tidings academy of the h oly ange l s
s p on s ore d by t h e s c h o o l s i s t e rs of n otre dame
a p ub licat ion fo r alumn ae, pare nts and fr i e nd s
12 ANGRY WOMEN The Classic Drama Hits the Angels Stage
s p r in g 20 1 2
October 19–20, 2012
Alumnae Weekend Including a reunion celebration for the classes ending in 2 & 7!
Save theDate october 19, 2012 foundation Day at AHA
october 20, 2012 alumnae celebration
• Join us for a special community gathering • Celebrate the SSNDs’ contribution to Holy Angels • Attend a class
• Mass & Dinner • Special recognition for reunion classes • Tours of the building
For more information, visit www.holyangelsalumnae.org 2
contents
p r e s i d e n t 's m e s s a g e
ON THE COVER 11
12 Angry Women
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UN Delegates for a Day
IN EVERY ISSUE 3
President’s Message
Like all that is coming alive, this issue of Tidings bursts with life at AHA. Twelve Angry Women makes front page news. Fall and winter sports teams captured many significant awards. AHA’s newly formed dance team ended their season as NJ State Hip Hop Champions. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognized several Angel artists for their fine arts achievements.
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Angel Athletes
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Angels in the Arts
Spirituality thrives at AHA in word and deed. The AHA community commemorated World AIDS Day. Grandparents celebrated Catholic Schools Week liturgy with their granddaughters and fathers celebrated Mass with their daughters. More than 80 Angels participated in the UN’s General Assembly for World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Spirituality 12
Dear Alumnae, Parents and Friends,
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Angels Around the Halls
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Alumnae News
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In Memoriam
Emptied of all books and furniture, the library underwent deconstruction during the Easter break. Over the next several months, this gutted interior will be transformed into an oasis for learning. Floor to ceiling windows will bathe the Learning Commons in natural light and open the view to the beauty of the campus. The gently arching ceiling cloud will maximize the perception of height as it draws one’s eyes to the windows. New tables throughout the Learning Commons will be equipped with electrical and data outlets. Lounge chairs and couches will offer soft seating for reading and contemplation. Wall-to-wall carpeting will mute sound and add color to the floor. Completion is anticipated by mid-August, ready to invite all Angels back in September to enjoy the beauty, quiet and state-of-the-art technology of the Learning Commons.
tidings
As we walk through the Easter season, I share with you the prayer of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger to her sisters. “May the Lord Jesus put into your hearts comfort, peace and joy as he once did for the holy women who wept for him on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and for the disciples who went to Emmaus. This is my Easter greeting and wish for you.”
Tara Brunt Director of Development development@holyangels.org
Special thanks to AHA parent Trish Mellas for the sports photography featured on pages 4-7.
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V o l u m e V, nu m b e r 3
Jillane Chiandusse Director of Communications ahacommunications@holyangels.org
Sincerely,
Dorrie Voulgaris Director of Alumnae Relations alumnae@holyangels.org
S. Virginia Bobrowski, SSND, ’61 President, Academy of the Holy Angels
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angel athletes
Volleyball With a new lineup, and players in unfamiliar positions, the 2011 Angels volleyball team impressed their coaches with their drive and commitment to perfecting their play. The season’s final record of 15-11 mimicked last season’s, which is admirable considering the team had lost 3 starting seniors who were at the All-County level.
They concluded their season with a third place ranking in the division. Each new season brings in new talent and opportunity for growth, adding to an already strong foundation. One thing is for sure – Holy Angels is certainly reclaiming their position as a top contender in the best county for girls’ volleyball!
In the first few weeks of the season, the Angels consistently made it to the semifinal rounds of tournaments, even against some of the top teams in the state such as River Dell and Ramapo. Despite losing in the semifinals, the girls’ performances against these top rated teams gave them confidence and validated their place in the county – as a force to be reckoned with! The season high came in the form of a three game win over Midland Park, a team who had only one loss up to that point. This win proved to the Angels, and their opponents, that they were right up there with the strongest teams and were undoubtedly finding a groove within their new lineup.
Cross Country – County Champs! With only two returning runners from last year’s season, the cross country coach was not sure what to expect for this year. Any concerns were immediately diminished when a young, hardworking team showed up for every practice and every meet. The determination and spirit was a breath of fresh air and made it seem that anything was possible. Senior Shannon Glynn and junior Ashley Strysko were the strong veterans who led the charge, accompanied by juniors Briana Martinotti and Tara Hayes who moved up from JV, making the team strong in the middle. Even sophomores Niamh Glynn and Shauna O’Shea and freshman Mary Watters moved up and showed huge promise, with Watters settling in as the number two runner overall.
With a great season under their belts and some promising newcomers for next year, the Angels will return with great confidence and will certainly remain among the top teams in Northern New Jersey.
The year started with a bang, with the Angels winning the Season Opener Invitational for the seventh straight year. The Angels’ message was clear – “Do not count us out!” A second place finish in the Big North Championships followed, along with winning the Bergen County Group B title for the seventh season in a row, and the eighth time overall.
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Tennis
The unstoppable Angels have once again claimed the division title. Defeating rival team IHA in straight sets with a score of 5-0 in both matches was something that had not been done in many years. With an overall season record of 20-3 and a division record of 6-0, this year’s Varsity team accomplished and even exceeded the goals that had been set prior to the season start. Led by senior captains Meredith Dwyer, Alex Eckert, Kyra Forte, and Sara Luby, and with Gabriella Markolovic stepping up into the singles position this year, AHA had a very strong and dedicated group of girls on the court. Eckert, seeded #4 in the county tournament, saw her only loss to the reigning county champ in the quarterfinal round. Also making a strong appearance in the county tournament were Markolovic and the doubles team of Kyra Forte and Christen Duff. Our #1 county seeded 1st doubles team of Sara Luby and Julia
Eisen reached the tournament finals, losing a very close match to Ramapo HS. A personal victory by Meredith Dwyer in a match vs. Pingry was one that left the team inspired and was a high point of the season. Several Angels participated in the state tournament and the 2nd doubles team was among only four teams in this position across the entire state to qualify for a spot on the tournament ladder. Long practices paid off for this team – they gave everything they had and it definitely showed on the court. They now look forward with excitement to another season of learning, success and fun!
Division Champs! Soccer This soccer team was a very young group, with nine sophomores, five juniors and nine seniors. They had a run of bad luck, suffering the loss of several players throughout the season to various injuries. Losing experienced Varsity players had a strong impact on the team, mentally and physically, and affected their ability to play to their potential. This season also marked the return of the program into the Bergen County Tournament for the first time since 2008. The qualifying match against Ridgewood ended in a 4-1 loss but the team distinguished themselves with their possession style of play which allowed them to control the match
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for much of the first period. The overall quality of play that the girls displayed this year was much improved from the past, but late game mistakes still ultimately led to losses. In games against DePaul, Pascack Hills, Bergen Tech and Westwood, the Angels were ahead for most of the match but gave up late game goals. In other matchups such as Paramus Catholic and Paramus High School, the games were decided by last minute goals. If the Angels can stay healthy for the 2012 season, they can continue to grow the program and improve upon a difficult year.
angel athletes
Winter Track
Junior Ashley Strysko led the Angels winter track team to a successful season, finishing second in the state meet in the 3200M. Lisa Sesink-Clee also placed impressively in both the high jump and shot put. Alex Eckert and Jacqueline Ferreri placed in pole vault, with Eckert finishing second overall and also becoming the league champion in the pole vault and triple jump. The 4x800 relay team of Shannon Glynn, Maggie Sheehan, Amanda Garcia and Ashley Strysko broke the school record and the shuttle hurdle relay team of Kristen Sherlock, Esther Michel, Alison Pimpinella and Alex Eckert broke another school record! Kristen Sherlock was the team’s top sprinter and Shannon Glynn was the league champion in the 600m.
