NeWSLetter
WINteR 2018 VOL. 33, NO. 3
IHA GOES Into the Woods Scene around IHa Fall Sports Wrap-up Class Notes
taBle OF
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IHA Goes Into the Woods Alumnae On Campus
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Reunion Weekend 2017
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2017 Fashions of the Heart
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members of the class of 1977 at this year’s Reunion Weekend cocktail Reception.
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Cover Shot: Sarah Becker’20 as the Witch in Into the Woods
Our Mission
Immaculate Heart Academy is a college preparatory high school in the Archdiocese of Newark which has as its purpose the complete education of young women. By both cultivating the traditional Christian values of the Roman Catholic Church and by upholding exceptional academic standards, IHA offers a unique educational experience for the young women in our community. Immaculate Heart Academy strives to develop every aspect of the individual by educating the mind, nurturing the spirit, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By instilling in its students a sense of responsibility, confidence, justice, peace, and compassion, Immaculate Heart Academy prepares its students for life throughout the twenty-first century.
Jenna clover’20 as cinderella and Bill Fitzpatrick (SJR’18) as her Prince in Into the Woods
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PReSIdeNt
Patricia molloy
PRINcIPal
Jason Schlereth
edItOR-IN-cHIeF tara Hopfenspirger cONtRIButORS John downey Students paint portraits for children involved in the memory Project. Back row, left to right, are carlie condemi’17, Karidad Villanueva’18, Gloria Kim’18, Faith trinker’17, anne Walsh’18, emily Hernandez’18, and madison calbi’18. middle row, left to right, are Gabriella dePinho’17, christina dougherty’18, alexis Noriega’18, and Samantha Scian’18. Front row, left to right, are arelissa Gonzalez’18, emma Hartigan’18, Kristina Shaw’18, and carly dePhillips’18.
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PHOtOGRaPHy mike Hamlett Photography, Patrizia Proscia, lisa encke, Beth diciancia Garrigan’76 Rebecca Keeling Studios, michael marmora Photography, and tara Hopfenspirger deSIGN
Peapod design, Norwalk, ct
500 Van emburgh avenue township of Washington, NJ 07676 201.445.6800
Fashions of the Heart models, danielle Bonistalli’18, Gabriella turi’18, Kaylee Fuhrman’18, Sarah Persico’18, emma Simmons’18, and Jacqueline townsend’18
track stars, Julia Beckerle’18, madeleine Fogarty’18, and Jazmin Bender’18
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WWW.IHaNJ.cOm
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caroline Steinberg’21, Olivia landolfi’21, Kiersten antaki’19, and mary Stose’21 enjoy Big Sister/little Sister day
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President’s Corner
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Did You Know That...
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Scene Around IHA
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Fall Sports Wrap-Up
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Immaculate Heart Academy
Kathleen Quinn’21
Winter 2018
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President’s Corner Dear friends, As the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations become happy memories, we face the prospect of those long, dark winter days. But, if we take the time to notice, the days are getting longer, perhaps only by a few minutes. The steady return of the light gives us hope for the reawakening of the earth. The spring will come and, with it, so many exciting events here at Immaculate Heart Academy. Our new freshman Class of 2022 will be registering soon. These young women will begin a journey that will affect every day of their lives. They are joining a sisterhood that will bind them together forever. As the school year continues, so also do the achievements and successes of our students. From our STEM program to the arts, from the playing fields to the service projects, all work together to form young women who will impact a world so in need of their gifts.
And so, my mid-January message to you, our alumnae, students, parents, and friends is found in St. John’s Book of Revelation: “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” “Behold, I make all things new.” My hope and prayer is that 2018 be a year marked by peace and justice in the world and in our personal lives. May God bless you always.
Patricia Molloy President
2017-18 Eagle Ambassadors await the arrival of prospective Blue Eagles at the 2017 Open House.
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Immaculate Heart academy
IHa GOeS
INTO THE WOODS IMMaCULate Heart aCaDeMY proudly presented Into the Woods as our 2017 fall musical. Blending timeless fairytales and Disney classics, Into the Woods tells the story of the Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who yearns to go to the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would produce milk. Along the way, audience members meet other fairytale favorites, Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, and Rapunzel, among others. Guests enjoyed five performances throughout two November weekends, and even had the opportunity to meet the talented cast members.
Winter 2018
Jenna Clover’20 as Cinderella in Into the Woods
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Immaculate Heart academy Our fairytale favorites cower in fear as the Giant makes her threatening demands.
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Into the Woods was produced by Lucille Franco Conzo’79 and directed by Jodi Capeless. Thank you to choreographer, Kimberly Galberaith; musical director, Ed Ginter; and set and lighting designer, Ryan Bell. We are grateful for IHA teachers, Ms. Maureen McNulty and Miss Kerry Carroll’04, who worked tirelessly as the faculty musical liaisons. And thank you to the several parents who volunteered their time and energy to help make this show a memorable one.
This year’s musical featured a large cast of principal characters and supporting cast members, all of whom impressed audiences with their outstanding performances. Both the cast and crew were made up of students from IHA, St. Joseph Regional, Don Bosco Prep, and Bergen Catholic. The Witch was played by Sarah Becker’20, Rapunzel by Caroline Dyson’21, the Baker’s Wife by Emily Hernandez’18, and Cinderella by Jenna Clover’20. Rapunzel’s Prince was
anna Gaul’18, angelina Boris’21, Jada Gotay’18, Bill Fitzpatrick (SJR’18), and Jenna clover’20
played by Luke Berninger (SJR’19), the Baker by Vincent Simpson (SJR’18), Cinderella’s Prince by Bill Fitzpatrick (SJR’18), Cinderella’s Father by Quinn Burns (SJR’21), and Jack by Chris Coniglio (DBP’18). Amanda Potenza’21 played a great Little Red Riding Hood, Alaina Harris’18 was Granny, Emily Ash’19 was Jack’s Mother, and Anna Gaul’18 and Jada Gotay’18 were fabulous as Florinda and Lucinda. Carmela Cogliano’21 played Cinderella’s Mother and Angelina Boris’21 played Cinderella’s Stepmother. The Mysterious Man was Ryan Kitz (BC’19), the frightening Wolf was played by Trevor DeLello (DBP’18), and Allie Sandt’20 took on the role of the Giant’s Voice. Owen Mitsinikos (SJR’19) was the Steward and Chris Marzulla (SJR’18) narrated the show. This year’s production would not have been possible without the dedicated crew and production team including Myra Chaudhry’19, stage manager; Grace Tuohey-Kay’18, wardrobe mistress; Joanne Semelsberger’20, sound director; and Marisa Billings’21, lighting director. We are especially appreciative of the parent, student, and faculty volunteers who helped to make Into the Woods another spectacular IHA musical production!
caroline dyson’21 as Rapunzel
Vincent Simpson (SJR’18) as the Baker and emily Hernandez’18 as the Baker’s Wife
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amanda Potenza’21 as little Red Riding Hood and trevor delello (dBP’18) as the Wolf
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Immaculate Heart Academy
Class of 1967 Jubilee Reunion
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embers of IHA’s Class of 1967 planned a very special 50th Anniversary Reunion Weekend from October 28-29, 2017. Seventy-six alumnae first joined together for a Jubilee Luncheon at The Rockleigh on Saturday, and again at a beautiful Memorial Mass & Brunch on Sunday. At Mass, alumnae remembered classmates and former teachers who have passed away. After Mass, members of the Class of 1967 attended a dedication and blessing of the gym balcony, which was named in the class’ honor. 1967 alumnae chose to use their class gift to name the gym balcony, the location where IHA students were brought to learn about the assassination of John. F. Kennedy. The Class of 1967 graduates were only freshmen at Immaculate Heart Academy at that time.
Thank you to Rev. Bob Stagg for celebrating Mass and blessing the gym balcony, and special thanks to class
representatives, Nancy McGuire Sheffler’67 and Ruth Romer’67, for their hard work making it a weekend to remember.
Members of the Class of 1967 join together in front of the PAC after a Memorial Mass to remember their deceased classmates.
IHA Alumnae Speak about Careers in Healthcare Students Hear from Graduates about Potential Career Opportunities
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e welcomed back nine notable IHA alumnae for our Women in Healthcare Career Panel on November 29, 2017. Our students’ eyes were opened to healthcare careers they knew little about, and some they didn’t even know existed. Thank you to our alumnae who spoke about their unique and impressive careers.
Top row, left to right, are Linda Alvarez’08, a family medicine physician; Laura McNamara Parisi’90, a nursing home/hospice social worker; Kathryn Schmit Cox’01, a pediatric nurse practitioner; Leigh Sauerbier’06, an audiologist; and Patricia Martucci’97, a psychotherapist. Bottom row, left to right, are Laura Coti Garrett’75, a nutritionist and IHA Consultative Board member; Julie Reynes Forseth’02, in pharmaceuticals; Samantha Antonietti’08, a physical therapist; and Elizabeth Trynosky Ferrizzi’01, a speech pathologist in geriatrics.
