OLP Magazine Autumn 2022

Dear OLP Pilot Community,

Stepping into my decade of leadership here at OLP is nothing short of a blessing. The rich heritage of our Sisters of St. Joseph and their charism of Unifying Love have been guideposts these past years as well as core, fundamental anchors for our professional development. Our dedication is always yielding to ensure our students have access to academic opportunities that serve them for years after graduation. We know from study after study that “Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries and the entire world” and here at OLP our priority is that every girl not only sees her potential but is illuminated to limitless possibilities.

In these pages you will see our students rise, as Pilots soaring in their respective leadership positions, individually and collectively. You will see that OLP is reaching zip codes far and wide to provide the assurance of safety, rigor, faith and excellence in educating girls.

The OLP community is thriving and the Mission of the CSJ leads the way to this inclusive environment. Spending time in community with Dr. Brandy Sato traversing the steps of our founders in France has had a profound impact upon our collaborative approach in leadership and I, for one, am most grateful to be included in this legacy and heritage.

God bless,

Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

About Our Cover

Dr. Lek arrived to OLP the summer of 2013. For the past decade she has been leading from the heart, even immersing her own educational pursuits in the CSJ history and heritage. Her doctoral dissertation and data capture was focused on the work, history, and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. With Dr. Sato’s own academic pathway having been born from Catholic education, these two are independently faithfilled leaders and collectively making a profound impact upon OLP .

Dr. Lek and Dr. Sato with ASB Founder’s Council Students

Cover Photograph by Robyn Scherer

Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace

Head of School

Lauren Lek, Ed.D.

Assistant Head of School

Brandy Sato, Ph.D.

Leadership Team

Diana Agostini

Rivka Bent

Jamie Flannery

Alison Knoll

Ryan Martin-Spencer

Jessica Occhialini

Sara Osmus

Tiffany Rajski ’07

David Ritzmann

Kaila Weedman ’08

Contributors

Theresa Aguilar ’23

Elaine Garrett ’23

Kristin Haygood ’99

Dr. Andrée Leighton, Ph.D. Lauren Lek

Inez Odom

Francesca Pinney ’23 Brandy Sato

Ainsley Savant

Lauren Smith ’23 Kaila Weedman ’08

Design, Layout and Editing

Rivka Bent

Monica Hickey

Inez Odom

Proefessional Photography

Melissa Jacobs

Robyn Scherer

Board of Directors

Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School

Danitza Villanueva ’98, Board Chair

Paul Baribault

Francesca Castagnola

Monsignor Richard Duncanson

Chris Herrera

Dr. Steven Jones

Deacon Lane Litke

Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ

Carrie Sawyer

Michele Schiele ’85

Dr. Seanna Thompson ’93

Timothy Truxaw

Joel Tubao

Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ Provincial

OLP WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM

The 9 th Annual OLP Women’s Symposium theme of “The Hope is Here,” congregates women leaders and students to partner in the hope of being the change the world needs today. Open to the public, from high school students to seasoned business professionals, the 2023 OLP Women’s Symposium features a series of workshops and highly curated panels with prominent leaders in their industries.

OLP and Me #YES

Not Letting The Commute Get In The Way

Imagine you enter a gauntlet of enthusiastic young women, each one eager to give you a flower, as you make your way to the center of the gym. All four classes are decked out in their given class color, making the gym look vibrant and lively. You take a seat, all whilst taking in all of the spectacular sounds, and sights that you are surrounded with. Eighth Grade Visitation Day. This was my first ever interaction with the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and I instantly fell in love. The combination of “Party in the USA” vibe, the result of 750 screaming girls and the sisterhood emanating in the gym, filled my soul as I felt the overwhelming welcome. I found my mother from across the gym and saw that she was crying happy tears, as she knew I would thrive here. I went home that night saying, “Mom, I think I have found my people.” I couldn’t wait to experience the long lasting memories at OLP, however due to the fact that I live in San Marcos, my family and I needed to come up with a game plan as to how I could logistically get to school every day.

