OLP MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE (WINTER 2018)
IN THIS ISSUE WINTER 2018
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OLP Alumnae Give Back Through Board Service
Save The Dates
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The Changing Face Of The Library
Empowering Female Leaders Through All Girls’ Education
Corporate Partnerships Offer Learning Outside the Classroom
Reconnect with your OLP Sisters!
O U R M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T 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.”
FRONT COVER PHOTO
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OLPWS Committee members Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98 (left) and Francesca Castagnola (right) are pictured with OLPWS Student Leadership Committee members Maria Varialle Gomez '20, Gabriella Nechita '20, Michaela Castagnola '19, Emma Gronstad '19, Carolina Borbon '18. Learn more on page 14.
Dear OLP Community, There is nothing more powerful than the sense of belonging. Each of us yearns to be accepted, known and loved for exactly who we are. As I learn more about our Sisters of St. Joseph, I begin to see more clearly that in their mission, “that all may be one” (John 17:21), they recognize the deep human need to belong, to be part of something. Love is the natural manifestation of being accepted for exactly who you are – the singing off-key, the crazy dance moves, the occasional selfishness, or the love of telling bad jokes. Love accepts it all! Dr. Lek giving the welcome at our Junior Unity Mass in December.
It was actually one of our OLP students on our Student Curriculum Committee who captured it for me. She said the best part about OLP is that “each day you learn to love yourself a little bit more.”
She articulated for me exactly what the spirit of our sisterhood is: loving others for who they are and in turn, helping one another receive that love.
“Unifying love” isn’t just a catch phrase that we use on campus to help us build school spirit or nod to our CSJ founders. It is a feeling often experienced by our OLP students and carried on well past the quick four years of high school. It is also what our alumnae strive to create in their families, communities and world. Our OLP girls go out into the global community to be tremendous scholars and professionals. Beyond that, they are conscientious women dedicated to loving others by understanding and serving their most vulnerable needs, and ultimately, helping them feel as though they belong. This sense of belonging was also evident for me at the gathering of the leaders of our 21 CSSJ schools nationwide this past November in Minneapolis. OLP hosted the same gathering in November 2015. Feeling the kinship of sharing in the love of our CSJ mission and charism, all schools have committed to continuing the annual gathering and encouraging one another in the work at hand. In this magazine, you will read about the incredible work happening inside our classrooms and out in the community. For example, one article shares how we strive to help students see how what they learn in the classroom correlates to real-world professions. You will also read about the incredible student leaders we have here on campus and the more than 600 leadership opportunities provided each year. What I hope you feel as you read these stories is the sense of joy, friendship and sisterhood that permeates every aspect of our campus. Again, our OLP students capture it most clearly. At one of our Board meetings, a student leading prayer was asked how she sees the mission alive on campus. She explained that “unifying love isn’t just felt between the students, but also in the many ways the faculty care for each of us.” Creating those experiences of compassion and love is paramount to the work of every faculty and staff member. So as we welcome in the New Year, and we begin to fill up our plates with the myriad of traditional resolutions, let us go back to one that boasts more than 350 years: “to love God and the dear neighbor without distinction.” May all of us rekindle the CSJ charism in our lives intentionally as each of us becomes that living spirit of our Sisters of St. Joseph in our world.
GOD BLESS,
Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL
CLASS NOTES should be sent to Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 at jhandelsman@aolp.org TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS, please contact advancement@aolp.org
OLP
MAGAZINE
Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace Head of School Lauren Lek, Ed.D. Assistant Head of School Jessica Hooper Leadership Team George Battistel, Ph.D. Melinda Blade, Ed.D. Chris Boyer Marlena Conroy Aaron Gonzalez Teri Heard Jessica (Goncalves) Occhialini ’88 Emily Pippin ’06 Toni Russo Kristin Wiggins Contributors Melissa Ahrens-Viquez ’18 Alba Bayliss ’18 Rivka Bent Emily Franco ’18 Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 Teri Heard Samantha League Siobhan (DeVore) MacManus ’01 Carly Tucker ’18 Marlene Vollbrechthausen ’18 Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School Damian McKinney, Board Chair Coreen G. Petti, Board Chair Emeritus Alison (Priske) Adema ’82 John “Mike” Coughlin Michael Guerrero Terry Kalfayan Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81 Diane Koester-Byron Lisa (Manzer) Leweck ’82 Deacon Lane Litke Gayle McMahon Martha McRoskey Sister Jill Marie Napier, CSJ Dr. Mary O’Connor, DDS Barbara Picco Nina R. Sciuto-Morales ’76 Peg Stehly Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98 Design OLP MA GAZINE Hollis Maloney ’07
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OLP Alumnae Give Back Through Board Service By Rivka Bent, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
S E RVIN G ON THE OLP B OARD IS A L ABOR OF LOV E. Many members are alumnae parents and have traversed the OLP educational road with at least one daughter. These members have a deep commitment to and understanding of the value of the all-girls’ Catholic educational experience. For five of our Board members, the kinship to the mission of the school and the OLP educational pathway is very personal, for they walked the campus themselves and spent their teenage years immersed in the excellence of the CSJ tradition. Our alumnae Board members are Alison (Priske) Adema ’82, Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81, Lisa (Manzer) Leweck ’82, Nina Sciuto-Morales ’76 and Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98. These alumnae believe strongly in the value of the education they received and the importance of ensuring the girls of today and tomorrow are equally equipped to be changemakers in our world. The many stories each of these members share gives the Board a better understanding of the fluidity of memories attached to an institution that is more than 130 years old. As we look to evaluate programs and space, our Board is afforded insight, through the alumnae lens, of traditions that are attached to brick and mortar and ones that are rooted in the sisterhood found here at OLP. Needless to say, our OLP alumnae Board members are eager to return service to OLP because our deeply rich foundation has made an indelible mark on them, which is evident through the ways they continue to thrive in their own examples of service.
Photo: OLP alumnae Board members left to right: Nina Sciuto-Morales ’76, Lisa (Manzer) Leweck ’82, Alison (Priske) Adema ’82 and Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81. Not pictured, Danitza (Ramirez) Villanueva ’98.
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I serve OLP because of my conviction
I am happy to be part of the OLP tradition
that the education at the core of its
and to support an institution that has given so
mission has an enduring impact on girls
much to my family and to young women in the
and positively impacts society.
community for so long.
A L I S O N ( P RI S K E) ADEMA ’82
CL AI R CUNNI NGH AM K E N N E DY ’ 81
As a proud alumna, it is a true honor to now serve on the Board of Directors and pay it forward to the students at OLP and future generations.
DANI TZA (R AMI R EZ) V I L L ANUEVA ’ 98
OLP has been a special place for my
My commitment to OLP is a result of my
mother, four sisters, three nieces and
own experience there and the example
myself. It has empowered us to be leaders
that has been set by the Sisters--so
in our professions and communities. I am
committed that I sent my daughter there.
honored to serve on the Board of Directors
I also believe that the girls are ready both
and excited to assist in the continuation
spiritually and academically once
of OLP’s rich tradition of inspiring young
they graduate.
women, within the values of their faith.
NI NA S CI UTO-MOR A L ES ’ 76
L I SA ( MA NZ E R) LEWECK ’82 OLP MAGAZINE
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S AV E T H E DAT E S
AS H WEDN ESDAY MASS FEBRUARY 14, 2018 AT 8:00 AM | OLP HOLY FAMILY EVENT CENTER
S PRI N G S I N G 2 018 : WHE RE THE WILD THINGS A RE FEBRUARY 16 & 17, 2O18 AT 7:30 PM | BALBOA THEATRE Tickets available at aolp.org/student-life/vapa/spring-sing
OL P G AL A AND AUCTION: SOIR E N NOIR ET BLA NC MARCH 3, 2018 Tickets available at aolp.org/gala
FOURTH ANNUA L WOME N’S SYMP OSIUM MARCH 9, 2018 Tickets available at aolp.org/olpws
ST. J OS EPH’S DAY MASS MARCH 19, 2018 AT 11:00 AM | OLP HOLY FAMILY EVENT CENTER
VALLE DE GUADALUPE WINE EVENT
Casa Magoni
APRIL 22, 2018
Tickets at aolp.org soon!
Join the OLP Community for a family day in the Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico. A bilingual mass will be held in the outdoor chapel, followed by family-style lunch with music and beautiful views of the valley from Casa Magoni’s outdoor event space.
Tickets: $60 Adult Ticket includes 2 glasses of wine, lunch and soft drinks $75 VIP Adult Ticket includes a bottle of wine, Casa Magoni wine glass, lunch and soft drinks $30 Child ticket (under 21) includes lunch and soft drinks Optional transportation will be provided from OLP to Casa Magoni $25 charter bus ticket includes a pick up at OLP, transportation to Casa Magoni, and return to OLP Contact Shannon Morrison smorrison@aolp.org or 619-725-9122 with any questions.
A T I ME- HON ORED T RADI T I O N CONTINU ES For more than 70 years, the OLP community has celebrated the Christmas season with a candlelight procession at Villa Montemar. Due to the fire danger and Santa Ana winds, we opted for battery-operated lights this year, but the feeling of community, peace and joy was ever present. Prior to the procession, guests enjoyed ice skating on Circle Drive along with delicious appetizers from local restaurants, including Sabuku Sushi, Primos Mexican Food, The Green Dragon Tavern, Señor Mango’s and our on-site catering partner, The French Gourmet.
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This time-honored OLP tradition brings together alumnae, parents, students and friends of OLP to deepen our experience of Advent and Christmas through community, music and the beautiful student tableaux that tells the M A G Astory Z I N E of the birth of Christ.
