Mount Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

A NOTE ABOUT OUR COVER: Mr. Kevin Boccella, Saanai Jones ’24, and Señora Ana-Gabriela Bornancini—three recipients of this year’s Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award. The recipients of the award are individuals who exhibit a strong commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, treating others as sisters and brothers and caring for the “dear neighbor” without distinction. Fellow recipient, Ms. Yonely Lopez is not pictured.

MAGAZINE

SPRING 2023

Mount Magazine is an official publication of Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Mount Magazine is published twice annually for students, alumnae, parents, and friends of the Mount.

Editors

Bonita Huggins & Tu Le

Contributors

Janet Columbro, Sister Charlene Diorka, Melissa Feilke, Maureen Furletti ’91 Bonita Huggins, Rose Lamphere, Theresa Moyer, Kelly Keane Owens ’04, Mary Ravenfeld, Paula Soley

Photography

Sam Fritch Photography, Samson Photos, Howlite Pictures, Tu Le

Design

Christine M. Henke

Administration

President:

Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ

Principal: Elizabeth Blessing

Dean of Studies: Don Holdren

Dean of Student Life: Elle Rupert

Communications & Marketing

VP of Communications & Marketing: Bonita Huggins

Communications & Media Manager: Tu Le

Development

Chief Development Officer: Mary Ravenfeld

Director of Annual Giving & Alumnae Relations: Kelly Keane Owens ’04

Director of Events & Parent Relations: Theresa Moyer

Development Services Manager: Rose Lamphere

Submit Class Notes online at: msjacad.org/classchatter

Send comments or corrections to: communications@msjacad.org

Mount Saint Joseph Academy

Marketing & Communications Office 120 W. Wissahickon Avenue Flourtown, PA 19031

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

In 1650 near the south of war-torn France, six courageous women were drawn to make a difference. Guided by the Spirit, they offered their lives in service to their dear neighbor. These were women of action, the pioneering Sisters of Saint Joseph. Where the Spirit led, they followed.

In 1858 the Spirit led them to begin a legacy of partnership with young women, believing that on the education of women largely depends the future. And so, Mount Saint Joseph Academy began. Now, 165 years later, that legacy continues in the lives of young women, faculty and staff who engage each day with the hope of creating a better world. They use their skills and talents, guided by the Spirit and drawn to serve.

As we began this academic year, I shared a Zulu greeting with the Mount Community –Sawubona. It is not merely a polite greeting. Its translation, we see you, carries an importance that recognizes the worth and dignity of each person. When one is greeted with Sawubona— We see you, one responds with Yabo, Sawubona – We see you, too. In light of our school theme of Service to the Dear Neighbor, this greeting impels us to see one another and in doing so, recognize what the dear neighbor needs from us at any given moment. Who are my dear neighbors? When and how will I respond to them?

As you read the Mount Magazine, you will see service from many different perspectives. You will meet a variety of people who have served the dear neighbor and many who have been the recipients of this service. You will be introduced to the dear neighbor in our Golden Girls, alumnae, parents, athletes, students, Women as Founders, Robotics, crew, our newest Mounties, the Class of 2027; and even the Philadelphia Eagles. Sawubona! We see you!

Thank you for seeing us – for your generosity and support. We see you - we honor you - we thank you. Your commitment to Mount Saint Joseph makes a difference. In fact, the future depends on it.

Yours in Saint Joseph, President

ON THE MOUNT School news

Women as Founders

In the spring, the entire student body gathers for presentations from the Women as Founders Independent Study course participants. The young women chosen for the program cultivate and nurture their passions through advocacy and education and encapsulate their two semesters of discovery into engaging presentations. Mrs. Paula Soley served as lead teacher for Women as Founders, with support from colleagues, including Principal Liz Blessing, Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton and Ms. Gina Beren. Nicole Torres- Menstrual Equity and Period Poverty: Breaking the barrier between teenage girls lacking knowledge and proper education.

Ashlyn Perry- Disability- Advocacy and Service: Turning Pain into Purpose

Avery Holmes- How Recognizing Privilege Can Increase Empathy

Riley Perry- The Art of Science: Finding innovative solutions from unlikely blends of personal passions

Ava Knaus- Solving Food Insecurity and Hunger

Kayla McSorley- Stories of Immigration

Erica Martin- Causes and Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Grace O’Brien- How the Feminist Movement Impacted the Evolution of Women’s Shoes

Hope McDonnell- Past and Present Day Factors that Affect Women’s Participation in the Workforce

ON THE MOUNT School

President’s Reception

President Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ and the administration welcomed scholars and awardees in the Class of 2027 and their families to the Mount on Tuesday, March 28 for the President’s Reception. The ceremony is a celebration of achievements for incoming students who received scholarships, grants, and other awards. We look forward to welcoming all our new Mounties at the start of the 2023-24 school year!

Adding Up To Success

The Archdiocesan Mathletes Championship was held at Archbishop Ryan on March 27 with the Mount’s Varsity Mathletes in attendance. Representing the team were the top-scoring seniors, shown with their trophy: Allison Hacherl, Veronica Cherico, Kate Vyzaniaris, Maureen Phelan, and Reese Will. The Varsity team came in third place in the Northern Division, and the Sophomore Mathlete team came in first in the Archdiocese.

Spirit Week

This year, the Mount celebrated Spirit Week February 27-March 2. This year’s assembly theme was Mountchella, inspired by one of the nation’s largest arts and music festivals, Coachella. Students dressed down all week long with each day holding a theme:

■ Monday: Mountchella

■ Tuesday: Salad Dressing Day

■ Wednesday: Battle of the Wednesdays

■ Thursday: Icon Day

■ Friday: Charity Day

The light-hearted events helped to highlight the importance of the Mount Fund, with the goal of 100% student participation. Students were able to donate on any day during Spirit Week and watch as each class progressed on a donation wall outside the auditorium. Seniors Annie Shields, Claire Costigan, and Mary Kate Andress served as the co-chairs of the Spirit Week planning committee.

