ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH
LEGACY magazine
WINTER 2022
Best Decision Ever The Academy was where it all began for Emmy award winner Robin Deehan ‘06 LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2021 2
ACADEMY OF SAINT ELIZABETH
LEGACY magazine
ISSUE 5 | WINTER 2021
Ellen Denuto (left) and Cristina Rovayo will enrich photography and the traditional Fine Arts programs offered at the Academy.
Lynn Burek Principal
Lauren Cor vo Assistant Principal
Meet the Masters Helen Kotoulas Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Jeremy Mayer Director of Athletics/ Facilities Manager
Megan Knight Director of Development & Alumnae Relations
Beth Ellen Walsh Director of Counseling
Joseph Ziaya Director of Communications
Lisa Ratz
AOSE welcomes new art teachers Ellen Denuto and Cristina Rovayo Founding member and president of the N.J. Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers, Ms. Denuto began her career as a Technical Representative for the Illford Corporation and Photo Archivist at the Paterson Museum. Her work has been featured in 100 New York Photographers, The Tao of Seeing, The World's Greatest Black and White Photography, Legendary Brides, and more. She created and curated the ongoing exhibitions entitled "The Other America" and "The Artist as Art." In addition to teaching at the Academy, Ms. Denuto is also an Adjunct Professor of Traditional Photography for several universities. Cristina Rovayo: Cristina earned a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Elizabeth University and an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She continues to further her creativity, teaching Art as an adjunct professor at Saint Elizabeth University. Cristina’s personal work takes on a sculptural form through handmade paper, thread, and found objects. "By working with handmade paper and thread, I am able to combine these mediums and weave together my personal narrative throughout my work.”
Director of Technology
@TheAcademyofSaintElizabeth @academyofsaintelizabeth @aoseathletics @Academy1860 @AOSE1860 @AOSE1860
During the Christmas season, Art II students learned how to use oil pastels to create drawings of their favorite Christmas ornaments.
www.aosenj.org The Academy of Saint Elizabeth is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women, founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Our mission is to promote the disciplines of academic excellence and moral responsibility within our young women by sustaining a scholarly environment and a nurturing community of faith. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth 2
LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022
Panthers Lacrosse Wins First Division Title page 22 Celebrating a historic season for Panther Athletics.
what’s
INSIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On the Cover
Lulu Hunter Receives Class of 1967 Scholarship, page 17 Her success remains focused on what she can do for others.
Class of ‘21 commencement speaker Robin Deehan ‘06, pictured with Gregory Yarnall, longtime faculty member, academic team leader, swim coach and mentor. Mr. Yarnall has been serving at the Academy since 1995.
Letter from the Principal . . . . . . . 4 Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Irish Step Dancing Champion Tara Malone, Student Website Design, Easter Baskets, Breast Cancer Awareness, Model UN Global Summit, Junior Ring Ceremony, Bishop’s Mass, Class Reunions
Best Decision Ever . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Students share why the Academy was their Best Decision Ever
Education: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 A Pilgrimage in Learning, Adventure and Grace, by Dr. Kimberly Borin, Ed. D.
Remembering Ms. O’Rourke . . . . 16 Student Spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lulu Hunter ‘22; Class of ‘21 Valedictorian Molly McKenna
Irish Step Dancing, page 8 Tara Malone ‘24 wins U.S. National Irish Step Dancing Championship, with plans to compete in the world championships in Ireland this year.
Class of 2021 Commencement, page 18-21 Graduates leave the Academy for new beginnings empowered by the lasting gift of SEAsterhood.
Where it All Began. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Emmy award-winner Robin Deehan ‘06 delivers 2021 Commencement address
Panthers News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Supporting the Academy . . . . . . . 26 Fashion Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 3
A Mission-Driven Experience Lynn A. Burek Principal Academy of Saint Elizabeth lburek@aose.info
With the recent change of season, I am ever mindful of how quickly time passes and how important it is to live in the moment, enjoy simple pleasures, and immerse oneself in goodness, prayer and positivity, especially during this very challenging time in our history. The beauty of our campus, the warmth of our charming school building, smiles on the faces of our young women as they enter the Academy each day, ice-cream socials, welcome back barbecues, and Mass in the Holy Family Chapel — these simple pleasures help to define the life of our school, both past and present. In September, we welcomed 56 new freshmen who comprise the Class of 2025! Our enrollment is growing, and our community is flourishing. Students are meeting with success in the classroom, on the athletic field, and engaged in meaningful work in the realm of service and sustenance of those in need. We are proud of who we are today and look forward to the future with such optimism. Capitalizing on that optimism, our admissions slogan this year is Best Decision Ever! Our goal is to involve our current students and alumnae from across generations in this campaign by providing avenues to express just why attending the Academy of Saint Elizabeth was YOUR best decision ever. Please be on the lookout for opportunities to share your story. We would love to hear from you! We continue to be inspired by your stories, your connection to us, and your generous support, so please keep in touch. May you be uplifted by the stories you read in this edition of Legacy and take pride in the great work being done at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth in the name of preserving the storied herstory of our revered Academy and sacred mission of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth begun so many years ago. We are all part of something truly special. May God bless you abundantly and keep you in His warm embrace,
Lynn Burek Principal
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accents
Scan for photos from the Junior Ring Ceremony!
Junior Ring Ceremony The Class of 2023 celebrated their Junior Ring Ceremony on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The class ring, a symbol of our mission and a student becoming an upperclassman, has been an academic tradition dating back nearly 180 years. Today, while the rings have evolved in appearance and style, they continue to symbolize the growth of each student and their promising future, even beyond that of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. In the ceremony, each student in the Class of 2023 was presented a yellow rose alongside their ring. Upon receiving their ring, the girls wear them facing inward as a sign of their pending graduation in 2023. Once they have graduated, it is tradition for the ring to be worn facing outward. The outward wearing of the ring not only shows that a student has now graduated, but also acts as a sign of pride in one’s alma mater for all to see. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on their major milestone in their academic journey!
Model UN Team Celebrated at Global Summit In December, the Academy’s Model UN team met virtually with high school students from across the globe to discuss the urgent issues of climate change, access to clean drinking water and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Collectively, AOSE’s team members were assigned representation for the countries of Columbia, Germany, France, Myanmar, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, and Panama during the summit. Students spent months preparing for this meeting, under the supervision of Ms. Kelly, by researching these issues on a global level along with methods by which such issues could be addressed. Once the students were assigned their countries at the Model UN conference, they spent their time further researching these issues from the perspective of the countries which they
would represent. At the end of the conference, various awards were presented to students who achieved notoriety for their presentations and interactions with other participants. Maggie Macchiarola ‘22, Grace Roethlin ‘22, Alexa McCarus‘23 and Kate Condon ‘23 each received an honorable mention in their respective committees. Ava Romer ‘22 received the 2nd Place Outstanding Delegate Award for her work representing Indonesia on the Indigenous Peoples Rights committee. Isha Ghude ‘22 received the 1st Place Best Delegate Award for her work representing Indonesia on the Access to Clean Drinking Water committee. Congratulations to the Model UN team for their hard work, leadership, and achievements in creating solutions to our world’s current plights.
A ll t h e a c t i on on In s tagr am
@aos e at hl et ics ! Panthers photos, scores, updates and more! LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 5
Four Decades of Sisterhood Class of ‘81 offers their best wishes to young women On Friday, October 8, the Class of 1981 hosted their reunion at Academy of Saint Elizabeth. As the SEAsters toured the campus, some members of the Class of 1981 left a "best wishes" message for the current Academy students on one of the whiteboards in our classrooms. The message read "Best wishes to you St. E's girls!" Thank you to the Class of 1981 for returning to visit their alma mater and showing their continued support of the Academy!
