Tartan Magazine, 2020-2021 School Year

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2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

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CONTENTS

DIVERSITY/INCLUSION

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ADA ACCESSIBLE NEWS FROM CAMPUS

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CLASS NOTES

7 The Academy of the Holy Cross does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in its educational policy, personnel policies, admission policies, scholarship and financial aid programs or other school-administered programs.

The Tartan is a publication of The Academy of the Holy Cross.

ON THE COVER:

(L-R) Principal John Sullivan, Valedictorian Katie Myers ’21, Salutatorian Maura Mockeridge ’21, Commencement Speaker Monica McNutt ’07, President Katy Prebble at the Class of 2021 Commencement Liturgy

MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-

Kathleen Ryan Prebble, President/CEO

centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing

John Sullivan, Principal

women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world.

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GRADUATION

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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Faculty Spotlight: Kathleen Clark 4 Faculty Spotlight: Phyllis Ouellette 5 Valedictorian Katie Myers 6 Salutatorian Maura Mockeridge 6

FEATURE ARTICLES

ADA Accessible Entrance to Welcome All 7 Voices of the Pandemic 8 Moving Forward with Diversity and Inclusion at Holy Cross 10

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2019-2020 NEWS FROM CAMPUS

42 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE

BETHESDA EXTRAORDINARY TEEN

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

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DRIVE-THRU COOKIES WITH SANTA

Graduation 12 AP Scholars 14 Bonnie Caden ’21 Vaccine Hunter 14 Holy Cross Gives Thanks 15 Days of Service 15 2021 Kindness in Action 16 Spring Break Service Challenge 16 Book Drive 17 I Support the Girls Feminine Product Drive 17 Lenten Food Drive 18 Virtual Prayer Service for Life 18 Cardinal Gregory Mass 19 Holy Cross Honors Centennial of Women’s Right to Vote 19 College Day 20 International Day 20 Black History Month 21 Hispanic Heritage Month 21 AAPI Heritage Month 22 No Place for Hate 22 Evelynn Plummer ’24 Team USA Acrobatic Championship 23 Athletes Sign to Play NCAA Sports in College 24 Field Hockey Players National Academic Recognition 25 Piper Sullivan 500th Save 25 Sheahan Award Recipients 26 Cheyenne DeGross Receives Jennie Finch Empowerment Award 27 Addie Bounds ’22 Commits to Play Beach Volleyball 27 Novice/Veteran Teachers of the Year 28 John Carroll Essay Scholarship Winners 29 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award 29 Juliette Bostrom Bethesda Magazine Extraordinary Teen 30 Performing Arts Recap 31

ALUMNAE

Class Notes 34 Distinguished Alumnae/Athletic Hall of Fame 42 Cookies with Santa 44 Class of 1971 Reunion 45 Alumnae Memorial Mass 46 Upton Street Reunion 46 Tartans Come Home 47 In Memoriam 48

MAGAZINE STAFF

LAYOUT/DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86, Editor Director of Communications

Kathleen Warner Bula ’79 Advancement Associate

Charly Ryan Director of Philanthropy and Stewardship

Mark Chapman Database Manager

Nate Strine On-Target Design

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TARTANFEST SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 7:00-10:00 pm On Campus

All-You-Can Eat BBQ provided by

Live Music! The Chance Club Featuring Holy Cross Faculty Member Laura Van Duzer

www.academyoftheholycross.org/tartanfest

Featuring local craft breweries, distilleries, and wine merchants Their signature pourings will be available for sale.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

“How we educate the mind will change with the times; how we cultivate the heart is and will remain timeless.”

Blessed Basil Moreau

Dear Holy Cross Families, As we emerge from a year of being masked and socially distant, we appreciate even more so than ever what makes Holy Cross such an incredible place. The pandemic touched all of our lives in one way or another; an elderly relative lost to COVID, a family financially devasted as their small business was shuttered, young parents forced to leave jobs to take care of small children whose day cares were closed, students unable to come to school because of fear of bringing the virus home to elderly grandparents, other students forced to stay home because public transportation, no longer considered safe, was their primary means of getting to school, and the list continues. Answers to important questions changed daily — Will schools be super spreaders? How big is a “cohort”? Is my “bubble” too porous? Can we sing at school or in church? Should I double mask? Again, the list goes on and on.

Though we have been more than challenged, we adapted, we endured, and we have thrived. We have grown stronger by believing that as a community we are stronger together. We were able to find the hopeful side of this very tough experience. The positive impact that enhancements in technology and the ability to adapt quickly to a crisis and maintain a quality educational were just a few examples of how well-prepared Holy Cross was throughout these many months. There was no guide to follow. As heads of independent and Catholic schools, we renewed our bonds and commitments to each other and our students. Enduring this pandemic as a community of educators superseded any previous competition in the school market. We all needed each other.

None of this could have happened without the resilience of our administration, faculty and staff; the partnership of our current families; the generosity of our donors; and the faith that we called upon hourly as a Holy Cross school. We look forward with hope to a new school year remembering the words of Blessed Basil Moreau: “with eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.”

I hope you enjoy our Tartan magazine as we celebrate a year of accomplishments and celebrations in spite of a global pandemic.

Sincerely,

Kathleen R. Prebble President and CEO

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LIVING THE HOLY CROSS MISSION

School Nurse Kathleen Burgess Clark ’82

Kathleen Burgess Clark ’82 is an invaluable member of The Academy of the Holy Cross community. Her deep commitment to the students, families, faculty/staff and coaches has become even more evident with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even before the pandemic forced the school to shut down in March 2020, Kathleen had begun to research all information as it became available. As the school formed a COVID-19 Taskforce, Kathleen was the driving force of how to keep our community safe, first and foremost. She quickly worked to form relationships with members of the Montgomery County Health department and two nurses’ groups. Throughout the spring and summer, she continued to spend countless hours reading, researching and attending numerous online conferences to learn everything possible about how to keep our community safe and how to help minimize any virus spread in the greater community.

Normally Kathleen would be off during the summer months, but in 2020 she worked beyond a full-time schedule throughout the summer to help the administration create reopening protocols. As the fall approached, Kathleen was on the front line with compiling lists of needed supplies and equipment to adapt the building. She also researched several options for screening tools the school would use, and interviewed each and made a recommendation for the service which best fit the needs of the school. She then worked with the selected company and our school IT department to ensure the added tools worked properly as needed. In October our students returned for hybrid learning and through Kathleen’s network, she helped arrange for ongoing surveillance testing on a regular basis.

As the winter brought the possibility of having our faculty/staff vaccinated, she followed every lead to help our teachers and staff register and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, Kathleen is constantly available to the school community (parents, teachers, staff and athletic coaches) to answer questions, help provide important resources, and to connect to vital services related to the COVID-19 virus. She treated every situation as unique and provided care and compassion tirelessly. This included many nights and weekends.

Kathleen has worked at Holy Cross since 2009, but her connection is deeper than her employment. Katheen and her five daughters are all Holy Cross alumnae, and she has numerous friends within the school community and the Montgomery County area. Holy Cross is her family. She puts her entire heart into everything she has done in service to students and faculty/staff of the school.

Because she understands every level of the school, from the layout of the building, to the medical and emotional needs of the students, to the schedule of activities on a daily basis, she has been vital to making sure the school could return to in-person learning as quickly and safely as possible.

During the rare times that Kathleen has not been physically on campus, she goes to great lengths to make sure that everything that might be needed in her absence is in order for any substitute nurse or other medical staff. She leaves impeccable preparations so that the level of support is continued even if she is not available.

The Holy Cross mission is to develop women of courage, compassion and scholarship who embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world. Even before the pandemic, Kathleen was recognized as a stellar example of the school mission in action. In 2019 she was recognized with a school award (known as the Sister Grace Award) which is chosen by faculty/staff members for her outstanding commitment to the school.

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FACULTY PROFILE: PHYLLIS OUELLETTE Phyllis Ouellette was known as the “voice over the intercom” this year as the school community navigated hybrid and in-person learning with hallways being dismissed in shifts to keep distancing possible. Phyllis has always been a driving force behind the scenes at Holy Cross—helping in whatever way is needed to make student activities possible.

Phyllis joined Holy Cross in 2000, initially as an office manager and school events coordinator in the school office. Previously she worked at Saint Angela Hall, the sisters’ retirement community located next to the Academy. “I learned about the Holy Cross charism from women who had spent their entire adult lives living out the values.” Her daughter Megan Ochs ’02 was a sophomore at the time. “She graduated and I stayed behind.” Phyllis has continued to be involved with Student Services throughout her tenure. She says that her work with the students is what keeps her “charged.” She says, “I love seeing the growth and potential in our girls. I always feel like I have a glimpse into the future as I watch them grow from freshman year to graduating seniors.”

Phyllis has done many different types of jobs here and currently serves as the Director of Student Services.

She’s coordinated the All-School Assembly program, moderated Student Council, supervised clubs, supervised school dances, served as school Sacristan, and produced the Daily Bagpipe announcements and online calendar.

Additionally, she has served as the organizer for student summer trips to Europe.

During the pandemic, like nearly everyone at Holy Cross, Phyllis’ job required some adapting as well. “I became more tech-savvy very quickly! All of our Advisory activities included online sharing of resources. If you had asked me in 2019 what a Pear Deck was, I would have said “a stack of fruit.” Even our annual Club Fair was converted into a web page of individual video presentations and electronic sign ups.”

Phyllis devotes countless hours to Holy Cross but believes that the dedication she gives is worth the time. “I really believe in the mission and the core values.

You don’t turn off “being a Holy Cross girl” when you leave the campus. You live the mission.” She also has many wonderful memories of experiences here. “The guest speakers we’ve hosted over the years (Sister Helen Prejean stands out) and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities—like going downtown to see Pope Francis—have been very special.”

Over the years, Phyllis has observed much growth and change. She says the school has greatly improved since she first arrived. “Our teachers are incredibly creative and innovative—they feed intellectual curiosity.” She appreciates the work the current administration has done to move the school forward. “They’ve made much needed changes to the physical plant, the curriculum and to providing our students with a great four-year experience.”

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VALEDICTORIAN - KATHRYN LYNCH MYERS During her tenure at Holy Cross, Kathryn “Katie” has excelled as a student and as an active member of the student body. Beginning Freshman year, Katie set the highest academic standards and continued to grow through Advanced Placement and Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment coursework.

Katie received recognition of her academic success through membership in the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. Her continued discipline and yearning for cultural exposure, and awareness was amplified by her membership in the Sancta Crux Scholars and Madeleva Scholars programs.

Katie established herself as a leader and role model who consistently contributed to the Holy Cross community. Katie became a strong advocate of the Moreau Options program and president of the Best Buddies Club and worked to promote an inclusive atmosphere for all Holy Cross students.

