A L U M N A E M A G A Z I N E VIEWS FROM THE TOWER VillaWalshAcademyhonoredthe350thbirthday ofSt LucyFilippini,thefounderoftheReligious SistersFilippini,onwhoselegacyourcommunityis built SUMMER 2022 Issue January 13, 1672 Villa Walsh Academy
Institute of the Religious
7 12. Steadfast
intellectual
@academy Villa
Academy @ Villa
to influence their world in a Christian manner @
Academy Sr.
Sr. Doris Laventhal, M.P.F Director SrDoris@villawalsh.org
Principal SrElaine@villawalshorg
LET’S KEEP THE FAMILY CONNECTED! Mrs.LeeAnnNugent Mathematics,FIRSTRobotics Sr.JosephinePalmeri,M.P.F Spanish VOL. 54 ISSUE 1 | SUMMER Villa
Villa
Join the Villa Walsh Academy Community today to stay in touch and receive the latest news! The Villa Walsh Academy Community includes alumnae, alumnae parents, current parents, and friends of VWA A special section of the Villa Walsh Academy website labeled Villa Community offers access to photos, news, and updates unavailable on the public portion of the site. The website address is: www.villawalsh.org. To register, members enter their contact information and are assigned a Constituent Number to gain access to this section. To obtain your Constituent Number, or for forgotten login information, please call (973) 538 3680 Ext 175, or email us at alum@villawalsh.org. We can not wait to hear from you! Walsh Academy Grades in its commitment envisioned by St. Lucy Filippini, founder of Pontifical Teachers Filippini, Walsh Academy’s community inspire their breadth and depth, their sense of local and global them Villa walshWalsh Walsh Elaine Bebyn, M.P.F
seeks to
to enhance
V I L L A W A L S H A C A D E M Y VIEWS FROM THE TOWER Alumnae Magazine
offers a college preparatory Catholic school education for young women in
Ms. Jennifer Allerot, CPA '90 Director of Finance allerotj@villawalsh.org Mrs. Carmen Cefolo - Pane Alumnae Relations panec@villawalsh.org Mrs. Stacey Grabowski Social Media & Communications grabowskis@villawalshorg CONTRIBUTORS
to educate young women as
the
The
concern, and to empower
Sr. Patricia Pompa, M.P.F. Provincial Superior SrPatricia@filippiniusaorg
our young women to expand
CONTENTS CONNECTWITHVILLAWALSH MeetthePrincipal..................................4 UpcomingEvents…………………………….….5 WHAT’SHAPPENING Sisters1stRoboticsSuccesses............10 NewAroundCampus...........................12 “ThenandNow”-Mrs.Oliveros..........13 SpringMusical:TheMusicMan….....…14 CollageConcertShines…..………….......15 SpringAthleticSuccesses……..….…...…16 2022StudentAwardRecipients………..18 Classof2022Graduation….……………...20 2022ValedictorianSpeech: KristenKelly..................21 ALUMNAENEWS CareerDay...............................……….…23 ClassNotes……………………………………...24 Weddings&Engagements...….….........32 IntoGod'sHands......................…….....34 VIEWS FROM THE TOWER 23 ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: Angela Solazzo '18 9 FAMILY LITURGY RETURNS to St. Lucy Chapel 6 350TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ST. LUCY FILIPPINI SUMMER ISSUE Pg.6 Pg.6 Pg.10 Pg.10
In honor of St. Lucy Filippini’s 350th birthday, the theme for the 2022 2023 academic year is a quote attributed to St. Lucy, “What great work the Lord has entrusted to us women”. What are your plans to incorporate St. Lucy’s mission into the school year?
Iwas also asked to help with VWA’s Guidance Department and to assist Sr Patricia Pompa, MPF, principal from 19912019, in her daily duties Those roles led me to the assistantprincipalpositionandthentoposition asprincipal Fellow Sisters often remarked about the academic excellence and encouraging learning environmentof VillaWalshAcademy,andwhen IcamehereIfoundittobejustaswonderfulas thestoriesIheard. Formanyyearsasassistantprincipal,Iworked closely with Sr Patricia, MPF and that experience made the transition to principal easierThedaytodayrunningoftheschoolwas a smooth adjustment, but it was a greater adjustmenttotakeontheleadershiproleand learntomakefinaldecisions
SR. ELAINE BEBYN, M.P.F.
As a school community, we study St Lucy’s life, works, and her influence on the lives of women over the centuries She leaves a legacy that we continue to keep alive as we guide young women to recognize the ways in which God works through them to positively impact their families, friends, community, and the world. After eleven years, I was happy to make the transition out of Formation. I truly enjoyed serving the community in the capacity, and I do miss the people I worked with from other religious communities, but I am happy I can focus my time and energy on being principal What is your vision for the future of Villa Walsh Academy?
Thegreatestchallengecamefivemonthsinto thenewrolewhenCOVIDhit Itisacontinuous challenge, but together with a great faculty, parents, and students, we face the challenge well When you became principal, you had to leave your other role as the Director of Formation for the Religious Teachers Filippini. How hard was it to leave that position and do you miss it?
My vision for this school is that it is not just a high school, but a community of teachers, administrators, parents, and students who live out their faith through the use of their God given talents as they serve one another and their communities To accomplish this, we strive to educate the whole student: mind, body and spirit We keep our fingers on the pulse of innovation to offer young ladies a learning environment that is technologically up to date while keeping our daily interactions rooted in the values of respect, kindness, honesty, and hard work
Q A&
A joint effort of the faculty, staff, and administration is put forth to incorporate St Lucy’s mission to spread God’s love to every corner of the earth through faith and charity
Throughout my first year as principal, I was still in the Director of Formation role as well, but balancing the demands of both ministries was difficult Principal Sr. Elaine is VWA' s 6th principal!
SUMMER ISSUE | 4 Meet the
There is a rumor that you are the greatest of all New York Yankee fans. Is that true, and how did you come to love baseball? I’m not sure if I am the greatest New York Yankee fan, but I am certainly a loyal Yankee fan! Since I was old enough to run around and chase my brother outside, I have loved sports. He was a Yankee fan, so I became one also I liked other sports, but baseball soon became my favorite When. did you first begin working at Villa Walsh Academy and what was your position? What were your first impressions of the Academy? In November 2019, you were appointed interim principal and officially became principal in September 2020. What was the transition like for you? Did you experience any challenges? It’s funny the first time I actually cameto Villa Walsh Academy, I was in high school in Connecticut and came to see a play It was a pivotal time in my life, as I was discerning my vocation That visit, obviously, made an impression Manyyearslater,IcametoVillaWalshAcademy inJuly,2010astheDirectorofFormation
Septemberfest sponsored by VWA Booster Club Celebrating the Class of 2002 (20th Reunion) Open House 1:00 4:00 pm Open House 6:30 8:00 pm HSA Fall Festival and Student Fashion Show Hanover Marriott, Whippany Christmas Concert 3:00 pm Mother Ninetta Auditorium SUMMER ISSUE | 5 Join us! www.villawalsh.org Saturday,September17 Sunday,October2 Wednesday,October5 Saturday,November19 Sunday,December11
Officially known as Maestre Pie Filippini, hence the M.P.F. following their names, the Religious Teachers Filippini held celebrations in each of their schools and missions on five continents, with Masses, prayer, festivities, and contests
The 350th birthday of St. Lucy Filippini was celebrated on January 13, 2022 by Filippini Sisters around the world. The entire Jubilee Year is marked with special liturgies, prayers, and activities
On May 14, 2022, Sister Ascenza Tizzano, M.P.F., the Mother General in Rome, led an extraordinary Vatican audience with Pope Francis and 3,000 sisters, clergy, faculty, catechists, and children of their schools in Italy Most of us watched this Vatican commemoration via television during which Pope Francis noted that St Lucy is often pictured with a crucifix as she points to Jesus, a source of strength and a love for all God’s children. St Lucy Filippini was born in 1672 in Tarquinia, a village in Italy She was rich, pretty, educated, and of a noble family Her mother died when Lucy was a baby, and her father passed away not long afterwards. She was especially close to her Uncle Michael, who also died at a young age Sadly, St Lucy lost three beloved people before the age of ten, at which time she was taken into the family of a loving aunt and uncle who raised her to adulthood
SUMMER ISSUE | 6
In 1692, under Cardinal Barbarigo’s direction, St Lucy, at age 20, gave up all her money, jewels, silks, and satins, for a plain black dress and promised to devote her life to God by helping the poor
By: Sr. Josephine Palmeri, M.P.F.
St. Lucy Filippini
35OTH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
O N T H E C O V E R
O N T H E C O V E R She and Cardinal Barbarigo founded over 45 schools where poor girls learned weaving, sewing, lacemaking, and embroidery
The young women were also taught reading, math, music, and religion, which rose the status of the girls, since most women at the time were illiterate Such educated young women could now earn a living, saving them from life on the street or an arrangedmarriageatayoungage
On May 14, 2022, Sister Ascenza Tizzanno, M P F, and Sister Mary Beth Lloyd, M P F met Pope Francis during a Papal Audience at the Vatican to commemorate the 350th birthday of St. Lucy Filippini. On the next page, please read Pope Francis' inspiring thoughts and words of joy to the pilgrims of the Institute Maestre Pie Filippini and the Dioceses of Viterbo and Tarquinia on this special occasion.
