Mount de Sales Academy for Girls
December 2018
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MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Elizabeth Saverino ‘87
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD
Karen von Lange P’09 ‘16
Nancy Dragin Reed ’81 P’17 President
Brian P. MacLean P’14 President
Director of Advancement
Elizabeth Gibbons Jennings ’80 P’12 ‘19 Vice President
Director of Communications
Kate Ohlmacher McAuliffe ‘02 Treasurer
Director of Development
John Teixeira Secretary
Development Coordinator
Sr. Mary Raymond Thye, O.P. Principal
Development Assistant
GENERAL BOARD Thomas Brinker P’16 ‘20 ‘22 Christopher P. Brown, Esq. P’04 ‘08 Thomas Campbell P’14 Larraine Clark P’02 Reverend Michael DeAscanis Ronald C. Diegelman P’00 Timothy Dignan P’12 ‘14 Paul M. Finamore, Esq. P’11 ‘16 William Glover P’15 Kim Martel P’00 ’02 ’08 ‘15 Lynda Geier Mules ’77 P’05 ‘13 Reverend Michael J.P. Roach James Zalucki, M.D. P’12 ’15 ‘20
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ADVANCEMENT TEAM
Claire M. Cohagan ’78 P’07 ‘11
Megan McCawley ‘10 Vice President
Virginia Shenk
Jeanne Schaible Langeluttig ‘84 Treasurer
Denise Zambotti P’15 ‘17 ‘19 Elizabeth Mahon ‘07
Director of Alumnae Relations
Jamie Wheeler
Graphic Designer
Jen Blake ‘15
Communications Intern
Danielle Wilson ‘11 Secretary
PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Mahon ‘07
Greetings FROM THE
P RIN C I P A L Dear Friends of Mount de Sales Academy, Our theme this year is, “We have been beautifully, wonderfully made.” Today’s culture can try to convince young people that they are the sum of what others think, or they can be whoever they want to be based on what they produce, look like, or project. We, however, believe we are made in God’s image and likeness, God has a plan for everyone, and His plan is for our happiness. The greatest act a human can do is love. When we love, we are fully human. We have an inherent dignity no one can take away from us. Since I’ve arrived at Mount de Sales, I hear from alums, past parents, current parents, and current students about how Sailors are able to find their voices, come into their own, and flourish in becoming the people they are meant to be. Daily I hear this, even amidst the routine of an ordinary school day with its ups and downs, and daily I see this in our students’ genuine efforts. They are learning to navigate a complicated and busy world. We have introduced the new Seminar of the Human Person, which intentionally gives our girls tools to assist them in thinking, choosing, loving − that is, in becoming fully human in the capacities in which we are made in the image of God. It is an exciting time to be at Mount de Sales Academy! We were designated as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2018-2019 school year. At Mount de Sales, technology is meaningful in engaging students while continuing the development of interpersonal skills and human relationships. We are in the middle of our active phase of the Capital Campaign for the Center for Performing Arts and Student Life. This long-awaited project will provide the resources our students need to pursue their passions and interests. In my short time here, I already love Mount de Sales Academy. The strength of this community and the dedication of teachers and staff are pillars. There is something special happening here that is truly unique. This school offers a gift to the students in their education that lasts a lifetime. God bless you,
Sister Mary Raymond, O.P.