ON THE MOUNT School news

“Firebirds” On Fire

In March 2023, the Firebirds robotics team took home the top prize at the FIRST Mid-Atlantic District competition at Hatboro Horsham High School. The team topped 34 other teams from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, marking the first time the Firebirds have won a first place finish at regionals since the start of the program 24 years ago! The team earned an additional award for Team Sustainability, an award that celebrates the work of the team in promoting long-term growth and success through ninth and tenth grade teams and the Academy’s Bob Foell STEM Scholarship.

For every FIRST competition, the teams are required to tackle the same challenges and compete against other high school teams for points. This year’s game challenge, “Charged Up”, consists of building a robot that will be able to process game pieces in order to “create energy” for a hypothetical community.

UNITAS

The Senior class participated in UNITAS retreat, an off-site, three-day spiritual retreat to bond and create community within the class. The students participate in fun activities and spend time in reflection and prayer, creating a greater connection to God.

Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month

The Mount community celebrated Black History Month by honoring the contributions of Black and African-American people to our nation in various ways. Mr. Tyrone Macey performed two of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic speeches, “I Have a Dream” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” during all-school assemblies.

Students also participated in an array of activities during advisory time, including a presentation on Afrolatino identity, a discussion on racial bias in mainstream media, an exploration of Motown Music and more!

The Mount celebrated Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month in the fall with activities including presentations from Avery Holmes ’23 (Hispanic and Latinx identity) and Mr. Bill Naydan and Señora Ana-Gabriela Bornancini (Famous Fúbolers & Soccer Moments). Señora Patricia Eakins and Señora Anne Hoffman also hosted a Spanish spelling bee, while some students learned to salsa and bachata with Ms. Elle Rupert and Mrs. Margaret Toth.

Mount Student Named National Merit Finalist

Senior Veronica Cherico, shown with Principal Elizabeth Blessing, was named a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

ON THE MOUNT School news

Student Leaders Host a Successful MagicTHON

On March 17, the 10th Annual MagicTHON raised $105,127.58 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. MagicTHON, a 10-hour dance marathon held on campus, is a rendition of the iconic Penn State MiniTHON, in which students fundraise for philanthropy. Entirely student-led, THON was full of energy and excitement—all built around an important cause. Students participated in contests, played games and gave testimonials; some even cut their locks to donate to organizations that support children with hair loss. The Senior co-chairs of Mount MagicTHON were Lauren Dachowski and Maddy Doyle, and Junior co-chairs were Julia Burns and Vivian Moore. Together, they worked from August 2022 to March 2023 to plan the large-scale event.

Eagles Dress Down Day Fly Eagles Fly

Excitement was in the air as students, faculty, and staff at the Mount dressed in their best Philadelphia Eagles attire leading into Superbowl weekend. The sense of camaraderie and unity was visible as everyone rallied behind the beloved football team as they headed to Superbowl LVII.

“Digital Divas” Win Design Award At Saint Joseph University

This spring, the Mount “Digital Divas” proved their prowess in the field of data analytics at Saint Joseph University’s Annual SJU Data Analytics and Visualization Competition. Mount took home the top prize in the final round, beating out nine other teams at Saint Joseph University’s Haub School of Business on the Hawk Hill Campus. The team members were Julia Klein ’24, Maureen Phelan ’23, Natalie Burrell ’24, and Emily Birmingham ’24 Mrs. Margaret Toth and Mrs. Coleen

Phelan were the club moderators and accompanied the team to competition.

Mount Fashion Show

The annual Mount Fashion Show was held on October 27, 2022 at the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. Students, faculty, and staff walked the runway, lighting up the room for a fabulous night of fashion.

Special thanks to Bloomingdales for providing outfits to the senior class models, faculty, and staff who walked the runway.

ON THE MOUNT School news

Freaky Friday

Mount Saint Joseph Academy presented Freaky Friday as the 2022 fall musical in November! Whether on stage or behind the scenes, many students worked to make the show spectacular. The show had audiences both laughing and crying.

Students Honored in Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences Competition

Emma Gibbons ’23, Bianca Nace ’23 and Kate Vyzaniaris ’23 placed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences Competition. The students conducted independent research under the guidance of science educators Mrs. Peggy Goldschmidt and Mrs. Paula Soley. Alumna Ava Self ’18, a graduate student at MIT (shown in the lab photo below), was also a mentor to the students.

Emma - 1st for “Biofuel Production with Lignocellulosis Waste”

Bianca - 1st for “Effects of Coconut Oil on Biofilm in the Oral Microme” Kate - 2nd for “Effects of Caffeine and Melatonin on Yeast Cell Division”

AACA ALL-STARS

BASKETBALL AACA ALL-STARS

Congratulations to our First Team AACA All-Stars - Lauren Hoffman ’23, Chloe McGrorty ’23, and Georgia Pickett ’23, who were honored at their League Championship game in February.

