Sacred Heart academy
The Experience of Time spring 2011
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volume 14
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number 1
Worth of a Sacred Heart Education
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s the experience of time unfolds, it becomes ever clear that strong values endure while other things may change. Some things continue, while others are lost. The core values of Sacred Heart Academy and our educational mission remain as they were at our founding in 1946. Over the past 66 years our graduates have emerged as articulate communicators and critical thinkers committed to service. They are dedicated to lifelong learning and to sharing the values learned at Sacred Heart in communities throughout the world.
Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D.
The Mission
of Sacred Heart Academy
The Vision
of Sacred Heart Academy
The Excelsior Graduate of Sacred Heart Academy
The Core Values
of Sacred Heart Academy
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 sense of responsibility to self, to others and to the needs of society. Sacred Heart Academy will be a nationally recognized Catholic college preparatory school for young women. True to its motto Excelsior SHA 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. 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 • embracing the gifts God has given her to strive “ever higher.” The core values of Sacred Heart Academy are: Catholic Community, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, and Social Justice.
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he building has changed. There are doors, where before there were not. Windows where once only walls existed. Trees uprooted and new ones rooting themselves down into the very same earth that held the old. Gone are the rows and rows of typewriters, and yes, gone too are the rows and rows of Macs and PCs. The world moved on, unveiling itself to welcome only the cutting edge, only the pioneers. And, here at SHA, we have answered the call of the world with our state-of-the-art science labs, our high tech laptop program, and academically gifted student body. When in 1996 SHA junior, Adrianna Bamber shared with The Clelian, “The skills I learned in Macintosh Applications class have enabled me to type faster when chatting on America OnLine,” could she have envisioned the SHA girl of 2011 in her Computer Applications class learning web design, presentation graphics, and digital image editing? The SHA grad from 1971, keeping close with her classmates via SHA’s very own
Facebook page? Could Sister Ernestine, ASCJ, while expressing her satisfaction at her senior stenographers for “perfecting [their] secretarial skills,” have imagined that one day SHA students would sequence DNA in school owned laboratories and compete among the best science schools of the day? In a picture from the 1960 edition of Clelian, SHA girls, working diligently on typewriters, seem oblivious to the bulletin board behind them depicting four rotary phones that remind the women of the future, the women of 1960: “Telephone Essentials: Friendly, Helpful, Cordial, Pleasing.” The SHA girl of 1960 proudly proclaims, “The fun of practice on the modern calculators and the electric typewriters takes the sting out of the heavy drill sessions necessary for the ‘just so’ techniques of modern society.” This “modern society,” a far cry from today’s, where freshmen come through the doors of SHA already masters of their laptops, texting from the pockets of their kilts. Despite these vast differences in experience, all SHA girls share the same unstoppable energy that cherishes the past and embraces the future.
features
Integrity . 4 Excellence . 6 Compassion . 8 Social Justice . 10
departments Newsmakers . 12 Red & White Line . 13
Spring 2011
Catholic Community . 2
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contents
Catholic Community
Looking Back at a Fledgling Community
Spring 2011
The students of 1950 prepare for the changing world of science.
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The students of 2011 prepare for the changing world of science.
It began in 1946 as fifteen young ladies embarked upon the journey that is high school. Together, they made music in glee club, danced with the fine boys of Notre Dame, played sports, partook in school musicals, constructed yearbooks, and gathered in prayer. Together, they forged the Sacred Heart Academy community that grew beyond the confines of the little school, into a new and bigger school. Then, in 1950, they graduated; left a last message in the first Clelian: “The Academy is ours — we gave it life and meaning. We are the Academy’s — we are bound to it by the priceless treasure it has given us — our Catholic education and training… this training will serve as our burning torch through the foggy roads of life.” The first graduating class of Sacred Heart Academy, these Greene St. girls, went out into the world and became teachers, secretaries, mothers, and, indeed, Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Whatever they became, instilled in them were the values of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the values of their Sacred Heart Academy. They called themselves the “pioneers,” and pledged to their Alma Mater their “youthful enthusiasm” and to the SHA girls who would follow, their “love of SHA and the duty of bringing honor and glory to the Academy.” Really, they were the architects of a community, paving the way for the SHA girl of the future.
The Academy is ours—we gave it life and meaning.
Because we hold Catholic Community to be a core value of Sacred Heart Academy, we resolve: • To share the love of Christ • To educate the school community about the charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and their Foundress, Mother Clelia Merloni • To instill Christian values in the Roman Catholic tradition across the curriculum • To encourage active participation in and celebration of our school liturgies • To provide opportunities for adoration of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation • To incorporate prayer into our daily schedule
Spring 2011
However, is the SHA girl of the past so vastly different from the SHA girl of today? Perhaps, on the outside—the side that exchanged her typewriter for an iPad, her 8-tracks for iTunes. But, the core values of Sacred Heart Academy remain unchanged: Catholic Community, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, and Social Justice. These values we ingrain in our students, whether they carried a quarter for the pay phone or charger for a personal cell phone. These are the values humans cleave to, the way we cling to memory or the ones we love best. They become inextricable from ourselves, and in this spring issue of HEART magazine, we wish to embrace who we are, who you are.
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The most recent graduating class of SHA cheers proudly on graduation day 2011.
Sacred Heart Academy
The first graduating class of SHA stands proudly on graduation day 1950.
