine’s cheer team as a cheerleader for her four years at St. Catharine’s.

At that time, they were a typical team competing in the Bronx. Her coach, Ms. Takacs, she says, gave her the love for the sport.

When Nicole was a freshman in college, SCA was looking for a new cheer coach and asked Nicole to become coach.

Nicole has been the coach ever since.

She says the teams could not have gotten to where they are today without the support of many. When she began as coach, the teams could be found doing tryouts in the Rose Garden and practices on the third floor. She credits Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM, principal, with giving the cheer teams time in the gym to work on their routines.

Nicole has set goals for her teams throughout her tenure as coach.

She began with working to have St. Catharine’s teams compete earlier in the season. She also wanted to reach nationals, an accomplishment her first group of freshmen were able to achieve by the time they were seniors. The 2022 season marked the teams 18th Nationals. The only time they missed was during Covid.

Once at Nationals, the goals began again. Nicole says her teams always prove they deserve to compete

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Nicole Pennacchia Sallustio ‘00

on the national level. After gaining Nationals experience, they began reaching the semifinals. Once they began reaching the finals, at least one St. Catharine’s team has been in the finals every year. The Varsity competing in the toughest division in the nation has received Bronze medals in 2015 and 2018. The JV earned white jackets in 2016 and 2018. The white satin jacket is a symbol of being a National champion on the high school level.

Nicole says cheer builds more than pyramids. “I love the sport,” Nicole says. “I love what it gives to the girls.

It teaches life skills, how to be a good teammate, how to be dedicated. It teaches how to handle defeat and disappointment and how to win humbly.”

Beyond the mat, Nicole says, “I feel like there is a lesson they take from the journey. Seeing their growth from freshman year to senior year as a person, it sets them up for life.”

Cheer at SCA does not end upon graduation. Many cheerleaders stay in touch with Nicole and each other. She says it is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching to know these young ladies throughout their lives. v

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Meet the IDEA Council

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t. Catharine Academy created a new club to explore and create a new structure for the school to engage issues of race, diversity, and inclusion in a deeper and more meaningful way. The IDEA Council (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability), moderated by Kathleen Alston, director of enrollment management, is delighted to be a part of such meaningful change.

“SCA is truly a diverse community that I am proud to be a part of,” she says.

“We love and respect each other for having our own thoughts, opinions, and being unique. When the pandemic hit and the death of not only George Floyd but countless deaths in the African American community and xenophobia against People of Color happened, we realized there was room for more education and improvement in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. As the moderator, I

want to help create a safe space where not only my council members but the whole SCA community can feel welcomed, heard, and can have honest and courageous conversations about inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.”

One of their first projects was to create a slideshow which highlighted the many ethnicities of the students. It was displayed on the large screen television in the lobby for all to see as they entered and exited the building.

“I feel the IDEA Council has accomplished acknowledging the different ethnicities that are part of the SCA community,” says Abigail D. ‘24. “Students from many different backgrounds attend this school. The slideshow lets students know they are noticed. I think it was a great way to start off, letting students know that we’re here to make an impact at SCA.”

Who are we?

St. Catharine Academy is made up of students who are: African American/Black American Albanian Antiguan Asian Brazilian British Caribbean Colombian Cuban Dominican Ecuadorian Filipino

Fulani German Ghanaian Greek Guatemalan Guyanese Haitian Hispanic Indian Irish Italian Jamaican Jamaican Maroon Latina

Liberian Mexican Middle Eastern Montenegrin Native American Nigerian Pakistani Portuguese Puerto Rican Russian Salvadoran Sierra Leonean Vietnamese Yemeni

*Data is based off responses received from students by November 24, 2021.

”I hope the Council accomplishes creating a diverse community that will bring our students, faculty, and staff together in a positive, inclusive way,” says Miracle Lynn B. ‘22. “In terms of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, I believe that SCA is one of the schools that values diversity and inclusiveness in the classroom…Change begins with one step, and if we can give our time to promoting diversity in our school, we are setting an example to other schools, and giving into a solution that will help provide inclusion over time.”

Eonyla G. ‘24 also considers change to be an ongoing process. “There’s already a lot of diversity, equity and inclusion at SCA,” she says. “I absolutely see myself as a part of this change, not a lot but just enough to notice the changes I help make with the other members.”

Jaslyn ‘22 pointed out that a large portion of the school’s population is Hispanic, but they come from a number of different countries. “Many students are unaware of how diverse we are,” she says, explaining that each of the Hispanic countries have unique cultures.

She says it is also an important step for St. Catharine’s because it shows that the school is open to change and listening to students. “St. Catharine could become a leader and help influence other schools.”

Abigail concludes, “The fact that they embraced creating this club makes me more appreciative of myself. I don’t feel alone.” v

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SCA CCAPARO F I L E A LU M NSSA

Alumna Joins City Council to Create Change

By Patrice Athanasidy

Marjorie Velazquez ’99 was recently sworn in as the representative of New York City’s City Council.

Representing District 13 in the Bronx, Marjorie recently served Community Board 10 on the executive board as chair of the Municipal Services Committee. She was formerly treasurer.

As she begins her new role on the City Council, Marjorie says, “My hope is to create more equity in our healthcare system. In the Bronx, women particularly women of color suffer from the highest rates of maternal morbidity. My hope is to deliver a women’s health clinic to our community to address this and many other health issues we, as women, experience.”