San Marcos is about 45 minutes to an hour away from OLP, meaning that it would be a big commitment to attend the school, however I was ready to be all in. “We feel fortunate that we are part of a group of North County San Diego families that have access to the OLP van. The OLP experience is well worth the commute and the van is a really great opportunity to easily get our daughter back and forth to such a special place. The drive itself has been a seamless and manageable situation and we are thrilled that this has worked out all of the years our daughter has attended the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. We would do it over the same way, this has been an excellent experience for us.” (Jennifer Savant, Ainsley’s mom)

At the Academy, I have been lucky enough to learn and grow from the smart young women I get to call my sisters. We have had our highs and our lows as a class, however we did it all together as a team. One of my favorite experiences at OLP is the generational tradition of Spring Sing! Spring Sing is a student lead production, in which I am proud to have participated in every year. While the performance night is lively and fun, the journey leading up to it is the real experience. The memories that are made and the laughs that are shared during the afternoon practices and tech week are unforgettable. We put our all into making the show the best it can be as a team. I am proud to have played one of the actors in the most recent Spring Sing, as I was able to form an unbreakable bond with the other actors, chorus members, and dancers.

Fast forward to my senior year, I am grateful for all of the memories and laughs I have experienced through the opportunities that OLP has provided for me. I am excited to live up the remainder of my senior year with my OLP sisters as I know it will go by very quickly. OLP holds a very special place in my heart and I am glad my parents were able to overcome the distance barrier allowing me to attend.

Ainsley Savant , Class of 2026 pictured with her family, Presenting with Dr. Lek and Ashley Yeatts ‘20 at ICGS , Interviewing for Pilot Voices Podcast

Back to School RALLY

OLP students bedecked in their respective class colors, a tradition dating back well over sixty years!

Leading from the Heart

The Pilgrimage to Le Puy

DR. LAUREN LEK and DR. BRANDY SATO

In June 2022, Dr. Brandy Sato, myself, along with nineteen other pilgrims gathered together in Annecy, France, as we began our ten day pilgrimage to trace the steps of our founding Sisters of St. Joseph. Having paused the Mount Saint Mary’s University Pilgrimage for two years, due to COVID-19, all were ready to walk these footsteps of our Sisters, hear their stories, and be united in our spiritual foundation.

Our group had the blessing of being joined together with representatives from the various ministries of our Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, here in the Los Angeles Province, in addition to representatives from Mount Saint Mary’s University and the two of us from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, we were also joined with pilgrims from St. Joseph’s High School in Lakewood, Carondelet High School in Concord, and Sister Barbara Anne Stowaser, CSJ.

At each juncture of our trip, from Annecy, to Le Puy, and our final stop in Lyon, we were reminded of the legacy of our Sisters and their continued impact on our world.

If you would like to to listen to OLP Pilot Voices inaugural podcast featuring Dr. Lek and Dr. Sato discussing “Leading from the Heart”, please use the QR code to the left.

DR.. LAUREN LEK

The Pilgrimage had a profound impact on my spirituality and leadership. It was a blessing to walk in the footsteps of our Founders, especially in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay. We spent time learning our history at the Centre Interna tional St. Joseph. I came to a deeper understanding of how these courageous women’s “apostolic mission” called them to practice all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. It was a great reminder of my duty as a Catholic Christians to serve my dear neighbors in these ways.

While in the Kitchen, I was overwhelmed with the holiness of this humble place. Our Sisters gathered here after “dividing the city” to share their daily experiences and pray through a practice known as “sharing the state of the heart.” I strive to have such a habitual prayer life and live as a servant leader to others. I am very much looking forward to chaperoning an upcoming Pilgrimage with OLP students this Spring 2023 where they will have such a holy experience.

DR. BRANDY SATO

In the original kitchen of the Sisters of St. Joseph (circa 1650) with Sister Barbara

At the St. Joseph International Center in Le Puy

2022 Le Puy pilgrimage group

Traditional lacemaking tools

MEET JIM COONEY

When you enter Shiley Room 121, you are greeted with the site of extension cords dangling from the ceiling along with huge, windowed garage doors in the rear and enormous power equipment with blades labeled “diablo,” giant drill bits, cubicles chock full of metal parts and drawers covered in well-arranged tools. This is the home of robotics, AP statistics and physics. A “Steminist” poster in the style of Rosie the Riveter adorns the wall. This is the setting for building independence, asking questions and testing boundaries. Meet Jim Cooney.

