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Capturing the Journey

CLASS OF 2024 COMMENCEMENT

On Saturday, May 18, 57 exceptional young women celebrated a momentous milestone as they graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and became proud alumnae.

Alumna Jigyasa Sharma ‘14 delivered the inspiring commencement address to the graduating class. Seniors Tatum Busch and Isabel Hernandez represented their fellow graduates in giving reflective student speeches. The ceremony featured moving musical performances, with Allyson Martinez and Heesoo Kim performing a poignant rendition of “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks and SAIMARAC with soloists Heesoo Kim and Thya Galindo lifting spirits with “You Raise Me Up.” Mary Sarah Mounsey closed the event with a meaningful prayer, putting the final touch on this special day.

Ninety-one percent of the graduating class received at least one scholarship offer, Honors College Distinction, or National Merit recognition. These graduates received 245 scholarship offers this year, totaling $13,162,038.

As these 57 young women embark on exciting new chapters, they take with them the knowledge, friendships, and cherished memories gained throughout their transformative high school years. The future is bright for the Class of 2024!

Class of 2024 highlights include:

• Two 2024 graduates, Olivia Link and Maria Storch, were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

• Four athletes from the Class of 2024 will be continuing their athletic careers in college. Maddy Bante, a three-time 3A golf state team champion, two-time 3A golf individual state champion, and the 2023 3A Golfer of the Year, will golf at the University of Notre Dame. Swimmer Caitlin Crysel, a 2023 High School All-American, holder of the Colorado 3A record in the 200 IM, and an integral part of the 3A first-place state championship team, will swim at Emory University. Equestrian Meghan Moore, a Top 20 finalist at the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Hunter Seat Medal Finals West Coast who competed in the USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Finals, will compete at Hollins University. Volleyball player Maggie Turner, a four-year varsity player with several school records, including the most kills and the second most blocks, will play at Haverford College.

• Blair Franciscus was a Boettcher Scholarship finalist, selected from a pool of nearly 2,000 highly qualified applicants who exhibit excellence in academics, leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement. Blair will be attending Washington University in St. Louis in the fall.

• The Class of 2024 completed 8,200 hours of service learning over their four years in the SMA high school, which is 2,500 more hours than required. 48 of the 57 students in the Class of 2024 graduated with Service Honors! Specifically, during the 2023-2024 school year, these seniors completed 3,400 hours with 34 unique organizations (1,120 more hours than required).

St. Mary’s Academy Award Recipients

• Shepherdess Award – Awarded to seniors who have attended St. Mary’s Academy for the longest consecutive period of time: Caitlin Grace Crysel, Josephine Grace Hayward, Hannah Elizabeth Reyes

• Sanders Citation – Presented in memory of Helen Sanders SL, class of 1925, to the senior who exemplifies courage, initiative, and the generous gift of self: Josephine Grace Hayward

• Jessie Forshee Award – Awarded to a senior for outstanding academic achievement and a general interest in all school activities: Heesoo Kim, Abigail Joy Newton

• Marian Award – Awarded by the faculty to the senior most outstanding in leadership, loyalty, and academic achievement: Olivia Grace Link, Hannah Elizabeth Reyes

SIGNATURE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic

On September 18, 2023, the SMA community gathered at Valley Country Club for the Hopper Family Wildcat Classic golf tournament. The event raised more than $54,000 to benefit tuition assistance and athletics at SMA. Thank you to Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89 and Colorado Home Realty for being a Wildcat Sponsor and Susan Lintonsmith ‘83 for being a Hole Sponsor. The alumnae golfers were Laura Grisenti de Luna ‘89, Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89, Andrea Carey ‘89, and Kristin Kirwin ‘89. Additionally, we appreciate Liz Deline Williams ‘09 and her son Hendrick for volunteering their time!

SAVE THE DATE

Hopper Family Wildcat Classic | Monday, September 30, 2024 | Cherry Creek Country Club - new location!

Interested in joining the 2024 tournament? Contact Sarah Mellick ‘06 at smellick@smanet.org.

