Veritas
CHOOSE LOVE
90 0 0 B ELL AIRE B LVD, HOUS TON, T X 77036 713. 219.54 0 0 S T-AGNES.ORG
Dominican Trustees
Office of Advancement
Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56, Prioress Sr. Antoinette (Kitty) Carter, O.P. ‘57, Vicaress Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61, Councilor Sr. Julie Greig, O.P., Councilor
Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement Lisa M. Chmiola, Dir. of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Reema Kasavich, Director of Annual Giving Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations Katie Coppedge, Donor Services Coordinator Emma Ebbs, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator Allonna James, Advancement Associate
St. Agnes Academy 2015– 2016 Board of Directors Arnie D. Azios, Jr. Cathy Beathard Patricia Biggio John J. Brennan, III Robin Burks Ph.D. Mimi Butler Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61 Dan Castaneda Julia Conlon, M.D., FAAP ‘98 Tim Day Sr. Adrian Dover, O.P. Philip G. Fraher Susan Greteman, Chair Kelly Hackett ‘00 Greg Hardin
Stephen Harding Robert L. Heston Raquel Fuquen Janoe ‘94 Keli Luce Michelle Lyn, M.D., FAAP Marsha Mallon Kevin Matocha Bob McLamb Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Mary L. Raia ‘77 Edward C. Ramon John Steffes, CPA Maria Isabel Torras Sean Wheeler
St. Agnes Academy Foundation Trustees Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ‘64 José Enriquez Kevin Holt Christopher A. Matlock Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56 Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Gregory L. Phillips Richard L. Ray
Julie Plessala Samson ‘80 Gregory E. Schockling Stephen T. Schwarzbach Pat H. Swanson Jeffrey J. Weiner Ana Maria Gonzalez Wood ‘82, President
St. Agnes Academy Executive Team Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., Head of School Deborah Whalen, Principal Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement H. Leon Howard, Head of Finance, Facilities and Technology
Principal’s Team Deborah Whalen, Principal Rebecca Brady ‘00, Academic Dean Elaine Henderson Eichelberger ‘79, Dean of Students Amy Mattes, Director of Athletics Brigid Schiro ‘81, Director of Admissions Kim Coffey Scoville ‘95, Dean of Faculty Debbie Skelly, Director of Guidance Anna Sklut, Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Crowl, Director of Communications 713.219.5406 stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org
STAY CONNECTED FACEBOOK facebook.com/st-agnes-academy TWITTER twitter.com/st-agnes-academy INSTAGRAM instagram.com/stagnesacademy/ www.st-agnes.org For change of address or other questions, contact the Office of Communications at 713.219.5406 or news@st-agnes.org.
IN THIS ISSUE FALL 2015
Features
Departments
6
10
CLASS NOTES
8 SELF-LOVE
14
TIGERS’ DEN
12
52 FROM THE ALUMNAE BOARDS
STUDENT FOR A DAY
MISSION TRIPS
16 SR. JANE GOES TO WASHINGTON
56
ALUMNAE UPDATES
17
ANNUAL REPORT
65
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT
54
ALUMNAE AWARDS
66
IN MEMORIAM
55
A LIFE OF FAITH
Why Choose Love? Our Director of Student Activities, Tommy Calais, and a few student council members went to the Advanced Leadership Workshop where they met speaker Houston Kraft. Houston is a national speaker who challenges students to Choose Love. Houston visited St. Agnes on Oct. 5 for a school-wide assembly, followed by a workshop for 300 SAA student leaders. Our student leadership and administration have embraced this theme, and we have chosen to carry it forward throughout our school and community as the theme for the year.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SR. JANE MEYER, O.P. We began our school year, as we always do, with our Mass of the Holy Spirit. It was a beautifully bonding experience as we gathered as a student body and asked the Spirit of God to guide, direct and inspire us. At this opening Mass, we unveiled our theme for the year, “Choose Love.” Choosing love is part of the culture of our school. When our students lead, they lead with love; when they compete, they compete with love; when they preach, they preach with love; when our counselors counsel, they counsel with love, and when our teachers teach, they teach with love. Our teachers set the bar high and love our students over the top, giving them the tools, the technology, and the confidence to discover themselves and realize their dreams. We know teachers are the heart of our school – it is they who breathe life into our Dominican mission. We hire the best, the brightest, and the boldest faculty who are committed to loving our students over that bar. Stephanie Faucette joined our faculty this year, teaching both English 1 and coaching with our Tiger Girls dance team. She chose to join SAA because we are a strong community, saying, “that was evident to me the day I stepped on campus to interview.” Though her first year at SAA, you wouldn’t know it. Teaching 9th graders, she sees her role as both faculty member and welcome committee at St. Agnes. We know those first few weeks in a new school are tough. But Stephanie Faucette, and all of our faculty, know it is part of our role to make our students feel at home.
Faucette says, “I hope that my students—especially my freshmen—recognize those sacred threads that bind all as Academy Women.” That’s one way we choose love and celebrate our student body. While our new faculty members are hitting it out of the park, our seasoned faculty have been choosing love, year after year. Stepping into Anne Doyle’s Peace Class, I can feel 4 | LETTERS
Veritas
the welcoming, accepting atmosphere she creates for our Academy women. Our students not only learn tolerance, acceptance, and meditation, but also how to model those skills for others in the world. Each year, I watch Anne empower our students with love, encouragement, and openness. No one can talk about our Director of Student Activities and Theology Teacher Tommy Calais without talking about the passion he has for his job. With the help of Becky Rushing and Debbie Sieck, Tommy leads our award-winning Student Council to incredible heights each year. His love for his job is palpable, and he beams with pride as our students take the wheel on everything from school-wide assemblies to state-wide conventions.
Walking our hallways and listening to the laughter, the learning, and the love in our classrooms is the best part about leading St. Agnes. Whether it’s Denise Stasio (whom I taught math for four years) staying in her math room until her student has that “ah ha” moment, or Harold Burris, giving his “fun fact” of the day, or Art Buckley who is preparing his award winning “double trios” for the Renaissance Festival, or College Counselor Ashley Bennett heading to cheer
on her students at their basketball game, our faculty members choose love every day.
At St. Agnes, we do set the bar high. But I imagine the 80 pairs of hands of our faculty lovingly helping them over that bar. Through your continued support, we maintain our excellent faculty. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for partnering with us, year after year. You choose love through your faithful support of St. Agnes. Not a student or teacher walks our halls that has not been enriched by your generosity. Blessings and love,
FROM THE PRINCIPAL DEBOR AH WHALEN HELLO! WE ARE ALREADY BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS HERE AT ST. AGNES ACADEMY. IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR, HERE’S A SNAPSHOT: We created a new position on the Principal’s Team – the Dean of Faculty. Kim Coffey Scoville ’95, former Academic Dean, has been appointed to this position and will work closely with the faculty on their training and professional development. She was instrumental in hiring a new cohort of talented teachers this past spring, and we have been impressed by their energy and enthusiasm as they embrace the St. Agnes community. Rebecca Brady ’00, former Associate Academic Dean, has been named the new Academic Dean. Rebecca is excited to work on school issues related to curriculum and instruction. She worked with Kim to build the master schedule over the summer, and she has plunged headfirst into our schoolwide study of homework. Some of you may remember hearing about Rebecca’s “student for a day” project last year (see full article on page 6) which she coordinated in conjunction with a student-led survey on stress and workload. The survey culminated in a student-produced video highlighting the challenges and pressures our students face in today’s fast-paced society. The video was shared with the entire faculty. Rebecca also did extensive research and attended several conferences in order to identify quality programming for our August faculty inservice. We were fortunate to host two very exciting workshops: Kagan Workshop This fast-paced and entertaining workshop focused on presenting alternative ways to engage students in the classroom. Teachers learned about the differences between group work and cooperative learning. They also learned about the brain research behind many of the Kagan strategies for engaged learning. Teachers left with many take-aways for easy classroom application. Challenge Success Workshop Founded at Stanford University, Challenge Success offers research-based conferences and presentations for educators (and tools for parents) to help children regain their
balance, strengthen their sense of self, improve their physical health, and learn how to deal effectively with the inevitable challenges of life. During our inservice, the presenter helped us examine the tension that parents, students, and teachers often experience over issues such as homework, grades, and the culture of competition, and learn tools for creating a healthier school climate. We have taken our homework study very seriously as we continue to implement strategies to help our teachers and students achieve a more balanced workload. Here is a sampling of a few of our most recent initiatives: • We retooled the test calendar so that tests AND quizzes must be given on specified cycle days, according to department. • We revised the school calendar so that every Wednesday is an “A.M. Assembly” schedule to accommodate most school assemblies, late starts, and/ or activity blocks. Activity blocks will allow students extra time to meet with teachers, study, attend club meetings, etc. Our goal is to eliminate overprogramming during the lunch hour.
and Spring Break. We plan to look critically at summer assignments as well. • We are experimenting with a “less is more” approach where teachers are encouraged to focus on the quality (not quantity) of assignments. Finally, as we do every summer, we invite our faculty to do some professional reading. We follow up in the fall with reading groups for those who are interested in discussing the books in greater detail. This past summer we recommended A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra) by Barbara Oakley, Ph.D., and 21st Century Skills: Rethinking How Students Learn edited by James Bellanca and Ron Brandt. Both were easy to read and very thought-provoking. Here’s to another great school year ahead! I look forward to seeing many of you around campus soon.
• We eliminated final exams for theology classes. • We have identified more “no homework” nights throughout the school year, and we have asked teachers not to assign homework over Christmas
Veritas LETTERS |
5
A Student for a Day A Day in the Life of an Academy Woman
REBECCA BRADY ‘00, ACADEMIC DEAN What is it really like to be a student at St. Agnes? During a few weeks at the end of last February and into early March, fifteen brave teachers volunteered to find out through participating in the “Student for a Day” project. The purpose of this project was to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our school through the lens of a St. Agnes student. Connected to our school-wide examination of homework, workload, and the bell schedule, this project also involved fifteen diligent students who volunteered to film and interview teachers to make a mini-documentary. The film premiered at the schoolwide Celebrate St. Agnes Assembly. You can watch the video at www.st-agnes.org/StudentForADay. Senior crew leader Anna McGuffee, who was instrumental in creating the documentary film, said, “I really enjoyed working on this project. It was a lot of hard work, but I had a lot of fun. I got to know the teachers better, and I think they got to know not only me, but also the experience of a St. Agnes student. I would love to do this project again!” Plans are in the works to continue the project with a new group of faculty participants this spring. Seventy two St. Agnes teachers were visited by at least one faculty “student” over the course of the project. Many participants expressed admiration for the variety of teaching strategies and the content knowledge of teachers. Spanish teacher Marcia Clark noted, “Every class was amazing! Teachers are masters of their subjects.” The faculty “students” were also extremely impressed by 6 | FEATURE
Veritas
our students. Director of Campus Ministry Anna Sklut reflected on her experience in attempting to prepare for her honors geometry quiz:
“The girls tried to teach me all of the equations! They are brilliant, others-oriented, and showed a high level of kindness and compassion.” In addition to the video, faculty members participated in a debriefing experience to share the highs and lows of their day, and their observations were collected and shared with the entire faculty and staff. The process to make this project meaningful involved several steps. First, participating faculty members chose a grade level and received a realistic schedule of a student at that level to follow for one day. Given their schedule, the faculty students contacted their teachers so they could find out about pending homework assignments, quizzes, and/or tests. Student crew members had prepared interview questions to ask, including: How are you feeling going into your day as a student? What are your expectations?
