SCA Harpstrings Spring 2024

HARPSTRINGS

FAITH IN YOUNG WOMEN. SINCE 1860.

SPRING 2024

(Front Cover) Saoirse Griggs ‘26, Lilly

Faye Kraemer ‘24, Anna Kate Talbot ’25 and Ann Marie Terry ‘24 in front of the Basilica while on their service trip to Lourdes, France.

St. Cecilia Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Dear Friends,

As we reach the midpoint of St. Cecilia Academy’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed on our school. We have dedicated faculty and staff, supportive parents, vibrant students, and generous benefactors. Together, we continue the mission given to St. Dominic whose Order is dedicated to teaching the truth fully revealed by Christ so that others might live in the joy and freedom of the children of God.

During the process that created the current strategic plan, multiple participants suggested we capture in words what many were calling The Dominican Difference. This statement is one of the beautiful fruits of the planning process, an excerpt of which is included on the back cover.

This edition of Harpstrings gives a glimpse of The Dominican Difference in action. It is seen in the beautiful faces of our girls. Each day, every girl is learning to walk in the reality that she is infinitely loved, with the capacity to love infinitely; each is growing in confidence in her mind’s ability to know the truth; and each is discovering the ways she can share her gifts to build a culture where people truly flourish. Deo Gratias!

Thank you for sharing in our mission of educating young women in truth and love. May St. Dominic continue to intercede for all of us and obtain every grace we need. Please know of my prayers for you and your families.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Anna Laura, O.P.

Strategic Plan

THE DOMINICAN DIFFERENCE:

Seeking truth, freedom, and joy through faith, reason, and virtue

BY: SISTER DOMINIC, O.P.

Truth, freedom, and joy – these three words, found in the extended title of the Dominican Difference Strategic Plan, are universally attractive goods and characteristically Dominican. They are, in fact, realities, which we are seeking in the SCA experience. The strategic initiatives from this plan discussed below work together to support a vision where our girls persistently seek and consistently find truth, freedom, and joy.

SCA devotees have heard the scape-changing news of the two major initiatives from this same strategic plan: the addition of the junior high to SCA, and the move to the presidentprincipal governance model. What served as the finish line for making these two landmark decisions became the starting line for their implementation. Here is an update of these, and other initiatives underway, as well as a look at what is to come.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES UNDER WAY:

Addition of the Junior High: With no regrets in bringing younger students into the SCA mission and student life experience, the junior high girls have flourished in this environment. You will see some of the highlights of their year in the other articles in this magazine, but the opportunity to take a ski trip to Colorado was perhaps my favorite activity!

Governance Model: With strides in the right direction, the president-principal model has begun to deliver on what was promised, namely that by dividing the responsibilities of leadership for the school, the principal can focus more fully on internal operations and strategic initiatives that develop the curriculum, student life, teacher professional development, and day-to-day operations. The success of the next several strategic

initiative updates below are a result of Sr. Anna Laura’s dedicated work with her team of teachers and staff, and the wonderful support of our SCA parents and friends.

Art of Living: Pope Benedict once addressed an audience of teachers, explaining that what is needed today for youth to discover human happiness is masterful teaching of the art of living. Growing up in a tech-saturated world and normalized social polarization, young people today benefit from an immersion in the art of living well, much of which was simply imbibed in family life and culture in days gone by. During their junior high Art of Living classes and during the wholeschool community Art of Living Days, the girls are offered community experiences that orient them toward living ever more fully according to their human dignity and femininity. The Art of Living vision is for the full flourishing of the human person, and hands-on experiences of what it means to be made for truth, freedom, and joy.

Philosophy Curriculum: Our girls need and deserve clarity to navigate the challenging, and often confusing, culture which they

will inherit. In Dominican schools, you should always find a particular emphasis on confidence in the goodness of creation and the power of human reason. Reality can be known; creation was made intelligible, and the human person has the ability to know it through the use of right reason. SCA’s new philosophy curriculum aims to provide the opportunity for girls to think, to understand how they are made, and to know what the powers of their soul (intellect and will) are created to do – all of which will help them navigate confusing and contradictory messages about what is true or untrue, how to live and how not to live, and ultimately, how to pursue the happiness (joy!) for which we were made. Girls discover that a happy life is not left to chance, luck, or circumstance, but is within their power to pursue. We believe the series of four courses will be of inestimable value to the young women who are inheriting a culture that has begun to depart from reasoned thinking and acting. Girls will graduate anchored in the truths about the human person and confident in their ability to know this truth. This will be a powerful aid throughout the entirety of their lives.

Faculty and Staff Formation: We believe that a relevant, personal, and mission-oriented formation of faculty and staff is integral to achieving the mission and delivering a world-class education. In 2023-2024, we began a threeyear cycle of deeper formation in the mission, with themes of the Dominican Charism and the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia (year 1), the mission of Catholic education (year 2), and the vision of the human person, particularly in the modern context (year 3). We opened the 2023-2024 school year with a professional development day dedicated to the life and charism of St. Dominic, and specifically the call to teach in our Dominican schools. Later in the year, we celebrated a retreat with faculty and staff from all three campus schools, with talks on our favorite Dominican son, St. Thomas Aquinas, and with lively and inspiring testimonials from several of our staff.

Block schedule: SCA moved to a block schedule in 2019. The block schedule begins to address the frenzied pace of life the girls so often experience. Teachers and students alike learned to use the new block schedule for deeper thinking in

each discipline and provide a more tranquil pace during the school day.

Student Life: The girls come to SCA with various personal gifts, interests, abilities, and hopes. Developing the student life position has helped to realize a more fulsome student life program with a strengthened service component, wellorganized clubs, and celebration of school-wide community days, all of which are developed with the understanding of what makes the human person flourish: friendship, grace, and community.

