A Publication for the Alumnae, Parents and Friends of St. Catharine Academy
135th Graduation Classes from St. Catharine Academy
“ I cannot but be in awe how SCA continues to keep up its standards in this difficult age we are now in. I always feel so elated when I read the newsletter.”
—Elizabeth Rice Bradley ‘49+
8th grade graduates. Class of 2028
GSr. Patricia's remarks at a luncheon celebrating her retirement
by Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62
ood afternoon, family and dear friends, and thank you for your presence here today. It is a bit humbling; but it is just wonderful to see you all—family, trustees, SCA colleagues, donors, professional associates—all friends.
A few years ago, I was on retreat, and in the course of retreat I looked back at my many and varied ministries as a Sister of Mercy. In the course of prayer and reflection I discovered, or rediscovered, that the most satisfying ministries were those where the Sisters of Mercy asked me to consider a particular ministry or responsibility as opposed to those where I found the ministry myself. It doesn’t mean that I initially liked the request or thought it was a good idea, but it does mean that the ministry became a source of growth for me and really a source of joy.
In the later part of 2005, I knew I was ready to move on from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a global interfaith not-for-profit where I was the Executive Director. When I mentioned this to the Sisters of Mercy, the response was, “If you are serious about that, Pat, then we would like to consider ‘the Schools’”, meaning St. Catharine’s and Our Lady of Victory Academy. I had already begun research and talked to a few people about possibilities, and ‘the Schools’ weren’t on the list. And even though I hadn’t spent a day in formal education since 1973, I knew that the Community was dead serious about this request. The position of President was initiated in 2001 and Sr. Rhea Bean, the President was ill.
It was hard for me to wrap my head around it then, and 18 years later, I am amazed. But I must confess that the deficiency of not being a classroom teacher for so long still shows. For the life of me, I still cannot tell “school time”. When I ask a question such as, when will so and so be free, the response is 5th period, 6th period etc. Margaret Lento Filetto ‘88, thank you for your patience when I say, “just tell me what time it is on the clock.”
Whatever successes I have had here at SCA, I attribute particularly to Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM. We really didn’t know each other when I arrived, and there is a kind of dance that goes on between the responsibilities of the President and Principal. From Day 1, our guiding principle was that there would be no daylight between us that someone could use to create a wedge. When we had differences of opinion or disagreements, that was between us to be worked out. Over time we realized that our strengths and weaknesses complimented each other. We were not in competition. We grew in trust and into true friendship and a wonderful partnership.
By way of example, you are sitting in the new lobby, “Great Hall”, which was completed in 2022, the first fundamental renovation
on the building since it opened in 1953. Ernie Harris, our architect, is here today. At our weekly construction meetings, which involved going into the construction site, Sr. Ann understood those architectural drawings and could imagine the product. On the other hand, when Ernie showed a drawing of our front entry way, in a reddish color to signify the brick, I told him it looked like a runway. I am not sure that he has ever gotten over that.
SCA’s emphasis on STEM is the gift of Sr. Ann. If you tour our school later, the STEM lab (3R on the elevator) was envisioned and designed by her. It bears fruit in the number of our graduates who are now, or are pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science. From our class of 2024 alone, they are pursuing these fields at Georgetown, Columbia University and the University of Southern California come September. They are all first in their families to go to college. That lab became their hang-out, home and their ticket to a new future.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I have been privileged to meet so many wonderful people over these years. Our Board of Trustees is Best in Class beginning with our board chair, Kathy Muskopf. I have worked with wonderful colleagues, (here today is Ernie Harris, Mike Nawrocki our auditor, Terence Curley from CCS Fundraising); our leadership team and development and marketing staff who bring you the news of SCA in exciting and fresh ways; our alumnae and friends who have become dedicated contributors and champions of SCA. Your support has created vast opportunities for our students in the form of endowed or current use scholarships. Your support of our first capital campaign which brought this space to life, has seeded the second, to create a new Athletic and Wellness Center.
Most of all I have loved getting to know you beyond a name on a piece of paper.
My deepest thanks to the Sisters of Mercy for asking me to serve at St. Catharine Academy and entrusting this ministry to me. I am eternally grateful for the support that the Community has always shown me. These 18 years have been more than I could have asked for or imagined in the very best way.
As far as I know, I am staying in New York and will continue to participate on SCA’s Campaign Executive Committee to the conclusion of the capital campaign. I have no great plan, only to slow down, shake off some of the serious responsibility that comes with the position, make time to visit friends, and be grateful for all that I have been given.