As co-captain of the bocce team, she fostered an environment in which all student athletes were challenged and developed the necessary skills associated with being a student-athlete. Additionally, Katie and her tennis doubles teammate were recipients of the WCAC Tennis Honorable Mention.

As a Holy Redeemer (Kensington) parishioner, Katie was able to grow and share in her Catholic faith through participation in Holy Cross’ chapel and retreat programs. She continued her involvement in spiritual life at Holy Cross as a Kairos retreat leader.

Katie will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, as part of the Honors College, and plans to major in Psychology with a possible future as a professional the

SALUTATORIAN - MAURA ANN MOCKERIDGE Maura’s academic achievement at Holy Cross began with the ability to manage rigorous coursework and membership in the Sancta Crux Scholars program. Growth continued with a focus in the sciences, while also developing her writing skills in AP and Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment English courses Maura demonstrated her commitment to the academic community through membership in the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society, Science Alliance and Environmental Club.

Maura has also proven herself to be a strong leader. As the business team leader of the Robotics Team, she ensured the financial and operational affairs required for success were attended to. Maura put her critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills to work as an active member of the Mock Trial Club.

Maura is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist (Silver Spring), where she also attended grade school and volunteered as an altar server.

Maura was granted admissions to the Honors College at the University of Maryland, College Park and plans to major in Biology with plans to attend medical school.

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ADA ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE TO WELCOME ALL The leadership phase of the Holy Cross #EmpoweredGirls capital campaign began in May 2019. A key component of the #EmpoweredGirls campaign are needed improvements to our campus facilities.

We are excited to share that our ADA accessibility project is underway this summer and will be completed before our students return in August. This project includes a wheelchair accessible ramp at the main entrance and a new indoor ramp from the lobby area to the main classroom level.

A wheelchair-accessible ramp to Ridgway Field which will be constructed during the next phase of the project, which includes the creation of a new athletic center and additional parking. We will keep you updated of our progress!

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VOICES OF THE PANDEMIC It’s been said more times that any of us want to hear, “these are unprecedented times.” As we look back at the 2020-2021 school year and everything that challenged our school community, the voices of our students and faculty/staff have given a perspective of how the challenge was met.

We asked a group of faculty/staff and students the following questions: SHARE A MEMORY THAT EXEMPLIFIES HOW UNIQUE THIS YEAR WAS: “Learning through a screen in my own room was not what I was expecting my junior year to be like. Having to learn alone in my own bedroom through a screen isn’t what I (or anyone) expected high school would be like.”

CHRISTINE HOA NGUYEN ’22 “We were usually asked to stay outside for lunch. During days where it was cold, my friends and I sat just inside the doorways staying spread out and would shout to each other across the hallway.”

ANNELIES DE MOOR ’24 “In many ways this year was unique (hybrid learning, reading Shakespeare and doing poetry workshops in a virtual setting, cicadas, etc.), but I think certain things were the same...which makes me even more grateful for those moments. So, watching the little goslings being brought down to the theater courtyard, reading our favorite holiday stories before Christmas break, sharing all of our must-read books at the end of the year—I was impacted by those moments of normalcy all the more.”

DR. MEGAN MINOGUE (English Chair)

WHAT ARE YOU NOT GOING TO MISS FROM THIS PAST YEAR? “I am not going to miss the one-way hallways. They may have kept me in shape and helped me get my steps in, but holy moly it was tiring to walk around in circles just to get back to one classroom!”

MEGAN STEELE ’22 “I’m definitely not going to miss the isolation from all my friends, and the long hours spent staring at my iPad during virtual school.”

ANNELIES DE MOOR ’24 “I will not miss the virtual ASAs [All-School Advisory]. There is just something so special about the whole community coming together on Mondays to jumpstart the week. The school spirit, that energy, is essential to the atmosphere of our school, and it’s something that I feel sets us apart from other schools.”

JULIE RITTER (School Counseling Director) “I am not going to miss students on screen while other students are in class.

Many times, it felt disconnected.”

ASHLEY GARDNER (Science teacher) 8 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

WHAT DID YOU MISS THIS PAST YEAR? “Seeing the student productions is always a highlight of my year, and while I very much enjoyed the virtual versions put together, there’s something about being in a live audience that is a profound difference for both actors and spectators.”

DR. MEGAN MINOGUE (English Chair) “The thing I missed most about this past year was being backstage during our shows. Luckily, we were able to be back again for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, but before then I felt as though something was missing from my life. I met some of my favorite people working backstage, so being away from it was definitely difficult.”

MEGAN STEELE ’22 “I missed experiencing significant events with the school community. I am hopeful that over time next year, we can all experience events like those again.”

NIA REDDICK (School Counselor) “Building individual relationships with students is an important foundation to the counseling field. We strive to make students feel welcomed, included, empowered and engaged. So much of the work we do is about nurturing relationships with students, staff and families. The virtual world certainly made that a bit challenging for the counseling department. We made the most of it, though; relying on technology, we consistently supported our virtual students through Google Meets and Google chats, but it sure was nice to eventually meet most of our students in our offices again.”

JULIE RITTER (School Counseling Director) “I missed the typical interactions you have with your students. When someone was struggling with a lesson, having to keep the distance was difficult.”

ASHLEY GARDNER (Science teacher)

SHARE SOMETHING THAT YOU BELIEVE HOLY CROSS DID WELL. Here nearly every response mentioned how well Holy Cross transitioned to virtual and then to hybrid and back to in-person.

“Making sure that everybody was ready for changes in procedure. It wasn’t always seamless but getting students and staff on the same page for 2020-2021’s ups and downs doesn’t seem easy at all. Holy Cross really seemed to nail the dynamic where everybody moves together.”

DR. ANDREW REINSCH (Theology teacher) “I believe that Holy Cross did a tremendous job in giving the Holy Cross community a sense of normalcy once vaccines were beginning to be distributed, instilling hope that next year will be close or back to normal.”

CHRISTINE HOA NGUYEN ’22 “Delivering quality, engaging lessons to the students.”

LIZ BALDACCI (History and Social Studies teacher) “As a transfer student, Holy Cross provided me with a welcoming community where I was able to feel included despite all of the obstacles that interfered with this year.”

ANNA DEMINO ’22 “Holy Cross really made sure to reach out to its students. Our teachers did an awesome job making sure everyone (especially the new freshmen) felt accommodated and supported throughout the whole pandemic both inside and outside of their classes.”

ANNELIES DE MOOR ’24

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURNING TO AS A SCHOOL? Here again, nearly every response included returning to time-honored Holy Cross traditions and being together in person as a community.

“I love fresh starts! A new school year screams hope and possibility. I look forward to hearing our students’ perspective about some of the new classes we are offering and I look forward to welcoming our Class of 2025 and transfer students.”

JULIE RITTER (School Counseling Director) “Adapting what I learned from using modular instruction online to the classroom.”

LIZ BALDACCI (History and Social Studies teacher) “I really like to draw on whiteboards while I teach. I’m not good at drawing, but it’s fun to do while we’re having a discussion. Arrows; concentric circles; cubes; happy little trees. I want it all in 2021-22.”

DR. ANDREW REINSCH (Theology teacher) “I am looking forward to seeing all my friends again in one spot. I did not have many friends in my cohorts at the beginning of the year, so to be able to have all of my friends in one place again will be amazing!”

MEGAN STEELE ’22

ANYTHING ELSE? “I just want to acknowledge that not only has this year been difficult for the students but also the faculty and staff—huge props to the faculty and staff for their energy, effort, and patience this past year.”

CHRISTINE HOA NGUYEN ’22 “While it was definitely a difficult year for so many, I wanted to thank the AHC teachers and staff for their dedication and hard work during this funky time. They made virtual classes feel welcoming and a little less scary, so just for that they deserve all the thanks and praise! And a big shout-out to the facilities staff as they worked diligently to make sure that all of us were safe and clean during these months!”

MEGAN STEELE ’22 “I am so proud to be part of what I call a national team of educators. As educators all over the nation, we showed our courage, resilience, and work ethic to make sure that the education system was able to be held up in strength. I am so proud to be a School Counselor, and I am ready to bring the same tenacity for 2021-2022. Together we can accomplish anything.”

NIA REDDICK (School Counselor) “This school year threw many challenges at us but Holy Cross was able to uphold the collaborative environment, prioritizing the students’ health and education.”

ANNA DEMINO ’22 THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 9

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wit d r a w For g n i v o M ity and

s r e v i D n o i s u l Inc ross at Holy

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Artwork by Sacrée Frangine

The summer of 2020 was a turning point in our country. With the ongoing fight against police brutality targeting African Americans, many community leaders organized protests to bring awareness to the severity of the issues. Meanwhile many companies, organizations and businesses evaluated their diversity practices or lack thereof, and many local independent schools, including Holy Cross, began to self-reflect as well.

At the same time, students and alumni from schools around the country (including Holy Cross) began posting on social media, looking for a way to share their own experiences and bring awareness to unfortunate events that occurred in school. Although it was disheartening to read what students had experienced, it was necessary to acknowledge our own shortcomings as a community and work more effectively towards a school environment that was welcoming and safe for all.

In the summer of 2020, Holy Cross developed the Anti-Racism Task Force, whose initial role was to be points of contact for students or parents/guardians to report racially motivated issues and take feedback from students to create goals and objectives for a new Diversity, Equity and Access program.

A major first step in moving forward included taking accountability, acknowledging and apologizing for times Holy Cross had fallen short on prioritizing diverse objectives and handling racially motivated reports made by students. Our school should serve as a place where our community can learn, understand and appreciate differences. Our student body is diverse in many ways, and it is important that all individuals are recognized, respected, included and seen. Our mission statement includes the words “dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity.”

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As Holy Cross works to create a community committed to diversity and inclusion, the following steps this year helped begin this process:

• Hosting Town Halls: Speaking with students, parents/guardians,

faculty and staff to engage in conversations, hear different perspectives and create goals and objectives from our community moving forward.

• Student Body Audit: Reviewing our curriculum and disciplinary

practices to ensure that no group of students is being withheld from higher level courses or subjected to frequent disciplinary actions.

• Student Body Surveys: Surveys sent to get a student perspective and to better understand the growth of the diversity program and where we can still improve as a community.

• Advisory Programming: Utilizing advisory programming as an

opportunity for students to grasp different racial and social injustice topics through videos, discussion and self-reflection.

• AIMS Accreditation: During the school’s re-accreditation preparation stages, evaluation, creating and reflecting on current diversity and inclusion practices including presenting professional development opportunities and areas where our community can improve.

As we continue to move forward, consider feedback from our community, and educate ourselves, we are evaluating ways to strengthen diversity efforts. This includes creating a strategic plan of goals and objectives; researching student development opportunities outside of Holy Cross; restructuring the diversity committee to include students, faculty/staff and parents/guardians; and creating a calendar of events to widely represent the different heritages, races, ethnicities and religions represented at Holy Cross. Additionally, Holy Cross is committed to hiring a diverse staff to help students to see themselves among their teachers and consider their potential career paths. The school administration is also continuing to find and promote professional development opportunities centered around schools and diversity.