student, felt like the experience was intense, and that she was able to better understand the students’ stress. She noted the students are “talented and gifted, and make you want to achieve and participate.” Beloved former English teacher Charles Novo, who took on challenging classes such as pre-calculus and chemistry 2 during his day, said, “…This experience was unique in my thirty-seven years at St. Agnes, broadening my view of the school ethos and education.” Our goal is to keep learning how we can best serve and prepare Academy Women, and to find some balance considering the many demands our students face. Student crew member Lauren Lowe (sophomore) offered a comment that sums up our goal to be a continually improving school: “I hope that we do this again sometime in the future and that we can find more ways to make St. Agnes better.” What class are you most nervous about? How long did your homework take? How did you find the pace of the classes and passing periods? What was the hardest part of the day for you? If you had to do this every single day, how would you cope? What would you change if you could? The student crew members felt that this project sparked thoughts for school improvement and built community. According to senior Kathryn Grant,
Tim Nesser admitted to feeling in over his head in math class, but summed up his experience adroitly: “We are who we say we are. We are producing leaders who can overcome any obstacles.” Participating teachers felt both stimulated and exhausted by their experiences in the classroom and expressed true empathy for our students considering all they have to juggle in their busy lives. College Counselor Ashley Bennett, who received a detention due to a uniform violation during her day as a
*Opposite, student crew with Rebecca Brady ’00 *Upper left, Theology Teacher Anne Doyle *Lower right, Coordinator of The Center for Wellness Sarah Luna
“Because of the project, I truly feel that the teachers have a better understanding of the stress and workload that comes from being a student at St. Agnes.” Senior Tori Hollamon enjoyed the interviewing process and shared, “I got to know teachers who I had never really talked to before. I learned a lot about making film, photography, and creating videos, and made a bunch of new friends.” The comments from participating faculty members ranged from concerns over the fit of the uniform and the weight of the backpack, to insightful comments about teaching, homework, and the attentive, serious approach our students take to their studies at St. Agnes. English teacher
Veritas
FEATURE | 7
THE PR ACTICE OF SELF-LOVE SAR AH LUNA On any given day, any imaginable topic can walk into our offices, and each day, we are prepared to support and love whomever walks in. Let’s face it, the modern teenage experience can be an emotional, impulsive, and sometimes unpredictable ride.
When students walk into our space they find unconditional regard and respect, and a place to just be themselves. After all, our intentions in creating The Center for Wellness at its very core is in the action of love. The interactions we have with students and their parents are based on our love of their humanity and love of community, and it’s the Dominican way. If we can model this as a department while we work alongside students one-on-one, then hopefully, our students will be able to model this love for themselves in mind, body, and spirit.
The nature of this developmental age and the nature of her modern day experience, which means a competitive academic environment, a boundary-less social media climate, coupled with an awkward social arena, requires that much of our approach, whether preventative or responsive in nature, involves communicating and encouraging the practice of self-love. It’s a practice because, as humans, it’s not an automatic or auto-programed response. The practice of self-love, as it appears in many forms, requires reminders and support. This is where The Center for Wellness fits in. As the St. Agnes community examines the theme of “Choose Love” this year, The Center for Wellness is hoping it brings greater awareness of selflove to our student population. In our second year since we opened shop, we have become a hub for our student population to find peace, an opportunity to re-center, meditate, and find support while she confronts academic and/or personal challenge. We are made up of three, enthusiastic professional school counselors trained in facilitating The Daring Way™ curriculum based on the work and research of Dr. Brené Brown. What separates us from other counseling departments in other Houston area schools and perhaps the state, is that we are empowered to help our student population and their families address their wellness needs in regards to the social and emotional support aspects of their lives. 8 | FEATURE
Veritas
When a student walks into my office and explains that she is feeling crummy or stressed about a low test grade, not making the soccer team, or managing a friendship gone south, I often find that her inner dialogue can be selfdeprecating, deeply critical, and even cruel. Getting her to kick this inner mean-to-self-girl out of her head is a challenge. What she tells herself is often what I am up against as her school counselor.
Our greatest hope is that we have established an atmosphere in our center and within each of our offices where love is present. When students walk into our space they find unconditional regard and respect, and a place to just be themselves.
It’s in this vulnerable moment when she has lost faith in her ability or is mentally beating herself up that I ask her to envision her five-year old self seated in an empty chair across from her. I have her describe the little girl, and often through descriptors, a smile surfaces because she sees the child version of herself as curious, beautiful, strong, smart, and creative. The memory of a younger version of herself is always kind and evokes all the warm and fuzzies I like her to see. It’s when I ask what she would say to the “kinder girl” in front of her, who perhaps bombed a test or did not get a part in a play when the light bulb goes off. And I ask, “Why won’t you consider talking to yourself now the way you would the kinder version?” This type of inner dialogue takes practice because
This is boundary setting; It’s listening to herself; It’s intuition. This is self-love. it’s a shift in language and a move toward self-compassion in place of self-loathing or the belief that she is incapable. Dr. Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture in the Educational Psychology Department, at The University of Texas at Austin, defines self-compassion as “being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassionate people recognize that being imperfect, failing, and experiencing life difficulties is inevitable, so they tend to be gentle with themselves when confronted with painful experiences rather than getting angry when life falls short of set ideals.” Learning to love herself can also take place in the form of boundary setting and taking time for self-care. The dialogue within is the most important conversation right now because she’s testing its validity and authenticity. This testing is an integral part of her development, but she also needs this voice to be kind, resilient, and even authoritative. Since self-love doesn’t arrive overnight, it often develops in the form of failures, first heartbreaks, and rejections. However, it is perhaps this voice of authority over her safety and in her ability to set a boundary that we are finding is increasingly becoming more important in modern time. This is also the developmental time where she should be encouraged to take the opportunity to discover her fundamental human need and right to say “No”, to defriend, or to unfollow an Instagram account that posts inappropriate pics of women and not apologize for it. It’s a time to learn to surround herself with people who are uplifting and aligned with her values in place of not feeling driven to remain “close” friends with people who are out of alignment with her values fueled by a fear of “not being cool.” This is the time when she gets to define what her “cool” is and when she can make “cool” look like whatever she wants. This is the time she practices telling a young man that his behavior is “not cool” or to “peace out.” This is the time when she can feel
empowered to decline an invitation to a party or date when there are red flags that come up for her by the invitee. This can also be the time when she is offered a drink and her inner voice says “nope” and confidently say it aloud. Saying “no” is a practiced skill. This is boundary setting; It’s listening to herself; It’s intuition. This is self-love. Self-love is also about setting boundaries for herself in regards to managing a busy schedule of school work, extra-curricular life, family, friends and faith life. All are important, and there are times she may feel deprived of energy or on the verge or middle of a meltdown. This could be a sign that boundary setting is necessary. Sometimes it looks like taking something off her plate, like moving out of an AP class, or electing not to play a club sport, so self-care and re-establishing balance can be a priority. Giving herself permission not to BE and DO everything is a practice of self-compassion. Recognizing she is human is a part of this practice. If she finds that her health is suffering, this is a clear sign that making her health and well-being a top priority is a must. Selfcare is self-love, and it is a vital practice for all of us, as students, parents, alumnae, and professionals because after all, we are all human. The role of the wellness counselor at St. Agnes Academy is to support, help facilitate change, and help our students find solutions within themselves when they encounter an academic or personal challenge that impedes learning. The Academy Woman is learning to trust herself and have faith in her abilities, in her intelligence, and in her creativity. The true beauty is in the process and the practice. And, it’s in this beauty where I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to work in a school environment that provides our students a safe place to examine and address their well-being as it relates to their whole identity.
Veritas
FEATURE | 9
CL ASS NOTES THE CL ASS OF 2015 The Class of 2015 matriculated to 68 different colleges. In addition, one student answered the call to enter a convent. Of 223 graduating Academy women, 98% went on to 4-year colleges/universities, 56% public, 44% private, 53% in state, 45% out of state, and 2% international.
Valedictorian
Carla Vilardo University of Pennsylvania
Salutatorian
Margaret Berno The University of Texas, Austin
Veritas Award
Margaret Berno The recipient of this award is receommended by the faculty. Based on the academic achievement, service, courage and leadership, this award honors a woman who has truly lived her calling to be Christ for others.
St. Agnes Award
Asha Jones Spelman College
*Above, Margaret Berno ’15 and Carla Vilardo ’15
Selected by the faculty, this award celebrates a young woman who has made an unmistakable difference in the lives of others. She truly lives the Dominican values that embody the St. Agnes tradition.
St. Catherine of Siena Award
Alexia Zaldivar Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary This award honors a student selected for her graciousness, hospitality, respectfulness, and service to others. We are pleased to recognize this young woman who leads with integrity and joyful enthusiasm. *Below, (1) Hannah Ulm ’15 and Shelley Savarino Ulm ’84 (2) Tiffany Ma ’14, Jacqueline Ma ’15, Pauline La ’15 and Grace La ’13
1
10 | CLASS NOTES
Veritas
(3) Jenn Bobo ’15, Katie Bobo ’12
2
3
OUR NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS St. Agnes is proud to announce our National Merit awards for the Class of 2016. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of the U.S. high school seniors, includes the highestscoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. This year, St. Agnes announces six National Merit Semifinalists: Catherine Buthod, Amaryllis Fernandes, Katherine Furse, Folusho Jebutu, Julia Rowley, and Jamie Smith. From approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to Finalist level. They will be notified in February. In addition to these Semifinalists, St. Agnes is pleased to announce our National Merit Commended Students. Congratulations to Geraghty Alch, Sara Baltz, Marissa Barnes, Sarah Boatwright, Sara Bobb, Emily Bradshaw, Aubrey Calaway, Julia Casbarian, Sara Colburn, Eleanor Davis, Madeleine Delgrado, Meghan Doyle, Laura Ghorayeb, Camille Guidry, Shannon Lewis, Lauren Loh, In 1965, members of the Athletic Club voted to change the St. Chioma Onuoha, Lucy Schoolfield, Maria Scott, Maggie Sohmer, and Agnes mascot from the Lambs to the Tigers. Originally the Brittany Wheeler. Spartans, St. Agnes had been the Lambs for 10 years before becoming the Tigers. According to a November issue of The Lastly, St. Agnes congratulates our 2015 National Hispanic Scholars: Columns, Lamb Chops, the outgoing mascot, “first came to boost Chloe Campo, Briana Cardenas, McKinzie Chambers, Stephanie Ford, student participation at varsity games.” At the Tiger’s inception, the Sienna Gomez, Creta Ishmael, Kathryn Langemeier, Isabel Lohr, Athletic Club held a contest to name the Tiger. The name Clarence Eryka Mendoza, Camila Peterson, Megan Rodriguez, Julia Rowley, was chosen until the Tiger was later renamed Roary. Analisa Ruiz, Kristina Salazar, and Maria Elena Scott. *Right, Students from the 1965-1966 yearbook
THE TIGER TURNS 50
ENGINEERING GOES INTERNATIONAL Five members of our Spectrum Engineering Team kicked off the school year by traveling to China to meet up with teams from around China and to participate in both US workshops and the 2015 China Robotics Competition. *Below, Jamie Smith ’16 and Sara Baltz ’16
Veritas
CLASS NOTES | 11
Choose Love, Choose Service ANNA SKLUT January 2015 marked the beginning of the Class of 2016’s Servant Leadership Experience. To these then-Juniors, the Servant Leadership Experience looked like a to-do list: a packet of requirements, meeting dates, and step-by-step instructions for the online record-keeping system. The Campus Ministry department laid out particulars of this graduation requirement and offered the Class of 2016 a series of choices: where to serve (one organization), whom to serve, and when to spend 100 hours serving before December. At some point, though, this series of check-boxes for graduation credit turned into much more: a choice to connect with others, an opportunity to love.
responsible for her campers’ safety and well-being, as well as making sure her campers had the best possible summer camp experience. It was hard work, but Emma could find no better word to describe it other than, a “blessing.”
