Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID
F L I N T R I D G E S A C R E D H E A RT A C A D E M Y
Permit #100 Claremont, CA
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
Seeking truth. Serving others. 440 St. Katherine Drive La Cañada Flintridge, California 91011 www.fsha.org
Parents of Alumnae: If your daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office of her new mailing address. Phone: 626.685.8400 Email: alumnae@fsha.org
Save the Dates!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015
The 41st Annual Harry G. Johansing Golf Tournament at Oakmont Country Club, Glendale
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016
Gala Celebrates FSHA’s 85th Anniversary The Langham, Pasadena
Summer 2015
The Flintridge Fund lifts our program from basics to excellence!
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
MEMBERS Sr. Gloria Marie Jones, O.P. Congregational Prioress Sr. Diane Bridenbecker, O.P. Vicaress General Sr. Reina Perea, O.P., Councilor Sr. Carolyn Marie Monahan, O.P. Councilor Sr. Alicia Lucy, O.P., Councilor
2015-16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
table of contents Letter from the President Fond Farewell Snapshot: Once Upon a Mattress Glimpses: Short takes on and around the Hill Faculty Profile: Cindy Montoya Tolog Family Tree: Miranti Shaw Family Donor Profile: Lisa (Smith ’87) & Brad Freer Arts Center Remodel Update Snapshot: Construction The Auditorium Through the Years Alumnae Take Center Stage
WE HAVE MUCH TO BE PROUD OF! The juniors and seniors completed their research projects which required six months of advanced research methodologies found at the university level.
We won three California Interscholastic Federation CIF Mission League titles this year: tennis, swimming and track & field. Tennis secured the league title for the first time since 1983.
Over 80 students participated in this year’s “This I Am!” Dance Concert at the Lanterman Theater, including the first-ever hip-hop team.
Thank you to all the parents, alumnae, past parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and Board of Directors for your generous support!
Give online at www.fsha.org/give.
our mission:
2 3 4 6 12 14 16 17 20 22 26
32 33 34 36 38 40 42 44 54 56
L etter from Alumnae Association President A lumnae News Alumnae Happenings Y oung Alumnae Reunion B usiness Networking Night A lumnae Reunion Party
Brian Arial Jeffrey Bennett Pete Collins Michael Davitt Bob Harper Ann Holmquist, Ed.D. John Hrovat Sr. Gloria Marie Jones, O.P. Leslie Kawai ’80 John Laco Matthew Lewis Darla Vessadini Longo ’75 Robert Malchione, Chair Steven Mann Barbara Marshall Sarah Sima McCann ’96 Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P. Christine Longo Navarro ’82 Juli Goodwin Roginson ’87 Keith Sharp Ted Snyder Sr. Johnellen Turner, O.P. Allan Villegas
A lumnae Luncheon C lass Notes Alumnae Visit the Hill I n Memoriam
Inside Back Cover What is your favorite memory of the Auditorium? Alumnae share their thoughts.
On the Cover
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, a Catholic, Dominican, collegepreparatory school, educates young women for a life of faith, integrity and truth.
Dancers get ready to take the stage at the Lanterman Theatre in La Cañada Flintridge during FSHA’s annual Dance Concert.
Seeking truth. Serving others.
Design and Production Bacio Design & Marketing, Inc.
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
01
VIEW FROM THE TOP
fond farewell!
SUMMER 2015
a letter from THE PRESIDENT
The class of 2015 continues the FSHA tradition of sending 100 percent of its graduates on to colleges and universities around the world. Of the 81 graduates in the class of 2015, 20 will attend a four-year Catholic college, 60 will attend other four-year colleges and one will attend community college. College choices for the class of 2015 include Rice University, New York University, University of Notre Dame, Boston University, Boston College, Georgetown University, University of California, Berkeley, Santa Clara University, Oberlin College, Lehigh University, Wellesley College, Emory University, University of Michigan, Gonzaga University, University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Southern California and many more!
“Our goal should be to live our life in radical amazement, to get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.” – Abraham Heshel
A
mazement is an awesome thing! It allows one to stand in wonder each and every day at all that lies before us, all that has been, and most importantly, all that is. Amazement nourishes hope and impels motivation. Amazement says, “Take nothing for granted; be amazed.” A few amazements: As I write this to you, our state-of-the-art theater is coming to life in our midst. (As you can see, I am ready for construction!) Due to be completed in the spring of 2016, this beautiful space will enhance the arts at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and give our young women an opportunity to perform in a venue that highlights their incredible talent. This project has offered challenges, taught skills of patience and perseverance, and confirmed that miracles can happen in the midst of great difficulty. Really, quite amazing! Alumnae Association President Kristen Schwarz ’02 and our dedicated alumnae board have brought new leadership and energy to FSHA’s Alumnae Association. A growing number of Tologs are returning to the Hill, attending reunions and alumnae gatherings, contributing to our Flintridge Fund, and more importantly, reconnecting with friends and the Flintridge Sacred Heart community. There is a vibrancy in our Alumnae Association—it’s amazing! And, rightly so, as our graduates are the beautiful legacy of the school.
We have had an ambitious year, exceeding our Flintridge Fund goals, sending our graduates to schools across our country (and beyond) and cheering our student athletes who have performed phenomenally. We celebrate all our students in all they do. Our budget is balanced, our projects are moving forward, our donor engagement is strong, our enrollment is full. “Our goal should be to live our life in radical amazement …”
$7.1
Thank you to each and every one who is a part of this amazing Flintridge Sacred Heart family. Most especially, deep profound thanks to our God who has blessed us and who is the center of our deepest amazement! With a grateful heart,
Sister Carolyn McCormack, O.P. President
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
03
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SU PR MIMN EGR 2 20 01 15 5
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
snapshot “
Performing as Queen Aggravain in ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ – the last performance in the old Auditorium – was such an honor! But, I’m so excited for the new Arts Center – the stadium seats, the professional audio, the new stage. Every aspect of the new building will make a big difference to us actors and our audiences. I can’t wait for our first performance!
”
— Vivian Helvajian ‘18 To learn more about the new Arts Center, turn to page 17
/ FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
05
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
2
glimpses 1.
In-N-Out truck, a blow-up movie screen and a photo booth … It’s safe to say that the FSHlumber party was NOT your average sleepover. Held in August of 2014, a week before the start of school and at the end of the new student orientation, the FSHlumber Party welcomed the incoming freshman class to the Hill. The gym did double duty as the sleeping quarters for the night. The idea for the sleepover came from Sherrie Singer, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. “It was a way to foster closer relationships among all students in a fun, social setting,” says Sherrie. “It also got faculty and administration involved in meeting the girls and allowing the girls to become familiar with our team.”
1
The event was such a success that it’s to be repeated. As for what this year’s party will entail, Sherrie has a few hints: “We will again enjoy some time in the pool with a surprise dinner event, some team building activities, a movie on the field, and very likely, a lack of actual sleeping.”
2.
FSHA’s mission drives all initiatives on campus – whether in the classroom, on the field or on the stage. This year, the Mission Effectiveness Committee, which meets regularly to investigate new, innovative ways of incorporating mission into the education of our students, introduced a mission brochure for faculty, staff and students. The brochure highlighted the four Dominican pillars and included ways to live out the pillars on campus and beyond. “The mission brochure is about deepening our understanding of what it means to be a Dominican school and what are the characters that mark us as such,” said President Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P. “I hope this publication will strengthen awareness and understanding of the Dominican charism.”
4
3.
This year, the Associated Student Body (ASB) debuted KFSHA, its new, dedicated announcement studio with professional equipment. While the announcements have been delivered via video stream for the last couple of years, they often involved a makeshift setup and the daily shuffling of equipment that needed to be stored daily. Gone are the cardboard backdrops, replaced by a green screen that allows the students to display any background they can dream up. Most importantly, their equipment can remain in the studio space permanently. Other improvements include professional lighting, an HD camera, acoustic paneling and carpet, and a powerful iMac running production and broadcast software.
4.
3
On Sept. 16, a delegation of students, parents and faculty joined a crowd of 1,800 at the annual Los Angeles Catholic Prayer Breakfast at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Though the breakfast didn’t start until 6:30 a.m., Tologs arrived at 4:30 a.m. to help arrange centerpieces and greet guests. Our students also served as lectors and participated in the first reading and two intercessions. However, the highlight of the event was a speech by Carmelite Sister Regina Marie Gorman. “I thought it was very beautiful when Sister Gorman talked about how Jesus wants to make all of us new. And He wants to mend our brokenness,” said Tania Mouchamel ’15. “That touched me.”
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
07
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
7.
Last summer, FSHA was honored with a very special gift—two violins, one dating from 1720 and the other from 1935. The violins belonged to Majorie Illig, a past parent and grandparent, who played them during Mass at FSHA. Ed Illig, Majorie’s husband, donated them to the school.
5.
In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, students participated in the “Hour of Code” on December 10. The global event asked students to try one hour of coding through self-guided tutorials in an effort to introduce students to computer science and demystify the coding process. “I created a simple web page using HTML and made my name bounce using JavaScript,” explained Ally Gurrola ’16. “It was really fun.” Other tutorials allowed students to move zombies through mazes or draw intricate shapes on the screen.
The gift was much appreciated by the music department. “A three-hundred-yearold instrument is pretty rare! It’s a work of history and a piece of art as much of it is an instrument,” said Ben Coria, former music instructor and chair of the visual and performing arts department. For the Christmas concert, Francesca Garcia ’18 and Shanley Galanto ’18 played the violins. Even though Shanley has played the violin for a few years, it was the first time she had played a violin that old. “It was really cool,” Shanley said. “What was interesting was how different the sound was compared to my other violin.” The girls, along with Marina Francis ’18 on the viola, performed Pachelbel’s Cannon in D.
For an all-girls school, the “Hour of Code” was especially meaningful. “This is about empowering women and broadening opportunities. Coding is still a male-dominated field,” said Jeannie Finley director of academic technology and library services. “Girls need encouragement to pursue STEM fields.”
5
6.
During a special assembly on December 8, FSHA students, faculty and staff had the privilege of welcoming Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles based gang intervention program that provides hope, training and support to formerly ganginvolved and previously incarcerated men and women. Fr. Boyle presided over a Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and encouraged those in attendance to develop kinship for all, including the poor and voiceless.
8.
This past year, FSHA became an affiliate member of the Online School for Girls, an accredited learning community that offers online high school classes to girls at independent schools. This partnership allowed us to expand our course offerings and connect students in meaningful, academic pursuits with students around the country and around the world. Five students participated and took courses that included AP Latin, AP Human Geography, AP Computer Science and Genetics and Human Biology. “I am very glad I took the Genetics and Human Biology. I really got to choose to learn about subject material that interested me,” said Laura DiPietro ’15. “It was a lot of work, but I was very motivated to delve into the material because I truly cared about it.”
7
7
Ninth grade students, who had been learning about Fr. Boyle’s work through study and discussion of his book “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” listened intently during a special presentation by Steve Avalos, a former gang member. Avalos spoke of his incarceration at age 17 for murder, and eventual release due in part to the support of Fr. Boyle. While he felt forgotten by much of society, “Homeboy Industries is love for the unloved,” Avalos said. “Hope for the hopeless.” Many of the students were moved by the presentation. “A lot of people in this community don’t realize not too far away, people are having hardships,” said Chloe Walters-Guino ’18. Emma Grace ’18 echoed that same thought: “We’re always talking about going to another country to do service when there’s so much to do here.”
6 08
glimpses
8
8 FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
09
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
9.
11.
Winning titles is nothing new for our athletics teams, but this year FSHA’s varsity softball team received an award that was a first for the school: the girls on the team were named the 2015 CIF Southern Section Team Academic Champions. With an average GPA of 3.79, our Tologs had the highest GPA among schools in our CIF section with enrollment of 1,399 or below. “When Ms. Contreras announced that we had won the award, I looked around at my teammates and for the first time I realized how academically strong we are,” said team captain Kaitlin Powers ’15. “We are a group of girls who work very hard on the softball field, and I can see this work ethic has transferred over to our academics as well.”
This year, FSHA debuted a revamped Senior Research Project to correspond with the Junior Research Project. Both programs require students to complete rigorous, college-level research designed to build upon the skills taught to freshmen and sophomores. While Nora Murphy, FSHA’s librarian and one of the creators of the research programs, knew students would develop the required skills, she was delighted when students described the experience as personally transformative. According to Nora, “FSHA’s research program allows students to master core research skills through repetitive practice. Rather than being hindered by the mechanical aspects of research, they can be intellectually curious about their chosen topics.” While there was some initial nervous pushback from students who were afraid of what the program would entail, they were
10.
Faculty, staff and students gathered together to celebrate the beginning of the Arts Center remodel with a blessing on February 2. President Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P. and Principal Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P. presided over the blessing, which included the sprinkling of Holy Water on a wooden shield that was removed from the old Auditorium. The shield will be placed in the new Arts Center once the project is completed. The blessing read in part, “May all who pass through the new Arts Center’s doors be filled with the joy of Your abiding presence as they work and learn, laugh and dance, design and create, in the light of our Catholic faith.” Student performer Dylan Neil ’16 also addressed the crowd. “I never noticed any of the flaws in the old Auditorium because of what we, the students, were able to do with it,” said Dylan. “But it’s exciting to think of everything we will achieve once we have a real theatre.” The event closed with the singing of the “Dominican Blessing.”
glimpses
In addition to the required academic research, students were expected to communicate their research through a substantial final project. Students fully embraced the opportunity to innovatively express the content of their research because they were so invested in their research topics. While they had the option of writing a paper, many choose to express their research in new and creative ways. Projects included (to name just a few) an animated short, several TED-style talks, a dance performance, a children’s book and a series of paintings.
SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The team was honored at Angel Stadium in Annaheim on April 22. Softball coach Kirk Nishiyama and Powers received a banner on the field before the game (Angels vs. Oakland A’s), while teammates and supporters cheered from the stands. “This award is even more special than winning a CIF title—don’t get me wrong, I am very proud of our CIF titles—but this is all about being a great student and athlete,” said Athletic Director Stephanie Contreras. “Our girls work hard on the field and in the classroom.”
10
empowered by the freedom to choose topics of personal interest. Nora elaborates: “We legitimized their interests by providing them the opportunity to research topics that may not have been covered in class otherwise.” As a result, students chose a broad range of topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, multicultural nationalism, gun violence and gender misrepresentation in fan fiction.
Isabelle Kouyoumdjian ’15 Isabelle researched brain tumor patients and the current health care system. This topic was personal for Isabelle, who witnessed a close relative with a brain tumor struggle to secure needed treatment. She translated the results into an emotionally moving dance performance that was showcased at the annual Dance Concert.
Loretta Koch ‘15 Loretta designed an animated short that discussed the terrorist attacks at Charlie Hebdo, which took place in January 2015. The film sought to explain the complex feelings and attitudes about immigration in France and how those issues connected to the attacks. Not only did Loretta illustrate the entire six-minute movie, but she also narrated the video… in French.
Ani Matevosian ’15 Ani researched food deserts (low-income areas without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food) and food insecurity (unreliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food) and how these create “the new face of hunger” in America. For her project, Ani created two paintings that reflected the struggle many low-income families face.
Katie Altman ’15 A thwarted school shooting at South Pasadena High School was what inspired Katie to investigate the NRA’s influence on gun control laws. For her project, Katie created an art piece that included photographs and audio recordings of the NRA’s president juxtaposed with victim’s families. The project was then packaged in a gun case inside a backpack.
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
11
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SU MIM PR N EG R 2 20 01 15 5
“
I’ve always believed that dance is another way of praying.
”
CINDY’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
World Tours: Paula Abdul, Michael Bolton, George Michael Film: “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (choreographer), “American Beauty” (choreographer) TV: “The X-Factor” (choreographer), “The Tracey Ullman Show” (dancer/choreographer), “Live to Dance” (choreographer), Selena Coke commercial (choreographer) Professional Athletics: Laker’s Girl (dancer/ choreographer), Rams Cheerleader (dancer/ choreographer)
H
dancing queen Cindy Montoya:
FACULTY PROFILE
W
hen dance teacher Cindy Montoya joined the faculty in the fall of 2013, FSHA knew they were hiring a dynamo. As a performer and choreographer, her work has graced movie screens, television studios, stadium stages and even basketball courts (yes, she’s a former Laker’s Girl!). Luckily for FSHA, Cindy will add one more spectacular venue to her resume this coming spring when the Arts Center Remodel is completed. We caught up with Cindy who told us what it takes to put on FSHA’s largest performing arts 02 46 event of the year—the annual Dance Concert.
ow did you first become interested in dance?
Being raised in a Latino household, there was always music and dancing at family get-togethers and weddings. My parents were excellent dancers, not trained, but could cha-cha and jitterbug for days. But it wasn’t until I saw the musical, “A Chorus Line,” at the old Schubert Theater that I knew I wanted to dance more seriously. My mother supported my new passion so when she heard about an audition for a ballet company in Pasadena she encouraged me to go for it. My father drove me there and watched the audition. He was just as surprised as me when they told me that I had gotten accepted into the junior company. The director, Mrs. LeMone, later told me that she saw something in me—a hunger, a fearlessness and a true joy of dance that encouraged her to take a chance on a young girl from La Puente with no prior dance experience. I became the first Hispanic member and the first scholarship recipient of the respected Pasadena Dance Theater. My dance skills were honed and my love for dance was nurtured. She also encouraged me to audition for the UCLA Dance program. I got accepted and I am proud to say that I became the first college graduate in my family. The Dance Concert is a huge production. What are your goals every year when it comes to putting on such a big show? Every year, I put pressure on myself to make the next production even more artistically interesting and impactful. But my main goal is always to give the students an enriching experience—one that allows them to explore another medium of expression that involves the total self, while also fostering their creativity and self-confidence. I also want them to learn more about the art of dance, collaboration and hard work. You have a large number of boarding students involved in dance — more so than in past years. Why do you think that is? Taking the lead from my first dance teacher Mrs. LeMone, and my parents and teachers who supported and encouraged me along the way, I tend to hone in on individuals who have a certain potential, not necessarily the best technicians—maybe it’s musicality or a fearless character or simply an incredible connection to movement. If I see something there—a desire, a need to dance—I accept the student into the company. That stood out
Dance teacher Cindy Montoya (right) puts students through their paces in preparation for the annual Dance Concert.
to me, so I took a chance last year with some of the boarders who didn’t have much prior dance training and it’s starting to pay off. They showed amazing growth this year and with a positive experience under their belt, I think they encouraged their friends in the boarding hall to audition. Next year, half of our leadership team will consist of boarders and half of the hip-hop team will be boarders. This year you created the hip hop and liturgical dance teams. What was the inspiration behind that? I’ve always believed that dance is another way of praying. Having a strong faith and knowing that my path to teaching and dancing professionally only happened through the grace of God and a spiritual connection to my art, I have always wanted to bring dance and prayer together. When I came to FSHA, the timing seemed right for a liturgical company. It was a faith community and it was only natural to nurture the liturgical dance foundation that had been laid by previous FSHA dance teachers. The hip-hop team also came about in a natural way. I try to choreograph to my students’ strengths and I noticed that some of the dancers who weren’t formally trained had a natural ability and desire to dance hip-hop. In their spare time they would come to the studio, put on music and just freely dance, mostly hip-hop … and they were really good! I decided to recruit a group of girls from the junior and senior companies to create an informal hip-hop team and it was a success. Next year, the hip-hop team will be its own company with around 16 members and will meet twice a week, separate from the junior and senior companies. I’m really excited to see where this team goes in the future! What is your favorite part of working at FSHA? There are so many wonderful aspects of teaching at FSHA. The autonomy is wonderful and the faculty and parents are so warm and engaging. But I’d have to say that it’s the students who get me excited to come to work every day. They keep me on my toes, they challenge me, give me discipline, love and strength to keep teaching, to keep doing what I love. They are the heart and soul of the FSHA community!
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
13
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Stephanie Miranti ’19 Jennifer Miranti ’17 Katelyn Smith ’06 Melissa Ziegler Daniels ’04 Jackie Stimpson Sandy Shaw Miranti ’86
Janet Shaw Benjamin ’82 Deborah Shaw Stratz ’85
Joan “Joni” Smith ’98
Julie K. Shaw Smith ’63
Ted Shaw
TOLOG FAMILY TREE
MIRANTI SHAW
Julia Abbate Shaw ’43 (Sacred Heart Academy, L.A.)
On the right, from top to bottom: Janet Shaw Benjamin ’82 as a cheerleader (on the ground); Joni Smith ’98 on set; Stephanie Miranti ’19, Julia Abbate Shaw ’43, Sandy Shaw Miranti ’86 and Jennifer Miranti ’17; Sandy Shaw Miranti ’86 and Debbie Shaw Stratz ’85, second row, second and third from the left; Melissa Ziegler Daniels ’04 with Julia Abbate Shaw ’43; school photo of Julie K. Shaw ’63.
A Courtside View T
he old Auditorium holds fond memories for many alumnae, especially for Sandy Shaw Miranti ’86, though not for what you’d expect. For Sandy, the old theatre was all about athletics. “My parents helped start the Booster Club, which bought us the first rollaway basketball hoops so we could practice in the Auditorium and rollaway benches so the crowd could sit as they watched the volleyball games,” remembers Sandy. During practice in the Auditorium, you could also find Sandy’s sister, Debbie Shaw Stratz ’85, on the court. Both girls played basketball and softball, while Debbie also excelled at volleyball. Oldest sister Janet Shaw Benjamin ’82 found her place on the FSHA cheerleading squad, but used the Auditorium for its more traditional function as well, appearing in dance concerts. For the Shaw sisters, FSHA was an established family tradition that began with their grandmother. When she was in first grade, Julia Abbate Shaw began attending Sacred Heart Academy (now Sacred Heart High School) in Los Angeles, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. She graduated in 1943. When it came time for her to send her own daughter, Julie Kay Shaw ’63 to high school, the choice was easy.
14
“My grandmother wanted that love that she felt at Sacred Heart for her daughter,” says Sandy. “She wanted my Aunt Julie to grow and find independence. FSHA was the perfect fit.” Eventually, five of Julia’s grandchildren would attend FSHA, and four great-grandchildren, two of which are Sandy’s daughters who are currently at (and beginning on) the Hill. “I was thrilled when Jennifer said, ’Where else would I want to go [to school]?’ Going back to the Hill with Jennifer was so comfortable. It’s home.” For Jennifer Miranti ’17, the feeling is mutual. “I knew right away that I wanted to go to FSHA because it truly felt like home. This is not just because people in my family had gone here, but also the atmosphere of the school itself.” Stephanie Miranti ’19 will join her older sister at FSHA in the fall. For Sandy, getting to share in the traditions on the Hill with her daughters has been extra special. “There are so many traditions at FSHA. Jennifer just picked out her junior ring and each step she takes towards graduation makes me a proud mom and alumna,” says Sandy. “I look forward to Stephanie following her sister in all FSHA has to offer.”
T
he generous alumnae, friends and parents who have chosen to remember Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in their estate plans are a special group. The Mother Dolorosa Society honors philanthropic and dedicated individuals who are creating a legacy at FSHA through planned gifts that will have a lasting and positive impact on hundreds of young women for years to come. A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to family, friends or Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy as part of your estate plan. The following types of commitments qualify you for membership in the Mother Dolorosa Society: • A bequest provision in your will or revocable trust • A life-income gift that names FSHA as a remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust • A charitable lead trust that provides income to FSHA for a donor’s lifetime or a term of years • A gift or assignment of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) • A gift of life insurance THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS Olga J. Barnes Donna G. Bender Alice Kinsman Yvonne Lefkowitz (Deceased) Alexandra R. McKay Carrie Oransky Rauch Family Credit Trust Mary E. Schuck (Deceased) William Martin Todd Trust Nicolina Montoya Barbara Marshall Patricia J. Traviss
Cornelia Grandin (Deceased) Mary G. Beaudry Lois J. Longo Joann F. McGarty William G. Spathelf Cynthia L. Casillas Marsha L. Swan Julie Anne Swayze Emily J. Ramazzotti Celia A. Leaver Angela V. Sayre Allan T. Herbert
Planned gifts provide the resources that create extraordinary opportunities for young women and preserve FSHA’s future. For more information, please visit www.fsha.org/plannedgiving or contact The Advancement Office at 626-685-8400
15
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SP N EG R 2 20 01 15 5 UR MIM
Lisa (Smith ’87) & Brad Freer DONOR PROFILE
W
e all have one. That one special teacher who opened your eyes to new ways of thinking, who treated you with kindness when you needed it the most, and, let’s face it, who pushed you when you slacked. For Mary “Lisa” Smith Freer ’87, that teacher was Sr. Margaret Hewelcke, O.P., who taught science and accounting. “I loved her,” says Lisa. “She was soft-spoken, gentle. A great teacher who was always very patient.” So when Lisa (along with her husband Brad) decided to start an endowment fund at Flintridge Sacred Heart, Sr. Margaret, who passed away in 2010, was at the heart of that effort. Established in 2009, the St. Joseph Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to qualified students in need of support. Though the fund is named for St. Joseph, it was created in honor of Sr. Margaret in “great thanks for her gentle yet firm direct honesty, patience and commitment to a quality Christian education.” It was Sr. Margaret’s “firm direct honesty” that had the biggest influence on Lisa. “The week before graduation we were chatting and Sr. Margaret simply said, ‘Mary Lisa, you have been the worst ASB treasurer I have ever seen.’ She was right. I was. I didn’t have the slightest idea what I was doing and really didn’t ask what needed to be done,” says Lisa. “I walked away realizing that Sr. Margaret cared enough to share how she was feeling and that criticism in a constructive, sensitive way
can be a character builder.” That moment forever shaped Lisa. “I think carefully before I take something on. I am not afraid to ask for help or explanation (again and again if needed) and I am more comfortable in admitting my mistakes and saying sorry.” “I think every student can identify at least one teacher who was that background force in their life. Sr. Margaret was one of those teachers for me,” she explains. As for the decision to create the endowment fund for families who need tuition assistance, that was an easy one. With three sons, Lisa and Brad realized that it could be costly for parents paying for private school, especially with college tuition right around the corner. “Not having daughters of our own, we wanted to help make the choice and chance a bit easier for those who were committed to a Catholic education,” says Lisa. Since 2009, the St. Joseph Scholarship Fund has helped a number of students. “Our hopes are that whomever benefits from the support goes on to do something they love as a career, remembers their time at FSHA fondly and if they have a chance to give back, that they make the opportunity more accessible for someone else,” says Lisa.
I think every student can identify at least one teacher who was that background force in their life. Sr. Margaret was one of those teachers for me.
Lisa (right) with the 1986-87 ASB board; Sr. Margaret Hewelcke, O.P.