Winter 2018
Reunion Weekend 2017 Anniversary Classes Join Together at Their Alma Mater
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et again, Immaculate Heart Academy’s Reunion Weekend did not disappoint. Alumnae from anniversary classes ending in ’2 and ’7 joined together for three unforgettable events at their Alma Mater: an inaugural Sip n’ Paint on Friday night hosted by Betty Hofmann Buffin’78, the popular Alumnae Cocktail Reception on Saturday, and a Memorial Mass & Brunch on Sunday. At the cocktail reception, alumnae danced the night away to music DJed by Magic Moments Productions, and enjoyed a delicious spread of food provided by Market Basket. When alumnae weren’t busy taking class photos with custommade plaid signs, they enjoyed taking many more pictures in the photobooth provided by Inside Out Booth. At the Memorial Mass, we recognized alumnae and former faculty who have passed away. On Sunday, we were happy to welcome back Regina Miele’87, the artist commissioned to do the beautiful artwork that hangs outside of our Information Commons. Thank you to all of the class representatives, Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76, and the rest of the IHA Institutional Advancement and Alumnae departments who helped to plan this 2017 Reunion Weekend that will not soon be forgotten.
The Class of 1972 pose for a group photo at the Reunion Weekend Cocktail Reception.
Sonya Dewan Caren’97 Alumnae enjoy drinks and painting at our inaugural and Deana Christiano’97 Sip n’ Paint event.
Ms. Geraldine Boland, director of guidance; Ms. Patricia Molloy, president; and Fr. Don Hummel, seated, join alumnae at the Reunion Weekend Brunch.
Anita Aguilar’87 and Maria Christina Ecal’87
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Immaculate Heart Academy
2017 Boston Traveling Plaid
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he IHA Alumnae Office hosted a Traveling Plaid Reunion on August 3, 2017 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fifteen alumnae joined together at John Harvard’s Brewery & Ale House to celebrate the IHA Sisterhood.
Top Left: Ann Abel Jacobsmeier’88, Michelle Setten McCabe’90, Denise Shaver Donweber’90, and Paige Kemezis’07 Top Right: Cat Maclang’10, Katherine Mullane’10, Katherine Ariemma Marin’97, and Ann Abel Jacobsmeier’88 Alumnae in attendance included, back row, left to right, Lucy Sullivan’80, Christine Fletcher Suyemoto’87, Michelle Setten McCabe’90, Monique Fischer’82, Jeanmarie Lang Fraser’72, Katherine Mullane’10, Katherine Ariemma Marin’97, Ann Abel Jacobsmeier’88, Eileen Cullen Weber’80, Paige Kemezis’07, and Tara McClosky Kfoury’96.Front row, left to right, are Denise Shaver Donweber’90, Cat Maclang’10, Patricia Casaprima Whitman’81, and Evangeline D’Aquila Egizi’81.
Community College Colleagues Discover IHA Connection
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hree Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) colleagues recently discovered that they had another thing in common—they all graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy! The IHA alumnae joined together for a photograph at the college’s commencement ceremony on May 25, 2017.
Community College Board of Trustees and 2017 Commencement Speaker; and Jeanmarie Lang Fraser’72, Dean of Teaching & Learning Resources &
From left to right are Tara Riley’91, program coordinator for Massachusetts Concurrent Enrollment Initiative, Cape Cod Community College; Dorothy Savarese’75, member of the Cape Cod Tara Riley’91, Dorothy Savarese’75, and Jeanmarie Lang Fraser’72
Technology, Cape Cod Community College. “We are so proud to be IHA alumnae and Jersey girls who love living on Cape Cod,” Jeanmarie wrote.
Winter 2018
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Caroline Quill’18 Studies in Russia Senior Awarded U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y Russian Scholarship
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his time last year, Caroline Quill’18 did not expect to spend the majority of her summer in Russia. But after she was awarded a prestigious National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, that’s exactly what she did. Caroline is one of only about six hundred competitively selected students from across the country who received a scholarship to study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, or Russian overseas. After attending a three-day orientation in New York City, Caroline spent six weeks in Moscow, from June 22 to August 5, 2017. During the week, she lived in the dorms of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and on the weekends she lived with Russian host families from the greater Moscow area.
Caroline in front of The New Jerusalem Monastery
“I was extremely excited to go to Russia at such a dynamic political time!” Caroline said. “After reading about Russia in the news so much over the past year, I thought that it would be interesting to explore the Russian perspective of events.”
every morning, Caroline and two friends went for a run before 6 a.m. She said some of her favorite memories are of the early mornings they spent running along the Moscow River, when it seemed they had the whole city to themselves.
The NSLI-Y program is part of a multiagency U.S. Government initiative launched in 2006 to improve Americans’ ability to communicate in select critical languages to advance international dialogue and increase American economic global competitiveness.
“We would get coffee at the same place every time we finished a run—the only one that was open,” she said. “By the end of the trip the baristas knew our coffee orders and names, which really made me feel like we had immersed ourselves in the community.”
While in Russia, Caroline received four hours of formal Russian language instruction each day, in addition to informal language practice. “This intensive immersion environment allowed me to develop my language skills far beyond what I could have done in the classroom,” she said. “I went from being a complete novice of the Russian language to achieving intermediate-mid level proficiency on my post-program oral proficiency interview (OPI).” Almost
The program also included bi-weekly preprofessional excursions to the Moscow offices of various significant people and global business enterprises including Bloomberg, Disney®, Pepsi Co, a local law firm, and TASS (Russian State media), among others.
Caroline takes a private painting class with Zurab Tsereteli.
“One of my favorite professional meetings was when my NSLI-Y group of fourteen American students had the incredible opportunity to take a private painting class with Zurab Tsereteli, a renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and billionaire,” Caroline remembered. “I was recently scrolling through my Instagram feed and saw that the United Nations posted a picture of his ‘Good Defeats Evil’ sculpture. It was presented by the Soviet Union in 1990 to the United Nations and is presently displayed at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. Painting with him was truly an unforgettable experience.”
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Immaculate Heart Academy
did you know THAT... New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) athlete and IHA Ski Team captain, Shannon Quiles’19, participated in the Kelly Brush Foundation Ride on September 9, 2017. The ride helps make ski racing a safer sport and assists groups like NYSEF in purchasing safety equipment. Shannon, a first-year U-19 Alpine ski racer at Gore Mountain, rode 50 miles for the event. She is a part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which focuses on mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the country. Like NYSEF, both programs enhance youth development through sport. Shannon understands the value of training throughout the year to develop skills across athletic disciplines like mountain biking and skiing. This summer, Shannon also had the opportunity to go to ski camp in France.
Rebecca Nadler’19, a member of our STEM@theheart program, was one of twenty-six high school students to conduct original scientific research this past summer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Rebecca presented her research on Hürthle Cell Carcinoma (HCC),
an aggressive and rare type of thyroid cancer, at the HOPP Summer Program. Throughout the summer, she worked with a team of MSK researchers for more than forty hours a week. Rebecca was mentored by Yiyu Dong in the Timothy Chan Lab. “He’s taught me a lot about what it’s like to take part in the research world,” she said. “It was so incredible to take patient data and transform it into research that could eventually go back to the patients and affect their treatment.” Rebecca was asked to continue research with the Chan Lab during the school year, specifically studying a different gene linked to thyroid cancer that has never before been investigated.
Mrs. Corinne Fritzky, college counselor, and her husband, Pete, welcomed their son, Noah Patrick Fritzky, to the world on September 26, 2017. He was 7 lbs., 1 oz. and 19.5 inches long.
Winter 2018
Kaitlynn Genovese’20 is currently participating in the U.S. Equestrian Athlete Lettering program. This program was developed to provide recognition for the accomplishments of young equestrians and encourage their future involvement in equestrian sport. At the Head of the Riverfront Regatta, Gabriele Welp’19 raced her first-ever head race in the single and took silver in the girl’s varsity event. She finished with a time of 20:24.42. “Head of the Riverfront was a blast,” Gabriele said. “It was fun for me to see how my speed translated to long distance races and to test my ability to push for a final sprint to the finish.” A member of Rockland Rowing, Gabriele also won two medals at the Head of the Passaic, a 2.7 mile head race. Competing in the girl’s varsity single sculls, Gabriele recorded a time of 18:31.50 to finish in second-place. She earned her second medal of the day competing in the varsity double sculls race, placing third and earning bronze. The families of IHA raised more than $7,000 in gift cards for the victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Thank you for all of your overwhelming generosity!
