THE SUMMER 2017
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 1
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The Academy of the Holy Cross Celebrates 150 Years
With the start of the 2017-2018 school year, the Academy will mark its 150th year of educating young women of courage, compassion and scholarship. We hope you will join us at one of the upcoming events to mark this momentous occasion.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 11:00 AM-2:00 PM; 4:00-6:00 PM
Heritage Display Open House
SUNDAY, MARCH 4 • 10:00 AM
Alumnae Memorial Mass
Come see the new display honoring the Academy’s 150 years of education.
Join us to remember our alumnae, faculty/staff, family and friends who have passed away during the last year. A light reception will follow.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 • 3:00 PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
Anniversary Mass
We will gather where it all began, at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, where Holy Cross was founded in 1868. His Eminence Cardinal Donald Wuerl, will be the Principal Celebrant at this special Mass. A reception will follow in the Great Hall. Public parking is available.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
150th Anniversary Golf Tournament
Hit the links at Argyle Country Club to support Holy Cross! Registration opens at 10:30 am. Shotgun start begins at 12:00 noon.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 • 2:00 PM
Upton Street Reunion
Alumnae who attended Holy Cross at the Upton Street campus in Washington, DC will gather for a special Mass and Reception in their honor.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 • 7:00 PM
All-Alumnae Reunion
We hope to have alumnae from all years join us on campus for a grand celebration! Join us at 12:00 noon for campus tours and stay for the annual Powder Puff touch football game between Juniors and Seniors at 2:00 pm. The all-alumnae reunion reception will begin at 7:00 pm. ($25)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 • 1:00 PM
Cookies with Santa
Bring your children to sit on Santa’s lap for a special photo, make a craft, and enjoy treats. Older children will be welcome in the Theatre for a movie and other activities. 2 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
150th Anniversary Benefit Auction & Gala
This year’s Auction and Gala will take place at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Support the Academy and bid on unique and exciting auction items. Further details to come.
FRIDAY, APRIL 20 • 7:00 PM
Distinguished Alumnae Awards/Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
In addition to the 2018 honorees, we will have special recognition for all alumnae who have received the Distinguished Alumnae Award and have been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
MONDAY, APRIL 23
Day of Service
Our students, faculty and staff will participate in several service projects around the Metro area. Why not plan your own Day of Service?
SATURDAY, MAY 5 • 7:00 PM
Tartanfest!
Join us on campus for an evening BBQ followed by other special events including great live music. Details forthcoming.
SUNDAY MAY 6 • 8:00 AM
Mass, 5K/ Fun Run and Pancake Breakfast
Runners and non-runners alike are invited to participate! Details forthcoming.
What ’s Inside
Letter from the President....................................................................... Letter from the Board Chair................................................................... Faculty Spotlight: Alison Westfall.......................................................... Faculty Spotlight: Debbie Brown........................................................... Student Spotlight: Faith Frayman ’17.................................................... Student Spotlight: Brittany Menjivar ’17................................................ Katy Prebble Receives John Carroll Award........................................... Inaugural Spes Unica Service Trip to Saint Mary’s................................ 2017 Graduation Activities..................................................................... Remembering Kelly Mikules.................................................................. Legacy Circle......................................................................................... Annual Fund........................................................................................... 2016 Golf Classic................................................................................... The Difference We Make Campaign....................................................... Commemorative Opportunities.............................................................. Benefit Auction and Gala: By the Sea....................................................
COURAGE Swim and Dive Team Takes 2nd Place at Catholic Nationals................ Track and Field Win 2nd Place in WCAC............................................... Great Track and Field Results at Penn Relays....................................... Volleyball Wins 5th WCAC Championship............................................. Basketball Team Wins Bobcat Classic.................................................. Senior Athletes Sign to Play Sports in College...................................... Jeasmine Ebessa ’18 Receives Coach Sheahan Award........................ Joelle Packard Wins Silver Medal at Special Olympics World Games.. Crew Team Takes Second Place at State Championships.................... All-Conference Athletes......................................................................... Performing Arts Recap...........................................................................
COMPASSION Hair Donation Drive................................................................................ Holy Cross Helps Haiti........................................................................... Holy Cross Feeds the Hungry................................................................ Tartans Participate in Swim Across America......................................... Students Receive Social Justice Award................................................. Soccer Team Walks for Breast Cancer................................................... Tartans Participate in LLS Student of the Year.......................................
SCHOLARSHIP National Merit/National Hispanic Scholarship........................................ AP Scholars............................................................................................ Students Win John Carroll Essay Scholarship Awards.......................... College Day............................................................................................ Students Recognized for UMD Math Competition................................ Holy Cross Presents at Academic Symposium..................................... Students Receive Science Awards........................................................ Robotics Team Competes in First Year.................................................. Environmental Chesapeake Bay Trip..................................................... Holy Cross Wins Verizon App Challenge............................................... IB Students Visit Diyanet Center of America.........................................
ALUMNAE NEWS Career Day 2017.................................................................................... Siobhan France ’04 Speaks at Black History Month Assembly............. Tartans Come Home Welcomes Class of 2016 Alumnae....................... Lanay Montgomery ’12 Selected for WNBA.......................................... Maggie O’Neill ’95 Shares SUPERFIERCE with Holy Cross.................. Class of 2011 Reunion........................................................................... Class of 1976 Reunion........................................................................... Class of 1967 50th Anniversary Reunion............................................... Alumnae Remembered at Memorial Mass............................................. Distinguished Alumnae Awards-Athletic Hall of Fame Induction........... Class Notes............................................................................................ In Memoriam..........................................................................................
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MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the
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Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world. Kathleen Ryan Prebble, President/CEO Melissa Huey-Burns, Principal
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MAGAZINE STAFF Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86, Editor Director of Communications
Charly Ryan Director of Institutional Advancement Kathleen Warner Bula ’79 Advancement Associate Mark Chapman Database Manager
LAYOUT/DESIGN/PRODUCTION Nate Strine On-Target Design
ON THE COVER:
Valedictorian Julia Urban 17, Commencement Keynote Sister M. Veronique (Wiedower), CSC, and Salutatorian Emmie Stratakis 17
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.
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 1
Letter from the Board Chair Dear AHC Alumnae, Families and Friends, I continue to be amazed at everything that is accomplished during the year at Holy Cross. The teachers, staff and administration do an outstanding job providing our girls with a stellar educational experience, building relationships with potential families and recruiting new students, and keeping alumnae connected with their alma mater. Holy Cross is blessed to have the visionary leadership of President Katy Prebble, who remains focused on ensuring that our mission is achieved in each girl, and the dedication of Principal Melissa Huey-Burns, who continues constructing and strengthening a dynamic academic program. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to our success. This year the Board worked together with the administration to formulate a Strategic Plan for the next five years. With input from current parents and faculty members, we created strategic initiatives that will direct our path. These initiatives are: strategic governance, professional excellence, progressive academics, transformative experiences, and sustainable future. Priorities were written in each area so that each initiative is achieved. If you have not yet had the opportunity to read the full plan, I encourage you to view it on the Holy Cross website at www.academyoftheholycross.org/strategicplan. It is particularly apropos that we are strategically looking ahead to our future as we commemorate the Academy’s 150 years of providing a Holy Cross education for girls in the Washington metropolitan area. The celebrations have been thoughtfully planned to give tribute to the Academy’s roots. Please make note of the upcoming events and plan to join in the yearlong celebration. I look forward to seeing you there. Each of us should be mindful that the responsibility to carry on the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross rests now with us to ensure that the Academy continues to be a leader in girls’ education for the next generation. Thank you for supporting the Annual Fund and The Difference We Make campaign. As we move forward, please continue your financial support and consider increasing your commitment to Holy Cross. In gratitude,
Helen Stanislav Dankos ’75 Chair, Board of Trustees
COURAGE
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COMPASSION
SCHOLARSHIP
Letter from the President As we prepare for the celebration of our 150th Anniversary, we are constantly reminded of the amazing legacy established by the Sisters when they made the bold decision in 1868 to send Sisters to Washington, DC. Today we stand tall and proud as the only high school in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Our alumnae and students remind us daily what it means to be a proud Lady of the Academy. Spend a few minutes with the Tartan magazine and you will be amazed at what the Sisters’ legacy has inspired...young women achieving awards that span every discipline from math to theology, from environmental work to designing robots and apps. Our young Tartans excel in athletics at a record pace as we once again send graduates to D1 schools from UCLA to Fairfield University. The Sisters’ message of compassion and loving service becomes an integral part of everyone touched by their experience as a student at Holy Cross. Our students and alumnae don’t just donate money to a worthy cause. They donate a part of themselves through time and energy and often lifetime careers. This begins on the first day of the first year a young girl arrives at Holy Cross and continues when she receives her diploma as a strong woman of the Academy. At every possible opportunity, we celebrate our alumnae. This past year was a blockbuster year for celebrations! Our students were inspired by Kat Goduco ’98, our keynote speaker for Career Day, and Siobhan France’04, our keynote speaker for the Black History Month assembly. Maggie O’Neill ’95 made us all feel SUPERFIERCE! And who would have imagined that 48 alumnae from the Class of 1967 would find themselves back at Holy Cross 50 years later! This summer as we prepare to renovate bathrooms, create our Heritage Hall, and transform our website, we were thrilled to be able to stop and welcome Sisters of the Holy Cross from around the world. How blessed we are in so many ways! It is this rich heritage, our legacy that inherently makes The Academy of the Holy Cross the outstanding school we are today. And each year, for the past 149 years, individuals have stepped forward to help ensure we continue in the tradition of educational excellence and empowering young women of courage, compassion, and scholarship. It has truly been another remarkable year at the Academy! Sincerely,
Kathleen R. Prebble President and CEO
“How shall we know that we are taught by God? By our works.” Blessed Basil Moreau
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Faculty Spotlight ALISON WESTFALL matter. “Literature is always about people and how they deal with life.”
Alison Westfall
says that she has enjoyed all the classes she’s taught at Holy Cross, but teaching Honors English II is especially dear to her heart. “Over 18 years I’ve designed and revised a curriculum that challenges the girls to think, introduces them to some great literature, and I think engages them so that they are usually happy and interested even if it is hard. The students are smart and enthusiastic, with good senses of humor. They are worth standing on my head for.” She literally does stand on her head during the class. She says that what makes Holy Cross unique is that it accommodates many kinds of students. “There seems to be a niche, or more than one, for everyone. Without being a huge school, it offers lots of opportunities, academic and otherwise.” The quality of the English curriculum and the dedication of the department faculty, notably Alison, are most often what Holy Cross alumnae credit for their college successes. “I’m the only one in my class who can write a paper!” or “I am so thankful for the keyhole essay!” are remarks often spoken by girls returning on College Day. Alison believes this is due primarily to the girls’ own efforts but notes that writing and research skills are continuously developed throughout their four years. She says it’s a “vertical program so that analytic reading, writing, and thinking are consistently strengthened. We are always very pleased to hear of their success in college, or to learn, as we do, that some major in English and go on to graduate school in English, too.” She notes that writing is about critical thinking, creativity, and making the topic 4 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Since 2008, Alison has moderated our signature Madeleva Scholars program. In this role, she has enjoyed being able to get to know girls that she hasn’t had the chance to teach. She appreciates that the components of the program encourage the girls to pursue areas that they might not otherwise consider, such as the summer independent learning requirement. She believes that the girls who become Madeleva Scholars “achieve a greater sense of both belonging to the Holy Cross tradition and being independent learners beyond the classroom.” At the culmination of the program, the girls write fullyresearched papers on a topic they have developed with their faculty mentor. Several girls are selected to present their papers at the ceremony. Alison says, “I am often amazed by both their enthusiasm and their poise.” For many years, Holy Cross girls have been selected to participate in special programs from the Folger Library, including the Shakespeare High School Seminar and Shakespeare Sisters. Alison and other members of the English Department encourage girls to apply and they write recommendations for them. These are students who are “truly intrigued by literature and want to take their learning beyond the classroom while working with a wider variety of young people and scholars or writers.” Alison notes that the girls accepted by the Folger “have all been exceptional in their enthusiasm and commitment.” She has also taken advantage of the Folger’s professional development program for teachers. Outside of the classroom, Alison loves to travel and has traveled in Europe and Latin America “a fair amount.” Her favorite trips were with her two children to Paris when they were younger, and in 2015, with her daughter to Amsterdam. This summer she will travel to Asia for the first time, to Hanoi, Vietnam, with the Global Volunteers program. She will teach English for two weeks to young adults. She says, “volunteering provides a structure and allows me to experience a place in a more personal way.”