ARTS CENTER REMODEL UPDATE
S
ince 1956, the Auditorium has been the backdrop for theatre performances, dance concerts, liturgies, volleyball and basketball games, Junior Ring and Candle Rose ceremonies, dances, and, more recently, stagecraft and 3D art classes. The stalwart building has supported our community faithfully for nearly 60 years.
“ 16
The Moment is Now…for the Arts!
”
The time has come to transform the Auditorium into a state-of-the-art, 21st century visual and performing arts facility. Thanks to the generosity of our loyal FSHA supporters, Phase One of the Arts Center Remodel began in January 2015. With grateful hearts, Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P. and Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P. led our student body, faculty and staff in a blessing of the project in February. The excitement around the project has grown every day since the blessing. One student with her best “Sound of Music” impression noted, “The Hill is alive with the sound of building!” Our most generous supporters and dedicated leaders, including past and current members of the Board of Directors, had the opportunity to tour the building in April after all the contents – the stage, floor, windows – had been removed. A portion of the ceiling was also removed in order to make space for a new two-ton steel beam that was installed over the stage.
Members of the community were invited to “sign the steel,” leaving their mark on the new Arts Center. Board Member Ann Holmquist wrote, “May the spirit of Veritas fill this space with creativity, innovation and love.” The Arts Center is expected to be completed in the spring of 2016. We eagerly await the time when our students “fill the space” with their remarkable talent and commitment. Finally, our community will have a modern facility that appropriately showcases, nurtures and supports our students, and honors the important role the arts play in our Dominican heritage. The Vision for Veritas … the Moment is Now capital campaign is currently raising funds in support of Phase One of the Arts Center Remodel. The total project cost is approximately $9.6 million, with nearly $7 million currently committed in gifts and pledges. Flintridge Sacred Heart is grateful to the visionary supporters who brought us this far. Only with bold leadership will we cross the finish line. For information on how you can make a difference, please contact Director of Advancement Shelly Wenker Schroth ’94 at sschroth@fsha.org or 626.685.8396.
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
17
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SP N EG R 2 20 01 15 5 U RMIM
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SOUND SYSTEM The current sound system competes with airwaves from JPL and Mt. Wilson, creating crackles, pops and other reception issues. The new sound system will deliver clear and consistent sound. “The sound is how we tell the story, because if you can’t hear what’s happening, if you can’t hear the story, then you’re not really getting the full experience of it.” – Dylan Neil ’16
THEATRE SEATS Cushioned, stadium-style theatre seats will dramatically improve the audience experience, giving a clear view of the stage from every comfortable seat.
CONTROL BOOTH The new control booth will be located above the new women’s restrooms and will be 300 square feet larger than our previous space. The control booth also will be a proper teaching space, giving our students the opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience with state-of-theart sound and lighting systems.
THE MOMENT IS NOW
A
nyone who has attended one of our music, dance or drama performances walks
away astonished by two things: the incredible amount of talent in our student body, and the fact that it all happens in an auditorium designed in 1956. After a long wait, the moment is now for the arts.
3D ART ROOM
The Arts Center will usher in a new
The new 3D Art Room will be three times the size of the previous ceramics studio, which previously served as the kitchen for the Auditorium. The new space will feature multiple sinks and ample workspace for our artists.
era of creativity and finally provide the necessary modern facilities to nurture and celebrate the remarkable talent of our community.
18
SPRUNG WOOD FLOOR The sprung wood floor on the stage will provide our dancers and actors with the necessary traction and spring to allow them to dance and perform safely and confidently. The proper environment makes a significant difference to health, injury levels and performance, especially for dancers.
GALLERY Proper lighting and display cases will properly showcase the art work of our students in FSHA’s first dedicated Art Gallery.
/ FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
19
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SU PR MIMN EGR 2 20 01 15 5
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
“
snapshot The arts are an important part of our Dominican heritage, and we are proud to create a space that honors that tradition. – Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P., president
50 20
”
/ FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
51 21
the auditorium THROUGH THE YEARS
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
1954 In October of 1954, Mother Dolorosa sent a letter to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles requesting support for the construction of a “gymnasiumauditorium” at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Over the next three years, the Sisters raised $170,000 from parents and friends of the school to fund the project.
1960s The Auditorium wasn’t only used for theatre productions. During the 1960s, students learned the foxtrot, modeled the latest looks on a makeshift runway and attended Mass – all inside the Auditorium.
1955 - 1956 Construction began in April 1955 and the Auditorium was completed in November 1956. The first performance in the Auditorium was Hugh Benson’s “Nativity Miracle” to celebrate Christmas 1956.
Lunch While the boarding students ate breakfast and dinner in the Main Building, there wasn’t time to run down from the high school to the dining room for lunch. The solution? Lunch was provided to the boarders from the tiny kitchen in the back of the Auditorium. Other extracurricular events made use of the kitchen for burger sales and game snacks.
22
“As the first to work the lights in the newly opened auditorium in December 1956, I have fond memories of missing school for a week as the drama teacher, Roberta Korte Reeves, and I labored to discover which handle on the dimmer board controlled which switch.”
1968 In 1968, ElizabethTalbot-Martin (right) joined the FSHA faculty as the new theatre instructor. With years of professional theatre experience, TM brought a level of professionalism to the FSHA stage. She introduced the annual spring production and under her direction FSHA produced plays ranging from “Pride and Prejudice” and “The Crucible” to the musicals “The King and I,” “Oklahoma” and “The Sound of Music.”
–S r. Katherine Jean Cowan ’59 (pictured working the light board in the background)
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
23
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
“The Auditorium had no locker rooms on site, a low roof and a very shiny floor ... but the din of the supporters made it spectacular. Our Tologs were excellent motivators. Later I played in much larger venues but the vibe was never as powerful as on the Hill.”
ComedySportz In 1989, James Bailey brought ComedySportz to FSHA—a popular extracurricular activity that continues today. The improvisational game featured matches between school teams with audience members judging the results and awarding points. James eventually joined the faculty in 1992.
– Tricia O’Mara Durham ’83
1980s In the early ’80s, Athletic Director Betsy Sauer approached Principal Sr. Ramona Bascom ’52, O.P. about moving the P.E. classes and sports practices into the Auditorium. “It was time for the program to move forward,” says Betsy. “The days of asphalt sports were gone. We needed regulation-sized equipment.”
“My parents (with a group of parents) started the Booster Club at that time. Their initial goal was to pay for a three-bench portable bleacher for the auditorium and portable basketball hoops. There was also no JV basketball or volleyball at that time, so they raised money for coaches so we could have a JV team for the lower classmen. It was a great time of growth. The Sisters were always very supportive and the program exploded.” – Sarah Banales Villegas ’86
24
Father Daughter Dance While prom and Winter Ball were mainly held in the Lounge of the Main Building (if on campus), some of the other dances, like the popular Hawaiian-themed Father Daughter Dance, found a home in the Auditorium.
Gala
Yup, even Gala took place in the Auditorium. Today, a clear tent is erected on Senior Lawn, with additional locations throughout the Main Building.
“We had volleyball practice in there. It was high enough for regulation, but there were still a couple of beams. If a ball hit a beam, it would come down quick but we were used to it. There were bleachers on the stage and chairs up and down, and people would refer to it as our shoebox.” – Betsy Bauer former Athletic Director and P.E. Instructor
“It was two or three in the morning and we were working hard to get these sets built and painted. We were splatter painting to give the flats texture and paint got everywhere–all over the floor. Ms. Moffett started freaking out, thinking she’s going to get fired. So all of us take screwdrivers and spatulas and spend hours trying to get all the drops of splatter paint up. I’m sure we pulled up the varnish on the floor. For days we were just walking on eggshells. Mr. Sanchez was the P.E. teacher at the time and he loved that floor. He would polish it. I remember him looking at the floor one day and we are all like, ‘Is he going to notice there’s no varnish on the floor …’” – Shannon Morzov ’94
Ceramics Studio Though FSHA began offering ceramics in 2002, the ceramics studio didn’t actually move into the Auditorium until 2008. The ceramics studio took the place of the old kitchen, which hadn’t been used since lunch service moved to the newly built Student Activities Center in 1998.
Beginning of Construction In January of 2015, FSHA broke ground on the new Arts Center Remodel. The remodel is expected for completion in spring of 2016.
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
25
VIEW VIEW FROM FROM THE THE TOP TOP
S SUUMMMME ERR 2 20 01 15 5
he artsy ones—every school has them. The kids who spend their afternoons and weekends backstage building sets. The ones with paint splatter on their clothes. The girls who can’t stop humming and singing and dancing … even when they aren’t on the stage. Julie Vogel ’81, Shannon Morzov ’94, Allison Lieskovsky Hasbrouck ’00 and Sarri Sanchez ’01 are four such Tologs who fell in love with the arts as students at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. We sat down with these dynamic alumnae to find out how FSHA shaped their artistic vision, how they turned their passions into careers and what advice they have for students interested in the arts today.
VIEW FROM THE TOP: WHEN YOU WERE ON THE HILL, WHAT WAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ARTS?
alumnae take CENTER STAGE I feel like there is nothing in me “ that isn’t an artist. ”
Allison Lieskovsky Hasbrouck: I took AP Art my senior year, but I took art classes outside of school before that. I was also part of the theatre crew. I was not very good on stage, but I did a lot of the backstage stuff—making props, costumes, hair and makeup. I also did some of the designs for the theatre posters before we did it all digitally. Shannon Morzov: I was also really involved in theatre. I started taking drama freshman year. I was on the ComedySportz team. I was in the plays. And I always wanted to do film. What helped me here is that … I don’t sing. It’s scary. I really don’t sing at all and spring productions have always been musicals. There was no possible way for me to do that. So I started tech-ing. I did stage managing, assistant directing, lights, sound, building sets and I loved it. That was my first introduction to that tech world and that parlayed into filmmaking later. Sarri Sanchez: I took every dance class that was offered here every year and I participated in every Dance Concert. I choreographed every year and was part of the dance company. Every dance opportunity that was there, I tried to take it.
– Julie Vogel ‘81
26
Shannon Morzov ’94, Sarri Sanchez ’01, Julie Vogel ’81 and Allison Lieskovsky Hasbrouck ’00
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
27
VIEW FROM THE TOP
JULIE VOGEL ’81
SUMMER 2015
teaching. Then I went to grad school and I recommitted again. I am all of these things—I need to dance, I need to create, I need to mentor. And so I keep asking myself and I keep recommitting myself. It’s a complicated answer—In high school or yesterday. Julie: I think I knew I was an artist from day one. I grew up in such a creative family. They are all ceramicists, artists. I felt like that was my path. I never really thought that I wouldn’t be an artist. I feel like there is nothing in me that isn’t an artist. And it’s funny, what Sarri said. Was it yesterday or … I mean, every day I wake up and I’m like, am I a fraud? Am I really doing this? What do I know? Allison: I always kind of knew that I was an artist. I think if I didn’t have the parents that I did or the support system here [at FSHA], I would not have become an artist. My parents were like “You should do this. You are good at it,” instead of saying, “Oh, how is that going to work? How are you going to pay the bills or make a living?”
James Bailey (with alumnae) at the 2014 Visual and Performing Arts Reception where he received the Standing Ovation Award; Pam Santelman (inset); Schuyler Standish with a student.
Julie Vogel: I took art classes and sewing every year. I don’t know how I got so many electives, but I did. I made everyone’s prom dresses. I made six prom dresses a year, and everyone would just trade. I took dance for my P.E. and I did theatre with Ms. TM [Talbot-Martin]. And I worked on the yearbook. I feel like I took a lot of creative classes here. [Laughter]
VFTT: WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE ART TEACHER AT FSHA? Julie: I was super close to Schuyler [Standish]. He taught art and kind of pushed me to go to art school. He was really supportive of that. I learned everything from Schuyler … how to paint (which is my main art outside of my job), but I include my job, my house, my life. Everything is art, everything is a collage. I feel like I learned so many different media from him. Sarri: Pam Santelman. She was my first and most important mentor. I was so, so, so shy when I was here and dance was really the first thing that made me want to appear in the world. Pam introduced me to modern dance—what I went on to pursue for my life. She challenged me to think critically through dance. Not to think of this as “just” an elective, but really as a way to engage with things that are urgent to you and things that you are passionate about.. Shannon: Mr. Bailey. I was actually in the first class he taught here. When he first came on as the drama teacher, it was like, “Oh, the ComedySportz guy is going to be the drama teacher. Like, seriously?” But when he got here, he took theatre seriously. He took us seriously as theatre students. He pushed us to do Shakespeare and Beckett and all this crazy experimental stuff that you wouldn’t expect from a
28
“
Dance was the first thing that made me want to appear in the world.
– Sarri Sanchez ’01
”
Catholic school. He really pushed the craft and taught us that there was a seriousness and a process to theatre and drama. Allison: Even though I am a fine artist and I did have Schuyler Standish, I only had him my senior year. He did push for me to go to art school and he helped me get my portfolio together. But the teacher I remember giving me the most support was actually James Bailey because I was backstage so much doing the creative stuff, like building props, helping with hair and makeup. That really pushed me to open up and I realized that everything could be incorporated in fine art. Creativity can be used in multiple outlets.
