Veritas Magazine _ Fall 2012 by St. Agnes Academy

The Voice and Vision of St. Agnes Academy since 1906

Fall 2012

Spring 2012

academy women are...

When you Support the Academy Fund you help keep tuition low so that more families are able to send their daughter to a Dominican school. It is because of gifts to the Academy Fund that we are able to bridge the gap between tuition and the cost of operations. From tuition assistance to classroom technology, from maintaining our excellent facility to putting on a theatrical performance, the Academy Fund provides for an educational atmosphere that is exceptional - academically, athletically and spiritually.

the academy fund learning today, leading tomorrow, since 1906

For more information on the Academy Fund, or to make a gift over the phone, please call Stephanie Crowl at 713.219.5406 or email stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org.

The Voice and Vision of St. Agnes Academy since 1906

Mission Statement Rooted in the Dominican tradition, St. Agnes Academy provides a Catholic college preparatory education that encourages young women to develop intellectual curiosity, to work for social justice, and to act with integrity and compassion.

Going to the dogs on senior prank day!

Features

I Wanted | Everything You to Learn

in this issue//fall 2012 Departments

| Class Notes

Building champions

Sharon Hall Gebhauer â&#x20AC;&#x2122;89 has something to say

| The Class of 2012

Academy women shine

Annual Report Financial year in review

| From the Archives

| In Memoriam

Water wells in Kisumu

| Alumnae Connections

Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den Kercheval Softball Park

Madonna Day photos SAYPO and more

| Alumnae Updates

Blockbuster Reunion Record turnout

on the cover: The varsity field hockey team played their first game on the new field and were victorious with a 4-0 rout of the Woodlands.

Stay connected st-agnes.org facebook.com/st-agnes-academy twitter.com/st-agnes-academy

From the Head of School

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Parents’ first concerns are for their child’s character. Do we have a child who is kind, compassionate, and has strong spiritual values? Similarly, a robust school works to build the characters of its students. What happens within the school building and on the sports field must be purposely determined. A culture must be promoted in which young people protect, support, and accept each other for who they are. As you walk the halls of St. Agnes, you will find just such a program. You can hear the laughter and joy in the voices of the girls as they giggle about that crazy experiment in physics class. You witness a tender moment when a senior girl comforts her freshman ‘little sister’ who is having a hard day and needs to know that someone cares. You see the blossoming of Academy women who confidently smile and greet visitors, further reinforcing our school culture as welcoming and inclusive. You see teachers and students interacting with one another in a way that is respectful, challenging and fun. You realize here are remarkable teachers who understand teamwork and the power of collaboration. Academy women take our institutional culture to heart. During their four years at St. Agnes, they have learned the importance of intellectual curiosity, social justice, integrity, and compassion. Our Dominican traditions teach them to incorporate prayer into their daily lives, to live Veritas through word and deed, and to witness Gospel values. Take Katie Butler ’13 for instance: Now entering her senior year at St. Agnes, she has been a full participant in all we have to offer. She loves vocal performance and theater. She is an honor roll student and a softball player. She is also making a difference in the world. Over the summer, Katie began her third mission trip, this one to Haiti. With 24 other girls, she learned what it is like to be pushed mentally, physically, and spiritually. In a nation of grueling poverty, malnutrition, and unemployment she found a purpose. In her own words… “Please pray that we may become His hands and feet, working for Him. Please pray for the children attending VBS, that this week may impact them and that God will protect them at home. Please pray to open our hearts and learn from the people in Haiti, even though we intend to teach them instead. Lastly, pray for the nutrition, safety, and structure of the whole nation of Haiti. Pray that the hands of God be laid on the nation as a whole, so that it will thrive and flourish with the help of the Mission of Hope, and that our actions will leave a lasting impact.” Now, that is an Academy woman. But, does the culture that forms Academy women continue after they graduate? You bet it does. At the reunion in June, I heard stories from alums who are doctors, mothers, lawyers, teachers, scientists, artists, judges, and business women who are making a difference. I saw it in Helen Li ’11, home for the summer from Georgetown and working in Councilman Al Hoang’s office. She is starting the Ambassadors for Youth Foundation which she hopes will bring together young woment of different cultures to interact, learn, and strengthen the global community. It is in Rachel Stanbery ’02, a court appointed special advocate for a young teenage girl through C.A.S.A. What sets them apart is their heart. It is a heart that treasures learning, embraces diversity, values religious formation and recognizes her connectedness with the Earth. Academy women excel in school, but, they also excel in life. That is their culture. We thank our many supporters for helping us achieve our goals. God bless you.

Dominican Trustees Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P.’56, Prioress Sr. Antoinette (Kitty) Carter, O.P. ’57, Vicaress Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ’61, Councilor Sr. Julie Marie Greig, O.P., Councilor

St. Agnes Academy 2012 – 2013 Board of Directors Maureen Graf, Chair Paul Antolik Cathy Beathard Bob Bobo, Jr. John Brennan, III Mimi Butler Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ’61 Dan Castaneda Robert Clay Sr. Adrian Dover, O.P. Chris Fenelon Suzanne Smith Grant ’79 Kelly Hackett ’00 Greg Hardin Mike Heim

Jerry Kimmitt, II Bob Ladd, Sr. Bob McLamb Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Jim Murnane Mary Raia ’77 Ed Ramon Kathy Rose Julie Plessala Samson ’80 Greg Schockling Elda Smith Jim Ulm, II Laura Lee Vaio Tom Vaughn

St. Agnes AcAdemy Foundation Trustees Sharon Copper, President Brock Akers Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ’64 Jose Enriquez Jeannine Flynn Jennifer Granchi Chris Matlock Sr. Carol Mayes. O.P. ’56

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., Ex-officio Frank Panebianco Steve Schwarzbach Diane Thornton Shelley Savarino Ulm ’84 Jeff Weiner Ana Maria Gonzales Wood ’82

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 and Facilities

Office of Advancement Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement 713-219-5481 bridget.hennessey@st-agnes.org Barbara Bellomy, Director of Communications 713-219-5404 barbara.bellomy@st.agnes.org Stephanie Crowl, Director of Annual Giving 713-219-5406 stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations 713-219-5493 lori.pinter@st-agnes.org Linda Rocamontes, Director of Special Events 713-219-5401 linda.rocamontes@st-agnes.org Nanette Bledel, Gift Processor 713-219-5420 nanette.bledel@st-agnes.org Jenny Moss, Advancement Associate 713-219-5402 jenny.moss@st-agnes.org

For change of address or other questions, contact the Office of Communications at 713-219-5404 or news@st-agnes.org.