“I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to do these hours because I really had to put my campers before myself every day,” Emma Hansen, ’16 said.
Maybe Servant Leadership begins as a requirement, but somewhere during the 100-hour immersion, our students make a deliberate choice to love through their service. In doing so, they open themselves to be impacted by others. Isn’t that what the St. Agnes mission strives to embody in encouraging young women to “work for social justice and to act with integrity and compassion?”
Emma, who is the St. Agnes Student Body Vice President, chose to serve at Camp Champions, a summer camp sponsored by the Arc of Greater Houston. She was paired each day with a camper with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Emma was 12 | FEATURE
Veritas
“I don’t know if you have ever paddled a two person canoe by yourself in the Texas sun... doing it with a positive attitude and a smile is even more of a challenge, but I did it,” Emma said with a sense of accomplishment. “I felt like I was truly ‘choosing love’,” Emma said, as she described the privilege of accompanying her campers through their “Camp Champs” experience.
In his book, Tattoos on the Heart, Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, says, “Compassion isn’t just about feeling the pain of others; it’s about
*Opposite, Emma Hansen ’16 *Below, Evangeline Carson ’16
bringing them in toward yourself ” (75). He continues later, “Serving others is good. It’s a start. But it’s just the hallway that leads to the Grand Ballroom. Kinship—not serving the other, but being one with the other” is the goal (188). Fr. Boyle’s definitions of compassion and kinship offer a foundation for the Servant Leadership program because they articulate well the goal of Christian life: a life of choosing to love like Christ. Jesus was inclusive: befriending those on the margins, inviting all people to find a place at the table, not out of pity, but out of love. Jesus felt the pain of others, not from a distance, but from a place of friendship, seeking to understand all people He encountered. Servant Leadership invites rising-Seniors to do similarly: to befriend a vulnerable person or community, spending time with others, so to understand and embrace people beyond our immediate circles. “Sometimes we forget about the world around us because we are so bogged down and focused on the task in front of us,” Evangeline Carson, ’16, this year’s Student Body President, reflected. She added, “Especially going into senior year before we are set free into the real world, it’s good to take a step back and help others and change lives. Funny thing is, when we go for a service project you would think that you were changing the community’s lives, but they actually ended up changing my life.”
“The people taught me that love is not something you just say but something you mean and do,” Evangeline said. Evangeline participated in the St. Agnes-sponsored trip to serve sugar cane workers in the Dominican Republic. Working alongside community members in Batey Monte Coca, the group installed seven cement floors, finished two brick latrines, and dug the foundation for a new house. Since they were working with community members, all of this physical labor was punctuated by giggles and games of tag, pick-up games of basketball, and newfound relationships with people whose lives, at first, appeared so different from the average Academy Woman’s life. Evangeline called the people of Monte Coca her “new extended family.” And she added, they “taught me so much. Just because they live in a different country and economic stance than I do does not mean I am any better or the other way around.” The Dominican Sisters of Houston have a history of choosing love through service. The St. Agnes Academy class of 2016 continues this history boldly, exemplifying what it means to “work for social justice, and to act with integrity and compassion,” truly embodying what it means to choose love.
Veritas
FEATURE | 13
TIGERS’ DEN ST. AGNES ACADEMY IS THE #1 GIRLS ATHLETICS PROGRAM IN THE STATE
winter spring
St. Agnes competes in all nine of the female sports sanctioned by TAPPS. Each sport is designated a point value based on playoff finish. State Champion is awarded 10 points, eight points for State RunnerUp, six to seven points for State Semi-Finalist, four to five points for Regional Finalist, and two points for Bi-District Finalist. Our total point value of 54 was higher than all boys and girls teams and edged out our all-girl school rival, Dallas Ursuline Academy, by two points! “Winning a prestigious award like this has been a goal for our coaching staff,” said Director of Athletics Amy Mattes. “It is a true testament of how hard our coaches and our student athletes work. I’m so proud of the commitment and dedication each of them show their respective sports,” she said.
Point Breakdown: 8 Cross Country 7 Volleyball 8 Swimming 5 Soccer 2 Basketball 2 Golf 10 Tennis 8 Track & Field 4 Softball
fall
Twenty-five banners were recently hung on the rafters in Gallagher Gymnasium. Twenty-four of them commemorate each state championship title since the year 2000, but the twenty-fifth banner hanging in the middle of the gym is an honor for all sports. St. Agnes Academy was the recipient of the 2014-2015 Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Overall Champion for 5A Female Sports.
1.
“Winning this top honor was a total team effort! Every single sport contributed to the Overall Champion win just as each player contributes to the success of her team,” Mattes added.
2.
OUR ATHLETICS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW St. Agnes is blessed to have talented and intelligent students participate in athletics. “Our athletes and coaches continue to raise the bar for success every year, and I attribute a great deal of that to participation. When you see high participation, you are doing something right. Success breeds success and people want to be a part of that,” said Associate Athletic Director Alice Melendez. The number of participants has grown from 450 in 2011-2012 to 590 in 2014-2015. Last spring, extra teams were added in golf and tennis because of the increased student interest. A second freshman volleyball team was also added this fall to accommodate the many talented players who were trying out. Fortunately, we have been able to add more coaches into those sports as well.” Among the 32 different teams, St. Agnes employs 35 coaches for 46 different coaching positions. Of those 46 positions, 22 122full-time St. Agnes faculty and staff members, and 9 are head coaches. St. Agnes is also blessed to have alumnae, Rebecca Brady ’00, Jamie Colley ’07, Rebecca Wechter ’07, Brittanie Polasek ’09, and Chelsea Bass ’10, coaching the next generation of Tigers. Additionally, our coaching staff boasts 22 college athletes, four professional athletes, and 11 holding master’s degrees or higher with seven more in progress. “We have a rock star coaching staff. That’s for sure,” Mattes said. 14 | TIGERS’ DEN
Veritas
3. 1. Coach Kaitlin Kelley and Coach Kristi Robbins. 2. New banners 3. Marichael Clarin-Jante ’18, varsity volleyball
Field Hockey and Lacrosse Programs Continue to Gain Popularity and Success Although gaining in popularity, field hockey is still a relatively unfamiliar sport in Texas and has no governing body or sanctioned state championship. Field Hockey became the 12th sport at St. Agnes Academy in the fall of 2011. Now fielding three teams, St. Agnes is one of only two TAPPS schools playing the sport in the state. In addition to the nine participating high schools in Houston, there are seven local middle school programs who are contributing to the growth of field hockey in our community. Director of Athletics Amy Mattes said, “We were able to hold our first ever middle school “play day” in September at our East Campus Athletics Complex. Not only did this play day provide middle school teams an extra opportunity to play one another, but it also brought future St. Agnes players to our fields. A middle school team even traveled down from Austin for the opportunity to play new competition.”
In the previous four years of our St. Agnes program’s existence, the schedule just ended with no post-season play. This year, however, the Tigers will be able to compete in the first ever Houston Field Hockey City Championships. The Tigers enter the tournament as the number one seed. “It’s a big deal for us. We’ve never had
Our teams compete against public and private schools alike and often match up against perennial powerhouses like St. Johns and Kinkaid. First year head coach Tiffany Deinzer said, “Several of our varsity players entered St. Agnes never having played field hockey. Now they are leaders on the field and some are even our top scorers. Our program has had a hand in growing the sport here in Houston. Many of our players now compete outside of school on a local club team that travels to national recruiting tournaments.” Deinzer, a PE/Health teacher at St. Agnes and a former collegiate standout at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County added, “I love that our program is accessible to inexperienced players. Girls can come in to high school wanting to try something new and are rewarded for their courage and hard work. I love seeing where we started this season and how much progress we have made. Our girls are continuing to improve. That is a great feeling knowing that the girls are learning and really taking in what we are teaching them.”
said, “Our program is growing dramatically.” Beginning with sixty players and three teams in 2010, there are eighty students currently registered to tryout this spring. To better prepare her team for post-season play, Jorlando took her team to Pennsylvania last spring and will travel to California this year to gain more experience against competitive teams. “Because the sport is still growing here in Texas, it’s appealing on a competitive level to seek out tournaments in other states where lacrosse is already a well-established sport. These trips are great opportunities for our players to bond with one another and to also gain exposure outside of Texas.” Another plus for the program was adding a fall program where participants have the opportunity to play in three pre-season tournaments. Varsity Assistant Coach Collin Palomares said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our team and individual players to begin competing earlier and gain some great game experience moving into the regular season.” Looking forward to this spring, Jorlando is preparing to fill the holes left by ten graduating seniors, four of whom were All-State players. “It’s always hard to lose great senior leadership. Hopefully this next group will add to their legacy,” she said. Jorlando is confident that her 2016 team will be prepared to defend their City Championship title and return to the state tournament for the third year in a row.
anything to play for. This gives us a little extra motivation and a true end to our season,” Deinzer said. The Lacrosse program will enter its sixth season of play as a St. Agnes sport this spring. They have been very successful in their short existence, compiling three city championships, a state semifinal appearance, two state runner-up finishes, and one state championship. The Tigers are led by Ashley Jorlando, a former MVP player at John Carroll University. Now in her fifth year, Jorlando who is also an English teacher at St. Agnes,
As the popularity of high school field hockey and lacrosse grows in Texas, so do the opportunities to continue playing at the college level. Monica Bueso ’14, currently plays for field hockey for Sewanee: The University of the South. Senior forward Meghan Mogas will sign her National Letter of Intent to play for Boston College next fall, and we anticipate a another commitment announcement soon. A 2011 Division I State Champion, Audrey Le ’11, went on to play lacrosse at Wesleyan University and Lauren Boots ’15, is now playing for Rhodes College.