2024 Gala

The 2024 Gala, A Night in Old Hollywood, was a night to remember! Over 365 SMA parents, alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of SMA attended this year’s Gala at Vehicle Vault. The Gala raised over $254,000 for tuition assistance and an additional $326,000 in the paddle raise to refurbish the Lower School gym and Bishop Evans Sports Center. Thank you to all the SMA alumnae who attended including Susan Lintonsmith ‘83, Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89, Nina McCaskill ‘02, Lisa Ernst ‘75, Liz Williams ‘09, Celia Zaharas ‘89, Margaret Emmerich ‘03, Megan Collip ‘10, Halley Stennes ‘13, Lisa Lane Stennes ‘73, and Lara Mintz ‘02 for representing the alumnae community!

A Night in Old

HOLLYWOOD

SAVE THE DATE 2025 Gala | Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Location TBD

Iswari Natarajan Student “Ish Rally”, October 3, 2023

The entire SMA community, led by STUCO, kicked off the President & Head of School Inauguration festivities with an All-Academy pep rally on October 3. Students and faculty celebrated Ms. Ish with cheers, games (Fill the Ish Dish!), and lots of love and support.

President & Head of School Inauguration, October 7, 2023

On Saturday, October 7, St. Mary’s Academy was honored to officially inaugurate our eighth President & Head of School, Iswari Natarajan. Highlights from the ceremony included gifts from students in each school and a gift from the faculty, student ensemble performances, and a surprise FaceTime from Iswari’s daughter, Rishika Natarajan ‘22! The celebration also included a prayer from Father Marty Lally, remarks from former High School Principal Kathryn McNamee, Former Academy President Deirdre Cryor, and Board of Trustees Chair Matt Hopper. Guests enjoyed cookies and lemonade at the reception, where they wished Iswari luck as she embarked on her first year as the leader of St. Mary’s Academy.

REUNION WEEKEND 2023

Golden Graduates Luncheon

SMA welcomed back our esteemed alumnae on Friday, October 6. The festivities commenced with a heartwarming Golden Graduates Luncheon on Friday at Cherry Hills Country Club, where we honored alumnae celebrating 50 years or more. More than 139 alumnae gathered for a delicious lunch, class pictures, and socializing—many thanks to our gracious hostesses, LaFawn Biddle and Barbie Biddle Galoob ’78.

Mass and Brunch Reception

Sunday, October 8 featured an alumnae Mass and Reception. Mass was held in the Middle School Commons, where Father Marty Lally led a beautiful service. Following Mass, alumnae gathered in the High School Forum, where they enjoyed brunch, High School tours led by current students, class pictures, and a stroll down memory lane at the memorabilia display.

Save the Date | Reunion Weekend 2024 | October 4-6, 2024

Golden Graduates Brunch

Friday, October 4, 2024

11:30 a.m.

Celebrating the classes of 1939-1974. Invitations will be mailed in August.

Mass and Brunch Reception

Sunday, October 6, 2024

10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Mass in the Middle School Commons

Followed by an Alumnae Brunch in the High School Forum

All alumnae, including family and spouses, are encouraged to attend.

Fall Festival

Saturday, October 6

11 a.m. – 2 p.m., SMA Quad and Front Lawn

Join the entire SMA Community for family-friendly games and activities.

Milestone classes include 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 19742, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014.

Each individual class will plan milestone class events. Those alumnae in the reunion years are encouraged to plan their class-specific events. Please contact Kathleen Hogan at khogan@smanet.org throughout the planning process so we can share the details of your event.

ALUMNAE EVENTS

Alumnae events take place throughout the year. For more information, please visit SMA’s website at stmarys.academy and click on the “Alumnae” tab.

Volleyball Reunion - August 1, 2023

Former volleyball players returned to campus to play a friendly match against SMA’s current volleyball team. Many current student-athletes, alumnae, and their families attended the game. Afterward, everyone gathered for a casual dinner in the High School Forum. Thank you to Laura Grisenti de Luna ’89 for sponsoring this annual event. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Volleyball Reunion on August 7, 2024.

Basketball Reunion - December 20, 2023

Alumnae played a game of basketball in Bishop Evans Sports Center, followed by dinner with their families at the Community Center. Watch for more details about the 2024 Basketball Reunion.

Valentine’s Day Care Packages

Once again, this year, the SMA Alumnae Board showed our most recent graduates the love with a hand-packed Valentine’s Day care package. In addition to snacks and sweets, the package included a card drawn by a Lower School student and signed by current High School students and teachers. Thanks to Cathy Bell Darnell ‘67, Nina Erlich McCaskill ‘02, Celia Zaharas ‘89, and Laura Gristenti Deluna ‘89 for assembling these packages.

