FALL 2025 | VOLUME XIII
Stronger Insieme
IN THIS ISSUE
25-26 Annual Fund
Fitness Center
Ursuline’s Highest Enrollment in a Decade
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Senior Spotlight
Engineering in Practice
UA Fam Cam
That’s an Ursuline Girl
Junior Ring Mass
New Rosary Walk
UA Parent Association
“Ship a Chip” Challenge
Dear Ursuline Community,
How do you define strength? Is it strength in numbers, strength in character, or strength in faith?
At Ursuline, it is all of these and more. Our true strength lies in the heart of our community of students, families, educators, alumnae, and supporters who stand behind us every step of the way. We draw strength from you - your dedication, your belief in our mission, and your unwavering support. Because of you, our future has never looked brighter.
This school year opened with the highest enrollment in a decade, a remarkable reflection of the vitality and spirit of our Ursuline family. This is a tremendous achievement, the result of years of dedicated work by our team here and our community, which has spread the word about the difference an Ursuline education can make in the lives of young people. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your part in this success.
This fall, students returned to campus to find exciting new campus enhancements, including our state-of-the-art Fitness Center within the Anthony N Fusco, Sr. Fitness & Health Center. We also unveiled new areas, a beautiful Rosary Walk and Piazza, designed to inspire both peaceful reflection and joyful connection. We have held guided rosary walks for students of all ages to deepen their spirituality through prayerful meditation. The completion of these projects is a vital checkpoint on the roadmap to achieving our goals in the Blaze Brighter Strategic Plan, as we aim to create spaces that promote wellness, support, and a sense of belonging across our campus.
One of our most unique and core tenets of strength at Ursuline is sisterhood, which was on full display in October as our volleyball team traveled from Wilmington to St. Louis, MO, for an Ursuline Sisters Tournament. Teams from Ursuline schools across the country gathered for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, connection, and the creation of memories that will last a lifetime.
We are living through an extraordinary moment in our history, one filled with promise and possibility. We are genuinely excited for all that the future holds for our school, our students, and our community. Bound by faith, guided by purpose—together, we are Ursuline.
Insieme,
Dr. Trisha Medeiros President
2025-2026 Annual Fund
Goal: $650,000
The Strength of Many. The Heart of One.
In the spirit of One Heart, One Mission, One Ursuline, the generous annual fund support we receive unites our community. It strengthens our shared purpose, allowing us to provide enhanced resources and meaningful opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Sources of Operating Revenue
Your support helps us to stretch our budget by 11 percent each year!
ANNUAL FUND
URSULINE’S NEW FITNESS CENTER
At the beginning of the school year, we were excited to officially open Ursuline’s brand new Fitness Center, Athletic Training Room, and Raider Team Room! Our Fitness Center was designed by female athletes for female athletes.
We believe that every young woman should graduate knowing how to confidently navigate a gym, use the equipment, and be able to come up with workouts on their own. We know firsthand how empowering that is for women and leads to a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
The Fitness Center includes a full row of cardio equipment with a curved treadmill (great for rehabbing injuries), three treadmills, elliptical, bike, air bike, and stepper. We also have three corded machines, three squat racks, leg extension and glute-ham machine, a full bay of free weights, kettlebells, med balls, bands, TRX straps, sled, tow ropes, and yoga mats. Additionally, we have brand-new lighting, HVAC, and two flat-screen TVs.
The Raider Team Room serves as the athlete’s bag and equipment storage area during the day, and then a team room after school. It’s the home team locker room for volleyball and basketball, and it also serves as a space for all teams to watch film on the big screen, strategize, and meet.
The Athletic Training Room has three beds and two additional stations for our certified athletic trainer to work with athletes for any injuries or discomfort, taping, and rehabilitation. This includes a variety of equipment, such as rollers, cupping, a stim machine, and a whirlpool-icing tub that can accommodate up to four athletes at once.
We also opened new bathrooms, including a single shower, and a faculty room.
The fitness center was phase two of the Anthony N. Fusco Sr. Fitness & Health Center project, which began last school year with the opening of the newly renovated gymnasium. Our athletic staff has worked closely to properly train everyone on how to use the equipment safely. It’s busy daily with athletes, staff, and fitness clubs. We plan to incorporate the space into our fitness and health curriculum, club offerings across all divisions, and more!
URSULINE CELEBRATES HIGHEST STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN A DECADE!
Ursuline Academy is proud to announce its highest student enrollment in ten years — 453 students! Enrollment is up across the board from the Early Childhood program through the Upper School. This includes a full Early Childhood Program for ages 2.5 - Kindergarten, with a wait list. The Upper School fall open house in midOctober welcomed more visitors than ever before.