Jim Cooney is a veteran teacher and has taught at OLP for the last 7 years. His quiet, sincere, understated style lends itself to creating a classroom atmosphere that is both serious and a setting for relaxed academic rigor. As he distributes corrected test papers to his students, it is evident that they have come to engage in hard work.

On the classroom screen is a cartoon image with the words, “Normal Curves and Z-Scores.” He reviews the grade distribution for classes, discussing the standard deviation and the mean. “Please turn to the first free response question.” He explains that, in statistics, if we don’t give context to our answers, it doesn’t allow us to have accuracy in our answers.” His gentle self deprecation, “let me know if I made a mistake because I did the math in my head,” makes room in the culture of his class for trial and error.

OLP Math and Science Teacher + Robotics Team Moderator

With open laptops, the ubiquitous water bottle and pencil and pen satchels present, the students engage with one another, reviewing their test papers together with Mr. Cooney’s encouragement. Hands are raised as Mr. Cooney navigates the room to respond to each student’s question. One student very candidly states, “I just don’t understand this.” Mr. Cooney takes a moment to clarify the entire concept for her and she smiles and shares that she now understands.

In addition to classroom teaching, Mr. Cooney moderates the Robotics Team and he shares his insights in an upcoming “Pilot Voices” podcast episode. “We {the OLP robotics team} were able to earn an opportunity to go to {robotics} world {championships} twice. It’s pretty hard to get to. My previous team, we made it once and that was in twelve years. You really have to work hard and earn it. But to me, that’s the less important part. The girls who come to robotics because their friend brought them, and they learn, ‘I like doing this!’ They become an engineering major and go off to do wonderful things in the world. I’ve seen students come in who have never held a tool before and when they leave they’re running power saws and using the mill and designing things in CAD to create 3D models to go in the robot to help the robot perform better. It’s amazing, it’s so much fun.”

Back in the classroom, Mr. Cooney advances the screen and lets the students understand the learning objectives for the class today. He provides them with a starter problem. He drops a page off with each duo and the students begin to collaborate. The worksheet is from the University of Cambridge on the topic of “Box Plot matching.” Mr. Cooney has reflected that girls seem to learn more effectively when provided with the opportunity to collaborate. Heads are placed together as they unpack the details of the starter problem. A duo joins another duo to collaborate on the learning. A student inquires if they get test retakes. Mr. Cooney states firmly, “no, only quiz retakes.” Clear expectations, a quiet gentleness, fairness and a well-organized approach to teaching are the hallmarks of an excellent teacher which are Jim Cooney’s calling cards.

Robotics students hard at work.

Our community commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), stems from our founding order The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), and their charism of “Unifying Love.”

The DEIB foundational cornerstone, derived from the CSJ mission and charism, makes space for each of our individual identities and teaches us to provide the welcoming culture of belonging for all. As we live out the CSJ principles within our Catholic high school community, we feel it important to anchor ourselves to an integrated symbolic representation of our Sister’s culture that welcomes all within the heart of its message. The CSJ began with teaching women the art and skill of lacemaking; and as you look to the imagery, of what we call our unifying love logo, consider yourself a thread within the beautiful product of the whole, the lace. A thread that thrives in its singular identity, yet is wholly connected to the bigger picture, and thus integral to the completed beautiful design.

It is our hope that through this symbolism each student, employee and guest to campus will feel the culture of belonging that is inherent within our school community.

Genuine lace from Le Puy en Valey, France the very starting place of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

At the heart of each lace artwork is the inclusion of the human element. Taking a closer look allows us to see the imperfection. This supposed imperfection of the lace becomes to us the absolute beauty within the piece itself. It is how we know human hands have created it, versus a machine that leaves no trace. With this human element the legacy of our CSJ Sisters continues to shine forth.