Senior Seminar - February 29, 2024

A beloved tradition, the Senior Seminar was held in late February. Class of 2023 graduates Jordan Marshall and Belén Pizarro counseled the girls about transitioning to college and being open to new opportunities. Then, the seniors heard from other members of the alumnae community: Susan Odland Lintonsmith ‘83, Enessa Janes ‘01, and Taylor Craver ‘06. These three graduates shared the lifelong impact of their St. Mary’s Academy education and friendships.

Rosy Rings Social Event - April 10, 2024

The Alumnae Board hosted a social event at Rosy Rings in Denver. In addition to shopping and socializing, each participant created a large, beautiful, scented candle and learned about the various fragrance families.

Alumnae Seniors Luncheon - May 15, 2024

The Class of 2024 was welcomed into the sisterhood of alumnae at a lovely luncheon attended by the graduates, several faculty and staff members, and alumnae, including Elle Franciscus ‘22, sister of Blair Franciscus ‘24; Jisoo Kim ‘19, sister of Heesoo Kim ‘24; and Peggy Eby Kirkegaard, grandmother of Josie Crabtree ‘24. Kelsey Schwander ‘06 gave the keynote address and stressed the importance of connection, community, and confidence. Meg Hencmann Deline ‘79 provided delicious bundt cakes for dessert. Thank you to Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02 for being the Master of Ceremonies and to Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89 and Liz Deline Williams ‘09 for volunteering.

Alumnae Community Service - May 23, 2024

The Alumnae Board hosted a community outreach event supporting Sweet Dream in a Bag. Sweet Dream in a Bag provides impoverished children with a new bedding package. Alumnae artfully assembled their new bedding packages in a vinyl plastic bag to look like a present. The bedding includes a new twin comforter, pillow, twin sheet set, twin fleece blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, wooden toy, personalized book, and a stuffed toy.

OUR CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY

Ann Buttitta, Director of Development

Your support of St. Mary’s Academy impacts programs that allow our students to explore their curiosities, creativity, and passions to build a brighter future. While tuition covers a large portion of our budget, the SMA Fund is essential to producing enriching academic, creative, social, and athletic experiences for our students. The SMA Fund supports faculty excellence and distinction by attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier teachers who deliver inspirational education. We depend on the generosity of our parents, grandparents, friends, alumnae, and staff to support our school.

We strive for 100% participation from our faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, Alumnae Board, and parents, and at least 10% from alumnae and grandparents. Alumnae participation demonstrates our alumnae’s love for their alma mater and how St. Mary’s Academy impacted their lives. Thank you for your generosity!

Please contact Director of Development Ann Buttitta, abutttitta@smanet.org, to learn more about the role of philanthropy at SMA or to join the Loretto Legacy Society by including St. Mary’s Academy in your estate plans.

Ways to Give

Make a gift today, pay it forward and be a part of the SMA legacy!

Visit stmarys.academy/donate or scan the QR code with your mobile device

ST. MARY’S ACADEMY ALUMNAE BOARD

The Alumnae Board dates back to 1908 when it was organized as the “Alumnae Association.”

Today the Alumnae Board is made up of alumnae from the class of 1967 to the class of 2018. The Alumnae Board partners with the St. Mary’s Academy Advancement Office to organize and host events, fundraisers, and outreach efforts to engage with the community, connect alumnae to current students, and spread the Loretto values.

Interested in joining the Alumnae Board?

Check out a meeting to see what it’s all about. Meetings are held approximately once per month on Tuesday evenings during the school year. Contact Kathleen Hogan at khogan@smanet.org for more information.

Liz Deline Williams ‘09, Alumnae Board President

LaDan Assayesh ‘07

Madison Castle ‘18

Megan Cronin ‘11

Cathy Bell Darnell ‘67

Laura Grisenti de Luna ‘89

Alex Ferguson ‘16

Cecilia Lorenz ‘10

Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02

Raegan Rychecky ‘18

Halley Stennes ‘13

Megan Timlin ‘10

Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89

Student Alumnae Board Liasons

Olivia Jones ‘25

Ava Safavi ‘25

LORETTO LEGACY SOCIETY

Thinking about the future?