SWIMMING AACA ALL-STARS

1ST TEAM

200 Medley Relay - Maya McCottry ’24, Rose Schmidt ’25, Aurora Martin ’24, Kelly McDonald ’26

200 Free - Katie Scanlon ’25

200 IM - Rose Schmidt ’25

50 Free - Aurora Martin ’24

100 Fly - Aurora Martin ’24

100 Free - Katie Scanlon ’25

200 Free relay - Kathryn Sponseller ’23, Maddie Dudley ’26, Rose Schmidt ’25, Katie Scanlon ’25

100 Breast - Rose Schmidt ’25

400 Relay - Kathryn Sponseller ’23, Kelly McDonald ’26, Aurora Martin ’24, Katie Scanlon ’25

2nd Team

50 Free - Kathryn Sponseller ’23

Senior swimmers pictured from left to right: Kathryn Sponseller, Reese Skalicky, Julia Solecki, Veronica Cherico, Lauren Dachowski, Reagan Skalicky

CONGRATULATIONS

to all of our Winter Sports teams and their coaches for advancing to the postseason this year! We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our student-athletes put into balancing a demanding academic schedule with athletics. Mount athletes excel at time management, which was on full display throughout the winter sports season.

Veronica Vacca ’25Junior National Champion Pole Vault

Veronica scored her personal record jumping

13-8.5 at Adidas Nationals. During Indoor Track, she was the number one sophomore pole vaulter in the country, ranking number 9 overall, nationally.

POLE VAULT

Veronica Vacca ’25

13-8.5, 2023

60M

Ella Vogel ’24 tied Annie Lemelin ’21

8.21, 2023

400M

Ella Woehlcke ’24

59.34, 2023

800M

Ella Woehlcke ’24

2:13.02, 2023

MILE

Ella Woehlcke ’24

4:53.82, 2023

SHOT PUT

Saanai Jones ’24

31-2.5, 2023

DISTANCE MEDLEY RELAY

Indoor Track Records broken 10

Maggie Murphy ’23, Lilly Bradfield ’24, Katie Bakley ’23, Ella Woehlcke ’24

12:2213 - 2023

Pictured from left to right: Jessica Staas ’25, Kennedy Cross ’25, Kristen Savage ’26, Kaitlyn Cunningham ’26, Madeline Dougherty ’26, Morgan Cross ’26, Abby Williams ’25, Joie Katsock ’25

Senior track & field athletes pictured from left to right: Erin Maguire, Maggie Murphy, Katie Bakely, Faith DeCarlo

FOUNDERS DAY

On Friday, October 14, the Mount gathered in unity to honor the founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph (SSJs) in LePuy, France. Throughout the day the community gathered together to celebrate the founding of the congregation and the Academy.

SERVING SERVING the DEAR NEIGHBOR

SERVING

Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, we acknowledged community members who embody Service to the Dear Neighbor with the Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award. So many people contribute tirelessly to the Mount, to our local community and to the world as a whole. This award was one small way to say ‘thank you’, to say ‘we see you’. The recipients of the award can be students, teachers, staff or administrators. The essential requirement is that this individual exhibits a strong commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, to treating others as sisters and brothers and to caring for the “dear neighbor” without distinction.

WINNERS of the DEAR NEIGHBOR AWARD

FIRST

RECIPIENT:

SEÑORA ANA-GABRIELA BORNANCINI

The Mount honored Señora Ana-Gabriela Bornancini with the first Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award of the school year.

Not only has she been a dedicated and kind advisor to the community, this school year, Señora Bornancini has planned and envisioned thoughtfully for months to honor and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage month in a way that uplifted us all.

SERVING

SECOND RECIPIENT: MS. YONELY LOPEZ

During the holiday season we said thank you to Ms. Yonely Lopez, the second recipient of the Dear Neighbor Award. Yonely has been a part of the Mount community as a dedicated facilities staff member and employee of PBSProfessional Building Service, Inc. She regularly showcases the spirit of the mission and is ready to do any good work. She keeps the building looking its best with a smile on her face and shows genuine care and concern for all.

THIRD RECIPIENT: SAANAI JONES ’24

The third recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award was Saanai Jones ’24. Saanai’s healing spirit, her gentle presence and her wise counsel are part of her contributions to her community. Saanai uses her voice thoughtfully–to serve her dear neighbor without distinction. Whether among friends or among faculty and administrators, her gifts at reconciliation are visible and appreciated.

FOURTH RECIPIENT: MR. KEVIN BOCCELLA

More commonly addressed as Mr. B. by students, Mr. Kevin Boccella is always ready for any good work. Whether adjusting lights, sound, and technology for a show or assembly, a talent search for a new colleague in the community, or coaching students through Investment Challenge competitions, the results of his work are always a win for the Mount.

SERVING

An additional Dear Neighbor Award was given out at Commencement and will be covered in the next issue of the Mount Magazine, which covers Commencement. 23

THEOLOGY Service LEARNING

Serving the Dear Neighbor is central to the spirituality of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the mission here at the Mount. Incorporating service-learning into the courses taught at the Mount allows for the students to learn and develop through active participation. Mrs. Maureen Furletti ’91, from the Theology Department, has been implementing this pedagogical approach for the students. It incorporates critical thinking analysis and reflection as part of the learning process by gaining knowledge through insight and new perspectives.

For the students’ third quarter project, they worked with the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center, Face to Face, and Caring for Friends. During class they assembled “grab bags” for Caring for Friends, an organization that provides food and friendship to those who are homebound or elderly.

Representatives from these organizations were also invited to the classroom for a conversation between students and the organization to better understand the needs. Aderinsola Adegboyega ’24 explains, “A little bit can go a long way for someone else. There is someone in the world who has received a care package we made; it may not completely pull them out of a terrible situation, however, it is a step in the right direction.”

ST. FRANCIS Inn

Mount Saint Joseph Academy has been serving at Saint Francis Inn for several years. Currently, students, with adult mentor Mrs. Paula Soley, serve every Wednesday afternoon throughout the year. By serving at the Inn, students are challenged to look at unhousing issues, addiction, mental illness and food insecurity from a new perspective. When students have personal interactions with guests, they begin to see the human side of these issues.