SU P P O RT I NG STU DE N T AT H LET ES AT O L P ’S G O LF & T E N N IS TOU RN AM E N T On October 30, 2017, the OLP community of parents, alumnae, vendors and supporters enjoyed a beautiful day at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club during OLP’s Golf and Tennis Tournament. New this year was the addition of tennis to the tournament! More than $83,000 was raised in support of OLP student-athletes and our 20 competitive CIF interscholastic athletic teams and four club sport teams. Thank you to the dedicated committee of parent volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success! Congratulations to Henry Amigable, Richard Hafenstein, Coach Tim Paluso, and Michael Hyduk, who came in first place at this year’s tournament!
Gold Sponsors
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amigable building group
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amigable building group
Thank You, Sponsors! Lunch Sponsor
Golf Cart Sponsor
Friends of Orson Alvarez
O L P MAG A ZIN E W IN S CASE AWARD OF EXC E LLE N C E
We are excited to announce that the OLP Magazine has won the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII Bronze Award in the Independent School Magazines category. Thousands of
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independent schools participated in the awards process this year, and OLP Magazine was chosen as only one of three magazines to win! We are honored to have been chosen and recognized for such a prestigious award.
Special thanks to OLP alumna Hollis Maloney ’07 for her work in designing each edition of the OLP Magazine.
amigable building group
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Inspiring Others THROUGH ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE BY M E L I S S A A H R E N S -V I Q U E Z ’ 1 8 , A L B A B AY L I S S ’ 1 8 , CA R LY T U C K E R ’ 1 8 , M A R L E N E VO L L B R EC H T H AU S E N ’ 1 8
OLP’s Architects of Change (AOC) club is committed to pursuing forward-thinking and human-centric individuals of high character. The club operates in partnership with Maria Shriver, who has defined an architect of change as an individual who “challenges what is, imagines what can be, and moves humanity forward.” Our own student team is a melting pot of strength and character, where each is committed to a level of integrity that honors the club we espouse. According to our moderator, Mrs. Bent, we are “a wide variety of stellar high school students who collaborate to brainstorm, evaluate, research, produce, and showcase the excellent work of true Architects of Change.” Each meeting is run with a “Board of Directors” type of professionalism and team members work collaboratively to ensure the efforts of the club are OLP mission-centric and honor the school’s catholicity.
which showcased Bethany’s autobiographical movie, Soul Surfer. Additionally, our team began contacting vendors to partake in our vendor marketplace and reaching out to surf shops for in-kind donations. Each student embraced an active leadership role, which garnered a collective opportunity to learn and grow in strategic planning and evaluation of skill sets. During the research phase, the AOC team came to know the type of individual that Bethany Hamilton really is. Reading about her Beautifully Flawed retreat (for girls who have experienced limb loss) and her movement towards empowering girls to realize their potential were the most impactful components of her story. The AOC team also fondly remembers Bethany’s answer for why she withdrew from the ESPY nomination for Best Female Athlete with a Disability. Bethany stated that she “feels her injury did not make her disabled, but was just something that she had to adjust to.” The team also found the conversation on how to stay health conscious, where Bethany mentioned “eating healthy and not slouching” are a few examples of simple tasks. One team member recalls, “This greatly impacted me and reminded me not to underestimate the influence of the little things.”
A proud accomplishment of our hard work was bringing professional surfer, inspirational speaker and faith-filled leader, Bethany Hamilton, to our school this past October for a Live Conversation. The AOC student team began planning by taking an in-depth look at Hamilton’s accomplishments and commitment to using her story to empower others. We arranged for OLP students to familiarize themselves with Hamilton in advance of her coming through a “lunchtime movie” in the Holy Family Event Center, 8 | OLP MAGAZINE
Getting to know Hamilton through behindthe-scenes research and planning for the “Lunch with Bethany” event made the entire day especially enriching for the team. It was also enlightening to listen to her words of advice to students and friends of OLP during the event. Hearing Bethany’s thoughts
on topics such as faith, friendship and overcoming obstacles gave OLP students the opportunity to see how they, too, can become Architects of Change in their own lives. As with any great program, there are many layers to the Architects of Change club. The Live Conversations are not the only responsibilities of dedicated club members. They are also in charge of monthly highlights for the OLP enewsletter, through which they identify a changemaker in the local community. AOC students work diligently to research, contact and interview people who are moving humanity forward. Two recent highlights happened to be OLP alumnae: Emi Koch ’07, who advocates for the environment by raising awareness about ocean literacy and the small fishing communities whose economy is dependent upon the ocean, and Brigitte (Beas) Ponce ‘05, who provides homeless amputees prosthetics through the Corporal Works of Mercy Ministry program, which she founded with Bishop John Dolan. Right now, the AOC students are hard at work identifying and reaching out to the next candidate for an AOC@School Live Conversation. The goal is to host two live conversations per academic year and showcase a monthly highlight from September through May. However, the overarching intention and thread of the club is to inspire others to be Architects of Change in their own lives. Ms. Shriver says it best as she encourages all of us to “look for the good in people” and “celebrate those who are doing what they can to move humanity forward.” OLP’s Architects of Change club hopes to do just that: celebrate and emulate the goodness of others. Top: Bethany shared her message of courage over fear with the help of facilitator Cheryl Goodman, Sony’s new Head of Corporate Communications. Left edge: The next generation of women leaders and innovators were excited to hear from Bethany and ask her questions. Immediate left: Bethany pictured with the entire AOC student team.
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O L P S T U D E N T S D E M O N S T R AT E
Recognized by the National Merit
Academic Excellence
& National Hispanic Recognition Programs
BY T E R I H EA R D, AS S I STA N T P R I N C I PA L OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
The results are in and students from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace excel in English, Math, and Science. Nearly 100 percent
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of OLP students exceed the college readiness standards for English & Writing while simultaneously outperforming their peers across the nation in Math and Science by 21 percent. As a result, our students are earning national recognition for their academic achievements. Each year in October, juniors across the country take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) which enters them into the National Merit® Scholarship Program. Of the 1.6 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. More than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise and about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. These Semifinalists will find out in February if they will continue to the Finalist stage of the competition. Additionally, about 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the test will earn the National Hispanic Recognition.
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace is honored to announce the following 14 National Merit and National Hispanic Students: National Merit Semi-Finalist:
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Allison Grygar ’18
National Hispanic Recognition:
H Melissa Ahrens-Viquez ’18 K Therese Arguilez ’18 C Carolina Borbon ’18 F Diana Renteria ’18 J Sofia Steinberger ’18 I Nicole Valdivia ’18
National Merit Commended:
E Dana Adcock ’18 H Melissa Ahrens-Viquez ’18 B Angela Balistrieri ’18 C Carolina Borbon ’18 D Catherine de Frates ’18 G Megan Gronstad ’18 A Allison Grygar ’18 L Tifany Nguyen ’18
Lily Lucero ’18 Recognized as Matthew 25 Honoree The Catholic Charities Matthew 25 Award recognizes members of parishes and schools that live out the gospel message and advocate for a just society on a daily basis. Lily has served the community with more than 180 hours during her time at OLP. She is involved with Girls Rising Mentoring Program, Nazareth House, A Night to Remember Prom and Special Olympics. Lily also founded the Thirst Project, a new club on campus that works to educate and raise awareness for issues of water contamination in developing countries. We are so thankful for Lily’s leadership at OLP! Congratulations to the four Catholic High School Honorees (left to right): Michael Senoff ’18 (Saints), Lily Lucero ’18 (OLP), Jag Twigg (Cathedral Catholic) and O’Hara Wickham (Mater Dei). These students are a shining example of servant leadership and what distinguishes Catholic high school students. OLP MAGAZINE
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Sound Gets an Upgrade IN OLP ’S T H EATRE BY E M I LY F R A N CO ’ 1 8 On October 28, the Behringer X32 digital soundboard was introduced to OLP’s Theatre thanks to the Carondelet Annual Fund. The X32 has 32 channels that can house microphones and audio from a device or instruments; motorized faders that remember the position it was placed during the mixing; and an LCD Scribble Strip, which allows the technician to customize the name of the channel, such as the name of an actress or show audio. Scribble Strip also has icons, such as a microphone or keyboard for quick recognition on the type of audio the channel is assigned, and colors to create a visual group. The soundboard came at a perfect time for OLP’s spring show, The Addams Family, where it will allow students to expand on the quality of the show. For example, the X32 will let technicians equalize the audio of the show from the audience from an iPhone or iPad so techs can experience exactly what the audience is hearing. Technicians can also record from the board so they are able to listen to it from home and make future adjustments to the show. For The Addams Family, the technicians will be using scene management that will allow them to program 500 cues and 100 scenes with the push of one button instead of turning 10+ mics on and off throughout the show. Not only will this board provide better sound quality within the Theatre, it will also provide numerous enhancements that exist in professional settings. The X32 provides an amazing experience for students interested in technical theatre, as it teaches them the basics of sound design and sound engineering, which are essential for live sound, broadcast, studio recording and postproduction. The introduction of this board into OLP’s Theatre has given me and other students invaluable hands-on experience using cutting edge technology.
The Behringer X32 digital soundboard is the latest piece of equipment purchased through funds donated to the Carondelet Annual Fund. 10 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
The Changing Face of the Library BY SIOBHAN (DEVORE) MACMANUS ’01, LIBRARIAN
I T ’ S 7: 30 A M ON A S C HO OL DAY A N D A L L OF T H E 5 0 + S E AT S A R E TA K E N . Students huddle together in groups
collaborating on a project or quizzing
each other in preparation for an exam. They scribble notes on the table’s
writable surface or on the back room’s whiteboard. Some
peruse the new books on display while others sit in a comfy
lounge chair with the latest edition of their favorite magazine. My desk is busy too, with students requesting Chromebooks and headphones to check out. Others seek help with citing a source or renewing a fiction book.