Thanks to Dr. Lek and Dr. Sato for returning from their pilgrimage (see story page 8) with lace in hand, many of these lace works of art are found in offices, classrooms and hallways. And in Carondelet Hall visitors can marvel at an original lacemaking machine, a pillow with bobbins arranged exactly as our first sisters would have used back in Le Puy en Valey, France in 1650 when they first taught women the art and skill of lacemaking.

The “X” design is particular to lace from Le Puy en Valey

CSJ John 17:21

The imperfection

Each classroom and office now displays this beautiful triptych work of art. Designed with input from students, parents, faculty and staff and the talented artistry of Monica Hickey in the Marketing Communications department.

THE LE PUY METHOD: Leading in the Spirit of Our CSJ Founders

The essence of leadership is love. It is more than a skill, dwells beyond personality, and is woven into the fabric of our being, created in the image and love of God.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet have embodied and amplified this kind of leadership — letting love lead — since their emergence in Le Puy, France in the mid-17th century.

The story of Le Puy — six women going out into a city beset with social and public health challenges, discovering people’s needs and then coming back to the kitchen in their home to share from the heart and strategize — is the basis of a pedagogical framework called “the Le Puy method.” I introduced this phrasing and method to my introductory political science students with a public park project almost five years ago. The journey continues to expand and bring learning, discoveries, and joy.

The Le Puy method progresses in cycles of “out into the city, back to the kitchen.” With students, the time “out in the city” includes readings, assignments, field and immersive experiences, and any number of projects. The time “in the kitchen” takes place in the classroom or online forum: sharing discoveries, holding discussions, and taking time for the CSJ practice of “sharing of the heart” (what are we learning? what are our next steps?).

The Le Puy method is informed by the charism of unifying love, and foregrounds three CSJ principles: (1) Meeting the needs of the times, (2) Unifying neighbors, and (3) Co-creating in ways that support human flourishing.

The method has served as a springboard for students, staff, and faculty to see the relevance of the CSJ heritage through the lens of our lives today. It is an invitation to a way of being, thinking, and doing based in love. In academic terms, the method is an approach to project-based learning and participatory action research.

In August and September 2022, AOLP faculty, staff, and trustees spent time in retreat exploring what the Le Puy method looks like in their personal, teaching/working, and departmental lives. Each department and the Board co-created a vision map, or “AOLP Scroll,” for meeting AOLP needs in the coming school year. The pictures convey some of the enthusiasm, creativity, and thought from the heart that informs the scrolls.

The time I have spent with the AOLP community has been a blessing and privilege. The love-based leadership of the faculty and staff is palpable. One of the questions the CSJs use when considering a course of action is, “Is this life-affirming?” Looking though the archive of this magazine, the issues and articles piece together the ongoing, affirming response of AOLP to the needs of the times for students and their communities.

The CSJs make it a point to emphasize that the charism is available to all, regardless of spiritual heritage or practice. The same applies to the Le Puy method; it can be applied in any number of contexts and leadership roles we might inhabit. The CSJ heritage is a living heritage. It meets us exactly where we are, however we might come to it.

In a spirit of reflection, what is revealed in your heart when you consider the following?

• How might you live into the Le Puy method as a family, in the workplace, in community?

• In what ways do you feel called from within to let love lead?

• How might we invite students — the young people we love and serve — to recognize and respond to love’s lead as they let go of ideas of “perfect” and embrace the evolving truth of their learning, lifting, and serving?

To close, if Father Medaille were with us today, perhaps he might expand his words to say, “We love love, and let love, love through us.”

What’s next for you? For us?

DR. ANDRÉE LEIGHTON, P hD

“I love love, and let love, love through me.”

— John-Pierre Medaille, SJ

Leighton, Ph.D. serves as an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Academic Innovation and Creativity (CAIC) at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. The University was founded by CSJs in 1925.

Dr. Andrée Leighton leading the Board of Trustee retreat

Dr. Andrée Leighton with Dr. Lek at the faculty and staff retreat that she led in August

A Choice to Love

The Student ASB Founder’s Council Commit to building a Culture of Unifying Love

FRANCESCA PINNEY ’23 AND LAUREN SUERTH ’24

Imagine you are a new student at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace . You’re thrilled with the anticipation of seeing what will happen the second you walk through the green doors. You’re shy and nervous, but ready to learn and grow.

