Commencement 2019
At Holy Child’s commencement ceremony, traditions abound; white dresses, red roses and always much thoughtful reection on the shared experience of a Holy Child education.
“So, Class of 2019, thank you for allowing me to get to know you. For taking the risk. For being vulnerable. It has been an honor to hear your stories and I thank you for letting me share mine,” said Grace Gardella, Senior Class President. Student Government President, Elizabeth Hasfal also talked about what being a Gryphon means to her when she said, “At Holy Child, we learned the true meaning of community. Ladies, experiencing the trials and triumphs of our teenage years with each of you by my side has been the greatest privilege of my life. We are Holy Child and the strength of our spirit is one thing that will never change.” Melissa Dan, Ed.S., Head of School addressed the graduates with some inspiring words of her own:
“You observe, understand, and are highly perceptive to the world around you. Because of your education, and the opportunities you’ve been given, you can, and will, make a difference in this world.”
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Following Ms. Dan’s remarks, the Class of 2019 had the opportunity to hear from Lieutenant Jacqueline Penichet ‘09, the featured commencement speaker. After graduating from Holy Child, Jacqueline entered the United States Naval Academy, where she founded the Power Flight Program, obtained her private pilot’s license and was a member of the varsity women’s crew team and the Catholic Daughters of America. Lieutenant Penichet graduated in the top 10% of her class with a Bachelor’s of Science in Systems Engineering with Honors. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Acoustics Engineering with a minor in Undersea Warfare. After receiving early admission to the Nuclear Submarine 01 | Dede Ross, former Board Chair, Lieutenant Jacqueline Penichet ’09, Commencement Speaker, Thomas Girard, Board Chair, Melissa Dan, Ed.S., Head of School
02 | Lieutenant Jacqueline Penichet ’09 addressing the graduates
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Officer Pipeline, Lieutenant Penichet became one of the first females to ever be selected to work in the submarines. Entitled “Push the Envelope,” Lieutenant Penichet’s remarks gave the graduates a glimpse into her life on a submarine and not surprisingly, some important life lessons about playing a significant role in the world at large. She said, “If we all make a difference through our own actions and our own conscience then what a different world this will be. All that is required is your leadership.”
Ms. Dan and Board Chair Thomas Girard conferred 58 diplomas to the Class of 2019, as well as four special awards:
The Holy Child Award, for earning the highest general academic average for 4 years at Holy Child, was awarded to: Emma O’Shea ‘19.
The Cornelia Connelly Award, for outstanding service and leadership in school and community, was awarded to: Elizabeth Hasfal ‘19.
The Sister Mary Basil Award, given by the graduating class to the one among them who has consistently shown Christ-like compassion, generosity and concern for others, was awarded to: Grace Gardella ‘19.
The Dede Ross Award, presented by former Board Chair Dede Ross, for the senior who has enriched the lives of all at Holy Child through her honesty, humility, quiet perseverance, and sense of humor, was awarded to: Alexandra Marchese ‘19.
“Your footprints are all over our hearts and our School. And I have no doubt that you will continue to make your mark on a world that desperately needs your intelligence, compassion, and courage. It’s a good life. Enjoy it, girls.” —Head of School, Melissa Dan
special edition commencement 2019
Class of 2019 Isabella Alaimo
Meaghan Friedel
Franny Meluso
Dannie Bell
Claire Furio
Gabrielle Miller
Elianna Bland
Hope Gallagher
Elizabeth Montoni
Gigi Brusco
Martina Garate-Griot
Ally Napolitano
Catherine Bryceland
Emily Gardella
Catherine O’Leary
Grace Bryceland
Grace Gardella
Emma O’Shea
Sofia Campo
Caroline Gillespie
Isabella Pagan
Samantha Cioffi
Elizabeth Hasfal
Kristy Pagnani
Emily Clemens
Emily Herrera
Tatum Pepe
Riley Cronin
Katie Hodulik
Caylee Premoli
Sarina Culaj
Emma Kryza
Jacqueline Quinn
Melissa Curran
Sophia Kryza
Jen Reilly
Grace Desiderio
Juliet Kulusic
Symone Ryans
Giulia DeVita
Molly Mackenzie
Amalia Samuel
Paige Duffy
Bella MacLeod
Maggie Scala
Molly Dzialga
Samantha MacLeod
Sophia Schmitke
Emily Eggers
Lillian Mahamedi
Valana Thomas
Cassandra Farrell
Alex Marchese
Kerui Zhou
Class of 2019 Matriculations Bard College Boston College Bucknell University (5) Clarkson University College of Charleston (2) College of the Holy Cross (2) Davidson College Denison University FairďŹ eld University Fordham University Furman University Georgetown University George Washington University Hamilton College Harvard University* Lehigh University (3) Loyola Marymount University Loyola University, Maryland Manhattan College
Manhattanville College Marist College (2) New York University Rollins College Santa Clara University Southern Methodist University Syracuse University Tulane University University of Alabama University of California, Davis University of Colorado, Boulder University of Connecticut University of Miami University of Notre Dame (3) University of Richmond University of San Francisco University of Scranton Villanova University (6) Wake Forest University
*Student will take a gap year and enroll in September 2020
special edition commencement 2019
01 | Catherine ’19 and
04 | Mary ’22, Gina ’19 and
06 | Kristy ’19 and Kiernan
Caroline O’Leary ‘21
Jamie Brusco ‘18
Pagnani ‘14
02 | Emily ’22 and Katie
05 | Hannah ’21 and Emma
07 | Caroline ’17, Catherine
Hodulik ‘19
O’Shea ’19.