Is this snapshot of an average morning in the OLP Library
different than what you envisioned? Perhaps you expected
a silent room with a handful of students studying in solitude. Many people are unaware of how drastically libraries have
changed in recent years. Gone are the days when libraries
were vaults of information. Now they are hubs for the creation and sharing of information, in which students not only access resources but also generate their own products to illustrate their learning.
One common misconception is that the Library’s collection is all books and only books. Quite the contrary! When looking
for sources on a research topic, students are directed to print books as well as the 18 online databases available. These
databases provide access to newspapers, reference books, magazines, scholarly journals, podcasts and more. When students are in search of the latest picks for recreational
reading, the Library has a plentiful collection of ebooks and audiobooks for students to access anywhere, anytime.
Aside from e-resources, there is a growing collection of
graphic novels for students to check out, as well as popular
magazines that span a wide variety of interests, such as current events, science, design, fashion, history, cooking, crafts and
more. There’s also a Tender Topics section, which is full of selfhelp books that support students through difficult times. All
Tender Topics books are borrowed via the honor system and do not need to be checked out.
But the Library is a lot more than just its resources! There are
also various services available to students through the Library. Technology is a large part of our services, and Alejandra
Alfaro acts as the Library and Technology Assistant at OLP. Students and faculty regularly come to the Library seeking
her assistance, and our Lunch-and-Learn sessions give faculty tutorials on how to use the latest technology.
T H E L I B R A RY I S NO T J US T A PL AC E FOR AC A DE M IC S ; it’s also a place for exploring and finding
one’s passions. To help cultivate students’ creativity, students are invited to participate in DIY @ Your Library events, where
they craft with supplies provided by the Library. In December, students created Sharpie Mugs, inspired by the book Sharpie Art Workshop by Timothy Goodman.
Examples of other Library events are the annual Poetry/Spoken Word Event, Speed Dating with Books, the OLP Library logo contest and a De-stress Station during finals week. The De-
stress Station offers tea, coloring pages, a puzzle, essential oils
and massage chairs to help students take a restful study break. Aside from moderating the student book club, I also organize the OLP Faculty & Staff Book Club and recently launched an OLP Alumnae Book Club.
With all of this activity and the new flexible furniture we received last year, thanks to the support of our generous donors, it’s no wonder the Library is one of the more popular spots on campus!
Pop in to see what’s new next time you’re on campus, and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @OLPLibrary. Photos from top to bottom: Poetry/Spoken Word Event Tender Topics book collection Bookmark with student-designed OLP Library logo Speed Dating with Books
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FOURTH ANNUAL WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM The Fourth Annual OLP Women’s Symposium , being held on Friday, March 9, 2018, promises to be our best symposium yet with a dynamic and diverse group of speakers, panelists and facilitators planning to attend.
Keynote Speaker:
About the Event
Kristin Gaspar
San Diego County Supervisor
Friday, March 9, 2018
Confirmed Speakers:
Dynamic Panels » Finding Purpose & Passion in Your Work » You Can Have it All... But What Does That Mean? » Taking a Seat at the Table » It Wasn’t My Plan
Carisa Azzi
Senior Vice President and CFO, Welk Resort Group
Janice Brown
Founder & Senior Partner, Brown Law Group
Ariana Longley, MPH Vice President, Patient Safety Movement Foundation
Schedule
8:30 AM Registration Opens
9:35 AM Welcome & Keynote Assembly
10:20 AM Session 1
Kamisha Mason
Senior Development Test Engineer, Solar Turbines Inc.
Dr. Liza Maria Pompa Gonzalez, MD, FACS Bariatric, Metabolic and General Surgeon
Carrie Sawyer
Inclusion and Diversity Manager, Qualcomm
11:00 AM Break
11:15 AM Session 2
12:05 PM Closing Assembly
1:00 PM Networking Lunch 12 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Kathryn Vaughn
Partner, Law Offices of Vaughn & Vaughn
Josette Persson Vinca ‘90 Executive Producer, Point Studios
Sandy Young
Vice President, J Walcher Communications
Thank you
Sponsors! STUDENT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Innovator Sponsor
New this year is a Student Leadership Committee made up of 18 students. The group is dedicated to elevating the student experience at the Fourth Annual Women’s Symposium. With student experience and engagement as their main priority, committee members are meeting and interviewing panelists and speakers, along with working on pre-event promotions and marketing. The students hope to bring the journey and expertise of our 2018 Women’s Symposium panelists and speakers to life for their classmates.
Trailblazer Sponsors
STUDENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Lauren Amaral ’18 Jenna Beck ’20 Madeline Becker ’18 Carolina Borbon ’18 Renata Burnett ’19 Michaela Castagnola ’19 Isabella Dominguez ’18 Emma Gronstad ’19 Brigid Hanzor ’20 Mariela Oviedo Lopez ’18
Gabriella Nechita ’20 Michelle Rickwa ’20 Elena Ruta ’20 Tatiana Salins ’18 Bella Scherer ’19 Nicole Stepovich ’19 Carly Tucker ’18 Maria Varriale Gomez ’20 Darlene Villalobos ’19 Marlene Vollbrechthausen ’18
For sponsorship information, contact Stephanie Kanaski ’99 at skanaski@aolp.org. Confirmed Speakers, Continued: Karla Berman
Marcela Celorio
Commercial Director, Google Mexico
Consul General of Mexico
Jen Carroll
Senior Vice President, Director of Stores, ANN, Inc.
Associate Director, Public Relations, Illumina
Joan Ciancaglini
Meagan Garland, Esq. Founder & Attorney, Garland Law
Ashley Hayek
President & CEO, Golden State Consultants
Register today at aolp.org/olpws! » $50-General Admission » $15 OLP Alumna/College Student/Young Professional (under 30 years old) OLP MAGAZINE
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Empowering Female Leaders through
AN ALL GIRLS’ EDUCTAION BY SAMANTHA LEAGUE, Communications Coordinator
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L P P R E PA R E S G I R L S T O B E C O M E “A L L O F W H I C H WO M A N I S CA PA B L E ” – a statement carried forth by our
founders themselves. Having educated young women for the past 135 years, we know that women are capable of many things, including the ability to lead effectively. Yet, women in the U.S. are not well represented in leadership roles. As of December 2017, only 19.6 percent of seats in Congress are held by women. At the state level, women hold 24.9 percent of available seats. There are only six female governors, and only 22 mayors of the largest 100 cities are women. Female leaders are poorly represented in top companies, as well. According to the January 2017 S&P 500 list, women hold a meager 5.2 percent of CEO positions in those top 500 companies. According to the May 2017 Fortune 500 list, women hold 6.4 percent of CEO positions in those top 500 companies – which is the highest proportion to date. At this current rate of change, women will reach parity with men in key leadership roles in 2085. That is 67 years. This is why we take the responsibility of cultivating leadership skills within our girls so seriously. So far this year, OLP has offered 617 leadership positions through various opportunities. This already ambitious number will rise once spring sports begin in March. Why is female leadership so important? There is much evidence on how
93% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL GR A DUAT E S S AY T H E Y W E R E OFFE R E D GR E AT E R LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
than peers at co-ed schools. – National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
women’s leadership – and diversity, in general – is valuable and necessary for positive growth. In politics, women improve the decision-making process because they are more likely to work across party lines to focus on issues of gender-based violence, childcare, pensions, electoral reform and genderequality laws – which affect all citizens, including the most vulnerable populations. 1
Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University:
http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/women-elective-office-2017. 2
“Women CEOs of the S&P 500,” Catalyst: Workplaces that Work for Women,
November 22, 2017, http://www.catalyst.org/knowledge/women-ceos-sp-500 3
“These are the Women CEOs Leading Fortune 500 Companies,” Fortune, June 7, 2017,
http://fortune.com/2017/06/07/fortune-500-women-ceos/ “Women’s Leadership Gap,” Center for American Progress, May 21, 2017,
4
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/women/reports/2017/05/21/432758/womens-leadershipgap/ “Facts and figures: Leadership and political participation,” UN Women, July 2017,
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http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures “ OLP MAGAZINE
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We’re also starting to see evidence of positive growth in business
structured so that one semester of Speech & Debate is required
corporations. According to a recent global study, the largest
to graduate for every one of our 750 students. Those who want to
gains in company performance were positively correlated with the
hone their skills can do so through student clubs and programs,
presence of female executives and female board members.
athletic teams, Spring Sing and ASB – where 100 percent of our government positions are comprised of young women.
This means that just having a female CEO is not enough. Significant gains are made only when women occupy leadership
In fact, at OLP – the only all girls’ high school in San Diego –
positions at various levels, creating a “pipeline effect.” A similar
girls occupy every leadership role.
study found that at least three female board members are needed for their voices to be heard, and for the “dynamics of the board to
Our students are empowered to become faith-filled leaders
change substantially.” The more, the merrier.
through our unifying mission, dedication to our core values, and enriching learning environment. We invite you to see how we do
This is why leadership training at OLP starts before the first day of
that over the next few pages.
freshman year, through our Link Crew program. Our curriculum is
“BY SUBTR ACTING BOYS, A N A LL- GIR LS ’ E DUC AT ION ADDS OPPORTUNITIES.