Alumnae – Plan your reunion at the Academy! Contact Megan Knight, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations, at 973-290-5226 or mknight@aose.info
25 Years Feels Like Yesterday Thank you for allowing the Academy to host the 25 year reunion for Class of 1996! A special shout out to Kate Kalevich for making the planning process a breeze. Another shoutout to Rula, for not only keeping your senior farewell slides all these years, but also bringing them to the reunion so we could take a walk down memory lane. Together, the Class of 1996 contributed $1,250.00 toward the alumnae scholarship fund in memory of Katy Deitchman. This truly meaningful gesture will forever honor the memory of a wonderful classmate.
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accents
Bishop Sweeney Celebrates All Souls’ Day Mass at AOSE Bishop discusses women’s impact on the Church in fueling the shared mission of Catholics and Christians in the last 150 years The Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, celebrated Mass for All Souls' Day on November 1 in Holy Family Chapel. During Bishop Sweeney's homily, he exhorted every student to use their voice, not only in our school community, but in the Church as well. Bishop Sweeney referenced that those who have had the greatest impact on the Church in the last 150 years were mostly women. Some of the women he
spoke about included St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and Dorothy Day. These women forever enhanced the mission of the Church, that same mission, Bishop Sweeney noted, being passed on to all Catholics and Christians today. Included in the Mass were the intentions of the AOSE community during the Prayers of the Faithful. These intentions were offered for the needs of families and friends of that Academy. The Mass was
also celebrated in remembrance of Alix Ann Arlinghaus '63. After the Mass, Bishop Sweeney met with a few students to discuss different topics, including college plans, academics, favorite sports teams, and dreams for the future. In the evening, Bishop Sweeney blessed the newly renovated Study Hall during a special blessing ceremony. Thank you to Bishop Sweeney for visiting the Academy for his Bishop’s Mass and visit.
SEAsters Making Strides The month of October was filled with pink outfits, bake sales, and various fundraisers, all in an attempt to "make strides" against breast cancer. Since 1985, October has globally been assigned as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the goal of not only raising awareness, but also funding for research to bring an end to this terrible disease. The campaign has been waged for over 35 years now with vast amounts of information and advancements being discovered during that period of time. These giant leaps forward are made possible through events hosted by schools, like AOSE, businesses, and organizations in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Bake sales were sponsored throughout the month, including one hosted by
both the Tennis and Field Hockey teams. Numerous cookies, brownies, cupcakes, homemade candies, and more all helped raise the first round of donations for Breast Cancer research. Pink-Out Days where students could wear pink outfits and accessories showed solidarity in our mission to find a cure for Breast Cancer. To conclude the month, the National Honor Society, under the supervision of Mrs. Prasad, along with other members of the AOSE community, attended the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk. When all these different endeavours were combined, AOSE raised over $5,500 for Breast Cancer research. This level of support shows SEAsterhood extends beyond our school’s walls in support of all women. LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 7
Irish Step Dancing With a Star: Tara Malone ‘24, 2021 U.S. National Champion Her feet gently settle on the marley flooring of a Verona dance studio after hours of calculated, determined practice. The intricate movements associated with Irish step dancing have become a lifestyle for Tara Malone, accounting for hundreds of hours of practicing every month. These seemingly endless days, which begin with attending high school classes like any other 15-year-old girl, extend into late night affairs with rhythmic strides and jigs. Tara’s twelve year journey through the whirling world of Irish step dancing has culminated in her coronation as the United States National Champion for 2021. Her journey to that title required a great deal of support from family, friends, coaches and teachers, all of whom together formed a championship pedigree that now looks to compete on the global stage. Since she was three years old, Tara has felt the soft leather of her dance shoes tighten around her feet in preparation for that day’s practice. While Tara’s mother, maternal aunts, and sister (Shannon Malone ‘19, who placed 40th out of 92 competitors in her age bracket when competing against individuals from across the United States and Mexico) all had skillfully taken to dancing as children; success in the business of Irish step dancing is earned, not inherited. Her dedication to her craft grew throughout elementary and middle school, forgoing other extracurriculars like soccer to focus and hone her skills in dancing. When looking at how much dancing has become a part of her life, Tara spends two to five hours on any given day, seven days a week, in training. These practices do not take into account the Irish step dancing competitive season, which spans the entire year. “Once I get closer [to a major competition]...I will be there [dance studio] twice a day.” Twice a day - up to ten hours of grueling practices
All in the family: (RIGHT) Tara’s sister Shannon Malone ‘19 is also a competitive dancer. The siblings are the great, great nieces of Sister Mary Richard (Malone) of the Sisters of Charity, as well. (LEFT) Tara pictured with AOSE Health & Wellness faculty member, Ciara McGovern and her dance coach.
that gave birth to this world-class champion dancer. When COVID-19 came and put the world at a standstill, Tara continued to treble her way through the pandemic in pursuit of a national championship. “I have a room in my basement with mirrors and a special floor, so I was lucky because a lot of people didn’t. We had Zoom classes in which I would continually practice.” Tara’s dancing coach and Academy of Saint Elizabeth Physical Fitness teacher, Ms. Ciara McGovern, worked extensively with Tara during the pandemic. “Tara showed up to every Zoom class I held. We
would also schedule private Zoom classes and physical fitness training sessions too. Tara used to be a petite girl when she first started dancing. It took us two years of training in the gym for her to gain the muscle which makes her a strong, powerful dancer.” Tara’s resilience during the pandemic led to her championship performance at the 2021 U.S. National Competition, the first competition since the onset of the pandemic. Yet this victory is not her first accolade in Irish step dancing. Tara qualified to compete in the world championship “for the first time in fifth grade” and
this national championship “Winning has taught me that if you keep
pushing through everything
”
you can still do well. 8
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accents then again qualified “in sixth grade, seventh grade, and eighth grade.” Those who qualify for the world championship competitions account for the top “one percent of Irish step dancers,” meaning Tara has been one of the top Irish step dancers in the world since she was in fifth grade. With these awe-inspiring dancing achievements, it seems an impossible feat to balance everything else in her life. However, Tara has managed to shoulder both her academic studies at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth and her Irish step dancing routines. She not only has become a national champion, but has grown as an exceedingly gifted scholar. At the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, Tara takes highly competitive, advanced honors classes for her course of study. Her rigorous schedule and high GPA are a testament to her well-rounded character beyond the dance floor. While Irish step dancing is ingrained into her persona, it is but a portion of who Tara truly is. The scholarly work she produces at the Academy speaks to the value of education in her life. When asked about her future aspirations beyond dancing, her focus is solely on academic success and attending a competitive college or university. Irish step dancing will always be a part of her life, yet she understands the need for a sound educational foundation. Tara has stable
footing in both these aspects of her life and looks only to enhance that standing into her future. Now that the national championship competition is over, her championship sash can gently hang from her humble shoulders. Tara continues her daily studies and nightly practices as if her national championship never happened. Yet a new, larger goal gleans on the horizon of her eyes: the world championship of Irish step dancing, scheduled to take place in Ireland in 2022. Tara has set foot on the world stage before, but this time a championship sash is traveling with her as a testament to her years of unyielding dedication and God-given talent. When asked what life lessons she has learned from years of dancing, hectic schedules, and a championship celebration, Tara has one simple answer: “To keep going and never give up. Winning this national championship taught me that if you keep pushing through everything, you can still do well.” Not only does Tara Malone still do well, she has achieved feats very few people will ever achieve in their lifetime. And at the end of the day, she will continue to lace up her dance shoes and practice harder than ever before on that supple, marley flooring as she pursues the Irish step dancing world championship.