Science teacher, Mrs. Angela Holuba Roberts’05, and her husband, Scott, announce the birth of their son, John Richard Roberts. John was born on October 6, 2017 at 8:10 a.m. He was 7 lbs., 8 oz. and 20.5 inches long.
Culture Club raised more than $500 at this year’s “She’s the First” Cupcake Sale. The money raised went to support the club’s scholar, Harriet, who is in her third year of school at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda. A painting by director of the arts, Mrs. Lisa Encke, was displayed as part of the 2017 National Art Education Association Member Exhibition. Her work, a portrait of her daughter, Elizabeth Encke’20, was displayed digitally in the NAEA Virtual Gallery and onscreen at the NAEA Studio & Gallery in Reston, Virginia.
In Orlando this past summer, Danielle Velez’19 was named Royal International Ms. Junior Teen 2017. Danielle has
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been participating in pageants for the past seven years. She said she is thrilled that she is now able to represent the system and promote this year’s platform, Operation Gratitude. “As part of Operation Gratitude, everyone gets involved by making paracord bracelets for our troops and first responders,” she explained. Danielle received more than $1,500 in cash and scholarship awards, as well as a trip to New York City, the Miss America pageant, and a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. With her newly earned title, Danielle will travel across the country to various state pageants for the next year, and will be given special modeling opportunities. Danielle said what she loves most about pageantry is practicing her public speaking skills, getting involved in community service, and meeting many new friends. Being a student at IHA has assisted Danielle with her pageantry. “I wrote multiple essays to help me earn scholarship money, and all of the volunteering opportunities IHA provides are helpful too,” she said. “Volunteerism is a huge part of pageantry, especially if you are a titleholder.”
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Immaculate Heart Academy
Quarter One Distinguished Scholars Congratulations to the following students who have been named Distinguished Scholars by earning an average of 95 or better for the first quarter of the 2017-18 academic year. Freshmen Abigail Auty Alexandra Betsy Marisa Billings Marisa Carbone Angelina Casale Katherine Conway Bianca D’Costa Kaitlyn DeMicco Madison DeStefano Zoe Dupuis Gracelee Fasanella Valerie Hiemer Janine Jbeili Gabriella Karcz Anja Kranenburg Alyssa Longo Molly Lowell Daniela Makowka Julia Marotti Hanna Martin
Caroline McKee Allison Monroe Lauren Montgomery Freya Nair Catherine Nixon Madelyn Novelli Mariel Persico Elizabeth Spizzo Gianna Stirone Geri Tabbachino Lauren Turci Emma Viggiano Sarah Zampino Sophomores Logan Applin Christina Callas Elizabeth Croci Caitlynn Czuj Stephanie Doyle Olivia DuBois
Isabella Gorsd Hannah Gurney Angeline Jacob Niamh Keegan Angelina Kerik Yoona Kim Emma Kramer Hannahmia Lauricella Emma Matesic Grace Mendolia Jessica O’Neill Alexa Pallokat Ella Parker Raghavi Patel Samantha Prussak Sophia Ruggier Kang Hyun Ryu Ava Sciubba Keila Seeley Elise Visser
Juniors Julia Barbieri Kaitlyn Brown Courtney Caccamo Myra Chaudhry Casey Conniff Tinamarie Dadic Katalina deLeon Alessandra DelPrete Katrina Fett Regina Garvey Bernadette Goratowski Shannon Jordan Fionah Lynch Kristin McGeary Jenna Morgantini Rebecca Nadler Grace O’Neill Josephine Oshodi Olivia Pavin Alessia Ruggiero
Catherine Sollitto Alexandra Stadler Charlotte Stanton Seniors Julia Bertussi Kathryn Costello Caroline DePhillips Heather Farrell Jacqueline Feinberg Emma Hammer Julia Jureidini Cassandra Mitsinikos Mary Moskowitz Theresa Szydlik Erica Timpanaro Gabriella Turi
Guest Speaker Touches Students’ Hearts Donna Setaro Gives Move Over Law Presentation
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s a part of National Safe Teen Driving Week, we welcomed guest speaker, Donna Setaro, on October 16 and 17, 2017. Donna is the mother of the late Trp. Marc Castellano, a New Jersey State Police Trooper who was struck and killed on I-95 in 2010. Trp. Castellano was responding to a roadside emergency and assisting with the search of an armed suspect when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The individual who hit him did not abide by the “Move Over Law.”
Since her son’s tragic death, Donna has made it her mission to educate young drivers about New Jersey’s Move Over Law. She travels around the state to spread word about the importance of moving over when police, fire crews, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and/or construction crews are on the side of the road. The law is designed to protect emergency responders who work on our highways and interstates.
Elizabeth Nocera’19, Donna Setaro, and Theresa Weglarz’19
Donna has spoken to thousands as a part of the Move Over campaign. She hopes to reach ten thousand students by the eighth anniversary of her son’s death— June 6, 2018. We thank Donna for giving her moving presentation to our physical education and driver education students.
Winter 2018
Class of 2021 Day of Sisterhood Freshman Students Bond Through Michelangelo Exhibit
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hile we believe our students join the IHA sisterhood the first day they walk into Immaculate Heart Academy, members of the Class of 2021 participated in their first official Day of Sisterhood on October 11, 2017. The experience not only allowed freshmen to become better acquainted with one another, but it taught them about an important cross-curricular topic: Michelangelo’s paintings on the Sistine Chapel. Freshman students traveled to Garden State Plaza to view a special exhibit called Up Close: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The exhibit recreated the awe and wonder of one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements, while allowing visitors to experience the art from a new perspective. With special expertise and care, the ceiling paintings from the Sistine Chapel were reproduced in their original sizes using state-of-the-art technology. Because Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel are covered in ninth grade religious studies, history, and art courses, this exhibit provided a perfect cross-curricular lesson. Prior to leaving IHA, freshman students enjoyed a hot brunch and class elections. They also participated in a photo scavenger hunt and took a Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel trivia quiz. Caroline McKee’21 said her favorite part of the day was the scavenger hunt. “We all got to work together in ways other than in the classroom, something our freshman class has never done before,” she said. “I definitely feel that I bonded with my classmates more that day because I was able to work together with all of my sisters as we tried to reach our common goal of completing the scavenger hunt.”
Gianna Grigaliunas’21, Giovanna Greco’21, Ava Hayes’21, Jasmine Otazo’21, and Simone Amerio’21
Freshman classmates pose in front of a piece of artwork at the Sistine Chapel exhibit.
Madison DeStefano’21
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Immaculate Heart Academy
Thirty-Six IHA Students Named ® AP Scholars
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n impressive thirty-six Immaculate Heart Academy students earned the designation of AP® Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the AP® Exams.
At Immaculate Heart Academy, we are proud to announce:
The College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the end-ofcourse AP® Exams.
• Eight students were granted the AP® Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Students who earned this honor were Kimberly Caccamo’17, Caitlin Campbell’17, Riley Maloney’17, Kathleen Martin’17, Lily Polster’17, Sienna Scian’17, Giavanna Tabbachino’17, and Cara Valencia’17.
Students took AP Exams® in May 2017 after completing their challenging courses. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of year-long courses and exams (or their equivalent semester-long courses and exams).
• Eleven students earned the AP® Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP® Exams, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Emily Bermudez’17, Tara Candelmo’17, Sofia Ciprian’17, Gabriella
DePinho’17, Heather Farrell’18, Sophia Hernandez’17, Cassandra Mitsinikos’18, Simona Riccardi’17, Lindsay Romano’17, Reagan Stroka’17, and Julianna Zeepvat’17 received this honor. • Seventeen students were recognized with the AP® Scholar Award by receiving a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP® Exams. Congratulations to Megan Brockmeier’17, Katherine Convery’17, Fiona Duffin’17, Shannon Gleba’17, Gianna Graziano’17, Christine Jacob’17, Emily Koehn’18, Amanda Lee’17, Sophia Lee’17, Mary Moskowitz’18, Catherine O’Toole’17, Dana Padilla’18, Gianna Peko’17, Brittany Polizzi’17, Caroline Quill’18, and Theresa Szydlik’18.
Five Seniors Named 2018 National Merit ® Commended Students
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his fall, Dana Padilla’18, Caroline Quill’18, Heather Farrell’18, Tess Szydlik’18, and Cassandra Mitsinikos’18 were named Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit® Scholarship Program.
Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation were recognized for their outstanding academic promise. Our students placed among the top fifty thousand scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®). Congratulations to our impressive seniors!
