Blue&Gold
Celebrating
Years of Mercy Education
Waldron
THEN&NOW
Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic School sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse, faith community rooted in the Gospel values of Mercy and Justice. We are a school where the Joy of Discovery inspires Serious Study, Social Responsibility, and Strong Faith.
IN MEMORIAM
Kenneth Abney, Father of Tiffany ‘99 and Aerion ‘02
Dr. Philip Alburger, ‘56
Evelyn Bergman, Grandmother of Benny Bergman-Miller ‘24
Nick Constantino, Father of Kristy ‘00 and Alexa ‘07 Constantino
Ernest Ettore, Father of Angela McKelvey, faculty member; Grandfather of Kelly ‘00 and Katie ‘02 McKelvey
Joseph Falcone, Father of Joe Falcone ‘87 and Nick Falcone ‘91
Thomas Farnese, ‘98, Brother of Peter ‘95, son of Andrew ‘60
Jack Flanagan, Grandfather of Mimi ‘22, Evi ‘24, Helen ‘27, Paul ‘29 O’Malley
James Flowers, Grandfather of Jim ‘01, Michael ‘02, Nicholas ‘10
Peter Foy, Grandfather of Annie Graven ‘26
George Getek, Grandfather of Clara ‘26, Oscar ‘29, Theo ‘32 Soltis
Ralph Grasso, Father of Stacey ‘07
Patrick Graven, Jr., Grandfather of Annie Graven ‘26 and Aidan Pooler ‘26
Joseph Greim, Father of Matt ‘89
Jessie Griffin, Grandmother of Keenan Fortenberry ‘13
Peter Hinckle, Brother of Robert ‘83 and Toebe ‘87
Liz Keels, Mother of Lisa ‘95 and Ed ‘98; Grandmother of Raelle ‘31, Sydney ‘34
James Lennon, Father of Melissa, Trustee; Grandfather of Katherine Crispo ‘20
John Mahoney, III, ‘55
William Mahoney, Grandfather of John ‘33
Robert McDonald, Husband of Lori McLaughlin, Former Trustee
Marge McFillin, Mother of Renee ‘10, Patrick ‘12, Sean ‘15
Karen Minutella, Mother of John ‘77
Ann Mullin, Mother of Nancy Cahill, faculty member; Grandmother of Chris ‘14 and Kelly ‘14 Cahill
Gloria O’Donnell, Mother of Mary Goodman, faculty member
Joseph O’Malley, Grandfather of AJ ‘24 and Melina ‘27
David Phillips, Grandfather of Patrick ‘18 and Jack ‘22 Doyle
Marie Quinn, Mother of Colleen ‘92; Grandmother of Declan ‘14
Michael Tracey, Father of Jackson ‘24 and Hannah ‘26
Janet Williamson, Mother of Thomas ‘70, Harry ‘71, Joe ‘72, John ‘77, Paul ‘83; Grandmother of John ‘92 and Janet Doyle ‘93
Thomas Williamson, ‘70, Brother of Harry ‘71, Joe ‘72, John ‘77, Paul ‘83
OPENING REMARKS From the Principal
Dear Waldron Mercy Academy Community,
It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of gratitude that I welcome you to the newest edition of our cherished Blue & Gold magazine. As the newly appointed principal of this remarkable institution, I am honored to stand at the helm of Waldron Mercy Academy, guiding our community toward a future filled with growth, compassion, and academic excellence.
I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni who make Waldron Mercy Academy the exceptional place it is. Together, we form a dynamic community committed to our mission of inspiring serious study, social responsibility, and strong faith.
At Waldron Mercy Academy, we are dedicated to providing an education that goes beyond the classroom. We embrace the principles of Catherine McAuley, who believed in the transformative power of education as a means to empower individuals and create a more just and compassionate society. As we embark on the 2023/2024 school year, our theme takes inspiration from the Sisters of Mercy critical concern: Women. Reflecting on Catherine McAuley’s words, “No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women,” we strive to instill in our students a deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions and untapped potential of women. Guided by this critical concern, we seek to foster an inclusive environment where all individuals are celebrated, empowered, and encouraged to make a positive impact on the world.
Within the pages of this edition of the Blue & Gold magazine, you will find inspiring stories that showcase the remarkable achievements and contributions of our students, alumni, and faculty. From academic accomplishments to artistic endeavors, athletic triumphs to community initiatives, these stories encapsulate the essence of Waldron Mercy Academy and the vibrant spirit that permeates our halls.
I encourage you to delve into the pages of this magazine and immerse yourself in the inspiring narratives that make up the fabric of our school. Let us celebrate our bold history, reflect on our shared values, and envision the bright future that lies ahead for each and every member of the Waldron Mercy Academy family.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from this incredible community. I am excited and humbled to lead this exceptional school and to witness the continued growth and success of our students. Together, let us embark on a journey of discovery, compassion, and excellence as we uphold the legacy of Waldron Mercy Academy and honor the vision of Catherine McAuley.
With warmest regards,
Dr. Jacqueline Coccia Principal
Dr. Jacqueline Coccia
Principal
Theresa Gannon
Vice Principal
Mark Murray
Director of Finance & Operations
Suzanne Gallagher Director of Admissions & Advancement
Barb Scott Director of Technology
Kristen Romano
Director of Student Services & Support
Greg Soltis
Director of Religious Education & Outreach
Waldron Mercy Academy 513 Montgomery Avenue Merion Station, PA 19066
610.664.9847
www.waldronmercy.org
Blue & Gold is published twice a year by the Marketing & Communications office for the alumni, parents, and friends of Waldron Mercy Academy.
Contributors
Jacquelyn German
Marguerite Flynn
Suzanne Gallagher
Karen McGinley
Amelia Kuhn
Ashley Robinson
Photography
Jacquelyn German
Design Template
Caili Fogarty ‘07
Cailin Rose Designs
MEET OUR PRINCIPAL
TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME AND YOUR FAMILY!
What do you love most about your house/town?
What I love most about my house is that we have a nice deck in the back and a large fenced in yard for the dog to explore. I love sitting outside in the early morning to watch the birds and squirrels at the feeders, and we like to enjoy the fire pit on the chillier fall and spring evenings.
What I love about my town is that my sisters, parents, and I live within 20 miles of each other, and my inlaws live right down the street. It is nice to be so close to family and friends. I also love to go to Kimberton Whole Foods and the Growing Roots Farmers Market in Malvern on the weekends. Tell us about your family!