Integrity Because we hold Integrity to be a core value of Sacred Heart Academy, we resolve: • To be transparent in and accountable for our words and actions • To speak the truth courageously even in difficult situations • To take the responsibility to create and maintain a safe environment for all • To engage in our academic pursuits in a spirit of truth and honesty
Dolores DiFonzo Ennico: A Model of Integrity
Spring 2011
Dolores DiFonzo Ennico graduated Sacred Heart Academy in 1970 with the strong educational foundation all SHA students receive. It was, however, her training in Sacred Heart Academy’s core values that she remembers to this day: “The excellent Christian training that I received at SHA helps me remain strong in core values such as love and respect for family, religious devotion, respectful treatment of others, and charitable giving to individuals less fortunate than myself.” After graduating from Southern Connecticut State University in 1974 with a BS in microbiology, Dolores began working at Olin
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Corporation, the company she still works for today. During her 37 year tenure at Olin Corp., Dolores has acquired advanced degrees including an MS in biochemistry from SCSU and a MBA from the University of New Haven. Throughout the years, she has risen through the ranks to become Vice President of Human Resources, a position that holds her responsible for 3800 domestic and international employees. Despite the enormous time commitment of her career, Dolores still makes time to volunteer with Junior Achievement and United Way. Says Dolores, “I believe in giving back to the communities in which I live and work and have done so in all my 37 working years with Olin Corporation.” She adds, “The values that were embedded in me at SHA absolutely affect my daily life today. My professional and personal success can be undoubtedly linked to the values that were fostered by my four years at SHA.” Of these “values,” Dolores cites SHA’s core value of Integrity: “The foundation that I received at SHA in operating with integrity and respect, in doing what is right in all circumstances (no matter how difficult), in meeting my commitments has been the cornerstone of my business career. By teachings and through examples, SHA taught me that business performance is never more important than my Christian values.”
“The excellent Christian training that I received at SHA helps me remain strong in core values such as love and respect for family, religious devotion, respectful treatment of others, and charitable giving to individuals less fortunate than myself.”
This environment has truly made me a better person. Coming from public school, where the needs of the students are more generalized, I feel like an individual at Sacred Heart, and I think that’s the most important part. This has benefitted me in many ways, as I am now more open to new things. I have made so many friends and shared so many laughs. I feel I can be myself at SHA.” Demery embodies the true spirit of Sacred Heart Academy, valuing each member of the SHA community: “My SHA Sisters are individuals, unique and amazing in their own ways. Together, we are in union under the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and we are truly a close knit group. I have learned to depend on and appreciate these girls, strangers only months ago, and I am so grateful for them. As stated in the alma mater, “the strong bonds formed at SHA shall ne’er in life be broken.” Indeed, SHA is lucky to have a sister like Demery!
My SHA Sisters are individuals, unique and amazing in their own ways.
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If there is a student with more accomplishments than years of life, it is SHA freshman Demery Ormrod. Since the sixth grade she has participated in Smile Train, an organization that provides free surgeries for children suffering from cleft lip and palate. Her efforts have raised over $25,000 for the cause and earned her much recognition and numerous awards, including the Prudential Spirit of Community Award’s “Middle School Student of the Year,” the Kohls “Kids who Care” award, and recognition by Jodi Rell, President Obama, and congress members for her work with the Smile Train. In addition to all these accolades, Demery leads her class as Freshman Class President and plays both softball and volleyball for SHA. As her first year at SHA comes to an end, Demery shares, “So far, I’ve had an amazing experience at SHA, and this is only the beginning. I feel connected to the warmth and comfort that radiates from the students and faculty.
Spring 2011
Demery Ormrod ’14 puts a Smile on our Face
Excellence Because we hold Excellence to be a core value of Sacred Heart Academy, we resolve: • To live up to the school motto: “Excelsior…Impelled by Christ’s Love” in all areas of our lives • To uphold high standards of behavior • To challenge and inspire the school community to become informed citizens who share joy in learning and a love of truth • To provide a challenging college preparatory education
Spring 2011
A SHA Graduate Follows her Dreams
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In 2003 Emily Cersonsky graduated Sacred Heart Academy with all the benefits of SHA’s strong curriculum imbued within her. She graduated with a sturdy background in math, a knack for science, and a deepening love for literature. However, shares Emily, “the biggest lesson that I took away from SHA was the value of pursuing my interests regardless of my age or gender.” Perhaps this is what led Emily to Boston College where she graduated in 2007 with a BA in English and philosophy and then to Columbia University where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature (her dissertation concerns early 20th century British Literature). Emily continues, “My most formative high school experience was taking part in Sr. Mary Jane’s biotechnology program and presenting my work (along with other students from her class) at a professional conference in Boston, as well as continuing biology research over the summer at Yale University. It may seem counter-intuitive that early scientific research has had such an impact on my life— since I’m currently studying literature — yet what Sr. Mary Jane taught me most of all was that being an awkward high school girl in a kilt was no reason that I shouldn’t pursue high level research. Essentially, she taught me to change the question I asked myself from ‘Why me?’ to ‘Why not?’.” As Emily fondly reflects on her four years at SHA, she imparts the effect
Pictures from left: Emily Cersonsky ’03, brother James Cersonsky, mother Nancy Cersonsky, and sisters Rosy Cersonsky ’10 and Tess Cersonsky ’13 the SHA community had on her during her formative years: “I enjoyed being a fairly heterogeneous member of the SHA community, and was grateful for the respect shown to my opinions and background. In return, I also learned to value others’ beliefs, too; even though I wasn’t Catholic, I gained much from religion classes that discussed the values (charity, faith, hope) that go far beyond a single denomination. As my current work leads me to study writings by people of many different backgrounds, and as I live and interact in a diverse, vibrant city, my experiences of respect and acceptance at SHA are inimitable in the way I confront my daily life.” Emily Cersonsky truly exemplifies the values of Sacred Heart Academy.
“The biggest lesson that I took away from SHA was the value of pursuing my interests regardless of my age or gender.”
SHA Produces Student Plays shocked in the best way. When Mr. Härtel told the cast that we had to add seats and that the Lecture Hall was overflowing, it made me incredibly happy and incredibly nervous.” Sammy Bowers, whose play “Better Judgement” was also produced, agreed, “My cast was fantastic, and we had a brilliant time getting to know one another and building hilarious characters. We all had an amazing time, and only hope that our audience had as much fun watching the show as we did creating it!” Although both plays were chosen to be presented on the same evening of drama, each play was vastly different in content. Making use of dramatic irony, Sammy’s play “follows two cliché and average students throughout their cliché and average day, at their cliché and average high school.” She continues, “The characters in this show, for the most part, are rather relatable and I based them off people and events that I had encountered in my life. My two favorite characters in this show are Cliff’s Narrator and Ms. Amherst’s Narrator. Being the guardian angels or consciences of the characters, they are over-exaggerated. I wrote Cliff’s Narrator as the perfect smooth
gentleman who ‘knows exactly how to play it with the ladies.’ He is charming, respectable, and overall, that cool guy that every boy in the school admires. What could be better, right?” While Sammy’s play utilized humor and high school hijinks, Mikayla’s “is about the Afghan war and how it affects a family and a group of friends. The play revolves around Scott, the male lead and his problems dealing and living with the fact that his wife, Charlotte is in a dangerous part of the world, serving her country as a soldier. The play focuses on the emotions and rising tensions between the characters. Scott and Natalie, back at home, are trying to keep themselves together, and his friends, Valerie, Scott, Liam and Alexandra are also trying to make sure that everything stays together.” Students, parents, faculty, and visitors were all impressed with the nights’ performances. Said one student on her way out, “I couldn’t believe students wrote and produced these plays. Both plays were fantastic.” What a terrific way to showcase the immense talents of Sacred Heart Academy students and the strength of the humanities at SHA!