VFTT: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE THAT YOU WOULD BE AN ARTIST? THAT IT WOULD BE YOUR CAREER? Sarri: I didn’t have an ah-ha moment in figuring out that dance was what I wanted to do. I think I knew both early on and not until much later—and I still keep deciding. Probably the first time I thought of it, when I considered dance a potential career path, was here. I knew then that I wanted to continue to study dance and that it was a valid and worthwhile path to pursue in college. When I went to UCLA, that’s when I knew I had to keep making dances [as a choreographer]; that’s as much as I knew. When I started teaching, that’s when I knew I had to keep
Shannon: When I got to Flintridge Sacred Heart, it was the early ’90s and it was a super exciting time for Indie filmmaking. Indie filmmaking was just crazy and insane. Tarantino was new. It was just a cool time. I just knew that that was what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to make movies. And as I said, I started doing some tech and stage managing, backstage and directing … and it was really awesome.
If you know who the “Most Interesting Man in the World” is, then you’ve seen Julie Vogel’s work. As a commercial costume designer, Julie has dressed hundreds of actors, including the infamous Dos Equis’ spokesman. She has also worked on commercials for brands such as Advil, T-Mobile, Priceline, Coca-Cola and Geico. For her work on the Dos Equis’ campaign, Julie has been nominated five times for “Excellence in Commercial Costume Design” at the Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards.
ALLISON LIESKOVSKY HASBROUCK ’00 You never really leave the Hill. Just ask Allison Lieskovsky Hasbrouck ’00. In 2006, Allison joined the faculty at FSHA as the new art teacher. She teaches 2D Art, AP Art History and AP Drawing, and moderates the Art Club. Primarily a painter, Allison has won awards for her own artwork, including Honorable Mention at the La Crescenta Paint Out Loud competition.
SARRI SANCHEZ ’01 VFTT: DID YOU GET SUPPORT FROM YOUR PARENTS? OR SUPPORT FROM FSHA? Sarri: I felt supported here and at home, but not without some reservations. I definitely had conversations with my parents where they said, “This is great. You should definitely pursue this … as a hobby.” [Laughter] I know they were concerned and they wanted to make sure that I would be OK. I heard them. Ultimately, my parents became 100 percent supportive of what I chose to do and I felt like the same was true at FSHA. I felt like I had people behind me and people that believed in my choice. I remember someone outside the context of Flintridge Sacred Heart saying to me, when I mentioned I would go into dance, they said, “But you are so smart, you can go on and do whatever you want to do.” I was like, “I am! I am doing what I want to do.” [Laughter] Shannon: My dad wanted me to go to med school and my mom wanted me to be a lawyer … but I said I wanted to be a filmmaker. And for graduation my dad bought me my first video camera. So, as much as he wanted—and he still wanted me to go to med school—he bought me the video camera because he knew that that was what I wanted to do. One thing I really love about my parents is that they were supportive when they really didn’t want to be. It was really hard for them.
As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, Sarri Sanchez ’01 can often be found on the stage. For the past nine years, Sarri has taught dance at Renaissance Arts Academy, a K-12 public charter school that specializes in music and the performing arts. Sarri has also performed with several distinguished artists, including Liz Hoefner Adamis, Mike Kelley, Maria Gillespie, Invertigo Dance Theatre, L.A. Contemporary Dance Company, and most prominently, as a founding member of Holly Johnston’s Ledges and Bones. In addition to her work as a performer, Sarri serves as choreographer and artistic co-director of two collaborative performance groups: IN/EX Dance Project and The Rock Collection.
SHANNON MORZOV ’94 Shannon Morzov ’94 lives in the movies. As general manager for Hurwitz Creative, an award-winning creative content company that produces marketing for the film and television industry, Shannon has overseen the creation of trailers, behind-the-scenes footage and featurettes for such blockbusters as “The Fault in our Stars,” “Life of Pi” and “Prometheus.” As a student at UC Berkeley, Shannon won the Eisner Film Prize for her documentary “No Trespassing: Sovereignty at Risk,” about Native American gaming rights.
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
29
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Julie: I felt like everyone in my class was going onto medical school or going to law school. Everybody seemed very academic. I got good grades, but I definitely didn’t feel like med school or law school was what I wanted to do. My family was supportive, though my mother said, “You’re never going to make money.” So I did have that, but I knew if I followed my heart, it would be OK.
When I was at FSHA as a student, I didn’t think I would end up back at the school teaching the art program, but it turns out that this is how I am able to use my talent and support myself. It’s not easy to be an artist, but it’s not impossible. Everyone assumes that art making is an old, antiquated way of making a living, but it’s not. It’s changed and been remolded with technology and media.
Allison: I don’t ever remember my parents having a really serious conversation with me about how would I support myself if I pursued art. It was always people outside of the school and outside of my family that would be asking, “What are you going to do?” Even now I have students that I teach who tell me, “My parents don’t know what this is; how can I explain to them what I do?” And I have to explain to them the variety of things that art majors can do. An art degree is a very versatile tool to have.
Shannon: I agree with a lot of what was said. I think entertainment is a little different. Entertainment is very much an industry, a business. There’s work if you want to work in film or filmmaking. You just have to make a decision—is this my life or not? Make the decision that this is what you want your life to be and you will figure it out.
VFTT: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A STUDENT WHO WANTED TO GO INTO YOUR FIELD? Allison: I had this conversation with my students just a few weeks ago. The ones that have parents who are creative don’t have as much of an issue about their daughter going to art school, but I have girls who are extremely creative and the parents don’t want them to go to art school because they think it won’t lead to a lucrative job opportunity. That’s when I say, “If you’re good at it, you will find a way to make money doing it. If you’re really passionate, there will be opportunities.”
As far as film school, I think it’s actually a waste of time. Filmmaking is story telling and if you want to tell stories, study anthropology or sociology. Have something to say. To work in film, really the best thing to do is just start working. I mean, go to school, go bum around Mexico, do whatever you need to do to get some things behind you, then just start working. P.A. [production assist] for free, work for other people, find someone to mentor you, find a director to work for or a producer, but just start working. Life is cyclical and it all changes. You just decide what’s important to you. If you love it, you’re going to have a good living. And you have to decide what’s a good living mean for you and what’s important to you.
Current FSHA students hard at work in ceramics (left) and 2D art (right) classes.
Sarri: I’m only 31, but I have a lot of advice already. Follow your desires. Be ambitious, but sometimes you need to replace ambition with curiosity. Sometimes art making feels like magic and sometimes it feels like work. Value both equally. Be prepared to change your mind. Embrace surprises. I think the most important thing I would say is know that your future career might not exist yet and it may not exist until you create it. That’s certainly what happened to me. The whole idea of there even being a path is so weird and kind of misleading. A path is something that you choose and just goes forward, but it’s not always that clear cut. Sometimes it’s like walking through a dense fog. You don’t know what’s out there. Things only crystallize as you take one step into them. You don’t have to see the whole path. You have to know that you can’t live without your art. If someone wants to pursue dance, if you know you cannot live without it, do it. You will find a way to make it happen. The whole starving artist, lonely artist idea, I think it’s a myth. You don’t have to believe that. You don’t have to buy into that. Julie: Everything that you all said is so funny and great. What Sarri said about a path, I’m telling you there are so many forks! And you never know where it’s going to lead you. I love that! In a way, you have to be strong if you’re in the arts. It’s not about you, but is about you. To be a costume designer, look at every movie. Who’s designing it? Look that person up. Send the designer a message through her agent or through the union. Tell the designer that you want to intern. Tell her you want to P.A. Everybody needs a good P.A. I find now, these days, that kids coming out of college are so lazy. They don’t want to do anything. They don’t want to pay their dues. I paid my dues. I paid my dues last month. I pay my dues constantly. I’ll do a free job because I’m open and I’ll always meet someone who is amazing and will take me on a fork that I wasn’t planning on going. It’s about always being open and following your heart. Shannon: One thing to point out about interns: We have a lot of interns and most of them are really terrible. If you are a good intern, you stand out. If you are a good intern and I think you are good, I’m going to offer you a job because it’s easy for me. I’ve seen your work. I know you’re good at what you do. I don’t have to test you out. The entertainment industry is very small so people talk with one another all the time. They always say, “Do you know someone good?” And if I do, I go will recommend them, but I’m not going to recommend someone who is terrible. Allison: I always tell my students that you have to put in the work. When you put in the work, people see the work. It’s obvious. If you decide to go into the arts, you have to work hard at it. If you start at the bottom, you have to be OK about starting on the bottom. Eventually you will climb. And the ones who don’t want to start at the bottom, they go wayward. It’s not just the arts—whatever you do—you have to work hard at it. You can’t expect to make it as soon as you graduate. Shannon: Part of being an artist is that it’s work. You have to have a job, everyone has to pay rent and eat food, but you have to make time to pursue art on your own time as well. If you have to get up at six in the morning to write for two hours, that’s what you do. It’s work and the people who are successful are the people who treat it as the work it is.
30
Julie Vogel ’81, Allison Lieskovsky Hasbrouck ’00 and Sarri Sanchez ’01 compare yearbooks.
“
My dad wanted me to go to med school and my mom wanted me to be a lawyer … but I wanted to be a filmmaker. And for graduation my dad bought me my first video camera.
– Shannon Morzov ‘94
”
31
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
a letter from THE PRESIDENT OF THE FSHA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
Urges Alums to ‘Come Home’ for FSHA’s 85th Anniversary
D
ear Fellow Alumnae,
As the president of our Alumnae Association, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting alumnae from across the country and across time. I am always impressed with the FSHA pride and community spirit that is present whenever Tologs gather. Our alumnae are an inspiring and welcoming group of accomplished women, and I feel truly honored to be a small part of this very special community. FSHA made incredible strides in the 2014-15 school year, and I could not be more proud of our alma mater. There are so many achievements to highlight, including many from our student artists. Like the alumnae featured in “Alumnae Take Center Stage,” today’s students have already made stellar accomplishments: • Over 85 students participated in this year’s “This I Am” Dance Concert including FSHA’s first ever hip hop team. • The concert choir more than doubled over the past three academic years and one of our student pianists, Zeyi Li ’18, will begin performing competitively this fall. • Six Tologs were invited to have their artwork featured in this year’s prestigious Robert Graham Memorial Student Art Exhibit at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A. All of us have fond memories of the Auditorium – theatre performances, dance concerts, liturgies, volleyball and basketball games, Junior Ring and Candle Rose ceremonies, dances and more. The Alumnae Association is excited about the transformation of our Auditorium into the new Arts Center. The future of the arts at FSHA is bright! I invite you to visit www.visionforveritas.org to see historical photos and read progress updates for the Arts Center – it is truly incredible. Looking forward to 2015-16, we have a lot of activity on the Hill as Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy celebrates its 85th anniversary! I ask each of you, my fellow alumnae, to do just one thing: come home. Come home to see, hear and reconnect at the place that helped shape you into whom you are today. Come home to see the beauty of our school. Come home to see the stalwart bridge welcoming you. Come home because it is still yours and there has never been a better time to renew your Tolog pride. Finally, I want to remind you how important you are to FSHA. You and I are a part of the 4,000 strong, respected and cherished Tologs worldwide. And together, we are Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Gratefully, Kristen E. Schwarz ‘02
32
alumnae news
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD President Kristen Schwarz ’02
Secretary Carol Kellogg Toogood ’80
Student Community Council *Molly Weber Girardi ’00 Camille Barbaro Spina ’87 Whitney Karm DeJardin ’87 Jennifer Ricchiazzi Richard ’92 Erin Nolan Olmsted ’87 Marisa Spinella ’09 Carol Kellogg Toogood ’80 Jennifer Westhoff ’06 Maria Viola Finnegan ’82 Alumnae Community Council *Melanie Hitchcock Frey ’86 Paula Capriccio Orlandini ’71 Barbara Russ Bone ’71 Domenica Piumetti ’95 Lauren Partma ’02 Amy Heller Onderdonk ’00 Katie Blasiar Cowan ’00 Alessia Cicconi ’08 Communications Council *Natalee Harrison Ray ’02 Nicole Yonai ’02 Kelly LaRussa Kepner ’01 Development Council *Christine Longo Navarro ’82 Shelly Wenker Schroth ’94 Deirdre Foley Cascelli ’84 Paula Capriccio Orlandini ’71 Reunion Chair *Melissa Majich Keeslar ’02 Trish Burghardt Sarbaum ’87 Erin McGann Maloney ’89 Nicole DeVanon ’05 Tracy Brewer Traver ’97 Parliamentarian Sarah Sima McCann ’96
*Council Chair
Alumna Finishes First Year as Pro Volleyball Player Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is known for producing amazing athletes— and Jenna Orlandini ’09 is no exception. Jenna spent the past year playing professional volleyball with the Vannes Volleyball Club of Vannes, France, making her the first Tolog to sign a professional volleyball contract. “It was definitely a learning experience,” says Jenna. “Spending time with people with a completely different culture and language is something I’ll never forget. Getting to play a sport I love made the experience even better.” As a student at FSHA, Jenna played volleyball for all four years, winning many awards for her athleticism. In 2008, she was named to the First Team for the Mission League. Jenna was also selected for the All-Area Team by the Pasadena Star News. After graduating from FSHA, Jenna went on to play at the University of Washington. While there, Jenna played libero and took the team to the NCAA Final Four in 2013 and captured the PAC12 title. She also received the 2014 Female Top Dawg Award, the highest award given to a female athlete at the University of Washington. Next season, Jenna will play for Rote Raben in the German professional league. The team is based in Vilsbibung, Germany, an hour north of Munich. “I am very excited to start this next season with a new team and get a chance to travel to another country all at the same time.”