My husband Chris and I met in high school and will be celebrating our 35th anniversary this October. Chris is an entertainer who has been coaching and teaching a comedy class at the Improv in Washington DC each weekend for the past several years. Our daughter Emily is in the last year of her doctoral program at the University of Michigan and we look forward to celebrating her graduation next year and hope a teaching job will bring her back East. Our dog Larry is a boxer, corgi, terrier mix and has very large ears that slant to the left. This earned him the nickname “Left Turn Larry.”
What do you love to do in your free time?
During the school year when everything is very busy, I like to use my free time to relax, read a good book, walk Larry, and meet with friends and family or go to Sunday brunch. Eventually I would like to learn a new language, but have not been able to dedicate enough time. I studied French in high school and German in college, and would really like to gain proficiency in either language. I recently joined a new gym that has locations in Bala Cynwyd, which is very close to school and in Radnor, which is on my way home, so I have no excuse to avoid it!
WORK LIFE
What do you love most about being a head of school/principal?
As a classroom teacher I always loved to see our classroom community bond over the months and gel into a family. I thought I would miss that very much when I transitioned from teaching to administration several years ago. What I
learned over time is that some of my most rewarding experiences as a Principal and Head of School have been witnessing the growth and achievements of our students over time. It is a daunting responsibility to lead a school, but a good leader understands and appreciates that they are part of a team, and that collaboration and communication with all members of the community are critical to the success of the school and development of the students.
What excites you most about the future of WMA?
What excites me most about joining Waldron Mercy Academy during its centennial celebration year is the opportunity to honor and celebrate the rich traditions and history of the school while also embracing innovation and progress. It is a chance to engage with the entire school community in creating a vision for the future that builds upon the strong foundation of the past. Together we can make this milestone year a transformative experience that sets the stage for continued excellence and growth in the years to come. I am committed to ensuring that the Mercy charism and core values remain a vibrant and integral part of the daily life of the school so we can remain faithful to our mission as we meet the needs of the present and the future.
FAVORITES
BOOK: My favorite book is The Great Gatsby, but when I was a third grade teacher I loved to introduce my students to the characters in the Poppy and Rye series by Avi and the silly stories in the Wayside School series.
MEAL: My favorite meal is breakfast, and I especially love French toast. My husband used to travel quite a bit for work years ago, and Emily and I always enjoyed “breakfast for dinner” nights together. I also always enjoy good crab cakes.
CANDY: My favorite candy bar is a tie between Almond Joy and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.
TV SHOW OR MOVIE: I really enjoyed all three seasons of Ted Lasso. My husband and I also like rewatching many of the shows we enjoyed when we were kids, and recently went through all the seasons of The Bob Newhart Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. One of my favorite movies is Jesus Christ Superstar, and I have seen it on the stage many times as well with my sisters and friends.
NJ SHORE TOWN: I have many fond memories of going to Ocean City, NJ when I was a child and later with my own daughter. Of course, my favorite memory of Ocean City is going to Uncle Bill’s for pancakes and French toast.
100th
One hundred years ago, in 1923, Waldron Academy for Boys was constructed and opened its doors for the first time on Montgomery Avenue. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and named after Mother Patricia Waldron, the mission and values that Catherine McAuley established in Dublin, Ireland have been a shining beacon for the last century. One hundred years later, Waldron Mercy Academy has been an integral part of thousands of students’ lives, from childhood to adulthood, while instilling the importance of Mercy.
To celebrate 100 years, our students have been immersed in the history of WMA and the world. We celebrated our mascot Stripes “100th” birthday with some of his mascot friends, distributed 100th-anniversary shirts to our current students, and facilitated a 7th and 8th grade visit to the Heritage Room at the Motherhouse to learn more about the history of the Sisters of Mercy. Faculty and staff have been appreciated for their hard work and dedication.
A highlight of the month of May was a beautiful 100th anniversary Mass celebrated in the Motherhouse Chapel, followed by a brunch with the Sisters of Mercy, past and current faculty, alumni, and current families. Dave DeAngelis ‘91, was honored as an Outstanding Alumnus for his years of contribution to the WMA community. Attendees had the opportunity to explore historical displays and archives while reminiscing with former classmates and faculty members. The 100th Anniversary celebration culminates on October 28 with the Anniversary Gala which will be held at Live! Casino Hotel in Philadelphia.
As the world around us has changed over the last 100 years, Waldron is committed more than ever to educate the next generation of students by inspiring serious study, social responsibility, and strong faith. This time of reflection allows us to appreciate our history, learn from our past, and remain steadfast in our mission while preparing Waldron Mercy for the next 100 years. We pride ourselves on being united in Mercy, educated in excellence, and empowered to serve.
Celebrating this monumental achievement would not be possible without the Sisters of Mercy, WMA faculty members, and, most importantly, the families that have entrusted Waldron to educate their children.
ANNIVERSARY
Centennial GRADUATION
A celebratory week which included Graduation Breakfast, Sports Banquet and the 8th Grade Graduation Dance culminated on Monday, June 5, 2023, as Waldron Mercy Academy bid farewell to its Centennial Class of 2023 in the Motherhouse Chapel.
The Mass and ceremony marked an important milestone for the 34 graduates who will now embark on the next chapter of their educational journey at high schools throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. Father George Bur, SJ of Saint Joseph’s University presided over the Mass, and the graduation ceremony commenced with remarks by Principal Ann Marie Braca who praised the students for their dedication, hard work, and character. Mrs. Braca emphasized the significance of the values instilled at Waldron Mercy Academy, encouraging the graduates to continue to embrace the school’s mission of academic excellence, compassion, and service as they move forward. Highlighting the presentation of diplomas was the alumni pin ceremony presented by WMA alumni, many of whom were family members of graduates. The presentation of the pin officially welcomed the Class of 2023 into the alumni family.
Parent Robin Chapolini shared, “Eighth grade graduation was a proper send off and true blessing to witness at the end of our 10 year journey as Waldron parents. The intentionality of using their communion cloth to cover the altar brought back so many memories seeing those little hands of our second graders, and the inclusivity of adding the hands of all 8th graders who joined Waldron along the way. We are so glad we chose Waldron as the foundation for Corinne’s education”.
With the students matriculating at 11 prestigious high schools, it is evident that their experiences at Waldron Mercy have prepared them to succeed in various academic environments. Congratulations to our graduates! Waldron Mercy will always be your home.
ON & OFF CAMPUS
SPORTS
Our Varsity Soccer and boys Varsity Basketball teams played their hearts out this past year, and both placed 2nd in the CAL league during their respective seasons.
