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
wi nt er 20 1 8
Project-based
Le arning
this summer at
AHA
Two-week program July 9th – July 20th for rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls!
CHOOSE YOUR “ MA J OR ” Engineering/Technology • Science/Math • Fine Arts Performing Arts • Skill Builder • Dance Half days – 8:30am-11:45am • Full days – 8:30am-3:30pm Morning drop-off available at 8am • After care available until 4:30pm (see website for details!)
www.holyangels.org/angelsu
tidings
p r e s i d e n t 's m e s s a g e
V ol u m e X I I , n u mb e r 1
EDITORS Jillane Ferreira
Director of Communications jillane@holyangels.org
Dorrie Voulgaris
Director of Advancement
advancement@holyangels.org
Dear Friends of AHA,
Jennifer Crusco
It is indeed a great time at the Academy of the Holy Angels and a busy time as well. This school year has brought great changes to our campus and programs with the opening of Kelleher Hall. It was with a sense of tremendous pride that we dedicated Sister Genevieve Hall last October. Now the building is bustling with students using the new art studios and classrooms. The beautifully renovated chapel serves all as a quiet place for reflection, a meeting place for Religious Studies classes and a gathering place for worship. All of us in the business offices have settled into our amazing spaces upstairs where the SSND Heritage Suite will now house the Academy archives. Please check out the photos from our dedication on page 14.
Marketing Assistant
jcrusco@holyangels.org
administration Melinda Hanlon, President
president@holyangels.org
Jean Mullooly, Principal
principal@holyangels.org
Francesca Tambone-Puzio
Dean of Academics
ftambone@holyangels.org
As seen on the cover of this issue, the highlight of our Catholic Schools Week celebration was Cardinal Joseph Tobin’s visit here in February. Cardinal Tobin toured our classes and celebrated Mass for our school community. In his homily, he reminded us of the importance of our connectedness to one another and to those in need. We enjoyed the Cardinal’s visit very much and were pleased to learn of his own connectedness to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Throughout this issue of Tidings, you will see many examples of our connectedness as a school community as you read about the accomplishments of our students and the many acts of faith and charity they share with others. Few things delight us more than to welcome our alumnae home and to share the news of their lives and contributions to our world. Last October, the School Sisters of Notre Dame from all over the world gathered for their General Chapter meeting to elect their new leadership team and discern their new directional statement. This statement is “Love gives everything.” These words are part of a quote from our foundress, Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, “Love gives everything gladly, everything again and again, daily,” and provides such beautiful direction to all of us here at Holy Angels. These words also reflect the connectedness we share with all of you – our AHA families, friends and benefactors. It is your support given again and again daily that allows us to provide our students with such an extraordinary educational experience. Wishing you and your families many blessings,
Melinda A. Hanlon President
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Andréa Beyer, Dean of Students abeyer@holyangels.org
George Ballane
Facilities and Technology Administrator
contents gballane@holyangels.org contents
On the Cover 15
Cardinal Tobin’s Historic Visit to AHA
Featured Pages 4 Spirituality
5
Angels in the Arts
8
Angel Athletes
10
Angels Around the Halls
13
Faculty News
19
Alumnae News
27
In Memoriam
spirituality Foundation Day 2017 The Academy of the Holy Angels celebrated the 1833 establishment of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, AHA's founders and sponsors, at an October 27th celebration. The service included readings by the SSNDs who serve at AHA, and a keynote speech by Sister Patricia Ferrick, SSND, who works in the border town of Douglas, Arizona. Eight SSNDs who attended the celebration renewed their vows, and three SSND associates were recognized for their commitment to the organization.
School Theme “We seek what they sought” - Matsuo Basho
Standing (L-R): S. Kathleen Dunham, SSND; S. Carole Tabano, SSND; S. Patricia Ferrick, SSND; and S. Grace D'Amico, SSND. Seated: S. Mary Kelly, SSND; S. Ethel Howley, SSND; S. Madeline Hanson, SSND; and S. Mary Foley, SSND
AHA Kicks the Water Bottle; Inspires Others Water was a critical issue for AHA Foundress Sister Nonna Dunphy. When she purchased the Academy’s first campus in Fort Lee, there was no municipal water supply. During times when there was not enough rainfall, the sisters were obligated to send a muledrawn wagon to Edgewater, where they paid up to $5 a barrel for water. After S. Nonna prayed to Moses for help, a spring was struck on the school property.
The full quote from Japanese poet Matsuo Basho is “Do not follow in the footsteps of the wise: Seek what they sought.”
Surely times have changed since Blessed Theresa founded the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1833 and traveled with Mother Caroline to the US in 1847. That same vision and mission that led Blessed Theresa and Mother Caroline and S. Mary Nonna Dunphy to open Holy Angels in 1879 are ever present on campus today. AHA Principal Jean Mullooly shared, “Our theme for this year, 'We Seek What They Sought' is fitting. While our buildings are undergoing great change, our hearts and our vision remain constant. Answers to difficult questions become crystal clear when one clings to our mission of helping each student reach her potential so she, in turn, can share her gifts with others.”
AHA Sends Over $7,000 to Puerto Rico Holy Angels raised $7,042 to help teachers from Academia Perpetuo Socorro in San Juan, Puerto Rico, get a fresh start after Hurricane Maria. In true AHA tradition, the school community responded by hosting multiple fundraisers where they purchased edible treats, had their pictures taken, added their palm prints to a giant banner, attended a fiesta, and much more. They also demonstrated that a goal can be an artificial limit, exceeding the original $3,000 challenge before Thanksgiving 2017, and then surpassing the adjusted challenge of $5,000.
L to R: SSND Associates Joan Dillman, Kathy Sylvester, and Marie Ciccone
Responding to Pope Francis’ challenge to be caretakers of creation, Holy Angels banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on campus and the purchase of these bottles with school funds. This policy took effect at the start of the 2017-18 academic year. This successful student-led effort began after a 2016 summer trip to Nazareth Farm, where leaders emphasize an ecofriendly lifestyle. When they returned home, current seniors Elena Pulanco, Angela Romanos, and Samantha Sivulka and Lisa Harootunian, who graduated in 2017, were inspired to take action. The students decided to focus their efforts on reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles on campus. While some persuasion was necessary to carry out their plan, the Angels did have a good deal of support within the school community and the School Sisters of Notre Dame who are committed to ensuring that people around the world have ready access to clean, potable water.
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AHA’s policy was an inspiration for students at Saint Benedict Preparatory School in Newark. Students from the SBP sustainability team, the Green Bees, traveled to AHA to learn more about the Angels' work. During their frank discussion with the Green Bees, the Angels shared how they persisted in reaching out to their peers at assemblies and during Awareness Day and running water taste tests. AHA now has multiple water fountains that also double as bottle refilling stations throughout the campus.
angels in the arts Vocalists Perform in Tri-M Shares the Gift of Music Papp organized a concert for Competitive Choirs Timea the residents of Van Dyk Park Place, an
Angels’ voices are being heard at some exclusive performances. Academy of the Holy Angels vocalists Yasmine CarterMcTavish, Hanora Chapman, Leah Sanchez, and Maria Guyre recently earned the distinction of becoming the only Catholic high school students to perform in the All-County Band and Choir Concert. “The choir is highly competitive, with over 600 students who auditioned from all of Bergen County,” AHA Choral Director Lisa Marciano noted. Hanora Chapman has also been chosen to share her vocal talents in the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Chapman was also named a member of the 2017 choir. This year, she sang Alto 2 in the Mixed Concert Choir, a group comprised of top vocalists from across the globe. “Because I participated in the Honors Performance Series last year, I could audition for the choir without a teacher’s recommendation,” Chapman explained. “I had to prepare an Italian aria with accompaniment for my audition, and I competed against people auditioning from all around the country and the world.”
assisted living facility located in Papp’s hometown. This outreach featured several members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, who presented violin and piano selections, saxophone and flute duets, and vocal pieces. The eclectic program included everything from Mozart to jazz, and renditions of beloved tunes such as “Jingle Bells" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." In addition to Papp, Tri-M performers included Jillian and Angelina Busetto, Jaya and Maya Sharma, Olivia Hagopian, Mary Macri, Haram Kim, Hannah and Grade Velarde, Hanora Chapman, and Amanda Siemsen. Mariann Annecchino, moderator of AHA’s Tri-M chapter, also attended the concert. As a volunteer at Van Dyk Park Place, Papp said she noticed how music made a positive impact on the alertness level of residents who struggle with memory loss. “I knew from past experience that our music and songs would bring happiness, and perhaps joyful recollections of times past for all, and they did!” Papp shared. “Many of the residents were heard humming and
singing during our performances, and they brought us great happiness by sharing their applause with us.” Musicians from Holy Angels' chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society performed at the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in Wilton, Connecticut. Featured musicians included pianist Jaya Sharma and the AHA String Quartet, which includes violinists Maya Sharma and Maria Guyre, violist Jiwon Yoon, and cellist Erin Yang. The students delighted their audience with a variety of musical pieces ranging from "Moon River" to "The Estudiantina Waltz." AHA Instrumental Music Director and Tri-M Chapter Adviser Mariann Annecchino encourages society members to actively promote music at AHA and within the greater community, a cause members fully embrace.