Shannon Malone, '19, placed 40th out of 92 competitors in her age bracket in the United States and Mexico.
Marist Gains a Panther Mackenzie Schubert ‘22 will bring recordbreaking stats to D1 Cross Country & Track In November, Mackenzie Schubert ‘22, signed a letter of intent to run Cross Country and Track at the Division I level at Marist College. Mackenzie has accomplished a great deal during her time at the Academy, including breaking the school’s record for 1600m with a time of 5:38.76. She also broke the school’s record for 4x800m (with teammates Kate Picket, Claire Daly, and Avery Kelly) running a time of 11:26.15. Mackenzie is pictured with her family and Mr. Mayer as she celebrates this momentous occasion and incredible achievement.
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Follow the Signs The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho teaches us to pursue our dreams by following what your heart desires. Students reflect on what signs helped guide them to the Academy.
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"In elementary school, I would see a certain woman walk into the school everyday, just as I was. While taking the COOP test at the Academy, I saw this same woman walk into the building. After the exam, my mom mentioned she saw the woman too and said it gave her a good feeling about the Academy. That woman ended up being Ms. Kilgore. Looking back, it was an omen of where I would spend my 4 years of high school, and I wouldn't want to spend it anywhere else. I wouldn't change a thing."
"I believe I have received signs in my life that have helped to guide me. I have attended public school with my three siblings all my life. However, I was never happy in the large schools with hundreds of students per grade. In 8th grade I realized I wanted something different. There were many signs that guided me to the Academy. I have never regretted my decision to switch to a smaller school, and have found so much happiness. My decision to attend AOSE displays the true purpose of these signs."
"In my life, I experienced encouraging signs like Santiago. When deciding to enroll at the Academy, I looked everywhere for signs telling me what I should do. My mom took me to the Art show on campus. Toward the end, they talked about how amazing the girls are and how big of a community there was here. Nothing could have sold me more. That speech may have been meaningless to the person speaking, but it is the number one reason I came to the school. It was one of my best decisions ever."
Grace Voccola Class of 2023
Ella Tully Class of 2023
Brugge Erikson Class of 2024
LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022
“I wanted to attend a school where I would receive individual attention. When I visited the Academy, everyone was welcoming and friendly…I knew if I attended I would be very happy.”
Evelyn West ‘25
"Ever since coming here I have leveled up on my critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and social skills—and so much more.I would love to thank Saint E's for this amazing experience and giving me the opportunity to use these skills and prepare for my college experience."
Maara Lovelace-DeGraff ‘23
"I have made my best friends here and I have no doubt at all that once I graduate next year they will still be my favorite people in the world. SEAsterhood doesn't stop at the door, it carries on with you, wherever life may bring you. "
"Saint E’s opened the doors to new friendships, a better education and feeling like a student—not just a number."
Rachel Danzitz ‘22
Best Decision
Abigail Passarella ‘22
ever!
Ms. Knight & Mr. Ziaya asked students why choosing the Academy of Saint Elizabeth was their best decision ever. Their responses are a testament to the thriving legacy of our school.
"I get to spend my school days with amazing people. I have made some of the best friendships… and all the incredible teachers work hard to get the most out of their students."
Katie Dusko ‘23
"Saint E's provided me with a community I was able to thrive in. Everyone is extremely encouraging and welcoming, and I have made life-long friends."
"I was able to meet life-long friends and amazing teachers who uplift and encourage me in every way possible. I have experienced such a growth in my confidence… St. E's has allowed me to come out of my shell. I know I’m entering a loving and supportive environment every day."
Ishe Ghude ‘22
Claire Daly ‘22 LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 11
Education:
A Pilgrimage of Learning, Adventure and Grace by Dr. Kimberly Borin, Ed. D.
In his book The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho writes, “Why do we have to listen to our hearts?” the boy asked. “Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure.” Listening to our hearts, walking on a sacred journey, and searching for treasure is what we do as we are learning. Education is a pilgrimage of learning, adventure, and grace, one that helps us to find our gifts and understand our important role of bringing forth more love in the world. Our path of education through formal learning, adventure, and moments of grace continually shapes who we are and who we are becoming. This sacred journey becomes our story of how we bring grace into the world.
The Meaning of Pilgrimage Miriam Webster defines pilgrimage as: “a journey of a pilgrim especially: one to a shrine or a sacred place and the course of life on earth.” In my University Now Class, Children of Abraham, we look at the many pilgrimages undertaken within the monotheistic and other faiths. This might include Roman Catholics traveling to Vatican City in Rome to see where the Pope resides. It might mean learning 12
LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022
about Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammed. It might also mean learning about the journey to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel, another sacred site traveled by those of the Jewish faith. In our class, we also look at our own spiritual journey and even more particular journeys, like the one we traveled last year as we were learning during the pandemic as forms of holy pilgrimage. Looking at our life as a sacred pilgrimage offers us a new perspective on our journey. Looking at how we are learning, and what we are learning helps us to see how we are continually being shaped in mind, body, and spirit. As we look at our journey of learning, we can see moments of discernment and grace that affirm our gifts and see our special place of value in
the world. Here, I share some of the ways that I have learned and how education ultimately becomes a pilgrimage of following my heart and listening for grace.
Traveling through Formal Learning In looking at my journey of learning, I can’t help but reflect on the formal ways that I learned. I went to high school, attended the University of Delaware for my Bachelors Degree in Communications and my Masters in Education in College Counseling. After achieving my dream of becoming a guidance counselor, I decided to pursue a Doctorate in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from Rutgers University. There, I gathered stories about children’s favorite moments in nature and what they learned. Next, I attended Centenary College for a
“As we look at our journey of learning, we can
see moments of discernment and grace that affirm our gifts
”
and see our special place of value in the world.
faculty Master of Arts in Education where I earned my Principal and Supervisor’s certificate. Then, in pursuing my education to be a chaplain, I earned a third Master of Arts – this time in Theology from the College of Saint Elizabeth. Formal education along with a variety of other courses, offered a structure for my pilgrimage of learning. I realized that there was so much to learn and I still feel as though I am a beginner in so many areas!
Adventure, Travel, and Story as Curriculum John O’Donohue in his book Eternal Echoes writes, “Ideally, human life should be a constant pilgrimage of discovery. The most exciting discoveries happen at the frontiers. When you come to know something new, you come closer to yourself and to the world. Discovery enlarges and refines your sensibility. When you discover something, you transfigure some of the forsakenness of the world.” O’Donohue reminds us that learning can take place in many ways, through formal education, life experiences and more. Throughout my learning journey I have felt fortunate to learn through adventure, travel and through gathering stories. During my career as a guidance counselor and teacher, I have had the good fortune to meet people of other cultures and places who have shaped who I am as a learner, teacher, and person. Students in Cairo taught me about their religion and how to teach English in a hot Egyptian summer. The students I met in Swaziland during a Fulbright Group Study Project shared stories of their lives and how they survived and thrived in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. My students in South Africa taught me about the importance of access to language and education in a post-Apartheid era. The students I met as I rode my bicycle across the country taught me about their hopes across America. The pilgrims I met as I walked a segment on the Camino in Portugal, affirmed the spiritual insights that come with pilgrimage. Lastly, my students at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth contin-
A Moment on the Camino in Portugal by Kimberly Borin
ually inspire me with their desire to learn, their desire to bring hope to the world, and the passion with which they pursue their dreams.