Spring 2011
This past fall SHA English teacher Barbara Badore had a marvelous idea. Encouraged by the strength of her own students’ writing, she proposed a student playwriting contest, a contest where top prize included producing and directing one’s own play. Badore adds, “We had six entries representing all grade levels. All six were wonderful testaments to the caliber of writers in this school. It was even more impressive because there is no club or class in playwriting offered at this time.” After all the entries were received, Barbara, together with Sr. Lany Jo Smith and fine arts teacher, Christopher Härtel, selected Sammy Bowers ’12 and Mikayla Zagata ’12. Says Badore, “We were excited to offer these talented writers the opportunity to work with us during rehearsals, make changes as needed, and offer their vision to the actors during rehearsals. We had a very nice crowd: over 100 people attended each of the 2 nights. The plays were very well received.” For Junior Mikayla Zagata whose play “Come Back from Across the Ocean” premiered at the showing, the success of the performances was palpable: “I was
Mikayla Zagata’s play depicts the pain and longing military families suffer.
Junior Sammy Bowers’ play depicts the typical, and sometimes comical, lives of teenagers.
SHA junior Sheilagh Lichtenfels plays the role of Valerie in Mikayla Zagata’s production of “Come Back from Across the Ocean.”
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Compassion Because we hold Compassion to be a core value of Sacred Heart Academy, we resolve: • To speak to each other and about each other with words of kindness, respect, reverence, and honesty • To be attentive to the needs of one another and willingly and generously perform acts of service • To forgive and seek forgiveness • To always treat people fairly and with respect and dignity
Spring 2011
SHA Alumna Gives Back to her Community
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Although her education has led her around the country, Dr. Laura M. McGrimley Walby ’96 decided to return to Connecticut and practice medicine at the same pediatric office, Branford/North Branford Pediatrics, where she was once a patient not so many years earlier. For Dr. McGrimley Walby coming home allowed her to reconnect with a community of which she had always been fond: “One of the reasons that I moved back to CT after completing my residency was for the opportunity to serve the community in which I grew up.” Elaborates Laura, “On many occasions over the past 2 ½ years that I have been in practice, I have had the privilege of taking care of children of SHA alumnae. It gives me great pride to share the common bond that unites us. I cherish reminiscing about the wonderful experiences I had at SHA.” However, according to Laura, these “wonderful experiences” that typify a student’s four years at SHA reach well beyond the bond of familiarity: “At SHA I was always encouraged to perform at my highest level and to give my all in my professional and personal life. I strive to do this each and every day. SHA encouraged all students to participate in volunteer opportunities. I have sought out opportunities to not only care for my patients in my practice but also those who do not have access to routine medical care. A few years ago, I traveled with my local church to Honduras with a team dedicated to providing medical care to people who lived in a remote area of the country. I continue to seek out these opportunities to help those in need and to give back all that I have been given.” Dr. McGrimley Walby’s compassion and willingness to serve her
community illustrate the important values that the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus impart to the SHA community. Says Laura, “Although medicine is sophisticated and continues to evolve, I am constantly reminded that some things are outside of the control of the physician and must rest in the hands of God. On numerous occasions, I have discussed the importance of prayer in the face of illness. Sacred Heart helped to foster this awareness of God’s presence in all aspects of my life.”
Laura M. McGrimley Walby and her husband Greg Walby married last year.
“I have had the privilege of taking care of children of SHA alumnae. It gives me great pride to share the common bond that unites us. I cherish reminiscing about the wonderful experiences I had at SHA.”
a walk, or asking parents if they need a break, my weekly volunteer work is very rewarding. I know that I can share my own personal story of hope, faith and courage to many families out there.” Katie’s experience has influenced her so deeply that she plans to become a pediatric nurse working with children who have been diagnosed with cancer: “My dream is to be a nurse and truly change the lives of those around me. My nurses have been a huge part of my recovery. Without their amazing support and guidance, I would not be the young woman I am today.” While Katie’s personal experience has facilitated her desire to volunteer, Erin Hillis ’12 has been deeply affected by the ways the children she visits have changed her own life: “I discovered that I needed to create an antidote for these children because their daily lives were centered around receiving treatment and enduring pain. Medicine does not come from a bottle or a pill; it comes from being able to open your heart and share a hug, laughter, game, coloring, or any other activity which would take their mind off their troubles. Prior to this, I never realized
how fulfilling volunteering could be. I believe I get more out of volunteering than I give.” However, as Erin so aptly states, this sort of work is not without its challenges: “What challenges me is watching families cope with tremendous physical pain and hardship using faith and love alone. Learning of the death of a child I played with or seeing the despair in the eyes of the parents has been difficult to deal with.” Katie agrees, “challenges do arise at the hospital. It is very hard to see a patient struggle and have to fight so hard just in order to survive. Realizing that these innocent children are going through so much breaks my heart. It deeply saddens me when a patient I have become close with loses his battle with cancer.” However, for Katie and Erin, the rewards of cheering up those saddened by the burden of illness are clear. Adds Katie, “Whether they are watching a movie in their room or painting in the play room, my being able to watch their eyes shine bright and smiles everywhere is so inspiring; it amazes me every single week to see the positive energy that radiates from these children.”
“Whether it is doing arts and crafts, taking a walk, or asking parents if they need a break, my weekly volunteer work is very rewarding. I know that I can share my own personal story of hope, faith and courage to many families out there.”
