HEART fall 2009
Sacred Heart academy
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volume 12
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number 2
HEART In this issue of HEART, we focus on a community thrilled with the art of discovery. Whether it is through the journey to a new land or through a spiritual awakening, discovery marks us as a community of searchers, crossing our own borders in the quest to realize something new about ourselves or others. At Sacred Heart Academy, summer is more than just a time to relax, it is a time to push beyond the limits of ordinary life — a time to search out opportunity, to make hope palpable. In this issue, enjoy the stories of those eager to learn this art of innovation.
contents features Summer Internship Program Launches . 2 Crossing Borders . 4
Around Campus . 6 Faculty News: Where High School Meets College . 7 Alumnae News: Homecoming/Reunion 2009 . 8 Alumnae Profile: Where They are Now‌ . 10 Class Notes . 11
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Summer Internship Program Launches
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“ I am so grateful for being able to experience this internship because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
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ast summer marked the first session of Sacred Heart Academy’s Summer Internship Program. Founded by Mary Gniadek ’04 as a gateway for students to experience their future career interests before
applying to college and choosing a major, the program boasted thirteen available internships in its first year. Students worked closely with a mentor, most of whom were SHA alums, in
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order to gauge whether or not a certain career path was right
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for them. Gniadek’s intent shows the indelible relationship between SHA and its students: “I wanted to create this program because I believe first hand experience can be highly valuable in determining one’s goals. I wanted to create the program for Sacred Heart because, as an alumna, I am confident that the students possess the maturity, intelligence, dedication and creativity that such internships require.”
As Mary’s vision took shape, mentors guided students in everything from engineering to open heart surgery. One student, Emma Messore ’10, spent three weeks of her summer in Eslöv, Sweden with recruiter Sarah Phillips ’98 researching potential clients and immersing herself in Scandinavian culture. According to Emma, “Knowing that I would be staying with a SHA alumna added a sense of comfort and security considering that I would be thousands of miles away from home. I was able to experience real residential life in Europe as I stayed with a family as opposed to visiting or touring the country. I came to realize the hardships involved in maintaining both a career and a family, and the strength and determination that this balancing act requires.” Indeed, in addition to helping SHA students decide whether
A day at the office for Jessica Mitchell ’10 and her mentor Beth Botti ’97.
Jessica Mitchell ’10 also spent her internship with a SHA alum. Beth Botti ’97 schooled Jessica in the area of mutual funds, variable annuities, and other investment instruments. Jessica elaborates, “I learned about the stock market, and how to research the stocks to see which ones I should and should not suggest to clients. I learned how to suggest certain policies based on what the clients are looking for or need at the time.” And while Emma enjoyed the travel associated with head hunting, Jessica decided that working in an office setting appealed to her: “Working in the office really showed me that this is the career field I would like to enter once I graduate from college.” As Jessica discovered the importance of economic stability, senior Christina D’Agostino spent her time at Yale New Haven Hospital learning about the workings of the human heart. Christina, who witnessed
actual aortic valve replacement surgeries performed by Dr. John Elefteriades, found her internship with SHA alum Marianne McCarthy ’85 to be an extremely rewarding experience on many levels: “I am so grateful for being able to experience this internship because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyone I met was so nice, and so open to teaching me, helping me, and making me feel welcome. I learned about what medical students’ research is like. I met multiple patients with different conditions, and learned what has to be done in those situations.” Hoping to go into the medical field, Christina now feels armed with information that will help her make informed choices about how she approaches her future. Kyra Munzenmaier ’10 interned with sculptor and industrial designer Susan Farricielli. According to Kyra, the two had a fabulous time together painting, designing and even building a prototype for a kinetic wheelchair seating system. Kyra continues, “I was very glad to have this opportunity. It was a lot of fun, but I also got a taste of what doing real world work in a design firm is like. I would definitely encourage this year’s juniors to participate in the program, and I would even do it again if I could.” Kyra’s positive experience is no less than Mary Gniadek would have expected, as she spent hours laboring over which SHA students she should pair with the available
Kyra Munzenmaier ’10 and mentor Susan Farricielli designed and built a wheelchair prototype.