SUMMER ISSUE | 7
Civitavecchia
Although St Lucy worked tirelessly in Italy, she longed to be “in every corner of the earth” to teach about God’s love She died of breast cancer in 1732 at age 60 Today the Religious Sisters Filippini are present in eight countries, on every continentexceptAustralia:America,Albania,Brazil,England,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Italy,andIndia St Lucy continues her work in each student who passes through the hallways of Villa Walsh Academy Pray to her and ask hertobestowherloveandmercyuponyou,protectyourfamilyandintercedeforyourprotection
The desire for an education by young girls led St Lucy to open many schools throughout Italy to which she traveled by donkey The ministry grew as her married students taught their skills to their daughters St Lucy’s dedication to the educationofpoorwomenledtoanoverallimprovementintheirlivesandthelivesofgenerationsofpeopletofollow. Unfortunately, St Lucy’s vision for the future was not always easy, as she was faced with enemies who did not support her work. Falsely accused of heresy, St. Lucy was forced to defend her teachings to the Pope, who placed her schools under his care For this reason, the Religious Teachers Filippini are under the protection of the Holy See and are known as the ‘PontificalInstituteoftheReligiousTeachersFilippini’
Sister Ascenza & Sister Mary Beth Meet Pope Francis
Letusalwaysrememberit,especiallyindarktimes:Godneverabandonsus,becausehecannotceasebeingafathertousLet'srepeatit together:GodwillnotceasetobemyfatherWekeepthisgoodmessageinourhearts,whichnourishesconfidenceIwishyoucanannounceit tothoseyoumeet,torekindlehopeinthemtoo.Itissomuchneededtoday;Itisamissionthatconcernseachofus.Goodmission,therefore:I giveallofyoumyblessingsandIaskyou,please,toprayforme
Dearbrothersandsisters,welcome!
SPEECHOFTHEHOLYFATHERFRANCIS
Weoftentalkaboutthedifficultiesofreligiouslife,thelackofvocations,etcIwouldliketogiveyouapieceofadvice,thatwillnotbethe immediatesolutiontotheseproblems,butthemainwaytodealwiththem:wearenotmeantto"putJesusinthecenter”,asifwewerethe protagonists;wearecalledfirstofalltoremoveourselvesfromthecenter,whichbelongstohim,toliveconsecrationasacalltoserviceThisis whatallowsJesustoactinusashewishesandtoteachustoovercomeresignationandwistfulness,tointerpretourcomplexage,to courageouslytakenewpathsaccordingtothetimesItwillbegoodforyoutoremembertheimageofSaintLuciawiththeCrucifixinher hand:nottous,buttoHimbelongsthecenter;andwewillbegoodteachersifweremaindisciples,calledeverydaytoserve,withjoy! Asecondthought,addressedtoallofyouwhocelebrateSaintLuciaFilippini.Thiswomanhadasecret:shelivedwithconstanttrustin God,because"Hecannotceasetobeafathertome"shesaidIwouldliketorepeatthesewordstoyou:Hecannotceasetobeafathertome Often,inlife,weworrybecausewehavetoleavesomanythings:somecertainties,theyearsofyouth,alittlehealth,perhapslovedones,and soon...Well,ifinlifetherearepeopleandthingsthatsoonerorlaterwemustleave,thereisapresencethatwewillneverleave,a fundamentalcertaintythatwillalwaysaccompanyusandthatnothingandnoonecanevererase:GodcannotceasetobemyfatherThis isbeautiful!Shallweallrepeatittogether?Godcannotceasetobeafathertome.Onemoretime,louder:Godcannotceasetobeafatherto meCarrythisthoughtinyourheartEverythingcanfail,butnotGod'stenderness
IoffermygreetingstotheSistersMaestrePie,theMotherGeneralandallofyou,believersofthediocesesofViterboandCivitavecchia Tarquinia,accompaniedbyyourrespectiveBishopsandpriests.HeartfeltgreetingsalsototheMayorsandtheotherAuthoritiesthatare hereAndtoyou,childrenoftheFirstCommunion!Ishareyourjoyforthe350thanniversaryofSaintLuciaFilippini'sbirthThisJubilee Yearisaprecioustimeforeachofyou:itislikegoingbacktothesourcestodrawnewenergyforthefuture;however,itisalsoanopportunity tothanktheLordandalsotoaskhimtobechannelsofthatsamegracethatSaintLuciareceivedandgenerouslydistributedtosomany peopleIwouldliketosharewithyoutwobriefthoughts:oneismoredirectlyaddressedtotheInstituteoftheMaestrePieFilippini;theother isforallofyou,devoteesofSaintLucia
PAULVIAUDIENCEHALL
Dearsisters,allthisremindsusthatwecannotbesatisfiedwith“teaching”Jesus;Jesusfirstofalltestifiestohimself;thisishowfaithis conveyed;Godiscommunicatedonlyifhedwellsinourlife,ifhefillsouraffections,ifheunitesourthoughtsandinspiresouractionsAnd whatistheproofofthis?Ouropennesstoothers:thosewhoknowtheLord,donotshutthemselvesupinthesacristy,butlivetoserve,not caringwhereorwhattheyareaskedtodoLivingtoserve,becauseserviceisthegreatteachingoftheMaster,whocametoserveandnottobe served(cfMk10:45)
O N T H E C O V E R SUMMER ISSUE | 8
SantaLuciaisusuallyrepresentedwiththeCrucifixinherhandorintheactofpointingatit.Sheknewhowtoteachsomanypeople,first ofallbecauseshedidnotceasetobeadiscipleofJesusMasterherselfandtostandinfrontofhisdesk,thatisthecrossShehadGod,who giveslife,beforehereyesandfeltshewascalledtomakelifeagift;thus,sheconveyedtootherswhatshekeptinherheart:notsermons,not theories,butcontentsandlife,contentsoflife.Hereducationalmissionwasnothingbuthermysticalexperience.
DearMaestrePie,yourmissionisalreadychallengingfromtheverybeginningofyourname,Maestre,whichmeans'teachers'.Ateacheris theonewhoteachesNevertheless,aproverbsaysyoudon'tteachwhatyouknowbutwhatyouareWeconveytootherswhatweareinsideIt isnotenoughtofillourheadswithideas,thisisnoteducating;toeducateistoconveylife,andtobeteachersistoliveamission.Ontheother hand,ifwemakenicespeeches,butlifegoesanotherway,weriskbeingjustactorswhoplayapart,butnoteducatorsTheexampleofyour Foundresscanhelpyoulivethismission.
Thankyou!
Following a two year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, the Villa Walsh Academy community joined together for prayer and thanksgiving at the Family Liturgy on Sunday, May 1, 2022 in St Lucy’s Chapel Officiated by Father Sebastian Kajko, CFR, a beloved tradition, our families shared brunch following Mass They socialized in the midst of beautiful student artwork displayed around the auditorium
FAMILY LITURGY RETURNS M A Y 2 0 2 2
SUMMER ISSUE | 9
By: Mrs. Lee Anne Nugent
FRC requires high school teams in Grades 9 12 to design, build, code, and market a 120 125 lb robot to meet a new challenge every year FIRST states that FRC “combines the excitement of a sport with the rigors of science and technology We call FRC the ultimate ‘Sport of the Mind’ High school student participants call it ‘the hardest fun you’ll ever have.’
”FIRST is more than robots. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills Kids often come in not knowing what to expect of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confidence, and with a sense that they can create their own futures ” Dean Kamon, the founder of FIRST Robotics VWA SISTERS 1st FIRST ROBOTICS TEAM
When Villa Walsh Academy launched its FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team in November 2020, the executives of their division, FIRST Mid Atlantic (FMA), awarded the team equipment and tools to commend the students for being the first all female team in New Jersey and the largest rookie team in its history Named Sisters 1st FRC Team 8513 (Sisters 1st), it is among only 6% of all female teams actively participating in the FRC! However, Covid changed the traditional season of the competition and prevented Sisters 1st from building a robot during the 2020 year. But that did not deter the team of 59 students as they prepared for their official rookie season Throughout the summer and fall of 2021, the team worked tirelessly to establish and train eight Sub Teams: Build, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Programming, Project Management, Fundraising, Marketing, Website Development, and Community Outreach.
Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial sized robots to play a difficult field game against like minded competitors It’s as close to real world engineering as a student can get" TEAM QUALIFIES
NEW JERSEY'S ONLY FIRST FEMALE
FOR GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP! SUMMER ISSUE | 10
Sisters 1st (cont.)
Onthegamefieldwiththeirrobot,Rocki,theywere ledbyTechnicianKristenKelly‘22,LeadDriverMalia Nugent‘25andCoPilotLeahCosta‘25 coachedby Cadence Graf ‘23, and Human Player SriyaJayanthi ‘23.SafetyTechnicianMarthaAinsworth‘22managed thepitcrewcomposedofthedriveteam,VickyWong ‘23, and Augustina Martinez Ferretti ‘25. Marketing andscoutingwasledbyOliviaChang‘25.SisterElaine Bebyn, MPF, family members, and other team membersattendedtocheertheteamon!
“I am so proud of these young ladies What they have accomplished in such a short time is absolutely incredible I commend them for their ability to work together and learn so much I look forward to many more amazing things from Sisters 1st”, praised Sr. Elaine Bebyn, M.P.F.
SUMMER ISSUE | 11
Sisters1stadvancedtothedistrictlevelcompetition, at Lehigh University, where the team earned the Rookie AllStar Award, Highest Rookie Seed, and Tournament Alliance Champions, with individual honorsawardedtoCadenceGraf‘23asaDean’sList Semifinalist, and mentor Owen Busler, the Donald BowersInspirationAward Sisters 1st continued to impress the judges and finishedthe2022seasonranking32ndoutofthe126 teams in the FMA District of New Jersey, Delaware, andeasternPennsylvania,andtherefore,qualifiedto compete in the Global FIRST Championship in HoustonTexas!
