On April 24th, the Class of 2026 gathered at Glen Island Harbor Club for their Senior Prom, one of their final major events before graduation. Overlooking the Long Island Sound, the venue provided a formal waterfront setting for an evening centered on both celebration and reflection as students marked the approaching end of their high school years.
Students arrived in evening attire, featuring a wide range of styles, colors, and fabrics. Dresses included long gowns in satin, sequins, beading, and chiffon, with colors ranging from neutral tones to bold shades like pinks, teals, and yellows. The waterfront setting served as a backdrop for photos as students gathered outside during the sunset towards the beginning of the evening.
As the night progressed, the focus shifted indoors to the dance floor, which became the central gathering space for students. Groups formed and reformed as different songs played, with many students singing along and moving between the dance floor and the outdoor waterfront area. The atmosphere grew increasingly energetic as the evening progressed, with a peak occurring when “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield played, prompting a loud, unified singalong from the Class of 2026.
Overall, Senior Prom served as one of the final large-scale events bringing the class together before graduation. The evening combined formal celebration with time spent among friends, marking a shared milestone as students prepare to move into their next chapter.
CLAIRE MICHAUD ‘26
Faculty Spotlight: Mr. Moussa, Sophomore Chemistry Teacher
ALEXANDRIA VULAJ ‘28
This year, Ursuline is happy to welcome Mr. Moussa to the Science Department as a sophomore chemistry teacher. Since arriving, he has already made a strong impression on both students and staff through his calm presence, clear dedication to teaching, and the way he approaches helping students understand difficult material.
Mr. Moussa chose Ursuline because of its strong sense of community and welcoming environment. He was especially drawn to the close-knit atmosphere and the connections between students and teachers. He also appreciates that many alumni return to teach here, which shows how lasting the school’s impact is. In addition, he values how much care and effort the faculty and staff put into the students, always working to support the girls and do what is best for them academically and personally.
Originally from Egypt, Mr. Moussa brings a valuable global perspective to his teaching. His background adds depth to the classroom and gives students a wider way of thinking about chemistry and learning in general. He helps create a classroom environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and able to work through challenges at their own pace.
When asked about his favorite part of Ursuline, Mr. Moussa spoke about the welcoming community and how dedicated the staff is. He explained that it stands out to him how much teachers and faculty genuinely care about the students and consistently put effort into helping them succeed.
In the classroom, Mr. Moussa is calm, collected, and very focused on teaching. He works hard to make sure concepts are clear and that students can follow along, even when the material gets difficult. He is patient when students struggle and sometimes uses humor to keep the class comfortable and make learning feel less stressful, while still staying focused on the lesson.
One of his favorite parts of teaching is watching students work through challenging ideas. He said it means a lot to guide students from confusion to understanding and to see the moment when something finally “clicks.”
That moment of understanding is what he finds most rewarding. Mr. Moussa describes it as a real sense of accomplishment when students are able to fully grasp a difficult topic. For him, it reflects the importance of patience, clarity, and helping students build confidence in what they’re learning. As he continues his time at Ursuline, Mr. Moussa is already becoming a valued part of the community, bringing reliable guidance, thoughtful teaching, and a positive presence into the classroom each day.
Women’s History Month Panel
ASHLING DOHERTY ‘26 AND MAGGIE HYLAND ‘26
On Monday, March 23rd, The Ursuline School welcomed back five of its esteemed alumni to speak for this year’s Women’s History Month Panel. These five women, including Ms. Christine Bave ‘97, Dr. Camille A. Clare ‘88, Ms. Alexandra Frank Marshall ‘12, Ms. Allie Kleva O’Malley ‘97, and Ms. Kendra Porter ‘95, spoke to students at Ursuline about their lives as they navigated their successful careers and gave advice to all students about success as women in the workforce. However, what made their advice extra special was how each of them shared how Ursuline helped to get them where they are today.
One thing the panelists instilled in Ursuline students was the idea of having a “cabinet.” This metaphor, spoken about by Dr. Clare, President Elect of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, stresses the importance of having a group of people on your side. “Have a mentor or group of people as early as you can in your life,” said Dr. Clare. “Your cabinet should include a mentor, a sponsor, and a coach.” Ms. Porter, a TEDx speaker, award-winning Image Consultant, and Founder of Honor You, emphasized something similar, stating:
“It’s important to have a team of people around you to help you reach the next level in different areas of life.”