Veritas
TIGERS’ DEN | 15
Sr. Jane Heads to Washington
HEAD OF SCHOOL SR. JANE MEYER, O.P. ATTENDED THE PAPAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS ON SEPT. 24 AS THE GUEST OF CONGRESSMAN PETE OLSON.
Congressman Olson and wife Nancy’s daughter, Kate, graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 2015. Sr. Jane sat in the gallery of the House Chamber and was able to go to the Capitol steps with Congress to wave as the Pope exited. Sr. Jane is a long-time fan of Pope Francis, and visiting D.C. for his address was a dream come true. To her, his message is humble and relevant, especially for many of our students. St. Agnes represents a diverse student body, with the graduating Class of 2015 representing 11 different countries. The Pope’s message resonated with our students. All students at St. Agnes paused to watch the Papal address on Thursday morning. They were greeted with a pre-recorded video of Sr. Jane, beaming from ear to ear. As guests in the chamber settled into their seats, all St. Agnes students were keeping a watchful eye. Sophomore Melisa Campos said, “We were all looking for her in the crowd!”
For me, it was truly a spiritual experience. There was so much excitement everywhere I turned. Just being in the presence of this holy and humble man was such a blessing. As he talked, I felt like I was in the presence of holiness and goodness. He is such a loving man, and he calls us to be loving. Pope Francis has a charisma about him that is magnetic. He draws people to himself by his goodness, holiness, simplicity and sincerity. I loved the fact that he called us all to renewal and cooperation. I felt that he called us to stand counter culture and called us to be better people— that whole idea of what have you done for others. He made me see and feel the joy at the heart of the Gospel. Pope Francis made me feel so proud to be Catholic, so proud to be Church. - SR. JANE MEYER, O.P.
16 | FEATURE
Veritas
LETTER FROM THE ALUMNAE BOARD PRESIDENT ELAINE LEMP ’00 It’s an exciting time to be a St. Agnes alumna! There are many ways to reconnect with the school and other alumnae year round. Whether it’s attending reunion, an alumnae networking event, an athletic game, school play, or simply following the alumnae Facebook page – continue to show your St. Agnes pride! As college football season is underway and alumni school spirit renews across college campuses, we too should continue to have that same sense of vigor for St. Agnes – not just the students, parents, and faculty – but also alumnae. I’ve enjoyed serving on the St. Agnes Alumnae Board and being able to reconnect and meet fellow alumnae from various classes. I’d like to challenge all alumnae to be St. Agnes proud and share your Dominican spirit by reaching out to a fellow alumna and show your love and enthusiasm for St. Agnes throughout the upcoming school year! St. Agnes proud!
The St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Board is committed to advancing relationships among alumnae and involving them in the mission and community of the school through participation in the traditions, strengths, growth and future of St. Agnes Academy. Left, 2015-2016 ALUMNAE BOARD Back Row: Nathalie Sessions Fye ’88, Garland Debner Pohl ‘56 Row 3: Kristen Hanshaw ‘07 (Vice-Chair), Amy McKenna Greely ‘80, Yvette Arguello Wiatrek ’80 Row 2: Kellye Adamo Wright ’03, Brittany Taggart ‘05, Phyllis Ancona Ottis ‘49, Natalie Kurz ’99 Front Row: Elaine Lemp ‘00 (Chair), Nicole Sitz Hix ’92, Amanda Sitomer Smith ‘03 Not pictured: Sue Ann Baranski Allen ‘62
LETTER FROM THE SAYPO BOARD PRESIDENT DR. JULIANNA PIAZZA, D.C. ’04 I am humbled and very excited to serve this year as the St. Agnes Young Professional Organization’s (SAYPO) president. I have been involved with the SAYPO board for two years and cannot believe how much we, as a group, have evolved and accomplished thus far! The events we sponsor annually keep attracting more and more young alums, and we even added a SAYPO award this year, which will be given out to Andrea Ivey Phillips ’04, who is pursuing excellence in her career and is an outstanding representative of St. Agnes through her professionalism, ingenuity, creativity and success. The caring nature and camaraderie amongst St. Agnes alumnae is a testament to the amazing alma mater we all attended. On a personal note, as a young business owner myself, I have felt abundant support and love from SAYPO and have made several very close friends simply by getting involved. With all of the negativity and chaos going on in the world around us, we need to bond together and stand united, working towards the values of faith, truth, leadership, respect, integrity, and compassion that St. Agnes instills in the hearts of all who walk its hallways. I can honestly say that the women of SAYPO embody all of these qualities, and I am honored to be a part of such an amazing group! I encourage all graduates of St. Agnes who have been out of school between four and 22 years to attend one of our events and reconnect with St. Agnes. I promise, you will be glad you did! 52 | LETTERS
Veritas
The St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization (SAYPO) is a networking group open to any St. Agnes alumnae 4 - 22 years from graduation. SAYPO strives to cultivate personal and professional growth and to create opportunities for alumnae to become successful leaders. Right, 2015-2016 SAYPO BOARD Back Row: Amy Brown ‘10, Jessica Sanders ’05, Bianca Ferrer ’04 Row 3: Erica Sepulveda Cole ’04, Cathleen Gready Fishel ’04, Laura Gant Glueck ’05 Row 2: Jenn Smith ’08 (Vice-President), Jessi Grealish ’09, Karolena Serratos ’07 Front Row: Lorin Leatherwood Crater ‘05, Allison Squire ‘05, Celina Guerrera ’04, Julianne Piazza ‘04 (President) Not Pictured: Emma Langley ’09, Melanie Bujnoch Baldridge ’05
2015 REUNION HAS RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE! Over 400 alumnae, alumnae parents and guests attended the 2015 all-school reunion on campus! An amazing s’mores bar was catered by Samantha Wright ’10 with Sweet & Mellow Marshmallows, and Frankie Mandola’s Catering provided hors d’oevres. Triple Trio entertained guest who enjoyed drinks, food, a photobooth, school tours, and reconnecting with friends.
2 1 1. Erica Smith ’10, SAYPO Board member Amy Brown ’10 and alumnae mom Mikki Burns. 2. The Class of 2005 celebrated having the most classmates attending (38) for their 10 year reunion! 3. Top row: Thamer Sacco Millsap ’55, Joan Irwin Doyle ’55, Mary Meyer Boyles ’55, Dayna Strother Sawyer ’55, Bottom Row: Lucy Foote McKinstry ’55, Joan Day Martin ’55, Camille Tamborello Hill ’55, Claire Underwood Navarre ’55, Mary Moore Heemer ’55
3
Veritas
LETTERS | 53
Veritas Award
Diane Knebel Watler ’72 MARY LARGE ALBRECHT ’72 “I am writing to you about Diane Knebel Watler, the soon-to-be 2015 SAA Alumnae Veritas Award recipient!” That’s how I started my paragraph nominating Diane Watler for the Veritas Award. In July, we all received an email from St. Agnes requesting nominations. The award would be presented to an alumna who exhibits outstanding dedication to, support for, and love of St. Agnes. Several of us girlfriends immediately recognized our good friend Diane in that description. If ever there was a St. Agnes graduate deserving of this award, it is Diane. When St. Agnes asked me to say a few words about Diane, I thought the best way to do that would be to share the thoughts of the girlfriends who helped to nominate her. We all agreed on how involved she was at St. Agnes, not only while we were in school from 1968 to 1972, but also all the years since then. She was very involved with St. Agnes Student Council during that time, including being our Student Body president for two years. Since graduating from SAA Diane has been a dedicated and constant supporter; she is a salesperson for St. Agnes in all that she
does. She keeps all of her classmates “plugged in” to all things that affect the school. She has been an active volunteer at St. Agnes galas and auctions and phone fundraisers. She also served on the alumnae board. Diane was even on the board when this award was first being implemented in 2004. How fitting that an award designed to recognize service to an alum of SAA would eventually be awarded to one of those who implemented this award to recognize the contributions of others. In addition to her dedication to SAA, Diane was president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Phi, while attending the University of Texas. She also chaired the auction at The Edna Gladney Center for Adoption, an organization very special to Diane. Also, she chaired school auctions at St.Vincent de Paul Catholic School. As you can tell, Diane likes to be involved. There is no job too big or too small for her.
do attitude is inspiring. All of Diane’s classmates recognize that even more important than all of Diane’s involvement, however, is the strength of her faith. Her remarkable perseverance, optimism and sense of duty keep her strong in spite of the hardships and adversity that life presents. She greets each of us with smiles and hugs, always reminding us how very blessed we all are. She is such a positive person and her strong spirituality is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. She is always looking at life with her glass half full and her eyes wide open. Diane, you are the best of what IS St. Agnes. Congratulations and love from all of us. ABOUT THE VERITAS AWARD The St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Veritas Award is presented to an alumna who exhibits outstanding dedication to, support for and love of St. Agnes. It is based on her dedication to St. Agnes, the St. Agnes community, and the community as a whole; as well as her compassion for humanity and her achievements academically, professionally, spiritually, and in leadership roles.
Diane’s can-do and will-
SAYPO AWARD Andrea Ivey Phillips ’04 CATHLEEN GREADY FISHEL ’04 What Andrea has done in two years, most people can’t in 10. She is an inspiration to me and many who love fashion. Her journey began in the halls of St. Agnes Academy. I remember Andrea’s good work ethic, even taking lunches to study in the library. After graduating from Vanderbilt, she landed a prestigious investment banking job. Aspiring to do more and wanting to exercise her creativity, she decided to pursue her MBA at Rice University which prepared her with the skills to start her own business. In April 2013, Andrea and her husband, Oliver, moved to Dubai. Andrea became frustrated with the limited availability of the clothing selection. This situation inspired her to start her own clothing line. Gathering only the best European fabric and creating beautiful silhouettes, AG Phillips was born. Due to a job transfer for Oliver, the two moved to London in January of 2014. Fast forward a year and half, Andrea’s line is in Tootsies, Neiman Marcus across the country, and various high-end boutiques in several states. 54 | VERITAS AWARD
Veritas
Andrea is deserving of this award because her perseverance, creativity and success. She is a true Academy woman and this is just the beginning of her career. Move over Elaine Turner, Kendra Scott, and, dare I say, Chanel. ABOUT THE SAYPO AWARD 2015 is the first year for the SAYPO (St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization) Award! It is presented to an alumna who is pursuing excellence in her career and is an outstanding representative of St. Agnes through her professionalism, ingenuity, creativity and success. Above, Andrea Ivey Phillips ’04, Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., and Diane Knebel Watler ’72
A Life of Faith AN ACADEMY WOMAN CELEBRATES A MILESTONE Stephanie A.S. Loveless ’86
the remaining three that would mature her into young womanhood and take her to graduation. Sister Siena escorted Phyllis to and from the train that would shuttle her the several hours between school and home. Phyllis shares a story of meeting a young man on board one trip back to school. He was enamored by this beauty and wanted to continue their conversation once they arrived in Houston. She assured him there was NO chance and warned him of the two nuns that would be waiting for her at the station. She laughs as she vividly recalls the look on his face when they arrived and she was whisked away by her waiting escorts. There were many nuns that influenced her but none more than Sister Siena. Phyllis remained close to her and would faithfully make the trip back to Houston when needed to tend to the nuns that cared for her. Phyllis remembers having to return to St. Agnes on Sundays in time for mandatory manners, a time to learn and perfect proper etiquette.
