HEART Magazine - Spring 2012 by Sacred Heart Academy

Spring 2012

The Magazine of Sacred Heart Academy

If all the

hands that reach could touch...

Mission

Vision

Sacred Heart Academy, founded by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Roman Catholic tradition and committed to the expression of strong Christian values and intellectual growth, provides a challenging college preparatory education for young women. The school is a community which promotes the growth of the whole person in a caring environment that encourages personal integrity, compassion, justice, and a sense of responsibility to self, others, and the needs of society.

Sacred Heart Academy will be a nationally recognized Catholic college preparatory school for young women. True to its motto Excelsior, Sacred Heart Academy will welcome students of diverse backgrounds, develop their potential through an academically rigorous program of studies, and lead them to discover their unique talents. Through a culture of service, Sacred Heart Academy will foster an awareness of the changing needs and challenges of the world. By embracing the call of the Gospel, the Sacred Heart Academy woman will become who God created her to be, ready to transform the world.

Sacred Heart Academy:

Issue

In this

Branching Out and Blooming

s we eagerly await the bright colors and

warm touch of summer, we cannot help but

3 From the President 4

Alumna Encourages Students to Find their Passion

“Day of Caring” Inspires Sacred Heart Community

Peer Connection: A Lasting Tradition

Holocaust Survivor Offers Message of Strength and Heroism

Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ‘77 Moves the Alumnae Office Onward and Upward

or the satisfaction of completing a job

Around the Academy

that might make another’s life a little easier

Coming In and Going Out

Sacred Heart Academy Achieves National Recognition

Office of Mission Advancement

Red and White Line

Strong Bonds

reflect on the end of yet another school year. In this issue of HEART we bring you sixty-five years of growth. Like the blooming pink magnolia that crowns each visit up the hill to Sacred Heart, we too are branching out, reaching heights that were once only dreams. And while it felt good to reach goals set in our Building on Excellence plan, it felt better to reach out to others and feel the warmth of a smile,

to live. So, we bask in what the year brought Sacred Heart Academy, and hope that next year we continue to grow beyond our own expectations.

The Excelsior Graduate A woman who is impelled by the Love of Christ to live authentically and passionately, sharing her compassion and integrity with the world, continuing to be a life-long learner, thinking critically, communicating effectively and intelligently, upholding the human dignity of each person, committing to be an active participant in her faith community, valuing strong bonds with her class and the wider Sacred Heart community, and fully embracing the gifts God has given her to strive “ever higher.”

Cover photo Janet Patry ’92, pictured in Nairobi, Kenya, embodies the core values of Sacred Heart Academy.

On the Charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mother Clelia, our beloved foundress, was drawn to the impoverished members of her society. Requesting a blessing from the bishop of Como, Italy, Mother Clelia once stated that she and the Sisters wanted to “dedicate [themselves] to the active religious life, gathering orphans and poor, abandoned, and underprivileged girls.” To a world torn by hatred and indifference toward God and His Church, a world in which people sought false images of salvation and happiness, Mother Clelia presented the Heart of Christ. And now, through our ministries we too strive to “promote a spirituality of communion” (Novo Millennio Ineunte 43) whereby the joys or sufferings of another become our own. Our devotion to the Heart of Christ impels us to give a human face to the love of God. In this way, we hope that divine goodness, mercy, and compassion may bring healing and comfort to the entire human race. As the Spirit directs and inspires, we pray to respond openly to the present and future needs of the Church with the courage and foresight of our foundress. By our profession of the evangelical counsels—poverty, chastity, and obedience—we follow Christ with the total gift of our hearts, bodies, and spirits. By our consecration we are witnesses to the present wonders of God’s redemptive love and the future glories of the promised kingdom.

“If all the hands that reach could touch. . .” — indeed, a great reminder that “reaching” is a beautiful expression of hope, faith, and love. – Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 President

From the President Dear Friends,

If all the hands that reach could touch . . . These inspirational words have become the motto of Peer Connection, an organization that builds community and promotes understanding within the Sacred Heart community. Though the diction is simple, the words are a reminder of the multifaceted experience of Sacred Heart Academy, where we strive to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We hope each of our students grows into the person God created her to be, makes the world a better place for all of God’s creatures. “If all the hands that reach could touch. .. “— indeed, a great reminder that “reaching” is a beautiful expression of hope, faith, and love. This year commemorates a very exciting time in the rich history of Sacred Heart Academy, our 65th anniversary. In keeping with our charism of sharing God’s love, we centered our celebration on service. Each month we focused on ways to “give back,” to “reach” in gratitude for the many ways God has blessed our institution throughout the years. Our projects included food drives, clothing drives, a “Day of Caring,” and our traditional stocking drive. Each member of our community committed to completing 65 hours of service. The results are an example of what can be accomplished when hands that reach, touch. And in the end, we received more than we gave, because the knowledge that we helped make someone’s life a little better empowered us to do even more than we imagined possible. As part of this reflection on SHA’s 65th anniversary, we inspired our young women to live out our core values of Catholic community, compassion, excellence, integrity, and social justice, long after they leave SHA. Through guest speakers like Janet Patry ’92, the students have been challenged to live value-centered, faith-filled lives. Janet established a nonprofit organization called Right2Thrive, which supports disadvantaged communities in Nairobi, Kenya. After returning from a volunteer trip to Kenya, Janet gathered resources and empowered the native people to develop self-sustaining communities. She is an inspiration for young women and an example of what it means to live out the principles that SHA strives to imprint on the heart of each student. We have developed a partnership with Janet who has been working with our students to help them understand the value of reaching out to others. In addition to Janet Patry’s visit, students also had the opportunity to listen to the story of Holocaust survivor Anita Schorr in a presentation sponsored by UNITY Club. The power of her words touched the very depth of each girl’s heart as she spoke about the dangers of bullying and oppression: “We can’t just remember. We need to be heroes. We need to speak when others are silent. We need to be mindful of those who cannot speak for themselves.” Anita, like Janet, helped our students realize their strength, their ability to be voices for the voiceless. Inspired by the meaningful messages of these speakers, our students have also learned from one another, as they recently performed a studentwritten play, The COR of a Woman, on the core values of Sacred Heart Academy. This project was a clear example of what can happen when students truly understand what Sacred Heart is all about. It was a very proud moment for me, as a leader of the school. This year also marks our second year of participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens Program, the preparation program for young adults who have made the decision to join the Catholic faith. To date, we are the only Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Hartford participating in this program. This school year was filled with such marvelous “reaching” exemplified through extraordinary learning, generous giving, and joyful living. Sacred Heart Academy is a very special place; how blessed we are to be here.

Gratefully in the Heart of Christ,

Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 President

Sacred Heart Academy 3

reaching out

their Passion

Alumna Encourages Students to Find Janet Patry’s Impact on Sacred Heart Academy After Janet Patry’s visit to SHA, students were motivated to help her cause. Since her January visit, Janet has returned to Sacred Heart once a month in order to help engage a group of 25 interested students in positive thinking and meaningful living. In addition to speaking with these students, Janet enlisted them to help her make bracelets to sell at a missionary fair. One hundred bracelets made by SHA students were sold to benefit Right2Thrive. For next year, we hope to see our own relationship with Janet Patry continue to thrive.

Janet Patry’s perseverance has helped the children of Neemaland enjoy everything from basic comforts to big smiles.

t was supposed to be three weeks, this volunteer vacation to Nairobi, Kenya that Janet Patry ’92 signed up for in October of 2007. In January, Janet returned to Sacred Heart Academy to share with students more about the vacation that became her life’s mission. Janet spent those 3 weeks at Neemaland, an 6 orphanage in Kenya, learning what it meant to truly live. Neemaland houses 55 children between the ages of 2 and 15; some were dropped off by parents unable to care for them, others had been living on the streets. Whatever their circumstances, all the children of Neemaland needed a helping hand. Shares Janet, “The children taught me more than I learned in my entire life; they taught me unconditional love. I told myself, I’m going to go home and start an organization that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. I had been completely missing the point of my own life. I was always reaching for something outside myself whether it was a better job, more money, trophies—you name it. But the journey is actually inward. I opened up in a way that let those kids so deep into my heart that our dreams converged and Right2Thrive was born.” Janet is the founder and CEO of Right2Thrive, a non-profit organization “formed exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.”

rather to encourage them to find their passion in life. Her guidance proved invaluable to the students, many of whom stayed to speak with her long after the last bell of the day had rung. Her words resonated, “Failure isn’t fatal. You have to slow down in life and take a few deep breaths. Let God into the silence. Heart and character are the two most important things in life.” And, on many levels, these words truly inspired the student body. Shares freshman Paige Dostie, “Janet made me want to do good in the world. She made me want to start somewhere and end up where she is today. Someday, I want to visit an underdeveloped country, but Janet motivated me to do good things in my own community today.” Senior Ally Giannini adds, “Janet was such a great example of living up to what you say you are going to do.”

“I opened up in a way that let those kids so deep into my heart that our dreams converged and Right2Thrive was born.”

The purpose of Janet’s visit was not to encourage students to move to Kenya, but

– Janet Patry ’92

Ally’s words echoed the thoughts of the student body. Perhaps what students found most inspirational about Janet was the fact that she has taken her own advice to heart. Neemaland’s children have become the heart of Janet Patry’s character. Since that first visit in 2007, has been dividing her time between Neemaland and her home in New York City where she is the associate director of training and development for the Central Park Conservancy. Later this month she will move to Kenya permanently. She hopes donations to Right2Thrive will afford educational opportunities for the children of Neemaland. “For $1,500 I can send two girls to boarding school. They will be the first to go,” elaborates Janet. While she works hard to increase donations to Right2Thrive, she is in

awe of the generosity she has already witnessed. Before a recent trip to Kenya, she requested donated items from her Facebook friends. “Every single response was from a SHA graduate,” says Janet. “So many of my old classmates donated their children’s clothing. The SHA community has been so supportive. It really speaks to the community. Nothing has changed; those core values at SHA stayed with everyone.” Today’s students are continuing SHA’s penchant for giving, having recently participated in a school-wide dress down day and other fundraising events to benefit Right2Thrive. Those interested in donating or more information please visit www.right2thrive.org.