Christina D’Agostino ’10 and her mentor Marianne McCarthy ’85 worked closely together while researching the human heart. mentors: “When the mentors signed up, I had each fill out a Mentor Sign-up Form. This form included an option for the mentor to specify any particular course requirements or other requirements for the internship. From the information given by mentors and the essays written by students, I was able to match students to internships based on interest and ability.” As successful as this internship program was, Mary’s hopes for the future include an even larger program that involves more mentors and more students. Interested prospective mentors for the summer of 2010 can contact Mary Gniadek at shasip@sacredhearthamden.org or go to http://www.sacredhearthamden.org/ academics/SHASip1.htm.
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a certain career path is right for them, the internship program has deepened SHA’s connection with alumnae. Says Gniadek, “…most of the mentors were in fact SHA alumnae which then allowed alumnae to reconnect with SHA by offering their time and guidance to a current SHA student.”
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Sarah Phillips ’98 instructs Emma Messore ’10 in the art of recruiting.
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Crossing Borders As the summer of 2009 began, many SHA students and faculty prepared themselves not to relax poolside or beach front, but to embark upon journeys of discovery, spirituality, and hospitality. They crossed land and sea in hope of learning something about themselves or others.
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essica Keib ’12 spent a week this past August traveling with her brother and grandparents on an Intergenerational Elderhostel program. The group sailed Puget Sound and adjacent waters on a schooner, and, according to Jessica, learned many valuable life lessons: “As a Sound
But perhaps what affected Jessica most were the courageous spirits that were her shipmates: “The older women were such inspirations to me. One woman had stage four breast cancer, and continued to live her live to the fullest. She worked the hardest and didn’t give excuses when we had to clean the deck, or prepare a meal. She also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 50; hearing her stories inspired me to live life to the fullest and never quit.” Jessica states that she would love to return to Puget Sound and is considering an apprenticeship next summer.
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raveling to La Coruña, Spain this summer was Liza Gillooly ‘11. Liza took part in Choate Rosemary Hall’s International Study Abroad Program. For nearly 6 weeks, Liza immersed Jessica Kieb ’12 spends quality time with her herself in all aspects of Spanish and grandparents on “The Adventuress,” a brother culture with the goal of improving scho that sailed Puget Sound and the surrounding oner her Spanish language skills. islands. Although this was the goal of Experience participant I was encouraged the trip, Liza also found herself growing to realize that my daily actions made a into an independent young woman: “I difference. My family responded with a learned from the classes in school about growing spirit of cooperation, community, the culture, art, architecture and literature, stewardship and responsibility.” Jessica and but I would say that I learned more from her shipmates were responsible for hoisting living with an actual Spanish family. the ship’s 3,000 pound sail, cooking their They taught me about Spanish customs, own meals, and keeping dutiful eyes on traditions and family life. I was able to make the ship’s anchor on their nightly shifts. lifelong friends that I will forever have. I
udad ’11 visits the “ci Liza Gillooly of La Coruña. vieja” section
Sister Collen (pictured bo the right) with the Sisters ttom row second from at San Giovanni Rotondo and Fr. Anthony Grassi .
also have a second family now that encouraged me to develop better Spanish speaking and comprehension skills.” Although Liza spent much time with her Spanish family, she also had occasion to figure out her surroundings for herself: “We were able to find our way around a foreign city, manage our finances, keep on a time schedule, and be home for meals. It was a lot of responsibility, but that’s what made it inspiring and such a relevant experience; it broadened my horizons and opened me up to the world.” Liza would love to return to Spain one day and spend more time with her Spanish family. Says Liza, “Studying abroad was by far the greatest, most life-changing opportunity, and it taught me more life lessons than anything else I have ever done.”
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lso traveling to Spain last July was SHA faculty member, Mrs. Maria Rethis. Maria traveled to Barcelona, Spain as part of The Alba Teachers Program in Barcelona (Alba Academy of Liberal & Beaux-Arts). This program, sponsored by Portland State University, provides practical training in methodology and language. Maria, who received a grant through PSU, studied with seven other teachers from all over the United States. She elaborates, “We learned new methods of teaching the Spanish language from native teachers in association with International House (IH), a major language training institute in the heart of Barcelona.” Rethis and her peers learned techniques that will help students achieve proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking; making the student Spanish experience extremely valuable in today’s competitive society. In addition to her classes, Maria also found time to visit the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, one of her favorite architects. Although she relished her time in Spain, Maria was happy to return to SHA this fall and share what she learned with her SHA students.