Basketball
Sue Liddy
If you are looking only at wins and losses in a season then you are not seeing the big picture. The basketball season started out slowly, rebuilding from a wonderful run in 2011, but as the season wore on the team began to develop a new identity. It was a young group who needed time on the court to mature. But just as they were coming together as a team the injury bug hit them again and they lost a key player for the season. This is always discouraging but despite the loss, the team played hard and brought incredible energy to every game. In the state game against Paramus Catholic, the Angels were down by 13 points but rallied back to win by 4 points in the last minute of the game. This is the type of heart that made the coaches extremely proud of this team. Their luck may have taken some hits, but they forged ahead and played with pride, for each other and for Holy Angels.
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Big North United League
Coach of the Year!
Fencing
The 2011-12 fencing team once again proved themselves to be a formidable opponent in the New Jersey High School Fencing Association, starting with the prestigious statewide Santelli Tournament where the Angels took twelfth place out of the 46 teams that participated. The saber squad led the pack with a seventh place win, and epee and foil placed solidly in the upper half of the overall squads. This season started out a bit bumpy, but soon the Angels were on a winning streak that took them all the way to the state championships. A fourth place victory in the districts qualified the team for the state’s Sweet 16. Three individuals made it to the final district pool of nine: Alicia Morejon (saber) placing ninth, Nikki Caulfield (saber) placing eighth, and Jane Cruz (foil) placing seventh. In the Sweet 16 the Angels placed thirteenth overall following a close final with Bergen Academy. All in all this was a solid season, with everyone contributing to the team’s strength. It was noted that AHA’s sportsmanship was top notch – they conducted themselves with grace and pride as a team and this is something to be truly proud of.
Bowling
State Sectional Champs!
AHA bowling had another great season, finishing with a league record of 12-2 and placing second in the United Division of the Big North. The Angels were seeded #1 in the Bergen County tournament and finished third overall. Senior Tammy Wong fired the high game that day with an impressive score of 247. The team won its third consecutive Group II Championship and qualified for the NJ State Finals. They finished third in Group II among all New Jersey schools, and Patrick Dunne was once again named Coach of the Year by the Bergen Record. As always, it was a total team effort as every member of the team contributed to the success. This team is on fire and looks to continue their streak into next season and beyond.
Patrick Dunne – Bergen Record Coach of the Year! 7
angel athletes
Holy Angels Dance Team The Holy Angels dance team competes in Pom and Hip Hop categories, and kicked off their competitive season by excelling at two spirited competitions. They participated in the Ramapo College Cheer & Dance Invitational in January, capturing first place in both Varsity Pom and Varsity Hip Hop. The Angels dancers were also the proud recipient of the coveted Grand Championship Award, an honor bestowed on the one team which captures the highest overall score at the event. The next day, the Angels traveled to South Brunswick to compete in the Battle of the Northeast, placing first in Varsity Hip Hop and second in Varsity Pom, missing first place by less than 1 point. They closed out a successful season at the NJ State Dancers Competition at Ramapo College by earning the title of NJ State Hip Hop Champions!
Their high energy routine thrilled the crowd and captivated the judges. The team also recently returned from the highly competitive UDA 2012 National Dance Competition at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. AHA was the only team from the northeast to advance to the final round in both Small Varsity Pom and Small Varsity Hip Hop. The Angels captured top spots in each category and remain a dominant force in the Northeast. This very selective competition ranks Academy of the Holy Angels 12th in Pom and 17th in Hip Hop nationally. Congratulations to the dancers on outstanding performances and a great season.
State
Champions!
Signing Day
Alexandra Eckert signs her letter of intent with College of the Holy Cross, where she received a Track scholarship. She is pictured with Deborah Williams (mother), Volker Eckert (father), Shakeena Marshall (sister), Miss Jennifer Moran, S. Virginia Bobrowski, Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch and Coach Howard Schulmann.
Ryann Powell signs her letter of intent with University of San Diego, where she received a Volleyball scholarship. She is pictured with Beth Powell (mother), Clifford Powell (father), Miss Jennifer Moran, S. Virginia Bobrowski, Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch and Coaches Colleen Bachmann and Liz Paccione.
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angels in the arts
Music & Service bringing Holiday Cheer AHA’s Handbell Choir performed at the Demarest Christmas Tree lighting back in December. The performance took place at the picturesque and historic railroad station. Under the direction of Mrs. Mariann Annecchino, the Handbell Choir performed many traditional carols. Annecchino says, “It was great to ring in Santa Claus and the holidays. We thank Mayor Ray Cywinski for the invitation.”
sisters. Tri-M president Nora Neus organized the outreach performance which featured members of AHA’s own Flute Salad: Nora Neus, Eunice Lee, Monica Dayson, Emma DiBernardo, Natalie Chew, and Zoe Bliss, as well as Adrianna Bergstein on trumpet, Alyssa Dumatol, Stacie Rinda, and Danielle Slobodin on flute, Rachel Hudspeth and Catherine Hahn on piano, and the vocals of Jennifer Birchwale.
Also in December, members of the Holy Angels’ chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society traveled to the Franciscan Sisters Convent on Knickerbocker Road in Tenafly to bring some Christmas cheer to the
AHA’s Vocal Ensemble sang at the Classic Residence in Teaneck. They performed a half hour show featuring all of the music from their Christmas
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Gala, much to the delight of the residents.
Several Angels honored
Several Holy Angels students have been recognized with honors from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest running and most prestigious recognition program for artistic teens in the United States and are the largest source of scholarships in art and writing. The competition dates back to 1923. Past winners include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates. Holy Angels adds four more names to that list. Senior Jenna Bacci was awarded a Silver Key Award for her jewelry design (pictured at left). In addition to Jenna’s Silver Key Award, three juniors were awarded with Honorable Mention Awards: Rosaline Oum, for her drawing “Dream of a Bicycle”, Amanda Palacios, for her painting “The Hyatt” and Tara Hayes with three Honorable Mentions for her abstract paintings “Omnipotent”, “Edge of Wonder”, and “The Amnesia of Time”. Holy Angels was the only Bergen County Catholic school represented on the list of award recipients.
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angels in the arts
Christmas Gala The annual Christmas concert featured the handbell choir, Academy chorus, vocal ensemble, orchestra and AHA’s own Flute Salad. The handbell choir treated guests to “Angels We Have Heard on High” and other Christmas favorites. The orchestra performed “Dance of the Tumblers” from the opera Snow Maiden by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov to start off an impressive collection of pieces. The Academy chorus sang a variety of beautiful holiday carols and a crowd favorite, “Ave Maria”. The vocal ensemble and Flute Salad impressed the audience with their incredible talent. Immediately following the concert, all were invited to a lovely reception sponsored by the Parents’ Guild.