This year several academic departments began reviewing course materials for ways to celebrate different races, ethnicities, cultures and traditions. Two elective courses were added to the academic Program of Studies for 2021-2022: Multicultural Literature in English and African-American History in History/Social Studies.

We want our students and families to feel safe, welcomed and valued at Holy Cross. The way we look at diversity, equity and inclusion will forever be evolving, and the steps Holy Cross has taken are the first of many.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS

2020 Graduation

The Class of 2021 were awarded over $17,000,000 in college scholarships.

Assistant Principal Lindsey Tonks

Salutatorian Maura Mockeridge ’21

Cap and Gown Honor Awards Ceremony Thursday, June 3, 2021 at The Academy of the Holy Cross Commencement Liturgy Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Holy Redeemer Church in Kensington, MD

Valedictorian Kathryn Myers ’21

(L-R) Principal John Sullivan, Melak Armstrong ’21, Daniela Lock ’21, President Katy Prebble

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(L-R) Principal John Sullivan, Noelia Villafane ’21, President Katy Prebble

Valedictorian: Kathryn Lynch Myers Salutatorian: Maura Ann Mockeridge Commencement Speaker: Monica McNutt ’07

(L-R) President John Sullivan, Board Chair Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson, CSC ’61, Board member Sister Sharon Mihm, CSC ’63, Kathryn Lynch ’21, President Katy Prebble

The Cardinal’s Award for Catholic Citizenship – Noelia Sofia Villafane Sister Grace Award –Daniela Cecilia Lock and Melak Armstrong Saint Andre Bessette Citizenship Award – Kyra Leigh King and Bonnie Miranda Caden Spes Unica Award – Molly Katherine May The Sisters of the Holy Cross Award – Kathryn Lynch Myers

(L-R) Lexington Hart ’21, Emily Jacobs ’21, Kiyo Kariya ’21

Samantha Lipka ’21

Lindsay Cooper ’21

Bonnie Caden ’21

(L-R) President Katy Prebble, Samantha Lipka ’21, Eileen McConville ’21, Principal John Sullivan

Claire Stocks ’21 and Ophelia Hyde ’21

(L-R) Ewura Akoto ’21, Sofia Amaya ’21

(L-R) President Katy Prebble, Caroline Bloodgood ’21, Principal John Sullivan

President Katy Prebble and Razelle Abogadie ’21

Abigail Gehres ’21 and Shannon Hughes ’21

Madrigal Singer ensemble led by Laura Van Duzer

(L-R) Principal John Sullivan, Molly May ’21, President Katy Prebble

(L-R) Principal John Sullivan, Kyra King ’21, Bonnie Caden ’21, President Katy Prebble

(L-R) Piper Sullivan ’21, Kyra King ’21, Christine Welton ’21, Cassandra Fredell ’21, Molly May ’21, Claire Stocks ’21, Lynn Clough ’21, Jennifer Tartaglia ’21, Seren Avenilla ’21

Commencement speaker Monica McNutt ’07

Emanda Bisrat ’21 and family member THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 13

NEWS FROM CAMPUS SENIORS NAMED AP SCHOLARS Congratulations to the following seniors who have been recognized as AP Scholars. The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP exams.

Bonnie Caden ’21 and Kathryn Myers ’21 have been recognized as AP Scholars with Honors. This award is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

The following seniors have been recognized as AP Scholars. This award is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams: Caroline Bloodgood ’21 Elizabeth Clarke ’21 Kayla Conroy ’21 Sophia Costa ’21 Clare Foley ’21

Caroline Freese ’21 Eileen McConville ’21 Maura Mockeridge ’21 Clare Striegel ’21 Ciara Switzer ’21

BONNIE CADEN ’21 HELPS OTHERS GET COVID VACCINE Bonnie Caden ’21 helped over 200 people schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments since March 2021. After having a conversation with a family friend who is a Montgomery County teacher and who has helped others schedule appointments through a group known as the Vaccine Hunters, Bonnie decided to start helping people on her own. Originally, she just helped people she knew, but word quickly spread to others.

Bonnie created a spreadsheet of candidates to keep track of everyone needing help making appointments. She then worked to know the different systems offering vaccines, including the timing of updating appointment schedules. She would work to match appointments with people needing them, spending 5-7 hours some days to help make sure the candidates could get their appointments scheduled. “Being able to hear how it made a difference for people was really rewarding,” Bonnie says. She was moved by the situations people shared with her as well, keeping her motivated to continue helping others.

Bonnie worked with the Vaccine Hunters group for her Senior Project internship, where she focused on building equal access for people who have barriers to receiving the vaccine. In college Bonnie is planning to pursue a STEM-related field with a focus on biology. She says that this experience has helped her learn that even small actions make a difference, and that Holy Cross has helped her grow in confidence to take on activities that push her beyond her comfort zone.

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HOLY CROSS GIVES THANKS SERVICE PROJECT The Holy Cross Social Justice office coordinated the annual Holy Cross Gives Thanks service project over four separate weeks in the fall during the hybrid learning environment. Students in each grade came to campus for the service project observing safe distancing protocols.

The projects included making sandwiches for McKenna’s Wagon, creating cards, letters, poems and stories for homebound and hospitalized people, sewing masks and crocheting “ear savers” for medical personnel, creating friendship bracelets for Children’s Inn at NIH, and crafting “Monster Stuffies” for hospitalized children.

In past years the Holy Cross Gives Thanks project took place on the day before Thanksgiving break.

THEY WILL KNOW US BY OUR LOVE… HOLY CROSS DAY OF SERVICE The annual Holy Cross Day of Service, organized by Director of Holy Cross Social Justice Emily Teter, took place on two days in April. Students were grouped by grade (freshmen/seniors and sophomores/juniors) for the on-campus activities.

Each day began with a special bagel breakfast generously donated by the Fathers/ Guardians Club. Students were given choices of different service project and were teamed together to complete the tasks. Faculty/Staff moderators led the groups in team-building activities that helped the students know more about the organizations they were supporting through their service. Projects included creating blankets; making sandwiches; crafting bookmarks; friendship bracelets and activity kits; decorating masks; assembling period packs; writing letters and visiting virtually with the students of Our Lady of Holy Cross school in Ghana. To end the day, the groups celebrated Mass together.

The Day of Service first took place in 2018 as part of the Holy Cross 150th anniversary celebration and has become a new tradition for the community and requires months of planning and preparation.

The organizations served this year include: Northwest Center, Comfort Cases, I Support the Girls, Martha’s Table, Small Things Matter, Operation Smile and Children’s Hospital.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS KINDNESS IN ACTION WEEK Holy Cross celebrated the annual Kindness in Action Week January 25-29 to celebrate the differences that help make our community truly diverse. The week was highlighted by an allschool advisory activity conducted by the No Place for Hate committee. Holy Cross has been recognized as a No Place for Hate school since 2019. The activity focused on changemakers, individuals who stand up to biases and injustices. Students in homeroom advisories watched videos about several changemakers and engaged in discussions about how they overcame adversity to make a difference in the community. During the week, Holy Cross clubs provided “Kindness Quotes” that were read during the morning Bagpipe announcements.

To spotlight Kindness in Action, students created Kindness Rocks during grade-level on-campus activities. The Kindness Rocks were placed throughout the school building and courtyard areas as a reminder of the community’s commitment to being a kind, bully-free environment.

SPRING BREAK SERVICE CHALLENGE During Easter break in April, 38 students participated on campus and virtually in the Spring Break Service Challenge coordinated by Emily Teter, Director of Holy Cross Social Justice. Each day the group, which included two faculty/staff moderators, explored a Catholic social teaching and completed service projects. In their discussions they reflected on human dignity, poverty and food insecurity, solidarity, and ensuring the common good in society. Service projects included crafting baby blankets, organizing food donations, creating thank you cards for first responders, and preparing for the upcoming Junior Retreat.

The opportunity allowed the students to fulfill their service hours and spend time with their classmates.

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BOOK DRIVE YIELDS GENEROUS DONATION The Holy Cross community had a quick Book Drive in January to support “Katushoome” (translated as “let’s read’ in the Rukiga language), which supplies books for children in Kabale, Uganda.

The program is organized by Holy Cross parent Anita Cox. The response to the drive was an overwhelming success despite short notice!

Olivia Cox ’23 and Isabella Potakey ’23 helped to sort and pack the donations for shipping.

(L-R) Isabella Potakey ’23, Olivia Cox ’23, Principal John Sullivan, Anita Cox

FEMININE PRODUCTS DRIVE ASSISTS I SUPPORT THE GIRLS Holy Cross held a Feminine Product Drive in April with great success! Our community collected over 13,600 items to create 900+ period packs (tampons, pads, disposable wipes) plus additional boxes of products donated to I Support the Girls.

I Support the Girls is a global program founded in Maryland which collects and distributes essential items allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. They work with over 800 organizations and have served more than 550,000 women and girls since their founding in 2015.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS LENTEN FOOD DRIVE FILLS CARLOADS FOR MULHOLLAND FOUNDATION The Holy Cross community collected donations for the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation during the annual Lenten Food Drive in March. Academic cohorts competed to bring in the most canned food items. Donors could purchase items from an Amazon wish list to support the drive in addition to shopping for and bringing in donations directly.

Two full carloads of canned goods and other non-perishable food items were collected and donated. The John S. Mulholland Family Foundation supports the work of multiple food pantries in Washington, DC. The Foundation is completely volunteer run, with no paid staff or directors, relying solely on the generosity of donors and supporters.

HOLY CROSS PARTICIPATES IN VIRTUAL PRAYER SERVICE FOR LIFE Over 100 students from Holy Cross, Gonzaga, Georgetown Prep, Stone Ridge and Visitation participated in the Prayer Service for Life and discussion in January. Three Holy Cross student leaders helped facilitate prayers and small groups. In previous, non-pandemic years, Holy Cross LOTAs for Life have participated in the Youth Rally and March for Life in Washington, DC. Their “AHC for Life” purple and white hats are often spotted in the crowds!

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CARDINAL GREGORY OFFERS MASS HONORING HOLY CROSS FOUNDER We are honored that Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, offered Mass for the Holy Cross community via YouTube livestream on Wednesday, January 20 to celebrate the Feast Day of Blessed Basil Moreau.

In his homily, Cardinal Gregory spoke about the time of Father Moreau’s life during the aftermath of the French Revolution. He noted that Father Moreau’s contribution of providing education which took place during a time of transition is still relevant today as the United States has experienced transition this past year. “[Moreau] referred to the cross as our one hope, and indeed it is. Occasionally we all fail to reflect on the meaning of the cross—that it brings both challenge and life. It brings suffering, but it also brings promise. It is a two-dimensional promise that urges us to endure difficulties and promises us that if we accept the cross, we will bear the fruit of new life.”