Fast forward four amazing years later and you have blossomed into a strong, courageous young woman. The timid, hesitant person you used to be has emerged from her shell to become a leader. At OLP, leadership is central to who we are as young women and growing changemakers. Through every triumph and challenge, we are united in our commitment to following in the footsteps of the CSJ, and above all else, we embody unified love, understanding its significance as a powerful force in our world.

Within our role as members of the ASB, we recognize “leading from the heart” as a necessity, and we draw our inspiration from the incredible story of the CSJ sisters. ASB’s Founders’ Council, astructure unique to OLP consisting of six leaders, represents the six courageous women who took daring risks in pursuit of their goals. In 1650 in Le Puy, the six Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet stepped outside the boundaries of their convent to directly serve those on the streets. They were intent on helping the dear neighbor, despite society’s restrictions. The sisters’ selflessness characterized them as daring and rebellious, although rebellion was not the sisters’ intention; it was merely a necessity. They empowered and protected women by teaching them their lacemaking trade, which became both the legacy of the sisters and a symbol of OLP’s mission of empowerment. Just as the sisters empowered women with lacemaking, OLP empowers young women to be servant leaders. On the Founder’s Council, we are daring; we challenge ourselves to embark on service journeys, to create meaningful projects that unify our community, and to reach our student body in as many ways possible.

As the six original sisters live on through the Founders’ Council and ASB, ASB members have the opportunity to spread their inspiration, determination, and love among the Pilot community. Leadership plays a key role in the community at OLP. ASB members’ main goal is to lead and influence the student body in a positive way. The theme for this academic school year is “All You Need is Love.” As ASB members, On ASB, we take these words into account with everything we do.

Through the assemblies, spirit rallies, PTV announcements, inspiring activities, and all-school events we plan on the Founders’ Council, we are always focused on unifying the community through love and serving the dear neighbor with our deep-rooted compassion.

THERESA AGUILAR ’24

Faith Leader

OLP has provided me with many new opportunities which have assisted me in becoming a woman of heart, faith, courage, and excellence. Of all the experiences OLP has to offer, the integration of our faith merges the gap between the classroom learning environment with the broader community. We are called to live a faithful life of service to God and others.OLP encourages students to apply their faith outside of the classroom. By doing so, we are acquiring leadership skills while growing in our own faith life. Community service and altar serving during school-wide masses are just two ways of which I am able serve God and grow in my faith. By putting faith into action, we are able to grow into strong women who are inspired to embody God’s love, radiate it in our lives, and share it with others.

ELAINE GARRETT

’23

Sports Team Captain

Being a captain is a privilege and an honor, especially at OLP. Being a captain has taught me that the wellness and success of my peers and teammates come above all else. Regardless of what happens off the court, when we step on the court we are a team, through and through. I have learned the importance of sisterhood in and out of an athletic environment. No matter our differences, sports bring us together into one family.

STUDENT Leadership VOICES

2022-2023 ASB Founder’s Council

Back of the student ID

Leadership Experiences

at OLP help prepare graduates for college and beyond, with 100% of graduates pursuing a higher education.

The Number of OLP ASB student leaders who serve

There are over 75 clubs, with 3-5 student leaders per club. AVERAGE OF 300 LEADERSHIP ROLES.

There are over 25 sports with over 20 vasrsity captains. 500 LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS ALONE.

THERE ARE OVER 600 LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES available annually at OLP, which encompass many realms of campus life, such as student life, athletics and the performing arts.

EVERY OLP Pilot has the opportunity to create their own club each year.

There are over 25 sports with 20 stuvarsity captains. OVER 500 LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN SPORTS ALONE.

on class councils, the Founder’s Council, and the Executive Council.

OUR VISION

OUR VISION

The Girls’ School ADVANTAGE

The Girls’ School ADVANTAGE

The Girls’ School ADVANTAGE

The Girls’ School Advantage by

To

The Girls’ School ADVANTAGE

the

BY THE NUMBERS

BY THE NUMBERS

numbers

BY THE NUMBERS

To elevate women’s leadership worldwide by educating and empowering students to be ethical, globally minded changemakers.

