Blue and Gold Summer 2016

Blue&Gold The Magazine for Alumni, Parents and Friends of Waldron Mercy Academy

Summer 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: NATIONAL WINNERS • WORKING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE • POSTGAME UPDATE

First Holy Communion at Waldron Academy in the 1930s.

Then&Now 2016 grade two recipients of First Holy Communion

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Summer 2016

INTHIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS

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.

FEATURES

2 From the Principal 2 Vignettes 5 Serious Studies 8 Socially Responsible 10 Creative Expressions 13 Tiger Territory 21 Your Waldron 24 In Memorium 25 10 Questions

18 The Joy of Discovery

16 A Year of Mercy Investing in the community and serving others happens all year round at WMA. This year, we collected food, raised money, served dinners, sewed pillowcases, and much, much more.

BY KATHRYN AMRHEIN

Toshiba ExploraVision has always been a point of pride for Waldron, with our students earning Honorable Mention, Regional and National recognition.

Our students invest in their projects and our alumni carry the knowledge with them in their future endeavors.

BY JESSICA CARSWELL

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/WaldronMercyAcademy Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/WaldronMercy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/waldronmercy LinkedIn.com: Search groups for “Waldron Mercy Alumni” or “Waldron Mercy Academy Parents and Friends”

Volume 11, Issue 2 Blue & Gold is published twice a year by the Marketing and Communications Office for the alumni, parents and friends of Waldron Mercy Academy

CONTRIBUTORS: Kathryn Amrhein Jessica Carswell Marguerite Flynn Eileen Flanagan Joseph Leonard ‘93 Nell Stetser

STUDENT CONTRIBUTORS: Alexa Battaglia ‘16 Juliana Di Carlo ‘16 Olivia Hiester ‘16

PHOTOGRAPHY: Kathryn Amrhein Jessica Carswell Andrew McCloskey ‘84 Alison Nolan Barbara Scott

DESIGN: AcquireVisual.com

FROM THE PRINCIPAL his edition of our Blue and Gold magazine comes at the perfect time for reading and relaxing by the pool or on the beach. It also comes on the doorstep of the Summer Olympics in Brazil.

Excitement brews for the competitions and medal honors in the Olympic arena much like the thirst for knowledge and discovery that pervades the academic arena in the classrooms at Waldron Mercy.

The discipline and drive of our students imitates that of our Olympians. Waldron students bring their passion for learning inside of the classroom to a broader arena, evidenced by our participation in the forensics competitions and the Model UN. The confidence and poise displayed by each student is delivered with conviction, whether it is conveyed in a recitation of a famous speech or an original piece.

The research required for a Waldron student to prepare to be a “diplomat” to a country in the Model UN is a year-long project.

The students tackled the issues of international migration and global internet rights. They wrote their position papers with such certainty that their resolutions were recognized for quality and substance. Many of our grade eight students were identified for distinguished leadership within the program.

There is no doubt that the passion for learning continues to be a hallmark trait of a Waldron student, and likewise, the desire of the students to immerse themselves in a well-rounded program of studies.

This edition highlights the students whose original artwork adorns the hallways of WMA. It represents the creativity which is developed and fostered within each student. The works denote different mediums, artists and themes which are craftfully integrated into the curriculum.

The expression of creativity can also be found in the beautiful music which our students make within our choral and theater programs.

Our Honors Chorale brings that music on the road as they compete.

We are proud of the accolades they received from their adjudication.

A well-rounded education would not be complete without opportunities to bring that drive and determination to the playing fields. WMA rocked the Catholic Academy League with all of their championships this year! The spirit on and off the athletic arenas was palpable… we love our Tiger Pride!

Most importantly, the desire to serve those in need continues to remain a top priority for our students and graduates. The eighth grade’s work with the homeless at Project H.O.M.E. was a new experience which was richly integrated into their classroom work. It was a project where social justice, research and storytelling combined to impact the educational and spiritual experience for the students.

Anyone can spot a Waldron-educated student! Just look for individuals who exude compassion and mercy in all aspects—professional, family, and spiritual – of their lives.

T

MICHAEL RUGNETTA, ESQ. ‘99 REVISITS WMA IN OFFICIAL CAPACITY When WMA needed assistance with obtaining commemorative graduation DVDs, Michael Rugnetta ’99 was called into action. Serving on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Michael worked with the school to ensure the DVDs were delivered and distributed after the videographer had failed to do so.

After WMA, Michael graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep in 2003 and the University of Pennsylvania in 2007 where he majored in Cognitive Science and Political Science. He also studied abroad for a semester at the University of Cambridge.

After college, Michael worked at the Center for American Progress (CAP), a think tank in Washington, DC, as a research assistant. While at CAP, Michael authored numerous reports, book chapters, and blog posts on issues ranging from stem cell research to pharmaceutical regulation.

He also did freelance work for Encyclopedia Britannica.

In 2010, Michael enrolled at Boston University School of Law where he focused on health care, regulatory law, and litigation.

He interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and at the Massachusetts State House, where he received a public service fellowship. Upon graduation from law school, Michael served as a judicial fellow for two years in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. He took a few months off from his fellowship to work at health care startup RegDesk. In November 2015, Michael started working in Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

All throughout his years in college, Washington, law school, and Harrisburg, Michael participated in some form of theater or improv comedy. He even wrote and performed in comedy sketches as part of BU’s Legal Follies.

Michael is very glad to have helped his alma mater retrieve last year’s graduation DVDs, and is proud to serve Pennsylvania consumers and protect them from unfair or deceptive business practices.

Vigne tes Tigerfest

2016 Top: Hats and hospitality were abundant at this year’s Kentucky Derby themed auction held in March.

PARENT OF

ALUMNI RECEPTION

Top: Familiar faces gathered and reconnected in Perry Memorial Library for the Parent of Alumni Reception held in April.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Bryan Carter is the President and CEO of Gesu School, an independent, Catholic, Jesuit elementary school located in North Philadelphia. Bryan, Joan (wife) and Elaina (grade three) have been a part of the Waldron Mercy Academy family for

Professional Development This spring, teachers and administrators took advantage of many professional development opportunities covering a wide range of topics including:

6 years and counting. Bryan has served on the Diversity

• Active Learning with Technology

Committee, a sub-committee of the Waldron Mercy

• Best Apps and Digital Tools

Academy Board of Trustees. On diversity Bryan says,

• Web Resources

“As it relates to the children, research demonstrates

• Cutting Edge Technology in Language Instruction

the important educational benefits - cognitive, social and emotional - for all students who interact with

• Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness

classmates of different backgrounds and cultures. Our country

• Admissions Marketing

is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, and so our

• Program Evaluation

schools, especially the school my family loves, Waldron Mercy Academy, must reflect that diversity and reap its rewards in educating our children for the 21st century. Ultimately, I believe, our entire school community profits when diversity and inclusion are ingrained into the curriculum and culture of Waldron Mercy Academy. I am pleased that Waldron Mercy Academy is approaching diversity and inclusion with a growth mindset. I am happy to help in any way I can.” Bryan is also on the Board of Directors of SpeakUp! Bryan, Joan and Elaina

In February, six of our lower and middle school teachers attended the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) in Hershey, PA. The annual conference hosts hundreds of teachers across the state and our very own Michael Borton presented on developing an engaging and integrated STEM curriculum using new technology like our 3D printer.

Courtney McLaughlin and Catherine Rissover did a poster presentation on their “Grade 2 +2 Apps = Fun!” showing colleagues how to use Aurasma and Plickers to enhance the classroom experience for student and parent alike. Back to School Night just got a lot more fun with this one!

QR code for access to Courtney and Catherine’s tool

In attendance were Jacki Pawlowski, Courtney McLaughlin, Nick Prince, Barb Scott (director of technology), Catherine Rissover, Michael Borton, and Molly Gangemi

reside in Chestnut Hill.

CLASS OF 2012 PICNIC

CLASS OF 2016 SHOWS THEIR HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION RECEPTION

SERIOUS STUDIES

FROM EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH TO DEDICATED TUTORING, WALDRON STUDENTS ARE EAGER TO LEARN. OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND ALUMNI EMBODY A TRUE DEDICATION TO STUDY, WHICH IS EVIDENT FROM THE HOURS OF CLASSROOM LEARNING, COMPETITION MEDALS, A WILLINGNESS TO HELP OTHERS SUCCEED, OH YES, AND AN O. HENRY AWARD!

INVESTED IN SUCCESS

AN OPEN LETTER FROM A PARENT Billy Baldini ’90 has experienced the Waldron faculty and their commitment to academic excellence as a student, and now again as a parent.

I am not the type of person who gets overwhelmed or jealous, but Courtney McLaughlin and Molly Gangemi have forced me to be both.

My daughter, Molly Baldini, entered grade two at Waldron Mercy unaware of the new hurdles she would have to overcome....more tests, more homework and more studying than she was accustomed to and, frankly, for which she was prepared. Molly’s reading was below average, and her drive and enthusiasm were even lower. She did very poorly in class, and her shy personality became even more muted.

Molly refused to study. She declared it was “too hard.” Then early in the year, my wife and I met with Molly’s homeroom teacher, Mrs. Courtney McLaughlin. I remember

looking through Molly’s work and tests, seeing grades of 40% and work that was careless and sloppy. I was sick in the pit of my stomach.

I felt as if I was fighting back tears, when I whispered to Courtney, “How bad IS this?”...while, in my head, I felt I knew the answer to Molly’s issues was to separate her from her friends and hold her back. Courtney smiled, put her hand on my arm, and confidently and reassuringly said, “we can fix this!”

We worked together. Molly went to a reading specialist, and Mrs. McLaughlin prescribed tutoring – and we chose, grade three teacher, Mrs. Molly Gangemi...We became a team – always in communication. Always sharing Molly’s accomplishments and struggles.

They were as determined as I was to get my daughter out of this seemingly hopeless abyss.