PERFORMING ARTS
Our 2nd through 4th graders shined on stage during their performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live Junior, while our 5th through 8th graders captivated audiences with their production of The Wizard of Oz.
MUSIC
Our 7th and 8th grade Honors Chorale students garnered accolades during a regional competition in Williamsburg, VA.
Our 4th-6th grade Treblemakers Chorale students delighted spectators at both the Narberth Dickens Festival and the Wings lacrosse game.
FIELD TRIPS
7th and 8th graders took a field trip to Gettysburg National Park and visited the Pennsylvania Monument, shown here.
4th grade took a trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park to study American history right in our own backyard.
ACADEMICS
After winning the school wide spelling bee, 7th grader Jamie T. competed at the Regional Scripps Spelling Bee, where she performed admirably.
6th grader Stella G. won 2nd place in the state at the middle school division of the PA Media and Design Competition for her project, “Day in the Life of a Hyena.”
5th and 6th grade students took part in a NASA backed growing experiment with seeds that were germinated in space.
Both our lower and upper school teams placed either 1st or 2nd in their respective Reading Olympics competitions.
MERCY
Kindergarten students and their 8th grade buddies visited Sisters of Mercy at the motherhouse to enjoy a nice cup of tea. They presented each Sister with a teacup planter the Kindergarten students created with a small mint plant growing alongside a beautiful flower. Many of the Kindergarten girls wore “Fascinators” in their hair in homage to the Tea Party tradition. The time spent with the sisters was very memorable and is one of the many ways WMA students learn in the tradition of Mercy.
2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS
Thank you to our donors who generously provided gifts to Waldron Mercy Academy in the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
These gifts have an immediate impact on the lives of our students and enable us to continue our enriching curriculum, championship athletics, stellar visual and performing arts programs, and award-winning competitions in Music, Reading, Spanish, and Spelling.
The names listed under each giving level represent the many ways members of our WMA community lend their support, including gifts to The Waldron Fund, Scholarship Fund, Special Designated Fund, EITC/OSTC, Golf & Tennis, Tigerfest, and the Table of Mercy Cafeteria Transformation Project.
The continued support of our board members, alumni, alumni parents, current parents, faculty/staff, corporations, foundations, and friends has enabled us to celebrate our 100 years of Mercy Education. We look forward to your continued support as we prepare for the next 100 years.
Catherine McAuley Leadership Society
$20,000.00 +
Joseph and Joan Barone
Maguire Foundation
James ‘85 and Christine McGovern
The Howley Foundation
Karen Vento
Chris and Christine Wiegand
Mother Patricia Waldron Circle
$15,000.00 – $19,999.00
Maguire Enterprises
Jeffrey and Suzanne Mullen
Sister Mary Walburga Circle
$10,000.00–$14,999.00
John and Elizabeth Delaney
Sean and Gina Flatley
Jeffrey and Katie Hansbro
Brendan and Agatha O’Malley
Sister Suzanne Gallagher Circle
$5,000.00–$9,999.00
Gregory and Caitlin Andreotta
Anonymous WMA Family
Thomas A. & Kathleen R. Bruder Foundation
Thomas Bruder ‘76
Carlos Canon and Patricia O’Donnell
Fred and Teresa DiBona
Double H Manufacturing
Elliott Lewis
Marguerite Flynn
Adam and Maria Green
Maureen Hicks, in memory of Alec Hicks ‘55
Spiro and Ashley ‘99 Kontostergios
Joan W. Mackie
McCloskey Financial Group, LLC
Andrew McCloskey ‘84
Matthew H. McCloskey ‘55
Meridian Bank
Albert and Ruth Schmidt
Stites Family Fund
James and Pamela Strite
Sister Patricia Smith Circle
$2,500.00–$4,999.00
Geoffrey and Aggie Barnes
Ann Marie and John Braca
Marc and Valerie Caccavo
Curtis ‘67 and Donna Cockenberg
Thomas and Grace Colman
Isabel Johnson
Jim and Anne King
Brendan and Catherine Lake
Louis and Lisa Marchese
Christopher and Meghan Millard
Mark Murray
Matthew and Michelle Newcomer
Joe and Terri Pooler
Richard Rowe and Pam Stites
Nicholas and Nancy Serpentine ‘96
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Sean and Jill Stadelman
The Charitas Foundation
Paul and Suzanne Toner
Rev. Alyn Waller and Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller
Waste Management
Sister Kathleen Anne McKee Circle
$1,000.00–$2,499.00
Jess and Heidi Anderson
Mary Augustine
Mark and Kate Avitabile
Robert ‘58 and Barbara Barnes
T. Ellis ‘60 and Cindy Barnes
Christopher and Janice Biddle
Bird Brand Enterprises
John and Linda Bullock
Jerry and Sue Burns
Michael Carosella
Michael and Margaret Carr
Kevin and Robin Chapolini
David F. Chermol, Esq. ‘84
Michael Collinelli ‘04
Steven and Carol Colucci
Patrick and Kelly Cosgrove
Enrico Crispo and Melissa Lennon
D’Anjolell Memorial Home
Rob D’Anjolell ‘76
David ‘91 and Jennifer DeAngelis
Casey DeBaecke
Andrew Deibel and Jane Meconi Deibel
Design Science
Basil and Mary DiSipio
Paul ‘83 and Anne Dougherty
Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation
Yakeema and Nicole Elie
ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church
Anne Farnese
Peter Farnese ‘95
John and Rebecca Farrington
Linda C. Fesnak
Charles and Alice Klair Fitzpatrick
William ‘84 and Annmarie Frio
Dan and Suzanne Gallagher
Kevin and Jillian Golden
Patrick Graven and Bridget Foy Graven
Gregory ‘97 and Lucy Guffanti
Thomas Hanna and Marilyn Murray
Rick ’65 and Jane Hinckley
James J. Clearkin Inc.
Harold and Amanda Jones
Kinslow Family Charitable Fund
William Martin Kuharich ‘67
Steven and Karena Landin
Lauren Leithead, Realtor Compass RE
Marchese Opticians
Victor and Elizabeth Mather
Adrian and Alana McGill
J. Chris McGuire ‘77
Angela McKelvey
Colleen Melchiorre Rooney
Mercy Education System of the Americas
John Messano and Anne Farnum Messano
Robert Miller ’81 and Valerie Bergman
Andrew and Alexandra Morrison
James and Jenny Morrison
J. Michael and Alison Nolan
Matthew and Nina O’Connor
David and Vicki Ostrander
Sean Palmer
James and Patricia Passarella
Philip Pio Construction, Inc.