This achievement is the result of a comprehensive enrollment strategy that blends creative marketing with the enduring appeal of Ursuline’s mission and community. By expanding partnerships with elementary and middle schools, strengthening our social media presence, highlighting the exceptional teaching by our esteemed faculty, and demonstrating the personal attention that defines the Ursuline experience, the Academy has deepened its connection with local families in an authentic way.
At the center of these efforts is a collaborative approach led by Ursuline’s Enrollment Management team, faculty, staff, coaches, and parents — all working together to ensure that every prospective student feels the warmth and excellence of the Ursuline community from their very first interaction.
Director of Enrollment Management Valerie White emphasizes that the Academy’s success stems from both strategy and spirit. “Every day is an open house,” White says. “Students, teachers, parents, and coaches — we’re all part of the admissions team.”
Valerie White is joined on the admissions team by Ursuline alumna Jenna Jackson ‘99 and Monica Giofre, both of whom bring a unique perspective as current UA parents themselves. The admissions team integrates data insights with authentic, personalized outreach. Drawing from a varied background in marketing, education, and leadership, they have developed systems that track engagement, measure impact, and ensure that communication with families reflects the heart of Ursuline — a place where every student is known, challenged, and inspired.
As Ursuline looks to the future, this enrollment milestone builds on 132 years (and counting) of excellence and innovation. The word is out… as our students say, it’s All About UA! If you know someone interested in Ursuline, they can connect with the admissions team at admissions@ursuline.org or by visiting our website, ursuline. org/admissions, for more information.
URSULINE ACADEMY BRINGS “HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION” TO
LIFE IN A GROUNDBREAKING DELAWARE PREMIERE
From October 23–26, the Anna Raskob Auditorium was transformed into a post-apocalyptic, jazz-infused vision of the French Quarter of New Orleans for the school’s stunning production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. With music, lyrics, and book by Anaïs Mitchell, this innovative and ambitious musical reimagines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of Hades and Persephone, through the lens of modern storytelling and New Orleans-inspired sound.
Ursuline Academy proudly became the first school in Delaware to produce Hadestown: Teen Edition, a milestone that brought together students from across Wilmington. The cast and crew included talented participants from Ursuline’s Upper and Middle School, Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington Friends, and Salesianum School, reflecting the collaborative and inclusive spirit of the arts community.
The production was led by our very own Joe Louden as music director, and Shauna Goodman as Director and Choreographer. Under their creative leadership, the Raskob Auditorium was completely transformed into a gritty, industrial landscape pulsing with atmosphere and emotion. Bringing a show of this scale to life required immense dedication
and teamwork. In total, over 50 students, teachers, musicians, and volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on stage to deliver a production that was both an artistic triumph and a moving experience for all in attendance.
The student performers captivated audiences with their powerful voices and emotional depth, their performances lifted even higher by the energy of an eight-piece live jazz band, complete with an accordion that added a distinctive French Quarter flavor to the music. Together, they created an unforgettable musical experience that celebrated the strength of collaboration and the transformative power of storytelling through song.
Ursuline’s production of Hadestown: Teen Edition not only showcased the exceptional talent within its community but also underscored the school’s commitment to providing meaningful artistic opportunities for students. This remarkable show will be remembered as a shining example of creativity, dedication, and the extraordinary strength of the performing arts at Ursuline Academy.
For Ursuline Academy senior Johanna “JoJo” Schlecht, the stage is more than a place to perform — it’s where her lifelong passion and Ursuline spirit come to life. A true Ursuline “lifer,” JoJo has been part of the Ursuline community since Montessori in 2011, growing from a bright and curious young student into a confident scholar, leader, and artist whose talents and dedication inspire everyone around her. A dedicated and dynamic member of the Ursuline Arts community, she has been an active presence in both theater and choir since Lower School.
Passionate about sharing her creativity and leadership in both the arts and academia, JoJo holds positions as Secretary of the National Art Honor Society and President of the National Honor Society. She currently performs with the Upper School Choir and brings her love for theater and music to both the Ursuline and Salesianum School Theater programs. Among her favorite roles from her high school career at Ursuline are Eurydice in Hadestown, Amelie in Amelie, and Beth March in Little Women.
Beyond Ursuline, JoJo has pursued her passion for the performing arts professionally in the Philadelphia region, working with esteemed
ON STAGE AND IN THE CLASSROOM
JOHANNA “JOJO” SCHLECHT ’26 SHINES
companies such as the Walnut Street Theatre and the Delaware Theatre Company under the direction of notable industry professionals, including Tony Award committee members. She is also a familiar face in Delaware’s community theater scene, having performed with the Wilmington Drama League, The Brandywiners, Aldersgate Youth Players, and Delaware All-State Theatre.