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This year’s fall drama, Twelve Angry Women, is AHA’s feminine version of Reginald Rose’s 1957 teleplay Twelve Angry Men. The play, set in the summer of 1954, exposes not only the jurors’ deep-seated prejudices, cultural biases and unresolved anger, but also the weaknesses of the judicial system. This show was designed to leave the audience pondering – could they be that one juror who has the courage to stand alone? Because of the wealth of talent among AHA’s aspiring actresses, Director Katie McSherry ’04 double-cast the roles and increased the number of performances to accommodate these fine actresses. At Miss McSherry’s right hand was Assistant Director Katie Flood ’12. The audience’s verdict was unanimous as they gave a standing ovation to both casts! Brava Angels!
Arts Hall of Fame The induction into the AHA Arts Hall of Fame took place on May 16, 2012 at the Angels in the Arts Annual Recognition Dinner. The Arts Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have enhanced the Holy Angels Fine and Performing Arts programs and exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral character. In short, nominees must be a positive role model, worthy of being emulated by current and future students. The inductees for this year are pictured at right. Look for full coverage in our next issue of Tidings!
Maria DeLuca ’64 has worked professionally as a director, cinematographer, editor, writer, producer, interviewer, teacher and film juror. Her 1990 film “POV–Green Streets” was internationally acclaimed and is now permanently stored at the Smithsonian in DC.
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Jeanine Careri Jackson ’72 is trained in classical portraiture and landscape art. Jeanine is the Founder and President Emerita of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. She has been published in numerous Arts magazines.
Kelly Moore ’03 currently works in NYC theaters as an Assistant Production Manager for IMCD Lighting. Her past work has included the Midsummer Night Swing and Out of Doors Festivals and assisting at both the Delacorte Theater at Lincoln Center and the Public Theater.
spirituality This year, the annual Catholic Schools Week liturgy included Grandparents Day, with Rev. Dominic Ciriaco, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Dumont, presiding. Grandparents spent the day at AHA, attended classes and had lunch with their granddaughters. At the liturgy, St. John Neumann medals were blessed and distributed to the student body. These were a gift from St. Peter the Apostle School in Philadelphia as a “thank you” for our Thanksgiving donation.
father daughter mass The Father/Daughter Mass was presided over by Reverend David Pickens from Our Lady of the Holy Angels in Little Falls NJ. This was followed by a dinner, where dads were able to spend time socializing with their daughters and meet other Holy Angels dads!
LENT 2012 Mr. Tom Meyers of the Religious Studies Department gave the reflection during the Lenten Reconciliation Service, after which priests were available for individual confession. A cereal drive was held to benefit the Office of Concern in Englewood, NJ and daily collections were taken in homeroom for Operation Rice Bowl, to benefit Catholic Relief Services.
world AIDS day The Academy of the Holy Angels commemorated World AIDS Day on December 1st. The morning prayer service included a speech by junior Lisa Sesink-Clee, who spent her summer volunteering in South Africa at Nkosi’s Haven, a home from mothers and children infected by AIDS. Lisa ended her speech by quoting Rich Stearns, the President of World Vision, as saying, “I believe this could very well be looked back on as the sin of our generation…I believe that our children and their children, 40 or 50 years from now, are going to ask, ‘what did you do while 40 million children became orphans in Africa?’” Representatives from Campus Ministry distributed red ribbons for each student to wear to represent their awareness of the AIDS epidemic, their commitment to helping find a cure, and their pledge to respect the dignity of each person.
The Epiphany Liturgy took place in January and was led by Reverend Larry Evans, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ridgefield Park NJ. Courtney Pfeiffer and Gabrielle DelVecchio choreographed and led a liturgical dance in celebration of Christ Our Light.
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on the cover
UNited nations
delegates
for the Day On February 7th, AHA sent a group of Angels to the United Nations to participate in the General Assembly for World Interfaith Harmony Week. This event featured distinguished speakers, musicians and eminent representatives of diverse religious traditions. Members of several of Holy Angels’ classes and clubs participated, including members of Model UN, Social Justice class, International Studies class, Equality Now club, and a group of students previously scheduled for a mission trip to Honduras. They were accompanied by Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND, a representative of the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s NGO at the United Nations. It was an immensely rewarding day for both
teachers and students. Religious Studies teacher Carol Fay said, “I think it was a great opportunity for our students to hear all the commonality among the many different faiths, rather than focusing on what separates us. The theme of Common Ground for the Common Good is a great encouragement toward solidarity as we work for the welfare of all.” Freshman Ingrid Noriega reflected on the day by saying, “The experience was beautiful and completely exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot about different faiths and occurrences facing our globe today. This definitely inspired me to make my dream concrete of being involved in the global perspective for the better.”
Pictured above are Kate Chambers (AHA Mission Integration Coordinator), Erin Dubee, Danielle Slobodin, Kathryn Ryan, Jacqueline Schulkin and Caila O’Connor.
Social Studies department faculty member Jennifer Cucchisi has been chosen as a Partnership for Global Justice Teaching Fellow for 2012. The Partnership for Global Justice is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the development of global consciousness through educational programs, advocacy and participation in the United Nations. English department faculty member Jean Mullooly recently returned from Cambodia where she was on a mission trip with Operation Smile.
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angels around the halls ACADEMICS Senior Bryanna McGowan was honored by the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children as the recipient of their Academic Excellence Award. This award was presented to Bryanna based on school recommendations and her academic excellence in the classroom. Bryanna was recognized during the 9th Annual SFIC High School Basketball Festival. Senior Nora Neus was recently awarded the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship from the University of Virginia. Criteria for selection are: demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in leadership, scholarship and citizenship. Out of 1,200 nominees, 102 semi-finalists were chosen and approximately 35 finalists were offered scholarships. Nora participated in the 32nd annual Jefferson Scholars Selection weekend which included four days of seminars, examinations and interviews. Nora was also recently featured in the Op/Ed section of the Wall Street Journal responding to “In Digital Learning, Who Is Protecting the Children?”. Nora is quoted as saying, “Online education is a luxury that undermines the goals of education. Granted, for a highly motivated student who loves to learn, online education has its benefits as students can delve deeper into a subject they are passionate about. But for the general population of clickhappy Generation Y, online learning strips education of its collaborative inherent questioning nature. Students ‘learn content, click ahead’ without the fully explorative pursuit of education.”
to play together and also as a soloist. The director introduced the group by saying that the World Youth Alliance is about promoting human dignity around the planet. Allison is honored to have been chosen to represent this great cause and that she was able to have a lengthy discussion with the Ambassador of Venezuela. Allison studies the violin at Julliard and is currently preparing for her spring recital.
Sophomore Raquel Massoud recently performed at the Bergen PAC to open for 80’s rock band Quiet Riot. Raquel sang solos on two songs performed by School of Rock of Tenafly. Raquel is pictured below.
THE ARTS Junior Allison Mase is a classically trained violinist participating in a group called the World Youth Alliance. It is a group made up of about 10 high school musicians in the New York area who perform and speak at political and cultural events. Recently, four members of the Alliance were asked by their director to perform at a conference for poverty eradication at the United Nations. Each participant had a chance
Sophomore Michelle Suh, the concertmaster of the Academy Orchestra and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, has been chosen as a third place winner of the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition 2012.