Dana Padilla’18, Caroline Quill’18, Heather Farrell’18, Tess Szydlik’18, and Cassandra Mitsinikos’18
Winter 2018
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Gabriella Raia’19 Nationally Recognized Named One of Mogul’s “50 High Schoolers You Need to Know About” and (201) Family Magazine “Do-Gooder”
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ews of our very own Gabriella Raia’19 spread quickly this fall, as she was recognized by two well known publications for her kind heart and exceptional talent. Gabriella was first named one of Mogul’s “50 High Schoolers You Need to Know About,” a list that highlighted fifty phenomenal high school students who “should be on our radar.” Mogul is a platform that reaches millions of women per week across 196 countries and 30,470 cities that enables users to share information and access knowledge from each other. The feature stated, “Gabby is one of the founding Board Members for Être LLC. Gabby has also been dancing competitively since age four, is a captain and star tumbler, and has competed both regionally and nationally. Under her leadership, her team has won Nationals
I was super excited to be on the Mogul list, especially making the top ten, with so many amazing high school students!
on multiple occasions. Additionally, Gabby is a rising track star, being recruited by colleges in her sophomore year of high school. Gabby works Saturday mornings with the Salvation Army feeding the homeless, and runs food drives with Table To Table.” “Être is an online resource site for girls, with links to websites and quotes from role models, so that girls can pursue interests more deeply than they can at school,” Gabriella explained. “Board members are from all different parts of the country and more than thirty companies are involved.” Gabriella, a junior at IHA and an active member of Campus Ministry, IHA Varsity Dance, and IHA Track, was nominated by the founder of Être, Illana Raia. The CEO of Mogul, Tiffany Pham, encouraged Illana to nominate members of the Être Board who have been involved with significant community service, athletics, and artistic activities. “I was super excited to be on the Mogul list, especially making the top ten, with so many amazing high school students!” Gabriella said. “It’s eye-opening to see what other girls my age are doing, and I was extremely grateful to be among them.” Additionally, Gabriella was featured as a “Do-Gooder” in (201) Family magazine in an article entitled, “5 Things to Know About Gabriella Raia: Leadership
Gabriella Raia’19
Comes Naturally to This 16-Year-Old Volunteer.” The article touched on her commitment to community service, her love of competitive dance, her role as a Être LLC Board member, and her success as a rising track star. “In a million years I never would have called myself a ‘do gooder,’” Gabriella said. “On a daily basis, I just do what feels right. Although not necessary, I was honored to receive the recognition and was humbled that (201) chose me for the article.”
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Immaculate Heart Academy
IHA Students Attend Life Teen Steubenville Conference Teenagers by the Thousands Grow in Faith and Love
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HA students joined two thousand Catholic teenagers at the Life Teen Steubenville N.Y.C. Conference this past summer. From July 21-23, 2017, thirteen IHA students and four faculty/ staff members attended the conference at St. John’s University to deepen their faith and grow their relationship with Jesus. Attendees went to Mass, participated in prayer opportunities, and took part in workshops led by nationally renowned Catholic speakers. Julia Bertussi’18 said since attending IHA’s Mission Trip, she had been looking for another similar opportunity to grow in faith. Her favorite part of the Life Teen conference was the Eucharistic adoration, where “all two thousand guests joined together to be in Christ’s presence while listening to music that lifted all of our spirits,” she said. “It was a truly life-changing experience to see so many people my age worshipping God.”
Back row, left to right, are Molly Costello’17, Sabrina Figueroa’20, Megan Brockmeier’17, Emily Bommer’18, Lauren Foote’17, and Elizabeth Encke’20. Bottom row, left to right, are Grace Giordano’20, Tess Szydlik’18, Julia Bertussi’18, Daniella Zunic’19, and Erin Brockmeier’19.
Elizabeth Encke’20, a member of the Campus Ministry Core Team at IHA, said she was hoping to take away new lessons from the conference that will help her lead others in the school to “a life following Jesus.” “My favorite part of the conference was listening to all the keynote speakers during the day then breaking up into our small group sessions at night to discuss what we took away from that session,” Elizabeth said. “This really gave us time to learn more about one another and how we all incorporate faith into our life.”
Left to right are Megan Brockmeier’17, Lauren Foote’17, Molly Costello’17, Tess Szydlik’18, Julia Bertussi’18, Regina Garvey’19, Elizabeth Encke’20, Grace Giordano’20, Erin Brockmeier’19, Daniella Zunic’19, Sabrina Figueroa’20, Carly DePhillips’18, and Emily Bommer’18.
Winter 2018
IHA Partners with the Memory Project Art Students Practice Global Awareness and Selflessness through Art
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uring the 2016-17 school year, students and teachers in IHA’s Art Department continued their work with the extraordinary organization, the Memory Project. This charitable nonprofit invites art teachers and their students to create and donate portraits to youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges—from neglect, abuse, and loss of family to violence, war, and extreme poverty. Since joining the program in 2013, Immaculate Heart Academy artists have completed portraits for students in Cambodia, Haiti, Thailand, Paraguay, Madagascar, and Peru. Since its inception in 2004, the Memory Project has created more than one hundred thousand portraits for children in forty-three countries. “The intention of these portraits is to help the children feel valued and important and to give our art students an opportunity to practice kindness, selflessness, and global awareness through art,” explained Mrs. Lisa Encke, IHA director of the arts. “Our first semester Advanced Painting and Drawing students created paintings for children in the Ukraine. Second semester students created portraits for those in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” Every year, the Memory Project receives photos of children and teens from global charities operating residential homes, schools, and care centers in countries around the world. Team members provide participating art teachers with full-page color prints and digital copies of the photos; teachers then work with their students to create the portraits. Representatives from the Memory Project have the wonderful experience of
hand-delivering them to the kids. The intent is to have several portraits for each child created by various art students and based on different poses. A video of each delivery is also made and shared with all of the art students and teachers involved.
the children in both countries. This past semester, our student artists created portraits of Syrian refugees. They look forward to participating in the Memory Project for years to come.
In a letter from the Memory Project, Mrs. Encke was informed that the children in the Ukraine were extremely “excited to receive the artwork” and “very touched” by our efforts to create such special gifts for them. The children and teens in the Democratic Republic of Congo were exceptionally happy to receive the unique and special gifts, and were “so surprised to see themselves portrayed as works of art!” Additionally, because of IHA’s financial contributions, team members of the Memory Project were able to donate a total of $9,000 to support art, therapy, and youth development programs for
Carly DePhillips’18
Back row, left to right, are Katherine Evans’17, Brielle Rapsas’18, Emily DeSernia’18, Abigail Heffernan’18, Haley Gallagher’18, and Amanda Natt’18. Front row, left to right, are Olivia Wicki’18, Riley DeRosa’18, Michaela Cavanagh’18, and Kaguya Okawa-O’Connell’18.
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Mrs. Terry Skjold Named Teacher of the Year IHA Teacher Recognized as a Driver Education Stand-Out
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n August 16, 2017, Physical Education Department Chairperson and Driver Education teacher, Mrs. Terry Skjold, was honored with the New Jersey Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NJAHPERD) 2017 Driver Education Teacher of the Year Award. Along with the award, Immaculate Heart Academy was gifted $500 to be used toward driver education from New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM), the Teacher of the Year award sponsor. Mrs. Skjold, who has worked at IHA for nineteen years, has been teaching both physical education and driver education for more than twenty-seven years.
Mrs. Skjold said she feels a major reason she was considered for this honor was due to the dedication of IHA’s Traffic Safety Squad (TSS) to promote safe teen driving. She serves as moderator of TSS, which was started thirteen years ago with a handful of girls performing seatbelt checks. The club has since grown to approximately eighty members who continually excel in driver education and driver safety projects and contests under Mrs. Skjold’s leadership. TSS has won numerous awards from Hackensack University Medical Center’s Safe Teen Driving Challenge for seat belt compliance, t-shirt design, posters,
and videos. TSS also won a $25,000 grant from State Farm’s “Celebrate My Drive” program and was the 2016 BIANJ UGotBrains Champion School Grand Prize winner. “TSS, over the years, has shown dedication and creativity while developing leadership skills,” she said. “It has been a blessing to work with these enthusiastic girls.” Mrs. Skjold is an active member of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). The NJ Safe Teen Driving Coalition has not only recognized Mrs. Skjold for her seat belt lesson plan, but also as a Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) Champion. When she was awarded Teacher of the Year, she said she was humbled to think that other educators throughout the state looked at IHA as a model program. “Once nominated, there were several forms to fill out that highlighted the driver education program,” she said. “Listing achievements in my career made me proud about how dedicated IHA girls are in creating an environment of traffic safety in and outside of our building.”
Traffic Safety Squad members, Michele Eckert’18, Madeline Erdman’19, Mrs. Terry Skjold, Gabi Turi’18, and Kristina Pestic’18
Mrs. Skjold received the Teacher of the Year award at a NJAHPERD conference, which was attended by more than one hundred people from all over the state. To celebrate this honor with the TSS members who work so hard to promote safe driving, students gathered together on September 18, 2017 for a photo opp and cookie party. Mrs. Skjold was proud to share the special award with all of her students. “I’m hoping that this award will be an opportunity to give even more attention to the importance of safe teen driving,” she said. “And remember— without students, there can be no teachers!”