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Each week Erin Hillis ’12 and Katie Winkle ’11 slip on their matching red polo shirts, and together set out on the ride to New Haven to visit some good friends. No, these teens are not meeting up with friends at a movie, or at a restaurant for lunch—instead, they drive to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital where they volunteer their time on the oncology floor. Despite their journeying together on this “trip,” each girl has a different reason for volunteering. Shares senior Katie Winkle, “I reach out to many kids who are sick. Whether they are toddlers or teenagers they share a common bond: cancer. I know exactly what they are going through. In 2006, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. Spending a year of my life fighting at Yale Children’s Hospital, I know how these kids are feeling. Blessed and in remission for four years, I realize that the volunteers I encountered while at Yale really left an impact on me.” Katie sees the time she continues to share with these children as one way she can “pay it forward,” one way she can give back to a community that became so dear to her. Adds Katie, “Whether it is doing arts and crafts, taking
Spring 2011
SHA Students Share Hope with Children
Social Justice
SHA Apostle Founds Apostle Immigrant Services Sr. Mary Ellen Burns, ASCJ ’74 knew by the middle of freshman year at SHA that she wanted to join the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Explains Sister, “I was introduced to the study of Scripture in our freshman theology class: the beginning of a life-long pursuit that feeds my soul every day.” She joined the Apostles shortly after she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and has spent the 35 years since living out the mission she holds so dear to her heart: “They [The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus] were living examples of the joy one experiences in giving one’s life over to the path God sets out, whatever it may be.” After graduating
from Yale Law School, Burns along with two other Sisters organized Apostle Immigrant Services (AIS) in 2008 to improve the lives of immigrants in and around the greater New Haven area. Whether offering educational services for the young or providing legal counsel to Connecticut’s disenfranchised, AIS works to bridge the cultural divide that can complicate the lives of so many area immigrants. Sr. Mary Ellen’s fight to preserve the integrity of all people, no matter how poor or how ostracized, is at the core of SHA’s values. Adds Sister, “I maintain a strong desire for justice to avoid being overwhelmed and depressed by the many stories of individual sorrows
and struggles.” As she works to cultivate her organization, Sr. Mary Ellen hopes AIS’s growth continues at the rate it is today. And despite her own hard work and effort which has become the foundation for AIS, she still sees its success as evidence of the strength of the Apostles: “In over 35 years in the Congregation, my religious vocation has shaped my life and my approach to my work in multiple ways. Obedience led me to go to law school, to pursue a legal services career, and to acquire the skills and experiences that made it possible for me to work at AIS. There would be no AIS without the commitment of our entire United States province to reach out to people who often experience discrimination and hostility, and to share with them, and find in them, the loving Heart of Jesus.”
Spring 2011
Kelly O’Leary ’99 Connects through Education
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Kelly O’Leary ’99 truly exemplifies the culture of service that Sacred Heart Academy works so diligently to cultivate. As she began her freshman year at Villanova, Kelly looked to fill her hours in the same fashion she filled her hours at SHA: hard work and service. “At SHA, I learned how to work hard, and not settle for anything less than my best, to surround myself with people who genuinely care about me. My search for post-graduate volunteer opportunities led me to Mother Caroline Academy in Dorchester, MA and the NativityMiguel Network of Schools. After 2 years of service as an AmeriCorps volunteer, I realized my passion for inner city education.” Kelly nourished this passion by earning her masters in
education from Sacred Heart University and soon accepted a teaching position at St. Martin de Porres Academy in one of the poorest sections of New Haven. Within just a few years, she was promoted to assistant principal and then, just a year later, to principal. Kelly reveals the impact SHA had on her strong desire to serve the underserved of society, “SHA did more than simply prepare me for college; it provided the academic, spiritual, social and emotional foundation for the person I am today. At SHA I became service minded which heavily influenced my choices in college and beyond. SHA had my best interests at heart and nurtured my growth
and development in so many ways.” As principal of St. Martin de Porres, Kelly, no doubt, passes along these same values to her own school community. Students of St. Martin de Porres laud themselves as “spirited, vivacious, creative and supportive” while faculty cites the resilience of the student body as the driving force of the school. Kelly shares, “Every day I come face to face with the injustices of poverty. SMPA provides an incredible education for those students who would otherwise not be able to afford it.” Adds Kelly, “SHA taught me to make a difference in the lives of the people around me.”
Because we hold Social Justice to be a core value of Sacred Heart Academy, we resolve: • To appreciate diversity and support the dignity, value and opportunity of all people • To work for social change on behalf of the vulnerable, including the economically or politically oppressed • To strive for awareness of, and to bear witness to, the sanctity of all human life • To respect the earth so that all God’s creatures can live a healthy and secure life • To work for peace and justice by promoting a culture of service
SHA Salutes a Service Minded Senior
she volunteered at The Children’s Village. Kyle elaborates, “At the Children’s Village we worked with abused boys between the ages of 11-14. We played games with them all day and gave them the attention they were seeking. The boys taught me strength and gave me hope. Despite all they had been through, they were still able to love and trust others.” However, Kyle concedes that the trip was not without its challenges: “I do not understand how people could ever hurt such kind and innocent children. Nothing can prepare you to sit across
from a child and watch him laughing and having fun and then see scars on his face. It is incredibly disturbing.” Even with the emotional stress that sometimes comes along with volunteer work, Kyle’s dedication to service has expanded beyond the borders of SHA: “I also went to New Orleans, LA in June 2010 with the First Congregational Church in Branford and am returning there with them this June.” As Kyle heads off to Fordham University to study biology, SHA hopes her message of service will reach her new school community.
“…even though my contribution is small, I can still help to make someone’s life a little more bearable.”
Spring 2011
Kyle Mutchell ’11 bonds with the childern of Reynosa, Mexico.