St. Agnes Academy 9000 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036-4683 P: 713-219-5400 | F: 713-219-5499

Everything I wanted you to learn from literature but you probably didn’t learn because you were too worried about what was going to be on the test English teacher Sharon Gehbauer’s speech at Madonna Day 2012 captivated the audience and elicited numerous requests for the transcript. As the first faculty member elected by the senior class to speak at the ceremony, she has set the bar high. Read these excerpts and you’ll understand why...

By Sharon Hall Gehbauer ’89

“Dickinson, Emerson, Langston, Sappho, and Whitmanhow do these visionaries want us to live our lives? They want us to sit still and pay attention to the details. Details reveal truth. Ladies, pay attention to those moments when you feel the most engaged, excited, blissful, passionate, and in love. It is in those moments of downtime that you will hear the quiet poetic voice that connects you to your destiny. What do Euripides, Shakespeare, Sophocles, and Tennessee Williams want you to do? Embrace conflict. It is what makes life interesting. It is the difference between being just good and being great.” Read the full transcript at www.st-agnes.org.

l-r: Anastasia Sion, Kendall Nibert, Angela Addison, Karen Scarbrough, Shelby Solcher

From the Principal

Deborah Whalen In light of the recent completion of Phase One of the new St. Agnes Athletics Complex, it seemed appropriate to attend a symposium on high school athletics this past June in Philadelphia with new Director of Athletics, Amy Mattes. The Soul of Youth Sport was sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and Neumann University and proved not only timely, but deeply thought-provoking as well. The focus was on how school athletics programs can endorse and support the mission of Catholic schools as they strive to educate and nurture students in a Christian atmosphere. We explored how parents, coaches, and school administrators can build programs that are examples of ethical excellence. One workshop was of particular interest - The Spirituality of Play led by Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, Ph.D., an assistant professor of theology at Seattle University. A former collegiate athlete, Fr. Kelly spoke about the research of social scientist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of the flow theory, and how the experience of play in youth sport is related to human and spiritual flourishing. I never expected to be so intellectually stimulated at a symposium about sports! Flow theory delves into concepts such as pointedness of mind, egolessness, and union with one’s surroundings. I wanted to re-live my own days as an aspiring athlete just so I could put some of this theory to the test. Amy found inspiration in the workshop What We Risk Losing with Our Need to Win led by Edward Hastings, Ph.D. and Director of the Institute of Sport, Spirituality and Character Development at Neumann University. Dr. Hastings played,

captained and coached basketball at Villanova University. He discussed how wanting to win and excel is great; but needing to win can be dangerous to us and the people with whom we work. He gave specific examples of modeling self-compassion and being better listeners for our young athletes. It was about being aware of and appreciating the most important aspects of sport – relationships, personal growth, love of the game, respect, accountability, and a sense of belonging. We also came away with practical strategies for dealing with parents from Annette Angelotti Reiter, author of Parenting an Athlete. She shared a survey for athletes called "Do you have winning parents?" I admit I was wondering how my own children would rate me! Ms. Reiter’s theme, like all of the speakers at the symposium, was about how to keep your core values at the center of your athletics program. Amy and I agree that our goal for the next era in athletics at St. Agnes Academy is to do just that!

Classnotes

The 3 C’s of Building a Champion She believes that athletics is one vehicle through which young women learn how to develop and achieve goals, problem-solve, function as a member of a team, and learn respect for themselves, their teammates and the game. “She” is Amy Mattes, new Director of Athletics for The Academy and whose goal is to provide students with the tools they need to be successful both in and out of competition. Her emphasis is on the importance of excellence in the classroom, excellence in the community, and excellence in the playing arena. “Through athletics, our scholar athletes will develop and maintain healthy relationships and exemplify the 3 C’s of building a champion – communication, cooperation, and compromise. We want to make sure our athletes know how to win and lose with dignity.” Mattes comes to St. Agnes after eight years with Fort Bend County public schools as head coach and athletic coordinator. She holds a Master of Education in Administration, with 15 years experience creating the strong, competitive, and dedicated leader she has become. “I have high expectations of my athletes. I expect them to focus on family, faith, academics, and athletics as a way to become well-rounded, contributing members of society,” Mattes said. “I want our scholar athletes to not only win through sport, but to win in life.”

Her coaching style can be characterized as disciplined, yet fun. She expects her student athletes to work as hard in the classroom as they do on the field or the court. Her expectations of the coaching staff are that they be effective communicators, self-starters, fair disciplinarians, knowledgeable of their respective sports, flexible team players, and dedicated to carrying on and building upon the traditions of St. Agnes Academy. When asked to describe her greatest achievement, Mattes recalled a time when she had been approached after a game by a spectator and congratulated for the respect and behavior her players exhibited. “Walt Whitman said it best: Create good people, the rest follows,” concluded Amy.

Students Raise Funds to Build Wells in Africa The young women of St. Agnes Academy, and four other Dominican high schools across the nation, worked together to raise funds to build water wells for a sister school in Kisumu, Kenya. The Our Lady of Grace Water for Life project cleared $25,721 at St. Agnes, exceeding the fundraising goal and allowing for the donation of a second borehole. Now, both Our Lady of Grace High School and OLG Primary School will each have their own wells. “Our students truly touched the hearts of the kids at Our Lady of Grace, who now know that kids in the U.S. care about them and their village,” said Sr. Mary Brenda, O.P., nurse and Associate Director of Campus Ministry at St. Agnes. “Our girls have made our first

year as a sister school an amazing success.” Preparations for the wells started months ago and were completed in just four months. In addition to funds for the much-needed wells, students also arranged to send two new LCD projectors, science posters, anatomy and cell study models, and a variety of other sports and classroom supplies. Other Dominican schools helping with the project include St. Pius X High School, Houston, TX; Immaculate Conception Academy, San Francisco, CA; Marion Catholic, Chicago, IL; and Mount Saint Dominic Academy, Caldwell, NJ.