When asked about their personal growth inside and outside of their careers, the women shared their wisdom. As a senior who often feels unsure about the future, I found it comforting to hear Ms. Marshall say that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that not everything is a race. The strength that Ursuline gives young women can be woven into their career pursuits, and this environment exposes them to the fact that the world is bigger than themselves. It fosters a sisterhood that can be leaned on in times of great need, providing support and comfort that is unique to the network. Another substantial piece of advice the women gave was to have balance, even though they had very intense and busy careers themselves. It was reassuring to hear that they still find time to enjoy the simple things in life, and that it is possible to have a decent work and life balance in a high functioning position.
In short, the panel opened the eyes of many students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams, no matter how large. It drilled home the strength of the Ursuline Community and the sisterhood it fosters, and how building a group of supporters around you can contribute to great success. The women left students with optimistic advice and reassurance that everything works out in the end and to trust yourself and lean on those around you.
Into the Woods: A New Era of Ursuline Theater
CHLOE STELLA ‘28 AND SOPHIA PAPROTA ‘28
This spring, the Ursuline Drama team outdid themselves with a stunning four showings of Into the Woods Jr., the musical twist on the fairytales of our youth. This production marks the beginning of a new era of Ursuline productions, breaking new ground in almost every aspect of the performance. It saw the use of an outside sound company, with new sound systems, microphones, and a sound board. Generous Ursuline families added new offerings to the concessions table, introducing themed candy-notes to send to students in the shows, a testament to the integral support and ingenuity offered by the Ursuline community. A professional backdrop was created to immerse the audience in the dark, foreboding woods of the musical. Audiences were enthralled by the professional backdrops, the student-painted boards, and the authentic wigs and costumes. The beauty and clarity of the songs were highlighted by the entertaining choreography throughout the show, from the lively all-cast finale to the smallest motions defining a scene. Student innovation was fueled by the combination of each student’s unique skillsets, dedication to the production of the show, and passion for their roles as artists and collaborators.The experiences of two outstanding Ursuline students and performers, Allison “Allie” Vincitore ‘28, student choreographer, and Allison-Marie Go ‘26, a longstanding member of the Ursuline Drama family who has participated in the shows both as a cast and crew member, speak for themselves.
Allison Vincitore has been a performer since she was young, with a background in dance. Prior to her role as Cinderella, Allie regularly performed in the Ursuline Annual Cabaret shows, in the Concert Choir, and in many productions at other schools. Allie has experience in all forms of performing arts, and her skill and competence shows in her role not only as Cinderella, but also as the student choreographer of Into the Woods Jr. The Ursuline Drama Club has incorporated students in positions of leadership before. Allie’s is an exceptional case, as she is only a sophomore and Into the Woods Jr. features many choreographed numbers. As she says, “Leadership is hands-on,” and
even the best leader will struggle to help a large group, particularly with new choreography. But the Ursuline community always finds ways of supporting its members. With the help of the two directors of the show, Mr. Falipou and Mrs. Gentry, Allie says she quickly began to acclimate to her new position. Once acclimated, she was able to learn many valuable lessons and skills through her experience. Namely, she discovered how to approach and utilize leadership positions, to behave professionally, to communicate often and effectively, and how to navigate the professional world and the challenges of leading a diverse group of people.
We also spoke to Allison-Marie Go, who has been a tech crew member for Ursuline’s Cabaret since freshman year, a member of the Drama Club production crew since junior year, and finally took to the stage this year as Rapunzel. Though Allison-Marie states that working onstage is more of a time commitment, she maintains that both working in tech and onstage are great responsibilities that require team-work and dedication. Ultimately, Allison-Marie agrees that the lifelong friendships Ursuline Drama Club fosters are the most important part of the experience, and these friendships can be made regardless of whether one is in cast or crew. She clarifies that “Anyone is always welcome to join Ursuline Drama” whenever they want and that even though the process may seem very intimidating, it’s incredibly beneficial in the end by providing students with opportunities, friendships, and life skills that they may carry with them for the rest of their lives. Allison-Marie also admits that performing was a huge confidence booster. Through the productions, she made connections with students in various grade levels and kept in touch with the Ursuline community. Her advice to students who are in between joining cast or crew? Do both! She says that there is no pressure to stick to one job in the Ursuline Drama Club, and we agree. If you’re interested in performing at Ursuline, be sure to check your inbox in the fall for information on the fall play!