Being Attentive to Grace Our journey of learning is filled with twists and turns, bumps in the road, occasional detours, unexpected vistas and also moments of quiet grace. If you are learning about pilgrimage, you will learn that the journey is indeed a process filled with moments of mystery, confusion, peace, joy and discernment too. These simple moments are available to us if we are learning about pilgrimage, undertaking a path of formal learning, or just leaning into the adventures and stories of life. These simple moments of being quiet, following our heart, listening for our gifts, and knowing what is the next right thing to do – are the most important gifts of the journey. These moments of grace were continually revealed as I learned to become a yoga teacher, a chaplain in the hospital, a teacher, and a Seton Associate with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth too. You Are Grace for the World Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the foundress of the Sisters of Charity, reminds us to, “Be attentive to the voice of grace.”
Her powerful words, written many years ago, are relevant and challenging for our own journey today. There is something about the simplicity and directness that catches our attention. Her encouragement reminds us to live into who we are and who we are becoming. As we grow and learn together, we are challenged to be present and to live into the uniqueness of who we are, one moment at a time. In these moments of listening, we are also challenged to take action by bringing more charity to the world. These acts of charity are continually revealed in the amazing and global work of the Sisters of Charity and in the work of the Seton Associates. Academy students who are members of Towards Boundless Charity carry this legacy of charity forward. This dynamic group helps to further the charism of the Sisters of Charity by living into the “movement” of grace in action and the possibility of greater love for the world. I look forward to working with these students as well as the Seton Associates as we walk forward with stories of hope for others. In these sacred and holy moments of story, possibility, and charity, we are reminded that we too are a voice of grace in the world. "Be attentive to the voice of
(Continued on page 16) LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 13
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Eileen O’Rourke It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that Ms. Eileen O'Rourke, beloved teacher, coach, friend and mentor to countless young women, passed away on October 31, 2021. A memorial service will be hosted at the Academy on March 12, 2022 where we can mourn this tremendous loss to our community and honor her 46 years of service across many generations of SEAsters. We’re honored to share some of the countless tributes to Ms. O’Rourke, submitted by alumnae and former colleagues.
Ms. O'Rourke was one of the good ones! She gave us her all... even rides to games, rides home. She was FUN! And she was SO young. How is it possible that she was only 7 years older than us? I loved her. I'm so grateful for Ms. O'Rourke in my life. Here's a picture of her with me and Viola Deluca at our 2001 class reunion. She, George Pantos and Connie McKenna joined our class in the SEA library. We were blessed with magnificent teachers! Rest in Peace, Ms. O'Rourke. –Kathleen Courtney, ‘75 Ms. O'Rourke made quite an impact on me. Her steady manner, wise words and consistent, fair discipline gave me confidence on the basketball court, volleyball court and in the classroom. Her teaching style successfully engaged us in lessons. I am so grateful we were able to connect again at the Academy for her retirement celebration a few years ago. Her tragic death is quite a loss for her family, friends and the Academy. –Cathy Waldron Balto, ‘80 14
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Ms. O’Rourke was my teacher, coach and mentor. Some of my favorite memories centered around her driving our sports teams to away games in the blue van, singing our hearts out to ‘80s tunes & her rolling her eyes & telling us to make other career choices, or letting us talk her into stops at Dunkin Donuts after a match. Ms. O’Rourke unintentionally gave me my nickname that has stuck with my friends to this day! We were out on the soccer field practicing & I was doing something wrong (likely off-sides) and she yelled at me across the field, “Fox!” We all stopped in our tracks in confusion. My last name was “Wolfe,” but “Patti Fox” instead of “Tricia Wolfe” was born! –Tricia Wolfe Anton, ‘87 Ms. O’Rourke led by example. Watching her dedicate her life to teaching was admirable. She loved athletics and was always somewhere in the crowd watching your game. I was in her class the morning of 9/11, and I have her to thank for making me feel safe. She never shielded us from the truth. She was always honest and taught us how to stay strong through the tough moments. While in graduate school, Ms. O’Rourke hired me as the lacrosse coach where she again guided me in the right direction, giving me the confidence to stay in my new career path. You will never meet a former student who does not have the utmost respect for her. She will be missed. –Kelly Sullivan, ‘04
Ms. O’Rourke was not only an amazing coach but an excellent teacher as well! I’ll never forget the day Marion Gallo and I thought it would be funny to jump out of the classroom window, during class when Ms. O’Rourke was not looking. Needless to say, that was not one of my brighter ideas in high school. She was a great basketball and softball coach. She was tough, fair and really pushed us to be the best athletes we could. She did not put up with nonsense and for that discipline I am very grateful. She will always be remembered with fondness, love and laughter. –Maureen Duggan Cuff, ‘81
The class of 1976 often invited Ms. O'Rourke to their gatherings. She was a huge presence at SEA and influenced so many of us. Boarding would not have been the same with another prefect. –Elizabeth Holzback, ‘76
My finest memory and a reminder that while she was tough as nails, she was also a proud part of the SEA athletic family. I was racing for the swim team and the relay was a little behind our arch rival at the time Mountain Lakes ...I got up on the block and I looked over and she was the last person I saw before I dove in and she gave me one of those looks like "You got this" and a quick thumbs up, when I touched at the wall and we beat Mountain Lakes, I turned and looked at my coach and then at Ms. O'Rourke and I swear at that moment she had tears of pride in her eyes! I had never seen her be emotional. I will never forget that moment. A special woman has been lost. She taught us all so many things. Sometimes it was tough love, but it was all love! -Kara Lennon Muscillo, ‘94
I had the privilege of teaching physical education in the 80’s at AOSE. Eileen was one of the first to show me the ropes and was a mentor. My daughter Kara Lennon would later become an AOSE student. It was one of the best experiences for our family. The mother daughter tea, school trips abroad and, of course, the beautiful graduation. Again Eileen and I consulted on things to help my daughter enjoy her life at school. I am so happy to have known her, and that Kara had the privilege of being her student. Rest well, my friend. –Karen Lennon Graaeber Former Physical Education Teacher
Eileen O'Rourke was a truly beautiful woman. She helped form me (and many many other young women) into strong, confident women. Every memory I have of her is special and makes me smile. Beyond being an incredibly engaging and brilliant teacher, she was compassionate, openminded, and supportive of all our efforts, mistakes, and successes. She taught us how to look at both sides of any argument and make informed decisions. She was gifted at making us feel heard and important. I will always remember our class trips to NYC and how much fun she made them for us. Thank you, Ms. O'Rourke, for all that you gave us. You will live in my heart forever. -Karen Cesta Hitzeman, ‘81 Ms. O’Rourke was an ever present influence in the Emmer household from 1979-1987 as she was a mentor, teacher and coach to me and my three sisters. I was thrilled to find her still at the Academy when I returned to coach there in 2014. She taught us to be strong, independent women and never gave up on us. She taught and coached with an iron fist, and we never doubted she loved every one of us. If the young ladies I coach now have half of the love and respect for me that I had for O’Rourke, my heart will be full. May she Rest In Peace knowing all the lives she has touched in such a positive way. -Anna Emmer Russo, ‘87 I saw Ms. O’Rourke last 4 years ago when my daughter did her visit day at SEA - I was so happy to see a familiar face and introduce Lindsey to this Legend at SEA. She said it was her last year and I am so grateful she saw me brag about her in front of my daughter. She was hard but damn great at her job. She loved the Academy and her students and was absolutely one of my favorite teachers. She will be missed by this alumna! RIP Ms. O'Rourke 💕-Julie McGee Verbaro, ‘90
Ms. O'Rourke was the first high school teacher who told me I could do anything I set my mind to, and truly believed it. "Just be the best you can be Fraser" she would say to me. "You can do anything, and if you're good at it no one will tell you that you can't". She was tough but in the best way possible, holding you accountable and not taking any excuses. I want to send you one more email or one more Christmas card to tell you what I'm up to now. To tell you that I'm working my first marathon this weekend as the start operation lead. To hear back "that's my girl.” To tell you I am still trying to be the best - Because you taught me I could be. -Elle Rose Fraser, ‘12
You impacted our lives in countless ways and taught us lessons that would last a lifetime. Thank you for all you did for us, you were truly loved. -Elizabeth Hausler Bullock, ‘03
The Eileen O’Rourke Scholarship Fund has raised nearly $8,000 in memory of her decades of service to countless young women at the Academy. Your contribution will honor Ms. O’Rourke’s memory and Magazine | WINTER 2022 15 help continue her legacy for future generationsLEGACY of SEAsters.