I think Emma McGrath ’23 effectively describes how this service connects to this year’s theme and the SSJ Mission of “Serving the Dear Neighbor”:

So often, people view various issues, such as homelessness and addiction, with a detached perspective typically rooted in sympathy. However, through regular service I have learned that these issues know no bounds in regard to race, ethnicity, and gender. Rather, these problems of our world are much more personal, and affect everyone, whether directly or indirectly. Forming relationships with many of the guests at the inn is such a vital part of what makes Saint Francis Inn so special and what has impacted me the most. Our mission statement is “Serving the Dear Neighbor”. While we all know and acknowledge that everyone is our “Dear Neighbor,” I really feel this deeply through the connections formed on our afternoons of service. Their struggles and problems now become mine, and mine become theirs. Each time I’ve gone down to SFI, guests, without fail, are always looking to know me better, whether it’s hearing about my day, my week, or my big life events

of mine. They share their wisdom and insights with me, and they’ve given me advice that has helped me probably more than I’ve ever helped them through a meal because serving is much more than a meal, and much more than doing a good deed. Serving is sharing a connection with God and neighbor without distinction. Serving is seeing the differences in others and accepting/loving them and expecting that they will do the same in return. Through service, I gain meaningful relationships with people I otherwise would’ve never met, and I become part of a mission that is much bigger than myself.

Students who serve on a regular basis recognize that they are at one with one another and the people they are serving. Through these service learning experiences, our students, like Emma, become personally invested in becoming the agents of transformation this world so desperately needs.

Mrs. Soley and Students with Phillies Coach Rob Thomson

ALUMNAE Day of Service

For Alumnae Day of Service on April 22, Earth Day, Mount Alumnae gathered at Sanctuary Farm Phila in North Philadelphia, an urban farm that inspires and supports those experiencing health inequities. Twelve Mount alumnae attended the gathering with class years ranging from 1984 to 2014. The idea for the Day of Service came from an Alumnae Board Meeting, during which members shared they’d like to host and even mirror service learning experiences they had when they were Mount students. The idea coincidentally aligned with this year’s school theme, “Serving the Dear Neighbor.”

Alumnae Board Member and Sanctuary Farm Phila Board member, Maria Termini-Romano ’89 helped make the connection and coordinated a time for the Earth Day celebration. The morning was filled with learning about the initiatives and goals of the farm, cleaning up flower beds, weeding, and mulching the property. Erin McCloskey Gerst ’98 explains, “I had never met some of these women and it was like we had journeyed our whole lives together. The similarities were evident and the values aligned. We appreciated being there together in service and it was beautiful.”

ALUMNAE Reunion

The evening of April 1, the Mount celebrated Reunion 2023 by welcoming all classes that end with 3s and 8s. More than 200 alumnae roamed the hallways, perused the school store, and reconnected with classmates and friends.

The spring semester for the Alumnae Board as we celebrated Reunion, held our first Alumnae Day of Service, hosted our DEI webinar series, and supported the Mount philanthropically through Shining in Sisterhood, Giving Tuesday and the Mix and Mingle was both busy and exciting.

The Alumnae Board hosted our first Alumnae Day of Service event in collaboration with Sanctuary Farm Phila. We had a great turnout and were able to make a significant difference in a short period of time. It was a chance to get to know members of the Alumnae community and the greater Philadelphia community while learning about food insecurity and the importance of access to healthy foods. We look forward to continuing this partnership and offering more upcoming service opportunities for alumnae.

While the Alumnae Association has been established for almost 100 years (since 1929!), we took a deep dive this year into reviewing and updating our bylaws, establishing a mission, and clarifying our goals and purpose. As such, I would like to share the Mission Statement of our group:

The mission of the Mount Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae Board is to support the mission of the school by creating a continuity of sisterhood that extends beyond the time as a student, empowering women to go out to the world to be successful contributors to society, and inspiring them to feel called to return to the Mount to give of their time, talent and treasure to benefit future generations.

The current Board Class of 25 Mounties represents 18 unique class years, with a variety of professional experience, educational backgrounds, ideas, talents, and skills. Creating an Alumnae Board that is representative of our Alumnae population is important to us, and to our success, so I invite you if you are interested in learning more, to please reach out at alumnaeboard@msjacad.org for more information.

While many will break for summer to rest and recharge, we are very busy planning for a new recruitment class of Board volunteers as well, as programming and resources for a new school year. We are always willing and open to hear your ideas, recommendations and feedback on any of our initiatives or on anything that will add value to your Alumnae experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Along with Emily DePaul ’01 (Vice President) and Tara Hank ’12 (Secretary) and the rest of the Alumnae Board, thank you for all you do for the Mount community.

-Emily Kohler Marbot, Class of 2004 Alumnae Board President

LOIS TRENCH-HINES Malta Boat Club Award

Lois Trench-Hines ’60 was honored with the Dr. George Morton Illman Award, the Malta Boat Club’s most prestigious award. Lois, who received the award at a ceremony on November 19, is one of only a few women recipients since the award’s inception in 1960. Since she began rowing in 1965, Lois has been dedicated to the sport, and she has been an integral part of MSJA’s crew program.

Throughout her life, Lois advocated for greater access to rowing, particularly for women. She played an instrumental role in bringing women’s rowing to the Dad Vail Regatta, and to the Mount as a founding member of the Academy’s crew program. Lois established the Hines Rowing Center and the Whitemarsh Boat Club. Through all her efforts and initiatives, the outcome remains the same: Lois’ impact along the Schuylkill River is immeasurable. Congratulations to Lois on this well-deserved award!