HOLY CROSS HONORS CENTENNIAL OF WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE Holy Cross recognized the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote by participating in “Forward Into Light” a project of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. On the evening of Wednesday, August 26, Holy Cross was illuminated in purple and gold light joining with institutions around the nation. Former Holy Cross parent Gordon Anson arranged the lighting on the front Holy Cross gate, and the media center and cafeteria windows. Mr. Anson is also Deputy Chief of Design at the National Gallery of Art who designed and coordinated the Academy’s 150th Anniversary Heritage Hallway permanent display.

The campus was open until 10:00 pm during the celebration, and welcomed many carloads of visitors and was kept up for several additional days.

Forward Into Light is named in honor of the historic suffrage slogan, “Forward through the Darkness, Forward into Light.” Suffragists carried banners of purple, white and gold during their demonstrations.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS VIRTUAL COLLEGE DAY IS COLLABORATIVE EVENT The Academy’s annual College Day took place virtually in February as a collaborative event with students from Georgetown Prep, Stone Ridge, Holy Child, and The Field School. Over 50 colleges participated in the event for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

To begin the day, all students attended a general session by school led by college admissions representatives about ways the students could prepare for the college admissions process immediately and going forward. Then students could attend panel discussions on a topic they chose. Topics included the benefits of attending a large, public university; liberal arts schools; going abroad for college; majors such as health sciences, pre-med, STEM, business, nursing, studio arts, and performing arts; NCAA and athletic recruiting; college visits; writing the college essay; the college interview process; and an open Q and A forum. The College Day event concluded with a wrap-up session for students by school.

College Day is coordinated by the Holy Cross College Counseling office as part of the stellar service they provide to our current families.

INTERNATIONAL DAY The goal of the Holy Cross International Day celebration in March was to recognize and celebrate the different and vibrant cultures of Holy Cross students and faculty/staff. The World Languages department organized a virtual presentation that allowed viewers to select countries to hear a student or faculty/staff member give details about their country of origin. Information included food, dress, literature, culture, music, famous citizens and other interesting details.

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JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND UNITY THEME FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ASSEMBLY The theme of the 2021 Black History Month assembly in February, coordinated by the Holy Cross Onyx Club was “Justice, Equality and Unity”. The video presentation began with a brief history about Black History Month. The officers of the club shared the biographies of three Black women who represented the assembly’s theme: Tarana Burke (MeToo Movement) representing Justice, Yara Shahidi (WeVote Next) representing Equality, and Amanda Gorman (National Youth Poet Laureate) representing Unity. Faith Kelly ’21 performed an original dance which she choreographed to the song “Stand Up” performed by Cynthia Erivo. Katiushka Howell ’22 sang the closing song, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.”

The special guest speaker was Stephanie Sprow Owens ’00. Stephanie is the Director of Student and Community Engagement, Reach Higher at Common App. In that role, she leads former First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to increase diversity, access, and equity in higher education for first-generation, low-income, and minority students. Stephanie spoke about the importance of knowing the history of family and community. She challenged the students to explore the difficult and uncomfortable questions about true justice and what is the difference between equality and equity, and why as Christians it is important to fight for both. She also asked the students to consider how we work together as one Holy Cross sisterhood to foster unity even while there are disagreements along the way.

HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION AT HOLY CROSS Holy Cross celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in October. The presentation took place virtually with advisories engaging in an online discussion about celebrating Hispanic Heritage and the importance of diversity. The World Languages department worked with student leaders from the Spanish Honor Society to create a video featuring different aspects of Hispanic influence in the United States and the history of Hispanic Heritage Month.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS AAPI HERITAGE MONTH In April Holy Cross celebrated Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month with a video created by the students in the Asian American Student Association. The video featured information about AAPI celebrities, traditional Asian games, and Asian cuisine. The video concluded with a presentation about the rise in hate crimes against Asian people in the United States and around the world.

HOLY CROSS DESIGNATED A 2021 NO PLACE FOR HATE SCHOOL Holy Cross has once again been designated as a No Place for Hate school for 2020-2021 with a firm commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting respect for differences, and challenging bias and bullying at all levels. No Place for Hate is an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League that works with schools to challenge anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry in all forms.

After registering in the fall to become a No Place for Hate school, Holy Cross formed a coalition of students and faculty members, coordinated by faculty member Anna Dettbarn, to develop the initiative for the school year.

During a special all-school advisory, all members of the school community signed a pledge to take a stand against any form of bullying or discrimination and to work to build a community of respect and understanding.

As part of the annual Kindness in Action week in January, the No Place for Hate committee organized an advisory activity focused on change-makers who have worked within their community to work against bias, discrimination and injustice. The committee also coordinated a Kindness Rocks activity on campus for all students over several weeks. Additional advisory activities engaged students and faculty in discussions about white privilege, discrimination against Muslim and Asian communities, and building a community of respect for the LGBTQ+ community.

Through No Place for Hate, Holy Cross is committed to creating a community of inclusivity, respect and equity.

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EVELYNN PLUMMER ’24 JOINS TEAM USA FOR WORLD ACROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS Evelynn Plummer ’24 is a competitive acrobatic gymnast whose trio team was selected to represent Team USA at the World Championships for the 11-17 Age Group Acrobatics in Geneva in June. Evelynn is a member of “Xtreme Acrobatics Gymnastics” and started training with Juli Eicher Gottschalk, her current coach, in 2018 when her family moved to Maryland from Texas. She has been competing in acrobatics for eight years.

WHY I GIVE As a member of the Class of 1964, I treasure my Holy Cross memories. The life-long friends I made, the wonderful Sisters, the foundation that the Academy provided me to enjoy my career path and the confidence to make changes when new opportunities came along!

I continue to make Holy Cross part of my yearly charitable giving simply because every young woman deserves the opportunity to attend the Academy to become strong, independent, and empowered!

CHARLOTTE WHITE ‘64

(L-R) Back Row: Suzanne Avon Hite ’95, Kathleen Burgess Clark ’82; Front Row: Charlotte White ’64, Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86 worked together at the vaccine clinic held at Holy Cross.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS SENIOR TARTAN ATHLETES COMMIT TO PLAY NCAA SPORTS IN COLLEGE During a special virtual assembly in November, Holy Cross recognized four Class of 2021 athletes who have committed to play sports at NCAA Division 1 colleges. During the event that was livestreamed on the Holy Cross YouTube channel, Athletic Director Dena Rapoport shared details about each of the athletes. Ms. Rapoport noted that only just over 12% of high school lacrosse players go on to play women’s college lacrosse and only 3% are offered a roster spot at one of the 115 Division 1 programs. In girls swimming, 7.6% of high schoolers went on to swim in college. In field hockey, 10.1% of all high school players go on to play in college, with just under 3% playing at Division 1 schools.

Kathleen Cosgrove ’21 is committed to swim at Northeastern University. She was awarded MVP for the Holy Cross swim team in 2018 and 2020. For the 2019-20 season Kate was named to the 2020 Washington Post All-Metropolitan team. During the 2017-18 season, Kate first etched her name into the school record books, as she is #1 all-time in the 100-meter Butterfly.

London Downing ’21 is committed to play lacrosse at Delaware State University. London has played on the varsity lacrosse team all four years at Holy Cross. She has been a great contributor and had eight statistics recorded during the 2019 season.

Samantha Lipka ’21 is committed to play lacrosse at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Sam has played on the varsity lacrosse team throughout her years at Holy Cross. In 2019 Sam was awarded WCAC Honorable Mention. As a freshman she led Holy Cross in assists, and her sophomore year she led the conference in assists.

Piper Sullivan ’21 is committed to play field hockey at Towson University. In 2019 she was named a WCAC Honorable Mention and was ranked #1 in total saves. In 2018 she was named WCAC second team Goalkeeper. She is also ranked #6 nationally in saves on her club team.

In May Holy Cross recognized two additional senior athletes who committed to play NCAA sports in college next year.

Hannah Williams ’21 is committed to row at Canisius College. She was a member of the Holy Cross crew team for three years and continued her pursuit of the sport with Capital Rowing.

Madeline Sawyer ’21 is committed to run cross country, indoor and outdoor track next fall at Roanoke. She has been a part of the cross country teams for four years and the indoor/outdoor track teams for three years. In 2020 she won the Most Improved Award for indoor track.

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FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN NATIONAL ACADEMIC RECOGNITION Several members of the Holy Cross Varsity Field Hockey team were named to the 2020 Keith Waldman — Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad. The program recognizes those high school seniors and juniors who have achieved a minimum cumulative, unweighted grade-point average of 3.5 out of 4.0 — or the equivalent — through the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year. Seniors and juniors who have achieved a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0 — or the equivalent — through the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year have been recognized as Scholars of Distinction.

Congratulations: *=Scholars of Distinction

Paige D’Albora ’22*

Brennan Flynn ’22

Clare Foley ’21*

Ophelia Hyde ’21

Evelyn Lee ’22*

Skylar Lewis ’22*

Samantha Lipka ’21

Eileen McConville ’21

Chloe Rickerby ’21

Caleigh Rose ’22

Kylee Sanders ’21

Rose Zaremba ’21

PIPER SULLIVAN ’21 MAKES 500TH FIELD HOCKEY SAVE Piper Sullivan ’21 saved her 500th goal in field hockey on Monday, March 29 in the game against St. Mary’s Ryken. The save came in the third quarter.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS TWO JUNIORS RECEIVE 2021 COACH SHEAHAN EXCELLENCE AWARD Two Class of 2022 students received the 2021 Coach Sheahan Excellence Award: Margaret “Maggie” McIntyre ’22 and Kelsea Saulny ’22. The award is named after the late Bill Sheahan, who coached the Academy’s basketball team to its 115-game winning streak and enjoyed a 27-year relationship with the Academy. It is presented to a rising senior who exemplifies the values that Coach Sheahan ascribed to in his own life and coaching style: a Christ-centered life, a devotion to family, a conscientious student, a leader and person of integrity and commitment who is loyal to herself, her school, and her community. The award includes a scholarship towards tuition.

Both recipients were nominated by volleyball coach David (L-R) Margaret “Maggie” McIntyre ’22 Geiser. In Maggie’s nomination, Coach Geiser wrote: “Maggie and Kelsea Saulny ’22 is a humble and caring young woman who is respectful to all and is an active and positive supporter of her teammates. She is a fierce competitor but not at the expense of others. She consistently demonstrates a high level of sportsmanship, and her strong faith underlies her outwardly calm presence. She is an extremely hard worker, a quiet yet confident leader, and a trustworthy individual.”