Facilities: Facilities maintenance and capital growth are large enough categories to demand their own strategic plan. Looking back over the last decade and a half, we completed the track and field complex along with recent resurfacing. More recently, we celebrated the completion of the Fine Arts Center (2017) with a state-of-the-art dance studio, two visual arts studios, dark room, a dedicated chorus room, and music practice rooms. In 2021, we completed a chapel renovation emphasizing the liturgy, beauty, and order strongly associated with worship in the Dominican tradition. Next, we re-designed existing space to accommodate six junior high classrooms with a proximate common space and junior high restroom. In the same 2022 renovation project, we relocated a newly designed, spacious faculty center. The outdoor Field House with concessions and restroom facilities, and field light upgrades also occurred that same year.

The Rose Gala and Golf Classic have been great sources of facility improvements in recent years, with the purchase of activity buses, new strength and conditioning equipment in the weight room, a refresh of the theater interior with new seating and carpet, and tech upgrades for lights and sound. In 2024, we plan to install pole vault equipment. This added field event will enable us to host our first track and field meet, scheduled for April 2024. In addition to these and other general maintenance items, we have systematically addressed, renewed, and updated our security needs with cameras, communications systems, armed guards, window film, and an access control system.

We continue to work from the strategic plan that has been responsible for directing so much good for our school and students. The same plan guides us in looking at maintenance needs and identifying capital growth priorities, which we anticipate will be part of an upcoming phase of the strategic plan.

SCA’s strategic plan was developed with input from hundreds of stakeholders, and many blessings resulted. The plan will continue to guide our work for the next several years. The school’s governing board (Prioress General Mother Anna Grace and the Congregation’s General Council) and administration, faculty, and staff are committed to its continued progress, so we can continue to serve and educate young women for many generations. ◊

2023-2024

Student Life

Roselyn Serrano '24 and her dance company performed a cultural dance at the International Festival

7th graders Amelia Hood, Tessa Brodhag, Ellie Kopf and Ansley Towns at the Junior High Retreat.

2023 Spirit Court: Queen: Edie Powell; Senior Attendant: Nori Fuller; Junior Attendant: Meg Cherry; Sophomore Attendant: Clara Stefansic; Freshman Attendant: Charlotte Hamilton

Katherine Crosslin '24 and Olivia Jones '24 at Coastal Combo with a friend.

Abby Miller '24 on the Homecoming Court for MBA, supported by her SCA friends.

Aniya Surati '26 representing her homeland of India at the International Festival.

Students heading out to perform acts of service on Dominican Day.

Junior High students skiing on their interim trip to Granbury Ranch, Winter Park, Colorado.

The freshman class at the Motherhouse learning about our St. Cecilia heritage on Dominican Day.

The Senior Powderpuff team at the Rosie Robinson Memorial Powderpuff game.

Sage Patterson '25 and Cece Phillips '25 sit in Apache helicopters that landed on The Dominican Campus in observance of Veterans Day.

8th grade student leaders Mimi Pyburn, Lillian Fontenot, Emma Hancock, Charlotte Buergler, Amy Weber and Julia Petroni show their shield they created during their Leadership Workshop.

SCA students celebrate all-school Mass with Bishop Spalding at The Diocese of Nashville.

TheJoy

OF PILGRIMAGE

BY: SISTER ANNE CATHERINE, O.P.

Many college preparatory high schools offer international travel opportunities to their students, and St. Cecilia Academy is no exception. In this past year, however, students have participated in two overseas trips with a difference.

These two adventures – World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage in Lourdes, France – were truly unique, integrating faith and an experience of the universal Church in a joyful cultural immersion.

THE WORLD YOUTH DAY

Since 1984, World Youth Days have occurred every other year in host cities around the globe. These massive youth events bring the Pope together with young people from nearly every nation around the world. This past July, a group of SCA girls were among the 1.5 million young people filling Portugal for a week of prayer, cultural sharing, catechesis, and fun. In addition

World Youth Day offers us in microcosm an experience of the Kingdom of God in this Life.

// sister maria caeli, o.p.

to touring Lisbon's color-saturated port city and Fatima's famous Marian shrine, pilgrims met many people from different countries and language groups. Like the other youths they met, the SCA girls proudly waved their national flag and eagerly traded souvenirs with various groups to connect and start conversations among the thousands of people.

In addition to the talks and catechetical sessions, concerts, and events that happen throughout the host city during the week, World Youth Day always includes a welcome event for the Pope, as well as a culminating outdoor Eucharistic Adoration vigil and overnight camp-out before a final closing Mass.

Pilgrimage organizer Sister Maria Caeli said the World Youth Day experience teaches students many profound lessons about faith and life. "On a pilgrimage, you have to learn to travel light – literally and figuratively," she said, "to be flexible, to realize you travel through life with other people and have to look out for one another. World Youth Day offers us in microcosm an experience of the Kingdom of God in this life."

Saoirse Griggs '26, Anna Kate Talbot '25, Ann Marie Terry '24 lit a candle for all of the SCA students, families, faculty, and staff on pilgrimage in Lourdes, France.

LOURDES ROSARY PILGRIMAGE

This past fall, Sister Marie Genevieve and Sister Eva Marie led a French immersion experience like no other. Since 2011, SCA has partnered with Lycée de la Sauque, a boarding school in Bordeaux served by Dominican priests as chaplains, for a cultural exchange program called the Veritas Connection. Over the years, many French students have spent a semester at St. Cecilia, while groups of SCA girls have reciprocated by visiting La Sauque for two weeks at the end of the school year. However, this trip was different. In addition to the usual visit to the school and home stays with French host families, the SCA students had the opportunity to attend the annual Rosary Pilgrimage to Lourdes with La Sauque's senior class.

The Lourdes Rosary Pilgrimage, run by the Dominican Order in France, is a week-long event every October at the famous shrine where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Since that time, Lourdes has been a popular place of pilgrimage, particularly for those seeking healing. The Rosary Pilgrimage brings together groups of French high school students for a week of service to pilgrims who need assistance while visiting the shrine. In addition to focusing on service and prayer, the students have time together to enjoy meals, conversation, leisure, and French culture.

Each girl from St. Cecilia was paired with a French student and a malade, as the pilgrims are known, for a truly immersive French-speaking handson experience. They were responsible for pushing pilgrims' wheelchairs through the sanctuary and streets of Lourdes, while accompanying them daily to Mass and the famous grotto and baths as they got to know each person. Anna Kate Talbot '25 described her week at Lourdes as "something I will never forget." Ann Marie Terry '24 added, "I thought it was amazing that some people there were so sick and yet had so much faith. It was really incredible to see."