ERIN MCCLAFFERTY ’96 - In August 2022, BBD announced the promotion of Erin McClafferty ’96 from the firm’s practice development director, to partner. Erin joined BBD in 2002 as the firm’s first professional dedicated to growth. She provides strategic direction for BBD’s marketing, business development and client experience initiatives. Throughout her 20-year tenure, Erin also has spearheaded various special projects for the firm, including initiatives related to BBD’s recruiting efforts and operations.

JULIA ROCCHI ’01 - In December 2022, Julia Rocchi ’01 visited Mrs. Robin Escobar’s theology class to speak and read excerpts from her book, Amen? Questions for a God I Hope Exists. Julia’s book explores faith and its complexities and encourages all who want to foster an active faith, even if they are seeking, questioning, or doubting. The book is a collection of prayers and essays that Julia says offers readers comfort and challenges on their quests to encounter God. She read two excerpts, “Mortality: Why Must We Die?” and “I, Catulla,” which reflected on some of Julia’s high school experiences. Julia then engaged students in a writing exercise that set them up for potential inner discovery.

GOLDEN GIRLS Luncheon

On September 16, 2022, the Mount celebrated the twenty third annual Golden Girls Luncheon. More than 100 alumnae from the classes from 1948 to 1972 enjoyed a lovely lunch, reconnecting with their classmates.

CAROLINE KYLE ROWING ENDOWMENT

When Caroline Kyle ’21 suddenly passed away in her sleep in July of 2022, her parents Rob and Beth asked that contributions in her memory be made to the Mount’s Crew program, as Caroline rowed for the Mount during all four of her years as a student. Their original hope was to be able to purchase a new boat, named for Caroline, with the funds received. The outpouring of support and love for the Kyle family was extraordinary. The Crew program will not only be able to purchase a boat—the remainder of the funds were used to establish the Caroline Kyle Rowing Endowment, a permanent fund held in perpetuity to provide support for the Mount rowing program.

CLASS OF ’81 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

In June of 2022, the Class of 1981 came together at the Mount to celebrate the life of a recently departed classmate, Karen Brady Lundquist. During that gathering, the members of the Class of 1981 decided that they wished to make a lasting impact on the Mount in recognition of the education they received and the bonds of friendship that they shared. They were torn between creating an expendable scholarship or a permanently endowed fund, knowing that it would require time and effort to achieve their goals.They decided to start small and accept donations from classmates until they had raised a sufficient amount to make a better determination. When their classmate Jennifer Coyle Byrne, who lives in England, heard about the effort they had launched, she posed a challenge to her class. Thanks to Jennifer’s exceptional generosity, the Class of 1981 Scholarship is now fully funded at the endowment level.

30TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

The 30th Annual Mount Golf Classic was held on Monday, September 25, 2022, at Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill. Golfers had a beautiful day to play. The Mount hosted both a morning and afternoon tee time, lunch and a cocktail reception followed by awards and prizes. The outing raised just under $75,000. Thank you to all who supported this event, the entire Golf Committee, and all the volunteers who helped at the event. Stay tuned for more information on our 31st annual Golf Classic, taking place in Fall 2023. You can register now at msjacad.org/golf

MOUNT WENT “ON THE ROAD” TO LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD

In January 2023, President Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ went “On the Road” at the Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Academy hosted an evening event in the FanDuel Lounge, where the parents, alumnae, and friends of MSJA gathered to celebrate the stellar Eagles season.

The evening was filled with excitement and allowed the guests to explore on the tours to the locker room, press room, and field. Everyone was thrilled to see the Lombardi trophy “up close and personal”.

Tina D’Orazio Gedgard ’94, Eagles Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff in the office of Chairman/CEO helped to secure the location for the event.

MOUNT MAGIC MIX & MINGLE A SUCCESS!

https://www.msjacad.org/support/mount-magic-mixer

The Mount would like to thank everyone who supported our students through our first Mount Magic Mix and Mingle event. On March 4, 2023 the school met its goal of $75,000 to support Mount student endeavors and scholastic excellence. The event is a casual and fun-filled evening for parents, alums, and friends of the Mount to gather in support of our Mount students.

CLASS NOTES

1950s

Lorraine Sukalski McGlynn ’52 shares that her granddaughter Norah McGlynn is part of the Class of 2024.

Phyllis Sullivan Stacy ’53 is sorry to have missed Golden Girls as she is not well enough to travel. She shared a memory of modeling clothes at the big stores before proms, etc. Half price! She was also valedictorian of her class, not the smartest, just valedictorian!

Rosanne Barrett ’56 shares that she is slowly learning to walk again. She appreciates all the notes from her classmates – “you have all been awesome!” She misses the seashore and wishes she could be with everyone at Golden Girls. She has two great grandchildren.

Margaret Lawler Kolimago ’56 is having fun with 12 grandchildren! She is a hospice volunteer at Normandy Farms Estates, as well as a Eucharistic Minister on Sundays. She is enjoying the family who are now on the same continent!

Phyllis Palladino Cissone ’59 is sharing good news and celebrating that her granddaughter, Sophia Benamar, will be a freshman at the Mount as part of the Class of 2026.

Janice Cutillo Muir ’59 is happily at Normandy Farms with Sue Nolan Berkey ’59 and Anne Schmid Muir ’59.

Anne Schmid Muir ’59 and her husband Jack have recently moved to Normandy Estates in Blue Bell.

Marion Williams Berry ’59 is sorry to be missing Golden Girls as she will be in France! She will definitely be there next year!