Education (Continued from page 13) grace." Trust that you are the voice of grace the world needs today. “A Blessing” by John O’Donohue from his book,Eternal Echoes, Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses. May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon. May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path. May the flame of anger free you from falsity. May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger around you. May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul. May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention. May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul. May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.
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SIT.
From Gravy, Not Soup by Dr. Kimberly Borin, Ed. D. I was praying and filled to the brim with so many ideas, desires, and hopes. I was looking for a new direction, a calling, next steps, and a road map clarifying the journey ahead. In my earnest prayer, I asked, “Lord, what shall I do next?” I sensed a small whisper of an answer when I heard this: “Sit.” Surely, I must have missed something. Sit? Was this it? I was hoping for something with at least two syllables, something grander, maybe even lifechanging! I thought perhaps I must have misheard, so I prayed again and again and then again on another day. The answer was always the same, a gentle loving nudge to do nothing else but “Sit.” And so it was. I began to sit and, more importantly, notice when I wasn’t sitting. I tried to explore different versions of sitting. I thought perhaps I was to: sit there, sit with me, sit down and enjoy the ride, sit still, or even, sit down and eat your vegetables. I even tried: sit, stay!; sit with us; sit in the sun; sit down and put your feet up, and sit down and daydream awhile. While many of those options seemed lovely, nothing fit except to “Sit.” My brother-in-law had mentioned that he learned to pray by focusing on a word that was revealed in prayer. He was granted a three-syllable word filled with transformation, new beginnings, and insight. Later, I shared with him my little three-letter word. With head down, I slowly revealed, “All I got was ‘Sit.’ ” My sacred word and spiritual directive began to take on more meaning. It granted me permission to rest, to wait on a decision, and to hold my emotions in check until clarity was given. It helped me
to be present to God, to grace, to mercy, and even the sound of the world around me. I learned to sit with mystery, my breath, with time, and the sun. I also learned to sit on the floor, on the porch, with friends, with children, with those who were sick, and those who needed an ear. The sitting taught me about being fully present. Later, I shared my little word with my spiritual director, and she silently nodded with a knowing smile. I could tell that she thought the word was more powerful than I had yet to realize. What was interesting about the timing of the word was that I had just recovered from a concussion, where I had already spent a fair amount of time lying down. I had also started training to be a contemplative prayer retreat leader and would need to understand the power of sitting as well as how to nourish others in being silent too. That little word continues to help me to be present and to laugh out loud, especially when I think I have something big to do in the world. I can’t help but smile at my simple directive to sit down, be available to love in the world, and breathe. I am still learning to sit and understand the special nudge I received. This has proven to be very helpful when people tell me they are hoping for a big inspirational moment, or a road map of next steps, and wonder why they have been given only a simple thing to do. In those moments, I feel myself nodding silently with a smile on my face. I know that whatever words they have been given – no matter what size or number of syllables – will lead to a chance to sit, to be, and to be loved.
students
Class of 1967 Scholarship Lulu Hunter ‘22 shares keys to her success: leading with quiet, determined grace The Class of 1967 Scholarship was established to inspire current students to achieve academic excellence, while also developing a deep appreciation for the Academy of Saint Elizabeth experience and the many opportunities it affords. In 2021, one student clearly exceeded these expectations in both her AOSE story and her own personal journey. Wen Lu Hunter (lovingly referred to as Lulu by her family and friends) was born in China on February 16, 2004. While she does not remember much of her early life in China, Lulu can recall with certainty that “many guardian angels…held my hands in my early years.” Those guardian angels would turn into a loving forever family when Lulu was adopted by Christine and Mark Hunter in 2008. With Coco (her Himalayan cat) and her parents, Lulu has developed a greater appreciation for the integral parts of life: family, friends, and community. This path of appreciation for both the great and small moments in life helped shape her into the ideal candidate for the Class of 1967 Scholarship. From her humble beginnings, Lulu blossomed into a quiet, yet highly focused young woman with many big goals and dreams. Lulu’s use of a checklist helps her keep goals in front of her, awaiting the moment she can mark each item off the list after its completion. Some of her goals, however, require no checklist, as Lulu points out. “Being a loyal friend, being
compassionate, and realizing that everyone needs a helping hand in life every now and then is what I use as a moral compass.” This not only guides the attainment of her dreams, but also fortifies Lulu's commitment to her fellow SEAsters. At the top of Lulu’s checklist are academic success and a future career enabling her to help others. Lulu admits that while she may be reserved, she will not settle for anything less than her best. “I like to think I have a quiet ambition, but that does not mean I accept second place easily. I am grateful for any chances and opportunities that come my way, and I do my best to work hard to deserve them.” Lulu’s experience at the Academy has offered the opportunity to not only excel academically, but in her role as Field Hockey Manager and with activities like the Beautification Committee, Latin Club, National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, and Toward Boundless Charity. Lulu’s drive and determination are bolstered by many life experiences. Born with a medical condition requiring numerous surgeries to correct, Lulu quickly transformed challenges into an unquenchable drive to succeed and assist others. “Those challenging years taught me anything is possible to overcome. Many people were there for me at key moments and critical junctures…[and] I am determined to one day to do the same for someone else…I still confront daily challenges, but I do not see them as a burden,” Lulu says. “Every-
one fights their own battles, but I have learned to turn my challenges into an asset,” she continues. Lulu’s condition requires the daily use of orthotics for efficient mobility. Secured around her ankles and feet through velcro, these devices remind Lulu of how she sees herself and her future. “I am a lot like the velcro that secures my orthotics. It’s strong and durable, like me,” she explains. Planning to pursue a career in Biomedical Engineering, Lulu hopes to one day design a device to make others lives more enjoyable. With college on the horizon, Lulu shared her inspiring goals while planning her college journey. “I hope to be in an environment that is engaging, inspiring, and motivational. I look forward to learning new things and applying new skills that I will acquire along the way, which I can one day use to benefit others. My own life story has taught me so much about putting others first and what can be gained when you lead with quiet, determined grace.”