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LEADERSHIP Several Angels recently received their Girl Scout Gold Awards. Junior Elizabeth Aaron helped to host a Back to School Carnivale for families of the One to One Learning Program at the Marydell Faith and Life Center in Upper Nyack NY. This program teaches English skills to immigrant families. Elizabeth coordinated the physical activities for the day including soccer, badminton, volleyball and swimming. More than 60 kids participated and each one received a backpack loaded with school supplies to prepare them for the start of school. Senior Danielle Lobaton refurbished a playground in Children’s Park, located in Chestnut Ridge NY. Danielle and her team of volunteers cleaned the playground, painted benches and planted flowers. In addition, Danielle created a colorful mural which the children enjoy on a daily basis. Junior Emily Ryker created much needed trilingual signage for the food pantry and clothes closet at People to People Inc. and she completely renovated their “Clothes Closet” in the process. People to People Inc. is an organization where families in Rockland County not only receive much needed food staples, but also obtain clothing. In order to raise funds for the renovation, Emily ran a “green” Harvest Craft Fair for Junior Girl Scouts, where the troop’s price of admission included a non-perishable food item and recyclable items to make the crafts. In addition to her renovation, she was able to donate several hundred pounds of food collected from her Harvest Craft Fair to the food pantry at People to People Inc. Sophomores Aileen Murphy, Niamh Glynn and Kelly Mulligan were recently presented with their Girl Scout Silver Award medals at the Girl Scout Hearts of the Hudson Award Ceremony in MonroeWoodbury NY. In completing this award the girls each contributed over 40 hours in leadership and community service. For the Leadership component, they organized and ran a teen movie evening and for the project component, they organized and ran a camping and recruitment fair.
AHA hosted a representative from the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJSCPA) to speak to students enrolled in Business and Accounting classes. This presentation was offered through the NJSCPA’s “Pay It Forward” program where a CPA will talk to students about the opportunities and benefits available through the accounting profession. The engaging discussion was led by AHA dad Jose Bombino.
In December, Holy Angels welcomed Tao Master and Healer Nicholas Fiorito into some of the religious studies classrooms. Mr. Fiorito has an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, a Masters in Divinity and works at CGI
Fitness in Closter which is a holistic health club. He visited two World Religions classes as a part of their study of Taoism. He introduced the students to some basic Tai Chi type exercises and movements. Though the exercises may have seemed unfamiliar at first, the girls quickly relaxed as they discovered this new method of stress relief. Pictured are members of Mrs. Barbara Burkland’s World Religions class as they practice their new Tai Chi exercises.
The percussionists of the Holy Angels orchestra were treated to a workshop led by Mr. John McCann, whose resume includes being drummer for The Platters and The Pointer Sisters. Thanks to Mr. McCann’s energy and example, the girls learned new techniques and approaches to playing the drums. His enthusiasm was absolutely contagious! Everyone was taken by surprise when Mr. McCann “gifted” AHA with the donation of the drum set he used for the workshop.
IT ENDS TODAY In February, several Angels visited Assumption Academy in Emerson for an Anti-Bullying presentation. These students are participants in a campaign called “It Ends Today”, a student-run, non-profit organization. Holy Angels has one of the first chapters of this organization and the students are
eagerly showing their passion for this campaign. What started off as something in one community soon expanded and is now reaching out to many schools, even internationally! Junior Carrie Chung explains, “When we first introduced the club to our school this year, we were very surprised by the turnout; over 100 students signed up for it in just one day, which shows how much our school community wants to get involved in supporting the end of bullying.” AHA’s in-house social worker, S. Mary Foley, volunteered as club adviser and has been key to the success of the cause. The girls
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are putting forth their best efforts into creating a better environment for students of all ages in many schools. They started with bullying awareness at AHA, and are slowly starting to reach out to elementary and middle schools. The members of “It Ends Now” were invited by Assumption Academy to talk to their students (Grades 6- 8) about bullying and its effects on others. Bullying is something that cannot be tolerated and it is important to educate younger minds. Pictured at left are Carrie Chung, Alice Cordero, Jessica Stanzione, and Natali Taglic.
transfor min g our
future
The books are on the move again! Many alumnae will remember the fateful day in 1965 when the caravan of 45 parents’ cars were loaded up with 8,000 books from the AHA Library to make the trek to the new campus in Demarest. Each stack was carefully wrapped in twine under the watchful eye of Sister M. Louis Bertrand, so that none would be damaged in transit. The amazing feat made the issue of the New York Times the following day. As we fast forward 47 years later, the AHA library books are once again on the move. Construction on the AHA Learning Commons began on April 2nd with plans to re-open in September 2012. Librarian Catherine Korvin, like S. Louise Bertrand before her, has been carefully moving items and making sure that none incur damage. A company has been hired to store the majority of the books this time around so that they are safely housed in a temperature controlled climate.
With the library closure, a satellite library has opened in the former convent. Books needed for the remainder of the semester will be available for students as they finish up the school year. Mrs. Korvin will be available to continue to assist students as they research projects for their courses using online resources as well as traditional means. The library has been the center of academic life at AHA. This transformation into a Learning Commons will enable AHA to offer not only a library, but a state-of-the-art research center. It will better the integration of information technologies with teaching, learning and research. The renovated space will offer a multi-purpose space for classes and meetings. Most importantly, the Learning Commons will give students a comfortable and inviting place to study.
IN PROGRESS
BEFORE
coming soon!
It’s not too late to take part in this exciting project. There are still naming opportunities available for several facets of the new Learning Commons. Please visit our website or contact Tara Brunt, Director of Development, at 201.768.7822 x 224 for information.
www.holyangels.org/transformingourfuture
faculty corner
1914 –2012
Fifty-seven years ago, S. Vitoline Wolf, SSND, received her obedience to teach at the Academy of the Holy Angels. Little did she know that for the next 42 years she would not only teach religion, math and biology, but she would lead Holy Angels from the static block schedule common to all high schools at the time, to the flexibility and creativity of modular scheduling before the computer had been invented. Single-handedly, she developed modular scheduling with a deck of punch cards, a knitting needle and an intelligence that thrived on the challenge and complexity that this task demanded. With a mind that worked like a computer, with the patience of a saint and with a love that did not count the cost, S. Vitoline scheduled every student at AHA for more than 20 years. The Class of 1977 dedicated the yearbook to S. Vitoline. What they said about her then continues to be true today: To those who seek prestige and glamour, the tasks undertaken by Sister Vitoline might appear tedious or unappealing. Yet, the selflessness and unfailing devotion with which she tackles every challenge enable her to execute her duties competently and unceremoniously, with an uncommon vibrancy. In 1997, S. Vitoline left AHA to live at Villa Notre Dame in Wilton, CT.
Having worked for over 60 years, everyone presumed that she would now enjoy retirement. But that word did not exist in S. Vitoline’s vocabulary or mind. As soon as she arrived in Wilton, she found ways to help the sisters. Even after 70 years of vowed living, despite difficulty with walking, Vitoline rode over to the Lourdes Health Care Center every day on her motorized scooter, to help make life easier for the sisters. When the AHA community heard of S. Vitoline’s death, I asked faculty and staff to share their remembrances of her. Their comments add color to this amazing woman: An incredible woman who seemed to be everywhere. She fixed everything in need of repair and kept all the machinery going, sometimes I think, with bubble gum and duct tape. She epitomized the term “multi-tasking”. She was AHA’s Duracell battery. When she left Holy Angels, several people were needed to fulfill all that she did. She was sweet and gentle and always went the extra mile for students and staff. She never said “no” to anyone who asked for help. She had a subtle, cerebral sense of humor.
