VILLA MARIA ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
VILLA MARIA HALL OF FAME Love I Creative Hope I Fidelity
Class of 2026
OCTOBER 9, 2026
A legacy of champions.
Congratulations to the 1993 and 1994 Villa Maria Field Hockey Teams on your Hall of Fame Induction! Let’s keep making history.
Vockey 2026
Dear Villa Maria Academy Community, Honorees, and Guests, On behalf of the faculty, staff, and entire school community, it is an honor to welcome you to our Villa Maria Academy Hall of Fame Induction. Tonight, we gather to celebrate extraordinariness, legacy, and the enduring spirit of Villa Maria Academy High School and its enduring Sisterhood. Our Hall of Fame was established to recognize individuals whose exceptional achievements, dedicated service, and strength of character reflect the IHM Sisters Charism of love, creative hope and fidelity and the core values of our school. Tonight’s inductees have left an indelible mark on our community, setting a standard of excellence in their personal endeavors, professional achievements, and contributions to society. They embody the values, leadership, and integrity that Villa Maria seeks to instill in every student who walks through our doors. To our honorees – The 1993 & 1994 Field Hockey State Championship Teams, Andrea Thompson ’95 (posthumously), and Dottie Martin Toomey ’77 thank you for your commitment to excellence and for serving as inspirational role models for our current and future generations of students. Your accomplishments honor not only your individual journeys but also the legacy of Villa Maria Academy. To our Villa community gathered here - Thank you for joining us to celebrate these remarkable individuals. Your continued support, presence, and dedication are what make our school community vibrant and strong. Please join us in offering our warmest congratulations to the newest members of the Villa Maria Academy Hall of Fame. May tonight be a memorable celebration of legacy, leadership, achievement, and lifelong connections. You are “Villa Maria” and “we love you”! Asking our Provident God to bless each of you, sincerely, Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez IHM Ed.D. President
Dr. Jane Hannon Principal
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All members of the Villa Maria Alumnae Association proudly celebrate and thank Dottie Martin Toomey ’77 for more than 40 years of dedicated service and leadership. Your commitment to our sisterhood and your love for Villa Maria have touched generations of alumnae. With gratitude for all you have given—and for the legacy you continue to build...
THE EVENING
Tonight, we gather to celebrate extraordinary achievements and the lasting legacy of those who have made their mark on Villa Maria Academy. Through excellence, leadership, dedication, and service, our 2026 Hall of Fame honorees have enriched the history of Villa and inspired generations to come.
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM
Welcome & Dinner
A celebration of Villa Maria Academy and the traditions that bring us together.
Hall of Fame Induction 1993 Field Hockey State Championship Team 1994 Field Hockey State Championship Team Andrea Thompson ’95 — Creative Hope and Love Award Dottie Martin Toomey ’77 — Fidelis Award
Closing Remarks
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1993 PIAA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONS R
The 1993 Villa Maria Academy field hockey team made history, capturing the program’s first PIAA state championship and establishing a standard of excellence that would help define Villa Maria field hockey for generations to come. The Hurricanes’ road to the title was marked by determination and success at every level. Villa Maria captured the Association of Catholic Academies championship and earned its first District 1 Class AA championship, defeating Springfield (Montco), 2-0, in the district final. The Hurricanes then carried that momentum into the PIAA tournament and earned their place in the state championship game. “Start with a rock-solid defensive outing by the foursome of Katrine Pendergast, Katy McBride, Jonnie Lees and Andrea Thompson. Add in a brilliant performance between the posts by goaltender Schoen Liebert. Season the mix with a pair of Dee Ruley-Missy Sweeney scoring strikes, and simmer for 60 minutes.” Denny Dyroff, Daily Local News On November 20, 1993, at Ursinus, Villa Maria faced familiar opponent Springfield (Montco) for the PIAA Class AA state championship. The title game began with adversity, as Springfield scored twice in the opening minutes to put the Hurricanes in an early 2-0 deficit.
