View from the Cupola - Spring 2024

VIEW

Audrey Powers ’94 shares real world robotics applications based on her experience with NASA ground control and Blue Origin’s space expedition.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Lynda Geier Mules ’77 P ’05 ’13 | President

Sister Mary Raymond Thye, O.P. | Principal

William Glover P’15 | Vice President

Kate Ohlmacher McAuliffe ’02 | Treasurer

Peggy Stromberg Pasquarella ’81 | Secretary

GENERAL BOARD

Thomas Brinker P ’16 ’20 ’22

Larraine Clark P ’02

Reverend Michael DeAscanis

Timothy Dignan P ’12 ’14

Christopher Donahue P ’26

Paul M. Finamore, Esq. P ’11 ’16

Lindsay Gallagher

Christopher Giermek P’14 '17 '19 '25

Julie Simon Gilless ’94

Kim Martel P ’00 ’02 ’08 ’15

Reverend Brian Nolan

Anna Binette O’Day ’05

Reverend Michael J.P. Roach

John Teixeira

ADVANCEMENT TEAM

Elizabeth Saverino ’87 | Executive Director of Advancement

Karen von Lange P ’09 ’16 | Director of Communications

Claire M. Cohagan ’78 P ’07 ’11 | Director of Development

Katie Audy Ferrante ’10 | Director of Alumnae Relations

Virginia Shenk | Director of Advancement Operations

Kim Dignan P ’12 ’14 | Development and Volunteer Coordinator

Rachel Sweeney | Graphic Designer

Mattie Wood ’04 | Director of Admissions

Jen Blake ’15 | Assistant Director of Admissions

MISSION STATEMENT

Centered on Jesus Christ and faithful to the teaching of the Catholic Church, Mount de Sales Academy offers young women a college preparatory education that promotes flourishing of the whole person. Anchored in faith and rooted in the Visitation and Dominican traditions, the community of Mount de Sales Academy is committed to academic excellence, virtuous integrity, compassionate service, and the inherent dignity of the human person.

Front cover L to R: Kirsten Reed ’24, Sister Albertine, Audrey Powers ’94, Sofia Fassolakis ’24, and Maryangeles Vasquez ’24

Mount de Sales Academy

700 Academy Road

Catonsville, MD 21228

410.744.8498 | mountdesales.org

GREETINGS from the Principal

Dear Friends of Mount de Sales,

Many generous people give their time and talent, even their very selves, to the students and mission at Mount de Sales, and I am profoundly edified and inspired daily. I hope you see this selflessness in a behind-the-scenes peek in this issue of the View from the Cupola. Here is a small sampling:

Many of our faculty and staff willingly make sacrifices to work at MDSA, when they undoubtedly could be earning much more elsewhere, deliberately choosing MDSA because they believe in our mission.

Recently, the Bag Bingo event was rescheduled for snow and then held without our volunteer coordinator due to a prior engagement. Regardless, she set up the parents and volunteers for success and everyone came together to make this a spectacular event!

As we plan camps for the summer, many teachers are stepping forward to offer their expertise so our young people can have fun and healthy experiences.

Many of our students attended the recent Mount 2000 Retreat. When illness prevented some faculty members from chaperoning, others stepped in to make this happen. I do not believe even the students know how profound this gesture of generosity was, as it is just “who we are.”

This is what it means to be a community: people who give of themselves for others, without hesitation, or counting the cost, or measuring what is in it for them. As one board member and past parent said recently, “It’s not only the joy of seeing and experiencing what my daughter received here, but also realizing that I, too, was changed from being here.”

It began with the Visitation Nuns, whose holiness live on in these walls as a heritage for us all. It shines forth in the gift of self of the Dominican Sisters, who live out their consecration to God in the life of their vocation, a promise to live for God and others. And together, this concept of community and family is ultimately a message of love.

My prayer intention during the afternoon rosary is always that God will bless all who are connected with MDSA. May God continue to bless us, inspire us, be with us, help us; give us His grace, give His blessing, and may all that we do be for His greater honor and glory!

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Mary Raymond, O.P. Principal

Robotics Club

ROLLS OUT – ON FOUR WHEELS!

It started with a dream to build an arm.

For senior Maryangeles Vasquez, starting a robotics club was the logical way to work toward her dream of designing and building prosthetic limbs. If the club didn’t exist, then why not start one?