1960s

Barbara Bradshaw Viechnicki ’60 continues to treasure time spent together with Mount friends. Aging in place in Wellesley, MA my separation is by miles but not spirit! We are the Class of 1960 and still going strong.

Joan Ruth Dull McGuigan ’60 and her husband Frank are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in November. “Peace and much joy to all!”

Kathleen Reilly Gallagher ’61 shares that her 16 year old grandson (known professionally as Lucas Jaye) will be a featured player in the TV series True Lies based on the movie. The show premieres in January on CBS.

Joan Burger King ’63 shares that in addition to Mackenzie ’22, she has two more granddaughters coming to the Mount in the fall. Morgan and Emerson will be joining the MSJ legacy!

Margaret “Peggy” Gallagher ’66 is glad to still be on the right side of daisies and happy to still be working for her company, PG Commercial Real Estate Inc.

Ann McCaffrey Ciesielka ’67 shared her big family news that her granddaughter Madeiline is engaged and getting married in 2024.

Mary Jane Wesner Nolen ’69 has downsized this year from their home. She is enjoying winters in Florida and summers on the farm near MSJA now. She took up golf after 70, and is traveling west to see family. She has 8+ grandchildren now!

Dates of submission for Class Notes occurred from August 1, 2022 to April 20, 2023.

1970s

Pamela Nocito Satterfield ’70 has been happily retired since 2015 from Upper Merion Area School District where she taught Spanish.

p (PHOTO) Kathleen McCauley

Hathaway ’71 shares that on March 26, 2023 LaSalle College High School Arts

Hall of Fame welcomed Kate and her husband Jerry (LSCHS ’72) as members of the Arts Hall of Fame in the area of Theater Arts. They were honored for their years of work in the entertainment industry. Kate and Jerry were in the third class of inductees, and Kate is the first woman to be inducted into the LSCHS Arts Hall of Fame.

Angela Lin, MD ’72 can’t stop smiling about the memories of the 50th Class of 1972 reunion in April. Thanks again to Suzanne Fitzmyer Foley ’72 and Kathy Crosson Hylinski ’72 for their leadership. Angela is on a crusade to have the Alumnae Association change “Golden Girls” to “Sensational Seniors.”

Assunta Thomas Schmoyer ’76 and her husband Jim retired three years ago to Lancaster County, PA helping the Amish families in their community. They have 7 children between them. She has 3 and Jim has 4. They have 8 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. They love living there— best decision they ever made.

1980s

Shannon Murphy-Reilly ’88 will be celebrating her 29th anniversary at The PMA Companies in Blue Bell, PA where she was recently promoted to Director, IS Infrastructure.

1990s

Dr. Marcia Watson ’94 gave birth to a daughter, Avery, on 10/17/22. Mom and baby are doing well!

2000s

Janine Nicole Guerra ’00 was recently promoted to Assistant Professor of Practice in the Decision & Systems Sciences Department at Saint Joseph University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business where she has worked for the past 14 years. At SJU, Janine teaches courses in Information Systems, Data Visualization, and Supply Chain Management in addition to managing an annual High School Analytics & Data Visualization competition. Janine also recently began working toward a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) degree at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She welcomes contact from any Mount students considering Saint Joseph’s and/or pursuing degrees in the analytics and/or technology fields.

Frame ’00, and Christen Laspina Wudarski ’00, as well as her sisterin-law Jennifer Howard Loughery. She currently resides in Fairfax County, VA, with her husband Jon and their three sons Benjamin (12), Graham (9), and Henry (4). She is the Senior Director of Physician Recruitment for Penn Medicine.

Christine Fisher ’01 is happy to share that after years of daydreaming about making the move, she finally relocated to New Orleans. She accepted a role as Chief Aide to the CEO at a wonderful non-profit called Son of a Saint (sonofasaint.org) that works to transform the lives of fatherless boys here in the city. “If any other Mounties live down here, please be in touch!”

p (PHOTO) Pamela Jenkins

Baragona ’05 and her husband, Joe, welcomed a little girl, Maria Ann Baragona, on November 29, 2022 in San Diego, CA. Her big brother, Joey, is excited to have a new sister. They are enjoying life as a family of 4!

Simon ’00 celebrated her big 4-0 in Nashville with MSJA classmates Colleen Kelly Miltenberg ’00, Nina Detwiler

p (PHOTO) Christina L. Saunders ’03 and Stephen R. DeWitt were married on August 13th at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Christina is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She works as a physician assistant in the Department of Surgery at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Stephen is a graduate of Rowan University and is employed by LeMaitre Vascular as a sales representative. Following their honeymoon in the Hawaiian Islands, the couple returned to their home in Glenside, Montgomery County.

Courtney Hain Coyle ’05 and her husband Christopher welcomed a son, Christopher Brennan in January.

p (PHOTO) Kerry Roman Columbro ’06 shares the exciting news that she and her husband welcomed a daughter into their family! Caroline Margaret was born on August 2nd and big brother Luca loves his little sister.

p (PHOTO) Kimberly Dustman

Garro ’06 married David Garro on October 29, 2022 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Guests included Barbara Schwartz Gross ’06 and Anna Cero Perez ’06.

p (PHOTO) Suzanne Loughery

CLASS NOTES

p (PHOTO) Alexandra Bono ’06 is incredibly proud to share that she was named to this year’s list of Most Inspiring FinTech Female Founders! This award recognizes women who are transforming FinTech and who are advocates for women and gender equity. These founders were celebrated in December 2022 at the New York Stock Exchange. Alexandra is CEO & Founder of Pelican, a digital platform that helps families save for their children’s education and enables friends and family to support their journey through gifts toward future education.