Fall Drama Leaves Audiences Spellbound Audiences eagerly consumed the November production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Each of the skilled actors teased out the dark secrets held by the key players in this classic tale of guilt and judgment. On opening night, the pivotal final scene drew a unified, audible gasp from AHA theatergoers as a key secret was revealed. Delighted applause ensued at the play’s resolution. This drama highlighted the many talents of the student thespians, Director Katie McSherry Collins '04, and those working behind the scenes. AHA’s productions consistently garner multiple awards and nominations for excellence. Cast members included Angels Jessica Boccassini, Jenna Cooperman, Julia Fernandez, Valeria Gonzalez, Nora
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Jacobi, Gabi Layne, Rianna LeHane, Anijanie Perez, and Valentina Zazzali. Also included in the cast were: Alexander Birchwale of St. Joseph’s Regional, John Malcuit of Park Ridge High School, Jack Piccirillo of St. Joseph’s Regional, and Jaden Urso of Closter.
Artists & Writers Earn Recognition in Scholastic Art & Writing Competition High-quality works of art, many of which were created within Holy Angels’ newly-renovated studios in S. Genevieve Kelleher Hall, yielded 13 Gold Keys, 10 Silver Keys, and 38 Honorable Mentions for the students who entered the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. In addition, three Angel writers earned one Gold Key, two Silver Keys, and three Honorable Mentions in the regional competition. Gold Keys “unlock” the opportunity for recipients to compete at the national level. Ruobing “Snow” Yang received three Gold Keys in the art competition, including two for individual photographs and one in the highly competitive photographic art portfolio category. Yang’s photography also earned her a Silver Key and two Honorable Mentions. Gold Key art winners also include: Vanessa Tamarit, three Gold Keys and an Honorable Mention, photography; Tyara Estrada, two Gold Keys and three Honorable Mentions, photography; Maria Hannoush, Gold Key and Honorable Mention, photography; Hannah Velarde, Gold Key, digital art, and Honorable Mentions, jewelry and digital art; Victoria Lakowski, Gold Key, jewelry; and Julia Elisano, Gold Key, photography. Margeaux Gould, a 2017 National Silver Medalist in jewelry, won a Gold Key, a Silver Key, and two Honorable Mentions for her sculptures in this year’s regional event. This year’s Silver Key art winners also include Alexa Hernandez, mixed media; Hannah Schultz, photography; Katelyn Spinks, jewelry; and Ji Won Yang, photography. Milena Correa earned Silver Keys in both mixed media and printmaking. Correa’s printmaking also drew two Honorable Mentions. Jennifer Kim won a Silver Key and an Honorable Mention for her sculptures. Soohyun Park received a Silver Key for painting and an Honorable Mention for drawing/illustration. AHA artists who earned two Honorable Mentions each include: Elizabeth Braun, drawing/ illustration; Ashley Chang, printmaking and mixed media; Lauren Chin, photography; Mary Haws, drawing/illustration; Kym McGowan, photography and jewelry; Elena Pulanco, photography and drawing/illustration; and Ashley Toscano Vasquez, photography. The following students also received Honorable Mentions: Elizabeth Anderson, digital art; Allison Asselbergs, digital art; Bridgette Colon, photography; Katarina Katzarov, photography; Ernestine Klecz, drawing/illustration; Kerry Limberg, jewelry; Abigail Lovatt, photography; Grace Velarde, jewelry; and Julie Zierer, photography. Writer Kirsten Garino’s humor pieces netted two awards, including a Gold Key for “FAQ” and an Honorable Mention for “The Paleo Problem.” Mary Petito received two Silver Keys for her poetry. Irene Kim garnered two Honorable Mentions for her short stories.
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angels in the arts Threepeat: AHA Varsity Dancers Win Third National Title!
The unstoppable, unparalleled varsity dance team from the Academy of the Holy Angels has made history by pulling off an astounding “threepeat” as national champions in small varsity hip hop. This latest win came in early February at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida. In addition to successfully defending their title, varsity dancers finished seventh in pom.
creates magic, and I am incredibly proud of them.”
“There is really no secret to our success, just continual hard work each and every practice,” Varsity Coach Jenny Sweet commented. “These dancers are everything: their drive, commitment to each other, and trust in the process
The team delivered. Varsity dancers include Isabella Cho, Odette Castillo, Madelyn Menapace, Kaitlyn Lack, Natalie Quinn, Sahar Ali-Jenkins, Melina Tidwell Torres, Sophia Costa, Ciara
She added, “The varsity team was ranked first from semifinals into finals, and then we had to draw for order. I ended up picking number one, meaning we had to perform first in the field of 18 finalists. We knew we had to give the performance of a lifetime to make a lasting impression with the heavy hitters coming later in the category.”
Wacker, Olivia Martinez, Giselle Martin, Tamara Kim, Natasha Vafiadis, Valeria Pernicone, Carmela Alessio, Bridget Ryan, and Annalise Mender. The up-and-coming AHA Junior Varsity Dance Team, coached by AHA Dance Team alumnae Kristen DePeri '09 and Alyssa Aponte 12, placed second in hip hop and fifth in pom. Members of the JV team include Julia Creange, Daniella Macri, Emily Yang, Maya Aguiling, Daniella Hernandez, Courtney Hairston, Ani Gueyikian, Analily Bozanian, Cameryn Lindsay, Kristin Anderson, Kristen Chung, and Kailtyn Grifonetti.
Holy Angels Welcomes Performing Arts Department Chairman Emphasizing the school’s commitment to the performing arts, the Academy of the Holy Angels welcomes music educator Dan Mahoney as the first chairman of the AHA Performing Arts Department. AHA President Melinda Hanlon explained that this new post was established to draw more visibility to the Academy’s performing arts offerings, and create a focus for those involved in Holy Angels’ many music and theater programs.
“My charge is to expand what is already there, and get more students involved,” said Mahoney, who started working for AHA as a consultant in September 2016. “I met with faculty, parents, and students to get their dream of what the performing arts department could be. My primary responsibility will be to help the program grow,” he explained. “The team approach is pivotal to me, and working with a strong parent group (Angels in the Arts) and the girls are all recipes for success.”
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angel athletes Angel athletes attain individual and team honors
Historic Moment Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch announced that National Signing Day 2017 was a historic moment at AHA, as a record number of Academy athletes had committed to Division 1 college sports. Kelly (Do Yeoun) Sim will play golf at Northwestern, Elena Pulanco will play basketball at Wofford College on a full scholarship, and Tara Lyons and Caroline McGann will participate in track and field at Bucknell. All four students inked letters of intent on National Signing Day.