Sacred Heart Academy 5

reaching out

“Day of Caring”Inspires Sacred Heart Community

Kanita Mote ’14 still manages a big smile after a hard day’s work.

“The true goal of the “Day of Caring” was to help a school less fortunate than ours. It was very important that our whole family worked together to give back to the community.” – Margaret Rybacki ’81

erhaps it was a combination of her love for painting and big smiles that led sophomore Kanita Mote to the worn doors of St. Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven. Kanita, along with dozens of Sacred Heart Academy students, alumnae, parents, and faculty, volunteered in January at this faith-based NativityMiguel Network middle school for low-income families. “Day of Caring” was sponsored by both Sacred Heart and Notre Dame Campus Ministries in an effort to help clean up and maintain the St. Martin de Porres campus. Lennix Cuffy ’15, a St. Martin de Porres graduate, elaborates, “I painted doors and cleaned paint off the floors. This work was important to me because St. Martin de Porres Academy was my old school. My teachers helped me so much with my homework and worked so hard to get me into a good high school; St. Martin de Porres even gave me a scholarship.

Heart alumna, parent, and business office assistant, Margaret Rybacki ’81, who cleaned and painted with the help of her husband and daughters, Sarah ’13 and Emma ’15, also felt the day’s work carried meaning far beyond the improved physical appearance of the school: “The true goal of the “Day of Caring” was to help a school less fortunate than ours. It was very important that our whole family worked together to give back to the community.” Emma agrees, “The cleaning and painting made me sore the next morning, but I had a good feeling knowing that I had thought of someone besides myself.” No doubt this work was appreciated by St. Martin de Porres Academy principal and Sacred Heart Academy alumna, Kelly O’Leary ’99. Says Ms. O’Leary, “We privately raise funds to support our entire operating budget to provide full scholarships for every one of our 61 students.” Because all students receive scholarships, she has little left in the budget for building updates and maintenance. She relies on the kindness of the community to maintain the school. Luckily, this day brought no shortage of volunteers to Kelly O’Leary’s beloved school.

Sarah Rybacki ’13 and her father Glenn Rybacki brighten the halls of St. Martin de Porres with blue paint.

I thought that painting and cleaning up was the least I could do to show them how thankful I am.” Her classmate and fellow St. Martin de Porres alumna, Alisha Brabham ’15 adds, “I remember when little things were improved or done around the school and how I felt; I wanted to give today’s students that same feeling.” As Lennix painted alongside Alisha, both girls realized just how much their own good fortune hinged on the good will of others. “Day of Caring” was their opportunity to return to their alma mater and give back what was so lovingly given to them. Although the day included only small improvements such as painting and cleaning, the effect these small efforts would have on the students of St. Martin de Porres was not lost on Sacred Heart students. Sacred

In fact, most students who participated in this special event consistently volunteer at Sacred Heart Academy and, indeed, in their own communities as well. Lennix Cuffy is no exception: “Since the fifth grade I have volunteered at a soup kitchen preparing food for those who are hungry. I helped kids with their homework and played games with little kids. These kids lived in a shelter with their mothers who were hiding from abusive husbands.” She adds, “It just feels good to help others, to know that I’ve made someone else’s life a little bit easier.” This culture of service, first introduced to Lennix through the efforts of her former principal, has been further cultivated at Sacred Heart Academy. Kelly O’Leary is not surprised by this: “The honor code said every morning at St. Martin de Porres exemplifies the values I learned at Sacred Heart Academy: ‘I am a child of God. I will be truthful, honest, and respectful. I will work to the best of my ability to develop the talents that God has given me. I will endeavor to share my gifts and talents to make my family, my school, and my community a place of justice and peace.’ Kelly continues, “This is the way I have chosen to live my life.” As Kanita Mote painted her last doorpost, she reflected on her own mission that day: “The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing the final product of our hard work. I think that being proud of the way your school looks helps you to be proud of being a student, and thereby allows you to strive to do your absolute best.” “Day of Caring” is just one event commemorating Sacred Heart Academy’s 65 years of service. Students, faculty, and staff have spent the school year living out the mission of the Academy. Said one faculty member, “Our mission statement reminds us that it is our goal to educate the whole person, and to give her experiences that will develop her heart as well as her mind. Service experiences allow students to not only appreciate their own gifts and blessings, but also to develop a sense of compassion and responsibility to those less fortunate.” Sacred Heart Academy 7

reaching out

A Lasting Tradition

Peer Connection:

“The motto of Peer Connection is ‘If all the hands that reach could touch...’ This school organization is made up of caring students who are, in fact, most willing to reach out hands of support.” – Jeanne Mazzariello ’78

(from left) As peer connectors, Jenna Hernandez ’12, Marisa Ferraro ’12, Erin Hillis ’12, Jenna Buccetti ’12, Nikki Sroka ’12, and Danielle Thorne ’12 embody the values of Sacred Heart Academy.

hen former Sacred Heart Academy guidance counselor Jane Reed retired in June 2009, she had just completed her 25th year at Sacred Heart Academy. In those 25 years she taught Latin and AP Psychology, served as Director of Guidance, and indeed, developed many of the programs that SHA cherishes to this day. Perhaps the most beloved of all Jane Reed’s designs, Peer Connection began its tenure in 1984 as a way to build and model community at Sacred Heart Academy. “Father John Pelletier and I began Peer Counseling, as it was then called; it was a major commitment for those who joined since we met every Wednesday. In the beginning our primary function was to present programs to younger children on issues such as blended families, grief and loss, fitting in, and self-image,” reveals Mrs. Reed. “Later,” she continues, “we changed our focus to have more of a ‘connection’ to our own school. Peer Counseling became Peer Connection to show this shift in focus and also to emphasize that teens are not counselors.” She explains that students would seek out other students for advice or support before they would seek adult help. For that reason, peer connectors had rigorous training in order to stress the balance between honoring confidentiality and seeking adult intervention. Says Mrs. Reed, “We began to further train our members in specific listening and mediation skills. We also familiarized them with the facts behind current teen issues.”

Peer Connection co-moderator, Jeanne Mazzariello ’78 conferences with peer connectors, Nikki Sroka ’12 and Erin Hillis ’12.

In addition to this rigorous training, today’s comoderators, pastoral counselor and theology teacher Jeanne Mazzariello ’78 and teacher Barbara Mangini, stress the rigorous process implemented in the selection of members. “Sophomores and upperclassmen interested in becoming peer connectors move through an extensive application process which includes the application itself, personal interviews, faculty input, and recommendations. We instituted this thorough process to ensure that each PC has the maturity to understand the importance of her commitment to be a servant leader in our school community,” Mrs. Mazzariello elaborates. Despite this commitment, peer connector Jenna Buccetti ’12 felt ready to embrace the organization and its values since her freshman year: “The peer connectors were some of the first upperclassmen I met when I came to campus as a freshman. They led the groups and they gave up a day of their summer to help the freshmen. This selflessness had the greatest impact on me. Immediately, I knew

I wanted to walk around the halls those first days of school wearing an orange t-shirt, representing all of the leadership qualities it embodied.” Now, a veteran of the organization, Jenna has grown into a new role offered by Peer Connection, chair of freshmen seminar. Freshman seminar, also developed by Jane Reed, is a course that initiates freshmen into the culture of Sacred Heart Academy and cultivates good study skills. Jenna shares, “I work with other PCs who mentor in each of the freshman seminar classes. At the beginning of this year, I met with Mrs. Mangini and we made tentative plans for the semester, covering topics from social conflicts and study habits to adjusting to new friends and new teachers.” In addition to leading freshman seminar classes, peer connectors also embraced the new challenge of leading SHA’s monthly advisee group sessions. Peer connectors revolve discussions around thought provoking questions that address the student experience. Sophomore peer connector Jessica Venables feels this new leadership role has been

challenging, but very rewarding in its own right: “We put a lot of preparation and thought into advisee meetings.” Her group’s faculty moderator, English teacher Allyson Wuerth says Jessica’s professionalism has only enhanced the quality of these monthly sessions: “Jess is so composed, even with all the upperclassmen in our group. She shares personal experiences to which other students can relate, and her candor opens a dialogue among students of all grade levels, leading to a lot of smiles and even the occasional tear.” The sincerity of her peer connectors does not surprise Jeanne Mazzariello: “The motto of Peer Connection is ‘If all the hands that reach could touch...’ This school organization is made up of caring students who are, in fact, most willing to reach out hands of support.” Although many things have changed since Jane Reed and Father John Pelletier selected their first group of peer counselors, the heart and soul of the organization remain as clear and strong as that first meeting on a cool Wednesday evening in 1984. Still defined by their bright orange shirts and their unwavering commitment to their SHA sisters, peer connectors embody the Christian values that Sacred Heart Academy holds so dear. Junior Claudia Krah says it best: “We must remember that we are not members of Peer Connection, we are Peer Connection. Our gifts and our willingness to share these gifts make Peer Connection what it is—a strong community promoting unity at Sacred Heart Academy.”

Sacred Heart Academy 9

reaching out

Holocaust Survivor Offers Message ofStrengthandHeroism Ho·lo·caust • \'hō-l -k˙ost A word derived from ancient Greek, meaning complete destruction, especially by fire. The word is used to describe the murder of approximately six million Jews at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. The Hebrew word for Holocaust is Shoah (pronounced show-ah), meaning catastrophe, destruction, and/or disaster.

Mrs. Schorr speaking to the SHA community about her family’s experience during the Nazi occupation.