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Spanish teacher Maria Rethis enjoys the culture of Barcelona, Spain.
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rincipal Sr. Colleen Smith, ASCJ spent nearly a month this past summer walking in the footsteps of Mother Clelia, foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on a pilgrimage through Rome and surrounding areas of Italy. Her group, which included 24 Apostles from the United States, Mother Clare Millea, ASCJ, Superior General of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo, ASCJ, General Councilor and Benedictine priest, Rev. Anthony Grassi, prayed and shared meals together, and was warmly welcomed by each community as they traveled throughout the Italian countryside. Visiting 86 churches and chapels in 3 ½ weeks, Sister Colleen was able to attend ceremonies that both spiritually and emotionally moved her: “We were very blessed to attend the Pallium Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29. At this solemn liturgy all of the newly appointed archbishops from throughout the world receive their pallium (stole that shows their tie to the Holy Father and the Church). It was exciting to witness Archbishop Timothy Dolan receive his pallium since my family has known him for years. We were able to attend his reception at the North American College in Rome after the Mass… that was very special!” Sr. Colleen imagines this trip was a once in a lifetime occasion, and certainly made the most of her time in Rome. She counts among her most treasured memories being in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI and those moments spent in the spirit of Mother Clelia.
around campus
Newsmakers SHA Students Reaching Excelsior
David Alexandro, Dean of Academics, managed the website project.
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On October 18 of this year, SHA, in partnership with Finalsite, launched a dynamic new website. Changes include the installation of a content management system, a new interface design, enhanced Alumnae and Athletics portals, new information architecture and content, and a variety of multimedia. The project was managed by Kathy Larson ’78, Director of Technology for the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Dave Alexandro, Dean of Academic Affairs at Sacred Heart Academy. The software implementation expertise and experience of both individuals created a great collaborative effort in leading the SHA web project. Work on the site began in June, and a group of over 20 stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents gathered to talk about their hopes for the Academy’s new web presence. SHA hopes the success of this new website will lie in its security and user friendliness. Sacred Heart Academy’s new website is a true reflection of our school as it continues to grow and evolve.
Victoria Niezelski ’09 qualified for the AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR AWARD by earning an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Raca Banerjee ‘09, Alexandra Buda ’10, Rose Cersonsky ‘10, Chloe Germain ‘09, Katie Guandalini ‘09, Elise Hebel ’09, Carmen Hernandez ‘09, Victoria Palmer ’09 and Clare Reidy ’09 for the AP SCHOLAR AWARD by completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher. Congratulations!
Kyra Munzenmaier Named National Merit Semifinalist Senior Kyra Munzenmaier has been named a Semifinalist in the 2010 55th National Merit Program. More than 1.5 million juniors in nearly 22,000 high schools entered the 2010 National Merit Program by taking the 2008 PSAT, which served as an initial screening of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of US high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
Sacred Heart Academy Seniors Earn Commended Student Distinction in 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program Seniors Aileen Alber, Caitlin Axtmayer, Angela Badore, Emily Baumgaertner, Rose Cersonsky, Roberta Delvy, Meagan Edmonds and Evelyn Kobierowski have been named Commended Students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Sr. Colleen to these scholastically talented seniors.
Grant News
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Sacred Heart Academy offers sincere congratulations to seventeen students who have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on their AP exams last May. Amymarie Bartholomew ’09, Kelsey Guerin ‘09 and Alicia Masucci ’09 qualified for the AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION AWARD by earning an average of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Riana Burton ‘09, Abigail Kamp ‘09, Jamie Lembo ’09, Ruth Nakaar ‘09 and
Please navigate our new site at www.sacredhearthamden.org
Sacred Heart Academy has received an $8500 grant from the Women’s Seamen’s Friends Society to further the biotechnology program’s study of sequence variations in the 3 subunits of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase genes and the Cytochrome B gene of Limulus polyphemus, the horseshoe crab. These genes are implicated in breast cancer and they may be important clues to the ecological distribution of Limulus in Long Island Sound.
faculty news
Where High School Meets College
“…a student could enroll in all the ECE courses available and accumulate 23 college credits by the time she graduates from high school. This affords more flexibility when the students make course selections, apply for internships, choose double majors or study abroad. Some students could even graduate from college early and enjoy substantial tuition savings.”