For others, such as seniors Sofia Fassolakis and Kirsten Reed who competed in robotics in middle school, starting a robotics program was the natural progression of their love for coding and building.

For some two dozen more Sailors, the new Robotics Club, housed in the refectory, has been an outlet to explore coding, problem-solving and engineering within the encouraging all-girls atmosphere of the school.

“Girls tend to underestimate their potential in STEM, but with Robotics, they can branch out into a new area and discover how much potential they really have,” said Sofia Fassolakis.

The program was kick-started over this past summer by a donation from Mount de Sales' own astronaut alumna Audrey Powers ‘94, who dropped into robotics practice in January. During her visit, students showed off their working robots—as well as their engineering challenges along the way. To the delight of the students, Ms. Powers related their struggles to her own experiences in building sustainable rockets.

While the robotics program is functioning as a club this year, next year the students will compete as a team in the high school robotics competition known as FIRST Robotics.

The club is open to any student, no experience necessary. A basic robot can be built during a couple of practices using Legos and a programmable “brick”—the robot’s cell phone-sized computer—that takes instructions via Bluetooth from the student’s laptop. First-time students are challenged to program the robot to traverse an obstacle course in an eight-by-eight-foot arena using light and touch sensors.

Once she achieves this mission with her Lego-based robot, she’s ready for the metal mechanics and JAVA coding characteristic of the competitive FIRST robots.

The club is supported by math teacher Mary Sier and science teacher Sister Albertine, as well as two coaches, parents Anne Reed and Dan Cooper, who share a love of robotics.

Sister Albertine, O.P. Science Teacher

"The Mount de Sales Robotics Club has given us students an incredible opportunity to study both coding and mechanics in an innovative and hands-on environment. The incredible thing about this club is that both experienced and beginner students are welcome.

The club focuses on providing both a foundation and an avenue for growth in robotics, allowing many students the opportunity to discover that they really love it. As a prospective biomedical engineer, being a member of this club has been invaluable for me as it has allowed me to learn principles of robotics that I will need later to pursue my career."

Maryangeles Vasquez ‘24 Robotics Club President and Co-founder

SAILOR Scoop

My name is Elsa Corcoran '26, and I, along with my fellow sophomore editors Mary Rose Hintermister, Avery Ireland, and Charlotte Woodin, are the founders of MDSA’s new Newspaper Club. The inspiration for the club was another high school’s newspaper, and looking at it struck me how much fun it would be to make a newspaper for our school, I told my friends about it, and thus, our idea took flight.

Our goals for the club are to help girls express ideas and their own creativity through their roles in the newspaper. We plan on publishing an issue of the Sailor Scoop newspaper quarterly, to give time for the process of writing, editing, and designing. For publication of the newspaper, our process usually begins with our members choosing articles to write. Once they are finished with the articles, they send them to one of our editors. The articles are edited, then placed into the template we use for the newspaper. The graphic designers fit each article in the newspaper and add elements to decorate the issue.

Finally, our sponsors, Mrs. Marlatt and Mrs. Brotherton, look over the whole issue, and then send it to Mrs. Greene to look over. Once she has approved it, the issue is uploaded to Canvas on the dashboard, marking the end of the newspaper process. Before I close this article, I would like to thank Mrs. Marlatt, Mrs. Brotherton, and everyone who works on the newspaper for all of their hard work and dedication to it!

(Elsa is pictured below, directly in the middle, holding the unwrapped stack of newspapers.)

EDUCATING for Eternity

What makes a class Catholic? This past fall, Brett Salkeld, Ph.D., provided a workshop for MDSA faculty and staff based on his new book, Educating for Eternity: A Teacher’s Companion for Making Every Class Catholic.

The Catholic nature of a class like religion should be obvious. But teachers of more neutral subjects such as math or physical education are not exempt from the possibility of taking a Catholic approach to their content. Dr. Salkeld endeavors to help educators find simple and authentic classroom tactics that interweave faith and education by placing course development in the broader context of proper anthropology. That is, if the teacher holds a Catholic vision of the human person—one called to know and love God—any content can be framed from this perspective.

For example, when a student asks, “Why do I have to learn this?” if a math teacher replies, “Because you need math to get a job,”

the teacher indirectly communicates that the point of being human is to be a productive member of society, and that achievements provide our worth as human beings. Whereas, if the teacher responds, “Because humans are the kind of creatures who can explore the mysteries of the universe around us, and math helps us unlock the marvels of creation,” he inspires the student with the wonder of creation and the intriguing potential of the human intellect to, ultimately, seek God.