Meeting the world, united under Mary's mantle World Youth Day and the Lourdes Rosary Pilgrimage offered students a unique perspective of the universality of the Catholic Church amid a particular cultural context. Despite differences in language and background, students realized how much they have in common with others, particularly when they are united in Christ.

Both of these trips also had a distinctly Marian character, involving as they did sites so important to Catholics all over the world. Sophomore Sàoirse Griggs said that her favorite part of

the French trip was the nightly candlelight procession outside the basilica at Lourdes, while the World Youth Day participants were unanimous that their favorite part of their Portugal experience was the day spent at the shrine of Fatima, where the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children in the early 1900s.

Sister Marie Genevieve, SCA French teacher, said that the faith becomes visible and tangible when students make a pilgrimage. "Acts of faith made by so many people in these holy places really change the air. You can feel it," she observed. As a Dominican school devoted to the Rosary and under the maternal protection of Our Lady's mantle, St. Cecilia Academy is blessed to offer students international encounters that foster an unforgettable academic, personal, and spiritual education. ◊

Students traveled to East TN to view the Carlos Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit.

PJ Bujdos '25, Sarah Carson '25, Emma Golczynski '25, Emillie Cox '24, and Meg Cherry '25 at World Youth Day in Portugal.

Saoirse Griggs '26 and a French student volunteer assisting the elderly during their pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Student Achievements

ACADEMICS

BEST OF NASHVILLE – TOP 3

We are excited to share that St. Cecilia Academy has been voted one of the Top 3 Private Schools by Nashville Scene's Best of Nashville Readers' Poll.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST

St. Cecilia Academy senior Elizabeth Adler has been named National Merit Scholarship Finalist. We also proudly announce two Commended Scholars, Maggie Niesen and Allison Cliffel.

CLT10 REGIONAL SCHOLAR AWARD AND DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR

Five St. Cecilia Academy students earned the 2023 CLT10 Regional Scholar Award, with one being named a Distinguished Scholar. Regional Scholars have scores within the top 5% of their geographic region

• Grace Bauer '26, (St. Henry School)

• Jayma Lindsley '25 (St. Bernard Academy)

• Saba Michael '26 (St. Edwards School)

• Madeline Nientemp '26 (Christ the King School)

• Colsyn Whittaker '25 (Rose Park Middle School) – Also named Distinguished Scholar, Highest score at SCA!

IZZIE PLAYFAIR '26 WINS MBA WILSON GRANT FINANCE CONTEST AGAIN!

Izzie Playfair '26 does it again! During the summer, MBA offers a Wilson Grant finance class, Advanced Stock Market Strategies, for local students to participate. Playfair has won first place in the 8-week stock market competition for the second year in a row. As the only girl in the class, she represented SCA with poise and confidence. The all-boys school invited her to the school assembly to accept her award.

STELLA GRAZIANO '24 AND GABBY GONZALEZ '24

Stella Graziano '24 and Gabby Gonzalez '24 discussed how the Dominican Difference has impacted each of their lives and it was featured in the Catholic Awakenings magazine.

MODEL UN

SCA had 23 students attend the YMCA Model United Nations Conference. Students presented their resolution to the committee. Resolutions that are highly ranked are then heard in the General Assembly.

SCA students who presented their resolution to the General Assembly:

• Carly Cavanaugh '24, Emma Wanucha '25, and Hailey Wondem '24

• Maggie Crosslin '26, and Georgia Kraemer '26

• AWARDS:

• Claire Claverie'26 and Natalie Petroni'26 – Outstanding Resolution

• Claire Claverie'26 – Outstanding Delegate

• Hailey Wondem '24 – Outstanding Delegate

• Cate Greek '25 and Mehetabel Mikael '25 served as officers for the Department of Global Communications at this year’s conference. Mehetabel will also serve as the Blog and Copy Editor for the Department of Global Communications for the 2024 Model UN Conference.

FINE ARTS

ADVANCED ART EXHIBIT

Mrs. Pike’s Advanced Art students participated in a collaborative art project titled “Under One Roof” with the Gordon Jewish Community Center for their Sukkot celebration. The theme for the exhibit was “Honor Humanity”. The students decided to represent humanity through various skin tones as well as individual faces that form the stars. They chose to paint the night sky as the background as a reminder that we are all in the same solar system on the same earth.

SABA MICHAEL '26

Saba Michael '26 attended the Belmont Summer Studios Program. She learned HTML and CSS coding languages in a Web Design class and the foundations of drawing in her Studio Drawing class. At the end of the program, she showcased her self-portrait made with charcoal and the webpage she coded. Saba also attended a seminar titled “Finding Your Creative Voice,” where a professional independent artist spoke about figuring out your creative journey and what a career as a professional artist is like.

BROOKLYN PIKE '26

Brooklyn was accepted to the Teens Take the Frist exhibit at the Frist Art Museum. The painting Brooklyn entered was completed in her VAP class and perfectly fit the show’s theme of “Nostalgia.”

BELMONT DANCE STUDY

Belmont University School of Physical Therapy joined the dance students at SCA to study the

influence of formal dance on the development of young women.

Through the use of cutting-edge sensors, the researchers captured the graceful movements of our dancers, unraveling insights about their physical growth. From the ballet training at SCA to a non-dancer control group, this study is taking dance science to a new level.

The information collected during the study will help shape the future of dance education and injury prevention. We are excited to be a part of this important work alongside Belmont University.

DANCE STUDENTS PERFORM IN THE NUTCRACKER

Two SCA Dance students performed this past holiday season in the Nutcracker. Nora Rieck '27 graced the stage as Clara in the Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker. Madeline Foster '24 danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ashley Weber '28 performed in Nashville's Centennial Youth Ballet sold-out performance of the Mini-Nutcracker..

JULIA HERASYMOVA '26

Julia Herasymova '26 recently earned a spot on The Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble! Julia plays the alto saxophone and has only been playing for two years. Julia is a St. Cecilia Academy Chamber Ensemble member and found her love for jazz music during her time here. Before coming to SCA, Julia graduated from a musical school in Ukraine, where she studied piano.