JoJo’s musical accomplishments extend into classical voice, which she studies under Mary Ellen Schauber. Since seventh grade, she has competed in regional and national vocal competitions, earning top honors at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Greater Philadelphia and Eastern Region Competitions. She has also been recognized as a quarterfinalist in the NATS National Competition (2025) and a finalist in the Schmidt Vocal Competition (Philadelphia, 2024). Her musical journey began in Ursuline’s Lower School Band, where she first played the clarinet, later discovering her love for the oboe, which earned her a spot in the Delaware All-State Junior Band as a freshman. JoJo has also studied piano at the Music School of Delaware since age ten, further enriching her musical foundation.
A spirited and integral member of the Ursuline Performing Arts community, JoJo recently concluded her senior musical, Hadestown, marking the end of more than a decade of artistic dedication at UA. As she prepares to graduate, JoJo looks forward to continuing her academic and artistic journey in college, ready to bring her passion, creativity, and leadership to new stages and opportunities ahead. SENIOR
ENGINEERING IN PRACTICE: REAL-WORLD PROBLEM SOLVING
When former mechanical engineer Cheryl Szurkowski left her career with a local public utility, she brought her passion for problem-solving into the classroom. After several years of teaching mathematics, she combined her industry experience and love of teaching to develop an engineering program that connects students directly to real-world STEM applications.
Three years ago, Szurkowski joined Ursuline Academy to develop and lead its expanding engineering curriculum. What began with the Introduction to Engineering and Design Thinking course has now expanded into a dynamic, year-long class called Engineering in Practice
“In Engineering in Practice, students go beyond the basics of design and begin to see where engineering truly meets the world,” Szurkowski explains. The course challenges students to explore how engineering impacts everyday life and addresses current global issues. This year’s special focus is biomedical engineering, where students investigate medical challenges and learn through handson projects.
Through lessons inspired by the Perry Initiative, a nonprofit organization that inspires young women to pursue careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering, students experience the process of diagnosing scoliosis and simulating the repair of a torn ligament—activities that mirror the work of real biomedical engineers. “It’s exciting to see students realize how engineering can improve lives,” Szurkowski says. “They begin to see themselves as future innovators.”
As Ursuline’s engineering program continues to expand, the enthusiasm in Szurkowski’s classroom makes it clear that the next generation of engineers is already hard at work—imagining, designing, and building solutions for the world ahead.
CAMERA, INNOVATION!
There’s a buzz of excitement in the Lower School’s McConnell Dream Lab as Ursuline Academy’s fifth graders embark on an innovative new project — the UA Fam Cam! This creative initiative will be a student-produced news broadcast made entirely by the fifth-grade class, designed to keep the Lower School community informed, connected, and entertained.
The UA Fam Cam will feature student updates, important school news, and fun Lower School tidbits, all delivered by Ursuline’s youngest journalists. From anchors and reporters to camera operators and editors, every fifth grader will play an important role in bringing the broadcast to life.
Working out of the school’s Dream Lab — the Lower School’s dedicated innovation space — students will learn how to use video cameras, write engaging scripts, and edit footage to create polished final segments. Through this process, they’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in storytelling, teamwork, and digital production.
The UA Fam Cam embodies Ursuline’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and innovation in education, providing students with real-world learning opportunities that strengthen both communication and confidence.
As the fifth graders prepare to launch their first broadcast, the entire Lower School community is looking forward to seeing the news — and the world — through their eyes. Stay tuned for the premiere of UA Fam Cam!
THAT’S AN
URSULINE GIRL
Stephanie Seitz ’07
We recently welcomed Stephanie Seitz ’07 back to campus for a visit! Ursuline alumna Stephanie Seitz ’07 exemplifies the spirit of leadership, excellence, and service that defines an Ursuline girl. Now the Chief Financial Officer of Rockland Sports, LLC, a Delaware-based private equity company in the sporting and hospitality industry, Stephanie oversees a wide range of financial and administrative operations. After earning her bachelor’s degree in management from Boston College, where she was a four-year member of the women’s Varsity Rowing team, she went on to achieve both her Master of Accounting and Professional Consultancy and MBA in Strategic Management and Marketing from Villanova University. A former KPMG professional, Stephanie was recently honored as a 2024 Young Leader Award Winner by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
Beyond her professional success, Stephanie is deeply committed to giving back. She has served as President of the Boston College Alumni Association of Philadelphia Chapter, is an active mentor at Villanova, and sits on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware. When she recently returned to Ursuline to tour the new Gym & Fitness Center, she was reminded of her own time as a standout student-athlete, a Gatorade Player of the Year in Volleyball, a recipient of the Jane Thatcher Howell Outstanding Athlete Award, and a Cross of Merit honoree. We are so proud to celebrate Stephanie’s accomplishments and to see her continue to embody the values instilled at Ursuline: leadership, service, and lifelong connection.
If you’re an Ursuline alumna who would like to stop by UA for a visit, reach out to Brenda Cimorelli at bcimorelli@ursuline.org.
