Commencement 2022

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1468

3020 North Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131

About the Publication The Visitor is the official publication of Visitation Academy.

The magazine is published by Viz’s Advancement Office and is sent to alumnae, parents, and friends of the school.

Visitation Academy is an independent, Catholic school that encourages students to develop their unique gifts in an environment that values excellence in scholarship, spirituality, leadership, and service. Viz proudly offers a coeducational early childhood program and all-girl environment in Grades 1-12.

The Lower School educates Toddler through Kindergartenaged boys and girls in the Montessori method while also providing the area’s only all-girl program in Grades 1-5.

A welcoming environment, small class sizes, and the integration of technology throughout the curriculum provide a strong educational foundation.

The Middle School builds a bridge from childhood to young adulthood. The Middle School curriculum is centered on the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of girls in Grades 6-8.

Itaque, nostra adventura coepiunt (And so, our adventures begin)

Congratulations,

Class of 2022!

The Upper School offers a rigorous, four-year college preparatory curriculum for young women in Grades 9-12. A vibrant fine arts program, numerous service opportunities, and more than 28 clubs and organizations complement the Academy’s commitment to academic excellence.

Viz girls are poised, intelligent, self-assured young women, positioned for success in our classrooms, in college, and in life. For more information regarding admission to Visitation Academy, please contact Sharon Conley Spellman ’89, Director of Admissions, at 314-625-9102.

3020 N. Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131 314-625-9100 visitationacademy.org Copyright© 2022 Visitation Academy All rights reserved.

David Manuel Colón Head of School Jenny Lucas Chief Advancement Officer Rachelle Morgan Director of Marketing and Communications Colleen Porter Editor and Communications Specialist

SCHOOL FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademy ALUMNAE FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademyAlumnae

SCHOOL TWITTER: @VizAcademy @VizAthletics @VizLowerSchool

Inside

This Issue 1 2 4 5 24 35 40 43 44 64 69

Pilgrimage 2022

From the Head of School

From the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Commencement 2022

Our Sisters and Our Salesian Spirituality

Our Students’ Successes

Our Stewardship and Service

Our Strategic Plan

Our School Spirit

Our Sisterhood

Salesian Reflection

SCHOOL INSTAGRAM: @VizAcademy @VizMiddleSchool @VizLowerSchool

ALUMNAE LINKEDIN GROUP: Visitation Academy Alumnae

alesian Reflection

Visitation Pilgrimage Reflection June 23, 2022 Cathleen O’Brien Fogarty ’89 Pilgrims small or mini in Spirit with Salesians and Visitandees plenty.

As sisters and brothers, we walk St. Jane’s and St. Francis’ verdant pastures, hills, chapels, and homes.

Following in their sacred footsteps, we realize how deep their spiritual breath perfumes the world both then and now.

Practicing petit virtues of humility and gentleness, remembering kindness to ourselves and to all.

This short, epic journey follows or strengthens the deep roots of the Salesian charism. May our spiritual branches

The Visitation Academy

Class of 2022

sprout and blossom

Front Row (Left to Right): Faith Klakovich

Row 2 (Left to Right): Lily Conley

Row 3 (Left to Right): Mary Kramer

Row 4 (Left to Right): Grace O’Grady

Maeve Fogarty

Maggie Mooney

Joely Garner

Ruth McKee

Bhuvana Vejandla

Emily Conley

Rachel Surber

Abby Jordan

Claire Cunningham

Ellie Kingston

Lauren Vitale

Ingrid Azrak

or gardens; sometimes as

Nora Huels

Taylor Knibb

Paige Trautman

Wren Hartke

Emma Behrman

Margaret Malecek

Karlie Ryan

Emily Avery

wildflowers, sometimes

Robbie Bisch

Susanna Schultz

Emmy Hernandez

Mae Phelan

as cultured orchids.

Lucy Trover

Zoe Haley

Laura Finnie

Margaret Beimdiek

Catherine Harlan

Astrid Smith

Vivi Niemi

Emma Masetti

You ARE your best bouquet.

Maggie Middleman

Charlize Ponder

Mason Lott

Nina Zumwalt

Sharing and giving to

Cate Holland

Kaylin Horman

Isabel Messmer

Joesphine Strauss

Ally Pelikan

Caroline Elsner

Abby Jansky

others and ourselves

Ella Giessman Hope Hewett

Izzy DeStefano

Abby Strait

Katie Bolin

Emma Scott

Lauren Hagan

Paige Kersting

Lauren Hempstead

Audrey Ritter

Emily LaMartina

Kristina Hohlt

Chloe Peacock

Ceci Livelli

Brynn Gerty

Everly Hunkler

Natalie Nunez

Mya Cineus

Kelly Atkinson

Sidney Moehle

Marla Sprich

Avery Porter

Georgia Frigo

Annie Dolan

Tori Burch

Olivia Duffy

Olivia Ketcherside Tillie Killeen

In 1592, following her marriage to Baron Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal, St. Jane de Chantal moved to Château de Bourbilly, where she lived until 1602.

as we depart France to pollenate new pathways

IS the path forward.

Formal Commencement photos of the 2022 graduates courtesy of Wagner Portrait Group.

visitationacademy.org | 69

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1468

3020 North Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131

About the Publication The Visitor is the official publication of Visitation Academy.

The magazine is published by Viz’s Advancement Office and is sent to alumnae, parents, and friends of the school.

Visitation Academy is an independent, Catholic school that encourages students to develop their unique gifts in an environment that values excellence in scholarship, spirituality, leadership, and service. Viz proudly offers a coeducational early childhood program and all-girl environment in Grades 1-12.

The Lower School educates Toddler through Kindergartenaged boys and girls in the Montessori method while also providing the area’s only all-girl program in Grades 1-5.

A welcoming environment, small class sizes, and the integration of technology throughout the curriculum provide a strong educational foundation.

The Middle School builds a bridge from childhood to young adulthood. The Middle School curriculum is centered on the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of girls in Grades 6-8.

Itaque, nostra adventura coepiunt (And so, our adventures begin)

Congratulations,

Class of 2022!

The Upper School offers a rigorous, four-year college preparatory curriculum for young women in Grades 9-12. A vibrant fine arts program, numerous service opportunities, and more than 28 clubs and organizations complement the Academy’s commitment to academic excellence.

Viz girls are poised, intelligent, self-assured young women, positioned for success in our classrooms, in college, and in life. For more information regarding admission to Visitation Academy, please contact Sharon Conley Spellman ’89, Director of Admissions, at 314-625-9102.

3020 N. Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131 314-625-9100 visitationacademy.org Copyright© 2022 Visitation Academy All rights reserved.

David Manuel Colón Head of School Jenny Lucas Chief Advancement Officer Rachelle Morgan Director of Marketing and Communications Colleen Porter Editor and Communications Specialist

SCHOOL FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademy ALUMNAE FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademyAlumnae

SCHOOL TWITTER: @VizAcademy @VizAthletics @VizLowerSchool

Inside

This Issue 1 2 4 5 24 35 40 43 44 64 69

Pilgrimage 2022

From the Head of School

From the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Commencement 2022

Our Sisters and Our Salesian Spirituality

Our Students’ Successes

Our Stewardship and Service

Our Strategic Plan

Our School Spirit

Our Sisterhood

Salesian Reflection

SCHOOL INSTAGRAM: @VizAcademy @VizMiddleSchool @VizLowerSchool

ALUMNAE LINKEDIN GROUP: Visitation Academy Alumnae

An Experience to Remember The 22 pilgrims from our St. Louis community could have never imagined the obstacles they would face when they set out on their journey to Annecy, France, the birthplace of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.

Travel complications, including flight delays, derailed the carefully prepared plans, and ultimately only 12 pilgrims made it to Annecy to walk in the footsteps of our Founders, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal.

While things might not have gone perfectly to plan, those who were able to complete the pilgrimage experienced firsthand the storied lives and far-reaching impact of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal and deepened their understanding of our shared Salesian charism.

Cathleen O’Brien Fogarty ’89, current Viz parent and assistant coach for Varsity field hockey, wrote and offered a beautiful reflection on the last day of the pilgrimage.

Please see page 69 to read her words.

visitationacademy.org | 1

“I have wished to stitch this motto upon your heart: Live Jesus.”

– St. Francis de Sales

From the Head of

School

As many of you know from firsthand experience, I always deliver remarks at our annual Commencement exercises. This year was no different. I had a speech prepared which I immediately scrapped when I heard the news of Sister Marie Therese’s journey home to God. We have lost several of our dear Sisters in recent years – Sister Catherine, Sister Isabel, Sister Margaret Mary, and now Sister Marie Therese. These departed Sisters, the Sisters we are so fortunate to still have with us, and all that came before them dedicated their lives to the religious Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, each other, and the Viz community. We should all strive to model their love and dedication to our school, our students, and living our beautiful charism. After some reflection, I decided to focus my Commencement remarks on how much Sister Marie Therese meant to our community and some of the ways I see her in this year’s graduating class. I want to share my thoughts here as well.

I will start by stating something that will not surprise anyone – Sister Marie Therese loved our school and our students. Whenever she would talk to me about the Class of 2022 in particular, she beamed with pride. As I reflected on their journey here at Viz, I found evidence of her influence everywhere; it is in the very DNA of Visitation Academy. Even students who did not know Sister Marie Therese well knew her impact. At Baccalaureate, I told the Class of 2022 that we had walked our path together. But even more profoundly, we have all walked on Sister Marie Therese’s path.

Sister Marie Therese loved learning; a passion readily evident even after she stopped formally teaching. Throughout the years, Sister Marie Therese carefully cultivated a culture that embraced a love of learning and encouraged discussion and respectful debate of essential topics. In fact, she and I were planning to connect with our Upper School English teacher Mrs. Goddard to discuss a new book on Shakespeare. At Commencement, I asked our graduates to think about all they learned during their years at Viz and the passion they brought to that learning. For the Class of 2022, it goes deeper than just grades, essays, and tests. They sought deeper meaning.

Sister was someone who was fully grateful and always expressed gratitude.

People truly felt appreciated and loved when they were in her presence.

Listening to the tributes offered by the Class of 2022 – formally and informally – to teachers, parents, and friends during the last few weeks of school was moving. Even in challenging times, this class ensured that the important people in their lives knew how much they appreciated and cared about them.

While Sister always had a constant smile on her face, she also was tough. If anyone possessed an inner gentle strength, it was her. She was someone who could speak her mind – quite directly and powerfully – when circumstances dictated. I witnessed her standing up and speaking “truth to power” many times. Yet, she always did it with a genuine smile on her face and love in her heart. I watched the Class of 2022 do this repeatedly: asking the tough questions and raising issues that make our community better, always with genuine concern, respect, and love in their hearts.

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Sister Marie Therese was exceedingly joyful. I could be grumpy and sullen walking into a meeting with her, and by the end of the session, I was laughing and optimistic. It was an uncanny ability, an ability this class possesses as well. They did a fantastic job keeping our spirits up – from upbeat morning announcements to imaginative senior pranks to opening school in August with a display of joyful chaos and mayhem. We could have been grumpy, but they led us in an entirely different direction.

When it comes to the Visitation charism, Sister could teach you everything there is to know. More importantly, she lived the charism every day. She was a contemplative who dedicated her life to God and was a role model to countless young women and even some of us men. If anyone embodied the Visitation motto of “Live Jesus,” it was her.

Our exceptional graduating class provided inspirational leadership like Sister Marie Therese did all her life. It was not easy, but as I have heard it said, “the obstacle is the way.” They made a difference, leaving Viz a better place than when they arrived.

The greatest gift this class can give Sister Marie Therese and the most wonderful legacy they can leave behind is to take their love of learning and the beautiful virtues of gratitude, gentle strength, and joy out into the world and continue to Live Jesus in all that they do.

Please keep our Visitation Sisters in your thoughts and prayers and join me in congratulating the Class of 2022.

In Christ,

David Manuel Colón Head of School

Walk our path together visitationacademy.org | 3

“Thank you for your kindness to my children.”

– St. Jane de Chantal

From the Chair of the Board of

Trustees

The 189th senior class graduated from Visitation Academy in May…189th! That is an inspiring accomplishment. I have to give praise and recognition to our beloved Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary here in St. Louis.

They have lovingly and selflessly dedicated themselves to the educational and spiritual formation of thousands of children and young women through the years. It is through their forward vision and thoughtful guidance that Viz has thrived for 189 years, securing the future of Viz for generations to come.

While the Sisters laid a perfect foundation, I would be remiss if I did not also give praise and recognition to our exceptional Viz faculty who follow in their footsteps. These individuals embrace the Sisters’ mission to educate children and young women and to receive and share Jesus as Mary did in her visitation to Elizabeth, teaching them to Live Jesus through the Little Virtues St. Francis de Sales so readily applied when approaching ordinary events in his own life.

It is evident in the relationships our faculty members forge with our students that they, too, practice the Little Virtues. Patience, thoughtful concern, gentleness, and generosity are on full display in their daily interactions, both in and out of the classroom. They also share Sister Marie Therese’s love of learning that David mentioned.

Thank you to our fantastic faculty for carrying on our Founders’ and Sister Marie Therese’s legacy. You wholeheartedly understand your role in forming lives as well as imparting knowledge. Your dedication to helping our students “be who they are and be that well” will help sustain Visitation Academy for the next 189 years. Viz, and more importantly, our students are so fortunate to have you.