TAYLOR HARRISON '26

Taylor Harrison '26 attended the High School Summer Conservatory Musical Theatre program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. She explored the world of classic and contemporary musical theater alongside experienced Broadway performers and directors. Taylor was also accepted into their college program based on her auditions last summer.

NATIONAL ANTHEM SOUNDS GAME

Students performed the national anthem at the Nashville Sounds baseball game!

HANNAH BRODERICK '26 and BRAZIER PIERCE '24 auditioned and were selected for Midstates Honors Choir. They participated and performed in a choir festival weekend and concerts.

JULIA BETBEZE '27 , NATALIE PETRONI '26 , BRAZIER PIERCE '24

auditioned and were selected to participate in Youth Choirs through Vanderbilt University at the Blair School of Music during the school year.

ANA MANNING '24 was selected to participate in a pre-college program through Vanderbilt University at the Blair School of Music during the school year allowing her to take private lessons and college classes at Blair.

SAM COPLAN '28 , MARIAM SMITH '28 , SAULE BERNOTAS '26 , and LILY FAYE KRAMER '24 auditioned and were selected for Midstate Honors Orchestra. They participated and performed in an orchestra festival weekend and concerts.

SAM COPLAN '28, SAULE BERNOTAS '26, and LILLY FAYE KRAEMER '24 auditioned and were selected to participate in Youth Orchestras through Vanderbilt University at the Blair school of Music during the school year.

ATHLETICS

ALL-REGION VOLLEYBALL

Gracen Mondelli '24 and Edie Powell '24 were selected to the TSSAA All-Region Volleyball Team and Stella Graziano '24 and Madison Murphy '24 were selected to TSSAA All-Region Honorable Mentions.

DALTON VAUGHN '25 GOLF

Dalton Vaughn finished in 3rd place at the TSSAA

Individual State Golf Tournament. Dalton Vaughn '25 was also named to the 2023-2024 TSSAA ll-AA All State Golf Team. Vaughn’s exceptional season and finish during the state tournament are commendable representations of her dedication and the support of her SCA golf team.

EDIE POWELL '24

Winthrop University

Edie has signed to play volleyball at Winthrop University.

KATE MILLER '24

Columbia University

Kate has signed to row at Columbia University!

AMELIA TARQUINIO '24

Brown Univesity

Amelia has signed her letter of intent to row at Brown University.

SIMONE DELA MERCED

Simone earned the NFHS Student Athlete Award of Excellence. This award goes to student athletes who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship, integrity, and ethics in their athletic pursuits.

ALLISON CLIFFEL '24

Allison Cliffel '24 placed 8th in the TSSAA State Bowling Invitational

LANGUAGES/EXCHANGE STUDENTS

GUATEMALAN STUDENTS

We welcomed two exchange students from Guatemala! Jasmine and Lourdes (Lulu) experienced life as a St. Cecilia Girl. Both students were a part of the Faces & Our Cultures Exchange Program and experienced American school and culture during their summer break.

FRENCH STUDENT

We have a new French exchange student this semester. Amandine Lecocq arrived from France in January and will be attending classes at SCA through the end of May. She is a senior at Lycée de la Sauque, the same school where our students visited this past September.

FAITH/SERVICE

CORRINE CIRIGLIANO '28 AND AVA HUNT '28

Corrine Cirigliano '28 and Ava Hunt '28 joined forces with St. Matthew Church on the "Servio Deo" duo trip to deliver much-needed assistance in Ft. Myers, FL, while recovering from storm damage. Corrine and Ava were able to serve the community and grow in their faith.

EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES EXHIBIT

In September several SCA students visited the Carlos Acutis Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit in east Tennessee. The exhibit included photos, art, and stories of more than 125 Vatican-authenticated miracles associated with faith in and worship of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic miracles inspire a deeper awareness and more ardent love for our Lord’s Real Presence. After the exhibit, the students enjoyed hiking in the mountains and reflecting on their many blessings.

LOURDES, FRANCE

Students traveled to Lourdes, France on a pilgrimage of service, love, and faith while tending to the elderly/infirm pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. You can read more on pages 8-9.

WORLD YOUTH DAY

SCA STUDENTS TRAVELED to Lisbon, Portugal, to participate in World Youth Day this summer. This week-long event allowed our students to celebrate their Catholic faith with other teens worldwide. Read more about World Youth Day on page 8.

Alumna Guest Speakers

ANATOMY

Sister Cecilia Marie invited Hannah Perryman Zeigler, RN, BSN, and SCA Class of 2014 to speak to her Anatomy & Physiology classes. Hannah shared her experiences as a labor and delivery nurse and how her time at SCA prepared her for college and for her profession

MENTAL HEALTH

Minds in Motion, our mental health awareness club, hosted Jennie Mae Sprouse '20 for a zoom presentation about her mental health journey. Jennie Mae provided valuable information about how to cope with stressors while in high school and support resources. The club members felt understood and encouraged by her talk!

FRIENDSHIP

During the Art of Living Day our Keynote Speaker was Aimee Shelide Mayer '02, who spoke on friendship over a lifetime and ended her presentation with a Q & A session led by students Brazier Pierce '24 and Hailey Wondem '24.

Athletics

DIVISION 1 COLLEGIATE ATHLETES 2023-2024

KATE MILLER '24 Columbia University Rowing

EDIE POWELL '24 Winthrop University Volleyball

AMELIA TARQUINIO '24 Brown University Rowing

2023-2024

Fine Arts

This year our student artists have been involved in collaborations, concerts and performances including the Fall musical, Annie and the Spring play, Alice in Wonderland.

The cast and crew for the spring play Alice in Wonderland

Art students preparing their project in collaboration with the Gordon Jewish Community Center, "Under One Roof" for their Sukkot Celebration.

The Orphans during a performance of the fall musical, Annie

Elizabeth Adler '24 and her trusty dog Sandy during the fall musical performance of Annie

Nora Rieck '27 performing at St. Cecilia Day.