Phoenix Advisors, LLC
Brian and Melissa Pinheiro
Philip and Staci Pio
Sarah Pontoski
Mark and Kate Reed
Daniel and Deirdre Ruttle
Paul ’66 and Jackie Ryan
RZ Contracting Corp
Heath Schmidt and Katherine Giordano
John Schmitz
R. Michael Scott, M.D. ‘54
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
John L. and Grace Soldoveri Foundation
Nicole Sullivan
Wayne and Leontyne Sykes
Valjean and Shelley Sylva
Ricky and Sandra Takai
TD Bank
The DiBona Family Foundation
Sherry Tracey
Michael and Nicole Valentino
Mathew and Kathleen Vodzak
Patrick and Judith Welde
Andrew and Holly Wolanin
Tara Wolfington, MMA ‘80
Mercy Spirit Club
$500.00–$999.00
Algernong ‘86 and Anne Marie Allen
AOL Giving Fund
Calvin and Sherell Bernard
Beshada Farnese LLP
Donald and Catherine Bird
Brand Activation Consulting
Nancy and Patrick Cahill
Kieran and Kristen Carroll
Charles Friel Inc.
Daniel and Jami Clark
Brian Collins ‘97 and Cara Beahm
Comcast Corporation
Joseph and Karen Corcoran
Michael DeBaecke
Josephine Elia
Exelon Corporation
William and Nadia Fay
Rob and Nancy Finn
Brian and Kimberly Fogarty
Peter and Kelly Fry
Michael and Lisa Gadsby
Lawrence and Bernadette Gallone
Tom and Theresa Gannon
Caleb and Maria Gauen
George and Ellen Getek
William J. Gilhool ‘51
Glenmede Trust Company, N.A.
Brian and Kristen Gohr
Bonnie Guarini
Paul and Tracey Hagan
Tom Hartman
Jeffrey Kelly ‘94
Michael and Megan Kinson
Lisa Knapp
La Salle College High School
John and Sarah Marinacci
Michael McCuen and Jennifer Del Borrello
Brendan A. McGrath ‘97
John McNamara
Arthur and Mary Jane Meconi
The Mele Family
William and Karen Mignucci
Meg Mitkus
Sean and Kelley Morrissey
Mark Nolan
Mary Ann Nolan
Matthew Pantaleno and Alicia Vitarelli Pantaleno
Charles and Mary Parsons
Louis and Natalie Pauzano
Kevin Price
2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS
Reilly, Janiczek, McDeVitt, Henrich & Cholden, P.C.
Eileen Reynolds, in memory of Sean Reynolds ‘93
Salvatore and Judy Rizzo
Kristen Romano
Nelson Russom ‘02
Albert and Erin Schmidt
Timothy and Jessica Schmitz
Barbara Scott
F. Matthew Segreti and Eileen Everly
Adam and Jill Short
Margaret M. Simok
Brian Sullivan and Karen Hepp
Michael and Emily Surovick
David ‘91 and Natasha Tarampi
Daniel Thomas, M.D. ‘51
Duane Vargas ‘89 and Denise Smith
Curtis and Kathleen Voss
Demetrios and Amalia Ziavras
Mercy Crown Club
$150.00–$499.00
Joseph and Marissa Abel
Anil and Alexis Abraham
Stephen and Henna Adams
Roger Aliaga Diaz and Maria Pia
Aliaga
Alnylam
Joseph D. Armon ‘51
Richard and Jeanne Avitabile
Patricia Bader
Barbara Baldwin
William J. Begley, Esq. ‘59
Benevity Community Impact Fund
William and Evelyn Bergman
Thomas Boggia ‘03
Michael and Stephanie Borton
Patricia Bradley
Charles and Lydia Brennan
David Brooks and Beth Adamski
Jerome Burton and Rochelle
Humphrey Burton
Kerry and Dana Cahill
Col. Elizabeth Cain ‘92
Maria Carpenter Yanga
Timothy J. Carson, Esq. ‘62
Timothy Casper and Sophia Meyers
Birchard T. Clothier, Esq. ‘50
Sonia and Pasquale Colavita
Ethan Davis
Paul and Patricia Del Borrello
Mucio and Eva Delgado
James and Kathleen DeSanto
Brian Dolan and Melanie Izzo
Ronald ‘97 and Dana Donatucci
S. Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM
Thomas and Lucille Donnelly
Ernest Drummond and Kasel Lesak
Jordan and Gabriela Eburne
Episcopal Academy
Sandra Evans
Thomas Fant ‘48
Gerard D. Farrell
Francis and Joanne Ferdinand
Dennis and Maggie Fisher
Eileen Flanagan
Flaster Greenberg Attorneys at Law
Jim and Candace Flowers
Cailin Fogarty ‘07
Charles and Brenda Forman
Bernadette Gallone
Jacquelyn German
Russell and Jaime Glorioso
Hari Gnanasekeram and Carole Fatato
Joseph and Mary Goodman
Kaci L. Griffin
Edward and Joanne Griffis
James and Tracey Hagan
Andrew Hanna ‘04
Dorothy Harkin
Alan and Rebecca Hartman
The Haverford School
Kevin and Jorie Hennessy
Charles W. Heuisler ‘55
Christopher and Megan Hightower
Aaron F. Jaroff ‘98
Arthur Johnson
Stephen and Melora Jones
Lois Kaliner
Sona Kalousdian
Edward ’98 and Elise Keels
Keenan Plumbing & Heating LLC
Bryan and Jessica Klink
LaSalle College High School
Robert Laurie
Tim and Lauren Leithead
Tony ‘94 and Katherine Leonard
Joseph Leube
Sarah Lichter
Theresa Lipinski
Kristine Maletta
Malvern Preparatory School
S. Elizabeth Marley, R.S.M.
Gregg and Maylee Marsano
Marie Martino
Brian McCarthy
John and Patricia McCarthy
Robert McEntee ‘74 and P. Kecia Adams
Peter McGahey and Jenny Spinner
Karen McGinley
Sean and Courtney McLaughlin
Merion Mercy Academy
Microsoft
Barbara Mong
Antaniece Morrow
James and Emily Multari
Stacey Murrell
Jessica Neff
William and Anita Ott
Joseph Pacifico ‘70
Elizabeth Pavone
Marcia Penn
Aaron and Michelle Pernat
Gregory Plociennik and Nancy
Blumenthal
PNC Foundation
Jacob Porter
John and Elizabeth Quigley
Sean Quigley ‘92 and Christine Law
Timothy ‘76 and Marianne Rafter
Mark and Ruth Reed
Robert Ridarelli ‘84
Franchot and Ashley Robinson
Ben Rowe ‘09
Jeffrey Rule
Steve and Mary Jane Ryan
Barkley E. Sample ‘77
Schindler Financial Associates
William L. Scott, PhD ‘59
William J. Sharkey ‘45
Patrick and Susan Smith
Greg and Kathryn Soltis
John Steiner and Pauline Manos
Kenneth Stevens and Mary Rapoport
T’Leatha Suitt Johnson
Justyn Tokarczyk ‘85
Kathy Ton
Sean Vereen and Beth Hagovsky
Marco Vettori and Amy Bashore
Janice Wojciechowski
Wolanin Consulting and Assessment Inc.