We all worked hard...especially Molly. As a seven-year-old, Molly was forced to substitute her snack or recess period for reading, she stayed after school on Wednesdays to work with Mrs. Gangemi, and she got home to constant reading and studying...and something happened along the way. The little girl that we had to force to do work, who hated school, reading and taking tests, was now reading on her own, she was looking forward to Wednesdays with Mrs. Gangemi, and was excited about tests, eager to show off what she knew to Mrs. McLaughlin, and her shy personality was blossoming with confidence... she had completely changed.

I said I was jealous. Very rarely in a person’s life do they, not only get an opportunity to change another’s future, Above: Molly Gangemi with her class on Pi day.

Left: Molly Gangemi and Courtney McLaughlin, with school counselor Grace Zorn, on Student Appreciation Day.

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but actually do it in such a profound way.

I am jealous of Courtney McLaughlin and Molly Gangemi, because they have changed my daughter’s fate. In response to “how bad is this?”, so many people would have chosen to shrug their shoulders and give some pre-canned response, essentially going through the motions and deciding to be reactive to what would happen next.

Courtney McLaughlin, by being caring and empathetic, took charge of the situation and made a plan. Molly Gangemi took after school tutoring (an event which is often looked at by a student with disdain), and made it an anticipated event.

Molly has been getting nothing but A’s for the past few months. She is probably the most improved student in the school, and she is proud of it. When I asked her “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, Molly quickly answered, “a teacher like Mrs. McLaughlin and Mrs. Gangemi.” That to me is the most telling statement of what these women have done for her.

About seven months ago, Courtney McLaughlin and Molly Gangemi were presented a Herculean task, and they triumphed...and in the process they transformed Molly Baldini.

When I tell this story I fight back tears of joy.

The fear that I felt in the beginning of the year has been replaced by excitement and overwhelming pride.

No amount of thanks will ever properly convey my feelings. To me...Courtney McLaughlin and Molly Gangemi are heroes. They saved my little girl.

MODEL STUDENTS AT THE MODEL UN Leading by example, the Model UN is committed to improving and fixing many issues faced by the world today. Ms. Eileen Flanagan talks about the process and how she guides the students along the way.

This year, as they have for the past nine years, Waldron Mercy Academy grade eight students participated in the William R. Sasso World Affairs Council Model United Nations Program sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. As a part of the Model UN, students serve as diplomats, representing countries around the world, including North Korea, Egypt, Sweden, and Nicaragua. Each year, the delegates receive topics to research and debate, representing the best interests of their nation, trying to make a difference for their country and the world. This year’s topics were international migration and global internet rights.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

The Model UN program allows our students to actively participate in the experience of being a diplomat. Each student learns about the United Nations by being the United Nations. Students do not simply play diplomats, they become diplomats, uncovering and representing what makes their country unique.

We traveled to the Philadelphia Art Museum to learn about the cultures around the world.

While researching the topics, we ventured to Temple University where we heard from field experts, who opened the students’ eyes to real life issues impacting international migration and global internet rights. With their research of cultures and international issues, each diplomat returned to school ready to draft a position paper, from which a resolution emerged aimed at improving the lives of people around the world. Finally, on May 19, we returned to Temple University, not as students, but as delegates to the United Nations.

As the Model United Nations, about 350 students from many different schools joined together to tackle the serious issues of our world. Every one of our delegates actively participated in the small and large group discussions. It was an honor to listen to our Waldron students speak out in support of international migration and global internet rights, and watch them as they learn the skill of negotiating in order to solve problems. Everyone returned

feeling proud of their accomplishments.

Several students were recognized at Temple for their achievements. Juliana Di Carlo ’16 was named Outstanding Delegate and Victoria Rose Conroy ’16 received Honorable Mention as a delegate. James McGovern ’16 and Max Scheuermann ’16 were named Outstanding Delegation.

The team of Nicole Arcidiacono ’16 and Bree Cocelli ’16, Alexa Battaglia ’16 and Noelle Chermol ’16, and the team of Olivia Hiester ’16 and Dayna Thomas ’16 were awarded Honorable Mention as Outstanding Delegations. Congratulations to these students and the rest of the class who demonstrated that they are the future leaders of the United States and the world, each showing that they will be “critical analysts of structures and agents of change for justice.”

Above: The grade eight class after participating in the Model UN competition at Temple University.

Below: (left) Abrial Cocelli, Chafen Ankrah, Khai Champion and BK Kothari during competition. (right ) Audrey Coughlin and Olivia Hiester prepare for the competition. Facing page: (top left) Michael Marchese with the 1st Place Student Congress gavel at the St. Joseph’s Prep forensics tournament. (top right) Lauren Zarro (left) next to Michael Marchese, and with Olivia Hiester (far right) during the forensics competition.

THE FORENSICS TEAM

IS ALIVE AND WELL Ms. Eileen Flanagan and her team of articulate and poised students have championed the world of forensics for decades. She reports on this year’s successes.

Forensics has been a part of Waldron Mercy for over 40 years and has continued to grow each year. This year, 43 students participated, representing themselves and WMA with distinction. There are six competitions held each year, beginning with the St. Joseph’s Prep Tournament, which was held on Saturday, January 16. Thirty-five seventh and eighth grade students participated in all nine categories: Original Oratory, Declamation, Oral Interpretation of Prose or Poetry, Duo Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Student Congress. Our team won several awards and received the trophy for the first place team.

Extemporaneous Speaking is the most difficult and challenging event. Each participant is given 30 minutes to research and write a three to five minute speech about a current event topic, which can be about foreign affairs or issues that concern our country. Students prepare for this category by participating in Student Congress in social studies class. In Student Congress, each participant plays the role of a senator, debating pieces of legislation that will improve our world.

Kudos to all of the students who participated and special congratulations to: Regina Passarella ’16 who placed 7th in Declamation, Juliana Di Carlo ’16 who placed 5th in Dramatic Performance, Maddie Ott ’16 and Alexa Battaglia ’16 who placed 1st in Duo Interpretation, Agustin Aliaga ’17 who placed 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Maeve Pinheiro ’17 who placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking. In the category of Impromptu Speaking, Christina Schwab ’17 placed 4th, Sophia Hoey ’17 placed 3rd, Tristan Wrable ’17

placed 2nd and Luke Osciak ’16 placed 1st.

Nicole Arcidiacono ’16 placed 1st and Alexis Young ’16 placed 4th in Original Oratory. In the category of Oral Interpretation of Poetry, Dayna Thomas ’16 placed 1st and Victoria Rose Conroy ’16 placed 3rd. In the category of Oral Interpretation of Prose, Maya Murray ’17 placed 2nd and Stella Peterson ’17 placed 7th. And finally, in the category of Student Congress, Michael Marchese ’16 placed 1st,

Olivia Hiester ’16 placed 3rd and Lauren Zarro ’16 placed 5th.

Every grade seven and eight student has the opportunity to participate and is strongly encouraged to do so. Public speaking is a valuable tool for every student to develop. Perhaps one day, one of our grads will use these skills as they become President of the United States.

Above: Some of the members of the WMA Forensics team after their win at the Waldron Forensics competition.

KRISTEN ISKANDRIAN ’91: PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND O. HENRY AWARD RECIPIENT With her fiction widely published, most recently in Crazyhorse, an influential literary journal, Kristen Iskandrian ‘91 exemplifies the creative traditions Waldron instills in its students. An accomplished author, Kristen received an O. Henry Award in 2014 for her short story entitled “The Interiors.” Currently, she is eagerly awaiting the publication of her first novel, due to be released in 2017 (we at WMA can’t wait to buy our copy!).

After graduating from WMA, Kristen attended Merion Mercy Academy, class of 1995 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross in 1999. She went on to pursue a Master of Arts, followed by a PhD in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Georgia, finishing in 2003 and 2009 respectively.

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SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

POPE FRANCIS SAID, “A LITTLE BIT OF MERCY MAKES THE WORLD LESS COLD AND MORE JUST.” AS IS THE MISSION OF WALDRON MERCY, OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY, ALUMNI STRIVE FOR MERCY, LIVING THE WORDS AND TEACHINGS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY FOUNDRESS, CATHERINE MCAULEY, EVERY DAY.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

GRADE EIGHT VISITS PROJECT H.O.M.E. Invested in the community, Alexa Battaglia ’16 and Olivia Hiester ’16 realized the importance of their grade eight service visit to Project H.O.M.E. The gospel values of mercy and justice are two of the pillars of Waldron Mercy Academy. They are values that are instilled from the first day students enter the halls, and live on with WMA alumni as they venture out into the world. The eighth graders, dedicated to their visit to Project H.O.M.E., not only spent the day there, but invested research time and class time into what it truly means to live as a homeless person, how they are treated, and how they persevere.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

On Tuesday, May 24, 2016, Waldron Mercy Academy’s grade eight visited Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia. Project H.O.M.E. is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing homeless people in Philadelphia with housing, opportunities for employment, medical care, and education. Unlike many shelters for the homeless, Project H.O.M.E. is a community that strives to empower individuals within a respectful and supportive environment. In this community, dignity is highly valued. Project H.O.M.E. is committed to advocating for justice and educating about the realities faced by those who generate low income and/or are homeless. For many students, visiting Project H.O.M.E. was a transformative educational and spiritual experience that greatly impacted how we view homelessness and the role compassion and mercy play in our response to it.

Before actually visiting Project H.O.M.E., we prepared for the trip by discussing in class the stereotypes that homeless people face and how society stigmatizes homelessness. In addition to this, we discussed various words that may typically be used to generalize and stereotype homeless people. These words included lazy, dirty, aggressive, abusive, addict, crazy, alcoholic, mentally ill, unemployed, unmotivated, and scary. We discussed their meanings and the weight of the words used to ostracize human beings from society. The stereotypes that stigmatize the homeless are isolating and dehumanizing, which is why the discussion about sensitivity and compassion before visiting Project H.O.M.E. was very important. The critical thinking before the visit made it even more of an informative and moving experience. Hearing the individual stories of those

that spoke to us was truly touching, and their bravery and strength evoked a sense of amazement and inspiration.