Faculty Spotlight DEBBIE BROWN Educators in a school are not limited to teaching faculty. This is no less true at The Academy of the Holy Cross where staff members are club moderators, retreat leaders, advisors, and mentors. Debbie Brown, Director of Human Resources, is one of these staff members who goes beyond her job description, to connect with our girls outside of their classroom experiences and builds bonds that keeps them in touch with her and Holy Cross well beyond graduation. Debbie spent 20 years in the public sector as a Human Resources Administrator for a major-medical association. When she came to Holy Cross in 2001, she says, “I felt that my experience, qualifications and skills were transferable to the education sector. It was a wonderful environment for me to be around a faith-based community of educators.” In 2005 Debbie became the moderator for the Black Awareness Society, which was renamed the Onyx Club. Although the club is composed primarily of AfricanAmerican students, it is open to all Holy Cross girls with the goal to develop an appreciation of all types of diversity in the school community. Through the years, Debbie has coordinated field trips for the club to museums and theaters in the area, and she has collaborated with other high school cultural awareness groups for forums and conferences both locally and nationally. Debbie’s leadership has helped the girls in the Onyx Club develop a deeper appreciation for the principals of diversity, equity and justice. Annually, the Onyx Club directs a memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. prayer service and the Black History Month assembly for the entire school community. Several alumnae have returned to Holy Cross in recent years as keynote speakers for the assembly,
which also includes dance and vocal performances by current students. Debbie also became an important part of the basketball team’s administrative efforts when it was noticed that she attended most (if not all) of the home games and some of the away games. She began coordinating permission slips for travel, purchasing snacks for the bus rides, and, on overnight trips, doing bed checks. If a task was needed, “I just made myself available,” she says, even if it was just to give encouragement and support. The bond that Debbie forms with Holy Cross girls has made an impactful difference. She regularly keeps in touch with alumnae she knew as students. Recently, Debbie was the recipient of a $1,000 grant from the Big 12 Conference, in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program. The award is given to recognize a teacher who made a lasting impact. Alumna Lanay Montgomery ’12, who is one of the “Big 12 Champions for Life” student-athletes from West Virginia University, and who was recently drafted by the WNBA to play for the Seattle Storm, nominated Debbie for the award. In her nomination Lanay wrote, “She had a great impact on my high school transition. With the help of Ms. Brown, I grew to love and learn a lot about my alma mater!” Debbie said of the award, “I am extremely honored and appreciative of this recognition. Lanay is a wonderful young lady and I have been so proud of her accomplishments.” Outside of Holy Cross, Debbie is from a large, close-knit family. She is a third-generation Washingtonian. She has two grown sons, a daughter-in-law and 13-year-old twin grandchildren. “Family keeps me busy,” she says, and “we don’t need a special occasion to get together.” She also enjoys traveling, listening to music, exercising, and dancing.
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Student Spotlight FAITH FRAYMAN ’17 person demonstrate such a complete understanding of differentiated instruction, combined with the skill and dedication to put that understanding into action. Faith is a remarkable young lady.” Faith says, “Not only did it give me the unique opportunity to gain classroom experience, but I also walked away with great friendships.” She credits the course in helping her decide to pursue a dual Elementary and Special Education program.
Faith Frayman ’1 7 is a quiet example
of a true Holy Cross girl who embodies courage, compassion and scholarship. For four years Faith volunteered at a senior assisted living facility, performing nearly 1,000 hours of service with the residents. This year Faith enrolled in the Academy’s new Intro to Special Education course—a powerful experience, which helped direct Faith’s choice of college major. When she joins the Class of 2021 at University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall, it will be as a Levine Scholar, an all-expenses-paid scholarship and leadership program. “Choosing to volunteer at Sunrise Senior Living was definitely one of the best choices I have ever made,” Faith notes of the facility for which she began volunteering as a freshman. She led numerous types of activities for the residents and found her experience “priceless.” She has been selected as the Sunrise Volunteer of the Year several times by the residents, staff and administration. “I genuinely enjoyed all of the time I got to spend with them.” Faith chose to take the Intro to Special Education course, a new course this year, where she worked with students in the Moreau Options Program. She and her classmates created and implemented lesson plans, and assisted students with academic tasks, under the guidance of Emily Montgomery, the Director of the Moreau Options Program. She says of Faith, “It is rare to see a young 6 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
At the Commencement ceremony in June, Faith received the Sisters of the Holy Cross Award for academic excellence, leadership, and her “deep sense of Christian responsibility toward self and others.” In addition to service, Faith’s academics are a top priority to her. She was the Academy’s sole AP Scholar with Distinction this year, which is awarded to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all 2016 AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five of more of these exams. She was a member of the inaugural Sancta Crux Scholars and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a UNC-Charlotte Levine Scholar, Faith will receive a grant to implement a service project that she designs and will participate in summer experiences to develop leadership skills, social awareness and an international perspective. This summer she joins the other Levine Scholars in Wyoming to participate in a 25-day leadershipbased hiking expedition. “It will be a wonderful chance to bond with my cohort and to enhance my leadership skills,” she says. Faith is grateful for her Holy Cross education. “I feel that academically, the rigorous course load I was able to take and my amazing teachers have prepared me for the college workload. Because of Holy Cross I feel that I am ready to enter the world and hopefully make a positive difference. I am so proud to be a Holy Cross girl.”
Student Spotlight BRITT MENJIVAR ’17 Express, or as “Ed” in You Can’t Take It With You. She’s also captained the Holy Cross Improv team and enjoys its spontaneity.
Brittany (Britt) Menjivar ’1 7
Those who know would never be surprised by the intense level of activity she is involved in, nor by the tremendous enthusiasm she has for everything she does. A stellar student academically, Britt is a National Merit Semifinalist, a National Hispanic Scholar, and is a member of the Sancta Crux Scholars and Madeleva Scholars, two signature academic programs at Holy Cross. She has received numerous recognition awards from Holy Cross academic departments and received the National Spanish Exam Silver Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, the International Thespian Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Britt’s true passions include literature, poetry, music, film and theatre. She plans to double major in English and Film at Yale in the fall. Britt’s creative interests began well before Holy Cross. As a child, she wrote stories and created her own films. Holy Cross has given her numerous outlets in and out of class by which to develop and grow her interests. Whether it’s coordinating “Poem in Your Pocket Day” to promote appreciation for poetry, editing the school literary magazine, co-editing the school newspaper, or co-writing an original adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for the 2016 spring play, she is never afraid to take the lead. Britt also appeared on stage in lead roles such as the “Queen of Hearts” in Alice on the Wonderland
In 2016, Britt discovered the online pop culture review site The Young Folks (www.theyoungfolks.com). The thought of combining her love of both music and writing excited her so much, she sent a sample article to the editor while she was on vacation. A few days later she was contacted by the editor, who wanted to publish her sample and welcomed her to the team. Now she writes at least one music article a week. “I especially love doing interviews because at the end of the day, what fascinates me more than anything else is catching glimpses of other people’s thoughts,” she says. Since ninth grade Britt has been a member of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) for the Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) system. She’s conducted interviews for online publication, organized open mic events, and judged poetry contests. TAG Staff Leaders Maura Williams and Alessandro Russo remarked, “Britt has excellent ideas and direction for how the county libraries can serve diverse teen population. In meetings with her peers or with library professionals she shines with a positive attitude and well-articulated thoughts. As one of the teens who attended the joint Friends of the Library and Library Advisory Committee meeting this year, she impressed many of the library board members and county executives.” Britt says about her love of literature, “I believe literature is powerful; it can encourage intellectual curiosity, create empathy, foster self-awareness, draw attention to social justice issues and have a positive impact on society. It has had such a positive influence on my life, and I hope to one day influence others in this same way.”
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John Carroll Society AWARDS KATY PREBBLE MEDAL OF HONOR
(L-R) John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, Katy Prebble, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Mon
The Academy of the Holy Cross President Katy Prebble received the John Carroll Society Medal at the society’s annual awards dinner recognizing Catholic schools in May. Katy was recognized for her more than 40 years of dedication to Catholic education. The heads of Stone Ridge, Visitation, and St. John’s were also recognized for their leadership. The society noted of the honorees, “Each one plays an integral role in sustaining the work of the Church, serving our Archbishop, strengthening our Catholic faith lived, and, in partnership with parents and extended families forming young men and women to make a difference in the world.” The John Carroll Society, founded in 1951, and named after the first Catholic Bishop in the United States, is dedicated to the service of the Archbishop of Washington. The society’s primary purpose is to promote the enhancement of spiritual, intellectual and social fellowship among its members and guests.
Why I Give? Marie Looby and Bill Conygham We give to The Academy of the Holy Cross because we feel that the school had a huge impact on our daughters’ lives. They thrived in the small, all-girl, Catholic environment, in academics, sports, and friendships. They clearly benefitted from the academic challenges, which became evident in the colleges they were accepted into, scholarship offers, and college performance at UNC-Chapel Hill (Jane), The University of Texas at Austin (Maggie) and Indiana University (Annie). We continue to give so others may enjoy this environment in the future. We were pleased to contribute generously to The Difference We Make capital campaign, which produced Ridgway Field, because our girls all loved their sports teams and made such good friends through sports. Our good memories are shared with theirs—games, friends, proms, lacrosse trips, Kairos and other retreats—as well as our own social activities with other parents. We feel we must continue to give when our daughters benefitted so much from attending Holy Cross. Marie works as Holy Cross’ substitute nurse and she sees this legacy continuing in the current students. 8 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Inaugural Spes Unica SERVICE TRIP TO SAINT MARY’S For over 20 years, Holy Cross students have travelled to Clintwood, VA to work with Sister Jean Barbara Korkisch, CSC on the St. Joseph Housing Repair Program. Sadly, this program ended in 2016. Emily Anderson, the Academy’s Director of the Holy Cross Social Justice Program, searched to find a new service trip that would allow our girls to build relationships with those being served. As we stand on the brink of our 150th year, Emily realized that returning to our roots in South Bend, IN would provide “a great way to learn our important history as well as why our connection to the Sisters and community matters.” So the Spes Unica service trip was inaugurated. Emily, fellow faculty member Lauren DeZinno, and 11 girls (Katherine Beall ’19, Theresa Brogan ’18, Nicole Dao ’19, Caroline Floam ’18, Emily May ’18, Samantha Miller ’18, Grace O’Connor ’19, Caroline Ryan ’18, Margaret Ryan ’18, Ella Torp ’19, Alexandra Whittington ’18) traveled to the mother house of the Sisters of the Holy Cross at Saint Mary’s in June. During their trip, the girls worked with Sisters at a local parish meals program, serving breakfast and making and distributing lunches. They also visited the Sisters at a nursing facility. Additionally the girls worked in the “stamp room” at Saint Mary’s with Sisters who raise money for their missions by clipping stamps off letters to be mailed to collectors—this was a big hit with our girls. The group was hosted by Sister Helene Sharp, CSC, the Director of US Vocations. They stayed on the Saint Mary’s campus, shared several meals with the Sisters and met students from Saint Mary’s College. A special treat for the group was being able to visit with Sister Grace Shonk, CSC. The group attended Mass at the Church of Loretto. They also visited the archives of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and learned about Holy Cross heritage. The girls also visited the University of Notre Dame and toured the Basilica and the Lourdes Grotto there. The Academy is part of a larger, global family of Holy Cross. Through the Spes Unica trip, Holy Cross connections past and present have been built. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 9
2017
Graduation Activities
In June, the 119 girls in the Class of 201 7 celebrated their graduation from the
Academy with ceremonies to mark the occasion.
On Sunday, June 4, the Holy Cross community gathered at Holy Redeemer church in Kensington, MD, for Baccalaureate Mass. The Mass is coordinated by the Campus Ministry office with input from the graduates. During the Preparation of Gifts, graduates carried mementos from significant activities, academics, clubs, etc. in remembrance of their time at Holy Cross. On Monday, June 5, the Commencement ceremony took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Members of the 50th anniversary Class of 1967 walked in the procession. Euthymia “Emmie” Stratakis is the Class of 2017 Salutatorian. During her address, she reflected on her classmates, “Debating real world and historical problems in religion, and hearing about the Catholic perspective has ingrained in us a set of ethical values we would not have gotten from a different type of environment. Being in an all-girls school has allowed us to develop, knowing that strength and intelligence have nothing to do with gender.” She then offered, “So, take that moral compass and education Holy Cross has given you and the experiences, knowledge, and skills you will also get in the next four years and go disturb the universe for the better.”
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Euthymia “Emmie” Stratakis ’17
Julia Urban is the Class of 2017 Valedictorian. In her address, she suggested that though we are only a tiny component of the universe, each of us matters. “Decades from now, we may not remember each other’s names. We’re not going to remember who was captain for which sport, who had the lead in which play, or who was the president for which club. But I promise, I will remember the way each and every one of you made me feel.” As she remarked on the fact that many people question if they do in fact matter, Julia concluded, “we were born by no choice of our own and into circumstances we couldn’t control. With so much left to chance, it can be difficult to see meaning. Some of us will find it in God, or the relationships we make, or the work we do. At the end of the day, finding meaning is up to us.” Sister M. Veronique (Wiedower), C.S.C., President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross Leadership Team gave the commencement address, in which she noted: “Each of you has contributed your thread to the tapestry which is the tartan, the lavender and white crossings which the Academy has embraced as its symbol. Those threads will always be connected to the people, the memories, the experiences of your time at the Academy. ‘Once a Holy Cross girl…always a Holy Cross girl.’ Those threads will also continue to be spun out, empowering you to weave new patterns and to be connected to new colors that will shape your future.”
Julia Urban ’17
Following the conferring of diplomas, President Kathleen Prebble and Principal Melissa HueyBurns presented The Sisters of the Holy Cross Award (Faith Frayman ’17), the Spes Unica Award (Lizanne Passaro ’17), the Sister Grace Award (Evangeline McNabb), the St. André Bessette Citizenship Award (Hugh Zhang ’17), and the Cardinal Award (Theresa Rogers). At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduates met family and friends outside the Basilica in the beautiful spring weather. The Class of 2017 has earned over $10,200,000 in college scholarships. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 11
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MEMBERS OF THE
Legacy Circle Donna Durkin Addario ’69 Mary Pat Leary Arkin ’72 JoAnna Barnes ’78 Susan Cartney ’68 Margot Cook ’61† Kathleen Dolan ’70 Margaret DiCairano Durkin ’66
HOLY CROSS MOURNS THE LOSS OF
Kelly Mikules
It was with sadness that The Academy of the Holy Cross received news of the death of P. Kelly Mikules, 71, on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Kelly, whose wife Carol Ann Hook Mikules was an alumna from the class of 1963, was a generous Holy Cross donor. Following Carol’s death in 2009, Kelly funded a $300,000 endowment in Carol’s name for scholarship. Additionally he supported events of the lacrosse teams during their spring trips to California. Most recently Kelly was a major contributor to The Difference We Make Campaign which allowed for the air conditioning of the Carol Ann Hook Mikules ’63 Student Commons.