As a philosophy teacher here at MDSA, I deeply appreciated Dr. Salkeld’s workshop, not because our Philosophy Program lacks a Catholic vision, but because I find his mission of utmost importance. If we do not understand our purpose here on earth, how can we intentionally seek that which we most love and desire—to be united with God in eternity? It is the role of Catholic education, by means of its educators, to help students grow closer to Christ, no matter the subject.

Allie Jung Philosophy Teacher

“ALL THE WORLD IS MADE OF FAITH, AND TRUST, AND

The Mount de Sales Performing Arts Department took a journey to Neverland this past November, presenting the classic musical, Peter Pan. Audiences were treated to a weekend of sold-out shows, along with a special preview for prospective students, in the Center for Performing Arts and

Drama teacher Mrs. Marian Newell directed J.M. Barrie’s story of the boy who would never grow up. Peter Pan (embodied by the extraordinary talent of Regan Woody ’26) and Tinkerbell (played with lots of spunk by dancer Maria Sniezek ’25) whisked the Darling children off to the magical world of Lost Boys, pirates, and Puca Warriors. Wendy (played by Georgia Kelley ’24) showcased her vocals and acting talent as she mothered the Lost Boys and protected them from Hook’s Pirates. Lost Boys standouts included the confident Slightly (Emma Brady ’26) and the adorable Tootles (McKenna Wilson ’25). Captain James Hook (masterfully portrayed by JP Fisher, MSJ ’24) and his hilarious sidekick Smee (by Jace Taranto, MSJ ’26) led the pirates to dance and sing their way through a Tango, a Tarantella, and a Waltz, capturing the Lost Boys and the Darling children. Of course, Peter saved them all with the help of the strong and noble Tiger Lily (played by the very talented Averi Cain ’25), and her band of Puca Warriors. Stage managers Josie Hill ’25 and Colleen Butler ’25 once again led the stage crew behind the scenes, creating costumes, props, manning the sets, lights, and sound… and even helping the cast fly with the help of trampolines and some pixie dust! The new Director of Music at MDSA, Mrs. Natalie Utz, made her conducting debut, leading the live pit band as they worked through the score, from the sweet “Tender Shepherd” sung by Noel Ricker ‘25 as Mrs. Darling to the well-known songs “I’m Flying” and “I Won’t Grow Up.”

The Mount de Sales Performing Arts Program continues to provide a college-preparatory education in which students have the opportunity to experience meaningful engagement with drama, dance, and music through participation in the musical. Students discover and hone their God-given talents in a collaborative and supportive environment, sharing their

Peter Pan

“ALL THE WORLD IS MADE OF FAITH, AND TRUST, AND PIXIE DUST.”

The Mount de Sales Performing Arts Department took a journey to Neverland this past November, presenting the classic musical, Peter Pan. Audiences were treated to a weekend of sold-out shows, along with a special preview for prospective students, in the Center for Performing Arts and Student Life.

Drama teacher Mrs. Marian Newell directed J.M. Barrie’s story of the boy who would never grow up. Peter Pan (embodied by the extraordinary talent of Reagan Woody ’26) and Tinkerbell (played with lots of spunk by dancer Maria Sniezek ’25) whisked the Darling children off to the magical world of Lost Boys, pirates, and Puca Warriors. Wendy (played by Georgia Kelley ’25) showcased her vocals and acting talent as she mothered the Lost Boys and protected them from Hook’s Pirates. Lost Boys standouts included the confident Slightly (Emma Brady ’26) and the adorable Tootles (McKenna Wilson ’25). Captain James Hook (masterfully portrayed by JP Fisher, MSJ ’24) and his hilarious sidekick Smee (by Jace Taranto, MSJ ’26) led the pirates to dance and sing their way through a Tango, a Tarantella, and a Waltz, capturing the Lost Boys and the Darling children. Of course, Peter saved them all with the help of the strong and noble Tiger Lily (played by the very talented Averi Cain ’25), and her band of Puca Warriors.

