Villa Walsh Academy
NEWSLETTER 455 Western Avenue • Morristown, NJ 07960
September 2026 GUIDANCE REMINDERS SENIORS
Continue to check the Guidance website page to see when colleges are visiting Villa Walsh. Signups are in the guidance office for college visits.
e Group Guidance class has covered many topics this fall, particularly the application process at VWA and the importance of devising a realistic college list.
As discussed at both College Night and in Guidance class, transcript request forms are due at least 3 weeks prior to the application deadline. Student must submit one form for each school she is applying to. (i.e. if a student is applying to 6 schools, she must complete 6 transcript request forms).
COLLEGE NIGHT CLASS OF 2027 On September 15, 2026, Mrs. Devins hosted a College Night for parents of the Class of 2027. is meeting addressed the college application process, Villa Walsh’s requirements for requesting transcripts, letters of recommendations, as well as FAQs. COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT On ursday, September 17, 2026, Mrs. Devins hosted a Guidance Information Night for 9th through 12th grade students, parents, and guardians. College Admission representatives from Catholic University, Lehigh University, and the University of Georgia presented a panel discussion on college admissions and planning. ank you to all who attended this evening; we hope you found it valuable. PEER TUTORING Peer tutoring is available for all students who feel they could bene t from some additional help with a class. e sign up for requesting and providing peer tutoring can be found on the door of the guidance office. Please stop in or email Mrs. Devins if you have any questions.
STANDARDIZED TESTING e Guidance Office administered multiple standardized tests here at Villa Walsh Academy over the past few weeks. e SAT was administered on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 for any juniors or seniors who signed up to take it. e PSAT was administered on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 for all juniors. e ACT was administered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 for any juniors or seniors who signed up to take it. Scores will be released directly to the students over the next 4-6 weeks. ANNOUNCEMENT Over 1.3 million students took the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. Of these entrants, we are pleased to announce that Olivia Barsemian’27, Emily Murphy’27 and Katherine Treacy’27 are recognized as Commended Students, placing among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations Olivia, Emily and Katherine! AP SCHOLAR AWARDS e following students earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by scoring an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on ve or more of these exams: Olivia Barsemian’27, Gemma Cafasso’26, Grace Calvano’26, Tess Coffey’26, Maeve Dam’27, Bridget Drew’26, Blythe Dudley’26, Bernice Fernando’26, Lia Griffin’27, Maeson Honan’27, Amelia Kleinle’26, Bryanna Liu’26, Eve Loughran’27, Emily Murphy’27, Emma Naughton’26, Sabrina Pasko’26, Bianca Petrucci’27, Anne Rionda’27, Cameron Shull’26, Peyton Simmons’27, Katherine Treacy’27, Ella Trzesniowski’27, and Kiera Vowells’27. e following students earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award by scoring an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Valentina Calipa’26, Elizabeth Edattel’26, Gabriella Farag’27, Claire Imossi’26, Grace Sokol’27, Lexi Stappas’27, and Caroline Tully’27.
e following students earned the AP Scholar Award by scoring a XXXXX 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams: Alexa Barravecchio’27, Ava Bentz’26, Bridget Boler’26, Kristi Ciasulli’26, Elodie Cooney’26, Samantha Innella’28, Emilia Kapas’26, Kendall Kiraly’28, Zoe Lenz’28, Alexa Lombardi’27, Olivia Parrillo’26, Sarah Shalhoub'28, Araya Singh’28, Mia Spataro’27, Cecilia Timmons’27, Sabrina Waivada’26, and Isabella White’26. e following students earned the AP Capstone Diploma by scoring a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams of their choosing: Olivia Barsemian’27, Grace Calvano’26, Blythe Dudley’26, Eve Loughran’27, Emily Murphy’27, Sabrina Pasko’26, Bianca Petrucci’27, Anne Rionda’27, Ava Seaman’26, Cameron Shull’26, Peyton Simmons’27, Lexi Stappas’27, Katherine Treacy’27, and Kiera Vowells’27. e following students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certi cate by scoring 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research: Alexa Barravecchio’27, Mia Spataro’27, and Ella Trzesniowski’27.
SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY Summer Service
STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELOR Hello, Villa Walsh families! My name is Carole Soder, and I am delighted to be joining the Villa community this year as the Student Assistance Counselor. I come to Villa with more than 25 years of experience as a school counselor in the School District of the Chathams, and before that I spent eight years as a classroom and special education teacher. I hold a Master's degree in Counseling from Montclair State University and a Master's degree in Special Education from Manhattan College. I was drawn to Villa Walsh by its strong sense of community and its commitment to supporting young women, and I have felt that warmth from the moment I arrived. Over the past few weeks, I have been inviting small groups of students to my office for a meet and greet. ese visits give the girls a chance to see where my office is, learn how I can support them, and get to know me a little. I have met with all of our 7th and 8th graders so far, and it has been a joy to hear what they are excited about this year. Next, I will be meeting one-on-one with each of our freshmen. During these conversations, each student will complete a brief survey, and I will have the chance to learn more about her interests, strengths, and goals as she begins her high school years.
On June 8, nine VWA Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Club members taught Spanish to children of St. Gerard School, Paterson. On this 18th annual St. Gerard Spanish Day, VWA girls taught grades 1 to 6, providing their own lesson plans, materials, prizes, and goodies.
I am also co-teaching a freshman skills course with Mrs. Manley. is non-graded class meets weekly and focuses on the transition to high school, including topics such as organization, time management, and communication. Our goal is to help each student build the con dence and habits that will serve her well throughout her time at Villa.
We thank Amy Perlera’28, Araya Singh’28, Natalie Brinkworth’28, Catherine Azares’29, Grace Boler’29, Lauren Petrie’27, Rylie McAloon’29, Mila Chevalier’29, and Mia Marulanda’29.
In addition, I am the moderator of the Mental Health Matters club, which meets every other week and gives students a space to focus on self-care and well-being through activities such as journaling, walking, and music.
ank you to our parents who served as team teachers, drivers, and chaperones: Mrs. Donna Pylyp, Mrs. Dina Perlera, Mrs. erese Imossi, and Sr. Josephine Palmeri.
I look forward to getting to know your daughters and to partnering with you this year. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time at soderc@villawalsh.org.
Aer the Spanish classes, Sr. Jo-Ann Pompa, MPF, Principal of St. Gerard’s, graciously served a lunch to our VWA students and chaperones.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GOES TO THE MET
Spanish Essay CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren Petrie’27 whose Spanish essay, “NO HAY MAL QUE POR BIEN NO VENGA,” was accepted for publication in ALBRICIAS, a magazine for high school Spanish students in the SOCIEDAD HONORARIA HISPÁNICA (National Spanish Honor Society). ere are over 2,000 chapters of the SHH, and each moderator is allowed to submit two entries for each issue. FELICITACIONES, Lauren!
e VWA Middle School toured e Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday, October 9, 2026. Led by Mrs. Kerry Harper, Mrs. Stephanie Vernice, Mrs. Noelle VanSlyke, Mrs. Maria Manley and Mrs. Trisch Lagana, students toured through 19th and 20th century art, e American Wing, Egyptian and Greek art. A few made it into Oceana and African art. Fan favorites were Washington Crossing the Delaware, Monet paintings, Degas’ e Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer and of course the bookstore! Aer the museum, the VWA bus took a scenic tour through Times Square. It was a most memorable day!
DREAM AS BIG AS THE SEA
CAMPUS MINISTRY
e excitement is building for Villa Walsh Academy’s Fall Festival & Student Fashion Show! Join us on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Hanover Marriott for an unforgettable evening celebrating our Villa community, cherished traditions, and incredible young women!
Bishop’s Mass
We look forward to celebrating with all of you! Stay in the know! Watch for our special Fall Festival & Student Fashion Show newsletters every Wednesday for exciting updates, sneak peeks, and important event details. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram @ villawalshfashionshow for all the behind-the-scenes fun as we bring Dream as Big as the Sea to life!