In July, surrounded by family and friends, Phyllis Marble Thomas (’34) celebrated an occasion few do…her 100th birthday. All that know her will agree she is amazing, full of life with an entertaining sense of humor, optimistic outlook and an indelible spirit that has persevered. You aren’t with Phyllis long before you learn about her greatest strength, her unfailing, unwavering faith that has been repeatedly tested and solidified by the great joys and deep sorrows that come with a century of living. The roots of her unshakable faith can be traced back to the seeds planted during the most formative time of her life. In 1930, she was sent from Port Arthur, Texas to St. Agnes Academy, a boarding school on Fannin Street not far from the now world famous Houston Medical Center. While her parents weren’t religious they did recognize the value of a Christian education and wanted their daughter to navigate the teen years under the watchful eyes of the Dominican Sisters. Phyllis was too young to recognize at the time what exactly her parents were investing in. She was frightened, lonely, and sad to be so far from home. Sister Siena, named for Saint Catherine of Siena, immediately took to the young girl and lovingly shepherded her through that emotionally difficult first year away from home as well as
She reminisces about friends she had like a girl attending St. Agnes on scholarship from a Houston Catholic orphanage. Having a rather privileged upbringing, Phyllis wasn’t familiar with the ins and outs of cleaning, but she learned how to wash windows and polish silver so she could help her friend out. For you see, her friend couldn’t go home with Phyllis for the weekend until her chores were complete. As the years progressed, Phyllis settled into the routine of boarding school life and excelled in all that St. Agnes had to offer. Not only did she do well academically, she took piano, dance, and competed in sports. The 82 years since
her graduation have not diminished the clarity or affection with which she recalls her time at St. Agnes and the life changing experience it was. Amazingly enough she still has her senior scrapbook full of memories from her school days. Following graduation Phyllis went on to Denton Women’s College and in 1936 married, becoming a full time homemaker. Her first son John Philip was born in 1938 with a second, Paul Eugene following in 1939. She has eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, all raised in the Catholic tradition and impacted by this remarkable woman. Her granddaughter Stephanie Schlimper Loveless (’86) graduated from St. Agnes well equipped for a life of purpose, 52 years years after her own graduation. Phyllis was reassured that although the times had changed the emphasis on faith had not. People are amazed by Phyllis’ strength and ability to overcome and persevere but she matter of factly tells them that she doesn’t have to like what God’s plan is, she just has to accept it because God is God and His sovereignty shouldn’t be questioned. She knows that He does not want to harm her but prosper her no matter how difficult the times. She is a living testament to the power of Christ in a life. She, at 100, continues with morning devotion and time with her Lord in prayer each day. In 1915, the year Congress refused to give women the right to vote, a life began that would span more than a century. Phyllis is a living history lesson and with her phenomenal memory she can share stories of the Depression, World War II, the birth and evolution of radio and television, space exploration, the invention of computers and smartphones, which I might add, she despises. She readily shares memories of her abundant life. You are never bored in her presence and are most often laughing at her unique perspective. She is known for her generosity, her letter writing and love of dogs, but most of all for her faith. She has exemplified fully what Sister Siena told her at graduation, “You are now in the fidelity of the Blessed Mother and your life should reflect all that she is by being a good example for others.” Phyllis has truly succeeded in that endeavor and to this day wears a medal of the Blessed Mother around her neck to remind her of just that; the timeless responsibility she has to reflect God’s goodness and grace.
Veritas
FEATURE | 55
ALUMNAE UPDATES Betty Dudley Weaver ‘42 had her first visit to New England for her 91st birthday. She had not seen lilacs since she was a little girl in Kansas. (1) The Class of 1969 enjoyed a Galveston beach day in June, thanks to Rosalind Cash Pipes ’69 and Johnelle Collura ’69 for their hospitality! Save the date, the class will meet again for a “Half-marathon Class of ’69 Lunch Get-together” on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
1
Deborah Ann Christ Broussard ’75 graduated from the Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, with a PharmD graduate degree in pharmacy on May, 2013. She is now a staff pharmacist at Broadway Pharmacy in San Antonio, Texas. Deborah has several grandchildren who live near them in San Antonio, and her youngest daughter recently graduated from the University of Houston. Deborah and husband, Bret Ernest Broussard (SJ ’76) are learning all over how to manage this most enjoyable time in their lives.
Conception Diaz-Arrastia Green, MD ’78, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine, welcomed Emily Rutledge, MD ’06 and Kathleen Mundy, MD ’07 (2) in July, as first year residents in Ob/Gyn at Baylor College of Medicine. Morgan Kangieser, RN ‘07 joined the staff as a registered nurse. (3) Yvette Arguello Wiatrek ’80’s son Gregory (SJ ’15) has joined her daughter, Katherine Wiatrek ’13 at Texas A & M University. Katherine is a junior chemical engineering major and Greg is a freshman in the Mays School of Business. For the past 10 years, Yvette has worked at St. John Paul II Catholic School with fellow SAA grads: Mary Beth Condara ‘78, Jessi Burton Cook ’94, Allyson Bevans Sutton ’85, Jean Prudhomme Mondelli ’72, and Pattie Westman Kafoglis ‘74 plus countless SAA alum parents. Yvette is also honored and thrilled to be on the SAA Alumnae Board!
Center - a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate, progress and preserve Italian culture across Houston areas through cultural, educational, social programs, and scholarships for graduating high school students. Varner, a partner with Hughes Watters Askanase L.L.P., is one of 18 Italian and ItalianAmerican legal professionals recognized for exemplary character, leadership, community service and, most of all, Italian spirit.
Sarah Childs de la Fuente ’88 received her Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in May and was awarded the J.P. Newell Fellowship. She passed her final ordination exams in July and is in the process of launching a worshiping community for young adults. Rita Peters Graves ’88 has been named Principal of Pin Oak Middle School. Rita previously served as the principal of Roberts Elementary School. She also taught reading and first grade at Poe Elementary and served as a Dean of
Amy McKenna Greely ‘80 is a media buyer at Briggs & Caldwell and both of her daughters attend St. Agnes; Madeline ’16 and Eloise ’18. Amy is starting her first year, of a three year term, on the 2015-2016 Alumnae Board.
2 56 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
Veritas
Dominique Marshall Varner ’87 received the 2015 Italian Flame Award from the Italian Cultural & Community
3
Magnet Students at Pin Oak. Graves has 17 years of experience in education. She received a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in education, administration, and supervision from the University of Houston. Nicole Sitz Hix ’92 is enjoying a return to teaching history while she substitutes for her former teachers and fellow alumnae at St. Agnes. She also spends her time volunteering at her children’s school, is a member of the pastoral council at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and serves on the 2015-2016 SAA Alumnae Board. Sam Zetina Schmella ’95 and husband, Stew, love to put their twins, Laney and Neil, in their St. Agnes onesies! (4)
6 Becky Barbour Letherwood ’03 - Bride, Jenny Phalen Hitch ‘03 - 2nd from left, Haley McGilvray Alsbury ‘03 - 3rd from left (Matron of Honor) Lorin Leatherwood Crater ‘05 - 2nd from right Nicole Malmberg ‘03 - far right
Erica Tarbell Beyer ’97 and husband, Adam Beyer, welcomed Alexis Giovanna Beyer on November 17, 2014. Erin Agee Riley ’98 and husband, Paul, welcomed daughter Josephine Judith. Josephine joins big brother Declan. The family resides in Seattle. Vita Montalbano Dougherty ’99 and husband, Andrew (SJ ’96), welcomed their third child, Oliver George, on July 1. (5) Anne Aydinian Perry ’99 began teaching at the Emery/Weiner School’s Upper school this year.
4
Becky Barbour Leatherwood ’03 married Matt Leatherwood (STH ’03) at St. John Vianney Catholic on June 21, 2014. The reception was at Agave Road in Katy. Members of the wedding party included Haley McGilvray Alsbury ‘03 (Matron of Honor), Lorin Leatherwood Crater ‘05, Jenny Phalen Hitch ‘03 and Nicole Malmberg ’03 (6) Jaci Moynihanand Mersereau ’03 and husband, Rhys, welcomed their third child, Ethan John, on June 10. They recently moved to Calgary, Alberta and Jaci works in the environmental and regulatory field.
5
Bianca Ferrer ’04 is creative director & producer for corporate event management firm, Coterie Spark. A meeting management/event production specialist, Bianca has been working in the
events industry for nearly ten years. She is an assistant captain for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Wine Sales & Events committee and member of the board of the Houston chapter of Ellevate, a women’s networking organization. She has joined the 2015-2016 SAYPO Board, as it coincides with her sister, Olivia Ferrer’s senior year at SAA. Sarah Exley Goetz ’04 married James Thomas Goetz at St. Maximilian Catholic Church in Houston on May 8, 2015. Sarah received her Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering from The University of Southern Mississippi and currently lives in Kingsport, TN where she works for Eastman Chemical Company as an advanced research scientist. Celina Guerrero ‘04 and her husband, Stuart Brown, recently moved to Houston where Celina has accepted a position as the Director of Marketing and Special Events for The Creek Group, which owns and operates restaurants such as Cedar Creek, Lowbrow, and more. Celina also joined the 2015-2016 SAYPO Board! Leanna Dolson DiCosimo, MD ’05 graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in May, 2014 and married Patrick V. DiCosimo (SJ ‘05) in June, 2014. Both are in the emergency medicine residency program at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Veritas
ALUMNAE UPDATES | 57
7 Sofia Garibaldi Dominguez ’05 and husband, Gonzalo Dominguez, welcomed daughter Isadora on March 28. Mackenzie Burns Peyton ’05 married Andrew Payton in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on July 18. In attendance were Madeline Burns '09, Theresa Hessel ’09, Kathryn Schroeder ’09, Melinda Montalbano Yaklin ’05, Katie Dilger Bibler ’05, Rachel Schillaci ’04, Melissa Montalbano Hawthorne ’00, Brittany Taggart ’05, and Erica Smith ’10. (7) Aimee Langlinais Prudomme ’05 married Matthew Prudhomme (STH ’05) on August 22 at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, TX. Aimee’s sister Jennifer Langlinais ’08 served as maid of honor, Laura Duca ’05, Elaine Savoy ’05, Isabella Skrypczak Kornbleet ’05, and Hana Kabazi ‘05 served as bridesmaids. Carly Hiller Sacra ’05 married Richard Sacra (SJ ’05) on May 9 at Holy Rosary Church in Houston. A reception followed at the McGovern Centennial Gardens. Members of the wedding party included Stephanie Sindelar McKnight ’05 (Matron of Honor), Ami Herrera Brockman ’05, Leslie Tripodo Smith ’05, and Melissa Letsos Steele ’05. The couple resides in Houston. (8) Katrina Boratko ’06 presented at the United Nations on the Mama Hope’s “Stop the Pity” movement. Mama Hope is a nonprofit that trains impact entrepreneurs from around the world 58 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
Veritas
and partners them with visionary leaders in developing countries to lift their communities out of poverty. “Stop the Pity” is a philosophy that changes the way help is offered that respects the abilities and intelligences of the people in the communities. Katrina started as one of their advocates working with Sr. Anastasia on a rescue house in Kenya. Now she is one of a very, very small group of full timers. http://www.mamahope.org/ (9) Beatriz Chahin ’06 graduation from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and has been working in the film & television industry. She’s currently working on a successful comedy on network TV, and she and her producing partners were recently
8 awarded a grant by The Puffin Foundation for their short film that is in pre-production -- “Killed in Action,” http://www.killedinactionfilm.com/ Lesley Gilhooly Rice ’06 married Robert Rice on August 15 at Bethany Christian Church in Houston. A reception followed at The River Oaks Garden Club. Sarah Gruber ‘06 served as Maid of Honor. Lesley and Robert live in Houston, and both work in the real estate industry.