Table of Contents 4 Class of 2022 10 Meet Sister Maris Stella, O.P. 18 Capital Campaign Updates 7 Seminar of the Human Person 14 Campus Updates 20 Alumnae News 9 Research in Science 16 Campaign Kickoff Festival FRONT COVER: Seniors L to R: Top: Sophia Averza, Edeline Davies, Jenna Gwinn | Middle: Maura McCormack, Rachel Hornig, Grace Gretz, and Mary Elizabeth Smith | Bottom: Angelica de Guzman
Mount de Sales Academy | 700 Academy Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 | 410.744.8498 | Mountdesales.org
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Scholarship R E C I P I E N T S Father Duerr
Golden Counsel
Grace Adkins
Jane Cochran
St. Agnes School
St. Augustine School
Catherine Harper
Madeline Driscoll
Homeschool
Regina Hrabinski
Sophia Jauquet
Emma Wallace
Our Lady of Victory School
Sacred Heart of Glyndon School
Ella Jendrek
Annamarie Walther
St. John the Evangelist School
Resurrection-St. Paul School
St. Mark School
Emelia Jordan
Juliette Whittaker School of the Incarnation
St. Pius X Regional School
Marina Fassolakis St. Louis School
Homeschool
Agnes Koodaly
Maria Rew
McKenna Fickinger
St. Louis School
St. John the Evangelist School
Sara Fleckenstein
St. Thomas Aquinas Elizabeth Arlinghaus Mount View Middle School
Antonina Lindquist St. John the Evangelist School
Sarah Mima St. Mary of the Mills
Mary Witt Sacred Heart of Glyndon School
School of the Incarnation
Molly Fountain St. Augustine School
Madeline Gilliam Resurrection-St. Paul School
Ava Grove Trinity School
Madison Heathcott School of the Incarnation
Arbutus Middle School
Megan Moran Our Lady of Victory School
Margaret Reed St. Louis School
Camille Rimbawa Burleigh Manor Middle School
Lindsay Small Oklahoma Road Middle School
St. Cecilia Music Karolina Mazur Sacred Heart of Glyndon School
Maria Rew St. Louis School
Camille Rimbawa Burleigh Manor Middle School
Anna Sniezek
Fra Angelico Art
St. Louis School
Bridget Fielding
Kendal Thomson
Homeschool
Monsignor Slade Catholic School
Class of 53
zip codes
82
starting
a legacy
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broadening a legacy Aunts, Cousins, Other Relatives
133
4
students in the class
43
middle schools
60
churches
39
continuing a legacy Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters
170TH
graduating class
Emily Oh
Elizabeth Arlinghaus
Veronica Macdonald
Sudbrook Magnet Middle
Mount View Middle School
Immaculate Conception School
Annamarie Walther
Julia Dolorfino
Ellen Popp
Resurrection-St. Paul School
Ridgley Middle School
Homeschool
McKenna Fickinger
Patricia Ringstad
St. John the Evangelist School
Mount View Middle School
Elizabeth Freymann
Emma Wallace
Homeschool
Sacred Heart of Glyndon School
St. Martin de Porres Sara Fleckenstein School of the Incarnation
Alena Nosel Resurrection-St. Paul School
Guardians of Life
Fernanda Gonzalez Bravo Sisters Academy
Madison Heathcott School of the Incarnation
Sophia Jauquet
Elizabeth Dodd
Our Lady of Victory School
School of the Incarnation
Ella Jendrek St. John the Evangelist School
Semper Fi Hannah Aghdam
Alice Marie Falter ‘60 Summer Bowen Lansdowne Middle School
Patricia Ringstad Mount View Middle School
Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, D.D. Scholarship
Knott Secondary
Mikel Lewis
Julia Galvin
St. Agnes School
St. Philip Neri School
Miriana Kelly St. Agnes School
Annie Walls
Class o
f 1922
St. Pius X Regional School
Miriana Kelly St. Agnes School
St. Pius X Regional School
2022
Photo by Galeone Photograhy
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Welcome! We are delighted to welcome 14 new faculty and staff members to Mount de Sales Academy. They bring their own unique talents and expertise to share with our students.
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2 CATHERINE SR. MARY RAYMOND, O.P. VENDETTI
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LAURA O’FRIEL ‘06
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ERIC DUMMANN
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Principal
Social Science Teacher
Director of Athletics
Religion Teacher
Foreign Language Teacher
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ALEXANDER BALLARD
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Science Teacher
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MARY K. ROBERTSON
Testing Coordinator
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THOMAS PABLO
Mathematics Teacher
TINA ALLEN
After-Care Supervisor
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FRANCIE RODWILL
Receptionist
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ALEXANDRA HAMAR
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JILLIAN MAUL
Foreign Language Teacher
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HUNTER MONTEVIDEO Social Science Teacher
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SONIA TOMPKINS
Foreign Language Teacher
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ADE ADEKUNLE
IT Support Specialist
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Seminar of the
HUMAN PERSON
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the most important lessons from school happen outside of the classroom. A personal conversation, a group debate, a life-changing realization – these are the moments when we sense the reality of God’s presence, reach out in kindness to someone else, or learn valuable information about who we are as human beings.
Particularly in recent years, we have felt the need to respond thoughtfully and critically to this age of moral relativism and instant gratification. As a defense against the relentless onslaught of negativity and alienation that the world pours over us, we offer the following core values:
The Seminar of the Human Person is an effort to ensure that these lessons, these experiences, happen for each of our students during her time here. The Seminar consists of topics that we have always tried to address at MDSA, such as love and relationships, the eternal significance of happiness, establishing good boundaries and communication skills, and making college and career decisions. The secular world thinks about these issues from a humanistic standpoint – what’s good for ME right now? – while we want to encourage a perspective of faith – what is God’s plan for my life?
• Truth comes from God alone.
• God is all goodness and all love.