Join SMA’s Loretto Legacy Society! The Society recognizes friends of SMA who have notified the school that they have made a provision for St. Mary’s Academy in their estate plans. Thank you to our current members.

For more information, contact Ann Buttitta at abutttitta@smanet.org or 303.783.6227

Charlie and Theresa Arbogast

Judith Dillon Baenen ‘57

Pam Bent*

Dusty* and LaFawn Biddle

Roger and Janice Brown

Deirdre Cryor

Timothy and Katherine Farrell

Lauren Fisher

Stephanie Goodrich ‘87

Jim and Darlene Graham

Carol Haller

Robert and Brenda Harrison

Barbara Hennigar

Marie Johnson

Sheila Karr ‘73

Norma Phillips Lammers ‘61

Mary Ann Brannan Lipton ‘46*

Cristi Lippert Lundquist ‘77

Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02

Kathryn McNamee

Jay and Liz Mellick

Alney Allbritten Norell ‘23

Claire O’Neal ‘75

Mary Sweeney Parlin ‘65

Dena Johnson Pinsker ‘79

Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76

Anita Figueras Stricoff ‘64

Mary Martha Diss Sundby ‘72

Mike and Meg Tobler

*deceased

ALUMNAE HONOR ROLL

All alumnae who have made a gift to St. Mary’s Academy in the current fiscal year (June 1, 2023 - May 30, 2024)