Seniors Lisa Edwards (left) and Angelika Zbikowski prepare for their ECE Calculus quiz. Now in its 53rd year as an educational outreach program, UCONN’s Early College Experience has grown exponentially, each year offering new courses to motivated high school students. Students can earn anywhere from 3 to 8 credits a class, all transferable to about 75 colleges and universities nationwide. Interested students have the opportunity to enroll in one or more of the many rigorous UCONN courses for a fraction of normal university fees. Gniadek expands, “Right now at SHA, a student could enroll in all the ECE courses available and accumulate 23 college credits by the time she graduates from high school. This affords more flexibility when the students make course selections, apply for internships, choose double majors or study abroad. Some students could even graduate from college early and enjoy substantial tuition savings.” However, according to Mrs. Gniadek, students are not the only ones to benefit from such an experience: “For the faculty, to become an ECE instructor is a wonderful professional achievement. An ECE instructor is a
In the fall of 2007, Mrs. Gniadek became the first SHA faculty member to become a certified ECE instructor. Her ECE courses include honors pre calculus, calculus and AP calculus. And, indeed, in SHA’s tradition of excellence, last spring Gniadek was chosen as a 2009 recipient of the UConn Early College Experience Instructor Award for Excellence in Course Instruction. As quickly as Kathy Gniadek worked to bring ECE to SHA, she worked to expand its reach within our walls. Recently, both SHA Latin teacher Alan Beck and science teachers Dr. Sibani Sengupta and Fran Saukas became certified ECE instructors. In addition to our new instructors, our library has also benefited from the ECE experience. For the first time in its 53 year history, UCONN ECE expanded its training to all participating schools’ media specialists. Training seminars offered at all UCONN campuses were part of a concerted effort to enhance the ECE student and faculty access to UCONN’s libraries and world class databases. SHA head librarian Ms. Maureen Hayes attended one of the seminars this past summer at the Storrs campus and Mrs. Karen Reidy attended a fall seminar at the Stamford campus. With this newest privilege, all ECE students and faculty are accorded full access to UCONN libraries, including full lending privileges at all campuses and access to thousands of online academic journals. With all the wonder that ECE has brought to SHA, Kathy Gniadek still feels there is room to grow: “the ECE program is expansive, so eventually I would like to see at least one ECE course offering from every department in the school.” However the program may develop at SHA, one sure thing is the zeal Kathy Gniadek brings to the program. And at SHA, zeal is catchy!
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Latin teacher Alan Beck believes his ECE courses will allow students to “study Latin literature at a level of depth and rigor equal to or greater than many intermediate college courses.”
certified adjunct instructor for the University of Connecticut who is essentially teaching college level courses within the walls of a high school. Instructors meet at UCONN in Storrs regularly for conferences and professional development.”
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hat started as an ordinary afternoon reading the Catholic Transcript turned into a striking opportunity for growth and learning for SHA math teacher Kathy Gniadek. Mrs. Gniadek expands, “an article in the Transcript was written about another area high school and its involvement in this program called ECE (Early College Experience). I looked it up online and felt as if I found a goldmine.”
alumni news
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Homecoming/Reunion 2009 SAVE THE D AT E ! SHA Homecoming/Reunion ’10 will take place Friday, September 17
and Saturday, September 18 of 2010! Join us for a reunion planning meeting on January 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 505.