Statistically, women continue to be underrepresented in high demanding STEM careers Villa Walsh Academy is committedtoelevating STEMeducationforitsstudentsby givingthemacompetitiveedge.Sisters1stispioneeringthe futureofwomen’srolesinSTEM HeadCoachandVWAmathematicsteacherMrs LeeAnne Nugent said, “The self confidence, leadership, teamwork, independence, and tenacity exhibited by Sisters 1st in the competitions motivated other female players on opposing teams to believe in themselves. They have become role models to young women throughout the robotics community!” The team is grateful for the additional leadership of Co Coaches Ms. Alessandra Sanchez, a Picatinny Arsenal engineerandFIRST Robotics veteran,Mrs. Carol Forte, a VWA science teacher, along with mentors, Mr Owen Busler,asoftwareengineerandFIRSTRoboticsveteran,Mr Evan Graf, father of McKenna ‘22 and Cadence ‘23, and many others One team member proudly exclaimed, “We aretheDreamTeam!”
https://villawalshfrc8513 wixsite com/my site Follow on Instagram @vwarobotics Sisters 1st FRC discovered how very true Dean Kamon’svisionfortheFRCtrulyis!Theybuiltawork lab on the ground floor next to the auditorium in MotherNinettaHall,trainedonvarioustoolsincluding abandsaw,drillpress,andmitersaw,learnedhowto CAD and code the robot, designed and built a website,postedontheirInstagramaccount,wrotea businessplan,designedateamlogotomarkettheir uniqueteam,andestablishedaDiscordServertoaid communication within their team and with other teams Itwasadauntingamountofworkinashort period of time for Sisters 1st, but they rose to the occasionandwerereadyfortheirfirstcompetitionin AprilatMontgomeryHighSchool!
HonorableChrisChristie,MrsJenniferFleury,AthleticDirector,Ms
NEW AROUND CAMPUS Fromlefttoright: MonsignorJohnHart,AssumptionParish,MattWendorff,Directorof Buildings&Grounds,SrLauraBezilaMPFCounselor,SrBettyJean TakacsMPFCounselor,SrPatriciaPompaMPF,ProvincialSuperior, Sr ElaineBebynMPF,Principal,Dr PreethiThomas,Science
The renovation, overseen by Mr Matt Wendorff, Director of Building and Grounds and father of Lilianna '24, resulted in a larger space that allows students to experiment, demonstrate, and work collaboratively to explore all levels of physics, from HonorstoAPPhysicsIandII
CHRISTIE FAMILY PHYSICS LAB SUMMER ISSUE | 12 MOTHERNINETTA2-SOUTHCOMPUTERLAB Withaneyeontheeverchangingworld,VWAupgradedandmoveditscomputerlabfromthethirdfloor ofBrownHalltoMotherNinetta2South.Featuringdonatedexecutivechairs,a75"Smartboardandenergy efficientLEDlights,thelabcreatesasucessfulenvironmentforlearningJAVAprogramming
Thanks to the generosity of the Honorable Chris Christie and Mrs Mary Pat Christie, Villa Walsh Academy added a new state of the art science classroom to Mother Ninetta 2 North in December, 2021 Dedicated and named the Christie Family Physics Lab, the space includes an 86" Smartboard, tostorelabequipment
custom flexlabfurniture,workbenches,andamplecabinetry
Dr Preethi Thomas, Science Department Chair, taught Villa Walsh Academy alumnae Sarah '13 and BridgetChristie'21,andcontinuestoinspirecurrent studentsinthisinnovativespace. DepartmentChairPhysics,BridgetChristie'21,MrsMaryPatChristie, JennyBensen,FormerDirectorofCurriculum
demy in September 2007, things wn blouses that never remained tucked into their rolled skirts. They took all their PE classes in the Mother Ninetta auditorium,andtheyhad25minuteluncheswithaschooldaythatbeganat8am. Today, students wear long or short sleeved polo shirts, but they still roll their skirts! They take most of their PE classes in the Sister Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. They enjoy a 40 minute lunch, though the day begins for us at 7:45 am These are just a few of the many, many changes that have taken place at Villa Walsh Academy sinceIbegan neverchange.Westillhavethemo amazinghard afacultyandstaffwhoarevery aboutgivingourstudentsthebest education,bothacademicallyand spiritually,thatwecangivethem
workingstudentsan
committedandcareverymuch
But,ofcourse,somethingsatVWA
Thesetwocharacteristicsarethe pillarsthatkeepVillaasVilla COMINGSOON! VWAISCREATINGAVIBRANTNEWLIBRARY|MEDIACENTER WENEEDYOU! LocatedonthefirstfloorinMotherNinetta,thenewdesignlayout allowseverymemberofthecommunityimprovedspacetostudy, work,andengageTwoglassenclosedclassrooms,collaborativework areasforstudentsandfaculty,studycarrels,andameetingspacefor faculty,students,andparentshelpcontinuetheeducationalvisions ofStLucyFilippiniandtheRegliousTeachersFilippini Duetosupplychainissues,progressslowedontherenovationover thecourseofthispastyear However,duringthesummermonths, construction picked up again and is on track for a fall 2022 completionanddedication PleasesupportthisendeavorandbeapartofVWA'sfuture! Todonate,call973 5383680x175,clicktheDONATENOWbuttonon ourwebsite,orscanourQRcodetotheleft FollowitscontinuedprogressonFacebookandInstagram! THENANDNOW VWA's Breakfast Club! Halloween 2021 English Teacher | 2007 Present SUMMER ISSUE | 13
T H E M U S I C M A N SPRING MUSICAL APRIL 2 - 3, 2022 AfteratwoyearhiatusduetotheCovidrestrictions,thespringmusicalreturnedto thestageandtransportedtheaudiencetoRiverCity,Iowa,withMeredithWillson’s TheMusicMan An unforgettable musical experience, two packed audiences left the theatre hummingtheirfavoritetunesonApril2ndand3rdLedbyseniorsLaurenConley'22 asMarianParoo,SarahMoore'22asTravelingSalesman/OlinBritt,SophiaManley'22 asConstableLock,JulianaVenutolo'22,asWashburn,andAlissaEisenhart'22as MayorShinn,theentirecastandcrew"thought"the"MinuetinG"intoexistence! Thetalentsofthecastandcrewwereonfulldisplayastheclassicfeelgood, Americana musicalcomedy unfolded under Director Ms. Beth Vecchio, ChoreographerMrs.RuthannLanni,andMusicalDirectorMs.MichelleFoster. Thisyear,thecastincluded VillaWalshAcademyactorsaswellasareathespians fromadjoiningschoolsand achildren’sensemble Anamusing,delightful,and thoroughlyenjoyabletimewashadbyall! SUMMER ISSUE | 14
SUMMER ISSUE | 15
VILLAWALSHACADEMY
The Villa Walsh Academy Choral students, the Villa Walsh Academy Dance Ensemble, members of the Forensic Team, and solo instrumentalists presented a Collage Concert performing pieces from an array of genres, in a setting that showcased the artwork of Villa Walsh Academy’s visual arts students A Collage Concert introduces the audience to all periods and styles of artistic expression consecutively Founded in 1977, University of Michigan’s orchestra conductor and music professor Gustav Meier began a novel performance concept during which the last note of each piece played overlaps with the first note of the next It is an evening during which the audience experiences the many talents of our students.
Wednesday,April27, 2022
The Middle School Chorus began the performing arts program with a rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas The beautiful voices of the High School Chorus rose to sing “Even When He is Silent” by Kim Andre Arnese, and “Beautiful City” from Godspell "Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood was performed by the Advanced Choir and “I Lived” by One Republic was sung and accompanied by the Choir Class of 2022 Musicians who displayed their strong talent that evening included Chiara Lemee ’22 (piano), Sarah Moore ’22 (piano), Sophie Lewandowska ’25 (piano), Bryanna Liu ’26 (cello) All performed challenging classical pieces ranging from Bach to Shostakovich Vocal soloists included Lauren Conley ’22, Maura Hamilton ’22, Olivia Terpin ’23, Isabella Cantave ’24, Elizabeth Kandziolka ’25, Cierra Wolckenhauer ’25 and Emma Naughton ’26 Duets were presented by Emily Toth ’23 and Molly McHugh ’23, as well as Emma Naughton ’26 and Cierra Wolckenhauer ’25 Selections included the songs from the singers’ favorite musicals The Dance Ensemble showcased their talents in a piece set to the Beatles “Let it Be” Olivia Aragon ’22 shared her senior solo titled “She”, and The Villa Walsh Musical Cast of The Music Man performed “Shipoopi” one last time Another highlight of the evening was Sarah Moore ’22 and her original oratory forensics piece entitled “Stolen Lives and Stolen Dreams”, which educated the audience on human trafficking Her passion about the issue was evident, and her contributions to stop this illegal industry were especially inspiring The concert ended with the combined choirs and audience singing the uplifting “Sing a New Song” by the St Louis Jesuits
L record They were 4 6 in the NJAC South D Brigid McGlone '23 (50) finished 8th, and Ho field ever for the NJAC Championship Congratulations to Mia Nisivoccia '22, who was awarded 2nd Team All Conference and Brigid McGlone ’23, who was awarded Honorable Mention The team held their end of the season celebration during which the following girls received awards: MVP Holly Smitreski ’24; Most Improved Player Nora Dam ’25; Green & White Award Caitlin Philbrick ’22; and Coaches Award Brigid McGlone ’23
VWA’s JV Lacrosse wrapped up its season with 3 wins, 1 tie, and 10 losses Their skills grew significantly from the start of their season in March and were put to the test during the last two games, resulting in two significant wins!
VWA Varsity Lacrosse ended the season 10 11, just shy of .500. The team advanced to the first round of the Morris County Tournament and the quarterfinal round of the State Tournament Nora Crowther ’22 celebrated her 100th career goal, and Laurel Hamilton ’24 celebrated her 100th career save; both were well deserved milestones that added to the excitement of the 2022 season Congratulations to our six graduating seniors on their successes: Nora Crowther '22, Sophia Manley ’22, Maura Hamilton ’22, Sarah Crofford’ 22, Gabriela Ribeiro’ 22, and Grace Aroneo ’22.
