SPRING 2026 | VOLUME XIII
Dear Ursuline Community, With grateful hearts, we celebrate the Class of 2026 and the many ways they have shaped and strengthened our Ursuline family. From their earliest days here to this moment of transition, these young women have grown into confident, thoughtful leaders. They have shared their gifts generously, lifted one another up, and embraced each opportunity to learn, serve, and lead. In doing so, they have come to reflect the spirit of St. Angela Merici—grounded in faith, guided by purpose, and committed to the good of others. At Ursuline, they found a community that challenged them, supported them, and believed in them. They learned to speak with conviction, to lead with compassion, and to carry themselves with integrity. The bonds of sisterhood formed here will remain a steady source of strength in all the years ahead. As they move forward, they do so not only prepared for what lies ahead but inspired to make a difference. They leave as Ursuline alumnae, ready to contribute to a world in need of their light as women of courage, intellect, and heart. We hold them in our prayers as they begin this next chapter, confident that they will continue to lead with grace and purpose wherever they go. I N
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Hershey Park
Godspeed, Class of 2026. Please remember that Ursuline will always be your home. Insieme,
2025-2026 Annual Fund Save the Date Classroom Renovation Spanish Honors Society Writing Center Class of 2026 Athletic Training Class That’s an Ursuline Girl Serviam in Action Ursuline Swimming Minimesters 2026 Reunion Recap
Dr. Trisha Medeiros President
YOUNG MUSICIANS, BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS L O W E R
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Springtime was sweet for Ursuline Academy’s Lower and Middle School Combined Band at the Music in the Parks Competition in Hershey, PA. A talented group of nearly 50 student musicians representing grades fourth through eighth stepped into a highly competitive field as one of the smallest and youngest groups in the Concert Band division. After months of dedicated rehearsals since September, the ensemble returned to the competition this year in a fully scored category, stepping into a highly competitive field as one of the smallest and youngest groups in the Concert Band division. Competing against much larger middle and high school programs, our students performed with confidence, poise, and strong musicianship. Their efforts earned an impressive 5th place finish, an accomplishment that reflects their hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, as well as the guidance of Mrs. Walton and the support of our Ursuline families. The day concluded with a well-earned celebration at Hershey Park, marking a memorable and rewarding experience for all.
A LEGACY OF GENEROSITY AND LEADERSHIP AT URSULINE ACADEMY For generations, Ursuline Academy has been shaped by families whose commitment extends far beyond their students’ years. Among those families is the Ripsom family, whose dedication to Ursuline continues to leave a lasting impact on the school community. Over the last two years, current grandparent David Ripsom and his wife Pat have made a generous commitment to the future of Ursuline Academy by sponsoring a $100,000 matching challenge to support the transformation of Upper School classrooms. The initiative, led by the Upper School Classroom Task Force, is modernizing learning spaces to better reflect the collaborative, innovative, and studentcentered environment that defines an Ursuline education. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the campaign has raised $85,000 toward the match and successfully renovated three classrooms during the summer of 2025. Plans are now underway to complete three additional classrooms this upcoming summer. The renovated classrooms feature upgraded desks and flexible furniture, fresh paint, enhanced lighting, updated window treatments, and state-of-the-art technology, including Clear Touch® Interactive Panels designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration. The Ripsom family’s support reflects a deep connection to Ursuline that spans three generations. His daughters, Megan Richards ’93 and Maureen McAleenan ’99, are proud Ursuline alumnae. Maureen now serves the school as Upper School Dean of Academic Studies. His granddaughter, Alice McAleenan ’26, has distinguished herself both academically and athletically as one of the top graduates in her class and a standout on the cross country and track & field teams. Continuing the family’s Ursuline tradition, his granddaughter, Lucy, is also a proud member of Ursuline’s rising sophomore class and a strong runner. “It has been an honor and blessing to support Ursuline in its critically important and powerful mission to raise up our children who are charged with being leaders in faith and works in our community. To see that over our more than 40 years of engagement has been tremendously special to our family. The classroom enhancement project is a very practical and visible part of our ongoing support,”David offered. The family’s impact on Ursuline extends well beyond the classroom initiative. David and his late wife, Alice, were also instrumental in securing the property that is now home to Serviam Field, creating opportunities for generations of Raiders to compete, grow, and build community. Alice was an active supporter of Ursuline while her girls were students, including starting the reinvigoration of the school store. They have both served on the Ursuline Board of Trustees. In addition, David and his daughter, Maureen, helped lead the campaign