Charles and Theresa Yeo
Albin and Luann Zaleski
John T. Zeller ‘68
Mercy Shield Club
$5.00–$149.00
Rebekah Adens
Monica Albano Curl
Alex Amrhein
Jeffrey and Rennie Andrews
Stanley and Anne Antiskay
Alec Arena
Jairo and Elishia Arias
Bernadette Attaquin Osterhaus ‘93
Andrew and Alyssa Aurand
Eileen Aurand
S. Ausim Azizi and Christine de Lacoste Azizi
Said and Brittney Azoury
Charles Bakhos and Leila Obeid
Kristen Barber
Michael and Maryanne Barrett
Edward L. Bartlett Jr. ‘60
Melinda Battista
Yolanda Bauhof
Kimberly Baxter
Carla M Bednar
Gregory David Bellwoar ‘11
Catherine Bilbow
Daniel Blynn
Alexandra Boffa Taylor
Marti Bondelid
Alfred Bonetti
Book Club of East Falls
Barbara Bowen
Jaimie Bowen
Lawrence and Gina Brent
Nyron Burke
Brendan F. Burns ‘11
Martin and Isobel Burns
Nicholas and Kathleen Canuso
E. Gilbert Carpenter
Patrick and Carol Ann Cassidy
Ryan Cassidy ‘95
Anthony Casta
Robert S. Castner ‘60
Sergio Catanzaniti
Paige Cecere
Joseph and Carol Ciociola
Larry Clark
Sarah Coffey
Knute and JoAnn Cogan
Thomas J. Conway ‘42
Michele Corkery
Jennifer Cornely ‘99
Paul and Mary Coyne
Kathryn Crispo ‘21
George and Margaret Curran
Theresa Davidson
Isaac O. Davis
Kevin Davis
Frank and Karen Deasey
Beth and Mark D’Eramo
Nicholas and Nicole DeRose
Maripat DeVecchis
Kaitlyn Dhanaliwala
Amen Dhyllon and Irene Mendes
Adam and Katie ‘98 Dickman
Richard and Kathy DiMenna
Andrew and Emma DiPrinzio
Christopher and Joanne Dougherty
Joanne M. Driscoll
Raymond Driscoll and Tiffany Dixon
Theresa Durso Amoroso
Terrance Edney and Antoinette
Cooper Edney
Courtney Emrich
Koron English
Jay and Anita Everly
Fusi Fabrizio and Paola Franco
Raymond and Linda Facciolo Strite
Nicholas M. Falcone ‘91
Andrew Farnese
John Farrington
Andrew and Sarah Fesnak
Marie Filipponi
Rob and Nancy Finn
Joseph and Amanda Fonash
Bernard and Loretta Fornal
Louis and Mary Fresta
Joseph A Frio ‘11
Louise Fry
Martha Fuller
Patricia Gaffney ‘93
Charles and Fran Gallagher
Richard J. Geib ‘53
James and Jacquelyn Gentile
Phyllis German
John and Connie Gillespie
Caitlin Cobstein
Trina Golphin
Jacqueline Gondek Giovanoni ‘90
Bob and Angel Graham
Judine Graham
Anthony Granger
Rowland Grauch ‘51
Ramon Guzman
Vincent and Victoria Hibbs
John and Linda Hines
Wilbur Hobbs
Brandon and Kamini Hogan
Christopher Holland and Lisa
Bond Holland
Julia Howard
Elizabeth Hymel
Melissa Iacovino
Tom Iacovino
James Ivers ‘64
Monte and Lillian Jackson
Dena Jones
Darnell and Rachael Jordan
JPMorgan Chase
Frances Jueds
Daniel Kane
Amy Kelly
Raeshon Kelly
Timothy Kelly
S. Therese Marie Kenny, RSM
Daniel and Nancy Kilpatrick
Kelly King ‘14
James King ‘17
Kimberly Kinsler
Kumar and Cynthia Kishinchand
Drazenka Kokir Miller
Adam Kuhn
Alex Kuhn
Amelia Kuhn
Yvonne Kuhn
Perry and Diane La Bruno
Kenneth D. Lamb ‘65
Satin Lambert
Bryanna Lamour
Anthony and Katie Landolfo
Bill and Adele Lane
2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS
Guillermo Leiva Moreno and Tiffany Leiva
Julie Leonard Busta ‘00
Joseph Leonard ‘93
Veronica Novelli Leonard
Bruno ’80 and Maria Leuzzi
John M. Lieb ‘87
Andreas Lindert
Christopher Lins
Lockheed Martin Charity Custodial Account
Frank Loftus and Monica Burke
Jess Luk
Michael ‘70 and Sheila Lynch
Kevin and Helen Lynn
John and Terri Maciolek
Michala Maciolek ‘13
Frank and Ida Macri
S. Barbara MacWilliams, RSM
Christopher Maloney
Salvatore and Josephine Mancini
Margaret Martin
S. Rose Martin, RSM
Dennis and Jeanne Mastriano
Colleen Matkowski
George and Karen McClennen
Alexandria McCorkle
Jessica N. McCrary
Kathleen McDevitt
Arthur and Faith McDowell
Madison McEntee ‘11
Michael and Kathy McGinley
Brittany McGraw
Joan McIlvaine
Barry R. McKeon ‘60
Michelle McKeon
James and Nancy McKinley
Bridget Medori
Rachel Medori
Terrance Meehan
Nicole Merolla
David Merrell
Betty L. Miller
Peter and Karen Mondrosch
Wendy Moody
Ryan Moore
Kathleen Moran Gannon
Eva Morinigo
Nigel C. Morris ‘73
Connor C. Mullen ‘11
James Mullin
Kristin Murray Nash ‘89
Rachelle Murray Richards
Sean and Davita Nelson
Brittany Nickey-Fitts
Luke Nicolai
Arlex Nieto
Joan Nolan
Ronald and Adelaide Novak
John Obert ‘58
Lisa O’Hara
Anthony and Pari Olaoye
Andrew and Sharon O’Malley
Amy Orapallo
Michelle and Michael Orapallo
Louise Orchard
Mark Ormond ‘68
Sena Owereko Andah
Louis Pace ‘72
Anthony and Marcela Panzarella
Patty Papatheodore
Erma Paris
Louis and Rose Pauzano
Alannah Pawlik
Gerald and Irene Pawlish
Jaclyn Wilson Pawlowski
Paypal Giving Fund
Margaret Petri
Brett Pforter and Jesse ‘99 Reilly
Alex and Michele Porter
Macmillan
Brian and M. Shanee Pressley
Gregg Price
Quest Diagnostics
Peter and Deidre Quinn
Bailey Ramirez
Colin and Cindi Ratner
Anne Reimel
Stephen Revucky ‘93
Vincent and Lisa Ricchiuti
Catherine Rissover ‘92
Daniella Rizzo ‘12
S. Marita Carmel Rondinelli, RSM
Thomas and Suzanne Ross
Tyrone ‘89 and Jennifer Ross
Kathy Roux
Thomas F. Ryan ‘66
Rachel Sacchetti Gilbert
Baldev Sahunta
Timothy and Megan Sally
Anjanee Sankar
Edwin and Sharahn Santana
Albert Scaperotto Sr.