• God made me in His image. • God desires me to be happy with Him. These foundational principles of the Seminar of the Human Person support our ultimate goal: forming women of dignity, truth, integrity and love. We look forward to exploring this year! By: Emily Lowe | Seminar Coordinator and English Teacher
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Vergissmeinnicht “THE FORGET ME NOT” EXHIBIT Thanks to the kindness of Towson University, “The Forget Me Not” Exhibit was on display at MDSA from September 13 – October 2, 2018, in the hallway of our newly renovated fourth floor. The Holocaust Studies Class interacted with the panels using their tablets and their pens for two separate assignments. Many other students visited the exhibit and “met” the Jewish children and young adults depicted in the panels. MDSA parents also viewed the display at Back-to-School Night.
Never Forget HOLOCAUST STUDIES WITH MRS. MARLATT Ten years ago Mount de Sales Academy’s principal, Sister Elizabeth Anne, asked me to create a Holocaust Studies elective for juniors and seniors. In conversation, she had discovered that I had some expertise on the subject, having participated in the weeklong Bearing Witness Program in Washington, D.C., and numerous other classes sponsored by the Baltimore Jewish Council and the Jewish Museum of Maryland. I have been blessed to teach approximately 20 students each year since that first class; this current school year 38 students enrolled! I say blessed because, as my students know well, “Once you know the story of the Holocaust you have an obligation to tell the story to others.” While the class culminates in a powerful and visceral experience at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, another important aspect of the class is hearing firsthand testimony. When the class began 10 years ago, we had a speaker’s bureau from which we could draw survivors of Auschwitz and numerous other concentration camps. We even had a Liberator from Pikesville, a Jew himself, who fought on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and who liberated the people at Buchenwald. Sadly, four of our regular speakers have passed away, but we still hear from Hidden Children who make this time period very real for the students. Our students realize that with the passing of so many survivors, they will be the last generation to hear firsthand testimony and that denial of the Holocaust is a very real threat, particularly on college campuses today. I hope the student interest will continue so that we will “never forget.” By: Pat Marlatt | English Teacher
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This exhibit tells the stories of 24 Jewish children living in various German towns during the Holocaust. Each panel depicts the life story of a real child who either survived or perished in the Holocaust. The child’s photo, hometown, family background and deportation information are displayed on life-size panels. Through primary sources and historical research, each child’s journey is carefully documented. Vergissmeinnicht was created under the direction of librarian and historian Dr. Cordula Kappner with the assistance of German high school students. This is the debut of the exhibit in the U.S. and it was brought here with the help of Dr. Fred Katz, who is one of the featured children. Dr. Katz is a retired professor of sociology and resides in Towson.
Research IN
SCIENCE
Since the school year began, students in the Research in Science course have enjoyed learning about the process of research and exploring new tools and protocols. For a first all-class project, students worked on tracing the exposure of Chestnut tree samples to a genetically tagged virus versus a wild-type virus using a practice scenario. As part of the learning process, students had to collaboratively work together to learn about the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) protocol, the process of using Gel Electrophoresis to separate DNA into bands, and proper micro-pipetting technique. By the end of the weeklong project, all students were able to master these important skills. By: Suzanna Ribblett P’21 | Science Department Chair
Photography by Jamie Wheeler
S E M I F I N A L I S T National Merit® Scholarship Program Congratulations to Colleen Roche ’19, who was named a Semifinalist in the 2019 National Merit® Scholarship Program. In early September, about 16,000 students were notified that they qualified as Semifinalists. These students, approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers from the 2017 PSAT, are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Colleen has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $31 million in awards. Vice Principal of Academic Affairs Theresa Greene shares, “We are so proud of and excited for Colleen! This recognition gives witness not only to her exceptional academic gifts, but also to the uncompromising academic excellence Mount de Sales offers to each of our students.”
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Q&A S I STE R M A R I S STELLA , O . P . WITH
What does MDSA’s religion program offer to students? I think our religion program excels in presenting the truths of the Catholic faith in a way that appeals to our students, helping them see that faith is not an extracurricular activity for the few, but an essential part of a well-rounded and happy life for all. Our freshmen begin with the basics of Scripture and doctrine. Sophomore year, they study the sacraments as powerful means of encountering God’s merciful love and the dignity of human love and sexuality as presented in the Theology of the Body. Our juniors dive into Christology and Church history to learn who Jesus is and how He has guided the Church for more than 2,000 years. Finally, our seniors focus on Morality and Holiness, in which they grapple with fundamental questions of human experience and modern moral issues from the perspective of their call to holiness.