After all of the preparation, we showed up to Project H.O.M.E. ready to make a difference. We had a couple activities set up for us.

The first one was a talk with a worker who used to be a client in the program. The man’s name was Ruben. He spoke to our class about his journey from homeless man to an inspiration for everyone he meets. When a person meets him for the first time, they won’t feel like they’re in the presence of a person who was once on drugs or living in the streets. You see that he is a well-educated man who now knows his calling. Ruben was very open with

When a person meets him for the first time, they won’t feel like they’re in the presence of a person who was once on drugs or living in the streets. us about his difficult expedition. He told us about his reckless past, his children, his dreams, and why he decided that it was time for him to make a change. As young adults, chatting with people who have this kind of experience sometimes scare us, mainly because we don’t always know where their stories will lead. But also, the stories can be exciting and thrilling as they get to the good part, which is the people giving themselves a chance at a better life.

After his presentation, our class watched a TED Talk titled: “The Danger of a Single Story” by novelist Chimamanda Adichie. She gave us all a view into her life, how she found her authentic cultural voice, and let us know to never only be satisfied with hearing our story.

To simplify that, she wants us to realize that if we only listen to a “single story” about a group of people or a culture, we could miss a lot of understanding. Listening to Chimamanda talk helped us to be more open to hearing more perspectives on people and cultures, rather than simply stereotyping based off of one story or assumption. It enabled us to empathize more with those who face circumstances, different from our own, like Ruben.

Facing page: Grade eight students discussing homelessness stereotypes in society.

TWO WALDRON ALUMNI JOIN FORCES TO BRING AN ELEGANT DINING EXPERIENCE TO THE CITY’S HOMELESS In less than a month, a concept to increase awareness of homelessness evolved and came to fruition. John Avicolli ’91 learned from his cousin, Jason Pinhardo, of an event in Atlanta, Georgia providing an elegant dining experience for the city’s homeless men and women.

They knew they needed to replicate this event in Philadelphia.

With a lot of passion and planning, the help of GoFundMe, and donations of over $23,000 (in just four days!), on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the historic Armory, “Pop-Up Philly” emerged. Local TV station CBS3 was onboard to spread the word and even made the event one of their lead stories. With many local businesses as sponsors, the event took flight.

Using social media to garner additional support, John and Jason reached out to their network of friends and family. Enter Joe Termini ’88 and Termini Brothers Bakery.

Equipped with cannoli shells and their signature filling, Joe added flair to the evening, as he stuffed each cannoli for the 168 guests in attendance. Open to men and women, even a few children attended along with a homeless dog that had just been rescued.

Guests were associated with local shelters including St. John’s Hospice and the studentrun Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia.

Other participating organizations, including Action Aids, Aladdin Nation, PA Career Link, Philly Restart and The Unforgotten Haven, connected guests with available social services and other assistance.

Each guest wore a name tag, which made the event even more personal. According to one homeless man, “Living on the streets, we don’t get to hear our name mentioned often so this was really special.”

In addition to the unique dining experience, the guests were given backpacks with toiletries and other items, work boots, dog food, and gift cards.

When some wondered why the proceeds were not simply donated to the various organizations who serve the homeless population, John responded, “That’s what everyone else does. We wanted this to be an opportunity for our homeless population to be treated royally in an elegant setting, and to be waited on. We put a face to the issue of homelessness and helped to raise awareness along the way.”

One of the guests was a former member of The Ebonys, Philly’s own singing group from the 70s. Today, he is homeless and requested one of the group’s songs to be played during the event. When he heard the DJ play it, he was filled with pride and walked around the room proclaiming that it was indeed his voice streaming throughout the Armory. For that night, the many guests regained a sense of dignity, a feeling of hope, and were an integral part of a memorable experience.

Above: John Avicolli and Joe Termini pause to take a photo at their Pop Up Philly event.

JOE BEHRLE ’92: AN OUTSTRETCHED HAND Despite a devastating and paralyzing spinal cord injury in 2003, Joe Behrle ’92 refused to be kept from doing what he loved: building. But instead of simply returning to the way he used to work, Behrle used his injury and experience to pay it forward. After his injury, friends and family renovated and made Behrle’s family home accessible. Realizing how fortunate he was to come home to a space that was fitted for his new lifestyle, he immediately wanted to

help others with their accessible home renovations. Joe was recently presented with the 2015 Builder of the Year Award for his outstanding support of associate members, their contributions to the Home Builders Association, and the community. According to Joe, “What I enjoy most is meeting with someone who is newly disabled and giving them inspiration and hope.

My experience has allowed me to show them they’re not limited.”

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CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

STARS OF THE STAGE, VOICES OF ANGELS, MASTERS OF COLOR PALETTES. WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY STUDENTS AND ALUMNI EXUDE POISE, GRACE, AND ABOVE ALL, TALENT. WITH A CURRICULUM AND FACULTY DEDICATED TO PERFORMANCE AND CREATIVE ARTS, OUR STUDENTS ARE DESTINED TO DANCE, SING, AND WEAVE THEIR WAYS TO ARTISTIC GREATNESS.

SYMPHONIES OF INSPIRATION

PERMANENT ART COLLECTION AT WMA As you walk the halls of Waldron, you have probably noticed student art hung throughout the corridors, in the library, even in the Principal’s office. Did you know that all of these pieces comprise WMA’s

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Waldron Mercy Academy

Permanent Art Collection? Established in the 2004-2005 school year by Ms. Beth Hymel, art teacher, the Permanent Art Collection showcases pieces created by our talented students. Every year, Ms. Hymel chooses one piece from each grade, first through eighth, to be displayed in the collection.

Ms. Hymel said, “Art history is what I love more than making art, and every lesson I teach starts with the history of art.” Looking at all of the work in the art room and on the walls, it is evident that her love of art and art history are passed on to her students. Inspired by her travels and passion for art history, Ms. Hymel uses her personal adventures to create a theme that

motivates the students work. Past themes have included Ancient Egypt, Art in Spanish Speaking Countries, Asian Art, and American Art. This year, the theme was “European Art through Time.” The students drew inspiration from Monet’s Garden, Art Nouveau, and Henri Matisse to weave baskets, design a personal coat of arms, and paper mache grotesques that looked as though they were gargoyles stripped straight from Notre Dame in Paris. With all of the beautiful and unique pieces, Ms. Hymel will attest that the hardest part of her job is choosing just one piece from each grade. But somehow, she was able to identify eight works that not only reflect the culture from which they were inspired, but also show a high level of artistic skill.

For the 2015-2016 school year, the following pieces were matted, framed, and installed: Ugly Duckling Ethan Cosgrove, Grade 1

Greek Urn Olivia Wolanin, Grade 2

Mondrian Portrait Mason Wiegand, Grade 3

Klimt Figure Henry Parson, Grade 4

Klee Fish Luke Gallagher, Grade 5

Greek God/Vitruvian Man Juliana Brueckner, Grade 6

Weaving Arnez Kinard, Grade 7

Below: The Chorale Group in New York City prior to their performance at the Worldstrides Heritage Festival.

WORLD HERTITAGE FESTIVAL TRADITION CONTINUES Every year in the spring, for the past several decades, the Chorale group takes a trip to compete in a singing competition.

The select group of grade seven and eight students in Chorale are not only skilled singers but also filled with school spirit.

They represent Waldron Mercy with pride and positivity. In the past, they have participated in competitions in places like Boston, Annapolis, Williamsburg, and Walt Disney World. This year, Chorale traveled to the Big Apple to represent Waldron Mercy Academy in the WorldStrides Music Festival. As an organization, WorldStrides strives to “fuel the passion of aspiring artists,” which is exactly what they did for our Chorale students. Not only did the students compete in the WorldStrides competition, they experienced the culture

of New York, realized their own potential as artists, and caught a glimpse of what their futures might hold.

As a part of the trip, the students were given the opportunity to see a Broadway production: “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.”

But, before setting foot in the Shubert Theatre, they spent some time in the rehearsal room. The students spent the afternoon with Thayne Jasperson, who performed in the ensemble of “Matilda” in 2013, in “Newsies” in 2012, and currently performs in the cast of the Broadway smash “Hamilton.” Jasperson led a Broadway workshop, teaching the Chorale group an entire choreographed routine from “Matilda.” Later that same day, the students danced along with the number while enjoying the live show. Michael Borton, WMA music director, beamed with pride as he spoke about how happy the students were, dancing in their seats, stepping along with the rhythm of the music, in time with the performers.

Altar Piece Ainsleigh Reichow, Grade 8 These students graciously donated their pieces to the Permeant Art Collection, but luckily, Ms. Hymel displays the works in the hallways near the grade rooms, so the students can walk past their artwork every day. Next year’s theme, African Art, is sure to inspire works of expressive individualism and visual abstraction, evocative of African culture. Be sure to stop and see the student artwork next time you are wandering the halls of Waldron.

Facing page top: Grade seven students weaving.

Facing page bottom: (from left) Luke Gallagher, Olivia Wolanin, Arnez Kinard, Mason Wiegand, Henry Parson

KEVIN TONIAZZO-NAUGHTON ’07 GRACES THE STAGE OF WMA AND BEYOND For Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton ’07, WMA planted the seeds that sprouted into a favorite school activity, grew into a great passion, and bloomed ultimately into a career path. From Waldron, to St. Joseph’s Prep, to Penn State, theatre and the performing arts were the center of his life. Toniazzo-Naughton credits two WMA faculty members with helping him become a successful performer: Joan Testin, who instilled in him the confidence to break out of his shell, and Michael Borton, who helped him find his performance voice.