Magnificent Milestone Basketball phenomenon Elena Pulanco scored her 1,000th career point December 30, 2017, as AHA battled Old Tappan in the Joe Poli Holiday Tournament. Pulanco’s milestone three-point shot catapulted her from 997 points to the magical 1,000 mark. She scored 29 points during the game, including 21 from three-point range. Soccer Team Scores Defining WINS Although the varsity soccer team faced an extremely competitive schedule and
finished the 2017 season with a 6-14 record, the Angels made it to the third round of the counties for the first time in recent history. The girls notched defining wins against Old Tappan and Wayne Hills, proving they can compete with some of the best teams in northern New Jersey. Alex Cardona and Colleen Farrell made First Team All-League; Allison Bart, Sydney Loverich, and Samantha Romano were named Second Team All-League; and goalie Stephanie Velez received an All-League Honorable Mention. Gymnasts Enjoy Team’s Most Successful Season
The five freshmen and two juniors on the 2017 gymnastics team posted the most successful season in the program’s history. This young team started strong with a dual meet record of 8-1. The Angels then went into the postseason by winning the County Tournament as a team, scoring a 108.325. Freshman Faith Furletti also won the all-around title with a 37.175. The Angels placed
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third at the League Tournament and won the first place title at State Sectionals, becoming the first Holy Angels gymnastics team to qualify for the State Tournament. Faith Furletti qualified for the tournament as an individual, competing in all-around, and junior Maggie Kaczmarczyk qualified for bars. Furletti walked away with 10th place in the state for floor, and was named First Team All-County and All-League in all-around. Kaczmarczyk was named First Team All-County and All-League for bars. Shannon Furletti was named First Team All-League for floor and Second Team All-County for bars. Kathryn Welch was named First Team All-League and Second Team All-County for floor. Kendall Williams received Honorable Mention for All-County and All-League. Ashley Thompson received Honorable Mention for All-County, and Taylor Szabo received Honorable Mention for All-League. Volleyball Team Gains Momentum After wrapping up the 2017 season with a 13-12 record, the volleyball team is determined to build on its successes as the players look toward next year. During the first few weeks of the regular season, the team participated in the Northern Valley Invitational Tournament, and finished third in the four-team bracket. With their performance during pool play against teams like Pascack Hills and Old Tappan, Holy Angels played tough, but lost to Bogota, a top 20 team, in the first
round of the consolation bracket. All 13 team members received playing time and continued to show effort as they adjusted to new challenges. The girls’ performances against the state’s toprated teams validated AHA’s place in the county and inspired the Angels to work harder. The team’s performances against some of the most competitive teams in the county, such as Paramus, Pascack Hills, and Pascack Valley, showed their potential and earned them the 20th seed in the Bergen County Tournament. The Angels fell to #13 Dwight Englewood in the county event. After a one-year hiatus, Holy Angels qualified for the State Tournament, and was ranked 11th in the non-public bracket. In the first round, AHA defeated Montclair Kimberly, but lost to sixth seeded Paul VI in the second round. The players already recognize what improvements they need to make to be more consistent and extend their postseason. The varsity team includes four graduating seniors and 10 returning players. The team continues to hold a position as a contender in the best county for girls’ volleyball. Several players received league honors, including Jalen Wynn and Magda Papenhausen, First Team; Angelina Busetto, Emily Taufield, Daniella Martinez, and Nicolette Martinez, Second Team; and Iris Knowles, Honorable Mention.
Tennis Players Achieve Goals Setting clear goals helped the AHA Varsity Tennis Team excel. At the start of the 2017 season, the girls decided they wanted to regain the Division Championship Title, which was lost last season after a seven-year streak. The team also resolved to reach the State Sectional Final, and to suffer no more than two
regular season losses. The Angels posted a 15-3 record, but met its goal to have no more than two regular season losses, since one of the losses came when AHA was defeated by Kent Place in the State Sectional Championship. While AHA was edged 2-3, the senior Angels pulled out a great second doubles win. This match came after defeating Pope John in the Quarterfinals and #3 seed Dwight Englewood in a close 3-2 State Semifinal. This year, in the BCWCA County Tournament, AHA sent all five positions to the semifinal round: a first for AHA tennis! Knocking out some of the top teams in each position, the Angels walked away as the tournament team finalists behind Northern Highlands. Junior Ashley Hess was honored as a first singles tournament champion. Seniors Abigail Williams and Isabelle Shea posted the best doubles record AHA has had to date. The first doubles duo of “The Bellas” (Izabella King and Isabella Napolitano) will be back next year after finding a rhythm for themselves toward the end of the season. Freshman player Isabella Darmanin stepped into the second singles position, where she had big wins against Northern Highlands and Dwight Englewood and played her way to the Bergen County Tournament finals. AHA’s third singles, Isabel Asencio, had a remarkable season. After switching from a doubles player
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last year to singles this year, she earned crucial wins against Dwight Englewood and Indian Hills. First singles player Ashley Hess was 2017 Bergen County Champion, State Individual Finalist, and The Record’s Player of the Week. She ended with an astonishing 27-1 record. She was also one of this year’s captains, along with senior Abigail Williams. AHA was second in Bergen County, second in the Team State, second in the State Individuals, and first in the United Division with a 6-0 record. First Team League honors went to Ashley Hess, Isabella Darmanin, Isabel Asencio, Izabella King, Isabella Napolitano, Abigail Williams, and Isabelle Shea. Chennie Kim earned an Honorable Mention. Ashley Hess earned First Team All-County and First Team All-State recognition. Second Team All-County honors went to both Izabella King and Isabella Napolitano. Outstanding Year for XC The cross country team’s 2017 season included two key titles: the Big North Divisional League Championship and the County Group Championship. AHA’s top two runners experienced injuries, but the team still finished fourth in the County Meet of Champions. Individually, AHA was led by Mackenzie Hughes, who won both the League and the County Group Championship. Olivia Mandella was second in both races. Mackenzie Hughes earned First Team All-League and First Team All-County honors. Olivia Mandella, Rhiannon Novelli, and Deidre James were also named First Team All-League. Dylan Vonderhorst and Quinn Martinelli were named Second Team All-League, and Courtney Dodds received Honorable Mention All-League.
angels around the halls ACADEMICS Linda (Xinhui) Lin, who is originally from Sozhou, China, spent part of the summer of 2017 at a culture camp in Jiangsu Province. Lin and her peers visited Nanjing, Yancheng, and Dongtai. The culture camp included visits to the Water Margin Culture Museum, a look at Chinese language and culture, excursions to Yellow Sea Forest Park and Dafeng Elk National Nature Reserve, and lessons in paper-cutting and calligraphy. The calligraphy teacher asked the students to write “We are family,” a message that was especially powerful for Lin, who realized that, although the students were born in different countries, they are all “family.” The camp also included a service element that allowed the group to help children with disabilities at the Children’s Welfare Institute in Yancheng. Timea Papp and Maya Sharma are the Academy’s candidates for Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology and Governor’s School in Science, respectively. Program participants are chosen based on their academic performance, a series of essays, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations. Students selected to attend these programs will be notified in the spring of 2018. Maya Sharma also had the opportunity to attend the Perry Outreach Program held at the New York Simulation Center in New York City. The program encourages female high school students to pursue careers in the traditionally male-dominated areas of engineering and orthopedics. Sharma spoke with women who are currently working in engineering and orthopedics, and gained hands-on experience repairing fractured bones during a simulation session. Aprile Bertomo won the local level Voice of Democracy essay contest sponsored by the Bergenfield Veterans of Foreign Wars. Her essay was chosen from 175 entries submitted
by competitors from her hometown. Her essay was forwarded to the district level, which includes all of Bergen County. The national winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. She plans to major in biology with a pre-medical track, and hopes to become a pediatrician or an obstetrician/ gynecologist.
Photo Credit: Holy Name Medical Center
Before the start of the 2017-18 academic year, Aprile Bertomo participated in the advanced medical simulation training offered by Holy Name Medical Center's Institute for Simulation Technology. In addition to receiving classroom instruction, she witnessed an actual childbirth and “delivered” a baby as part of a simulation using high-tech mannequins. Bertomo plans to major in biology with a pre-medical track. She plans to become a pediatrician or an obstetrician/ gynecologist. She is pictured above practicing her intubation technique.
seasonal gifts are Arda Hajjar, Emma DeMarco, Melanie Meehan, and Molly Brooks. Participants in Art for the Community produce artistic creations to share with the greater community. In addition to making Christmas and Easter decorations for the Franciscan Sisters, the group distributes artworks to area nursing homes and hospitals.