I thank each and every one of you for being part of and enriching my life. Thank you. ❖
Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM, longest serving SCA Principal, retires
by Patrice Athanasidy AROUND SCA
Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM, principal of St. Catharine Academy, will retire after nearly 25 years at the end of August.
ABronx native, she spent almost three decades in the Midwest as an educator before coming back to the Bronx to serve as SCA’s principal in 2000. Sr. Ann taught science and served as an administrator at various Catholic high schools, including Chicago’s Queen of Peace High School.
In a Daily News story highlighting Sr. Ann’s return to the Bronx when she first became principal, Sr. Ann said, “As a Sister of Mercy, I knew about St. Catharine Academy and the great tradition of the school. So for me, this great honor is really the fulfillment of a dream.”
Pointing to the rich diversity in the Bronx, Sr. Ann had said, “Here, our racial, religious and cultural diversity creates a different set of needs that we must be sensitive to. At the same time, diversity is a tremendous strength. So I am thrilled to have this leadership opportunity in such a dynamic environment.”
Recently alumna Joanna Abaraoha ‘14, a medical resident at the University of Rochester for Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (MedPeds), pointed to Sr. Ann’s legacy, saying, “I found everything she was doing and the way she pushed all of us to be incredible.
Sister Ann had a goal that every girl take at least one AP class before graduating and I, as a scholarship student, ended up taking eight during my time….It wasn't until I met girls from [other} schools that I realized that AP courses were normally small, selecting only a handful of students who could pass the rigorous AP exam; these students being predominantly White and Asian. Sister Ann did her best to ensure SCA was a college prep academy and her resolve to go against the norm for her girls was awe-inspiring and deserving of more praise than I think she gets.”
During Sr. Ann’s tenure, St. Catharine’s has proven its academic strength in many ways. It has been recognized a number of times
by the College Board for supporting students to take the AP exams and giving a diverse group of students that opportunity.
The Robotics Team is regularly a team to be reckoned with, winning such awards as the National BETA Award "School of Distinction.” Competing in VEX competitions, the SCA Robotics Team has received the Excellence Award, the Design Award, the Innovate Award and the Build Award along with the Judges Award.
This past year, Sr. Ann also oversaw the opening of a Middle School for girls in Grades 6-8. This brings SCA back to its roots when it included an elementary school at its founding in 1889. The school is growing with an expanded sixth grade section being added this fall.
Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62, retiring President spoke to Sr. Ann’s ability to listen intently, “Not only can she hear around corners and down long corridors, she is especially attuned to hearing from the heart. She has listened to many a story of joy and sorrow. In sharing with her, you knew she cared deeply.”
Sr. Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, with minors in chemistry and education, from Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.. She earned her master’s degree in biology from Northern Iowa University and a Master of Education in Administration & Supervision degree from Loyola University, Chicago. She is a trustee for the University of St. Joseph, Hartford, Connecticut.❖
St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891 • Phone: 718-882-2882 • Fax: 718-231-9099 • www.scahs.org
Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM
Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 President Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Principal Jessica Ruiz Director, Alumnae & Family Relations
Congratulations to the Class of 2024
Our graduates have achieved remarkable success, earning $21.7 million in academic grants and scholarships and gaining acceptance to 145 colleges and universities. These prestigious institutions include Georgetown, Columbia, Cornell, Fordham, and the University of Southern California. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2024, our newest alumnae, and their accomplishments.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Award
Catharinite Award Brianna R.
At St. Catharine Academy, the prestigious Catharinite Award, is given to a young woman who exemplifies the school's mission through her character, leadership, scholarship and service. It was awarded to Brianna R. for 2024. Brianna served as the Team Captain of the Robotics team, National Honor Society President, and held multiple leadership positions in various clubs at SCA. She was always willing to assist at school events, fostering a strong sense of community among her peers.
In Her Footsteps Award Destiny Q.
The In Her Footsteps Award, which recognizes a student whose selfless giving mirrors the spirit of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, was bestowed upon Destiny Q. Destiny served in leadership roles both in National Honor Society and Student Council. Destiny has volunteered her time assisting in our Summer Programs and has been a devoted ambassador for school events. Destiny showed a strong commitment to service activities.
Alumnae Award Jocelyn S.
The Alumnae Award, which honors contributions to school service, leadership, and the growth and spirit of the St. Catharine Academy community, was presented to Jocelyn S. Jocelyn was Student Council President and a member of multiple sports teams.