N E W S
LACROSSE SUMMER ISSUE | 16
The hard working distance runners scored in the 1600m (Ines Lemee ’25), the 3200m (Ines Lemee ’25, Victoria Wong ’23, and Martha Smart ’25) and Catherine Collum's ’24 outstanding 800m race earned Villa another 6 points
NJSIAA
All that hard work throughout the season prepared the athletes for the Non Public B State Meet Abigail Freshwater ‘23 and Ava Brancatella ‘24 walked away as Non Public B State Champions and Meet of Champions (MOC) qualifiers in the pole vault and the 400m hurdles, respectively Delaney Caughey ’24 cleared 5 feet in the high jump and qualified for the MOC Delaney was only 3 inches away from VWA’s school record (Monica Benz ’15 5’3”) Ava Brancatella ’24 ran a 1:0152 in the 400m sprint, which was less than 1 second away from the school record (Michelle Quinn ’19 1:0062) The 4x800 relay (Catherine Collum ’24, Avery Poruczynski ’25, Emily Poruczynski ’24, and Delaney McKee ’23) placed second and the 4x400 team (Avery Poruczynski ’25, Ava Brancatella ‘24, Abigail Freshwater ’23, and Delaney McKee ’23) placed third Both relays qualified for the MOC The season wrapped up with more solid performances under unusually cold and windy conditions at the prestigious Meet of Champions on June 18, 2022
The VWA Softball Team partnered with The Academy of St Elizabeth’s Softball Team due to a shortage of players from both schools No time was lost, as the team came together to become St Villabeth’s or St. V’s for short! The team was led by Siadbh Stack ’22 (Captain), who controlled the outfield with great support from Elizabeth Foldy ’23, Roisin Yosh ’25, and Lily Meier ’25 Stepping into the circle to pitch was Allison Wilbur ’23 (Captain) who partnered with Lauren Kollar ’23 at catcher. The infield varied in positions with Kaitlyn Pavagadhi ’25 and Claudia Steinberg ’25 The first Co op experience for the VWA Softball program was a great success!
LL
SUMMER ISSUE | 17
The VWA Track and Field Team (aka “Sprack”) had a very successful season Coming off strong performances at the Randolph Relays on April 30, the team moved on to two days at the NJAC Championships (point scorers were Ines Lemee ’25, Martha Smart ’25, Erin Lyons ’25, and Abigail Freshwater ’23), the Morris County Frosh/Soph Championships (2nd place in the 400m hurdles for Ava Brancatella ’24 and 3rd place in the 1600m for Ines Lemee’ 25), another two days of Morris County Championships (2 points scored by Ava Brancatella ’24 in the 400m hurdles), and finally, the Prep B Meet at Newark Academy At Preps, VWA came in second behind Montclair Kimberley, edging out teams like Stuart Country Day, Newark Academy, Gill St Bernard, Morristown Beard, Princeton Day, and several others Abigail Freshwater ’23 and Ava Brancatella ’24 opened the meet with a 1 2 finish in the 400 hurdles Abigail also qualified for the 100m hurdle final and finished 3rd overall in the pole vault! Abigail, along with Ava Brancatella ’24, Delaney Caughey ’24, and Avery Poruzynski ’25 made up the 4x400 team that earned 10 points with the win and a new season’s best of 4:22 High jumpers Delaney Caughey ’24, Jesse Kramer ’24, and Elizabeth Treacy ’24 earned valuable points for the team and Jesse Kramer ’24 added more points with a personal best in the discus
SPRING TRACK
TheMaryTeresaRoccoFitzsimonsAwardismadepossiblethroughthegenerosityofherparents, RobertandChristineRoccoAVillaWalshAcademyClassof1978graduateMaryTheresapassedaway in1991Thisawardhonorshermemoryandisbestowedonaneighthgradestudent“whobest displayssensitivityunderstandingcaringandcompassiontowardsherteachersandfellowstudents inadditiontoloveofandloyaltytoVillaWalshAcademy
RobertandhiswifeDianawereveryactiveparentsfromthe timetheirdaughtersmatriculatedThroughthegenerosityoftheAllerotfamily,a$1,000scholarshipis awardedtoajuniorwhodisplaysthequalitiesthatcharacterizedMrAllerot:integrityinaction, empathytowardothers,andhumbleservicetoanyoneinneedPresentedtoajuniorstudent,this $1,000scholarshipisappliedtowardhersenioryeartuitionatVillaWalshAcademy. CongratulationstoMaryBowers’23therecipientofthisscholarship
TheAmyVilloresiCooney'87AwardhonorsthememoryofAmyVilloresiCooney,aClassof1987 graduatewhopassedawayin2010followingabattlewithbreastcancer.WhileastudentatVilla WalshAcademyAmyexperiencedthetremendouslossofhermotherElodieItisherfamily’sstrong beliefthatthenurturingenvironmentandsenseofcommunityprovidedbyVillaWalshAcademy helpedAmyherthroughthismostdifficulttimeAmywasavibrantenergeticyoungwomanwho excelledinherstudiesShewasinvolvedinmanyschoolactivitiesandwasadevotedathletewho helpedbringthebasketballteamtothreestatechampionshipsShewasafriendtoall,andthose friendshipslastedalifetime.Shehadatruepassionforlifeandcommittedherselftomakingothers feelwelcomedandappreciatedAmybrightenedtheworldwithhersmile,herlaughter,andher positiveoutlookInhermemory,theAmyVilloresiCooneyAwardispresentedtoajuniorwhobrings compassion,courage,andkindnesstoherschoolcommunityandtheworldaroundher KellyO’Reilly‘23wastherecipientofthe2022AmyVilloresiCooneyAwardalongwith$500to applytowardhersenioryeartuition
SUMMER ISSUE | 18 2022 Student Award Recipients
TheRitaWKramerLiteratureAwardrecognizesaseniorofexceptionalabilityandperformancein EnglishSuchastudentisaprovengiftedandtalentedwriterwhohashadherworkspublished duringheryearsatVillaWalshAcademyThisawardispossiblethroughthegenerosityofDoug Kramer,fatherofDarcy'00andDavidKramer,fatherofEva'21andJesse'24,inhonoroftheir mother,RitaWKramer
MrandMrsMartinAgacinskicreatedtheJulianneAgacinskiScholarshipAwardinmemoryof theirdaughterwhopassedawayin1987duringhersophomoreyearatVillaWalshAcademyChosen byherclassmates,thisawardispresentedtothesophomorewhoexemplifiesthequalitiesof Julianne:aloyalfriendwhodemonstrateswisdomandcompassionandfocusesonthegoodin othersenjoyslifebysharinglaughterandhumorwithothersandpossessesthecouragetostand behindherownconvictions
ThesophomoreclassselectedIsabellaCantave'24,forthisawardA$1,000scholarshipwas awardedtoIsabellatoputtowardhertuitionatVillaWalshAcademy
CongratulationstoGiselleScannella'26,thisyear’srecipientTheawardplaquequotes Proverbs31:10“Whocanfindavirtuouswoman?HervalueisfarbeyondpearlsShebringsgoodand notevilallthedaysofherlife Establishedin2016theRobertJ.AllerotScholarshiphonorsthememoryofMrRobertAllerotwho servedasVillaWalshAcademy’sTechnologyDirectorformanyyearsAnelectricalengineerby profession,MrAllerotwasstillemployedatthetimeofhispassingandwasinstrumentalinthe school’ssecurityinitiatives,beginningwithphotoIDandpasscardsMrAllerotwasalsothealumnae parentofJennifer’90andMelanie’93
Thisyearstalentedrecipient,McKennaGraf’22,consistentlyprovedherremarkablewritingabilities throughoutheryearsatVillaWalshAcademy.McKennareceivedapersonaltrophyandhasher nameplacedontheawardplaquedisplayedintheGraceAnnCafé
Mark your calendar for the annual Villa Walsh AcademyFallFestivalandStudentFashionShow! Ourlargestfundraisingevent istotakeplaceattheHanover Marriott,andwecan’tdoit withoutyou! Joinusaswecontinue tosupporttheextraordinary teachingforwhichVillaWalshAcademyisknown! Ensurethatyoureceivethelatestnewsonyour fellowVWAalumnaesistersaswellassignature eventsoncampus! Stayconnected! Itonlytakesamomentto confirmyourcontactinformation Shouldyou knowofanyfriendswhoarenotcurrently receivingcommunicationsfromus,pleasesend ustheirinformationatalum@villawalsh.org. Ifwemissedanynews,weapologize Letus knowsoitcanbepublishedinournextissue ofViewsFromtheTowercoming inwinter2023 VillaWalshAcademyalumnae aredoinggreatthings! Let’skeepthefamilyconnected! Jenn,Carmen,andStacey Save the Date Alumnae! RestorethebondsofyourVillaWalshAcademysisterhood planyourclassreunion! Renewoldfriendshipsandrelivethefunmemories! ContactMrs CarmenCefolo Pane,AlumnaeRelations:alum@villawalshorg Class of 2017 5 Years Class of 2012 10 Years Class of 2007 15 Years Class of 2002 20 Years Class of 1997 - 25 Years Class of 1992 30 Years Class of 1987 35 Years Class of 1982 40 Years Class of 1977 45 Years Class of 1972 - 50 Years \ VILLA WALSH ACADEMY FALL FESTIVAL AND STUDENT FASHION SHOW Saturday, November 19, 2022 Hanover Marriott | Whippany, NJ SUMMER ISSUE | 19 MISSOUT! DON'T
CLASSOF2022 OnSunday,June5,2022,theClassof2022celebratedgraduationdaysurroundedbytheirproudfamilies,friends,alumnae, and faculty. Father Brian Sullivan presided over the beautiful liturgy in the St. Lucy Chapel on campus during which SalutatorianGraceAroneo'22readthefirstreadingfromtheActsoftheApostles Steepedintraditionandmeaningfulsignificance,theceremonybroughttheclasstogetheronelasttimeastheywisheda fondfarewelltothepeopleandtheschoolthatdevotedlypreparedthemfortheirnextstagesoflife. Afterwards,ValedictorianKristenKelly'22sharedthespecialbondsthatsheandherclassmatesformedovertheyearsas wellasthe“lessonslearned”,recognizingthatthe“FilippinivaluesarewhatmakeaVillaeducationsoremarkableandaVilla graduatesoextraordinary” ReadKristen'svaledictorianspeechonthenextpage Toournewestalumnae, Godblessyou,all! AlwaysrememberthatyoumakeVillaSHINE! SUMMER ISSUE | 20