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Sacred Heart Academy’s Campus Ministry director Sr. Lany Jo Smith, ASCJ and Alumnae Director/ theology teacher Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ have worked tirelessly to foster a culture of service at Sacred Heart Academy, organizing mission trips that transport SHA students with their unwavering faith to needy communities as far away as Mexico and as close to home as New York City. They have gathered together a group of dedicated students and have sent them off to make a difference in places where “a difference” is desperately needed. One student who has joined the Sisters on all four mission trips is SHA senior Kyle Mitchell. It is evident from the exuberance with which she discusses these trips that Kyle has made service a priority in her young life: “In Reynosa, Mexico I had my first interaction with real poverty and it made me realize how many people in the world need help. Mexico inspired me to volunteer and help others whenever possible because I learned that even though my contribution is small, I can still help to make someone’s life a little more bearable.” After the trip to Reynosa, Mexico (where SHA students helped build homes for those who could not afford to build their own) Kyle Mitchell committed herself to three other SHA sponsored trips, including Chinatown in New York City, Appalachia in West Virginia, and more recently, a trip to New York City where
around campus
Newsmakers Letters about Literature 2011 Contest Results Impress 1,600 students from across the State of Connecticut entered the Letters about Literature contest with only 29 Connecticut high school students selected as state finalists. Nine of those 29 finalists were from SHA! Congrats to finalists Cassie Moore ‘14, Kanita Mote ‘14, Lauren Boudreau ‘13, Daleesha Cadore ‘13, Danielle McPherson ‘13, Allie Novak ‘13, Taylor DeRosa ‘12, Kathy Xu ‘12, and Jen Giulietti ‘11. On May 22, the finalists were invited to an awards ceremony presented by the Connecticut Center for the Book.
Honoring Our Board Members Grandparents’ Day April 13 marked SHA’s 2nd annual Grandparents’ Day. Sophomores invited their grandparents to breakfast and to visit SHA classes and partake in a lovely ceremony in our chapel. Brittney Guerra’13 shares, “my grandparents enjoyed spending time with me, and they really appreciated all that SHA is. They had a great day.”
Above: Riley Boath ’13 prays alongside her grandparents.
At our May liturgy, we honored outgoing board members of the Sacred Heart Academy Advisory Board: Mr. Eugene Harris (father of Sara Harris ’97, Rebecca Harris ’01, and SHA art teacher Amy Harris Stamp ‘00), Mrs. Susan Healy Gonnelly ’72, Dr. Michael Connair (father of three SHA graduates), Attorney Francis Lamboley (husband of SHA Director of Admissions Elaine Lamboley), Attorney James Walsh (brother of Ms. Karen Reidy and dad and uncle to several SHA graduates), and Mr. Michael Mazzariello (husband of SHA pastoral counselor and Pictures from left to right, Sr. Mary Jane theology teacher Jeanne Mazzariello and Paolella, Attorney Francis Lamboley, father of Kristen Mazzariello ’05 and Lauren Sr. Sheila O’Neill, Mr. Eugene Harris, Mazzariello ‘07). and Sr. Maureen Flynn
Spring 2011
SHA Coach Honored
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This past spring, SHA coach, beloved teacher, and Dean of Academic Affairs Dave Alexandro was the recipient of two Coach of the Year awards for basketball. Both the New Haven Register and the New Haven Tap Off Club chose Dave from an assembly of coaches that included all New Haven County schools and the surrounding area schools. Alexandro, who recently completed his 23rd season of coaching, was also The New Haven Register’s 2008 volleyball coach of the year. He serves as Varsity Head Coach for basketball and volleyball, and has served as lacrosse coach at Sacred Heart Academy. Even with an impressive coaching record behind him, Alexandro remains humble and thankful for all those who contributed to his success, “The greatest reward is in the growth and relationships. That’s been true throughout my athletic experiences,
first as a player and now as a coach. It’s so gratifying to see my players embrace the camaraderie and competition, and allow themselves to develop as individuals and as a team.” As Dean of Academic Affairs, Alexandro has the opportunity to work with students on both an athletic and academic level which affords him occasion to really know students as he advises them. Whether in the classroom or on the field, SHA’s students are truly at the heart of Alexandro’s coaching, “My current student-athletes are wonderfully complex. They are focused, mature, hardworking, silly, caring, and multi-talented. They juggle so many interests, challenges, and commitments, yet they show up every day and work so hard for their coaches and teammates.” Indeed, with dedication like his, no wonder Dave Alexandro is Coach Rachael Cisto ’12 alongside coach David Alexandro of the Year.
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RED & WHITE LINE
Josephine Ruggiero attended Albertus Magnus College where she earned her B.A. in sociology in 1965. Subsequently, she earned an M. A. and Ph. D, both in sociology, from Fordham University. Since the fall of 1973, she has been on the sociology faculty at Providence College. She enjoys her students and has continued to make time for research and writing. She has been married to Helmut Reinhardt for almost 28 years. They have three children (siblings) whom they adopted from Russia in 1994. Their oldest just turned 21. He has an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts with a specialty in baking/pastry arts from Johnson and Wales University. Their older daughter, who just turned 20, is currently living in Las Vegas and loving it. Their younger daughter, 18, graduated from high school last year, and has begun to study at Providence College. Josephine comments, “I am ready to scale back on my many work obligations and, therefore, I am looking forward to the prospect of retiring from full-time teaching in a few years and to pursuing new goals!”
Debra Russo Mucha welcomed her fifth grandson, born to her son Alexander and his wife Christine this past March. Her daughter Audra and her husband Nathan have 4 boys; Justin,15, Sebastian 12 1/2, Preston 9 and Parker 6. Debra proudly exclaims, “I have my own basketball team!”
1962 Ann Zullo Lyons lives in Meriden. Since retiring from the State of CT Division of Criminal Justice, Ann can be found volunteering at the Clelian Adult Day Care Center and at Midstate Hospital.
1964 Marlene DeVita Camputaro has one son, Edward and 3 grandchildren—Jennifer (17) and twins, Jake and Julia (8). Marlene was co-owner of Prime Market, went on to own and operate her own skin care center, called Skinsations, in Guilford, and presently owns and operates Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard business with her husband, Ralph. It’s located on 269 East Main Street in Branford, so stop in during the summer months! Florence Maffoni Scarinci lives in Franklin Square, NY and recently received the Muse Medallion from the Cat Writers Association for her article on the role of cats in animal assisted therapy. Frances Thompson has retired from over 25 years with the Federal government. She finds her life busier than ever before! She sends her gratitude to all the wonderful teachers she had so many years ago.