that transformed the former convent into Ursuline Academy’s Student Life Center — a visionary project that forever changed the Academy’s trajectory by creating a vibrant hub for student connection, collaboration, and campus life. Through leadership and philanthropy, the Ripsom family commitment has helped shape the Ursuline experience for students across generations. Today, that same spirit of investment in the student experience continues through the Upper School classroom renovation initiative, where upgraded learning spaces are already making a meaningful impact on students and faculty alike. One of the teachers already benefiting from the renovations is Casey Ferentz, Upper School Social Studies and Psychology Teacher and Social Studies Department Chair, whose classroom was among those completed last summer. “The new classroom technology has strengthened my ability to engage students and make learning more meaningful. I’m able to adapt my lessons to allow for more student participation. We recently did a project where all students presented to the class, and the new ClearTouch made it very easy. The new furniture in the classrooms allows for students to be more interactive with each other and see the value of working together.” - Casey Ferentz, Upper School Social Studies/Psychology Teacher, Social Studies Chair
The Classroom Task Force initiative has also been supported by generous members of the Ursuline community, including current parents JP and Holly Gulli, Karen and Jon McGhee, Michael and Maureen McAleenan ‘99, fellow current grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William Wade, and an anonymous alumnae donor. As Ursuline Academy continues its mission of preparing young women for leadership and service, the generosity of families like the Ripsom family helps ensure that students learn in spaces that reflect the excellence of the education they receive. Supporters interested in contributing to the Classroom Task Force initiative and helping Ursuline Academy meet and hopefully exceed the $100,000 challenge match are encouraged to scan the QR code included here. For more information on this initiative, please contact Patrick Davey, Director of Advancement: pdavey@ursuline.org
URSULINE ACADEMY SPANISH SCHOLARS C E L E B R A T E H O N O R A R I A
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H I S P Á N I C A On April 28th, the Upper School celebrated the inaugural induction into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a prestigious honor society sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. This milestone reflects the Academy’s dedication to fostering excellence in the study of the Spanish language and appreciation for Hispanic culture among our students. The ceremony was a joyful celebration of hard work, focus, and Serviam. The Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica recognizes students who excel in their Spanish studies by maintaining high academic performance over four years of coursework. This year, representatives from the senior class have qualified through their academic achievements and their commitment to community service. To be eligible for induction, students must complete volunteer work that specifically supports the Hispanic community and encourages the use of Spanish. This year’s inductees collected bilingual books for 2nd Graders at the William C. Lewis dual language school, located within the Cool Springs neighborhood.
The members of the inaugural group will lead the charge in promoting Spanish language proficiency and community engagement at Ursuline Academy. Seniors who served on the current executive board are: • • • •
Sybella Knight - President McKinley Jefferson - Vice President Danielle LaFond - Secretary Zoe Carberry - Treasurer
These students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and leadership abilities, making them exemplary representatives of our school and the values of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. As part of their recognition, new members receive a certificate of membership and a distinctive pin to wear. In addition, they will be awarded double cords to wear at graduation, highlighting their commitment to excellence in Spanish studies. Looking ahead, the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica will induct new members at the start of each academic year, fostering a legacy of excellence in Spanish-language studies that future Ursuline Academy students can strive to uphold. As a community, we are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments. Their initiative and passion exemplify the spirit of Ursuline and contribute to a more bilingual and culturally aware society.
URSULINE WRITING CENTER The Ursuline Writing Center continues to grow as a valuable academic resource on campus, supporting students in developing strong, confident writing skills across all subject areas. Launched last school year, the Writing Center was created to provide students with ongoing strategies, individualized support, and tools to strengthen their writing over time. Tutors are selected based on faculty recommendations and participate in two training sessions grounded in writing center scholarship to prepare them to work one-on-one with peers. Students can schedule 30–50 minute appointments at any stage of the writing process, whether they are getting started, decoding an assignment, developing a thesis, organizing and refining body paragraphs, integrating evidence, locating credible sources, or improving sentence clarity. The Writing Center is also available for teacher-required visits tied to specific assignments. This year, the Writing Center hosted 130 student sessions, reflecting both its strong usage and the meaningful impact it has had on student learning and confidence as writers. We express our gratitude to student leaders Alice McAleenan and Julia Lundgren for leading the program and volunteers this year, alongside faculty advisor Dr. Rachel Edwards.