Sacred Heart Academy honors the
Class of ‘59
“ Although I have returned to SHA only twice—for my 25th and 50th reunions —I realize more than ever how blessed I was to be able to attend this school.The faith, morality and values instilled are immeasurable.” — Ann DellaSelva Swierkiewicz, ’59
“ Being here today was wonderful because I finally learned English! When I was a student here, I spoke only Italian! GRAZIE!” — Wanda Avallone Velez, ’59
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“ I am grateful for the true friends I made at SHA!” — Geraldine A. Lupoli, ’59
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“ It was a great chance for me to spend time with former students! It was enjoyable to visit, talking about the past.” — Sr. Madeline Henry, ASCJ (former biology teacher)
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y honors the Class of
“ How much I enjoyed reunion this weekend! Not having been to SHA in many years, it was great for me to see how much SHA has changed, and how much it has stayed the same. It was a lovely event and I will return in the future.Thank you for being so welcoming and for truly making us feel that we had ‘come home.’ ” — Susan Atzbach Rand, ’84
“ Reminiscing at SHA with fellow alumnae brought back many fun memories! I’m so happy my girls will experience the strong bonds formed here at SHA.” — Mary Brunell Pursell, ’82
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alumnae profile
Where They are Now…
“M
y friend the doctor says the world is full of fantasy, and who are you and I to disagree?” When Amy Duda chose her senior quote from The Chipmunks see Dr. Doolittle, could she have imagined the fantastically animated track her own young life would someday take? If mystery and intrigue played any role, we could begin this story with a graduation trip to Italy where a three week trip left her ready to tackle the world into which she had so recently stepped. Vowing to return to Italy, Amy went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut and to work for the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. in the Young Adult Ministry Program where she
Amy Duda ’82
“The SHA culture offers an exceptional opportunity for young women to discover and develop their potential as critical thinkers, confident leaders and compassionate members of the community.The skills, competencies and faith I draw upon were nurtured at SHA, and I am continually impressed by the breadth of accomplishment here in academics, sports, the
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arts and service.”
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taught special education. Duda expands, “It was an intense year of growth, and akin to the Europe trip reminded me of how diverse, responsive and universal the Catholic Church really is.” But remember, “the world is full of fantasy,” and Duda soon fulfilled hers—moving back to Italy where she married and soon gave birth to daughter Amanda Aromatici who herself graduated from SHA in 2008. While living in Italy, Amy taught English to the A.C. Milan soccer players, attended graduate school and worked as an epidemiologist with the European School of Oncology. Now back in the United States, Amy Duda is Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning in pharmaceutical drug development and marketing with Sudler
and Hennessey in New York City. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star award. And, although we might imagine such a busy life leaving little time for play, Duda still manages to find time to volunteer for the Special Olympics and to sing back-up (a passion she credits to her SHA sisters, Sr. Ursula Bongiovanni and Sr. Claudia Calzetta). Although both she and her daughter have graduated from SHA, Amy Duda’s relationship with Sacred Heart Academy is stronger than ever. Duda was recently named the newest member of SHA’s Advisory Board: “It was an honor to be invited to contribute to the Academy’s
mission. The SHA culture offers an exceptional opportunity for young women to discover and develop their potential as critical thinkers, confident leaders and compassionate members of the community. The skills, competencies and faith I draw upon were nurtured at SHA, and I am continually impressed by the breadth of accomplishment here in academics, sports, the arts and service.” Duda would like to use her tenure to promote SHA’s endowment, “I would like to sanction SHA alumnae and friends to share in the education, achievement and spiritual growth of these exceptional young women.” Indeed, Sacred Heart Academy looks forward to the addition of such an exceptional woman on its Advisory Board!
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class notes
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Violet Tortora Carbone and her husband Bob were happy to be part of the celebration of the marriage of their first grandchild in New Port Richey, Florida this past May.
Alberta Falcioni Davis received her B.A. from Albertus Magnus College in 1983 and her M.A. from Fairfield University in 1986. For the past 22 years, she has been employed by the City of New Haven as the Employee Benefits Coordinator. Her daughter, Carla Davis Marsico, is a SHA alumna (Class of 1986).
Beth Barone Ranchinsky is a bookkeeper for Gibson Associates in Cheshire. She has four children and two grandchildren. Beth resides in Wallingford, CT.
1957 Marcellene Grande Ward has been enjoying her many travels, including Florida, Cape May, Italy, Poland and Greece. She is a Broadway enthusiast, trying to enjoy as many shows as she can. A doting grandmother, she finds it gratifying to watch her 7 grandchildren grow and become fine people.