In Kelsea’s nomination, Coach Geiser wrote: “Kelsea has a strong connection and passion for helping her community which she has demonstrated through her extensive community service and civic engagement efforts.

She consistently demonstrates accountability, not only for herself but her teammates as (L-R) Athletic Director Dena Rapoport, President Katy Prebble, Principal John Sullivan, Maggie McIntyre ’22, well. She is a beacon of positive Kelsea Saulny ’22, Coach Dave Geiser energy that emanates from her strong commitment to her faith.”

The awards were presented by Athletic Director Dena Rapoport in May at the Underclass Awards Ceremony.

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CHEYENNE DEGROSS ’22 RECEIVES JENNIE FINCH EMPOWERMENT AWARD Cheyenne DeGross ’22 has been named a recipient of the Jennie Finch Empowerment Award presented by ARM & HAMMER. The award honors young women who demonstrate powerful characteristics such as leadership, motivation, commitment, humility and integrity, and includes a $10,000 college scholarship.

In addition to playing softball at Holy Cross, Cheyenne is part of the Montgomery County RBI Softball program. Executive Director Emery Jones nominated Cheyenne for the service she has performed during high school. Cheyenne has donated her time in numerous ways outside of softball, including her time in the Tartans Minds Matter club, creating cards for residents of a local nursing home, and her previous service in softball camps.

ADDISON BOUNDS ’22 VERBALLY COMMITS TO CAL POLY FOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL Addison Bounds ’22 has become the first student in the history of The Academy of the Holy Cross to give a verbal commit to playing beach volleyball in college.

A verbal commitment happens when a college-bound student athlete verbally agrees to play sports for a college before he or she signs or is eligible to sign a National Letter of Intent. The commitment is not binding on the student athlete or the school and can be made at any time.

Addison will play at Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University) under the direction of Coach Todd Rogers, a U.S. Olympic Gold Medal winner. She started to play beach volleyball two years ago and has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the top 100 U18 players in the country.

She has been playing competitive indoor volleyball for five years; and, her teams have earned three trips to compete at USA Volleyball nationals. Addison was a major contributor to the Holy Cross varsity volleyball team in both her freshman and sophomore years. In addition to her exemplary volleyball skills, she was elected to serve as the president of her sophomore and junior classes and is a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student of the Year candidate. Addison says “I thank God for all the coaches who have helped me and provided me with wonderful opportunities. The most important thing that I have learned through athletics is to work hard and trust the process!”

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS HOLY CROSS 2020 VETERAN AND NOVICE TEACHERS The Archdiocese of Washington High School Principals Association annually recognizes a Novice and Veteran teacher from each of the Catholic high schools in the diocese for their service to Catholic education. The honorees are selected by their peers and are chosen for embracing teaching as a ministry, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrating respect for the Catholic identity and charism of the school. Veteran teachers are considered for characteristics such as modelling a leadership style of respect, having a commitment to personal and professional growth, and engaging in developing students within and outside of the classroom. Novice teachers are considered for characteristics such as demonstrating a commitment to spiritual growth of the community, showing a desire for academic excellence and commitment to professional standards, and caring deeply about the well-being of students, earning respect of both students and teachers alike.

Holy Cross has selected Health and Physical Education teacher Cheryl King for Veteran Teacher and Educational Technology teacher Maria-Rose Youstra Cain ’79 as Novice Teacher.

Cheryl King joined the Holy Cross faculty in 2004. Her exceptional ability to establish a rapport with students and to help them feel comfortable is one of her many great assets. Perhaps her greatest attribute is her great concern for the health and well-being of our students, which has been especially evident with our current virtual and hybrid-learning environment. Since her arrival at The Academy of the Holy Cross, Mrs. King has been exemplary in all that she does and has become a wonderful role model to our newer teachers.

Maria-Rose Cain joined the Holy Cross faculty in 2018. In addition to teaching Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Computer Programming, and Multimedia Journalism, Mrs. Cain oversees our yearbook and school newspaper. She is also the Co-Moderator of the Robotics Club. With all of the responsibilities that Mrs. Cain currently has, she never hesitates to assist others whenever necessary. She is an excellent example of our motto, “Women of Courage, Compassion, and Scholarship.”

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CONGRATULATIONS JOHN CARROLL SOCIETY ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Of the 14 winners in the Margaret Mary Missar/ John Carroll Society’s 2021 High School Essay competition, eight of them are sophomores at The Academy of the Holy Cross, again dominating the competition this year. The 2021 competition theme was, “Made in God’s Image: Pray and Work to End the Sin of Racism.” This year submissions were accepted in both essay and video formats.

Winners received tuition scholarships.

2ND PLACE

($1,000) Eden Freidman ’23 (Essay) Emily Micklos ’23 (Video)

3RD PLACE

($500) Amara Alexander ’23 (Video) Alika D’Souza ’23 (Essay) Elena Hicks ’23 (Essay)

HONORABLE MENTION ($100) Cathryn Beggy ’23 (Essay) Mary Celeste ’23 (Video) Mackenzie Hoefer ’23 (Essay)

COLLEGE BOARD RECOGNIZES HOLY CROSS WITH FEMALE DIVERSITY AWARD Holy Cross has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP Computer Science courses. Holy Cross is one of only 831 schools to be recognized nationally.

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS JULIETTE BOSTROM ’21, BETHESDA MAGAZINE EXTRAORDINARY TEEN For the second year in a row, a Holy Cross student has been selected as a Bethesda Magazine Extraordinary Teen, featured in their March/April issue.

This year Juliette Bostrom ’21 is among the 13 recipients. The spotlight describes how Juliette was deeply affected by the documentary The True Cost and how it has inspired her to boycott clothing created through “fast fashion.” She now actively works to inspire her peers and others to consider the impact of their actions on the local, national and global scale.

After watching the documentary, The True Cost, and taking to heart the effect of “fast fashion” on low-wage workers in developing countries and on the environment, Juliette began researching popular brands to determine which supported human rights and sustainable practices. She now supports only sustainable brands, carefully evaluating each industry’s plan. Additionally, Juliette has been an influencer among her peers, challenging them to make informed purchases of sustainable and environmentally safe products. Juliette was accepted into the Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL), that was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic.

Juliette came to Holy Cross as a junior, and quickly become a valued and involved part of the community and has been was recognized for her leadership qualities. She was an officer in the Young Progressives club where members discuss current economic, political, and social issues. She was selected to attend the 2020 West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference before the pandemic closings. During the conference Juliette learned strategies to deal with leadership and ethical challenges using West Point’s ethical decision-making model taught to cadets at the United States Military Academy.

Academically, Juliette excelled beyond the minimum requirements. This past year she studied with a tutor for the German University language proficiency exam. Additionally, she took several courses at honors and AP level and took two Dual Credit college level courses to earn high school and college credit through Marymount University.

Last summer Juliette attended a three-week online course at Brown University on planetary habitability/ exoplanets. Juliette is interested in pursuing a political science/international/environmental path in college.

Outside of class, Juliette has been an athlete on the field hockey and ice hockey teams. She is also dedicated to service including devoting hours every weekend until the pandemic to assisting at the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence and at Bethesda Cares. Throughout the pandemic, she has continued to serve by writing letters to troops, baking treats for first responders and assisting at her church.

Faculty member Anna Dettbarn is quoted in the Bethesda Magazine spotlight, “Juliette has been exposed to a variety of different cultures and lived in many places. I think all of this has contributed to a very mature understanding of issues in my class—government, religion and social-economic factors that influence geography around the world. She is keenly aware of societal problems.”

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PERFORMING ARTS RECAP The Performing Arts department found creative ways to adapt to pandemic protocols that included restrictions on singing or playing wind instruments indoors and online or hybrid schedules where performers were never all together for rehearsals. For the dance, instrumental and music classes, this resulted in winter and spring performances that were produced as recordings. Our top-notch technical theater professionals produced beautiful final productions that are still available on the Holy Cross YouTube channel.

For the fall and spring theatre productions, the Performing Arts department again ensured the show must go on. In November, an online Much Ado About Nothing aired with the full production taking place over Zoom. In March, with some pandemic requirements lifted, Holy Cross produced You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. With this production, the cast was able to perform together on stage fully masked, but singing was still restricted. All the musical numbers were recorded separately and mixed together, then played at the appropriate times during the performance which, was recorded with a small audience of faculty/staff members.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Much Ado About Nothing

Jazz/Hip Hop Class

Madrigal Singer Ensemble

Adrenaline Dance Team

Guitar Club

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Every year we invite our entire community—parents/guardians, staff, board members, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents, and friends—to contribute to The Holy Cross Fund. Your partnership is the most direct way to ensure that Holy Cross continues to thrive and meet its mission. The Holy Cross Fund directly supports every student, teacher and staff member.

The Holy Cross Fund is the school’s most important source of unrestricted operating dollars. Unrestricted gifts raised through annual giving meet operating budget needs the year they are provided and close the gap between tuition and the full cost of a Holy Cross education.

The Holy Cross Fund is the school’s philanthropic lifeblood. The Fund impacts everything that makes a Holy Cross education so special: • Our engaging education program • Compensation and benefits for our talented and supportive faculty and staff • Tuition assistance for our girls • The latest technology, iPads, laptops, apple TVs, projectors, the best software licenses, and network services • Athletic equipment, uniforms, transportation, and training equipment for our talented athletes • Top-of-the-line materials for Engineering, science and arts programs • So much more…

Our 2021-2022 year has already begun. We believe that every gift matters, no matter the size. We encourage you to make a yearly gift to the Holy Cross Fund. A tax-deductible gift to the Holy Cross Fund is a vote of confidence in Holy Cross.

Visit www.academyoftheholycross.org/giving for more information on how you can give back.

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TARTAN MADNESS – 2021 BENEFIT AUCTION The 2021 “Tartan Madness” Virtual Benefit Auction that took place on Saturday, March 20 was a grand triumph with over $50,000 raised for the Hope Scholarship Fund (a new record)! Everyone – sponsors, donors, bidders, and friends – contributed to our success. Special thanks to the auction committee and Holy Cross Advancement team who worked for months on the details. Additional thanks to our outstanding Masters-ofCeremony, Barbara Dobbs (Holy Cross Math Teacher) and Walter Gray (Varsity Basketball Coach). They made this year’s Gala fun and entertaining.

During the evening, the 2021 Sister Grace Shonk, CSC Tribute Award was presented to Debbie Brown, Director of Human Resources. Debbie has been a vital part of the Holy Cross faculty/staff since 2001 and was selected for the award by her peers. Included among the nomination comments: “Debbie goes above and beyond to be part of the lives of the students at Holy Cross to show her love and give them a sense of belonging!”

“She is friendly, helpful, easily approachable, and goes out of her way to help while always wearing a smile. She is an asset to the school. It is obvious how much The Academy of the Holy Cross means to her.”