Villa Maria responded like champions. Mary Jo Reider scored twice in the first half to erase the deficit and draw the Hurricanes even at 2-2. In the second half, Villa Maria’s defense kept Springfield off the scoreboard before Missy Sweeney delivered the decisive goal. Sweeney’s championship-
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winning score, her 23rd goal of the season, completed the comeback and secured a thrilling 3-2 victory. The win gave Villa Maria a 24-1-1 final record and completed a remarkable sweep of the Association of Catholic Academies, District 1, and PIAA Class AA championships. More importantly, the victory represented a defining moment in Villa Maria athletics. Faced with an early two-goal deficit on the state’s biggest stage, the 1993 Hurricanes demonstrated the resilience, teamwork, and determination of champions. Their victory brought home Villa Maria field hockey’s first state championship and established a championship legacy that would continue one year later when the Hurricanes successfully defended their title. The 1993 Hurricanes will forever hold a special place in Villa Maria history as the team that won the first one. 1993 CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 24-1-1 RECORD | ACA CHAMPIONS DISTRICT 1 CLASS AA CHAMPIONS PIAA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONS FIRST STATE FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP IN VILLA MARIA HISTORY
1993 Villa Maria State Championship Team Renata Burigatto Kirsten Malonoski Tess Burigatto Heather Mangold Melissa Conaway Katy McBride Anne DeMutis Katrine Pendergast Rosemary DiRita Amy Reddington Allison Doherty Mary Jo Reider Carolyn Gorrie Danielle Rodichok Allison Hoffman Dee Ruley Tracy Lawlor Missy Sweeney Jonnie Lees Claire Thomas Schoen Liebert Andrea Thompson Juli Lignelli Maria Wusinich Maurene Polley — Head Coach Jen Oschell — Assistant Coach
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1994 PIAA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONS R
The 1994 Villa Maria Academy field hockey team entered the season as defending state champions with a formidable challenge: to live up to the standard the Hurricanes themselves had established. With eight of 11 starters returning from the 1993 championship team, Villa Maria embraced those expectations and delivered one of the most memorable seasons in program history. The Hurricanes captured the AACA regular-season and playoff championships and the District 1 Class AA title, earning another opportunity to compete for the state crown. Their excellence was evident throughout the season. Through their first 25 games, the Hurricanes had outscored their opponents 97-4 and recorded 20 shutouts. “The Hurricanes have every attribute a great field hockey team should have.” Denny Dyroff, Daily Local News, November 13, 1994 On November 19, 1994, at Patterson Field at Ursinus College, Villa Maria faced Eastern Lebanon County (ELCO) for the PIAA Class AA state championship. The teams battled to a 2-2 tie through regulation, sending the title game into overtime. With just 33 seconds remaining, Mary Jo Reider and Melissa Conaway combined on the decisive play. After exchanging passes with Conaway, Reider sent the ball toward the cage, where it eluded the ELCO defense and goalkeeper for the championship-winning goal and a dramatic 3-2 victory. The win completed a perfect 27-0 season, extended Villa Maria’s winning streak to 37 consecutive games, and secured the program’s second consecutive PIAA Class AA state championship.