1959 Teresa Schettino D’Onofrio is happily retired and enjoying her 5 grandchildren. When she is not enjoying winters in Florida, Teresa lives in Southington, CT. Anne Donegan Kraemer lives in Washington, D.C. and is a retired government employee. She is the mother of 3 and grandmother of 4. She is very active in church activities, particularly RCIA and is having a good time participating in book clubs, practicing yoga and playing bridge.
Carol Steed Green lives in Foristell, MO and is a dedicated lifelong learner! She took a class at Oxford, England in the summer of ’08 and studied in the Galapagos this past summer. Dorothy May Logan is a special education teacher at the North Haven Middle School and is active in the North Haven Education Association as well as the Human and Civil Rights Commission of the CT Education Association.
Rosalie Gerbi Lamontagne teaches Spanish and French at Bellingham Middle School in Bellingham, MA. Her oldest son, Steve, is a doctor and her younger son, Thomas, is an architect in New York City.
1969 Kathy Krugel Ryzewski coordinated a deacons’ wives’ quilting project, making and presenting 28 quilts to Archbishop Henry Mansell (Hartford) for each of the newly dedicated Cathedral Green apartments, low-income housing for families, in Hartford. Joan Heimann Walsh lives in North Haven, CT and is looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild. Joan has also been enjoying visiting national parks throughout the country.
Joan Venditto continues her dedication to the teaching profession at Albertus Magnus College. This past January she experienced a memorable trip to India.
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1961 Sr. Judith Musco, ASCJ is back teaching at SHA for the third time! In her position as Dean of Faculty, she is diligently working with faculty and staff members.
Linda Velez resides in Westport, CT and is a tax attorney at General Electric. She was overjoyed to be back at SHA celebrating her mother’s 50th reunion from SHA (Wanda Avallone Velez ’59).
1967
Ann Cretella Peters lives in Guilford, CT and is the proud grandmother of 5. She and her husband share the joys of traveling and reading.
Elizabeth Flood Ziter lives in Wethersfield, CT with her husband Fred. She is active in the SCC (Small Christian Communities) movement as a coordinator. In her leisure time, Betty is an avid quilter.
Amy Duda divides her time between New York City and the Westville neighborhood of New Haven. She was recently promoted to senior vice president of Sudler and Hennessey. She loves biking in Manhattan as well as in the countryside and enjoys reconnecting with SHA friends through the alumnae association.
Rosemary Iovene DiMugno and her husband live in Cheshire, CT. Their daughter, Regina ‘98 gifted them with their first grandchild Emily, and Rosemary is happily enjoying her new role as grandmother. Mary Ann Kelleher Kiely lives in Bedford, MA. She has three children and is in her third year as a teaching assistant for a special needs classroom in the local K- 2 elementary school. Karen Walsh Reidy and her husband are the proud parents of 4 children, 2 of whom are SHA graduates. Karen presently works at SHA as assistant librarian.
1984 Lesley DeNardis teaches political science at Sacred Heart University while her husband Armando Rodriguez teaches economics at the University of New Haven. They have a daughter, Claire, who is two years old. Ann Cuticelli DeRosa currently lives in North Haven, CT with her husband Tom. Her three sons (ages 15, 11 and 7) are passionate about baseball and “mom” follows them around the country supporting their enthusiasm and many successes.
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Marie DellaSelva Sargeant and her husband Earl recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Sicily and Southern Italy.
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Anne Ruotolo Pisanelli is retired from the Hospital of St. Raphael and is now working as a medical technologist.
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Mark your Calendars! FantaSHA, Sacred Heart’s biennial auction, will be held in the SHA gymnasium on March 27, 2010. If you are planning ahead, sponsorship/preferred seating is available. For more information, or to join a committee, please call the Office of Mission Advancement at 203-288-2309, ext. 318 or e-mail dcamner@sacredhearthamden.org. April 27, 2010 marks Sacred Heart’s 5th Annual Fashion Show, this year held at the fabulous Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT. This year’s event will feature spring fashions by Lizy B. and hair and makeup by Richard Penna Salon, both of Hamden. The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, raffle and dinner buffet following soon after. The fashion show begins at 7:00 p.m. with fashions modeled by students, moms, and faculty members. Please check online in January of 2010 to download Fashion Show invitation/reservation forms. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for students 18 and under. For more information please contact Beth Griffin at 203-288-2309, x324 or bgriffin@sacredhearthamden.org.