Teresa Gilbride ’07 Barbara Carey Hayes ’56† Margaret La Montagne ’56 Celeste Cullinane Lenzini ’55 Sofía Márquez ’47† Ann Stanislav McCord ’85 Jayne Harper Plank ’50 Julie Wilcox Rodriguez ’63 Karen Schaeffer Lisa Ridgway Slater ’82 Mary Louise LeBlanc Sommerville ’43† Barbara Heister Swope ’56 †Rest in Peace
Kelly was a native Washingtonian and graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD with a degree in Biology. He and Carol met while she was a student at Holy Cross. It was Carol’s great love for the Academy, which inspired Kelly’s generosity. They were married for 43 years and have two children, Michele and Bryan, and four grandchildren, Kelly, Carson, Kate and Chloe. He was a successful business man for 43 years. Throughout his life his priority was his family. He enjoyed traveling with his family and living a full and active life. He was known to write tributes and poems for his loved ones, and wrote a book for his children before they left home entitled Pearls for My Children: 100 useful lessons about life.
He will be missed by our community. God grant him eternal rest, O Lord. 14 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
The Annual Fund
This special upcoming anniversary year is the perfect opportunity to honor the 150 years of educating women to become strong, independent women of courage, compassion and scholarship by supporting the Annual Fund.
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Gifts to the Annual Fund are directed to all the “extras” that make Holy Cross so very special! Your donations allow our girls to explore the Chesapeake Bay; become outstanding scholars; athletes and artists; embrace the latest technology; bond with classmates on retreats; and allow faculty to expand their knowledge with professional development opportunities.
Take an active part in supporting the school. You’re doing your part to ensure that the Academy will continue to thrive for the next 150 years! To our donors, thank you. If you have never made a gift, then now is the time. Make your first gift $150 this year. If you are a dedicated yearly donor, then consider increasing your donation to or by $150. For our young alumnae still in college, consider giving $18.68 in honor of our founding year! Make your gift online (www.academyoftheholycross.org/makeagift) or use the envelope enclosed in this magazine. Every dollar contributed to the Annual Fund benefits what is most important at Holy Cross – our bright, strong, talented girls. And they are very grateful for your support!
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 15
Why I Give? Isabel Serra Gomes ’96
“I am thankful for all that The Academy of the Holy Cross has done for me, as a student, but most importantly as a mother of a new alumna. Holy Cross gave us a safe community to help us grow and develop into the strong women we are today,” says Isabel Serra Gomes ’96, who is mother of Cristina’17. “I cannot be more proud of the young woman that she has become. She is a hard-working individual that was challenged academically and was taught that the key to success is to work hard. She is a well-rounded young lady who knows right from wrong, looks for ways to help and give others the compassion they seek, and places God first in her life.” Isabel notes that one of her most memorable experiences at Holy Cross was bonding with her classmates during the Kairos retreat and coming to appreciate the tremendous support she had from family. “Having my daughter experience the same and taking it a step further by being a Kairos leader for her fellow classmates made it more meaningful,” she says. Isabel says that this is a “critical time” at Holy Cross. She appreciates that with the help of donations like hers to the Annual Fund, the administration, faculty and staff can continue to make sure that Holy Cross remains ahead of the curve competitively. 16 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
The Annual “Putting Contest” kicks off the tournament. We are still in search of a winner!
2016 Golf Classic Argyle Country Club was once again the site of the Annual Holy Cross Golf Golf Classic in September 2016. Holy Cross parents, alumnae, and friends descended upon the club and enjoyed a beautiful day, lots of laughs, delicious food, and some great golf! Congratulations to Rich DiPippo’s foursome who walked away in their purple blazers as the tournament champs this year. All proceeds from the the golf tournament benefit student programs and services.
(L-R) Michael Rose, Matt McCormick, Tom Beall and Tim O’Connor get into the spirit of the event!
Bob Chuey and the Dinn Family (Sally, Scott, and Sheila) enjoyed a great day of golf.
Golf Chair Marc Bruno welcomes the golfers.
Save the Date 150 ANNIVERSARY GOLF CLASSIC TH
Friday, October 13, 2017
Argyle Country Club – 12:00 noon Shotgun Start
For registration information, go to: www.academyoftheholycross.org/GolfClassic
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 17
The Difference We Make - The Campaign for Holy Cross - was kicked off in January 2014 to dramatically improve the Holy Cross campus by addressing our most critical needs. Renovations included providing air conditioning in the Carol Ann Hook Mikules ’63 Student Commons and auditorium, replacing the roof on the 1956 building, constructing a dance studio, developing a state-of-the art Student Technology & Creativity Center, and installing the new, longawaited synthetic turf softball and multipurpose athletic fields. The Academy is blessed with a beautiful campus; however, the classroom building is now well over 60 years old and although well-maintained, critical improvements are necessary for the comfort and well-being of the entire Holy Cross community. Renovating two student restrooms during the summer will – with your help – successfully close The Difference We Make Campaign.
Our girls deserve the best. Now, more than ever, we ask you to make a difference and support this final phase. NEEDED $3.3 Million RAISED $2.7 Million
GIVE Join us as we “make a difference” at Holy Cross. Please use the enclosed gift envelope or donate online. Your gift to the campaign directly benefits our girls today and tomorrow. For more information, please contact Charly Ryan, Director of Advancement, at 301-929-6447, or cryan@academyoftheholycross.org.
WAYS TO GIVE MAIL
18 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Use Enclosed Envelope
GIVE ONLINE www.academyoftheholycross.org/ support
GIFTS OF STOCK/SECURITIES
Contact Advancement Office
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS Commemorative Naming Opportunities ATHLETIC FIELD………………………………………………………………… Dick & Jeanne Ridgway SOFTBALL DIAMOND…………………………………………………………. $250,000 PRESS BOX……………………………………………………………………..... $ 75,000 FIELD ACCESS………………………………………………………..……….... Conyngham/Looby Family CHAPEL CLASSROOM BUILDING……………………………….………… Kathleen Crowley Enzler CHAPEL MOREAU HALL……………………………………………………… Pending THEATRE……………………………………………………………...………….. $500,000 THEATRE LOBBY…………………………………………………...…………… Barbara Carey Hayes ’56 DANCE STUDIO……………………………………………………...………….. $150,000 INNER COURTYARD………………………………………………….………… Susan Stanislav O’Connell ’78 Kerry O’Connell Toigo ’07 THEATRE COURTYARD………………………………………….….………… $150,000 STUDENT COMMONS……………………………………………..………….. Carol Ann Hook Mikules ’63 AUDITORIUM…………………………………………………………..………… $250,000 LIBRARY……………………………………………………………….………….. Margaret Naughton Smith Myers ’22 FITNESS CENTER………………………………………………….…………… Tish Schlapo Brey ’78 LOCKER ROOM……………………………………………………..…………… Charles R. Smith Family BOARD ROOM……………………………………………………...……………. Susan Stanislav O’Connell ’78
Kerry O’Connell ’07
ALUMNAE ROOM ……………………………………………...………………. Carol Ann Hook Mikules ’63 CLASSROOMS…………………………………………………………………… In Honor of Sr. Grace Shonk, CSC Richard and Lois Gobbi Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Schaeffer Katie Winkeljohn Maness ’82 The Scatterday Family In Memory of Catharine & Francis J. Collins Kentland Foundation Loretta Butkus Howard ’80, Brooke Howard ’08
Ashley Howard ’09, Crystal Howard ’11
Ann Kirlin Donatelli ’54 Capitol Document Solutions Patricia Gillis Cousins ’83 & Grace Cousins ’14 Kathleen Whalen Reitz ’69 (& Theresa Reitz ’99)* REMAINING CLASSROOMS …………………………………………………. $ 25,000 NAMED THEATRE SEATS……………………………………………….……. $ 1,000 ENGRAVED BRICKS FOR THEATRE COURTYARD……………………. $
250
ENGRAVED PAVERS FOR THEATRE COURTYARD……………..…….. $ 1,000 ENDOWED FULL TUITION SCHOLARSHIP……………………..………. $400,000 ENDOWED ½ TUITION SCHOLARSHIP……………………………..……. $200,000 ENDOWED ACADEMIC & CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS…………... $100,000-$250,000 THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 19
Holy Cross magically became a seaside resort for the 2017 Annual Benefit Auction and Gala in March! Many thanks to the sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees who made the evening a wonderful success, and especially our major sponsors, Columbia Bank and Fiduciary Trust International. And, of course, Eileen Whelan ’05, our “MC” for the evening! Thanks to the generosity of the Holy Cross community, the auction netted over $123,000 for the Academy. Donors enthusiastically raised their paddles for our “Fund-a-Need,” raising a grand total of $38,550, directed to furnishing two new engineering classrooms for our STEM Program. The 2018 Benefit Auction will be a celebration of the 150th Anniversary and will be held off campus at the Marriott North Bethesda Conference Center. Save the date for Saturday, March 24, 2018 – you won’t want to miss our very special 2018 Benefit Auction and Gala! Current parents Ian and Debbie Copeland
Board Chair Helen Stanislav Dankos ’75 and President Katy Prebble 20 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Current parents Bill and Tracy Guarini
Current parents Carrie and Mike Accardi
Current parent Kelly Weisgerber won the battle of the paddles and walked away with four tickets to the U2 concert!
(L-R) Rich Schaeffer, Board member Karen Schaeffer, President Katy Prebble
Current parents Aida Brumme and Suzie Gaston
Current parents Gershon and Kimberly Peaks
Congratulations to Tom and Jennifer Mooney, winners of the car raffle! Tom also took away the “Heads or Tails” prize!
Congratulations to Linda Ruszkowski (center), the recipient of the 2017 Sister Grace Shonk, CSC Tribute Award. Voted on by fellow Faculty and Staff members, this award is given to a member of the Holy Cross Faculty who has the same qualities as our beloved Sister Grace! Pictured with Linda are (L-R) Mary Beth Corso Kennedy ’82, Kathleen Burgess Clark ’82, Linda Ruszkowski, Joanne Carl ’76, and Faculty member and alumnae parent Jean Cotter.
Eileen Whelan ’05, 2017 Master of Ceremonies and parent and Fathers Club Chair Rich DiPippo. Eileen is a meteorologist and feature reporter for WJLA Channel 7/NewsChannel 8. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 21
Swim and Dive
AWARDED SECOND PLACE
The Holy Cross Swim and Dive team came in second place overall in the National Catholic Swimming and Diving Championships in January. Holy Cross competed against 19 schools from Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The Tartans took the top spots in the 1 Meter 6 Dives with Emily Schlosser ’17 in first place, Abigail Malone ’20 in second place, Helena Orrego ’18 in third place, and Kaila Burgess ’20 in fifth place. Additionally, Madison Kelly ’17 came in first place in the 200 Free Swim. Special recognition was given to Holy Cross Coaches Kit Mathews and Beth Hagler, who were named top coaches of the meet.
Track and Field
WIN SECOND PLACE AT CHAMPIONSHIP The Holy Cross Indoor Track and Field team won Second Place at the Montgomery County Private Schools Championship in January.
GREAT TRACK AND FIELD RESULTS AT
Penn Relays
The Holy Cross Track and Field team participated in the Penn Relays on ThursdayFriday, April 27-28 at the University of Pennsylvania. The event is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Holy Cross had great results this year!
22 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
The 4x100m Relay Team (Jeasmine Ebessa ’18, Kierra Marshall ’20, Amy Mortensen ’17, Tori Kestel ’19) had a finish time of 50.96, finishing 80th of 350 teams. This is the first time the Tartans have placed in the top 100 and the top 25% of all the high school teams competing. This is the fastest time in Holy Cross history since 1988, missing the all-time school record by .06 seconds. An incredible accomplishment!
COURAGE
Volleyball Wins
FIFTH STRAIGHT WCAC CHAMPIONSHIP
The Tartan Volleyball team defeated Bishop O’Connell in five sets to win their fifth straight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championship in November. The Tartans had lost to O’Connell twice during the regular season. But a quote in The Washington Post noted that Coach Dave Geiser “wasn’t worried.” “We have this,” the coach told his team between sets. “We’re the better team. We’re going to win.” The final scores for the 3-2 victory were 25-10, 21-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-8.