“We need to speak when others are silent; we need to be mindful of those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Anita Schorr

The photographs are stunningly familiar: a mother, a father, a sister, a little brother enjoying a walk or sledding or posing outside the family home. They are happy just to be in each other’s company, a happiness we can all relate to because we have all grown to expect it from life. Then the unimaginable—the picture changes to the stern face of Adolph Hitler. The year is 1939 and Anita Schorr’s life will never be the same.

n February, Sacred Heart Academy welcomed Holocaust survivor Anita Schorr who shared her story of courage in the face of unimaginable odds and horrific pain. Mrs. Schorr shared a slide show of her life that detailed her childhood interrupted by the evil intentions of Adolf Hitler. She and her family lived in Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) during Nazi occupation; her entire family perished in concentration camps. In the years that followed Mrs. Schorr’s 1945 liberation, she lived in Israel and Czechoslovakia before finally settling in Westport, Connecticut. After 30 years of silence, Anita now speaks publically against bullying and ignorance. As she spoke to the packed

gymnasium full of students, administrators, faculty, and staff, her painful life story transformed into a powerful message of courage and perseverance. She warned her captivated audience that silence and ignorance—even over small matters—are a threat to humanity. She advised, “We need to speak when others are silent; we need to be mindful of those who cannot speak for themselves.” Mrs. Schorr urged students to treat one another with kindness and respect and to realize that humanity must always be protected from prejudice. Anita Schorr’s visit was part of Diversity Week sponsored by UNITY, a club that promotes tolerance and understanding. Elaborates head librarian and UNITY moderator, Maureen Hayes, “We were really excited to have Mrs. Schorr here at Sacred Heart Academy. It is so important for our girls to learn about and to remember the past. To meet someone who is willing to share her personal experience of the Holocaust is an honor for the school and will be something that our students will remember for the rest of their lives.” Ms. Hayes’s words echo the words of Anita Schorr herself: “Remember my words,” she advised. “We all have to step in and be heroes every day.”

How Did we Find Anita Schorr?

t was only last spring that Stephanie Baldwin ’12 was a junior sitting in her history class learning about the Holocaust: “We were all talking about Holocaust survivors and how lifechanging it would be to speak to one. We realized that we were the last generation of students who would be able to hear from a survivor before the Holocaust became another nightmare in a history textbook. It was that spring day that I started to look up Holocaust survivor programs.” Stephanie spent the next few months researching and finally got in touch with Anita Schorr. The two communicated through email and phone conversations; it was only at Sacred Heart Academy’s school-wide assembly that Stephanie and Anita finally met in person. Stephanie introduced Mrs. Schorr by reading an original, touching poem entitled 71569, Mrs. Schorr’s numeric “identity” during her time in concentration Anita Schorr and Stephanie Baldwin ’12 finally put a face to a name. camps. Stephanie’s poem reminds readers that one’s identity can never be erased, no matter how oppressed the victim becomes: “Her name became a number, / An identity stolen rather than lost/ Barely living but not alive/ In the Holocaust.” For Stephanie, Anita’s message of hope and survival has rekindled in her a passion for her own education: “When Mrs. Schorr spoke about how she wanted to be a doctor, and how after the Holocaust she could not go back to school, I thought about how important my education is and how so many people do not have this opportunity due to misfortunes they cannot control.” Stephanie hopes her classmates were also reminded how lucky they are to be free and educated: “I think the best part about Mrs. Schorr’s talk was being able to see her share such an emotional experience while looking at my friends and seeing all of them really taking in her advice and words of caution. It was exactly how I hoped it would happen and I am forever appreciative that Mrs. Schorr agreed to speak to us.”

Sacred Heart Academy 11

reaching out

Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 Moves the

Alumnae Office Onward & Upward Written with help from Alora Caraglio ’08

s alumnae looking back on our years at Sacred Heart Academy, we fondly remember singing the Alma Mater with our fellow classmates. Whether learning the proper tune as freshmen or singing in a chorus with the entire student body at Chapel, the words of Sr. M. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ filled us with love and school spirit. Though our lives outside the walls of Sacred Heart Academy had yet to materialize, we sang that “the strong bonds formed at S-H-A shall ne’er in life be broken.” As SHA alumnae grow into successful women, those strong bonds are something that Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77, Director of Alumnae Relations wants us to never forget. Since returning to Sacred Heart in 2006, Sr. Mariette’s dedication to 65 years of Sacred Heart Academy alumnae continues to grow. Before becoming the full-time director of alumnae relations, she served as the moderator of both the junior class and Italian Club, and taught philosophy and theology, in addition to her duties as part-time alumnae director. Despite her new full-time position in the alumnae office, Sr. Mariette still finds time to teach two sections of senior theology. “I love to teach and I love teaching theology. In my role as alumnae director, it makes sense for me to teach seniors,” she explains, “they need to know who the alumnae director is as they transition to becoming alumnae.”

Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 takes a phone call in her newly designed alumnae office.

It was only last year that Sr. Mariette Moan’s, ASCJ, ’77 job as director of alumnae became a full-time position. Since then, the alumnae office has been relocated inside the main office. Yes, the paint is fresh, and the furniture is new, but the real shine comes from the touching “Strong bonds, est. 1946” wall art that welcomes each visitor. Sr. Mariette elaborates, “I want my office to speak immediately to

“I want my office to speak immediately to alumnae. ‘Strong bonds’ is the key phrase that resonates with them.” – Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77

Although Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 loves her new office, it is the SHA memories that keep her smiling.

alumnae. ‘Strong bonds’ is the key phrase that resonates with them.” The new alumnae office maintains the archives of Sacred Heart Academy, which means it houses copies of the Clelian, Prism, musical programs, and every issue of The Alethea from 1946 to today. However, the alumnae office is not simply a place to house the publications of Sacred Heart Academy. Sr. Mariette enjoys meeting with alumnae for one-on-one visits. She feels strongly that Sacred Heart’s mission is a shared effort: “Yes, I ask, ‘Is there some way that you can help SHA?’ but I also ask, ‘At this point in your life, what can SHA do for you?’” When alumnae return to Sacred Heart, Sr. Mariette fills them in on what has been happening since they graduated. “My role is to meaningfully engage alumnae in life here at Sacred Heart Academy, help them network with Sacred Heart Academy and with each other, and be a resource for Sr. Sheila, the Office of Mission Advancement, and Public Relations.” Alumnae

also have the opportunity to meet with Sr. Sheila as she shares her vision of the school and discusses how alumnae might be able to help support that mission. There are a number of ways for alumnae to support the mission of Sacred Heart. Sr. Mariette suggests that interested alumnae become involved by serving on a committee for any of the 10 alumnae sponsored annual events. Information about these events can be found on the school’s newly designed website. Alumnae can also attend functions hosted by the alumnae office or become involved by serving on the alumnae board. Alumnae can volunteer to be class agents and work with Sr. Mariette in planning reunion activities. Alumnae are encouraged to become involved with Career Day, the golf tournament, or the auction. Sr. Mariette adds, “I’d love to see growth in the percentage of alumnae who can help to financially support the Academy.”

How far do the strong bonds formed at SHA really go? Most recently, Sr. Mariette regularly visited two alumnae at Yale-New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital. When Lisa Martone Massaro ’83 and Mary Waldman Keefe ’78 passed away, she was deeply affected by their deaths. “I would visit and sit with them, and laugh about our years at SHA, but it also inspired serious conversations about God and their families. I was with both of them right up until they died. I care deeply about making sure that every alumna knows that strong bonds are real ties to one another.” For more than 6,500 women who are proud to call Sacred Heart Academy their alma mater, the time has come to get involved. Says Sr. Mariette, “I’m so grateful to those alumnae who have partnered with me on this new journey. SHA alumnae are an incredible group of women and it is my privilege to work with them. They are a source of blessing for me.”

Sacred Heart Academy 13

around the academy

Sacred Heart Academy Celebrates 15 Sequences in GenBank As Sacred Heart Academy celebrates 65 years of excellence in education, our nationally recognized biotechnology research program is also celebrating a milestone…the publication of a fifteenth sequence in GenBank, a division of the National Center of Biotechnology Information. Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 offers, “I am not aware of any other high school that can claim to have published numerous sequences completely derived by students and without scientific intervention.” As founder of the biotechnology program, Sr. Mary Jane elaborates, “Sacred

Heart Academy students have published the following sequences in GenBank: BMP2, VDR, CALCR, COL1A, and BGLAP—genes implicated in osteoporosis and several mitochondrial DNA genes—ATP6 synthase, CYTb, and all three subunits of COX: I, II, and III, which total 10,864 nucleotides in all.” Students used bovine DNA during the school-wide osteoporosis study, as Sacred Heart Academy never uses human DNA in any of its gene sequencing. Sr. Mary Jane’s students will present at 3 scientific conferences this year.

Spring Drama Production Celebrated Academy’s COR Values

(from left) SHA students Natalie Pacileo ’12, Mikayla Zagata ’12, and Allie Novak ’13 performed in Mikayla Zagata’s original production, The Cor of a Woman.

The COR of a Woman, a unique production written by senior Mikayla Zagata, was presented on the main stage at Sacred Heart Academy March 15 and 16. In honor of the school’s 65th anniversary, this homage to SHA debuted to a full and enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, alumnae, and friends. Barbara Mangini, fine arts department chair, shares, “In living our mission statement, we strive to model Sacred Heart’s COR values—Catholic community, compassion, excellence, integrity and social justice—each day at Sacred Heart and in our world. This year’s spring production showcased our talented students in this very special tribute to our school.”

2011-2012 Scholar Athlete of the Year Caitlin Baker ’12 has been named Sacred Heart Academy’s 2011-2012 Scholar Athlete. Recognized for her cumulative grade point average, varsity sport participation, community service, self-discipline, and leadership, she will be honored at the 29th Annual Connecticut High School Scholar Athlete Awards Dinner in May. Coach William Sikorsky adds, “Caitlin has been an outstanding member of both the cross country and track teams. She was one of the top 7 runners on the cross country team and qualified for the CIAC State Tournament. She is not only a team leader, but also a community leader having served on many mission trips and service groups.” Guidance counselor Patrick McAllister adds, “Caitlin has maintained honors for 4 years and has taken accelerated courses in language, science, and history in addition to reaching the apex in math. I am confident that Caitlin is well positioned for success.”

Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship Senior Erin Hillis is the recipient of the Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship, a scholarship based on GPA, community service, and leadership both on and off the field. Erin, who has maintained a GPA above 4.0, volunteers at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, plays field hockey, and still manages to be vice president of Stuco, and president of both SADD and Key Club. In May, Erin accepted her $5,000 scholarship at Gillette Stadium. Congratulations, Erin!