Stage managers Josie Hill ’25 and Colleen Butler ’25 once again led the stage crew behind the scenes, creating costumes, props, manning the sets, lights, and sound… and even helping the cast fly with the help of trampolines and some pixie dust! The new Director of Music at MDSA, Mrs. Natalie Utz '15, made her conducting debut, leading the live pit band as they worked through the score, from the sweet Tender Shepherd sung by Noel Ricker ‘25 as Mrs. Darling to the well-known songs I’m Flying and I Won’t Grow Up.

The Mount de Sales Performing Arts Program continues to provide a collegepreparatory education in which students have the opportunity to experience meaningful engagement with drama, dance, and music through participation in the musical. Students discover and hone their God-given talents in a collaborative and supportive environment, sharing their gifts with the greater Mount de Sales community.

Angela Romeo ’94 P’18

Producer/Choreographer/Performing Arts Chair

Photography: Paul Woody P’24 ‘26

Uniquely MOUNT DE SALES

A Convent under the Cupola

PAST

In May 2011, the construction of a new convent for the Dominican Sisters at Mount de Sales Academy marked a milestone in the Anchored in Excellence: Charting our Future Capital Campaign. This campaign emphasized nurturing the spiritual core of the Academy and its community. The convent and the sisters who pray there each day serve as a beacon of inspiration on the Mount de Sales campus.

Since 1852, the life of Mount de Sales Academy has been nurtured by religious sisters. When the Dominican Sisters arrived in 1985, they found their home in the old Gatehouse. It was a dream of the community to build a convent that would support the monastic prayer that marks the life of a religious.

PERSPECTIVE

Just knowing of the presence of the sisters brings joy and hope to the Sailors. One evening in November, while the sisters were at prayer, as the soccer team was driving off campus, they began honking their horns—a planned, celebratory signal to the sisters in their chapel that they had won their game. Another fall evening last semester, when the cast and crew of Peter Pan arrived at the theater for opening night, they could see the sisters praying evening Vespers before the Blessed Sacrament. They were excited to relay to the sisters how much joy and peace it brought them to see them serenely in prayer. There is simply something beautiful about our Dominican Sisters finding their home on our campus.

PRESENT

For 13 years now, the new convent has shown our commitment to supporting the sisters, offering space for up to twelve to live fully their monastic and apostolic life. The convent transcends its role as a residence; it is a locus of God’s grace where these consecrated women can live their horarium, pray for the people they serve at Mount de Sales, and be a witness of God’s love for the world.

Sister Mary Rebekah, O.P. Sister Michaela, O. P. Religion and Math Teacher Religion Department Chair

Career Day

Career Day was a resounding success, thanks to our 24 esteemed alumnae presenters and Sister Michaela, O.P. Attendees explored diverse vocations such as technology, medicine, marketing, and more. The National Honor Society members facilitated the event, introducing presenters and hosting engaging question and answer sessions. Gratitude is extended to all guest speakers for their expertise. Special thanks to the school counselors, volunteer coordinator, director of alumnae relations, and student volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

Thank you to all the guest speakers for their knowledge, advice, and time:

1. Sister Michaela - Dominican Sister

6.

"For the careers I learned about, you must be hardworking and diligent. You must pursue your goals over a long span of time and not give up when you face adversity."

Sylvia Randle '25

3.

8.

13.

18.

23.

4.

9.

14.

19.

24.

5.

10.

15.

20.

25.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mount de Sales Academy's Enduring Legacy of Governance

Since 1979, the Mount de Sales Academy Board of Trustees has been working behind the scenes to ensure the school’s financial stability and sustainability. When the Visitation Nuns, who founded MDSA in 1852, could no longer administer the school due to the advanced age of the remaining sisters and lack of new vocations to the order, the principal at that time established the Board of Trustees. The mission of the ninemember governing team was to ensure the continuance of the Academy with its inherited traditions and secure the school’s financial stability.

The Board of Trustees continues to serve as the governance body for the school, providing guidance and direction in defining and executing the mission of MDSA to ensure the Catholic identity, affordability, quality, and stability of our school. The Board is grateful for the Dominican Sisters and proud of our unique and collaborative relationship since 1985 when the Sisters were called to administer MDSA. While not involved in the day-to-day activities and operations of the school, the Board is part of the MDSA team that continues to flourish while developing young women of character and faith.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we express our gratitude to the faculty, staff, parents, and benefactors who work and sacrifice daily so that our students can benefit from the unique experience during their critically important high school years. We are especially grateful to Rev. Michael Roach for his five decades of support, guidance, and contributions to our Academy as its historian and current member and past President of the Board of Trustees.

