27 minute read
Irish Step Dancing
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 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
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.
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.
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.
"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.
Grace Voccola Class of 2023
"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.
Ella Tully Class of 2023
"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. "
Brugge Erikson Class of 2024
“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
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.
Rachel Danzitz ‘22
Abigail Passarella ‘22
Best Decision 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.
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. " Claire Daly ‘22
Ishe Ghude ‘22
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 ofPilgrimage
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 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 throughFormalLearning
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
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, andStory 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 continually inspire me with their desire to learn, their desire to bring hope to the world, and the passion with which they pursue their dreams.
A Moment on the Camino in Portugal by Kimberly Borin
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, 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.
I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y O F 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.
’ 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,
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,
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. –ElizabethHolzback,
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 " 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 PhysicalEducation 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. 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. -ElizabethHausler 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 help continue her legacy for future generation LEGACY Magazis of SEAsters. ne | WINTER 2022
(Continued from page 13)
" Trust that you are the voice of grace the world needs today.
“A Blessing ” by John O’Donohue from his book,EternalEchoes, 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.
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.