April in Paris The Honors Chamber Choir and AP French class recently returned from 9 days in Paris. Sixteen choir students and 8 AP French students traveled with Madame Sylvie Levallois-Sanchez, Mr. Christopher Härtel, and 6 chaperones to Paris, Versailles, Mantes-la-Jolie, and Chartres. The choir gave a total of 5 spectacular performances, including: an informal recital in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, formal concerts in the Église Saint Marcel, Église SainteAnne de Gassicourt, and Chartres Cathedral, and participated in a Mass at the Basilique Sainte Clotilde. In addition to these performances, the group visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, and many other landmarks of the country.

Students Serve During Spring Break Last April, 25 SHA students, 5 parents and Sr. Lany Jo Smith, ASCJ completed a mission trip at the Romero Center Ministries in Camden, NJ., which is considered the poorest and most crime-ridden city in the United States. This wonderful week of service, study, and reflection, invited participants to experience Christ-centered discipleship. Students volunteered at a number of local places, including: soup kitchens, shelters for AIDS victims, adult daycares, and Habitat for Humanity sites. The back cover of this issue of HEART shows Nicole Mecca ’14 participating in the spring mission trip.

AAAC Youth of the Year Senior Danielle Thorne has been named the 2012 Youth of the Year by the African-American Affairs Commission. Recipients must be Connecticut high school seniors of African heritage who demonstrate academic excellence in relation to the cultural, social, and/or political well-being of the African-American community. Danielle received her award at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford in May. In addition to her award, Danielle will receive a scholarship. We congratulate Danielle on this outstanding honor!

Senior Selected to Participate in All-State Music Festival Rachael Cisto ’12 has been selected to participate in the Connecticut Music Educators Association AllState Music Festival. Rachael successfully completed a two-step audition process, first competing against the most talented musicians in Southern Connecticut and then against the best singers in the entire state. Rachael did extremely well at both auditions and enjoyed participating in the three-day music festival last April at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. April marked Rachael’s second appearance at the All-State festival; she was also selected in 2011. “Rachael is a multi-talented musician; she has a beautiful voice, and she is also an accomplished violinist and tenor saxophone player,” shared music instructor Christopher Härtel. “She came to Sacred Heart four years ago brimming with talent, and it has been great to watch her mature and hone her skills. She certainly has a future in music, should she choose to pursue it.”

Sacred Heart Academy 15

around the academy

Sophomore Dances from the Heart Since last fall, sophomore Chloe Fletcher has been offering free ballet classes to young people at the New Haven Public Library. A dancer with the New Haven Ballet for 8 years, Chloe taught dance and concluded each session of the program she calls, “Dance from the Heart,” with storytime. Reveals Chloe, “I want to share my passion for dance, give back to the community, and bring joy to the children.” She recently began teaching her second session of this free program. According to a library spokesperson, “In the first few sessions the young ladies were awkward, with only the image of a lithe sylph in a pink tutu in their heads; by the final session, they had a modicum of poise and moved, if not gracefully, like ballerinas.” Chloe Fletcher ’14 (center) begins her classes at the New Haven Public Library with stretching exercises.

Mu Alpha Theta Members get Buddies 4 3 5 MU ALPHA THETA

Mu Alpha Theta, SHA’s chapter of the National Math Honor Society, is happy to confirm their registration in a new program called Study Buddy. Study Buddy is an innovative, online, peer-to-peer tutoring program designed to address the low math scores of underperforming middle and high school students. This program relies on volunteers to assist struggling students who may not otherwise have access to a tutor due to economic and/or geographic reasons. The National Science and Technology Education Partnership Program located in Arlington, Virginia spearheads this particular homework assistance program. Kathryn Gniadek, chairperson of mathematics and co-moderator of Mu Alpha Theta, registered the club’s 33 members with the Study Buddy program, which allows the girls to utilize the latest interactive, collaborative technology to bring students from across the country together for online math homework help. Mu Alpha Theta members will each commit to one hour per month. The Study Buddy program furthers the service of Mu Alpha Theta members, who already offer tutoring to the SHA community during their study periods.

Junior Published in New Haven Magazine Claudia Krah ’13 has been published in New Haven Magazine’s annual “High School Confidential” issue, which featured 9 Connecticut high school students writing about what distinguishes them from their peers. According to editorial assistant Ashley Chin, “Our editors select the most compelling essays for publication.” Claudia’s essay, entitled “My Sixth Day of School,” details her journey to fluency in German. Says Claudia, “German school has taught me that with hard work comes a priceless and undeniably rewarding feeling afterward.” Congratulations, Claudia!

SHA Community Walks for Life In January the Pro-Life Club, moderated by Sacred Heart Academy theology teacher Donna Scaramella, participated in the annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Two thousand twelve marks the 39th year that pro-life supporters have joined together to petition our legislators in Washington to reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision which made abortion legal in the United States. This is the first year that the Pro-Life Club participated, attending both the rally at the National Mall and the march up Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Capitol. The SHA student body was represented by 14 seniors, 7 juniors, 7 sophomores, and 3 freshmen. The girls were accompanied by 10 chaperones, including parents and sisters of club members, and 3 alumnae: Laura Caiafa ’04, Leslie Capuano ’06, and Allessandra Paglia ’10.

Our Website, Just a Click Away Several months in the making, the new Sacred Heart website is an online community that will enable better communication with all our members. In addition to being able to view assignments and grades, parents and students will be able to update their information, view their giving history and register for events. Alumnae will also be able to access these features. Additionally, alumnae will be able to communicate more easily with each other and with the Office of Alumnae Relations, post class notes and look up classmates. The new website promises to make the online experience with Sacred Heart more engaging and user friendly. Network administrator Ray Wilson adds, “Our goal is for the website to continue generating interaction between alumnae and friends of the school.” We encourage you to visit frequently as this is just the first step in building an informative, interesting, and compelling online experience of the Sacred Heart Academy community.

Network administrator, Ray Wilson works hard to ensure that SHA’s website is at its best.

Science Teacher Selected as AP Reader Sacred Heart is proud to announce that Dr. Sibani Sengupta has been selected as an AP Biology reader at this year’s annual AP reading in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Sengupta tells HEART, “I am extremely excited about the reading opportunity since it will provide me with better insight into what the College Board’s expectations are in terms of AP exams. This will help us to better guide and train our student as we prepare them for the AP Biology exam.”

New Summer Program Promises a Sacred Heart Academy is excited to announce summer enrichment classes and sports clinics for middle school girls. offers students the opportunity to cultivate their skills, interests, and passions through courses taught by Sacred Heart’s dedicated faculty and clinics led by our certified coaches. From forensics to creative writing, cheerleading to volleyball, the program offers students a challenging experience combined with all the fun of summer. is the perfect opportunity for middle school girls to learn, develop, and create in an engaging, safe, and caring atmosphere. Students may enroll in up to four sessions of their choosing. Schedule follows: Session 1: July 9-13, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Session 2: July 9-13, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Session 3: July 16-20, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Session 4: July 16-20, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. To learn more about the summer program or to register for enrichment classes and sports clinics, on the homepage. visit www.sacredhearthamden.org and click For more information, contact Director Fran Saukas at 203-287-8181, x230 or fsaukas@sacredhearthamden.org.

Sacred Heart Academy 17

coming in going out

Coming In...2012 Sister Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Scholars Each year students with the highest entrance exam scores and outstanding academic potential are selected to receive Sister Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Memorial Scholarships. Established in 1993, the scholarship honors the life, philosophy, and achievements of the Academy’s founding principal. Sister Antonine Scholars are an exceptional group of young women who, from the very start of their academic lives, display the desire to learn and the will to accomplish their goals. “Past recipients of the scholarship have gone on to further their education at some of the most academically rigorous schools in the country,” offered Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71. We are proud to announce the 2012 Sister Antonine Scholars: Helena Bui of Branford; Anna Gleason of Cheshire; Kathleen Malison of Guilford; Emily Malison of Guilford; and Elizabeth Smith of Madison. (from left) 2012 Antonine Scholars Emily Malison, Anna

Gleason, Kathleen Malison, Helena Bui and Elizabeth Smith with Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81, Principal.

...and Going Out – Our Top Five Seniors

Christine Smith

Roxanne Raiola

Halle Cairns

Allysandra Giannini

Jenna Buccetti

Sacred Heart Academy congratulates all our seniors as they prepare for the rest of their lives. This year’s seniors have revealed themselves to be the strong young women of the future. We applaud their passion, their pride, and their intellect, and wish them long lives of faith, meaning, and happiness. Valedictorian Christine Smith will be attending Princeton University in New Jersey this fall as a political science major. Not only is Christine number one in SHA’s senior class, she is also a State of Connecticut Governor’s Scholar and National Merit Finalist. Says Christine, “Sacred Heart has challenged me in a variety of subjects and has offered me a breadth of academic opportunities. SHA has inspired me to take classes in subjects I might not otherwise have been interested in, and to be a well-rounded person in both my academic and personal life.” Salutatorian Roxanne Raiola plans to attend the honors program at Regis College located in Weston, Massachusetts this fall with a major in nursing. Roxanne has been awarded the Regis College Presidential Scholarship, which means she receives a four year full-tuition scholarship to the college. Roxanne elaborates, “Without Sacred Heart Academy and my motivation to excel, I do not think I would have received the Regis College Presidential Scholarship. The most valuable lesson I learned at SHA is to always appropriately challenge myself, so my mind is always actively engaged and ready to reach an “ever higher” level of achievement both academically and within the community.” Third in her class, Halle Cairns will attend The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York studying music with a concentration in music history. Halle received The College of St. Rose Presidential Scholarship in recognition for her extraordinary academic achievement. Having entered 18

SHA as a sophomore transfer student, Halle says she found her niche in SHA’s musical productions, “The show that had the greatest impact upon me was Godspell. It was through this show that I met the eclectic bunch of individuals whom I call my closest friends. They, along with the musicals, and the loving support of my family, have given me the confidence to believe in myself, and the courage to share my gifts more fully with the rest of the world.” Allysandra Giannini, fourth in her class, will attend Fairfield University this fall as a new media: film, television, and radio major. She is the recipient of the Magis Scholarship and received both a Fairfield Tuition Grant and Fairfield Supplemental Grant. Ally shares, “SHA has challenged every part of me. It has called for a high academic, spiritual, and extracurricular standard.” Ally embodied these high standards this past March when she performed an Irish dance in SHA’s play, The Cor of a Woman. Rounding out the top five, Jenna Buccetti plans to attend Providence College in Rhode Island as a Saint Catherine Scholar and member of the Honors Program. She will major in biology as part of the pre-health advising program. Jenna expresses her readiness for college: “Sacred Heart Academy has prepared me both educationally and emotionally for all that college has in store for me. I know how to manage my time between homework, extra-curricular activities, family, and my faith. I feel comfortable seeking help from my peers and my teachers.”