How does MDSA’s Campus Ministry enhance religious education? Campus Ministry hosts annual retreats for each grade, offering girls the opportunity to step back and focus on the things that matter most: their relationships with God, themselves, and others. During retreats, students have fun while delving into topics of faith and entering the Church’s sacramental life through Mass, Adoration, and Confession. Additionally, Campus Ministry sponsors outreach, including making food for the homeless, praying near a local abortion facility, and participating in the National March for Life. Campus Ministry also sponsors an annual mission trip to Jamaica with Mustard Seed Communities, which has born tremendous fruit in the hearts and lives of the Sailors who have participated.
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How do students live their religious education outside of the classroom? Each student completes quarterly service based upon the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. When asked to reflect upon four years of service at Mount de Sales, graduates of 2018 told me that service became something they looked forward to and found personally rewarding. A 2016 alumna, who is currently interning in social services, recently wrote, “Service hours…played a huge role in my high school career in helping me discover what my God-given passions are. During my time at MDSA, the sleep-out for the homeless really changed my heart for the homeless [and helped me] have a greater understanding and perspective of the world…I believe God teaches us about ourselves when we interact and invest in others.”
What do you hope MDSA’s religion program does for students’ personal faith journeys? It is my great hope that our girls encounter Jesus Christ as a friend who loves them, offers forgiveness and healing for their sins, and walks with them throughout life. We aim to set hearts ablaze with a desire for the One who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human spirit. Here at Mount de Sales, our girls have the opportunity to learn the truths of their faith and to discover that truth is a person, Christ, who has called them to this place and who has a beautiful plan for their future!
Compiled by Communications Intern Jen Blake ‘15
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Times Three
CROSS COUNTRY
CHAMPIONSHIP
Mount de Sales Academy won its first-ever A Conference Cross Country title, an event held at McDaniel College on October 30. The race began with Maryvale moving its entire team to the front. Mount de Sales did not panic. The runners had confidence in themselves and knew that the course demanded a conservative start to counter the late hills. After the first half mile, only one Maryvale runner remained ahead, and Mount de Sales was on the move. By the final long hill, Sam Facius ’19 and Juliette Whittaker ’22 had taken the lead together with the remaining Sailors in good positions behind. Juliette placed first, Sam second and less than two seconds behind; an entire minute passed before the number-three runner approached. Bella Whittaker ’20 (7th), Elizabeth Freymann ’22 (8th) and Mackenzie Bell ’20 (11th) rounded out our team. This resulted in a score of 29, the lowest in league history. Ryleigh Hicks ’21 and Lauren Gulmert ’21 completed the varsity team. Coach Steve Weber adds, “This team knew from the beginning that there was potential here for a good season. They achieved that potential and more.”
VOLLEYBALL C H A M P I O N S H I P On October 27 at Goucher College, Mount de Sales Academy defeated St. Paul’s School for Girls in straight sets (25-20, 26-24, 25-20) to claim their second consecutive A Conference championship. MDSA also claimed victories in straight sets against John Carroll in the quarterfinals and Archbishop Spalding in the semifinals to boast a perfect postseason record. Some notable stats in the championship victory include the following: great serving by Grace Wallace ’20 (12 of 12), Grace Jennings ’19 (13 of 14 and 3 aces), and Malina Beideman ‘19 (11 of 12); strong offense by Mary Grace Goyena ’21 (10 kills), and Chidinma Onukwugha ‘21 (10 kills, 6 kills in the second set alone), and Kelsey Miller ‘21 dished out 29 assists. There was a great senior effort in the third set with Abby Kuhn, Lauren Gartrell, and Sydney Choo Quan recording 2 kills, 3 kills, and 3 kills respectively. This is the Sailors’ sixth A Conference championship in 10 seasons.
TENNIS DOUBLES C H A M P S Mount de Sales Tennis #1 Doubles Team, Lilly Pope ‘19 and Kristen Zaranski ‘19, competed in the IAAM B Conference championship against Archbishop Spalding High School. Playing against the impending rain, they worked hard and took home the championship title!
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rch rear po ind the ing lot. h e b ll a ba k park Kicking now the bac is in what
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Finding Christ in the Holy Land MS. DASCHBACH TRAVELS TO JERUSALEM My mom, a very faith-filled woman, has always said she does not need pilgrimages because she has Jesus in the Eucharist. This past summer, I remembered her words as I boarded my flight to the Holy Land. “Good for you, Mom!” I thought, “But I’m going to Jerusalem.” The Holy Land is indescribable. I prayed in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. I attended Mass on Calvary and laid my head on the rock where Jesus rose from the dead. I walked along the Sea of Galilee and danced in the Jordan River. I saw things that great men and women have longed to see and never have. At Eucharistic Adoration I reflected on these amazing encounters; they felt different from how I experienced the Lord’s presence in Adoration. I asked Jesus, “Why is it that I have prayed at the holiest sites in Christendom, but they still don’t feel like this?” The Lord answered in my heart, “Mary Clare, even though those places are amazing, they are still places where I was. This is where I AM.” It turns out, Mom is always right. I just had to travel to the other side of the globe to figure it out.