I am proud that our Trustees are engaged, active, and committed. MDSA would not be here today if it were not for the leaders who stepped forward when our future was uncertain and those who continue to give their time, talent, and treasure for current and future generations of Sailors.

Lynda Geier

P '05 '13 President, Board of Trustees

Mules '77

Top row: Paul M. Finamore, Esq., Christopher Giermek, Rev. Brian Nolan, William Glover, Christopher Donahue. Bottom row: Timothy Dignan, Anna Binette O’Day, Julie Simon Gilless, Kate Ohlmacher McAuliffe, Sister Mary Raymond Thye, O.P., Lynda Geier Mules, Peggy Stromberg Pasquarella, and Thomas Brinker.

Not pictured: Larraine Clark, Rev. Michael DeAscanis, Lindsay Gallagher, Kim Martel, Rev. Michael J.P. Roach and John Teixeira

ADVANCEMENT TEAM: Initiating Progress and Elevating Engagement

Best-selling author and business executive, Arie de Gues, identified three characteristics of a prosperous organization: great vision, great financial management, and great people. These characteristics are the focus of the work of the MDSA Advancement Team.

The Advancement Program was created by Sister Philip Joseph Davis, O.P., one of three sisters who arrived at MDSA in 1985 to administer the school. Sister Philip Joseph’s recognition of the critical need for support outside of tuition and her vision for MDSA was key to our revitalization in the 1990s and still holds today.

Based on the premise that believing leads to belonging, MDSA’s success is dependent on the involvement of all members of our extended community. This premise applies to every aspect of the Mount de Sales experience: working with prospective students; admitting students; ensuring continued engagement; communicating our mission and impact: and engaging people through their contributions of time, talent, and treasure.

Recently, Advancement was restructured to include Admissions with the expanded role of Enrollment Management. The reinvigorated Advancement Team now includes Admissions/ Enrollment Management, Alumnae Relations, Communications and Marketing, Development, and Volunteer Relations.

MDSA is blessed with many gifts but the strongest charism, spiritual gift, is our people. Advancement focuses on the engagement of people in our mission. The Advancement Team is made up of experienced professionals, many of whom are alumnae, with a strong commitment to and embodiment of the MDSA mission with a willingness to evolve and grow their respective programs to meet the changing needs of MDSA.

For more information on how you can get more involved in supporting the mission of Mount de Sales Academy, please contact Beth Saverino ’87 at esaverino@mountdesales.org or 410.744-8498 ext. 139.

ADVANCEMENT MISSION STATEMENT:

The Mount de Sales Academy Advancement Team promotes the mission of the school to the broader community. We identify and develop the many resources that will advance Mount de Sales Academy in the present and into the future. As a faith-filled team, we build mutually beneficial and meaningful relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae, friends, prospective families, benefactors, and the community at large.

Elizabeth Saverino ’87 | Executive Director of Advancement

Karen von Lange P ’09 ’16 | Director of Communications

Mattie Wood '04 | Director of Admissions

Claire M. Cohagan ’78 P ’07 ’11 | Director of Development

Virginia Shenk | Director of Advancement Operations

Jen Blake '15 | Assistant Director of Admissions

Kim Dignan P ’12 ’14 | Development and Volunteer Coordinator

Katie Audy Ferrante ’10 | Director of Alumnae Relations

Rachel Sweeney | Graphic Designer

Alumna Spotlight

DR. LAURA NEVIN LESSEN '08

As the third girl in my family, I had been around Mount de Sales for a few years at summer camps and sporting events before I started as a student myself. I remember being so excited when I shadowed to see what a day there was really like, and I even wore a light blue skirt and white shirt so I would look like a Mount de Sales girl. My time at MDSA certainly lived up to the hype. I made lifelong friendships, grew in my faith, and was prepared academically for my future.

Following graduation, I went on to earn my B.S. in Chemistry from UMBC and my Doctorate in Molecular Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University. I am currently an Expert Scientist at GSK Vaccines doing preclinical vaccine research. From freshman West Civ with Mr. Evans to Honors Precalculus with Mr. Posner, the knowledge and skills I developed and the academic challenges I faced laid a solid foundation that enabled me to get to where I am today.