Tartans Win
BOBCAT CLASSIC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The Tartan Varsity Basketball team were the champions of the 2016 Bobcat Classic that took place in Hilton Head, SC. The tournament was hosted by Bluffton High School and included 16 teams (eight boys, eight girls) from both private and public high schools. This is the first time Holy Cross has participated in this event. Margareth Tchoufa ’17 was named MVP of the championship game and Madison Boyd ’17 was named to the All-Tournament Team. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 23
Athletes Commit
TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE
Eleven girls in the Class of 2017 signed letters of intent to play sports in college next year. During two ceremonies in November and April, Holy Cross recognized the athletes, five of whom will play at the Division I level. Gianna Carmona ’17 has been a standout on our varsity volleyball team here at Holy Cross and she will take her talents with her next year to Frostburg State University. For four years, Gianna has been part of our WCAC league championship volleyball team and as a senior, earned herself WCAC Honorable Mention recognition. When she’s not competing on our court, Gianna can be found playing for her club team or as an integral member of the Onyx Club. Jessica Falcinelli ’17 will be continuing her volleyball career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she will be studying aeronautical science (as well as possibly double majoring or minoring in astronomy, or minoring in meteorology). This 2016 recipient of “The Coach Sheahan Excellence Award” and All-WCAC Volleyball Honorable Mention recipient has earned accolades here for her leadership on the Volleyball and Ice Hockey teams, her involvement in a vast array of extracurricular activities, her deep dedication to her Catholic faith and her commitment to her family, and her strong academic record. Emma Falkenstein ’17 will continue her rowing career at the Hobart & William Smith Colleges where she will also major in International Relations. At Holy Cross, Emma has been a competitive rower and swimmer, and she has led and encouraged her teammates as captain of both teams. Emma is also a prized student ambassador, an advisory rep for Student Council and an active member of our Girl Up! organization. Kelly Horning ’17 has signed to play Division I Lacrosse at Fairfield University next year. Kelly has been a dedicated player on the Holy Cross Varsity Lacrosse team in her years on the team. Besides playing Lacrosse at Holy Cross, Kelly also played for a local area club team. In her spare time, Kelly has also been a volunteer lacrosse coach for both the Winners Lacrosse program and the Potomac Power team. Kelly is ecstatic to be playing as a Stag next year! Madison Kelly ’17 has signed to Swim at the Division I level at Saint Louis University next year. She has been on the Academy’s Swim and Dive team since she was a freshman and was named MVP in her freshman year. In her sophomore year, Madison helped lead the team to an impressive second place overall finish in the Washington Metropolitan Private School Swimming and Diving League Championships and second place in the National Catholic Championship; Madison individually finished second in the 500 Free. Madison has led the team as captain as well. She also has been a volunteer coach outside of school for the Manor Country Club. Madison is thrilled to be a part of the team as a Biliken next year! 24 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
COURAGE
Grace McCrery ’17 has signed to play Division I Lacrosse at Old Dominion University (ODU). Grace has been a (L-R) Cierra Belinkie ’16, Lili Caceres ’16, Katie Clark ’16, member of the Holy Cross Varsity Lacrosse team since her freshman year and has been a strong attack player on the Anna-Sophia Capizzi ’16, Alise Greene ’16, Grace Goetcheus ’16 team. In her junior year, Grace was named to the 2016 WCAC All-Conference Third Team. Grace is looking forward to playing lacrosse at ODU next year and being a member of the “Big Blue” community! Dorothy “Dori” Mesmer ’17 will compete for Virginia Tech’s Division I tennis team. She has been a member of the Varsity Tennis team here at Holy Cross and has been the captain for the last two years, elected by her peers. Voted by her coach as the MVP over two different seasons, Dori is dominant on the court. Off the court, Dori is a member of the Young Conservatives club and she has also been a leader in the Tartan Spirit and Booster club, and she puts her tennis skills to good use as an instructor for the Special Olympics. Next year, Amy Mortensen ’17 will be competing for the varsity soccer team at Rollins College. Amy has been a standout player on the Holy Cross soccer team and she has also played for several travel teams and has competed internationally. While soccer is her true love, she also babysits, participates as a student ambassador, coaches younger children, and is a beloved camp counselor. Amber Onyekwere ’17 will be playing basketball next year for the Salisbury University Seagulls. As senior Captain of the Holy Cross team, Amber has led her teammates on and off the court. Also a lector at her church, a Student Ambassador, and a member of many other student organizations here, she’s excited to take her talents to the next level. Lizanne Passaro ’17 will be continuing her swimming career at Mount St. Mary’s University. Lizanne loves the water and loves swimming, especially when she gets to teach young children how to swim. She is a lifeguard during the summers and takes her job seriously. She has translated her love of swimming to her favorite day of the year, the Race for the Cure, a three-mile open water swim the proceeds of which go to research at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Cancer Center. When she’s not in the water, she’s been a pivotal member of our Campus Ministry department. Emily Ryan ’17 has signed to play Division I Volleyball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Emily has been a member of the Academy’s Varsity Volleyball team since her freshman year and helped lead the team to four consecutive WCAC Championships in her time here. She was the captain of the team this year. Emily has earned many accolades in her career in volleyball, including WCAC All-Conference First and Third Teams, honorable mention in the All-Met honors, and inclusion in Prep Volleyball’s Top 50 Juniors. Recently Emily was named MaxPreps Player of the Week, an honor she also received in her junior year. Emily is looking forward to being a part of the Bruins community next year! THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 25
Jeasmine Ebessa ’18
RECEIVES COACH SHEAHAN EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Academy presented the Coach Sheahan Excellence Award to Jeasmine Ebessa ’18 during the Underclass Awards Ceremony in May. The award, given as a surprise to the recipient, 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. This is the fifth year for the award that 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. Jeasmine was nominated by Outdoor Track and Field Coach Bryan Hoffman who wrote, “[Jeasmine] is a wonderful individual to coach and her personal and family values show true with each action she takes. Her faith is important to her and guides the decisions she makes. Her teammates look up to her and my entire coaching staff is amazed at what she can accomplish when she takes the lead. If something needs to be done, there is no hesitation in asking her to manage it and we know that it will not only be done on time, but correctly.” Athletic Director Lisa Schrader announced the award and included a remark from last year’s recipient, Jessica Falcinelli ’17, who noted how special it was to receive the award.
26 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
COURAGE
Joelle Packard ’2 0
WINS SILVER MEDAL AT WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES Joelle Packard ’20 participated in the 2017 Winter Special Olympics World Games that took place in Austria in March. She and her dance team, JOY to the World, competed in the Dance category, which was new this year, and won a Silver Medal. The JOY to the World team are all members of Special Olympics Maryland Montgomery County. They danced a routine to the song “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker.
There were approximately 2,600 athletes from 105 countries competing at the 2017 Winter games. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics was founded in Maryland by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Joelle is in the Holy Cross Moreau Options Program and has been involved in Special Olympics for 12 years. In addition to dance, Joelle plays basketball and tennis, and she is a cheerleader. She has earned six medals as a Special Olympics athlete. In 2015, Joelle and fellow Holy Cross classmates Theresa Brogan ’18, Samantha Copeland ’18, and Breanna Vitak ’20 traveled to the Summer Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles to participate with their JOY cheerleading team.
Crew Team
TAKES SECOND PLACE AT MARYLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS The Tartan Crew team took second place in the Women’s First Varsity 4+ at the Maryland State Championship in Chestertown, MD on Sunday, April 30. The boat included Catherine Kiyonaga ’19 (stroke), Erin Hicks ’17 (3 seat), Emma Falkenstein ’17 (2 seat), Elizabeth Girard ’17 (Bow), and Jessica Snowden ’17 (coxswain).
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 27
2016-2017 ATHLETICS WCAC All-Conference Players
BASKETBALL
Honorable Mention: Madison Boyd ’17
FIELD HOCKEY
First Team: Sydney Bruno ’18 (Offense) Anna King ’17 (Defense) Second Team: Emily Kopp ’17 (Offense) Honorable Mention: Madison DiNino ’17 Eileen Dinn ’19 Hannah “Bryn” Strzelec ’17
SOCCER
First Team: Samantha Ferguson ’18 Second Team: Caroline Case ’17 Honorable Mention: Amy Mortensen ’17 Mary Muldoon ’18
28 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
VOLLEYBALL
All-Met Players
First Team: Jade Parchment ’18 Emily Ryan ’17 Second Team: Nicole Dao ’19 Third Team: Riley Parchment ’20 Honorable Mention: Gianna Carmona ’17 Jessica Falcinelli ’17 Julianna Renzi ’17
VOLLEYBALL
LACROSSE GIRLS’
LACROSSE
First Team: Alexandra Bruno ’19 (Attack) Kelly Horning ’17 (Midfielder) Third Team: Samantha Galvin ’20 (Defense), Megan McCormick ’18 (Midfielder) Ashlyn McDonald ’19 (Defense) Mary Muldoon ’18 (Midfielder) Honorable Mention: Grace McCreary ’17
GOLF
Honorable Mention: Kiara Beckham ’18
First Team: Emily Ryan ’17 Honorable Mention: Jade Parchment ’18
SOCCER
Honorable Mention: Melanie McNamara ’19 Samantha Ferguson ’18 Second Team: Kelly Horning ’17 Honorable Mention: Alexandra Bruno ’19
TENNIS
Honorable Mention: Dorothy “Dori” Mesmer ’17
COURAGE
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 29
2016-2017
Performing Arts FALL/WINTER 2016 FALL DRAMA: YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU
FALL IMPROV SHOW
WINTER DANCE CONCERT
WINTER MUSIC CONCERT
30 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
COURAGE 2016-2017
Performing Arts SPRING 2017 SPRING MUSICAL: SISTER ACT
SPRING IMPROV SHOW
SPRING DANCE CONCERT
SPRING MUSIC CONCERT
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 31
Fifth Annual Hair Donation Drive SUPPORTS PANTENE BEAUTIFUL LENGTHS
Holy Cross had 34 students and one faculty member donate their hair during the fifth annual Hair Donation Drive in March, which is organized by the Christian Service office. Each person donated eight inches or more of their hair. The donated hair was given to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which provides free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks. This year Holy Cross welcomed back alumna Adrianna David ’12, who is the 2017 Miss Maryland USA as part of the event. Adrianna spoke about her journey from Holy Cross to being a contestant in the Miss USA competition. Afterwards, Adrianna stayed to pose for photos with students. As a Holy Cross student, Adrianna was involved in campus ministry, the arts (dance, theatre and improv), and on the dive team. She was also a competitive cheerleader for over 13 years and was voted American Cheerleader Magazine’s 2011 Cheerleader of the Year. Adrianna is now the co-founder of Charities Angels, a non-profit organization committed to “giving from the heart to those in need through fundraising efforts.” Adrianna and her organization have helped raise over $100,000 for a variety of philanthropic needs. Holy Cross is grateful to the stylists from Progressions salon in Rockville, MD, who cut the donors’ hair. After having their hair cut, each donor had their hair professionally styled. The salon provided the donors with gift bags of sample products, coupons, and gift certificates to the salon. At the end of the event, the girls posed for a group photo.
HOLY CROSS helps
Haiti
In October Holy Cross students, faculty and staff collected $500 during the lunch period to support the recovery efforts in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew. “Fill the bucket for Haiti” was organized by the Holy Cross Christian Service Commitment Office. “It was wonderful to see the AHC community raise a substantial sum in just a lunch period,” said Director of Christian Service Emily Anderson. The funds raised are being donated to the Holy Cross Mission Center, which is coordinated by the Congregation of Holy Cross priests and brothers. The Mission Center supports efforts in Chile, East Africa, Peru, and regions of Mexico. It also coordinates special mission initiatives, such as relief efforts following the hurricane in Haiti. 32 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
COMPASSION HOLY CROSS Feeds
the Hungry
A special focus of service this year included helping to feed the hungry in the area. Several events encouraged our girls to participate in opportunities to make a difference.
SANDWICHES FOR MARTHA’S TABLE/BETHESDA CARES Throughout the year, several opportunities to make sandwiches for Martha’s Table and Bethesda Cares programs were organized for students.
“NO MORE HUNGER GAMES” This year’s Thanksgiving drive for the Little Sisters of the Poor was themed “No More Hunger Games” after the popular Hunger Games series and took place in November. Homeroom advisories became “Districts” competing to bring in the most items. Creative videos parodying the Hunger Games theme were created to announce the contest and the winning homeroom advisory. Over 1,300 items were collected by the advisory “Districts” and donated to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
HUNGER BANQUET 2017 The 24th annual Hunger Banquet at Holy Cross took place the day before the Thanksgiving break in November. Students spent the weeks leading up to the banquet considering many different aspects of hunger and poverty in the world and the United States. During the Hunger Banquet the community was randomly separated into three economic levels to eat as the world eats. Students were given Fact/Fictions sheets and asked to make their guess on statements about poverty and hunger. All were asked to donate $5 (the cost of a lunch meal) and additional funds were raised through an out-of-uniform Tag Day. Proceeds, after expenses, are donated to Oxfam and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
INAUGURAL EMPTY BOWLS SIMPLE SUPPER The inaugural Empty Bowls Simple Supper took place in March. The event was co-sponsored by the Art Department, Campus Ministry, and Christian Service Office and benefitted the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation, which serves established food pantries in Washington, DC. The entrance fee for the supper was $5 or two canned food items. Members of the Holy Cross Mothers Club provided a wide variety of delicious soups and bread for the meal. The event raised $1,000 and provided many bags of canned goods for the foundation. Brian Mulholland, Chair of the foundation, attended the event and shared his gratitude to the Academy for the continued support. The bowls were made during Open Studio time held every Thursday from December up until the event. Each attendee was invited to take their handmade bowl home as a reminder of the event. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 33
Tartans Swim TO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH Six Tartans participated in the Swim Across America – Baltimore Open Water Swim on the Magothy River in Pasadena, MD in September. Team LOTAs for a Cure included Lizanne Passaro ’17 (team captain), Grace Tarbrake ’17, Emma Falkenstein ’17, Elise Mitchell ’18, Emily May ’18, and Heather Fitzgerald ’17. The event raised funds for cancer research at the Swim Across America Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Swimmers could choose the distance they would swim. Lizanne swam five miles; Grace swam three miles; Emma, Emily, and Elise each swam one mile; and Heather was a land volunteer. This was Lizanne’s fourth year and Team LOTAs third year participating in the event. The team raised over $5,400 for the cause.