Maryam A. (l). and Brianna R. (r)
Congratulations to our legacy families and their commitment to St. Catharine Academy.
Sabrina V. ‘24 with sister Lizbeth V. ‘22
Bryanna M. ‘24 with aunt Elizabeth J.W. ‘96
Stephanie F. ‘24 with mom Jeniffer T.F. ‘96
Ciera M. ‘24 with aunt Amanda R. ‘02
Brianna A. ‘24 with sister Janelle A. ‘20
Paula B. ‘23 with sister Alexandra B. ‘24
Mona O. ‘24 with aunt Hanna O, '00 (l) and sister Ayya O. '22 (r).
Renee Sewell ‘12 encourages NHS inductees to believe in themselves
Renee Sewell '12, presidential management associate at Estée Lauder, gave the keynote address at the Honor Societies Induction Ceremony on April 25, addressing over 100 honorees and guests. Students were inducted into the National Honor Society, the National Honor Societies for English and Spanish, Rho Kappa (social studies) Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and the Beta Honor Society.
A graduate of Boston University and Columbia University Business School, Renee began her address saying, "Each one of you stands at the starting point of an expedition which we call life. Your rights to blame your teachers, parents, and neighbors have just expired. You are now fully responsible for the quality of your life. This quality does not depend on what you have but how you live. How you leave spaces better than how you found it - how you leave your mark."
While at Columbia she interned with Estee Lauder where she is now a Presidential Management Associate doing 6-month rotations through various aspects of the company. She recently began a new rotation on Jo Malone Fragrances. Ultimately, Renee aspires
to launch her own fragrance brand. Testimony to her leadership roles and community involvement at Columbia, Renee was co-president of the Black Business Students Association during its milestone 50th anniversary and the centennial celebration of the first Black graduate student. She is also co-founding president of a new professional club, Columbia Beauty Club.
During her speech, Renee focused on several themes: courage, visualization, desires and leadership. She spoke of her being the first in her immediate family to attend college and all the pressures that came with that distinction.
Reflecting on her time at SCA, Renee said, “It was teachers like Mrs. Cassaneto, Mrs. Riolo, Mrs. Petrigani, and Mrs. Angelis who reminded my peers and best friends and I of our power. Reminding us that whatever that’s coming our way, we can handle it. You won’t be going through anything that you are not prepared for. But I ask you this question, do you have the courage to seek more than what you’re provided?”
Pointing to a pivotal lesson in college, Renee advised, “You can only fail if you stop trying. Success is guaranteed
if you keep trying over and over again until you achieve your desired results. The same tenacity you displayed in even achieving National Honor Society will serve as your driving force to visualize, declare, and create your dream life.”
Drawing on her faith, she reminded the students, “There will be times when you will question, God, why me? But I encourage you to remind yourself, why not you? God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers - but truth be told, the reason you will be going through all these trials and tribulations is because others can see you for who God created you to be while you can only see yourself for who the world has told you that you are….Anything that God allows you to go through is only for your success and for you to fulfill what is destined for you.”
Renee challenged the students with her conclusion, “You’re writing your own story and designing your dream life. Always think of the stumbling stops as stepping stones in coming into alignment with who you already are – to get to what you truly desire to become. Lastly, remember our lives are made of chapters. And after one is written, it cannot be revised. But we can write a new chapter each day.”❖
Renee Sewell ‘12
1962 Marianna Schuler Coyle writes, “Many thanks to my teachers and classmates at St. Catharine’s for all the happy memories of my 4 years there! Also, special thanks to Sr. Mary Eugene for being such a great Math teacher.”
1974 Doriana Fontanella writes, "I recently retired from practicing law and am now focusing on my writing business, Write Connection LLC. As part of my volunteer work with a local nonprofit, I edit various materials. At a recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, I was recognized for my contributions.”
2006 Nancy Totino shares, “I’m starting a new position as Senior Director of Mission & Public Impact Initiatives at Fordham University.”
2019 Mariah Villalon writes, "I graduated Cum Laude from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a 3.5 GPA. Thanks to my robotics teacher Ms. Petrignani for believing in me throughout my whole school journey. I accepted an offer from Northrop Grumman last year after my internship with them that started on May 20, 2023."
CLASSSCASCANOTES
2020 Cheyenne Gonzalez writes, “I recently graduated from John Jay College with a major in forensic psychology and a minor in cybercrime. During my time there, I was honored to be a member of the SEEK Honor Society and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. I was actively involved in campus life, participating in the Black Student Union Club, Theta Phi Gamma Sorority Incorporated, and the Campus Activity Board. This fall, I am excited to begin my master's studies at Columbia University's School of Social Work!”