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

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1948

Patricia De La Vergne Quinn writes that “We don’t go far from home – an occasional drive. Glad to see 2021 – it’s got to get better eventually.”

1955

“Married for 60 years to my husband, Gerry,” writes Barbara Benford Trafficanda. “We have 22 grandchildren, six children and 3-1/2 greats. We live in a retirement community outside of San Juan Capistrano. My twin Betty Benford Belfiore resides in Venice, FL. Betty was widowed last December.

She has a granddaughter at the Academy. Her name is Isabella Belfiore Hollcraft [’22].”

1962

Patricia Tumulty Flaccus writes, “We have moved to Oregon to be near our twin granddaughters, the loves of our lives.”

1972

After graduation from Holy Cross, Christine Brown attended Notre Dame College of Maryland in Baltimore. Following college graduation, she worked with Fitzgerald & Ridgway, Dick Ridgway’s real estate settlement law firm. This launched her lifelong career in various real estate businesses from settlements to real estate finance and mortgage insurance. During her career she lived in San Francisco, Chicago and

Toronto before retiring from Radian Mortgage Insurance in 2019. During the pandemic she received her real estate license and is currently with Benson and Mangold Real Estate in Easton, MD. “Keep in touch and if you find yourself coming over the Bay Bridge, give me a call!”

1973

“I retired in December after an amazing career at the National Security Agency,” writes Kathy Sherman Hutson. “Although 2020 was a very difficult year for all, moving and retiring certainly added another level of challenge, but through it all I was continually reminded of my many blessings and how fortunate we are as a Holy Cross community to have

each other and our faith during such unprecedented times.” “[We have] retired and moved to West Virginia,” says Susie Yates Temple.

“Enjoying our kids and grandchildren. Loving the peaceful, easy lifestyle.”

1976

Holy Cross alumna and golf coach, Lenore Reilly Martinez, served as the Honorary Starter of the 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, taking place July 12-17, 2021 at Columbia Country Club. As Honorary Starter Coach Martinez led a team in welcoming the players at the start of each round and assisted staff and officials in conducting the championship. Coach

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1970 stayed connected in

a unique way during the pandemic. When Mary Beth Widmayer McDonald requested prayers as she was undergoing cancer treatment in December 2020, classmate Marie Davis organized a weekly Zoom gathering to pray the rosary for her and anyone with special intentions. The group, who call themselves the “Rosary Girls,” also appreciates the opportunity to connect socially during the weekly Zoom sessions. The Rosary Girls include Dee Carl Metz, Cindy Masucci Kratz, Jean Waters Farmer, Marie Davis, Linda Ingalls, Carol duFief, Kathy McMahon Currie, Ann Marie Harrigan O’Lone, Peggy Flynn Pope, Mary Griffin Bey, Vicki McCabe Mosley, Mary-Rose Szoka De Valladares, Pilar Saavedra Vela, Jan Tegler Burns, and Mary Knapstein Murphy.

In addition to the weekly Zoom gatherings, other members of the class also pray privately and have sent cards, gifts, treats, flowers, and headwear for those undergoing chemotherapy. The recipients have responded, saying that the kind gestures “brightened their days.” Rosary Girls Vicki McCabe Mosely and Ann Marie Harrigan O’Lone also generously contributed their time and talent with creative, personal quilts to bring comfort and warmth to those undergoing medical treatments.

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Martinez has a unique place in the history of golf at Columbia Country Club. Since 1993 she has won 19 Women’s Club championships—a record at Columbia. Lenore is also a tremendous supporter of junior golf and especially junior girls. In 2019 Holy Cross honored Coach Martinez as the Athletic Hall of Fame Coach of the Year.

1982

Justine Allen Cowan has published her second children’s book in the “Bongo the Boonie Dog of Guam” series! In this book, Bongo stows away on a ship and winds up on the island of Bali! Justine’s 94-year-old mother Vivi Allen is the illustrator.

Justine also shares “I have a 1-year-old grandson, Nathan. Nathan is my son Tim and daughter-in-law Jamie Cowan’s first child.”

They live in Charlotte, NC.

’76

’82

Tim is a Marine reservist who served in Afghanistan.

Jamie works in admissions for University of Florida, Gainesville.

1988

Bridget Schuma Holt reports that some classmates of the Class of 1988 went on a girls’ trip to the beach to celebrate their 50th birthdays this year.

Dior Richards ’00 was the featured speaker at a Sancta Crux Scholars seminar on Wednesday, April 14.

Dior discussed food insecurity and its effect especially on people of color. Dior is VP of Business Development & Sales at Something Better Foods, Inc., which she co-founded with two close friends. Something Better is dedicated to addressing food insecurity through the development of plant-based food solutions that are affordable and accessible for all people, especially underserved communities of color.

1995

Welcome Brendan Michael Malarkey, son of Maridith Menser Malarkey and husband Michael. Brendan was born on October 5, 2020.

’88

’95

Class of ’88 alumnae

Brendan Malarkey, son of Maridith Menser Malarkey ’95

Lenore Reilly Martinez ’76

Bongo-Bali by Justine Allen Cowan ’82 Nathan Cowan grandson of Justine Allen Cowan ’82

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 35

ALUMNAE 1996

Callum Flavos Simon, son of Nadia Lubbe Simon and Jay Simon, was born on September 8, 2020. His big brothers Luca and Derek are “over the moon” to have another brother in the family and baby Callum is as sweet as can be!

2001

Tatiana Posada Callaway and husband Paul welcomed son Harrison James Callaway on January 26, 2021. “We are so happy to start our family with our little one.”

2003

Gina Ford is Director of Communications for the Office of the Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. She was recently quoted in The

’96

Washington Post article “The county where Black women hold power—a few miles from the White House” about the work Alsobrooks has done to appoint Black women in 22 of 39 county cabinet positions along with other influential positions.

Gina has previously served as Deputy Director of Communications for the office and Public Information Officer for the State’s Attorney’s Office.

December 19, 2020. “He was born 3 weeks early, but [he was] the best Christmas present!”

2005

Sarah Forman was a “theatre kid” at Holy Cross who became a theatre teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools. She says “Teaching and directing the theatre program at Wheaton High School for nine years was an absolute joy. Due to our small budget, I learned the value of thrifting and creative reuse. I taught students how to make costumes from bedsheets and other thrifted materials on my Singer sewing machine.”

During the pandemic Sarah

Brighid McGann Helms and Scott Helms welcomed Bernadette Marie Helms on February 11, 2021.

Bernadette loves meeting her “aunts” from the Class of 2005 and can’t wait to visit the school herself someday!

Congratulations to Eileen Whelan and husband Derek on the birth of their son Charles “Charlie” Frederick Biss. Charlie was born on

’03

2007

Logan Anderson Chhean joined mom Kelly Pecoraro Chhean, dad Albert and big brother Liam (3 years old) on January 20, 2021. Kelly wrote “we are so in love with our sweet little Logan.”

’05

began using her sewing talents to start “upcycling” her wardrobe. She started an Instagram account (@ sewsewzoso) to share her skills. “My goal is to only upcycle, thrift, or swap clothes. My dream is to teach beginner sewing classes and upcycle for others.” Sarah currently teaches journalism at Montgomery Blair High School. She recently collaborated with Singer Sewing Company and made an upcycle sewing tutorial for them. She is also offering workshops at Femme Fatale DC. “I say to folks that I hope I am remembered for being prepared, having great energy and a great shade of lipstick,” said Monica McNutt in “Monica McNutt’s rapid rise at ESPN continues with ‘Around the Horn’ debut,” an article in The Washington Post. The feature details Monica’s recent accomplishments in addition to appearing on

’05

Callum Simon, son of Nadia Lubbe Simon ’96

’01

Gina Ford ’03

Bernadette Helms, daughter of Brighid McGann Helms ’05 Harrison Callaway, son of Tatiana Posada Callaway ’01 36 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

Charlie Biss and Eileen Whalen ’05

Kristen Coleman McDaniel ’07 was recently inducted into the 2021 Fairfield University Athletics Hall of Fame. Kristen is Fairfield’s all-time leading scorer in women’s lacrosse with 257 points in just three active seasons with the Stags. She also holds the top two spots on the single-season list with 90 points in 2008 and 88 in 2009. She also ranks all-time in assists with 71 to round out her scoring total. Coleman was 2008 MAAC Rookie and Offensive Player of the Year, then repeated as Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. She was an IWLCA AllRegion Second Team and AllMAAC First Team honoree in all three of her active seasons and earned berths on the MAAC AllAcademic Team in 2009 and 2010.

Kristen coached lacrosse at Holy Cross from 2013-2017. Kristen and husband Warren McDaniel have three children, Emery, Cole and their newest addition Finley.

“3 under 3!”

’07

Logan Chhean, son of Kelly Pecoraro Chhean ’07

ESPN including her work as ACC Network host and analyst and appearing on SportsCenter.

As a student at Holy Cross, Monica was a champion basketball player, helping the Tartans to a WCAC and City Championship.

In 2014 she was the keynote speaker for the Black History Month program. She was the commencement speaker for the Class of 2021 this year.

After college, Sarah Wimsatt Rehman discovered yoga as a way to bring healing to herself and others. She explored different yoga specialties and trainings across the U.S. before settling on yoga and aerial yoga as part of her true calling. In 2017 she opened Flying Buddha, a small aerial yoga home studio and opened a commercial

’07

Sarah Forman ’07

’07

’07

space in 2019. The studio, includes the only aerial yoga, aerial arts, yoga rope wall, and soon-to-be bungee fitness programs in the area. In addition to being a small business owner, Sarah has been married for four years and has three daughters: Bella, Maddy, and Eliza.

2008

Dr. Edward Movius, father of Christine SandersonMovius recently published Dr. Goldilocks and the Three Bears Fight COVID-19, a helpful children’s book about the pandemic. The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers.

2010

Meghan Barry McKee writes “[Ryan and I are] so excited to finally bring home little Henry! Born May 18, 2021. My world!

Forever grateful!”

2009

a Pediatrics primary care job in the Maryland area for after residency.”

Kathryn Cecere writes that she is in her “second year of foot and ankle surgical residency at UF Health – Jacksonville.”

Gloribel Le Olexa writes, “I am living in Baltimore with my husband and Corgi Scooter. I am completing my Pediatrics residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center this June.

I am currently looking for

2011

Kathleen Wills was sworn in as an attorney before the Maryland Court of Appeals on December 18, 2020. As a former researcher and protocol coordinator at the

’08

’09

Meghan Barry McKee ’08, Ryan and Henry McKee

Gloribel Le Olexa ’09

Kathleen Wills ’11 Monica McNutt ’07

Sarah Wimsatt Rehman ’07

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 37

ALUMNAE National Institute of Mental Health, Kathleen uses her industry experience in her current practice of patent litigation in Washington, DC. She also recently published her first book, Faye in the City: With Her Dog Puffy a young adult fiction and fantasy novel that takes place in Washington, DC.