Sacred Heart Academy Achieves National Recognition When Sacred Heart Academy’s Director of Public Relations Beth Griffin contacted Momentum, a nationally recognized journal, last winter, she told them about our biotechnology program, hoping they would be interested in publishing a story about it. Momentum immediately requested an article highlighting our program, which was later accepted for print. Mrs. Griffin elaborates, “One of the charges of the Mission Advancement team is to support Sr. Sheila O’Neill’s vision for the school. I made contact hoping to fulfill her vision of becoming a nationally recognized Catholic college preparatory school.” Please enjoy this reprint of our story!

Inside this Issue: Sacred Heart Academy Students Learn Gene Sequencing

Biotechnology Curriculum Leads Students to Gene Sequencing At Sacred Heart Academy, faith comes first as students and teachers keep an open dialogue about the ethics of science

Allyson Wuerth

Left: Sister Mary Jane offers sequencing reminders to students in the biotechnology lab. Below: Caroline Luciani ’12 runs a sequencing reaction, the first step in DNA sequencing. Photos by Cheryl Cronin, Cronin PhotograPhy, branford, ConneCtiCut

t Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in Hamden, Connecticut, science is a community effort. Since 1990, science teachers have incorporated biotechnology into the curriculum and, in February 1996, Sister Mary Jane Paolella, a member of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, began working with Wes Bonds, the lead geneticist at Yale University, in order to learn gene sequencing. Eventually, Bonds came to Sacred Heart Academy’s classrooms to team teach with Sister Mary Jane. Armed with their cutting edge scientific knowledge, Sister Mary Jane, her students and Bonds decided to reach out to the community beyond SHA’s borders. Sister Mary Jane explained, “We offered sequencing workshops to area high school students and teachers on Saturdays and on vacation days year round.” As empowering as it may have been for students to be mentoring area teachers on gene sequencing, they still considered themselves learners in this vast new world of science that lay before them. Indeed, Sister Mary Jane and her students travelled far and wide to attend and present their findings at genome conferences and to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. One of these conferences led to the school’s fortuitous acquisition of an automated gene sequencer. “Life Technologies approached me when I was at the annual International Genomics Sequencing and Analysis Conference in 1997 in Miami with Wes and the girls,” Sister Mary Jane said. “The company asked me when I was going to ask them to donate an automated sequencer to the school. NeedReprinted with permission of Momentum, official journal of the National Catholic Educational Association • April/May 2012

Start Simple and Build

less to say, I was shocked by the question. But, an ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer was delivered and installed about six weeks later. We have been using it ever since.” As the realm of scientific possibility expanded, so did Sacred Heart Academy’s capacity to embrace these changes. In 2006, Sacred Heart completed construction on a research laboratory that would allow students even deeper access to molecular biology. In addition to this laboratory, Sacred Heart also opened a completely renovated chemistry laboratory, a new physics laboratory and prep room upgrades. In fall 2007, these new quarters were dedicated as the Vernal W. and Florence H. Bates Foundation Science Hall in honor of the generosity of the Bates Foundation. Through the dedicated efforts of the entire science department, its benefactors, alumnae, and perhaps a little serendipity, SHA has developed a program that continues to cultivate a love of science in the young women of the future.

Glimpse Inside Science Hall To walk down Science Hall is to see students in the hustle and bustle, the surprise and satisfaction of discovery. In Dr. Elizabeth Christophy’s honors chemistry class, students are busy mixing solutions to form a precipitate that will be dried, massed and analyzed. They are diligent, recording their results into computerized spreadsheets. Across the hall, biology teacher Susan Nelson’s students neatly separate the small piles of red, orange and yellow petals that have accumulated beside each student. This is no case of school girls playing “he loves me, he loves me not.” They are involved in the arduous task of dissecting flowers, peeling away the fragile layers that separate ovule from ovary. 42

Although it may seem Sacred Heart Academy’s science program sprouted overnight, it was a process that took nearly two decades, hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money and donations and the dedicated efforts of an entire school community and beyond. However, schools interested in incorporating biotechnology into their curriculum do not need to wait this long to begin the learning process Sister Mary Jane advised, “Principles of agarose gel electrophoresis can prepare students for PCR, the polymerase chain reaction. Schools that cannot afford a gel box can find directions online for building a simple box and a PCR reaction can be completed using three water baths.” While these simple steps are in process, schools can begin the task of applying for grants and asking for donations from the community. Sister Mary Jane has been persistent in her pursuit of grants. “We have purchased all of our equipment with grant money, applying for one grant after another to support the program,” she said. Eventually, the training, the applications, the building pay off for students and teachers alike. “Today I am merely the mentor of my students,” Sister Mary Jane proudly affirms. “They do the work and the accomplishments are all theirs—which they fully deserve.”

Although Wes Bonds passed away in September 2009, his initial course, human gene discovery lab still meets in room 345. Today, Sacred Heart boasts four sections of this course that cultivates a life-long passion for biotechnology in many sophomores. Anjali Vasavada, class of ’14, said, “Human gene discovery lab is my favorite class I have taken at SHA thus far. We explore the genetic-related research side of science through interactive experiments. It’s fascinating to be able to solve mysteries relating to family diseases or to enhance basic knowledge of cellular replication.” Vasavada’s classmate, Alaina Zsampar, ’14, said these mysteries of inherited disease are solved by analyzing a pedigree. “Pedigrees are great tools to decide where a disorder first occurred in a family.” She added, “I would take this class 100 more times, if given the chance.” Their zeal is palpable, defining a generation of young women empowered by the wonders of science and their own ability to harness mystery and systematically release its smallest secrets. The last classroom down this hall, the molecular biology research lab,

houses Sister Mary Jane and her honors biotechnology students. They have just completed their 15th sequence published in Genbank, the NIH genetic sequence databank. So far, students in this course have sequenced BMP2, VDR, CALCR, COL1A and BGLAP—genes all implicated in osteoporosis—in addition to several mitochondrial DNA genes—ATP6 synthase, Cyt-B and all three subunits of COX: I, II, and III (using animal tissues, of course). Part of a legacy that began with the class of 1997, the students of 2012 will share their passion for DNA research at three scientific conferences this year. Erin Hillis, class of ’12, said, “Honors biotechnology has taught me much more than just the steps in PCR and sequencing. It has taught me the analytic thought processes needed to go on in the sciences and strengthened my decision to major in molecular biology.” Today Erin and 18 of her classmates are in the process of sequencing the actin gene, central to cell shape and movement.

A Community Decoded Student enthusiasm is rivaled only by the dedication of the outstanding

Reprinted with permission of Momentum, official journal of the National Catholic Educational Association • April/May 2012

About Sacred Heart Academy

science department faculty, a team of professionals dedicated to their students and their field. Led by department chair, Dr. Sibani Sengupta, the science faculty combines their own love of learning with their desire to see today’s students grow into the welleducated women of tomorrow. Indeed, many students credit the efforts of their teachers in their own commitment to the world of science. Sydney Sullivan ’14 explained, “Dr. Sengupta is a brilliant teacher who has made me want to continue science classes here at SHA and maybe pursue a career in science someday.” Sengupta herself sees the sophistication of the science program as a huge opportunity for students to surpass what they imagined for themselves, “SHA students are extremely fortunate to be part of this exciting phase in history, especially since they have sequenced 15 genes successfully and submitted them to GenBank. The SHA biotechnology program, in many ways, has proven, that given the right teacher and the right tools, nothing is impossible to achieve in a high school classroom.” Mikayla Zagata, ’12, a student in Christophy’s AP chemistry class agrees: “Dr. Christophy is now using Flipped AP, which makes class lectures into videos we watch for homework and we discuss worksheets and complete labs during the 80-minute class period. This not only pushes us to work independently inside and outside of class, but also has improved the midterm grade average from years past.” Today’s students are not the only ones to appreciate the dedicated efforts of their teachers. Tara Cocchiarella Barreira, ’02, engineer/scientist in Pfizer’s bio-therapeutics division, credits Sacred Heart for igniting her passion for science. “The excitement and drive I garnered in Sr. Mary Jane’s classes and Dr. Bonds’ laboratory set me on the path that led me to where I am today,” she said. “After SHA, I went to Tufts University, where I studied

Founded by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Roman Catholic tradition, Sacred Heart offers a college preparatory education to young women. Beginning with only 17 young women in 1946, Sacred Heart Academy has grown to a premier Catholic school for young women in 2012. With a commitment to values and to intelligence, Sacred Heart Academy enrolls students who recognize the importance of diligence, respect and integrity in their lives. Students acknowledge and appreciate the academy’s strong sense of community, rigorous academic curriculum and compelling athletic and co-curricular programs. This year is one of milestones. Together, we celebrate 65 years as a school community of faith and growth. As freshmen, our students learn to recognize the importance of well-conducted academic research in their overall education. Throughout the curriculum, teachers work diligently to form in their students essential habits of critical analysis. Last fall, I was privileged to represent Sacred Heart Academy in Washington, D.C., as Intel Corporation recognized our academy as one of three finalists for the Intel School of Distinction in Science award. It was an extraordinary experience because, of the three finalists, Sacred Heart Academy was the only Catholic school, as well as the only school for young women. Despite the momentum of our science program, at Sacred Heart the sciences are not isolated. We integrate the sciences with arts and humanities so that our students are truly able to be innovative and to live lives of meaning. Sister Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D. ‘71, president

chemical and biological engineering. The lab skills I had going into college surpassed my peers and postdocs were delighted to have me in their lab because I already knew the basics and a lot of the advanced protocols too.”