Not only does she have a wealth of avenues for self-exploration and development, “The Best Reason Yet to Increase Women in Business Leadership,” Forbes, February 23, 2016,
6
https://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2016/02/23/the-best-reason-yet-to-increase-womenin-business-leadership/#3f19bcb5506b 7
“Companies with women in leadership roles crush competition,” June 17, 2016, Business Insider,
http://www.businessinsider.com/companies-with-women-in-leadership-roles-perform-better-2016-6
16 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
she has a wealth of peer role models.” – National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
45% OF WOM E N W HO GR A DUAT E D FROM INDEPENDENT SINGLE-SEX
Speech & Debate
SCHOOLS R AT E T H E IR PU BLIC SPE A K I NG A BI L I T Y “A BOV E AV E R AGE ” OR IN THE “HIGHEST 10%,”
compared to 39% of women who graduated from independent coeducational schools. – National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
S P E EC H & D E BAT E I I S A R EQ U I R E D O N E-
“Leadership is so much more than standing in front of a crowd
S E M E S T E R C O U R S E F O R E V E R Y S T U D E N T . OLP
and managing others, and this course helps students understand
recognized a long time ago that one cannot influence decisions and
this,” Susan explained. “It teaches students to speak with conviction
motivate change without essential communication skills.
and credibility while connecting with others through compassion. It encourages them to seek opportunities to be challenged and to take
Speech & Debate I teaches our girls the fundamentals of
risks in the pursuit of initiating change. It promotes students to listen
communication: critical thinking, research, argumentative,
and work collaboratively with others in order to solve issues through
composition, interpretation, organization, verbal and nonverbal
critical thinking and creative solutions. Lastly, it trains students to be
communication. These are the tools one needs to “inspire and lead
confident, authentic young women who embrace their humanity as
others to implement change for the betterment of society,” Mrs.
they work towards leading in whichever career path they choose.”
Susan (Abawi) Antolin ‘06 said. For those who want to continue honing their public speaking skills, As an alumna, Susan attributes being confident in her ability to
we’re excited to now offer Speech & Debate II Honors. This new G
communicate effectively to what she learned from Dr. Timothy
Block course introduces students to more advanced techniques in
Sheehan in 2004. “(This course) truly did prepare me for the future,”
speech analysis, speech production (both prepared and impromptu),
she said. Being able to teach this course herself and contribute to
and formal argumentation. “The class filled up rather quickly, serving
young women’s leadership formation is “one of the best gifts (she)
as a testament to how dedicated our students are to building their
has ever received.”
leadership skills,” Susan beamed.
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Spring Sing SPRING SING – A MUSICAL PRODUCTION AND CLASS C O M P E T I T I O N E X C L U S I V E L Y R U N B Y S T U D E N T S —is a 45-year-old tradition that promotes leadership, creativity and sisterhood. “It is the principle example of ‘project-based learning’ on campus,” Donna Allen ’85 says. “At the start of the process stands a clean dry-erase board; months later, (it holds) a single-themed production made up four competing sub-themes.” Spring Sing offers 25 student leadership positions that are often filled by two or more students. This year, 54 students hold leadership positions. “Each of the leaders comes with a specific set of skills in order to keep the entire production running smoothly,” Molly Cunningham says. “They are responsible for writing the script, casting the actors, making staging decisions, choosing the songs, coming up with vocal parts, teaching the music to chorus members, choreographing the dances and teaching
54
dancers, designing all props, researching costume options, designing and purchasing costumes for all performers, scheduling each rehearsal,
STUDENTS HOLD
effectively leading their peers, and that’s just to name a few.”
SPRING SING LEADERSHIP
Perhaps most impressively, our girls receive no formal leadership training.
POSITIONS
Instead, they learn as they go. “The skills that they develop from having to learn as they go are irreplaceable and truly parallel to the realities of the challenges anyone faces starting a new career,” Molly Cunningham explains.
HOW TO BECOME A SPRING SING LEADER: 1 Submit an application 2 Faculty moderators review application to ensure academic requirement is met (students must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and cannot have a
“Spring Sing is a great opportunity for students to get out of their comfort zone and bring their class together – under their leadership – to create a major performance from beginning to end.” Brigid Rodriguez ’04
“D” or lower in any class) 3 Seniors, juniors and sophomores elect their
“Spring Sing allows a collective group of students, who will forever
leadership teams; faculty moderators select frosh’s
be the ‘class of….’, to look back and say, ‘look what WE did!’ I believe
leadership team
this experience is not replicated elsewhere on campus in the same, powerful way.” - Donna Allen ’85
S AV E T H E D AT E SPRING SING
“Where the Wild Things Are”
FEB RUA RY 16 -17, 2 018 · 7:3 0 PM · AT T H E BA L BOA T H E AT ER Learn more at aolp.org/student-life/vapa/spring-sing 18 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Spring Sing Leadership Team FA C U LT Y C O - M O D E R AT O R S D O N N A A L L E N ‘ 8 5 A N D M O L LY C U N N I N G H A M
STAG E MA N AG E R S SOFIA DURON ’20
·
IZZY KNAPP ‘20
S E N I O R C L AS S MO D E R ATO R
JU N I O R C L AS S MO D E R ATO R
STAG E & T H EAT R I CA L D I R ECTO R S
STAG E & T H EAT R I CA L D I R ECTO R S
Margaret Wiedower ’68
Roella Dellosa ’18 · Danielle Magat ’18 MUSIC DIRECTORS
Isabella Jacques ’18 · Hannah Pingol ’18 Veronica Villanueva ’18 DIRECTORS OF CHOREOGRAPHY
Nicole Jimenez ’18 · Andrea Lopez ’18 COSTUME DIRECTORS
Marissa Hernandez ’18 · Arianna Martinez ’18 PROPS DIRECTORS
Breanna Raines ’18 · Penny Cruz ’18 PRODUCTION DIRECTORS
Brigid Rodriguez ’04
Sophia Bacino ’19 · Penelope Sanchez ’19 MUSIC DIRECTORS
Emma Gronstad ’19 · Stella Stewart ’19 Jessie Vetuschi ’19 DIRECTORS OF CHOREOGRAPHY
Ivanka Yee-Rodriguez ’19 · Hayley Mogollon ’19 COSTUME DIRECTORS
Sofia Esparza-Chavez ’19 · Mariela Lopez-Oviedo ’19 PROPS DIRECTORS
Lily Hoang ’19 · Maggie Brady ’19 PRODUCTION DIRECTORS
Vivian Mateos ’18 · Sara Vargas ’18
Katya Cerny ’19 · Gabby Pascua ’19
S O P H OMO R E C L AS S MO D E R ATO R
F R OS H C L AS S MO D E R ATO R
Laura Rodriguez ’07
STAG E & T H EAT R I CA L D I R ECTO R S
Katelyn Phillips ’20 · Lillan Mollo ’20 MUSIC DIRECTORS
Liz Prado ’20 · Allison Moya ’20 Gabrielle Reynosa ’20 DIRECTORS OF CHOREOGRAPHY
Julia Macawili ’20 · Maria Varriale Gomez ’20 COSTUME DIRECTORS
Montse Ventura ’20 · Elaina Haisha ’20 PROPS DIRECTORS
Claudia Sanchez ’20 · Natalie Amigable ’20 PRODUCTION DIRECTORS
Kat Greene ’20 · Zaynab Alameri ’20
Kerry Stanko STAG E & T H EAT R I CA L D I R ECTO R S
Halle Wilson ’21 · Eliana Oliver ’21 MUSIC DIRECTORS
Catherine Tarlov ’21 · Anna Pingol ’21 Aimee Ramirez ’21 DIRECTORS OF CHOREOGRAPHY
Victoria Vizcaino ’21 · Miranda Clemesha ’21 COSTUME DIRECTORS
Abbie Wauson ’21 · Grace McShefferty ’21 PROPS DIRECTORS
Emily Bringman ’21 · Gracie Bradley ’21 PRODUCTION DIRECTORS
Kyla Buss ’21 · Isabella Buckley ’21
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Faith Leaders OLP EMPOWERS YOUNG WOMEN TO B E C O M E FA I T H - F I L L E D L E A D E R S W H O A R E D E D I CAT E D TO T H E “ LOV E O F G O D A N D T H E D E A R N E I G H B O R W I T H O U T D I S T I N C T I O N . ” As such, OLP offers unique opportunities through the Religious Studies Department and co-curricular experiences that encourage our girls to pursue leadership within the Church or related entities. While every school has some form of government for students to pursue, the OLP difference is twofold: our councils work in a collaborative, non-hierarchical format, and every position is filled by a girl.
DISCIPLESHIP is in balance (spiritually, intellectually,
a supportive, “back-seat” role. (Anticipating
physically and emotionally), and when they
that their duties might not allow them to
One of the many benefits of being a senior
have opportunities to truly feel connected,
fully experience Retreat Week themselves,
includes tailoring your last year of religious
supported and loved by others,” Monique
our Discipleship students went on their own
studies to what you truly wish to explore. If
Muther, counselor and Discipleship
retreat in November.)
you are looking to deepen your faith journey
teacher, said.
by “actively living the call to be a Disciple,”
You can read more about Retreat Week in our
then OLP’s one-semester Discipleship course
Students work on connecting with one
Spring 2018 magazine. Discipleship students
might be a perfect fit for you.
another through oral presentations, the
will also plan our BeYOUtiful Conference for
sharing of personal stories and small and
6th and 7th grade girls in April 2018, and are
This course was created two years ago to
large group facilitation. They also use class
involved with other assemblies and activities
provide class time and credit for students
time to plan co-curricular activities for the
throughout the year.
who were planning retreats and wellness
entire student body. This year has been
activities for OLP’s community. The course
a particularly exciting one, as they were
“I believe our students love this course
is centered around the value of human
all Retreat Week Leaders for our first ever
as their religion elective,” Monique said.
interaction, and is designed to strengthen
Retreat Week on January 8-11, 2018.
“Course evaluations are always filled with
three key areas in a student’s life: spiritual
gratitude for the endless opportunities
growth and prayer life; personal awareness
“Retreat Week was planned, led and
it provides them to grow spiritually,
and values exploration; and leadership
facilitated by Discipleship students,”
interpersonally, as young women preparing
development.
Katie Wilson, Director of Service Learning
to face the larger world in college, and as
& Retreats and Discipleship teacher,
leaders.”
“I teach this course because I believe all
said. This means that our Retreat Week
people – and in particular, women – are
Leaders took charge and facilitated each
most happy and fulfilled when their life
experience while our faculty and staff took
“Learning how to work with others has been a great learning experience for me. It has taught me to be more open-minded when it comes to meeting others and embracing their differences.” - Diane Arce ’18, pictured here (left) on the retreat for Retreat Week Leaders in November.