Bob Schriver
Michael Serpente ‘68
Sim Sethi
Osama and Latifa Shahin
Troy Siegfried
Joan Silva
Kathryn Simok
Brendan and Jennifer Sinni
Melanie Skylakon
Daniel B. Slack, Esq. ‘52
Julie Anne Smith
S. Patricia Smith, RSM
Susan B. Smith
Lisa Solomon
Ronald and Frances Soltis
Francesco and Joanne Spigonardo
Christina Spolsky
Harriette Starr
David and Samdai Stricklan
Steve and Debbie Stritch
Charles and Carmela Sullivan
Grace Sullivan
Suzanne Tait
Robert S. Tarampi
Joseph Terry
The Paper Space
The Vanguard Group Foundation
Margaret Thompson
Bobbie Ann Thornburg, Esq
Dolph Tokarczyk ‘80
Lizz Unterbrink
Annette Vail
Thomas Valerio
Gina Venezia
Paul and Tammy Vincent
S. Marianna Walsh, RSM
Josef and Jennifer Wegner
Lillian Williams
WMA Advancement Team
Kathryn Woods
Larry and Karen Woodward
Chengyuan Wu
Joy Young
Michael and Jacqueline Zarzycki
Grace Toburen Zorn
We apologize for any errors or omissions. Please contact advancement@waldronmercy.org if your name/gift are not listed properly.
We are deeply appreciative of the committee members whose partnership has been instrumental in gathering support for these successful initiatives for Waldron Mercy Academy.
The Waldron Fund Parents Campaign
Chairs
Val and Shelley Sylva Committee
Greg and Caitlin Andreotta
Mark and Kate Avitabile
Joe Carmeci
Dave and Jennifer DeAngelis
Kate Giordano
Patrick and Bridget Graven
Tracey Hagan
Jeff and Katie Hansbro
Satin Lambert
Golf & Tennis Committee
Tom Boggia ‘03
Fred DiBona
Joseph Fonash
Bill Frio ‘84
Lou Marchese
Jeff and Suzanne Mullen
Sean Palmer
Tigerfest Live and Silent Auction
Chairs
Don and Cat Bird
Phil and Staci Pio Committee
Jennifer Babia
Calvin Bernard
Dave and Jennifer DeAngelis ‘91
Rebecca Farrington
Katie Hansbro
Harold and Amanda Jones
Satin Lucas Lambert
Lou Marchese
Suzanne Mullen
Michelle Newcomer
Emily Surovick
Dave Tarampi ‘91
Suzanne Toner
Sherry Tracey
Holly Wolanin
SISTER NATALIE MARIE SCHOLARSHIP
The Sister Natalie Marie Scholarship is awarded to a rising 6th grade Waldron Mercy Academy student who displays an interest and achievement in Social Studies, and who realizes that knowledge of history and geography are key to navigating our world successfully. It is understood that this student will display the character and qualities befitting a Waldron Mercy Academy Student. The much deserving winner of the scholarship for the 2022/2023 school year was Aidan Pooler. The Sister Natalie Marie Scholarship was initiated by a former student of Sister Natalie’s, Bob Barnes from the Class of 1958. Bob had a deep devotion to S.Natalie and stayed in touch with her throughout the years.
SISTER SUZANNE GALLAGHER AWARD
The Sister Suzanne Gallagher Distinguished Educator Award is provided through the generosity of Peter Farnese ‘95 and Thomas Farnese ‘98 (deceased) to recognize a Waldron Mercy educator whose commitment and performance clearly represent the educational philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy. The award is in honor of Sister Suzanne Gallagher, former principal of WMA, whose love, concern and leadership serve as a role model for teachers. The 2022-2023 Award is presented to Sr. Marita Carmel Rondinelli who served previously at Merion Mercy Academy Lower School and now at Waldron Mercy Academy.
FAMILIES OF WALDRON
SERPENTINE
Current Parents: Nancy and Nick Serpentine (‘96)
Current Students: Allora (‘24), Viviana (‘24), Serefina (‘27)
What is one thing you love about WMA and why?
Without question, it’s the overwhelming feeling of love, connection, community and pride we feel every time we enter our beautiful school. When selecting a school for the girls, my husband and I - being alums - agreed that WMA was, without a doubt, our pick. The school is our home away from home and we felt confident our girls would feel the same - which they 100% do.
How do you think WMA is preparing your child for their future?
WMA has provided our kiddos with outstanding academics and incredible opportunities to grow and develop as individuals through invaluable service projects and extracurricular activities. These experiences will have a significantly positive impact and guide their paths as they continue on their academic journeys and make their way through the world.
What is your favorite family friendly event or opportunity at WMA and why?
Our favorite event is definitely Tigerfest. It’s always a fun evening that brings parents together to enjoy each other’s company while supporting the school. Every year it gets better and better!
JONES
Current Parents: Amanda and Harold Jones
Current Students: Isaiah ‘29, Kaylyn ‘36
What is one thing you love about WMA and why?