Amalia Saracco Landolfi lives in New Haven with her husband Frank and three children: Alessandra ’10, Frank and Elizabeth. Amalia currently owns and operates a daycare center in New Haven. Amy Sargeant Lang is currently living in Westport with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys volunteering at their elementary school in her free time. Margo Best Nabors is a school media specialist at Bear Path School in Hamden. She lives in Hamden with her husband and two children. Susan Atzbach Rand lives in Cheshire with her husband and three sons. She teaches nursery school. In her leisure time, Susan attends her sons’ numerous football and lacrosse games.
1991 Deborah Mager lives in Old Saybrook, CT and is the supervisor of customer service at Connecticut Water.
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Christine Allison Curello lives in Cheshire, CT and is mother to Ginny (3 ½) and Xander (2). She works as a registered nurse at Yale New Haven Pediatric Intensive Care. She still loves to run and is a runner in the Hartford Marathon.
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Stephanie White Hart is currently teaching fifth grade at Columbus School in New Haven. This year Stephanie received the T.A.P.S. Award which is given to teachers, administrators, parents and support staff who go above and beyond in their school. She has also been nominated for the Teachers Insurance Plan Teacher of the Year Award. In her spare time, she is the director of the Shining Stars theater program which involves students in grades four through eight. Simone Poutot Ketchum and her husband Shawn announce the arrival of their daughter Taylor Marie Ketchum who was born on March 25, 2009. Susan Smith Thom recently received the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation Award this past March. The award is given to outstanding teachers in early childhood care.
1999 Alisa A. Giglietti graduated from Salve Regina in 2003 with a B.A. in theatre arts and a minor in English communication studies concentrating in journalism and website design. She is currently working as a business support representative at Verizon Wireless. Alisa is still actively involved in theatre having just served as stage manager for a production of Little Women.
2002 Jackie Thurston received a B.S degree in elementary and special education from Providence College and is presently working towards a master’s degree in holistic thinking. For the past three years, Jackie has been teaching third and fourth grade special education in the Branford School District. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing, karaoke, and spending time with her family.
2004 Elizabeth Wolleben is working and living in the L’Arche community of Washington, D.C. L’Arche is a group home for adults with developmental disabilities which holds spirituality and the dignity of each individual at its heart.
2006 Kira Gustafson is in her senior year at Fairfield University. Currently, she is studying abroad and taking classes at the Universidad Centroamericana (the University of Central America). This is a Jesuit university in Managua, Nicaragua, the nation’s capital city. While there, Kira is also finishing her capstone project for her major in Latin American Studies. The project is a comparative study of access to education and subsequent opportunities in rural vs. urban Nicaragua.
2008 Bethany Burke is in her second year in the honors nursing program at St. Anselm’s College and is “loving college life in New Hampshire!”