He currently performs at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler as a part of the Ensemble of the Golden Age hit musical, “Kiss Me Kate”, and will be joining the Gretna Theatre in Mt. Gretna, PA this summer for in their productions of “Tarzan” and “It Shoulda Been You”, playing the roles of Clayton and Marty respectively.

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After an exciting day and night of immersion into the world of Broadway, the Chorale group took their turn on the stage at Riverside Church in Morningside Heights on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Waldron Mercy Academy was among over a dozen schools competing in the 2016 WorldStrides Music Festival. Each school has the opportunity to compete in a variety of different categories, from boys’ choir to jazz ensemble; WMA entered the competition and was adjudicated as a full chorus. In front of dozens of onlookers and three nationally recognized judges, the Chorale performed a beautiful composition of three songs: the Irving Berlin classic “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “Voice of My Song (SAB )” by David L. Brunner, and “1650 Broadway,” a medley of 1950s tunes from the Carole King musical “BEAUTIFUL.” The amazing performance earned the group a Gold Ranking, the highest honor that the festival awards.

To celebrate their accomplishments, the Chorale took a dinner cruise around Ellis Island; seeing the entry point to our nation for so many.

Before returning to Philadelphia, the group attended mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the iconic church in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It is hard to think of a better way to end such a spectacular and event-filled weekend than to do so in such a holy place, reflecting on the events of the trip, and thanking God for all of the blessings and opportunities granted to the Chorale students and the WMA community in its entirety.

Over the course of just a weekend, our students were able to experience their own pasts, presents, and futures. They absorbed history, exploring New York City and Ellis Island, a pivotal location for so many of our ancestors.

They were acknowledged for their current abilities as singers, celebrating an achievement for which they tirelessly worked. They garnered a taste of a potential future, dancing with a professional Broadway actor and seeing what they can accomplish with their talent and a lot of hard work. This decades long tradition has impacted hundreds of our students. The experiences had on this and all Chorale trips truly instill a sense of determination and possibility with WMA students that they carry with them as alumni.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

A MELODIC RECONNECTION BETWEEN COLLEGE ROOMMATES AT WMA Regina Monroy ’18, string student, summarizes what it’s like to participate in ensemble and learn from professional musicians. “The string ensemble is a place where I can make music with others. The only thing that matters is that we all enjoy it.”

Susan Lerner and Marj Goldberg who were roommates at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, have continued their friendship at WMA, teaching violin, viola, and cello as a part of our String Ensemble and the Advanced String group.

The WMA String Ensemble, comprised of students from grades two through six, meets after school once a week for violin and cello lessons. Each year, the string ensemble performs for the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and visits the Sisters of Mercy at McAuley Convent to share their music, which is a perfect way to increase their musicianship and eartraining, while bringing the dulcet tones to others. Additionally, the Advanced String group performed at this year’s grade eight graduation after which, Lerner raved about how proud she was of those students.

When not instructing our students, Lerner can be seen performing at the Academy of Music, in the Broadway at the Academy series, at the Forest and Walnut Street theaters, and with the Delaware Symphony. You can catch Goldberg with the Philly Pops and the Harrisburg Symphony, or at her synagogue, where she regularly performs. This summer she’ll be performing in concerts at Independence Hall and on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Not only does Goldberg serve as instructor for our students, she teaches a couple of our WMA dads as well. Father-daughter paring Gerardo, Isabella and Regina Monroy all study violin, along with Dr. Joseph Renzi and his daughters Olivia and Samantha. Dr. Renzi’s third daughter, Vanessa, rounds out the Renzi quartet, studying cello.

WMA is so lucky to have such talented and professional musicians guiding our music students!

FLYING, PIRATES, AND CROCODILES WMA’s theatrical productions were a smash hit again this year. Students in grades two, three, and four performed “Pirates! The Musical,” a fun and pun-filled ride that had students and families alike wanting to join the colorful band of pirates. Whether sailing on the high “Cs” or stowing away for the next adventure, our students delivered their best in this show.

The production of “Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.” brought Neverland to life in the Sisters of Mercy Auditorium including fairies, Indians, mermaids, lost boys, and a comical crocodile. Peter Pan took flight with Wendy and her brothers to the delight of the audience. Captain Hook was foiled again by Peter and his merry band of lost boys and Wendy saved the day for Princess Tigerlily. Best of all was the flying! Our young leads had the opportunity to take flight in Broadway-quality harnesses—an experience that they called “exhilarating” and “awesome.”

Next year’s productions – and many more special events – will be aided by a complete lighting system renovation in the Dixon Gym. Music director, Michael Borton, is excited to showcase our students under the new system paid for in part by the fund-a-cause at this year’s Tigerfest Auction.

TIGER TERRITORY

CHAMPIONSHIPS AND ALL-STARS AND TIGERS, OH MY! OUR WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY TIGERS ROARED INTO ATHLETIC BATTLE THIS YEAR. WITH SEVERAL TEAMS BRINGING HOME CATHOLIC ACADEMY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS, OUR STUDENTS PROVE THAT THEY SHINE JUST AS BRIGHT ON THE COURTS AND FIELDS AS THEY DO IN THE CLASSROOM.

HEAR THE TIGER ROAR

JV Gir ls Basketball J V B oys B a s k e t b a l l Varsity Boys Basketball Varsity Baseball

CALChampions

VICTORIOUS SEASON FOR JV GIRLS BASKETBALL The girls’ junior varsity basketball team hit the ground running for the 2015-2016 season at the St. Margaret’s Winter Tournament. Facing the very same team that handed them a defeat in the first round

of the same tournament the year before, the JV team cruised to victory and eventually faced the home team, St. Margaret’s, in the tournament championship. The girls worked together as a team, used their fundamentals and pulled away to victory.

Even though St. Margaret’s had a strong team, they were no match for the tenacity of our Tigers.

Coaches Lauren Goane and Colleen Finegan drilled the team hard in practice, always dedicating time to foul shots. They also had the girls focus on passing accuracy, being able to lead the runner for lay-ups, which came into play several times throughout the season.

Above: The junior varsity girls basketball team post victory with their coach.

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VICTORY FOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

Starting off strong and continuing with a long winning streak, the JV Tigers only lost three games all season. Just prior to their last game of the season, they were informed that if they won, they would be named co-champions of the Catholic Academy League. And win they did! The girls’ JV basketball team claimed victory over Country Day School of the Sacred Heart and achieved the Catholic Academy League Co-Champion title, along with Villa Maria Academy.

A combination of great coaching, teamwork, and determination led to their stupendous season. Chloe Saulnier ’18 stood tall at Center, and was a major force on the boards.

Lauryn Redcross ’18 stayed cool under pressure and had an ever-reliable 3-point shot.

With quick hands and feet, point guards Andrea-Rose Oates ’18 and Cherysh Martinez ’18 both played defensive threats, always ready to go in for a steal and fast break.

Guard Maggie Carr ’18 attributed their success to hard work and team chemistry.

“Even if we weren’t the best team, we believed in ourselves and that made us better.”

Above: Katie Gallone sinks a jump shot during the Winter Carnival game.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

After what can only be described as a standout season, Joe Leonard ’93 summarizes what he witnessed and cheered on from the sidelines.

Offensive efficiency and defensive aggression were hallmarks of Waldron’s 2015-2016 boys varsity basketball team.

The team, coached by Charles Champion and Chris Razler, started training in midNovember. They practiced twice a week and played a total of 31 tournament, league, and playoff games into late February. The result was a 26-5 record with several tournament titles and a Catholic Academy League (CAL) championships along the way.

The team’s success was not an accident.

The coaches ran the players hard at practice to ensure that each young man was in peak physical condition. The coaches also drilled the team on ball movement, instilled a motion offense that sought the best shot on each possession, and implemented a full-court press that created relentless defensive pressure.

The starting line-up consisted of Khai Champion ’16, Peter Carr ’16, BK Kothari ’16, Jared Nolan ’16 and Jimmy King ’17. These five athletes combined heart and experience with an understanding of how to play together. Supersubs Jovan Goldstein ’16 and Sahmir Hagans ’17 added depth to the rotation. These seven

players and their teammates dominated the CAL and made their mark in tournament action against some of the best teams in the city and state. Size, speed, strength, and skill were all on display as Waldron frequently jumped out to big early leads, especially in CAL play. As games wore on, the team did not let up. They played with tempo and pace, often extending their leads en route to substantial victories.

All five starters had the ability to penetrate, pass, create, and score. Whether it was Khai driving through the heart of the defense for a basket, Peter laying the ball in after an offensive rebound, BK Euro-stepping his way past a defender, or Jimmy hitting a step-back jump shot, this team beat opponents in various ways.

While the team’s versatility on offense made them tough to defend, their stingy defense made them difficult to beat. The intense and aggressive press, aided by the players’ quick instincts and keen anticipation, forced countless turnovers and led to many easy transition baskets.

The team clinched its undefeated league title with a convincing victory over Rosemont in front of a packed house in the Dixon Gym. Waldron’s success did not go unnoticed.

Rosemont’s Athletic Director said that Mr. Champion and Mr. Razler’s squad “was the best he ever saw in thirty-five years of CAL basketball.” Well done, Gentlemen.

Above: The boys varsity basketball team celebrates clinching the Catholic Academy League title.

FROM INSIDE THE DUGOUT Varsity Baseball coach and English teacher Joe Leonard ’93 takes a look back at his 13 years of coaching baseball at Waldron Mercy Academy.

In recent years, Waldron’s varsity baseball team has been blessed with great talent.

This talent has produced three Catholic Academy League titles (2013, 2015, and 2016) in the past four years, losing only one game in those three championship seasons.