Academy NEWs

the class of 2012

Sarah Rohrman

8 | Academy NEWs

Classnotes

Valedictorian - Michelle Eugene Lee Salutatorian - Melanie Mac Diaz

Class President - Annie Hohlt Student Council President - Emma Morris Veritas Award - Annie Hohlt St. Catherine of Siena Award - Zoe Davis St. Agnes Academy Award - Emma Morris Black & Gold Award - Beatrice Herrmann 207 Graduates 15 Summa cum laude graduates $19 million in scholarship offers

5 National AP Scholars 100% College placement

54.9% of class in National Honor Society 12 National Merit Finalists 17 National Merit commended Students 10 National Hispanic Scholars 1 National Achievement Finalist 1 National Achievement Outstanding Participant

Attending 68 different colleges and universities 1 - Christine Nbemeneh, Maddie Green, Leslie Le, Tessie La 2 - Gabbi Feldman 3 - Nicole Jones, Laura Holland

Academy NEWs

For seven years now, at the end of the Spring Semester, students from advanced classes in studio art, painting, photo, and video have presented the St. Agnes Academy Art Expo. This year students from the music and theater departments also participated in what has now become a much-anticipated cultural event.

The

For these Academy women the show represents the culmination of their high school creative efforts, and is for many of them, their first chance to show art in a “real-world” setting. The exposition is run by the students and is meant to give them experience in the professional realities of showing, performing, and promoting their artwork. The work in this show is as diverse as the student body and showcases the degree to which students experiment with multiple art forms and new mediums. The expo also gives students experience in building unique portfolios that they will need for college and university admission requirements in the arts. The Art Expo hosted more than 300 visitors from within the St. Agnes community and from the Houston art scene. From Shakespeare in the courtyard, to dance performances on stage, to choral performances in the rotunda, offerings for the evening were wide-ranging. In addition to traditional mediums such as painting, drawing, and photography, visitors could experience socially activated art projects and video installations. “It’s a lot of work for the students,” said faculty sponsor/teacher Terry Suprean. “But it grounds them in the realities of working as an artist and they can be proud of the result.”

Jessica Edwards ’12

10 | Academy NEWs

Carina Nguyen ’13

Classnotes

Who are these crazy seniors?

SAYING GOODBYE

SAYING HELLO

to a new crop of ninth graders

New faculty and staff

Academy NEWs

| 11

tiger’sden

The annual St. Agnes Academy alumnae softball game on June 8, 2012 was interrupted with a surprise for long-time varsity softball and volleball coach, Lynn Kercheval – an entire park named in her honor. The softball park, part of the new $6 million Athletics Complex at Bellaire and Fondren had previously been dedicated on April 22 by Archbishop Fiorenza before a crowd of more than 300 supporters. The surprise for Coach Kercheval came during a break in warm-up when alumnae gathered dirt from the old field to spread on the new fields. School buses carried the crowd

SURPRISE!

to the new location where donors Bobbie and David Colley, Suzanne and Greg Price, Kathy and Kelly Moynihan, and Mary and Ron Neal, surprised Kercheval with the sign. The naming campaign was an opportunity for the Colleys, Moynihans, Prices and Neals to say ‘thank you’ to Coach Kercheval. In the 22 years Kercheval has been with St. Agnes, she has coached softball to six state championships, six second place finishes, and to four final four appearances. In volleyball, she coached the Tigers to seven state TAPPS championships, and one TCIL state championship in her first year on the job.

Having a Ball Summers involve travel and the basketball team went the extra mile by attending a team camp at Southwestern University in Georgetown. Amanda Bernardy, Casey Carpenter, Casey Craft, Marissa English, Meredith Hayes, Crystal Ike, Corinne Kelly, Lexi Onigbanjo, Gaby Perez, Ava Ring, Shea Silvernail, and Leila Tanios participated. The players had fun and are committed to having a successful season. Forty campers attended the June basketball comprehensive and position camp that was directed by our coaching staff and assisted by Raquel Carvajal ’12 and Jill Jackson ’11. Congratulations to Amanda Bernardy, Marissa English, Crystal Ike, Corinne Kelly, Ava Ring, Shea Silvernail, Leila Tanios and Dani Wilson who competed in the summer league at Alief Taylor High School in June. Their winning record of 7-and-1 made for a great beginning to summer.

12 | Academy NEWs

from the alumnae boardchair

So much has changed over the last 23 years since I graduated from St. Agnes. The physical campus is now larger with the new Athletics Complex, Student Services and Science Education Center, and parking. The round driveway where I met the man I eventually married for lunch everyday is now a beautiful rotunda. The administration has welcomed several new members to the team and somehow the student uniforms are grey plaid and pleated.

2012-2013 Alumnae Board Christina Luna Finley ’89 Kathlyn Coulter Curtis ’99, Vice Chair Ann Traynor Palms ’57, Veritas Chair Lauri Schneidau Ruiz ’77, Secretary Lauren Chapman ’98 Lauren Miller Etlinger ’01

Suzanne Smith Grant ’79 Moraima Echemendia Grinnell ’75 Raquel Fuquen Janoe ’94 Elaine Lemp ’00 Garland Debner Pohl ’56 Mary DeBakey Solcher ’83

Compare to Li’l Sis Big Sis Photo on page 49. Can you guess the year?

There is however; one thing that remains the same, this place feels like home. My last two years on the board have been rewarding and enlightening. I am, as always, excited and optimistic about the future of St. Agnes and invite you to join us at our many alumnae events.

Christina Luna Finley ’89

Watch for details on the young alumnae yearbook signing scheduled for January 10.