9
Anne Gilmore Chapman ’07 and husband, Ryan welcomed a baby girl, Grace.
Prina Naran Spillane ’09 married Jeffrey Spillane, Jr. in July, 2014 at Chateau Cocomar in Spring, TX. A Christian ceremony was held on July 3 and a traditional Hindu Ceremony on July 4, followed by a reception at the Sugar Land Marriot. Guests attended from all over the world including Canada, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Kathryn Nowak ’09 and Rebecca Cosakis ’09 were maids of honor and Laura Colley ’09 was a bridesmaid. Jeffrey currently works for PWC as an assurance associate, and Prina work for ALS Group USA as an HR business partner in Houston, TX. (11)
Dr. Elisa Dolson ’07 graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School in Houston in May, 2015. In June, Elisa moved to Nashville to begin her anesthesiology residency program at Vanderbilt University. Ashley Garcia-Rameau ’07 performed at the Dallas DanceFest, performing a piece called Inevitable Displacement - a three-minute solo excerpt from a larger work choreographed by fellow SAA alumna Gina Lewis ’09. Ashley’s dance training includes the Houston Academy of Dance, Exclamation Dance Company, The Alvin Ailey School, Complexions Contemporary Dance Company and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater. She joined the Austin Classical Ballet Company and BHumn Dance Company while attending the University of Texas where she earned a bachelors of science degree in chemical engineering and a dance minor with a focus on advanced ballet. Ashley currently works at Dow Chemical in Austin as a chemical engineer.
10
Rachel Ashley White ’09 was crowned Miss Texas World 2015 in May and competed at Miss America World 2015 this past summer. Last year she was crowned Miss Texas United States 2014 and went on to compete nationally where she placed in the top 15. Marian Chen ’10 is engaged to Dillon McCarty. A May, 2016 wedding is being planned in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Allison Reyes Hinojosa ’10 married Spencer Hinojosa on March 28. Julia Le-Nguyen ’10 was maid of honor, and Fatima Morales ’10 was a bridesmaid. Allison and Spencer live in Waco, TX, where Spencer is the general manager of his family’s restaurant. He and his family opened their second restaurant in May 2015 and Allison enjoys assisting at both locations. Allison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising from Baylor University in August 2014 and works as a delivery specialist for General Motors. (12)
11
Jillian Olivie Parrott ’07 and husband, Preston, welcomed Bowen James Parrott. Erin Fleming ’08 was accepted to the three year Yale program leading to a Master of Fine Design in lighting design. Yale’s program prepares its graduates for the design of lighting for theatre, opera and presentations all over the world and is considered the leading program in this area. Suzanna Morin Lind ’08 married Chris Lind (STH) on January 3, 2015. (10)
Catherine Hernandez Walker ’10 married high school sweetheart Roger Walker (SJ ’10) on June 20. (13)
Jessi Grealish ’09 is working in national commercial Real Estate and based in Houston. She is volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with the Breeder Greeter committee and has joined the 20152016 SAYPO Board!
12
Belle Brennan ’13 and Kate Loncarich ’13 welcome Liza Mason ’14 into Kappa Kappa Gamma at Auburn University. (14)
Veritas
ALUMNAE UPDATES | 59
Kyla Sloan ’13 was accepted into the National Sales and Marketing Fellow Program. She was one of 100 applicants selected and will participate in a three day skills development program in Atlanta, GA. Lauren Tucci ’13 is studying abroad in Sao Paulo, Brazil to learn Portuguese! She is keeping a blog about it: https:// brightlightsandthebraziliancity. wordpress.com/
13
Contact Director of Alumnae Relations, Lori Sebastian Pinter ‘88 with your alumnae updates at 713.219.5493 or alumnae@st-agnes.org.
14
OUR MOST RECENT GRADUATES! Sterling Ayala ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in business honors and management, with a minor in economics. Isabel Beard ‘09 graduated from the University of Portsmouth (in the UK) with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design. Isabel is currently working and residing in London. Emmy Davis ‘09 graduated from TCU in 2013 with a degree in graphic design. Veronica Diaz-Arrastia ‘09 graduated from Tulane University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in history. She received her Master of Arts in history, also from Tulane, in 2014, and is currently a law student at Southern Methodist University. Caroline Dunn ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. Caroline is currently working as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth. 60 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
Veritas
Hannah Dyer-Holzhauer ‘09 graduated from Austin College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in French, with a minor in German. Sarah Gilligan ‘09 graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting, and is currently at SMU working on a Master of Science in accounting. Angie Gonzalez ‘09 graduated from Belmont University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in audio engineering technology. Angie is living in Nashville. Catarina Guevara ‘09 graduated from Trinity University, San Antonio in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in East Asian studies and communication.
Alex Weber Harris ‘09 graduated from Texas Christian University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications (advertising/public relations,) and a minor in business. Hayley Hemstreet ‘09 graduated from Rice University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in history and environmental science. Sarah Hmaidan ‘09 graduated from Baylor University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry. Sarah is currently attending the UNT Health Science Center earning her Masters of Medical Science.
Erin Hall ‘09 graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and a minor in communication disorders.
Laura Homan ‘09 graduated from Texas Tech University in 2013 with a degree in exercise and sport sciences, with a minor in Psychology. Laura is currently completing her master’s in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University.
Kara Hanshaw ‘09 graduated from the University of Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Kara is a registered nurse in the NICU at Memorial Hermann Memorial City.
Chelsea Katz ‘09 graduated from Texas Christian University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Chelsea is currently working as a reporter at the Kilgore News Herald in Kilgore, Texas.
Marissa Madsen ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a bachelor’s in English Literature, with a professional writing certificate. Marissa is currently working within the Political Science Department at Texas A&M as the managing editor of a peer-reviewed journal. Anna Mazur ‘09 graduated (magna cum laude) from Saint Louis University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in theological studies. Anna spent a year working at Washington University’s Catholic Student Center as a campus ministry intern, and is currently finishing up her first year as a Master of Divinity student at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. She is also working part time as a graduate campus minister to Boston College undergraduates. Jessica McKinney ‘09 graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, with a minor in engineering management. Jessica currently works for Baker Hughes as a wireline field engineer. Paula Mejia ‘09 graduated from George Washington University in 2013 with a dual bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English at George Washington University. Paula lives in New York, where she works full-time at Newsweek and occasionally writes for Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and other publications on the web and in print. Sandi Moynihan ‘09 graduated from George Washington University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. She currently living in Washington, DC where she works as a multimedia journalist for the USO. Jennifer Nix ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in business management. She currently works for Capital One in Plano as a project manager for technology teams.
Meeka Opong ‘09 graduated (magna cum laude) from the University of St. Thomas Honors Program with a Bachelor of Arts in music. She is currently completing a Master of Music in vocal performance at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. Brittanie Polasek ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in math, with a minor in education. Brittanie is currently teaching at St. Agnes! Raulie Raulerson ‘09 graduated from the University of Alabama in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in anthropology and computer-based honors. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in bioinformatics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Samantha Reyna ‘09 graduated from the University of Texas with a Masters of Arts in communication sciences and disorders. Samantha hopes to work with kids and specialize in feeding and swallowing disorders. Katie Rose ‘09 graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2013 with Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science. Katie is currently attending the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, pursuing a Master in Public Policy, concentrating in international trade and finance. Gabrielle Rigsby ’09 graduated from Texas A&M University in May, 2013 from the Mays School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in information and operations management. Gabrielle works for Tenaris in Houston as a supply chain management analyst. She recently completed a month of training at the Argentinean facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina, and graduated from their Global Training Program in May, 2015. Lexi Schmidt ‘09 graduated from University of Miami in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Diedre Young ‘09 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting,
and is completing a Master of Science in accounting there. Stephanie Ahn ‘10 graduated from the University of Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in human biology, with a concentration in the social aspects of health and disease. Jillian Aubin ‘10 graduated from Louisiana State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature, with a minor in mass communication. Keri Belcher ’10 graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in geology. Teresa Macejewski Callegari ‘10 graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in environment science and policy. Teresa married Michael Callegari (SJ ‘10) in June, 2014 and they moved to Wichita, KS. They recently welcomed a daughter, Claire. Krista Castro ‘10 graduated from Texas Christian University in 2014 with bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and currently lives in Dallas. Kari Counter ‘10 graduated from University of Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in government. Kari is currently in law school at the University of Houston. Lauren Cox ‘10 graduated from University of Oklahoma in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations, with a minor in history. Lauren is starting law school at the University of Oklahoma. Kimberly Cuccia ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a certification in energy accounting. Kimberly currently works for Chevron as a financial analyst. Julia Davila ‘10 graduated from the University of Houston in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication - print journalism, with a minor in studio art. Maddy Delery ‘10 graduated from Texas Christian University 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in business.
Veritas
ALUMNAE UPDATES | 61
Laurianne Dib ‘10 graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, with a minor in nutrition. Laurianne is currently at Nova Southeastern University working on her doctorate of physical therapy. Danielle DiLuzio ‘10 graduated from Louisiana State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in information systems and decision sciences, with a specialty in internal auditing. She lives in Nashville, TN and currently works for Hospital Corporation of America as an IT auditor. Caroline Duble ’10 graduated from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, N.C. in 2014. After graduation, Caroline worked as the social justice resident at Spirit in Action in North Carolina, and now works as a community organizer at the ACLU of Texas. Carly Graf ‘10 graduated from Georgetown in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in international politics. Carly currently works at SHAPE Magazine in New York. Anastasia Hansen ‘10 graduated from Notre Dame in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Alex Herrick ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. Julia Fenelon ‘10 graduated from Georgetown University in 2014 with degree is in healthcare management and policy. Lauren Fields ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. Brittany Garcia ‘10 graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2014 with a Bachelor in psychology. Brittany works transitional aged youth and their families at Family Houston, a non-profit agency. Dulce Garcia ‘10 graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business management, with a minor in psychology. 62 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
Veritas
Danielle Ghorayeb ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in health and business. Savannah Gresham ‘10 graduated from University of Texas in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in social work. Catherine Hernandez ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, with a minor in Psychology. She is currently at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. Kathleen Kwasniak ‘10 graduated from Tufts University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Kathleen is currently working in Washington D.C. for an engineering consulting company. Taylor Orth ‘10 graduated from the University of Texas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. Taylor is starting a Ph.D program in sociology at Stanford University. Stephanie Lawrence ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. She is currently working as a process safety consultant for Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants. Ericka Lewis-Ramos ‘10 graduated from Creighton University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Melissa McColloch ‘10 graduated from Texas Tech in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Melissa is currently in graduate school at the University of Texas at Dallas studying speech language pathology. Sarah Mitchell ‘10 graduated from Louisiana State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in management, with a concentration in human resources. Sarah is currently working in human resources. Paola Raull ‘10 graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in international relations and global studies, with a focus in culture, and a minor in european studies and business.