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The 1994 Hurricanes did more than successfully defend a title. They carried the expectations of champions, met every challenge placed before them and finished the season without a loss. Their perfect season and back-to-back state championships remain an enduring testament to the talent, determination, teamwork, and tradition of excellence that define Villa Maria field hockey. Under the leadership of head coach Maurene Polley and assistant coach Jen Oschell, the 1993 amd1994 teams secured their place among the most accomplished teams in Villa Maria athletic history. They established Villa’s field hockey program as a state championship force—and created a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Hurricanes. 1994 CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 27-0 PERFECT RECORD | 37-GAME WINNING STREAK AACA CHAMPIONS | DISTRICT 1 CLASS AA CHAMPIONS PIAA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONS
1994 Villa Maria State Championship Team Amy Barkasy Juli Lignelli Liz Bernard Kirsten Malonoski Renata Burigatto Heather Mangold Tess Burigatto Jeanette Morgan Melissa Conaway Amy Reddington Anne DeMutis Beth Reddington Rosemary DiRita Mary Jo Reider Allison Doherty Carolyn Rodichok Carolyn Gorrie Danielle Rodichok Allison Hoffman Dee Ruley Eileen Kennedy Jen Sodaski Liz Kenny Claire Thomas Jonnie Lees Andrea Thompson Schoen Liebert Maurene Polley — Head Coach Jen Oschell — Assistant Coach
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Andrea Thompson ’95 R
Creative Hope and Love Award Andrea Thompson was an exceptional student-athlete whose accomplishments on the field were matched by her generosity of spirit, her commitment to others, and her deep capacity for hope and love. At Villa Maria Academy, Andrea distinguished herself as both a scholar and athlete. She played field hockey all four years of high school and was a key member of Villa Maria’s historic State Championship team. As a right back, Andrea was known for her determination, intelligence, unselfishness, and quiet leadership. She understood that the greatest measure of a team was not individual recognition, but what could be accomplished together. Andrea carried that same spirit to the University of Scranton. A standout field hockey player, she became the first All-American field hockey player in University history. She served as team captain and was recognized not only for her athletic ability, but also for the character, perseverance, and camaraderie she brought to her teammates. She excelled academically as well, pursuing neuroscience with minors in criminal justice and mathematics, and was a National Merit Finalist and Ignatian Scholar.
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But Andrea’s legacy cannot be measured by statistics or honors alone. She was a gifted musician, a devoted friend and teammate, and a young woman who brought joy and encouragement to those around her. Her high school guidance counselor described her as an “amazingly balanced and versatile” young woman whose gifts were accompanied by humility, kindness, and an extraordinary work ethic. Andrea lived her life with remarkable purpose. She shared her talents generously, faced challenges with courage, and continually found ways to bring hope to others. In this way, her life reflected the IHM charism of Creative Hope and Love—a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew her and those who now come to know her story.
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Dottie Martin Toomey ’77 R Fidelis Award For Dottie Martin Toomey ’77, Villa Maria has been much more than a school— it has been a lifelong community, a source of cherished friendships and traditions, and, in her words, “one of the greatest blessings of her life.”
The faith and values Dottie first experienced at Villa Maria have remained at the heart of who she is. In particular, her devotion to the Blessed Mother, nurtured by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, has been a lasting part of her life. During her years at Villa Maria, Dottie embraced all that school life had to offer. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Madrigals, served as a White Team Representative, participated on the Children of Mary Committee and the 1977 Reflections yearbook committee, and was honored as an Elinor Langton ’77 recipient. Her love of the arts and her commitment to service were evident even then. In 2018, she was honored with Villa Maria’s Ars Liberalis Award. After graduating from Villa Maria, Dottie continued to follow her passion for music and education. She earned a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University in 1981 and a Master of Education from Cabrini University in 1993. Her career as an educator has spanned more than four decades. She taught music at St. Bernadette School in Drexel Hill and served as Music Director and Organist at St. Bernadette Parish, a role she has held since 1983. She later spent nearly three decades with the Upper Darby School District as a music and kindergarten teacher.