Alumnae Connections

| 13

1 Alumnae Gather for Madonna Day A time-honored tradition at St. Agnes, Madonna Day began in 1927 and is now one of the Academy’s most enduring spiritual celebrations. The celebration is a part of commencement festivities where the class valedictorian and salutatorian crown the statue of the Blessed Mother.

The salutatory address is followed by senior awards - including the coveted Veritas Award which goes to the student who best embodies the characteristics of an Academy woman. For 2012, the award was presented to Annie Hohlt. After conclusion of the program, guests adjourned to the cafeteria for refreshments and a photo shoot with multiple generations of alumnae. What do you remember about Madonna Day? Was there a time when faculty couldn’t attend because of lack of seating? Were there ever particular classes that were excluded? How long was the ceremony you attended? Did I hear something about a fivehour event? Was there a time when poetry readings and student performances graced the stage? Send your favorite Madonna Day memory to barbara.bellomy@stagnes.org so we can include it in a new feature entitled “Remember When.”

3 14 | Alumnae Connections

1 - Raquel Carvajal ’12, Lourdes Gomez Carvajal ’81 2 - Board of Directors and Alumnae Board member Suzanne Smith Grant ’79, Jordan Grant ’12, and Sally Jordan Smith ’51 3 - Melanie Thornton ’07, Charlotte Thornton ’12, Anna Stuchly ’12, and Ellen Stuchly ’07

From the St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization President SAYPO is a networking group comprised of St. Agnes alumnae graduating no less than five years and no more than 18 years prior to March 1 of the current year. SAYPO board members organize events that encourage a path toward personal and professional growth and create opportunities for alumnae to become successful leaders. Current eligible members are graduates of 2007 - 1994. We are still in our infancy as an organization, but have already begun to leave our mark on SAA culture. In 2010, we began the journey to bring young alumnae back to SAA to network and re-connect. We are creating new avenues for participation and enrichment and I plan to continue that success as the 2012-2013 President of SAYPO.

This year is all about building on the foundation and mission of SAYPO: promoting professionalism among the young alumnae of SAA, providing a venue to re-connect and establish new friendships, and providing networking and professional development opportunities for our members. We will host some great events this year and I hope you will come home and experience all that SAYPO has to offer!

Emily Picheloup ’01

SAYPO: NetworkLearnLead Members of the St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization (SAYPO) were treated to a presentation by Marianita Paddock Snodgrass ’74 on May 9 at Piatto Ristorante. As Executive Coach at Positively Your Coach, Marianita uses a positive thinking-based approach to help clients discover their strengths and transform their careers, lives, and workplaces. Her more than 30 years of experience includes business development, marketing, public relations, advertising, media relations, and advancement. She was named the 2010 recipient of the St. Agnes Academy Guardian of Youth Award for her commitment to Dominican education. Marianita has served on the Academy’s Alumnae Board and on the Board of Directors where she was Advancement Committee Chair, Annual Fund Chair, and championed recent renovations to the campus art facilities.

SAYPO Board Emily Picheloup ’01, President Jodie Guarino Stocker ’01, Past President Beth Anderson ’05 Kristen Hanshaw ’07 Melissa Letsos ’05 Jennifer McCord ’04 Natalia Lentino McWilliams ’99 Christina Sanborn ’04 Amanda Sitomer ’03 Brittany Taggart ’05 Le'Ann McMurrey Whitley ’99 Catherine Zeis ’01

Want all the latest news and information from St. Agnes? Sign up on AcademyConnection at saaconnect.org.

Alumnae Connections

| 15

Young Alums Mix It Up

More than 200 alums from St. Agnes, Strake Jesuit, Duchesne Academy, and St. Thomas High School attended the Young Alum Co-ed Happy Hour at Marfreless in River Oaks. Proprietor Michael Wells SJ ’84 welcomed the crowd of young professionals who mixed and mingled and reconnected.

CLASSagentlist 1952

1960

1989

2000

Barbara Heiser Alban ‘52

Minnette Passante Carrabba ‘60 sydfree1@aol.com

Adela Garcia Armendariz ‘89

Elizabeth (Liz) Tanner ‘00

johnnyalban@sbcglobal.net

MCarrabba2@comcast.net

adelaa1126@yahoo.com

estanner@gmail.com

Christina Luna Finley ‘89

2001

Sydney Free ‘75

1976

1953

1962

Elizabeth Fusilier Hynes ‘77

Peggy Wilkening Walker ‘53

Sue Ann Baranski Allen ‘62

elizabeth.a.hynes@irs.gov

pegw728@gmail.com

b.p.allen@att.net

1954

Frankie Casy Schiel ‘62

1977

Agnes Bobbit Sullivan ‘54

irishyakyak@sbcglobal.net

ASullivanHouston@aol.com

1964

1956

Theresa Pizzitola ‘64

Carolyn Fitzgerald Matlock ‘56

pizzi.theresa@gmail.com

cmat@family.net

1966

Mary Leona Miles Williams ‘56

Carol Laflin Ahles ‘66

mary-leona@att.net

carolahles@sbcglobal.net

1957

Sherry Butschek Cornwell ‘66

Mary Raia ‘77 mary.raia@att.net

Cfinley33@sbcglobal.net Carol Prokop Poston ‘89 daposton@gmail.com

Margeaux LaFleur Gorman ‘01 margeauxgorman@gmail.com Emily Picheloup ‘01

1990

epichelo@wm.com

Susan Chipperfield Giddens ‘90

2002

1982

susan.giddens@gmail.com

Ana Maria Gonzalez Wood ‘82

Shannon Beirne Wisedeppe ‘90

anamariawood@me.com

thewiesedeppes@att.net

1984

1991

Erica Sedeno ‘02 els2@rice.edu

2003

Lannie Earthman Bluethmann ‘84 Lisa Staben Burnside ‘91 lanniebluethmann@msn.com lburnside25@yahoo.com