The comments of an alumna who is now teaching math at Holy Angels are a fitting ending to all we could say about S. Vitoline: Her brain in and of itself was a computer... as a student and later as a teacher at AHA...it amazed me that she knew everyone’s schedule and that she knew everyone by name...her brilliance was quiet and unassuming...she alone would lock every door of the school...I felt safe in the building knowing that she had secured every part of the building as well as the gates...how someone her size was able to move the gates when it takes more than two of us is beyond my scope of understanding... I would like to think that she is right there with St. Peter holding the gate open with her strength and insight finding the good in every one who enters. – Eulogy given by S. Virginia Bobrowski ’61 at the funeral mass of S. Vitoline on January 25, 2012.
Principal Jennifer Moran was interviewed for a recent issue of The Parent Paper in which the issue of same-sex education was debated. In the article, Miss Moran explained that spending the teen years at a single-sex school can act like a “time out” from the real world, where girls learn and reinforce the skills that will make them excellent college students and attractive to potential employers. She adds, “We have seen that by removing girls from a co-ed environment and having them in a single-sex setting we can develop the skills that tend to get overlooked in co-ed schools. We can work with skills that women seem to possess naturally but can become a very important force for them in leadership such as relationship skills, interpersonal skills and empathy. We think that when they go into college and careers, those are the kind of skills that people are looking for.”
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alumnae association president
G
reetings! I hope everyone had a blessed Easter and is enjoying the longer days that mark our spring and summer months. March and April marked some great events at the Academy. March 3rd and March 31st saw AHA alumnae and current parents join in a career workshop series led by life coach and former college career counselor Diane Lang. This useful and very timely presentation proved helpful to those looking to make a mid-career change, as well as those reentering the workforce after years of being at home. Fellow alumnae also gathered to sign class letters and send reminders about this fall’s reunion weekend, scheduled for October 19th and 20th. Current students complemented our efforts by making calls for the Annual Fund phone-a-thon. If they missed you, please remember to support Holy Angels at a level you are comfortable with. As we kick off a new endeavor entitled Angels Advantage, we hope to unite alumnae with current Angels through one-day externships and shadow experiences. If you are in a position to sponsor an opportunity for an Angel to gain hands-on experience in a professional or work environment, I encourage you to participate in this very worthwhile venture. Email me at pattihill@optonline.net, and I will be happy to help make the necessary arrangements. At the Demarest campus, our current Angels are busy making prom plans, picking courses for next year, choosing among their college acceptances, and competing in spring sports. Just this week, a number of recent alumnae were spotted on the sidelines of a very exciting Holy Angels varsity lacrosse win over Pope John (see picture on page 21). If you can, check the website for the schedule, and try to attend an event or a game. It’s a great way to enjoy the spring weather as well as stay connected to Holy Angels. Sincerely, Patti McGovern Hill ’78
ALU MN AE ’60
NEWS
Christine Stein Baltz ’60 shares, “Since retiring, my husband and I are busier than ever managing our 150AC certified tree farm. I am also president of our local Rotary Club, on the advisory board of the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Committee and board member of our housing & revitalization program. But my favorite role is being grandma to two beautiful little girls.”
’63 Kathleen Bohnert Davis ’61 is pictured on AHA Grandparents’ Day with her granddaughter Irene Havlusch ’15
’51
Gladys Doherty Pramuk ’51 writes, “I met my husband Jack at a Holy Angels dance. We married in 1955. We have 20 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren & six successful married children. Thank you AHA!”
Vicki Lucia Cowen ’63 writes, “Proud to be a ‘Grand Legacy’! My granddaughter Caitlin Marie Daniels is in the AHA class of 2014!” Margaret Hurley Wells ’63 says, “Retired now after 43 years as a registered nurse at St. Michael Medical Center in Newark, NJ. Enjoying my free time now with seeing the grandchildren more often, traveling, and loving my e-reader.”
’65
Claudette Robusti Giani ’65 writes, “I am enjoying retirement fully! Taking care of our little grand-daughter, Joy is so much fun.” Jo Ann Martucci Klein ’65
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will be celebrating a happy 40 years of marriage to husband Hank on October 22, 2012. Jo Ann graduated cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 1987 with a B.S. in Business Management & Marketing, and Math. In 1987, Jo Ann was the recipient of the OPEN, Inc. Outstanding Service Award for her role as founder, first President and Chief Executive Officer of a group of corporate members in the United States and Europe who met quarterly to discuss and resolve difficulties members were having communicating electronically within their companies. She was acknowledged for her work in Who’s Who in: American Women (1987), America in Finance and Industry (1988); Emerging Leaders (1991) and in 2000, America for Publishing, for her many published articles.
’67
Ursula Holden Corr ’67 writes, “Enjoying life on Greenwood Lake in NJ! Blessed with 4 grandchildren. Working at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ as a Medical Compliance Specialist. Always grateful for my 12 years of education at Holy Angels.”
’69
Jerianne Niebergall Warren ’69 received her B.A. in Communication Arts from Marymount Manhattan College and her M.A. in Theatre Arts from UCLA. She has spent her life feeding dreams in the college classroom, on the professional stage and in the home. Her enthusiastic style of teaching is brought to life in her latest book Show Don’t Tell. It is not only a guide to public speaking, but a personal tool to help with everyday communication. This book shows you how to make verbal communication comfortable and effective, be it before one person or 1,000, and shows the steps needed to take the giant leap from the back row to the podium.
’74
Mary Campagnolo ’74 writes, “I am President-Elect of Medical Society of New Jersey. My term as President of MSNJ is May 5, 2012–May 2013. I am serving as Medical Director for Primary Care at Virtua Medical Group, Virtua Health Marlton, NJ and still practice as Family Physician at Virtua-Lumbarton Family Physicians in Lumbarton, NJ.”
’87
Patricia Vecera Patella ’87 and her husband Matthew have opened Tavern on the Mountain Restaurant at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Vernon, NJ. After 20 years as a National television producer, Tricia retired to spend time with her family. Matt and Tricia decided to bring their love of family, food and fun together at their year round Tavern where delicious food, great music and good times abound.
Juliet (2). Erika is still working at HSBC’s Private Bank as a Private Banker in the Manhattan office. Erika and Tom are also actively involved with a charity called Rett Syndrome Research Trust (www.rsrt.org). RSRT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization intensively focused on the development of treatments and cures for Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that primarily affects girls.
m Michael John Angli
’94
Jackie Faillace Anglim ’94 and husband Michael welcomed son, Michael John on October 21, 2011 and he weighed 8.4 lbs, 22 inches. Tracy Anastasi Grassi ’94, husband Michael and big sister Noelle welcomed baby Alyssa Marie on February 10, 2012. Alyssa weighed 7 lbs, 11 oz and was 20 inches long.
Alyssa Marie Grassi and big sister Noel le
’96
Robyn Assile Ziemba ’96 and husband John welcomed son Zachary Elias on December 28, 2011.
’97
Christina Jocher Aiello ’97 and husband Jason are delighted to announce the arrival of their daughter Alexa Cate on February 10, 2012 at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Alexa weighed 5 pounds and 14 ounces, and she measured 18.5 inches long. Nicole Imbriale Yampolsky ’97 is Alexa Cate’s godmother. Suzanne Papageorge Meneilly ’97 and husband Andrew proudly announce the birth of son Drew Alexander born on Thursday, December 8th, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz and measured 21 inches long. Big brother George cannot contain his excitement!