Belief and Bioethics “Because we are a Catholic school, I believe that it is of utmost importance to spend time teaching the students the ethical issues surrounding the technology available today,” Sister Mary Jane said. Her words are spoken carefully and from the heart. Sacred Heart Academy offers a class in genetic ethical issues, which covers topics such as eugenics, genetic testing, gene therapy, stem cell research and cloning. Sister Mary Jane added, “the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) presently have a budget from the Human Genome Project to study the ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI) surround-

ing this genetic research and information.” Sacred Heart Academy does not use any human DNA. Indeed, during a school-wide osteoporosis studies, students sequenced bovine DNA. At Sacred Heart, faith comes first; students and teachers keep an open dialogue about these ethics of science. “After all,” said Sister. Mary Jane, “they are the ones who will be faced with these issues as they raise their children someday.” Allyson Wuerth is the English Department chair at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Connecticut. In addition to teaching, she writes HEART Magazine, Sacred Heart Academy’s semi-annual publication devoted to alumnae, students, parents and friends. She has published numerous poems in literary journals and was chosen as the 2005 New England Association of Teachers of English Poet of the Year (awuerth@ sacredhearthamden.org).

Reprinted with permission of Momentum, official journal of the National Catholic Educational Association • April/May 2012

mission advancement

Building on Excellence

A Road Map for our Future ı 2011-2014 Dear Friends, In my role as the first president of Sacred Heart Academy, I devotedly continue in our founding principal, Sr. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ’s tradition of Excelsior. Last spring, I initiated Building on Excellence, a plan which included more than 100 alumnae, parents, and friends of Sacred Heart Academy. Together, we shared our dreams for the future of the Academy, always keeping our vision and mission at the heart of our conferences. Together, we celebrated the Academy’s achievements, and discussed ways to continue providing a challenging college preparatory education for young women. I am now happy to share an update on our blueprint for success. Please join us in prayerful thanks for all the bountiful blessings with which Sacred Heart Academy continues to be showered. Let us all pray for the inspiration and wisdom needed to implement Building on Excellence, that we may keep our students’ best interests in mind and always keep in our hearts the honor and glory of God. In the Heart of Christ,

Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 President

Components of our Building on Excellence Completed Academics

Mission and Charism

• Developed new course offerings for 2012-2013 Honors Computer Science ı Introduction to Statistics AP Language and Composition ı Handbell Choir Mandarin Chinese ı Art History

• Adopted a school commitment of 65 hours of service • Redesigned the school retreat program • Implemented Kairos retreat program for 2012-2013

Campus Facility Renovations

• Developed and executed a SHA branding program • Implemented a summer enrichment program

• Classrooms Installed new ceilings and lighting • Hallways Installed new floors, ceilings, and lighting Upgraded lighting for energy efficiency

Faculty and Staff

• Evaluated all salaries, stipends, and benefits • Established a Teacher Education Fund for 2012-2013

Mission Advancement

Student Life

• Enhanced school spirit through STUCO

Technology

• Created a teacher/staff laptop turnover plan • Upgraded technology in classrooms to support SMART Boards New mounted projectors New ceiling speakers • Increased technology support staff and training for faculty and staff

Components of our Building on Excellence In Progress Academics

Mission and Charism

• Enhancing student leadership • Preparing students for the 21st century

• Establishing a Mission and Charism Council

Campus Facility Renovations

• Increasing the Endowment • Increasing the Annual Fund • Building alumnae relations

Faculty and Staff

• Evaluating clubs and activities

• Creating a master plan • Providing air conditioning for the gymnasium • Replacing lockers • Increasing professional development opportunities • Defining administration, faculty, and staff roles • Considering alternate forms of personnel review

Mission Advancement

Student Life

Technology

• Continuing to update the technology plan Sacred Heart Academy 23

mission advancement

at Sacred Heart Academy

(top left) Principal Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81, Jim Bowman, President Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, and Pat Bowman share a laugh. (top right) Bif and Susan Conlon pose Kentucky Derby style! (bottom left) Pat and Terry Bowman, parents of Maryanne ’15 and Erin ’13, co-chaired FantaSHA 2012. (bottom right) back, from left: Michael & Dana Ajello, John & Tricia Buckley, Scott Maturo, Janet & Gerard Maturo and front, from left: Francois Tellier, Joe Ajello, Annajean Ajello, Pietrina Sappern, and Christine Maturo.

he Run for the Roses, our FantaSHA 2012 celebration of the Kentucky Derby, raised over $125,000 to support Sacred Heart Academy. The gymnasium was transformed into Churchill Downs and became a jockey’s dream come true, complete with fancy hats and a real horse waiting at the gym entrance. Perhaps the best moment of the night, “Hands up for Heart,” raised $40,000

for need-based scholarships. Says Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, “It was a wonderful and very successful event. Events like auction bring out the best in SHA! We are truly a “community”— faculty and staff, students and parents, alumnae and alumnae parents working together for the common good of the school. How blessed we all are to be part of such a fabulous group! I thank all who attended this

very enjoyable evening.” The night was made possible due to the kindness and generosity of the Sacred Heart Academy community and friends of our community. We thank everyone who participated in FantaSHA 2012, especially auction chairpersons, Pat and Terry Bowman and our own special events director, Dayna Cavanaugh.

Grandparents’ Day

Paige Vollero ’14 and grandmother Beverly Samantha Sansone ’14 posed for the camera with her loving Kathryn Mortati ’14 and her grandmother Jen Vaccino awaited goodies. grandparents Mr. & Mrs. James Sansone and (pictured Mortati shared a morning at SHA. bottom right) Ginger Miller.

April 17 marked Sacred Heart’s third annual Grandparents’ Day, sponsored by the Office of Mission Advancement. Sophomores invited their grandparents to a special breakfast, followed by classroom visits and a prayer service in the chapel. Megan Dwyer ’14 shares, “Grandparents’ Day

was another one of those Sacred Heart events that creates everlasting memories. The time with our grandparents was so special, and we’ll all hold those memories in our hearts.”

Hearts Community of the

Award Nomination Form

The Hearts of the Community Award is offered to individuals and organizations that have served Sacred Heart Academy and the greater community. Recipients exemplify the spirit of community, compassion, and commitment. Awards will be presented during a Mass of Celebration on the joyous Feast of the Epiphany, Friday, January 4, 2013. A reception will follow for family and friends of recipients. We invite nominations for the 2013 Hearts of the Community Award. Nominees may be alumnae, friends of the Academy, and former or current parents and faculty. Please submit nominations to: Sacred Heart Academy, Office of Mission Advancement, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514 or dcamner@sacredhearthamden.org using this form. Name of nominee________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________ Affiliation:

Alumna_____

Parent_____

Faculty_____

Friend_____

Reason(s) for nomination _________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominate by ___________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________ Sacred Heart Academy 25

mission advancement

The Sacred Heart Academy

Heritage Society “For 65 years, Sacred Heart Academy has offered an outstanding Catholic education to young women and with your help we will continue to do so.” – Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D. ’71, President

In 2007, former principal Sr. Ritamary Schulz, ASCJ, ’58 established the Heritage Society to give alumnae, their families, and other friends of SHA an opportunity to make bequests to Sacred Heart Academy. Charitable bequests may include cash, stocks, real estate or other property. We welcome open discussions with you or your attorney, accountant or financial advisor on the specifics of including Sacred Heart Academy in your estate plans. Please contact the Office of Mission Advancement at 203-288-2309, x318 for further information.

2011 - 2012 Annual Fund This June, Sacred Heart Academy completes 65 years of excellence in Catholic education for young women. As the Academy’s first president, Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 embraces the responsibility of preparing students for the 21st century. Despite her eagerness to make a Sacred Heart Academy education available to all young women who qualify, she is challenged to raise funds for families in need financial assistance. During the 2011-2012 academic year, over 25% of our students received tuition assistance. Next year, we anticipate that number will rise to 30%. The Annual Fund makes this level of support possible. With your gift to the Annual Fund, Sacred Heart Academy is able

to update facilities, to enhance academic programs, to offer co-curricular activities, to update technology, and to expand our athletic program. But most importantly, your contribution to the Annual Fund will continue to provide tuition assistance to our students in need. With our Red & White Line of alumnae nearly 6,500 women strong, help us continue our tradition of heritage and promise, educating today the strong women of tomorrow. Please use the envelope provided to make a gift to the 2011-2012 Annual Fund. Or, visit us at www.sacredhearthamden.org to make your gift today.

Ways to Give Whether you support the Annual Fund, the Sacred Heart Academy Endowment, or a fundraising event, our students are impacted in a positive way. There are many ways to contribute to SHA. Secure Online Donations ı Visit us at www.sacredhearthamden.org and click “Donate Now.”

fund a charitable trust or other life income plan. Contact us for further information.

Checks ı Make checks payable to Sacred Heart Academy. Please accompany your donation with a note as to where the gift is intended and mail to President Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514.

Gifts in Kind ı Gifts to the school are always welcome. Whether books for our library, audio/visual equipment for our classrooms or sporting equipment for our athletic program, we accept most in-kind donations. The Academy is prohibited by law from appraising the value of gifts of tangible personal property in any form. For donations of personal property valued at $5,000 or more, the donor must complete the appropriate IRS forms for tax deduction purposes and obtain a qualified, independent appraisal.

Stock, Appreciated Securities and Mutual Fund ı Contact us to review procedures. Life Insurance and Planned Giving ı Contact us for information on bequests, charitable remainder or lead trusts, pooled income funds, and other ways to include Sacred Heart Academy in your estate plan. For a donation of life insurance, Sacred Heart Academy must be named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of a policy for gifts of life insurance to the school. Real Estate ı Gifts of real estate may include developed property, undeveloped property or donations subject to a prior life interest. Real estate may be given outright or through a bequest or may be used to

Corporate Matching Gifts ı Double your dollars! Many companies offer matching gift support. Complete your employer’s form and mail it with your gift to Sacred Heart Academy. United Way ı If you give charitable donations through your employer, you can earmark funds directly to Sacred Heart Academy. Please speak with the director of human resources for the appropriate code for Sacred Heart Academy. To contact the Office of Mission Advancement call 203-288-2309, x318.