Live+Jesus,

Carrie Luepke Hermeling ’79 Chair, Board of Trustees

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By the

75 97% 25% 7 2 1

Numbers Graduates of the Class of 2022 Earned Scholarships and Grants with a Four-Year Value of More Than $19,571,076 Percentage of Students Who Scored 31 or Higher on the ACT Charter Members in the Class National Merit Commended Students Missouri Scholars 100 Recipient

visitationacademy.org | 5

Matriculations 2022 Kelly Atkinson Santa Clara University

Claire Cunningham University of Notre Dame

Lauren Hagan Tulane University

Emily Michael Avery University of Kansas

Isabel DeStefano Lake Forest College

Zoe Haley University of Kansas

Ingrid Azrak University of Notre Dame

Annie Dolan Miami University

Catherine Harlan Marquette University

Emma Behrman Villanova University

Olivia Duffy Purdue University

Wren Hartke Webster University

Margaret Beimdiek Washington and Lee University

Caroline Elsner The University of TennesseeKnoxville

Lauren Hempstead University of Kentucky

Robbie Bisch The University of Alabama Katherine Bolin University of Missouri

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Laura Finnie Baylor University Maeve Fogarty University of Rochester

Emelia Hernandez Tulane University Hope Hewett Washington University in St. Louis

Victoria Burch The New School - Parsons School of Design

Georgia Frigo Arizona State University

Kristina Hohlt Southeast Missouri State University

Mya Cineus Saint Louis University

Joely Garner Valparaiso University

Catherine Holland Texas Christian University

Emily Conley San Diego City College

Brynn Gerty University of San Diego

Kaylin Horman Belmont University

Lily Conley University of Kansas

Isabella Giessman DePauw University

Eleanor Huels Texas Christian University

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Karlie Ryan The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Everly Hunkler United States Naval Academy

Ruth McKee Indiana University-Bloomington

Abigail Jansky University of Missouri

Isabel Messmer Miami University

Abigail Jordan University of Notre Dame

Maggie Middleman DePaul University

Paige Kersting Southern Methodist University

Sidney Moehle The University of TennesseeKnoxville

Astrid Smith Drake University

Margaret Mooney Baylor University

Marla Sprich University of Kansas

Vivian Niemi Connecticut College

Abigail Strait George Washington University*

Natalia Núñez Fordham University

Josephine Strauss Marquette University

Grace O’Grady DePaul University

Rachel Surber University of Georgia

Chloe Peacock University of Kansas

Paige Trautman Saint Louis University

Alexandra Pelikan University of Notre Dame

Lucille Trover DePauw University

Mae Phelan University of Dayton

Bhuvanasai Vejandla Loyola University Chicago

Charlize Ponder Loyola University Chicago

Lauren Vitale Missouri University of Science and Technology

Olivia Ketcherside DePaul University Matilda Killeen Colgate University Amelia Kingston University of Notre Dame Faith Klakovich University of Miami Taylor Knibb Mount Holyoke College Mary Kramer DePaul University Emily LaMartina University of Missouri Cecilia Livelli Butler University Mason Lott University of Denver Margaret Malecek Texas Christian University Emma Masetti University of Miami

Avery Porter Washington University in St. Louis Audrey Ritter Southeast Missouri State University

Susanna Schultz Loyola University Chicago Emma Scott University of Michigan

Nina Zumwalt Saint Louis University *Abigail is participating in the National Security Language Initiative in Taiwan for one year to continue her study of the Chinese language before she attends George Washington University.

visitationacademy.org | 7

Lauren Nicole Vitale

Valedictorian Address Awarded to the student who has earned the highest cumulative grade point average over four years.

First of all, I would like to thank the Academy for allowing me to speak today. You’d think my years of doing theater would’ve prepared me for this moment, but truthfully, I’m shaking in my boots right now. Nevertheless, I’m grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of my class.

Speaking of theater, there are three incredibly valuable lessons that I learned from doing shows at Viz. The first lesson I learned is that, in a production, something will inevitably go horribly wrong, so you might as well embrace it. Whether that be a lighting malfunction, forgotten lines, or a wheel that falls off your bicycle ten seconds before you’re supposed to ride it off stage, there’s a plethora of things that can and will go wrong. But they always present opportunities for growth.

Just like theater, real life unfortunately also abides by Murphy’s Law. Of course, there’s always the small obstacles, such as Mrs. Shortt’s infamous multiple-choice tests and a certain pig project from freshman year.

However, as a class, we’ve also faced more significant hardships with the passing of a friend and a global pandemic. But my class has not only been adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity but remained compassionate despite everything. When things go wrong, we only come back stronger, and these experiences only brought us closer together.

Lauren Nicole Vitale

The second lesson that I learned is that you can never stop learning. No matter how much you think you know, one day you might find yourself Googling how to do a bad Russian accent or slowing down a YouTube tutorial in a fruitless attempt to learn how to tap dance. Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making A LOT of mistakes, and learning from them.

One of the best qualities about my class is that you can learn something new from everyone, and I’m proud to say I’ve learned far more than just academics here at Viz. Nowhere else have I ever heard someone rant so passionately about essential oils, and I never would’ve otherwise known that Taylor Swift makes the GREATEST study music for calculus. I’ve witnessed countless debates and discussions about everything from feminism to social justice to who’s the best Chris in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (For the record, it’s Chris Pratt, obviously!). They’ve taught me the value of spirit through supporting each other at games, shows, and other events; tenacity through the endless grind of homework and tests; and humility, because these people refuse to admit that they’re insanely talented and smart, even though it’s absolutely true. They’ve inspired me to fight for positive change in the world, and they’ve given me the courage to be my authentic self because they are unafraid to be who they are and be that well.

The third lesson that I learned is that it takes a village to pull off a successful production. Though the actors on stage are the stars of the show, every part of the directing, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and set design are done by people who never step into the limelight.

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It has taken a village to get through high school and onto this stage today. I would like to thank all the amazing administrators and faculty here at Viz; thank you for believing in us, challenging us to find our passions, and listening to our endless complaining about homework and prom dates. Thank you to the Sisters for being exemplary models of faith, and parents, thank you for putting up with five different phone calls from Mr. Colón every time there’s a snow day. Thank you for loving and supporting us every step of the way; we wouldn’t be graduating today without your wisdom and guidance.

I’d like to leave you with one final thought. One of my teachers at Viz once told me that with every experience comes either a great time or a great story. Whether they’re from theater, sports, classes, or clubs, we’ve all had our share of life lessons, memories, and stories. Though there’s a few mysteries that remain, like the future that’s in store for us and the identity of the student inside the Viz owl mascot costume, I hope we can solve at least one of those. And as we begin our own adventures, one thing’s for certain: wherever our paths lead, they certainly will be exciting. Thank you.

Finally, thank you to my amazing classmates graduating with me today. I couldn’t be more grateful to have spent my last six years with seventyfour of the greatest scholars, leaders, athletes, artists, and friends that I’ve met. Like, seriously, no one else could convince me to willingly sit through an 8:00 a.m. chemistry class. Thank you for the Just Because Days, Spirit Weeks, Morning Mayhems, and the permanent hearing damage from the amount of screaming done at Homecoming. Thank you for all the experiences, memories, and laughs; I’ll always remember the collapsing table incident of Senior Spirit Week, and if I see someone driving a toy jeep down a hallway in college, I’ll think of you. You remind me every day how lucky I am to be a part of this community, and I will treasure the experiences we’ve shared for the rest of my life.

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Alexandra Marie Claude Pelikan

Salutatorian Address Awarded to the student who has earned the second highest cumulative grade point average over four years.

Good evening, Sisters, Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, family, and friends of the Class of 2022. My name is Ally Pelikan, and I am honored to welcome you to Visitation Academy’s 189th commencement ceremony.

Congratulations Class of 2022! We did it! We aced our classes, finished our exams, and now as we sit here, about to graduate, I can’t believe that this day is finally here.

When I think of the Class of 2022, many memories come to mind. I remember listening to all of Taylor Swift’s albums in calculus while doing homework. I remember only getting a few hours of sleep, if that, at senior sleepover, which led to the morning of the first day of school when we arrived at 7:15 a.m. to excitedly greet everyone during Morning Mayhem. I remember the Memphis– Birmingham trip, for it was the first event in a long line that made our class as close as it is today. And even though we are leaving each other to go across the country and begin our next adventures, we will always be close, and we will always have these memories to cherish.

I take pride in saying that I am a part of the Class of 2022. We exude tenacity, grace, and most of all, gratitude for the things we’ve learned from the amazing faculty and staff, each other, and the very people that founded the Visitation order, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, who adopted the use of the crescents that we will leave with today.

Alexandra Marie Claude Pelikan

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The crescents symbolize the victory of the Visitation. I believe this has become extremely poignant through the generations, especially for us. We are victorious. We conquered college applications, a global pandemic, the hardest classes of our lives (until college at least), and we did it all without losing our love for learning or each other. The bestowing of the crescents to all Visitation graduates is proof of our academic merit and honor. I mean, guys, I think we’re a really smart class. And throughout high school, I have been amazed at all the impressive things our class has accomplished. And even though all those things are great, what is best about our class is how passionate we are about the things that we do – from the classroom, to the field, to the stage, and through service. And I can say that the amazing people here at Viz taught me how to have extraordinary passion for the things that you hold close to your heart. I’m going to miss seeing all the amazing athletes in our class shine on the field and beyond.

I’m going to miss singing with Maggie Mooney and Lauren Vitale, whether at Mass, in the choir room, or on stage. I’m going to miss seeing Maggie Middleman’s amazing art pieces on a regular basis.

And I’m certainly going to miss seeing Ellie Kingston in English classes next year. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her insightful remarks or wise jokes. As I have just mentioned, the Class of 2022 radiates passion from every single angle, which I believe is just one of many personifications of the Visitation motto, Live Jesus. To me, living Jesus means living every day to the fullest and always having passion for what one does.

As we travel throughout the country next year to start the next stages in our lives, we will remember to never let our inner passion wither away. No matter where we go, we will carry with us the faith, knowledge, values, and sisterhood Viz has so graciously provided us.

To my sisters of the Class of 2022, let us take our crescents tonight and remember the strength, passion, and perseverance present in each and every one of us. And now, let our adventures begin. Thank you.

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Lauren Nicole Vitale

Alexandra Marie Claude Pelikan

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

Awarded to the student who has earned the highest cumulative grade point average over four years.

Awarded to the student who has earned the second highest cumulative grade point average over four years.

Missouri Scholars 100

National Merit Commended Student

This award recognizes the top 100 scholars among all graduating seniors in Missouri. The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals' annual selection is based on standardized test scores, rigorous coursework, citizenship, leadership, and service.

Awarded to students based on a nationally-applied Selection Index score in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

National Merit Commended Student Awarded to students based on a nationally-applied Selection Index score in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

Sister Cecilia Carroll, VHM, Award in Music Established by Rodger and Jean Marré Faherty ’55 in loving memory of Sister Cecilia Carroll, VHM, this $1,000 award is given to a deserving senior who has displayed outstanding musical talent.

Abigail Christine Strait

Archbishop John L. May Service Award Given in remembrance of Archbishop May’s dedicated Christian service, this award recognizes the outstanding leadership and community service of high school seniors in the St. Louis area.

Charter Members of the Class Pictured from left to right: Everly Belle Hunkler Isabel Anne DeStefano Caroline Genevieve Elsner Sarah Virginia Marguerite Middleman Hope Katherine Hewett Audrey Elizabeth Ritter Emma Sophie Maria Teresa Masetti visitationacademy.org | 13

Missouri Seal of Biliteracy Recipients – French

Kelly Jane Atkinson

Ingrid Azrak

Missouri Seal of Biliteracy Recipients – Spanish

Margaret Anderson Beimdiek

Caroline Genevieve Elsner

Brynn Heather Gerty

Lauren Calvert L’Hote Hagan

Emelia Mary Hernandez

Everly Belle Hunkler

Abigail Harl Jordan

Paige Elizabeth Kersting

Faith Katherine Klakovich

Mason Michelle Lott

Margaret Kathryn Mooney

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Natalia Isabel Coronado Núñez

Avery Madison Porter

Emma Christine Scott

The Harold F. and Catherine A. Faught STEM Scholarship Generously established in 2019 by Mrs. Catherine A. Faught, this $5,000 college scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding leadership in the areas of STEM.

Alumnae Award The Alumnae Award is given to one member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the Visitation ideals. She is true to the Salesian spirit of The Visitation and truly Lives Jesus.

Matilda May Killeen

Emma Christine Scott

St. Jane de Chantal Service Award

St. Francis de Sales Virtue Award Nominated by her classmates, the recipient of the St. Francis de Sales Virtue Award is a young woman who best lives the Visitation motto “Live Jesus” through Salesian virtues.

Nominated by her classmates, the recipient of the St. Jane de Chantal Service Award is a young woman who exhibits true apostolic service both within the Visitation community and in her wider community.

Catherine Elizabeth Holland

Hope Katherine Hewett

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Outstanding Salesian Leader Award This award is given in recognition of a student who consistently demonstrates Salesian leadership in a manner that promotes gentleness, joy, respect, and hospitality.

Avery Madison Porter

Sister Mary Aimée Dilschneider Alumnae Essay Award This award is presented in honor of Sister Mary Aimée Dilschneider ’35, VHM for her years of dedication and service to the Alumnae Association. The recipient best describes what Visitation Academy means to her and how her experiences as a Viz student will enrich her future.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Model of Justice Award

Grace Catherine O’Grady

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Model of Justice Award is an annual award presented to students of the Archdiocese of St. Louis who have demonstrated, through their attitude and their work, a commitment to serving humanity in the broader community. These students have made justice a central part of their lives and have committed themselves “to the noble struggle for equal rights.”

Caroline Genevieve Elsner

Principal’s Award Chosen by the Principal and Assistant Principal in collaboration with the faculty, this young woman demonstrates a consistent dedication to the Visitation community and serves as a role model to all in a quiet, gentle, and humble manner.

Emma Clara Behrman

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“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

The charism of Visitation, which I believe is shown through these verses, has been planted in my mind, soul, and heart at Visitation Academy over the last sixteen years through the Little Virtues.

Since Montessori, the Little Virtues have been integrated into every aspect of my life, both in and outside of school. As the final young woman in my family to attend Visitation, I believe it is up to me to carry on the legacy of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal’s ideals. As I thoughtfully look back on my four high school years, I can remember a certain aspect of our charism that I learned each year and hope to retain after high school. These Little Virtues guided me to be who I am and be that well, as St. Francis said.