A CHERISHED URSULINE TRADITION: JUNIOR
RING MASS
On Friday, October 17th, Ursuline Academy proudly celebrated one of its most time-honored traditions, Junior Ring Mass. This special occasion brought together juniors, their families, alumnae, faculty, and staff to commemorate a meaningful milestone in each student’s Ursuline journey.
The Ring Mass serves as a symbol of each student’s commitment to living with faith, courage, and service —the core values that define an Ursuline education. As the rings were blessed and presented, they became enduring emblems of the sisterhood that unites generations of Ursuline women worldwide.
More than a ceremony, the Ring Mass is a moment of reflection and gratitude, a reminder of the spiritual and academic growth that has shaped each student thus far, and of the responsibility they carry as they prepare to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose. The rings now worn by our juniors stand as lasting symbols of the Ursuline mission and the lifelong bonds formed within this remarkable community.
NEW ROSARY WALK & PIAZZA
We are incredibly grateful for our newly completed Rosary Walk and Piazza — a peaceful and sacred space for reflection, prayer, and connection. It was created this past summer as part of our Blaze Brighter strategic plan initiatives and is nestled between the Lower School and Fusco Student Life Center.
The concept was inspired by our foundress, St. Angela Merici, and by the idea of Italian piazzas as places that bring people together. As a final component of the project, we are working with a local artist to bring new life to the Our Lady of Lourdes statue, which was originally erected in the convent’s rose garden in May 1936 in memory of Yvonne Raskob ’31 for the crowning of Mary. It has deteriorated over time due to exposure to the elements, but we plan to restore it to its original glory, so Mary can continue to watch over our community for many years to come.
In October, our 4th graders led a heartfelt Rosary Prayer Service in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. With reverence and joy, they guided our school community in prayer, reminding us of the power of faith and discipline. Additionally, students of all ages have been utilizing the Rosary Walk to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to Mary through prayer. Our Blessed Mother surely smiled upon us!
Next time you visit Ursuline’s campus, we invite you to take a moment to walk in prayer and find peace in God’s presence. Special thanks to German Pro Services - Ryan and his son/current UA 4th grader, Dylan German ‘34, who designed and created this space.
Scan the QR code to view the video.
STRENGTH, SPIRIT, AND SERVICE:
URSULINE ACADEMY PARENT ASSOCIATION IN ACTION
With the school year well underway, the Ursuline Academy Parent Association (UAPA) is in full swing with activities and initiatives that support our students, faculty, and staff! With each event and initiative, the Ursuline Academy Parent Association provides meaningful and inclusive opportunities to celebrate, serve, and enrich the school experience for all.
This year, the UAPA is led by Co-Chairs Ashley Cloud and Kate McNiff, whose energy and dedication continue to strengthen our community’s spirit. Together, they are keeping the UAPA’s longstanding traditions alive while bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to every initiative. Under their leadership, the UAPA is poised for another inspiring year of service, fellowship,
and faith in action. Through the proceeds from its activities and initiatives, the UAPA will support our faculty and staff and help bring new life to our beloved Mary statue, which will soon find its home in our beautiful Rosary Walk.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ashley and Katie for taking on this important role at UA and for their willingness to guide the UAPA with such grace, strength, and commitment to the Ursuline spirit.
If you are a current parent and looking to get involved with this year’s activities, scan the QR code below to volunteer for one or more of our amazing activities:
URSULINE 8TH GRADERS TAKE ON THE “SHIP A CHIP” CHALLENGE
Ursuline Academy’s 8th grade students recently put their engineering and problem-solving skills to the test in the “Ship a Chip Challenge” — an innovative activity that combines creativity, collaboration, and the fundamentals of engineering design.
The challenge was simple in concept but tricky in execution: design packaging that can protect a single potato chip during shipping. Each student team carefully selected materials, developed prototypes, and tested their designs to ensure that one fragile Pringle chip could survive a journey through the mail unbroken.
Once their packaging was perfected, students mailed their chips to a partner engineering class in Florida, where the recipients opened the packages and analyzed how well each design held up during transport. The Florida class may soon return the favor by shipping their own chips back to Ursuline, allowing students here to evaluate the results from the other side of the challenge.
Throughout the project, Ursuline students applied key engineering principles—including design iteration, material testing, and data analysis—while also honing valuable skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.
The Ship a Chip Challenge is part of Ursuline’s commitment to handson, inquiry-based STEM learning, giving students the opportunity to approach real-world problems with innovation and confidence. And while a few crumbs may have been inevitable, the lessons learned— and the fun had—were unbreakable.
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URSULINE RANKED #1!
Ursuline Academy has been ranked #1 Best Catholic K-12 School in Delaware by Niche for 2026.
This incredible honor reflects the strength of our students, families, faculty, staff, and alumnae—the heart of our Ursuline community.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission to educate students for a life of faith, service, and action. Together, we make Ursuline truly exceptional.