From Alumna to Assistant Head of School

Management, Kate Witherington, singing “God Bless America.” Following a warm welcome to all, Ken Farfsing, President of the Board of Trustees, then introduced and thanked the major players of this project. Commendations from local dignitaries were presented before Head of School, Julia Fanara, offered further thanks to faculty/staff, Alverno families, neighbors, coaches, our facilities crew, and members of the CIF-winning 2004 softball and 2009 soccer teams. (In an apropos stroke of luck, the championship seasons for these teams coincided perfectly with the honoring of classes ending in ‘4 and ‘9 for the evening’s Homecoming reception)

Heartfelt speeches by Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Rich Enderlin and Ellen Driscoll ‘72 (who had everyone in stitches over her anecdote about the old Alverno athletic rompers), Director of Development Wendy Finch-Burk, and student speaker Amia Alvarez ‘21 emphasized just how much the fields mean for our entire Alverno family. The swell of school pride and gratitude made for a touching moment as Father Michael Cooper took the podium to lead everyone in the blessing of the Fields. Prayers then turned to prosecco when the Alverno Parents Association passed out libations for a celebratory toast; but not before the entire crowd joined together to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” as our student and alumnae athletes took the field!

It was back on the mic for Director of Marketing Susana Capra ‘04 who served as commentator for the perfectly-executed first goal, first pitch and throw around-the-horn, and first lap — culminating in the breaking of the ceremonial red ribbon by Eryn Blakely ‘13 that heralded the official opening of the Fields.

Special thanks also go out to these alumnae athletes who were such good sports (pun intended) and showed us they’ve still got the Jaguar spirit: Maha Abdallah ‘11, Jessica Capra ‘10, Ameenah Issa ‘09, Marina Lesse ‘09, Bryana Pickford ‘05 and Erica Ramirez ‘04.