Freshman year was filled with meeting new people, learning new things, and beginning to grow up. Our class blossomed with students from new schools, religions, and backgrounds. The addition of diverse classmates caused me to realize that our individual God-given gifts make not only our class but the world more unique. During freshman year, the virtue of hospitality was evident. I experienced numerous small acts, such as inviting someone to the lunch table or giving a smile in the hall to someone new. However, in geometry class, I showed hospitality to a new student I did not know at all. I asked her to sit with me, and we often shared a giggle or small talk. Throughout the year, we grew increasingly close. Even if we drifted apart for a couple of days, I knew she could always count on a smile or a contagious laugh from me. The hospitality I showed during freshman year, and now, is something I hope to channel in college, especially when meeting new friends and adapting to a new environment.

Sophomore year was very memorable, as unfortunately after spring break we were impacted by the pandemic. Although I was trying to be optimistic that school would reopen after our extended twoweek break, I was losing hope. I had no strength, no resilience. I began thinking about everything I would miss, like dances, sports, and most importantly, seeing my friends every day. I interrupted thoughts about myself and began thinking about my older sister. The last half of her senior year was taken away.

I interpreted this as her school year being over, but I was wrong. My sister became resilient. She kept up with her studies, attended every online class, talked to her friends and teachers as much as she could, and committed to a college, all during a pandemic.

Her strength was inspiring. Thinking about a second-semester senior putting in daily, hard work is something that was impressive to me, especially after losing significant, unforgettable high school experiences. I gained the utmost respect for my sister during the last two months of my sophomore year.

After watching her graduate on a livestream at that unprecedented time, I was incredibly proud of her resilience, and this is a virtue in the Visitation charism that I am incorporating in my daily life and will convey in my future studies.

my family and focusing on my mental health. The optimism I had for returning to a “normal” school year increased my ability to influence online school to my advantage. I was able to push through the first few weeks because I was hoping things would work out for the best, which they did. I am proud of myself for staying hopeful, optimistic, and positive during times of uncertainty. The Little Virtue of optimism is very important to me as it affects others around us, not just ourselves.

Throughout my final high school year, I cherished each difficult Spanish and biology class, sitting around Jane’s Place, and just little things I knew I would miss when I began college and started a new chapter. The simplicity of high school at Visitation is something I will remember and look back on tenderly.

I knew, however, that I would miss the relationships I have with my classmates the most. No matter what situation I am in, I can confide in any classmate of mine and receive simple, true, unconditional advice.

By graduation, our class will forever be united with a love of truth and the pursuit of knowledge, as taught in our charism. The simplicity of our friendships, especially at Visitation, allows us to have no other aim in all our actions but the one desire of pleasing God, and I see this in my own relationships. I am confident that I will act upon the Little Virtues of St. Francis and St. Jane in all aspects in college since it has been a part of my daily life through the Visitation charism since I was a toddler.

The beginning of junior year was filled with doubts.

Because we started with online school in August, I wondered if we would ever go back to “normal” after COVID. I was growing tired of checking in with my teachers on Zoom or Teams, and I wish I had not taken in-person school for granted. Throughout this time, I tried to be optimistic. I focused on the positive aspects, like being able to spend more time with

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Outstanding Student Leader

St. Louis Post–Dispatch Scholar–Athlete

The Outstanding Student Leader is a student who has demonstrated leadership ability and service to our school community in an exemplary manner.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar-Athlete award is given to a student athlete who is in the top 25% of her graduation class.

Margaret Kathryn Mooney

Maeve Maureen Fogarty

Visitation Student Leadership Award This award is given in recognition of a student or students who consistently demonstrate effective leadership to the school community in a manner that is not always publicly recognized.

MWAA Skippy Keefer Award This award, given in honor of Skippy Keefer, one of the founders of the Metro Women's Athletic Association (MWAA), is presented annually to a senior female athlete within the MWAA league who exemplifies the qualities of athletic participation and excellence in sportsmanship.

Catherine Lois Harlan

Mev Puleo Service Award Given in remembrance of a graduate of the Visitation Class of 1981, this award recognizes a senior who embraces life as Mev did. Suggested by the faculty, the recipient demonstrates journeying with the poor while recognizing the face of God in all and working toward the realization of justice and peace in the kingdom of God.

Natalia Isabel Coronado Núñez

Susannah A. Kilmer Zest for Life Award

Matilda May Killeen

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Emily Mae LaMartina

Given in remembrance of a graduate of the Visitation Class of 1994, this award recognizes a senior or seniors who embrace life as Susannah did. Nominated by classmates and voted on by the faculty, the recipients demonstrate strong academic achievement, loyalty and devotion to friends, and the ability to meet life’s challenges.

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Cause for Jubilation!

2022 was a big year for our Sisters. Each celebrated a significant jubilee, a milestone in their time in the Order of the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The dates noted below with each Sister’s name signify the date they accepted their temporary vows. Each Sister received the full habit on this important day and completed their entrance to the community as a postulant and reception as a novice.

In September 2022, the Sisters were formally celebrated at a community-wide Mass.

Please join us in congratulating our incredible Visitation Sisters.

Sister Barbara Greenwell – January 29, 1967 (Cardome, Kentucky) – 55 years In January 1967, Barbara entered the Cardome Visitation Monastery in Cardome, Kentucky, once home to nearly 40 Sisters and a girls’ school and residence for women, and went on to receive temporary vows in 1969. She transferred to the Visitation monastery in Springfield, Missouri, where she professed final vows in 1975. When the Springfield monastery closed in 1978, it merged with the Visitation community in Federal Way, Washington, at its monastery and retreat center on one of the most beautiful pieces of property on Puget Sound.

Sister Barbara worked as a licensed practical nurse in both Kentucky and Missouri and has a love of gardening and documentaries on the expanding universe/cosmology. She was welcomed to the Visitation community in St. Louis in May of 1996.

Sister Mary Veronica Haronik – January 23, 1962 (Rock Island, Illinois) – 60 years Sister Veronica began her journey with the Visitation Sisters of Rock Island, Illinois. She graduated from their Academy, Villa de Chantal, in 1960 and then entered their Visitation Monastery. In 1962, she professed her vows, becoming a Visitation Sister.

Veronica made her perpetual vows in 1965. While in Rock Island, she taught elementary school and served as Superior of the Rock Island Visitation Monastery.

Following the closing of the Rock Island Visitation Monastery in May 1992, Sister Veronica joined the St. Louis Visitation community. At Viz, she taught Core 5 and later Grade 6 religion and served as Superior in 1998 and from 2007–2016.

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Sister Mary Grace McCormack – March 25, 1962 (St. Louis, Missouri) – 60 years Mary Kathleen McCormack graduated from Visitation Academy in 1960 – then located on Cabanne Avenue – and shortly after, entered the monastery. In March of 1962, she made her temporary vows, and on April 12, 1966, she professed final vows.

Sister Mary Grace taught English, religion, and geometry for many years and held various positions, including moderator for the Christian Life Community and monastery liturgy coordinator, to name just a few. The bio description on the plaque outside the Reading Room in the Archives that bears her name sums up her legacy beautifully: Fourth-generation Saint Louisan Alumna Last professed at Cabanne Teller of stories of places and people— in Scripture, English, and the Visitation Order Keeper of treasures Editor of Salesian books Teacher and Counselor

Sister Marie Therese Ruthmann – March 4, 1952 (St. Louis, Missouri) – 70 years Upon graduating from Visitation Academy as part of the Class of 1950, Mary Helen Ruthmann promptly entered the monastery on Cabanne in St. Louis, Missouri. She professed temporary vows on March 4, 1952, and final vows three years later on March 4, 1955.

Her many ministries and talents include teacher – English and religion – serving as chair of both departments; originator of the Apostolic Service Program and Pro-Life Club; formation directress; leader of the formation team of the Association of Christian Faithful; community counselor; Federation counselor; leader of four summer student trips to Europe; librarian; and author of Visitation Academy: Educating the Mind and Heart*, a book detailing the history of Visitation from 1833-2008. Sister Marie Therese began her service as Monastic Superior in 2016.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Sister Marie Therese was called into the Heavenly Kingdom of God. *Sister Marie Therese authored the book sections covering 1983 to 2008.

The areas detailing the years before 1983 were taken from the book, Deep Roots and Golden Wings: One Hundred & Fifty Years with the Visitation Sisters in the Archdiocese of St. Louis by William Barnaby Faherty S.J.

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Sister Margaret Mary Gibson – March 4, 1952 (St. Louis, Missouri) – 70 years Mary Ann Gibson came to St. Louis from Youngstown, Ohio, in 1946 and enrolled in Visitation Academy on Cabanne as an eighth-grader. She graduated high school in June 1950 and entered the Visitation Convent in August. After six months as a postulate, she received the Visitation habit and the name Sister Margaret Mary.

Throughout her nearly 70 years as a Visitation Sister, Sister Margaret Mary ministered in the Academy in many ways: early on as a teacher of history and social studies and later, theology; moderator for Student Council, the National Honor Society, and National Junior Honor Society; principal of the grade school and high school; Admissions Director, a position she initiated in 1992; as well as numerous positions in the monastery including Assistant Superior, Formation Director, and member of the Monastic Council. As she fulfilled these roles, Sister Margaret Mary created lifelong relationships with students and their families.

On August 15, 2022, Sister Margaret Mary Gibson would have celebrated her 70th year as a Visitation Sister. Sadly, Sister Margaret Mary was called into the loving embrace of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Sunday, January 16, 2022.

The Passing of Sister Margaret Mary and Sister Marie Therese Sister Marie Therese, who first met Sister Margaret Mary in high school, offered the following poignant words at a private funeral held on Saturday, January 22, 2022: Dear friends and family here with us and on livestream, including our Sisters of Mercy at Catherine’s Residence, There is a great blessing in living to be 89. It is, quite simply, that you have been given decades of opportunities to love. As I look around this chapel and imagine those of you watching from afar, I know that each of you has a cherished story of the way Sr. Margaret Mary has shown her love and care for you. We have been so moved by the many testimonials our alumnae have posted on Facebook and in emails. I am so sorry that COVID makes it impossible for all who wanted to come to be here in person. However, we are planning a wider celebration in the future.

Mary Ann Gibson was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on April 27, 1932, to Edwin S. Gibson and Madeline McCarthy Gibson. She had one older brother, Edwin Jr. When she was going into the eighth grade, the family moved to St. Louis, and she was enrolled at The Academy of the Visitation. That is when I first met her.

I am in a unique position of knowing Mary Ann Gibson, Sr. Margaret Mary, because we attended high school together at Visitation Academy, entered the Visitation Convent on Cabanne together in 1950, and have lived together for almost 74 years.

I knew the fashionable, fun-loving teenager whom nobody foresaw would enter the convent; the conscientious, young religious girl who strove to do everything well; the creative history teacher who acted out the parts of some of the famous men and women she taught about; the principled principal

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of both the Lower and Upper Schools; the dedicated student council moderator; the first leader of the Salesian Ministry Network; and the energetic director of admissions. I knew the devoted daughter who visited her beloved mother every Saturday during the long years when Madeline suffered from early-onset Alzheimer’s. Each of you can identify with Sr. Margaret Mary in one or more of these roles and ministries and tell stories about her goodness, humor, and humanity.

When Sr. Margaret Mary and I were in our 20s, a Jesuit priest, Fr. Dan Campbell, gave the Sisters a preached retreat. In one of the conferences, he told the story of two elderly nuns who had lived in the same convent for many years. Each called the other "my Nellie of 40 years." Sr. Margaret Mary and I laughingly adopted that term to apply to us as an eventual 40 years turned into over seven decades. "Nellie" became our term of endearment to the end. She counted on me to be her loving sister and fierce advocate, especially these last four months as she was in transition for Heaven. She called for me whenever the nurses wanted her to do something she rebelled against, and I would cajole her to do it with gentleness or firmness, whatever was needed.

Each of you may treasure one or more virtues of Sr. Margaret Mary because of your personal relationship with her. If I were to choose one quality that describes Sr. Margaret Mary, it is what Jesus said in the Gospel about Nathanial: he was an Israelite without guile. Sr. Margaret Mary was a Visitation religious woman who was without guile or duplicity. Of all the virtues, she exemplified Salesian simplicity: the desire and goal to please God alone. She valued the truth and lived it as she saw it.

As with most of you and us, Sr. Margaret Mary had a happy life but not an easy life. From the time we entered the convent in 1950, religious life and the Church were continually changing, leading up to Vatican Council II, and all the ways religious women answered the call to study and live their essential charism and listen to the signs of the time.

“Do not look forward with anxiety to what may happen tomorrow.”

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In our convent, we followed a strict schedule of personal prayer and Divine Office; were assigned many housekeeping duties; took correspondence courses from Loyola in Chicago and Missouri University; and attended college at Fontbonne and then graduate school at St. Louis University. Sr. Margaret Mary earned a BA in History from Fontbonne, an MA in History from St. Louis University, and then Certification in Administration from St. Louis University. Throughout most of this time, we taught a variety of courses at Viz. In the early 70s, Sr. Margaret Mary was assigned the position of principal. Some of you will remember that this was a challenging time in the world and in the Church. In our monastery alone, in the late 60s and 70s, a total of 14 young women in formation left our convent. In addition, high school students could be unusually challenging in the time of the Vietnam War and the tragic assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, Jr. At one point, around 1970, Sr. Margaret Mary felt the emotional stresses were just too much and asked to be released from her vows. She left, secured a job at Maritz, and shared an apartment with some dear Viz alumnae friends she had taught.

This experience lasted only a little more than two years. It taught Sr. Margaret Mary what most of us discover in each of our vocations. As she expressed it to me, "I thought religious life was hard; it is life that is hard." And so, she returned, chose to remake her novitiate, and began with renewed joy to be principal and then admissions director. It was as if she had never left. This is one outstanding example of why I say Sr. Margaret Mary was without duplicity or guile. She was free to embrace God’s will as she saw it.