Celebrating the Class of 2026 Valedictorian
Johanna Schlecht Princeton University
Accepted to 101 colleges and universities and enrolling at 27 institutions across the country • Earned nearly $8.4 million in academic and athletic scholarships • Averaged $204,633 in scholarship awards per graduate • Completed 4,854 hours of community service, averaging 118 hours per student • 46% of the class will pursue degrees in STEM-related fields, far exceeding the national average • 2 graduates will continue studying engineering after being inspired by Ursuline’s engineering program • 4 graduates will compete in collegiate athletics in Basketball, Swimming, Track & Field, & Volleyball • 10 graduates will attend Catholic-affiliated universities • 1 graduate earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Salutatorian
Cecilia Binnersley University of Pittsburgh
Liliia Belichenko
Zoe Carberry
Anastasia Carpenter
Lucy Copeland
Abigail Cresong
University of Delaware
University of South Carolina
Northeastern University
Immaculata University
Pennsylvania State University
Caroline Dudderar
Lydia Durkee
Sophie Ellingsworth
Alaina Ferriter
Delaney Gallagher
University of Delaware
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of Delaware
James Madison University
Coastal Carolina University
Claire Gordon
Katilyn Hahn
Ava Harrington
McKinley Jefferson
Faye Kelleher
Saint Joseph’s University
University of Alabama
College of Charleston
Gettysburg College
The Catholic University of America
Sybella Knight
Kamile Lacy
Danielle LaFond
Katherine Layton
Julia Lundgren
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Villanova University
George Washington University
Madelyn Manley
Alice McAleenan
Charlotte McFadden
Janitza Mena-Cardenas
Aubrey Messina-Dickerson
University of Delaware
University of Notre Dame
West Chester University
Saint Joseph’s University
Immaculata University
Naiya Murphy
Charlotte Perrin
Alexandra Prince
Kaitlyn Rzucidlo
Anne Schofield
United States Military Academy at West Point
Pennsylvania State University
Syracuse University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Delaware
Mia Terzaghi
Mia Thayer
Hayley Timmons
Sophia Tuschinski
Isabel Vattasseril
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland
College of Charleston
DePaul University
University of Michigan
Lauren Vernot
Claire Viceconte
Samantha Weinert
Kiah Young
College of Charleston
The Catholic University of America
University of Delaware
Saint Joseph’s University
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ATHLETIC TRAINING & LEADERSHIP CLASS This year, Ursuline Academy introduced a new addition to our Upper School curriculum: the Athletic Training & Leadership class, led by Athletic Trainer Brooke Snyder, with additional instruction in Sports Administration and Leadership from Athletic Director Lauren DiSabatino. Designed for students interested in health sciences, athletics, and sports performance, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of athletic training. Students learn foundational concepts in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation while also exploring the broader role athletic trainers and sports leaders play in supporting student-athletes’ health and success.
experiences allow students to apply their learning in meaningful, authentic settings while contributing directly to the care of Ursuline athletes. The learning extends beyond campus as well. Recently, students traveled to the University of Delaware for an immersive, behind-thescenes experience at the Whitney Athletic Center as part of the Sports Medicine & Leadership class. Guided by Deputy Athletic Director Dan Watson, students explored the many components that support collegiate athletics, including sport psychology, nutrition, sport science, and elite training facilities.
What makes this course especially unique is its hands-on learning experience. In addition to classroom instruction, students actively assist in Ursuline’s athletic training room and gain real-world exposure by supporting teams at athletic competitions on the sidelines. These
During the visit, students also participated in a Q&A session with Associate Athletic Trainer Paul Lowry, who shared valuable insights into injury prevention, rehabilitation, and the day-to-day responsibilities of working with college athletes. The experience offered students a deeper understanding of the teamwork, leadership, and care required behind the scenes of athletic success. Through both classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities, Ursuline’s Athletic Training course is helping students build real-world skills, explore potential career pathways, and gain a greater appreciation for the field of sports medicine and sports administration.
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URSULINE GIRL
Melissa A. DiVincenzo ’94
Ursuline Academy proudly recognizes alumna Melissa A. DiVincenzo ’94 on her election as Chair of the Executive Committee at Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP. A parent of four sons who attended Ursuline’s Lower School and a valued member of our Board of Trustees, Melissa has long exemplified leadership, service, and commitment to excellence. Her election reflects the deep respect she has earned throughout the legal profession and marks an important milestone in her distinguished career.
A highly regarded corporate attorney, Melissa has been a partner at the firm and an integral member of its Corporate Law Counseling Group, where she advises clients on complex governance, transactional, and strategic matters. Her thoughtful leadership and dedication to the practice of law continue to make a meaningful impact. The Ursuline community is grateful for Melissa’s ongoing service and proud to celebrate the example she sets for current and future generations of students.