Zachary Elias Ziemba
Alexa Cate Aiello
’93
Erika Ryan Oelkers ’93 and husband Tom welcomed their third daughter Scarlett Agnes on October 11, 2011. Scarlett joins big sisters Camryn (5) and
Drew Alexander Meneilly
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’98
Jill Gogluicci Lofaro ’98 and husband Michael welcomed son Cayden Michael on September 16, 2011. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce. Cayden joins big sister Ava (3). Jill is busy with her photography and creating hair bows for Chloe’s Klips.
Alyce Porawski Myers ’98 and husband Cullen welcomed a baby girl, Eva Sophia. She was born on April 29, 2011 in Lafayette, Indiana. Alyce graduated with a M.S. in Biology Education in August 2011 from Purdue University. She was in the inaugural cohort of Woodrow Wilson Fellows, which is a fellowship awarded to bring people from STEM disciplines into science, math, engineering, and math education. She is currently a science teacher at North Judson-San Pierre High School in Indiana.
’99
Ashley Jenkins ’99 was recently appointed as the head of Human Resources for the New England Institute of Art. Julie Clifford Murray ’99 and husband Gerry welcomed future Angel Anna Grace on September 10, 2011.
Jillian Giliberto Miller ’00 married husband Matt in October 2011 in Wyckoff, NJ. Bridesmaids included Lisa Cecere-Benigno ’00, Heather Holahan ’00, Jaclyn Sabol ’00, Kimberly SicaLa Spada ’00 and Beth Timpone-Manzella ’00. The couple currently resides in Boston, MA.
’00
Jade Post Green ’00 and husband Chris welcomed their second child, Liam Christopher, on November 18, 2011 at a healthy 8lbs 14oz and 22in. Charlee Rose (18 months) is thrilled to be a big sister.
Jennifer Holme ’00 married Brett Bagley on October 15, 2010. The wedding took place in the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Jennifer and Brett are featured on the cover of the Outer Banks edition of Bride magazine for 2012!
Laura Faller Whitacre ’98 and husband Chris welcomed son Michael Christopher on March 5, 2011.
Kelly Quirk ’00 married Martin Ceperley in March 2011. Kelly continues to work as an Assistant Director of a 77-bed homeless shelter for severely mentally ill homeless men and women at BRC in New York City.
’02
Jeanine Dargis ’02 writes, “After working at several farm/cheese making apprenticeships in Chile, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Maine, in October 2011 I started my job as head cheese maker at Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, NJ. I’m in charge of making 32 different hard and soft (but mostly hard) cheeses from sheep, cow, and goat milk, for sale at the farm, at our cheese shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and at a myriad of farmer’s markets in and around the NYC/NJ Metro area. For more information, please visit www.njcheese.com.”
got news?
Send your news and photos for the next issue of Tidings to Dorrie Voulgaris at alumnae@holyangels.org by June 15, 2012!
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’04
Tara Driggs ’04 and Kurt Hopfenspirger were engaged during sunrise on the beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina on July 3, 2011. The bride-to-be graduated from Marist College in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. She is presently the Director of Public Relations at Immaculate Heart Academy. The groom-to-be graduated from Marist College in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in finance. Tara’s Maids of Honor will be her three best friends from Holy Angels: Maria Bendana ’04, Michele Mezzina ’04 and Jacqueline Stephens ’04. Tara and Kurt plan to wed on June 15, 2013 at St. Luke’s Church in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ.
’05
Meghan Azzaro ’05 (Biology teacher) joins fellow Angel educators at Hackensack High School: Angelie Ganti Ferrante ’88 (Biology teacher), Vicky Aquino Shaw ’00 (Chemistry teacher) and Patricia Aquino ’97 (Assistant Principal).
Caroline Graham ’06 completed her M.A. in Election and Campaign Management at Fordham University. She has relocated to Washington, D.C. where she is on the staff of Global Strategy Group as a Research Associate.
’08
Verena Elizabeth Fisher ’08 is in her second year as Student Health Advocate Workshop Coordinator on the Rutgers Campus in Newark. The mission of the department is to encourage the academic and personal success of Rutgers-Newark students by advocating for wellness and social justice.
Catherine Perna ’05 and Daniel Saum (DBP ’05) were engaged in April 2011. They will be married at Mary Help of Christians Chapel at Don Bosco Prep on November 17, 2012. Barbara Galle ’04 married Dan Rivas on the most appropriate day for an Angel to have a special occasion – October 2, 2011. The two met as undergraduates at the University of Notre Dame. Susan Galle Becdach ’94 served as matron of honor. Angels in attendance included Camille Aramini ’04, Katie McSherry ’04, Frances Uzzi ’04, Jessica Atterbury ’04, and Rita Palladino ’05. The couple currently resides in Toledo, Ohio, where Barbara works as a corporate attorney.
’06
Amanda Petrocelli ’05 was among the top-placing women in the World’s Toughest Mudder Competition in Englishtown, NJ. This 24 hour event is 10 miles in length, obstacle-laced and riddled with waist-high mud. The object of the event is to do as many laps as possible within the 24 hour time frame. Amanda placed fourth among women and 29th overall. This photo accompanied a front-page article in The Star Ledger the following day.
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’09
Apollonia Colacicco ’09 is double majoring in Communications and Visual Arts with a concentration in Photography and an Italian minor at Fordham University. She recently traveled to Italy and Japan on Fordham sponsored study abroad trips. Photographs from her travels were on display in the exhibition Documentary Photography: Italy/ Japan at Fordham’s Lincoln Center gallery this fall.
GO ANGELS!
Lacrosse alumnae stopped by Holy Angels to cheer on the current Angels. Pictured are Lily McLaughlin ’11, Rita Malley ’09, Katie Malley ’07, Kate Russo ’10, and Kaitlin Saar ’11.
Reminder: the deadline for Athletic Hall of Fame nominations is June 1st!
’11
Camille Menendez ’09 (pictured at right) won the 4-year college poster award in the Developmental Biology/Genetics division for her research project at the 2011 MACUB (Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists) at Seton Hall University in October 2011. Her project is titled “Development of a Bioinformatics Tool for Prediction of Evolutionarily Conserved Regulatory Motifs in Human mRNAs” and uses computer analysis tools for medical research. In November 2011, she was also awarded the Parish Adult Award by the Archdiocese of Newark for her services to Assumption Corpus Christi Teen Ministry, a youth group at which she helps as a college volunteer.
Angel Network In January, Danielle Galka ’10 visited the Academy’s Studio Art class to talk about her experiences as a Fashion Design Major at Parsons School of Design in New York. She shared a lot of insight about art school, art careers, fashion, and life after AHA. The students came away inspired by her work and her stories!