Class of 1948

Joann Walsh Russell

Class of 1955

Margaret Gonzales Nemechek

Class of 1956

Bunny Conway Dines

Mary Sue Allen Hackett

Therese O’Dea Lowery

Class of 1957

Judith Dillon Baenen

Diane Schuyler Bakke

Frances Weiser Hopp

Margaret McNally Hurley

Class of 1958

Carol TeBockhorst Bilello

Judy Seely Nichols

Jeanne Ducharme Potarf

Judy Sims Rodrigue

Class of 1959

Sheila Sullivan Bisenius

Mary Helen Barnes Coughlin

Barbara Ann Cassidy Cummings

Patricia McCarthy Kerr

Class of 1960

Suzie Wrzeski Campbell

Marilyn Marranzino Foster

Kathryn Ducharme Murphy

Nancy Cella Sunkel

Dianne Tramutola-Lawson

Marilyn Natale Vecchiarelli

Class of 1961

Norma Phillips Lammers

Kathleen Cross M’Closkey

Linda Siener

Class of 1962

Mary Carr Arvidson

Linda Lennartz Beaven

Judith Carlson

Nancy Hogue Wilke

Class of 1963

Frances Candlin

Cynthia Gardell Drew

Patricia Brown Grace

Class of 1964

Dora Dinsmore Cash

Nancy Carr Coakley

Frances Lennartz Fryberger

Kathleen Pollock Huch

Nancy Fennell Landauer

Terry Miller

Class of 1965

Eileen Kishiyama Barela

Clare Gardell Dilts

Nancy McMahon

Class of 1967

Catherine Bell Darnell

Patricia Rauenhorst Jennings

Alanna O’Meara Kimmel

Class of 1968

Karen Koser

Cynthia Van Cise

Class of 1969

Carol Guese Sells

Mary Ann Tavelli Tuthill

Class of 1970

Terese Lane Channer

Cheryl TeBockhorst Gehrke

Marti Waldmann Hamlen

Laurie Garrity Mohrman

Maureen McCallin Moses

Nina Hanson Sisk

Cathy Arnold Skinner

Class of 1971

Elizabeth Ivancie Kennedy

Class of 1972

Jane Turner Votel

Mary Yelenick

Class of 1973

Teresa Curlander

Carolyn Kelce Henderson

Sheila Karr

Carolyn McCoy Rink

Lisa Lane Stennes

Janet White

Maureen Reidy Witt

Linda Preston Woodwell

Class of 1974

Jo Ann Beine

Elizabeth Byrne

Maureen Hencmann

Kathleen Monaghan

Class of 1975

Lisa McCarty Ernst

Jane Grogan

Class of 1976

Mary Carolyn Gamache

Carol Schlessman

Class of 1977

Clare Canny

Lucy Diss Ewing

Niki Frangos Tuttle

Class of 1978

Barbara Biddle Galoob

Class of 1979

Margaret Hencmann Deline

Katie Murray Kleeman

Carole Eckrich O’Hagan

Dena Johnson Pinsker

Class of 1981

Carol Andrew

Lisa Donahue Goodwin

Class of 1982

Julie Cella McKenna

Valine Bernhart Perll

Margaret Reidy Pflueger

Cindy Phillips

Kathleen Kelble Traylor

Donna Love Treu

Class of 1983

Catherine Diss Gordon

Susan Odland Lintonsmith

Ann Oberle Sauer

Class of 1984

Julie May

Lorraine Reiter Pacheco

Class of 1985

Sarah Diss Warren

Class of 1986

Catherine Horle

Class of 1987

Kelly Collins Henninger

Monique King Miller

Kathryn Beard Skulley

Heather Weckbaugh Whitman

Class of 1988

Theresa Lorenzo

Class of 1989

Andrea Carey

Laura Grisenti Deluna

Celia Collins Zaharas

Class of 1990

Michelle Bruce Irwin

Margaret Coughlin Walling

Class of 1992

Miranda Benavidez Buche

Elizabeth Dieveney

Rebecca Box Elegant

Class of 1995

Krisztina Megyesy Busch

Sara Tisdale

Class of 1998

Megan Felsburg Doud

Leah Mencin Garbe

Class of 1999

Kay Lillrose Teitelbaum

Class of 2000

Abby Marie Rohr

Class of 2001

Kate Sylvester

Class of 2002

Brittany Bouldin Long

Nina Ehrlich McCaskill

Lara Stepneski Mintz

Class of 2003

Sara Donahue Adair

Margaret Schlessman Emmerich

Sara Pasquariello Monge

Class of 2004

Savannah Valdez

Class of 2006

Taylor Craver

Allison Grenney

Casey Zoellner Harnar

Sarah Mellick Kachadurian

Amber Grisley McGown

Class of 2007

LaDan Assayesh

Jessica Counce

Briana Wallace Keyes

Emily Sullivan

Kelsey Traynor

Class of 2009

Annie Scott Hinshaw

Elizabeth Deline Williams

Class of 2010

Meghan Colip

Morgan Flynn

Cecilia Lorenz

Megan Timlin

Callie Wallace

Class of 2011

Megan Cronin

Class of 2012

Andrea Lorenz

Cassie Prouty

Class of 2013

Blair Batky

Halley Stennes

Class of 2014

Erin Flynn

Daniela Lorenz

Sarah Melberg

Emily Tobler

Class of 2015

Claire Coughlin

Class of 2016

Iriana Belen Reyes-Corral

Alexandra Ferguson

Sarah Hoogerwerf

Class of 2017

Margaret Longenecker

Marla Loya

Class of 2018

Raegan Rychecky

Class of 2019

Annie Hoogerwerf

Mahlet Zegeye

Class of 2022

Lydia Brieske

Ella Kispert

Class of 2023

Sara Burke

Class of 2024

Maddy Bante

Vivian Bates

Saanvi Bhale

Marlowe Blanchard

Bella Brown

Reese Brown

Ally Burman

Tatum Busch

Devon Chambers

Weston Collins

Josie Crabtree

Caitlin Crysel

Alex Davis

Marahi Diaz

Trinity Doyle

Regina Duenas

Tori Fowler

Blair Franciscus

Thya Galindo

Ashley Gonzalez Zalamanca

Natalie Green

Josie Hayward

Andrea Hernandez

Reese Holland

Heesoo Kim

Kate Kotowski

Olivia Lane

Olivia Link

Allyson Martinez

Mykaela Mathieson

Ava Misky

Meghan Moore

Mary Sarah Mounsey

Valeria Naranjo

Rand Neren

Abby Newton

Janey Nollsch

Izzy Rayner

Helen Reichert

Hannah Reyes

Wendy Rivas Quijada

Natasia Rivas

Emily Rodriguez

Eliana Rothman

Laila Schroff

Julia Stehno

Maria Storch

Galya Talavera

Nell Taplin

Sydney Tatar

Rory Treuhaft

Maggie Turner

Diana Velez

Alexandra Waryn

Camille Werfelmann

Amelia Winterling

(Gifts of $300+

in a fiscal year)