VILLA SERVES In the days aer September 11th, people across the country felt united with a desire to help and support one another, creating a spirit of empathy and resilience. With that spirit in mind, Villa Serves collected close to $500 in gi cards to support those in need. As a school community, our students began their day in the chapel with a prayer service, and the gi cards were donated to Mary’s Hands in Morristown. In addition, students wore ag stickers as another reminder of that day. A special thank you to Maeson Honan’27 for organizing the drive. ank you to all students and their families for your generous donations to these needy families. In addition, Villa Serves answered a call for diapers - especially diapers in larger sizes - by collecting over 50+ packages of large and small diapers. Mary’s Hands oen rewards children for attending classes and activities at church. ey are now better able to reward these children with the “stuffies” shared by Villa Walsh students. ank you to Soraya Tamas’28 for helping to “tame” the many bags of over 100 stuffed animals collected.
Diversity CAFE (Cultural Awareness for Everyone) Diversity CAFE is happy to announce that Ms. Khiana Rogers will be joining as a teacher/adviser to Diversity CAFE. We are so excited to discuss the fresh and new ideas she has in mind for us. Diversity CAFE added to the activities of Septemberfest by sharing in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. A table was set up sharing friendship bracelets, fun tattoos and samples of various foods. A special thank you goes to Lauren Doss’28, Anne Rionda’27, Amy Perlera’28, Kendall Kiraly’28, Maeson Honan’27 and Emma Murphy’29 and their families for the special treats they shared at the event and for working the table.
Bishop Kevin Sweeney from the Diocese of Paterson presided at Villa Walsh Academy’s rst liturgy of the new school year on Tuesday, September 29th in St. Lucy Chapel. Celebrating the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Bishop Sweeney reminded us that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” and always under the care and protection of the angels. Villa’s Chorus, under the guidance of Mr. Paul Daher, sang beautifully and led the congregation in both prayer and song. anks to Maeve Dam’27, Isabella Nilio’27, Ava Sansano’27, Cecilia Timmons’27, Kiera Vowells’27, Lauren Doss’28, Elizabeth Kinney’28, Whitney Witko’28, Tessa Arturi’29, Emily O’Malley’29, Lucy Smart’29, Audrey Streem’29, Claire Johnson’30, Emma Lee’31, Alexa Van Slyke’31 and Mariam Westaby’31 for their assistance to carry the cross and candles, serve the altar, read the Scriptures and petitions, present the gis at the Offertory, and distribute the Mass programs. In addition, Bishop Sweeney generously announced a “Bishop’s Holiday,” to be celebrated on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, extending our observance of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Big Sister/Little Sister Luncheon Seniors from the Class of 2027 welcomed our freshman students of the Class of 2030 to the Villa Walsh Academy family by hosting the annual Big Sister/Little Sister Luncheon on Wednesday, September 30th with a pizza picnic by the Tower. With the beautiful weather of an early-Fall aernoon, the seniors set an example of kindness and generosity to Villa’s newest students, who were grateful for the pizza, the thoughtful gis and balloons, and most especially for the hand of friendship extended to welcome them to Villa Walsh. Candy Day, the annual Villa tradition that took place this year on Monday, September 28th, gave the freshmen students the “sweet” opportunity to meet and talk brie y with every student in the senior class. Special thanks to the whole class of 2027 making their “Little Sisters” feel so welcome, and for demonstrating what Villa’s “sisterhood” is all about. Rosary Students, faculty, and staff gather every Tuesday aer school at 2:45PM to pray the rosary for our needs and the needs of the whole world. From the cross, Jesus gave us His mother to be our mother, also. Praying together as a community and seeking the prayers of Our Lady, gives us the peace, protection, and purpose we seek. All are welcome.
Adoration/Reconciliation On Friday, September 11th, Villa Walsh Academy hosted its rst morning of Eucharistic adoration of the academic year. With the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance on the altar of St. Lucy Chapel, students, faculty, and staff committed to spend 15 quiet minutes with Jesus, our Savior, to pray and to grow in both faith and friendship. e Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to students during their lunch period. Signup sheets are shared monthly, and all are welcome. Soup Kitchen Meal Every month, Villa Walsh Academy prepares a meal for the St. Martin de Porres soup kitchen, an outreach of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in service of their poor neighbors. Funded from the proceeds of an upcoming dress-down day, the meal that the students prepare feeds 200 people. In order to help, students in the high school complete a Google Form and meet in the kitchen of the Grace Ann Cafe' to cook and assemble eight large catering trays of a hearty, delicious meal. Last year, more than 2,000 of our Newark neighbors shared in Villa Walsh’s generosity. High school students should look for a sign-up Google Sheet for our next cooking day.