HOLY CROSS Social
Justice Award
The Holy Cross Social Justice Award was inaugurated this year and given to students in each grade level who best represents Holy Cross’ commitment to serving those in our communities who are most in need. The awardees help to spread the love of Jesus preached in the Gospel through their service and reach out to work in different communities across our region.
CLASS OF 2017:
CLASS OF 2019:
Faith Frayman Coral Hauser Alexandra Kennedy Mary Schech
Lucy Young Maria Maloney Grace O’Connor
CLASS OF 2018:
CLASS OF 2020:
Samantha Miller Devan O’Neil Megan Witt
34 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Catherine Hunt-New Bridget Malone Abigail Malone Shelby Wilson
COMPASSION
Soccer Team WALKS FOR BREAST CANCER
Members of the Varsity Soccer team participated in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K walk in October. Several parents/guardians participated as well. The project was organized by team co-captain Caroline Case ’17. The team sported pink breast cancer awareness shirts that they also wore in school and during warm-ups before their WCAC quarterfinal game. The cause is important to the team members because of their personal connections with family and friends battling breast cancer. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting communities with a shared determination to help free the world from the pain and suffering of breast cancer. Participants raise critical funds that enable the American Cancer Society to fund innovative research; provide free, information and support to anyone touched by breast cancer; and help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. The Holy Cross soccer team raised $530 for the cause.
LLS
Students of the Year
Two Holy Cross teams participated in the 2017 Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) Student of the Year program. Team “New Heights to Cross Out Cancer” was organized by Sofia Koudjeti ’18, Lauren Clancy ’18 and Alex Mahoubi (a student at The Heights School). Supporting team members from Holy Cross were Lindsay Konz ’18, Emily Walsh ’18 and Sydney Bruno ’18. Team “Going for Gold” was organized by Carmen DiPippo ’17. Supporting team members from Holy Cross were Erin Hicks ’17 (campaign manager), Jessica Snowden ’17, Melissa Coaxum ’17, Heather Fitzgerald ’17, Alexandra Pasta ’17, Brenna Kueter ’17, Megan Conley ’17, Mary Schech ’17, Isabelle Cassidy ’17, Bernadette Badamo ’17, Grace Tarbrake ’17, Katherine Kemp ’17, and Natalie Ruhlmann ’17. Both teams worked diligently to raise funds for the LLS. Holy Cross supported several fundraising events for both teams including a Faculty vs. Student Dodgeball game. Each team organized several fundraising events on their own as well. Over $851,000 was raised by all 24 teams participating in the Student of the Year competition – an increase of $250,000 over last year’s total. Both Holy Cross teams received college scholarships for their accomplishments in the program. The LLS Student of the Year program is part of their Student Series for schools and students at all grade levels to help support the LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 35
National Merit and National Hispanic SCHOLARS The National Merit Scholarship program awarded 2017 National Merit Semifinalist status to Brittany Menjivar ’17. About 1.6 million juniors entered the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Brittany also received the 2017 National Hispanic Scholar award. Every year, the National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes approximately 5,000 of the 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/NSMQ. Jessica Falcinelli ’17, Euthymia “Emmie” Stratakis ’17, and Julia Urban ’17 were awarded National Merit Commended Scholar status. National Merit Commended Students placed among the top five percent of students who entered the 2017 National Merit competition. After receiving their IB pins, which they wore at graduation events, the candidates signed an IB banner signed by previous IB candidates.
AP
SCHOLARS
The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on the AP Exams. There are 22 students from The Academy of the Holy Cross who have received AP Scholar Awards this year.
AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION
AP SCHOLAR
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five of more of these exams.
Granted to students who receive a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Faith Frayman ’17
AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Kathleen Clark ’16 Rachael Feldhausen ’16 Aleah Jensen ’16 Devon Lyons ’16 Lizanne Passaro ’17 36 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Euthymia Stratakis ’17 Rebecca Wegznek ’16 Natalie Weir ’16 Hugh Zhang ’17
Alexis Brugger ’17 Anna-Sophia Capizzi ’16 Caroline Case ’17 Margaret D’Arcy ’16 Shannon Hanley ’16 Hannah Kreischer ’17 Megan McTigue ’16 Brittany Menjivar ’17 Elizabeth Pamboukian ’16 Gina Petrarca ’16 Theresa Rogers ’17 Shea Stevens ’16
SCHOLARSHIP
John Carroll Society
JESSAY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
The John Carroll Society sponsors the annual Margaret Mary Missar High School Essay Competition. Holy Cross students participated in the competition, in which they wrote essays on the theme “Service, the Pathway to Holiness,” that recognized the recent canonization of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her inspirational life of service to the poor and infirm. Olivia Young ’20 was awarded First Place and a $2,000 tuition scholarship for her essay. She was recognized at the society’s annual awards dinner for her achievement in May. Additionally Emily Dimond ’19, Mary Muldoon ’18, Anna Owens ’20, and Fiona Sheridan ’20 received Honorable Mention for their essays. The John Carroll Society, founded in 1951, and named after the first Catholic Bishop in the United States, is dedicated of the service of the Archbishop of Washington. The society’s primary purpose is to promote the enhancement of spiritual, intellectual and social fellowship among its members and guests.
College Day The Academy of the Holy Cross hosted its annual College Day in January, giving Tartans the opportunity to meet college representatives from 44 colleges and universities including England and Scotland. Students, faculty and staff donned their favorite college sweatshirts for the day organized by the College Counseling Office. Following the opening assembly, juniors and sophomores attended three mini-sessions with the college reps who shared their expertise on a variety of topics such as STEM, the Health Sciences, Business Majors, Liberal Arts, NCAA Recruiting, and International Colleges. Meanwhile, college reps showed the freshman class important ideas for looking at their grades and course choices as related to the college process through an interactive presentation. Three college reps spoke with the senior class, who were nearly finished with their college application process, about the transition to college and answered their questions. The program culminated with a lunchtime college fair for all students. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 37
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN U M D Math Competition Every autumn, the University of Maryland organizes a High School Mathematics Competition, open to high school students enrolled in Maryland or the District of Columbia. Holy Cross participates in the competition and recognizes the students who place highest in the school in the first round of the competition. Holy Cross recognized our four highest performing students during an all-school assembly: First Place: Katherine Kemp ’17 Second Place: Lei Wang ’17 Third Place: Hugh Zhang ’17 Fourth Place: Jessica Falcinelli ’17 Katherine Kemp was among the 221 students statewide who qualified from the first round to move on to the second round of competition—an honor not achieved by a Holy Cross student since the inception of the competition.
STUDENTS PRESENT AT Academic Symposium Eight Holy Cross girls presented at the 2017 High School Principals Association Academic Symposium in March. Holy Cross was among nine area Catholic high schools to have presenters at the symposium attended by principals and faculty members of the 20 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Washington. The presenters were nominated by Holy Cross and selected by the organizers of the symposium. Theresa Brogan ’18, Isabelle Homan ’18, Ariana Garcia ’18, Stephanie Nasou ’17, and Lauren O’Leary ’17 presented the film they created “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,” which deals with the realities of living with schizophrenia. Isabelle Cassidy ’17 shared her paper titled “How did Railroads affect the outcome of World War II?”. Theresa Rogers ’17 discussed her paper “Elements of the Ideal Tragedy in the Harry Potter Series”. Madeline Ratnavale ’17 presented her paper “Composition of incidental music within Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”.
38 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
SCHOLARSHIP HOLY CROSS Robotics Team The Academy of the Holy Cross received a $6,000 grant from NASA to support the development of the “AHC Transformers,” robotics team this year. NASA “Program Growth” grants are offered to teams in their first two years of participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition. To receive the grant, the team prepared a proposal describing the team and its goals and how the Holy Cross robotics program would enhance the students’ ability to pursue STEM-related careers. In addition to the grant from NASA, the team has secured support of five corporate sponsors and a university partnership. The AHC Transformers has over 20 student members and is moderated by Faculty Member David Geiser. Throughout the year, the team met every day after school and most weekends to plan and build their robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition season in March. The team competed in two competitions during the regular season. During the first competition, the team competed in received the “Rookie Inspiration Award,” which “celebrates a rookie team’s outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as in their community.” In the second competition, the team placed 12th out of 39 teams—a huge accomplishment for only their second competition. Holy Cross was the only all-girls team at the event. They received two special awards—the Rookie All-Star award (a mission and effort award) and the Highest Rookie Seed award (for the highest scoring rookie team on the competition field). The team is already planning for their next year and will hit the ground running when the school year begins.
Juniors WINS SPECIAL SCIENCE AWARDS
Four girls in the Class of 2018 were recognized in May for their academic achievement in science. Brigid Johnston ’18 George Washington University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, High School Medal: Awarded to a Junior who has achieved the highest cumulative grades in the fields of mathematics and science in her graduating class. Evelyn Xiao ’18 The Rensselear Medal: The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. Kiara Beckham ’18 Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Founded in Rochester, NY in 1835, Bausch & Lomb is the preeminent global technology-based healthcare company for the eye. Together with the University of Rochester, this award is presented to a student with high achievement and rigor in science classes: and one who has high math scores on the PSAT. Sharvari Puri ’18 Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology: The Xerox Corporation was founded in Rochester in 1906 and has emerged as one of the world’s top technology pioneers conducting work in color science, computing, and other disciplines related to printing and document management. The Xerox Award recognizes students who share in the pursuit of innovative approaches and appreciation for the possibilities of technology. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS
39
Annual CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION TRIP Holy Cross returned in the fall to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Karen Noonan Environmental Education Center located in Maryland’s Blackwater Wildlife Refuge for the annual IB Environmental Systems and Societies field trip. The field staff there assisted the students in conducting field experiments as well as learning about the area’s ecosystem. The girls designed a field study experiment based on a “prompt” from their teachers, Allison Dean and Casey Robertson, who chaperoned the trip. The experiment became part of the IB “Internal Assessments” that students completed towards their overall IB Diploma score. Students had access to the bay and marsh areas and worked together to collect data. After the trip, students interpreted the data that are eventually incorporated into a presentation that includes their hypothesis and evaluations. While staying at the Karen Noonan Center during the trip, the group was responsible for their own meals and were expected to “reduce, reuse and recycle” as much as possible.
Holy Cross Students Win VERIZON APP CHALLENGE BEST IN STATE FOR A SECOND YEAR!
Students from The Academy of the Holy Cross have won the Verizon Innovative Learning app challenge Best In State (Maryland) award for the second year in a row! There were more than 1,800 submissions to the contest this year. This year, the team also was selected Best in Region and were finalists for the Best in Nation award. The 40 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
team
of
Maureen
Dailey
’17,
SCHOLARSHIP I B Diploma Candidates
TOUR DIYANET CENTER OF AMERICA
The 26 Holy Cross IB Diploma candidates in grades 11 and 12, along with IB World Religions teacher Damon McGraw and President Katy Prebble, toured the Diyanet Center of America (DCA) in December. As stated on the DCA website, the center provides religious, social and educational services to Turkish immigrants and Muslims living in the United States. The visit was the culmination of the IB World Religion SL I and II classes’ study of Islam. Prior to the visit the students read about the DCA, discussed the center in class, practiced Islamic greetings, customs, and how to dress appropriately for the visit to the mosque. During the tour, the students met Sr. Camille, DCA’s event coordinator, and Dr. A.H. Sharif Salim, who gave an introduction to the DCA and answered the students’ many questions. The group toured the Hamam (bathhouse), the recreational center, and the restaurant, where they had a lunch of shawarma. The group also observed Friday Prayers at the mosque (Jum’a). As follow-up to the visit, the students wrote comprehensive reflections about the experience including how the experience affected them and what they learned about themselves and their own religious identity. Commenting on the experience Jessica Falcinelli ’17 noted that the experience caused her to step outside her comfort zone. Madeline Ratnavale ’17 remarked, “I couldn’t help feeling overcome because it was very special to be there. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.” Mary Schech ’17 said, “In a textbook you forget the personal aspect of a religious service.” Alexandra Whittington ’18 said, “It made me wish that everyone in the world could have the opportunity to talk to someone from a different religion, because there is no way that we can understand the nuances of someone else’s life without meeting and talking to them.” This trip was part of the students’ semester Performance Based Assessment. In both the Catholic tradition and the IB curriculum, the goal of studying world religions is to prepare students for living encounters with members of other faiths: to provide them with the knowledge, experience, and skills to build good relationships and engage in constructive dialogue with persons of other faiths.