I had the privilege of coming back to MDSA in January to present at Career Day. Seeing how much the Science Department has grown and the opportunities the students have since my time there is impressive and exciting. I was glad to share with them how the fundamentals I learned at MDSA in AP Biology are vital to my daily work in vaccine development. But leaving that day, after closing prayer, as I walked through the basement hallways past the locker rooms, I saw the bonds of friendship and sisterhood of faith and love that are the core of the MDSA family. It is the same joyful community that made me eager to attend MDSA many years ago and that I plan to continue to share with my family through Spaghetti Dinners and Easter Egg Hunts for years to come.

CRAB FEAST extravaganza!

The annual Crab Feast at Mount de Sales has evolved into a beloved tradition. This year hundreds of guests joined us on October 14, for a vibrant, in-person celebration supporting Alumnae Association Scholarships. The gymnasium buzzed with camaraderie, crab-cracking, and community spirit, as families and friends indulged in Maryland's iconic tradition of feasting on freshly steamed blue crabs. Harris Seafood's expertly steamed crabs, paired with delicious pulled pork and sides from Kelsey’s, created a delectable spread. Alumnae Association members offered raffle tickets to eager participants and executed a wonderful silent auction.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, the introduction of a hybrid event, and attendees' enthusiasm, the 2023 Crab Feast reached new heights. As anticipation builds for the upcoming year, the promise of another unforgettable celebration of community, culinary delights, and charitable giving ensures that the hybrid Crab Feast will return. Whether you prefer to join us in-person or host your own Crab Feast at home, we hope to see you on August 24!

A Legacy of Excellence: MDSA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED

With immense pleasure, Mount de Sales Academy reintroduced the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The remarkable athletic achievements of our alumnae have left an indelible mark on our school's history, inspiring generations of athletes. Their dedication, hard work, and exceptional performances have set a standard of excellence that motivates our current students.

The induction ceremony, held on Homecoming Day, September 30, 2023, commenced with an introduction on the gym court before our volleyball match. It concluded with an award presentation and a light fare luncheon, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our honored athletes and welcoming them into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

CATHY FISHER '85 made significant contributions to both the basketball and lacrosse teams during her time at MDSA. As a two-sport athlete, she played midfield for the 1985 Association of Independent Schools (AIS) lacrosse championship team and was a key member of the 1985 Catholic League championship basketball team. Notably, Cathy is one of only five athletes in the history of MDSA basketball to achieve a career 1000-point milestone.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Cathy was deeply passionate about her career as a teacher. She dedicated herself to serving students with special needs, first at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and later with Baltimore County Public Schools, where she focused on preparing posthigh school special education students with essential life skills. Sadly, Cathy passed away in May 2017, but her legacy lives on. Her sisters, Mary Lynne Ziegler and Nancy Thomas graciously accepted the award in her honor.

ALLEESHA COUGNET

DAVIDSON '85 excelled in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, contributing significantly to championship teams in basketball and lacrosse. Playing midfield, she helped secure the 1985 AIS lacrosse championship and played a key role in the success of the 1985 Catholic League basketball championship. Alleesha's talent earned her recognition as the AIS Most Valuable Player in lacrosse and garnered AllMetro honors in both lacrosse and basketball.

In her personal life, Alleesha has been happily married to Jeff Davidson for 25 years, and they are proud parents of two daughters. Based in Ellicott City, she enjoyed a successful 20-year career as a mortgage underwriter before founding Goals Baltimore, an indoor sports facility in Catonsville, reflecting her passion for sports. Additionally, she coached high school lacrosse at MDSA and Howard High School, as well as the 2014 and 2023 M&D Club lacrosse teams.

CHRISTY BUCK BARONAS '96

excelled as a dual-sport athlete in basketball and lacrosse, earning eight letters and serving as captain for both teams during her senior year. She demonstrated remarkable consistency, starting every lacrosse game throughout her four-year tenure. Notably, she was honored as the Mount de Sales Girl during her senior year.

She secured a lacrosse scholarship to the University of Delaware, where she showcased her skills by starting in every game over four remarkable years. Christy's academic journey was equally impressive; she obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Delaware, followed by a master's degree in physical therapy from Marymount University.

Presently, Christy balances her roles as a part-time physical therapist and a full-time mother of five children. Additionally, she dedicates her time to coaching her daughters in the Catonsville recreation lacrosse program.