To elevate women’s leadership worldwide by educating and empowering students to be ethical, globally minded changemakers.

elevate women’s leadership worldwide by educating and empowering students to be ethical, globally minded changemakers

To

elevate women’s leadership worldwide by educating and empowering students to be ethical, globally minded changemakers

93%

A

93%

of girls’ school grads say they were offered

of girls’ school grads say they were offered

of girls’ school grads say they were offered

93%

GREATER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES than peers at coed schools, and 80% have held leadership positions since graduation.

GREATER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES than peers at coed schools, and 80% have held leadership positions since graduation.

MAJORITY OF

of girls’ school grads say they were offered

GREATER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES than peers at coed schools, and 80% have held leadership positions since graduation.

A MAJORITY OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADS REPORT

A MAJORITY OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADS REPORT OUR VISION

GREATER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES than peers at coed schools, and 80% have held leadership positions since graduation.

A MAJORITY OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADS REPORT

OVER THEIR COED PEERS.

OVER THEIR COED PEERS.

OVER THEIR COED PEERS.

OVER THEIR COED PEERS.

80%

80% 93%

80%

80%

of girls’ school students report that most of their classes challenge them to ACHIEVE THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL, compared to 72% of girls at coed independent schools and 44% at coed public schools.

of girls’ school students report that most of their classes challenge them to ACHIEVE THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL, compared to 72% of girls at coed independent schools and 44% at coed public schools.

of girls’ school students report that most of their classes challenge them to ACHIEVE THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL, compared to 72% of girls at coed independent schools and 44% at coed public schools.

of girls’ school students report that most of their classes challenge them to ACHIEVE THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL, compared to 72% of girls at coed independent schools and 44% at coed public schools.

Students attending girls’ schools experience HIGHER LEVELS OF SUPPORT from their classmates and teachers than do their peers at coed schools.

Students attending girls’ schools experience HIGHER LEVELS OF SUPPORT from their classmates and teachers than do their peers at coed schools.

Girls’ school grads are 6X MORE LIKELY to consider majoring in STEM subjects, compared to girls who attend coed schools. Science Technology Engineering Math

Girls’ school grads are 6X MORE LIKELY to consider majoring in STEM subjects, compared to girls who attend coed schools. Science Technology Engineering Math

Girls’ school grads are 6X MORE LIKELY to consider majoring in STEM subjects, compared to girls who attend coed schools. Science Technology Engineering Math

Girls’ school grads are 6X MORE LIKELY to consider majoring in STEM subjects, compared to girls who attend coed schools. Science Technology Engineering Math

2/3 OF STUDENTS AT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS EXPECT TO EARN A GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE.

2/3 OF STUDENTS AT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS EXPECT TO EARN A GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE.

2/3 OF STUDENTS AT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS EXPECT TO EARN A GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE.

girlsschools.org

2/3 OF STUDENTS AT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS EXPECT TO EARN A GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE.

girlsschools.org

>80% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADUATES CONSIDER THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

>80% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADUATES CONSIDER THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

>80% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADUATES CONSIDER THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

>80% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GRADUATES CONSIDER THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

Sources: Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College; and The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

© 2022 International Coalition of Girls’ Schools

© 2022 International Coalition of Girls’ Schools

Sources: Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College; and The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

girlsschools.org © 2022 International Coalition

Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College; and The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

Sources: Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools; Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College; and The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

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OLP Hackathon 2022

Life On Mars

On a Saturday this past September, high school and middle school girls from all over San Diego County gathered for OLP’s third annual Hackathon.

Hackathons have long been known as meetings of the minds where people come together to solve a problem. For the past three years, the OLP Hackathon has provided a safe space for girls to seek answers to questions surrounding global issues, while fostering a sense of collaboration and confidence in typically male dominated fields.