20 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The CSJ Leadership Conference is an annual opportunity for nine students from each of the four California CSJ schools to learn the CSJ model of leading through faith. Students learn from CSJ Sisters, leaders of nonprofit organizations serving the community, and from each other. They come back eager to share their new knowledge with the greater OLP community. The conference takes place at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles every summer.
LITURGICAL PLANNING
Our Travel Program provides opportunities for our girls to begin cultivating global leadership skills through Christian service in other communities, often abroad. By embarking on a journey in a foreign place, students are pushed out of their comfort zones as they interact
Another way to cultivate skills as a faith leader is to enroll in our one-
with the new people and communities they are serving. These humbling
semester Liturgical Planning course, which is open to juniors and
experiences build confidence, collaboration, tolerance and resilience
seniors. This course empowers our students to take “an active role in
while the girls deepen their spirituality and connection with “the dear
planning, preparing, and participating in liturgies in service to the
neighbor without distinction.”
OLP community, while (they) grow in their relationships with God,” said Mr. Ryan Martin-Spencer, our liturgical planning coordinator. In class, students delve into each component of the Catholic Mass: scripture, historical roots, symbols, sacred vessels, and the sacramental theology of the Eucharist. They learn how to select readings and songs, how to set the altar, and how to foster an environment that relates to the theme of each Mass. Many of them also serve an active role during Mass. “The Liturgical Planning course encourages students to identify, develop, and use their voices in a variety of appropriate and respectful ways that relate to their passions,” Ryan explained. The course also explores the stories and voices of women in Scripture, in the early Church and in the Church today, which gives our girls a chance to explore the many ways they can continue sharing their gifts and talents after OLP. “Students seem to appreciate the opportunity to have a voice and a direct role in contributing to the liturgies that we experience and share as a school,” Martin-Spencer said. “The sense of community and bonding that naturally develops in the class creates a sense of joyfully coming together for a greater good.”
“Whenever I have an opportunity as a Religious Studies teacher to also be a member of a wonderful Campus Ministry team, I dive in! A strong relationship between Religious Studies and Campus Ministry fosters a vibrant and creative environment that can allow the Holy Spirit to flow in uplifting and sometimes surprising ways.” - Ryan Martin-Spencer, teacher and liturgical planning coordinator
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How Can I Pursue a Leadership Position?
Student Government W H E N ST U D E N TS T H I N K O F L E A D E R S H I P, T H E Y O FT E N
·
T H I N K O F S T U D E N T G O V E R N M E N T . While every school has some
FROSH: Student Clubs Sports Frosh Class Council Spring Sing
work in a collaborative, non-hierarchical format, and every position is filled by a girl.
· SOPHOMORES: Student Clubs Sports Sophomore Class Council Spring Sing Program: Carondelet Circle Student Ambassadors · JUNIORS: Student Clubs Sports Junior Class Council or Council of 10 Spring Sing Program: Carondelet Circle Student Ambassadors, Junior Ambassadors Link Crew Class: Liturgical Planning · SENIORS: Student Clubs Sports Senior Class Council or Council of 10 Spring Sing Program: Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador Junior Ambassadors Link Crew Class: Liturgical Planning Discipleship
form of government for students to pursue, the OLP difference is twofold: our councils
OLP’s student leadership was restructured several years ago to model the original Sisters of St. Joseph’s form of governance in Le Puy, France. In lieu of specific roles or hierarchies, the Sisters worked as a group so each member could bring their gifts to the table. At OLP, there are 26 ASB positions on five councils. The Council of 10 is the executive governing body and each class has a Class Council comprised of four students. There is only one title, “president-designate,” for each council. This person often acts as the spokeswoman when addressing the student body or OLP administration, and must be willing to assume a manager-type role when necessary. “As the president-designate, I am usually the person that other members go to with questions and ideas,” Lauren Anastas ‘18, president-designate of this year’s Council of 10, explained. “(But) I never
try to be higher than the other Council of 10 members or dictate what needs to be done; nothing seems to ever end up well with that style of leadership. Instead, I try to guide and motivate the other members into successfully completing our tasks.”
The Council of 10’s main priority is to enhance our students’ experiences. They plan and organize activities, such as the Back to School Social, Miss OLP Ball, Pep Rallies and Wacky Wednesdays. They update bulletin boards and posters around campus. They also started doing the morning prayer and announcements through PTV, which you can find at livestream.com/olp. Similarly, the Class Councils work to enhance the experiences of their fellow classmates by promoting class spirit throughout the year. They also have grade-specific responsibilities. Frosh pick a mascot and work with the juniors on the Miss OLP Assembly. Sophomores plan the Fall Fling and coordinate decorations for the Miss OLP Ball. Juniors organize the Junior Boat Dance and Miss OLP Assembly. Seniors design and order sweatshirts for their class, and plan the Senior Slumber Party, Grad Night at Magic Mountain and the Senior Farewell Assembly. How do they accomplish all of these things while maintaining good grades and co-curricular activities? The new G Block Leadership class helps by giving ASB officials class time to plan and
Co-Curricular OVER HALF OF OUR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS CAN BE FOUND WITHIN STUDENT CLUBS AND PROGRAMS. There are 208 leadership positions within the 58 student clubs we offer, and 157 positions within our three
22 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
“(ASB) students get to use their gifts to benefit their school. It is a form of service to their community.” Ms. Kathleen Guerin, senior class moderator
Council of 10 *Lauren Anastas ’18 · Daniela Velarde ’18 · Luam Mesghenna ’18 Nicole Valdivia ’18 · Gabrielle Dixon ’19 · Molly Schroeder ’19 Crystal Butcher ’18 · Ashley Northrup ’18 · Bailey Morales ’19
Council of 10 Moderator Mrs. Susan (Abawi) Antolin ’06
Senior Class Council Lily Lucero ’18 · Isabella Orendain ’18 · Aida Ramirez ’18 Kiana Yazdani ’18* collaborate while learning leadership strategies. Every elected student
Senior Class Moderator
is in the class, with the exception of the Frosh Council, who are elected
Ms. Kathleen Guerin
after the school year begins. Two Link Crew members are in the class to
Junior Class Council
represent the freshmen.
Nicole Bruno ’19 · Kara Cato ’19 · Katya Cerny ’19 Diana Valenzuela ’19*
Being on ASB is an excellent opportunity that provides hands-on leadership experience in some challenging areas. They must learn how to be resilient
Junior Class Moderators
as they deal with complaints and unforeseen issues while planning events.
Ms. Kristen Artz · Ms. Stefini Ma’ake ’98
They must learn how to take initiative, even if it’s fulfilling a job function they might not want to do. They also have to remember that they are role
Sophomore Class Officers
models, whether or not they are in their OLP uniform, and that power is
Greta Drachenberg ’20 · Amy Hickman ’20 Alex Pacheco ’20* · Emma Rens ’20
something that should never be taken advantage of. “The best leaders never forget where they started,” Lauren Anastas
Sophomore Class Moderators
‘18 said. “I started at the bottom of the leadership totem pole on
Mrs. Mary Cullina · Mrs. Jamie Flannery
freshman class council and worked my way up to where I am today. It’s important to treat everyone like I would have wanted to be treated, because I was exactly in their shoes a few years ago.”
Freshman Class Officers Crysanthe Frangos ’21 · Fiorella Hunter ’21 · Kamila Kaloyan ’21 Isabela Arnaiz Valladolid ’21
Freshmen Class Moderators Ms. Ilene Nagem ’70 · Ms. Kerry Stanko
“A good leader never pretends to have all of the answers and is not afraid to ask for help and advice. With all the responsibilities of the Council of 10, there is no way any of us could go through it alone.” - Lauren Anastas '18, Council of 10 president-designate
*Notes president-designate
leadership programs: Carondelet Circle Student Ambassadors, Junior
Student Clubs:
Medical Career Club
Ambassadors and Link Crew.
African American Alliance
National Art Honor Society
Data Analytics Club
OLP Thirst Project
Student clubs offer the most variety and flexibility when it comes to
Fashion Design Club
Women in Business
leadership positions. Every club creates their own leadership positions
Film Club
to meet their unique needs – which means some clubs don’t have traditional leadership positions at all, as they consider all of their members leaders. Joining a club is one of the best ways to test your leadership skills while
To see the full list of 2017-18 club offerings, visit aolp.org/student-life/clubs.
doing something you love!
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Athletics O L P ’ S G R O W I N G AT H L E T I C S P R O G R A M C O N T I N U E S TO ADD OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT L E A D E R S H I P . Between the fall, winter and year-round sports that have already begun, the Athletics Department has 50 student-athletes in 51 team captain positions (with one student holding two of those positions). Team captains hold the particular responsibility of being able to lead while they are physically and mentally pushed to their limits. “To be a team captain is to be a leader in good times and bad,” Jenna Chandler ‘18, who was the Varsity Volleyball co-captain and is now the Varsity Soccer co-captain, said. “It’s really easy to be a good example when you’re winning and everything is going your way, but when you’ve had a tough loss and the team is down, you have to be the one to step up.” Being able to step up, reflect on mistakes and take responsibility for not
“I love having that sense of responsibility, and I think it helps
only yourself but your team is a difficult skill that even the best adult leaders
me perform better on the court and field,” Jenna explained.
struggle with. It’s especially difficult when your adrenaline and emotions
”I have learned that having a responsibility and sense of
are high after a game. Yet, team captains must always strive to facilitate the
purpose, such as leading a team, has improved my mental
philosophy of the Athletics Department, which is to foster mutual respect
state and has helped me to be a happier person in general.”
among participants, instill a “commitment to excellence” within each athlete, and promote team unity, cooperation and self-discipline.