“THE WORLD’S THY SHIP AND NOT THY HOME.” -St. Therese of Lisieux
By: Mary Clare Daschbach ‘11 | Social Science Teacher
A Pilgrim’s Journey MS. KALSCHEUR HIKES THE CAMINO I slept in roughly 40 different beds this summer, each night unrolling my silk sleep sack onto another bare mattress. In the mornings, I rubbed Vaseline on my feet and bandaged blisters before pulling on wool socks. I came to love these daily routines, even wringing out laundry each afternoon. In many ways, life on the Camino was quite ordinary. Really, I just went on a very long walk. There is something unique, though, about Camino walking. Each day when I stepped onto the path, following the yellow arrows, I knew I was never coming back to that place; I wasn’t walking a loop. I was going forward, always, toward Santiago. I was a pilgrim, and each town, each steeple, each vineyard were all arrows urging me onward to St. James. And turning the final corner to the great cathedral facade, when I knelt in front of the apostle’s tomb, that was an arrow, too, reminding me that no place on this earth is my final destiny. Heaven is my only home. Camino walking taught me not that I was a pilgrim for six weeks this summer, but that I am a pilgrim. By: Ruth Kalscheur | Religion and Math Teacher
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View from the Convent
The Archdiocese of Baltimore coat of arms
M O UNT DE S ALE S CONVE N T STAI NE D- G L A SS W I N DOW The story of Mount de Sales Academy began with the grace of God. This grace was given in various ways and through particular saints, religious congregations and faithful friends of Mount de Sales. After years of planning, a colorful stained-glass window was completed and installed in May 2018 at the Mount de Sales convent chapel. The circular stained-glass window is located at the front of the convent chapel above the tabernacle. The eye of the viewer is drawn immediately to the Holy Spirit, symbolized by a dove, whose rays of grace extend in all directions. The sunset-colored rays fall distinctly on the Mount de Sales Cupola in the lower left quarter of the window. From the Cupola, the viewer is led to ponder the story of God’s grace at Mount de Sales Academy through a border of 10 distinct medallions.
The front of the Miraculous Medal, which has been worn by MDSA students for decades
A fleur-de-lis, noting the influence of the French saints Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal who co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (the Visitation Nuns)
By: Sister Marie Genevieve, O.P. | Religion Teacher With special thanks to: Michael and Mary Therese Pfau (benefactors); Eileen Clements, MDSA art teacher (original sketch); Mary Agnes Jopson P’03 ’09, MDSA art teacher (artistic input); Dominican Sisters of Mount de Sales from 2014-2018 (conceptualization); Rudi Waros (detail glass designer) at Waros Glass Company; Mohammed Alkurdi (finishing glass designer) at Terazza Glass Company; Trinity Homes (final installation).
The official Visitation Seal, giving special recognition to the Visitation Nuns who founded Mount de Sales in 1852
The central importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Mount de Sales community
The Dominican shield, which symbolizes the presence of the Dominican Sisters at Mount de Sales since 1985
The reverse side of the Miraculous Medal
A harp, which is a symbol of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music and the arts and special patron of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia
An open Bible reminds one of the surpassing knowledge of Christ which comes through reading Scripture
St. Michael the Archangel, selected to recognize Mr. Michael Pfau and his wife, Mary Therese, who graciously provided the stained-glass window for the convent
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Everyday Living and Learning CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
Fr. Michael J.P. Roach at the 150th Anniversary Mass
A-Side Chapel Expansion
1950s
COMP LETED AU G UST 2018 Our faith is the center of our lives and, literally, the Chapel of St. Francis de Sales is the center of our school. Students grow in faith and sisterhood when the entire student body gathers monthly to worship. The expanded chapel now accommodates all our students, faculty and staff. The debut of the new A-Side Chapel at the Campaign Kicko Festival
Science Research Lab CO MP L E TE D A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 With the addition of the lab, students enrolled in the Research in Science class now have a dedicated lab space to cultivate independent projects. Each student has an opportunity to conduct a research project on a different topic, guided by a mentor-expert from her topic field.
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B-Side Fourth Floor Renovation 1969
COMP LETED AUG UST 2018
Renovating the B-side fourth floor, formerly the monastery side, alleviated overcrowding resulting from increased enrollment over the past three decades. The new classrooms provide learning environments conducive to our highcaliber academics.