S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T:
Molly McKenna ‘21 Her Valedictorian speech delivered to Class of 2021
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
(From June 6, 2021) Good afternoon, Mrs. Burek, Mrs. Corvo, Sisters of Charity, members of the Board of Trustees, administration, Ms. Deehan, faculty, parents, grandparents and guests. I don’t know if any of you have been to an art museum lately, but if you ever have or ever will, I think there’s always a certain humanity to the antiquities department. It’s a very unique experience to stand in a room of sculpted figures from 2000 years ago, and it won’t take you long to notice a certain theme of the work—the Greeks sculpted perfection. What you’ll see is strong, heroic men and soft, virginal 18
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women, and not much else. The Greeks believed, and I’m generalizing here for the purpose of brevity, that, somewhere out there, there was such a thing as a perfect human being, that there were mathematical proportions which denoted the ideal figure. This idea of mathematical perfection persisted. You can see it in the works of da Vinci during the Renaissance and, in a way, you can see it today. Essentially every culture on earth has had their own ideas of perfection. Rococo women painted their faces with leadbased makeup to achieve pale skin. Ancient Mayans used wooden boards to permanently alter a newborn infant’s soft
skull. For a thousand years, aristocratic Chinese women broke and bound the feet of their young daughters to achieve a three-inch foot. In the digital age, it’s so much easier than ever before to be exposed to our own culture’s ideals. We watch makeup tutorials from influencers with thousands of dollars of cosmetic surgery, skincare, cameras, and lighting, and we ask ourselves why our makeup never looks as good as theirs. We see photoshopped bikini pictures from celebrities with personal trainers and private chefs, and ask ourselves why our bodies don’t look like theirs. We make idols out of people and worship manufactured versions of
them. And then we compare ourselves to a version of reality that doesn’t even exist. In the late nineteenth century, there was a sculptor named Auguste Rodin. His most famous work is The Thinker which you might know from Night at the Museum 2. We probably wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at it, desensitized as we are to modern art, but his work was actually extremely radical for the time. Up until the nineteenth century, art, particularly sculpture, almost exclusively presented perfection. As with the Greeks, you see humankind in its purest, most beautiful form. You see men and women as you might never see them in real life. There were very rigid societal expectations of what constituted aesthetic beauty, what was permissible to show to the public. Even babies could be painted with six-pack abs in medieval times. Auguste Rodin rejected this. His sculptures were not aesthetically beautiful. To many of his time and today, they looked rough and incomplete, like a sketch before a final product. I think that’s how a lot of us view ourselves. We look in the mirror
and see a before picture like in some awful old weight-loss commercial. We see ourselves as a sketch of what we would like to become—what we could only become, if we looked like her or dressed like her or owned what she owns. And we beat on, boats against the current, living as a series of before pictures, constantly striving towards an after that no one can achieve. Auguste Rodin is considered one of the greatest sculptors to ever live. His work has been on display in the most famous art museums in the world, in Manhattan, Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, Prague, and Barcelona. And you know, some people might look at it and think it’s ugly and unfinished. They might think it’s a mockery of what sculpture is meant to be. Others look at it and think it’s some of the greatest art that’s ever been made. I think we’re all going to run into both kinds of people in our lives, even if the former seems more prevalent. Because there are always going to be people out there who put you down and reduce you to your physical appearance or your academic record or your wardrobe. People who make you feel like
the before image in a glow up video. There are also going to be people who look at you and see a work of fine art. All you have to do is decide which of those people you want to listen to. That’s the beauty of art—a thousand people can look at the same work and think a thousand different things. And I think life is art, at its core. In one of my religion classes, I read of different models of creation and something that really stuck with me is the idea of creation as artistic expression. That God is a sculptor. And not that God needs my approval, but I think he knew what he was doing. I think God purposely left us as unfinished sculptures, and that’s the point. There’s not supposed to be an after. There is no finish line on this side. Do you know what the beauty of an unfinished sculpture is? You can always add more to it.
Molly McKenna Valedictorian, Class of 2021 Academy of Saint Elizabeth
Scan for more photos from ‘22 Commencement LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 19
Robin Deehan ‘06 Former student-athlete delivers Commencement address to Class of ‘21
I am honored to be your commencement speaker this year. It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years since I sat here on the lawn in my white gown, holding red roses -- in my opinion, it's truly the most beautiful and unique graduation tradition of any high school in the state. When asked to join you today, I was flooded with memories of my time here at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. So I thought it might be fun to tell you a quick story -especially because Mr. Yarnall is still here on the faculty. It was 2002, my freshman year, and we had only been here a few weeks, still acclimating to what high school classes were like and how to keep track of a B day versus a C day. So, very early on it's time for freshman year history with Mr. Yarnall, we walk in prepared to absorb the knowledge of ancient cultures, albeit unenthusiastically. Then all of a sudden, Mr. Yarnall pops in a movie - my classmates and I turn and look at each other thinking "wow, this is so great... we're already getting to watch movies in class... this guy is the best." The movie was about the Mayans... their culture, history, and most importantly their calendar. The narrator proceeds to tell us that it's one of the 20
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most accurate calendars in history... but in a not so comforting twist -- the movie abruptly turns dark and tells us the Mayan calendar comes to an end on December 21, 2012 - and it is expected that a series of cataclysmic events could take place, resulting in the end of civilization. With that, the movie ends, Mr. Yarnall turns it off, nothing is said, and class is dismissed. As you can imagine it was quite the shock to a bunch of 14 year old girls getting used to high school life... we just looked at each other, walked out silently, and started mentally preparing for the apocalypse. Of course the world didn't end, but when December 2012 rolled around, my high school friends and I all checked in with each other -- just to make sure everything was ok...so thanks for that Mr. Yarnall. I know all of you are leaving here today with your own memories, many of them are fond, and some too, are thought-provoking. I believe you will also be leaving here with one of the best educations you could possibly ask for, well-prepared to pursue your studies at college and to navigate your professional lives. I was a three-sport athlete here at St. E's and after graduation, I went on to play
lacrosse at The College of New Jersey. When I got there I was already ahead of the game when it came to juggling multiple classes, different daily schedules, a demanding academic workload and a college sport on top of it. The small class size and individual attention I received here at St. E's gave me the confidence to participate in those college courses, to freely express opinions, to look at things from multiple perspectives and to be an all-around successful student-athlete. But the most important tools St. E's gave me are faith and confidence - that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Life can be very challenging, plenty of obstacles are going to be thrown your way that you will have to overcome -- you're actually already doing it navigating a pandemic through your high school years. When I was at St. E's, my father was diagnosed with cancer, despite going through treatment he never missed any of my St. E's field hockey, basketball or lacrosse games. He died on the first day of lacrosse practice my sophomore year at TCNJ, he never got to see me play a college game... while I wasn't ready for it, a week later, I was back at practice with the faith in God
“
But the most important tools St. E’s gave me
are faith and confidence.”
that he was ok and the confidence and determination to carry on and make him proud. And by the way, don't underestimate the value of your parents support, not just in paying the tuition to give you the advantage of a private, faith-based education, but also by showing up to support your efforts and celebrate your successes in all aspects of your life these past eighteen years. By my senior year at TCNJ, I was captain of the team, and we made a run in the NCAA tournament. But something else happened that season. I was featured as the athlete of the week... they asked me a series of questions, one of which was "what is your dream job?" - I replied, "I want to be on the field when the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl" -- I'm an Eagles fan for the record and I made this what Giants fans might describe as, insane declaration - in 2010, and that article still lives online, -- but I'll come back to this point in bit.
After my college graduation, I worked a few years in Ad Sales at CNN, but I knew sports media was the passion I wanted to pursue. I applied to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University to get my Master's in broadcast and digital journalism. While there, I was able to meet and learn from some of the best broadcasting personalities in the business. I started to have faith that I too could achieve the success I wanted. My first on-air job was a local news reporter and anchor in Lubbock, Texas.. it was not glamorous, but I believed I was on the right path to get to where I wanted to be. Luckily, after nine months, I secured a transfer to Scranton, Pennsylvania where I was able to fulfill my dream of being a sports reporter and anchor. Every couple years, my station, WBRE, would send a reporter to cover the Olympics, to me it sounded like a dream. So, I made it a point to go into my boss's office every day to ask him if the station could send me.