Marie Mernacaj writes, “I graduated from Fordham University Gabelli School of Business earning a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in computer science. I work at IBM as a financial analyst.”
Adrianna Rodriguez shared, “I graduated from Adelphi University with a BA in Psychology, earning a spot on the Dean's List and achieving Magna Cum Laude honors with a 3.7 GPA!”
2021 Victoria Padilla writes, “I am thrilled to share some exciting news about my recent achievements. In early May, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College. I was honored to be part of the Honors Program and graduated with the highest Latin honors. Furthermore, I am excited to continue my educational journey by pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management. I am grateful for the strong academic foundation and support I received from Saint Catharine Academy, which has played a significant role in my success. I look forward to sharing more updates in the future. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your students and alumnae.”
IN MEMORIAM
Della Cotter Hoereth ‘55 September 24, 2023
Eleanor Alaimo Meilinger ‘78 November 29, 2023
Elizabeth Rice Bradley ‘49 May 10, 2024
Diane Welsh Marino ‘72 April 7, 2024
Mother of Christine Marino ‘98 m m
2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891
www.scahs.org
Address Service Requested
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.
Class
of 2024 - Acceptances to College and Universities
The Class of 2024 has been accepted to over 145 colleges and universities and earned $27.1million in academic scholarships and grants. *Indicates scholarship(s) awarded.
Adelphi University *
Albertus Magnus College *
Alfred State College *
Arizona State University – Tempe
Barry University *
Bowie State University
Bryant University *
Case Western Reserve University *
Champlain College *
Chestnut Hill College
Christopher Newport University
Clark University *
Columbia University *
Cornell University *
CUNY Baruch College
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
CUNY Bronx Community College
CUNY Brooklyn College
CUNY City College
CUNY College of Staten Island
CUNY Hostos Community College
CUNY Hunter College
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
CUNY LaGuardia Community College
CUNY Lehman College
CUNY Medgar Evers College
CUNY New York City College of Technology
CUNY Queens College
CUNY York College
Curry College
Daemen University
Delaware State University *
Dominican University *
East Carolina University
Elmira College *
Emmanuel College *
Fashion Institute of Technology
Felician University *
Fordham University *
Geneva College
George Mason University *
Georgetown University
Gordon College *
Harvey Mudd College
Hawaii Pacific University *
Hilbert College
Hofstra University *
Howard University
Iona University *
Kean University
King’s College
Le Moyne College *
LIM College *
Long Island University – Brooklyn
Long Island University – CW Post
Manhattan College *
Manhattanville University *
Marymount Manhattan College *
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences *
Mercy University *
Molloy University
Monroe College *
Montclair State University *
Moore College of Art and Design *
Mount Saint Mary College *
Mount St. Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College
Nazareth University *
New England College *
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology *
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University *
Pace University *
Palm Beach Atlantic University *
Pennsylvania State University *
Pratt Institute *
Purdue University *
Quinnipiac University *
Regis College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute *
Rivier University
Robert Morris University
Rochester Institute of Technology *
Russell Sage College *
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Sacred Heart University *
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Peter’s University
Salem State University
Seton Hall University *
Siena College *
St. John’s University *
St. Thomas Aquinas College *
Stevens Institute of Technology *
Stonehill College *
SUNY Albany *
SUNY Broome Community College
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY College at Oswego *
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
SUNY College at Potsdam
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Herkimer County Community College
SUNY Maritime College
SUNY Morrisville
SUNY New Paltz
SUNY Old Westbury
SUNY Oneonta
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
SUNY Purchase College
SUNY Stony Brook University *
SUNY Westchester Community College
Temple University *
The Catholic University of America
The College of Westchester
The George Washington University
Thomas Jefferson University
Union College (NY) *
University of Bridgeport *
University of Colorado –
Colorado Springs
University of Connecticut *
University of Delaware *
University of Maryland –Baltimore County *
University of Massachusetts –Amherst *
University of Massachusetts – Boston
University of Massachusetts –Dartmouth*
University of Mount Saint Vincent
University of New Haven
University of Rochester
University of San Francisco
University of Scranton
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
Utica University
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Virginia State University
West Virginia State University
Westfield State University
Westminster College
Wheaton College - Massachusetts *
Worcester Polytechnic Institute *
Xavier University *