We made it girls! For anyone that does not know me, my name is Kristen Kelly,andI’mtheValedictorianoftheClassof2022 Forareallylongtime,Ihadnoideawhattosayinthisspeech It’sabig responsibility Notjustbecauseit’sagraduationspeech,butbecauseit’s aspeechatthisgraduation Today,42 compassionate,faithfilled,and ambitious young women are graduating and those 42 girls are the reason this graduation is so special But you girls are also the reason thatcomingupwithsometypeof“lesson”forthisspeechwassohard Whatdoyousaytothepeoplewhohavecontinuedtoamazeyouevery singledayforthelastfouryears? Inthelittleseaofwhitegownsouttherestaringbackatmearethebest students, athletes, artists, singers, comedians, and friends I have ever hadtheprivilegetoknow Andthefactthateverysinglepersoninthis classfitsintoatleastone,I’msuremorethanone,ofthosecategories,is why you are all amazing You know just as well as I do that spending four or even six years at Villa isn’t easy, so it’s a big deal that we ’ re all heretoday EveryAPtest,Englishpaper,playpractice,soccerdrill,and basketballgamehasledushere Andsure,alongtheway,theyalsoled tolonghoursofhomework,sleeplessnights,andsorelegsthatweused totrudgeupthestairseverymorning Butdon’tforgetwhatelseledus here: every one of Dr Thomas’s physics jokes and Hermana’s Spanish songs,everygymclassZumbadance,andeveryrenditionof‘Jerusalem My Destiny’ The fact that we were able to accomplish so much and have so much fun along the way is why we should be so proud to be Classof2022 So, be proud of yourself today and never forget how amazing you are That’s my “lesson” for this speech It’s not actually mine though It’s somethingyouhavealltaughtmeinthelastfouryears,sothankyou We’re all excited to see what the future holds and to know that we ’ re preparedforcollege Butleavinghighschoolissochallengingbecause weknow,also,thatwe’renevergoingtoexperiencesomethinglikeVilla again Whereelsewillyoufindafamilyofmorethan200girls,teachers, andfacultythatyou’llspendhoursworking,laughing,andprayingwith everyday?Thefactthatwewon’tfindthatanywhereelseiswhatmakes thesepastfewyearssospecial Andthefactthatnoteveryonegetsthe chance to experience something like this is what makes our bond as Villagirlssospecial Something else that makes our bond special? The stairs All the stairs Butasthesayinggoes,“Thereisnoelevatortosuccess,youhavetotake the stairs,” and Villa has definitely prepared us for that We are academically, mentally, and spiritually capable of accomplishing our goals and overcoming any challenges we may encounter With every step, our teachers have taught us other lessons: generosity, integrity, leadership, and humility, just to name a few Those Filippini values are what make a Villa education so remarkable and a Villa graduate so extraordinary
Untilthen,Ipraythatinthestaircaseofyourlifeyou’llfind Sr Helen’s sense of humor, Mrs Nugent’s devotion, and MrsFiga’scompassionIhopethateverytimeyoulookback atthestairsyou’vealreadyclimbed,yousmileattheones thatremindyouofVillaandthatwitheachnewstep,you gainmorehappiness,confidence,andfaiththanbefore, alwaysrememberingtobetheamazingVillagirlyouare OnbehalfofeachmemberoftheClassof2022,I’dliketo thanktheFilippiniSistersandallourteachersforhelpingus becomeconfidentyoungwomen,ourfamilymembers,both those present today and those here in spirit, for their unconditionalloveandsupportforthelast18years,and everyotherVillagirlforthemostincrediblehighschool experience
Toclose,I’dliketothankyouforyourtimeandendwithan anonymousquotethatsumsupthispivotalmomentinour livesquitewell:“Behindyou allyourmemoriesBeforeyou allyourdreamsAroundyou allwholoveyouWithinyou allyouneed” ThankyouandcongratulationstotheClassof2022! Kelly
SUMMER ISSUE | 21 Kristen
GoodafternoonFr Sullivan,ProvincialCounselors,Sr Elaine,andallthe other Sisters, teachers, parents, and family here to celebrate with the Classof2022 Andofcourse,goodafternoontomyfellowgraduates
V A L E D I C T O R Y S P E E C H C L A S S O F 2 O 2 2 U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O T R E D A M E
I think the uniqueness of this school is something our parentsrecognizedbeforeweeverdid,andit’sthereason they’vesacrificedsomuchtosendushere Thatunique educationissomethingourteachersand,ofcourse,allthe Sisters,strivetomakeevenbettereveryday something that,inmyopinion,they’vedoneaprettywonderfuljobof Andthisuniqueexperienceiswhatwillunitethe42ofusno matterwherelifetakesus andIknowourstaircasesare goingtoleadustoincredibleplaces Nomatterwhereyourstakesyouthough,ifyoueverforget howexceptionalyouare,youknowwheretoturn:oneofthe girls sitting beside you right now, one of the parents, teachers,familymembers,orfriendssittingbehindyou,or thegirlstandinginfrontofyou Injustafewmonths,we’llallbelivingmilesapartWe’llno longerseeeachother,ourteachers,theunderclassmen,or evenourparentseveryday,andthat’sareallybigstepBut remember,ifthere’sonethingwelearnedtodoatVilla,it’s climbstairs We’reready Andeventhoughourpaths,or ratherstaircases,divergetoday,oneday,we’llmeetagain Whenwedo,Ican’twaittohearabouthoweachofyouhas touchedtheworldinyourownspecialway
SUMMER ISSUE | 22
On March 25, 2022 Career Day was filled with laughter and learning as alumnae from the Classes of 1986 through 2016 interacted with an eagerly attentive audience to impart the guidance and wisdom of their experiences Keynote speaker Darlene (Campo) Villoresi '88, mother to Tara'16 and Gianna'19, kicked off the event after which students attended break out sessions. Villa Walsh Academy recognizes the individual gifts of its students as was evidenced in the wide array of careers presented From those in the law and medical fields to business, fashion, and technology, the interest of every individual young woman in the audience was sparked We are grateful to our illustrious alumnae who continually live our mission in the world every day You are making a positive difference in the world
“Foreverfamily…Foreveryourhome”. FollowingherfouryearsatVillaWalshAcademy,AngelaSolazzo'18,attended LoyolaUniversityMarylandinBaltimore,MDwhereshewasaparticipantinthe Honorsprogram,whichshedescribesas"bothagreatchallengeandjoy".This past May, she received her B.A. in SpeechLanguageHearing Sciences with a minorinCatholicStudies. ShelovedhertimeatLoyola,andwasveryinvolvedoncampus Sheworkedfor the school’s Office of Campus Ministry as a Music Intern, a role that prompted hertorethinkherfutureandlookforworkinministry AngelaisthrilledtocomebacktoVillaWalshAcademyaspartofthefacultyin therolesofCampusMinisterandtheologyteacherforGrades7and8 Shecan not wait to share her knowledge and continue learning within this closeknit community!
AngelaSolazzo ' 18 ISSUE | 23
SUMMER
ALUMNAE NEWS!
ALUMNAE
SPOTLIGHT:
SUMMER ISSUE | 24 CLASS NOTES
CLASSOF1984 BarbaraTotoandArleneRoddaQuaratiellorecentlyreturnedto VillaWalshAcademytoattendaperformanceofTheMusicMan
Frances’ daughter, Bree, works for the Disney Corporation She beganheremploymentthemonthbeforetheCOVIDshutdowns InJuly,whenDisneyopenedonasmallscale,shewascalledbackfor parttimework. Finally,after2.5years,shewillbemovingovertoa fulltimeposition Thingsarestartingtolookup!
Attached are a few paintings Frances completed over the last few years
Throughout the year, Frances keeps herself busy painting with different mediums, hiking, camping, attending a wonderful Bible Studygroupandvolunteeringhersewingskillsbypreparingsanitary packetsforyoungladiesinAfrica
CLASSOF1969 In February 2018, Frances (Paccillo) McEldowney moved from New Jersey and bought a home in Lake Frederick, Virginia Her home, settled in the northern Shenandoah Valley, is 25 minutes from the entrance of the Shenandoah National Park where she spends late spring,summer,andearlyfallamongthesebeautifulmountains.The restoftheyearisspentinDeLand,Florida,enjoyingwarmerweather conditionsforthewinterseason
Theyenjoyedbeingbackoncampusandremarkedaboutthemany improvementsandchangesthathavebeenmadeovertheyearsto benefitthestudents’learningexperiences
Arlenewasinthe1983productionofthesamemusical,andshe sharedthatsinginginthebarbershopquartetremainsoneofher favoritehighschoolmemoriesBothArleneandBarbarahavefond memories of their Villa Walsh Academy days, especially contributingtotheSpringMusicals.
Bothalumnaehavebeenbusyraisingtheirfamilies.Theyarenow takingtimetoreconnectwithoneanother,andarehavinga wonderfultimedoingso!
ArleneRoddaQuaratiellohaslivedinsouthernNewHampshirefor overtwentyyearswheresheandherhusband,Mark,raisedthree children:Grace(23),Julia(21),andJoseph(17). Aftergettinga master'sdegreeattheUniversityofNewHampshirein2008,Arlene taughtEnglishcoursesatStAnselmCollegeinManchester,NHand otherareaschools,butrecentlyleftthatprofessiontofocusonher writing pursuits, details of which she hopes to share with VillaWalshAcademyinthefuture
CLASS OF 1986 Christine Collins Jackson lives in Crofton, MD with her husband Kevin and four children, ages 16 24
"Enterthegatesandclimbthehill.Seearoundyounatureinfull... CanyoufinishtheversefromVWA'salmamater?