Judith Dillon Baenen ‘57

Linda Lennartz Beaven ‘62

Jo Ann Beine ‘74

Miranda Benavidez Buche ‘92

Sara Burke ‘23

Krisztina Megyesy Busch ‘95

Elizabeth Byrne ‘74

Suzie Wrzeski Campbell ‘60

Frances Candlin ‘63

Clare Canny ‘77

Andrea Carey ‘89

Judith Carlson ‘62

Margaret Hencmann Deline ‘79

Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89

Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03

Alexandra Ferguson ‘16

Morgan Flynn ‘10

Barbara Biddle Galoob ‘78

Mary Carolyn Gamache ‘76

Lisa Donahue Goodwin ‘81

Patricia Brown Grace ‘63

Allison Grenney ‘06

Sarah Mellick Kachadurian ‘06

Briana Wallace Keyes ‘07

Ella Kispert ‘22

Katie Murray Kleeman ‘79

Susan Odland Lintonsmith ‘83

Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02

Julie Cella McKenna ‘82

Nancy McMahon ‘65

Monique King Miller ‘87

Lara Stepneski Mintz ‘02

Kathleen Monagha ‘74

Sara Pasquariello Monge ‘03

Maureen McCallin Moses ‘70

Cindy Phillips ‘82

Dena Johnson Pinsker ‘79

Jeanne Ducharme Potarf ‘58

Abby Marie Rohr ‘00

Joann Walsh Russell ‘48

Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76

Linda Siener ‘61

Nina Hanson Sisk ‘70

Kathryn Beard Skulley ‘87

Lisa Lane Stennes ‘73

Nancy Cella Sunkel ‘60

Kate Sylvester ‘01

Kay Lillrose Teitelbaum ‘99

Megan Timlin ‘10

Emily Tobler ‘14

Dianne Tramutola-Lawson ‘60

Donna Love Treu ‘82

Jane Turner Votel ‘72

Callie Wallace ‘10

Margaret Coughlin Walling ‘90

Maureen Reidy Witt ‘73

Linda Preston Woodwell ‘73

Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89

President’s Partnership (Gifts of $1,200+)

Miranda Benavidez Buche ‘92

Elizabeth Byrne ‘74

Frances Candlin ‘63

Judith Carlson ‘62

Claire Coughlin ‘15

Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89

Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03

Barbara Biddle Galoob ‘78

Mary Carolyn Gamache ‘76

Lisa Donahue Goodwin ‘81

Sarah Mellick Kachadurian ‘06

Susan Odland Lintonsmith ‘83

Debra McCallin ‘72

Mary Ann McGovern ‘71

Julie Cella McKenna ‘82

Lara Stepneski Mintz ‘02

Maureen McCallin Moses ‘70

Kelly Osborn ‘89

Cindy Phillips ‘82

Dena Johnson Pinsker ‘79

Condoleezza Rice ‘71

Joann Walsh Russell ‘48

Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76

Linda Siener ‘61

Margaret Coughlin Walling ‘90

Maureen Reidy Witt ‘73

Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89

We apologize if there are any omissions, misspellings, or errors. If so, please inform the Advancement Office at (303) 762-8300 ext. 287.

“The connections I made and the sense of community I felt as a student at St. Mary’s Academy has never faltered and naturally, I wanted to provide my children with the same opportunity to be part of a community that will guide them through their education and beyond. St. Mary’s Academy not only cares deeply for each individual student but also for the surrounding community and environment. At St. Mary’s Academy my voice as a parent is heard and my children are loved unconditionally.”

~ Margaret Schlessman Emmerich ‘03, alumna, current Lower School parent and Trustee

The admissions process will soon be underway for enrollment in the 2025-2026 academic year. We invite you to consider learning more about St. Mary’s Academy as a prospective parent or grandparent in the coming months:

EARLY LEARNING

Preschool and Prekindergarten

Previews: November 7

LOWER SCHOOL

Co-Ed Preschool through Grade 5

Previews: October 3 and December 10

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Co-Ed Grade 6 through Grade 8

Previews: October 10 and December 10

HIGH SCHOOL

All Girls Grade 9 through Grade 12

Info Nights: September 17 and November 12

Preview: October 24

Please contact admissions@smanet.org to learn more about the admissions process, including the possibility of enrollment in select grades for the upcoming academic year!