ATHLETICS FALL SPORTS Tennis Varsity e Villa Walsh Tennis players le beach houses and the lazy days of summer behind to begin training for the 2026 tennis season in early August. Aer losing 6 starters to graduation, the team had many spots to ll. e underclassmen’s hard work in the off-season showed throughout the challenge matches. Sophomore Elodie Tuck’29 earned the rst singles spot, while Junior Whitney Witko’28 took second Singles. ey both gained signi cant experience and con dence as competitors this season. Senior captain Ella Trzesniowski’27 secured the 3rd singles spot, making the jump from rst doubles last year. Senior Valentina DePaco’27 and Junior Olivia Leuzzi’28 stood out as the strongest doubles team. Seniors Isabella Orosz’27, Isabella Nilio’27, and Angelina Dattolo’27, and Juniors Emma Allen’28 and Avry Riley’28 all contributed at second doubles. e team nished with an overall record of 4-10 in a very competitive Liberty Division. e team had impressive wins over Hanover Park, Mount St. Dominick, and Vernon Township. Senior captain Ella Trzesniowski’27 led the girls on and off the court with enthusiasm and excitement. e team celebrated the season together with the traditional parent-player tournament and end of season dinner and celebration in Mother Ninetta Gym.
Tennis JV e Villa Walsh JV Girls Tennis team is made up of 17 members: freshmen Adriana Aboyoun’30, Caroline Allen’30, Avery Breslauer’30, Victoria Dill’30, Mei-Linn Kellam’30, Georgia Ruggiero’30, and Alexandra Welsh’30; sophomores Kayleigh Hatton’29, Norah Kennedy’29, Eavan Martin’29, Gianna Nunes’29, Camilla Zazzali’29, and Isabella Zelinsky’29; and juniors Galina Dangler’28, Siena Lanni’28, Adriana Rizk’28, and Chloe Scheuerman’28. Captains Norah Kennedy’29 and Siena Lanni’28 led the team, and their leadership and commitment made it a memorable season. e team nished the season with an impressive 10-3 record, highlighted by big wins over Morristown Beard and Madison, as well as a sweep of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth at Septemberfest. Freshmen Adriana Aboyoun’30 and Georgia Ruggiero’30 were a force on 5th doubles, nishing with an impressive 10-1 record in their rst season, while Adriana Rizk’28 and Alexandra Welsh’30 found tremendous success competing on 1st doubles against the team’s toughest opponents. It was a fantastic season lled with growth, hard work, and plenty of memorable moments on and off the court! Soccer Varsity e Villa Walsh Academy Varsity Girls Soccer team is off to an exciting start to the 2026 season! With 21 players on the roster, the team has embraced a new season lled with energy, determination, and strong team spirit. e team is fortunate to have an experienced group of returning players leading the way, including three seniors and team tri-captains Lexi Stappas’27, Eve Loughran’27, and Katelyn McGowan’27. eir leadership, experience, and commitment have helped establish a positive tone for the team. ey are joined by additional returning players: Lyndsay Scheaffer’28, Josephine Rezza’28, Sara Carvalheiro-Santos’28, Emma Gubernat’29, Grace Boler’29, Rylie McAloon’29, Georgiana Hushon’29, Caroline McAdams’29, Naomi Scotto’29, Ava Van Etten’29, Ashley aler’29, and Grace Greguske’29. e team was excited to welcome six new freshman players to the program: Olivia Morgan’30, Emma Terrone’30, Annabelle Hopson’30, Reagan Flynn’30, Jeanelle Cantave’30, and Hannah O’Sullivan‘30. ese newcomers have quickly become an important part of the team, bringing enthusiasm, athleticism, and a willingness to learn at every practice, and they are gaining valuable game time as opportunities arise. e team is supported by team manager Samantha Innella‘28, who has shown wholehearted dedication and support by attending