Nina is the mother of Isabella (Ella) ’20 who is currently a junior at Boston College Nina’s parents,Mr andMrs Sal&JoAnnCampo,forwardedthePressReleasequotedabove
On November 30, 2021 VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories, announced the appointment of Nina (Campo) Flood ’89 to the newlycreatedpositionofPresident,GlobalPacks Eastpak®,JanSport® and Kipling ® .
AfterjoiningVFin2003asSeniorDirector, Marketing for the Nautica ® brand (formerly part of VF Corporation), she quickly progressed in her career holding various senior positions, including leading global Marketing and Strategy for Nautica before joining the Kipling ® brand as President of Kipling ® Americas in 2016 Prior to joining VF, Flood spent 10 years with Guess, Inc, holdingvariousmarketingandbrandleadershiproles.”
CLASS OF 1991 Tiffany (Ericksen) Ward was named one of the “2021 Women in Entertainment Power 100” by The Hollywood Reporter (THR) magazine Tiffany, an agent with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), put together talent for the Emmy winning I Know This Much Is True and the summer hit, Lovecraft Country at HBO, as well as Amazon’s The Wheel of Time Said THR "these executives, film makers, showrunners, and multi hyphenates rose above the turmoil with vision and resilience "
While being a university student at the same time as two of her kids constantly underlines just how old she is, it has equally done wonders for making her feel young again! She is set to graduate in May 2023 and is looking forward to working in a Title I middle or high school, thereafter CLASSOF1989
SUMMER ISSUE | 25 CLASS NOTES
Although she has accomplished a number of different things over the years, her latest passion projects included running a food pantry that she started four years ago at a local public high school where 50% of students are eligible for free and reduced cost meals In addition to this selfless feat, Christine is enrolled in full time courses for her masters degree in School Counseling
“Flood will be based at the headquarters of VF International, in Stabio, Switzerland Flood mostrecentlyservedasPresidentofEastpak®
VILLAWALSHACADEMYTRIVIAQUESTION
Attached are photos of Kara’s family with President Biden, whom they met last fall, thanks to 13 year old Sean, who wrote a letter to the President to express his concern over climate change. It was an incredible lesson on speaking up for the things you care about irrespective of politics, which was a part of their son’s point in writing!
CLASS OF 1991 (CONT )
Kara is now a partner with the regional law firm, Preti Flaherty LLP, focusing on corporate, commercial real estate and affordable housing finance and development She works with multi family and senior housing developers on the acquisition, development, and financing of affordable housing facilities across northern New England This will be her 20th year in practice Kara serves on the firm’s management committee, on the board of Evernorth, a low income housing and new markets tax credit syndicator, and on the board of YMCA Camp Belknap, a boys’ summer camp in Tuftonboro, NH Aside from work, she and Scott stay busy supporting their boys in their activities They get back to New Jersey to visit her sister, Erin (Sweeney) Skidmore ’93 and her beautiful family, as well as her parents
SUMMER ISSUE | 26 CLASS NOTES
CLASSOF1993 Amy (Troy) Noonan, class of 1993, lives in Morristown with her husband,Ed,andthreechildren,Michael,(Delbarton'22),Margaret (Maggie), '23, and Marissa, '25 They are a lacrosse family and can be found in the spring at a lacrosse field They enjoy family vacations andmakingmemories.
Kara Sweeney, lives in Bow, NH with her husband, Scott Atwell (celebrating 20 years of marriage this fall), their sons, Collin (16) and Sean (13), and their two chocolate labradoodles, Teddy and Tucker
After her time at Villa Walsh Academy, Kara attended Middlebury College where she received a degree in geology and sang with the women’s a cappella group, the Middlebury Mischords Scott and Kara met at Sugarbush VT, where they worked together as ski patrollers After college, Kara moved into management with the ski company, but ultimately went back to school to study law
CLASS OF 1997 Following her graduation from Boston College, Nicole Noonan attended Seton Hall University School of Law After practicing family law for a number of years, she started her own fund, New Chapter Capital Nicole has given legal commentary on Good Morning America, ABC News, Bloomberg, and France2 She and her husband, Steven, celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in May. They split their time between Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Miami Beach
CLASS OF 2001 Melissa Campbell Parente lives in Georgia with her husband, Steven, and their two sons, William (7 years old) and Xander (6 years old) who they recently adopted from Taiwan Both boys keep them very busy Melissa is practicing at Emory Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Neurosurgery.
CLASS OF 2004 Jessica Bhargava Devi welcomed a baby girl, Nora Maya Baksh, born in February 2022 Nora is pictured in her Villa print dress She is ready for the VWA Class of 2040!
Pictured, is the entire Frio Villa Walsh Alumnae contingent and their respective families, Jaime (Frio) Lambros '00, Dominique (Frio) Bealin ’22, and Alexandra (Frio) Urso ’05 Dominique currently resides in Glenview, IL with her husband, Mark and three children, Elle, Mark, and Annie Ali currently resides in Morristown, NJ with her husband, Joe, and two boys, Joey and Vinny
CLASS OF 2000 Jaime (Frio) Lambros currently resides in Manhasset, NY with her husband Elias and three children, Harry, Nicholas, and Joanna
SUMMER ISSUE | 27 CLASS NOTES
CLASS OF 2006
Jamie is happily engaged to Christopher Elsman and their wedding date is set for September 17, 2022 at SkyView Golf Club in Sparta
Jamie Eick lives in Dover, New Jersey and is working as a high school math teacher in Clifton Jamie obtained a bachelor's degree in mathematics education and a masters degree in educational technology Every February, Jamie and group of her friends take part in the Polar Bear Plunge to support the Special Olympics of New Jersey
Alexandra Buga is the Senior Manager Business Development at SOPHiA GENETICS She completed her undergraduate degree at College of the Holy Cross, double majoring in Chemistry and Classics. She, then, attended Creighton University from which she received an MBA degree and a Master of Science Degree in bioscience management
SUMMER ISSUE | 28 CLASS NOTES
Leslie Shumate is a Senior Content Design Manager at an educational technology company serving students in Grades K 12. Leslie received her bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame before beginning her career in children’s book publishing In 2020, Alexandra Buga founded a non profit called Little Curies Leslie Shumate joined Little Curies at its inception, as secretary Little Curies’ mission is to ignite and accelerate the potential of young scientists and provides girls, pre K to 8th grade, access to scientific platforms, books, and innovative interactions with women scientists Little Curies has donated hundreds of books, science kits, and science supplies to multiple New Jersey schools For more information, visit www littlecuries org
CLASSOF2012
Since graduating from Villa Walsh Academy, Bridget (O’Loughlin) Carrasquillo graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2016 with a bachelors degree in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering Shortly after graduating, Bridget moved to Seattle, Washington to work forTheBoeingCompanywhereshehasbeenforthepastsixyears
CLASS OF 2009
After graduating with a Juris Doctorate from Baylor University School of Law in 2017, Marykate Moore moved from Texas to Sydney, Australia in February 2018 to pursue a Masters of Criminology at the University of Sydney. Marykate completed that degree in 2019 as well as a Masters of Law from University of New South Wales in 2020 She was admitted as a practicing solicitor in both the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in March 2021 Marykate currently practices criminal and family law in Sydney In 2021, she became engaged to Andrew Churchland, an Australian They are currently planning a wedding for July 29, 2023 in Lake George, NY
SUMMER ISSUE | 29 CLASS NOTES
On August 8, 2020, amid the pandemic, Bridget married her college sweetheart, Diego Carrasquillo. In June 2021, they welcomed their daughter,Elizabeth,thelightoftheirlives Thissummer,Bridgetandher family are preparing to move across the country to Boston, Massachusetts!
Since graduating from Villa Walsh Academy, Cara Brady Smith received her bachelors degree in English from Loyola University Maryland and her JD from Seton Hall Law School Cara is an Assistant Prosecutor at the EssexCountyProsecutor’sOffice,currentlyassignedtothetrialteam Cara and her husband, Ledyard Smith IV, were married in St Lucy Chapel at Villa Walsh Academy in November 2017. They had their first son, Ledyard Henry Smith V in December 2019 and their second son, Nolan Francis,inMarch2022. CaraandherfamilyliveinMorristownandsheremainsclosetoher Villa Walsh Academy friends the women were bridesmaids in Cara’s weddingandareauntstoherboys!
CLASSOF2006(cont.)
CLASS OF 2014
After graduating Villa Walsh Academy, Gabby Anselmi went to Brown University and received a degree in Public Health She has lived in New York City since 2018 and works as a go to market manager at Tomorrow Health, a health care start up that focuses on streamlining home based care. Gabby met her fiancé, Mike Bonacci, in 2019 in New York City Mary Bell graduated, magna cum laude, from Elon University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience Mary is working at Veritas Collaborative, an inpatient eating disorder center in Durham, NC Mary plans to apply to grad school in the fall to become a clinical psychologist for adolescents and teens with a concentration in eating disorders
Meredyth Binder graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Communications and a Creative Writing minor After a summer internship in the Communications Department at Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, Meredyth plans to pursue her masters degree at UT Austin Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations Lauren Brett graduated from Boston College with a degree in education. She continues at Boston College for an additional year to receive her masters degree
SUMMER ISSUE | 30 CLASS NOTES
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
CLASSOF2013 Katie Grumka is currently working as a Vice President at M&T BankwhilepursuingherMBAatRutgersBusinessSchool,part time SherecentlyrelocatedbacktoNewJerseyafterfouryears in Philadelphia and is looking forward to traveling to Scotland againthissummertovisithersister,Kerry Katie(left)andsisterKerryattheGlasgowCathedral KatieandfellowVWA‘13alumnaeinHobokenJanuary2021(lefttoright: Ellen Mihalick, Cat Creeden, Alyssa Caputo, Carolyn Regimbal, Katie Grumka)
It’s been four years since the Class of 2018 graduated from Villa Walsh Academy. Many of them graduated college and their proud families shared the following updates:
Congratulations Class of 2018!