2012

Mary Kate Bula will be playing flag football for the USA National Team in the World Championship games in Israel in December 2021. Mary Kate has been playing flag football since grade school, began playing competitively in college, and was added to the USA National Team in December 2020. She plays wide receiver, defensive back and, sometimes, quarterback. Mary Kate noted that she is “honored

and humbled to receive the opportunity to play the sport I love for the USA.”

2013

Christine Clark married Pedro Paz on December 19, 2020, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, MD. Father Paul Dressler was the celebrant. Their family and closest friends were able to join them via Zoom or by socially distancing and masks! The new Mr. and Mrs. Paz celebrated with their immediate family and bridal party for dinner afterwards at Pinstripes in Georgetown, D.C. “Our make-up was done by a Holy Cross alumna, and seven of my eight bridesmaids are Tartans! Plus, my mom is Kathleen Burgess Clark ’82.”

Kailyn Gaines has begun her first year at Yale Law School, where she is studying to become a lawyer for racial and economic justice. After graduating in 2017 from the honors program at Northeastern University, which she attended on a full scholarship, Kailyn spent 2.5 years working as an investigator at a nonprofit law office that litigated cases challenging systemic abuse in the criminal legal system.

’12

At Tufts University in Medford, MA, Crystal Butler has been accepted into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

Brittany Virginia Scala recently received her master’s degree in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins

’12

University. During the program, Brittany was also presented a fellowship award. She continues her career at the Mastery Charter Harrity Upper School in Philadelphia, PA where she is a Case Manager for students with special needs and also teaches Math Intervention.

2014

Ali Andrews graduated with a master’s degree in communications from Syracuse University.

St. Johns College High School in Washington, DC welcomes Whitney Geohagan as the new director of St. John’s Theatre. Whitney studied theatre, dance and performance at the University of Maryland – College Park.

’14

Mary Kate Bula Christine Clark Paz

38 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

Whitney Geohagan ’14

ALUMNAE COMPETE IN NCAA DIVISION I VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Two Holy Cross alumnae competed in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship in April. Emily Ryan ’17 is a middle blocker for UCLA; Riley Parchment ’20 is a libero for Army West Point. While at Holy Cross both were volleyball co-captains in their senior year and also WCAC First Team All-Conference selections. Riley has played in seven matches this season with 51 digs and 7 assists. Emily has played in 19 matches this season with 108 kills and 80 blocks.

The last time two Holy Cross alumnae were in the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship was in 2017 when Rhamat Alhassan ’14 (University of Florida) and Carlise Cardoza ’14 (Howard University) played.

Emily’s sister Maggie Ryan ’19 plays for Bryant University and Riley’s sister Jade Parchment ’18 plays for NC State.

All of these talented volleyball players were coached by Dave Geiser, current Varsity volleyball coach and engineering teacher.

WHY I GIVE

Holy Cross has a great tradition of empowering girls, which, as parents of a daughter, we feel is an important mission to support.

While our daughter graduated back in 2017, we continue to support the school so that others who follow her have similar opportunities to thrive and lead in any aspects of the school that interests them.

We feel that it is important to pay it forward to support current and future student programs and campus facility development.

In just the same way as the beautiful campus was a big attraction for our family—the lovely grounds, the clean building, the large dance studio and state-of-the-art theatre—these facilities need constant upkeep and upgrading to meet the future needs of the student body.

We love to see the spirit and camaraderie of the all-girls environment—the fact that every student in every leadership role is a female. And we are proud to support that “you can do or be anything you want to” confidence that Holy Cross students gain during their high school years.

RICH AND MOLLY DIPIPPO (parents of Carmen ’17)

Supporting one’s alma mater through continued financial support is something everyone can and should do within one’s means. It honors the many who came before and makes the future possible for the next generation.

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 39

ALUMNAE Receiving a master’s degree in public policy, Kelly Peaks graduated from the University of Maryland – College Park.

2015

Congratulations to Courtney Marie Hogan on being selected the 2021-22 editorin-chief for the Georgia Law Review at the University of Georgia School of Law. The edition received the “Best Note Award.” She is about to start her third and final year at the University of Georgia School of Law.

2017

Maeve Ballantine graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in May 2021 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and theatre. Proud parents Sean and Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86 were able to attend the in-person graduation.

Melissa Coaxum graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus in December 2020 and received a Bachelor of Arts in public health with a minor in music.

Emma Falkenstein was inducted into Hai Timiai (Greek for “Honored Women”), the senior honor society for William Smith College of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in March 2021. Inductees are chosen by current members and the college Deans. Emma is double majoring in international relations and anthropology.

After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a Master of Science in Urbanization and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, Kristin Peaks graduated from York College in York, PA.

’08

’09

Maeve Ballantine ’17 and Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86

Emma Falkenstein ’17

40 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

Graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, Jessica Snowden received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Julia Urban was part of a team at William & Mary that earned high honors in the world’s largest synthetic biology competition for engineering a potential COVID-19 therapeutic. Julia co-captained the team of 10 students that earned a Gold Medal and two top awards for Best Therapeutics Project and Best Model at the iGEM 2020 Virtual Giant Jamboree (iGEM stands for International Genetically Engineered Machine). The team competed against 249 other universities around the world. Julia graduated a semester early in December 2020.

2018

Samantha Miller was named to the Saint Mary’s College dean’s list for the Fall 2020 semester. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary’s, a student must achieve a grade point average of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C.

The Long Sisters Maggie Long White ‘09, Brydie Long ‘11, Sarah ‘13 and Caroline ‘15] (L-R) Maggie Long White ‘09, Brydie Long ‘11, Sarah Long ‘13 and Caroline Long ‘15

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THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 41

ALUMNAE RECOGNITION FOR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AND ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES On Friday, May 7, Holy Cross celebrated the three recipients of the Distinguished Alumnae Award and the two inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame for 2021. The honorees attended an in-person event on campus along with a small number of special guests and family members. The event was livestreamed on the Holy Cross YouTube channel as well.

2021 Distinguished Alumnae: • Helen “Jean” Gleason White ’59 • Mary Joy Ellis Hurlburt ’68 • Paula Kirlew Grant ’85 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: • Patricia Dillon ’68, outstanding contributor to lacrosse • Mary Jane Walton, founder of Holy Cross tennis program HELEN “JEAN” GLEASON WHITE ’59

Jean served with distinction in federal service for 31 years at the National Security Agency with top security clearance. She was among the first 60 women to graduate from UVA’s College of Arts and Science, and she earned a master’s degree in Information Resources Management, a Certificate of Accounting, and a Certificate in Configuration and Data Management. She holds membership in many professional and volunteer organizations, most notably the National Press Club, and is active in the American News Women’s Club. Jean is also an accomplished author of three murder mysteries (a fourth on the way) and a biography of her father-in-law, Frank Russell White, architect of the Wardman Park Hotel.

MARY JOY ELLIS HURLBURT ’68

Mary Joy began her career teaching art at St. Mary’s Ryken High School in 1985, and in 2005 was named its President. She is the first female president of a Xaverian Brotherssponsored school. During her time as president, she oversaw a comprehensive campus master plan that included major renovations, creation of a campus ministry center, and construction of a turf field and stadium. The completion during the summer of 2019 of the MIL STEM/Robotics Lab and the Donnie Williams Center, wellness center, brought the campus master plan to closure. Having led several successful capital and comprehensive campaigns, Mary Joy was able to raise significant funds for the endowment, capital projects, scholarships and financial aid. Mary Joy has served on the board of directors of numerous schools, including The Academy of the Holy Cross, and she is a past-president of the Archdiocese of Washington High School Presidents’ Association.

42 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

PAULA KIRLEW GRANT ’85

Paula is an Emmy Award-winning television and radio broadcaster and marketing/ multimedia professional who currently serves as secretary for communications for the Archdiocese of Washington and is the media spokesperson and representative of the Cardinal Archbishop. Paula previously served as director of communications for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. While at her first job at WUSA TV/CBS she became the host of a teen talk show, eventually winning her first Emmy Award as a producer. She was a radio co-host on Majic 102.3 (“Radio One”) and eventually won the prestigious “Best Individual in Radio” award from the American Women in Radio and Television. Paula has served as public relations counsel in numerous fields and hosted numerous special television programs for well-known entities such as the Children’s Miracle Network, the WB (Warner Bros. Television, now the “CW”), UPS, and the YMCA of Greater Atlanta. Paula currently serves as a board member for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. In 1989, Paula answered a dare from a friend and tried out for the national Miss Black America pageant—and won.

PATRICIA DILLON ’68

Outstanding Contributor to Lacrosse Pat came from a family of athletes and at Holy Cross, Pat played on the basketball team. Pat graduated from Towson with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education where she also played basketball and lacrosse. She soon began a 43-year career at Costabile Associates Inc., a firm providing technical assistance and cataloging for libraries. Pat also continued to be involved with lacrosse and has served as an official and an administrator for the past 38 years. Pat officiated high school games in the Washington area and umpired collegiately across the country, including many NCAA championship games. She led the Washington Lacrosse Umpires Association for years, teaching and mentoring new officials, and continues to work with WLUA as Treasurer. She’s also a long-time board member for the Potomac Chapter of US Lacrosse, also serving as Treasurer. Nationally, Pat has served in numerous roles with USL as well as with the NCAA including the Rules Committee chair, National Umpiring Committee, Executive Committee member, and Board Chair. Pat has been inducted into the Potomac Chapter Hall of Fame (2004) as well as the US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame (2008).

MARY JANE WALTON

Founder of the Holy Cross Tennis Program A native of Boston, MA, Mary Jane graduated cum laude from the School of Nursing at Boston College. As a student she served as president of the Massachusetts Student Nurses’ Association. After graduation she taught pediatric nursing at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, MA and married her husband Don. Her five children were always active in sports at school. Their three girls were involved in swimming, diving, track and field, soccer, and tennis at The Academy of the Holy Cross, while their sons were involved in swimming, diving and softball at St. John’s High School. In 1980, Mary Jane was asked to start and coach a tennis team at Holy Cross, which she embraced and grew. All players were accepted, and she built a program to improve each player’s ability. Since then, she has also substituted at Holy Cross as a nurse, teacher, and librarian. Mary Jane and her husband have been active for years at St. Patrick’s Church, Rockville, and Manor Country Club. Currently, she volunteers with the Gold Star Mothers of America and she and her husband participate in the Salute Military Golf Association, which works with the Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed NMMC on weekends.

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 43

ALUMNAE

DRIVE-THRU

Cookies with Santa 2020

The pandemic changed the way many of our events took place this last year. We were happy that we were able to hold our annual Cookies With Santa event in December, which was organized as a drive-through event. Santa sat safely distanced in a big purple truck at our Theatre entrance while cars packed with children pulled up, picked up treats and crafts, and had a photo with the big guy. Approximately 200 children visited Santa for our event.