Amanda Sitomer ‘03 amanda.sitomer@gmail.com

2005

sherrycornwell@austin.rr.com

1985

1992

Ann Dulin Little ‘66

Mary-Clare Mertes Day ‘85

Julie Sacco ‘92

annd144@hotmail.com

mary-clare.day@uth.tmc.edu

julie.sacco@shell.com

Judy Trabulsi ‘66

1987

Marion Bormans McCann ‘92

judy.trabulsi@gsdm.com

Diane Driscoll ‘87

mmccann@pas.com

1970

dianemdriscoll@gmail.com

1993

Carol Caspersen Moffett ‘70

Eve Earthman Reed ‘87

Emily Aguilar Capps ‘93

cmoffett@kipphouston.org

eve.e.reed@gmail.com

aguilar.emily@yahoo.com

kkelly011@comcast.net

1972

1988

1994

1959

Diane Knebel Watler ‘72

Lori Sebastian Pinter ‘88

Andrea Montgomery Stewart ‘94 Isabel Longoria ‘06

dkwatler@sbcglobal.net

lori.pinter@st-agnes.org

andrea@andreamontgomery.com Isabel.M.Longoria@gmail.com

Carolyn Carbajal McCairns ‘57 mccairns@aol.com Mary Ann Chambers ‘57 maryannc@ymcahouston.org

1958 Carol Celman Schottie ‘58 casathome@gmail.com Kay Stindt Kelly ‘58

Helen Grillis Grace ‘59

helengrace5549@sbcglobal.net 1975 Charlene Tirreta Jameson ‘59

Ardis Bartle ‘75

cjameson07@att.net

ardisbartle@apexmeasurement.com

Stephanie Lee Grover ‘88 grovergrrl@earthlink.net

Mackenzie Burns ‘05 burnsma1@gmail.com

Melinda Montalbano ‘05 melindamontalbano@gmail.com Brittany Taggart ‘05 brittany.taggart@urbanleasing.com

2006 Amanda Adam ‘06 aadam@marthaturner.com

1999

2007

Heather Ives Hernandez ‘99

Lynn Fahey ‘07

heather.ives.hernandez@gmail.com lynnfahey@gmail.com

If your class is not listed, then we need YOU to be the alumnae contact for your class! Please contact Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations at lori.pinter@st-agnes.org or 713-219-5493 to learn more.

16 | Alumnae Connections

blockbuster reunion! There were well over 300 alumnae at this year’s reunion on June 9. The Strake Family Cafeteria at St. Agnes was brimming with excitement and conversation as Academy women hugged, laughed, and renewed old friendships while enjoying delicious bites and wine. Current students conducted tours of the campus, Veritas pins were presented and cameras clicked and whirred. Class years ending in ’2 and ’7 held special celebrations.

40s

50s

80s

40s - Catherine Shaub Hajovsky ’42 and Marie Tardo ’42 50s - Alumnae Board Member Garland Bebner Pohl ’56 and Rosalie Sedita Gusemano ’56 50s - Laura Knopp Crabtree ’50, Patricia Loftus Byrne ’50 50s & 70s - Delores Florian Gregory ’54, Antoinette Macey Roll ’55, and Teri Dee Martin ’71 80s - Margaret Alsup Steinhilber ’82, Mary Grimes Van Baalen ’82, and Elizabeth Olive Johnson ’82 00s - Diana Tran ’02, Christina Vallejo ’02, Maria Castillo ’02, Jenny Paguio ’02, and Amelia Williamson Smith ’02

50s

50s & 70s

00s Alumnae Connections

| 17

The class of 2007 had the largest turnout of any class at the reunion.

and the award goes to...

Since 2004, the St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Board has honored an alumna each year with the Veritas Award. Alumnae are nominated by their peers, co-workers, classmates, family members, or friends based on professional and academic achievement, community service, leadership, integrity, and commitment and dedication to St. Agnes. There were ten nominees for 2012, ranging from recently graduated to seasoned alumna. One nominee stood out above the rest. This year’s honoree, Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ’56, has been a teacher, coach, and principal. She has served on the foundation boards of both St. Agnes and St. Pius X. She is currently Prioress of the Dominican Sisters and is admired and loved dearly by the class of 1956. In nominating her, one classmate said, “Sr. Carol has devoted her life to others and has demonstrated her love of humanity throughout her years as a Dominican.”

Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., with 2012 Veritas Award winner Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ’56 and 2011-2012 Alumnae Board President Dominique Marshall Varner ’87

18 | Alumnae Connections

The 2012 Veritas Award was presented before a standing room only crowd in June by 2011-2012 Alumnae Board President Dominique Marshall Varner ’87.

Generations

Across the

The Generations Breakfast is an event that brings together alumnae and their daughters who are current students at St. Agnes. Here is one alum’s account of what the experience meant to her. By Lauri Schneidau Ruiz ’77 I have a bit of history with St. Agnes, graduating here, as did my four sisters. My oldest daughter graduated in the spring of 2012, and I am a parent to a junior and a ninth grader. My niece is a sophomore. My cousin’s daughter is a senior. Next year, I expect another niece to be here and there are three more nieces following after that. One of my nephews married an Academy woman and they are planning for their threeyear-old daughter to attend, along with her little sister, too. The reason I am talking with you this morning, is that my two teenage daughters don’t listen to anything I say at home, but here, they are a captive audience. I have a few things I want to tell them in particular, but the rest of you can listen too:

•

Yes, if you have to ask, that skirt probably is too short.

•

Don’t go to the middle of the dance floor.

•

Some people think whenever you slow dance, you should leave enough room for the Holy Spirit. I think you should leave enough room for Buddha.

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Just because I got sent to the principal’s office when I was a student here, doesn’t mean you should too.

But, the most important message is this: whether you are a senior or a freshman, you are going to love St. Agnes – more than you know! Maybe you already realize this because you get to eat cupcakes and cookies every day when you come to school because someone is always having a birthday. Or maybe you realize it because you have a particularly inspiring teacher. On the other hand, you might not completely appreciate how much you love St. Agnes yet, because you still have to deal with annoyances like teachers who expect you to actually do your homework and stay awake during class. Trust me, you will look back and know that they were so insistent on these rules because they want you to be the best you.