Grad Nabs Top Spot at NCCL Margaret Matijasevic ’97 was named the executive director of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership in January. The position takes her to Washington D.C. after many years in Los Angeles, where she served most recently as the regional coordinator of religious education at the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Margaret (pictured with her children) attributes her passion for Catholic education to her time as a student at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. “It was on the Hill that I first began to understand inclusive language and images of God, and where my theological perspective began to take a mature form.” A true trailblazing Tolog, Margaret is the first woman to serve as the executive director of the NCCL, which was founded in 1967. As the executive director, she will manage various operations of the organization, including membership, fund development, strategic planning, and cultivating stakeholder relationships for the organization. More importantly for Margaret, the position provides a unique opportunity to continue her journey of faith and to help pave the way for others who wish to deepen their relationship with God. “When I was offered the position of executive director of NCCL, the yes was not my own. I felt a strong urge to say ‘yes’ for women in the church. I knew I had to say ‘yes’ for young adults in the church, for immigrants trying to pass along faith, as my parents are both immigrants, and I needed to say ‘yes’ for single moms.”
‘A Small Indiscretion’ Hits Bookstands January 20, 2015 was a proud day for Jan Ellison ’83. Her debut novel “A Small Indiscretion”(Random House) hit bookstands across the country. According to USA Today, “A car crash involving a beloved child, a mysterious photo from the past and an unfulfilled romantic longing produce a potent alchemy in Jan Ellison’s first novel.” The book was also a #1 Editor’s Pick Addictive Page-Turners in Oprah’s Book Club 2.0 and a 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Book Club Pick. This isn’t Jan’s first published work. Jan won an O. Henry Award for her first published short story “The Company of Men,” and has had her short fiction and nonfiction appear in the New York Times, the New England Review, Narrative Magazine, The Hudson Review and Gulf Coast. During her book tour, Jan made time to visit FSHA and have lunch with the Book Club and the Young Writers’ Society. A group of 20 students asked Jan all sorts of questions, from advice on writer’s block to the specifics of her writing routine. “I was most surprised to know that Ms. Ellison didn’t start out always wanting to be a writer or always knowing what to write,” says Sarah Burrola ’16, co-president of the Young Writers’ Society. “It was inspiring to hear her story of coming into her own as a writer, and it made me feel better about my journey as a writer as well. I think I will take away from the discussion a good lesson about having patience with yourself.” Pictured: Former classmates support Jan st a January book reading at Folio Books in San Francisco. From left to right: Maureen Sadler Martin ’83, Michele Friese Stephens ’83, Jan Ellison ’83, Erin Flanagan Brown ’83, Karen Aune ’83, Kristin Friese Gannon ’85 and Michele Cabot ’85. FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
33
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
1
alumnae happenings C
6
2
onnecting our alumnae and strengthening the ties to Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is one of the most important goals of the Alumnae Association. FSHA and the Alumnae Association host various events throughout the year to bring both alumnae and current students together. Plan on joining us next year to rekindle your Tolog spirit and connect!
• C areer Day brings more than 30 alumnae back to the Hill to participate in the Alumnae Association’s Career Day for junior and seniors to learn about career options directly from the women who came before them. This year’s Career Day is happening on Thursday, October 1, 2015. [1,2,3]
5
7 3
• T he Athletics Hall of Fame Mass, Dinner & Ceremony includes the induction of alumnae athletes into the Hall of Fame. Next year’s event will be on February 6, 2016. [4] • I mmediately following the annual Farewell Mass, the Alumnae Association Induction Ceremony officially welcomes the newest class of graduating seniors. All alumnae are encouraged to participate in the next induction ceremony, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2016. [5,6]
8 4
9
• H eld on Senior Lawn during graduation week, the Alumnae Association hosts the Time Capsule Picnic where seniors have the opportunity to place an item into their class time capsule box. Join us for next year’s picnic on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. [7,8,9,10]
10 34
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
35
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler, Alumnae Association President Kristen Schwarz, ’02, Alumnae Association Reunion Chair Melissa Majich Keeslar ’02, Principal Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P., Alumnae Association Reunion Council Member Trish Burghardt Sarbaum ’87 and Athletic Director Stephanie Contreras
young alumnae reunion O
Taylor Campbell ’14, Kacey Benson ’14 and Laura Ellis ’14
n December 26, graduates from the past 10 years gathered at Sorriso-Bar Celona in Old Town Pasadena to catch up, reminisce and have a good time. Around 25 Tologs attended the Young Alumnae Reunion, with the Class of 2013 winning the unofficial class competition with the most alumnae in attendance. Also in attendance were former Assistant Principal (and current Alumnae Liaison) Katy Sadler, Principal Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P. and Athletic Director Stephanie Contreras, as well as several members of FSHA’s Alumnae Association Board. Board member Melissa Majich ’02, who serves as Alumnae Reunion Chair, organized the event. Guests grabbed complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages on the upper level of the restaurant, then headed downstairs to the comfy couches in the “Pit” to chat with their former classmates. “I really enjoy catching up with all my friends. It’s always a lot of fun and we usually go out afterward,” said Kate Russell ’13, who’s attended the last two years—and is sure to be at the next gathering.
36
Top Left: Top row: Alexa Rittichier ’14, Carolyn Lowe,’14, Mel Leavens ’14 and Kacey Benson, ’14; Middle row: Principal Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P., Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler and Athletic Director Stephanie Contreras; Bottom row: Jordan Yates, ’14; Taylor Campbell, ’14 and Laura Ellis ’14 Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler greets Bonnie Ong ’10
Bottom Left: The Class of 2013
Top Right: Clockwise from top left: Alex Milat ’13, Amy Rodriguez ’12, Athena Williams ’13, Alissa Lopez ’13, Elizabeth Rojas ’13, Andrea Arellano ’13, Kate Russell ’13 and Tara Kawai-Daniels ’13 Bottom Right: Clockwise from top left: Noor Sharif ’08, Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler, Holly Hunt ’09, Marisa Spinella ’09, Athletic Director Stephanie Contreras, Principal Sr. Celeste Marie Botello, O.P, Sara Espinoza ’09 and Krissy Garcia ’09
37
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Rita Illig Leibelt ’76, Sandy Shaw Miranti ’86 and Theresa De Vera ’93
Keynote speaker Claudine Cazian Britz ’96 address the crowd.
Mentors: Shelly Wenker Schroth ’94, Rita Illig Leibelt ’76, Alumnae Association President Kristen Schwartz ’02, Claudine Cazian Britz ’96, Lisette Gaviña Lopez ’96 and Elizabeth D’Amico ’86
SECOND ANNUAL
business networking night F
or the second year in a row, career-driven Tologs gathered to exchange business cards and talk shop at the Alumnae Association’s Business Networking Night. Held on February 4 at Perch in downtown L.A., the event’s goal was to connect professional Tologs, as well as provide mentors to those just starting their careers. While most of the night was given over to mixing and mingling, keynote speaker Claudine Cazian ’96, vice president of programming and branded entertainment for On Air with Ryan Seacrest, briefly addressed the group. Cazian spoke about her career journey and the importance of taking risks and working hard no matter the profession. Other mentors joined her in offering their support. Mentors included Shelly Wenker Schroth ’94, FSHA advancement director; Rita Illig Leibelt ’76, president, Illig Construction Company; Kristen Schwartz ’02, partner, DBS Law Group, PC; Lisette Gaviña Lopez ’96, marketing director, F. Gaviña & Sons, Inc.; and Elizabeth D’Amico ’86, psychologist, senior behavioral scientist at RAND and a UCLA professor.
Christine Longo Navarro ’82, President Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P. and Sara Sima McCann ’96
Caitlin Fahey Johnstone ’03 chats with a former classmate
Lorraine Comeau Tahan ’96, Nicole Cadena ’97, Kristina Arias Palmieri ’97 and Lisa Bobadilla Diaz ’97
With more than 50 alumnae from over four decades, the Business Networking Night was a huge success. Special thanks to Alumnae Association Community Council Chair Melanie Frey and Alumnae Volunteer Sr. Katherine Jean Cowan ’59, O.P. for organizing the evening. Plans are already in the works for next year’s gathering.
Lourice Boutros ’08, Amanda Ryland ’08, Kirsten Brown ’08, Alessia Cicconi ’08 and Jessica Saydah ’09
38
39
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Megan Sheehan Coates ’05 and Blake Taylor ’05
The Class of 1980
The Class of 2000
Debbie Shumka Shepherd ’85, Mary Ann Kratzer Siess ’85, Liz Haggar ’85, Ellen Nichols Kliavkoff ’85, Zeyda Fernandez ’85, Ana Deranja Ashby ’84, Clare Sebenius ’85
The Class of 1995
The Class of 1990
Allan Villegas, President Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P., and Sarah Banales Villegas ’86
WINTER 2015
alumnae reunion party T
he Alumnae Reunion Party was the place to be on the evening of Saturday, February 28. Held in the Lounge of the Administration building, the event welcomed graduates from the class of 1970 through the class of 2005. Tologs spent the evening nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, chatting with friends and former classmates and posing for class pictures. There was a special treat for the anniversary years—1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005—a fun slideshow of photos from those years on the Hill. The Lounge erupted in cheers when classmates spotted
40
themselves on the screen. Special kudos to the Class of 1995 for having the highest attendance of any of the reunion classes (21 Tologs)! Joining the festivities were President Sr. Carolyn McCormack, O.P., Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler and Alumnae Volunteer Sr. Katherine Jean Cowan ’59, O.P. Alumnae also had an opportunity to purchase sweatshirts and t-shirts to show off their FSHA pride. Next year we will honor classes ending in 1’s and 6’s. Get ready to celebrate!
The Class of 1985
Michele Friese Stephens ’83, Kristen Friese Gannon ’85 and Peggy Friese
41
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Deidre Gunn Boone ’65 and Christina Oliva Gamgene ’65
Alumnae look at their 1950 yearbook.
The Class of 1965
alumnae luncheon A
pril 18 was a beautiful day full of sunshine, roses, laughter and tears of joy as FSHA welcomed our distinguished Tologs to Alumnae Luncheon 2015. The graduates of the Class of 1965 were the guests of honor as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. The classes of 1950 and 1955 were also well represented as they commemorated their 65th and 60th anniversaries, respectively. Many other alumnae from the Classes of 1946 to 1985 joined in the festivities while enjoying the annual opportunity to visit and catch up with one another. The day began with a continental breakfast reception hosted in the Lounge. Uniforms from the earlier years were on display along with class photos and yearbooks for the alumnae to peruse and reminisce. Alumnae Association Reunion Chair Melissa Majich Keeslar ’02 hosted the program, which included a slideshow and presentation of golden diplomas to the Class of 1965. Carly Spina ’15, daughter of Camille Barbaro Spina ’87, spoke about her four years on the Hill and thanked the alumnae for contributing to her experience through the Alumnae Legacy Scholarship.
42
The Class of 1950
The Class of 1955
The Class of 1985
Linda Holloway ’65 greets one of her former classmates.
The luncheon was an elegant affair, which included memories shared by several alumnae including Sr. Ramona Bascom O.P. ’52 and the drawing of the winning Hawaii Raffle ticket stub. The day ended with Alumnae Manager Cheryl Asico leading the Class of 1965 on a tour of the high school. Next year we will honor classes ending in 1’s and 6’s, with special recognition for the Class of 1966. Get ready to celebrate!
The Class of 1975
43
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
on to become successful in engineering, teaching, medicine, law, advanced technologies and research. I frequently receive messages thanking me for being demanding, but also for having faith in them. I am proud of the influence they feel I had on them. I’ve always been passionate about traveling. Since retirement, my husband and I spend about five months a year on trips—four internationally. By 2011, I had realized my goal of visiting all seven continents when I walked with the penguins in Antarctica and visited Australia. We haven’t stopped, however, and have a full schedule for the rest of 2015 and all of 2016 that will take us to places that are still on our “Bucket List.”
Tologs are ready for tea during the 1950s.
class notes Patricia Shannon Leonard ’41, Warrensburg, NY: My husband, Bill Leonard, passed away in February of 2008 in North Carolina where we had retired. We were married 61 years. I returned to the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York the following August to be near my daughter, Mary. Three of my grandsons, native New Yorkers, now live in L.A. The married one, Casey, husband of Yuna Kamide, has a 1-year-old son with another expected this August—my first great grandchild. I edited and published a poetry anthology, “Circle of Poets” in 2014 and published a book of my poems, “Love Poems to Bill,” in 2015. I also founded a small publishing company, Shanaire Press in 2015, with the aim of helping accomplished writers of poetry and creative non-fiction self-publish without the usual hassle and expense.
Garland O’Rourke Parten ’42, Irvine: I graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College magna cum laude in 1946 with the “Chicks of ’46” and married my high school sweetheart when he returned in
44
1948 from four years in the Pacific during WW II. We had six fantastic children—five great sons and one amazing daughter. When the children were older, I became an executive assistant to the academic senate at the new campus of the University of California, Irvine, where I served until my retirement. My husband, Bill, who also retired from UC Irvine, and I now enjoy our golden years living on the Irvine campus, visiting our family and friends and traveling. We are truly blessed.