Ana Manning '24 and the choir performing during St. Ceciia Day.

Mary Cecilia Meier '27 performig during St. Cecilia Day.

FosteringFELLOWSHIP ON CAMPUS

People are increasingly eager for face-toface interaction, as evidenced by family fellowships being alive and well on the Dominican campus. Mothers discuss books, Dads gather for adoration and conversation, and whole families meet monthly for food and fellowship, while exploring topics on faith.

MOM’S

BOOK CLUB EXPANDS

A staple on campus for many years, The Dominican Campus Mom’s Book Club helps build fellowship and provides enrichment with spiritual reading materials and discussions held on campus.

Most recently, the group read The Reed of God, an exploration of Mary’s fiat, by Caryll Houselander, and in the Spring of 2023, the selection was The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. The women begin their meetings with social time, leading to about 20 minutes of prayer, listening to the scriptures, and silently praying (Lectio Divine). Then, they discuss the current book and the assigned reading, sometimes with questions or reflection prompts prepared by the moderator.

There are often 20 or more women present

for each book selection, which might take six to eight weeks to read and discuss. Sister Dominic is currently leading the discussions and choosing the books. She said, “The group does a few things for all of us: provides Christbased friendships, encourages deeper faith, and clarifies catechetical and theology questions for so many of us who had a diminished intellectual formation offered to us in our formative years.”

Kelly Tramontin has attended the reading group for the past two years. Tramontin says, “I have gotten much more from the Mom’s Book Club than I could have ever expected to receive. There is something very beautiful about a group of women from all different backgrounds coming together in a community. Our sharing of faith, experiences, insights, struggles, and prayers

illuminates the texts we read.”

Another mom, Cristin Barkley, loves the fact that the book club is multi-generational: “Having a variety of perspectives from different life stages and even faith backgrounds of the women who attend has been a positive and fruitful experience for me.”

The Mom’s Book Club is open to all women associated with St. Cecilia Academy and Overbrook Catholic School, including current mothers and grandmothers, alumnae mothers and grandmothers, and female friends of the campus. Look for information about the next Mom’s Book Club selection in the weekly campus emails, or email info@stcecilia.edu with Mom's Book Club as the subject.

DOMINICAN DADS

The Dominican Dads have been meeting on campus for more than ten years. The weekly meetings are held when school is in session and occur from 6:15 - 7:30 a.m. on Fridays. The first half hour is devoted to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by discussion and fellowship on faith, fatherhood, and family in the SCA Dining Hall. For many participants, there is no better way to start the weekend.

The Dominican Dads kicked off the year with a backyard BBQ on the campus for a night of introduction, fellowship, and orientation. Through the fall semester, the Dominican Dads viewed the video series "Into the Breach," published by the Knights of Columbus. The short 12 to 15 minute videos were followed by lively small group conversation. Later, local author John Bosio spoke about his book, Raising a Catholic Family Today. As a service to the school and added fellowship, the Dominican Dads put their grilling skills to work. They served over 300 hamburgers and hot dogs to a hungry crowd at the annual Rosie Robinson Memorial Powderpuff Game, even grilling through the lightning break! During Advent, on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Sister Mary Rita, O.P. gave a talk entitled “Mary, Full of Grace,” followed by Q & A. The Dominican Dads also hosted their annual Lenten Fish Fry on campus for the community to enjoy.

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM LAUNCHES

The Family Fellowship Program was a pilot program offered in the fall of 2023. The idea is to foster community within the campus by having small groups of families meet in one of their homes each month during the semester to discuss topics of mutual concern. There were nine host families for the pilot program, and the topics ranged from raising children in our Catholic faith to the challenges of parenting in the digital age, with many more subjects in between. SCA students provided babysitting services for those who needed it while the adults shared a meal and got to know one another.

“...the thing I love most about Dominican Dads is the companionship and support in our vocation as husbands and fathers that we all give to each other.”

—Billy Alexander

Long-time Dominican Dad Billy Alexander reflects, “Aside from adoring Our Lord for 30 minutes every Friday morning in the chapel, the thing I love most about Dominican Dads is the companionship and support in our vocation as husbands and fathers that we all give to each other. It is such a gift! Also, I think learning what other dads are doing within their families is fantastic, and I might want to embrace and emulate it in my own family. It’s reassuring to know that we face common challenges in our lives, and it’s comforting and uplifting to know that we are all here to support each other.”

Dominican Dads is open to all father figures associated with St. Cecilia Academy and Overbrook Catholic School, including current alumnae and friends of the campus. For more information about Dominican Dads, email Matt Curley at mcurley13@gmail.com

The participants “varied in culture, race, marital status, and religion, but came together with our convictions about God and family,” said Adrienne Bobos, who hosted one of these gatherings.

While the discussions did not always remain on topic and often veered into purely fellowship territory, socializing was an intentional outcome. One common refrain was that the Family Fellowship gatherings successfully fostered a sense of community among Overbrook Catholic School and St. Cecilia Academy families.

Another host, Rachel Batten Augustine SCA ‘00, felt that she and her family reaped the benefits of hearing and implementing different ideas and outlooks she had heard. Augustine says, “We all benefited from getting to know new families and friends in our school community.”

Adrienne Bobos also said she enjoyed “experiencing the sense of community with this group, and we thank God for the friendships we have cultivated over the last few months.”

GIVING DAY 2023

Tops theCharts

The 2023 Giving Day was one for the record books, with $211,864 contributed to support the school's mission to ennoble young women, equip them to excel, and inspire them to lead lives of integrity. Many donors gave for the first time or increased their support to help us

unlock an additional $50,000, which a grateful alumna generously offered. Thank you for joining with her and sharing your resources for the girls who benefit each day. Your gift is a beautiful tribute to your love for St. Cecilia, and we thank you! We also extend gratitude to the alumnae who

graciously participated in this year's Giving Day videos: Elizabeth Geny '08, Mary Del Frank Scobey '74, Jennifer Geny Slice '05, Jean Augustine Taber '97, Susan Andrews Thompson '74, and Allyson Parker Young '82.

STELLA PERAZZINI '23

Mission:Possible

BORN TO SERVE

BY: SISTER MARIE GENEVIEVE, O.P.