each game, home and away, and keeping the scorebook pristine. is season marks a new chapter for Villa Walsh Girls Soccer as VWA welcomes Head Varsity Soccer Coach Marc DiFalco and Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Prosicki to the program. From the beginning of the season, the coaching staff has emphasized teamwork, competitiveness, communication, and having fun while continuing to grow as players and as a team. e team started the season with an impressive 4-2 home victory over Parsippany High School, setting the tone for a competitive, exciting season. rough the team's rst nine games, Villa Walsh has compiled a 4-4-1 record, with the players continuing to demonstrate resilience and determination regardless of the score. Sophomore Grace Boler'29 has led the team offensively, putting together an outstanding start with 10 goals and 4 assists through the rst nine
games. e season's highlights so far have been a pair of thrilling rivalry games against e Academy of St. Elizabeth/Morris Catholic co-op team. In the rst meeting, Villa Walsh battled back from a 3-1 second-half de cit to earn a dramatic 4-3 road victory. With just 35 seconds remaining, Georgiana Hushon’29 delivered the gamewinning goal on a corner-kick header, sending the team home with an unforgettable comeback victory.
e teams met again at Villa Walsh during the school's annual Septemberfest event, and the second game proved to be even more dramatic. In front of an energetic home crowd, Villa Walsh trailed 4-1 in the second half. Rather than giving in, the team responded with an incredible ve-minute offensive surge, scoring three goals to tie the game at 4-4. e momentum carried into overtime, and just ve minutes into the rst overtime period, Villa Walsh found the back of the net for the game-winning goal, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory. e comeback was one of the team's most impressive performances of the season and showcased the character, determination, and belief that this group has developed. e high-energy atmosphere surrounding Septemberfest made the victory even more memorable for the players, coaches, families, and the entire Villa Walsh community.
While the results and individual performances have been exciting, the team's growth has extended well beyond the scoreboard. roughout the season, the players have taken part in a fun new team tradition known as the “DiFalco Cup.” At the end of most practices, the team divides into four player-draed teams that compete in a season-long small-sided tournament. e DiFalco Cup has quickly become a favorite part of the team's routine, giving players a chance to compete in a relaxed, entertaining environment while building chemistry and camaraderie. e tournament has brought plenty of competition, laughter, and team spirit to practices throughout the season. As the season continues, the team will build on its strong start and keep developing both on and off the eld. e coaching staff is excited to see this group continue to support one another and represent Villa Walsh Academy with pride!
Varsity Volleyball e Varsity Volleyball team has worked hard and grown together as they enter the second half of the season! Led by a dedicated group of multi-sport athletes, the team continues to develop consistency and nd the lineup that best showcases its strengths.
e current Varsity record stands at 4–9 with many matches in the competitive Liberty Division of the NJAC. e team earned two wins over Dover and a 2–0 victory over Morris Catholic. e girls have also battled through some competitive matches, including close contests against Morristown-Beard and e Academy of St. Elizabeth. ese matches have demonstrated the team’s potential and determination as the season progresses.