Following in the footsteps of Aaron Shafer ’13, Mark Dombroski ’13, and Bobby Cade Mornhinweg ’13, Nick Chermol ’15, Aaron Nuble ’15, and Matt Nolan ’15, respectively, led their team to an undefeated record with power pitching, timely hitting, and sure-handed fielding. This season, Jared Nolan ’16, Jimmy King ’17, and Massimo Amici ’16, formed the backbone of a team that improved every game and earned the respect of their opponents along the way to the best record in the CAL. Winning is nice, but as the head varsity coach for the past eight years and as the head junior varsity coach for the five years prior, I want my players to play the game the right way, display sportsmanship, show individual and collective improvement, and have fun while trying their hardest. If these goals are not met, winning does not mean as much.

I have read The Mental Game of Baseball by H.A. Dorfman, The Science of Hitting by Ted Williams, and Moneyball by Michael Lewis among other baseball books in search of advice to pass on to players, lessons to teach, and strategy to implement. Each book has provided invaluable forms of wisdom that I strive to impart to players over the course of the season.

As an English teacher and as a baseball coach, I love seeing development, progress, and maturity in my students and players. Whether a seventh grade student is identifying with Ponyboy from The Outsiders or a centerfielder like Jess Anderson ’16 or Eric DiPretoro ’11 is tracking down a game-saving catch in centerfield, the rewards and benefits of teaching and coaching are immeasurable and priceless and they never get old.

The 2011 team is one that stands out, most especially, as a group who played with equal part intensity and joy to match their love for the game and for competition. Their passion was on display during practice as they worked hard to improve and during every game when they competed with every fiber of their beings.

James Gleason ’11 was a standout leadoff hitter and smooth middle infielder on the 2011 team; Joey Frio ’11 and Connor Mullen ’11 played with grit and heart and demanded the same from each of their teammates that year.

Along with Todd Childs, Jr. ’11, Joey and Connor have even returned to assist as coaches. They have provided insight to me on the batting order and on the pitching rotation.

They have also served as role models for the younger, impressionable players.

Every year when I have had enough of the cold winter weather, I look forward to spring and the start of baseball season. There is something special about spending afternoons at General Wayne Park practicing from three to five after school, throwing batting practice, and hitting grounders to the same guys who were in my classroom discussing the

finer points of literature earlier in the day.

These experiences have created countless indelible memories: Emmett Gross ’08 playing all nine positions on the diamond in one season, Jimmy Kelly ’09 repeatedly slicing line drives into left field from the left side of the plate, Mark Centrella ’13 leading by example and displaying a winning attitude, Dominick Leuzzi ’14 performing acts of wizardry at second base, Max Coyne ’17 hitting the ball out of Narberth Park in left field, or Mark Dombroski hitting two different shots high into the trees in right center field at General Wayne. While each team and each season is different, the game itself does not change nor does the thrill of seeing a group of individuals come together to play as one.

Top: Max Coyne just before making the catch, tagging the runner, and getting the out at third base.

COLLEEN QUINN FINK ’92, HEAD FIELD HOCKEY COACH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Colleen Quinn Fink ’92 traces her field hockey roots back to Waldron, where she first picked up a stick when she transferred to WMA in the seventh grade. After Waldron, Colleen went on to play at Merion Mercy and St. Joseph’s University. Colleen was bitten by the coaching bug at Archbishop John Carroll High School, where she coached her team to several Philadelphia Catholic League titles.

Colleen bases her coaching philosophy on empowering her athletes and preparing them for the future. “I think if you can have a team of women that believe in themselves and have a supporting cast around them, they will be successful. The strategy and the tactics are my job behind the scenes and, if the players have these values at their core, they will be able to implement and achieve.”

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Compassion.

Forgiveness.

Generosity.

AYear of Mercy

hese virtues are instilled in us, as Catholics, from a young age. At Waldron Mercy Academy, they are the foundation of both our academic education and our education as human beings. Our entire community – students, faculty, parents, alumni – is rooted in mercy.

Mercifulness is also the foundation of how Pope Francis leads the Catholic Church and, as such, is a catalyst for this past year. “I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its centre the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (Luke 6:36).”

Traditionally, every 25 years the Pope proclaims a holy year, which features special celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and the offer of special opportunities to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially

T

reconciliation. In 2015, Pope Francis declared a Holy Year of Mercy, opening the Holy doors and launching a jubilee. Extraordinary holy years, like the Holy Year of Mercy, are less frequent, but offer the same opportunities for spiritual growth. His Holiness did so because he said the world needed a “revolution of tenderness” from which “justice and all the rest derives.”

He stated that “we are used to bad news, cruel news, and to even bigger atrocities, which offend the name and life of God,” and that ending those tragedies requires a spirit of mercy.

As we do, at the beginning of each school year, Waldron Mercy chooses a theme to celebrate our charism of mercy and its connection to outreach. This year, it coincided beautifully with the pontiff’s Holy Year of Mercy.

For the 2015-2016 school year, WMA dedicated its outreach under the theme: We are a Family in Mercy. Every year, our Waldron family seems to outdo itself with the abundance of compassion, kindness, and mercy it exudes. This year was no exception.

OUTREACH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Our Outreach Endeavors

Whether it was our students venturing out into the community or our outreach partners visiting campus, every month, week, and even every day, was filled with opportunities to be kind and merciful. Our upper classmen, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes, led by example. Under the guidance of Bob Fogarty, religion teacher, each month the eighth grade students visited the Adult Day Care at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. Twice a month, our seventh grade students traveled to DePaul Catholic School in the Germantown section of the city and small groups of our sixth grade students visited Hayes Manor, a retirement residence in Belmont Village. And our youngest students, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and ECC never missed an opportunity to spend time with the Sisters of Mercy at McAuley Convent, trick-or-treating at Halloween, caroling at Christmas, and springtime visits to sing and pray.

Two of the corporal works of mercy are to feed the hungry and to give drink to the thirsty, and our families did just that. Parents and students provided monthly dinners for the men of St. Columba and H.O.P.E.

Throughout the school year WMA students complete various outreach and service projects.

Students serve meals to the hungry, wrap gifts for children around Christmas, sing for the Sisters of Mercy, and more. These events represent just a few of the dozens of initiatives that occured during the 2015-2016 school year.

Children deliver

Grade 5 students sing Christmas carols at

H.O.P.E. LUNCHES to St. Francis Inn

MCAULEY CONVENT STOP HUNGER NOW!

MERCY DAY

5th-8th grade package meals for developing nations

Walk-a-thon to raise money for charitable endeavors by students

2015

ST. FRANCIS INN and the CATHOLIC WORKER CLINIC

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Food drive to benefit the

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL food pantry

HOPE PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION 16

Students help to write Christmas cards at

Waldron Mercy Academy

presentation

by Dr. Mykee Fowlin

Provided 80 families with turkey and fixings for

THANKSGIVING DINNER HOLIDAY GIFT DONATIONS purchased, wrapped, and delivered to family members of our Outreach Partners

lunches for the guests of St. Francis Inn, in Kensington. As a community, we held a food drive to benefit St. Vincent DePaul food pantry and grade four worked to secure a donation of a Pea Pod grant for food items for St. Elizabeth’s food pantry. Our fifth through eighth grade students participated in Stop Hunger Now!, packaging meals for developing countries in crisis.

Along with spiritual and corporal works of mercy, our students also shared their talents. Some of our fifth grade students assisted at St. Francis Inn and Catholic Worker Clinic with writing holiday cards.

Productions of both “Pirates! The Musical” and “Peter Pan, Jr.” brought smiles to the faces of our outreach partners when they came for a sneak preview show.

Finally, our students worked hard to ensure other children enjoyed the same necessities they do. Kindergarten through third grade students collected gently used books for Nickels for Knowledge, a Philadelphia based charity. Second through fourth grade students spent time sorting clothing for Cradles to Crayon, donations which came from the entire WMA community.

As a school, we collected tiny toys for Global Health Volunteers’ trip to Guatemala. And of course, Christmas and holiday gifts were purchased, wrapped, and delivered.

These highlights throughout the year merely scratch the surface of all that our

RYAN’S CASE FOR SMILES families and staff sew 100 pillow cases for

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Family in Mercy accomplishes. Each year, our students and families find more and more ways to impact our communities, and the world. We strive to be more thoughtful and compassionate human beings, and live merciful lives.

Mrs. Graham’s Thank You Just because the school year ends, does not mean the outreach stops. When school lets out for the summer, a select group of rising grade eight students spend a week visiting and working with our outreach partners. After leading the WMA community through our year of being A Family in Mercy, Angel Graham, interim coordinator for outreach, reflected on this last week of service. She writes: “On Tuesday, June 14, we, Waldron Mercy Academy students, visited Project H.O.M.E. as an act of summer service.

We learned very important lessons such as not to have preconceived thoughts about something you know nothing about. For example, we watched a video that showed us that many people’s stories are unlike the stories society has taught us to expect.

We really broke down what it means to experience homelessness.

“In the morning, we talked about people experiencing homelessness. They gave us five Post-It notes on which we had to write one word that is often used to stereotype

GLOBAL HEALTH VOLUNTEERS TRIP TO GUATEMALA

Grade 4 delivers Pea Pod Grant food items to

ST. ELIZABETH’S FOOD PANTRY

tiny toy collection Grades 2-4 sort donations of clothes and dry goods from all grades for

CRADLES TO CRAYONS

homeless people. We then stuck the notes on a board and analyzed how close-minded most of the stereotypes were.

“We then played bingo. It was heartwarming to see the smiles of the people as they received their prizes. It was very inspirational to see their faces light up as they received simple things we often take for granted such as socks, shampoos, and dental care items.

When we left, it was heartbreaking watching their disappointed faces because they wanted to continue.

“This experience has led us to appreciate the simple things in our everyday lives that are so accessible to us. It opened our eyes to see how such a small and overlooked object could make someone’s day. Altogether, we learned not to ‘judge a book by its cover.’”

When his Holiness asked the Church in this Jubilee Year to rediscover the richness encompassed by the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, Waldron Mercy Academy students, faculty, parents, staff, and alumni responded. The experience of mercy was visible in our halls, in our homes, and with our outreach partners.