Career Day 2012 ı Alumnae Reach Out to Students

(top left) Kristen Wajdowicz Marquis ’87 enjoyed a moment with Sister Sheila before talking with students about becoming a pharmacist. (top right) from left: Class of 1981 graduates Rosemary O’Brien, Elisa Lupoli Gorton, Margaret Rose Rybacki, Principal Sister Maureen Flynn, ASCJ and Sheila McCarthy are smiles at Career Day. (bottom from left) Joan Venditto, Ph.D.,’59 speaks to students about the rewards of a career in education and special education teacher, Jackie Thurston ’02 with her student volunteer, Ava Amendola ’13.

This past April nearly 30 alumnae speakers returned to Sacred Heart in order to share information about their professions with current SHA students. Students were able to attend seminars on careers ranging from writing to the medical fields. Shares alumnae director, Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77, “I am most proud of the fact that career day has evolved to exclusively feature alumnae. Our alumnae are living proof of what we tell our students every day: within each young woman is the possibility of achieving excellence, and our alumnae are doing just that.”

Alumnae Speakers: Kristin Raccio Behn ’98 Laura Caiafa ’04 Patricia Thomas Carter ’70 Theresa Cirillo ’94 Lauren Cirkot ’08 Kristina Jensen Coppola ’92 Jomichelle Corrales ’93 Heather Kirby D’Orlando, Ph.D., ’98 Kerry Dest ’06 Betsy Fitzsimons ’76 Elisa Lupoli Gorton ’81 Peggy Casey Goz ’82 Eileen Halloran ’04

Lindsay Heffernan ’04 Sheryl DeCaprio Hershonik ’73 Alicia Ierardi ’95 Audrey Ellis Kramer ’76 Donna Passarello Latella ’79 Kristen Wajdowicz Marquis ’87 Shannon Martinello ’87 Sheila McCarthy ’81 Rosemary O’Brien ’81 Rachel Warburton Pata, Ph. D., ’97 Sheila Norton Thomas ’71 Jackie Thurston ’02 Courtney Tucker ’07 Joan Venditto, Ph.D., ’59 Sacred Heart Academy 27

red & white line

1967

1979

Lisa Wynne Schweizer lives in Branford, Connecticut with her husband Rick and son Kyle. Lisa works for the New Haven Board of Education as a job coach for special needs children.

1982 Diane Cadrain, a freelance writer specializing in employment law topics, has her heart in art quilting. Recently, her felted quilt collage, “Two Ways of Looking at Seaside Goldenrod,” won second place in the West Hartford Art League’s Annual Members’ Juried Show. Diane’s work will be shown at UConn Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut from May 17 to August 2, with a reception on July 12. Diane invites the SHA community to attend the reception or visit her blog at http://stitching-itall-together.blogspot.com

1968

Joanne Zunda Lambert welcomed her first grandson John David Lambert on October 24, 2011 and is thoroughly enjoying being a grandmother.

1974

Mary Ann Kelleher Kiely lives in Bedford, Massachusetts where she works as a teaching assistant for children with special needs and pursues a degree in pastoral ministry at Boston College.

Kathryn Lee was recently awarded the Ryken Award at Xavier High School, annually awarded to a person chosen by co-workers as an exemplary model of Christian dedication. Kathy has been at Xavier since 1983 and is currently chair of the English department and yearbook moderator. Congratulations, Kathy!

1997

Martha Bernier Strothers and her husband Angus welcomed their first child, Blake Steven Gordon Strothers on October 19.

1998

Katie Lambert Bellucci and her husband welcomed Benjamin Joseph on July 20.

2000

1988

Mary Grace Santagata Crisci and her husband Joe recently welcomed their third son, Timothy Louis.

1996

Nicole Buonocore Santos and her husband are the parents of two daughters and one son, Owen Paul, born last year.

2006

1977

Jackie Beaudette Downing was nominated as a leading woman in her New Haven community and was recognized at a ceremony last March, Women’s History Month. Jackie has been involved in the non-profit industry for more than 30 years and serves as program officer for the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Carey Dalton and her husband Matt welcomed daughter Kayli Kathryn Vella on January 31.

Claire Horbal-Boncek and her husband Louis are the very proud parents of a beautiful, healthy baby boy, Dolan Alexis born January 19.

Coming Soon – Class of 1977 Challenge Regardless of your year of graduation, you probably remember spirit week and the many inter-class rivalries that punctuated your time at SHA. As my 35th class reunion approaches, (making me officially “old”) I recall some of the good natured competitions our class enjoyed. Whether it was an intramural game, a penny drive, Christmas stocking collection, canned food drive, crazy sock day, ad campaign, lunch room competitions, teacher skits, or class songs, winning was always important to the class as a whole. The Class of ’77 was a very competitive group of women determined to make a difference. The “prize” may have been great, but even better was the experience of giving, the satisfaction of being part of a greater good, and the pride of participation. We have all gained from our experiences in these competitions. Our days at SHA may have ended but through the Class of 1977 Challenge our spirit of giving will continue to thrive. – Patrice Palombo ’77 28

2007

Regina Scafariello graduated from Sacred Heart University in May 2011 with a BS in exercise science and a minor in honors studies. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy at Sacred Heart University.

2008

Alora Caraglio graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in May 2012 with a BA in English and a specialization in professional writing. During her senior year, she and Patricia DeBarbieri, Ed.D. co-authored an article that explored the relationship between media and the prevention of eating disorders in young women. Alora is in charge of the SCSU English department’s Facebook page and LiteraryTalk blog. She hopes to continue her education in interactive communications.

2011

Jen Bishop enjoyed her freshman year at Loyola University in Maryland where she is an intern in their RCIA program. Over winter break, Jen offered service at L ’ Arche USA which strengthens local communities, advocates for society’s marginalized, and raises awareness about intellectual disabilities. Nia Vaughn was inducted into Hampton University’s Honors College this spring along with 50 other high-achieving students. The Honors College, the premier component of Hampton University’s Honors Program, is designed to augment, enhance, and extend the undergraduate academic experience through community, exposure, and expectations.

Alexandra Nicaise, a junior at Trinity College in Hartford, attended and presented at the Noyori Science Awards in Japan last April. As a sixth grader, Alexandra wrote a research paper about famed Nobel Prize laureate in chemisty, Ryoji Noyori. That research paper, unbeknownst to her, inspired him to found the Noyori Science Awards to encourage young people to study science. Clare Reidy was selected as a State Department intern for the summer at the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. She will assist the ambassador by attending meetings, interviewing Belgian citizens, and conducting research. Says Clare, “I am very excited about gaining real life experience in international relations and coming closer to my goal of becoming a diplomat. All of my teachers at Sacred Heart have helped me to achieve this goal through their wonderful teaching and moral support.”

2010

Heather Vicenty is a sophomore at York College in Pennsylvania, majoring in music education and minoring in biology and special education. She is very involved in Habitat for Humanity and recently returned from her second service trip.

If you have moved or married, please contact us with your updated name and address. Also, we would appreciate information about any noteworthy events or accomplishments. Submit your photos (in jpg format) and news for Red & White Line to: Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 at alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org.

In Memoriam

2009

Amymarie Bartholomew directed, choreographed, and produced Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Ballet, as part of Yale University’s semester-long celebration of Shakespeare. Amymarie is currently in her junior year at Yale.

Keep in Touch!

James Armstrong, father of Jennifer Armstrong ’84

James Lee, father of Carolyn Lee ’90 and Megan Lee ’91

Elvira Berardesca, mother of Rosemary Berardesca Garcia ’64, Angela Berardesca Smoko ’67, and Marilyn Berardesca Signor ’69

Edward Luppi, father of Nina Luppi ’73

Anne Bradley, mother of Maureen Bradley Scranton ’80 Mark Burel, father of Victoria Burel ’14 Ellen Caiafa, mother of Teresa Caiafa Ciaramella ’77 Leonard Caponera, father of Lisa Caponera Colavolpe ’73

Stig Lydell, father of Kajsa Lydell-Conte ’73 Lisa Martone Massaro ’83 Sr. M. Gabriel McClain, ASCJ, former faculty member and librarian Joan O’Connor, mother of Mary Ellen Trella ’75 Kevin Panagrossi, husband of Anne Leeney Panagrossi ’70 Pasquale Rignoli, father of Jennifer Rignoli ’99

Dr. Robert Chiechi, husband of Susan Lattanzi Chiechi ’87

Emma Robillard, mother of Sr. Jacqueline Robillard, DHS ’56

Matthew Connolly, father of Gina Connolly ’14

Donna Sheehan, mother of Cristin Sheehan ’94 and Erin Sheehan ’96

Salvatore Curcio, brother of Elsa Curcio May ’94 Janice D’Onofrio, mother of Nancy D’Onofrio ’83 Christine Fradiani, mother of Maria Fradiani ’83 and Paula Fradiani ’84 John Friscia, husband of Carroll Liston Friscia ’72

Josephine Tammaro, mother of Cynthia Tammaro Parisi ’73 Mary Adinolfi Volpe ’51 Katherine Quinn Wichlac ’66, sister of Mary Quinn Meah ’62

Michelle Helff, mother of Meagan McKernan ’07

Tom Wynne, brother of Lisa Wynne Schweizer ’79

Mary Waldman Keefe ’78

Claire Zeranski, mother of Beth Zeranski ’80

Sacred Heart Academy 29

strong bonds

From Our Archives! SHA CDs and DVDs for Sale The Alumnae Office has CDs and DVDs available for purchase. CDs are $10.00 and DVDs are $15.00 (shipping and handling included.) To place your order, please contact the Alumnae Office at 203-288-2309, x313 or at alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org.

“Music of the Spheres: Creation, Celebration, Commemoration” (CD) 2005 Under the direction of former Sacred Heart Academy music director Christopher Clowdus the Academy orchestra and choruses perform a wide repertoire of classic instrumental and choral works in addition to a special selection of pieces dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II. For alumnae who want to keep fresh the remembrance of our beloved Alma Mater, this CD ends with a beautifully executed rendition.