Years passed, and religious vocations decreased with each decade. Fast forward to 2012. Our St. Louis community realized that we were too few to keep up our monastery and give our Sisters the care they required as they aged. At the same time, the Academy was eager for more space. We were discerning all our options when one day, at the end of midday prayer, Sr. Margaret Mary had a major stroke. We rushed her across the street to Missouri Baptist Hospital, where she received immediate care. She recovered significantly, but this event precipitated our departure from the monastery. After prayerful discernment, we decided to ask the Sisters of Mercy, in the person of our dear friend Sr. Mary Roch, if we might join them as two communities in one lovely retirement convent, Catherine’s Residence, on Geyer Road. Sr. Roch’s response is unforgettable: “You would be a blessing to us.” Sr. Margaret Mary was able to go there for rehab care. Then on September 11, 2014, the rest of us left our beloved Ballas monastery, and we ten Visitation Sisters courageously accepted another change.

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During these seven years since the move, Sr. Margaret Mary has enthusiastically attended any and all activities provided for the Sisters. It made us so happy to see her contributing to Liturgical Reflection groups, the chimes bell choir, bingo, and crafts of all kinds. She did not miss any activity and was eager to reach out and engage each Sister and staff member in turn with a litany of questions. When she needed to go to the Mercy emergency room or for wound care, her identity as an admissions director came to the fore. She asked all the doctors and nurses who treated her if they had daughters. If so, why not send them to Visitation Academy? With queenly largesse, she volunteered to get them scholarships! Imagine her delight when she encountered Dr. Steve Hilton and asked him that question. “Yes, Sister, I have two daughters, and both graduated from Visitation.”

Sr. Margaret Mary’s health, however, gradually deteriorated so that in September of 2021, we felt Hospice would give her added care to make her comfortable and more opportunities to interact with people.

Many of her former student friends and faculty colleagues were delighted to come and revive happy memories. Our ACF lavished her with love. Her dear cousin, Paul McCarthy, continued to come regularly once a month with her favorite treat of a hamburger and small milkshake. She was delighted to see her visitors and welcomed each one graciously. Sr. Margaret Mary was continually brave and accepting of all God permitted to befall her in this long decade since her stroke. She rarely complained. Only near the end would she call for me and say softly, “I don’t feel well.” It was a special providence that on Sunday before she passed, she was able to visit with her family: Molly and Babe, Paul and Eileen, Colleen, Erin, and Mary.

Then on Monday, we Zoomed with nephew Michael and Graciela in France.

We will always be grateful to our Sisters of Mercy for allowing us to live in the very best retirement home in St. Louis. The Sisters and staff are represented today by Sister Richard Mary Burke. Sr. Margaret Mary received what we call “Cadillac care.” She often said, “If you can’t be in your own home, this is the best place to be.”

Now it is no secret that all her life Sr. Margaret Mary confessed to one addiction. “I am a chocoholic.”

This included candy, cookies, ice cream, and anything chocolate. She would add mischievously, “I am Sr. Margaret Mary.” You will not be surprised, then, if we invite you to take a little treat of M&Ms when you leave.

Sr. Margaret Mary had two favorite sayings of St. Francis de Sales that she loved, lived, and repeated in season and out. The first was: “Be who you are and be that well.” Later she added the second part: “to give glory to the Divine Artist whose handiwork you are.” The other is the Peace Prayer, which is printed on her memorial card, copies of which she gave liberally to all the staff at Catherine’s as part of her retirement ministry. It is on the back of her memorial card with a lovely, fairly recent picture of her giving the advice that she leaves us with today: “Do not look forward with anxiety to what may happen tomorrow. The same Everlasting Father who takes care of you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either God will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. So put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”

Sr. Margaret Mary will never have to say that prayer again! Enjoy life, Sr. M&M!

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During the funeral Mass held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in the Chapel at Visitation, Sister Mary Grace McCormack offered these words in memory of Sister Marie Therese, reflecting on their 60-year companionship:

Sister Marie Therese Ruthmann died peacefully at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in Saint Louis on May 14, 2022, following a second major stroke. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on May 21, 2022.

Mary Helen Ruthmann was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 18, 1932, to Authur (Aloys) Ruthmann and Mary Rose Kelemen Ruthmann. She was followed in the family by a sister, Joan, three years younger; Rita, ten years younger; and Stephen, fourteen years later.

She came to Visitation Academy on Cabanne in ninth grade and found the spirit of the Sisters rather different, more gentle than the grade school teachers at her parish school. She entered the monastery after high school with two other classmates who became Sisters Margaret Mary and Jane Frances. She received her own religious name, Marie Therese, in her early fervor as a young Sister, wanting to be totally given over to God in her youth as was St. Therese. This attraction and devotion to Therese was a lifelong companionship. The three professed first vows on March 4, 1952, and solemn vows in 1955. She began teaching after receiving her degree from Fontbonne College, now Fontbonne University. Sister Marie Therese taught any topic within the areas of English and theology. She later received a master’s degree in English from Saint Louis University, joining several Sisters from our other monasteries for summer classes in a variety of departments. Later, she added a master’s degree in Theology and Fine Arts from Manhattanville College. She founded and promoted a Pro-Life Club at Visitation early after Roe vs. Wade became law, an interest springing from her original academic studies.

She served the community in several positions, as councilor, novice directress, and superior. Her service on the Federation Council was not only a service but a place to renew friendships with those she had studied with at Saint Louis University. In the Academy, she introduced every new member of the Board of Trustees, as well as each year’s new faculty members, to the Salesian charism.

When the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary was approaching, she took Father William Barnaby Faherty, S.J.’s story of our first 150 years, Deep Roots and Golden Wings: One Hundred & Fifty Years with the Visitation Sisters in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and added the history of the next 25 years from 1983 to 2008, naming the compilation, Educating the Mind and Heart.

When asked to describe herself in a few words, Sister Marie Therese chose to begin with, “Gladly does she learn and gladly teach,” the very appropriate quote from Chaucer, but then

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she added, “by living Jesus through the Visitation charism.” Her many activities and involvements provide the details of how she lived Jesus through the Visitation charism, some of these details known to her many friends and others only known to God. Sister Marie Therese always had so much to say and so much she wanted to get across to a person or a class. She often would fit in just one more paragraph after the closing bell rang for the end of class. While she finished her thought before the next bell, students were always late for their following class. Many colleagues learned the virtue of patience because of her.

There were always thoughts she was pondering or a collection of books that she was reading, studying, or talking about. While a good portion related to the classes she taught, an equal amount was generated from her personal interests.

Every individual that spoke about Sister Marie Therese in the days following her death referred to her everpresent smile. Her ability to make friends surely was an outgrowth of her extroversion; she lavished that outgoing love on everyone. At her funeral, the congregation was asked: how many of you would say you were one of her best friends? The whole congregation either raised a hand, nodded, or laughed as if they had been caught in mischief.

Her care for her family must have begun the day she was born. Each person was thought of and prayed for at every stage of life. Sister Marie Therese was determined to badger God so that her nephew in medical school would pass one test, then another, and so on. And we Sisters and her friends were part of the praying package. She importuned God like the woman in the Gospel parable. For Sister Marie Therese, Visitation provided a place where her love of God and knowledge of Scripture joined forces. Here, “gladly did she learn and gladly teach.” Visitation students hear about and develop a lifelong love of learning. And now she is learning everything she always wanted to know.

We ask prayers for her, the three Visitation Sisters now at Catherine’s Residence, her grieving family, and all those who knew her. Saints Francis de Sales and Therese Martin and their love of the little virtues will continue to be a blessing for our community.

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Mindful Examination Visitation Academy in St. Louis is one of four Visitation schools – Mendota Heights (Minnesota), Georgetown (Washington, D.C.), and Brooklyn (New York) – guided by the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary. As members of the Visitation Salesian Network (VSN), the four schools work together to support and maintain a consistent Salesian identity. Every five years, each Visitation school evaluates how they believe they are living our shared Visitation Salesian mission, and this was our year.

The assessment, which is comprised of a self-study, formal report, and review by a VSN Visiting Team, is designed to encourage dialogue among the school’s constituents as they become more familiar with the beauty and strength of the Visitation Salesian charism and provide them with opportunities to share its riches.

The assessment is guided by the Visitation booklet for educators, Educating the Mind and Heart in the Visitation Tradition. The Six Goals outlined in this booklet serve as the blueprint for how we measure ourselves in the effort to live the spirit of the Salesian charism in our program, policies, and practices.

In the fall of 2021, led by Dean of Mission Integration Dr. Amelia Blanton Hibner, Viz conducted the self-study portion of the assessment, gathering input about how Visitation lives the Six Goals.

These Goals assist in enabling Visitation schools to become

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communities that believe in, practice, and perpetuate the Salesian charism – to carry Christ to those we serve and with whom we work. All of our constituencies, including Upper School, Middle School, and students in Grades 1-5; faculty and staff; past and current parents; alumnae; the Sisters; the Association of Christian Faithful; and the Viz Board of Trustees, were asked to participate in this informationgathering process. The input received will guide us as we look to the future in order to nurture our spiritual roots while at the same time growing to meet the needs of our ever-changing community.

The VSN Visiting Team arrived on campus for a three-day visit from March 30-April 1, 2022, to meet and talk with our constituencies about various areas identified in the selfstudy process. The insights and observations gathered in these informal interviews formed the basis of a written report compiled by a team of 13 faculty and staff members along with Dr. Blanton Hibner. The final report highlighted the various ways our community is effectively Living Jesus and offered practical suggestions and encouragement in areas where we need to fortify our efforts. These will be areas of focus for the coming year. Watch for future communications that will provide updates on the work resulting from the assessment.

Speaking of the VSN

motto upon your heart: Live Jesus.”

By practicing the Little Virtues, we Live Jesus every day. The virtues are the common thread that binds us together, and just as many threads help make a fabric strong, the Little Virtues also build and strengthen our Visitation community.

Each year, the Visitation Salesian Network selects a common theme that all four Visitation schools focus on throughout the year. The chosen theme is one of the many ways our schools work together and share our common Salesian Visitation charism. The theme for 2021-2022 was “Living the Little Virtues: Our Common Thread.”

This theme was inspired by an adapted quote from St. Francis de Sales, “I have wished to stitch this

2021-2022 Theme, artwork created

by Lauren Vitale (Class of 2022)

Each month throughout the school year, a new virtue was introduced and was that month’s focus.

Students across all three divisional schools created beautiful artwork to represent the monthly themes.

“I have wished to stitch this motto upon your heart: Live Jesus.”

—St. Francis de Sales

AUGUST – Gentleness, artwork created

by Mia Maddock (Class of 2023)

SEPTEMBER – Simplicity, artwork created

by Lelaina Pursifull (Class of 2026)

OCTOBER – Joyful Optimism, artwork created by Chloe Mudd (Class of 2029)

NOVEMBER – Gratitude, artwork created

by Reese Robson (Class of 2025)

DECEMBER – Generosity, artwork created

by Tess Kramer (Class of 2030)

JANUARY – Humility, artwork created

by Cithandra Duncan (Class of 2024)

FEBRUARY – Thoughtful Concern for Others, artwork created

by Laney Hunter (Class of 2028)

MARCH – Kindness, artwork created by the Class of 2031

APRIL – Perseverance, artwork created

by Emmy Lohse (Class of 2027)

MAY – Hospitality, artwork created

by Vivian Niemi (Class of 2022)

The Visitation Salesian theme for the 2022-2023 school year is “Rooted in Holy Friendship: Growing in Community.” St. Francis de Sales tells us it is necessary that we “embrace true devotion and join together in a holy and sacred friendship” rooted in our love of Christ. Like the 2021-2022 school year, each month will focus on one of the Little Virtues and feature a quote that supports the month’s virtue.

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"embrace true devotion and join together in a holy and sacred friendship" MONTH VSN THEME

2022-2023 QUOTES

2022-2023 THEME/VIRTUE

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Rooted in Holy Friendship: Growing in Community

“Holy friendship speaks a plain and sincere language and commends nothing but virtue and grace of God, the only foundation on which it subsists.” – St. Francis de Sales “You must grow in love by means of the root, rather than the branches.”

– St. Francis de Sales AUGUST

“If we wish to possess the virtue of neighborly love, we must accustom ourselves to accept people just as they are, regardless of their failings and actions.” – St. Jane de Chantal

Hospitality

“Try to be truly humble, gentle, and simple so that your heart may become a real heart of Jesus.” – St. Jane de Chantal

Humility

OCTOBER

“Let us be what we are and be that well, in order to bring honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork we are.” – St. Francis de Sales

Sincerity

NOVEMBER

“Let us show a child-like trust and kind spirit, supporting one another in mutual charity.” – St. Jane de Chantal

Thoughtful Concern for Others

DECEMBER

“There is nothing so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” – St. Francis de Sales

Gentleness

JANUARY

“Perfect simplicity consists in having but a single aim in all our actions: to please God.” – St. Jane de Chantal

Simplicity

FEBRUARY

“Be patient with everyone but especially with yourself; I mean that you should not be troubled about your imperfections and that you should always have the courage to pick yourself up afterward.”

– St. Francis de Sales

Patience

“Our possessions are not ours – God has given them to us to cultivate, that we may make them fruitful and profitable in His Service, and so doing we shall please Him.” – St. Francis de Sales

Generosity

“Learn to see God in the details of your life, for He is everywhere.”

– St. Francis de Sales

Gratitude

MAY

“True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.”

– St. Francis de Sales

Perseverance

JUNE

“We must learn what God wants of us, and having learned it, we must try to carry it out, if not generously, at least cheerfully.”

– St. Francis de Sales

Joyful Optimism

JULY

“Examine your heart often to see if it is such toward your neighbor as you would like his to be toward you were you in his place. This is the touchstone of true reason.” – St. Francis de Sales

Kindness

SEPTEMBER

MARCH

APRIL

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Simply Spectacular Students “Be who you are and be that well.” These are not just words but the foundation for the knowledge, skills, and virtues taught at Viz. Here are some shining examples of our students living this call from St. Francis de Sales.