Waldron has been an absolute blessing for our family. From the moment we stepped foot on campus, we felt a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The sense of community and genuine care for each student’s well-being is truly unparalleled. We love the strong sense of community among parents, faculty and students. We have found a network of supportive friends and families who share the same dedication to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for our children. We feel actively involved in our child’s educational journey and Waldron fosters open communication and encourages parent participation, further making us feel like valued partners in Isaiah’s learning experiences.
How do you think WMA is preparing your child for their future?
Waldron’s commitment to holistic education is evident in every aspect of their approach. Not only do they provide a rigorous academic curriculum, but they also prioritize character development, instilling values of compassion, empathy, kindness and respect in our children. This emphasis on building strong moral foundations alongside academic excellence is something we deeply appreciate and value. We have no doubt that Isaiah is developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, which are essential for his future. Waldron is allowing him to thrive academically while growing into a compassionate, well-rounded individual. We couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this incredible school community.
What is your favorite family friendly event or opportunity at WMA and why?
The “Trunk or Treat” event is an absolute favorite! It’s a truly magical experience that brings together our school community in the most delightful way. Seeing the school grounds transformed with creatively decorated trunks, our children filled with excitement to dress in their favorite costume, interact with friends, and enjoy sweet treats and goodies, just fills us with joy. What sets this event apart is the strong sense of camaraderie it fosters among parents and families. We come together to create unforgettable memories for our kids, and it’s heartwarming to witness the unity and support within our school community. It’s a cherished tradition that encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and the joy of giving.
STRITE
Alumni Parents: Jim and Pam Strite Alumni: Kayla (‘21)
What is one thing you love about WMA and why?
The sense of community. Clearly, the children share in a positive Waldron experience, but so do the parents, alumni, and the extended Waldron Mercy family. How do you think WMA prepared your child for their future?
It already has. Kayla is absolutely flourishing as a rising junior at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. Her WMA education created a very solid foundation for any future endeavors.
What was your favorite family friendly event or opportunity at WMA and why?
We loved Field Day. It is fun to gather with other parents and watch the kids “compete!”
RUSSOM
Alumni Parents: Lynn and Buck Russom Alumni: Nelson Russom (‘02) & Perry Russom (‘05)
What is one thing you love about WMA and why?
The theater program at WMA will always be a special memory for us. Our sons learned dedication, teamwork, and eased into public speaking at a young age. Even we as parents were able to participate by building sets and being prop masters!
How do you think WMA prepared your child for their future?
WMA taught our sons the importance of patience, hard work, and selflessness. The school set them on a trajectory to live lives where they strive to make themselves and those around them better.
What was your favorite family friendly event or opportunity at WMA and why?
Our favorite family friendly event at WMA is homecoming. It’s always great to see old faces and meet new ones while celebrating a school we care so deeply about.
MORRISON
Current Parents: Lexi and Andrew Morrison Current Students: Hannah (2028), Lily (2030), Theo (2034)
What is one thing you love about WMA and why?
We love that WMA provides the best of both worlds: a challenging academic experience with many opportunities for service and extracurricular activities, as well as a small, “home-like” environment where the students are loved and cared for, emotionally and spiritually.
How do you think WMA is preparing your child for their future?
At our very first visit to WMA, we quickly noticed how confident and friendly the students were. We’ve now come to understand that the WMA faculty are excellent at building confidence in the students (with even the littlest ones participating in public speaking). We believe that this confidence-building is preparing our children to dream big and achieve big in the future, academically/professionally as well as personally. Additionally, Mercy values are present in all aspects of the WMA experience, and we love how these values encourage our children to be compassionate, caring, and to always live in service of others.
What is your favorite family friendly event or opportunity at WMA and why?
We love weekly community gatherings! It’s wonderful to see a little glimpse into what the students are up to, and it’s amazing to see the friendly faces of other parents and teachers.
Mercy IN ACTION
They learn much about themselves and are invited to reflect on their limits and draw upon their strengths. The students are asked to immerse themselves in the experience with open eyes and open hearts. This year, our students visited Grands Stepping Up, Kids Against Hunger, Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Bethel AME Church, and Martha’s Community Farm.
“The poor need help today, not next week”
VENERABLE CATHERINE
MCAULEY
SUMMER SERVICE WEEK
For one week each summer, WMA sponsors an integrative social service experience in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. A select group of rising 8th grade students join together with teachers and travel to centers serving local communities where they put their faith into action through outreach ministry. The students work closely with one another, share ideas and tasks, and interact with adults and children at our service sites.
STAR SERVICE
This year, for the first time, the STAR service initiative was created for students in grades 7 and 8 to perform service oriented actions throughout the school year! Examples of these actions include writing letters to service persons overseas; assisting lower grade teachers with various activities; planning and executing in-school activities for individual grades; and organizing school-wide donation drives for items such as winter coats and school supplies to provide to those in need.
FAMILY OUTREACH
CRADLES TO CRAYONS
WMA partners our Mercy Outreach efforts with the Cradles to Crayons “giving factory” where Waldron families sort clothing, inspect books, make cards for kids and participate in hands-on service work to help distribute donations to local disadvantaged children. Cradles to Crayons’ mission is to provide children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, at play.
ST. COLUMBA
Waldron Mercy families have the monthly opportunity to provide and serve a complete warm dinner at St. Columba’s, a safe haven for men in Philadelphia sponsored by Project H.O.M.E, founded by Sister Mary Scullion, RSM. Each Waldron family brings one part of the meal (i.e chicken, potatoes, corn, dessert), and Montessori students prepare the salad. As one of the staples of our outreach program, these monthly Friday visits to St. Columba’s provide WMA parents and siblings with the opportunity to embody mercy alongside their students of various ages.
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
INNOVATIVE SPACES
As an esteemed institution committed to providing exceptional education and nurturing the growth of our students, we embarked on a journey outlined in our comprehensive 2021-2025 strategic plan: “Bold Vision, Bright Future.” With a focus on innovation, excellence, and community engagement, this roadmap charts our course towards an even brighter future. Below you’ll find a few key milestones and achievements we’ve reached, all of which have been made possible by the collective dedication and support of our faculty, staff, students, and the entire Waldron Mercy community.