From the time she entered St. Cecilia Academy, Stella Perazzini (‘23) knew she wanted to serve her country in the United States Navy. A photo from freshman year shows her eagerly holding up the name of her dream college: the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. “Four years later,” writes her mother, Susan Perazzini, “her dream is her reality.” Stella is completing her first year at the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School, where a year of intense study and training will lead to four more years at the United States Naval Academy.

Stella’s older brother provided the inspiration. After considering the Naval Academy, he chose to participate in Navy ROTC during his college years. Looking up to him, Stella decided she would not just imitate him but go beyond, and she set her sights on the United States Naval Academy.

Throughout her time at SCA, Stella kept her eye on her dream. Outside school, she participated in the United States Navy Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy’s youth development program that trains students in leadership, honor, patriotism, and service. After years with

the Sea Cadets, Stella achieved the highest rank of Chief Petty Officer. This position led her all over the State of Tennessee, offering training and leadership to younger students. But a goal as big as the Navy requires more than extra-curricular activities. Stella focused all her energies, inside the classroom and out, on preparing herself for military service. SCA was by her side every step of the way.

“Stella has been driven to attend USNA since she entered high school,” remembers her mother, “and St. Cecilia provided the support that empowered her to reach her goal. SCA gave her a strong foundation in the classroom, on the athletic field, and, most importantly, in her faith. Her teachers provided the environment for her to flourish and make her goal a reality.”

Stella is confident that her time at SCA has prepared her for success at the Naval Academy and beyond. After her rigorous classes at SCA, “academics will be the least of my worries,” she said calmly. Furthermore, SCA’s small size allowed her to hold multiple leadership positions on the track team and Seasons Dance Company. Stella is confident in her ability to lead in different ways and is eager to continue developing her ability to work with and lead others. Living by SCA’s honor code has also taught her how to apply honesty and integrity in the workplace, which is essential for military life. Stella believes SCA has shaped her to be a young woman of perseverance and selfadvocacy who believes in herself yet desires to serve others with honor.

The United States service academies and preparatory schools agree. Stella’s list of military acceptances is impressive: In addition to NAPS, she was accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S Merchant Marine Academy Preparatory School, U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Airforce Academy Preparatory School—not to mention winning Navy ROTC Scholarships to Holy Cross and to the University of Notre Dame as well as full track/cross-country scholarships to Campbell University and Milligan University. San Diego

University, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona also offered scholarships. For Stella, the decision was clear: the Navy was her dream.

For current Scarabs who may be considering a career in the military, Stella’s advice is simple: “Stay in shape, get good grades, work hard, and persevere.” It is advice that has served her well, and no doubt will continue to do so as she continues on her adventures.

Despite this decisive first step, many decisions still await Stella. After her time at NAPS, Stella will have the opportunity to continue to the USNA, which offers an option to commision in to the United States Marine Corps. Even three or four years away from this option. Stella is considering this change, especially as she is interested in aviation. No amount of preparation can guarantee an exact outcome. In the military, “you may not get the job you want,” Stella admitted, “so I’m trying to be open-minded.” She is not letting that uncertainty dampen her spirits. “I’m excited” said Stella. “I’m ready. I’m ready to go.” ◊

SCA gave her a strong foundation in the classroom, on the athletic field, and, most importantly, in her faith. Her teachers provided the environment for her to flourish and make her goal a reality.

// Susan Perazzini

DOING good FOR OTHERS

THE LAGNIAPPE FUND

It is one thing to see a need; it is another to act upon it. Acting is precisely what Barbara Eads did in 2016 when she created the Lagniappe Fund for St. Cecilia Academy. Lagniappe ("lan' - yap") is a Cajun word for "a little extra." Barbara, along with her husband, Butch, who are parents to three SCA alums (Sandy '90, Stephanie '95, and Mindy' 99) and grandparents of Morgan '14, and Jordan who attended through 2012, wanted to establish a fund to support students with financial need. They wanted to ensure that girls receiving tuition assistance to attend SCA would have the fullness of a St. Cecilia Academy experience. SCA offers many co-curricular and unique opportunities for girls in and beyond the classroom, and the Eads family wanted to ensure no girl was denied an SCA experience due to lack of funding.

While Barbara and Butch provided the initial seed money and continue to support it, Barbara's friends and family have helped the Eads in growing the Lagniappe fund.

Harpstrings sat down with Barbara Eads to explore more deeply her desire to create this

unique program and hear about her love for SCA and the campus:

WHAT BROUGHT BUTCH AND YOU TO THE DOMINICAN CAMPUS?

I grew up in St. Louis and attended a Catholic school taught by the School Sisters of Notre

Dame. So, I knew for sure that our three daughters would also attend Catholic schools. Butch totally agreed. We came to Nashville because of his position with Central Parking Corporation. Deciding on the school was pretty simple. We looked at Overbook and felt like we were home. Plus, with our oldest—soon to

start high school and us with a new baby—we felt like we needed the girls to be in the same place. Thus started our 29 continuous years on campus—including our granddaughters. In fact, upon our youngest granddaughter's graduation at SCA, the principal announced that we had been there the longest! We're proud of that. It's a special place.

FOR OVER 35 YEARS, YOU HAVE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED EVERYTHING ON THE CAMPUS – ANNUAL FUNDS, CAPITAL PROJECTS, TUITION ASSISTANCE, ENDOWMENTS, EVENTS, AND MORE. THEN, IN 2016, YOU CREATED THE LAGNIAPPE FUND FOR SCA. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO DO SO?

Since starting at Overbook in 1985, I have been a full-time volunteer—leading fundraiser after fundraiser at both schools. Who knew fundraising would be my career?

One thing I loved about St. Cecilia was the open arms to students from all demographics. I even chaired the first FUNd Run and Golf Tournament to raise scholarship money. That's when Butch and I decided to put our own money toward helping other girls have the same excellent experience our daughters had enjoyed.