LEADERSHIP
THE ARTS
Cellist Erin Yang and her trio recently earned first prize in the Third Manhattan International Music Competition. The trio was invited to perform at Bruno Walter Auditorium at New York’s Lincoln Center. Yang, who became interested in the cello nine years ago, is also a pianist and flutist. Members of Art for the Community, one of the Academy's clubs, crafted holiday decorations for the Franciscan Sisters of Tenafly. Pictured with these
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Czarina Marie Alfonso attended a threeweek program at Georgetown Medical School, where she earned second place in a competition. Her research focused on the effects of electroconvulsive therapy versus standard antidepressants. Shortly after completing this program, Alfonso headed to the Philippines to help run a vaccination mission for children. During her freshman year (2016-17), Alfonso raised funds and collaborated with a local pediatrician to provide pneumonia vaccines. She is now working to register the program as a nonprofit organization. Kayla Pringle and Angelina Busetto have been chosen to represent AHA at the June 2018 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Kean University. Morgan Morrissey was named the Academy’s alternate representative. A few days after they returned from the 2017 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, Olivia Mandella and Abigail Sheehan started
organizing a 5K run to raise funds for Saint Jude's Pediatric Cancer Research. These two members of the Class of 2019 were moved by the HOBY logo, which features the words “empower, lead, and excel.” They decided to use their passion for running to help others. Ten weeks later, over 80 runners/walkers turned out at Darlington County Park in Mahwah to participate in the 5K, which raised $7,000 for their cause.
Fourteen students examined global concerns as they represented Finland at the 65th session of the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. This event was held in Boston in late January, and was attended by approximately 3,000 students from around the world. Representatives from Holy Angels included Camila Martinez, Taryn Barrett, Lucy McAuliffe, Laney Vasseghi, Angelina Busetto, Camila Correa, Shannon Dobres, Katherine Gazzini, Audrey Lee, Kate Montesdeoca, Eungyo “Ivy” Shin, Liliette Quintana, Ayanah Taneja, and Paulina Yannitsadis. Chaperones were AHA faculty members Jennifer Cucchisi and Diana Kinney. Juniors Sofia Nedelkoff and Genevieve McClean attended the Seventh Annual Teen Hunger Summit, where they discovered that justice is the key to ending hunger. They also returned to Holy Angels with ideas for actions that can be taken close to home. The summit for middle school and high school students, teachers, campus ministers, and administrators was held at Seton Hall Prep, which cosponsored the event with the Community FoodBank of NJ.
Sister Eileen Reilly, director of the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s United Nations Non-governmental Organization Office, helped several AHA students gain entrée to “Girls Speak Out.” A celebration of the International Day of the Girl, Girls Speak Out was held at UN Headquarters in New York City and featured speakers from around the globe. Angels who attended included Olivia Arrigoitia, Mary Batista, Gina Buonauro, Camila Correa, Veronique Dhont, Courtney Dodds, Tyara Estrada, Katherine Gazzini, Kristen Gil, Abrianna Gutierrez, Palak Hazrati, Daniella Hernandez, Sakura Kagawa-Ferraro, Hoi Lam, Camila Martinez, Lucy McAuliffe, Julia Mohr, Katherine Morrissey, Anais Olivier, Liliette Quintana, Rhiannon Reilly, Danielle Sanchez, Ryan Sargenti, Eungyo “Ivy” Shin, Caroline Staff, Ayanah Taneja, Melina Tidwell Torres, and Paulina Yannitsadis.
HELPING HANDS
A week-long mission trip to Cap-Haitien, Haiti, left an indelible impression on Madison Donohue and Jacklyn Kelly. Both Angels volunteered with their peers from their church youth group. While lodged at the monastery of the Missionaries of the Poor, the teens cared for children who are HIV positive, and worked with children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Anya Skae spent part of her summer as a volunteer at Mustard Seed Communities in Diriamba and Managua, Nicaragua. Working at two local orphanages, Skae and the members of her church group painted cribs and a cement wall, and bonded with the residents, who range in age from 5-30 and
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have various disabilities. She particularly enjoyed making up songs to entertain a resident named Juana, and watching another resident, Roberto, jump the waves at the beach. She reacted with great emotion as she returned home to her parents, and the luxuries of a hot shower and a full closet, knowing that the people she had just left live without those blessings.
Angelina Scozzafava and Cassandra Keith Garcia recently participated in Operation Smile mission trips. Scozzafava was sent to Malawi, and Garcia visited Ghana. Both AHA seniors worked closely with the families of children who were about to undergo corrective surgeries for cleft lip and cleft palate, providing vital health care information. The students also interacted with the young patients and had the opportunity to witness as many new smiles were created.
angels around the halls Doyle and Buonomo Named Commended Students
Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and represent a valuable national resource, according to a spokesperson for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarship Finalists & Semi-finalists Honored
Molly Doyle and Noelani Buonomo, both of whom are members of the Class of 2018, were named Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit® Scholarship Program. These Angels are being recognized for their excellent performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit® Scholarship Qualifying Test. Doyle and Buonomo are two of approximately 34,000 Commended Students who have been named throughout the United States. More than 1.6 million students entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 PSAT/NMSQT®, and Commended Students placed within the top 50,000 of all posted scores. AHA’s Commended
The Academy recently honored the 2017-18 Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarship finalists and semi-finalists. Each year, two seniors, two juniors, and two sophomores receive these $1,000 awards based on academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and an interview conducted by the Scholarship Committee. The latest scholarship recipients are seniors Mary Haws and Laura Pesanello, juniors Hanora Chapman and Timea Papp, and sophomores Sophia Luongo and Kathryn McGraw. The
Academies in Englewood, drew 31 other teams. Only a handful were selected to move on to the state competition.
Robotics team As they prepared for this year’s FIRST® Tech Challenge regional qualifier, members of the Academy of the Holy Angels Robotics Team made a bold move: The “Angelbots” dispensed with the official instruction book and kit, and designed, built, and coded a robot of their own. Angelbots Captain Milena Correa and teammates Jillian Busetto, Kym McGowan, Kerry Limberg, and Bethzabeth Concepcion then entered their creation in the regional competition. The event, which was held at Dwight Morrow
Robotics Club Moderators Jing Loo and Sharon Jureller were on hand for the event along with AHA Principal Jean Mullooly. Members of Anjoules, the rookie team, acted as the pit crew. Anjoules who attended the challenge included Kirstyn Barsola, Angelina Busetto, Mary Kunz, Emily Nam, Areanna Pumayugra, Kayla Pringle, and Dylan Vonderhorst. This year, participating teams were charged with designing a robot that could balance on a board, pick up blocks, and perform other functions. “The team spent five months working on the robot by meeting after school twice a week,” Correa noted. “Meetings typically lasted about two hours.” The Angelbots documented their work in an engineering notebook that includes pictures, drawings, and explanations of
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semi-finalists are seniors Elizabeth Abraham and Aprile Bertomo; juniors Ashley Hess, Mary Macri, Olivia Mandella, and Maya Sharma; and sophomores Sophie Anderson, Amy Cami, and Grace McGraw. The AHA Board of Trustees established this scholarship in honor of the Academy’s foundress during the 1990-91 academic year, when AHA was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the school’s move to Demarest. Sister Nonna Dunphy, SSND, was born in Ireland in 1840 and died in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in 1931. On October 2, 1879, when she and Sister Cyrilla Geifel signed the contract for the Fort Lee property that was the school’s original location, Sister Nonna reportedly had just $20 in her pocket.
“I believe that the most important aspect of the Holy Angels philosophy is that the Academy of the Holy Angels calls each woman to leadership, and that this leadership, in turn, will advance justice and peace, and help change the world.” –Hanora Chapman
the work completed at each meeting. The day of the competition, the Angelbots submitted their engineering notebook to the panel of judges during the interview portion of the event. The students were required to explain what their robot can do, and how they promote science, technology, engineering, and math at Holy Angels. “The team was able to solve almost all of its problems with minimal intervention and did extensive research to figure out solutions. The most important part of robotics in the end is always to have fun collaborating with your team and learning about the engineering process. Angelbots is looking forward to possibly competing in other matches this year and setting a precedent for future team members. We are also looking forward to doing more outreach programs to help other schools who are looking into organizing a robotics team and other engineering related activities.” Correa noted.
faculty news Sister Mary Foley, SSND - Women’s History Month Honoree Sister Mary Foley, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Academy, has been named one of Bergen County’s 2018 Women’s History Month honorees. A reception, hosted by the Commission on the Status of Women and the Junior Commission on the Status of Women, will be held in Hackensack. Angela Romanos, an AHA senior who works with the Junior Commission, nominated S. Mary for this distinction. Romanos said, “S. Mary exemplifies the March 2018 Women’s History Month Theme: Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” “All of us at Holy Angels are very pleased to hear about this honor for Sister Mary Foley,” AHA President Melinda Hanlon stated. “She is a daily reminder to us of the mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame to transform our world through the education of others.” Magda Fama married Joseph Adam Hess on July 8, 2017 at a small gathering of close family and friends in Florida.