The Pope said, “Each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence,” which is exactly what the WMA community did this year, has done for many years, and will continue to do for all of the years to come.

Grade 8 students make sixth visit

MERCY NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES

Grade 8 Service Learning research and visit to

PROJECT H.O.M.E.

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE Monthly visit to visit the men of

ST. COLUMBA and provide dinner Book drive for students in grades K to 3 for

NICKLES FOR KNOWLEDGE

Stars and Stripes Theatre performance of PIRATES THE MUSICAL for Outreach Partners

2016

SUMMER SERVICE week for rising grade 8 students PreK students sing, pray, and visit with the sisters of

MCAULEY CONVENT

Spring Theatre performance of

PETER PAN, JR. for Outreach Partners

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W

aldron Mercy Academy is on a roll having won another regional award in the Toshiba ExploraVision competition.

ExploraVision is the largest science competition in the world with students from K-12 schools engaging in “next generation” problem solving as emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In teams of two to four, students proposed ideas for new technology based on real life challenges or limitations and simulated scientific research to outline how they would test and develop their ideas. In the national phase of the competition, students further illustrate their innovative concepts by building a prototype as well as creating web pages and short videos to communicate their ideas to the public. Thousands of students participate each year and after several years of honorable mentions, regional, and national awards, Waldron has established a reputation as a top contender in the annual competition.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

In fact, last year, science specialist Liz Meyer coached the 2015 national winning team as well as the Region 2 winning teams for the past four consecutive years. In addition to her coaching duties and in acknowledgement of her leadership with the program, Mrs. Meyer was asked to represent the competition as a member of its ambassadors program and attend the National Science Teacher Association convention in November 2015.

This year, Waldron celebrated three more teams for their success at Community Gathering on April 13. Regional winners and grade five students Sebastian Barnes, Colin Birkmire, and Noah Campbell along with their coach, Mrs. Meyer, and mentor, Lucille Morinelli, were presented awards

by Toshiba Innovation representative Vice President Jim Bingham and Waldron alumnus Jim Flowers ’01 during the event. Grade two students, Téa Oliver and Kinsley Jackson, and grade four students, Grace Ciochetto, Ashley Gomes, Katie Leahy, and Olivia Librandi, were recognized with honorable mentions.

The WMA Region 2 winning team’s Photon Cruiser is a concept car powered by a convex lens and a system of connected radiometers instead of fossil fuels. The team focused on using inexpensive, environmentally friendly alternative energy sources for their car of the future and submitted their idea to the judging panel via a PowerPoint presentation they created. The road to success was not always an easy path for the trio, who faced and overcame obstacles early in the design process. Through cooperation, collaboration, and persistence, the team prevailed.

@ToshibaInovate @WaldronMercy we’re extremely proud of Team member Noah Campbell explained, “We originally wanted to create a perpetual motion train, but then we couldn’t find a really reliable source of energy, a way to move. So, we ditched that [idea]. But we still kept in mind the idea of having a mode of transportation that doesn’t require really many materials. Mrs. Meyer showed us a thing called a radiometer, which is an old kids’ toy that spins when light hits it. And so, we just kind of built off of that.”

The ExploraVision program challenges student participants to overcome boundaries created by society’s most pressing issues and visualize exceptional means for resolution using science and creativity,” said Mr. Fumio Otani, Chairman & CEO, Toshiba America, Inc. “The ExploraVision program was created in partnership with NSTA to recognize students who are at the forefront of scientific thinking, and as a company that prides itself on innovation, we’re proud to support future scientists, innovators and engineers of the next generation.”

“I am pleased that this innovative program continues to inspire and prepare the next generation of students and citizens who are savvy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “It’s rewarding to see

WHAT ARE OUR PAST TOSHIBA WINNERS DOING NOW?

your winning team. Liz Meyer is on a roll! students of all ages use their ingenuity and innovation to envision solutions to real-world problems around them.”

Student teams have suggested technological solutions to support environmental protection, healthcare innovations, and improve everyday experiences. Waldron’s teams have designed future technologies to provide for safer swimming experiences during rip currents, assist students in making healthy eating choices in the lunch line, and even “vaccinated” students against future smoking addictions through a lollypop. Waldron’s 2015 national winners were awarded with $10,000 savings bonds and an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet Congressional leaders and Bill Nye “The Science Guy” after they presented a tool to help endangered baby sea turtles successfully navigate to the ocean.

Mrs. Meyer has led the Toshiba ExploraVision teams for 12 years. During her tenure, Waldron has won 21 honorable mentions and four regional awards and one national award. Mrs. Meyer offered, “Regardless of the outcome, I have found that all of our teams come away from this experience with a true appreciation for team work

and a sense of accomplishment for having participated. This competition is a truly fresh approach to engage students in the scientific method and foster a passion for science.

Facing page: This year’s Toshiba ExploraVision winners stopping to pose for a picture and returning to work, practicing their project presentation.

Top: The Regional Winners being interviewed by Channel 3 News after receiving their awards on April 13. Bottom left: Colin Birkmire, Sebastian Barnes, and Noah Campbell designing their Photon Cruiser before 3D printing the model. Bottom right: Liz Meyer discussing scientific theories with the team.

Lauren Prince ’06 During her grade seven year at Waldron, Lauren Prince ’06 and her teammates developed “Stop Pop,” a lollypop vaccine that turned recipients against future smoking habits. The team won an honorable mention.

Since then, Lauren has attended Merion Mercy Academy and Howard University where her interests in science and math grew.

During her time at Howard, she studied premed and math, served as co-president of the Health Professions Society, and conducted

research over two summers at Rutgers University and University of Pittsburgh. Today, she is wrapping up her second year with the AmeriCorps where she is serving in two Chicago-area public high schools providing health education and supporting access to services including vaccinations, physicals, reproductive health, behavioral health, and dental health. For many of the students at these schools, Prince is providing critical education about healthy life choices and the BLUE & GOLD

19

Jonathan Paras ’10

health clinics in which she works are serving as primary sources of medical care.

“Believe it or not, when I was in college, I was the typical pre-med student focused on becoming a doctor. It looked glamorous on TV. After doing the AmeriCorps program, I better understand the mission of a health professional is to guide people towards healthy lifestyle

Winners

changes. Building personal relationships with patients over the past two years is what I have enjoyed the most about my experience and what I look forward to in the future.”

This fall, Prince returns to the area to begin the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Honorable Mention

2016

Regional Winner: Photon Cruiser, cleaner energy powered vehicle

Crab Lab, and “S.O.S.” Save Our Swimmers

2015

National Winner: “STAR” Sea Turtle Assistance Rod

“SUMMER”, Better Bike, Tooth Taffy, Operation, Safe Water, and Solar Sleep

2014

Regional Winner, 2nd place National Winner: “SAFER” Saving All Friends Escaping Rip Currents

Hero Band

2013

Regional Winner: “EAT” Helping Students Identify Healthy Lunch and Snack Options

2012

Meet the Meat that Never Mooed

2011

Emergency Vehicle Tracker

2010

BATS, Coalification Machine, Instantaneous, Personal Avalanche Safety Network, and Sole-R Power: Charging Into Fitness

2009

Lead No More Scanner, Tread-4-Fun

2008 -2003

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Toshiba started the ExploraVision Program with the National Science Teachers Association in 1992 and since its inception more than 360,000 students have participated.

Waldron Mercy Academy

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It was early on in Jonathan Paras ’10 time at Waldron that he began experimenting.

“I remember Mrs. Meyer teaching us about magnets in second grade and I was enthralled with the spinning and connecting pieces and why it worked.” Paras would go on to participate in the ExploraVision competition three times. His team’s honorably mentioned project was a process of using pheromones to keep birds away from wind turbines. Instead of flying too close and experiencing lung depression (or worse, explosion), birds would be discouraged from the area by the use of pheromones that could be spread organically by the wind turbines.

While still in high school at The Haverford School, Paras researched at University of Pennsylvania’s applied mechanics lab, competed in national innovation challenges, and championed the growth of the robotics program in his school. Again, he credits his interest in robotics with a third grade circuitry science experiment at Waldron. Now a junior at MIT, Paras continues his love of engineering in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. Paras has worked in three labs— nuclear science, electronics materials, and alloys—and is currently interning at ALCOA. Paras has always been interested in how and why things work, though his scientific interests did not always match his academic success. “I was bumped out of advanced math for not being smart enough. Despite all my experimenting, my love of science hadn’t translated into my academic work.” But that love never quieted and Paras found his rhythm in the classroom. In fact, Paras now takes the lead and shares that his most rewarding experience so far has been teaching. MIT offers volunteer opportunities to its undergraduates to teach middle and high school age students. Last summer, Paras took his hand-built radio telescope and collected data into the classroom developing a well-attended course on cosmology. “It’s a phenomenal subject— you can really get kids imaginations going.”

Paras has now taught for two years and even offered a six-week long class in physics.

Above: (right) Past winners pictured receiving awards and presenting their projects. (left) Recognized national winners travel to Washington, D.C.

YOUR WALDRON Thomas Doyle ’48 (pictured below left) attended the First Communion of his grandson Jack ’22 and posed with W. Gresham O’Malley ’46 whose granddaughter Mimi ’22 was also celebrating her First Communion in the beautiful Sisters of Mercy Chapel.

After graduating from Waldron, Tom attended Malvern Prep. He joined the military after graduation and served during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home, he enrolled at St. Joeseph’s University and joined the family business, Ford & Kening, retiring just five years ago. His five daughters are Merion Mercy graduates and his two sons are Waldron graduates. With his son Patrick ’81 as a current parent and his two grandsons, Patrick ’19 and Jack ’22 as current students, the Doyles are a third generation Waldron family.