Winter 2018
Soaring Eagle Award Recipients Quarter One
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he Soaring Eagle Award is presented quarterly by Mr. Jason Schlereth, principal, to students who demonstrate excellence and work to the best of their ability in a particular subject.
After being nominated by a teacher, the 2017-18 Quarter One Soaring Eagle Award recipients were recognized at a special reception on November 28, 2017.
Vincent Burke; Casie Burke’20, Soaring Eagle Award recipient; Ms. Kerri Kearney, faculty member; and Toni Burke
Mr. Jason Schlereth, principal, presents Sophia Scian’20 a Soaring Eagle award.
Congratulations to, standing, left to right, Sophia Scian’20 (The Arts – Mrs. Proscia), Katherine DeRosa’19 (Religious Studies – Ms. Oblen), Casie Burke’20 (English – Ms. Kearney), Elizabeth Becz’18 (Technology – Mr. Hotz), Jordan Gehrig’21 (Physical Education – Ms. Bednarek), Kristin Egan’18 (World Languages – Ms. Echeverria), and Alexandra Betsy’21 (Social Studies – Ms. McDonough). Seated, left to right, are Kathleen Sheridan’18 (Science – Mrs. Adamo), Caroline Frey’18 (Communications – Mr. Bernardi), and Kirstin McGeary’19 (Mathematics – Mrs. Cellini).
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STEMilyK Inspires Girls to Study STEM Emily Koehne’18 Launches STEM Information Platform
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HA senior, Emily Koehne’18, has made it her goal to make the world of STEM accessible to girls of all ages. Emily, who has been in our STEM@theheart program since her freshman year, has been incredibly busy not only furthering her education, but informing girls across the country about unique STEM careers through her blog, STEMilyK.org Emily has enjoyed being part of IHA’s STEM program so much that she decided she wanted to give all girls easy access to STEM information and mentors— something she did not have growing up. As the founder and CEO of STEMilyK.org, Emily interviews two to five women who are in STEM fields a month, and she posts the video interviews on her site. She has been recognized by Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, vox.com’s Women in Tech, The Huffington Post, and other popular outlets and organizations. Emily began STEMilyK in February 2017 and conducted her first interview in May 2017.
W hy did you launch STEMilyK.org? I launched STEMilyK for the A purpose of breaking down stereotypes of what a STEM career actually consists. Over the past four years, I have come to understand that many high school girls believe that a STEM career is one that requires you to do extremely hard physics problems all day or be isolated in a lab doing research, but that could not be farther from the truth. STEMilyK tries to change that by interviewing women who have jobs in unique STEM fields, such as actuarial science or data science, and making these interviews accessible for all girls, no matter their socioeconomic background. I believe that by girls having access to these
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role models, they will come to understand that pursuing a STEM career can lead to an exciting career full of innovation and invention that can change the world. ow did you come up with the Q H STEMilyK name? In April of sophomore year, I A found out about a competition Marvel Studios was having in which they were calling on girls in grades 9-12 to submit an invention they had created. I knew I was not going to win, but I still wanted to enter, as I thought it would be a good learning experience. The idea kept coming back to me about how American Girl® dolls, Disney® princesses, and Barbies® had such an effect on my childhood. I thought that if there was a type of STEM doll, I would have been inspired to pursue STEM sooner. So I combined this thought with my passion for 3-D printing and I 3-D printed a doll that I named “STEMily.” Right now, I am working on getting the name STEMilyK trademarked so that I can
continue with some of my other ideas to expand STEMilyK.org from more than just a website. hat are some of the W job titles of the women you’ve interviewed? have interviewed the Girl Scouts® A ICEO, the CEO of MSG Networks, the chief data officer at General Electric, a Harvard professor in biostatistics and co-director of the Data Initiative, the Columbia Computer Science Department Chair, an MIT media lab researcher, an IBM distinguished engineer and most prolific female inventor, and the director of photography at Pixar Animation Studios.
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hat do you like about IHA’s W STEM program? provides a close A STEM@theheart knit environment of girls who work with each other in a way that fosters creativity and critical thinking. I especially appreciate how the STEM
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Winter 2018
curriculum required me to take an engineering course and multiple computer science courses, as those showed me the applications of the math and science I was learning in the real world. I have completed the full STEM curriculum and I am currently taking AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C as a senior. I have been a member of the Applied Engineering Club since it was founded my sophomore year, and this year I am the co-president. I am also the co-president of the Science National Honor Society and I have been heavily involved in 3-D printing.
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What makes you a unique STEM student? Often times, I think STEM students are stereotyped as “nerds.” I never
fit any stereotype of STEM students, so I felt out of place. It wasn’t until I realized that success in the STEM fields is based on being interdisciplinary. I have learned to use my other passions that aren’t typically associated with STEM, such as public speaking, to my advantage. Additionally, whenever I am interviewed for a news outlet, I make a conscious effort to say that I have other interests, such as fashion and history, so that girls can see that we can have other interests and combine them with STEM interests. What do you hope for your future with STEMilyK.org? One of my goals is to appear on A national television for the purpose of advocating for girls’ STEM education. I hope to have all teachers across the country
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aware of STEMilyK as a resource that their students can use, like the next Khan Academy. I want to continue to grow STEMilyK as a brand. I have ideas for a children’s book, toy line, and fashion line. I also want to take STEMilyK globally by offering my videos in all languages. What do you hope to study in college and do for a future career? want to double major in computer A Iscience and political science. Career wise, I would love to run my own technology company and continue to be an advocate for girls in STEM. I can also promise that if there is not a female president by the year 2035, you will find my name on the ballot.
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2017 Blue eagle Open
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to the many committee members who helped to make our 2017 Blue Eagle Open a successful event! Congratulations to our winning golfers:
Thank you to Hackensack Meridian Health and Block, O’Toole & Murphy, c/o Dan & Claire O’Toole P’17, ’21 for once again being co-premier sponsors for this year’s golf outing. And thank you
Longest Drive, Men: John Wooley Longest Drive, Women: Lauren Rhein’09, IHA Golf Coach Closest to the Pin: Carl Boyhan, IHA Ski Team Coach Winning Men’s Group: Zeke Rodgers and Jack McGovern Winning Women’s Group: IHA teachers, Linda Chelotti’76, Lia Kunnapas’09, and Patrice McDonough, and Carol McDonough
his year’s Blue Eagle Open, held September 21, 2017 at Forest Hill Field Club, proved to be an enjoyable day for golfers and reception guests alike. After a great day on the course, guests enjoyed dinner, tried their luck at winning raffle prizes, and celebrated IHA Golf coach, Lauren Rhein’09, as Coach of the Year and the 2017 IHA Golf Team as Team of the Year.
Jane mahoney ubriaco’09; lauren Rhein’09, IHa Golf coach; lia Kunnapas, faculty member and IHa Swimming coach; Julie ubriaco Gomez’09; and madeline ubriaco’12
Bob Rhein and lauren Rhein’09, IHa Golf coaches
daniel O’toole P’17, ’21; Vincent Sbarra; anthony cusat; James Riehman; and Richard Windram
Jack mcGovern, Regina Garvey’19, yoona Kim’20, and Zeke Rodgers
Kevin Freeburn P’20, todd Harrigan P’20, anthony cofone P’18, and John Walcott P’20
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2017 Fashions of the Heart IHA Fashion Show and Luncheon a Huge Success
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HA’s sell-out Fashion Show and Luncheon was enjoyed by close to four hundred of our friends and family. The event was held on December 3, 2017 at The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, owned and operated by the Daidone Family, including Maria Daidone’05 and Amanda Daidone’07. Before the fashion show, guests tried their luck at winning various amazing basket prize and three big raffles. Congratulations to our raffle winners: Alumnae Raffle Katie Parsells Bizub’82 Mega Raffle Rosemary Cali P’12, ’15, ’19, IHA faculty member 50/50 Raffle Kathleen Maher P’20
emma Hammer’18
Student, faculty, and future student models sported a combination of evening holiday attire and comfortable winterwear. The models’ clothing was generously provided by Lord & Taylor, and the boys donned tuxedos from Biltmore Tuxedos of Ridgewood. Special thanks to DJ, Zak Magic Entertainment, and faculty members, Mrs. Terry Skjold and Ms. Ana Echeverría, for being our MCs for the afternoon.
Reagan caufield, tessa O’Sullivan, and taryn caufield
amy Kearns-tweddell’08; mrs. elizabeth Kearns P’05, ’08, ’11, faculty member; and Brittany Kearns’11
anna loncar’18
Thank you to all those who donated their time, treasure, and talent to make our Fashions of the Heart event a success. We are especially grateful for event chairs, Cathy Persico P’18, ’21; Kipp Yapaola P’16, ’19; Yolanda Kunz Semelsberger’92 P’20; and Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76 P’06, director of alumnae relations and special events. Thank you for your continued dedication to Immaculate Heart Academy.