Meg Drew graduated summa cum laude from Gettysburg College with a degree in economics. During her senior year she studied abroad in Copenhagen and accepted a job with USI Catherine Gallo graduated from Fordham University with a major in global business. She accepted a position as an Analyst Researcher with AMC Networks
Olivia Reo graduated from Clemson University with a BS in accounting She has already begun working towards her Masters of Professional Accounting at Clemson, and expects to graduate with her masters next year, in 2023. This summer she interned with Price Waterhouse in Florham Park, NJ for her third summerinarow Ava Ritchie graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina, with a major in global health AvaisreturningtoUSCtoearnherMastersofPublicHealthdegree
Nicole Naunton graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts in economicsalongwithaminorinhistoryandaBusinessSalesCertification.Shewillbestartingaoneyear masters program in accounting at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill During her free time in Michigan she volunteered at Adaptive Gymnastics where she worked with special needs children, volunteered for Blood Drives United, chaired both fundraising and design for her Volunteer Business Fraternity, and was a member of the Marketing Club She also enjoyed interning at Stifel during the summer
SUMMER ISSUE | 31 CLASS NOTES
TessaGrabowski
graduatedwithhighestdistinctionfromtheUniversityofMichigan Shemajoredin communication and media studies with a minor in law, justice and social change. Over the summer, LaurenbeganworkinginpublicrelationswithEdlemaninNewYorkCity Megan Holt graduated early from the University of Vermont (UVM) in December 2021 (in part due to AP credits earned at VWA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological studies She is working at the University of Vermont Medical Center, with plans to pursue a Doctorate in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner During her years at UVM, Megan was extremely active with UVM Rescue, a 100% student run volunteerorganizationthatservesthecampuscommunity,thecityofBurlington,andsurroundingtowns TheyaretheonlynationalcollegiateEMSthatstaffsEMTs24/7/365,anddidsothroughouttheuncertainty ofthepandemic.
graduatedfromDukeUniversityTrinityCollegeofArts&ScienceswithaBSincomputer science and a minor in dance She is currently working as a Software Developer for Syncarpha Capitol in NewYorkCity.
LaurenHeitsenrether
Mary Walsh graduated cum laude with BS in Business Management and Health Policy & Management fromProvidenceCollege.ShewasalsoinductedintotheCharlesV.ChapinHonorSocietyforHealthPolicy & Management Mary was lucky enough to play club lacrosse for four years at Providence College Her teammadeittoNationalsinTexasandtook5thinthenation!MarywillbelivinginBostonandworkingas aRecruitmentConsultantforPhaidonInternationalunderLVIAssociates CelineZalameagraduatedfromWilliam&MaryCollegewithamajorinneuroscience
Olivia Munson graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University (ASU) on May 10, 2022. She earned her degree in journalism and mass communication summa cum laude with a minor in women and gender studies She graduated with honors from ASU’s Barrett, The Honors College She received the Moeur Award, the highest academic distinction at ASU (a 4.0 gpa for eight consecutive semesters). She also was inducted into Kappa Tau Alpha, the Journalism and Mass Communication Honor Society, and awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award (1 of 6 out of a class over 450) She is currently seeking a position in journalismanddigitalmedia
JulianaSalingwillgraduatefromtheKogodSchoolofBusinessatAmericanUniversity(AU)inDecember 2022 She has had some health issues the last couple of years that have delayed her graduation, but she has persevered throughout, playing on the AU Women’s Soccer Team and served as captain her senior year.SheservedasPresidentoftheAUBlackAthleteCoalitionandamemberofthePatriotLeagueSAOC LeadershipCouncil ShewillbeadigitalmarketinginternthissummerfortheNationalRetailFederationin WashingtonDC,andhopestopursueacareerinmarketing
EmilySantengraduatedfromtheUniversityofScrantonwithamajorinoccupationaltherapy StephanieUy graduated from Fordham University magna cum laude with a double major in economics and international business She will receive her masters degree in Fall 2022 in business analytics data scienceatColumbiaUniversity,NYC
MackenzieHurley graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick's School of Arts and Sciences and SchoolofCommunicationsandInformationwithamajorinpublicrelationsandaminorinpsychology MeaghanImossigraduatedVillanovaUniversitywithamajorinfinance
Diana Torzewki, married Danny Greg of Burgess Hill, England. The wedding was held at Loseley Park in England on October 9, 2021. They currently reside in San Francisco. Her attendants were her sister, Jillian, her college friend, Michele, and her sister, Kate '03.
CLASS OF 2001 Abby Jarvis and Oliver Bradford were married August 21, 2021, in Newport, Rhode Island. Abby works in fundraising for Harvard University and Oliver works in finance for a technology company They reside in Newton, MA
The first Villa Walsh Academy alumna and groom to be married in St. Lucy Chapel since its re opening were Deirdre O’Loughlin and Vito Brancatella III on August 13, 2022 CLASS OF 2015
Weddings&Engagements
SUMMER ISSUE | 32
CLASS OF 2007
Weddings&Engagements(cont) "What great work the Lord has entrusted to us women. " St Lucy Filippini Casey Green '11 and Matthew Les Gabby Anselmi ’14 and Michael Bonacci Caroline Bearden '14 and Michael Condon ST.LUCYCHAPELISOPENFORWEDDINGS! Upcomingcelebrationsinclude: March 2023 July 2023 (pictured left) August 2023 Alumnae looking to book their wedding at St. Lucy Chapel, please contact Mrs. Carmen Cefolo Pane at 973.538.3680 ext. 175 or visit the VWA website: www.villawalsh.org VILLA WALSH ACADEMY'S THEME 2022 2023 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR Picture from VWA PArchives icture from VWA Archives SUMMER ISSUE | 33
INTO GOD’S
Regan Shale Lefferts passed away on Friday October 1, 2021 after a 2 1/2 year battle with ovarian cancer She was a forceful advocate for going to the doctor and getting checked out A fighter to the end, Regan, the fun loving, compassionate, and giving mother of three, wife of Scott, faithful friend of many, and teacher of thousands, fought a fierce battle.
Her "battle cry" isn't printable in Views from the Tower but those that know it can agree, it's true. In her honor go to the doctor.
ThisinauguralrelaunchedissueofViewsfromtheTowerisdedicatedtoallalumnaewhohavepassed intoGod’sHandstoosoon,especiallyColleen,Regan,Alyssa,AmyandKatie Maytheyrestinpeace
SUMMER ISSUE | 34 HANDS
ColleenO’Reillypassedawaypeacefullyathomesurroundedbytheloveof herfamilyonMonday,April5,2021
REGAN SHALE LEFFETTS ‘88
COLLEEN(BURROWS)O’REILLY‘88
Colleen was a talented athlete, playing basketball, tennis and paddle She loved deeply her Catholic faith and was a member of St Vincent Martyr Church in Madison. Few people possessed the pure joy and sincere generosity that Col shared each day This love of life and thoughtfulness createdalargecircleofclosefriendsthatColleentreasured Shelovedhostingbigfamilyholidays,especiallyThanksgiving andChristmas Colleenwasafun lovingpersonandlikedtotravel,especiallytoDisneyWorldwithherfamily
Hervibrant spiritwillbedeeplymissedbyallwhoknewandlovedher Colleenfacedlife'sadversitywithgraceandbeautyrootedinher deep faith Her ability to see good, to feel gratitude, and to find laughter even in the most difficult of situations was amazing Sheissurvivedbyherbelovedhusbandofalmost24years,PhilipO’Reilly;hercherishedchildren,BrendanCharlesO’Reilly, Caitlin Ann O’Reilly ‘18 and Kelly Elizabeth O’Reilly ‘23; her brother, Charles Burrows and his wife Christine; her sister, ChristineBurrows Yi’87andherhusbandMichael;andmanytreasurednieces,nephews,cousinsanddearfriends.