Expanded Arts Classrooms COM PL E TE D A U G US T 2 0 1 8 Relocating classrooms to the fourth floor allowed Fine Arts to expand on the lower level. Theatre, which vacated the Refectory, now enjoys a designated room. In addition to class, this new space will certainly come in handy for MDSA musical rehearsals. Instrumentalists and vocalists delight in the newly expanded space in the Refectory. Did you know that a part of the lower level of the 1852 Building was used for horse stables? You can still see the brick floors in the freshman locker room!
Elevator COMP LETED AU GUST 2018 “Holy Archangel Raphael, protector of travel, we pray thee to be the guardian of this elevator...� This prayer from the previous elevator is still displayed as students now enjoy a smooth ride from the lower level to the fourth floor in the new, state-of-the-art elevator.
Center for Performing Arts and Student Life FI NAL P ROJECT TO BE COM PLE T E D This building will house our comprehensive performing arts program as well as countless opportunities for student academic growth and leadership development. In addition, the Center for Performing Arts and Student Life will provide a wonderful venue to engage our entire community.
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CELEBRATING the Campaign Kickoff Festival FOR THE ANCHORED IN EXCELLENCE. CHARTING OUR FUTURE. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Photography by Annabelle Dando Photography Annabelle Dando McCormack ‘00
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ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2018, Mount de Sales Academy held the Campaign Kickoff Festival, which launched our Capital Campaign’s Public Phase. In planning for the Kickoff, we projected 300 as a great turnout, and 500 as fantastic. We should have known our MDSA community would exceed expectations! Despite the cold and rain, over 600 parents, students, alumnae, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends gathered to commemorate the day. Thanks to our 250 volunteers, the festival was a huge success. Guests celebrated Mass together utilizing the new side chapel, learned about the campaign during the presentation emceed by WBAL-TV News Anchor Mindy Basara, and socialized during lunch and festivities. In the face of dismal weather, the MDSA family lived our mission with altruism. From the Parking Posse standing in the rain for hours, to alumnae flying in from across the country, it’s impossible to list every sacrificial act performed that day. However, it’s safe to say our community captured the spirit of the Public Phase. Over the last four months, 150 campaign team members have mobilized an outstanding volunteer effort. They have been reaching out to parents, alumnae, friends, and businesses, and personally inviting them to learn more about our campaign, where MDSA is headed, and, ultimately, deepen their connection to the MDSA community. If the Campaign Kickoff Festival was any measure, we will exceed expectations again and surpass our $5 million goal by December 31. Please join us in this effort as, true to our tradition, we unite as a family anchored in faith to serve our students. To support the campaign today and help us reach our $5 million goal by December 31, please send your Capital Campaign gift in the enclosed envelope or visit our website at mountdesales.org.
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Updates Dear Friends in the Mount de Sales Community, In a time when “friend” and “community” may be overused and undervalued words, at Mount de Sales Academy they are cornerstones of our culture. Community and friendship have always been foundational to the MDSA experience. Here, we still define friendship as a personal relationship with face-to-face interactions, a topic in the new Seminar of the Human Person, and we provide an environment and opportunities for real friendships to flourish. Similarly, community at Mount de Sales is a real, not virtual, group of people united by their belief in our mission. The strength of this family is seen in many tangible ways, from growth in volunteering and new events, to innovative, collaborative curriculum, to relationships that last long after graduation. As we near our $5 million goal to complete the Center for Performing Arts and Student Life, I know this current project will show our community’s strength yet again. Its completion will offer opportunities for friendship and community that our students deserve, and it will serve as a tangible example of how these qualities are integral at Mount de Sales Academy.
Forming Women
of
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
If you have not already seen the campaign video, please view this piece on mountdesales.org. It illustrates the power of our community throughout history as they came together to save our school and, today, unite to transform the facilities and help our students achieve their potential. Please, recognize the important role that each friend of MDSA has in our community and take action by supporting the capital campaign! We are almost there, but we need the participation of every friend within our community to exceed our $5 million goal. Sincerely,
Brian P. MacLean P’14 | President, Board of Trustees
Please visit mountdesales.org to view our progress and view our campaign video!