Janet d’andrea GP’18, ’19; Joan Bertussi P’18, ’19; and ms. ana echeverría P’05, faculty member and one of the Fashion Show mcs
Riley deRosa’18
Winter 2018
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Junior Ring ceremony & Reception Members of the Class of 2019 Continue the High School Tradition
margaret Bowers’19, elizabeth Rattazzi’19, mia Farinella’19, and tinamarie dadic’19
Kiersten antaki’19 and Jane dilauro’19
Julia lauk’19, tara daly’19, Hannah lynch’19, Gabriele Welp’19, Juliana lucrezia’19, megan Fitzpatrick’19, and Krissalyn Howard’19
Julia Rinaldi’19; Patricia Sollitto P’13, ’15, ’19; and catherine Sollitto’19
mr. Jason Schlereth, principal, presents daniella Zunic’19 her class ring.
Victoria Bertussi’19, Saoirse O’malley’19, ava ugliarolo’19, and aileen deegan’19
Juanita Jorge GP’10, ’16, ’19; angeleisa Russert’19; and Sandra Russert P’10, ’16, ’19
members of Praise sing at the 2017 Junior Ring ceremony.
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Around IHA
Below: Freshmen and juniors exchange gifts and play games during Big Sister/little Sister day. From top center, clockwise, are Joni medzadourian’19, Vanessa Pecora’21, marisa carbone’21, colleen cahill’19, adriana contento’21, claire Bruno’19, ella doda’21, Shannon Jordan’19, alivia capone’21, and Jaclyn Bozzetti’19.
above: IHa students and Santa made a special trip to Sacred Heart School in Jersey city with christmas gifts and cheer in tow! Back row, left to right, are clare donnelly’19 and tess Szydlik’18. middle row, left to right, are Julia Bertussi’18, alaina Harris’18, Heather Farrell’18, mary moskowitz’18, and cassandra mitsinikos’18. From row, left to right, are carly dePhillips’18, abigail Heffernan’18, emily Bommer’18, marissa amen’18, emma Hammer’18, and mr. James Foote P’17 as Santa.
Five senior athletes officially signed to their colleges and universities on November 8, 2017. congratulations to Sarah Horne’18 (Swimming) to lehigh university, magdalen cooney’18 (lacrosse) to college of the Holy cross, catherine Fazio’18 (Swimming) to university of connecticut, Kylie carr’18 (Softball) to manhattan college, and Kathleen Sheridan’18 (Swimming) to Penn State university.
Winter 2018
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Students are appointed as eucharistic ministers at our Opening mass.
Victoria Bertussi’19 plays with a new friend during this summer’s mission@theheart trip. Josephine Oshodi’19 and cassandra mitsinikos’18 represent math league at the 2017-18 activities Fair.
above: Hannah lynch’18, caroline Frey’18, Olivia Haemmerle’18, and Julia Jureidini’18, take their roles as “seniors” very seriously on Halloween. Left: mr. Jason Schlereth, principal; mrs. Julie Schlereth, athletics assistant; and emily and madeline Schlereth present the gifts at the 2017 Family mass.
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FALL
Catherine Fazio’18
sports wrap-up
Winter 2018
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IHA ATHLETICS
Julia morris’18 and anna morris’20 the 2017 Varsity Volleyball team
Big North All-League Conference (United Division) Honors First-Team Catherine Fazio’18, Julia Morris’18, Colette Petric’18, Erica Timpanaro’18, Sydney Taylor’19, and Anna Morris’20 Second-Team Kaela Wong’18
BCWCA All-County Honors First-Team Catherine Fazio’18, Julia Morris’18, Sydney Taylor’19, and Anna Morris’20 Second-Team Colette Petric’18 and Erica Timpanaro’18
The Record Athletes of the Week Erica Timpanaro’18 and Anna Morris’20 The Star-Ledger All-Non-Public Honors First-Team Catherine Fazio’18, Julia Morris’18, and Sydney Taylor’19 Second-Team Colette Petric’18, Erica Timpanaro’18, and Anna Morris’20
The Star-Ledger All-State Honors First-Team Catherine Fazio’18 and Julia Morris’18 Second-Team Sydney Taylor’19 and Anna Morris’20
Coach of the Year Maria Nolan erica timpanaro’18
The Star-Ledger 2017 Team of the Year
VOLLEYBALL
The 2017 IHA Volleyball team was one of the best, if not the best team, in the state. IHA swept all New Jersey opponents in straight sets, with only four teams scoring more than twenty points. IHA Volleyball finished as number one in the state by winning the Tournament of Champions. The team also won NJSIAA’s Non-Public State and Sectional titles. IHA defeated Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest to win the Bergen Tournament and won the Edgewater-Dr. Phillips Tournament in Orlando. In its own Garden State Challenge, IHA finished second and was dealt its only loss of the season to Flint Hill. The team finished the season with an impressive 40-1 record. Astoundingly, IHA set two new NJSIAA records by breaking its former records: Most Consecutive State Titles (with eleven), and Most Tournament of Champions Titles (with eight). To top off an incredible season, IHA was named NJ.com/The Star-Ledger girls volleyball Team of the Year.
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CROSS COUNTRY
IHA Cross Country finished the season with a 2-1 record, placing second in the league championship, second in the county groups, and third in the Disney® Cross Country Classic. The freshman and J.V. teams both
Big North Conference All-League Honors First-Team Victoria Sheldon’18 and Madelyn Novelli’21
won the league championship, and the freshman team also won the county championship. This year’s varsity team was led by senior co-captains Julia Beckerle’18, Jazmin Bender’18, and Madeleine Fogarty’18.
Second-Team Erin Brockmeier’19, Tinamarie Dadic’19, Jillian Shea’21, and Geri Tabbachino’21 Honorable Mention Jazmin Bender’18
The Record All-North Jersey Honors Honorable Mention Victoria Sheldon’18, Jazmin Bender’18, Erin Brockmeier’19, Tinamarie Dadic’19, Ava Sciubba’20, Madelyn Novelli’21, Jillian Shea’21, and Geri Tabbachino’21 the 2017 Varsity cross country team
caroline Bennett’18
TENNIS the 2017 Varsity tennis team
Big North Conference All-League Honors First-Team Katrine Luddy’18 Second-Team Chelsea Amarena’18, Ava Nejad’18, Gianna Carbone’19, Alexa Trubiano’19, Jillian Pursiano’20, Katherine Subliskey’20 Honorable Mention Simone Amerio’21
BCWCA All-County Honors Second-Team Katrine Luddy’18 Third-Team Ava Nejad’18 and Katherine Subliskey’20
IHA Varsity Tennis had another successful season, finishing with a winning record of 8-6. The first doubles team, Ava Nejad’18 and Katherine Subliskey’20, earned Third-Team AllCounty Honors, and the first singles player, Katrine Luddy’18, earned SecondTeam All-County Honors. Katrine Luddy’18 continued on to qualify for the NJSIAA State Tournament by maintaining a winning record of 70% throughout the season. She led the team to the third round of the tournament, defeating excellent players from both Metuchen and John P. Stevens high schools. The team finished second in the league with a record of 4-2. IHA Varsity Tennis was led by senior co-captains, Chelsea Amarena’18, Katrine Luddy’18, and Ava Nejad’18.
Winter 2018
the 2017 Varsity Soccer team celebrates a win!
mikela Florio’20
SOCCER
The IHA Soccer Team had another successful season, finishing with a record of 13-3-2. The Blue Eagles won the United Division league title and state sectional championship, finishing the season as the state champions. Although the team will miss nine graduating seniors, the program is very excited about the seventeen talented returning student-athletes for the 2018 season.
Big North All-League Honors First-Team Samantha Riccardi’18, Isabella Roselli’18, Victoria Bertussi’19, Angelina Kourgelis’19 Jana Mucci’20, and Alexandra Zitelli’21 Second-Team Ana Wilson’19, Emma Zabransky’20, Casey Forcellati’21, and Ashley Lamond’21 Honorable Mention Kelly Kilduff’18
BCWCA All-County Honors First-Team Samantha Riccardi’18 and Victoria Bertussi’19 Third-Team Angelina Kourgelis’19, Jana Mucci’20, and Alexandra Zitelli’21
The Star-Ledger All-Non-Public Honors Second-Team Samantha Riccardi’18, Victoria Bertussi’19, and Angelina Kourgelis’19
alexandra Zitelli’21
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notes On July 2, 2017, five friends from IHA’s Class of 1970 had a mini reunion at Carol Schäub Hohnhorst’s house in Pennsylvania. Pictured, from left to right, are Regina Reynolds Garnier of New Hampshire; Karen O’Donnell McCue of South Carolina; Mary Outwater Gigante of New Jersey; Mary Scullion Anton of Ohio; and Carol Schäub Hohnhorst. “We had a great time reminiscing,” said Mary Outwater Gigante. “We can’t wait to see the rest of Class of 1970 at our 50th Reunion in 2020!”