Since many of our coaches prefer a co-captain dynamic, the responsibilities – and sometimes burdens – of leading others are shared by at least two students. This dynamic also teaches our team captains how collaborate in a leadership position and learn from each other’s strengths.
5 0 T E A M C A P TA I N S
“I also think being a leader means trying to not lead alone,” Jenna said. “I have been blessed with amazing co-captains for both soccer and volleyball, and we absolutely lean on
5 1 T E A M C A P TA I N P O S I T I O N S OFFERED 1 S T U D E N T- A T H L E T E I S C A P T A I N OF TWO TEAMS 7 N E W T E A M C A P TA I N P O S I T I O N S THIS YEAR
· T E A M C A P TA I N S B Y G R A D E L E V E L : 19 SENIORS 14 JUNIORS 7 SOPHOMORES 10 FROSH 24 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
each other to make each other the best leaders possible.” Most importantly, being a leader for girls you care about makes it all worth it. “I think being a team captain means being someone that everyone on the team can look up to and ask for help with anything,” Rachel Amaral ‘18, co-captain of Varsity Water Polo, said. “I enjoy helping underclassmen and it is always fun seeing girls learn how to play water polo.” Jenna agrees. “I think that my love for my teammates has made my job so much easier,” she said. “As long as you treat your teammates with respect and never overuse the role you’ve been given, or act like you’re better than your teammates, it can be a very positive relationship.”
“Being a captain has taught me so much about being a leader. I’ve learned that being good at whatever sport you’re playing is nowhere near enough when it comes to being a captain. You have to be a servant leader, which is something that serving as a captain has taught me how to do.” - Jenna Chandler ’18, Varsity Volleyball & Varsity Soccer Co-Captain
Team Captains 2017-18 FA L L JV Cross Country Olivia Justice ’18 · Jessica Lindgren ’18
JV Tennis Camila Figueroa ’19 · Kate Latham ’20 Alejandra Ramos ’19
Varsity Cross Country Sophia Dent ’19 · Gillian Folk ’19 Megan Gronstad ’18 · Lauren Handy ’19
Varsity Tennis Deniz Guzeldere ’18 · Olivia Lewis ’18 Diana Renteria ’18
JV Blue Golf Angelica Ramirez Lee ’18
Freshman Volleyball Daniela Andrade ’21 · Cianna Kelly ’21
JV White Golf Lake Ransom ’19 · Mia Soto ’20
JV Volleyball Emma Ferguson ’19 · Elaina Patterson ’19
Varsity Golf Crystal Butcher ’18
Varsity Volleyball Jenna Chandler ’18 · Gioella Falcone ’18
WINTER Novice Basketball Lillian Chambers ’21 · Melanie Morrison ’21 JV Basketball Daniela Mireles ’19 · Sarah Talia ’19 Varsity Basketball Gabby Dixon ’19 · Bailey Gehler ’19 Frosh Soccer Kera Reinig ’21 · Lauren Williams ’21
JV Soccer Jenna Beck ’20 · Gianna Calipari ’20 Lily Strack ’21 Varsity Soccer Jenna Chandler ‘18 · Ashlin Healy ‘18 JV Water Polo Libby Macie ’21 · Cindy Tran ’21 Varsity Water Polo Lauren Amaral ’18 · Rachel Amaral ’18 Emilia Perez-Rocha ’18
YEAR-ROUND JV Cheer Maddie Beadle ’20 · Madeline Evenson ’20 Olivia Senoff ’20
Equestrian Co-Captains: Romina Fimbres ’18 · Jocelyn Moore ’21 Assistant Captain: Veronica Bustamante ’18
Varsity Cheer Bella Agpaoa ’18 · Adelaide McGargill ’18 Julia Smyth ’18
Surf Chloe Faucher ’19 · Grace Kotnik ’19
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Link Crew S O M E T I M E S , T H E B E S T O P P O RT U N I T I E S FO R C U LT I VAT I N G L E A D E R S H I P S K I L L S are found within programs that emphasize peer-to-peer connections and mentoring. This is the case with our Link Crew program, which cultivates leadership skills in all participants, whether you are a mentor or mentee. Link Crew is a student-led group of juniors and seniors who make a year-long commitment to mentor the freshman class as they navigate their first year of high school. Every freshman is assigned two Link Leaders and is placed into a “crew” of 8-10 fellow freshmen. “Freshman year is daunting, especially if you have been in a smaller parochial school,” Mrs. Shawn Hanley, Link Crew co-moderator, says. “OLP seems gigantic at first, and Link Crew can ease some of that fear and anxiety.”
LINK CREW WAS FOUNDED 4 YEARS AGO
The ultimate purpose is to help each and every student form a connection – or “link” – with our school community. Link Crew Leaders host social and academic activities throughout the year, starting with our three-day Frosh Orientation, to help ensure frosh become part of OLP’s sisterhood.
57 LINK CREW LEADERS IN 2017-18
Link Crew is built on the belief that students can help other students succeed. This model provides unique opportunities that instill leadership qualities in both frosh and Link Leaders. Utilizing small Link groups allows all freshmen to voice their opinions in safe spaces, which in turn builds the confidence they need to speak up in educational and social settings. Further, Link Leaders act as models of positive behavior, values and academic goals for incoming frosh. “The feedback from former freshmen that are now Link Leaders has been resoundingly positive,” Mrs. Hanley and Mrs. Siobhan MacManus ‘01, the other co-moderator, agreed. “We witness this when we receive an overwhelming amount of applications from juniors and seniors who want to be Link Crew Leaders because their experience (as frosh) had
HOW TO BECOME A LINK CREW LEADER: 1 Apply in the spring before your junior or senior year
been so positive.”
2 Participate in a Link Crew Orientation simulation 3
“I think it’s easy to forget how intimidating high school is for an incoming freshman.
Link Crew Moderators make a decision based on
As an alumna who came to OLP her freshman year not knowing a soul, I relate to that
your application and simulation performance
anxious feeling most freshmen have, and like being a part of the welcoming, inclusive and supportive program for those students.” – Siobhan MacManus ’01, Link Crew co-moderator
Junior Ambassadors JUNIOR AMBASSADORS (JAS) SERVE AS OLP
JAs pass on that knowledge through a variety of events. They help facilitate
STU D E N T R E P R ES E N TAT I V ES TO T H E 8 0 -1 0 0
information to parents through information nights on colleges and financial
C O L L E G E A D M I S S I O N S O F F I C E R S who visit our campus
aid, the Fall College Fair and OLP’s Open House. They also host college
every year. The program is designed to increase student awareness and knowledge of a broad scope of universities so they can then share that
application workshops, an “Eating Up Colleges” lunch program, and “College Corner” segments on PTV for students.
knowledge with the rest of OLP’s community. “There are a lot of great student leaders who are enthusiastic about “We wanted to offer a program to students where they not only have the ability to learn about hidden treasure colleges, but also pass on that knowledge to their peers,” Mrs. Nicholle Wyatt, counselor and founder of the program, said. 26 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
taking charge and helping fellow students in all aspects of the college process,” Kaiya Alverez ‘18 and Ariel Bartolome ‘18, the two Head Junior Ambassadors, said. They help coordinate the rest of the JAs, who are all juniors and seniors. JAs begin the program as juniors, who are trained by and shadow their Senior Mentors throughout the year.
Carondelet Circle
“Carondelet Circle cultivates independence, confidence, and responsibility. These three skills are applicable in all aspects of life and have helped me grow as a young woman.” - Vivian Mateos Zuniga ’18
W E A R I N G B L U E B L A Z E R S A N D P R E S S E D S C A R V E S , Carondelet Circle members act as ambassadors for visitors, ushers at school events, and speakers who are eager to share the history of OLP and their personal experiences of campus life with guests. For many prospective families and guests, Carondelet Circle Student Ambassadors are the first OLP students they meet.
72 CARONDELET CIRCLE STUDENT
It’s therefore no surprise that the Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador Program (CCSAP)
AMBASSADORS FOR 2017-18
transforms young girls into confident leaders. “When I first became an ambassador, I was nervous every time I put my blue blazer on, especially when it meant I was giving tours,” Vivian Mateos Zuniga ‘18, one of five CCSAP Captains, said. “Now, the nerves have transformed into genuine excitement. I think my ability to lead and communicate have grown the most.”
5 C A R O N D E L E T C I R C L E C A P TA I N S FOR 2017-18
Caro nd el et C irc l e was fou nded June 1996 by Sr. Joyce Hampel , CSJ, OLP ’s As s is tant Pr incipal
Carondelet Circle teaches through modeling and by providing opportunities for ambassadors to polish their skills in a real-world setting. Ambassadors learn about verbal
fo r 3 1 years .
and nonverbal communication, attitude and frames of mind, the importance of appearance and uniforms, and how to put the needs of guests first before they work their first event. They also learn scripts and OLP facts that come in handy during conversations with guests. “Throughout my years of being an ambassador, I have learned how to be more outgoing and aware of how others are feeling,” Lauren Amaral ‘18, another CCSAP Captain, said. “Carondelet Circle has also taught me the importance of taking initiative.” Perhaps most importantly, ambassadors must possess a sincere desire to help others.
HOW TO BECOME A CARONDELET CIRCLE STUDENT AMBASSADOR: 1 Apply to Carondelet Circle in the spring of your freshman, sophomore or junior year
“Ambassadors see service not as a chore, but as a privilege,” faculty co-moderators
2
Emily Devereaux ‘00 and Erica Huebner said. “They are the leaders who always see
Complete a survey and in-person interview
others’ needs and go out of (their) way to meet those needs.”
3 It doesn’t take long for students to realize how rewarding it is to step into their leadership roles. “One of the most rewarding things about being an ambassador is being able to recognize the girls as freshmen here, because it is so cool to know that you helped
After reviewing all answers and feedback, including faculty feedback, a committee makes a final decision
them on their journey,” Lauren Amaral ‘18 said.