Maya Saoud ’06 returned to AHA to speak during an assembly celebrating Catholic Schools Week. She spoke to current students about the ways in which Holy Angels guided her career path. Maya graduated from Fordham University in 2010 with a BA in History and Middle East Studies and is currently pursuing
Chelsea Martinez ’11 (pictured at left) is currently a freshman at The Ohio State University. She was recruited to attend OSU as an “Excellence Scholar” and saber fencer. To date, Chelsea has enjoyed much success both academically and on the fencing strip. In March, Chelsea and her fencing teammates won the coveted title of NCAA Division 1 Fencing Champions. Erika Persson ’11 is currently a freshman at NYU. She is a member of the NYU women’s fencing team. At a recent meet against some of the top teams in the country, Erika won seven matches in individual saber – one of the highest for her team!
her MS in Education at Fordham. She is currently the Program Coordinator for The Advocacy Lab in New York City. She is also a member of the UN’s Advocacy Team for Pax Romana. Sarah Oldfield ’05 returned to the Academy to speak to the Communications class about working in Public Relations. Sarah attended TCNJ and graduated in 2009 with a degree in Journalism and Professional Writing. Directly after graduation, Sarah began a PR internship with Michael C. Fina in New York City. She is now thrilled to hold the position of Social Media and Communications Director, for which she manages their Facebook, Twitter, Blog, YouTube, Foursquare and Yelp pages. Sarah stated that taking an elective course in Communications at AHA is what sparked her interest in Journalism and Public Relations – an elective class that she originally didn’t even want to take! She encouraged the girls to explore different courses because you never know what might inspire your future and change your life. Talin Baghdadlian ’09 returned recently to speak to the International Studies class about her college experiences and chance to study abroad. Talin studies at George
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Washington University in Washington, DC, majoring in International Studies with a concentration in International Politics and Russian Area Studies. Talin has had the opportunity to intern with a grassroots lobbying organization as well as with our representative on Capitol Hill. She encouraged the Holy Angels’ students to study abroad when they can and to broaden their horizons from the conventionally accepted abroad options. She herself was inspired by her Holy Angels study abroad summer in Austria.
College Angels visited during spring break to share advice with current Angels. Pictured above are Chelsea Lawlor ’11, Caroline Vigneron ’10, Victoria Oggioni ’11, Danielle Flood ’11, Ryan Ashley Moran ’11 and Katie Prendergast ’10.
lost reunion angels It’s time for the class reunion and we’ve lost touch with the following Angels. We would love to reconnect with these alumnae. If you are in contact with any of these classmates, please encourage them to contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at 201.768.7822 x211 or alumnae@holyangels.org. 1932 Gladys DeBraun Audrey Moran Jeannette Morton Marjorie Schmidt 1937 Elaise Fitzgerald Baldwin Anne Marie Callery Elena Cavagnaro Eileen Connell Marian Goodyear Ethel Gould Barbara King Matilda Kubczyk Marjorie Maher Florence Meakim Margaret Murphy Anita O’Gara Marie Tierney 1942 Jane Ahern Elena Aimone Marcela Diaz Kathleen Greene Catherine Holleran Grace Foley Horgan Margaret McDermott Kelly Dorothy Kovacich Novak Nadine Noyer Patricia Reynolds Peggy Rieman Eileen Dillon Schmidt Jane Rieman Wilson 1947 Anne Marie Hoar Cavallara Rita Heule Christensen Rita Hamburg Joan Klipper Margaret McQuade Marion Kozler O’Hara Joan Chiri Reynolds 1952 Elia D’Orazio Coviello Dorothea Eccleston Blanche Favorito Marion Holland Margaret Kennedy Eileen Kerrigan
Marianne Kirchgesner Barbara Malley Ruth Mayer Diane Saxer McDonald Carol Noeding Barbara Brophy Rea Marcella Roccatagliata Theresa Cooley Schwarz Irene Shaw Ellen Sheehan Carol Sofio Frances Stavola von Trabert Jane Wagner Eileen McCrane Weber 1957 Patricia Price Kavanaugh Marcella MacLean Mary Ellen Roe Brenda McGowan Sikora Michelle Smith Jacqueline Taylor 1962 Claire Alberse Susan Dondero Bailer Joanne Bianco Sandra Coccioli Anne Collins Mary Grillo Delaney Patricia Dillon Eileen Ferrara Dohenny Mary Jane Egan Shirley Dickinson Ellis Eileen Fraser Kathy Whooley Free Mary Ellen Garfes Pamela Geraci Antonia Graglia Gordon Mary Guyder Ingrid Hartmann Nancy Heffernan Joanne Heindel Karen Hilyer Maureen Kelly Diane Janney Kerr Hiroko Kobayashi Kristine Kunstadter Diane Dadulak Lacey Jane Leonard Michele Levasseur Judy Lewandowski Terese MacNeil Eileen Mannion Diane McCue Catherine McDonald Mary Lynne McMahon Martha Miller Rita Grennan Mintz Diane Mulcahy Mary Nelson Mary Plante Jeanette McGuire Porter Maria Rivera Patricia Procak Soller
Diane DiFiore Ursla Donna Weber
Terri Saniewski Robin Lindley Van Meter
1967 Patricia Tierney Armour Mary Jo Carroll Anna Castrianni Cavanaugh Gail Christensen Anne Marie Discepolo Carolina Drummond Mary DiFabio Ecke Kathryn Jackson Fallon Jo Marie Volk Flood Eileen Bittmann Ford Margaret Felicetti Harris Betty Higgins Mary Kulesz Ellen Levasseur Judith Cutro Mowery Ann Mulcare Catherine Sugden Mullen Mary Zucchet O’Connell Patricia Byrne O’Gorman Rosemarie Perelli Ellen McLaughlin Raimondo Sara Picone Rutz Anne Spillane Ryan Diane Fenech Witko Jacqueline Zuccaro
1982 Marilyn Bristol Helen Carletta Andrea Florio Patricia Griffin Anne Marie Vallestero Keenan Marilyn Cianciaruso Koblan Ann Marie McCann Christine Kraemer Mercurio Tricia Mortellaro Laura O’Loughlin Bernadette O’Rourke Kathryn Rice Maria Sanchez Susan Tozzi
1972 Kathleen Clyne Denise Dapelo Cynthia Gilroy Patricia Gratzel Bonnie Hague Marilyn Hassloch Kathleen Heide Susan Wagner Jarockir Beth Johnson Patricia Kearns Dianne Massarelli Barbara Murphy Leigh Hoinash Pisani Susan Schmitt Annmarie Simonetti Deborah Viscardi Mary Ann Zink
1992 Jennifer Yurt Burgess Anna Donoghue Joanna Larivee Stacey Larkins Paula Malesardi Francine van Koolbergen McAloon Eileen Hannigan-Musella Saina Sugathan Clare Tobias, PE Leigh Warren
1977 Maureen Brennan Julie Caffrey Valerie Dash Ann Dirscherl Gordon Christine Sherlock Hall Gayle Harold Hopps Rosanne Kearns Michelle Koch Pam Kolbe Kathleen Markham Karla McKenna Ann Marie Mullane Lori Nappi Chris Poniros Paula Russo Romaine
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1987 Sabrina Brutus Joanie Keyes Burton Tricia Carletta Carrie Galvin Elise Greiche Pamela Berdais Hulbert Lan Incardone Barbara Kelly Christi Repice
1997 Emily Christenson-Flowers Dawn Fallon Mary McDermott Fierabend Angela Niznik Gunderson Jennifer Knuth Joo Youn Lee Christine Frediani Levine Chan-Bene Lin Christina Marchisio Lindsay Essig Swiatkowski 2002 Christina Ahn Stephanie Flores Samantha Caloz Giglio Tara Monaghan Elyse Norton 2007 Nicole Jadoo Singh Siobhan McKenna
Beefsteak Dinner
Talent Show
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Junior Ring Ceremony Legacy mothers and daughters celebrate this
Music in our Schools Month 25
special milestone together.