Earth Day
Earth Day, first founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, has remained a significant holiday as it reminds us of the importance of promoting a cleaner world for a better future. Today, numerous companies and figures in society support the environmental cause for a more sustainable planet. The goal of Earth Day is to encourage a united action to help the environment. However, change is only possible if everyone plays a part, especially in global issues such as climate change. This year, Ursuline has definitely contributed their part with all of their initiatives to support a more sustainable future.
On Earth Day this year, junior class presidents Amelia Davidson and Carling Moore collaborated with the Environmental Club to inform the class of 2027 on sustainable habits that they can adapt to contribute to a greener planet. During the presentation, students were encouraged to reflect on their daily routines, sparking conversations about how simple habits, like reducing water usage or choosing sustainable brands, can make a difference. Some of the sustainable cosmetic brands mentioned include Aveda, Youth to the People, Clarins, L’Occitane, Osea, and Ilia. Choosing to live sustainability in even the smallest way makes a difference. Through these simple choices, we can eventually see the impact in our world today. In fact, some very good news that shows this is how the ozone layer is healing and is expected to recover by 2040, which is much sooner than previously expected.
BY: EMMA DOMINGUEZ ‘27
Earth Day is more than just a single day of awareness as it serves as a reminder to us that protecting our planet requires consistent effort from all of us. The initiatives at Ursuline demonstrate how small, everyday choices can lead to meaningful change over time. As students continue to adopt sustainable habits, they contribute to a larger global movement working toward a healthier and more hopeful future. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us to turn awareness into action, not just on Earth Day, but every day.
The Importance of Self-Defense
In society today, sexual harassment and gender-based violence unfortunately are widespread. This kind of harassment can also undermine a person’s sense of dignity. According to a report from the American Association of University Women, fifty-six percent of girls in 7th to 12th grade have experienced some form of sexual harassment. People of all genders can experience gender-based violence or sexual harassment, but the most impacted are women and girls.
Self-defense training is crucial for personal safety, providing physical techniques to escape dangerous situations, building mental alertness, as well as confidence and self-esteem, which many adolescent girls struggle to develop. Research has also shown that it empowers women to handle threats, reducing fear and anxiety.
Last summer, I came up with an idea to combat this issue in our local community of Westchester: a self-defense, safety, and prevention workshop for high school girls titled defenHER. This is a critical topic because many adolescent girls are not equipped with the tools or
knowledge to recognize warning signs of abuse or protect themselves in unsafe situations. By providing consistent, hands-on workshops, girls will build practical self-defense skills, situational awareness, and emotional confidence. For several months, the first of several workshops was planned with the support of school administration and the Ursuline Mother’s Auxiliary.
Then, on Thursday, April 16th, my first workshop was held in partnership with the Mother’s Auxiliary, My Sister’s Place, a local organization that advocates against abuse and harassment, and Still Mind Aikido in Scarsdale, a martial arts center that facilitated the workshop.
Overall, adolescent girls deserve access to classes and techniques that can be used to defend themselves against dangers, and these should be implemented in every school. However, until that happens, looking for classes in your area and experiencing the benefits it provides can be a powerful step towards safety and empowerment.
SOPHIA GBADEBO ‘27
Bonjour Koalas!
Over spring break, a group of Ursuline art students packed suitcases full of their chicest outfits, waved goodbye to their families, and set off on what promised to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This year, the France trip was a special milestone as the first to be offered through the Ursuline Art Department, led by Ms. Quartaro, and chaperoned by Ms. Young, Ms. Buster, and Ms. Griffith. After landing in Paris early Friday morning, Ursuline was immediately swept up in the magic of the city; Scott, a tour guide with his own unique sense of style and unparalleled knowledge of French culture, ensured that we explored Paris to our hearts’ content while learning about the rich history woven within its cobblestone streets. From Notre Dame to the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, no sight was left unseen, and the girls had plenty of opportunity to explore the city and socialize at the picturesque cafes found on every corner. Within our four days in the City of Lights, the Koalas learned to ride the metro like Paris natives, attended a deeply moving Easter mass at Monte Marte, sampled every flavor of macaron imaginable, and lead an entire restaurant in karaoke to
“Sweet Caroline” one memorable evening at dinner. The last night was sad but utterly unforgettable; Paris sent us off in style with a sunset boat ride down the Seine River and a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower lit up, golden against the night sky.