Janet Traviss ’46 (Sister Mary Peter Traviss, O.P.), San Francisco: I entered the convent after graduation and became a teacher. I loved my ministry and earned my Ph.D. at Stanford University and went to Harvard to work on my doctoral dissertation with Lawrence Kohlberg. After I joined the faculty at the University of San Francisco, I took a sabbatical at Oxford University in England. I retired in 2005 and am happy as a clam in serving others as needed. I currently read doctoral dissertations at Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, and do
research, write articles and profoundly enjoy life. My life changes as I grow older and find moving around quite difficult, but then I will be 90 years old in just three years so that is not surprising. I do miss traveling. My family is growing with new grandnieces and nephews living in different parts of the world. We email news and exchange great pictures. I find genealogy a fun hobby and share my surprising findings with members of my family. I have made family trees for all the second branch members. Another hobby is visiting presidential libraries and with last year’s visit to the George Bush Presidential Library, I have gone to them all. I wish that Obama’s was going to be in Hawaii, but no, he has decided on Chicago.
Marielena Arguello Vivas ’55, Doral, FL: Marielena recently went on a trip to all Marian Sanctuaries in Portugal, Spain and France.
Judy Cascales ’57, Chula Vista: I taught for 40 years—mostly students from lower-income neighborhoods at the high school level—before I retired in 2002. Many of my former students have gone
Our son Alberto is a professional musician based in Los Angeles. His wife Irene is a dancer. They tour both nationally and internationally. In 2013, Alberto won a Grammy. Our daughter Virginia and her family live in Minnesota. She is an electrical engineer with a specialization in electronics and cardiology. Virginia was on the team at Medtronic that designed the first pacemaker I received in 2001. Her husband Andrzej also works at Medtronic in cardiology. My grandsons Raphael and Sebastian are 15 and 19. Sebastian is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in physics.
Virginia Holloway Hawthorne ’58, Sylmar: I graduated from Woodbury University in 1961. At that time Woodbury was located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles (Woodbury is now in Burbank). I worked at J.C. Penney’s for four or five years. I got married and had two wonderful daughters, who also went to FSHA. They are both married and proud parents of a total of five children … from fifth grade to a freshman in college. Since 1980, my husband Rick and I have taught vaulting at Valley View Vaulters, the club we started in 1980. Vaulting is gymnastics on horseback and is a world-class sport. We have taught over 4,000 vaulters of all ages and abilities since we started VVV in 1980. We have two World Champions and have won many, many national team and individual championships over the years.
Our vaulting classes consist of no more than 10 vaulters per two-hour lesson, which includes from one to four special needs vaulters in each class. Working together with all abilities is truly wonderful. The special needs vaulters see the others and learn how it should be done and the non-handicapped are always happy to help the special needs vaulters to do their best. It is a truly a win-win. For more info on vaulting and VVV, you can visit our website at www. valleyviewvaulters.com. [1]
1 2
Mary Collins ’62, Dallas: I spend time with my family, grandchildren and my two wonderful golden retrievers. I am planning on taking my 11-year-old grandson to San Francisco in August and in September I am going to Europe with a friend. I would always like to hear from fellow Tologs, especially if any of you now live in the Dallas area.
Cathryn Solomon Marraro ’63, Mesa, AZ: I retired in 2011. I had a wonderful career as a clinical director in nursing. My husband and I moved to Las Vegas when I retired and lived there for about 16 months. Shortly after my husband died in 2012, I moved in with my youngest son. He was living by himself, as was I. Happily he has since gotten engaged to a wonderful girl from Saipan. He received his master’s in organizational management and is now a director for the Arizona Desert Schools Credit Union. She is a lawyer. My oldest son is a dentist in northern California and has three wonderfully exhausting teenagers whom I love visiting. My granddaughter is going to a Sacred Heart high school in Sacramento. I spend most days making greeting cards, wreaths and angels. Patricia Hill ’63, La Cañada Flintridge: I’m the International Area Contact Persons coordinator for the National Association For Spasmodic Dysphonia (NSDA). SD is a neurological disorder that causes the vocal cords to spasm either shut or open, making communication very difficult. This year I was awarded the Dot Sowerby trophy for my work in the organization helping with education, depression, relationships, employment, coping skills and overall support in all areas of patients lives, in addition to fundraising, publications and interviews. [2]
Maria Teresa Lopez Harrison Barrientos ’63, San Salvador, El Salvador: I’ve been a housewife, mother and grandmother (of eight) for 45 years. It’s a full-time job! My daughter lives in Chile and is married with three children. One of my sons is moving to Nicaragua with family on a new job. My other two sons live in El Salvador. I would love to visit Flintridge Sacred Heart. I could not make it on our 50th graduation celebration, but I’ll try in the near future. I have wonderful memories!
Bonnie Drumwright ’69, Gold River: I work part-time as a vocational expert testifying at Social Security regarding
45
VIEW FROM THE TOP
employment potential of people applying for benefits. I have a wonderful family— great nieces and nephews who fill my heart with joy. My 97-year-old mom had a bad fall and we cared for her in our home for three months. She is now healthier and happier and lives in a wonderful facility five minutes from our home so I see her daily.
On April 26, the Class of 1975 gathered for a reunion brunch at the Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes, Calif. The event was organized by the class. [1] Marlene Medina Beranek ’75, Rancho Palos Verdes: I have continued my career in neonatal medicine and have expanded my horizons. Since leaving Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, I have been with the Department of Health Services for the County of Los Angeles at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. My focus is multi-faceted and no longer just about direct patient care. I am fortunate to have been made an assistant clinical professor of nursing at UCLA and I am part of the team to develop and implement the electronic health record to all departments of health hospitals and clinics. My youngest two children celebrated their graduations, with Nolan’s prefaced by his acceptance into the Police Academy while continuing his service as a sergeant in the Marine Corps. Amanda celebrated by donning her lieutenant bars as she graduated from the Air Force Academy and heads to pilot training. My older two are in graduate school. Dan and I have shared 31 years of marriage and are looking toward the day when we can both retire.
Sand Kalish Bonham ’75, Laguna Niguel: What’s been going on in my life? My husband, Mark, and I just celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. We retired our construction business and moved to Laguna Niguel four years ago. We have two grown children. Our daughter married three years ago and now we are GRANDPARENTS for the first time! Our granddaughter is 7 months old.
46
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Tara Reilly Cohn ’75, Redlands: I remarried six years ago to a very wonderful and patient man named David Cohn. He’s also a Superior Court Judge and we met at work. I’ve been on the bench for 19 years now and am currently handling both a family law and probate calendar. My daughter Catherine graduated from USC two years ago and is working for CrowdTorch in L.A. My son John is a junior at the University of Nevada studying psychology after five years of semiprofessional snowboarding. Life is really very good. I still think of myself as 27 and just don’t understand why my body won’t always cooperate with that self image!
Sylvia “Patty” Gabrie ’75, Oxnard: Patty was so very excited to see everyone and was accompanied by her daughter at the brunch on April 26. She spends a lot of time with her daughter and her darling grandson, now that she is partially retired. She enjoys having a schedule that accommodates a lot of family time. Patty is happily living in Oxnard and is blessed on so many levels.
Shelia King Garrison ’75, Los Angeles: Shelia continues her work at USC, although she has worked in large broadcasting agencies since graduating from USC with a degree communications. Her eldest son is currently a U.S. Marine and at the time of the brunch, was leaving for Colorado for some training. Her daughter is a junior in high school and is hoping to continue the love for the Trojans by being a Trojan herself and attending college at her mom’s alma mater. Shelia says she is blessed to still have both parents and to have them so much a part of her life.
Charlene Peterson Johnston ’75, Tucson: After graduating with a degree in child mental health, Charlene spent many years working with abused and neglected children, which included becoming a clinical director for a boy’s home. When her daughter and son-in-law were deployed by the U.S. Army, Charlene and her husband became full-time grandparents awaiting their safe return. Charlene did some rodeo barrel racing, which led to the grandkids learning how to ride. She is now enjoying retirement,
doing volunteer work for her church and caring for the elderly.
2
Darla Vessadini Longo ’75, La Cañada Flintridge: Though Darla is busy with her industrial real estate career, she was able to help with the planning of son Michael Longo’s wedding. Darla was blessed with the addition of a daughter-in-law on Saturday, June 27, 2015.
Sally Ojala ’75, Mission Viejo: I live in Mission Viejo with Rich, my husband of 30 years. After being a stay-at-home mom to our two sons (Andy, 29 and Kevin, 25), I returned to the family business. I work in Costa Mesa at Howard Building Corporation as an office administrator and thoroughly enjoy it. My carrot in life is travel—Rich and I love to explore the world. Our most recent trip was to Switzerland and France earlier this year. I also LOVE to craft, in different mediums. I very much enjoyed seeing my fellow “Sisters of the Hill” at our brunch reunion. I only wish more could have made it. There is not a day that goes by that is not touched by my experience at FSHA. I will always be grateful and think fondly of the lessons learned both in and out of the classroom, and the wonderful relationships that can endure years of absence and still be as relevant as yesterday.
Leann Cobery Quinones ’75, Phoenix: Leann has a history of teaching and was accompanied by her husband Felix to the reunion brunch. She is very active running after her granddaughter, who also made an appearance at the brunch. Leann lives in Arizona and was happy to make the brunch event at the PV Country Club.
Rocio Vallejo ’75, Aventura, FL: Rocio lives in Florida and often accompanies her husband on trips to South America, as her husband is in politics. She is a very involved grandmother. She shared many photos of her family life at the reunion brunch and was very happy to be part of the events for the 40th reunion.
Paula Daly Haughey ’78, Charlottesville, VA: I am still living in Virginia with my wonderful husband, Tom. We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in January! I am
1 3
humility. From her I learned the value of commitment and collaboration. I learned how to be part of something bigger than myself and how even a seemingly small contribution can be so important. I learned that every actor, every crew member and every member of the audience contributes to a successful production. In this way art truly does imitate life. In this life, God has given us all an important role to play and each of us has the responsibility to play our part.
also still in the thoroughbred horseracing industry. We race as PTK, LLC and are based primarily in Maryland and Kentucky. The PTK stands for Paula, Tom and Kaitlin, our 27-year-old daughter and racing manager. Still very happy!
Barbara Baiamonte Howard ’79, Escondido: I really can’t speak highly enough of my experience at FSHA. In so many ways those four years shaped my life and I am certain I would not be whom I am today if not for those days and all those women (and men) who poured love into my life during that time. I was most profoundly influenced by Ms. Elizabeth Talbot-Martin (we all called her TM) and the drama program. While I never
did become the famous character actress I hoped to be when I waved goodbye to the Hill in May of 1979, my drama training and TM’s words and affirmations have carried me farther than I ever could have imagined. TM taught me to be fearless and confident on stage and that training has served me well throughout my career. Regardless of the size of the stage or the audience, whether my “stage” is teaching the story of Jonah to kindergartners or presenting to a group of master’s students in Irvine or training 300 children workers in Ethiopia, I have a stage presence that makes an impact—and that I owe to TM. But I can’t leave it at that. TM (through the drama program) gave me so much more than just public speaking training. She taught me the importance of
Analuz Bustamante ’81, Ecuador: I have four children and live in Ecuador with three of them: Ricardo, 26, who graduated from UPenn, Analuz, 12, and Martin, 9. Juan-Sebastian, 23, is a senior at Babson. I divorced my first husband and remarried, but unfortunately he passed away in 2011 after battling cancer for two years. I still work with my father, my brother and sisters; we are a very close family. [2] Michele Friese Stephens ’83, La Cañada Flintridge: On Saturday, January 31, a group of FSHA alumnae spent the day wine tasting in Napa Valley, California. Pictured at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellar are from left: Carol Schneiders Tagliaferri ’83, Kelly Friese Byars ’89, Erin Flanagan Brown ’83, Karen Aune ’83, Kristin Friese Gannon ’85, Maureen Sadler Martin ’83, Michele Friese Stephens ’83 and Adrienne Jones. [3]
47
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
Jan Ellison Baszucki ’83, Portola Valley: In January, my debut novel, “A Small Indiscretion,” was published by Random House. It was both a San Francisco Chronicle Book Club Pick and an Oprah Book Club 2.0 Editor’s Pick. My son graduated from high school and will be off to the UC Berkeley School of Engineering to study electrical engineering/computer science in the fall. Our three daughters are headed into 6th, 9th and 11th grades.
Kristin Stevens Pitt ’85, Sammamish, WA: I recently earned Microsoft certifications in Outlook, beginning Excel, and expert Excel. I enjoyed visiting FSHA for our 30-year reunion and catching up with friends. I continue to work at the local high school doing database work. Our son just graduated from UC Berkeley with a physics degree. He is thinking of going into teaching. Our daughter is a sophomore at Loyola Marymount in Los Angles studying film production. Our oldest son graduated from the University of W.A. in 2012 and is working at Amazon. We recently bought a new house and are planning a major remodel. We still live in W.A., a short distance from Seattle.
Carolyn Manges Charles ’87, Santa Monica: I recently earned my license to practice architecture after taking an extended parenting break (three great kids!), and have launched an architecture firm in Los Angeles. My three partners and I are very proud to start doing great work together as PartFour Architects.
Michelle Taormina ’91, Glendale: My daughter will be attending FSHA in the fall, Charlotte Taormina ’19. I’m very proud of her! I also am very proud of my 9-year-old son. He’s been a straight A student this year. I have two very smart kiddos. I’m a proud mom!
Karen Pindroh Kelly ’92, San Diego: I am a physiologist in the Department of Warfighter Performance at Naval Health Research Center in San Diego. I was named one of six “Top Emerging Scientists
48
recent years. Also, I was just recognized as one of LAUSD’s Teacher of the Year awardees and am currently going through the process of applying at the county level for the Teacher of the Year award. I have also been working with various Holocaust and social justice organizations, such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, to create curriculum and provide professional development for educators.