HEAD AND HEART
Together, we can transform Mount de Sales Academy! This building will give every girl the opportunity to: • Develop speaking skills and confidence on STAGE
• Gather for all-school assemblies in an AUDITORIUM
• Perform in her own THEATRE
• Learn in dedicated performing arts CLASSROOMS
• Cultivate leadership and community ENGAGEMENT
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• Enrich student life and FAITH FORMATION
• Discover her potential in the CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND STUDENT LIFE
ALUMNAE
Spotlight ELISE CRA W F O R D G A L L A G HE R ‘ 0 9
Since graduating in 2009, my career and life have taken many twists and turns. I’ve changed career paths, studied vastly diverse subjects, worked for non-profit organizations and started my own company. I founded the marketing agency, Ringlet Studio, in 2015 because I saw a need for a space where women creatives could connect, learn and scale their businesses. In November, I established a new company, Catholic Women in Business, which is a non-profit and online platform whose mission is to provide Catholic women business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with the educational and spiritual resources they need to excel in their vocation to business. One of the main focuses in my career today is based around creating a community for women leaders, an integral piece of the Mount de Sales mission. I often reflect on how Mount de Sales influenced many facets of my life and career as a Catholic woman business owner. My faith, creativity and call to lead were especially developed and molded during my time at Mount de Sales.
Faith -
Looking back, the Masses, Holy Hours, and opportunities for Confession I experienced as a student were crucial to forming my values. My faith informs everything I do in my business. Not all my employees or clients are Catholic, but at Ringlet we strive to treat each other with integrity, kindness and respect. My vocation as a business owner is my means of evangelization. Through interacting with clients and colleagues, I hope to act as a bridge between Christ and those who aren’t currently living close to His Church.
Creativity - I took art classes with Mrs. Eileen Clements all four years of high school, and I was the president of our National Art Honor Society chapter my senior year. Through learning art history and fine art skills, I developed a deep love for creativity. This passion propelled me to seek out a career in communications. As CEO and marketing director, I use my artistic skills to create content for clients, direct photo shoots, build websites and develop marketing campaigns. Leadership - Under the direction of my theatre teacher, Mrs. Kelly Cardall ‘93, I grew in my ability to engage an audience and felt empowered to speak in front of hundreds of people. Today, Ringlet hosts panel discussions, daylong conferences, and other events throughout Washington, D.C. During these events, I speak with hundreds of women entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance and resources to grow their career. My Mount de Sales teachers and peers taught me that true leadership looks like service, and I work to serve my employees, clients and community every day. Our 2009 senior retreat verse was Philippians 2:15: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” I’m incredibly grateful that my Mount de Sales experience allowed me to take up this call to “shine like stars”—to embrace my vocation as a wife, daughter, sister, friend and entrepreneur.
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Alumnae
UPDATES Members of the CLASS OF 1958 gathered at Rolling Road Country Club to celebrate their 60th reunion! Thank you to Elizabeth Dorsey Gentner ’58 for organizing the event.
Three alumnae from the Class of 1967 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018:
GALE VICCHIO CLARK ‘67 and husband Dennis Clark
KRISTY ARMSTRONG MOORE ’04 and husband Justin welcomed their third child, Madison, on May 9, 2018. She joins big sister Riley (6) and big brother Aiden (3).
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JESSIE HENN TACKA ‘67 and husband Timothy Tacka
SANDRA LIBERTO ZITZER ‘67 and husband Richard Zitzer
Did you know that it is possible to receive a personal papal blessing? MATTIE POWELL WOOD ’04 and husband Thomas participated in this incredible experience with Pope Francis during their honeymoon in Italy. Mattie says, “It was the most overwhelming and humbling experience of my life.” She wants to spread the word about this unique opportunity so that other newlyweds might take advantage of it as well. Information about “sposi novelli” tickets for anyone else traveling to Rome on their honeymoon can be found here: www.pnac.org/ visitorsoffice/audiences/#sposinovelli.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore highlights individual school teachers each year. At the 2018-2019 Catholic Schools Convocation, DANIELLE D’EPAGNIER ’06 (right) from St. Louis School and EMILY LAWSON ’08 (left) from St. Casimir School were honored with this top distinction.
In May 2018, CHRISTINA BETTA ‘09 graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Vet Med with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. She also earned her certification in veterinary acupuncture through a program called CuraCore. Christina currently works as an associate veterinarian in Philadelphia.
JULIANA RUGGIERO ’16, MARY POPP ’17 AND JESSICA BRINKER ’16 are students at Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania. Recently, they all passed a rigorous application process to serve as prefect resident assistants for their dorm buildings and will guide between 60-70 classmates through the semester.
CLAIRE MARCUS ‘12 began the master’s program in pathology at Boston University in the fall of 2018. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in May of 2016, in addition to graduating magna cum laude from Marist College in New York with a Bachelor of Science in May 2018.
CHRISTINA SCHELL ’15 is currently a senior at Notre Dame of Maryland University and is studying elementary education with a minor in English. She received the President’s Award, a full academic scholarship, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in education as well as the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. Christina is student teaching at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and loves it!