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITY GRANTING ACCEPTANCE TO THE CLASS OF 2024

Amherst College

Arizona State University

Ashland University

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

California Polytechnic State University

Chapman University

Clemson University

Colgate University

College of Charleston

Colorado College

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Concordia University

Cornell University

Creighton University

DePaul University

Drexel University

Eastern Washington University

Elon University

Emory University

Florida State University

Fordham University

Fort Lewis College

Franklin and Marshall College

Gonzaga University

Haverford College

Hawaii Pacific University

High Point University

Hofstra University

Hollins University

Indiana University

Lehigh University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Maryland

Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Miami University

Michigan State University

New England College

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Nova Southeastern University

Occidental College

Ohio State University

Oregon State University

Pace University

Pennsylvania State University

Pepperdine University

Princeton University

Purdue University

Quinnipiac University

Reed College

Regis University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus

San Diego State University

Santa Clara University

Seattle University

Seton Hall University

Southern Methodist University

St. Francis College

Syracuse University

Texas A & M University

Texas Christian University

The George Washington University

The University of Alabama

The University of Tennessee

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of Arizona

University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-San Diego

University of California-Santa Barbara

University of California-Santa Cruz

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

University of Colorado Denver

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Denver

University of Georgia

University of Illinois

University of Iowa

University of Kansas

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Missouri

University of Northern Colorado

University of Notre Dame

University of Oklahoma

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Puget Sound

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of San Francisco

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida

University of Southern California

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Tech

Washington University in St Louis

Western Michigan University

William & Mary

Yale University

IN MEMORIAM AND CLASS NOTES

IN MEMORIAM

St. Mary’s Academy has lost the following members of our community:

Annabelle Monaghan Deline

CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 1977

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of alumna Annabelle Monaghan Deline. Annabelle’s journey with St. Mary’s Academy began early, when she was a student from Lower School to High School, graduating in 1949. Her commitment to SMA spanned a lifetime, serving on the Board of Trustees from 2004-2013 and continuing as a board member emerita until her passing. Annabelle remained a steadfast benefactor, most recently establishing the Robert E. and Annabelle M. Deline Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2023. The fund provides an annual merit-based scholarship to a deserving rising senior based on their honor, academics, athletics, and tenure.

Annabelle’s son, Thomas C. Deline, married Meg Hencmann Deline, who graduated from SMA in 1979. Annabelle proudly saw her granddaughters, Liz Deline Williams ‘09 and Carrie Deline ‘14, graduate from SMA, marking a three-generation legacy.

Annabelle’s impact on SMA was profound and long-lasting. During her tenure on the Board, she served as Chair of the Trustees Committee, actively recruiting diverse leadership from the community to serve on the Board. As a dedicated alumna, devoted grandparent, and board member, Annabelle wholeheartedly shared her time, talent, and treasure with the school she loved.

In tribute to Annabelle’s memory, the family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made to St. Mary’s Academy and Regis Jesuit High School in her name.

Karen Colburn ‘73. Karen Colburn, 68, passed away on October 11, 2023, at her Canon City ranch. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Cort.

Jerry Welte, former teacher. Jerry Welte passed away in April 2024. Jerry was a beloved member of the SMA community and served as Campus Minister from 2003 - 2006. The Welte family has requested donations in his memory go to St. Mary’s Academy.

Lucy Diss Ewing celebrated the wedding of her son, Russell, to Isabella Curti in Long Island, New York, on April 28. Russell, an MFA graduate of NYU-Tisch, is an actor and creative director/lead performance coach at Heroic Public Speaking. Watch him on episode 6 of the popular “Fallout” series on Prime Video! Her daughter, Anna, is a graduate of RISD and a CAD designer for Macy’s, Inc. Lucy and her husband, David, divide their time between New York City and Boulder, where Lucy works as a freelance writer, substitute teacher, and election judge “postretirement.” They just completed a whirlwind trip to Australia and Asia with good friends and look forward to more travel adventures.

CLASS OF 1962

Donna Haraway is a distinguished professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with connections to the departments of feminist studies, anthropology, environmental studies, and history of consciousness. In October, Donna was cited in a footnote of “Laudate Deum”, Pope Francis’ climate letter, where he cited her 2008 book, “When Species Meet.”