2
Outside of my career, I got married in 2010 and currently live in Altadena with my husband and two daughters. My husband and I are also expecting a boy in August.
3
1 of 2014” by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for all of Navy Medicine. On June 12, I received my award at a special ceremony at the Pentagon for the work I have been conducting on the effects of load carriage on Infantry Marines. Both my son and daughter’s baseball/ softball teams were in the championships this year!
Kelly Glynn Cook ’93, Pasadena: I had another baby girl a year ago. Her name is Lily. My other daughter Irene will be 4 on July 4. I am still teaching preschool in La Cañada and I love it. We are off to Hawaii in a week. I think of my classmates often and would love to see you all soon.
Elaine Moore Byszewski ’95, Altadena: My husband Brad and I are celebrating our 15-year wedding anniversary this summer. We have two little boys. Nick is 5 and Sam is 2. I am a partner at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP.
Alison Spicer ’95, Sierra Madre: I am currently the marketing manager for Architectural Resources Group in Pasadena. This is the perfect fit for me as is combines my love of architecture, history and design. We recently completed construction on the new education and visitor center at the Huntington Library. I am living in Sierra Madre and enjoy being
a mom to a very active 3-year-old boy.
Crissie Serrano McBride ’96, Pacifica: I have been working for a Digital Forensics company in San Francisco for the past seven years. In December 2013, we were blessed with our ninja warrior, Cu Chulainn. Recently, I had the opportunity to perform barrel rolls and loops in a Red Bull Aerobatic Extra 300L plane!
Liliana Barrios ’98, Glendale: Dianne McCarthy ’97 and I graduated with our MBAs in the same class at UC Irvine this last June. We were so excited to find that we were not only in the same class but same group for the two years! I am currently director of marketing and business development at VisionShare, the largest eye bank network in the world. [1] Lauren Chilstrom Guber ’98, Chino Hills: Since 2007, I have been a deputy district attorney for L.A. County. I’m currently assigned to the Pomona branch office, where I am on a felony trial team. My husband and I will be celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary this year! Our son Robert is 8 and just won his first wrestling tournament. Our daughter Alexandra is 4 and loves all things “Frozen.”
Carla Suarez-Capdet ’98, San Fernando Valley: We welcomed our first baby boy, Jordi Blas
Capdet-Suarez, on September 17, 2014 at Cedars-Sinai. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was born at 10:23 a.m. We relocated from Playa Del Rey to the San Fernando Valley to be closer to family. Looking forward to 2015! [2] Merdie Antonio Delfin ’01, Los Angeles: My husband, Ben, and I moved back to L.A. recently after living in N.Y.C. for almost a decade. We have three children: Marian, 7, Tessa, 4 and Xavier, 1. Ben is a deputy city attorney at the L.A. City Attorney’s office and I’m taking care of the children fulltime. I plan to return to my nursing career sometime this year.
Hana Ibrahimovic McDermott ’01, Ventura: I graduated from FSHA in 2001 and have since finished my B.A. at Whittier College and my M.A. in clinical psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. I am currently working on my doctorate in clinical psychology but I am on a little break because I decided to stay at home with my two little girls (I have a 3-year-old and a 6-month-old). I can’t tell you how often I think about FSHA and how it has changed my life. As an immigrant from Bosnia with hardly any English knowledge, FSHA provided me with opportunities that otherwise would not have been present. Going to FSHA, I was able to receive not only the best academic education but also the best mentoring on how to live a life of love, compassion and service. It was the first place I learned about God and it has been
an amazing journey ever since. If it wasn’t for my time at FSHA I doubt that I would be working on a dissertation with theological conceptualization of war trauma and healing. I will forever be grateful. I hope to take my girls and husband down to FSHA sometime in the near future and visit. I also hope to be able to attend one of the alumnae events.
Heather Feng Sandoval ’01, Altadena: Thought I’d just drop a quick note as to what I’ve been up to since 2001. After FSHA, I attended UC Santa Barbara, graduating in 2004 with a master’s in history and English, and then San Diego State, finishing in 2005 with a single-subject teaching credential. I also completed a master’s degree in history from Cal State Los Angeles in 2008 and an educational administration and curriculum development degree from Concordia University in 2011. Since 2006, I have been teaching in downtown Los Angeles at one of LAUSD’s continuation high schools working with students who have either failed out of the traditional school or are returning to school after leaving due to personal/legal issues. Over the last nine and a half years, I have been teaching history-social science, visual, performing and technical arts and English at Newmark High School. For the past two years, I have been the data and instructional coordinator at the same school. We were just recognized as a Model Continuation High School by the State of California, the only school in LAUSD to be recognized in
Hope all is well on the Hill. My parents still live across the street so I get to see the changes taking place all the time. The new performing arts building looks like it will be such a great addition to the school! Being in education now, I see how important opportunities beyond the classroom, such as the ones offered by FSHA, are for students to have a wellrounded, meaningful education.
Arielle Ponce Gholipoursani ’02, Colorado Springs: In April 2015, I married Pooya Gholipoursani at All Saints Catholic Church in Los Angeles. I was blessed to have six Tologs by my side as my bridesmaids: Allison Ponce ’13, Danielle Herrera ’02, Kimberly Stewart ’02, Jennifer Friedman ’02, Samantha Novitski ’02 and Kerry O’Keefe ’02. My husband and I currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. [3]
Jaclyn Cuevas Sayre ’02, Evansville, MN: For the past seven years I’ve been working for Zero Variance, a business intelligence firm that specializes in consulting with major corporations to support their sales and customer service channels. As an account director, I’ve been supporting AT&T Global Communications by traveling to their call centers throughout the United States, conducting training for their customer service and sales agents. I manage a team of 30 analysts in our Cordoba, Argentina, location and travel back and forth from our U.S. headquarters and Argentina several times a year. My husband, Jeremy, and I were married in Alexandria, Minnesota, in September 2012. Shortly after, we purchased our
49
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
3
1
2 first home together on 100 acres of land where we entertain our two dogs, Enzo (French bulldog) and Apollo (English Mastiff) and enjoy country living! This past March, we welcomed the birth of our daughter, Easton Alengayle Sayre, and have been enjoying the adventures of parenting ever since! Being a mommy is the greatest gift I could ever be blessed with. [1] Adrian Herlache Chebuske ’03, Los Angeles: In 2013, my husband Dave and I returned from Berlin, Germany, where we spent two years studying and working. We were married in October 2013 and decided to spend a few years living in southern California. I work at USC in undergraduate admissions for USC Marshall and my husband has a great job at Outbox. We’re expecting our first baby in September.
Audrey Vass Fetch ’03, New York City: I married my best friend Paul Fetch on October 25, 2014 on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. I enjoyed sharing the special day with fellow Tologs Katie Dennis Shoen ’03, Jenna Ebbink ’03 and Kathryn Gorsch ’03. I completed my first half of dermatology residency training at Columbia University in New York. Two out of four years done!
50
Aly Wilson Hayes ’03, San Antonio, TX: I got married in 2013 and this fall we are expecting our first child! We are currently living in San Antonio, Texas, and really love it! I work in marketing as a program manager for Rackspace, a cloud hosting provider.
Jillian Myers Kassel ’04, Culver City: What a year 2014 has been! I thought it would be a great idea to make some of the biggest life changes one can make, and to do them pretty much all around the same time. In April, I moved to Culver City and in May I left my job at CBS Radio, where I worked with fellow Tologs Katie Martin ’96, Christina Manville ’03 and Monique Farrage ’10. I started a new job at an event marketing agency, all the while planning my wedding. On June 21, 2014, I married Matt Kassel at the Santa Barbara Mission. The reception followed at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where Holly Hofgaarden ’04, Margaret Mabie ’04 and Ashley Drummy ’04 were in attendance, making the day so special. Matt and I honeymooned in the French Polynesia, island-hopping from Tahiti to Huahine to Bora Bora. Before we got married though, we went on Engaged Encounters at the same retreat center my class went to for Kairos in Santa Barbara, and I wish I had known then that I would return 10 years later! Now that all the craziness has settled down, my husband (still takes time getting used to saying that!) and I are enjoying life as newlyweds and are looking forward to
bringing a dog into our lives soon. [2] Kelly Herbert Lauer ’04, Denver: I most recently graduated with my master’s degree in educational psychology. I will continue teaching first graders at a public school in the Denver metro area. In September 2014, I married Colorado native Travis Lauer. Our wedding was on Catalina Island and fellow Tologs Lauren Burns ’04 and Megan Hamilton ’04 attended. Travis and I are having fun settling into married life in Denver. I would love to connect with other Colorado Tologs!
Megan Sheehan Coates ’05, Los Angeles: Megan Sheehan ’05 married her long-time beau Justin Coates on July 5, 2015 in Lucca, Italy. Megan met Justin when she was a Rose Princess and senior at FSHA. He was a junior at Loyola and his dad, Dana Coates, was on the committee of judges that chose Megan as a Rose Princess. They both attended Loyola Marymount University after high school and were together for nine and a half years when they got married. Megan is an actress, appearing in shows such as “Marry Me” and “You’re the Worst,” and Justin is the art director at Obsolete, an art gallery in Culver City.
Valerie Diwa ’05, San Francisco: After I completed my B.A. in gerontology from Mount St. Mary’s in L.A., I moved
to San Francisco at the end of 2012. I have been living here ever since. I have been working in Oakland at a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) called Piedmont Gardens. I started as the marketing assistant but was promoted to health center coordinator in the skilled nursing area of the community. I love it here and I have been exposed to the clinical side of my field. I never anticipated loving it as much as I do. I’ve been here now for a little over two years. I have just completed applications for graduate school for the online USC courses. I applied to the MSW Program (which Connie just completed) and the master’s in long term care administration (which is the program I am truly hoping to get into). Health-wise, I’ve been in remission from my lupus for longer than I actually had the disease if you can believe it! I’ve been symptom-free for years now and I am doing well.
Erica Falkner ’05, San Diego: I’m working as a trial attorney for a personal injury law firm in San Diego. This year, I won both of my trials.
Brett Bralley Jaillet ’05, Tuscaloosa, AL: I’m working as a communications specialist for the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences. I work with physicians, residents, medical students and researchers in sharing their accomplishments and projects with the
media and the community. From putting together a magazine and annual report to giving our websites fresh redesigns, my job is to make our college’s mission and work known. I’ve been married for three years. I met my husband in college. We were both working at the Crimson White, UA’s student newspaper.
Constance Mak ’05, Hong Kong: Towards the end of 2009, I moved back to Hong Kong after graduating from Pitzer College. I began working with the Estée Lauder Companies in marketing and subsequently in sales for their travelretailing arm for Greater China. I worked on brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Origins and Aveda. However, I recently moved into the industry of education! I now head up school development for a learning center focusing on character education. I am excited to get back in touch with the Tolog community.
Andrea Borgen ’06, La Cañada Flintridge: Andrea Borgen ’06 is in the process of opening barcito, an Argentine-inspired shared plates bar, coming soon to 12th and Grand, in downtown Los Angeles.. Andrea previously spent time as a manager at The Flintridge Proper, but prior to that was in New York as the GM of Blue Smoke, a Southern American restaurant under the Union Square Hospitality Group umbrella. For more information, head to barcitola.com.
Analiese DiConti-Gibbs ’06, Los Angeles: I earned my M.D. from Keck School of Medicine of USC in May and started my residency in internal medicine at LAC+USC Medical Center. I’ll be spending the next three years training.
Myra Joy Veluz ’06, Pasadena: This fall semester at the University of Arizona School of Dance, I will serve as the rehearsal assistant to Assistant Professor Tamara Dyke-Compon. I will also co-direct and perform at the Arizona Jazz Dance Festival under the supervision of Professor Michael Williams. I will also serve as Graduate and Professional Student Council College of Fine Arts representative and executive board social chair. As a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Arizona, I teach dance history and dance technique classes. I am also certified in Fletcher Mat Pilates. My latest adventures include traveling to Tuscany, Italy, to participate in the ArtsOasis Residency, an international and inter-idiom-based program, which supports the process of collaboration and artistic development. Later this July, I will participate at the Bill Evans Teacher’s Intensive at Dean College and the Social Emotional Certificate Program with UCLArts thanks to grants provided by the U of A School of Dance and the GPSC Travel and Research programs. My research in dance teaching methods from this summer will be presented at the National Dance Educator’s Organization Conference in Phoenix this October. My cousin’s junior and senior dance company at San Marino Dance Academy, of which I am a proud dance alumna and guest faculty member, will be performing in the Macy’s Day Parade this Thanksgiving in NYC! [3] Caroline Johnston ’07, Santa Monica: I’m currently the coordinator of Strategy and Brand Partnerships at The Story Lab, an advertising agency in Santa Monica, and I work on the Microsoft account. I have such fond memories of my time at Flintridge Sacred Heart and attribute much of my professional success to Mrs. Thompson’s Journalism classes and writing for the Veritas Shield. My friends
51
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
from high school are still some of my best friends today–I currently live with Kathryn Scharre ’07 in Santa Monica and we are getting together with a couple FSHA alumnae soon to celebrate Elle Navarro ’07 visiting from San Francisco!
the fall, I will be an incoming student to the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I hope to use my M.A. in art business to work in the art insurance industry, hopefully to investigate art fraud.
1
Katherine Gates ’08, Chicago: I graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2013 with B.A. in English. Afterward I completed a 200-hour certified yoga teacher training program at LMU in the fall ’13. In Spring ’14, I moved to Chicago where I live and work in development for a Catholic school, coincidentally named Sacred Heart. I also teach children’s yoga in the after-school program.