In 2019, the EPICS club (Engineering Projects in Community Service) hosted the first-ever all-girls teen Hackathon in San Diego with over 80 girls in attendance. The second Hackathon garnered recognition from the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) and received a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Award for Special Events: In-Person (Single-Day). Seeing great success as girls across San Diego from various backgrounds and schools came together to problem solve and address various global sustainability issues, the third Hackathon was destined to shoot for the stars.

Student leaders from the EPICS club, Ainsley Savant ’23, Isabella Smith ’24, Emiko Hina ’24 and Kelly Rickwa ’24, began planning the Hackathon with a goal in mind, to have girls leave with a better understanding and knowledge of global issues,

how to critically think, and how to problem solve. They also wanted a space where students were able to be creative and collaborate with their peers.

From research, to prototypes, to final pitch presentations to a panel of judges, the participants were given the ability to share their ideas and were able to take initiative when it came to their passions and interests. When put in teams, the girls were able to learn the importance of contribution, respect and a sense of partnership. These are all skills that are necessary for girls to excel in STEM, not just in high school but in higher education and the workplace.

This year’s theme, Life on Mars, prompted students to consider the continuously growing world population and how to find solutions to support human life on another planet. Students were divided into eight groups, each assigned a topic to which they had to come up with a solution. Hacking topics included Food, Water, Clothing, Shelter, Air, Transportation, Energy, and Waste

This year’s theme, Life on Mars, prompted students to consider the continuously growing world population and how to find solutions to support human life on another planet.

Teams, many of whom started the day as strangers, brainstormed solutions to the problems set before them. “Our hope for today is that you are able to solve problems collaboratively as well as make some new friends,” said Savant as she led the students throughout the day.

Before teams set off to work, they listened to a keynote speech from Debra Simmons, a retired aerospace engineer who spent half of her career dedicated to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). She was instrumental in the field of Aerospace Engineering and left the girls with many inspiring messages. “Be a great team member,” she said. “Earn the respect and earn trust of your other team members and you will accomplish much.”

And accomplish much they did! Teams worked for almost five hours to come up with solutions and present them to a panel of judges. Our judges hailed from various local STEM companies and were all amazed to see the presentations and solutions each team came up with. Judge and pilot alumna Angela Henry ‘02 said, “I wish there was a Hackathon at OLP when I was a student. This is so cool!”

Ultimately, teams Waste, Water, and Clothing took home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place respectively. Closing out the day, Savant left the girls with a parting thought “Remember ladies, always keep learning and engineering, and know that your young minds WILL save the world!”

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

HACKATHON ATTENDEES

Heart of ’72

MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

In their original documents, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet gifted us with a word that expands on the significance of the sisterhood so valued and so unique to the alumnae of OLP. The French word “Le Prochain,” translated in the context of CSJ writings, refers to those neighbors next to us or those who follow after us. In this sense, the bond and commitment of alumnae extend beyond those sisters with whom they shared a graduating class and beyond the walls of Villa to encompass all OLP women, past, present, and future.

The “Le Prochain” concept was recently brought to life this summer in a beautiful way as the class of 1972 undertook their 50th Golden Reunion planning. A subgroup of the reunion committee including Diane (Ursich) Curiel, Jeanie Eklund, Marcie Lehrke, Maria Dolores Adame-Chavez, Marie Bower-Santos, and Teresa (Withers) Bonilla was formed to work on a class gift that would properly instill a legacy of the class of 1972.

It was through these efforts that the class raised the funds to begin The Heart of ’72 Memorial Endowed Scholarship which “serves to honor the Class of 1972’s deceased members, express gratitude for the stellar education and deep friendships we were afforded by OLP, and to pay homage to our own parents’ sacrifice in making sure we received such an excellent high school education.” As of the publication of this article, the sisters of ’72 have raised a total of $34,350!

The need-based scholarship award will be given to a student entering her junior year who demonstrates the qualities identified by the class of ’72: Devotion, Focus, Heart, Humor, Insight, Loyalty, and Spirit! Care for the next generation is an intrinsic calling of an OLP Pilot. The class of 1972 will serve as a model for future alumnae, alongside the class of 1994 whose endowed memorial scholarship in honor of Larissa (Eklund) Dethlefs was established in 2001.