S. Mary joined the Holy Angels faculty in 2002. Part of her ministry at AHA involves work with Power Back, the school component of Partnership for Change that helps girls become advocates against peer dating abuse. As a volunteer mental health worker for the American Red Cross, S. Mary has assisted people in New Jersey and Texas. In September 2017, she traveled to Houston to assist residents who were affected by Hurricane Harvey. S. Mary is also part of the Lead Response Team for the Traumatic Loss Coalition in Bergen County and is a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor for the State of New Jersey.
Zac Keeps Geese on the Wing Zac, the border collie, started his new job as AHA’s goose herder in October 2017. Zac succeeded Luke, who was AHA’s long-time goose herder and therapy dog until his passing in April 2017. Michele Sovak married Michael McGovern on August 6, 2017 at Highlands Country Club in Garrison, NY.
Sister Mary Foley, Zac’s direct report, said the school truly needed a dog to keep geese flying past AHA after Luke died. In their search, school officials contacted Luke’s breeders and trainers, Gwen and Kent Kuykendall of Goosemasters in North Carolina. The Kuykendalls recommended Zac.
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While he has been a bit shy, Zac and S. Mary have bonded over the last few months. She is thrilled with Zac’s goose herding skills, and says he exemplifies the Holy Angels work ethic.
Are you the Sean Hickey and his wife Christine welcomed their daughter Penelope TinMing Hickey on November 23, 2017. Penelope weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long. In January, Penelope attended her first Holy Angels event, the Fiesta, and will be back for many more!
correct recipient of
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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.
kelleher hall
Kelleher Hall Dedicated During Feast Day Celebration Anticipation was in the air on October 2, 2017, the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, as the Holy Angels community prepared to mark the 138th anniversary of the Academy’s founding by Sister Nonna Dunphy. The centerpiece of Feast Day 2017 would be the long-awaited dedication of Sister Genevieve Kelleher Hall. Invited guests included Bishop John Flesey, Reverend Larry Evans, Father James Heuser, and Reverend Stephen Carey; members of the AHA Board of Trustees, headed by Sister Sharon Slear, SSND; area school officials; and SSND leaders. While staff members were busy welcoming visitors, the unassuming guest of honor was quietly drawing a crowd in the Student Commons. As promised, Sister Genevieve Marie Kelleher had arrived to witness the transformation of the building she once called home. On this sparkling autumn day, S. Genevieve was recognized for her 63 years of contributions to the young women who passed through AHA during her tenure. S. Genevieve, who was active at AHA between 1948 (when the campus was in Fort Lee) and 2011, is the longestserving SSND at Holy Angels. She taught English, French, religion, biology, and history, and logged time as the school’s librarian. After the Mass in the auditorium, those in attendance joined in a procession to the front doors of Kelleher Hall for the official dedication. Used as a convent when AHA moved to Demarest in 1965, Kelleher Hall once housed 40 SSNDs. As the needs of the school community changed, the 20,000 square foot building was reimagined
several times, but its unique, threepronged footprint remains unaltered. This most recent renovation began in February 2017, and blends contemporary and traditional elements. Those who are familiar with the building will recognize the original shape of the windows and the distinctive main entry overhang that recalls the hats once worn by the SSNDs. After last year’s extensive renovation project, the first floor now includes a Mac Lab, two multi-purpose classrooms, and two brand new art studios with an abundance of natural light, the realization of a dream for former art teacher S. Eileen Casey, who attended the dedication. The stained glass windows in the first floor chapel pay homage to the SSNDs, and state, “God’s cause is the only concern of our hearts.” Members of the Music Makers repeatedly sang this sweet refrain throughout the dedication service, and as Bishop Flesey blessed the chapel. AHA’s business offices, two conference rooms, and an SSND Heritage Suite and archive are all located on the second floor. The SSND Heritage Suite and archive were a gift from the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The archives currently include SSND artifacts and memorabilia. Kelleher Hall includes additional space and state-of-the-art equipment to bolster AHA’s STREAM curriculum, which encompasses science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and mathematics. The Mac Lab will enhance AHA’s digital design curriculum, and the construction of the new art classrooms has freed up three classrooms in the main school building.
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“Green” elements featured in Kelleher Hall include LED lighting activated by sunlight sensors; high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment that runs on a centrally controlled timer; drinking fountains that double as water bottle filling stations; and automatic hand dryers in the bathrooms. The carpeting and other flooring contain “green” components, including sustainable, renewable, or recycled materials. The renovation was carried out with the help of a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, who asked that the building be renamed for S. Genevieve. Funding for the project is also being provided via the AHA Capital Campaign, which is still in progress. Although AHA was founded in 19th century Fort Lee, many of the Academy’s goals remain constant. The theme for the 2017-18 academic year is, “We seek what they (the SSNDs) sought.” AHA President Melinda Hanlon addressed this topic in her Feast Day comments. “Today marks an extraordinary day in the history of Holy Angels,” President Hanlon stated. In addition to celebrating the storied history of the Academy, she said Feast Day was also about looking forward to a future filled with great promise. “We seek today to continue the work started by S. Nonna Dunphy in 1879 to transform the world through education. I believe it’s still the same work that we do, and we are honored to carry on their mission in this new space. I feel the building has been completely brought back to life to serve today’s students.”
cardinal tobin
Cardinal Tobin Urges Students to ‘Stay Connected’ The undeniable highlight of Catholic Schools Week was Mass was celebrated by Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C. Ss.R, Archbishop of Newark. During his homily, His Eminence underscored the importance of being connected to Jesus and the poor. “I love being connected – the feeling of being connected, connected in an incredible way with God but connected with others, not simply the 1.1 billion Catholics across the face of the earth, but really with every human being, because our faith demands it,” Cardinal Tobin told the Holy Angels community. “I felt right at home when I came in this morning,” he added. “I had heard about your connection with Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere, among the poorest on the face of the earth, but rich with family, rich with faith.” He used airline travel as an analogy for inequities in the world. Cardinal Tobin described his trip in a cramped airline seat, and pointed out that those traveling first class are living well because others are “scrunched” in less desirable surroundings.
Cardinal Tobin noted that the connections AHA makes with places including Haiti and Puerto Rico mean the AHA community feels the connection that surpasses the barrier of first class. He noted that one school can make a difference. He recalled a story about a girl who came across a mass of starfish that had washed up on a beach. She decided to place them back in the water one at a time. When asked how her effort mattered, when there were so many starfish on the beach, the girl held up one of the creatures, and responded, “It matters to this one.” Cardinal Tobin shared Pope Francis’ sentiment that, without a connection to Jesus, the church is just another charitable non-governmental organization. With that connection, he said, we are the people of God. Members of the school community were excited to meet and speak with Cardinal Tobin, who demonstrated his ability to make connections while chatting with the students, and as he spoke Spanish with Sister Carole Tabano, SSND; French with librarian Catherine Korvin; and Italian with Dean of Academics Francesca Tambone-Puzio.
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alumnae weekend This year, the Alumnae Weekend celebration took place on October 27 and 28, 2017 and included reunions for the classes ending in 7 & 2. On Friday, alumnae joined the AHA community in celebrating the SSND Foundation Day. A prayer service to honor the School Sisters of Notre Dame included a presentation about the current SSND mission given by S.Patricia Ferrick, SSND, who works in the border town of Douglas, AZ. After the service, alumnae toured the campus and our newly renovated Kelleher Hall. In the chapel, current students spoke to the alumnae about their Holy Angels experience and answered questions. The alumnae then joined faculty & staff for lunch in the Learning Commons. Later in the afternoon, alumnae met up for a happy hour event at Axia Taverna in Tenafly.