CLASS OF 2002

Katie Ferraro and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Liam Sutherland Sidey, on January 17, 2024 and are so grateful he is here!

CLASS OF 2004

Jenn Barone welcomed a new addition to the family in January 2024! Both baby and mom are settling in nicely, with every day being a new adventure. Friends and family have all enjoyed watching him grow, showering him with endless love! If anyone in the DC area would like to see a chubby-cheeked smile, please look her up!

CLASS OF 2006

Rachel Gordon recently returned from an exploration surf trip in Antarctica, where she was one of the first females ever to surf the continent.

Emily Singleton Liberato and her husband, Austin, welcomed their second child, Scarlett, in April 2024.

Sarah Mellick married Jack Kachadurian in July 2023 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Deidre St. Peter and her husband, Matt, welcomed their little boy, Roman, in February 2024.

Itsy Jones Vancamp and her husband, Zach, welcomed their second boy, Billy, in December 2023.

CLASS OF 2009

Liz Deline Williams and her husband Brett welcomed their son Baker Williams on January 2, 2024. The arrival of Baker made them a family of four, and older brother Hendrick just adores him!

CLASS OF 2010

Carolyn Tatro and her husband welcomed our third son, Sawyer James, on March 11. His big brothers Oakley (5) and Kellen (3) are fascinated by him and have been great big helpers. Everyone is doing well, and Carolyn returned to work in May as Alumni Director at her alma mater, Fort Hays State University.

CLASS OF 2014

Mariel Jastrebsky is a food scientist and just started a new job at Poppi (the soda brand) as an R&D scientist. Her job entails developing new flavors, writing formulas, and discovering new ingredients that can be used in the recipes. Mariel will be relocating to Austin, Texas later this year to work in the Poppi food science lab, but for now, she is operating out of her New York City apartment. Mariel highly recommends that anyone who slightly enjoys science and really enjoys food study food science in college!

CLASS OF 2019

Lilliana Brooks will compete for the United States at the Underwater Hockey World Championships in Malaysia in July. Lilliana, a former member of the SMA swim team, will compete on the U24 Women’s team with ten other women from the US and a dozen teams from around the world.

CLASS OF 2022

Mallory Hopper just completed her second year at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA where she is a member of the Women’s Golf team and studies Political Science and English! She also serves on the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) where she enjoys looking at proposals, voting on legislation, and exploring the intersection of sports and politics. Over the next few months Mallory will be dedicating her summer to training in Arizona. Ever since playing on the SMA Middle School golf team, Mallory has been working with the same coach in Scottsdale and living there allows her to take lessons and prepare for all the future holds!

SMA Alumnae Network on

1812

The Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross, originally named as the Little Society of the Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross, are founded in rural Nerinx, Kentucky.

First advertisement for SMA in the “Rocky Mountain News”, admitting students of all faiths.

EXPLORE

1875

SMA issued the first High School diploma granted in the Colorado Territory to Jessie Forshee, who went on to become a Sister of Loretto.

1864

March

Father (later Bishop) Joseph P. Machebeuf purchased a residence at the corner of 14th Street and California Avenue in downtown Denver, and called upon the Sisters of Loretto to establish a school.

Today the location is the site of the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center where a plaque commemorates SMA as the site’s first resident.

June

Sisters Joanna Walsh, Ignatia Mora, and Beatriz Maes Torres travel from Santa Fe, NM to open St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Denver.

August

SMA opened, welcoming girls from elementary to high school grades. The campus eventually expanded to take up half the city block.

The first location of SMA, at the corner of 14th and California.

1910

SMA relocates to 14th Street and Pennsylvania Street where Margaret “Molly” Brown was their neighbor. Molly Brown was an early benefactor and generously contributed to the school.

Early

1920s

SMA begins to welcome boys into the lower grades.

1876

Colorado is granted statehood.

Sisters

SMA’s second location at 1370 Pennsylvania Street.

Students and

of Loretto gather in front of the school in the 1880s, the second building on the original site.

Jessie Forshee

SMA celebrates 100 years of educating Denver with the addition of the High School building.

SMA moves to Englewood, converting a large family home (right) into the school and residence for the Sisters. The next year, a new building was constructed to accommodate all the grades. Today, 1951