In honor of her tremendous leadership in this effort and generous commitment to her alma mater, Diane (Ursich) Curiel ’72 was named 2022 Alumna of the Year during the September 30th Homecoming Rally. The Sr. Claire Patrice Fitzgerald ’56 Alumna of the Year Award is given each year to a woman whose values and accomplishments are consistent with the mission, core values, and ideals of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and OLP. This alumna exemplifies a woman of peace who will serve as an inspiration for future generations.

We congratulate Diane (Ursich) Curiel and thank the entire class of 1972 for their commitment to Le Prochain!

Alumna of the Year

DIANE (URSICH) CURIEL

Ways to Support OLP

Please join our valued community of donors by supporting OLP today. Explore the various areas of need and determine where you would like to give. Every gift—no matter the amount or method—makes an immediate impact.

CORPORATE GIFT MATCHING

• amplify your charitable gift

•discover your company’s matching policy

CARONDELET ANNUAL FUND

• support areas of greatest need

• provide access to extracurricular actvities and leadership opportunities not covered by tuition

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

•provide critical infrastructure updates

• create state of the at STEM, performong arts,and collaboration spaces

• ensure historic preservation of OLP’s campus

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

• building community partnership through mentorship, internships, and corporate connections

Give Today

NON-MONETARY DONATIONS

• address a need by giving in-kind

• support our signature events with auction and raffle items

LEGACY & PLANNED GIVING

• create a lasting legacy

• support OLP posthumously

• become a member of the Heritage Society

ENDOWMENT

• ensure the financial security of the school for years to come

SCHOLARSHIUP & TUITION ASSISTANCE

•provide financial assiatance to more than 40% of our student population through need and merit based criteria

“Why Give to Girls’?”: Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfil their potential. UNICEF

“Welcome to “Pilot Voices” a production of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.” The Architects of Change club at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace has a motto: “challenging what is, imagining what can be and moving humanity forward.” It is in this spirit, with the mission of OLP always as a centerpiece, that we open our podcast.”

OLP’s podcast series titled, “Pilot Voices,”will air its inaugural episode in October, 2022. In the weeks and months to come, Inez Odom will partner with Architects of Change program to record various podcast content that is relevant for inspiring our community near and far. Pilot Voices production and post production are being overseen by student leaders from Architects of Change and PTV. The finished products will air throughout the year and can be found on our OLP website as well as other podcast listening platforms.

SCAN TO BEGIN LISTENING!

Inaugural Podcast with Dr. Lek and Dr. Sato Student Ainsley Savant ’23 and Inez Odom conducting an interview in studio

NMS Scholars:

Isabelle Borossay ‘23

Sara Kuhn ‘23

Malia Lewton ‘23

Meredith Carterette ‘23

Kathleen Truong ‘23

OLP Students Demonstrate Academic Excellence

High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Nearly 100% of OLP students exceed the college readiness standards in their exams. As a result, our students are earning national recognition for their academic achievements. Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) are academically talented high school seniors who now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship, winners will be announced in April 2023. NMSP Commended students are recognized for their outstanding achievement in their top scores among peers from their state.

The College Board Recognition Program, awards academic honors to underrepresented stu dents, who take AP Exams or the PSAT/NMSQT® and score in the top 10% from their state, and have a 3.5 GPA or higher.

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

PROGRAM SEMIFINALIST :

Isabelle Borossay ‘23

Sara Kuhn ‘23

Malia Lewton ‘23

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

PROGRAM COMMENDED : Meredith Carterette ‘23 Kathleen Truong ‘23

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION:

Tatiana Ambrosius ‘24

Kamilah Enciso ‘23

Corinna Falcon ‘23

Olga “Belen” Gonzalez ‘23

Sophia Gonzalez ‘24

Valentina Cabrera Harari ‘23

Iliana Mariano ‘24

Francesca Pinney ‘23 Adriana Rabay ‘23

Zara Schmidt ‘23

Paulina Uribe ‘23 Chloe Valdivia ‘24

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL INDIGENOUS AWARD: Lucy Leer ‘24

THE ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE IS HONORED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING STUDENT RECOGNITIONS:

a DAY in the LIFE