CARLEY COAKLEY ‘17, SARAH KRAMMER ‘17 AND LAUREN BLAKE ‘17 were inducted into the Salisbury University Chapter of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. They are grateful for the foundation Mount de Sales provided them to excel in higher learning!
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A Unique Gift Last spring, the Padre Pio Library Media Center was honored and grateful to receive 50 books donated by Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan. Nancy H. Vaughan taught English at Mount de Sales for 19 years and retired in 1999. Their donation provides a beautiful example of the dedication and lasting community that is continually forged at Mount de Sales Academy. The Vaughans’ collection contains books they gathered over the years from their worldwide travels. Included are history books, literary criticism, several biographies, and fiction. Each donated book has a bookplate on the inside cover acknowledging the Vaughan donation and Mrs. Vaughan’s time at Mount de Sales. The donation also contains several MDSA yearbooks, which are now in the library fireplace area for browsing, bringing the library yearbook collection as far back as 1981. The 1987 yearbook was lovingly dedicated to Mrs. Vaughan by the graduating class as a sign of thanks and for being an “outstanding English teacher” and “trusted friend.” Mrs. Vaughan passed away in July of this year, and Mount de Sales holds her dearly in their Left to Right: Michelle Nunn Mahan ‘87, Jen Zei ‘87, Pat Bettridge, former MDSA faculty remembrance prayer list. By: Joanna Colclough | Library Media Specialist
APRIL 12
TWISTED TUNES
ALUMNAE
SAVE THE
DATE
Alumnae judges needed APRIL 14
EASTER EGG HUNT MAY 25
167TH COMMENCEMENT Members of the Class of 1969 are invited as honored guests
In Memoriam Lucille Kinlein ‘39 Sondra Strauff Henry ‘49 Roberta “Gail” Kitchen Dunworth ‘53 Joan Cecilia Schatz ‘55
Alumnae Sailors at Homecoming Day and Crab Feast 2018.
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member, and Joanna Finnel Rutkowski ’87, P’20 at Mrs. Vaughan’s memorial service.
“Hail to you, dear Mount de Sales… we’ll be faithful to God, and you!” ALUMNAE, PLEASE CONSIDER COMING BACK TO VOLUNTEER! The Alumnae Association welcomes alumnae from every generation to further the mission of Mount de Sales. They meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in Alumnae Hall. We also need alumnae to represent and keep their classmates connected to the school! Please email Director of Alumnae Relations Elizabeth Binette Mahon ’07 for more information at emahon@mountdesales.org.
FROM THE
DIREC T O R
OF
Admissions
In our 166-year history, Mount de Sales has become well acquainted with change. Thousands of girls have come and gone, and parts of our school have shifted with each generation. Because God remains our constant, Mount de Sales has been and always will be Mount de Sales. The mission and essence of Mount de Sales transcend decades of change. This blessing is largely due to those who worked hard and faced challenges to sustain our school. They persevered. For people of faith, perseverance includes putting everything in God’s hands, admitting we need the help, and accepting what He decides – whether or not we expect, let alone like, the outcome. Easier said than done, I know. Like change, surrendering to God’s will instead of our own is difficult. We know what we must do but actually doing it takes effort. One example that comes to mind is going to Confession. It is never fun to state our sins out loud, but the grace we receive from participating in the sacrament helps us persevere in our faith – even in the most difficult times. Through God’s grace, Mount de Sales will continue to persevere. Each of us can take part in sustaining the Mount de Sales mission: Love yourself. Be kind to others. Work hard. Remain curious. Seek God in all parts of your life. Let go of what you can’t control so God can work through you. No matter how small a role you think you’re playing, each of us makes all the difference. Emily Ko ‘07 | Director of Admissions
Dates
TO
REMEMBER
Thursday, April 4, 2019 8:30-11:30 a.m.
A MORNING AT MOUNT DE SALES for sixth- and seventh-graders and their parents
Monday, April 15, 2019 8:30-11:30 a.m.
A MORNING AT MOUNT DE SALES for sixth- and seventh-graders and their parents
Spring 2019 SELECT SHADOW DAYS for seventh-graders. Instructions for requesting a visit will be published in early 2019.
Want to learn more about the application process? Explore the Admissions tab online or contact:
Emily Ko ‘07 Director of Admissions eko@mountdesales.org 410.744.8498 ext.270
Robyn Levy ‘06 Assistant Director of Admissions rlevy@mountdesales.org 410.744.8498 ext. 276
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Mount de Sales Academy
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700 Academy Road Catonsville, MD 21228
In this
24
ISSUE
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF FESTIVAL
MEET SISTER MARIS STELLA, O.P.
ATHLETIC CHAMPS
CONVENT WINDOW
CLASS OF 2022
RESEARCH IN SCIENCE
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