This school – this community – is larger than the sum of its parts. It is about strong academics. If you are the mother of a ninth grader, I can guarantee you that it’s harder now than when we were here. My daughters are definitely smarter than I am. But St. Agnes is about more than strong academics. It is about God and the wonderful influence that His love can play in our education and our lives when we allow it. I look at Sr. Jane and the Dominican nuns who have dedicated their lives to making St. Agnes what it is, and whose work ensures the Dominican influence is sustained in years to come. I want to thank them for that. It is also about empowerment. At a time when many want to characterize young women solely in terms of your looks, St. Agnes empowers you. Here, you can use your enthusiasm and intelligence to have the confidence to share your gifts with the larger community. And that means also having enough confidence in yourself that you don’t have to put down another person to feel good about yourself. It is about service and social justice. And finally, it is about the friendships you make. Thirty-five years after my graduation, I can honestly say that some of my best friends are those I made in high school. These friendships will last a lifetime. So, I want to tell my daughters, and all of you, that you have made it. You can check off that goal, and get on with the others. With what you learn here, you are empowered for whatever you choose. Welcome to St. Agnes!

When I graduated from St. Agnes, I knew that I wanted my daughters to go to this school. In fact, since they were toddlers, they were told: “You have one goal in life: that is to make good enough grades to get into St. Agnes. You have no other goal in life. After you make it into St. Agnes, you can have other goals.” Alumnae Connections

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Soledad Haren ’92

1930s Phyllis Marble Thomas ’34 will be 97 years old and is doing well on her own. She says she enjoys reading every page of Veritas magazine.

Soledad Haren ’92, currently teaches writing at the Women’s Press Collective, an organization working to support free speech, independent journalism, and workers’ rights. Soledad also co-founded Build A Better Planet, a nonprofit organization working to promote sustainable living. The nonprofit produces a television show, “Build A Better Planet’s Green Living” and publishes a quarterly magazine, “BABP’s Green Living Magazine.” Soledad produces the weekly “Green Living” radio show in New York City, which can be heard every Monday at 8 p.m. (Houston time) on www.3rdstrikeradio. com and in select FM markets. This Fall, Build A Better Planet will launch “Epoca Verde” the first Spanishlanguage show focused on sustainability which will broadcast from Houston. She has two documentary films in the works, one on re-forestation of the Kakamega Forest in Kenya, the other covering the groundbreaking of the Mommy & Me School, Haiti’s only sustainable school.

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Pat Hall ’58 belongs to the Northwest Deanery, and the National Council of Catholic Women. The NCCW is having their convention in Myrtle Beach, S.C. in September, where Pat will be installed

memories during my time at the embassy. I will return to work at the Houston Division Office to resume my duties until I decide to retire.” Pat Maher Garwick ’62 just became a great-grandma. Remmington Parker Bohannon (Remi) was born July 6, 2012. Kathy Caspersen Jamail ’64 and Jim Jamail (STH ’64) have relocated to Horseshoe Bay with their daughter, Paige Jamail Barnes ’91 and her husband Micah, and opened Jamail’s, a small grocery market focusing on fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery and deli items. If you’re in the Hill Country, stop by for some amazing fresh food.

Class of 1951 gathering

1950s Class of 1951 reunion - In April, 20 classmates gathered at the home of Pat McGinn McCauley ’51. Class of 1953 - Class Agent Peggy Walker ’53 hopes to see everyone at the Fannin Street Luncheon on November 9, 2012. The class will be celebrating their 60th reunion in 2013. Please contact Peggy Walker, pegw728@gmail.com, if you want to be involved. Wilma Commolly Widaski ’54 is happy to welcome her third great grandchild, Audrey Christina Widaski. The Class of 1957 celebrated their 55 year class reunion the weekend of June 9. After attending the St. Agnes All Class Reunion, 24 classmates continued the celebration at El Real Mexican Restaurant. Food and fellowship were great. Sunday morning, some met at 59 Diner for breakfast to close the weekend. They will continue celebrating in September at the San Luis Resort in Galveston, where they will stroll the Strand, walk the beach, and enjoy the pool and spa. The class also has a lunch or dinner each month. If you want to learn more, contact Carloyn Carvajal McCairns ’57 at mccairns@sbcglobal.net.

as the Province Director of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese.

1960s The Class of 1962 would like to recognize and send out a huge thank you to class agent Sue Ann Baranski Allen ’62, who stops at nothing to bring the class together. She is always there for each and every one of us to offer her prayers, support, transportation, bed and breakfast and anything else you can possibly think of. She works tirelessly to keep the class informed of all the happenings. She laughs with us and she cries with us. Thanks again, Sue Ann. We all love you very, very much. Bobbie A. Navarro Orr ’62 has been with the Department of Justice for the last 20 years and from June 2010 to June 2012 worked in Moscow, Russia at the U. S. Embassy as a LEGAT Operations Assistant in charge of administrative duties. “This assignment was challenging and, at the same time, a wonderful adventure. I had the opportunity to visit many neighboring countries and enjoy Moscow’s culture and history. On Mother’s Day 2012 the American flag was flown in my honor and will remain as one of the lasting

Raven Wenner ’66 and husband Michael have lived in his native England since 2008. He retired from HM Foreign Service and enjoys exploring old English church architecture. They promoted the Roman Catholic Anglican Use Liturgy in the USA for 18 years before 2012, when it became the Anglican Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter. They now promote the Anglican Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in the UK.

1970s

Beverley Crispin Heffernan ’70 enjoys her position as Manager of the Environmental Resources Division, Bureau of Reclamation, in Salt Lake City.

alumnaeupdates Her husband Jim is an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of the Interior. Her oldest son Jimmy works in Sandy, Utah, and their son Chris works in Salt Lake City. They have had the good fortune to take some fun trips - South Africa last year and Peru this past April. The house is rounded out with two dogs and two horses, and they participate annually in the Pony Express re-ride, where they carry the mail 200 miles along the original Pony Express route. Maria Ramirez Henkel ’75 and husband Kevan are proud to announce the marriage of their daughter, Kristina Marie Henkel to Paul David Holan on July 21. 2012.

characterized by excellent medical knowledge, technique, and actions complimented by continued desire for improvement. Virginia Turano ’79 was promoted to Vice President of Kendall and Davis, a forty year old physician recruitment firm. She is the company’s first female Vice President and relocated from Plano to St. Louis for this position.