Zena Sabath ‘10 graduated from Bates College in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, with a minor in philosophy. This fall, Zena will be attending the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for her M.D. in Bethesda, MD. It is the military medical school, and she will be an active duty US Navy officer for the duration. Emily Sharp ‘10 graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. Emily currently works in technical sales for ExxonMobil in Los Angeles, CA. Stephanie Smalling ‘10 graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, exercise science. Stephanie is pursuing her doctorate of physical therapy at Washington University School of Medicine. Cara Spieldenner ‘10 graduated from Texas A&M University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in economics and a business minor. Cara is a sourcing analyst for an offshore drilling company. Erica Smith ‘10 graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Erica has started medical school at the University of Texas at Houston. Jenny Smith ‘10 graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Arts. She is currently working at Greenwood King Properties as a licensed real estate assistant to a top producer there. Kelly Strickland ‘10 graduated from Occidental College in 2014 with a degree in diplomacy and world affairs, with a minor in Russian. Connie Tao ‘10 graduated from the University of Texas in 2014 with a degree in business, honors finance, with a minor in radio, TV, and film. Ari Villanueva ‘10 graduated from the University of Dallas 2014 bachelor’s degree in classics, with a minor in music. Ari has started at Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, and Iis looking into family medicine.
Audrey VonBorstel ‘10 graduated from Saint Louis University in 2014 from the College of Arts & Sciences. Valerie Wark ‘10 graduated from the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, with concentrations in Spanish and music. Elizabeth Willard ‘10 graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in finance. Tina Wisniewski ‘10 graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in biology. Paige Atkinson ‘11 graduated from University of Texas with a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in studio art. Paige is currently pursuing a Masters in art therapy at the Art Institute of Chicago. She spent the past summer in Houston interning with the arts in medicine department at Texas Children’s Hospital. Haley Boyd ‘11 graduated from the University of Houston in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in communication science and disorders (from the Honors College) and is applying for graduate school Ph.D programs in clinical psychology. Haley is currently working for UT Health Houston in the Texas Med Center doing clinical trauma research. Eli Britton ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Nicole Broeckelmann ‘11 graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Sara Brown ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications. Erika Bustamante ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and global studies (international security track), with a minor in Latin American studies. Lindsay Caram ‘11 graduated from University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering.
Annie Chang ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in arts in nutrition. Annie is currently a patient scheduler for Liver Specialists of Texas and is applying to PA school. Nikki Chang ’11 graduated from Scripps College with a major in environmental analysis with a focus on the built environment. Kate Cooksey ‘11 graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in political science. Kate is the press assistant to Congressman Pete Olson (the father of Kate Olson ’15) and is living in Washington. Kate helped plan an alumnae gathering in the D.C. area when Sr. Jane was in the area! Cahmeelah Cuartero-Crawford ‘11 graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Arts in medical anthropology, health policy and administration. Kelly Daus ‘11 graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Kelly is currently a member of the 2015 Teach for America San Antonio Corps, and will be applying to medical school in 2017. Emily Flynn ‘11 graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Emily is starting law school at Notre Dame. Claire Groff ‘11 graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in public relations, business foundations program, with a minor in Spanish. Mackenzie Gross ’11 graduated from Georgetown University with a double major in math and economics. Ellen Horton ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Plan II Honors, sociology, history and business foundations. Ellen plans to go to law school.
Danielle Ilag ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelors of business administration. Joanna Jao ‘11 graduated from Tulane University with a degree in public health management. Madeleine Keogh ‘11 graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Audrey Le ‘11 graduated from Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Alyssa Mahoney ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in economics and government. Julie Mathew ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Morgan Mays ‘11 graduated from St. Edward’s University with Bachelor of Arts in communications, with a public relations and advertising focus. Mary-Helen McStravick ‘11 graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Ann Meister ‘11 graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Hannah Mitchell ‘11 graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science. Hannah is currently at Texas Woman’s University pursuing physical therapy school. Elizabeth Morell ‘11 graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in public health. Meredith Morgan ‘11 graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Sandra Nadira ‘11 graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, and began working at the Jaco Engineering Group in June.
Veritas
ALUMNAE UPDATES | 63
Kellie Pressler ‘11 graduated from the
Sophia Roppolo ’11 graduated with a
Chelsea Till ‘11 graduated from Texas
University of Missouri - Columbia with
bachelor’s degree in special education/
A&M University with a bachelor’s degree
a Bachelor of Science in mechanical
early childhood and living and working in
in business honors and management,
engineering, with a minor in mathematics.
New Zealand this year.
with minors in economics, Latin American
Sydney Reed ‘11 graduated from the
Laura Rosas ‘11 graduated from the
University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts
University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor
in English, from the Liberal Arts Honors
of Arts in management consulting. Laura is
and the English Honors programs.
pursuing her MD/MPH at the University of
Mary Truong-Nguyen ‘11 graduated
Texas Medical School at Houston.
from Texas A&M University with a degree
Michelle Rigsby ‘11 graduated from
business, and international business. Chelsea will begin working for Deloitte Consulting in Houston in September.
in nutritional science. Mary is part of the
Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor
Amy Schockling ‘11 graduated from the
of Science in geophysical engineering.
University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor
This past summer she completed an
of Science in civil engineering, with an
Clare Twitchell-Heyne ‘11 graduated
internship with Crescent Point Energy in
environmental concentration, and a minor
from Tufts University with a Bachelor of
exploration. As a member of the CSM
in engineering corporate practice.
Arts in political science.
Track and Field Team, she qualified to participate in both the 2015 Division II NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the long jump and earned Second Team All-American. She is the school record holder for both the indoor and outdoor long jump events. Michelle has started her Master of geophysical engineering program at Colorado School of Mines. Larissa Rodriguez-Homs ‘11 graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, with a minor in biochemistry.
didactic program in dietetics track.
Amy Shoebotham ‘11 graduated from
Blessie Valdez ‘11 graduated from Baylor
Lehigh University with a Bachelor of
University in 2014 with a Bachelor of
Science in environmental engineering and
Science in psychology and is applying to
is working on her postgraduate degree at
physician assistant School.
the University of Texas.
Shannon Waters ‘11 graduated from
Audrey Terrazas-Albright ‘11 graduated
Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s
from the University of Houston with a
degree in biomedical engineering,
business marketing degree.
Shannon is doing her postgraduate work
Chelsea Thompson ‘11 graduated from
at Baylor College of Medicine.
Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s
Laura Wattenbarger ‘11 graduated from
degree in accounting and is currently
the University of Texas with a bachelor’s
pursuing her Masters in accounting there.
degree in biomedical engineering.
CL ASS AGENTS
Upcoming Events
Class agents are liaisons between alumnae and St. Agnes. They encourage classmates to be a part of the St. Agnes community, whether it is attending a reunion, a happy hour, a school event, or giving to St. Agnes Academy through time, treasure or talent. If your class does not have a class agent, and you would like to serve in that role, contact Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations at lori.pinter@st-agnes.org.
CLASS OF 2015 YEARBOOK SIGNING & ICE CREAM SOCIAL Pick up your yearbooks and catch up with friends, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 6 in the St. Agnes Strake Cafeteria.
64 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
Veritas
ALUMNAE NIGHT AT THE SPRING MUSICAL – THE ADDAMS FAMILY Alumnae and a guest are invited to enjoy The Addams Family and a wine reception at intermission 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4 in the St. Agnes auditorium. Intermission reception in the Art Wing ALUMNAE NETWORKING EVENT We invite all professional alumnae to come, network, and meet alums in your field 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 12. Location to be determined.
Samantha was the dessert caterer for the 2015 Reunion and was a nominee for the 2015 SAYPO Award. Her web site is: www.sweetandmellow.com
Alumnae Spotlight SAMANTHA WRIGHT ‘10 After graduating from St. Edwards University in 2014 with a degree in global studies, I felt extremely pressured to take the next logical step to launch my career. My parents have always been supportive of whatever I wanted to do, and encouraged me to pursue my interests. However, I felt almost guilty admitting to them, and to everyone else, that I had no interest in putting my degree to use or in finding what I considered a “normal” job. To me, a normal job meant starting a career in the field of study that I had spend four years immersed in and I feared this would inevitably mean sitting behind a desk working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday for the rest of my life - doing something I was not passionate about. To start making a little money, I started waiting tables at a nice restaurant and told my parents that I was contemplating law school. I bought all the LSAT self study and test prep books and starting researching different law school programs in Houston. I soon realized that this wasn’t what I really wanted either maybe I was just trying to buy myself some time before I had to make some really hard life and career decisions. On the very day that I was scheduled to attend the LSAT orientation meeting, I was in a car accident. I spent one week in the hospital with a tube in my chest due to a collapsed and punctured lung, and then spent about a month on the couch at home while my
“chic” restaurants and then going home and trying to copy exotic dishes for my family. Now, I have an expensive obsession with traveling the country and the world with the express purpose of trying local cuisines and cutting edge restaurants in different places. Recently, my mom and traveled to Quebec City and mapped out the best place to try the French classic poutine; we then stopped in New York City on the way back to visit some local bakery and sweet shops.
broken ribs healed. This month turned out to be the time I needed to relax, stop worrying so much about finding a job, and think about what I was really interested in - and how I could leverage that interest into a career. Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with food; discovering delicious foods, learning how to recreate that food, and most importantly putting my own spin on that food. When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with Shipley’s Donuts, and fried chicken with cream gravy. My food journey continued in high school with Starbucks coffee, sushi and trying new
So, as I recovered on my couch, I hit upon the idea to turn this passion into a career. I started Sweet and Mellow, an online gourmet sweets shop and dessert catering business about eight months ago. Currently, I specialize in gourmet marshmallows and English toffees, and recently started doing gourmet s’mores bars and ice cream bars with the hopes to expand into more sweets, and eventually savory food catering. Even though it has only been eight months, I feel I have been doing pretty well with getting my name out and generating loyal customers. The process of staring a business from scratch continues to be a grueling learning experience but now, eight months in, I am finally feeling more confident in my endeavor. I plan to continue to grow Sweet and Mellow into a success and profitable catering company in Houston and to continue to explore my passion of culture, travel, and food!