p (PHOTO) Anna Cero Perez ’06 and Alexis Tulio Virga ’06 share an adorable shot of their daughters, Sloane Perez (L) and Cecilia Virga (R).

p (PHOTO) Sarah Weyand May ’07 and her husband, Tony, welcomed son Malcolm Michael in October of 2022. He joins big brothers Maxwell, Anthony, and Abraham.

p (PHOTO) Jessica Pasquarella Hinds ’06 and her husband Kevin welcomed their second son, Jeremy John Hinds on June 27, 2022. His big brother, Noah, could not be more thrilled to have Jeremy join the family. The two are becoming best friends. Jeremy is the happiest little boy, who brings light to their family every day.

p (PHOTO) Katie McCool ’07 married Matt Bartolotta on 4/16/22 at The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve, with Mountie Tina Lamsback DePermentier ’05 as their Event Coordinator. Trish Casey St. Ledger ’07 and Dr. Tiana Cowan ’07 were her bridesmaids. Other Mounties in attendance were Denny Belcher Gornowski ’07, Mackenzie Cavanaugh Jeitner ’07, Georgina Goldschmidt Verdibello ’07, Mary Beth Gries Betzler ’11, Kathy McDonald Garvin ’71, along with her Mount Musical Directors Fran and Maggie Doyle. Not pictured, Mary Maginnis Fisher ’72, and cousin Nicole Verdone Fisher ’91.

p (PHOTO) Catherine Begley ’08 and her husband, Rob Eckerle, are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Robert William Eckerle. Robert was born on May 20, 2022. Everyone is doing well!

p (PHOTO) Indira Friel Geist ’08 and her husband Brent welcomed their fourth baby, Lucy Cecilia, on September 20, 2022. She is so loved by her siblings Gus, Albert, and Rose!

CLASS NOTES

2010–2019

p

is now a board-certified dermatologist! She completed her dermatology residency training in Minnesota and then moved back to Pennsylvania, where she recently started taking care of patients at Yardley

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Victoria O’Malley DiMelis ’09 graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in May 2022 and started internal medicine residency at Lankenau Medical Center.

p (PHOTO) Corin Roman Wood ’09 married at the shore in October 2022.

(PHOTO) Alexis Lukach, MD ’09

Dermatology Associates.

p (PHOTO) Casey Damiani Righter ’11 and her husband welcomed twin boys, Thomas and Colt, on December 6, 2021. They recently celebrated their 1st birthday this past December.

p (PHOTO) Alexandra Paddock ’14 graduated from the physician assistant program at Salus University, pictured in photo is Mount alum Rachel Catanzaro DiToro ’92 who serves as the program director.

p (PHOTO) Chrissy Pascali ’15 shares that she is currently living in San Francisco and working at Splunk as a GTM Strategy & Operations Analyst.

IN MEMORIAM

Notifications of passings listed below occurred between August 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the families of the following alumnae:

Elizabeth Ashdale-LaMent ’81

Mary Merz Berko ’48, mother of Susan Berko Glass ’71, Elizabeth Berko Guenther ’74, and Nancy Berko (deceased) ’77.

Rosemarie Mansell Donahue ’46, sister of Madeleine Mansell Keehn ’50 and Sarah Mansell Guilfoyle ’52; aunt of Andrea M. Keehn ’78 (deceased), and cousin of Anne Hagerty Lewis ’76, Beth Hagerty Antoni ’77, and Elizabeth Hagerty Leitner ’78.

Patricia Flynn Griffith ’64, sister of Maureen Flynn Gansz ’67.

Pamela McNutt Fryer ’77, sister of Julie McNutt ’89 and aunt of Alise McNutt ’11.

Heather Hartling ’97

Pam Mundy Hicke ’72

Helene Haggerty Llewellyn ’54

Kathleen Kolb Lyons ’60, daughter of Ann McMonagle Kolb ’37 (deceased).

Dr. Patricia A. McAdams ’59, aunt of Marylou McAdams Corson ’88, Christina McAdams ’90, Elizabeth McAdams ’95, Kathleen McAdams ’99 and the great-aunt of Maureen Osborn ’07.

Mary Ruddiman MacCord ‘46

Kathleen Honeyman Mastrocola ’64, sister of Mary Beth Honeyman Leary ’61 and Virginia Honeyman McDermott ’70 and aunt of Jennifer Honeyman Bridgman ’96.

Mary M. McGee ‘41

Jane Mieczkowski ’07

Catherine A. Morrison ’80, sister of Mary M. Morrison ’82 and Susan Morrison ’87.

Elizabeth McCarthy Morrison ‘43

Catherine O’Donnell ’69

Elaine Miller Preston ’64

Marge Kropp Scully ’56, sister of Kathleen Kropp Hart ’65.

Maria Donnelly Van Haute ’69

Gay Veronica Willard ’76, aunt of Ariana Clarke DeShields ’07.

Mary Lou Voss Williford ’61, daughter of Mary Donahue Voss 1924 (deceased).

Judilyn Arena ’83 on the passing of her mother, Eleanor Arena.

Donna DePaul Bartynski ’70, Alison DePaul-Schmitt ’73, Cindy DePaul Saponaro ’75, Andrea DePaul Naticchione ’76, Susan Dragani Ramos ’76, Lisa Dragani Ramos ’78, Donna Dragani Williams ’79, Jamie Walters ’97, Christina Ramos Lewis ’04, Cara Saponaro Maybruck ’04, Jennifer Ramos Buschmann ’06, Stephanie Favata (deceased), Katelyn Williams Carr ’08. Angela Saponaro ’11, Ashley DePaul ’12, and Katherine Convey ’22, on the passing of Peter DePaul, Sr, their father, grandfather and greatgrandfather respectively.