1970 Joan Eighmie Rinke with recently welcomed another grandson, Anthony Frank Marcucio, Jr. Joan is the mother of SHA alumna, Liz Rinkewith Marcucio ’02. Congratulations, Joan!
1971 Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ celebrates another potential SHA girl born to her family: Margaret (Maggie) O’Neill Schreck, daughter of Sr. Sheila’s niece, Sheila McHugh Schreck, ‘89 and Joe Schreck. Maggie will be the 11th member of Sr. Sheila’s family to attend Sacred Heart Academy, including Maggie’s aunt, Patricia McHugh Harkins, ‘82. When she has a bit of time away from her busy schedule as SHA’s first President, Sr. Sheila is a very willing babysitter to little Maggie!
1976 Christine Rubertone Earley and her husband have just celebrated two graduations! Their son, Justin, graduated on May 18 from NYU where he majored in English and minored in the Classics. Their son, Zach, graduated in June from Hamden High School and will be attending Wheaton College in Norton, MA.
1977 Kathleen Schumacher Miller currently lives in North Carolina and has one son, Tim, who is 16. For the last 4 years, she has been a real estate agent.
1982 Beth Smith, headmaster of Shelton High School, recently took off to Florida for the launch of the space shuttle Endeavor with a group of students from the high school who
won the SSEP (Student Spaceflight Experiment Program) contest. Their science experiment was flown on Endeavor and conducted in space. Congratulations on your leadership!
1985 Rita Agnellino Fanning is employed as a Registered Nurse at the Hospital of St. Raphael. Her daughter Cecilia is a member of the Class of 2013 at SHA. She and her husband Tim also have a son T.J. and they live in East Haven.
1990 Veronica Han-G (Giblin) legally added her Korean last name—“Han”—back in 1998. Professionally, Veronica goes by “Han-G”. She is a middle school math teacher at Plato Academy Charter School in Clearwater, Florida.
1994 Rebekah Marston Anderson and her husband Carl were married in August, 2010 in St. Lucia and now live in Florida where Rebekah is an ER nurse. Michele Kazmerzyk Millican and her husband Bill are keeping busy with their four children— Jordan (14), Hannah (11), Karsyn (8), and Liam (6). They live in Wallingford.
1996 Maria Quintin Cooper and her husband Christopher live in Chicago, IL and just welcomed their first child! William Harrison Cooper was born April 14 at 12:55pm. He weighed 10 lbs. 3 oz. and measured nearly 22 in. long. Congratulations! Traci DeBridgita McCormack and her husband reside in North Haven. They are the proud parents to two boys—CJ who is 11 years old and Arthur McCormack IV who is 18 months old.
1998 Andrea Cafiero Cappiello and her husband, David, celebrated the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Ava Rose, on January 12, 2011. Congratulations!
Spring 2011
1968
Class Notes
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spring
2000 Megan Buckley Kennedy and husband Ryan live in Columbia, MD and are excited to share news of the birth of their son, Alexander David Kennedy. Alex arrived on Sunday, February 27, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds, 12.4 ounces and measured 20.5 inches in length. Congratulations! Heather Kirby D’Orlando finished her undergraduate degree and worked as a mental health counselor in Rhode Island. She then moved to Montana where she earned her Ph.D. in lifespan developmental psychology. Recently she moved back east to marry her childhood sweetheart Paul who grew up only five houses down from hers in Branford! Heather and Paul now live in Maryland and Heather has been a full-time professor at Chesapeake College for two years now and absolutely loves her job! Tracy Bello Madden married her husband Brian in August, 2006. They were blessed with a beautiful baby girl in December 2010 named Emily Marie Madden. They live in Palm City, Florida. Elizabeth Radovich Mayne and her husband recently welcomed Danielle Claire, born last October. She joins older siblings, Benjamin, Charlotte, and Andrew. Kristi Kniehl Nyugen and her husband Mike were married in October, 2009 and live in Stamford. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first baby, a boy, due in July. Kristi began her career as an Occupational Therapist after graduating from Quinnipiac in 2002. For the past three years she has served as the Director of Occupational Therapy at Connec-To-Talk in Wilton, CT, a pediatric practice that offers occupational therapy, behavioral therapy and speech therapy to children with autism and other disabilities. She also owns her own private occupational therapy business, named OTKids through which she provides home-based occupational therapy to children throughout Fairfield County focusing primarily on sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills and handwriting skills. Kristi’s websites are www.OT-Kids.com and www.connec-to-talk.com.
Taunna Jones received her Doctorate in podiatric medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and currently practices podiatry in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Jennifer Ulatowski Parr and her husband David welcomed their first child, a daughter—Maya Olivia—this past March. Maya weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Congratulations!
Sacred Heart Academy
Spring 2011
1999
2001
Joann Korniluk Kokorus recently graduated from Albertus Magnus College with her second masters degree in business (MBA) and continues to work as a Financial Investigator for Webster Bank. She is also a part-time adjunct professor of history at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT. On January 8, 2011, Joann was married to her “grad school sweetheart” Richard Kokorus. They went to Jamaica on their honeymoon and they currently reside in Naugatuck, CT.
studied at Yale University School of Nursing and graduated with a MSN as an Adult Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in May 2009. In September 2009, she married the love of her life Michael. She currently works as a Nurse Practitioner at Griffin Hospital in Derby. Liz Rinkewith Marcucio and her husband welcomed a son, Anthony Frank Marcucio, Jr. this past February. Congratulations!
Michelle Vasaturo is currently a first grade teacher at Assumption School in Ansonia. She became engaged in September 2010 and is planning her May 2012 wedding. Congratulations! Jessica Watcke just opened Bliss Bridal, a boutique bridal shop in Cheshire specializing in mid-range bridal gowns, bridal party gowns, apparel for mothers and grandmothers as well as a large range of accessories. Look for special deals from Jessica at Bliss Bridal for SHA alumnae on our SHA Alumnae Facebook group page!
2004 Regan Flynn lives in Prospect and is currently employed as the Programs and Social Media Director at the Waterbury Regional Chamber.