is year’s roster features six seniors—Azariah Andrews’27, Maeve Dam’27, Emily Murphy’27, Ava Sansano’27, Peyton Simmons’27, and Kiera Vowells’27—along with senior managers Bianca Petrucci’27 and Lia Griffin’27. e seven juniors, Avery Draeger’28, Maria Kalavrouziotis’28, Juliana Kenworthy’28, Kendall Kiraly’28, So a Marcello’28, Satine Nader’28, Sibylla Ramos’28, and Zoe Ye’28, bring valuable energy and experience to the court, and they love to scrimmage against the seniors in practice. Sophomore Juliana Joshi’29 and “new kid on the block”, freshman Grace Jorgensen’30, round out the varsity roster. With continued hard work, communication, and teamwork, the coaches look forward to seeing the girls build on their progress and nish the season strong. On Monday, October 19, the Vikings take on Pope John during our annual Dig Pink Stage IV breast cancer fundraiser. We hope to see you there! Go, Vikings! Volleyball JV e Villa Walsh JV Volleyball team started the season strong with a 2-0 record before facing three tough opponents, keeping the sets close despite the losses. e Vikings were ready to bounce back, and Septemberfest was just the energy boost we needed! e girls showed up decked out in Villa spirit and glitter, bringing the excitement all the way to the championship aer a thrilling semi nal win. e momentum continued with a huge win over Gill St. Bernard’s, followed by a 2-0 stretch that included an exciting win at Hackettstown’s Dig Pink Night! Now sitting at 7-4, the Vikings are nding their rhythm and growing stronger as a team. Serving and communication have been standout strengths, and team chemistry keeps growing with every match. e energy is high, the sisterhood is strong, and the team is ready to see what October brings! Players include: Setters - Riley Murphy’29 and Alyvia Simmons’29; Outside Hitters - Sophie Sims’29, Grace Costa’29, Audrey Streem’29, Mary Cafasso’28, eodora Hronides’29; Middle Attackers - Caroline Caughey’29, Hannah Warjanka’28, Serena Sabatella’28; Defensive SpecialistsSophia Billones’29, Emily O'Malley’29, Leah Bourdoin’28; Libero - Juliana Kenworthy’28. Volleyball Freshman e Freshman Volleyball team is made up of 16 players, including: Stephanie Farmer'30, Sera na Foley'30, Emily Francisco'30, Sydney Geiger'30, Asmi Haldar'30, Cassandra LaFave'30, Emma Lyons'30, Georgia Mitchell'30, Madelyn Mulhearn'30, Taylor Price'30, Emily Romano'30, Evelyn Shore'30, Luciana Suzuki-Scotti'30, Aliyah Warjanka'30, Kayla Zienowicz'30, and Ellery Zogby’30. e team has made quite an impression in divisional conference competition with a 6-1 record to date. Captains Stephanie Farmer’30, Emily Francisco’30, and Evelyn Shore’30 have led the team both on and off the court. e team has had 3 straight sets wins vs. Parsippany-Hills, Dover, Hanover Park, Pingry, and Morris Catholic. e players were also nalists in the Septemberfest Frosh Invitational vs. Vernon and fell most recently to Hackettstown. e team’s manager Asmi Haldar’30, took the reins early on, teaching her teammates Georgia Mitchell’30 and Sera na Foley’30 the ne art of stats in addition to their playing responsibilities this season. eir extra efforts to step
up and volunteer to support the team when needed are greatly appreciated! Recent match highlights include an 8-point comeback led by Stephanie Farmer’30 vs. Morris Catholic to win the match! Our JV and Varsity teams “stormed the court” to celebrate the win with the entire freshman team. Other notable accomplishments include 9 aces by Cassandra LaFave’30 vs. Dover early in the season and strong service from Ellery Zogby’30 and Luciana Suzuki-Scotti’30 in successive matches. Aliyah Warjanka’30 leads the team in kills, and Sydney Geiger’30 has made strong net passes as a setter, contributing to key hits by Emily Francisco’30. e team is spirited and eager to learn from the upperclassmen, and they appreciate the instruction from Coach Yombor and Coach Smith. e freshman team and Coach Hurdman have enjoyed “hiking” the hill from Mother Ninetta Hall aer a couple of practices this fall in order to take in the breathtaking view by the tower along with cinnamon cider donuts. Cross Country Varsity e VWA cross country team members are: captain Catherine Azares’29, captain Lucy Smart’29, Elizabeth Kinney’28, Sophia Battista’29, Natalia Bruzzichesi’29, Mila Chevallier’29, Helena East’29, Emma Greguske’30, Claire Johnson’30, and Cymbeline Tee’30. e team started the 2026 season strong and is now entering the championship phase. e season began with a team championship run at e College of New Jersey XC Invite on September 12th. e 1st place team nish was fueled by a 1 -2 nish from Catherine Azares’29 and Claire Johnson’30 in the