KATY BUCK MORENO '10 made her mark on the volleyball team. As the youngest of five MDSA graduates, she follows two sisters into the Athletic Hall of Fame. A four-year letter winner, Katy's senior year brought numerous accolades, including Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year and Under Armour High School All-American. Notable achievements include Baltimore County Player of the Year, IAAM All-Conference, and leading the team to the A conference championship in 2009. She was honored as the Mount de Sales Girl during her senior year.

Post-high school, Katy excelled at Towson University and became a certified personal trainer in 2017. She now runs an online fitness business catering to prenatal and postpartum moms while managing a family farm and homeschooling her six children. Katy also coaches beach volleyball at Stevenson University.

CARA FACCHINA WELCH '10

excelled as a triple-threat athlete at Mount de Sales Academy, earning the title of Athlete of the Year in her junior and senior years. With four letters in basketball and tennis, and three in lacrosse, she demonstrated leadership as a three-time team captain. As the basketball team's starting point guard, she led in scoring, earning IAAM All-Conference recognition thrice and three team MVP awards. Cara also excelled in tennis as the number one singles player for four years, receiving two-time IAAM All-Conference honors and two team MVP awards. She was selected for the IAAM Lacrosse All-Conference team in 2010.

Currently a program manager at Northrop Grumman, Cara holds a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and resides in Sykesville with her husband Shaun and their three children: Patrick, Molly, and Mac.

ASHLEY LESNIEWSKI '13 showcased her exceptional athletic talent as a key player on the 2013 IAAM A Conference Championship softball team. She was recognized as the Varsity Sports Network Softball Player of the Year by the Baltimore Sun in 2013, earned a spot on the All-Metro First Team for softball, and was named one of the Baltimore Sun Players to Watch in 2012.

Ashley holds the distinction of being the only MDSA athlete to receive four-time IAAM All-Conference selections from 2010 to 2013.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Ashley has built a successful career in technical and software recruiting at Robert Half. This year, she assumed leadership of the entire Robert Half technology branch in Maryland. Personally, Ashley is engaged to her best friend, Sam Wertz, who shares her passion for softball and baseball. They will tie the knot on March 30, 2024.

ALUMNAE UPDATES

Jennifer Blair Bliven ’96 won the Virginia Association of School Nurses Private, Independent & Parochial School Nurse of the Year Award on November 5, 2023. From the Principal Robin Williams: “Nurse Bliven has been instrumental in keeping our community healthy and safe for the past five years and she has done so with hard work, integrity, and consistently keeping Christ at the center of her focus.” Jennifer works as a school nurse at a Preschool to Grade 8 school in the Diocese of Arlington where she resides with her husband and two children.

Sister Mary Monica ’96 celebrated 25 Years of Religious Profession on June 25, 2023, at the Motherhouse in Nashville, TN with her family. She is currently missioned in Italy where she works in the Vatican. On several occasions, she has been the English speaker at Pope Francis' Wednesday General Audience.

Colleen McGarvey

Berry ’99 is excited to announce Teagan’s Treasure, the first book of her Emerald Isle University Series, releases on May 28 through Vinspire Publishing. The Emerald Isle University Series is a YA Fiction series highlighting the stories of three sisters and their adventures of self-discovery and love in Ireland—the land of rolling green hills, mysterious legends, and hidden treasures. Her website is www.colleenmariewrites.com and her social is @colleenmariewrites.

Katie Bowen ’05 and Samson Fridrich would like to announce the birth of their first child, a healthy baby boy Henry Bowen Fridrich. Henry was born on May 21 at Howard County General Hospital. Cathy Beverungen Bowen ’74, his Gran, was there for his arrival. Henry is a blessing to the entire family including his aunt, Summer Bowen ’22.

Jennifer Hackett

Devon ’05 and her husband, Brandon, welcomed Trevor Hayes Devon to their family on July 21.

Congratulations to Emily Graham McQuaid ’08 and her husband Daniel on the birth of their daughter Rosemary Patricia McQuaid on February 15. Rosie and her parents are doing well at home in Baltimore.

Jordan von Lange ’09 married John Salamone on October 14, 2023, in a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady of Hope in Sterling, VA. Sarah von Lange '16 was the maid of honor. Jordan is employed as an account executive at CSI DMC, a destination management company, and is also the owner of JVL Events, which specializes in wedding and event coordination. The newlyweds reside in Arlington, VA, along with their golden retriever, Teddy.