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Dr. Marian Farag was named a 2017 Jersey Choice Top Dentist in New Jersey Monthly magazine. She was featured on the cover of the July 2017 issue. The article reads, in part, “Along with her use of cutting-edge technology like intraoral cameras and digital X-rays, she makes each visit as easy and comfortable as possible. She focuses on taking time to get to know her patients, to determine what treatments they truly need. After graduating from UMDNJ, Dr. Farag completed a general practice residency at Mountainside Hospital.
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She devotes some of her spare time to dental mission trips, most recently to Guatemala, bringing supplies and providing dental care for those in remote and underserved areas.” Janet Bosi was selected as 2017 Grand Marshal of the Jersey City Columbus Day Parade because of her commitment and service to the city. The Jersey City Columbus Day Parade, currently in its eighth year, celebrates the rich heritage of the Italian American culture in Jersey City. Janet is a first generation Italian American and is deeply committed to the preservation of her heritage. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to represent her culture as Grand Marshal during the parade. Janet was joined by fellow alumnae, Christine Rocha Torntore’04, left, and Dr. Marian Farag’94, right.
Alexandra Spina and Ryan Held were married on September 15, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. The reception was held at The Venetian in Garfield. The bride received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University. The groom attended Don Bosco Prep and obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering from NJIT. Alexandra and Ryan met when they were five years old through their parents’ friendship. They reconnected through the encouragement of their siblings, Robert Spina, Jr. and Nicole Held Spinelli’97.
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Lauren Quirolgico and Ian Rygiel are pleased to announce their marriage on September 3, 2017 in Thompson, Pennsylvania. A private reception was held at Fiddle Lake Farm immediately following the ceremony. The wedding was attended by (left to right) Marcela Torres-Muga De Olarte; Marissa Torrone’02, maid of honor; the bride and groom; Theresa Dougherty’03; and Erin Hughes’03.
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Winter 2018
Nicole Holuba LaMarca and her husband, Anthony, welcomed their second child, Joseph Jacob LaMarca, on October 11, 2017. Joseph joins big brother, Stanley.
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Lisa Sinkovitz Virgilio and her husband, Calvin, welcomed their second child, Nina Ann, on July 24, 2017. Big brother, Henry, is adjusting well!
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Therese Bohlin Dymek married Michael Dymek on October 6, 2017 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood. The wedding reception took place at Minerals Resort & Spa in Vernon. Therese and Michael honeymooned in Grenada and North Carolina and reside in Vernon. The wedding party was made up of Therese’s four sisters, all IHA graduates, including Mary Kate Bohlin Morgan’02, maid of honor; Anne Marie Bohlin Briggs’98; Laura Bohlin’00; and Christine Bohlin’13. Many IHA alumnae family and friends attended the wedding. Back row, left to right, are Karen Bohlin’84; Bernadette Donoghue Albrecht’75; Mary Kate Bohlin Morgan’02; Rosemary Bohlin’70; Therese Bohlin Dymek’06; Ellen Donoghue’76, IHA guidance counselor; Anne Marie Bohlin Briggs’98; and Patricia Mullowney Starkey’70. Bottom row, left to right, are Colleen Ryan Donoghue’71, Christine Bohlin’13, Brianna Foster’02, Laura Bohlin’00, and Diane Donoghue’79.
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teams that pull life out of bombed out buildings. Additionally, the team was nominated for the categories: Best Story in a Newsmagazine, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Research, and Outstanding Editing: News for “The White Helmets.” The team also won Outstanding Editing: News, but the award went to the editor. Additionally, Katie and her team were nominated for Outstanding Edited Interview for their story, “The King.”
Katie Kerbstat’07, Nicole young, and Radi Saad, a White Helmet Nina ann Virgilio
Jaclyn Olsen writes, “I am proud to share that I graduated from the Harvard Medical School Geriatric Medicine Fellowship this past June. Learning geriatric medicine from the leaders in the field was an exceptional learning experience. I was blessed to receive several job offers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. I ultimately accepted a position as an assistant medical director and academic geriatrician/internist at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Outside of work, my husband and I spend time enjoying the new home we purchased in the spring.”
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Kristen Kranenburg Kaufman and her husband, David Kaufman, welcomed their son, Landon Thomas, on
June 20, 2017.
Katie Kerbstat, 60 Minutes producer, and her team, including correspondent, Scott Pelley, and producer, Nicole Young, won an Emmy® award for Outstanding Writing for their story, “The White Helmets.” In the story, Scott Pelley reports on Syria’s local volunteer search and rescue
Kaitlyn Cooney completed the TCS New York City Marathon in 3:23 at a 7:44-mile pace. Kaitlyn was a winter and spring track athlete for all four of her years at IHA.
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Toni Kaufmann Cardona and Kenneth Cardona were married on September 20, 2017 at Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City. The couple honeymooned in Tahiti and currently reside in Hoboken. The bride works in marketing and corporate events at SimCorp, and the groom works at Amulet Hotkey in inside sales. Many IHA alumnae
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joined in the celebration as guests and bridesmaids including, from left to right, Kathy DiCiancia Powers’65, Eileen Collier Geraghty’81, Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76, Lauren Miller Holtz’08, Toni Kaufmann Cardona’08, Allison Guiliano Bilynsky’08, Stephanie Schwarz’08, Sarah Mellea’08, Clare Geraghty Konner’08, Danielle Garrigan’06, and Carol DiCiancia Kaufmann’81.
value on volunteerism and giving back to our communities, including a gift matching program in which employees’ charitable donations are matched dollar for dollar. My team develops various opportunities for employees to volunteer with our charitable partners to make a difference in the lives of children, veterans, and those in need. In my travels with the company, I have actually had several interactions with former IHA
Gabriella Procida graduated from Fordham University in May 2017 with a B.A. degree in economics. She is now working as a client service associate at UBS.
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Brianna McCabe was named to the dean’s honors list at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for the spring 2017 semester. Taylor Strothmann writes, “As I complete a master’s degree in clinical psychology, I have accepted a coaching position with Felician University’s NCAA Women’s Bowling Team.” Cosette Gastelu graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania on May 15, 2017 with a double major in history and classics. Cosette was also named to the dean’s list for the 2016-2017 academic year. She was the recipient of the 2017 Jack Reece Prize, which is awarded for an outstanding undergraduate research paper in European history.
’13 Kristen Pecci graduated from Marist College in 2014 magma cum lade with a degree in business administration and a minor in fashion merchandising. She has been working for Macmillian Publishing in Manhattan as a human resources recruiter for the past three years. She resides in Weehawken.
classmates who have also gone into the giving sector. This year I purchased a home in Ringwood, where I reside with my rescue dog, September—just us girls! While things are hectic, I am thankful to be on this path and truly enjoy seeing the amazing things my classmates have accomplished and the beautiful families they are creating.”
Kristi Wendel writes, “The past few years since graduating from Ramapo College pre-law have been both challenging and busy, but abundantly blessed! Upon graduation, I attended a year of graduate school in a field I discovered was not where I wanted to be. After leaving, I established my own LLC where, as a copywriter, I help small businesses with their websites and promotional assets. Additionally, I worked for a local ad agency alongside three IHA and two Bosco grads! Currently, I work in communications and community outreach at Benjamin Moore & Co. I handle the bulk of all corporate communications, as well as assist with our company’s 501(C)3 charity, the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation. I am so proud to work for a company that places high
After attending the Culinary Institute of America for one year, Catherine Dolan transferred to Fairfield University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance. Several years later, her true passion remains to be baking and pastry arts. Catie has recently started her own business, Doughlan by Catie Dolan. She has assisted with private shopping events at local businesses like Katie Diamond Store of Ridgewood and also created the wedding cake for the sister of former classmate, Meghan Ferguson’10, this past August. Catie reminisces on her four years at IHA and appreciates the encouragement from staff members as well as students to always strive for your dreams. Follow her on Instagram @doughlanbycd to take a look at some of her creations!