SERVIAM IN ACTION Each year, the Salesianum, Ursuline, and Padua communities come together to raise funds for a local nonprofit cause. This year, they raised an incredible $183,543.54 in support of DeSales Service Works. This included funds raised from our annual Ursuline-Salesianum Flag Football Game this past fall at Serviam Field, an annual UA tradition. More than just a fundraiser, SALSTHON showcases the power of community, generosity, and purpose in action. It was a night to remember—live music, karaoke, food trucks, firepits, and an unforgettable midnight reveal! We are so proud of our Class of 2026 Student Council reps who took the lead for Ursuline this year!
CONGRATULATIONS, URSULINE SWIMMING! Ursuline Swimming continues its legacy of excellence, capturing the 2026 State Championship on February 28th! This marks the team’s 4th consecutive state title, 5th straight undefeated season, and 12th state championship in program history. Go Raiders!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MINIMESTERS One of our signature middle school traditions, Minimesters, takes place each spring and invites students to step outside the traditional classroom experience. In partnership with community organizations, students engage in hands-on learning that makes academic concepts come alive through exploration, creativity, and real-world application. Each Mini-mester offers a unique adventure, encouraging students to explore topics such as animals, astronomy, food, wellness, and design. Excursions, shared meals off campus, and meaningful time with peers further enrich this memorable experience. This year’s Mini-mesters included: • Homeward Bound: Students built practical life skills by making soap, creating dried-flower decorations, and planting and caring for herbs and vegetables. • Fashion Forward: Students explored current fashion trends, participated in color analysis, and learned about small-business ownership
during a visit to Oh So Molly, a boutique owned by Ursuline alumna Molly Matlusky ’20. • Order in the Court: Students learned about courtroom procedures and stepped into the roles of judges, attorneys, and jurors in a mock trial, “The People vs. Joe Jones,” with guest speaker Mr. Williams from DEL-REC. • A Bite of Disney: With a Disney-inspired theme, students designed rollercoasters, generated AI character images based on personality quizzes, and enjoyed Mickey Mouse waffles. • Reading Retreat: Students celebrated literature with a visit to a local bookstore, customized a favorite book cover, and created nature-inspired bookmarks. • DIY Divas: Students expressed their creativity and personal style by designing and building a product using a variety of hands-on materials and techniques.
TWO UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER EXPERIENCES A R E WA I T I N G AT U R S U L I N E DAY C A M P S !
Discovery Cove (Co-ed, Ages 2.5 - 5) June 15 – August 14 A summer of adventure, creativity, and early discovery! From exploring nature as “Backyard Biologists” to becoming “Junior Chefs” and digging into dinosaurs, each week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture friendships through hands-on learning in arts, science, movement, and play.
Wander & Wonder (Co-ed, Rising K-5th Grade) June 15 – August 14 (+ August 17 – 20 at Winterthur) Let curiosity lead the way! Campers will explore the great outdoors through weekly field trips, dive into a 360º gardening program, and take on roles like scientists, artists, and explorers—all while building resilience, confidence, and teamwork. From tiny explorers to trailblazing adventurers, there’s something for everyone this summer. Check out our specialty camps, too! Fishing, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Culinary Arts, Theater, Arts
Dr. Jack Varsalona, Former Upper School Principal 1976-1978 and the Class of 1976
2026 REUNION RECAP The 2026 Alumnae Weekend was a memorable celebration of connection, tradition, and Ursuline sisterhood, welcoming alumnae back to campus on April 17–18. The weekend began with a Guided Conversation featuring the Class of 1976, highlighted by a special visit from former Principal of Ursuline Academy from 1976-1978, Dr. Jack Varsalona, followed by a warm Welcome Cocktail Reception in the Fusco Hall Student Life Center, where alumnae reconnected over refreshments, laughter, and shared memories. The evening featured a special address from Nellie Manlove Hill ‘96. On Saturday, alumnae gathered for Mass celebrated by Fr. Charles Dillingham, OSFS, before joining together for a luncheon. During the event, Victoria Petrone Dills ’91 was recognized with the Angela Boyle ’53 Award for Service, which was accepted on her behalf by her daughter, Tess Dills ’27. We were also pleased to award the Alumnae Scholarship to Mae Grugan, daughter of Kara Wilson Grugan ’98. The celebration concluded with student-led campus tours, offering alumnae the opportunity to revisit beloved spaces and experience recent additions, including the 1893 I.D.E.A. Studio and the Anthony N. Fusco Sr. Fitness & Health Center. We look forward to welcoming our alumnae back to campus for the 2027 Reunion Weekend on April 9–10 as we continue to celebrate the enduring bonds, traditions, and spirit of Ursuline sisterhood.
Mae Grugan, (Center) Class of 2030 Alumnae Scholarship Awardee
Victoria Petrone Dills ’91 2026 Angela Boyle Award Winner
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