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Dottie’s dedication to her students and to the arts has touched countless lives and has been recognized with the 2022 Excellence in the Arts Award and the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Delaware County Excellence in Teaching Award. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Dottie has remained devoted to Villa Maria. Since 1987, she has been an active member of the Villa Maria Alumnae Association, serving for many years as President of the Alumnae Board. Through her leadership and tireless commitment, she has helped keep generations of alumnae connected to one another and to the school they proudly call home. Her presence, enthusiasm, and love for Villa have become an important part of the fabric of the alumnae community. Dottie married her husband Raymond Toomey in 1982. They are parents to three daughters: Diana Toomey Williams ’03, Elizabeth Toomey Thornton, and Caroline Toomey. Dottie and Ray are also proud grandparents to Kingston, Sutton, Wyatt, Miles, and Lucy. Family is at the heart of Dottie’s life. She and Ray enjoy traveling, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay in Rock Hall, Maryland, attending musicals and the orchestra, and exploring new places together. They have traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe, creating memories along the way. But of all their adventures, Dottie says that nothing compares to spending time with their family. Dottie’s life reflects the very meaning of Fidelis—faithful. Faithful to her family. Faithful to her students and the gift of music. Faithful to the Blessed Mother. And, above all, faithful to Villa Maria.
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We may not have been on the field, but we were always your biggest fans, cheering you on and celebrating your wins. Over thirty years ago, we watched you make Villa history with back-to-back state championships. Today, we get to watch you make history again as Hall of Fame inductees. We couldn’t be prouder then, and we couldn’t be prouder now. Congratulations! Love, Christi and Monica
TRIBUTES Congratulations to the 1993 and 1994 Villa Maria Field Hockey State Championship Teams! – The Thompson and Murphy Families Congrats, Dottie! You have done so much for so many years to promote Villa Maria! – Marian Lamb Albertus Congratulations, ladies! A well-deserved award. – Carol Conaway Dottie, I am in awe of your commitment. – Beth Allen Congratulations to Dottie on this fine tribute to her dedication to Villa Maria! – Mary Stemple Cobourn Congratulations to the 93/94 State Championship Field Hockey Teams! – Bernadette DiRita Downey Congratulations, Dottie! An honor so well deserved! – Mary Gillane Congratulations Dottie! Thanks for all that you do for the Alumnae! – Kathryn Bradley Gray Congrats 1994 VMA Field Hockey PA State Champs! It was an honor to witness you win this championship 30 years ago! – Jennifer Pierce Heil Dottie, you are the essence of Villa loyalty and dedication. Congratulations! – Mary Pat Mattson Congratulations to the dearest person on earth... Dottie Toomey, YOU! Much love always, The Oschell Family Congratulations to our Missy for your induction into the Villa Maria Hall of Fame. We love you and are so proud of you and all your achievements. It was so much fun watching you on the hockey field! Love, Mom and Dad, Jennifer, Michael, and Gina Congratulations, Dottie! From The Slifers
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Dottie - Congratulations on your well-deserved admission to the Villa Hall of Fame! You truly are a legend! – Maria Yacovelli
To our dear Andrea, We are so proud to celebrate you and your induction into the Villa Maria Academy Hall of Fame. An incredible athlete, leader, teammate, and friend, you have always been someone we are proud to call our own.
We miss you and we celebrate you, today and always. With love, Your Villa Class of ’95 Friends
Congratulations to Rosemary DiRita and the 1993 & 1994 Villa Maria Academy High School State Championship Field Hockey Teams on your well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame! Your dedication, teamwork, and excellence have earned you a lasting place in Villa Maria history.
When we give back, our Community leaps forward. WSFS Bank sees every chance to support a local nonprofit as an opportunity to grow and enrich our Community. We’re honored to support the positive impact made by the 2026 Villa Maria Hall of Fame.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their time, dedication, and thoughtful work in developing the nomination and selection process. Their commitment to recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of those who have shaped the history and legacy of Villa Maria Academy ensures that these individuals and their achievements are honored and remembered for generations to come. Katie Hewes Bailer ’97 Gary Christopher Bridget Collins ’87 Helen Hoban ’92 Sally McClatchy Jeffries ’73 Janice Johnson Duffield ’92 Judy Marra Martelli ’71 Kathy McCartney Flannery O’Conner ’02 Jenn Durkin Oschell ’92 Dee Ruley Person ’95 Maurene Moore Polley ’64