eld of 46 runners. Lucy Smart’29 and Sophia Battista’29 also secured top-10 medals with 7th- and 9thplace nishes. e season continued with 3 NJAC Liberty Division conference dual meets, where the team nished the regular season 5-1, defeating Pequannock, Morris County Tech, Madison, Hanover Park, and Morris Catholic, and losing only to Mountain Lakes. Most recently, the team competed in the Shore Coaches Invitational (10/3) on the grueling Holmdel Park course. e team nished 2nd in the eld of 43 teams in the varsity “F” division. Once again, the team was led by strong top-10 nishes for Catherine Azares’29 (4th) and Claire Johnson’30 (5th) in the eld of 161 runners. Next on the schedule for the Vikings is the NJAC Conference “Small Schools” Championships on Tuesday, October 13th at Central Park of Morris County. Cross Country Middle School e Middle School Cross Country team is off to a fantastic start this season! We are fortunate to have a strong group of returning runners leading the way, including Sheridan Davidson’31, Norah Ali’31, So a Ali’31, Alexa Van Slyke’31, and Ella Van Slyke’31. eir experience, leadership, and dedication have set a positive tone for the season. We are excited to welcome several new members to the program: Julianna Arriola’32, Bella Kilpatrick’32, Emma Lee’32, Eliza Streem’32, and Gracyn Gill’32. ese athletes have worked hard in practice and made an immediate impact on the team.
On September 14, our team competed at the Delbarton Middle School Cross Country Meet, facing runners from Peck, Gill St. Bernard's, and Assumption. e challenging 1.73-mile course tested the athletes' endurance and determination, and our runners rose to the occasion with strong performances throughout the eld. Our top nishers included Alexa Van Slyke’31, Bella Kilpatrick’32, Emma Lee’32, and Eliza Streem’32. e race provided valuable early-season experience and highlighted the team's growth and competitive spirit. Our biggest event of the month was the annual Septemberfest XC Munchkin Invitational on September 19, hosted by our Middle School Cross Country program. We welcomed athletes from St. James, St. Elizabeth, Assumption, and Delbarton for a memorable day of racing and team spirit. To prepare for the event, our runners painted pumpkins to decorate the course, helping create a fun, festive atmosphere for all participants. e energy throughout the day was incredible, with athletes, families, and spectators lining the course to cheer on the competitors. e team earned a victory in our meet against Boonton on October 1. Alexa Van Slyke’31 led the way, crossing the nish line in 12:30 to claim rst place. Gracyn Gill’32, competing in her rst race of the season, nished a strong second in 12:44, while Bella Kilpatrick’32 secured third place with a time of 12:54. While these runners led the scoreboard, this was truly a team victory, with every athlete contributing through determination, effort, and support for one another. e team now turns its attention to the Middle School MileSplit Championships, where athletes will compete for both team and grade-level race championships. We are excited to see our runners keep improving, competing, and representing Villa Walsh with pride. Athletic Leadership Council (ALC) e 2026-2027 ALC came together for the rst time in August at the annual ALC workshop. e group learned about leadership styles, how to be an effective teammate and leader, and participated in team-bonding activities. At the September meeting, President Caroline Tully’27 and Vice President Emily Murphy’27 led the meeting, and Membership Chair Isabella Nilio’27 discussed characteristics to look for in new members from the class of 2030, while Secretary Maeve Dam’27 took detailed meeting minutes. e ALC discussed the upcoming Villa’s Night In event on November 13 at the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center, which the ALC sponsors. We hope to see all VWA students there! Permission slips will be shared soon and are due on Tuesday, November 10. Septemberfest 2026 ank you for coming out to celebrate the VWA student-athletes at Septemberfest on September 19th! It was a great day for our teams, alumnae, parents, friends, and visiting teams. e games began with the National Anthem, beautifully sung by VWA’s own Kiera Vowells’27. A special thanks to Booster President Becca Kinney, Vice President JoAnn Streem, Treasurer Kate Tully, Lily Lombardi, and the Boutique volunteers, and the Booster Club members who volunteered to set up, clean up, grill, help run the volleyball tournament, serve as MS XC course monitors, help with parking, donate snacks, desserts, and water, and more! anks to all of the volunteers, the day was a big success!