’19, Grace ’19, Ellen and Chuck Bryceland
03 | Katie ’17 and Meaghan Friedel ‘19
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01 | Victoria ’17 and Isabella
05 | Giulia ’19 and Gianna
09 | Cassandra Farrell ’19 and
Pagan ‘19
DeVita ’17
Christine Farrell Shanahan ‘05
02 | Augustina ‘17 and
06 | Molly ’24, Maggie ’19,
10 | Matt, Dominic, Alex ’19,
Martina Garate-Griot ’19.
and Lizzie Scala ‘21
Claudia and Mia Marchese ‘24
03 | Deirdre O’Brien ’93 and
07 | Steve, Emily ’19, Ashley
11 | Garrett, Rory ’21, Riley
Caroline ’19, Meredith ’23, and Colleen Gillespie ’25
’22, and Cathy Clemens.
’19, and Jennifer Cronin
08 | Isabella ’23 and Sofia
12 | MacLeod, Bryceland,
Campo ‘19
Kryza, and Gardella sisters
04 | Catherine ’21 and Paige Duffy ‘19
Athletic Awards
FAA Scholar Athletes The Fairchester Athletic Association awards the FAA Scholar Athlete designation to the rare student who meets a series of rigorous academic standards while also competing in at least two varsity sports in the senior year, and one in the junior year. This year, two Holy Child students were named FAA Scholar Athletes: Catherine Bryceland ‘19 and Dannie Bell ‘19.
The Brenna Kelly ‘06 Award is given to a senior student-athlete who has overcome great adversity throughout her four-year athletic career at School of the Holy Child. The award is named in honor of Brenna Kelly ’06, and is awarded to a student-athlete who embodies her spirit and perseverance, her determination to succeed, and her overall positive attitude. The award was received by Hope Gallagher ‘19. The Herb Mulholland Award is given to a senior student-athlete who embodies the life of Herb Mulholland. The candidate should have a passion for life, a demonstrated commitment to and love of sports and a genuine concern for the well-being of those around her. The award was received by Emily Gardella ‘19.
special edition commencement 2019
Arts Awards The Holy Child Arts Award is given to students for their outstanding ability in, and tremendous dedication to, the visual and/or performing arts program at Holy Child. The recipients were Isabella Pagan ’19 and Claire Furio ’19
“The world requires women of conscience and action, perhaps now more than ever before. There is a crisis of leadership which spans across the globe. I am here to tell each and every one of you that you can make a difference.” —Lieutenant Jacqueline Penichet ‘09, Commencement Speaker
special edition moving up 2019
EIGHTH GRADE MOVING UP 2019 Holy Child’s Class of 2023 celebrated its Moving Up ceremony on June 5, 2019, marking their passage from Middle School to Upper School. The ceremony is uniquely designed to reect the values of the Middle School, which emphasizes individuality, while also recognizing the shared experiences of the entire class.
special edition moving up 2019
Special Awards
Michelle Ann Bonk ‘96 Award is awarded to an 8th grade student who, like Michelle Bonk ‘96 (who passed away in January 2012), has demonstrated a commitment to her faith and religious values, the school community, public speaking, and athleticism: Michaela Koetke ‘23.
Sr. Mary Campion, SHCJ Award is presented to the student who has exemplified the “Holy Child Spirit,” has a keen mind and intellect, and shows maturity and integrity: Neave Rynne ‘23.
Sr. Anna Daly, SHCJ ‘43 Award is earned by the student who has the respect of her peers for her creativity, humor, compassion, and wisdom: Lily Hajjar ‘23.
01 | Molly ’18, Lilly ’23, and Annie
04 | Ella Rickens ‘23, Phoebe
Semprevivo ‘21
Angelone ‘23 and Caitlyn Cibelli ‘23
02 | Delia O’Lunney ’23, Finley
05 | Heather Gillespie, Meredith Gillespie ‘23, Deirdre O’Brien ‘93, Caroline Gillespie ‘19, Megan Gillespie and Colleen Gillespie ‘25
McCullough, and Alanna O’Lunney ‘25
03 | Colleen Parrott Ogilvie ’93, Tracy Parrott DeConcini ’88, Kristen Parrott Mulvoy ’91, Lindsey ’23 and Courtney Mulvoy ‘22
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special edition moving up 2019
special edition parents association
PARENTS ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Chef Karen Brennan In 2017, the Parents Association Executive Board introduced the PA Distinguished Service Award. This award celebrates and honors the Holy Child faculty and staff by recognizing a person for his or her outstanding service to Holy Child. The parent community supports the dedication and numerous contributions of all faculty and staff members. This year, the PA Distinguished Service Award was earned by Karen Brennan who is accurately described by many as “selfless” and “devoted.”
PA Co-Presidents Megan Gillespie and Heather Gillespie added that Karen “always takes pride in her work, demonstrates creativity and goes the extra mile.” She arrives on campus each morning before the rest of us walk through the doors and engages with the entire community throughout the day. Actions not words are demonstrated each day while she nourishes our entire community.” Congratulations Chef Karen!