2005 2002 Jen Anastasio recently traveled to Cusco, Peru, for 2 weeks on a mission trip with 46 other people. Her specific role was to work with impoverished preschool children in a classroom setting. In her professional life, Jen is a licensed clinical social worker and currently works for the Hospital of St. Raphael Outpatient Adolescent Psychiatric Services. She is a therapist, providing individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents ages 11–17. This past January, Jen also opened her own private practice where she specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families in need of outpatient mental health services. When she is not working or traveling, Jen can be found working out at the gym or making jewelry. “Thank you, SHA, for all you do to help shape women’s minds!”
Michelle Coutts Gauthier graduated Summa Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University with a BA in psychology in the fall of 2005. She then
Jamie Roche graduated from Duquesne University in 2009 with a B.S. in Business Administration and duel major in marketing and sports marketing. She recently received her MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration from Duquesne. Jamie completed many internships, including ones at UPMC, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Turner Construction Company. Says Jamie, “Sacred Heart taught me the fundamentals for being successful, like the importance of excellent time management skills. I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Sacred Heart and I would not trade it for the world. I cannot thank SHA enough for making me the woman I am today.” Meg Tarrant just completed her masters of Art degree in strategic communication from Seton Hall University where she also served on the staff of Seton Hall Women’s Basketball. Recently, Meg was named the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. Meg shared, “I would not have found the success I have if I did not attend Sacred Heart Academy. SHA really turned me into a smart and driven woman and I hope to share continued success with my fellow classmates and alumnae in the future.” Congratulations on both counts, Meg!
2008 Christina Brzozowski just finished her junior year at Philadelphia University. One of her fashion designs just won the American Heart Association Red Dress Designs. Her dress will be on display at Macy’s in Philadelphia, PA. Christina recently completed a summer internship with Tommy Hilfiger and Marc Jacobs. Whitney Viola will be entering her senior year at Marist College. She is President and Captain of the Marist Equestrian Team and is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity.
2009 Colleen Harrison has just completed her second year at West Point and is embarking on two intense summer experiences. Cadet Leadership Development Training is three intense weeks in the field running missions for 76 hours and Hotel Company Cadet Basic training where she will assume the role of
Training Sergeant. In Colleen’s words, “I am still very passionate about being here. The cadets are like my brothers and sisters. I made the Model United Nations team, so I get to travel around to different schools practicing diplomacy and “solving the world’s problems,” or at least trying. The team here is actually #2 in the world circuit, #1 in the country. I am also involved with the Catholic Fellowship here; it’s great fun, and they’re like my family. The Army is everything I wanted and more. I’ve had more opportunities than I ever imagined!” Thank you for your dedication and service!
2010 Gwen Lemelin just completed her freshman year at Springfield College in Massachusetts. A member of the Dean’s List, Gwen is seeking to pursue a career in child development and education. Congratulations!
In Memoriam Henry J. Ackermann, father of Sr. Marialice Ackermann, ASCJ ‘66 Anne Antonucci ’52, sister of Geraldine Antonucci Giaimo ‘56 Margaret Donroe Belafronto ‘60 Rinadlo “Arnie” Botti, father of Beth Botti Esposito ‘97 Robert Buckholz, father of Beth Buckholz Rafter ‘77 Rena K. DeMarzo, mother of Rachael DeMarzo ‘11 Belle M. Fogarty, mother of Susan Fogarty ‘60 Ann Gerbi, mother of Rosalie Gerbi Lamontagne ‘67 Edward J. Gryga, father of Kim Gryga Johnson ‘95
Are you a SHA Alumna or know one with a new spouse? New baby? New degree program completed? New job? Any exciting news? We like to share the stories of what our amazing group of alumnae are doing! If you would like to share your news in The Red and White Line of our next issue of HEART, please email your submission (and include a digital picture!) to the Alumnae Office (alumnae@sacredhearthamden. org) no later than September 15, 2011. Strongbonds…Getting Stronger Every Day! Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae (Hamden, CT) group page. Join today and invite your friends to stay current on all alumnae happenings. Look us up and connect to Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae Association network.
Nancy Larson Hanlon, sister of Kathy Larson ‘78 Lucille Cipriani LoRicco ’55 Roberta Mascola Manganella ‘60 Louis Marino, father of faculty member Richard Marino, grandfather of Laura Marino ‘07 Mary Jane Morello, mother of Rosemary Morello ‘68 Rosemary Morello ‘68 Connor Murphy, brother of Darrien Murphy ‘13 Richard Nelson, husband of faculty member Susan Nelson James Palumbo, father of Karen Palumbo Papa ‘78
SHA Alumnae “On the Road” If you can’t make it back to SHA for Reunion/Homecoming each year, we’ll come to you! All SHA alumnae are welcome to join any of the regional gatherings. We are looking for SHA alumnae in different areas of the country to be on a regional gathering committee or agree to be a host. If you would like to host a SHA alumnae gathering in your area, please contact Sr. Mariette in the Alumnae Office at alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org
Sr. Nicoletta Petillo, ASCJ, former SHA teacher (Spanish and biology, 1954–1968; 1976–1980) Miriam S. Radowiecki, mother of Kim Radowiecki ‘73 Patricia Larson Rennie, sister of Kathy Larson ‘78 Jean Flanagan Rocco ‘61 Theresa Joyce Roderick ‘60 Jennifer E. Saller ‘86
Alumnae from all years are welcome to join us as we celebrate the members of the class of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006! Look for your mailing outlining new and exciting reunion details!
Stay in touch! Please share noteworthy events, accomplishments or your whereabouts with your fellow SHA alumnae. Submit your digital photo and news to: Red and White Line, Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ ‘77, at alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org
Thomas Slater, father of Michele Pruchnicki Dingus ‘95 Sr. Mary Alma Tinervia, ASCJ ‘53 Neil Topitzer, husband of retired faculty member Mary Jane Topitzer Francis “Chuck” Wilson, father of Sara Wilson Perez ‘91 Margaret “Peg” Wilson, mother of Maura Wilson Coppola ‘70 and Amy Wilson ‘71 Anthony “Tony” Witkowski, husband of Carol Smith Witkowski ’63, father of Karen Witkowski Jerram ‘87
Spring 2011
Reunion/Homecoming will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011
Margaret Skalenakis, mother of Lillian K. Skalenakis ‘76
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Save the Date!