soaring angel In June 1996, Michelle Holme left the stage of the AHA auditorium after having given her valedictory speech. After four years at AHA, Michelle had made her mark in a variety of activities. She excelled academically and was inducted into several honor societies. Her love of the arts was obvious in her involvement in the instrumental ensemble, art classes, working on stage crew and being Art Co-Editor of Echoes. Her class recognized her talents and voted her as Class Artist. With the next stop being the University of Pennsylvania, a bright future filled with much promise was certain. Michelle reflected on the impact AHA had on her by saying, “AHA helped me reset my standards. I came in with goals limited to the edges of my suburban experience but AHA helped me dream bigger.” Michelle initially planned to major in Molecular Biology at UPenn. However, those plans changed and would forever impact the years to come. Michelle explains, “Unfortunately there are no related internships for that major available to freshman so I applied for positions within my minor which was the Fine Arts. I was accepted as a summer intern in graphic design at MSNBC and by the time I started working in the fall at a Philadelphia ad agency, I knew I had found my career. I switched to a double major in Fine Arts and Communications and continued gaining work experience at a variety of design internships. The most significant was at Sony Online Entertainment during the summer of my sophomore year. That internship experience plus the letter of recommendation I received from my Sony manager helped me to secure a job at the company after graduation.” Michelle began her career at Sony as a graphic artist, but she was always looking for opportunities to advance and a bigger challenge. “My first break came when I was asked to design for Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising,” she shares, “After weeks of long hours, Bruce chose my design and I was promoted to Art Director. Now after an interesting 10+ years in the industry, I have had a great many projects that I have been proud of, one which garnered a Grammy, had my work displayed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had the privilege of working with dozens of living legends.”
On February 12, Michelle was recognized by the Recording Academy with a Grammy for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package for her work on Bruce Springsteen’s The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story. This was her second Grammy nomination and first win. When asked what part of her job she enjoys most, Michelle replied, “The most fun part of my job is the diversity of the projects. I could be designing a blood drenched cover for a trash metal band, drawing a logo for a singer songwriter and planning a photo shoot for a neo-soul standard bearer all in the same day. I might have to deal with an eclectic group of egos but it definitely does not get boring.” Michelle has this advice for the Angels who are interest in a career in the arts, “Don’t let people tell you what you are supposed to do and impose their limits on your goals. I was consistently told that a career in the arts is extremely difficult and that only a lucky few find success. I saw that as a challenge to work hard and not as a reason to not even try.” This Soaring Angel is proof that Angels really do fly higher! Congratulations Michelle Holme ’96 - everyone at AHA is very proud of your accomplishments and are certain that many more accolades for your great work are sure to come.
Bruce Springsteen’s The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story
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in memoriam ALUMNAE
Stella Farrell
Jeanne Pirnat Aversa ’54
Mother of Patricia Farrell Bueb ’65 and Former AHA President Mary Farrell Cherif ’66
Miriam Gilchrist Blades ’35 Mother of Susan Blades Blankenburg ’64 and the late Bernadette Blades ’62 and Mother-in-Law of the late Elizabeth Palazzo Blades ’68
Dorothy Connor Brennan ’31 Teresa Muller Campbell ’32 Suzanne Vuinovich Florian ’62 Catherine Lagatol Mayher ’38 Alice Tyndall ’41
Placido Ferreri Grandfather of Jacqueline Ferreri ’14
William Fletcher Father of former AHA staff member Louise Plentus and Grandfather of Laura Plentus ’04
James Gaffney Father of Mary Gaffney McCormack ’84
Gisele Grace Mother of Nicole Grace Keck ’77
Sister of the late Sister Marie Victorine Tyndall SSJ ’35, Janice Tyndall ’38, Sister Hugh Marie Tyndall SSJ ’43 and Sister-in-law of the late Gloria Perazzo Tyndall ’41
Michael Haley
Lisa Marie Walls ’86
Grandmother of Molly Judge ’12 and Kirsten Judge ’15
Patricia Aybar Whaler ’73
Grandfather of Ciara Haley ’13
Doreen Jameson Mother of Emily Jameson Dragone ’06
Joan Judge
Stephen Maher FAMILY & FRIENDS
Brother of S. Mary Maher ’68, SSND
Rita M. McDonald
Frank Antonini
Grandmother of Jennifer Credidio ’94
Grandfather of Elizabeth Kohli ’05 and Anna Kohli ’13
Ed Mulhare
Michael Patrick Bertone Grandfather of Ava Bertone ’14
Walter Casey Father of Sharon Casey ’77 and Uncle of AHA Faculty member Sheila Wroblewski ’79 and Chelsea Schwerzler ’10
Bertha Chitko
Father of Lisa Mulhare Sanderson ’78
Francine Murphy Mother of Ellen Murphy Brown ’80
Arthur O’Keefe Father of Patricia O’Keefe Elgarhi ’78 and Theresa O’Keefe ’81
Ersilia Pacelli
Mother of AHA Faculty member Maryann Chitko
Great-Grandmother of Teresa Pacelli ’13
Etta DeVivo
Mother of Karen Quigley ’94
Mother of Diane DeVivo Henry ’70 and Helene DeVivo Capicotto ’72
Josephine Di Roberto Grandmother of Monica Mariniello ’97
Academy of the Holy Angels has made every effort to verify the accuracy of the data contained herein. We apologize for any errors or omissions and ask that you bring them to our attention for subsequent correction. Submissions for In Memoriam should be sent to the Office of Alumnae Relations: 315 Hillside Avenue, Demarest, NJ 07627 or email at alumnae@holyangels.org.
Christine Quigley Arthur J. Smallman Grandfather of Monique Smallman ’15
Laura Sovak Grandmother-in-Law of AHA Faculty member Michèle Sovak
Millicent (Denise) Kopp ’55 passed away on July 10, 2011. Her classmates asked that we share a tribute in honor of Denise’s life and her many accomplishments. After leaving AHA, Denise had the opportunity to study abroad in Switzerland. She claimed that this was a “defining moment” in her life. Shortly after, she entered the Sisters of Charity where she began her teaching career in New York City. She taught elementary school and then onto the high school level where she taught French, English and Religious Studies. She went on to attain a Master’s degree in French from Middlebury College. After Pope John XXIII’s urging to examine her role in the community, Denise decided to leave religious life. She returned to Bergenfield and served on the City Council. She was the first woman elected to office in the town’s history. Denise cherished the years spent in meetings, social events and having the opportunity to affect change in a town that she loved. This was a springboard to a new career in public administration. She moved to Arizona in 1977 and worked for the State while obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She spent the next decade working for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. During her retirement years, she moved to the Allentown, PA area where she taught English as a second language and enjoyed working in the antiques business.
Memorial Gifts*
Dome Society*
Holy Angels is very grateful to alumnae and friends who designate AHA as the recipient of memorial gifts in lieu of flowers. Envelopes are available for memorial gifts upon request.
By making a gift through your will or living trust you will provide support for future women leaders. Your gift can be given as a specific amount, as a portion of an estate or as a remainder share.
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READERS: The Post Office does not forward Tidings. Postal regulations require the school to pay for every copy not deliverable as addressed. Please notify us directly of any changes of address, giving both the new and old address. PARENTS: If this publication is addressed to your daughter and she no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office at 201-768-7822 x211 or by email at alumnae@holyangels.org.
Our Family Tree is in bloom! Thank you to all who returned their prayer cards – our new “Family Tree” is proudly displayed in the AHA chapel.
*For more information regarding Memorial Gifts or the Dome Society, contact Tara Brunt at 201.768.7822 x224
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