Colleen was born on July 15, 1970 in Passaic, NJ to the late Rev Mr Charles andBarbaraAnnBurrows ShewasagraduateofVillaWalshAcademyand attended Fairfield University to obtain her undergraduate degree in PoliticalScience Colleen met her beloved husband Philip O’Reilly at church while the two were at Fordham University Law School together. The couple became inseparable and were married on April 12, 1997 Colleen enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer with Kelley, Drye and Warren in New York City, but eventually left that path when she became a mother to her beautiful children Her family was her number one priority and she adored themgreatly
Shewas50
SUMMER ISSUE | 35
Alyssaissurvivedbyherparents,GeorgeandCarolynMajeskoofGainesville, andbrother,ChristianMajeskoofHackensack,NewJersey
INTO GOD’S HANDS
Dr Alyssa Alina Majesko age 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on Saturday June 26, 2021, at Harbor Grace Hospice House following an extendedillness
Alyssa was born on August 6, 1974, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to George Majesko and Carolyn Strenkowski Majesko She worked as a doctor in the Intensive Care Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital and was an Assistant ProfessoratEmoryUniversityMedicalSchool
Upon completing her medical fellowships in 2010, she accepted a position at Emory University Hospital in critical careintheICUandlatermovedtoGradyMemorialHospitalasanICUspecialistincritical&palliativecare
ALYSSAMAJESKO,'92
local homeless people and those lacking access to medical care Alyssa also served as a domestic violence counselor at a local hospital While in medical school she volunteered for two medical trips to give medical help in Honduras and Africa The year she graduated from medical school she was co producer and performed in the musical Scope & Scalpel, Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest production entirely run by the medical students While in herresidency program, she was recognized in Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the 50 promising young people in thecityofPittsburgh
While practicing medicine in Atlanta, Alyssa continued her athletic pursuits, winning 1st Place in her age group at the Ohio State Triathlon Championship She finished 66th in the Pittsburgh Marathon, finished the Boston Marathontwice,andcompletedIronManCompetitionsandtheRothCompetitioninGermany. Alyssa lived every day of her life to the fullest, always exceeded expectations, and loved to compete In grammar school at Blessed Sacrament in Roseland, NJ, she brought home the first trophy for debate in the school’s history Later, at Villa Walsh Academy she became the first student to be honored with an athletic award for twelve varsity sports letters in four years She was captain of her tennis team at VWA and at Bryn Mawr In 1996, Alyssa took her bow as a debutante at the Kosciuszko Foundation Ball at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC While volunteering in Africa, sheclimbedtothepeakofMtKilimanjaro,thehighestmountaininAfricaatnearly20,000feet. As an educator, Alyssa was one of the faculty recognized by Emory School of Medicine's annual acknowledgement awards in 2018 She revamped the Grady MICU didactic lectures and developed a series of power point presentations for resident lectures Alyssa was touted as “a talented critical care physician dedicated to teaching residents"HerlectureswillbeherlegacytotheSchoolofMedicine
Born and raised in Glen Ridge and West Caldwell, New Jersey, Alyssa graduated from Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown as a Presidential Scholar Later, she graduated cum laude from Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with a degree in psychology before beginning her medicaltrainingattheUniversityofPittsburghMedicalSchool.Inaddition to completing three fellowships in anesthesia, surgery and internal medicine,shewasinvolvedinvariousoutreachprogramsinPittsburghfor
Katiewastrulyoneofakind iconicineverysenseofthewordAclassic Clever,bold,andresoluteShelivedherlifeincapslock,neverfailingtolight uparoomwithhervibrantpresenceandcontagiousenergy
SUMMER ISSUE | 36 INTO GOD’S HANDS
OnJune7,2022,Kaitlyn(Katie)ChristineMcDonnellpassedawayattheage of26Sheleavesbehindherparents,AndyandLaura,oldersister,Kelly'13, andherbelovedboyfriend,JoeDonohueSheisforeverlovedbyher grandparents,AndrewandEileenMcDonnell,andthelateJamesandJulia Scales,aswellasanabundanceofextendedfamilyandfriends KatiewasbornonJanuary31,1996inMorristownandgrewupinCedar Knolls,NewJersey.ShespentherearlyyearsatAssumptionSchoolwhere shemadesomeofherdearestfriendsandmostcherishedmemories,and laterattendedVillaWalshAcademy.ShewentontostudyatElon University,graduatingin2018withadegreeinfinance.Following graduation,Katiebeganhercareerincommercialrealestate.Shemade Manhattanherhome,mostrecentlyresidingintheWestVillage.
AMYLYNN(WATKINS)MILLER‘08
KAITLYNCHRISTINEMCDONNELL‘14
10 years starting at an entry level role when the company was small and proudly growing to become Vice President of Investor Relations Amy was the devoted wife of Justin Miller and loving mother to their daughter Olivia Jeanne; cherished daughter of Marybeth and Bill Watkins; beloved sister of Megan Watkins ‘99 and Rusty Watkins and his wife Claire
Those who knew Katie knew her enthusiasm for life and steadfast dedication to her passions She enjoyed traveling studying abroad in Shanghai, exploring Europe, and most recently, visiting southern California with Joe in anticipation of their move to the west coast this fall Katie enjoyed being active and living a healthy lifestyle playing tennis and golf, skiing, and practicing yoga She cherished her time spent with those she loved the most (including the family vizslas, Elvis and Augie) in New Jersey, Tuxedo Park, Southampton, and Oyster Bay
Itiswiththeheaviestofheartsthatherfamilyannouncedthepassingof theirbelovedAmyLynnMiller,whowentstraighttoheavenonMarch29, 2022attheageof31AmywasborninMorristowntoMarybethandBill Watkins,joiningheroldersiblings,Megan'99andRusty,tocompletethe happiestoffamilies In2012,shegraduatedcumlaudefromVillanova.Duringhertimeat college,shedevelopedlifelongrelationshipswithanincrediblegroupof roommatesandfriendsfromacrossthecountry.ItwasalsoatVillanova, specificallyatMaloney'sPub,thatshemetandfellinstantlyandmadlyin lovewithherfuturehusband,JustinMiller.
OnabeautifuldayinAugustof2017,AmyandJustinweremarriedinthe mostincredibleweddingcelebrationThebestdayofAmy'slifewasJune27, 2021whenherbeautifuldaughter,OliviaJeanne,wasbornAmywasan absolutelyincrediblemothertoOlivia,andeverythingshedidfromthatday onrevolvedcompletelyaroundherdaughter ShewasadedicatedmemberoftheSavannafamily,wheresheworkedfor
Mr HollandtouchedthelivesofcountlessVillaWalshAcademystudents andfacultymembers Hewillbesorelymissed
SUMMER ISSUE | 37 INTO GOD’S HANDS SR. JOSEPHINE FERRECCHIA, M.P.F.
SR MARGHERITAMARCHIONE,MPF Died peacefully at the age of 99 on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at St Joseph’s Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ Born in Little Ferry, NJ in 1922, Sister Josephine entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1935 She received the habit in 1938 and made her religious profession in 1941 After receiving a BA degreefromGeorgianCourtCollege,Sr Margheritacontinuedherstudiesin Italian at Columbia University, NY earning an MA and PhD She received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Ramapo College Sister Margherita was a Fulbright scholar and the recipient of countless national and international honors and awards for her literary and historical accomplishments Sr Margherita authored numerous books on Philip Mazzei and could often be found studying at the Philip Mazzei Center at VillaWalsh
OnJuly31,2022,Mr,James(Jim)Holland,age56,passedawayafterabrief illness Asoneof VillaWalshAcademy’sdevotedhistoryteachersforover20years, Mr Holland’s approachable, patient, and engaging personality brought historytolifeasheledhisclassroomwithhumorandpositivity Hisstudents fondlyrememberhisclasses,astheywerepunctuatedbystoriesofhislife andhisloveofSaturdayNightLive.
Outsideoftheclassroom,Mr HollandmoderatedtheMockTrialteamand taught students trial advocacy techniques and courtroom procedures to greatsuccess.AscoachofthejuniorteamfortheOperationSmilePowder Puffgame,hisenthusiasmboostedfiercecompetitionyearafteryear Flyfishingwasalifelongpursuitand,ascoownerofShannon’sTackle, Mr Hollanddedicatedhisweekendstothesport,oftenteachingnewanglers theartofamasterfisherman Hewroteaflyfishingcolumnentitled“What’s Hatching”inthequarterlyBlackRiverJournal
The eldest member of the Pontifical Institute of the Religious Teachers Filippini worldwide died peacefully at the age of 100 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ Born in Marlboro, MA on Christmas Day in 1920, Sr Josephine entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1930 She received the habit in 1937 and made her religious profession in 1940 She received a BA degree in music from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, NJ Having studied music composition at the NY College of Music, she pursued certifications in NJ for Sacred Music and Gregorian Chant Innumerable piano students benefited from her zeal for music As an esteemed member of the community, Sr Josephine was entrusted with the responsibility of the Province Music Library located on the first floor of Mother Ninetta.
MR.JAMESHOLLAND
SR. ANTONIETTE DE NARDO , M.P.F. Died unexpectedly at the age of 86 on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ. Born in Blue Anchor, NJ in 1934, Sr Antoniette entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1951 She received the habit in 1952 and made her religious profession in 1955 Sister Antoniette received a BS degree in elementary education from Catholic Teachers College in Providence, RI and masters in history from University of Hartford in CT Part of her more than forty years of classroom instruction included a stint at Villa Walsh Academy as a beloved world cultures and history teacher
SUMMER ISSUE | 38 INTO GOD’S HANDS SR. MARY DE BACCO , M.P.F. Entered eternal life at the age of 86 on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at St Joseph’s Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ in 1933, Sister Mary entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1952 She received the habit in 1953 and made her religious profession in 1956 Sr Mary received a BS degree in history and Italian and a MS in business education from Marywood University, Scranton, PA; certification in pastoral counseling from Seton Hall University; and a MS from Fordham University in Franciscan spirituality She taught history, Italian and English at Villa Victoria and Villa Walsh Academies Sr Mary held many administrative roles in the Province of St Lucy including Provincial Superior, and she spent twelve years as General Superior of the Institute in Rome, Italy She was the aunt of Maria Valgenti ’91 SR. CATHERINE SABATINI , M.P.F. Died peacefully at the age of 97 on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ Born in Madison, NJ in 1922, Sister Catherine entered the Religious Teachers Filippini and received the habit in 1938. She made her religious profession in 1941. Sr. Catherine received her BA degree from the College of St Elizabeth in biology and a MS degree from the University of Scranton in education administration After retiring from teaching, Sr Catherine was responsible for the Business Office at Villa Wash Academy at Villa Walsh Academy for thirty one years, retiring in 2004 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Support Villa Walsh Academy! Leave your mark on VWA with a contribution to the Villa Walsh Academy Annual Fund! Every donation directly impacts Villa Walsh Academy's long standing mission to inspire young women to expand their intellectual breadth and depth, enhance their sense of local and global concern, and empower them to influence their world in a Christian manner. Thank you!
VILLA WALSH ACADEMY OFFICE OF ALUMNAE RELATIONS 455 Western Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit No. 370 Save the Date UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Septemberfest Class of 2002 20th Reunion SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 Open House 1:00 4:00 pm WEDNESDAY, October 5 Open House 6:30 8:00 pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 HSA Fall Festival and Student Fashion Show Hanover Marriott, Whippany SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Christmas Concert 3:00 pm Mother Ninetta Auditorium TRIVIAANSWER Atowerthatsoarstotheheavensabove beyonditliestheschoolwelove.