Upstanding Upper School Students • Annie Dolan (Class of 2022) – In August 2021, Annie accompanied Vietnam Air Force veteran Jack Schweitzer on a day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the National War Memorials. This experience was organized through the local foundation, Greater St. Louis Honor Flight (GSLHF). The mission of this organization is to safely transport America’s most senior military veterans to Washington, D.C., to experience the memorials built in their honor and ensure these heroic men and women have one of the best days of their life.

Pictured from left to right: Mikayla Woods, Katherine Blazevic, Lauren Cleary, and Mary Stein. Not pictured: Anna Padousis.

• In April 2022, four Upper School students, as well as one Middle School student, were recognized by the National Charity League, Inc., Gateway Chapter for their outstanding philanthropic and Chapter service in 2021.

The NCL is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together in a commitment to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. The Gateway Chapter has 314 members providing handson volunteer service for 24 philanthropic organizations within the St. Louis community. The following young women received Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for their outstanding service work: – Mary Stein (Class of 2024) – Gold Recipient – Given to volunteers ages 11-15 with more than 100 hours of service and volunteers ages 16-25 with more than 250 hours of service.

– Katherine Blazevic (Class of 2023) – Silver Recipient – Given to volunteers ages 11-15 with between 75-99 hours of service and volunteers ages 16-25 with between 175-249 hours of service.

– Lauren Cleary (Class of 2025), Anna Padousis (Class of 2023), and Mikayla Woods (Class of 2026) – Bronze Recipients – Given to volunteers ages 11-15 with between 50-74 hours of service and volunteers ages 16-25 with between 100-174 hours of service.

• Tori Burch (Class of 2022) – Since she was a little girl, Tori has been avidly interested in art, taking almost every art class she could since she entered Viz in seventh grade. Her love of creating and designing took her in a new direction this year – designing scenes for the LED wall used as the backdrop for the Upper School production of Blue Stockings. This required her to learn an entirely new software program, but she was ready for the challenge. This newfound capability will serve her well as she continues to expand her artistic ability at The New School – Parsons School of Design, where she plans to study strategic design management, focusing on the business behind fashion.

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• Mia Tiburzi (Class of 2024) – Mia owns and operates her own small business, Mia Claire’s Confectionery. Mia, a self-taught baker serving up cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cookies, and cake pops, always enjoyed baking and spending free time in the kitchen, so she decided to turn her passion into a business in the summer of 2019. Once COVID hit, she was able to focus her time and effort on expanding her abilities and practicing various techniques.

Follow her at @mia.c.baking to see her latest creations.

• On Field Day, Principal Awards were distributed to students at each Upper School grade level. These young women demonstrated a consistent dedication to the Visitation community…to the students, faculty, administration, and the Sisters. Congratulations to this year’s Upper School recipients: – Grade 9 – CJ Smith – Grade 10 – Amelia Ward – Grade 11 – Maggie Alexander – Grade 12 – Emma Behrman 2022 Upper School and Middle School Principal Award winners.

St. Francis de Sales Award winners from the Upper School, Middle School, and Grade 5.

The St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal Awards also are presented during Field Day each year. The St. Francis de Sales Award is given to a young woman who best lives the Visitation motto “Live Jesus” through Salesian virtues. The St. Jane de Chantal Award is given to a young woman who exhibits true apostolic service both within the Visitation community and in her wider community. Congratulations to these well-deserving young ladies: St. Francis de Sales Award Winners Grade 9 Jane Nordmann Grade 10 Kaitlyn Emerson Grade 11 Clara Donovan Grade 12 Hope Hewett

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St. Jane de Chantal Award Winners Chloe Grzybinski Grace Fagan Hope Hanlon Cate Holland

Make sure to check out the winners of the Middle School Principal Award, St. Francis de Sales Award, and St. Jane de Chantal Award in the next section – Meritorious Middle School Students and the Grade 5 St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal Award recipients under Laudable Lower School Students.

Class of 2023 Book Awards – April 29, 2022.

• Every year, several colleges and universities reach out to Visitation Academy and ask if they can participate in our Awards Ceremony, bestowing Book Awards on deserving juniors to recognize and honor outstanding students.

The awards are given to students who exemplify the personal qualities and maintain the level of academic excellence designated by each college or university. Congratulations to Viz’s 2022 Book Award recipients: Brandeis University - Katherine Williams Recognizes students committed to social action and civic engagement.

Princeton University – Rebecca Selness Recognizes students who maintain a consistent honors average and demonstrate a strong commitment to the community.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Suzanna McLellan Awarded to students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

Rhodes College – Mia Maddock Honors students who demonstrate exemplary community engagement through active involvement and dedication, including, but not limited to, service.

Saint Michael’s College – Anna Maschek and Emma Robb Recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to service, concern for others, and academic achievement.

St. Anselm College – Mallory Boedefeld Honors students who demonstrate academic success and exceptional leadership qualities in the area of civic engagement.

Tulane University – Jessica Bader Recipients of this award embody the university’s motto – “not for oneself, but for one’s own” – as true servant leaders.

Yale University – Hope Hanlon Recognizes students with outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.

• Grace Restovich (Class of 2025) scored a huge opportunity, thanks to her exceptional soccer skills. Grace was selected as one of 20 members of the U-16 National Team. In May, she traveled with her teammates to Sweden to participate in an international tournament.

Not only is Grace on the National Team, but she also was selected as the team captain.

Congratulations, Grace!

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Meritorious Middle School Students • Seventh-grader Claire Holdosh – earned the Ad Altare Dei Award in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This award strives to help Catholic Youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community and is available to scouts active in Scouts BSA. Claire also attended a weeklong Scouts BSA program at the Florida Sea Base Campus in April 2022. During the week, Claire became PADI Jr. Open Water Certified (scuba diving certification) and participated in three environmental projects, including: – Diving Against Debris, collecting trash from the ocean.

– Fish Counts Program, identifying and quantifying the fish seen on the reefs and providing the information to scientists tracking the various species.

– Coral Reef Restoration, cutting and placing live coral on plugs to be planted back on the reef to speed up their growth and health.

Claire’s completion of the requirements during her week at the Florida Sea Base earned her the Duty to God award. Congratulations, Claire!

• Campbell Schroyer (Class of 2026) and Bridget McDonagh (Class of 2028) – Campbell reigned supreme, followed closely by Bridget in the runner-up position in the annual Lower School and Middle School spelling bee. Each grade level from Grades 4-8 held spelling tests to determine who would compete. Campbell went on to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch semi-final spelling bee, held virtually on March 5.

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uccesses

• Alex Pfeiffer (Class of 2026) – Alex made her mark on the soccer field during 2021-2022. After being selected by the Missouri Olympic Development Program (ODP) to attend its Interregional ID event in Rockford, IL, in July 2021, she was invited to the United States Youth National Team (USYNT) ID Center in Indianapolis, IN, in September 2021; was selected for the Midwest ODP Team playing in an interregional event in Orlando, FL in November 2021; was invited to the ODP National Training Camp in Tampa, FL in January 2022 – one of only 21 chosen from across the country; and was selected to participate in the U15 National Selection Game for the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Showcase in Houston, TX in February 2022.

Additionally, Alex was invited to the U15 United States Women’s Youth National Team (USWYNT) Training Camp in Chula Vista, CA, in March 2022, one of only 36 players from across the country, and ultimately was selected as one of 20 U15 USWYNT players. She traveled to Europe in June 2022 to compete in friendly matches against the Netherlands and Germany. We can’t wait for her to suit up for her first game as a Vivette in the 2022-2023 school year.

St. Jane de Chantal Award winners from the Upper School, Middle School, and Grade 5.

• Shout out to the Middle School recipients of the St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal Awards: St. Francis de Sales Award Winners Grade 6 Lena Hoffman Grade 7 Sara Hershberger Grade 8 Sofia Gunther

St. Jane de Chantal Award Winners Brigid Feldman Chian Chian Tsai Rosie McDaniel

Laudable Lower School Students • Josye Gettemeier (Class of 2029) participated in the Bellarmine Speech League, an extra-curricular fine arts speech program for middle school students in the St. Louis Archdiocese.

She had been practicing her speech from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for most of the year, and her hard work paid off. On April 30 at Cor Jesu Academy, the final meet of the season, Josye nabbed top honors and a trophy for her performance. She also received a gold ribbon in the last regular meet of the year. Excellent work, Josye!

Leader Bella Galati demonstrating that chemistry can be fun.

Student-teacher Janie Benedict and fellow fifthgrader Hayden Duffy prove there’s always time for slime.

• Student-Led Ed Camps – A total of 17 fearless fifth graders took on this leadership role, creating a presentation and gathering all the information and supplies required to teach a 45-minute class on their chosen subject. Fellow Lower School students in Grades 1-4 and non-teaching Grade 5 students had the opportunity to sign up for the classes of interest to them. The range of topics was fantastic. In 2019, the idea for these camps grew out of the girls’ request to have electives just like the older girls do.

The difference…the students are doing the teaching.

Congratulations to all the fifth-grade student teachers!

October 2021 Camps Abstract Art Chemistry Making a Bracelet Making Ice Cream Stress Ball Making Tennis Games

Carly Dolan Bella Galati Janie Benedict Lily Hawkins Anna Beth Modde Claire Bower

February 2022 Camps Chess Delicious Dips How to Make a Bookmark Sand Art The One and Only Recipe Tie-Dye T-Shirt Bags

Sophia Skowyra Gianna Degenhart Mayva Hu Molly Moriarty Stevie Lescher Chole Assioun and Janie Benedict Brianna Dill

May 2022 Camps Cake Pop Making Decorating Cookies Decorating Plant Pots Duct Tape Cup Making Homemade Squishy How to Make a Board Game Making Slime Nature’s Art

Hannah Fraizer Anna Beth Modde and Molly Moriarty Brooke Bartlett Brianna Dill Stevie Lescher Mayva Hu Chloe Assioun and Janie Benedict Josye Gettemeier

Students enjoying their self-made treats after participating in the ice cream-making camp.

Carly Dolan instructing fellow Lower School student Remi Hanson (Class of 2033) as she lets her creativity shine during the Abstract Art session.

• Fifth graders Mayva Hu and Brooke Bartlett were the Lower School recipients of the St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal Awards. Our Founders would be so proud of you!

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Whether it was showing up to lend a hand; donating a box, can, or jar to a drive; or kicking in a few bucks to enjoy a dress-down day, the Viz community always embraces the opportunities to Live Jesus and help others in need. Campus Ministry does a wonderful job – year in and year out – spearheading service initiatives, and students also create their own opportunities to champion causes that are meaningful to them.

The following are just the things that happened on campus during school hours. Many other volunteer opportunities to serve off campus are provided each year, especially around the holidays and during the season of Lent.

• Provided and served warm meals to September residents in the Wellston neighborhood • $2 dress-down day/nonperishable in cooperation with the St. Augustine food drive for Claver House, Wellston Center. supporting residents of the Ville neighborhood of North St. Louis.

• Hosted a Trunk or Treat • Gift card, money, and for children in the Ville nonperishable food collection neighborhood of North St. Louis. for the International Institute, specifically in support of Afghan refugees.

• Freshman spent a day traveling to Kaskaskia, IL, which ended • Live Jesus Retreat – As part of this social justice with prayer and service at Calvary immersion experience, juniors met with women Cemetery, where the Visitation from Let’s Start, volunteered with the Sisters are buried.

Friars of the Franciscan Connection Food Bank in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, and took part in November a tour of St. Louis neighborhoods sponsored by the History Museum.

• Monetary collection for NPH (Nos October • $2 dress-down day/baby item collection for new mom starter packs for Birthright STL. • Dress-down day to raise money for Friends of Birthright Scholarship Fund and diaper drive as part of a 40 Days for Life campaign celebrating Respect Life Month of October.

•B ook drive to support Ready to Learn, a local St. Louis non-profit organization “dedicated to improving underprivileged students’ educationalopportunities by providing books to them for free.”

• Students in Grade 5 headed to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, donating their time and energy to fighting hunger.

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Petits Frères et Soeurs, French for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”).

This organization provides loving, secure environments for thousands of children and education and family support for these children and others.

• Respect Life Club and NHS sponsored a $5 dress-down day/frozen turkey drive to benefit No Hunger Holiday.

• Students in Grade 1 packed boxes of food at the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

• Middle School students made Blessing Bags, kits containing essential items for people experiencing homelessness.

Families who attended the annual Open House took blessing Bags to give to those they encountered while driving or on the streets.

December

February

• Teddy bear/stuffed animal drive to benefit St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

• Campbell Pim (Class of 2023) organized a Blood Drive to benefit the Red Cross. A total of 41 individuals – including 31 first-time donors – donated 30 productive units of blood.

• Gift and gift card collection for families from Big Brothers/ Big Sisters adopted as part of its 100 Neediest Cases Program.

• Students in Grade 2 took a turn at the St. Louis Area Foodbank, helping sort and pack meals.

• Students participated in the Ville neighborhood Christmas event, painting faces and making crafts with the kids in attendance.

• The Middle School and Lower School partnered with the Mothers’ Club, collecting items from a wish list as well as money for St. Augustine Wellston Center’s annual Christmas Club.

The Christmas Club allows Wellston Center families to shop for and purchase new products at discounted prices to give as gifts for Christmas.

• The Middle School hand-crocheted cute, little candy canes for Dolan House Memory Care Homes to distribute to residents.

March • Kindergarten and Grade 5 students teamed up to clean the Montessori playground to honor our Sisters as part of Catholic Sisters Week.

• During the Grade 6 retreat and service day with St. Cecilia’s Academy, students from both schools built relationships with one another, served at Franciscan Connections Food Bank, and learned information and made connections to care for women in need at Our Ladies Inn. • Bed delivery and build for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds and bedding for children and families who struggle to afford them.

• During Mes Amies, Lower School students learned about Autism Spectrum Disorder and then conducted a Penny Challenge as part of their Lenten Almsgiving, raising over $1,000 for the Mercy Autism Center.

• A s part of the organization’s Women’s Night Program, provided, prepared, and served a meal to about 20 women at St. Patrick’s Center.