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Within the past year, Samantha Calabrese studied abroad in Rome, interned at Tesla Motors, and returned to Brooklyn to complete her degree in architecture at Pratt Institute. “In Rome, I was nominated for the best drawing award and sold my drawings at a gallery event,” she writes. “At Tesla, I work to design retail stores, service centers, and development of energy for the company globally. I recently moved back to Brooklyn from San Francisco to complete the remaining year of my degree. My architectural projects at Pratt have been published in the school archive book and have been taken for archiving every year.” Nicole Voorhis graduated magna cum laude from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. “I am board certified in the State of New York and have just begun my career as a Registered Nurse at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City,” she writes. “During my time at the Catholic
Winter 2018
University of America, I was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, and completed the Spanish for Healthcare certification program. Everything I learned at IHA, whether in or out of the classroom, has followed me throughout my college and now, professional, career. I was very fortunate to have some of the best teachers and mentors who have helped me to be where I am today!” Taylor Gedeon graduated from Siena College magna cum laude with a major in environmental studies. She was inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society and was the recipient of the Environmental Studies B.A. Major Award. While at Siena, Taylor was the laboratory manager for the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. During the summer of 2015, she was a research assistant for the Siena College Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. Taylor completed an internship with Environment America in Washington, D.C. while she was participating in American University’s Washington Semester Program during the spring semester of her junior year. She then completed an internship with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection that summer. Taylor recently moved to Washington, D.C., where she will be working as a media assistant for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Rachel Pecci graduated from Quinnipiac University in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in health science. She immediately began Quinnipiac’s master’s degree program for occupational therapy.
and I am currently working at KPMG in the Regulatory Risk and Compliance division. I am forever grateful for IHA and the way it prepared me for my college and professional careers.” Casey Devaney was featured by her alma mater, Salve Regina, for trailblazing for her fellow studio art majors. She was one of the first students to graduate with three different concentrations: graphic design, painting, and photography. Now, several of her peers in the Department of Art and Art History are following her example. The article read, “Salve Regina’s studio art majors are required to choose a concentration in ceramics, graphic design, illustration, interactive media arts, painting, or photography. Many pursue two, but three was uncommon before Devaney came along. ‘Casey’s willingness to cross traditional concentration boundaries in studio art has made her something of a role model for undergraduates,’ says Gerry Perrino, Devaney’s faculty advisor. ‘She is indicative of a department-wide emphasis on versatility within our studio art major.’” The concentrations in graphic design and photography were a natural fit for Casey, who is interested in product and packaging design. She then added the painting concentration, allowing her to further integrate drawing and illustration with her graphic design. The resulting work became the basis for her senior honors thesis, which incorporated elements of illustration, graphic design, and branding to create packaging and promotional collateral for a fictional brewery. Casey is now pursuing an M.F.A. in graphic design at Boston University’s School of Visual Arts.
Jessica Scrudato was named to the dean’s list at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Jessica is studying computer graphic design.
Natalie Keller graduated with a degree in communication from East Stroudsburg University during the winter commencement ceremony on December 16, 2017.
Christina Principe writes, “This past May, I received my B.S.B.A. from Bucknell University. I graduated magna cum laude with a major in global management and a minor in Spanish. I took the LSAT this past September
Giuliana Coccia was named to the dean’s list at Marist College for the spring 2017 semester. Giuliana is studying psychology and special education.
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Emma Dowden accepted a full time job at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in the U.S. Funds Management group. “I couldn’t have accomplished this without the skills I developed during my high school career,” she writes. “IHA truly prepared me for college and beyond!” Allegra Berg is interning with the N.J. Transit Police Department in its Intelligence Section. “I’ve been working hard to get here and I am so happy I’ve finally made it,” she writes. “I was granted an internship with N.J. Homeland Security and Preparedness, but this internship with NJTPD is much more hands on: less internship work and more real experience. I definitely owe a part of this to IHA—for teaching me interview skills, how to present myself, and also not to be afraid. I’m the first undergraduate to get the internship and the only female in the department. IHA helped me to not be afraid to take chances.”
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Shaye Wisse was recently inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society at Susquehanna University. Olivia Nelson received dean’s list first honors at Boston College for both the fall 2016 and spring 2017 semesters. Jessica Timpanaro was named to the dean’s list at Delaware Valley University for the spring 2017 semester. Jessica is studying equine business management. Lisa Pietrafesa, a marketing major, was named to the dean’s list at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
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Annabel Reyes was named to the dean’s list at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Michelle Kaminski was named to the Gettysburg College dean’s honor list for the spring 2017 semester.
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Immaculate Heart academy
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memORIam
your prayers are requested for the following members of the Immaculate Heart academy community who recently passed away: Maryann Marulli Clarke, Class of 1968 February 22, 2017 Barbara Lee Murray, Class of 1981 June 11, 2017 Pamela Russell Pizanie, Class of 1977 June 22, 2017 Sister of Madelyn “Lyn” Russell Doran’69 and Irene Russell Gary’76 Carol Pillori Bernardi, Class of 1982 August 25, 2017 Wife of faculty member, Phil Bernardi Kimberly McGovern Kleespie, Class of 1974 October 14, 2017 Allison Occhiuzzi December 24, 2014 Sister of Jennifer Occhiuzzi Reese’98 and Marianna Occhiuzzi Didieo’01 Dorothy Grever June 27, 2017 Mother of Patricia Grever-Quackenbush’66 Nancy Rhein August 10, 2017 Mother of Lauren Rhein’09, IHA Golf coach, and wife of Bob Rhein, assistant IHA Golf and Basketball coach Mary Anne Wesley August 15, 2017 Mother of Sara Wesley Curtis’84 and former faculty member
Sadie Fragale-Nucifora August 24, 2017 Grandmother of faculty member, Allison Oblen LCDR Kenneth Shannon, US Navy MSC (Ret.) August 24, 2017 Brother of office manager, Kathy Hals Jo Herrick August 26, 2017 Mother of Adrienne Herrick Handley’67, Suzanne Herrick’73, and Elaine Herrick Kheribeche’78, and former IHA staff member Marion Kenney September 13, 2017 Mother of faculty member, Dr. Sue Kenney Ellenore Clare September 16, 2017 Mother-in-law of Barbara DiCocco Clare’73 Catherine Cooney October 6, 2017 Mother of Maureen Cooney Daniello’77; grandmother of Caitlin Daniello’15, Carolyn Cooney Helmig’04, Kaitlyn Cooney’08, and Megan Cooney Mathias’02; and mother-in-law of Daniel Daniello, IHA Consultative Board member
Clifford Kuchenmeister October 13, 2017 Father of Carolyn Kuchenmeister Argenti’97, father-in-law of Rose Paniscotti Kuchenmeister’87, and grandfather of Christina Kuchenmeister’16 Thomas Scanlon October 19, 2017 Father of Claire Scanlon’96 Ralph Galano November 17, 2017 Father of Loretta Galano LaGratta’79 and Jacqueline Galano Woods’87, and grandfather of Krista Corso’07 and Jennifer LaGratta’10 William Brenner November 20, 2017 Father of Thea Brenner’97 Michael Peltier November 28, 2017 Brother of Michelle Peltier Supper’68 Frank DeVito December 4, 2017 Father of Lauren DeVito Rocci’00 and long-time St. Joseph Regional faculty member
Winter 2018
Save the Date
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IHA Hall of Fame
April 22, 2018
Immaculate Heart Academy will be holding a Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on April 22, 2018 from 12-4 p.m. at Seasons in Township of Washington.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include: Alumna
Judith Moye Gannon’75 Toni-Marie Verrone Hals’89, posthumously
Educator
Sr. Ellen Cronan, ASCJ Lorraine Mongelli
Parents
Raymond and Yolanda Kunz P’92, ‘94
Community Leader Stacey Flanagan’90
Merit
Susan Anlian Ketigian’75
More information is available on www.ihanj.com and IHA’s social media pages. Please save the date and join us for this special celebration!
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT #130 SPRINGFIELD, MA
500 Van emburgh avenue township of Washington, NJ 07676
uPcOmING
2017-18 Winter Special Events
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Blue eagle athletics Beefsteak 6:30 p.m. IHA Gymnasium Celebrate our Blue Eagle athletes with a delicious beefsteak dinner catered by The Brownstone.
Father/daughter dance 12 p.m. The Venetian, Garfield We are taking our annual Father/Daughter Dance outside of IHA this year! Students and their fathers will enjoy brunch and dancing at The Venetian.
Hall of Fame 12 p.m. Seasons, Township of Washington IHA’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony will honor individuals in the categories of: Alumna, Educator, Parents, Community Leader, and Merit.
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Spring drama: You Can’t Take it with You 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday This year’s spring drama, You Can’t Take it with You, is directed by Ms. Maureen McNulty and produced by Ms. McNulty and the IHA Theatre Production class.
Spring Open House 6:30-8:30 p.m., IHA Register online for our Spring Open House. Meet faculty and staff, tour the building, and ask questions of our student Eagle Ambassadors.
Spring concert & arts Festival 7 p.m., IHA PAC Family and friends are invited to view our art students’ work and listen to the vocal ensembles and orchestra at the Spring 2018 Concert.