W. Gresham O’Malley ’46, (pictured above right), also has a long history with Waldron and the Sisters of Mercy. His brothers Campion ’45, Shaun ’48, and Hilaire ’53 are also Waldron alumni. In addition, two of his aunts, Sr. Catherine FitzPatrick and Sr. Fenton Joseph, were Sisters of Mercy. After Waldron, Gresham graduated from Canterbury and the University of Pennsylvania. He was stationed in Paris where he served as an officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Gresham spent many years in the investment business. His two granddaughters Mimi ’22 and Evelyn ’24 are current students at WMA. John Moore ’50 retired from the U.S. Treasury Department in 1994 after a 30 year career there. John was educated at St. Lawrence University and spent his junior year abroad at Edinburgh University.

He is also a graduate of the University of California Berkley and resides in San Francisco, California.

WRITE TO US! CONTACT US IF YOU‘VE GOTTEN MARRIED, HAD A BABY, MOVED, RETIRED, OR IF YOU JUST WANT TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FELLOW WALDRON ALUMNI. EMAIL PEG FLYNN, DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP AND ALUMNI RELATIONS AT MFLYNN@WALDRONMERCY.ORG

Ed Chermol, DMD ’78 is a dentist in Newtown Square, PA. A graduate of St. Joe’s Prep and Temple University School of Medical Dentistry, Ed is the brother of two Waldron Alums, David, Esq. ’84, and Greg ’80. In addition, Ed and his wife Stacy are the parents of three children, Nick ’15, Noelle ’16, and Michael.

Claire Endres ’93 is pictured at her November 27, 2015 wedding to Steve Wildman in Philadelphia.

One of Claire's three maids of honor was her oldest friend and fellow alumna, Floyrien Grant ’93.

Claire is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy and La Salle University.

She is employed as a sales manager for Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, DE.

Patricia (Tish) Gaffney ’93 is an associate professor of audiology at Nova Southeastern University, where she has taught for more than eight years. Tish teaches doctoral level audiology students. Her specialty is vestibular assessment and treatment, but she also teaches in the area of amplification. Tish graduated from Merion Mercy Academy in 1997 and received her BA in 2001 from The George Washington University.

In 2003, Tish was awarded her MA from the University of Pittsburgh, and received her AuD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. A presenter at national conferences, Tish has served on the board of directors for the American Academy of Audiology as well as on various committees at the national level.

Jim Stritch ’94 and his wife, Theresa, added to their team with the birth of Aidan on September 9, 2015. Pictured with Aidan are Collin, age 9, Ryan, age 5, and Logan, age 3. Jim is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep and Alvernia College. In April, Jim was promoted to VP of corporate physical security coordinator for BB&T. He and his family reside in Lititz, PA.

Amber Boyd-Finch ’94, her husband Roger, and brother Wesley, welcome Scarlett Sandra Finch on March 21, 2016. Amber graduated from Merion Mercy in 1998 and received her BA and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Amber entered the business world and worked coast to coast from Northern Jersey to Southern California. After working for Disney for a few years, she taught English to grade school children in South Korea, where she met her husband. They returned to the area where Amber consulted for Comcast. She worked in Corporate Culture Development before deciding to focus on her family. Since then Amber launched her own stationery business/family blog (Pinkimono.com) and the family resides in Conshohocken, PA.

Anthony (Tony) Leonard ’94 recently became partner in the law firm of Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchison, Leonard & Tinari, LLP. Tony concentrates his practice in personal injury litigation.

With experience as a civil defense attorney, Tony brings a well-rounded approach and big picture point of view to his current work. He was placed on the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania Pro Bono Honor Roll in 2009. In addition, he is a member of the Delaware River Port Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. A graduate of LaSalle College High School and the University of WisconsinMadison, Tony earned his law degree from Widener University School of Law. He and his wife Katherine are residents of Philadelphia and their daughter Victoria will enter the WMA Montessori program in the fall.

BLUE & GOLD

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Joe Smiley ’94 was married to Erin Chiappini on April 29, 2016.

Joe is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep and Drexel University. Joe and Erin live in Collingswood, NJ.

Big brother Declan, age 3, welcomed his little sister, Brynn Kristen, on April 12, 2016. Proud parents are Jamie Varallo Flannery ’94 and her husband Ryan. Jamie is an English teacher at the all-girl private school, Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and has received many awards for excellence in teaching. She was the subject of an NBC Channel 7 news article to spotlight a conference Jamie spearheaded to instill confidence in middle school girls. She was also nominated kindest teacher in America by the “The Be Kind People Project” in March of 2015 and won Inspirational Teacher of the month.

Jamie attended high school at the Academy of Notre Dame and went to Temple University for her undergraduate degree. She received her Masters in Education from Neumann University. Jamie and her family are residents of San Diego, CA.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

Kate Brennan DeCandia ’95 was appointed Head of Voice at Oklahoma City University. A tenure track assistant professor in the School of Theatre, she is developing a methodology with the BFAs. Brennan Check-In (www.brennancheckin.com) incorporates Linklater Voicework, Vinyasa Yoga, Thai Bodywork and creative exercises to cultivate the whole artist - body, mind and spirit.

Last fall she received her Linklater Designation in Orkney, Scotland. She is currently pursuing her 500-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Certification in NYC. Kate is a graduate of Merion Mercy and Fordham University.

She and her husband Greg reside in Oklahoma City, OK.

Stephen Andrews ’97 received his MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College in May, 2016.

His thesis project was a screenplay titled “University City.” Friends from Waldron were involved in several of his projects as he pursued his MFA. Parent of alumni, Dr. Doug Farrell, starred as a lead in the movie Stephen wrote and produced and Kate Farrell assisted in the production. Stephen’s Brother, MJ Andrews ’01, had a minor role as a villager/Main Line business man. Stephen graduated from LaSalle College High School and Curry College. He has taken up residence in Nantucket where his goal is to open a center for creative writing for children.

Big Sister Simona is excited to announce the arrival of Ronald R. Donatucci III on March 18, 2016, son of Dana and Ron Donatucci ’97. Ron is a graduate of St. Joseph's Prep and studied at Villanova University and St. Joseph’s University. He works in the real estate industry.

Gregory Guffanti ’97 and his wife Lucy Corbett gave birth to a baby boy Francis Evans Guffanti on May 25, 2015. Greg is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep, Brown University, Jefferson Medical College, and the Oregon Health & Science University Family Medicine Residency program. He and his wife Lucy live in Portland, OR.

Lindsey McClennen ’98 was married on March 25, 2016 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico to Alfredo Silva.

Several of her WMA classmates attended the destination wedding, including Katie Murtha Dickman ’98, Lauren O’Donnell ’98, Ann Pelicata Muth ’98, and Sabrina Perry ’98.

Lindsey graduated from Merion Mercy Academy and received her B.A. from Penn State University and her M.A. in Advertising from Boston University. Lindsey works for a boutique sales management and marketing consulting firm, Delta Point, in Malvern, where she heads up their marketing arm. The couple now resides in Philadelphia, PA, with daughter Dominique Chojnacki-Silva.

Kathleen Murtha Dickman ’98 and her husband Adam welcomed first child, Samantha Margaret on November 20, 2015. Katie graduated from Merion Mercy Academy and Catholic University. She is a nurse in labor and delivery at Pennsylvania Hospital. She and her family reside in Philadelphia, PA.

Jamie O'Neill ’98 is a clinical project manager at Covance, a global contract research organization and drug development services company. Jamie graduated from Episcopal Academy and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Neuroscience Concentration) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006.

Cormac Daniel McCall was born April 7, 2016 to Liz McCauley McCall ’00 and her husband Daniel. Liz is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy and St. Joseph’s University. She teaches Latin at Merion Mercy Academy and living in Philadelphia, PA.

Moira Doyle Mink ’00 and her husband Andrew Mink welcomed their second son, Kyle, in October. Moira is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy and Temple University. She is employed with an international logistic company in Philadelphia and is a resident of Havertown, Pennsylvania.

Aerion Abney ’02 was awarded the 2016 Young Person of the Year at the 62nd NAACP Pittsburgh Annual Human Rights Dinner. Aerion is quoted as saying, “I hope my comments resonated with those in the room to be more intentional about our seasoned generation learning, applying, and teaching alongside the pride and promise of our future generation.” Aerion is a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and the University of Pittsburgh.

Cecilia Camardo ’01 married David Hashim on June 13, 2015 in Manhattan. Fellow alumna Lauren Gray ’01 was a member of the wedding party, and Mariel Boyd ’01 and Mary Catherine Bullock ’01 were in attendance. Rev. Joan Testin, former WMA faculty, performed the ceremony. Cecilia is a graduate of Mercy Merion Academy and New York University and is presently employed in public relations as an account supervisor at Edelman. She and her husband reside in Brooklyn, NY.

Brett Cassidy ’01 was married to Hayley Miller at the Malvern Preparatory Chapel. Brothers Patrick ’91 and Ryan ’95 were members of the bridal party along with fellow WMA alum Sean Vincent ’01.

Brett is a graduate of Malvern Prep and Penn State University. He is employed as a web content manager at Comcast, and the couple resides in Ardmore, PA.

Stella Belle Swartz was born to Katie McKelvey Swartz ’02 and her husband Daniel on March 23, 2016. Katie is a graduate of Merion Mercy Academy and West Chester University. The family resides in King of Prussia, PA, and Bella is the granddaughter of faculty member, Angela McKelvey.

Betsy Rafter ’02 and Daniel Madonna welcomed Brody Michael Madonna on July 25, 2015. A graduate of Archbishop Carroll High School and Temple University, Betsy is employed as an annuity external wholesaler at Lincoln Financial Group. The family resides in Springfield, PA.

Katie Delaney ’02 married Tyler Price in Philadelphia on March 19, 2016. Katie graduated from Mount St. Joseph’s Academy in 2006 and from Penn State University in 2010. She is employed as a child life specialist in the Pediatric Emergency Room at Inova Children’s Hospital in Falls Church, VA. Katie’s job is to help children and their families cope with stress, especially pertaining to hospitalization and illness. She and her husband reside in Arlington, VA.