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April • $2 dress-down day to benefit Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

• $2 dress-down day to benefit RIFQE (Reducing Inequalities for Quality Education).

May • Junior Apostolic Service Project – Juniors embarked on this significant educational and spiritual service experience during the last few weeks of the school year. Each student dedicated time to their selected service site, volunteering and working with those in need.

•$ 2 dress-down day to benefit NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Health).

June •V ISTORY (Visitation in Service to Others: Responding Youth) – This annual experience provides an opportunity for our students to live, laugh, and serve with girls from the other Visitation high schools. This year, VISTORY was hosted on the Viz campus here in St. Louis from June 11-16.

Twenty-eight students representing our school and the Visitation schools in Mendota Heights, MN, and Washington, D.C., spent three days engaged in sisterhood, Salesian spirituality, and service, working at various sites throughout the St. Louis community.

• Salesian Leadership Camp – Six rising Viz seniors spent the week at Camp De Sales in Brooklyn, Michigan, with 39 other incredible student leaders from Salesian high schools across the country. This annual summer program, run by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, encourages student leadership, communication, and planning. The week consisted of Salesian and leadership conferences, talks, and presentations; Masses and prayer services; and recreation.

Pictured from left to right: Terry Murray, Colleen Hebron, Suzanna McLellan, Regina Dennison, Naomi Hammell, Emily Stahlman, Maggie Alexander, and Courtney Byrne.

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trategic Plan

An Update from Academic Dean, Beth Human When the Visitation Sisters first came to Kaskaskia, they found a world far different from the one they had been prepared for. Life and education in Georgetown had not focused on the skills necessary for frontier living, like avoiding caterpillars on river rafts or moving to higher ground as the bottom floors of their houses were swamped. However, these women brought endless adaptability, a willingness to grow and thrive in any environment, and a rock-solid sense of purpose and mission within their navigation of changing circumstances.

Like those Sisters setting out from Georgetown many years ago, our graduates do not know what they will face in the next ten, twenty, or thirty years.

The world will change quickly and in ways that we cannot predict. As we imagined a strategic plan that would shape the next phase of growth for the school, we knew that we wanted to guide our graduates as they develop the flexibility to thrive in the face of changing circumstances.

As part of this process, we have already begun to change how students and faculty spend time throughout the school day, debuting new schedules in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools this fall. These developmentally-appropriate time allocations have opened up space for more significant differentiation and individual learning academically and in faith formation. For example, this reallocation of time in the Lower and Middle Schools has allowed us to provide students with greater learning choices. In

After a development process that engaged all constituent groups – students, alumnae, parents, past parents, board members, faculty, staff, and administration – the strategic plan we have adopted lays out a bold vision for the future that will make Visitation Academy a leader in Catholic girls’ schools.

The plan is subdivided into three goals: •L ove Jesus: Preserving and Growing our Catholic and Salesian Charism • Love Learning: Student-Centered Learning •L ove One Another: A Culture of Connection and Growth Rooted in the Visitation, Salesian tradition, this plan works to develop each student’s strengths so that each one may, in the words of St. Francis de Sales, “Be who you are and be that well, that you may give glory to the Divine Artist whose handiwork you are.”

the Middle and Upper Schools, it creates the space for students to collaborate with one another and with their instructors. We also have created times during the day for quiet reflection and prayer and more space for service.

As part of educating students for a rapidlychanging future, we also have begun identifying how and where students develop skills. Focusing on skills development opportunities helps students develop a flexible mindset and a toolkit to approach whatever life brings them.

Through next year, we will be making further strides forward, developing a discernment process and assessing current strengths and areas of growth to further align our decision-making processes with our values.

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The Picture of Happiness From the Welcome Back Picnic to Field Day, the Viz spirit of community shone through at the many events held this school year.

Let’s look at some of the picture-perfect moments of 2021-2022.

Upper Sch ool Mothe r-Daughte r Mass and

ht ak Nig lub Ste C ’ s r e Fath

ony t Cerem Crescen Fall Festiva l

on euni ae R n m Alu

or ool Trunk Lower Sch

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Upper Sch ool FatherDaughter Dance

Treat

Lower Sc hool

Grandpa ren Friends D ts and Special ay

Brunch

Junior Ring

ance more D o h p o S anFreshm

Royal Ball

Prom

Senior M om Mass and Retr eat

Middle S chool

Father-D aughter Dance

Mothers’ Club Spring Luncheon

Field Day

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Putting the Fun in Fundraising Whether it was a day on the fairways or a night at the museum, it was evident the Viz community was excited to be back together, generously supporting Viz’s two annual fundraisers – the Golf Tournament and Safari Auction.

The Owl Has Landed

On August 30, a fleet of golf carts carrying 80 linksmen and women hit the course at Persimmon Woods Golf Club for some friendly competition during the 15th annual event. The sun was shining, balls were flying, and the fun was flowing. Here’s a quick recap of the day’s above-par finishes.

Since making its debut at an all-school pep rally held in November, the new Viz owl mascot made the rounds during the school year. From assemblies to sporting events and even appearances at the Lower School to Grandparents and Special Friends Day and Class of 2026 welcome party, our new feathered friend was greeted with smiles and hoots of delight.

A Flight: George Restovich, Brian Pfeiffer, Todd Fulton, and John Sheridan B Flight: David Smith, Ken Howard, Ryan Hillenbrand, and Eugene Gallant Closest To The Hole: Cassandra Sanford and Mitch Miller Longest Drive: Patsy McDonagh and Mike Jones

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The fun continued in February with Safari 2022: A Night At The Museum.

Marion Gym was transformed with tables of smiling faces, a fantastic selection of auction items, and lively music and conversation during this 49th annual event. The incredible night, made possible by our fantastic Auction Chair, Ally Zumwalt; Vice-Chair, Sarah Reed; and a team of hardworking volunteers, was made all the better by the whopping $548,000 raised, $196,000 of which was earmarked for Fund-A-Need: Tuition Assistance. We are completely sold on the generosity of our wonderful Viz community. Thank you!

The Sports Report – Upper School Athletics Recap From the first swings in tennis and golf to the last pushes down the field in soccer and lacrosse, our Vivettes across all sports had lots to celebrate during their 2021-2022 seasons. While we wish we could include a complete profile of all of the sports seasons, this issue of The Visitor is just hitting a few of the highlights.

Winning Moments There were plenty of things to cheer about as our Vivettes took to the courts, course, track, field, and pool, but let’s countdown the top 10 standout victories of the year.

#10

#5

The field hockey team celebrated a 6-1 win vs.

Whitfield on Senior Night.

Emily LaMartina (Class of 2022) scored her 100th career goal in an April lacrosse match against Parkway Central. This was an extraordinary accomplishment since there was no lacrosse season her sophomore year.

#9

#4

#8

#3

#7

#2

#6

#1

Margaret Beimdiek (Class of 2022) swam away with a win in the 200 freestyle event at the Ladue Invitational and the 500 freestyle event at the MICDS Invitational.

The volleyball team was up to the challenge as they defeated Ursuline Academy 3-1 in the annual Challenge Cup volleyball game.

Not to be outdone, the basketball team also took down the Bears from Ursuline Academy, securing a fifth consecutive win in the annual Challenge Cup basketball game.

Sejal Sekhar (pictured left, Class of 2022) defeated her opponent from Cor Jesu Academy 15-8, 15-7 to take the top spot in the Girls High School Singles #2 Red division at the National High School Racquetball Championships. Regina Denison (pictured right, Class of 2023) also took home some hardware, winning her championship match 15-1, 15-4 in the #3 Blue division.

Kate Restovich (Class of 2023) hit a milestone in her basketball career, scoring her 1,000th point.

The lacrosse team reached the Sweet 16 in State competition for the first time in school history.

Suzanna McLellan (pictured left, Class of 2023)and Flora Eidson (pictured right, Class of 2024) netted the Individual Doubles District Championship.

The varsity golf team brought home the State Championship – the first time since 2008.

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The State of Play Both teams and individual athletes excelled in the regular season, earning some well-deserved overtime in post-season competition.

Cross Country The Cross Country team sent three runners to the State competition held in Columbia. Here’s how they placed: Jessica Bader (Class of 2023) – 36th overall Mallory Boedefeld (Class of 2023) – 57th overall Jacie Tottleben (Class of 2023) – 119th overall Pictured from left to right –Mallory Boedefeld, Jessica Bader, and Jacie Tottleben.

Pictured from left to right: Grace Fagan, Avery McLaughlin, Lucy Trover, Ava Sanford, and Reese Robson.

Golf The varsity golf team had two outstanding days of play in Columbia and returned home with the State Championship!

Lucy Trover (Class of 2022) – Fifth overall Grace Fagan (Class of 2024) and Ava Sanford (Class of 2023) – 10th overall Avery McLaughlin (Class of 2025) – 16th overall Reese Robson (Class of 2025) – 34th overall

Field Hockey After defeating Ladue 5-1 in a Sweet 16 playoff game, the Viz field hockey team advanced to play in its first State quarter-final game in over a decade.

Tennis The doubles team of Flora Eidson (pictured left, Class of 2024)and Suzanna McLellan (pictured right, Class of 2023) finished sixth overall at the State competition in Springfield.

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Congratulations to the entire team and coaches Bob Cogan and Julie Jones as they won the first State Championship of their coaching careers.

Soccer After posting a record of 12-11-1 in MWAA league play, the varsity soccer team made it all the way to the Class 3, District 3 Championship game versus Webster Groves High School.

Basketball The varsity basketball team had a strong season, including a deep run in the Visitation Christmas tournament and a regular season record of 16-11, before ultimately falling to Westminster 36-34 in a nailbiter in the District tournament.

Volleyball After a hard-fought season, the varsity volleyball team ultimately fell to Kirkwood High School in the District semi-final match.

Swimming The swimming team scored 99 points and finished ninth in the State of Missouri, posting one of the highest finishes in school history.

• Margaret Beimdiek (Class of 2022) – Fifth overall in the 200 freestyle and sixth overall in the 500 freestyle • A shlyn Canale (Class of 2025) – Seventh overall in the 100 butterfly • The relay team of Margaret Beimdiek, Ashlyn Canale, Amelia Dino (Class of 2023), and Paige Trautman (Class of 2022) finished sixth overall in the 200 freestyle and fourth in the 400 relay Racquetball Shout out to Sejal Sekhar (pictured left, Class of 2023) and Regina Dennison (pictured right, Class of 2023), who both placed second in State in their singles varsity division, Varsity #4 and Varsity #6 respectively.

Lacrosse The lacrosse team had a thrilling come-from-behind victory vs. Lindbergh, storming back from a deficit of 2-7 at half to win 12-10, reaching the Sweet 16 in State competition for the first time in school history.

Track Thanks to solid performances in District action, several girls were on track to compete at the Class 3 State Sectionals at Montgomery High School on May 20.

•J essica Bader (Class of 2023) backed up an impressive 4x800 meter run to qualify in both the 800 meter and 1600 meter, beating out the competition in both races just 20 meters before the finish line.

•T he relay team of Jessica Bader, Mallory Boedefeld (Class of 2023), Emma Locht (Class of 2025), and Claire Richart (Class of 2023) qualified for the 3200 meter.

•J essica Bader and Mallory Boedefeld also qualified to compete in the individual 3200 meter.

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All-Metro All Day!

Congratulations to the Vivettes named to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro Team in their respective sport.

Way to represent, ladies!

Golf Lucy Trover (Class of 2022) – Second Team

Field Hockey Maeve Fogarty (pictured right, Class of 2022) and Tess Reed (pictured left, Class of 2023) – Third Team Swimming First Team

Margaret Beimdiek (Class of 2022) – 200 and 500 freestyle

Tennis Flo Eidson (pictured right, Class of 2024) – First Team and Suzanna McLellan (pictured left, Class of 2023) – Second Team

Second Team

Ashley Canale (Class of 2025) – 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke

Amelia Dino (Class of 2023) – 200 and 500 freestyle

Claire Mank (Class of 2023) – One-meter diving

Honorable Mention Caylee Moore (Class of 2024) – 200 individual medley Paige Trautman – 100 butterfly Hope Hanlon (Class of 2023) – 100 backstroke

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Paige Trautman (Class of 2022) – 100 backstroke

Basketball First Team – Kate Restovich (Class of 2023) Second Team – Grace Restovich (Class of 2025) Honorable Mention – Avery Jacoby (Class of 2023)

Track First Team Jessica Bader (Class of 2023) – 3200 meter Abby Van Vooren (Class of 2023) – Long jump

Pictured from left to right: Grace Restovich, Kate Restovich, and Avery Jacoby.

Pictured from left to right: Abby Van Vooren and Jessica Bader.

Oh, What a Night!

A constant occurs every year no matter the sport – Senior Night.

Thank you to our super seniors for your years of dedication to your respective sport(s).

Cross Country Pictured from left to right – Abby Jordan and Tillie Killeen.

Field Hockey Pictured from left to right – Tori Burch, Annie Dolan, Rachel Surber, Mae Phelan, Kelly Atkinson, Isabella Giessman, Maeve Fogarty, and Emma Behrman.

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Golf Pictured from left to right – Taylor Knibb, Avery Porter, Lucy Trover, Astrid Smith, Charlize Ponder, and Maggie Middleman.

Not pictured – Ellie Kingston.

Volleyball Pictured from left to right – Grace O’Grady, Brynn Gerty (manager), and Lauren Hagan.

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Tennis Pictured from left to right – Laura Finnie and Ingrid Azrak.

Cheerleading Pictured from left to right – Paige Kersting, Kristina Hohlt, and Mya Cineus.

Racquetball Pictured from left to right, back to front – Audrey Ritter, Charlize Ponder, Karlie Ryan, Astrid Smith, Marla Sprich, Ingrid Azrak, Emily Conley, Georgia Frigo, and Lily Conley.

Swimming Pictured from left to right – Margaret Beimdiek, Emmy Hernandez, Josephine Strauss, Paige Trautman, and Robbie Bisch.