1980s

1990s Paige Jamail Barnes ’91, her husband Micah, and their two sons are very excited about their move to Horseshoe Bay, TX to open Jamail’s with Paige’s parents, Kathy Caspersen Jamail ’64 and Jim Jamail (STH ’64). Check out www.jamails.com. Raquel Fuquen Janoe ’94 welcomed Madeleine Vera Janoe born on Aug 2, 2012. She came into this world with quite a

Jeane’ S. Holmes, M.D. ’85 and husband, Shannon, relocated to Dallas where he is an Assistant DA for Dallas County. Jeane’ is still a practicing OB/GYN as a hospitalist and serves as Medical Director for her

dramatic birth, weighing 7.9 lbs and measuring 19 inches. Three big sisters are happy to have her home. Jessica Mouser Luster ’95 and husband Matt Luster welcome their first child, Grant Matthew Luster born May 27, 2012. The Lusters live in Stamford, Connecticut. Melissa Caughlin Marks ’95 and husband Jimmy Marks had a daughter on October 24, 2011 who is named Jane Elizabeth Marks. She has brother George Thomas Marks, age 6, and brother Charles Harris Marks, who is 2.

Class of 1977 Reunion The Class of 1977 held their 35 year reunion this year. They attended the St. Agnes All Class Reunion, followed by a party at the home of Mary Raia ’77 Christopher Chiara, son of Robbie Lynn Hawthorne Chiara ’78, and grandson of Mickie Giammalva Hawthorne ’49, recently received the Dallas Fire-Rescue Paramedic of the Year Award, given in recognition of outstanding emergency medical service to the citizens of Dallas,

group in Ft. Worth. She is working on an MBA in Healthcare Management to transition into hospital administration. They are also expecting twins and celebrating their fifth year of marriage. Class of 1987 held their 15 year reunion the weekend of June 8-9. It began Friday with a happy hour with Strake Jesuit and St. Thomas at Junction Bar and Grill (owned by David Martinez STH ’92) where they welcomed 30 SAA alums! On Saturday, the reunion hosted more than 80 people, including close to 60 alums - some making the trek from the east and west coasts. The highlight of the evening was sharing fond memories of classmate Sheyla Caldera with her family who were in attendance. The reunion planning committee is making a donation to the 2012-2013 Annual Fund from funds left over from the reunion. Ana Karina Garcia Cearley ’89 started her new job as controller for Baird, Hampton & Brown, Inc., an engineering and surveying company in Ft. Worth in June.

Lori Redd Huffman ’96 and husband Bobby welcomed Robert Lawrence Huffman Jr. -“Bobby” to their family - on June 8. Big sisters Etta and Mary Clare are excited they have a little brother to love.

Robert Lawrence Huffman Jr. Meredith Jamail Rice ’96 and husband Mike, and daughters, Charlotte and Norah, are expecting a new addition to their family in January.

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alumnaeupdates Martha Arzayus Garcia ’96 and husband, Eric Garcia (SJ ’95), welcomed their third child, Alex Cesar Garcia on March 14, 2012. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 inches. He was welcomed home with open arms by big sister Julia, 4, and big brother Nicolas, 2. Martha also became a Stella & Dot Independent Jewelry Stylist in January of 2011. stelladot.com/marthagarcia Colleen Quirke Lewis ’98 and husband, Michael (ST ’96), welcomed their third child Will Adams Lewis on January 6, 2012. Will joins big sister Molly and big brother Web. Rose Daly Cull ’98 and husband Daniel celebrated their first wedding anniversary in March. Daniel and Rose met while in the conservation department at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. In August 2011, Rose completed a Master of Science degree in Art Conservation from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. She specializes in the conservation of objects and sculpture. She and Daniel live in Phoenix, Arizona. Kathlyn Coulter Curtis ’99 and husband Nick welcomed their son Jean Luc Andreas Curtis, May 9, 2012, weighing 8 oz and measuring 21 inches.

2000s Becky Carlson ’00 has been working with the Glocap Search, an executive search firm based in NYC, since graduating from Lehigh. She is currently a vice president. She is getting married this November in Greenwich, Connecticut, and plans to go to Italy for a honeymoon. Melissa Montalbano Hawthorne ’00 and husband, Matthew (SJ ’00), welcomed twin boys William Harris and Wesley Joseph on May 28, 2012. They are the great grandsons of the late Angela Maggio Montalbano ’39 and nephews to Michele Montalbano Osten ’95 and Melinda Montalbano ’05. Silke Koester ’01 and husband, Ryan, quit their jobs in New York City shortly after getting married and embarked on a yearlong mountain adventure honeymoon! They are now living in Boulder, Colorado, where they get to live their dream of