In Memoriam Wesley A. Bonds, Ph.D., former science faculty member in human genome study Amadio “Mickey” Cartoceti, father of Judy Cartoceti Kerin ’76 Angela Christophy, mother of faculty members Dr. Elizabeth Christophy and Mrs. Barbara Badore and grandmother of Angela Badore ‘10 Jack Coleman, brother of Sr. John Catherine Coleman, ASCJ ’53. Helen DelVecchio, mother of Dolores (DelVecchio) Perfetto ‘58 Rosemarie Dombroski, mother of Janet Dombroski ’80 and Linda Dombroski ‘81 Richard Drobish, husband of Sandra Drobish ’58 Robert Gallant, father of Cynthia Gallant ’67, Suzanne Gallant ’73 and Pamela Gallant Pero ‘79 Agnes Giannette, mother of Pamela Giannette ‘70 Caroline “Kay” Guida, mother of Deborah Guida Bellmore ’76 Mary Lato, mother of Marie Lato ‘61 Jean V. Leary, former French, Latin and Spanish teacher at SHA for over 25 years Concetta “Tina” Mansi, mother of RoseAnn Mansi Boger ’74 and Catherine Mansi ‘79 Fred Matazzaro, father of Sr. Barbara Matazzaro, ASCJ ‘68 Jennie Mentone, mother of Lucille Mentone Graboff ‘74 Philip Paolella, Sr., longtime member of SHA Advisory Board and father of Sister Mary Jane Paolella ‘65 and Anne Marie Paolella Ferris ‘72 and grandfather of Christina Paolella ‘97, Jeni Paolella ‘98, Jacqueline Paolella ‘02, Sara Paolella ‘03, and Katlyn Paolella ‘04 Gloria Pero, mother of Maureen Pero Cellini ‘77 Mary Louise Pursell, mother of Mary Kay Pursell Dupont ‘75 Dr. John Romano, father of Lisa Romano Sarris ’72 and Lori Romano Mastrobuoni ’74 Andrew Shaw, brother of Alison Shaw ’04 and Annie Shaw ‘11 Joseph N. Terranova, father of Carissa Terranova Mastriano ‘94 Mary Jane Tortora, mother of Dawn Stepanovich Mascari ‘93 Helen Giamatti Urguhart, mother of Margaret Urguhart Collins ‘67 Donald J. Walsh, father of Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ ’75, Catherine Walsh ’77, and Sr. Anne Walsh, ASCJ ‘81
HEART Magazine
Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae Association
calendar of events 2010
Sr. Colleen Smith, ASCJ Principal
. J anuary .
Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ Assistant Principal
6 Alumnae Return Day | 6:00 p.m. | Lecture Hall 6 Class Agent Supper for ALL years | 6:00 p.m. | Lecture Hall 8 Alumnae Holiday Party | TBA 13 Homecoming/Reunion ’10 Planning Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505
. F E B R U ary . 1 Executive Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 3 Open Monthly Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 12 “Little Valentine’s Dinner Dance” | 5 – 8:00 p.m. | Cafeteria
. MARCH . 3 Open Monthly Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 6 March Madness SHA Alumnae Basketball Game | 4:00 p.m. | Gym 20 Children’s Easter Party | 10:00 a.m. | Cafeteria/Gym
Editor Allyson Wuerth Contributing Writers Beth Griffin Director of Public Relations Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ Director of Alumnae Relations Design Howard Design Group, Princeton, NJ
. APRIL . 12 Executive Board Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 14 Open Monthly Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505
Cover and major photography Robert Lisak
. M AY . 5 7 23 26
Managing Editor Elaine Lamboley Director of Institutional Advancement
Open Monthly Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 Mohegan Sun Casino Bus Trip | TBA Day of Reflection | 9 – 6:00 p.m | Higganum Alumnae Induction/Garden Reception | 6:00 p.m. | Chapel/Courtyard
. JUNE . 2 Open Monthly Meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Rm 505 5 Alumnae Softball Game and Family Cookout | 2 – 6:00 p.m. | Softball Field
Mystery Photo
Special thanks to Allison Aloi Simeone ’90 for solving our Class of 1990 mystery photo. Allison identified (from top left to right) Robin Hunt, Alicia Martone, Jen Howard, Kristen Hauser and (bottom left to right) Diane Carroll, Kelly McDermott, Allison Lee.
Now can anyone solve this Christmas mystery? This picture was found in the archives and we’d love to put names to the faces. Please contact the alumnae office: (203) 288-2309 ext. 313 or email alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org
Photography Kathy McDonough McGarry ‘77 Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ Allyson Wuerth Storytellers Cover (from left to right) Caroline Luciani ‘12 Meghan Buckley ‘12 Jenna Hernandez ‘12 Back cover (from left) Rachael Heard ’13, Maggie McAndrew ’13, Ashley Murphy ’13, Erin Bowman ’13, Cecilia Fanning ’13, Brynn Rodie ’13, Katie Arnone ’13, Christina Jiang ’13, Brooke McPherson ’13, Danielle McPherson ’13, Kathleen Kelly ‘13
HEART magazine is published by Sacred Heart Academy for alumnae, parents, friends and the SHA community. Send address changes to the Office of Advancement, Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514. You may contact us online at www.sacredhearthamden.org. Sacred Heart Academy admits students of any race, color, 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.
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