The next morning, Ursuline bid Paris farewell and hopped on a train to Nice, which is located in Southern France. From the first glimpse of the sparkling ocean outside of the train windows, all the girls could hardly wait to get to the beach. But first, we explored Old Nice, visited the Matisse and Picasso Museums, and freshened up at Fragonard, a perfume factory not far outside the city borders. From there, we took the scenic route to Monaco and witnessed the changing of the palace guard, which was an experience so surreal it felt as though it belonged in a movie. Then the Koalas donned their beachwear and also ended several nights by watching magical sunsets on the Nice coastline.
“To this day, I miss it very much. Being in France with my friends was one of the best times of my life,” says Cat, class of 2028, “Coming home was super sad, but I made
memories I am going to have forever, so I’m really grateful I got to go.” Returning to reality after this certainly wasn’t easy, almost like waking up from a ten day long dream come true. But needless to say, the Art Department’s first official trip was a smashing success.
So, from the Koalas: Au revoir Paris, it was Nice knowing you!
KATIE KELLY ‘28 AND ANNIE NUGENT ‘28
Fun in the sun! Friends! And some healthy competition! We’ve had another successful Field Day at Ursuline! The morning started off with students gathering with their teams, all decked out in their gear: tutus, sunglasses, and the shirts in the signature gold and blue colors to prepare themselves for the games. Then, everyone took off to the field to begin the fun-filled day. Students on both the gold and blue teams had a great time while playing a variety of games, such as relays, water balloon toss, and sister-sister. During the lunch times, students enjoyed tasty eats from a variety of food trucks as they took a much needed rest with their friends. This Field Day, Ursuline had the honor of being joined by some of our sister schools in the Ursuline network that were here for our annual lacrosse tournament. They fully immersed themselves in the day’s activities, showing how the Ursuline spirit connects people. After the rest of the day’s games, the whole school gathered together on the field to show some pride for their team during the senior volleyball game. Field day is a timeless Ursuline tradition that, from sixth graders to seniors, connects the students. Congratulations on the win, Gold!
NATALIA KAUTZ ‘29
Summer Movie Watchlist
Who doesn’t love summer? After months of testing and homework, everyone is excited to put down the textbooks and unwind. Explore, relax, try something new, and make sure to tune in to some of the best summer movies out there!
Teen Beach (2013): Teen surfers, Brady and Mackenzie, are magically transported into Brady’s favorite 1960s beach party, Wet Side Story. They encounter rival biker and surfer gangs and accidentally alter the plot, making the main characters fall in love with them instead of each other. To return to the real world, they must fix the story. It’s charming and loved by all ages!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005): Based on a series of novels, this is a nostalgic feel-good movie following the different summers of friends Carmen, Tibby, Lena, and Bridget. They buy a mysterious pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly despite their different sizes and share the pants equally as they spend their first summer apart. They face separate life experiences - from new romances and family crises to grief and insecurity but survive it all thanks to their friendship.
High School Musical 2 (2007): Arguably loved more than the first, High School Musical 2 follows the characters during their summer vacation working at a country club. As always, there are fun songs and themes of friendship, teamwork, and staying true to oneself.
Good Burger (1997): A fun Nickelodeon comedy starring Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson as two teens working at a local burger joint called Good Burger. They compete against the newest burger place in town, Mondo Burger, that is determined to steal their customers and secret sauce recipes to shut Good Burger down for good. It’s silly, sweet, and family-friendly.
Jaws (1975): A thrilling cult classic directed by Steven Spielberg. When a shark begins terrorizing the small tourist town of Amity island, a police chief, ichthyologist, and local ship captain band together to eliminate the ruthless beast, engaging in an epic battle of man vs. nature.