We wanted no less for our granddaughters. When it came to our grandchildren, Butch and I both felt that Catholic education was the best use of our money. I thought about the extra things when our granddaughters were at St. Cecilia. As I wrote checks for class photos, Interim classes and trips, class rings, and testing fees, I wondered how those students who worked so hard to be there were managing. "Lagniappe" means "a little extra," which is exactly what some girls needed. I discovered that, in many cases, the teachers were helping students with those little extras. It was time to start something specifically for them.

NOT ONLY DID YOU DREAM UP THE LAGNIAPPE FUND, BUT YOU PROVIDED SEED MONEY AND SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR IT. YOU'VE ALSO ASKED FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GIVE, AND THEY'VE RESPONDED GENEROUSLY. WHAT HAVE THEY SAID TO YOU ABOUT

THIS FUND, OR WHY DO YOU THINK THEY'VE JOINED YOU IN GIVING?

When we started, I wanted to keep it low-key as I'm retired from fundraising! Still, I felt there was a need that needed to be met. I limited my calls to my family and friends, who benefited from their daughters' experiences at SCA. I did reach out to a couple of friends who had no link to SCA. But, with them, I knew they also shared our passion for Catholic education. Every one of them was happy to contribute and liked the idea that their gift was going directly to a student in need.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO STAY INVOLVED AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THESE SCHOOLS?

Butch and I both still believe in the value of Catholic education, and, of course, our hearts are still on the Dominican Campus!

IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU ABOUT ST. CECILIA ACADEMY, WHAT DO YOU TELL THEM?

I say, "If you are looking for a warm, loving, and faith-filled environment for your girls, look no further. St. Cecilia Academy is the place for you. The bonus is the excellent education they will receive and how well prepared they will be for college." A perfect example is when our oldest attended Saint Mary's College at Notre Dame. In her first year of college, there was only one book she had not already read from her time at SCA. ◊

The Lagniappe Fund helps several students each year by covering expenses like choir dresses and pearls, school uniform pieces, senior portrait costs, AP course materials, and March for Life pilgrimage expenses. Sometimes, a family needs just a portion of these extra expenses covered, with support from the Lagniappe Fund. It is just the help needed to make an activity possible. Often, teachers or activity sponsors hear of a need and bring a request to the principal or a school administrator.

The Lagniappe Fund is a pass-through fund rather than endowed. To make a gift, visit www.stcecilia.edu/support and designate Lagniappe in the drop-down menu.

To learn more about giving opportunities, including establishing funds like the Lagniappe Fund created by Barbara and Butch Eads, please call the development office at 615383-3230 ext. 397 or email Sharon Huber at hubers@dominicancampus.org. We are happy to share funding priorities and connect your generosity to programs that impact students.

“‘Lagniappe’ means ‘a little extra,’ which is exactly what some girls needed. I discovered that, in many cases the teachers were helping students with those little extras. It was time to start something specifically for them.”

—Barbara Eads

Class Notes

1 / NANCY GLENN GOLLOBIN '71

Nancy exhibited her stone sculptures in the 2022 and 2023 exhibitions of the Salon des Beaux Artes in Paris, France at the Luxembourg Gardens. She was awarded a bronze Medal of Honor from the French Ministry of Culture, Order of Arts-Sciences-Lettes. Her works can be seen at nancygollobinsculpture.com.

2 / THE CLASS OF 1973 are continuing their 50 years of friendship together. They recently took a trip to the Rock and Refuge Farm.

3 / PATRICIA M. SMITH '74

Patricia has a voice over business, HerVoiceWorks. com. She seeks clients in need of narration for new employee on-boarding, employee training, and the like. She invites you to enjoy a presentation on the Shroud of Turin that she narrated here: www.youtube.com/@shroudbelieverspresentation

4 / JENNIE KARRELS MENZIE '89

Jennie was promoted to President and CEO of Cumberland Trust. We interviewed Jennie for a feature in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. Scan the QR code on her image above to read more.

5 / STACIE DEGRELLA WEDDLE '93

Stacie is a special education teacher working for the Department of Defense Education Activity at Sullivans Elementary in Yokosuka, Japan. She is also the USA Girl Scouts Overseas Senior/ Ambassador for troop 80408 in Japan. Pictured with her daughter, Sophia Weddle.

6 / ANNIE STEVENS HAGAMAN '98

Annie recently launched her jewelry design website. Her love for jewelry making was put into motion during her time as a student in Anne Brunette's senior art class when Mrs. Brunette approved her senior concentration. Visit paperannies.com to support Annie's new shop!

7 / DELANEY DAMBERG CLEMENT '03

Delaney started a new job as Chief Operating Officer of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. She was most recently an aerospace engineer program manager at Boeing and has three small children with her husband Ben. When asked about her time at SCA and how it impacted her career choice, Delaney said, “The values that St Cecilia Academy instilled in me, like integrity and a pursuit of excellence, not only propelled my engineering

career, but became the guiding stars as I grappled with a shift in careers, ultimately leading to the role of COO of the Archdiocese of St Louis. In this sacred responsibility, the lessons learned at St. Cecilia continue to inspire me to lead with compassion, unwavering ethics, and a profound belief in the unifying power of community and faith. My story is a testament to the transformative influence of a foundation rooted in both academic excellence and timeless values.”

8 / ANNA BURNETT '05

Anna was admitted as an audit partner at Deloitte in Fall of 2023.

9 / LIZ MARCHETTI '07

Liz Marchetti is named as a Woman of Impact in Middle Tennessee for the American Heart Association. This recognition focuses on women's heart health and the fundraising efforts made by those nominated.

10 / MIRANDA MCDONALD '09

Miranda is the new Director of Community Programs for the Tennessee Titans. In this role, she liaises between the Titans organization and

community partners. She is also responsible for implementing the ONE community programs that reach many marginalized and under-resourced communities by implementing programs, contributions, and services.

11 / LAUREN DUKE WOODS '10

Lauren completed the Half Ironman 70.3 Ohio with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1mile run.

12 / MOLLY HUMPHREYS TEAS '13

Molly has been named the Outstanding New Attorney by San Diego Defense Lawyers (SDDL). The award recognizes her notable achievements and successes in the field of law. Teas specializes in the transportation industry, defending trucking and rideshare companies in personal injury litigation, handling premises and product liability defense, and representing individuals in trust litigation. She is admitted to the Intertribal Court of Southern California, defending local federally recognized Indian tribes. Molly is an active participant in ALFA International and local legal communities.