Caroline Floam ’18, Karen Gordon ’17, Devan O’Neil ’18, Carly Sinay ’17, and Samantha Sinay ’17 created PantryPal, an app concept that helps people donate needed items to local food banks. The app would provide lists created by the food banks. A GPS will show app users the locations of food banks. A barcode scanner would help users select needed items in grocery stores. The team writes that the app will “further support our global responsibility to combat the societal issue of hunger in an efficient and user-friendly way.” All six of the girls on the winning team, in addition to the other 42 girls who submitted entries (eight teams total), were enrolled in the Intro to Computer Programming classes in the first semester taught by Lauren DeZinno. The Best In State award includes a $5,000 award and Verizon Ellipsis 10 tablets and cases for the winning team members. The girls and Lauren appeared on NewsChannel 8’s show “Good Morning Washington.” Two members of the Verizon State Government Affairs office and a representative from the Montgomery County Council attended an all-school assembly to recognize the student PantryPal team and present their awards. Additionally, Vikrum Mathur, legislative aid in the Office of Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner, congratulated the team for their app concept, presented them with certificates and spoke about the importance of finding ways to meet the needs of food pantries. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 41
Career Day
2017
The annual Career Day program took place in March. Alumna Kat Goduco ’98 gave the keynote address. Kat is a professional photographer who shared her journey from Holy Cross Tartan to successful and sought-after career woman, including the challenges she encountered along the way. She provided several inspiring quotes for the girls to consider on their own career path. Kat surprised the assembly with an announced $1,000 gift to the AHC Transformers robotics team. Following the keynote assembly, 17 alumnae shared their experiences about their career choices either in smallgroup discussions with juniors and seniors or in a Q & A panel with freshmen and sophomores. The Counseling Office polled students prior to the event for their choices for the types of careers they were interested in hearing about. Professions included law, medicine, accounting, engineering, teaching, performing and visual arts, public relations, digital marketing, and event planning. Career Day is an annual program organized by the School Counseling and Alumnae Affairs offices.
42 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
ALUMNAE NEWS SIOBHAN FRANCE ’04 SPEAKS AT Black History Month Assembly The Holy Cross celebrated Black History Month at a special assembly in January. The theme of the assembly was “Remember. Educate. Celebrate.” Returning to her alma mater, Siobhan France ’04, PTD, then spoke about her experience becoming a doctor of physical therapy. At age five Dr. France accompanied her mom, who had had a stroke, to physical therapy. Even at that young age, she wanted to be like the physical therapist who worked with her mother. Later, during her doctoral rotation, Dr. France experienced workplace discrimination because of her race. “It was the first time I felt color,” she said during her talk. Dr. France shared how she overcame the experience and earned her degree. In addition to her career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, she is now a speaker, wellness coach, author, and online educator. During her speech, Dr. France credited the many experiences at Holy Cross that shaped the person she was today. She encouraged to girls to appreciate the uniqueness and power that comes from attending Holy Cross.
Also during the assembly, students from the Onyx Club performed an interpretive dance, recited poetry and sang a duet. The Black History Month assembly is an annual celebration organized by the members of the Onyx Club.
Tartans Come Home Day WELCOMES CLASS OF 2016 ALUMNAE Holy Cross welcomed 65 alumnae from the Class of 2016 for the annual Tartans Come Home Day program in January. The alumnae had just completed their first semester of college and returned to share their experiences with the current students. The returning LOTAs spoke about their choices for college, how they selected roommates, resolving issues on their own, how they spend free time, and the college campus cultures. When asked if Holy Cross prepared them academically the alumnae gave resounding accolades to their high school education. One alumna exclaimed, “I was so well prepared!” The alumnae visited classrooms to speak to Senior and Junior class advisories. After the program the alumnae visited with faculty and staff. Tartans Come Home occurs annually and is coordinated by the College Counseling and Alumnae Affairs Offices. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 43
Alumna Lanay Montgomery ’12 SELECTED FOR WNBA
Congratulations to Lanay Montgomery ’12, who has been selected to play for the WNBA Seattle Storm. As a center at West Virginia University, Lanay finished her college career with 937 rebounds (7.1 rpg), 855 points (6.5 ppg) and 330 blocks (2.5 bpg). She is a two-year member of the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. The West Virginia Mountaineers website quoted her, “It is truly an honor to have my name called at the WNBA Draft. I started playing basketball my freshman year of high school; and now to be drafted is an amazing feeling.” Her coach, Mike Carey was also quoted, “There is no one more deserving of this moment than Lanay Montgomery. With her tremendous work ethic, Lanay has made great strides in her five years at West Virginia University. We are very proud of her accomplishments and I wish her the best of luck in Seattle.” At Holy Cross, Lanay was a three-star prospect who was named to the WCAC All-Conference first team her sophomore and junior seasons. She was named second team All-Met, MVP of the holiday tournament and most improved player in her junior year. She averaged 14.5 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game and 2.8 blocks per game totaling 463 points, 278 rebounds and 88 blocks her junior season.
Alumna Maggie O ’Neill ’95 SHARES SUPERFIERCE PROJECT
During the All-School Assembly in October, Maggie O’Neill ’95 spoke about her project, SUPERFIERCE – “a traveling art exhibit hosted by female artists paying it forward.” Maggie spoke about her deep affection for Holy Cross and how her education shaped the artist and entrepreneur she has become. SUPERFIERCE is, as Maggie calls it, a “movement” where “fearless female artists will pay it forward.” The exhibit launched at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in October and will benefit EBeauty, a local non-profit that supports women undergoing treatment for cancer. The project includes a mentorship component that will connect aspiring female artists to those who can provide professional advice. Holy Cross hosted an out-of-uniform Tag Day to support the cause. Honored by Holy Cross as a 2014 Distinguished Alumna, Maggie is a fine artist and co-founder of SwatchRoom and owner of O’Neill Studios, one of the most sought-after decorative and fine art studios in the city and nationwide. Her paintings are inspired by her local Washington, DC iconic landscape, travels abroad, women and fashion, and music. Her paintings hang in homes from DC to Delhi and have been featured in galleries, fashion shows, luxury department stores, and boutiques. 44 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
ALUMNAE NEWS Class of 2011
REUNION
The Class of 2011 gathered for a reunion in November at the Rockville Ale House. The event was organized by Megan Conway and Molly Russ and attended by nearly 30 LOTAs. “Everyone is either working full-time, going to grad school or exploring the world. We have all grown up and changed for the better since graduation in 2011!”
Class of 1976 REUNION
The Class of 1976 were hosted at the home of Lenore Reilly Martinez by Lenore and Tricia Hogan Skelly in November with approximately 30 alumnae in attendance.
Class of 1967
CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
In June, the Class of 1967 celebrated their 50th anniversary of graduation from Holy Cross with two events. On Sunday, June 4, nearly 50 alumnae gathered on campus and enjoyed rekindling friendships and reminiscing about their high school years. One alumna traveled from Australia to attend. The celebration was organized by a small committee of ’67 classmates, who ensured a good time was had by everyone. The Ladies of the Academy remembered favorite teachers and events that impacted their lives. A wonderful slideshow was a highlight of the evening. Several of the women shared about the impact that Holy Cross had on their lives. They encouraged one another to look for opportunities to be involved in the school community today–either by mentoring or financial support. A special display remembered the class members who have passed away. On Monday, June 5, a group of the 50th anniversary alumnae attended a luncheon on the Holy Cross campus and the Commencement ceremony at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The ladies led the procession to begin the ceremony and were seated in front of the Class of 2017 graduates.
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 45
Memorial Mass REMEMBERS DECEASED ALUMNAE, FAMILY, AND FORMER FACULTY/STAFF Holy Cross celebrated the annual Alumnae Memorial Mass in March. Alumnae, friends and family members attended the Liturgy in which 39 alumnae and 42 family members and faculty/staff who died during the past year were remembered. During the Mass, classmates, friends, and family members brought forward roses in remembrance of the alumnae as their names were read.
A light reception took place following the Mass. ALUMNAE REMEMBERED: Patricia Mullaly Weaver ’36 Kathleen Dollymore ’38 Lillian Tumulty Lanman ’38 Virginia Wilson McMaster ’40 Margaret Devlin Shanley ’41 Margaret Garvey Crook ’41 Marjorie Conner Durrett ’42 Shirley Stevens Dufresne ’42 Catherine Shea Bolger ’43 Marian Wilson Kelty ’43 Justine O’Boyle Veith ’44 Mary Frances Bourg Greaney ’45 Nathalie Davis Raedy ’45
46 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Mary Ann De Francisci Battistone ’45 Mary Dorothy Ryan Durkin ’45 Mary Joan Voegtli Janssen ’47 Margaret Mary Immer Rafferty ’50 Mary Louise Rippey Egan ’50 Anne Carrico Blanchard ’52 Anne Finnegan Favo ’53 Barbara Carey Hayes ’56 Mary Ann Cramer Hague ’56 Patricia Ford Mackall ’56 Barbara Healy Harrison ’56 Kathleen Muldoon ’58 Mary Ann Wilson Sullivan ’58
Sheila Hickey ’59 Barbara McInteer Schaefer ’59 Donna Hillock Browne ’60 Ann Haley Teare ’61 Joanne Golibart Rusk ’63 Patricia Haring ’64 Sarah Healy ’64 Catherine Callahan Donvito ’65 Elizabeth Mary Donoghue ’69 Susan Saba-Lawn ’69 Mary Anne Nelson Buttrick ’70 Denise Espey Wenck ’80 Kelly Horton Beck ’96
ALUMNAE NEWS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AWARDS AND ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY In May The Academy of the Holy Cross hosted the 2017 Distinguished Alumnae Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Karen Schmelzer Jacobsen ’81 and Dominica Groom ’00 received the 2017 Distinguished Alumnae Award. The members of the 2004 and 2005 Tennis teams and their coaches, Suzy Ornstein-Fleming and Ali Yagci, were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Karen Schmelzer Jacobsen ’81 has dedicated her life to serving those in need. In 1995 Karen and her husband Kerry began working for The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh as direct support professionals. Emmaus is a faith-based non-profit that provides permanent residential homes and community-based services for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Karen served in many capacities at Emmaus before becoming executive director in 2008. She is extremely active in the cause for people with developmental disabilities. She was nominated by classmate Kathleen Burgess Clark ’81, who spoke about how Karen’s life has been a testimony to the Holy Cross mission. During her speech, Karen remarked about how proud she was that Holy Cross has grown the Moreau Options Program. Dominica Groom ’00 is the senior director for Global Sustainability and Supplier Diversity at Marriott International. She has been instrumental in leading the company to elevated supplier diversity success and global recognition. She actively volunteers and serves in various board and leadership capacities. She also leads recycling and waste reduction efforts supporting Marriott’s global sustainability. She was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Women” in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record; one of the top “Leading Women,” under the age of 40, in the state of Maryland, and was also named a “Top Influential Leader in Diversity” by the National Association for Minority Companies. Dominica was nominated by classmate Megan Hendon Harbold ’00, who shared from many of her fellow Class of 2000 Ladies of the Academy about the impact Dominica has had in their lives. The Academy of the Holy Cross’ 2004 and 2005 Tennis teams earned the WCAC Finalist and Championship titles. In the 2004 season the Tartans compiled a 9-2 record, capturing the second-place spot in the WCAC. In 2005 the team completed their season with a 14-0 record, winning six of nine matches in the championship finals. Angela Fucillo ’06 remarked that the closeness and supportiveness of the teams is what certainly helped the Tartans achieve the title.
2004-2005 TENNIS TEAM:
Brittany Bigelow ’05 Melanie Concordia ’07 Kelsey Daniels Glading ’06 Grace Ellis ’06 Angela Fuccillo ’06 Maria Fuccillo ’09
Samantha Hopkins ’09 Bridget Kerner ’07 Colleen McNish ’06 Alicia Migliorini ’06 Lindsey Monroe ’06
Tina Pappas Cron ’05 Courtney Radcliff ’06 Mary-Kate Rasa ’05 Kathryn Sturm ’08 Carly Yoo ’08 THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 47
Class Notes 1945
“After having lived in Memphis, TN for 47 years,” writes Patricia McDonough Klosky, “we have moved back to Maryland to an independent living apartment in Potomac, MD. However, we still have our summer home in Emmitsburg, MD where we stay during the summer months. Y’all come see us!”
1948
Patricia De La Vergne Quinn reports that “We are all well – still active with the university [University of Texas at El Paso] (UTEP) and the Chamber of Commerce. Four great-granddaughters and a greatgrandson on the way.”
1949
Ione Hofmann Cino shared that “We are now greatgrandparents. Our home in Myrtle Beach, SC was spared the tornado. We have downsized and are very happy on one floor. No stairs!”
1955
Nancy Holmes Anastasi now has two greatgrandsons, Owen Christopher Sims and Brody Joseph Mackay. “One of my granddaughters is a junior in the nursing program at San Diego State,” writes May Phillips Slago of Woodland Hill, CA. “Another granddaughter is starting her freshman year at Georgia Southern University. They grow up too fast.”
1958 Hugs and warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2017, from Linda Schank Mortensen. “We moved to Staunton, VA five years ago … a small town in Shenandoah Valley … and enjoy our retirements. Very peaceful. It’s a wonderful marriage … a blessing for me after the first one. So, life is good. My wish is the same for everyone.”
1959 “I’ve been a member of the American News Women’s Club (ANWC) since 1974,” states Helen “Jean” 48 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
Gleason White. “Also, I’ve been a member of the National Press Club (NPC) since 1978. [I] was able to join right after my dearest friends, the late Helen Thomas and Sarah McClendon, of the White House Press Corps, were allowed to join the all-male NPC.” Below is a photo “of me with the ANWC’s 2016 honoree, Greta Van Susteren, recipient of the ANWC Excellence in Journalism award. ANWC hosted the annual Gala at the NPC in Washington, DC on May 19, 2016.” Rosemary Wright Vandoren writes, “Celebrating 50 years of marriage in February. Amen! But advancing dementia made it too difficult to care for Leo, my husband, at home anymore. With sadness, I placed him in Rockville Nursing Home in October 2016. It was the right decision. He has adjusted and I am at peace.”
1961
Barbara Browne Elliott writes that she is “retired from City College of San Francisco LVN Program, Nursing Educator, after 28 years. I am enjoying the R & R!”