Thank you to Gina Demma Junghans ’86 for baking over 200 cookies for this event and to our student ambassadors and alumnae who volunteered their time directing traffic, giving out the gift bags, and helping the children put their letters to Santa in a very special North Pole mailbox. Special thanks to photographer George Allan, father of Emma Allan ’23 and owner of Allan’s Fine Portraits, for his expertise in photographing the children and families. And a very special thank you to Michael Bean, father of Melissa Bean ’12, for his important role at our event.

44 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

CLASS OF 1971 CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH VIRTUAL GATHERING For the second year, the 50th anniversary class met over Zoom in May to celebrate their special graduation milestone. This year the Class of 1971 were joined in their Happy Hour get-together by three students who shared their experiences along with President Katy Prebble and Alumnae Associate Kathleen Warner Bula ’79. The class is currently planning an in-person gathering on Saturday, October 23, 2021 which will include a visit to the Holy Cross campus followed by a luncheon at the Pooks Hill Marriott.

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 45

ALUMNAE

ALUMNAE MEMORIAL MASS The Alumnae Memorial Mass was held on Sunday, February 28 livestreamed from the Holy Cross Moreau Chapel on YouTube. While the event took place in a different way this year, the 40 alumnae, 1 former faculty and 30 family members were honored as they have been in past years. In his homily, Father Paul Dressler, OFM. Cap., spoke about the gift of surrendering to God’s love. As the alumnae names were read following the Prayers of the Faithful, roses were brought forward in their memory.

Holy Cross looks forward to holding this special alumnae event again in the future.

UPTON STREET ALUMNAE REUNION MASS As with many events this year, our annual Upton Street Alumnae Reunion Mass was all-virtual. We livestreamed the Mass, which took place at the Capuchin College in Washington, DC in December. Father Paul Dressler, OFM., Cap. was our presider for the liturgy.

46 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

TARTANS COME HOME WELCOMES CLASS OF 2020 VIRTUALLY The annual “Tartans Come Home” event, which normally takes place on campus happened virtually this year. The Class of 2020 were welcomed on Zoom by faculty and staff in early January. The newest alumnae shared their experiences from their first semester of college and reconnected with each other.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2020 back to campus in the future!

WHY I GIVE I truly believe that empowered girls become compassionate, courageous and impactful leaders, and we simply need many more of them in this world. Holy Cross is committed to making that a reality with every young woman who gets the opportunity to grow and develop in an all-girls environment where she can explore, experiment, learn, speak up, serve and lead with full confidence. There’s no doubt that how I show up and engage as a leader today has its roots in my amazing experiences as a Tartan. So, it’s also with deep gratitude that I want to give back to the community that instilled so much in me, and with joy to stay connected with the mission of empowering young women to serve and lead with compassion. Fellow Tartans, join me...let’s keep leading on and making an impact together!

JENNIFER PEDERSEN DANIELS ’85

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 47

IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORY – ALUMNAE MARY BARBARA SMITH SICIAK POSS ’42 COLLETTE CASSON EDWARDS ’54 SISTER BARBARA JEANNE FEHR ’44

LAVERNE KIRK GATTI ’44, Mother of Denise Gatti ’66 HELEN CHAMBERS TOOMEY ’47 JEAN LYNCH OSTMANN ’48 MARGARET SHERIDAN PELOQUIN ’48 SUSAN GORMAN FIL ‘49 PATRICIA LACEY COAN ’51 JEANNE SCHMELZER DOWNING ’52, Sister of Mary Schmelzer Hughes ’53 PATRICIA GOODWIN NORRY ’52 JANE HILLIG STRAUSS ’53

PATRICIA CANHAN RUSEVLYAN ’54 MARY CLIFFORD POOR ’57

ELAINE FLOTT HILL ’65, Sister of Harriet Flott Smiley ‘60 and Evelyn Flott Ferrell ‘65; Aunt of Monica Flott Menzies ‘88

DEANNA GENUA SHANLEY ’65 CAMILLE GRIMES BREWSTER ’59, Mother of Kathleen Brewster Dunn ’94 and NANETTE HATZES ’70 Sharon Brewster Bretzfield ’96 THERESA KYNE ROBINSON ’72 PATRICIA SUE HANNAN ’60 MAGGIE CALLAHAN ’73 FRANCES CROCKETT GONYA ’61 ROSEMARY RILEY ’73, SANDRA PORTER PERRIN ’61 Sister of Kathleen Riley Pappas ‘65 JOYCE WILSON LIBERT ’63

MARY CATHERINE CONROY HAYDEN ’76

CAROLYN KENDALL LYMAN ’63, Mother of Monica Lyman ‘95

LISA MARIA BARNARD DICKINSON ’83

MARY LOUISE HORAN WRIKE ’64

ANGEL MCGRATH ’96

IN MEMORY – FRIENDS AND FAMILY ANDREW ANASTASI Son of Nancy Holmes Anastasi ’55; Brother of Christy Anastasi Sims ’77; Uncle of Caitlin Sims ’05, Kristin Anastasi ’06, Courtney Sims ’07 and Victoria Sims ’10; Brother-in-law of Terry Batz Anastasi ’79 DONALD AUEN Father of Kathleen Auen White ’84 LOYCE BECKHAM Mother of Michelle Beckham Corbin ’81 and Andree Beckham ’86 MARK BONHAG Son of Mary Eileen Keefe Bonhag ‘57

MIA FONTANA Sister of Isabella Fontana ‘20 RAYMOND GERARD, SR. Husband of Ann Fitzgerald Gerard ‘56 STEVE HEIDENBERGER Father of Katherine Heidenberger ‘06 JACKIE HUGHES, Sister of Andrea Hughes Grizzle ‘83 and Beth Hughes Celestini ‘86 EUGENE KAKALEC, JR. Father of Pamela Kakalec ‘04

JOHN KIRCHNER Brother of Claire Kirchner Lawless ‘50, Rosemary EVELYN BURGESS Kirchner Brisbane ‘56 and Annie Kirchner ‘65; Mother of Kathleen Burgess Clark ‘82; Grandmother of Michelle Clark ’09, Christine Clark Uncle of Rosemarie Brisbane Neal ’88, Great-Uncle of Natalie Brisbane ’09 and Juliette Brisbane ’12 Paz ’12, Maria Clark ’14, Nicole Clark ’16 and Emily Clark ’19 IRENE MAHOLCHIC Mother of Beverly Maholchic Hash ‘68 LUCIA CAPOBIANCO Blanca Mantilla, Mother of Deborah Mantilla Mother of Maria Capobianco Calandra ’85; Craven ‘80 Grandmother of Rosina Calandra ’17 and Julia Calandra ’19

IRENE COAN Mother of Catherine Coan Fusco ’71, Claire Coan Fitzpatrick ’75; Grandmother of Elizabeth Fitzpatrick ’07 and Caroline Fitzpatrick ’09 ROBERT COYNEFather of Mary Coyne Wermers ‘83 and Catherine Coyne Betts ‘84 Cheryl Daigle, Mother of Allison Daigle Brown ‘89 and Christine Daigle Weiss ‘96 ANGELA ENRIGHT Mother of Kathleen Enright (Faculty/Staff); Grandmother of Isobel Hermans ‘18, Zora Hermans ‘18 and Samantha Hermans ’20 ALLAN FLOTT, JR. Brother of Harriet Flott Smiley ‘60 and Elaine Flott Hill ‘65; Uncle of Monica Flott Menzies ‘88 48 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year

ROBERT MASCARI Husband of Anne Feeney Mascari ‘83; Father of Olivia Mascari ‘20 and Sophia Mascari ‘22; Brother of Patricia Mascari ’80 and Elizabeth Mascari ’82; Brother-in-law of Maureen Feeney Byrne ’84, Kathryn Feeney Ford ’86, and Joanne Feeney ’91 JACK MCCALEB Father of Kelley McCaleb Edelblut ‘78, Kara McCaleb Pittinger ‘80 and Shea McCaleb Hilgartner ‘90 MUFFET MCCALEB Mother of Kelley McCaleb Edelblut ‘78, Kara McCaleb Pittinger ‘80 and Shea McCaleb Hilgartner ‘90

ROBERT MCCLOSKEY Father of Chris McCloskey Le Claire ‘72, Shawny McCloskey Burns ‘74, Karen McCloskey ‘75, Micky McCloskey ‘75 and Yony McCloskey ‘77; Grandfather of Ariane Burns Gutierrez ‘04 and Kara Burns ‘07 SIMON MCNABB Father of Eva McNabb ‘17 BRENDA MEYER Mother of Bridget Meyer Forcier ‘77 and Siobhain Meyer Kandra ‘78 ODETTE MWAMIKAZI Mother of Nadine Mwamikazi ‘15 PATRICIA REYNOLDS Mother of Sharon Reynolds Stanton ‘78 JOAN SCHOSHINSKI Mother of M. Claire Schoshinski Brier ‘81 and Maura Schoshinski Boyd ‘86 Brian Sheehan, Grandfather of Julia Sheehan ‘15 Kerry Sheahan, Sister of Debbie Sheahan Davison ’77 BETTY TOOMEY Mother of Sharon Toomey Boyle ‘66 PERRY WILCOX, JR. Son-in-law of Patricia Smith Daley ‘50 HELEN ZMUDA Mother of Roberta Zmuda Greenspan ‘73; Mother-in-law of Kathleen Knopf Zmuda ‘76

FORMER FACULTY/STAFF

JANE TURLEY SISTER MARIE JULIE SHEA, CSC SISTER CLARENCE MARIE (CLARE LEONA LARSON), CSC

IN SEARCH OF UNIFORM BEANIE

Vintage

Do you have one of these among your Holy Cross memorabilia? Would you be willing to donate it to the Holy Cross archives to be displayed in our showcase of uniform items? We would like to replace the beanie we previously had on loan from the Sisters of the Holy Cross archives with one that can be permanently displayed. Please contact Kathleen Bula at (301) 929-6463 or kbula@academyoftheholycross.org in the Alumnae Office if you have this item or other donations for our archives.

UPDATE YOUR RECORD DO YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS? HAVE YOU MOVED? ARE YOU RECEIVING OUR MONTHLY ALUMNAE E-NEWSLETTER? Please send us your new information to stay informed about everything happening at Holy Cross.

Contact Kathleen Warner Bula ’79 at kbula@academyoftheholycross.org or (301) 929-6463.

THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 49

4920 Strathmore Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

WWW.ACADEMYOFTHEHOLYCROSS.ORG

SAVE THE DATE 2021 Golf Classic | Monday, October 18

Bretton Woods www.holycrossgolfclassic.com 50 THE TARTAN 2020 - 2021 School Year