13 / NINA JENKINS FISHER '14

Nina is a member of the Wings Foundation board, which supports the Cherished Heart Court. This court assists survivors of human trafficking, offering them a path to healing, growth, and empowerment. There are currently two additional SCA alumnae on the board with Nina: Ana Escobar '88 and Mary Elizabeth Davis '03. wingsfoundationtn.org

Pictured: Marjorie Rice Mason, Kate Cain, Ana Escobar, Lise Deschenes Nichols, Rosemary Goodrum Fisher, Nina Jenkins Fisher, Mary Elizabeth Davis, and Pily Buenahora Jenkins.

14 / ANNELISE YACKOW '14

Annelise will be graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law in May with her J.D. In September, she will be joining the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office in New York as an Assistant District Attorney.

15 / MICAH MATTHEWS '14

Micah graduated with her JD and MBA from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University in April of 2023. Micah passed the July 2023 Bar

Exam and was sworn in on November 7, 2023. She is an Associate Attorney with Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard, PLLC, and on the Estate Planning and Wealth Preservation Team.

16 / ANNA DONNELLY '22

Anna recently accepted a new position as a Junior Account Sales Executive for Ilene Oren and Co in New York City. Anna has moved to the Big Apple and is starting her career in the fashion industry.

ALL FOR THE girls

IMPACTING EVERY ST. CECILIA GIRL

The Annual Fund is St. Cecilia Academy's top fundraising priority. It is a yearly campaign that directly impacts our work and each student. The Annual Fund comprises approximately 6% of the school's operating budget and supports academic, extracurricular, and faith formation programming. Think of all you love about SCA—rigorous academic preparation, Catholic faith formation, vibrant student life programming, robust athletic offerings, outstanding and dedicated lay teachers and Dominican Sisters, time-honored traditions, a tight-knit community—the Annual Fund supports all the components that make up the SCA experience. We thank the community of parents, alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends who faithfully support the Annual Fund. To make your gift, visit stcecilia.edu/support or scan the code above.

To view the 2022-2023 Giving Report and to learn more about ways to support St. Cecilia Academy, see the Guide to Giving at stcecilia.edu/support.

Engagements + Weddings

1 / EMILY PARTEN '11 is engaged to Ryan Buckley. On July 1, 2023, while in Charleston, South Carolina, Ryan proposed in a private garden. Their wedding is scheduled for September 21, 2024, and Caroline Leftwich '11 will be a bridesmaid.

2/ REBECCA CONNERS ROTERT '13 married Thomas Rotert on August 26, 2023, at Christ the King Church with Father Mark Simpson officiating. A reception was held at her parents' home in West Meade. SCA alumnae Elizabeth Demere De Sola '13, Virginia Conners '16, and Chloe Page '13 served as bridesmaids. The couple will reside in Nashville.

3 / CHRISTINE WEHBY ENGELBERT '14 married Rex Engelbert on November 18, 2023 with Father Dan Steiner officiating at the outdoor chapel at Camp Marymount. Caroline Wehby '12, Emily Peters '14, Eliza Tarwater '14, and Hannah Perryman Zeigler '14, were among her bridesmaids. Christine and Rex currently reside in Nashville. Christine is currently the Director of Student Activities at St. Cecilia Academy.

Alumnae Births Alumnae

1 / ANNIE STEVENS

HAGAMAN '98, Mother of Annabelle McCall, born on November 7, 2023

2 / J ILL BA DER

THOMPSON '01, Mother of Clara Beth, born on June 5, 2023

3 / CAROLI NE MCNA IR

BLAKELY '07, Mother of Jackson Ray, born on August 24, 2023

4 / MEGHAN CLARKE

NICHOLSON '07, Mother of Mary Morgan, born on February 14, 2022

5 / SHELLIE FARRIS

BOGLE '08, Mother of Olivia Isabela Ann, born on July 18, 2023

6 / SUSAN BEAVIN

GEORGE '08, Mother to Mary Clark born on November 27, 2023

7 / ALLIE SAXON NOOTE

'09, Mother of Henry Noble, born on October 13, 2023

8 / RAGAN T OD D OGG

'09, Mother of Audrey Kristine, born on December 21, 2023

9 / MONIK A ARLI NGTON

WEISMAN '11, Mother of Matilda Ruth, born on April 18, 2023

10 / C HLOE WALL KENT

'14 , Mother of Francine (Frankie) Etta, born on December 8, 2023

January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

2023-2024

Alumnae Gatherings

The 2023 Alumnae Luncheon honored Noel Pittman Bradley '01 (center) as the Alumna of the Year.

Young theater guests enjoyed the Character Meet and Greet just before the Annie musical.

The Alumnae Association hosted an Art Market during Reunion Weekend.

The Fall Social – Vino on the Veranda – welcomed alums of all class years.

Members of the Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th Cecilian Reunion as part of the 2023 Reunion Weekend activities.

Home for the Holidays welcomes young college students back to campus for a Christmas luncheon.

The 2023 Alumnae Memorial Mass and Reception was held at the St. Cecilia Congregation Motherhouse.

Rose Gala

The 2024 Rose Gala was an incredible night for the SCA community to come together and show their love for SCA and honor dear friend and alumna Mary Elcan May '79, for her 37 years of unwavering support.

615-298-4525 WWW.STCECILIA.EDU

The DominicanDifference

is an expression of the charism of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia whose legacy lives in the daily life of SCA. This difference flows from the person of St. Dominic, who founded the Dominican Order in the heart of the Church for preaching and the salvation of souls.

• It is an academically rigorous approach to educating students in truth and charity within a nurturing community marked by grace, friendship, freedom, and confidence.

• It emphasizes that true learning leads to wisdom and that a life of virtue grounded in friendship with Jesus Christ, who is Truth, leads to happiness, fulfillment, and joy.

• It teaches that friendship with God invites us to communion with our neighbor, inspiring us to communicate His goodness and love to the world.