GENERATIONS BREAKFAST The 2015 Generations breakfast was held at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25 in the St. Agnes Fleming Room. Close to a hundred alumnae mothers, aunts, grandmothers and legacy students enjoyed breakfast, a scavenger hunt to find their mothers’ class photo, and a talk by second generation Academy woman Annette Smith Boatwright ’86 and her daughter, third generation Sarah Boatwright ’16, who is this year’s senior class president. *Left, three generations: Genevieve Boatwright ’18, Sally Jordan Smith ’51, Matina Smith ’19, Suzanne Smith Grant ’79, Sarah Boatwright ’16, Annette Smith Boatwright ’86
Veritas
ALUMNAE UPDATES | 65
SINCERE SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO THE LOVED ONES OF: David Amador; husband of Katy
Barry Davies; father of Adrienne Davies
Robert G. Florance; husband of Kappy
McDonald Amador ’55, grandfather of
Schwenke ’81
Traverse Florance ’51 (dec); grandfather
Ashley Amador ’07 and Christina Amador ’07
Ernie D. Davis; mother of Lelia Davis
of Marjorie Clifton ’96 and SAA Faculty
Sr. Mary Kay Bailey, O.P. ’55
Agar ’80 (dec)
Member Eleanor Todd ’07
Vickie McLain Baker ’67; sister of Patricia
Grace Dever; former SAA PE teacher and
Gretchen Foresman; mother of Lyndsey
McLain Hatcher ’69
softball coach
Foresman ’11
Philip Jeff Barott; father of SAA faculty
Mary Ann Dimiceli; grandmother of Nicky
Sophie Foster; grandmother of Anna
member Diana Turney
Davies ’06
Gutkowski ’15
Sr. Doloretta Bieter, O.P. former SAA
Willie Mae Simpson Drilling; mother
Jean Gonsoulin; grandmother of Emily
English and Music teacher
of Debby Drilling Herms ’71 and Anne
Gonsoulin ’17
Lucille Bodien; grandmother of Angelica
Drilling Henry ’73
Carlos M. Gonzalez; father of Vanessa
Richards ’15
Gonzales ’14
Sr. Veronica Borski, O.P.
Mary Ann Butz Grant; grandmother of Jordan Grant ’12; mother-in-law of
Suzanne Atchison Brennan ’48; mother
SAA former school board member and
of Kathleen Brennan ’76 (dec); sister of
alumnae board member Suzanne Smith
Dianne Atchison Tubbs ’53 (dec); sister-in-
Grant ’79
law of Sue Armer Atchison ’55; cousin of
Danny Grayson; grandfather of Taylor
Susie Strake Dilworth ’42 (dec) and Gana Strake Parsley ’49 (dec); aunt of Cindy
McKenzie ’19
Atchison Williams ’82
H. Joe Hajovsky; brother of Jane
Maurice Brinkman; husband of Brigid
Hajovsky Newman ’42 (dec); Vessie Hajovsky Peters ’54; brother-in-law of
Regan Brinkman ’55 (dec); brother-in-law
Catherine Shaub Hajovsky ’42(dec); Uncle
of Pat Regan Scroggins ’47 and Dona
of Dolores Hajovsky Kelly ’81 and Judy
Regan Dextraze ’52 (dec)
Hajovsky Koch ’84; great-uncle of Irene
Melva Brown; grandmother to Kennedy
Koch ’18
Goodman ’19
Frances Marie Sacco Harris ’43; sister of
Marie Caldwell; mother of Marlene
Thamer Sacco Milsap ’55; mother-in-law of
Caldwell ’73 and Patricia Caldwell
Donna Waters Harris ’67; cousin of Kathryn
Hemingway ’76
Sacco Smith ’89 and Julie Sacco ’92
Jo Ann Auer Castille ’50; mother of
Louis C. Houck; father of Joan Houck
Debbie Castille Horwitz ’75; aunt to Emily
Reed ’73
Castille Prus ’74; mother-in-law of Judy Kramr Castille ’76; sister-in-law to Letty Castille Haest ’50
Marc Dunmire; father of Kelsey Dunmire ’17 Amy Earthman Cardwell ’86; sister of
Ann Horrigan Hoy ’49; sister of Nancy Horrigan McCullough ’50 (dec) John T. Elvey; father of Gail Elvey Kilboy ’82
Grace M. Catechis; mother of Georgia
Lannie Earthman Bluethmann ’84; step-
Catechis Shebay ’71; grandmother of
daughter of SAA former faculty member Dr.
Kenneth Kirby; father-in-law of Deborah
Tasia Shebay ’99 and Catherine Grace
Charles Novo; niece of Blanche Earthman
Mullen Kirby ’77
Catechis ’16
Morello ’67; cousin of Eve Earthman Reed
Louis Kirkland; grandfather of Katie
Carroll C. Cook; grandfather to Kelli
’87 and Laura Mayer Robertson ’91
Mijares ’13
John T. Elvey; father of Gail Elvey Kilboy ’82
Larry Kozielski; husband of Lena
Robert J. Costa; grandfather of Sarah
Elo John Fehmer; father of Joyce Fehmer
Macaluso Kozielski ’54
Granberry ’08 and Noelle Granberry ’11
Knott ’61
Dave Lafferty; father of Claire Lafferty ’13
66 | IN MEMORIAM
Veritas
Ofomey ’18
Jennie Sedita Leman ’59; sister of Vita Gusemano ’56 and Mary Ann Sedita
Maurice J. Picheloup, IV; father of Susanne Picheloup ’93, Ali Picheloup Durkee ’96 and Emily Picheloup ’01
Mitchell ’64; cousin of Rosalie Filippone
Gregory Posey; father of Carmen Posey ’79
Sedita Montalbano ’54, Rosalie Sedita
’56, Pauline Filippone Padgett ’60, former SAA faculty member Mary Jo Filippone Langston ’63, Paige Padgett Berry ’87 and Lucia Langston James ’95; aunt of Sandra Montalbano ’76, Tessa Gusemano Henderson ’80, Gina Montalbano Adamo ’82, Gina Gusemano Leck ’84, and Patricia Brooks Mitchell ’87; great-aunt of Vita Montalbano Dougherty ’99, Lauren Leck ’17, Taylor Mitchell ’17, and Madison Henderson ’18 Ann Delia Letteer; mother of SAA Faculty member Becky Rushing Irene Lutz; mother of Karin Lutz Crocombe ’82 Victoria Maida; sister-in-law of Louise Butera Maida ’56 Florence V. Maiorana; mother-in-law of Linda Puhl ’69
Ofelia Herrera Vujasinovic ’96
Ann Spiller Reeves ’57; daughter of Claire Hamilton Spiller ’27 (dec), mother of Susan Reeves Parfrey ‘88 and Hope Reeves Allday ‘90 James K. Ribbeck; former principal of SAA from 1977 to 1978 and former SAA board member Edmie Gonzalez Rosalina ’15 Judith R. Sanchez; mother of Maricella Sanchez Metzler ’04 Darby Seré; Emeritus Advisory Council member at SAA and father of Connie Seré ’05
Saralee Smith Sheehan ’84
Rose Musachia Mandola ’64 Lissette A. Marqués; sister of Karen Marqués-Jones ’85; aunt of Ashley Millay ’05 Gary Martin; husband of Joan Day Martin ’55 Teodulo Villarreal; grandfather of Patenne Mathews ’15 and Schuyler Mathews ’18 Juan Mendoza; father-in-law of SAA faculty member Kimberly Fuselier Mendoza Ann Collerain Monaghan ’50 Dolores Ruiz Morrow ’53 Edwin J. Morrow, Jr.; former SAA Board member; father of Jenny Morrow Senac ’67 and Eileen Morrow Caudle ’73 John Mueller; father of Barbara Mueller Steffek ’68 Mary Ann Coyne Pack ’57; aunt of Hanna Murphy-Pack ’05
Blair Draper ’45; sister of Jane Draper
Robin Reamer; mother of Lindy Reamer ’12 and Lilli Reamer ’17
Johnson Philips ’48, Barbara Johnson
Vincent F. Mandola, Sr.; brother-in-law of
Ann Draper Vaughn; daughter of Sue Ashe ’71 and Sara Draper ’74
Jeanne Johnson Marler; sister of Gloria
(dec)
Mellette Cook Townsend ’62
Hedwig “Hedy” Prokop; mother of Carol Prokop Poston ’89
Robert Shalek; father of Elaine Shalek Ashmore ’70 and Marian Shalek Donnelly ’80
Baize ’51 (dec), Patricia Johnson Besch ’58
Shelbye Russell Tingler ’92
Ottilie W. Vujasinovic; mother-in-law of Robert Weatherly; grandfather to Cynthia Weatherly ’04, Lizzie Weatherly Stine ’05 and Sandra Weatherly ’08 Bill Webking; husband of Pricilla Allison Webking ’74, brother-in-law of Paula Allison Mouton ’76, Penny Allison ’77, Peggy Allison Fleming ’78, Trina Allison ’79, Pamela Allison Lloyd ’83, Phoebe Allison ’84 Patricia Collerain Werner ’44 Irene Olek Westman; mother of Pattie Westman Kafoglis ’74 Mary Wilde; mother of Julie Wilde Fred ’74 and Cindi Wilde Reeves who attended SAA from 1972 of 1974.
Lisa Sicola; cousin of Jana Sicola ’96 and Toni Sicola ’00 Roland E. Squyres; father of Sara Squyres ’72 Paraskevie Stathatos; grandmother of Evie Stathatos ’16 Pamela Steinberg; daughter of Rosemae Tuffly ’42, sister of Leslie Powell ’73, niece of Lillian Kelly ’41 (dec) Marcelline Olsovsky Story ’50; cousin of Cynthia Tlucek Goerig ’56, Hyacinthe Tlucek ’60 (dec) and Melicent Tlucek Bryarly ’62 Mary Kathryn Swanson; grandmother of Fiona Swanson ’15; mother-in-law of Maureen Miggins Swanson ’80; mother of SAA Foundation Board member Pat H. Swanson Penny Thomas; mother of Laura Thomas ’01 Lee Foote Tigard ’57; daughter of Lucy Garrett Foote ’30 (dec), sister of Lurline Foote McKinstry ’55 and Mary Foote Endlich ’68
Veritas
IN MEMORIAM | 67
9 0 0 0 B ELL A I R E B LV D, H O US TO N , T X 7 7036 PH O N E: 713. 219. 5 4 0 0 W W W. S T- AG N E S.O R G
Alumnae parents: If you are still receiving your daughter’s Veritas although she no longer lives with you, let us know so we can update our records and send it directly to her. Contact the Office of Alumnae Relations at 713.219.5493 or alumnae@st-agnes.org.
What is your Legacy?
Learn more about the 1906 Society on page 33
St. Agnes Academy established the 1906 Society to recognize those who have included the Academy in their estate plans. Through these gifts, alumnae, parents, grandparents and friends ensure the future of the school and help continue the legacy of excellence through a Dominican, Catholic education. For more information, contact Lisa M. Chmiola, CFRE, Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving, at 713.219.5466 or lisa.chmiola@st-agnes.org.