1964
Linda Kirchner Griffin and her husband Joe celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 11, 2016, sailing on a Catamaran in the British Virgin Islands with some of their family. Linda and Joe were married June 11, 1966 at Holy Redeemer Church in Kensington. Margaret Steele writes that her daughter, Ellen M. Peck, is currently teaching theater in Romania through the Fulbright scholarship program.
1966
From Denise Gatti - “I am still remembering how much I enjoyed our 50th reunion in June 2016 and reconnecting with my classmates. Thank you so much for each beautiful memory. It was perfect!”
ALUMNAE NEWS Kara Grabner Mills was pleased to see some of her 1966 graduation classmates who attended the 50th reunion in the Summer 2016 Tartan magazine photo. “Wish I could’ve been there.”
Five members of the Class of 1974 attended the wedding of Patty Green McArdle’s son, David, in Libertytown, MD.
Joan Kropp Crum, Kathy Ryan Hughes, Ellen Shanley Jones, Margot DiCairano Durkin, and Mary Lee Carr Charles continued their reunion tradition with lunch in Annapolis in May 2017.
All the Tumulty Family cousins: greatgrandchildren of the late Alice and Joe Tumulty gathered at Cape May, NJ for a family reunion in 2016. The children are the grandchildren of Holy Cross graduates Patricia Tumulty Flaccus ’62, Mary Alice Tumulty Jost ’64, Mary Jo McKenna ’69, Alicia Tumulty Peklo ’69 and Anne Tumulty Patsalosavvis ’75. The kids traveled from Minnesota, California, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland to be together.
1971 “Our family moved from Virginia to Plainfield, IL, a suburb of Chicago, in September 2015,” reports Pauline Greger Herpy. “Our grown boys, ages 25 and 30, live in the area with our grandchildren, ages 3 months and 22 months.” Anna Eileen Horan tells us that she “Worked for 40 years, retired now for 6 years, and is volunteering to keep busy!”
1972 Renown marble sculptor Claire McArdle was recently featured in Denver Life Magazine. The article references Claire’s 10-acre farm in Colorado where she has a studio. In the interview, she shares how influential her high school art teachers were in helping her develop a love for art. She has galleries in Florida, South Carolina, Washington, DC, and Maryland.
1974
1976
1980
Victoria “Vicki” Lauer Pavay writes: “our twin boys will be seniors in high school next year – seems like yesterday when we carried them around on our hips.”
1982
“The Woots” (Suzie Hawes Nalls, Mary Beth Corso Kennedy, Mary Susan Warner Kernan, Mary Ellen Daly Overend, Lynne Marsden Graves, Lisa Ridgway Slater, Kathy Demma Matthai, Robin Peake Williams, Dolores Murphy Maloney, and Kelly Cardaci Donovan) gathered at Mary Beth’s home for a Christmas gift exchange party, then headed off for a painting party at Kilcullen’s Painting Barn in Kensington, MD.
Jean duFief Janela is now a proud grandmother of Elizabeth Janela. Baby Elizabeth’s proud aunts are Annie Janela ’07, Emily Janela ’08 and Katie Janela ’13. Sue Foster duFief ’48, is a great-grandmother for the eighth time. Joan Nilan Corbin, Betsy Carl Thompson, Betsy Leary Sanford, Peggy Pendergast, Janell Girardi and Kathleen Blake all got together recently for a fun LOTA lunch.
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 49
1983
From Melissa Greene Hennessy, “I have a junior at Indiana University and a sophomore at Notre Dame – I love to tell him that we are connected through the Sisters and Congregation of Holy Cross. He even has a sticker on his computer – Spec Unica! I still have three in high school, too.”
1986
After graduating from Holy Cross, Julie Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in German from Loyola University in Maryland. Since then, she’s built a career in journalism and communications, including a sixyear stint on staff at the St. Louis Business Journal newspaper, where she’s now a freelance contributor. Julie has served in communications roles for the Missouri Foundation for Health and American Board of Optometry as well. She has written as a freelancer for numerous other publications including Missouri Meetings & Events magazine, MeetMed magazine, and Sauce magazine, and companies such as Express Scripts Inc. Julie also does freelance writing and editing for N2it Marketing Solutions and other clients. Currently Julie is an associate editor at Town & Style magazine, a St. Louis lifestyle publication. She writes about health, business and a variety of other topics. Julie has a personal interest in law enforcement, and is a graduate of the FBI St. Louis Citizens’ Academy and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Citizens’ Academy. Leslie Thomas Girata writes, “I have four beautiful girls. Vanessa, who attends James Madison University. Victoria, a senior, and Alexis, a sophomore at Lake Braddock secondary school. And Ariana, a 7th grader at Holy Spirit Catholic School.”
1989 “Thought I would share a fun photo of past, present and hopeful future Tartans from the McIntyre family,” says Carrie Shannon McIntyre. Donna McIntyre Owens and Carrie (now sisters-inlaw!) graduated from Holy Cross together. We’ve had some of the next generation attending Holy Cross, with lots of little ones in line. 50 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
1990 On May 13, 2017, Arlene Genevieve Salazar and John David Ridgway were married at the wedding chapel at the Wynn in Las Vegas, NV. The brides’ father, Rev. Al G. Salazar Ph.D, presided over the wedding. Arlene was escorted down the aisle by her older brother, A.J. Salazar. Laurie Gregory, was in attendance. Genevieve and John reside in Houston, TX where Genevieve is employed at Ernst & Young, and John works for AIG.
1994
Ann Spalatin Endress and husband Zac announced the birth of their daughter Elena “Elle” Grace on November 29, 2016. “She is perfect and we are over the moon excited to welcome her into our family.”
1996 It’s a boy! John Weiss and Christine Daigle Weiss welcomed their second son, Charles “Charlie” Evans Weiss, on December 13, 2015. His aunt is Allison Daigle Brown ’89.
Katie Sarsfield Craft and Matthew Craft were married on November 21, 2015 in Washington, DC. Holy Cross alumnae included bridesmaids Julia Sarsfield Merti ’99, Elizabeth Naccache West, and readers Maureen Ryan Bigley and Gwyneth Weigel Spaeder.
ALUMNAE NEWS 1997
Vanessa Smith-Terrell is “now working in Columbia, MD, at Young Brophy P.C., but still reside in Frederick County with family. My husband Jay and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this past fall and have had a busy summer with our kids. My son Frankie will be going into first grade and my daughter Mallory will be starting her first year of preschool this fall. Time definitely flies!” She writes that she is still close with her best “Tartan friends” and is so grateful for her friendship and for Holy Cross.
1998
Tara Emory Mingledorff works as Finance Director and Advisor for Club for Growth where she develops major gift fundraising campaigns and provides political consulting. Tara credits Holy Cross former faculty Dr. Karen Trimmer who pushed her to defend her conservative values and beliefs each day in junior year American History. “We did not agree but she was always encouraging and supportive.”
1999
Adia Burriss Coleman is a Patent and Trademark Librarian at Howard University, which is one of 85 Patent and Trademark Resource Centers designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As the Patent and Trademark Librarian, Adia serves as the director of one of the USPTO satellite offices designed to assist entrepreneurs, independent inventors, and small businesses with their Intellectual Property needs and rights.
2000
Liz Wiemers Smith works as a data specialist for D.C. Public Schools analyzing data for struggling high schools in the district. Liz works to identify trends in the data and then with the school to address them. She also works with district partners to examine system-wide programs and policy changes to improve graduation outcomes for our most at-risk students.
2001 Kashish Chopra is a healthcare compliance consultant and serves as an interim compliance officer for corporations. She was formerly a lawyer in-house for a global medical device manufacturer. She also spent 10 years as a nationally-recognized professional public speaker, which she credits to Holy Cross public speaking. “During my public speaking days, I was even named one of the Top 30 Women Under the Age of 30 by Jane Magazine” (publication now ceased). After graduating from Holy Cross, Claudia dal Molin Bassler attended the University of Maryland where she graduated with honors. Claudia attended medical school at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine at Christiana Care Health System. She also did a fellowship in sports medicine at RutgersRobert Wood Johnson and Princeton Universities. She practices sports medicine for the University of Maryland Department of Orthopedics and currently serves as a team physician for the Terps. Throughout that long journey, Claudia met and married her husband Christopher Bassler. They live with their dog Montasio, who everyone knows as Monti. “I graduated from the University of Maryland in 2005 with a degree in Government and Politics and Communications,” writes Tatiana Posada. “I worked in politics for five years including the administration of President Bush at the Commerce Department in public relations. Following politics, I entered the private sector and began working in digital marketing for a variety of agencies. I currently oversee the social media department for an Ad Agency called HZDG working on a number of clients including Hilton’s social media channels.” Currently working as an artist, Megan Rector PenaAriet lives in Brookyn, NY with her family. Megan studied Fine Arts and Spanish at the University of Maryland, earned her MA in Spanish Literature at St. Louis University, has traveled the world collecting inspiration, and after nine years of teaching high school students in DC and Maryland, has taken the leap towards becoming a full-time artist. Her paintings are available at a gallery in Newport, RI, online through her website, and in several pop-up shops on the East Coast. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 51
2002 “The Marshall family is blessed to announce the arrival of Charlotte Grace Ayodele Marshall on September 11, 2016,” writes Xernalia Kayode Marshall. Working as the Special Counsel to the Chief Judge of the DC Superior Court, Kate Tyrrell graduated from the University of Maryland in 2006 and the Catholic University Law School in 2011. Kate is also on the Board of Directors of the Junior League of Washington and is a Law School lecturer at Catholic Law. Kate and her husband James have two children, Madeline Schuyler born in May 2016 and James IV, 3-years-old.
2014 at a Julia DeCaro Recko’s baby shower. Joanna works for Colon Cancer Alliance. Frank is the Vice President of Laurel Glass & Mirror, Inc. The couple lives in Beltsville, MD with their 6-year-old English bull dog named Chap.
2005
In May 2017, Hughette Disasi received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Lauren Hoatson Mahoney was married on January 7, 2017 at St. Rose of Lima Church. Her bridesmaids included Kirsten Baker ’04, Stephanie Hoatson Kneeland ’03, Kara-Lee Baker Herdman ’02, April Asico.
2004
On June 25, 2016, Louise Cortinovis married Aaron Pifer, a pilot for Republic Airlines. Louise is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist working for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. During their wedding, Felicia Pendorf was Louise’s maid of honor and her brother, Fr. Charles Cortinovis, a diocesan priest in Washington, D.C., performed the wedding. Karen Waskewich Boone and her husband Erik welcomed their daughter Elizabeth Jeanne on June 27, 2016. Joanna Frezzo Anastasio and Frank Roco Anastasio III were married on November 26, 2016, at Holy Rosary Church in Washington, DC. While they originally met briefly as undergrads at Catholic University (graduated 2008), they didn’t meet again until 52 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
“I went to Mount St. Mary’s University for a BS in Biology and [then] I went to University of Maryland for my MS in Nursing” writes Jessica Maizel Milone. “I am currently working at University of Maryland Medical Center as a psychiatric nurse and a doctorate student in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. I got married in 2012 and have two daughters.” Mary Agnes “Aggie” McMahon received a master’s in Clinical Science in May 2015 and is currently working in neuroimaging genomics for the ENIGMA Consortium at the University of Southern California. Sarah Hailey Yeomans and husband Hugh welcomed Jack Frazer Yeomans on July 22, 2016. “He’s looking forward to attending a Holy Cross mixer in 16 years.”
ALUMNAE NEWS Ashley Vena is in a clinical research position at the University of Chicago’s School of Medicine in Austin, Texas. She will be investigating the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of commonly abused drugs in healthy individuals and publishing her findings in scientific journals.
2006 Graduating from the University of Maryland in 2010, Chanel Marin has since worked in community development in Honduras and with unaccompanied child asylum seekers in New York City. Most recently, she graduated from Yale University in May 2016 with a master’s in Public Health. She currently resides in New York City. Libby Newkumet and Hugh Vivian were married on September 24, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Silver Spring, MD. Libby was attended by her sister, Mary Kathleen “Katie” ’03, as maid of honor. Jessica Carter and Anne-Marie Daly were bridesmaids. Libby works as an Assistant to the Director of The Catholic University of America Press. Hugh works as a consultant with the Matchett Group. They traveled to Ireland for their honeymoon.
2007 The Cochran Firm in Washington, DC recently welcomed Tyler Cumbo as an associate working on personal injury and medical malpractice matters.
Katie Gallagher shared a photo and note: “We recently organized a LOTAs trip to Austin, TX together for a mini reunion weekend in May 2016. Pictured from left to right is Sasha Garcon (Silver Spring, MD), Michelle Christopher (Washington,
DC), Meghan Squier (Washington, DC), Valerie Parra (Arlington, VA), Natalia Darling (Washington, DC), Natalie Nigro (Jacksonville, FL), Stephanie Greene (Washington, DC), Daniela Aguilera-Titus (Boise, ID), Katie Gallagher (Washington, DC), and Sallie Kimmitt (Silver Spring, MD). We had a great time reuniting and exploring the capital of Texas!” Annie Janela married Matt Badagliacca on June 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. Her sisters Katie Janela ’13 and Emily Janela ’08 were in the wedding party. Mother of the Bride is Jean duFief Janela ’74.