Alumnae Mass and the awards ceremony. This year, the induction of our alumnae to arts and athletic halls of fame was added to the weekend. In keeping with tradition, the “golden” Angels were presented with yellow roses, recognizing their celebration of more than 50 years since graduation. Congratulations to the Class of 1967 who joined this golden group this year. The Class of 1992 was also called forward to receive roses in honor of their 25th anniversary. After the welcome reception, each class in attendance posed together for a current class photo. The Class of 1985 joined the evening’s festivities and used this opportunity to gather to mark their 50th birthday celebration. The rest of the evening was filled with the opportunity to reconnect and share memories and catch up with old and new friends.
Saturday evening’s festivities began with a tour of the campus by our Angel Ambassadors. This was followed by the annual
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hall of fame Hall of Fame Inductions
Just prior to her graduation from AHA, she received the prestigious Angel Award, the top honor awarded to a Holy Angels athlete who demonstrates exceptional dedication, spirit, and leadership.
Alumnae Weekend 2017 included the induction ceremony for alumnae being welcomed into the AHA Arts Hall of Fame and AHA Athletic Hall of Fame.
Caroline holds an AB in English from Princeton University and a master’s in English from University College London. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she joined the Princeton Women’s Basketball Team, and participated in track and field and cross country. As she began her teaching career in North Carolina, she joined an elite running club. Her experience led her to participate in various runs, including 5K and 10K events, and half marathons. She also finished first in the Saint Jude Marathon in Memphis.
The 2017 Arts Hall of Fame Inductee was cellist Ani Kalayjian ’99. After graduating from Holy Angels, Ani earned a bachelor’s degree from the Mannes College of Music and a master’s degree with distinction from the Royal Northern College of Music in England. She is currently a sought-after performer and educator whose busy schedule has included stops in Japan, Caroline McCarthy Blatti ’92 Australia, Canada, the and Ani Kalayjian ’99 Middle East, Europe, and the United States. She recently toured with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dartmouth University, and the 92nd Street Y.
Caroline is currently head of school at Roland Park Country School, a private girl’s school in Baltimore, MD. At the Parents’ Athletic Association Annual Beefsteak event on November 4, Coach Howard Schuman was inducted into the Holy Angels Athletic Hall of Fame. Positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication have been the hallmarks of Coach Schuman’s successful 51-year career as an athletic coach.
As principal cellist of the Lebanese Philharmonic, she performed multiple concerts at the American University of Beirut. In addition, she made time to perform in Lebanese hospitals, schools, orphanages, and refugee camps. A seasoned competitor, Ani won the Grand Prize at the International Chamber Music Competition of New England, first prize in the Anglo-Czechoslovak Trust competition in England, and a top prize at the J.C. Arriaga chamber music competition. She was one of two cellists selected to perform at the inaugural Music@Menlo chamber music festival, and was featured in a BBC documentary playing in a master class with Steven Isserlis.
For the past decade, he has been coaching cross country and track at AHA, where he shares his motto: “Positive attitude is contagious; negative attitude is destructive.” The results speak for themselves. Since 2007, his students at Holy Angels have won 28 championships, including 10 league titles, 16 county titles, and two state titles.
Ani currently teaches at the Elisabeth Morrow School and DwightEnglewood School, and gives master classes across the country. Caroline McCarthy Blatti ’92 was the 2017 inductee for the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame. She was voted “most athletic” by her peers at Holy Angels after demonstrating her love for multiple sports having played basketball for four years, soccer for three and softball for four. A rarity, she spent four years on the AHA Varsity Basketball Team, ultimately serving as captain. Her numerous accolades include being named Scholar Athlete of the Week by The Record. She was also First Team All-County in 1992 and First Team All-League from 1990-92. Caroline exceeded the 1,000 point mark, and her record of 650 assists still stands.
Coach Schuman’s career has included work at the high school and college levels. Schuman has led multiple athletes to over 70 championships. He has been Bergen County Coach of the Year five times, was named New Jersey and Northeast Coach of the Year in 2004, and was nominated for national-level Coach of the Year honors. In 2002, he was inducted into the New Jersey Athletic Hall of Fame.
While these statistics are impressive, this coach is about more than championships alone. Schuman is known for placing his students above all else, and supporting everyone from the seasoned athlete to the newcomer who wants to try a sport.
Caroline was instrumental in helping her team win the North Sectional State Championship and reach the State Parochial Finals. She was named to the North Jersey All-Star Team, and participated in the National Pepsi Hot Shot Competition in Cleveland, Ohio.
Howard Schuman with his wife Frances Andolino (right) and Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch (center)
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alumnae association president Dear Alumnae, It seems as if exciting events never stop at Holy Angels, and this year has been no exception. Our celebration of Feast Day this year was made extra special with Sister Genevieve on campus to see the new space named in her honor. It was wonderful knowing that generations of current and future Angels will be able to use this beautiful space for learning and growing spiritually, artistically, and technologically and it is testament to the ever present charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame here at AHA. Thank you to all the alumnae who joined us for Alumnae Weekend. During the weekend, alumnae toured the campus and Kelleher Hall, were able to meet and hear from a panel of students sharing their AHA experiences, and attended the annual Alumnae Mass & Reunion Dinner. We inducted two alumnae to our halls of fame – Caroline McCarthy Blatti ’92 and Ani Kalayjian’99. It was wonderful to honor and recognize both of them at Alumnae Weekend with the generations of Angels from both Fort Lee and Demarest who came to reconnect and celebrate and see the vibrancy that is present here at AHA today. In November we sponsored our first “Paint and Sip.” Alumnae gathered in our new art studios at Kelleher Hall, where they spent time learning painting techniques, enjoying each other’s company and having a lot of laughs. The event was sold out and we look forward to having another one soon. A special thank you to aluma Sherri Avella Dennehy ’94 who led one of the classes. We hope to see you on campus soon at one of our upcoming school and/or alumnae events. Our current Angels continue to do amazing things and make us proud every day with their generosity, effort, and accomplishments. May the angels continue to bless all of you as we leave the coldness of winter behind us and embrace the warmth and beauty of spring. Sincerely, Karen Sullivan Camporeale ’88
AL UM NA E
NEWS
’57
Maria Santucci Hoernlein ’57 shared that high school at AHA was a great time in her life and the beginning of many blessings, including her husband and five children, four daughters and one son.
’61
S. Mary Fitzgerald ’61 has been awarded a Doctor of Theology degree from La Salle University.
’62
Roberta McNaughton Troiano ’62 celebrated 42 years of marriage with her husband Jerry this January. They recently welcomed their first great-grandson, Clark George Ade, on September 13, 2017.
’65
Jo Ann Martucci Klein ’65 and her husband Hank celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
’67
Nancy Schaberg Beringer ’67 and her husband John recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in Italy. Linda Righini Hespe ’67 shared she was sorry to have missed reunion weekend and wishes her classmates well. She and her husband Rich feel fortunate to be enjoying retirement with family and friends for the last 15 years.
’79
’80
AnneMarie Ryan Ryan ’80 and two colleagues from the Academy of Saint Therese, Cresskill, NJ were presenters at the National Catholic Educational Association Convention in April 2017. The presentation was “UpStream With a Paddle: A Simple Guide to Take the Apprehension away When Implementing STREAM into School Curriculum.” The Academy of Saint Therese started their STREAM implementation after visiting Holy Angels to learn about the Trout in the Classroom program.
’83
The Honorable Kimarie Rahill ’83 has been appointed the Presiding Judge of the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey for Vicinage XIII for Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties.
Angels from the class of 1979 met at Cousins restaurant in Norwood for a mini-reunion. By coincidence, former AHA Principal Jennifer Moran was also in the restaurant that evening, and joined in the class photo.
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’85
Tricia Russell ’85 wishes everyone in her class a happy 50th birthday. Karen Entricken ’85 recently married Shaun Sommer on the summer solstice.
’87
Laura Kelly ’87, a partner at McCarter & English, was named Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s Volunteer of the Month for December 2017. Laura shared in an interview, “I think if you’re fortunate enough to be an attorney, you already have a head start. To me, doing pro bono work is important both to do good in the community, but also to remind you of how lucky you are. It’s a bit of a reality check.”
’96
Laura Ganley Enright ’96 and husband Tommy are happy to announce the birth of their daughter Avery Grace. She was born on December 19, 2017. Avery joins big sister Addisyn (3).
’98
Amanda Witt Bogertman ’98 and her husband William welcomed their third child, Zoë Grace, on December 4, 2017. The family lives in Rutland, Vermont. Additionally, Amanda recently became certified in wound and ostomy care through the The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board.