The Junior Ambassador program cultivates various skills, such as effective communication in both writing and speech, technological literacy and research skills, and
28 JUNIOR AMBASSADORS FOR 2017-18
working with others. It also cultivates a sense of individual accountability, which is a critical skill for good leadership
2 HEAD JUNIOR AMBASSADORS
that is often difficult to learn. “(This program) will also help students become more savvy of the college admissions process and what colleges look for in an applicant,” Mrs. Wyatt said, which is an added bonus for any high school student.
Ju nio r Ambassad o rs was fou nd ed fall 20 08 by M rs. Nic ho l l e Wyatt, cou nselor. Stu d ents can apply to beco me Ju nio r Ambas sadors at the end o f their so pho mo reO year. LP MAGAZINE
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a DAY in the LIFE Engineering students competed in several design categories at the San Diego STEAM Maker Festival, held on December 2 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It was their first time at this particular festival. They served as excellent ambassadors of the school, winning four design awards! #likeagirl #scienceisfun
Our basketball team played in the Lady Lions Tournament in Palm Springs over Christmas Break. JV went 3-0 while Varsity took 3rd place overall. #gofightwin
After studying a wide array of short stories, the English I Honors students created original short movie trailers on their assigned stories. The girls filmed, costumed, directed, edited, and acted in their movie trailers. The girls not only demonstrated their critical thinking skills but also creativity, analysis, and imagination.
28 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Ms. Boettger’s Adventure Fitness class climbed Ho Chi Minh Trail last semester! #fitforlife
The OLP/Saints Winter Art Show took place December 8. Students, parents, and friends from both schools came to OLP to see the fantastic displays of artwork from both schools. #twoschoolsonespirit #artislife
G R ANDPAR ENTS DAY: We recently hosted our annual Grandparents’ Day tradition on campus. More than 200 grandparents joined us for brunch, Mass and campus tours. #weloveyougrandparents
The Class of 2019 was honored at their Junior Unity Mass in December. The class enjoyed Mass, a student reflection by classmate Sanjana Paye ’19 and a red rose at the end of the ceremony. #juniorunity
OL P DA N C E R S : Students in dance classes pose with Ms. Kelly Marshall, dance instructor, before the Fall Arts Show. This is the first year of our dance program and our girls are improving every day! We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for our dancers.
OLP’s AP Literature & Composition class hosted AP Lit students from Saints for a Socratic Seminar about two famous poems. The seminar gave them an opportunity to discuss gender roles and stereotypes in an intellectual context. #twoschoolsonespirit #innovativelearning
Ms. Artz’s engineering class and Mrs. Lehman’s art class collaborated on a new OLP Christmas tradition: designing angels. This tradition was adapted from the Clark family, who had a longstanding tradition of designing a unique angel every year and mass producing it for all they held dear. #STEMgirls #can’tstopwon’tstop
Our annual Open House took place on November 5 and featured a showcase of clubs, athletics and academics. Here, Cat de Frates ’18 explains our STEM Certificate to a prospective student. #girlsinSTEM
Students from OLP and Saints enjoyed a Winter Social on campus in December with hot cocoa, firepits and skating on Circle Drive! #babyitscoldoutside
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CO R P O R AT E PA RT N E R S H I P S O F F E R
Learning Outside the Classroom At OLP, academics is not relegated to the four walls of a classroom. Rather, all of San Diego becomes the possibility for learning! BY DR. LAUREN LEK, HEAD OF SCHOOL Over the past six months, OLP has strengthened
fresh outdoor air – a truly environmentally-conscience
its corporate partnerships, resulting in tremendous
innovation!
opportunities for students to see firsthand the possibilities that certain career paths would provide them. As we know
Another opportunity, pictured above, allowed 30 OLP
from all girls’ research, our students learn best when real-
students from all grade levels and science classes to
world scenarios are utilized in the classroom. Incorporating
experience innovation at work on the Illumina campus.
trips to sites such as Gensler Architects, San Onofre
They visited and experimented in labs, learned about the
Nuclear Generating Station, University of San Diego and
genetic coding process, and heard from a panel of women
Illumina have allowed our students to see the real-world
leaders at Illumina – who happened to all be OLP alumnae!
application of lessons learned in their OLP classrooms.
Associate Director of Public Relations and all girls’ school graduate, Jen Carroll, welcomed our students and will see
Through a trip to Gensler Architects, 18 OLP girls spent
them again as a panelist at our fourth annual Women’s
the day learning about the impact of architectural
Symposium on March 9, 2018.
environmental stewardship through LEED certification, building design to support employee WELL goals, and
For OLP students, each of these experiences are
new initiatives in architecture to promote employee
instrumental in shaping their understanding of how
collaboration, work-flow and much more. Gensler
academic knowledge translates into the real-world. The
architects explained their partnership with engineers to
chance to see the day-to-day work of an engineer, scientist,
implement the use of cooling sails to mitigate temperature
business leader and policy advocate helps shape their
fluctuations inside their building while still utilizing
decisions for the future.
30 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
CY B E R S ECU R I TY AT US D On December 1, Mr. Boyer and Ms. Alfaro took a group of 25 students to the University of San Diego (USD) “Day of GenCyber.” The program, sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Security Agency (NSA), aims to get high school students excited about cyber security through immersive, hands-on activities. Our students participated in a Digital Forensics Science Boot Camp to solve a crime, learned hacking techniques and met Department of Homeland Security professionals!
PFIZER LA JOLLA On November 15, Mrs. Russo and Ms. Artz took a group of Engineering students to Pfizer La Jolla’s Day of Safety. The girls, who recently completed their OSHA 10-Hour Certification, were able to see “safety in action” at the research & development site. “Our girls were excited and enthusiastic to see how a company like Pfizer works from the inside,” Mrs. Russo said. “They were surprised at the many different career paths within safety, engineering and science that Pfizer offers.” Many of our girls have already asked for more lessons on safety, more lab time, and the chance to create a student safety committee on campus!
SA N O N O F R E N U C L EA R STAT I O N AP Environmental Science students visited the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), which, according to all students, “was fascinating!” Upon arrival, OLP students experienced a variety of stations set up to cover topics from safety, environmental impact, security and history. They learned about efficiency of nuclear energy, the process of generation, safety concerns in transporting and storing spent fuel, as well as the steps and timeline of the decommissioning process.
CONSTITUTION IN ACTION On November 3, 34 government students on a field trip to the District Courthouse to see what Federalism looks like in our judicial system. The students watched live court proceedings over a variety of federal crimes, such as illegal reentry into the U.S., drug smuggling, and improper use of the Internet. They also attended a Q&A session with two attorneys discussing the Bill of Rights. Unanimously, the students said this field trip was a great experience and added to what they study in class. As Isabella Orendain ‘18 commented, “That was so awesome. I thought we’d see cases about parking tickets or something little, but that was so interesting.”
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RECONNECT WITH YOUR
OLP Sisters!
“I am so proud of all that OLP was when I was a student here. I am so proud of the many ways that OLP has grown and changed to ensure that it continues the tradition of excellence in educating young women in the 21st Century. And I am proud of what the OLP of the future will become. In my new position as Alumnae Engagement Coordinator, I will work with our alumnae to ensure that every hope and dream that we have for that future will become a reality.” - J E A N E T T E ( P R A N T I L ) H A N D E L S M A N ‘6 4
Welcome Back to the Sisterhood! BY KAILA WEEDMAN ’08 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 prochain, translated directly, refers to those next to us or those who follow after us. In this sense, our bond and commitment as alumnae extends beyond those sisters with whom we share a graduating class and beyond the walls of Villa Montemar to encompass the OLP women of the last 135 years and the OLP women of generations to come. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve le prochain as Chair of the OLP Alumnae Council. Our mission is to build relationships and new connections among our broadcommunityofsistersbuiltont hefoundationofour OLPexperience. Through social events, networking opportunities, and mentoring programs we will connect alumnae to OLP, to each other, and to current students to serve the diverse needs and interests of our community, and create opportunities for investment in OLP’s future. I invite you to join us in 2018 to connect with your sisters and give back to the school that has meant so much to us!
Alumnae Council Kaila Weedman ‘08, Chair Dana Burdeau Rager ‘01, Vice-Chair Kelli Miller ‘01, Secretary Jessica Schulte Walker ‘01, le prochain coordinator 32 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Interested in becoming an Alumnae Council Member? We are hoping to increase the membership of our Alumnae Council to include 10 members-atlarge from our vast OLP sisterhood.
UPCOMING ALUMNAE EVENTS Spring Sing Happy Hour
St. Joseph’s Day Mass and
February 17 at 11:30 am
Jewel Jubilee Luncheon
Loaction TBD
March 19, 2018 at 11:00 am Academy of Our Lady of Peace
For more information, or to apply, visit aolp.org/alumnae.
Alumnae are invited to all of our events! Visit aolp.org/events to learn more.
“O, my sisters, let us love one another.” Mother St. John Fontbonne
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENTS REUNION I N FO R M AT I O N MARCH 19
Wednesday, May 16 5:30-7:00 pm
Chambers of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jewel Jubilee Brunch for
Hosted by Paola Avila ‘93 with a presentation on the workings of the San
1958, 1953, 1948 and 1943
bi-national business relations.
M AY 2 5
RSVP information coming soon at aolp.org/alumnae
Alumnae from the classes of 1963,
Golden Jubilee 50th Class
Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Paola’s work in the area of
Reunion for the of Class of 1968 AUGUST 24 & 25 Alumnae Reunion Weekend
All class years are welcome, with special recognition for milestone reunions years ending in “3” and “8”. For more information, please contact Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ‘64, Alumnae Engagement Coordinator, at jhandelsman@aolp.org or 619-725-9154.