The Sandlot (1993): This classic film follows a group of kids in the 1960s who spend their summer playing baseball at their local sandlot. It’s a lighthearted coming-of-age story about friendship and childhood adventures. Recommended for anyone who enjoys sports movies and nostalgic tales about growing up.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012): The third movie in the Wimpy Kids series shows Greg trying to make the most of his summer, but things rarely don’t go as planned. It’s filled with relatable family moments and is extremely funny! A good pick for families and fans of the book.
Lemonade Mouth (2011): Five high school students form a band after meeting in detention. As they play music together, they challenge the status quo at their school and form strong bonds. Recommended if you like musical movies or stories about standing up for yourself.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): This movie follows Captain Jack Sparrow as he deals with curses, pirates, and treasure. Full of action and memorable characters, it’s a great choice for fans of fantasy and adventure movies.
Camp Rock (2008): Set at a summer camp for young musicians, this movie tells the story of teens learning about music, friendship, and self-confidence. If you like musicals or stories about following your dreams, this is worth a watch!
Summer Bucket List
As spring comes to an end and summer gets closer, that long awaited excitement begins to fill the air. The days become warmer, the sun shines brighter, and people’s moods seem to lift with the temperature. Summer is the perfect season to relax, spend time with friends and family, and create more memories! From road trips to beach days, there are so many ways to enjoy the summer 2026 season ahead.
One exciting idea for the summer is going on a spontaneous road trip. Grab some friends or family members, choose a fun destination, queue up your favorite music, pack plenty of snacks, and hit the road for a weekend adventure. Whether it’s nearby or a place you have never visited before, the journey can be just as fun as the destination.
Another popular summer activity is spending a day at the beach. Pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, and games, then enjoy the sunshine,
waves, and sand with the people you care about most. For those looking for something more relaxing, watching a sunset or sunrise can be peaceful and memorable as the sky changes into beautiful colors. Summer is also a great time to try something new. Many people use the season to start a new hobby, learn a sport, or take on a fun challenge. Others may enjoy visiting a fair with friends, riding roller coasters, playing games, and eating classic fair foods. A popular activity last summer was pickle ball! Maybe it will make the cut this summer! Of course, sometimes the best summer days are the simplest ones. Spending a day by the pool with friends or family is a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the warm weather. No matter how you spend it, summer offers new excitement, adventure, and opportunities to make lasting memories.
CAOIMHE MCCARTHY ‘29 & BRIANA TSIBIDIS ‘29
MOTUNRAYO NUBI ‘28 & LAURA LENIHAN ‘28
The Oscars
The Oscars, the most “prestigious annual awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize artistic and technical excellence in the film industry,” took place on March 15, and it was definitely a night to remember.
You might be wondering how The Oscars work. There are two stages of the voting process, nominations and then final voting. Members of the AMPAS need to be invited to take place in the process, and they nominate and vote within their select group (actors, directors, etc). After the voting is complete, the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) counts the votes, and only two partners know the results before they are announced live. Then, it is broadcast for everyone to see.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw:
First female cinematography award-winner Autumn Durald Arkapaw was the first woman and more specifically, woman of
color, to win this award for her incredible cinematography work on the movie “Sinners.” Arkapaw stated in her acceptance speech: “I’m so honored to be here, and I really want all the women in the room to stand up because I feel like I don’t get here without you guys.” This was a momentous occasion for Arkapaw, and all other women in film.
One Battle After Another: Most wins
One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and many more, had the most wins of the night. The 6 awards included: Best Picture, Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson), Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and the first ever winner in the new category: Best Casting (Cassandra Kulukundis). Best Casting recognized Kulukundis for putting together a “cohesive ensemble for the action-thriller”.
Michael B. Jordan: First Oscar win
Michael B. Jordan, starring in a double role in “Sinners” has finally won his first Oscar after 25 years of acting. Winning Best Actor, Jordan is the sixth Black actor to win in this category, beating actors like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, in a very competitive category. In his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked his family, especially his father for flying in from Ghana, director Ryan Coogler and the crew of “Sinners,” and also acknowledged past Black Best Actor winners. Jordan has been highly praised for his past work, and this award represents all of his hard work and dedication over the years. These are just a few of the astonishing moments of this year’s Oscars. Overall, The Oscars are such a big moment in many people’s lives, and everybody who was nominated completely deserved it and should be very proud of themselves.