’99
Stefanie Collantes Bouvry ’99 and husband Erwann welcomed daughter Maëlle on October 22, 2017. She joins older sister Enora. Nicole Mucciolo ’99 and husband Adam Beaulieu welcomed their first child, daughter Francesca Marie on April 13, 2017. They are happy living in the mountains of Colorado.
’97
Angela Christou Chatzopoulos ’97 and her husband John welcomed their third child, Athina Christina, on June 22, 2017. Athina weighed 7lbs 7oz and measured 20 inches long. She joins big brother Panagiotis who is 2 and Antonio who is 17. The family lives in Royal Oak, Michigan, where Angela owns a Fit4mom franchise and is a consultant with Arbonne International.
On July 22, 2017, Danielle Pacicco ’99 married David Shibuya. The ceremony took place at St. John the Evangelist in Leonia, NJ, and the reception followed at the Rockleigh. Many Angels were in attendance, both in the wedding party as well as at the ceremony and reception: Lindsey Graff Cinque ’99,
Amanda Schroeder Meyer ’99, Alaina Dumlao Grimes ’99, Samantha Benson Sullivan ’99, Kerry McNeill Sardina ’99, Karen Romaine ’83, Claudia Pacicco Remley ’81, Jodi Phillips Englert ’99, Tara Fitzpatrick ’98, Glenda Nouman Coffey ’99 and Jessica Fielder Liik ’99.
’00
Kristyl Berckes ’00 and her husband CJ Asakiewicz welcomed their first child, Kristofer John Robert, on July 11, 2017. Kristofer weighed 6lbs 8oz and measured 19.5 inches long. The family lives in Bedminster, NJ. Kristyl is an associate attorney at the law firm of Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. She was selected by New Jersey Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2017 and was recently admitted to the New Jersey State Bar Association's Leadership Academy as a leadership fellow.
’03
Erin Musich ’03, and John Hatcher are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Emerson Riggin Hatcher, on November 28, 2017; he was 7lbs 4oz, and 20 inches.
’04
Genny Cuocci ’04 recently took a position as a Team Leader/Senior Social Worker at New York University's Student Health Center serving the NYU student population. Genny graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from NYU in 2010. She also has a small private practice treating adults in New York City.
Jennifer Serna ’97 shared that she relocated to Las Vegas from Los Angeles to be closer to her parents and is enjoying the outdoors. She was sad to have missed reunion weekend.
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Alumna Highlights
Philanthropists’ Influence on Suffrage Movement
Katharine McSherry ’04 married Billy Collins at the Westmount Country Club on October 13, 2017. Angels in attendance are pictured above with Katie: (L to R) Mary McSherry Giambona ’76, Daniela Lodes Kelly ’75, RoseMarie Franklin ’81, Francine Franklin Hoyt ’82, Joan Smith Grey ’75, Karen Franklin McSherry ’75, Theresa Franklin Bond ’77, Claire McSherry ’10, Tara Driggs Hopfenspirger ’04, Stephanie Gibney Dowling ’08, and Emmalee Egan Brizzolara ’05. Maria Prenenski ’04 married Mike Spina on October 5, 2017 at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, NJ. Angels in attendance were: Matron of Honor Annie Drimones Radoian ’04, Kara Walker Totaro ’04 and Kate Bosi ’05.
’05
Amanda Gonzalez Nunez ’05 and husband Miguel welcomed their son, Theodore Michel Nunez, on December 12, 2017. Theodore weighed 6lbs 7oz and was 19.3 inches long.
Christina Burke Kubissa ’05 and her husband Noah are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Sadie Rey, on November 18, 2017. She was born at 12:17am, weighing 6lbs 3oz.
’07
Kyle McKinney ’07 married Drew Cryster on August 4, 2017. The wedding ceremony took place at St. Catharine's Church in Spring Lake with the wedding reception at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury. Fellow Angels from the Class of 2007 attended the wedding and are pictured below from left to right: Kyle McKinney-Crytser, Tori Preziosi, Kerry Drury and Samara Pallo. Kyle and her husband Drew currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
AHA alumna author Joan Marie Infosino Johnson, Ph.D. ’86 decided to “follow the money” to learn how female philanthropists helped propel the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Dr. Johnson recently returned to Holy Angels to discuss her findings with current students and faculty members. She sparked a lively conversation as she presented snippets from her new book, “Funding Feminism.” Dr. Johnson is currently program coordinator for the associate provost for faculty at Northwestern University. She previously taught American women’s history at Northeastern Illinois University. She is pictured (center) with AHA Principal Jean Mullooly (left) and AHA educator Megan Delasandro (right).
Congratulations to our SSND Angel Alumnae Jubilarians for 2017!
’12
Jennifer Birchwale ’12 graduated with a degree in psychology and communications from the University of Connecticut. Jennifer is presently a second year clinical psychology PhD student, Health Emphasis Program at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University.
75 years +S. Amalia Menardi, SSND ’36 and S. Marie Anna Moltz, SSND ’39 60 years S. Mary Noel Albers ’51, +S. Earl Mary Moores ’55, S. Marie Justine Nutz ’55; S. Margaret Mary O’Brien ’55, +S. Elise Mary Saydah ’44 (+recently deceased)
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alumnae events Alumnae on campus!
Angels Paint & Sip November 8, 2018
Angels MeEt Up After Work… Morristown, NJ September 25, 2017
Alumnae gathered after work at the Qube Lounge in the center of Morristown. It was the first time Holy Angels had an event in western/central Jersey and will not be the last!
Sally Casper Binder ’03 was the speaker at the Class of 2019’s Junior Ring Ceremony in December. Sally shared with the class how important Angel sisters are in your life. That bond is forever!
Angels alumnae returned to campus for a paint & sip event in our newly renovated art studios. An angel masterpiece was painted that evening through many laughs and much reminiscing. A huge thank you to the wonderful and patient instructors: alumna Sheri Avella Dennehy ’94 and Melissa Sukalo.
New York City – February 5, 2018
The cold weather did not stop the Angels working in the city as they gathered after work at Gleason’s Tavern in midtown for cocktails and conversation. Emily Wallace Ebo ’04 helped AHA close out Catholic Schools Week as the keynote speaker at the Friday assembly. Emily spoke about how her education at the Academy prepared her as she searched for a career that would enable her to make a difference in the lives of others. Denise Casagrande ’06, author of “Can You See Me Now?” and social media director at PCG, spoke with Nancy Schneberger’s communications class about her work with social media and the automobile industry. Corrine Day ’13, volunteer director for the Guadagno gubernatorial campaign, spoke to Gail Fair’s AP Government Class, giving the students a behind the scenes look at running a campaign in NJ.
Deadline for Hall of Fame Nominations are June 1st! Holy Angels recognizes individuals who have enhanced programs in both athletics and the fine & performing arts. The AHA Athletic Hall of Fame, which was launched in 2009, honors athletes, coaches, and contributors. Established in 2010, the AHA Fine & Performing Arts Hall of Fame recognizes artists, performers, and contributors. For more information and to download the nomination form, please visit: www.holyangels.org/halloffame
Help us set the record straight! When was the last time you updated your contact information with Holy Angels? Are you not getting emails from AHA? One simple way to remedy this is to visit www.holyangels.org/alumnae and create a login (if you haven’t already). Once you are logged in, you can view the online alumnae directory and, from there, you can update your profile. Not only can you update information, but you can also decide what can be shared in our gated community with fellow Angels.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNAE OFFICE Due to changes in security procedures at the Academy, there will be a new process for all alumnae visiting the Academy. Prior to visiting campus, all alumnae must make an appointment with the Alumnae Office. On the specified date/time of the appointment, Alumnae are asked to sign-in at Kelleher Hall and register their visit with the Alumnae Office. A calendar of available dates/times will be provided on our website www.holyangels.org/alumnae. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and thank you for your understanding as we enhance our campus safety as part of our ongoing efforts to monitor and improve our security.
got news? We love hearing from our alumnae! We want to celebrate with you by sharing your good news and accomplishments with the entire AHA community. Send your news and photos for the next issue of Tidings to alumnae@ holyangels.org by June 30, 2018. We love pictures, and we want you to look good! Photos that are below the acceptable resolution for print will not be published. Here are some tips for sending us digital photos that will look fantastic in print: • Make sure your camera is set to the best photo setting so that your photos will be greater than 300dpi • Do not send photos directly from your phone, as they are automatically sized down to a lower resolution • Please “attach” your photo to the email, just as you would a document. JPEGs are preferred.
