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Class Notes
ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES
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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.
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. 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.
1995
Welcome Brendan Michael Malarkey, son of Maridith Menser Malarkey and husband Michael. Brendan was born on October 5, 2020.
’76 ’82 ’88
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.
’95
Lenore Reilly Martinez ’76 Class of ’88 alumnae Brendan Malarkey, son of Maridith Menser Malarkey ’95
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 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.
2005
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 December 19, 2020. “He was born 3 weeks early, but [he was] the best Christmas present!”
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.”
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 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
’96 ’03 ’05 ’05
Callum Simon, son of Nadia Lubbe Simon ’96
Gina Ford ’03
Bernadette Helms, daughter of Brighid McGann Helms ’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!” 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 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
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
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 a Pediatrics primary care job in the Maryland area for after residency.”
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
Kathryn Cecere writes that she is in her “second year of foot and ankle surgical residency at UF Health – Jacksonville.”
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
’07 ’07
Logan Chhean, son of Kelly Pecoraro Chhean ’07 Sarah Forman ’07
’08 ’09
’07
Meghan Barry McKee ’08, Ryan and Henry McKee Gloribel Le Olexa ’09
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.”
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.”
2013
At Tufts University in Medford, MA, Crystal Butler has been accepted into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.
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.
Brittany Virginia Scala
recently received her master’s degree in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins 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.
’12 ’12 ’14
Mary Kate Bula
Christine Clark Paz Whitney Geohagan ’14
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
RICH AND MOLLY DIPIPPO
(parents of Carmen ’17)
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.
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.
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. 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.
’08 ’09
Maeve Ballantine ’17 and Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86
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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