Jessica Wilson

Baldini ’09 and her husband Brian welcomed their first child, Audrey, on July 13, 2023. They currently live in North Carolina and are enjoying life as a family of three.

Congratulations to Katherine Millan Ireland ’09 and her husband, Joe, on the birth of their daughter, Camila Lucila Ireland, born on September 23, 2023. Proud big brother Cruz eagerly welcomes his adorable baby sister. Katherine, a speech therapist at Howard County Public Schools, is embarking on the journey of starting her own private practice. The Ireland family resides happily in Catonsville, MD.

Victoria Chester ’12, married Josh Schwartz on August 5 in Frederick, MD. Her bridesmaids included her sisters, Meghen Mackall '07 and Taylor Chester '13, and best friend Meg Blodgett-Espina '12. The couple had a beautiful wedding with many family members and friends around them.

On May 19, 2023, Dr. Colleen Maria Crawford ’12 graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is enjoying her Physiatry residency in Scranton, PA, where she works with traumatic brain injury and stroke patients as well as athletes with sports injuries. She is the first medical doctor in her family.

Clara Keyes Ehrman ’12 graduated from the University of Toledo in May with her doctorate in occupational therapy. She will start her OT career working as a mental health occupational therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. There she will work in both inpatient psychiatric units and outpatient psychiatric programs, adult, and adolescent pain management clinics, and as a behavioral health consultant for general hospital patients. Occupational therapists evaluate and treat patients to promote health, wellness, and optimal participation and independence in daily life. She hopes to eventually open her own private practice focused on health management and wellness when living with mental illness and chronic conditions.

Erin Dignan ’14

married Brandon White on December 8, 2023, in our Chapel of St. Francis de Sales. Her bridesmaids included her cousin Emilee Griffith and her Sailor Sisters Brooke Dignan ’12, Katie Connolly Auriemma ’14, and Julia Procopio ’14. Erin and Brandon recently moved to Mebane, NC, where Erin is a pediatric registered nurse at Duke University Hospital.

The wedding of Charlie and Madison Maguire O'Hagan '14, took place on April 22, 2023, at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Madison and Charlie, who met while attending West Point, United States Military Academy, are both currently assigned at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Pictured in the wedding party from left to right are Ashley Fairbanks, Claire Welzant '14, Kristen Vargas '14, and Maggie Maguire '17.

Kasey Garvey Parks ’19

married Brennus Parks on August 9, 2022, in Annapolis. She has been traveling between MD and CA for the past two years as her husband was stationed in CA with the Marine Corps. They just recently settled down permanently in MD and are excited for what comes next.

Maddie Andrus ’21 went on retreat in Nashville this February at the Motherhouse and was able to spend time together with her dear friends and classmates Sr. Maria Savio Cooney ’21 and Sr. Fiat Joy Flynn ’21.

IN MEMORIAM

Roasemarie Lusco Jamison ’54

Mary Regina Grochmal ’58 (Sr. Marion Christopher)

Elizabeth Meehan Dragin ’59

Dora Marino Welsh ’59

Corinne Dignan Muth ’60

Mary Pat Cunningham ’63

Ruth Ellen Roberts McAdams ’64

Mary Beth Batholomey Balsamo ’65

Mary Smith McCoach ’67

Nora Coakley Reiter ’70

“Hail to you, dear Mount de Sales… we’ll be faithful to God, and you! ”

Are you a proud graduate of Mount de Sales Academy with a passion for staying connected with your alma mater? The Advancement Team is actively seeking dedicated alumnae like you to help us maintain strong ties within our alumnae community. Our Class Agent program serves as a springboard for alumnae who wish to play an active role in the ongoing success of Mount de Sales. Your commitment and dedication will help us strengthen the bonds of sisterhood and ensure that Mount de Sales remains a cherished part of our lives long after graduation. If you are interested in becoming a class agent, please email Katie Ferrante at kferrante@mountdesales.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION MEETING

Tuesday, May 21 | 6 p.m.

172nd COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.

Celebrating the Class of 1974

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION MEETING

Tuesday, July 16 | 6 p.m.

CRAB FEAST

Saturday, August 24 | 5-9 p.m.

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD

Megan McCawley ’10 | President

Colleen McKenna Walton ’07 | Vice President

Jeanne Schaible Langeluttig ’84 | Treasurer

Danielle Wilson Angelucci ’11 | Secretary

Julie Winpisinger ’10 | Chaplain