We’ve lost touch…
upcoming events Alumnae Weekend October 19-20, 2018
Calling all Angels in the reunion classes ending in 8 & 3! Join us for reunion dinner on Saturday, October 20. All alumnae are invited back to campus for this annual event. Friday's events will include tours of campus and lunch with faculty. A Mass will be held on Saturday evening. Inductions to the art and athletic halls of fame will follow. www.holyangels.org/alumna
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Please take a moment to look at our online listing of alumnae who do not have valid mailing addresses on file with the Academy. Contact Marjorie in the Alumnae Office with any information at mholtz@holyangels.org or by calling 201.768.7822 ext 224. The listings are by decade and can be found at: www.holyangels.org/ missingangels
Special Events at Holy Angels Art Auction
beefsteak
junior ring ceremony
wine tasting
store Planned Giving
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CIETY
Your planned gift will provide resources to the Academy of the Holy Angels that will allow us to empower future generations of young women with extraordinary resources and opportunities and will contribute to the sustainability of our mission and programs. Our monthly blog with important topics on planned giving and resources to assist you with planning strategies can be found at holyangels.giftplans.org.
The Academy of the Holy Angels is pleased to recognize those who have left charitable bequests, established charitable trusts, or used some other form of estate planning to support our mission. To enroll in our 1879 Society, which honors those who have made this commitment, please download the form found at www.holyangels.org/1879Society and return to: AHA Office of Advancement 315 Hillside Avenue Demarest, NJ 07627
store.holyangels.org You can now purchase a variety of spirit wear and Angel items on our website. There is something for every member of the family. Also available for purchase is Sister Mary Foley’s book, “Luke the Border Collie: My Early Years.”
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in memoriam SSND
Robert Connor
Mary Pyle
Mike Tarikyan
S. Amalia Menardi, SSND ’36
Father of Margaret Connor Maltby ’84 and Eileen Connor Bernau ’90
Mother of Monique Pyle ’89
Father of Laura Tarikyan ’98
Catherine Cooney
Catherine Quinn Sister of Eleanor Quinn Dunn ’73
Dominic Tozzi
S. Elise Mary Saydah, SSND ’44 Former AHA faculty member
S. Ursula Kelly, SSND ’53
Grandmother of Catherine Crimmins ’08 and Maureen Crimmins ’11
S. Early Mary Moores, SSND ’55
Joseph Cucchisi
ALUMNAE
Father of AHA faculty member Jennifer Cucchisi and Grandfather of Drew Mount ’16
Mary Alberque Tigh-Dicke ’39
Mother of Kathy Tigh Detrano ’63 and Barbara Tigh Puceta ’65 and Aunt of Sandra Alberque Catlin ’50, MargaretMary Gibbs Haase ’51, Madelyn Alberque Regan ’61 and the late Joan Alberque McGovern ’42.
Edith Lynch O’Brien ’40 Sister of Dolores Lynch Ruppert ’41
Nancy Lonergan Giamporcaro ’51 Mother of Patricia Giamporcaro Forte ’75
Lourdes Woehl Nowalk ’53 Joan Maurice ’55 Sister of Carmelita Maurice Hayes ’57 and Marie Maurice ’60
Elizabeth Fell Hansen ’56 Sister of Maryann Fell MacAlpine ’51, Dorothy Fell ’60 and the late Catherine Fell Malloy ’52
Alycia Buckman Donovan ’57 Mary Rita Hayes Gannon ’59
Robert Davis Husband of Kathleen Bohnert Davis ’61, Father of Maureen Davis ’85 and Grandfather of Irene Havlusch ’15
Philip Andrew Dina Brother of Jo Dina Pupo ‘78
Sister of Peggie Pierce Breslin ’67 and aunt of Colleen Breslin ’96, Rory Breslin Sani ’97 and Molly Breslin ’99.
Sharon Haviland Miller ’75 Aunt of Lauren Haviland ’11
Joan Walsh Donovan ’87 Sister of Susan Donovan ’85
FAMILY & FRIENDS Margaret Baer Mother of Julie Baer Cartwright ’79 and Maura Baer Duffus ’84
Margaret Ballane Grandmother of AHA staff member George Ballane
Mary Beese Mother of Mary Beese Fischer ’71, Anne Carroll Beese Kypraios ’72, Mary Elizabeth Beese ’75 and Anne Marie Beese Kelley ’77
Marie Caldera Mother of Janet Caldera ’80
Dominic Colacchio Father of Barbara Colacchio Comiskey ’62
Son of Kathleen Holland Sheridan ’66
Mother of Josephine Vitiello ’78 and Mary Vitiello Hughes ’80
Miguel Shorey
John Willenborg
Father of Nicole Shorey Whitlock ’96 and Monique Shorey Foley ’96
John Slattery Father of Maura Slattery Corcoran ’86
Antionette Vitiello
Brother of Joan Willenborg Cosgrove ’54 and Gerda Willenborg Della Valle ’56
Linda Whipple Sister of AHA staff member Robert Shanney
Mother of Barbara Ehret Crowe ’83
Diane Faehndrich Mother of Lorraine Faehndrich ’86
Richard Ferrara Husband of Former AHA Faculty member Maureen Ferrara and Father of Elizabeth Ferrara ’07
Joseph Foley, Jr Grandfather of Annie King ’15
Marilyn Gansler
Cristina Garip
Patricia Pierce Englert ’70
Timothy Sheridan
Husband of Mary Guarinello Venizelos ’81
Gertrude Ehret
Christina Kelly ’69 Mother of Lea Radick ’99 and Sister of Alessandra Guasti Bonardi ’70
John Venizelos
Mother of Carolyn Dunn ’86
Sister of Lucille Bertram ’60
Elise Guasti Radick ’68
Father of Susan Tozzi Berry ’75, Phyllis Tozzi ’77 and Donna Tozzi Cavanagh ’79
Mother of Patricia Rosenkranz Levins ’69 and Kathleen Rosenkranz Radcliffe ’81
Ann Dunn
Mother of Deborah Gansler Testi ’75 and grandmother of Jennifer Testi ’07 and Rebecca Testi ’09
Nancy Bertram ’65
Kathleen Rosenkranz
Mother of Virginia Garip Comer ’76, Christine Garip Varelas ’80 and Patricia Garip Beruol ’84 and Grandmother of Lauren Varelas ’09 and Catherine Garip ’14
Former AHA faculty member Buddy S. Ajalat passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017. He was a high school music educator for almost 50 years, spending the majority of his career at Northern Highlands Regional HS, where he was supervisor of fine and performing arts. After leaving Northern Highlands, he began a second career at Holy Angels in 1998, serving as performing arts chairperson, teaching choral music and theater arts, and directing the Academy Choir and Vocal Ensemble.
Joan Holland Harnedy ’53 Sister of Marion Holland Robey ’52
Gertrude Kress Mother of Elizabeth Kress Golub ’69 and Bernadette Kress Majors ’71
Edward Lehanski Father of Debra Lehanski Langer ’88
Ina Samuels-Martinez
Angels fondly remembered Ajalat and his caring nature in helping them reach their full potential musically and beyond. Heidi O’Connell Davis ’02 shared, “He performed with the USO as a teenager. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and was a soloist with the 7th Army Symphony. He held us, as teenage girls, to the same standards he would have expected from soldiers, and with that came the same level of respect from him to us. No one gave me more confidence that I could be a professional than Mr. Ajalat.”
Mother of Chelsea Martinez ’11 and Samantha Martinez ’16
Joseph Mulheren Father of Eileen Mulheren Duignan ’84
Ann Marie Nash Mother of Pamela Nash ’85, Jennifer Nash ’88, Kristina Nash ’92 and Denise Nash Downing ’95
James J. O'Reilly Father of Sharon O’Reilly Kenny ’86 and Michelle O’Reilly Coyle ’90
Joseph Papa Father of Christina Papa Barkstedt ’02
Salvatore Pepe Father of Nicole Pepe ’11 and Amanda Pepe ’12
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.
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