The Greene Street Girls (DVD) 2011 This touching, 60-minute DVD pays tribute to “The Greene Street Girls,” and features real film footage and an audio track of alumnae recounting treasured memories of Greene Street. Also included are stories and footage featuring Sr. Antonine and the first faculty members, operettas, May crownings, graduations, and Washington, DC trips, right up to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Academy. Other great titles available on DVD include: “Spirit of the Future” 2003 (produced by Nicole Guardiano ’05), and musicals, “Showboat” 1995 (at the Shubert and featuring Javier Colon, 2011 winner of The Voice), “No No Nanette” 1998, and “Bye

Bye Birdie” 1999.

If anyone has VHS or DVD footage of any Sacred Heart Academy events such as ring ceremonies, graduations, or musicals, we would love to copy and add to our multimedia collection!

How Far Will Your

Reach?

Where are you reading HEART Magazine? We want to show how far HEART Magazine is traveling! Next time you’re vacationing, take along an issue of HEART for light reading and be sure to take a photograph that includes you, the cover of HEART, and a setting indicative of your destination. Email your picture to alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org and look for it in the next issue!

Where in the World are SHA Alumnae? For the next issue of HEART Magazine, we want to create a composite map that shows where our alumnae live. Let us know where in the world you call home. For all alumnae in college, let us know where you are attending school. Please take a moment to do this bit of geography homework!

Stay Connected We are 1,525 women strong on the Sacred Heart Alumnae Facebook Page and hope to reach 2,000 members by 2013. If you have not yet joined the group or know of others who are not connected, please subscribe to receive updates about Sacred Heart Academy. We are also on LinkedIn, and since we have just launched our new website, be sure to check out the SHA Online Community. Once registered, you will be able to update your information and connect with alumnae by state, by college or university, by profession, by class, or by year of graduation.

Greene Street Girls Gathering When the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus first came to the United States from Italy in 1902, they settled in Boston. After 4 years they relocated to Greene Street in New Haven. It was there in the mid-1940s that the idea of founding a high school for girls first took root. Despite the fact that there was already a Catholic high school in New Haven, St. Mary’s Academy, the Apostles had the vision that an all-girls high school would be well-received. Sacred Heart Academy opened in 1946.

Only 9 classes, 1949-1957, graduated from SHA on Greene Street before the new SHA opened in Hamden. Those pioneers may not have attended class at SHA in Hamden, but our alumnae heritage is not about the school building, it is about the memories and traditions that link us despite the distances that may separate us. Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ‘77, Alumnae Director, would love to hear from anyone interested in planning or hosting a gathering of the Greene Street Girls in the near future!

Annual Reunion/Homecoming set for

Saturday, september 15, 2012

Take Note!

Alumnae from all years are welcomed back on Saturday, September 15 for a day of reconnecting and reminiscing at the Sacred Heart Academy Reunion/Homecoming. We celebrate with a special nod to our reunion classes: 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007.

Important Date Change to Sacred Heart Academy Homecoming/Reunions

The day will begin with a fun-filled afternoon reception for all classes, followed by tours of the school, and a reunion liturgy in Mount Sacred Heart Chapel. The evening continues as each class chooses where to carry on the celebration. Please help make your reunion a success and ensure the best possible turnout of alumnae from your class. It’s not too late to join the Reunion Committee! We need alumnae to reconnect with fellow alumnae, spread the word about Reunion, encourage classmates to attend, and help plan evening celebrations.

Beginning June 2013, all class reunions will be held annually on the second Saturday of June. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8, 2013. What a fantastic way to kick off the summer!

If you are interested in assisting with the planning or would like the Alumnae Office to help assist you in the planning of your reunion, please feel free to contact Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77, Director of Alumnae Relations at 203-288-2309, x313 or alumnae@ sacredhearthamden.org.

Join Our Online Community Alumnae — Register or reregister today for the Alumnae Online Community on the new website – It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Go to www.sacredhearthamden.org 2. Click Login in top right corner 3. Click the New User Registration (under the login form)

Save these 2012 Dates… Homecoming/Reunion ı September 15 Yankee Candle Bus Trip ı September 29 Open House for Prospective Students & Families ı October 14 Sophomore Class Grandparents’ Day October 16 Wine Tasting ı November 2 Chapel Bells Memorial Liturgy November 15 Young Alumnae Homecoming November 21 Musical ı November 30 & December 1 Legacy Mass ı December 7

Sacred Heart Academy 31

2011 -2012 Sacred Heart Academy

Advisory Board

Roger J. Sciascia, FP—Chair Managing Partner ı Weinstein & Anastasio, PC Mary Patricia Caputo, FP—Vice Chair Director of Marketing and Publications–Office of Public Affairs ı Southern Connecticut State University MaryGrace N. Santagata Crisci ’88 Major Sales Account Manager ı Altura Communication Solutions Thomas M. D’Addario, FP President ı D’Addario Buick GMC Cadillac Nissan Lesley DeNardis, Ph.D., ’84 Assistant Professor, Department of Government & Politics Sacred Heart University Anne Fitzpatrick Donahue ’84 Senior Vice President ı U.S. Bank Amy E. Duda ’82, FP Strategic Planner Medical Director ı Suddler and Hennessy Mary-Ann P. Haran, Esq., FP Attorney at Law ı Law Office of Mary-Ann P. Haran Richard J. Iovanne Senior Commercial Loan Officer ı People’s United Bank Carolyn Morrell Kosack, M.D., ’70 Cardiovascular Disease Physician ı Cottage Grove Cardiology Roger A. Milici, Jr. Vice President Office of Development & University Relations Fordham University Robert Nastri, Jr., Esq., FP, CP Attorney at Law ı Tinley, Nasti, Renehan & Dost, LLP Sr. Lisa A. Retort, ASCJ Provincial Secretary ı Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Thomas P. Smith, Jr. Executive Vice President Agency and Marketing ı Knights of Columbus Joseph Toscano, FP Fire Investigation Consultant ı Chillworth Technology Mary Lee Weber, FP Director of Business Development ı Cashman & Katz Joan O’Neill Zorena ’83, FP, CP Assistant ı Seymour School District

Sr. Sheila M. O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, President ı Sacred Heart Academy Sr. Maureen P. Flynn, ASCJ, ’81, Principal ı Sacred Heart Academy Deborah S. Camner, Director of Mission Advancement ı Sacred Heart Academy Maria Cammarota, Business Manager ı Sacred Heart Academy FP—Former Parent CP—Current Parent

The Class of 2012 has been accepted to the following four year colleges and universities:

Albertus Magnus College American University Anna Maria College Arcadia University Assumption College Barry University Belmont University Bentley University Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Brown University Bryant University Campbell University Case Western Reserve University Castleton State College Catholic University of America Central Connecticut State University Chapman University City College of New York Coastal Carolina University College of Mount Saint Vincent College of Saint Benedict College of Saint Rose College of the Holy Cross Concordia College Connecticut College Cornell University DeSales University Drexel University Duquesne University Eastern Connecticut State University Emmanuel College Emory University Fairfield University Florida State University Fordham University Franklin Pierce University George Washington University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Goucher College Hampton University Hartt School of Music Hartwick College High Point University Hofstra University

Iona College Ithaca College James Madison University John Jay College of Criminal Justice John Paul the Great Catholic University Johnson & Wales University Juniata College Kenyon College King’s College Kutztown University La Salle University Lafayette College Lasell College Le Moyne College Lesley University Lincoln University Long Island University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Lynchburg College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Marquette University Marymount Manhattan College Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences McDaniel College Mercyhurst College Merrimack College Michigan State University Middlebury College Minnesota State University Monmouth University Mount Saint Mary College Mount Saint Mary’s University New England College New York University Newbury College Nichols College Norfolk State University Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Ohio State University Pace University

Magazine Spring 2012

Post University Princeton University Providence College Quinnipiac University Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rider University Rivier College Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Sacred Heart University Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University Saint Joseph College Saint Joseph’s College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Michael’s College Saint Peter’s College Salve Regina University Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Siena College Simmons College Skidmore College South Dakota State University Southern Connecticut State University Southern New Hampshire University Springfield College St. Bonaventure University St. Catherine University St. John’s University St. Thomas Aquinas College Stevens Institute of Technology Stevenson University Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk University SUNY College at Cobleskill SUNY College at Cortland SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at Morrisville Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Towson University

Trinity College Tufts University Union College Unity College University at Albany University at Buffalo University of Alabama University of Connecticut University of Findlay University of Hartford University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maine University of Mary Washington University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth University of Massachusetts, Lowell University of Miami University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven University of Notre Dame University of Pittsburgh University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of Scranton University of Southern California University of St. Thomas University of Tampa University of Vermont Utica College Vermont Technical College Villanova University Virginia Intermont College Virginia Wesleyan College Wells College West Virginia University Western Connecticut State University Western New England University Wheaton College Wheelock College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester State University Xavier University Yale University

Congratulations!

Administration Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 President Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 Principal Managing Editor Beth Griffin Director of Public Relations Editor Allyson Wuerth Design EP Graphic Design ı Elizabeth Parker Major Photography Cronin Photography ı Cheryl Cronin ’84 Contributing Writers Debbie Camner Director of Mission Advancement Alora Caraglio ’08 Beth Griffin Director of Public Relations Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 Director of Alumnae Relations Contributing Photographers Elizabeth Christophy, Ph.D. Maria Dandrow ‘13 Maggie Fletcher Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 Kathy McDonough McGarry ’77 Dominic Nyamwange Janet Patry ’92 Brynn Rodie ’13 David Sakheim, M.D. Angie Stong ’14 Storytellers

HEART magazine is published by Sacred Heart Academy for alumnae, parents, past parents, and friends of Sacred Heart Academy. To update your address visit www. sacredhearthamden.org and click the login link or send address changes to the Office of Alumnae Relations, Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514 or alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org. Sacred Heart Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, and handicapped status to all the rights, privileges and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in these areas in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs.

Sacred Heart Academy 265 Benham Street Hamden, CT 06514-2833 Address Service Requested

SHA students helped build 6 houses during the spring mission trip to Camden, New Jersey. Nicole Mecca â&#x20AC;&#x2122;14 is shown cutting boards to fireproof a staircase for one of the houses.

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