Sarah Whalen Kelly and her husband Conor welcomed their son, Eamon Lee Kelly, on January 6, 2017. The Kelly’s reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
After graduating from Holy Cross (where she found her love of art!), Kate McCullough Roberson, attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 2011 with a BA in 2D Studio Art and Art History. After working in construction for a year she realized her appreciation for mixing art with interiors. She then studied at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London and graduated with a master’s degree in Contemporary Design. After moving back to the U.S., Kate worked in the DC residential design industry before going out on her own this past January. Her company, McCullough Design, is a full service interior design and art commission business. She married Erik Roberson in October 2016. They were introduced by Kristen Coleman. The couple lives in Kensington, MD. THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 53
Morgan Minnick tells us that “my parents and I took a road trip to Nashville, Memphis, and Alabama (EWTN). My brother got married and I now have an amazing sister-in-law who is like a sister. I currently work for my father at his restaurant, Squisito, in Burtonsville, MD.”
2009
In May 2017 Stephanie Anya received her MS in Psychology from Loyola University.
2011
Megan Conway is fulfilling her dreams of working in the hospitality/hotel industry! She recently accepted a new job working as an Executive Meeting Manager at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC. In May 2017, Erin Dunston received her MS in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University.
“I am still working at Georgetown Visitation and I have the summer off. I live with my parents,” writes Lucy Collins.
Ensign Riley Huelbig graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2016 and is now forward deployed on board the USS McCampbell (DDG-85), Yokosuka, Japan.
Melanie McNutt and Christian Blanks were married on July 17, 2017 in Torrance, CA.
Caitlin Townsend has been working at Price WaterHouse in New York City for over two years. “This past March I officially became a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New York. I live on the Upper East Side and absolutely love living in NYC.”
2010
Ariana Vitarelli graduated from Texas Christian University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She now works at a local level I trauma hospital in Fort Worth, TX as an oncology nurse. She got married on October 7, 2016 to Eric Allen and had five Holy Cross alumnae in her wedding, including her sister.
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After graduating from Holy Cross, Amaya Murphy Arana obtained her BFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where she was trained as an actor, director, and casting director. She is now in her third season and going into her seventh production with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison, NJ. Her work on screen has been featured at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner and Art Basel Miami in a project in partnership with Andre 3000 Benjamin of Outkast.
2012
“My granddaughter Juliet Brisbane,” writes grandmother Rosemary Kirchner Brisbane ’56, “graduated from Clemson University in 2016 Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude. We are very proud of her.” After graduating from Holy Cross, Mary Kate Bula obtained her Sports Medicine degree from Towson University in May of 2016. Mary Kate now resides in Charlotte, NC and is working on a career in real estate. In November of 2016, she sold her first house to her brother Brian and his wife Jena, who also live in Charlotte.
ALUMNAE NEWS Lauren Jackson received her BS in History from Hampton University. Pandora Wilson graduated cum laude with a BA in Health Administration and Public Policy from the University of Maryland (Baltimore County).
2013
Rafiat Animashaun received her BA in International Relations from the American University. Alessandra Breen received a dual-degree, a BS in Emergency Medical Services and a BA in Psychology from Creighton University. Janee Brown earned a BS in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. Amber Davis received a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Towson University. Jacqueline Ezeani received a BS in Sports Management from St. John’s University. Stephanie Malokwu earned a BS in Biology from St. John’s University. Erin Magnino graduated from Bridgewater College with a BA in Communication. Taylor McCarley received a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland (Baltimore County). Jennifer Martinez graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in Public Relations. Ashley Mathieu earned a BS in Health Sciences from Towson University. Laura Murphy was nominated by the Mount Holyoke College Office of the Registrar and accepted by the Academic Administrative Board as a Sarah Williston Scholar Prize Winner and selected to receive this year’s Sarah Williston Senior Scholarship for the Mount Holyoke Class of 2017.
In spring 2016, Brittany Scala was selected for the University of South Carolina’s President’s Honor List for the second time. Brittany has also been on the USC Dean’s List since her freshman year at USC. In addition to her full-time undergraduate studies, Brittany stays busy on her job with Palmetto Autism Intervention where she works with children with autism and their families using art therapy as a means of expression and communication. Brittany is also President of the USC Mountaineer and Outdoor Club, which includes canoe and kayak sojourns on the Congeree River near the USC Campus.
2014
Colleen Knudsen is studying abroad in Rome where she will be interning at the Vatican, working for its radio station. Kathleen Thomas writes: “I am currently a junior at Fordham University in New York City. I am a communications and media studies major with a minor in fashion studies.” She had the opportunity to work during bridal fashion week with one of the top bridal companies in the country and for the fashion designer, Yigal Azrouel. She’s gained great experience seeing the buying and selling process at a real fashion house. Now she’s exploring PR and marketing and was accepted for an internship program at the experiential marketing company, Relevent, in Soho. She notes that her Holy Cross education was definitely relevant for her college education. “I still maintain good grades but with a strong work ethic because that is what was instilled in me while in high school.”
2015
Emma Millar won the poetry selection in the December/January Montgomery Magazine contest for her poem “The Osprey’s Nest.” Emma lives in Silver Spring, MD, and is a sophomore English major at the University of South Carolina where she will be pursuing the creative writing track. Emma hopes to publish a novel, pursue a Master in Education degree, and teach elementary school.
Taylor Reeves received her BS in Advertising Communication from St. John’s University.
THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 55
Keep in Touch Please send your updated mailing or email address to alumnae@academyoftheholycross.org or call (301) 929-6463.
2016
Nicole Clark was awarded the Father Canice Treacy Memorial College Scholarship of $1000 from the Knights of Columbus, Father Peter Paul Maher Council No. 6793, in June. Selection criteria for Grants under this Memorial Scholarship’s Fund are based on judged on the basis of academic excellence, and extra-curricular activities (School, Community, or Church.)
The Alumnae Office sends a monthly email newsletter and information about upcoming events. If you aren’t receiving these notices, we might not have your current information.
“I finished my first year of community college,” writes Francesca Joseph. She’s currently finalizing her plans for next year. “I am enjoying ECU and [am] a member of Delta Zeta sorority,” writes Shea Stevens. “I achieved straight A’s first semester. [I am] studying marketing.”
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ALL-ALUMNAE REUNION est. 1868
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Join us for this special 150th anniversary celebration! 12:00 pm: 2:00 pm: 7:00 pm: 56 THE TARTAN Summer 2017
CAMPUS TOURS POWDER PUFF game between Juniors and Seniors REUNION RECEPTION ($25 per person) – enjoy visiting with classmates. Several anniversary classes have planned special gatherings.
ALUMNAENEWS NEWS ALUMNAE IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORY – ALUMNAE Patricia Mullaly Weaver ’36 Charlotte Augherton Taylor ’38 Lillian Tumulty Lanman ’38 Kathleen Keliher Dannis ’39 Margaret Rita Lawrence ’39 Virginia Wilson McMaster ’40 Margaret Garvey Crook ’41 Margaret Devlin Shanley ’41 Mother of Kathleen Shanley Smith ’65
Marjorie Conner Durrett ’42 Catherine Shea Bolger ’43 Grandmother of Megan Bolger Mazza ’06
Justine O’Boyle Veith ’44 Mary Dorothy Ryan Durkin ’45 Mary Ann DeFrancisci Battistone ’45 Mother of Carol Battistone ’75
Mary Frances Bourg Greaney ’45 Geraldine Ann Ralph Kane ’45 Mother of Kathleen Kane Bonuccelli ’69
Mary Joan Voegtli Janssen ’47 Ann Carrico Blanchard ’52 Barbara Healy Harrison ’56 Mary Ann Cramer Hague ’56 Barbara Carey Hayes ’56
Helen L. Reynolds ’43
Mother of Katherine Hayes Saracino ’84
Patricia Ford Mackall ’56 Kathleen Muldoon ’58 Sister of Michaela Muldoon Donohue ’59
Mary Ann Wilson Sullivan ’58 Barbara McInteer Schaefer ’59 Donna Louise Hillock Browne ’60 Ann Haley Teare ’61 Joanne Golibart Rusk ’63 Frances Edelen ’67 Elizabeth Mary Donoghue ’69 Susan Saba-Lawn ’69 Mary Anne Nelson Buttrick ’70 Denise Espey Wenck ’80 Sister of Stacey Espey Sahady ’86
IN MEMORY – FRIENDS AND FAMILY Anthony Abell
Husband of Nancy Elbin Abell ’66
Regina Arensmeyer
Mother of Ellen Arensmeyer Hulihan ’79
Daniel Ball
Husband of Elizabeth Keyser Ball ’49
Agnes Ballantine
Mother-in-law of Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86 (Staff); grandmother of Maeve Ballantine ’17
Gino Battistone
Father of Carol Battistone ’75
John duFief Husband of Susan Foster duFief ’48; father of Carol duFief Gonzalez ’70, Susan duFief Buckingham ’72 (deceased), Jean duFief Janela ’74, Lee duFief DePont ’81 and Marie duFief Burkholder ’83; father-in-law of Karen Edwards duFief ’76; grandfather of Maggie Gonzalez ’08 and Sarah Gonzalez ’09, Jennifer Buckingham Koppels ’95, Annie Janela ’07, Emily Janela ’08, Katie Janela ’13, Claire duFief ’10, Lexie DePont ’10, and Mary Rose DePont ’19
Susan Boone
Rosalie Duncan (Former Faculty) Calvin Dworshak
Giuliano Bottini
Thomas Feeney, Jr.
Mother of Erika Boone ’90, Michelle Boone Noyes ’90 and Danielle Boone Benhard ’96 Father of Daniela Bottini ’80
James Brown
Husband of Mary Margaret Burke Brown ’55
Elvira Bruno
Grandmother of Sydney Bruno ’18
Judith Burns
Mother of Mary Beth Burns Taylor ’78; grandmother of Megan Taylor ’11 and Kate Taylor ’16
Rose Caponiti
Grandmother of Kelly Whalen Morgan ’99, Katie Whalen McLaughlin ’01 and Sarah Whalen Kelly ’06
Jean Clarken
Mother of Carol Clarken Davis ’78 and Julie Clarken Stillwell ’81
Irene Cour
Mother of Margaret Cour Murphy ’71; grandmother of Katie Murphy McGrath ’01 and Maggie Murphy ’08
Joan Cradock
Mother of Jeanne Cradock Mulcahy ’86, Julia Cradock O’Leary ’89, and Janet Cradock Stankus ’91
David Daigle, Sr.
Father of Allison Daigle Brown ’89 and Christine Daigle Weiss ’96
Brian Dolan
Father of Katy Dolan Castell ’04 and Amy Dolan Russell ’07
Brother of Avery Kathleen Dworshak ’07 Father of Anne Feeney Mascari ’83, Maureen Feeney Byrne ’84, Kathryn Feeney Ford ’86 and Joanne Feeney ’91; grandfather of Olivia Mascari ’20
Barbara Fegan
Mother of Sharon Fegan Guiliani ’86; grandmother of Kathryn Falatko ’05
Keith Lyons
Brother-in-law of Andrea Mahany Eisch ’80 and Danielle Mahaney Ballantine ’86 (Staff); uncle of Maeve Ballantine ’17
Terrence McCall
Father of Kim McCall ’01
Francis McLaughlin
Father of Patricia McLaughlin McGinley ’71, Kathleen McLaughlin Preston ’72, Theresa McLaughlin Long ’73, Susan McLaughlin Graham ’78; grandfather of Katie Bowen Long Brenneman ’04, Kelly Preston ’08 and Colleen McLaughlin ’12
P. Kelly Mikules
Husband of Carol Hook Mikules ’63 (deceased)
Eileen Morris
Mother of Margaret Morris Shachter ’59
Marcella Murphy
Mother of Dolores Murphy Maloney ’82; grandmother of Trish Murphy ’02, Monica Murphy ’14, Eileen Murphy ’16 and Maggie Maloney ’17
Tom German, III
Michael Raleigh
JoAnna Gray
J. Gregory Steele
Father of Taylor German ’11 Mother of Jennifer Gray ’02
Sister Mary Stella Haske, C.S.C. (Former Staff) Agnes Horrigan Mother of Katherine Horrigan Hinken ’76; grandmother of Tiffany Horrigan ’02 and Tara Horrigan Bewley ’04
Rita Jalette
Mother of Joyce Jalette Shotts ’79 and Connie Jalette Kirby ’82
Benjamin Jason
Father of Constance Jason Roos ’69 and Theresa Jason Kiss ’70
Lucie Marie Kelly
Grandmother of Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley ’99 and Megan Schaeffer ’01
Peter Kratz, III
Son of Cynthia Masucci Kratz ’70
Frank Kuwamura, Jr.
Father of Diane K. Kuwamura ’83
Bernard Lavins, Jr.
Son of Catherine Gannon Lavins ’50
Brother of Kathleen Raleigh Lilley ’85
Brother of Margaret Steele ’64; brother-in-law of Carole Edmonston Steele ’63 Richard Teti Stepson of Eleanor Teti ’56
Vincent Tran
Brother of Vanessa Tran ’10
Mary Elizabeth Troy
Sister of Maggie Troy Zimmerman ’75, Catherine Troy Franklin ’79, Ann Troy Pottker ’81, Ellen Troy Bouchard ’82 and Jane Troy Trebilcock ’85
John Ward Husband of Suzanne Marshall Ward ’63
Thomas Warner
Husband of Doris Gardiner Warner ’52 (deceased); brother-in-law of Carolyn Lenz Warner ’58; uncle of Kathleen Warner Bula ’79 (Staff), Christine Warner McDaniel ’80 (deceased), Mary Susan Warner Kernan ’82, Ann Warner DeVol ’86, Jennifer Warner Corrigan ’89 and Elizabeth Warner Morelli ’92 THE ACADEMY OF THE HOLY CROSS 57
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