Ali Lozano Gorczynski ’08, Houston: My big news is that on August 8, 2014, I got married in Ogunquit, Maine, in a private ceremony to my wife, Christina. We will be having a larger wedding with family and friends (which will include several FSHA alums from the Class of 2007 and 2008!). I also moved from Washington, D.C. to Houston, Texas, last year and still live here working at a commercial litigation law firm. I enjoy being involved in lots of local community groups and activities. I also rescued a small cat that I named Baldwin. [1] Connie Diwa ’09, Los Angeles: I graduated from the University of Southern California with my master’s in social work. I specialized in families, children and social work in school settings. I also obtained my Pupil Personnel Services Credential with emphases in school social work and school child welfare and attendance. I am planning to continue on with my work as a school social worker at a local school district or agency/organization that works with families and children. During these past two years in my program, I have seen how important it is to address the emotional and social needs of all students to help them succeed academically. I hope to continue in these efforts of breaking down the barriers that are preventing children from pursuing their education. I would not have become the woman, student, advocate and social worker I am today if it were not for FSHA. Strength and resiliency are what I have instilled
52
in my students and FSHA showed me that if you have those two then you can get to where you want and need to be.
Christine Westhoff ’09, Glendale: In May I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with my master’s in education and a multiple subject credential. In August I will begin my third year of teaching middle school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Downey. I will continue as the Academic Decathlon and Student Council moderator.
Stephanie Kiang ’10, Glendale: I graduated in June of 2014 from UC Irvine and decided to take a year off, to take a break from school and to apply for graduate schools for physical therapy. In July of 2014, I did a mission trip to Haiti for a week with my college group at Mariners Church in Irvine. After that, I started studying for the GRE and preparing to apply to PT schools. By God’s grace I got into the number one physical therapy program in the nation! I’ll be starting at USC in August and I hope to graduate by 2018.
Marisa McKently ’10, Boston: I’m working as an intern software product manager at Pearson. I’m working with developers to create a new learning management tool to be used in higher education. Prior to this internship, I studenttaught for a year and received my license to teach high school biology while completing
classes (part time) to get my master’s degree in education from Harvard. The focus of my master’s degree is on instructional design and innovative learning tools, especially technology and media geared to improve K-12 science education. My family is still in L.A. and they are doing very well. I am eager to move back to California in the next few years. I recently learned how to make an incredible eggs benedict ... and I’m (sort of) learning how to code. Sending my love and regards from Boston!
Paige Parker ’10, La Cañada Flintridge: After coming home from a summer-long internship at an advertising firm in Sydney, Australia, I returned to the Marshall School of Business at USC to finish up my senior year of college. I am currently pursuing my master’s in broadcast journalism at USC (I’m looking to enter the sports media industry) but in between have been traveling around the world to places like China, Hungary, France, Italy, Austria and N.Y.C.
Sage Zermeno ’10, Pasadena: I graduated from New York University in 2014. I was just accepted to USD Law School for the fall of ’15, and I am very much looking forward to attending.
Christiana Flaherty ’11, Davis: I am excited to share that I graduated from UC Davis a few weeks ago with a triple major (B.A.) in political science, psychology and history and a minor in art history. In
Kelsey Shaw ’11, Chicago: I recently graduated from college on May 9 and moved to NYC on May 10! The following week I did a showcase performance with my musical theatre class for agents, casting directors and other professionals in the theatre world. It certainly was a whirlwind of a week. Starting in September, I’ll begin traveling the country with the national tour of “Annie” the musical. I’ll be on the road from September until July 2016. A highlight of our schedule is three weeks at the Pantages Theatre in L.A. this October! I can’t wait to be back in California. To get the chance to perform on the same stage that I grew up seeing theatre is incredible. I’m sure it’ll be an emotional, full-circle moment for me! My sister Kaitlin Shaw ’04 lives in NYC and is a very successful casting assistant. She works on Broadway shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mamma Mia,” “Les Miserables” and “Aladdin.” I’m so proud of how hard she’s worked to be living her passion for the theatre. My brother got married last year and is a lawyer in Chicago, where my parents relocated in 2012. They love their life out there and it’s great to see them so happy.
Camille Aroustamian ’12, Berkeley: I began writing for UC Berkeley’s Bare Magazine, one of the best college fashion magazines in the country according to Conde Nast.
Amy Rodriguez ’12, Los Angeles: After graduating FSHA, I attended St. Mary’s College of California and studied studio art. After a year and a half, a few film classes and a trip to an animation studio, I discovered a new passion for animation. St. Mary’s couldn’t cater to my new interest so I transferred to Loyola Marymount University and applied to their animation program. I’m now a junior and I’ve completed a short animated film with a few other students. You can view it here: https://youtu.be/9_npHt2Hdp8. I’m also doing a small illustration project for
a children’s book along with learning 3D animation at LMU. Drew Washington ’12, New York City: This past spring, I traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to conduct research with a small group of students and professors on the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics. We traveled to the Olympic competition sites and met at length with the 2016 Olympic Organizing Committee. I have recently started a summer internship at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the leading entertainment agency in the U.S. I am currently working in their sports division in property sales and talent sales. I’m also in the process of studying for the LSAT and am beginning to apply to law schools.
could be. Going to such a big school I was nervous it might be hard to get involved or find my place, but I found it to be quite the opposite. I applied and was accepted to an academic learning community of 150 students called the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program right off the bat. LHSP provided me with an immediate group to bond with by living with and taking one class per semester with peers with similar interests to mine. LHSP is a learning community focused on writing and the arts so my first semester I chose to take a creative writing class called, “Being Human in a Digital Age.” My second semester I took an art class called, “From Kansas to Munchkin Land” where we started drawing with charcoal and ended painting with acrylic paint.
Sydney Acosta ’13, Orange: I’m still studying at Chapman University where I’m majoring in communication studies and minoring in art. I love it there and am still so happy that’s where I decided to go. I’m interning at Pasadena Magazine for the summer and so far I love it. I still credit AP English with Mr. Bernstein and journalism with Mrs. Thompson for my ability to write well. My younger sister Charlotte will be turning eight. Even though she’s only in the second grade, my mom and I have both agreed that she needs to go to Sacred Heart!
After moving in and meeting my roommate for the first time, I decided going in “blind” was the right decision. She became my closest friend at school and still is today. Because I had seriously considered playing on the women’s varsity water polo team at Michigan, and wanted to continue playing, I joined both the women’s club water polo team and an intramural team with a group of friends I had made in the Army ROTC program. After many hours of practice and many more friends, laughs and memories, our club team ended up winning Big 10, and going on to Nationals where we took third place. In addition to being a part of LHSP and the club water polo team, I also decided to give Greek life a try. Early on I was lucky enough to find yet another group of friends that I immediately connected with and felt welcomed and included by.
Alexa Rittichier ’14, La Cañada Flintridge: This summer I was offered a paid internship as a mechanical engineer at Emcore Corporation—a company that produces semiconductor-based products in the broadband and fiber optics market. Basically, we use fiber optics technology to convert electrical energy into optical signals that enable high-speed communication in commercial, government, aerospace and even military defense applications. I also just finished my first year at The Ohio State University where my peers and I celebrated winning the first national champion football title in OSU history!
Madelyn Peterson ’14, Sunland: I was accepted into a study abroad program and will be in Australia for a semester in 2016. I recently became an aunt!
Going into my first year I was very confident I would study business and economics. A week after classes started, I decided to change paths completely. I dropped my econ class and took a class I thought I would be more engaged in. As of now, I plan on double majoring in Spanish and BCN (biopsychology cognition and neuroscience)—a major I didn’t even know existed. My second semester I took a psychology class that took the material we learned in class and applied it to real life through volunteering. I added volunteering four hours a week at Ann Arbor Preschool to my schedule. Despite how busy I was, I still managed to finish my first year with great grades, along with memories and friends that I will cherish forever.
Elizabeth Hinckley ’14, Ann Arbor, MI: My first year at Michigan was so much more amazing than I ever imagined it would or
53
VIEW FROM THE TOP
FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART ACADEMY
SUMMER 2015
3
1
6
5 4
9 8
2
alumnae VISIT THE HILL It’s always fun when our alumnae stop by to visit. • S arah Lund ’14, Madelyn Peterson ’14, Riley Gilmartin ’14 and Ally Clapp ’14 on their way to see physics teacher Ty Buxman [1]. • Dana Delaney ’14 and Katie Altmayer ’14 swing by campus to help film a video for the Mother Daughter Luncheon [2]. • Noor Sharif ’08 (right) and Alumnae Manager Cheryl Asico take a tour of campus. Noor is about to start a Ph.D. program at McGill University where she will conduct neuroimaging research [3].
54
• N atalie Wheeler ’08 stops by for a chat with Alumnae Liaison Katy Sadler. Natalie is a freelance journalist. She wrote an article about the Kairos retreat for the La Cañada Valley Sun that was published in November 2014 [4]. • Brianna Hodge ’07 takes a friend on a tour of the school while on a visit from Spain [5]. • Hannah Johnson ’06 shows her friend the boarding hall and visits with Boarding Director Martha Lem [6]. • Ji Eun Jung ’95 shows her husband and daughter her yearbook. Ji Eun currently lives in Seoul, Korea, and works for Stryker, an American company that sells medical devices [7]. • Julianne Sung Hyun Jung ’95 shows her husband and daughter the high school while on a visit from Korea [8]. • Alejandra Iturbide ’92 takes her husband and family on a tour of the Main Building [9]. • Ana Bustamante ’81 shows her son her former bedroom in the boarding hall [10].
7
10 55
VIEW FROM THE TOP
SUMMER 2015
What is your favorite memory of the Auditorium?
in memoriam
“I so vividly remember rehearsing for the fall shows and the constant thunder of the basketballs shaking the ground during basketball practice in the background, even games sometimes — whistles, cheering, shouting — all during rehearsal. It truly was multipurpose building with sport and art happening at the same time.”
EVAN MCGRATH
K A R E N RO S S
I
t was with great sadness that the Flintridge Sacred Heart community learned of the death of retired faculty member Karen Ross. Karen passed away on the afternoon of August 29 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Her daughter, Kally Ross ’04, and her son, Jonathan, were by her side. As a college counselor and academic advisor, Karen exuded kindness and positivity. According to Katy Sadler, former assistant principal of student affairs, “Karen was the quintessential people person: warm, loving, always interested in you rather than herself, extremely generous to all, especially her students.” Karen often worked with students with learning challenges and inspired them to achieve their academic dreams. Most importantly, “Karen was faith-filled, and as she approached her final illness, she never questioned why but only resolved to fight the good fight until the end. And she did!” says Katy. Before Karen passed away, she was able to attend one final concert of her favorite band, The Eagles. She took a limo to the show with family and friends, and spent the night rocking out with the band. Her FSHA memorial card included the lyrics from “I Wish You Peace” by the Eagles. Karen was preceded in death by her husband Ron and her son Jason. Karen will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
F
– Jennifer Ricchiazzi Richard ‘92
SHA suffered a great loss just before the start of the school year when Evan McGrath, junior religious studies teacher, died unexpectedly.
“I remember the Big-Little Sister Slumber Party that was held when I was a freshman. I only knew a few other students at the time but the event was a ton of fun. I specifically remember everyone’s stuff placed around the perimeter of the room — sleeping bags, duffel bags and, of course, lots of food/snacks (healthy ones, I’m sure!). When it was time to unpack and unroll the bags, people, clothes and stuff was EVERYWHERE!”
Many in the FSHA community enjoyed him as a teacher, junior class moderator, re-kindler of Powder Puff, Kairos leader and liturgical musician. His love for FSHA’s community was evident in the great enthusiasm he brought to every activity he participated in. Evan, who was married with three children, was a talented musician and a dedicated educator. He taught at local grammar and high schools prior to teaching at FSHA. After several years in a local high school administrative role, he was thrilled to arrive at FSHA and return to teaching full-time. According to Rosemary Johnston, assistant principal of student affairs, “Evan felt a true calling to teach religion and FSHA was a wonderful opportunity for him to do so.” A self-described feminist who strove to help the young women of FSHA find their voice, Evan was also unapologetically spiritual. It was this combination that inspired his students to reconsider their relationship with God. He encouraged them to find God in their lives every day and everywhere. For Rosemary, his passionate enthusiasm for all things Tolog is what stood out the most about him. He strove to integrate the mission and Dominican charism into everything he did to truly empower young women. For this and so much more he is missed beyond measure.
– Maria Viola Finnegan ‘82
The Flintridge Sacred Heart community remembers the following alumnae, friends and family members and asks you to keep them and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Marie C. DeMera ’48
Evan McGrath
Ann Felando ’52
Philomena McGee ’51
Marilyn Gatewood ’42
Deeann M. Patterson ’71
Marianne Heydorff ’46
Karen Ross
Virginia M. Jennison ’45
Mariko L. Yamaguchi
Donna M. Kline ’51
56
If you would like FSHA to remember your loved one, please email communications@fsha.org or call 626.685.8400.
“Summer volleyball! It was like a sauna in there, but the welcome was warmer than the temperature. My best memory in the Auditorium is dancing with my dad to his favorite music at father/daughter night, “At the Hop with Pop.” A very close second is certainly watching my own daughter act and sing on that stage for the past four years. Good, good times!” – Camille Barbaro Spina ‘87