Natalie (Sue) Nolan Berkey ’59 on the passing of her husband, Wallace Berkey.

Olivia Brogan ’18, Emma Brogan ’20 and Millicent Himes ’89 on the passing of Sherry Himes Brogan, their mother and sister, respectively.

Kathleen Casey-Shannon ’64 on the passing of her husband, David J. Shannon.

Maya Rose Charles ’21 on the passing of her father, Edmund L. Charles.

Phyllis Palladino Cissone ’59, Maria Cissone Benamar ’95, Sophia Benamar ’26 and Nora Benamar ’27 on the passing of Peter J. Cissone, their husband, father and grandfather, respectively.

Virginia Weitzman Domineske ’71, Susan Weitzman Graham ’72, Martha Weitzman Sgro ’76, Ann Weitzman Dwyer ’80, and Suki Graham ’12 on the passing of Virginia Flynn Weitzman, their mother and grandmother, respectively.

Andraya M. Johnson Early ’98 on the passing of her husband Rendell Early.

Suzanne Fitzmyer Foley ’72 on the passing of her parents, Robert J. Fitzmyer and Marie Fitzmyer.

Kathleen McDonald Garvin ’71, Kate Garvin Carroll ’96, Megan Garvin Heere ’00, Colleen Garvin Coyne ’06, Eileen McDonald Edling ’79, Maureen McDonald Thomas ’82, Coleen McDonald Metzler ’85, Eileen Knox McDonald ’87, Laurie Metzler ’16, Maggie McDonald ’17, Maura McDonald ’19, and Paige Metzler ’21 on the passing of Frank J. Garvin, their husband, father, brother-in-law, and uncle respectively.

Jenna Stabinski Giagnacova ’03 on the passing of her father, Ken Stabinski.

Nicole Elizabeth Gozdan ’10, Katherine Ann Gozdan ’12, and Stephen Gozdan (MSJA Board of Directors) on the passing of Walter and Peggy Gozdan, their grandparents and parents, respectively.

Liz Anne Berko Guenther ’74, Mary Merz Berko ’48, and Susan Berko Glass ’71 on the passing of Kurt GutweinGuenther, their husband, son-in-law and brother-in-law, respectively.

Kathleen Kropp Hart ’65 and Marge Kropp Scully ’56 (deceased) on the passing of their brother, John E. Kropp.

Kathleen Hennessy (MSJA faculty) on the passing of her father, Lawrence Joseph McElroy.

Diedra Hicks ’80 on the passing of her mother, Dolores M. Hicks.

Bonita Huggins (MSJA staff) on the passing of her aunt, Maria Ann Barber and her uncle, Leroy Ford, Jr.

Nancy Cotter Iacono ’65, Mary Cotter Fitzgerald ’64 (deceased), Regina Cotter Daly ’67 (deceased), and Nora Cotter Smith ’72 on the passing of Lawrence Iacono their husband and brother-in-law, respectively.

Patricia Mars Maddatu ’10, Katherine Mars ’15, Colleen Mars ’17 (Mount faculty) and Mary Pat McGann Mars ’82 on the passing of Patricia Mars Frederick, their grandmother and mother-in-law, respectively.

Lisa Aiello Martin ’86 on the passing of her father, Louis F. Aiello II

Patricia McKenzie Matthews ’66 and Maryellen Gallagher ’70 on the passing of Robert W. Matthews, their husband and cousin respectively.

Kelly Ann McDonald ’26 on the passing of her grandfather, Bill O’Driscoll.

A. Christine Litman McEwan ’84 on the passing of her mother, Ann Litman.

Mary Shaughnessy McGill ’82 and Megan Shaughnessy Fitzpatrick ’83 on the passing of their father, Fred J. Shaughnessy.

Joan Dull McGuigan ’60 on the passing of her son, Joseph Patrick McGuigan.

Heather Mary McKenna-Tausz ’89 and Kathryn Mary Tausz ’20 on the passing of Mary Clare McKenna, their mother and grandmother respectively.

Suzanne Lowry O’Driscoll ’96 on the passing of her mother, Karen Lowry.

Ann Cherry O’Neill ’60, Dolores Cherry Russo ’64 and Joanne O’Neill Cawley ’81 on the passing of Frank Laughlin, their husband, brother-in-law and step-father, respectively.

Ellen Fiskett Potter ’90 (MSJA staff) and Elizabeth Fiskett Cormier ’92 on the passing of their mother, Katherine Fiskett.

Rosemary Schmidt ’25 on the passing of her grandfather, Edward L. Gillette.

Sharyn Spitznagel (MSJA staff) on the passing of her mother, Elizabeth deVries.

Connie Goggin Stark ’59 and Phyllis S. Stark ’83 on the passing of Joseph Stark, their husband and father respectively.

Marianne Mirsch Sypniewski ’76 and Maureen Mirsch Leonard ’78 on the passing of their father, George M. Mirsch.

Marianne Mirsch Sypniewski ’76 and Maureen Mirsch Leonard ’78 on the passing of their mother, Anne D. Mirsch.

Rosemary Twomey ’98 on the passing of her mother, Carol Twomey.

Marcia Gabrielle Watson ’94 and Kristin Marie Watson ’98 on the passing of their father, Mark William Watson.

Betty Jane Beitel Whalen ’59, Stephanie Henrich Carlin ’11, and Elizabeth Whalen Tarditi ’86 on the passing of Nancy Beitel Marcolina Curtin, their sister, grandmother and aunt, respectively.

Jessica Karpuk Wiesak ’00 on the passing of her sister-in-law, Kathryn Jean Karpuk.