ALUMNAE SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Alumnae Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to students who embody the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, show academic potential and demonstrate financial need. You can help the next generation of girls have access to the exemplary
Share the exciting and important moments in your life with your OLP family! We would love to put you in touch with and update your OLP sisters on
education that touched your life, shaped your friendships, and ultimately helped transform you into the incredible woman you are today. Donate today at aolp.org/givenow.
ALUMNAE BOOK CLUB Join your fellow alumnae sisters in a virtual book club designed to connect alumnae through their love of reading. Our first selection is The Nightingale by Kristin
Hannah. All you have to do is join the Goodreads OLP Alumnae Book Club here: tinyurl.com/y7p3rtcx Goodreads is a free easy-to-use platform for book lovers. With Goodreads, users can share what they’re reading, discover new books, or discuss their latest reads. Questions? Please email: smacmanus@aolp.org
your latest news. To update your contact info please go to aolp.org/ alumnae-directory. To share your latest news, email alumnae@aolp.org.
OLP MENTORING PROGRAM We’re hoping to launch an Alumnae-Student Mentoring Program in Fall 2018. Please email alumnae@aolp.org to learn more. OLP MAGAZINE
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PILOTS
TA K E F L I G H T Wi n t e r
CAI TL I N (PAYNE ) DA NAMA RIE QUI N N ’ 0 7 married Andrew MC NIC HOLL ’13
Quinn in La Jolla on September 9, 2017. Many OLP alumnae were in attendance, including the Mother of the Bride, Catherine McCarthyPayne ’76; the Maid of Honor and Caitlyn’s sister, Megan Payne ’09; and bridesmaids Sara McKinney ’07, Lindsey Clemens ’07 and Mary (McCarthy) Bernard ’74. Earlier this year, Caitlin received her Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) from Johns Hopkins University and now works as a consultant on HIV/AIDS for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
ALYS SA (ALY) FAAB ORG ’10 married
Alexander (Sascha) Fischer at St. Gabriel’s Church in Poway on September 23. Her Maid of Honor was Kitrina Carr ’10 and her bridesmaids were her sisters DeLora (Dee) Faaborg ’08 and Donna Faaborg ’12. Aly graduated in May from USD with a double major in Environmental Studies and Business Administration. She currently is a Project Coordinator at Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services Inc.
EL AI NA (SAMAN I EG O) MYER S ’ 95 AND SUSAN NA (SAMAN I EG O) WAR D ’99 co-founded
Design 4 Corners, a boutique interior design firm in Encinitas. Their work has been published in Elle Decor 17 and they were award winners in the HGTV Faces of Design. Elaina graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Religious Studies (emphasis in Buddhism) and Social Welfare (emphasis in Psychology). Susanna, the Principal of Design at Design 4 Corners, graduated from California State University, Chico with a major in Interior Design and Theater. Both Elaina and Susanna cite their time at OLP for fostering the confidence that guided them through not only higher education but their professional lives. Susanna has fond memories of long chats with Sr. Dolores, “despite my loud voice and exciting mannerisms. I could make her smile – this always warmed my heart!” Elaina and Susanna recently spoke to OLP’s Women in Business club on campus (pictured).
graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane in May 2017. She is now on-the-air daily as a news reporter for KREM 2 in Spokane and loves her job. You can see several of her videos online. She sends special greetings to all of her OLP teachers.
JA NE LLE A LBINO ’99 is an
Executive Producer on a Shoot Production Team at NBC Universal Entertainment, specifically for the cable networks owned by NBCUNI (such as USA Network, SYFY, E!, BRAVO and OXYGEN). She oversees projects and works alongside creative teams to ensure their visions come to life. Her work involves much travel and networking with many notorious celebrities. She is often referred to as a “celebrity whisperer!” Janelle graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Communication Studies and stays in touch with fellow alumnae Gail Albino Guillen ’98 (her sister), Celeste Dungca Garcia ’98, Joy Garcia Castaño ’98, Aileen Alhambra ’99, Aida Soria ’99 and Stephanie Kanaski ’99.
SA RA H HE RMA NN ’14 will
graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies this June. She was a research assistant in a UCSC genetics laboratory while in school, and completed an internship at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland this summer. She is currently spending a semester abroad at the UC campus in Madrid.
JULIA ISBE LL ’17
is attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, majoring in both Dance and Sports Management. She was recruited in the first month of school to join the Jayhawks Big 12, Division I Rowing Team and made the Novice Women’s Eight team, which competed at the Tulsa Fall Invitational.
G EN EVI EVE NEGRÓN-GONZA LES P H.D. ’96 is the Chair of the Task Force on Support
34 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
and Services for Undocumented Students at the University of San Francisco, working to ensure that the university is a welcoming place for undocumented, immigrant students. On October 30, OLP’s Alumnae Engagement Coordinator, Mrs. Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64, attended a seminar that Genevieve presented to the faculty and staff of USF regarding this issue. “I was moved to tears, walking in that room and seeing one of our very own OLP alumnae conducting the seminar on a topic so congruent with the CSJ call to care for the ‘dear neighbor’!” Jeanette recalls. Genevieve earned her Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley and works as an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at USF. She co-authored the book Encountering Poverty: Thinking and Acting in an Unequal World.
DR . JUDI TH K NOL L ’ 77 is an Assistant
Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clerkship Director at the University of Texas in San Antonio. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Virginia with a degree in biology. She has fond memories of OLP where she was “empowered to pursue (her) goals” and to believe in herself. She is very happy that she has renewed her connection to her alma mater and looks forward to supporting and providing assistance to OLP students interested in a profession in medicine.
LCDR ERI CA (WI L L I AMS ) KREL L ER ’ 02 is a Staff
Physician in the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at the United States Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. She recently participated in the annual Perinatal Care Symposium at the Yokosuka hospital. The symposium featured presentations by American and Japanese medical professionals as an open dialogue to strengthen the bond between the two systems. Erica and her husband Bryan Kreller also celebrated the birth of their fourth child, Grace Catherine, on June 4, 2017, joining Susanna, Maggie, and Mark Kreller. Congratulations, Erica and Bryan!
S I EN NA R OHRER ’ 16 is in her second
year at UCLA majoring in Geography/ Environmental Studies with possible minors in Food Studies, English and/or Civic Engagement. This past summer, she had an opportunity to intern with the San Diego Unified School District and worked directly with their Nursing and Wellness Committee. She gathered data from 190 physical education and health programs in the district’s schools, specifically the physical activity in classrooms and existing health education programs. At the end of the summer, she presented her findings to the 30 members of the District’s Wellness Committee.
PAT RI CI A (TRIC IA) G REB EN STEIN ’03
recently received a National Institute of Science grant to conduct addiction research at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Wittenberg in 2007 with a BS in Psychology and earned her MS and Ph.D. in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida. Tricia married Andrew Bunney in the OLP Chapel in 2015 and their marriage was blessed by Pope Francis at the Vatican shortly afterward.
IN Memoriam
We remember our beloved alumnae who have gone to their eternal rest. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
A LINA ORE NDA IN ’13
graduated from San Diego State University last May with a double major in Sustainability and International Security and Conflict Resolution, specializing in Environmental Security. While at SDSU, she was the Advocacy and Legislation Project Manager for the San Diego Chapter of the United Nations Association. Her dream since her sophomore year at OLP has been to work in international development, so she applied and was accepted in the Peace Corps during her senior year at SDSU. She was assigned to a post in Paraguay as an Environmental Conservation volunteer. She shares that Paraguay is a beautiful country and its people are warm and hospitable. “I am humbled at the opportunity to be serving and learning in Paraguay and look forward to the journey ahead,” she says. She extends her gratitude to Mr. Kirschbaum for instilling in her a love of social justice and to Mr. Moreno for introducing her to the richness and diversity that is found in Latin America.
A LEXA RIPA ’17
attends USD and participated in a school-wide competition called the Changemaker Challenge. All students, faculty and staff were invited to generate ideas that address the current social challenges affecting our local communities. A panel of judges reviewed all of the 2-minute videos submitted, selected seven finalists and Alexa’s project was awarded first prize -- a $6,000 grant and an additional $1,000 grant for Best Off-Campus Idea to fund her project! The concern she addressed was the displacement of families in Barrio Logan and the preservation of both the history and culture of their community. Her idea to address this challenge was to interview and videotape members of the community as they share their personal stories and experiences. In Alexa’s own words, it was because of “the passion for social justice that was cultivated at OLP that I had the initiative to consider participating in the Challenge, so I am feeling a little extra appreciative of my four years at OLP.” Good work and congratulations, Alexa!
MA RLA MA RQUEZ ’07
moved to Los Angeles right after graduation to attend FIDM, where she majored in Merchandise Marketing. She is currently a Senior Account Executive for Entravision, which is the largest affiliate group for Univision’s television networks. She handles advertising campaigns for clients, such as helping them reach the fast-growing Hispanic market through TV and digital platforms. She takes great pride in the power that the Latino market holds in a city like San Diego. Marla never takes for granted the opportunity she had to attend a phenomenal school like OLP. Her time here not only enriched her academically but provided her with a faith-based relationship with her community, which she utilizes in both her business and personal life. Marla says that her greatest gifts from OLP are the friends she made, who “are more like sisters after all!”
BEVERLY (DANIELSON) BALDERAMMA ’45 MICHAL (ZAICH) HAWK ’61 RITA COLTON ’63 NORA O’NEILL ’67 O L P M A G A Z I N E MARCIA MARASY ’75
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NONPROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 1592
4 8 6 0 O R E G O N S T, S A N DI E G O, C A 92 1 16
Soir en
Noir et Blanc 33rd Annual Gala & Auction Black and White-Themed Event in Honor of Our 135th Anniversary
March 3, 2018
Tickets aolp.org/gala
Purchase