Lacrosse Pictured from left to right, back to front – Abby Jansky, Georgia Frigo, Emma Behrmann, Caroline Elsner, Margaret Malecek, Sidney Moehle, Maeve Fogarty, Mary Kramer, Emily LaMartina, Kate Bolin, and Annie Dolan.

Soccer Pictured from left to right – Izzy DeStefano, Josephine Strauss, Mason Lott, and Abby Jordan.

Track Pictured from left to right – Kelly Atkinson and Chloe Peacock.

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Fun and Games – Lower and Middle School Athletics Recap Let’s take a look at the high points from the 2021-2022 year in sports.

Volleyball

The End Game Seniors were honored at the Red and White Sports Banquet, an annual spring event celebrating graduating athletes and their support of the Viz athletic program. Jessica Helling, Upper School theology, served as the keynote speaker, delivering a spot-on address about how the combination of the Salesian charism and sports prepare our students for "winning at life." Thank you to our seniors for sharing your time and talent during your years at Viz.

Visitation Middle School volleyball teams enjoyed a “near” normal season. Players were allowed to remove masks while actively practicing and playing games.

It also was a fun and successful season, with two teams (6GB2–Cook and 7GD–Kreinbring) finishing in first place in league play and one team (7GB– Raphael) finishing in second place in league play.

Congratulations! You all aced it!

Sixth-Grade Team (6GB2) League Record: 21-6 (First Place) Districts: 1-1 Coached By: Head coach Joe Cook and assistant coach Sarah Kuk Cook ’92 Seventh-Grade Team (7GB) League Record: 19-8 (Second Place) Districts: 1-1 Coached By: Head coach Shawn Raphael and assistant coaches Bryan Rothery and Emily Villa Seventh-Grade Team (7GD) League Record: 24-6 (First Place) Coached By: Head coach Heather Kreinbring and assistant coach Koby Kreinbring

Sealing the Deal Congratulations to our five seniors who have made commitments to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level. Pictured from left to right: • Lucy Trover – Golf, DePauw University • Izzy DeStefano – Soccer, Lake Forest College • Margaret Beimdiek – Swimming, Washington and Lee University • Maeve Fogarty – Field Hockey, Towson University • Isabella Giessman – Field Hockey, DePauw University

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Soccer The lineup for the 2021 soccer season included beautiful weather and very few rainouts. Viz soccer teams also enjoyed being able to play mask-free, and it was great to see all the friendly smiles and expressions on the field. Shout out to the Grade 7 team coached by Ben Fletcher, Eric Holdosh, and Joshua Kramer. The team went undefeated and finished second in league play. Way to kick it up a notch, ladies!

Seventh-Grade Team (7GCD) League Record: 5-0-1 (Second Place) Coached By: Head coach Ben Fletcher and assistant coaches Eric Holdosh and Joshua Kramer

Field Hockey

Cheer

The Viz Middle School field hockey team’s dedication and desire to improve were evident this season. After a 0-3 start, the Vivettes finished the second half of the season 3-0, outscoring their opponents 12-1. The team’s stick-to-it attitude netted wins over Liberty-Edwardsville (4-0), Whitfield (4-0), and John Burroughs (4-1) in the final two weeks of the season.

The ever-popular Viz cheer clinic was held January 18-20. The Viz high school cheerleaders taught 49 students in Grades K-8 a dance routine, and then they performed the routine at halftime of the Varsity basketball game on January 20. As always, the girls’ spirited performance rocked and received a loud round of applause from the audience.

Seventh/Eighth-Grade Team League Record: 3-3 Coached By: Head coaches Kristin Collins and Maddie Siener and assistant coaches Kate Hennekes Clark ’04 and Taryn King Basketball Our basketball teams played hard on the hard court during the 2022 CYC South Central basketball season! Two teams, 5GC1–Clark and 8GC1–Glisson, finished their season in second place in their respective divisions, and one team, 6GC2–Rea, finished first in their division. We are so proud of you for leaving it all on the court!

All eight Viz teams, a combined total of 75 participants, enjoyed playing without masks when COVID restrictions lightened for indoor winter sports.

Fifth-Grade Team (5GC1) League Record: 7-1 Coached By: Head coach Colleen Clark and assistant coach Amy Lescher

Tennis Although the spring season was cool and rainy most days, the 92 Lower School and Middle School tennis program participants always brought a sunny disposition to the Monday afternoon sessions, which focused on developing fundamental skills and techniques. The girls worked hard and had fun learning how to perfect their forehand and backhand strokes and serves. A special thank you to all the adult instructors and the 11 high school student assistants for providing an organized and fun tennis program for Lower School and Middle School participants.

Sixth-Grade Team (6GC2) League Record: 8-1 Coached By: Head coach Julie Rea and assistant coaches Hailey Brinker, David Feldman, and Monica Feldman Eighth-Grade Team (8GC1) League Record: 6–1 Coached By: Head coach Matt Glisson and assistant coaches Hailey Brinker and Joseph Monroe

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Lacrosse While it was an extremely wet spring for our Middle School lacrosse team, only one game was canceled due to weather. However, the team endured many rainy, chilly days and spent many practice days inside the gym. Despite the less than ideal spring weather, the team showed significant improvement through the season under their new coaches, Casey File and Natalie Simpson, who also are our Viz Varsity coaches.

Track The Visitation Academy Lower School and Middle School track team, representing students from Grades K-8, had a great season under the new coach, Mr. Dan Berry (Viz Lower School and Grade 6 PE Instructor). The team laced up their running shoes and impressed the fans with their grit and determination at the CYC Track and Field Prelim Meet held on Saturday, April 23, at Vianney High School.

Everyone worked hard, and 13 girls qualified to compete in the Finals.

Qualifiers included: • Grace Cambridge (Class of 2033) – Softball toss • Elizabeth Peter (Class of 2027) – Shot put (Elizabeth finished first overall after picking up a shot put for the first time this year.)

• Hayden Duffy (Class of 2029) and Olivia Krueger (Class of 2026) – High jump • Stella Bialczak (Class of 2033) – 50 meter • Alexis Hadi (Class of 2034) – 200 meter and long jump • Lila Brown (Class of 2030), Olivia Bruns (Class of 2027), Marley Krenski (Class of 2027), Olivia Krueger, and Zoe Yalavarthi (Class of 2028) – 1600 meter (Zoe finished first overall in her 1600 meter run.)

• Camille Cummings (Class of 2028), Tess Kramer (Class of 2030), Sasha Prasad (Class of 2028), and Zoe Yalavathi – 4x200 relay • Camille Cummings, Marley Krenski, Olivia Krueger, and Zoe Yalavathi – 4x400 relay Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate for the Finals Meet scheduled for May 21 at DeSmet High School. Thunderstorms forced the event to be canceled, but that does not take away from the accomplishments of our Viz athletes! Congratulations to everyone for their hard work this year!

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Golf A total of 21 students in Grades 2-8 participated in the two spring golf programs offered at Viz through the CYC. The training league for students in Grades 2-4 included four golf lessons at Steven J. Bander Driving Range. The CYC offers these training lessons to young golfers in the hope of capturing their interest in this lifelong sport.

Pictured: Hannah Frazier, Class of 2029, teeing off in league play.

Fourteen Middle School golfers participated in the junior league for Grades 5-8. For the second consecutive year, Viz Middle School golfers made a solid showing in the postseason. After competing in six rounds of league play, two Viz eighth-graders – Claire Glisson and Bella Monroe – and four seventh-graders – Caroline Miller, Mia Rooney, Annie Rothery, and Ella Stewart – qualified for the Individual District Playoffs held at the Ballwin Golf Club on June 11.

Annie Rothery finished the day in third place with a score of 49. This score qualified her for the Archdiocesan (City/County) Individual Championship held at Paradise Valley Golf Course on June 25. Annie played a stellar round on a very hot and humid day and ultimately was crowned the CYC Archdiocesan Individual Champion with a round of 44!

Congratulations, Annie!

Additionally, the seventh-grade Viz Middle School golf team qualified for the Archdiocesan Team Championship Golf Tournament held at Crescent Farms Golf Club on June 18. The Viz team was crowned CYC Archdiocesan Team Champions for the second consecutive season.

Congratulations to team members Grace Kramer, Olivia McLaughlin, Caroline Miller, Mia Rooney, Annie Rothery, and Ella Stewart!

Pictured: Annie Rothery captured third place in the Individual South Central Districts and then went on to win the CYC Archdiocesan Individual Championship.

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Jolly Good Shows!

Viz’s hardworking Visual and Performing Arts Department never disappoints, which was certainly evident in the variety of shows produced during the 2021-2022 school year. Let’s rewind and recap this year’s scenes, sounds, and sights.

The Play by Play

The year kicked off with a call for students from Grades 2-12 and their canine companions to audition for the beloved musical Annie. The response was terrific! A total of 103 Viz students were involved in the production, which included 40 cast members and 63 crew members.

And this total does not even reflect the students in tech theatre classes who built the sets for the show!

The next stop was Girton College, home to Britain’s first female university students, and the Upper School production of Blue Stockings.

The story follows four very talented female undergraduates and their campaign to be allowed – like their male colleagues – to receive a formal degree at the end of their studies.

The girls channeled their passion for the subject matter and took on their roles with sincerity.

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The drama continued with The Orphan Train, the tale of nine orphans searching for homes on a train from New York bound for Midwestern towns. Students in Grades 6-8 began rehearsals the first week of February in preparation to take the stage on March 3 and 4. Even with limited rehearsals, the Middle School actors did a fantastic job bringing this “charming heart-warmer” to life.

To close out the year, all were welcomed to the jungle and the Lower School production of The Jungle Book. The cast of 48 first through fifth graders did an excellent job bringing this beloved Disney classic to life.

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In Concert There were plenty of opportunities for students to showcase their vocal stylings throughout the year. It was a December to remember as the month kicked off with the Upper School Chamber Choir and Ninth-Grade Choir singing alongside Cor Jesu and St. Louis University High School during the Catholic Charities Christmas Concert at the St. Louis Basilica.

The beautiful performance also was televised on KSDK.

Next up were the annual Viz Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School Christmas concerts, with the Middle School leading the way. In addition to musical performances, choreographed dance numbers are always a highlight of both the Middle School and Upper School concerts. Last but not least, it was the Montessori and Lower School’s turn. The Lower School’s upbeat, Western-themed musical take on the story of the birth of Jesus was so much fun to watch, and the Montessori classes were simply adorable! Thank you to our talented students and Jenn Haney, Middle School/Upper School Music, and Paul Pitts, Lower School Music, for their hard work in making these concerts a huge success.

Spring also brings chances to sing as the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools delivered outstanding performances at their spring concerts.

Creating a Splash

While the Lower School’s “Viz in Showbiz: A Broadway Musical Revue”–themed spring choir concert was a solo event, the Upper School and Middle School combined their spring concert performances with their annual art shows.

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The Upper School kicked things off with “The Bops of Broadway,” showcasing well-known songs from Hairspray, Hamilton, and Mamma Mia, to name just a few.

The concert featured the NinthGrade Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir – a total of about 35 students. There were solos, duets, trios, small ensembles, and choral pieces for each group.

The dance portion of the show featured three dances, including Jellicle Cats: The Final Battle from Cats, the largest ensemble choreographed by Maggie Mooney (Class of 2022). The spectacular performance ended with a beautiful send-off for graduating seniors, with a photo tribute that played as the girls sang For Good from Wicked.

The Middle School concert – “Dazzle of Disney” – also included a combination of songs and dances set to Disney favorites. The Middle School Chorus performed two long medleys and full pieces with two and threepart harmonies. There also were solos and a small ensemble, and similar to seniors, the eighth graders were recognized as they sang their swan song – How Far I’ll Go from Moana. Amira Johnson and Gwendolyn Porshinsky (Class of 2028) performed a beautiful dance set to What Else Can I Do from Encanto.

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Open house style art exhibits showcasing the talents of Middle School and Upper School artists were available for viewing in the theatre lobby the day of each show. We are so impressed by the skills of our students. Bravo to all!

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And the Award Goes To Viz’s very own Marty Strohmeyer, Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair, received not one, not two, but three teaching awards this year. The first was the Judith Rethwisch Outstanding Thespian Teacher of the Year award which was presented to him during the Missouri Thespians State Conference held at Union Station in January 2022. This award is given to a theatre teacher whose unselfish efforts and countless hours mean something to those who care. Named after Judy Rethwisch, now retired theatre teacher at Affton High School, Judy served as the MO State Director from 1984-1993 and was instrumental in establishing MO Thespians.

At the 1993 MO State Conference, Judy was named the Thespian Teacher of the Year, and the award was presented to her by actor John Goodman, Affton graduate and former drama student of Judy’s. The award was renamed after Judy because she represents the very best of theatre educators.

Those who receive this honor are the unsung heroes to countless students and colleagues.

The second award Mr. Strohmeyer received was from the Missouri Alliance of Art and Education – the

Creativity and Innovation in Teaching 2022 award. This award recognizes a fine arts educator for creativity and innovation in teaching visual or performing arts classes in Missouri. The criteria for this award required submission of a description of how the nominee demonstrates new and innovative approaches toward teaching, which may include the use of technology, connections, or utilization of community resources, and/ or extraordinary creativity in working with students. It’s safe to say Mr. Strohmeyer checked all the required boxes.

The last award was from the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). In addition to awarding scholarships to theatre students each year, the non-profit also presents EdTA Awards. This year, the organization recognized 11 individuals and four schools for their achievements in theatre education. Mr. Strohmeyer was one of the individuals recognized, receiving the International Thespian Society Inspirational Theatre Educator Award.

Congratulations, Mr. Strohmeyer! You have certainly earned yourself a curtain call.

The Final Act The final production of a successful year in Viz theater is the annual Thespian Banquet. This year’s event, planned by sophomore and junior thespians, was indeed a RedCarpet Affair. The 190 parents and students in attendance were greeted by paparazzi as they walked a red carpet to enter the banquet. Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Marty Strohmeyer gave a heartfelt send-off to the four graduating seniors, and each had one last moment in the spotlight, sharing their reflection on their individual theatre experiences. The night also included a recognition of all students involved in Viz productions this past year – a total of 120 Upper School and Middle School students, both on stage and backstage, and the induction of 20 new thespians into the International Thespian Society.

