S Sc c h h o o ol l N e w w s AHA sends five off — wishes happy, healthy retirement

The month of June brought several changes to the Academy of the Holy Angels, including the retirement of several key staff members.

Those who are leaving their posts include School Social Worker Sister Mary Foley, S SND, Athletic Director Patti Gorsuch, Main Office Manager Ellen Schiff, Facilities Manager R obert Shanney, and Campus Ministry Director Kathleen Sylvester. Together, they gave AHA nearly 100 years of service — half of which were logged by Shanney.

As the Academy celebrated the retirees on June 14, AHA President Melinda Hanlon and Principal Jean Miller shared humorous and touching memories, and recognized AHA Technology Department Assistant Keri Letourneau, who will be moving on to a new opportunity. Letourneau was honored for being pleasant and helpful, and especially for her expertise during online and hybrid learning.

“Each person has given more than their job required,” President Hanlon said. Each retiree will receive a personalized paver to be added to the walkway outside the gym. The circle on the campus drive will be renamed Robert Shanney Circle. Hanlon noted the 143-year continuum from S. Nonna Dunph y, the School Sister of Notre Dame who signed the contract for AHAʼs first campus in Fort Lee, to S. Mary. Hanlon also announced that the Kelleher Hall chapel will be dedicated in the School Sistersʼ honor.

S. Mary Foley, SSND, who is retiring from her post as AHAʼs social worker, will retain her responsibilities as head of operations in the newly-renovated auditorium. She began her ministry as a physical education teacher and coach in Rochester, New York, and later taught girls in Liberia. Her career also included service as an administrator and teacher, and a counselor for Catholic Family Services.

In 2002, S. Mary joined Holy Angels, where her ministry has involved work with PowerBack, a group that helps girls a dvocate against peer dating abuse.

Among the many gifts presented was a clock with no numbers made by technology director Nadeem Akhter. He said his creation was for Bob Shanney, who no longer had to worry what time it is. AHA Technology Department assistant Keri Letourneau, is moving on to a new opportunity.

Together with her beloved therapy dog, Luke, S. Mary visited numerous schools, especially in Newtown, Connecticut. As a volunteer mental health worker for the American Red Cross, she has assisted people in New Jersey and Texas. S. Mary has also been involved with the Lead Response Team for the Traumatic Loss Coalition in Bergen County and was a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor for New Jersey.

In March 2018, she was a Bergen Countyʼs Womenʼs History Month honoree. On May 9,

2018, as she celebrated 50 years as an SSND, New Jersey, Bergen County, and the Borough of Demarest all declared that date “Sister Mary Foley Day” in honor of her service around the globe.

After earning her undergraduate degree in Spanish and physical education from SUNY Brockport, S. Mary received her MDiv from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall and a masterʼs in social work from Fordham. She is a New Jersey licensed clinical social worker, and has completed three marathons. She enjoys spending time with her border collies, Zac

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