SHA Names 2011’s Top Five Valedictorian Amanda Kelly will be attending Brown University this fall with plans to study biology or chemistry. Amanda, excited to enter this new chapter of her life, declares herself ready for Brown: “SHA did not only teach me how to learn, but also how to love to learn. I now see each day, every conversation, and all moments as opportunities to stretch and grow beyond what I once imagined possible.”
on May 28 and will attend Notre Dame University this coming fall. Happy to leave for her new “home” away from home, Meghan will be taking a little bit of SHA with her: “Sacred Heart has instilled in me the values of an independent thinking woman that have prepared me for the future. I will leave SHA knowing the value of community. I will never forget the value of making someone feel like they belong.”
Attending Georgetown University this fall, Salutatorian Alexandra Rallo plans to pursue her interests in math, science, and political science. Shares Alex, “I credit Sacred Heart Academy with much of my personal and academic growth over the past four years. The most valuable lesson I learned while at Sacred Heart is to sound my voice and maintain a sense of balance.”
Megan Grammatico delivered the Honors Convocation Address this past May 24, and holds the number four spot in the senior class. Entering Providence College’s Liberal Arts Honors Program this fall, Megan is proud to have received a full academic
Number three in her class, Meghan Zwahlen delivered the Graduate’s Prayer at graduation
Amanda Kelly
Alexandra Rallo
Meghan Zwahlen
scholarship. She plans to double major in psychology and biology and then move on to medical school. She adds that she will never forget the life skills she learned at SHA: “I can’t possibly do everything perfectly. As long as I do the best I can, as much as I can, life works out just fine!” Austin Ferrara, number five in her class, delivered the Honors Convocation Welcome and will attend UCONN as a pre-pharmacy major this coming fall. Austin definitely feels prepared for college life, “the various and unique science classes at SHA have helped prepare me for college. The most valuable lesson I have learned is how to manage my time efficiently.”
Megan Grammatico
Austin Ferrara
Springtime at SHA
(from left to right) Lauren LaChance ’11, Meagan Edmonds ’10, Emily Baumgaertner ’10, and Liza Gillooly ’11 caught up after this year’s Alumnae Induction ceremony.
We were truly thrilled to present this year’s HEARTS of the Community Award to Knights of Columbus, Mary Jane Maturo, Kerry Robinson, Roger & Linda Sciascia,Reverend James Shanley, Sr. Mary Anne Sharron, ASCJ ’64.
Spring 2011
(from left to right) Florette Purcell ’12, Jenna Hernandez ’12, Nora Jeffries ’11, Emma Dwyer ’11, Liza Gillooly ’11, and Michelle Merwin ’13 prepare to walk the runway at our April 5 Fashion Show at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven.
Sacred Heart Academy
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(from left to right) Brian Laucks, Sr. Sheila O’Neill and Attorney Mario Ceste pause their golf game for a group photo.
This year’s Washington DC reunion proved to be a real success!
The graduating Class of 2011 has been accepted to the following list of schools:
Albany College of Pharmacy Albertus Magnus College Alfred University American International College American University Anna Maria College Arcadia University Arizona State University Assumption College Barnard College Barry University Becker College Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University Butler University California Institute of Technology Carnegie Mellon University Castleton State College Central Connecticut State University Clark University Coastal Carolina University Colby-Sawyer College Colgate University College of Charleston College of Mount Saint Vincent College of the Holy Cross Columbia College Connecticut College Curry College Delaware Valley College Dickinson College Drake University Drew University Drexel University D’Youville College Eastern Connecticut State University Elmira College Elms College Elon University Emerson College Emmanuel College Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts Fairfield University Florida Atlantic University Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University Franklin Pierce University Gateway Community College George Mason University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Goucher College Guilford College Hampton University Hartwick College Harvey Mudd College High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Iona College
Ithaca College James Madison University Juniata College Keene State College La Salle University Lasell College Lesley University Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Lynchburg College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Marymount Manhattan College Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences McGill University Mercy College Merrimack College Monmouth University Montclair State University Mount Saint Mary College Muhlenberg College New York University Niagara University North Haven Academy Northeastern University Norwich University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Philadelphia University Providence College Quinnipiac University Randolph-Macon College Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Russell Sage College Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick Sacred Heart University Saint Anselm College Saint Joseph College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Michaels College Saint Vincent College Salve Regina University Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Siena College Simmons College Smith College Southern Connecticut State University Southern New Hampshire University Southern Vermont College Springfield College St. John’s University
St. Thomas Aquinas College State University of New York at New Paltz Stevens Institute of Technology Stevenson University Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk University SUNY College at Cortland Syracuse University The American University of Paris The Catholic University of America The College of New Jersey The College of Saint Rose The George Washington University The Hartt School, University of Hartford The University at Albany The University of Alabama The University of Scranton The University of Tampa The University of Texas, Austin Towson University Trinity College Union College University of California at Santa Barbara University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Edinburgh University of Georgia University of Hartford University of Maine University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts, Lowell University of Miami University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh at Bradford University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of San Diego University of St. Andrews University of the Pacific University of Vermont Ursinus College Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Wesleyan College Wagner College Wake Forest University Wentworth Institute of Technology West Virginia University Western Connecticut State University Western New England College Wheaton College MA Wofford College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
H O N O R A L O V ED O N E
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Memorial gifts in your will can provide for a scholarship in your name or that of your family. The annual income earned on your gift will forever provide need based scholarships to young women who desire a Sacred Heart Academy education.
HEART Magazine Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D. President Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ Principal Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ Assistant Principal Managing Editor Elaine Lamboley Director of Institutional Advancement Editor Allyson Wuerth Contributing Writers Beth Griffin Director of Public Relations Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ Director of Alumnae Relations Design Peter Gialloreto Howard Design Group, Princeton, NJ Cover and major photography Robert Lisak Photography Sammy Bowers Tess Cersonsky Sandy D’Ambrosio Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ Kathy McGarry ‘77 Storytellers Cover photo (from left to right) Katie Winkle ’11, Erin Hillis ’12, Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Demery Ormrod ’14, and Kyle Mitchell ‘11 Page 1 photo Katherine Baum ’13, Carmina ZablanPalustre ’11, and Deidre Reidy ’14 Back cover photo Taylor DeRosa ‘12, Madeleine Donohue ‘14, and Megan Kairiss ’14
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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