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running in the mountains every day with their adopted border collie. Silke continues to focus professionally on educational reform. She works for EDUCAUSE on a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funded initiative which focuses on identifying and scaling technology enabled approaches to dramatically improve college readiness and completion, especially for low income young adults. C.J. Walthall Kanelakos ’02 works with the Engineering Directorate at NASA’s Johnson Jacqueline Jones ‘03 Space Center in Houston as a mechanical Erica Bogdan ’06 graduated from engineer for the Robonaut2 (R2) Team. R2 St. Edward’s University in 2010 is a fully dexterous humanoid robot designed with a degree in Graphic Design. and built to serve as a robotic assistant to She is currently doing design and the crew during spaceflight. A unit of R2 development for Schipul, a web was launched on the space shuttle in July marketing company in Houston. In her 2011 to the International Space Station where spare time, she volunteers and handles it will reside indefinitely. social media for AIGA Houston and does some freelance illustration work. Jacqueline Jones ’03 graduated from Northwestern University with a Masters Jocie Breckon ’06 recently quit her job degree in higher education administration in Galveston, sold her belongings that and policy. She accepted a position as the didn’t fit in one car, and moved with Coordinator of Residence Life at Franklin her dog to Ontario to work at a fishing College, Switzerland where she manages lodge. She says “Guess some of us the residence life department. Last year she never grow up!” supervised a team of 14 resident assistants, lead a Service Leadership class trip of 20 Theresa Caram Xochitl Chorba ’06 students to Poland, and mentored three is engaged to DJ Safady and getting students through a leadership mentor married in October 2012. She started program. She recently started training for graduate school for a master’s in Liberal her first triathlon and 10k. Arts-Psychology at University of St. Karen Kelleher ’03 graduated from DePaul Thomas and works at St. Vincent de Law School, sat for the Illinois Bar, and got Paul Catholic School. engaged. She is planning a summer 2013 wedding in the Chicago suburbs. Elizabeth (Liz) Connolly ’06 is a manager at Victoria’s Secret and Marcelina Guerrero ’04 graduated from the working towards a writing and School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a economics degree at the University of Master of Arts degree for Art History, Theory Houston. and Criticism and a Master of Arts degree for Arts Administration and Policy. Carol Glaser ’06 graduated from Texas Melinda Montalbano ’05 graduated in May 2012 with a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. Jennifer Erin Ryan ’05 was awarded a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. While at Georgetown, Jennifer was active in the Catholic Law Students Association and served as its President in 2012. She was an editor of The Georgetown International Environmental Law Journal and spent a semester at the Georgetown Institute for Public Representation in the area of Environmental Justice. Alyssa Alexander ’06 graduated from Wake Forest University in December 2009 with a BA in Psychology and Spanish. She worked for the Public Defender Service in D.C. as an investigator for a year before moving to Spain to teach English. She is starting a master’s degree in Translation in Seville, Spain.

State University in December 2009 with a BA in Mass Communication/ Advertising. She has been working for Texas Right to Life in Houston for over two years doing youth outreach. Her plan is to eventually work at an ad agency. Becca Gosda ’06 graduated from Texas A&M in May 2010 and began teaching 4th grade math at The Village School in west Houston. She is also the head coach for the high school girls’ soccer team and is 8th grade volleyball coach.

Veritas is going to three issues per year! Submit news to alumnae@st-agnes.org by November 16, 2012 for the January edition!

alumnaeupdates Finance Director for the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee for the Houston and south Texas races. She is the Outreach Chair for the Texas Exes LGBT Network, and proud co-Class Agent for the Class of 2006. Jennifer Mejias ’06 is finishing a second degree in Dietetics and the Didactic Program at UT. She graduated May 2011 with a BS in Nutritional Sciences from UT. This fall she will apply to Dietetic Internships and master’s programs in Texas. She also works at Snap Kitchen and does research for Dell Pediatric Research Institute. Rachael Pellerin ’06 is engaged to Brian Jacobson, with plans to marry in Galveston. She graduated from Texas A&M and is in her second year of medical school at UTMB Galveston. Audrey Costa Harton ’06 and husband, Trey, welcomed Maci Mae Harton on July 10. Grandmother Laura Broussard Costa ’78 is so proud! Audrey graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and currently resides in Beeville, Texas, where her husband works for Conoco Phillips and she is a stay-at-home mom. Elise Kana ’06 was a second grade teacher at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School for two years and was married in August. Isabel Texas Longoria ’06 completed a master’s in Public Affairs at the LBJ School at UT Austin in May. In June, she took a job in Austin as the Regional

Amanda Villareal Rizzotto ’06 married Jason Rizzotto on December 18, 2009. They welcomed baby boy Tyce Donavan on February 26, 2012. They are currently living in San Diego where Jason is a corpsman in the Navy. Brisa Vasquez ’06 graduated in May from the University of Houston and started a job as manager at Zoe’s Kitchen.

Dianna Urrego ’07 is an event planner for Cordua Catering. She is passionate about relationship building and enjoys her work because it allows her to get out in front of people and wow them with great food and leave a lasting impression. Rebecca Wechter ’07 and husband Tim welcomed Noah Timothy, on April 11 at 8lb 3oz and 21 inches long. Tess Clifton ’08 graduated summa cum laude from Tulane, and was awarded the William Wallace Peery Medal for Academic Excellence, the highest academic honor given by the Newcomb-Tulane College. She says she is sure it’s in no small part because of her excellent high school education. Claire Hornberger ’08 graduated magna cum laude from University of Kentucky with a BA in Psychology. She will continue her studies at Southern Illinois University in Industrial Psychology while also working as a graduate assistant. Chelsea Katz ’09 spent the summer in an internship program through TCU at the Schieffer School in Washington. She is currently a senior studying journalism.

Casey Stranahan Courtney Walsh ’06 is completing her master’s of Public Policy at Harvard.

2010s Lizzie Gollin ’10 and Samantha Kherkher ’10 Sam was in Hong Kong with her UT Supply Chain Management class and received an e-mail from Lizzie saying that she was interning at a shoe factory in Dongguan, China, and was in Hong Kong for the weekend. They got together and quickly made plans for Lizzie to join Sam’s UT group for the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong the next weekend, and then Beijing the following weekend. They shared some of the greatest experiences of their lives together - including climbing The Great Wall of China - and they became great friends while doing so! Samantha is beginning her third year at UT Austin as Supply Chain Management Major with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from the McCombs School of Business. Lizzie is also beginning her third year at UT Austin as an economics Major.

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From the

Somebody had a hot red Rambler. Can you tell us who it might be?

SAA By the Numbers 8,000+ - Total graduates since 1906 5 - Tommy Tune Award nominations in 2012 5 - Number of district championships in golf over the last 5 years 94% - Pass rate on 2012 Advanced Placement exams 2 - Students who made perfect scores on the A.C.T. 891 - Enrollment for 2012-2013 9 - Students on the 2012 all-state swimming and diving team 3rd - Rank out of 1,178 high schools in the U.S. in small electronics recycling 16th - Rank out of 11,842 of all schools in the U.S. in small electronics recycling

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