Finally, after about the 100th time... he called me in and said look I can't send you to the Olympics, but I have a consolation... we'll send you to cover this year's Super Bowl. Not a bad consolation prize I thought, but it was September 2017, and no one knew which two teams would be playing in the big game that year... but based on my now -- not so insane declaration I made eight years earlier -- I guess you know where this story is going. Despite losing their starting quarterback to a knee injury right before the playoffs -- the Eagles still somehow went to the Super Bowl with a back-up quarterback -- beat Tom Brady and the Patriots -- and I was right there on the field when it happened... I know it was faith and confidence that got me there. Since then, I've covered all major professional sports leagues, interviewed hall of famers and Olympians, won an Emmy award and have finally made it home to News 12 New Jersey, in market number one, working alongside some of those people who used to guest lecture at Syracuse. Working in sports, nine times out of ten I am the only woman in the room - but I thrive on that, because St. E's gave me the foundation I needed to be confident in that room, to be an independent thinker and doer, to succeed in difficult situations, to embrace and trust that faith will carry me through. So back to the Mayans and their calendar. As December, 2012 approached, their doomsday prediction was debated by scholars and historians. And some suggested the Mayans were not predicting the apocalypse - rather, the end of an age and a new beginning. How fitting that as you graduate, the pandemic is coming to an end and there are new beginnings for you. As members of the St. E's sisterhood, you've got the tools to succeed: especially faith and confidence. So find your passion, take chances, set goals and make them happen. Congratulations Class of 2021, I have faith that you are destined for great things and I am confident you will achieve them!
Megan Knight, Lauren Corvo, Robin Deehan and Lynn Burek.
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from the SPORTS DESK Panthers Lacrosse Win First Division Title Head Coach Patrick Crann, named Coach of the Year by NJ.com, helped lead the Panthers to a historic 13-3 season record (a division record of 7-0), dominating the NJIGLL Colonial South Division. Winning nine out of their first ten games, the Panthers rocketed their way to their first division title in program history. Unfortunately, their championship run came to an end with a loss to Chatham,
who would eventually become county champions. [Senior] Quinn Galligan was named Most Valuable Player with 44 goals and 44 assists on the season, nearly doubling her career totals. Brianna Cutler was named Most Improved Player with 28 ground balls on the season. Lauren Kilgore won the Sportsmanship Award with 50 ground balls and 8 goals on the season.
Record-Breaking Track & Field Season The track and field team raced hard last season with multiple Panthers breaking records and medaling at various meets. Three school records were surpassed by different members of the track and field team. Mackenzie Schubert broke the school record for the 1600m with a time of 5:38.76. Emma Dietz broke the school record for 100m Hurdles with a time of 19.9 seconds. Kate Pickett, Claire Daly, Avery Kelly and Mackenzie Schubert, who form the 4x800m Team, broke the school record with a time of 11:26.15. In addition to these records, Mackenzie Schubert 22
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placed 5th in the 1600m and the 800m. At the Morris County Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, Emma Dietz placed 6th in the 400m Hurdles with a personal record of 1:18.17. Allison Shannon placed 4th in the 400m with a personal record of 1:06.77. Kate Pickett placed 5th in the 800m with a time of 2:38.5. Samantha Sloan placed 6th in Shot Put with a distance of 24 feet, 3 inches. Allison Shannon was named Most Valuable Player, Sydney Foer was named Most Improved Athlete, and Claire Daly earned the Sportsmanship Award.
PANTHERS SOFTBALL ON THE RISE The softball team has grown more competitive over the last few seasons, giving rise to hopes of a bright future built around new, young talent. With six victories for the season, wins included games vs. Warren Tech, Mount St. Mary, MorristownBeard and a 3-game sweep vs. Villa Walsh. The Panthers and Head Coach Carlin Heinle look to capitalize on this upward trajectory of victories and competitiveness in the upcoming season. Katie Dusko was named Most Valuable Player with 12 runs, 16 hits, and 4 RBI on the season. Colleen Devenny was named Most Improved Player with 4 runs and 14 hits on the season. With 14 runs and 16 hits on the season, Emilia Lucas was presented with The Sportsmanship Award .
sports
New Heights for Panthers Volleyball New freshman team bolsters growth; Panthers players honored
The Volleyball program has grown exponentially over the past few years, and this fall the Varsity team celebrated victories over highly competitive teams including Morristown Beard, Villa Walsh Academy, Pequannock and Parsippany. They finished the season with a Division record of 8-2, and an overall season record of 13-9. While the team came up short in a hard-fought battle against Morris Catholic in the first round of the NJSIAA State Championship Tournament, many monumental achievements were still celebrated
throughout the season. Clare Farrell ‘24 garnered 200 career kills (100+ in the 2021 season alone), Colleen Dooley ‘23 collected her 100th career kill, and Amanda Chambers notched her 300th career assist. The Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to two players, Clare Farrell and Amanda Chambers. Colleen Dooley received The Most Improved Player award, and Erin Kilgore was received the Sportsmanship Award. The JV and Freshman Volleyball teams played well this season with some strong prospects on the horizon to build a future
JV and Varsity powerhouse. In October, the new Freshman team competed in the 2021 Madison Volleyball Invitational, in which they placed 1st in the Silver Bracket of the competition. For JV Volleyball, the Most Valuable Player was awarded to Madalena Benegas, the Most Improved Player to Charlotte McCoy, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Jordan Brenner. For Freshman Volleyball, the Most Valuable Player was awarded to Mackenzie Siegel, the Most Improved Player to Evelyn West, and the Sportsmanship Award to Shannon Hunt.
Seniors Lead Field Hockey Season The Varsity and JV Field Hockey teams played with incredible heart this season, accruing 5 wins and 3 draws on the season. Under the leadership of Coach Jesse Cullari, the Varsity team was composed of a handful of talented seniors, including captains Kathyrn Blount, Avery Amato, and Caroline Villa. Seniors Grace Lombardi, Ella Renshaw, Colleen Devenny, Margaret Flanagan, and Lulu Hunter (Manager) also celebrated their final season with the team. Colleen Devenny competed in 13 games and had nearly 100 saves on the season. Margaret Flanagans scored 3 goals
on the season with 5 assists. Brynn Kearns ‘24 scored 3 goals on the season with 2 assists.. The Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to two players, Avery Amato and Margaret Flanagan. The Most Improved Player was awarded to Colleen Devenny and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Caroline Villa. For JV Field Hockey, the Most Valuable Player was awarded to Scarlett Claps, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Annie McDonough, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Kathryn Callahan. LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 23
NJAC Division Champions Panthers Tennis celebrated undefeated divisional streak After going undefeated in divisional play (7-0) this fall, and with an overall record of 16-2 for the season, the Varsity Tennis team captured the North Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Independence Division Championship for the 2021 season. Led on the court by captains Abigail Passarella ’23 and Bianca DePasquale ‘23, and under the leadership of coach Ellen Edson, the Varsity Tennis team defeated the likes of Villa Walsh Academy, Boonton, Parsippany, Whippany Park, Morris Hills, Vernon, St. Dominic (Jersey City), and Madison. The road to the NJAC Independence Division Championship started in September with a 6 match win streak, followed by another 6 match win streak following a hard fought loss, taking the team to 12-1 by early October. From there, the team participated in the NJSIAA State Tournament, where they defeated St. Dominic (Jersey City) in the first round, yet lost in a back-and-forth battle in the second round. The remaining four matches of the season were won by the team to cap off an incredible championship season. Early in the season, both Bianca DePasquale and Emma Kelly were nominated for the Daily Record/ NJ Herald’s Athlete of the Week Award. Bianca was voted Athlete of the Week at the end of
September with Emma coming close to garnering the title in early October. At our Fall Sports Banquet, the Most Valuable Player Award was presented to Bianca DePasquale, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Emma Kelly, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Abigail Passarella and Morgan Kearns. Going into the second year of fielding a JV Tennis team, the team made great improvements with a highly competitive season, boasting a 9-1-1 record in matchplay. With the guidance of coach Annemarie Gallo, also an AOSE School Counselor, the JV team displayed great skill which gives
rise to hopes of more championships in years to come. Throughout the season, Riley Wasdyke ‘24, Sophia Wang ‘25, and Madeleine Soliman ‘25 were called up to play for Varsity as alternatives due to their advanced skills on the court. At the end of the season, an in-house doubles tournament was hosted for the team with Madeleine Soliman and Sophia Wang taking home the trophies. The Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Madeleine Soliman, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Caroline Clarke, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Alyssa Rossini.