The night concluded with an announcement of the 2022-2023 theatre season, which will feature The Pajama Game (Upper School musical), Honk! Jr. (Middle School musical), Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Kids (Lower School musical), The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon (Upper/Middle School play), and student-directed one acts (Upper School).

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Alumnae News Margaret Conley ’16 and Lisa Kohler ’02 Step Into Newly Defined Alumnae Roles Margaret Conley ’16 is incredibly excited to transition from Advancement Administrative Assistant to the Young Alumnae and Events Coordinator at Visitation Academy. This new position was created to focus specifically on engagement with our college-aged through age 30 alumnae. Margaret will create new alumnae programming, engage with alumni on social media, support Mothers’ Club and Fathers’ Club events, and assist with other school-wide events. She looks forward to enhancing Visitation’s relationship with our young alumnae and parent volunteers.

Lisa Kohler ’02, Director of Community Relations, will continue to increase alumnae, parent, and new parent involvement with the school by revitalizing alumnae engagement, specifically with alumnae aged 30 and older, and onboarding new parents. Lisa also will continue to spearhead the annual Golf Tournament and Safari fundraiser, with support from Margaret and the Advancement Team.

Reunion 2021 On a beautiful day in October, we welcomed back alumnae from near and far to celebrate Reunion 2021.

Alumnae enjoyed an outdoor picnic lunch, trivia with Sister Mary Grace, tours of campus, and a beautiful Mass celebrating the Classes of 1971 and 1996 on their 50th and 25th anniversaries, respectively. Reunion 2022 was held Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Welcome Back Viz was thrilled to welcome 23 graduates from the Classes of 2016-2021 back to campus for the annual Young Alumnae Luncheon.

Returning Vivettes gathered on Wednesday, January 5, in Jane’s Place to catch up, share memories, and celebrate their sisterhood. Check out the alumnae Facebook page for other opportunities to connect with fellow Vivettes.

Connect with Viz Alumnae on LinkedIn All Viz alumnae are invited to join the LinkedIn group, Visitation Academy Alumnae, to plug into a network of thousands of Vivettes from all over the world! Share your professional and personal achievements, connect with a mentor or offer to guide a young alumna in her career, source for jobs locally and nationwide, and so much more.

We hope you will connect with us!

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Sue Mogab ’69, VAA President This summer, the Visitation Alumnae Association (VAA) installed its new executive board members, including Susan Mogab ’69 (President), Christine Marino ’09 (Vice President), Michelle Vieth Zarrilli ’89 (Treasurer), Vivian Mera Van Bogeart ’00 (Corresponding Secretary), Linda Cary Hinshaw ’81 (Recording Secretary), Kelly Anderson Erlinger ’10 (Hospitality), and Cassidy Re ’13 and Ellie Hillenbrand ’21 (Young Alumnae Liaisons). Sue hit the ground running in her leadership position, getting the summer off to a strong start with several alumnae events, including a happy hour at Hacienda, luncheons at the MAC, a special night at The Muny to enjoy Legally Blonde, and a day of service at the Haiti Packathon. All Viz alumnae are considered part of the VAA, and we encourage you to get involved! You can learn more about upcoming VAA engagements, see photos from past events, and get in touch with your class rep by visiting our website at https://www.visitationacademy.org/alumnae/alumnae-association.

Our Newest Inductees The 189th Visitation Academy graduating class, the Class of 2022, marked their transition into the amazing sisterhood of Viz alums in May as they participated in two annual events: Alumnae Induction and the Maypole Ceremony, a historic Viz tradition with roots tracing back to 18th century Europe.

The first Maypole at the Ballas campus took place in 1963.

This event celebrates our student’s coming together as they go forth from Visitation Academy as graduates. Dressed in their white gowns, the graduates dance an intricate dance while weaving beautiful red and white ribbons around a tall post adorned with flowers. Weaving the Maypole ribbons symbolizes how, even as they embark on their future adventures, the graduating class will always be a part of the Visitation Academy tapestry. The circular dance represents how the Visitation family’s love for our graduates is unending.

Due to the social climate of the time, the Maypole was retired in 1971. At the request of the 2009 graduating class, this beloved tradition was brought back. For those who have not experienced Maypole firsthand, this truly is a site to see!

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Class Notes/Professional Achievements

Marian “Bo” Mehan ’70 Viz alum Bo Mehan, a proud member of the Class of 1970, was named to the Billiken Hall of Fame Class of 2022 by the Saint Louis University Department of Athletics. Bo was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes student-athletes who made major contributions to St. Louis University’s athletics program through personal time, effort, and interest and through many years of service and/or have distinguished themselves as exceptional in their chosen field of endeavor. Bo certainly “fits the bill” in all areas.

Induction festivities took place in a private ceremony on Friday, February 4, and the inductees were recognized at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Saturday, February 5, at Chaifetz Arena. Join us in congratulating Bo on this amazing honor.

Mary Elizabeth Ott ’78 Please join us in congratulating Mary Elizabeth Ott ’78, who was named the Presiding Judge of St. Louis County Circuit Court. Previously appointed Circuit Judge in February of 2018, she has served as an associate circuit judge since 2008. Mary Elizabeth received her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, and her law degree from Saint Louis University. Before her appointment to the bench, Judge Ott spent 22 years in private practice, specializing in criminal defense work and family law.

Colleen Lorenz Mettler ’02 Join us in congratulating Colleen Lorenz Mettler ’02, who was named one of St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 under 40 honorees. Colleen currently serves as the Vice-President of Investor Relations at Emerson. After graduating from Viz, Colleen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business before completing her MBA at the Olin Business School at Washington University.

Sarah Travers ’05 Sarah Travers, M.D., ’05 joined Neurosurgery of St. Louis (NSL) in 2022. Dr. Travers will primarily work at Anderson Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center but will have surgery credentials at all NSL’s locations. Sarah completed her undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, then obtained her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine where she graduated magna cum laude. Dr. Travers has a particular interest in the surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the brain and pituitary gland as well as other cranial conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and Chiari malformations. She also has an interest in spine tumors and general neurosurgery.

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Abigail Isom ’15 Congratulations to Abigail Isom ’15, who stars in Windfall, directed by Jason Alexander. The East Coast Premier was in June 2022 at Bay Street Theatre and Sag Harbor Center for the Arts in Sag Harbor, NY. Abigail, alongside fellow Vivette, Rebecca Mooney ’24, also appeared in Legally Blonde this past summer at The Muny here in St. Louis. Many alumnae enjoyed seeing them perform at our Alumnae Night at The Muny event held in July.

Emma Mitchell ’15 Named Leader of Tomorrow at St. Louis University School of Law Join us in congratulating Emma Mitchell ’15 as she was named a Missouri Lawyer’s Women’s Justice Leader of Tomorrow as a law student who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and a passion for making a difference in the justice system and legal profession. Emma spent her summer as a legal intern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri and has worked as an intern in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. She is a part of the Street Law student organization at the School of Law, which helps educate children in the local juvenile detention center on criminal law and how it could impact their lives in the future.

Sarah Lam ’16 Sarah graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in May and has moved to Phoenix, AZ, to start her neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Mei Fields ’17 Mei graduated from Boston College and is in the final semester of her Communication Management Master’s Program at USC Annenberg. Mei also works full-time at Innovative Artists Talent Agency in Los Angeles.

Sophia McLellan ’21 Sophia, University of Missouri student and member of the tennis team, earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division 1 Scholar-Athlete honors. To be named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, one must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year and be listed on the institutional eligibility form.

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In Memoriam Through August, 2022 Susan O'Connor Arata ’65 Angelica Barrera Barrett ’58 Kelley Browne-Thrower ’77 Sarah Palozola Cherre ’72 Amber Courtois-Thomas ’07 Veronica Poblete de Jordan ’68 Dorothy Grannemann Einig ’58 Mary Elizabeth Paynter Engler ’73 Patricia Truitt Erford ’73 Courtney Ferguson ’06 Lisa Freeman ’88 Sister Margaret Mary Gibson ’50, VHM Mary Meyer Griffard ’56 Judith Yotter Janis ’57 Constance Ann Barrett Leach ’58 Elizabeth Murphy McDonald ’68 Mary Pat Concannon Mullaney ’49 Marilyn Roeder Naes ’50 Mary Ann Koetting Neville ’52 Mary Bick Paynter ’42 Barbara Rubinelli ’57 Sister Marie Therese Ruthmann ’50, VHM Virginia Schless Senkosky ’45 Mary Beth English Smith ’59 Moira Fitzgerald Thornton ’78 Joan Coppolino Wall ’51 Marion Wyers ’51

“Heaven and earth are not distant enough to separate the hearts which our Lord has joined.”

–St. Francis de Sales

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alesian Reflection

Visitation Pilgrimage Reflection June 23, 2022 Cathleen O’Brien Fogarty ’89 Pilgrims small or mini in Spirit with Salesians and Visitandees plenty.

As sisters and brothers, we walk St. Jane’s and St. Francis’ verdant pastures, hills, chapels, and homes.

Following in their sacred footsteps, we realize how deep their spiritual breath perfumes the world both then and now.

Practicing petit virtues of humility and gentleness, remembering kindness to ourselves and to all.

This short, epic journey follows or strengthens the deep roots of the Salesian charism. May our spiritual branches

The Visitation Academy

Class of 2022

sprout and blossom

Front Row (Left to Right): Faith Klakovich

Row 2 (Left to Right): Lily Conley

Row 3 (Left to Right): Mary Kramer

Row 4 (Left to Right): Grace O’Grady

Maeve Fogarty

Maggie Mooney

Joely Garner

Ruth McKee

Bhuvana Vejandla

Emily Conley

Rachel Surber

Abby Jordan

Claire Cunningham

Ellie Kingston

Lauren Vitale

Ingrid Azrak

or gardens; sometimes as

Nora Huels

Taylor Knibb

Paige Trautman

Wren Hartke

Emma Behrman

Margaret Malecek

Karlie Ryan

Emily Avery

wildflowers, sometimes

Robbie Bisch

Susanna Schultz

Emmy Hernandez

Mae Phelan

as cultured orchids.

Lucy Trover

Zoe Haley

Laura Finnie

Margaret Beimdiek

Catherine Harlan

Astrid Smith

Vivi Niemi

Emma Masetti

You ARE your best bouquet.

Maggie Middleman

Charlize Ponder

Mason Lott

Nina Zumwalt

Sharing and giving to

Cate Holland

Kaylin Horman

Isabel Messmer

Joesphine Strauss

Ally Pelikan

Caroline Elsner

Abby Jansky

others and ourselves

Ella Giessman Hope Hewett

Izzy DeStefano

Abby Strait

Katie Bolin

Emma Scott

Lauren Hagan

Paige Kersting

Lauren Hempstead

Audrey Ritter

Emily LaMartina

Kristina Hohlt

Chloe Peacock

Ceci Livelli

Brynn Gerty

Everly Hunkler

Natalie Nunez

Mya Cineus

Kelly Atkinson

Sidney Moehle

Marla Sprich

Avery Porter

Georgia Frigo

Annie Dolan

Tori Burch

Olivia Duffy

Olivia Ketcherside Tillie Killeen

In 1592, following her marriage to Baron Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal, St. Jane de Chantal moved to Château de Bourbilly, where she lived until 1602.

as we depart France to pollenate new pathways

IS the path forward.

Formal Commencement photos of the 2022 graduates courtesy of Wagner Portrait Group.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1468

3020 North Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131

About the Publication The Visitor is the official publication of Visitation Academy.

The magazine is published by Viz’s Advancement Office and is sent to alumnae, parents, and friends of the school.

Visitation Academy is an independent, Catholic school that encourages students to develop their unique gifts in an environment that values excellence in scholarship, spirituality, leadership, and service. Viz proudly offers a coeducational early childhood program and all-girl environment in Grades 1-12.

The Lower School educates Toddler through Kindergartenaged boys and girls in the Montessori method while also providing the area’s only all-girl program in Grades 1-5.

A welcoming environment, small class sizes, and the integration of technology throughout the curriculum provide a strong educational foundation.

The Middle School builds a bridge from childhood to young adulthood. The Middle School curriculum is centered on the developmental readiness, needs, and interests of girls in Grades 6-8.

Itaque, nostra adventura coepiunt (And so, our adventures begin)

Congratulations,

Class of 2022!

The Upper School offers a rigorous, four-year college preparatory curriculum for young women in Grades 9-12. A vibrant fine arts program, numerous service opportunities, and more than 28 clubs and organizations complement the Academy’s commitment to academic excellence.

Viz girls are poised, intelligent, self-assured young women, positioned for success in our classrooms, in college, and in life. For more information regarding admission to Visitation Academy, please contact Sharon Conley Spellman ’89, Director of Admissions, at 314-625-9102.

3020 N. Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63131 314-625-9100 visitationacademy.org Copyright© 2022 Visitation Academy All rights reserved.

David Manuel Colón Head of School Jenny Lucas Chief Advancement Officer Rachelle Morgan Director of Marketing and Communications Colleen Porter Editor and Communications Specialist

SCHOOL FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademy ALUMNAE FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VizAcademyAlumnae

SCHOOL TWITTER: @VizAcademy @VizAthletics @VizLowerSchool

Inside

This Issue 1 2 4 5 24 35 40 43 44 64 69

Pilgrimage 2022

From the Head of School

From the Chair of the Board of Trustees

Commencement 2022

Our Sisters and Our Salesian Spirituality

Our Students’ Successes

Our Stewardship and Service

Our Strategic Plan

Our School Spirit

Our Sisterhood

Salesian Reflection

SCHOOL INSTAGRAM: @VizAcademy @VizMiddleSchool @VizLowerSchool

ALUMNAE LINKEDIN GROUP: Visitation Academy Alumnae