As we celebrate 100 years of Mercy education and look to a future of 100 more, we continue to evaluate the ways in which our beautiful and historic campus can be updated to better serve our students and staff. Most recently, we have reviewed architectural designs to refresh our 3rd floor and our Garden Level, hopefully allowing us to broaden offerings for our older students and enhance the overall experience of our youngest learners.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are very important to us — so important that these concepts are included in our mission statement. This year, we have increased our efforts in these areas in a variety of ways, beginning with the appointment of Ashley Robinson and Katie DeSanto as DEIB Coordinators. Ashley and Katie attended DEI presentations at last October’s MESA Conference, developed inclusion and belonging guidelines for holidays, and coordinated student and staff DEI trainings throughout the year. Ashley also continued to oversee the “Let’s Talk About It” club, a safe space for Black students and allies to talk, work together, and unite through meetings and events focused on culturally relevant issues.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
One of our most important Strategic Plan goals was to implement more student generated and student directed opportunities, providing additional options for all students to learn and grow. Students in grades K through 3 participated in a holiday card exchange with schools around the globe; students in grades 3 through 5 had the opportunity to participate in Readers’ Theater Club with Ms. Baldwin; 5th grade students took part in a NASA plant growing experiment; students in grades 5 through 8 were given the option to participate in Flex Band, and 8th graders took a 1st annual environmentally focused team building overnight trip to the Poconos!
MERCY CORE VALUES
The Core Values are the hallmarks of a Mercy Education. These are the ideals we stand up for and strive to live up to. We hold ourselves to these standards as an institution, as a community and as individuals. Each value is interconnected and necessary as we take Mercy into the world. To ensure that these ideals are front and center in the minds and hearts of our students and staff, we have placed banners, posters and graphic displays of the values on each floor and in each classroom. Next time you visit campus, be sure to check them out!
The progress made with our strategic plan has been truly remarkable. By unwaveringly adhering to our core values and vision, we have realized numerous achievements that have positioned us as a beacon of excellence in education and community engagement. As we continue to forge ahead, we remain committed to the pursuit of academic brilliance, technological advancement, community betterment, and the nurturing of compassionate individuals who will positively impact the world. Together, let us look forward to an even brighter future, shaping young minds and leaving an indelible mark on generations to come!
ALUMNI NOTES
WEDDINGS
BRIDGET
“Draw persons to God by your words, by your example, and by the works of Mercy.”
VENERABLE CATHERINE MCAULEY
BULLOCK ‘03NOLAN GRADY ‘04
Bridget Bullock ‘03 married Michael Nicolo on August 13, 2022 in Bedford Springs, PA. Bridget is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy, Catholic University with a BS in Psychology, Villanova University with MS in Psychology, and Parsons School of Design with a BBA in Design Management. Bridget and Michael have since been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Isabelle Anita.
Nolan Grady ‘04 married Christine Dignam on June 27, 2023. He is a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep and Gonzaga University and now works as an Integrative Math Instructor at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School.
CAILI FOGARTY ‘07 GRIFFIN ROWE ‘06
Caili Fogarty ‘07 married Michael Labor on May 19, 2023 at St Matthias Catholic Church in Bala Cynwyd, PA. She is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy ‘11 and the University of Delaware ‘15 where she majored in Fine Arts, and now works as the Art Director at Smith & Quinn.
Griffin Rowe ‘06 married Devin Collins on July 2nd, 2023 in Chittenden, VT. Groomsman Owen Glatts ‘08 was in attendance, along with other WMA alumni. Griffin graduated from Bucknell University in 2014 and is currently working as an Associate Director at Gartner.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
CAROLINE GALLAGHER FINNEGAN ‘02
Caroline Gallagher Finnegan ‘02 has just embarked on a new venture and opened her design studio, Hendren House, in Havertown. A graduate of Merion Mercy Academy ‘06, Caroline earned a BA in Communications & Psychology from Manhattan College in 2010, and has a certificate in Interior Design from Moore College of Art & Design. Caroline was the recipient of “Best of Mainline and Western Suburbs Best Interior Designer Award.” She and her husband Kevin are the proud parents of James 4 and Hudson 2.
ANNE JUDGE ‘95
Anne Judge ‘95 opened Anne Judge Aesthetics in Lafayette Hill, PA. She was recognized in Best of the Best 2023 by Philadelphia Style & Modern Luxury Magazine.
JAMIE GAFFNEY ‘01
Jamie Gaffney ‘01, inspired by a trip down south, recently conceptualized and opened two FIRE Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant locations in West Chester and Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. Jamie’s father, Jim Gaffney ’66, also pictured here, creates desserts and fried pies for the dining establishments. FIRE has been featured on FYI Philly, NBC Philly Live, and recently won Best Chicken Sandwich of the Main Line.
Four WMA grads from the Class of 2021 are participating in an immersive 4-week program at The University of Pennsylvania. The “Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program” is an award-winning summer college preparatory experience offered to rising 10th and 11th grade high school students in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Students are paired with one of five affiliate University of Pennsylvania Professional Schools where they engage in hands-on, experiential learning, through a creatively designed curricula developed to highlight and offer exploration into various career choices. Pictured left to right are: McKenzie Blackmon ‘21, Amaia Gibson ‘21, Daniel Rush ‘21, and Jayden Leaphart ‘21.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Three of the four recipients of the Henry Jones Award at St. Joe’s Prep Cape and Sword Drama Society are WMA alumni. These awards are presented annually to a Freshman, a Sophomore, a Junior, and a Senior who have displayed limitless dedication the past year. The award is named for Prep alumnus Henry Jones ‘31, who is the only Prep alum ever to win a Tony Award. The four winners are presented with plaques and treated to a trip to New York City to see two Broadway shows, accompanied by Cape and Sword moderator, Mr. Tony Braithwaite. This continues a 29 year tradition. Pictured left to right are: Alex Cooper ‘22, Antoine Robinson ‘20, Tony Braithwaite, and Ian Mendoza ‘21.
SPENCER MORINIGO ‘22
MARINA RIVERA ‘12
Marina Rivera ‘12 delivered an inspiring speech at this year’s Achievement Assembly. She is currently an Associate at The Cohen Group, a strategic advisory firm in Washington D.C. led by the former Secretary of Defense, William Cohen. Marina graduated from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, with a degree in International Relations with Honors.
After the fall season as the goalkeeper for the St. Joe’s Prep JV soccer team, Spencer Morinigo ‘22 joined the Prep Crew team. In the spring, Spencer and his teammates in the U17 boat won gold at the U.S. Rowing Mid-Atlantic Championship, and his freshman boat won gold at the Stotesbury Cup as part of the Prep’s historic 3rd sweep of the eights at the regatta. The season culminated at the US Rowing National Championships, where he was one of two freshmen in the Prep’s U17 eight, which earned a bronze medal over the top clubs in the nation.