Panthers Soccer Eyes Future Goals Under the leadership of Coach Kara Hines, the Soccer team continues to grow and advance their skills on the field. With a team greatly composed by freshmen and sophomores, Panthers Soccer has great opportunities for growth both on and off the field, while becoming more competitive in their upcoming seasons. With two strong wins over Warren Tech, the team showed cohesiveness on the field as the season progressed. Maggie Misita ‘25 led the team in goals and points, 24
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scoring 5 goals on the season. Following suit were Isabella Clark ‘25 and Caroline O’Callaghan, each scoring two goals this the season. Goalie Maggie Sullivan ‘23 played in 15 games and recorded over 200 saves for the season. The Most Valuable Player Award was awarded to Maggie Misita, the Most Improved Player was awarded to Annie McDonough, and the Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Claire Daly.
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artwork:
Development Office 2 Convent Rd. | Convent Station, NJ 07961
Sample wording that can be used: “I give to the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 22-2738106 [insert here the exact dollar amount or other specific information].” 26
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support
Celebrate others with
The Gift of Opportunity.
Be a part of the Academy legacy – establish a scholarship fund and invest in a young woman’s future at AOSE. ON BEHALF OF YOUR CLASS Make your mark with a scholarship fund on behalf of your friends or entire class. Monthly gifts with just 5 or 10 of your classmates adds up to a profound contribution for a young woman. A scholarship fund is a great virtual service project that illustrates our mission while helping others. There’s no better way to pay it forward with gratitude for the positive experiences you’ve shared together. IN TRIBUTE OR MEMORIAM Honor the achievements or memory of a friend, loved one or faculty member. There’s no better gift than an investment in a young woman’s future while honoring those who have impacted your life. The inspiration you experienced will be forever remembered by the young Academy women you help.
WHEN YOU TEAM UP, IT ADDS UP! Look how a monthly gift can make a profound difference for a student who qualifies for financial assistance and/or a merit scholarship: $100/month $250/month $500/month $1,000/month $1,625/month
= $1,200 scholarship = $3,000 scholarship = $6,000 scholarship = $12,000 scholarship = FULL scholarship
Monthly gifts are attainable and EASY for any group. Recurring donations at any level can make a tremendous impact.
To learn more about setting up a scholarship fund, or for more specific details about the young women who could benefit most, please contact Megan Knight. With parental consent, we can connect you to the student receiving your award, allowing you to follow her journey at The Academy of
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Saint Elizabeth. In some LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2021circumstances, confidentiality is required and scholarship donations will be granted anonymously.
2021 ANNUAL GIFT AUCTION AND
FA S H I O N S H O W After a few setbacks with location and date changes, we were able to celebrate the young women of the Class of 2021 on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Birchwood Manor. In addition to highlighting all of their individual achievements before their family and friends, we also hosted a fabulous gift auction outdoors at the venue in Whippany, NJ. We are deeply grateful to our committee chairs, volunteers, sponsors, families and friends who supported our signature fundraiser.
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Elizabeth Ann Seton Annual Fund Dear Friends,
What is The Seton Fund? The Seton Fund accounts for approximately 10% of the annual budget at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. Independent, private schools like the Academy rely on philanthropy to help close the gap in the budget between the revenue generated from tuition and incurred expenses. According to the Council for Advancement and Support for Education (CASE), a national leader and resource for independent schools, on average, independent schools have a $4,500 deficiency in their operating costs per student. In schools with less than 300 students, it’s even higher, averaging around $5,800 per student. At Saint’s E’s we are well below the national average with approximately a $2,000 gap per student.
What does tuition cover? Tuition covers major expenditures like staffing, employee benefits, professional development, and building operations and maintenance. Costs not covered by tuition include COVID-related expenses, financial aid to students in need, merit scholarship awards and our growing, thriving athletic programs: • 11% of our students receive financial aid and merit scholarships thanks to your incredible support. • The Seton Fund supports our robust athletic program with 75% of our young women participating in one or more sports. • COVID-19 related expenses have been offset by the Seton Fund, allowing the Academy to mitigate risk and remain open for all. That’s why we are asking you, our esteemed alumnae, parents and friends of the Academy, to join the Knights of Saint Elizabeth in making a personal investment in our young women today.
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As you know, I have the pleasure of serving at Saint E’s as the Director of Development and Alumnae Relations. The mission of this office is to ensure that the Academy of Saint Elizabeth continues to thrive in today’s world with an emphasis on value based learning and that we continue its legacy of over 160 years and counting. By now you've already heard of the really exciting news introducing you to the Knights of Saint of Elizabeth! The Knights of Saint Elizabeth is a group of fathers who are deeply committed to the legacy of Saint E’s. They have daughters who have attended the Academy in the past or are a current student today. Their collective experience and commitment to Saint E’s is grounded in a common goal: to ensure Saint E’s remains a thriving and vibrant home for young women building lifelong foundations of academic, emotional and spiritual growth in a values based, faith-filled learning environment. With grateful hearts we are able to report that over 135 families contributed toward the Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund exceeding $100,000 in donations toward our inaugural Knights of Saint Elizabeth campaign. Your investment in the young women who call the Academy their home has made a profound impact on our small, but mighty school. We are blessed to receive each and every one of your gifts and we are proud to welcome the 29 newest members who have joined our Founders’ Circle! On behalf of the young women we serve and all of us at the Academy, past, present and future, WE THANK YOU. Sincerely,
Meghan Knight Director of Development & Alumnae Relations
support
Support the Academy with your contribution to the Elizabeth Ann Seton Annual Fund. Please be assured all gifts make a difference. Taking little steps together, we can still climb mountains. Your Founders’ Circle gift can be made outright or in ten monthly installments of $186.
Jacqueline and Matthew Sitter Memorial Scholarship Fund Inaugural award will be given to four students applying for Class of ‘26 Jacqueline and Matthew Sitter lived a life-long commitment to the Catholic faith and to the education of young women. They believed the Academy of Saint Elizabeth provided their daughters (Teddy Marie Sitter ‘71 and Jo Sitter ‘75) the foundational experience to learn, think and make decisions as strong and independent women of faith. In gratitude to the Academy, Jacqueline and Matthew funded this tuition scholarship beginning with the Class of 2026 and beyond with the intent that this essential education, embodied in
the core values of the Academy, might be made available to other young women. Jo and Teddy hope these tuition scholarship funds would underscore the Academy's commitment to diversity and inclusion, helping students learn both with and from each other. This scholarship will help young women become their best selves, while growing into compassionate citizens and effective leaders. This scholarship fund will be awarded to four young women applying for the Class of 2026. LEGACY Magazine | WINTER 2022 31