“As an adult, I understood how much of a challenge the American Dream really is and how it’s on all of us to help each other to create and support the opportunities to achieve this dream.”

A native of the Bronx, Marjorie says she watched her parents, who came to New York from Puerto Rico, work hard to support their family. “As an adult, I understood how much of a challenge the American Dream really is and how it’s on all of us to help each other to create and support the opportunities to achieve this dream,” she says.

As a student at St. Catharine’s, Marjorie was very involved. A member of La Sociedad Latina, she also counts playing soccer and flag football among her favorite activities.

Marjorie also considers her classmates some of her closest friends to this day. “The Class of ‘99 went through some difficult moments and it was folks like Sister Dee that held us together,” she says.

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Upon graduation, Marjorie became a student at New York University. “Growing up my parents instilled in me a life of service and the responsibility of taking care of one another,” she says.

“My dreams were to become a lawyer and represent folks who are underserved.

Interestingly enough, while my dreams were to interpret laws for the underserved, now I will have the ability to create laws.”

She had a series of horrific accidents which left her temporarily disabled and keenly aware of the issues with healthcare and insurance. “My accidents and subsequent battles with insurance companies led me to find my voice and helped to fight for others and make sure that everyone could have access to great care….It led me to see that the fight didn’t just end with better healthcare but making sure that there was better quality transportation, education, and other opportunities for our community that has often been ignored.”

Referring to her accidents and recovery, Marjorie says, “I also want to highlight that time in my life as a reminder to anyone who is going through any difficulty whether it’s physical or emotional or what have you, that regardless of how low you may feel there are better days ahead, and that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible.” v

SCA

C L A SSSCCANAOT E S 1951 Michele Keating Brosnan

blessed with 6 grandchildren ranging in age from 17 to 1 years old. Best wishes to all my fellow classmates from ‘62!”

1981 Judith Rivera accepted a new

writes, “Life is Interesting! Keep Going!”

1953 Hilda Lugo Macejka welcomed

1964 Diane Hessinger Tierney

1987 Evie Tsolomytis Kalousis

going on 64 years with Pat, plus 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Sandra almost became a nun except she needed Pat for her Junior Prom.

1958 Charlotte Murphy Murray writes, “Owe it all to SCA for the education that led me to become a school teacher.”

1960 Arlene Clanny enjoyed the

reunion. It was a memorable event.

See you again in four years.

Nancy Slavin Healy writes, “My husband J. William Healy, MD died on July 13, 2021, after 55 years of marriage. He leaves 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and his wife Nancy Slavin Healy.”

1961 Kathleen Flynn McAvoy writes, “All is well! I’m back to work at the Pennsylvania Bible Society three days a week. We are the first and oldest Bible Society in the U.S., founded in 1808.

Stop by if you are visiting Philadelphia.

Our son, Thomas Aquinas is a Lt. CL in the Marine Corps and is resettling Afghan Evacuees at Quantico, VA.

1962 Ann Sgrignoli Gerbeth is

looking forward to the 60th reunion in 2022. Hopefully, we will have a good turnout.

Lucille Viggiano DiRuocco writes, “Phil and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in July. We are

Patricia Williams Fitzgerald lives in Garrison, New York. Will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in January 2022.

Virginia Belloise Hotte has finally retired and looking forward to seeing my classmates at our 60th reunion in 2024.

1965 Janice Bonanno Imundi

writes, “To my ‘65 classmates: Sorry I missed our reunion in October 2021.

Enjoying my family. Ron, my husband, and I are enjoying our retirement as NYCDOE educators. Stay safe everyone!”

1969 Theresa Poidomani Grimaldi

continues to teach Advanced Placement Spanish Literature at SCA. On June 3, 2022, Theresa will celebrate 50 years of marriage to her soulmate, Eddie Grimaldi. Theresa is the proud grandmother of Eddie, age 20, Tali, age 16, and Lina age 9.

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Please remember

St. Catharine Academy in your will.

Our legal title is

St. Catharine Academy

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2250 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, New York 10469

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1956 Sandra White McDonald is

writes, “At 75, I still remember the great people and education I received at SCA! Mother of four and grandmother of eight beautiful people.”

writes, “I am teaching Kindergarten at St. Frances de Chantal School in the Bronx. As always I love my students and colleagues.”

2014 Leanna Bonanno graduated

from Manhattan College in 2020 with a BS degree in Civil Engineering.

Currently, she’s pursuing her Master’s degree in Construction Management at Manhattan College. Leanna recently returned to SCA to present to the Robotics Club about her work as a Project Engineer for the Railroad Construction Company.

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IN MEMORIAM Joyce Phelan Woods ‘64 January 6, 2020 Regina Dolan ‘72 December 20, 2020 J. William Healy, MD July 13, 2021 Husband of Nancy Slavin Healy ‘60 Marilyn Foti Beyel ‘68 October 18, 2021 Martha M. Schuierer Habermann ‘50 November 20, 2021 Alexia A. Shanley Jumper ‘62 December 22, 2021 Domenica Attinello February 21, 2021 Mother of Dolores Attinello Piergentile ’70 and Roseann Attinello Scaffidi ‘72

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her 10th great-granddaughter Rose.

position as the Director of Community Sales at the Atria in Glen Cove.

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

www.scahs.org

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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.