Lauren Solometo ’02 graduated in May from medical school at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine which is at Virginia Tech. She will be a resident physician at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville starting in June. Lauren is a graduate of Merion Mercy and received her B.S from Dickinson College.

Nigel Alston ’08 received a B.S.in Computer Information and Sciences from The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Nigel is a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School and resides in Harrisburg, PA.

Jack Derewicz ’08 graduated magna cum laude this spring from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Politics and International Affairs. He was awarded the David and Leila Farr Prize in Economics, which is given to a graduating senior whose accomplishments best exemplify the ideals of scholarship. Jack wrote his honors economics thesis on the Oil-for-Food Program in Iraq during the United Nations Sanctions in the 1990s and 2000s. He wrote his Politics and International Affairs thesis on Reforms to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Last summer, Jack was a research intern on former Governor Martin O'Malley's presidential campaign. He filled many roles with different projects on the campaign and learned a great deal about conducting a presidential campaign. Jack has obtained a position as a research associate for the Democratic National Committee in Washington, DC.

BLUE & GOLD

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In Memor um Walter Arader ’34

Megan Zak ’08 received the Political Science Merit Prize from Temple University. Megan works for Temple as the student services coordinator in the Center for Academic and Professional Development. She will attend grad school at Temple in the fall in the new Master of Public Policy program. Megan’s advice to freshmen: “Take initiative in your education early, and do not be afraid to network with people.”

Maddy Strohm ’14 (pictured third from the left) was drafted into The Germination Project's 2016 Leadership Class on Thursday, April 26. The gala was held at the Union League of Philadelphia. The Germination Project is a fellowship for Philadelphia's youngest leaders. It takes these students and follows them all the way up until their first job. It is run by Ajay Raju, CEO of Dilworth Paxson, LLP. To get her spot (1 of 20) within the project, she completed an application with an essay and went through three interviews.

Maddy was chosen out of thousands of applicants from the Greater Philadelphia area. In August, she will attend a week-long boot camp on Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.

Lois Baldwin, mother of Barbara Baldwin, current faculty Thaddeus Bartkowski, father of TJ ’94 Patricia Bradley, mother of Trish Lockett, former faculty James Brogan, father of Maureen Brogan Roberts ’96 Sandy Brown, sister of Pam Moran, former faculty David Colby, father of Kim Shea, current parent, grandfather of Michaela ’08, Julianne ’13, and Dan Shea ’18 Veronica Colucci, mother of Lydia Brennan, current faculty, grandmother of Kate Brennan DeCandia ’95, Niko Rayer ’02 William Cosgrove, father of Patrick, current parent, grandfather of Ethan ’23 Alexander Coyle, father of Joe Coyle, former faculty Maceo Cummings, husband of Marcia, trustee, father of Marcus ’12 Sr. Maria delCarmen, former faculty Carol Elliot Comito, mother of Chris McCarter, current faculty Michael Donatucci ’99, brother of Ron ’97 and Ava ’15 Fenton FitzPatrick ’45 Marianne FitzPatrick, wife of Fenton ’45 Don Furtek, father of Daniel, current parent, grandfather of Aidan ’20 and Cole ’23 Stephen Grifftin, nephew of Mary Augustine, current faculty

Nile Hodges ’11 was accepted into the 6th class of the Freshman Leadership Academy at Howard University. The program selected 55 freshman students from a pool of over 300 applicants. The goal of the academy is to develop these freshmen to become strong leaders: whether on campus, in the community, around the country, or internationally. As part of the program, Nile will travel to China for a cultural immersion program. He will also be visiting local schools to connect with Chinese students, attending ceremonial gatherings to learn about the culture, and dining with local families in their homes.

Nile is a graduate of William Penn Charter School.

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Waldron Mercy Academy

Kaitlyn Przydzial ’15 is a member of the Mount Saint Joseph Academy Firebirds Robotics Team. The Firebirds competed in the FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) World Championship in St. Louis, MO in April. Team 433 is the second all girls "FIRST" Robotics team and is the longest running "FIRST" all girls team in the world. Kaitlyn is pictured in the center with the red cape at a competition at the Montgomery School in Skillman, NJ. Write to us! Contact us if you ‘ve gotten married, had a baby, moved, retired, or if you just want to keep in touch with your fellow Waldron alumni. Email Peg Flynn, director of stewardship and alumni relations at mflynn@waldronmercy.org

Dean Hodges, father of Eric, trustee, grandfather of Nile ’11, Paige ’12 and Pierce ’15 Agnes Hoey, grandmother of Sophia ’17, Luke ’18 and Ella ’20 Sr. Catherine Kealey, former faculty Frank King, grandfather of Gabrielle Woolley ’17 James Law, grandfather of Shane Quigley ’23 J. Francis Mahoney ’59, father of Francis ’92, Sally Ann ’94 and Timothy ’98 Alverna McCabe, grandmother of Declan ’13, Conor ’15 and Colin ’21 Patrick McMenamin ’85 Rosalie Miraglia, mother of Stacy Conroy, current parent, grandmother of Victoria Rose Conroy ’16 Robert Nicoletti, father-in-law of Megan Maguire, former faculty Eileen O’Brien, mother of Denis O’Brien, current parent, grandmother of Emily ’10 and Charles ’19 Michael Rumsey, uncle of Alison Nolan, current faculty John Sullivan, husband of Nicole, current parent, father of Ryan ’23 Marlon Yanga, father of Angelo ’23

Juliana Di Carlo, class of 2016, set out to find out more about everyone’s favorite grade seven and eight social studies teacher. Here’s what she uncovered.

Q: Is there a certain

Q: What is it like teaching

person or event that guided you or inspired you to want to teach history?

for such a long time at the same school?

A: Well, I’ve always liked history and I like watching the news. In seventh grade I started watching the news and got hooked on the news. CBS Evening News was my station and I just began to learn.

I also liked reading the paper. In grade school, they really didn’t teach history or social studies, or I should just say it was not a priority. High school was great.

And then I went to college where I met Sr. Henrietta. Sr. Henrietta was the head of the history department at Gwynedd Mercy College. When she taught, you were just absorbed into everything she said.

Q: When did you start asking your students the riddles?

A: I went to a workshop and I met the man who wrote the book that I get the riddles from. It was all teachers, and he asked us one of the questions and it took us such a long time. Now here we are, all of these educated people, struggling over these, because we had all of these ideas. And when we finally found out the answer we go, “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me on that one!” But it was great.

Q:

What is your favorite part of teaching?

A: That’s kind of interesting.

I actually enjoy myself every day and I like coming into school each day too. Okay, sometimes, maybe not. I like it when we get engaged in conversations and discussions. Now, I guess you were expecting me to say something like speech day. Come on! Speech day is great. Or when we learn about the Constitution. The other thing I like is, at the end of seventh grade, we do the Student Congress in the hallway. That is so much fun!

A: That’s a very good question.

It doesn’t matter what building you’re in, each class comes in with new ideas. Each class is different.

One time I tried to compare classes and I can’t because each class is unique. And even within the grade, each class that comes in is different from the other classes.

Do you have favorites? Ehh… yeah, as you think about them, but not favorites as in how you treat them.

Q:

How long have you been coaching forensics? Did you do anything like that while you were in school?

A: Okay very good question.

As you probably already know, I love forensics. In grade school, no, it didn’t even exist. When I went to high school, I joined the forensics team. I was a debater. I love debating. Now was I good? No! But I didn’t really care because I had a good time.

Q:

What is your favorite article of The Constitution?

A: I think you really want to know: what is your favorite amendment of The Constitution.

I think the First Amendment because the First Amendment sets up the basics: freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to assemble. It’s all about who we are as Americans and I like the idea that we all have a say in what’s going on and that we can change things. Granted, the rest of the amendments are very good – the Constitution itself is fantastic—but I think that amendment, the First Amendment, did a lot for us.

Q&A 10 Questions with Eileen Flanagan

Q:

Q:

What is your number one book?

What is your favorite memory?

A: I really don’t have a number

A: That is almost impossible to

one book. I think at the time, the book I’m reading generally is the book I like. I have so many books in my home and I was thinking about at one point moving them someplace. Then I realized, no, I want my books to be there.

By the way, I also do read fiction books, but I really do prefer history books.

come up with because I have so many memories. I think each class has been fantastic, and each class has different memories. I really can’t come up with one favorite memory although I do remember one at my previous school, on April Fool’s Day, my desk was missing when I came to school.

Some of the kids had moved it to the boy’s room. So I decided to hide all of their coats and bags.

Everything was done in fun.

Q:

Who is the person you look up to, respect, admire, etc.?

A: Jimmy Carter is probably who I admire most, but there are so many people I admire. I mean, Pope Francis, I admire him.

Obviously, my parents. I only knew one of my grandparents, and she passed away when I was eleven. And I kind of admired her because of what she went through in her life. There are so many extraordinary people that you meet in person and I admire them and what they go through in their life and how they treat people. I think I’m most impressed with how people treat other people. If we respect one another, it is the biggest thing we can do.

Q:

How has school changed since you began at Waldron Mercy?

A: I think the biggest change has been in the building. I would say that my classroom has changed.

Originally, I was in room 18 and then I was moved down to another room, and now I’m in a room that was originally the chapel. I love this classroom. I love the fact that we have this little…let’s call it a stage. I like the fact that people don’t have to sit in their seats. I love the fact that people are sitting on the floor and I love that I have the chairs in the classroom that people can just move around on.

It makes it more interesting and it gives you different perspectives.

Q:

Who would you invite to the White House Correspondents dinner?

A: Me!

To hear more of what Ms. Flanagan has to say and read her extended answers, visit www.waldronmercy.org/blueandgold.

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