NEWS
A Newsletter for the Alumnae and Friends of Immaculate Heart Academy Patricia Molloy, Principal and Editor
Four Years-Already?
VOL. 29 NO. 2 ❖ SUMMER 2013
The Class of 2013 Graduates . . .
Annalyce D’Agostino contemplates a world beyond IHA.
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Four Years-Already? The Class of 2013 Graduates . . .
211 graduate and become new IHA alumnae
Township of Washington — Immaculate Heart Academy’s Commencement Exercises led yet again to an enjoyable and memorable day! On Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., two hundred and eleven young women received their diplomas from Patricia Molloy, principal; Geraldine Boland, assistant principal and director of guidance; Jason Schlereth, assistant principal and director of athletics; and Kelly Oberle Tweed’93, director of admissions. After a beautiful processional, Mary Jane White (Villanova University) offered the invocation and salutatorian, Cosette Gastelu (University of Pennsylvania), then gave the welcoming address. She urged her fellow graduates to “live in this moment” because “today, there is no greater gift than the present.” The guest speaker was Mary Beth Keane’95, author of two novels, The Walking People (2009) and Fever (2013). The members of the Class of 2013 were given their diplomas and special awards, and then class valedictorian, Christina Sollitto (University of Notre Dame), gave the farewell address. Christina continued the “living in the present” theme and ended her speech with an inspirational thought for her fellow classmates: “In this moment, you are loved. Never forget this morning. Even if the details fade with memory, remember you were loved. Let the knowledge of that love give you the confidence, the compassion, the caring spirit, and the courage to take the next step.”
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Alexandra MacDonald and Brianna Layton are ready to graduate!
The Class of 2013 received more than thirtyseven million dollars in scholarship awards and will be attending some of the most prestigious and extraordinary colleges and universities in the nation—from New York University and Villanova to Fordham, Duke, and Georgetown. Nine students are attending Sacred Heart University, eight students are attending Fairfield University, and six are attending St. Joseph’s University. Syracuse University, The College of New Jersey, and Quinnipiac University were also popular choices. Additionally, we have one student attending the Joffrey Ballet School this year. Twenty-five students will be attending colleges and universities in New Jersey and one hundred and eighty-six will be attending schools out of state. Ninety students will be attending Catholic colleges and universities and one hundred and twenty-one will be attending non-Catholic schools. Congratulations to all of the graduates!
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Congratulations to all the award recipients . . . The following awards were presented at graduation:
The IHA Award—Mary Jane White (Villanova University) The Academic Achievement Award—Cristina DelPrete (Johns Hopkins University) The Kim Montelaro Memorial Award—Suzanne Mistretta (Providence College) The Sr. Beatrice Ryan Award—Emma Younghans (University of Rhode Island) The Dorothy and Jack McKenna Memorial Award—Daniela Lisa (Syracuse University) The Kathleen Farley Memorial Award—Annamaria Alcaro (West Chester University of Pennsylvania) The Fine Arts Award—Marissa Picheria (Rhode Island School of Design) The Gregory Joseph Villone Award—Katherine Olson (Clemson University) The Herbert C. Oberle Memorial Award—Michelle Cruz (Providence) The Jennifer Grace Brawley Scholarship—Jessica Sperber (Muhlenberg College) The KariAnn Dellapenta Award—Monica Delehanty (Joffrey Ballet School) The Catherine Larkin Award—Jessica Lamb (DeSales University) The Caren Cavallo Memorial Scholarship—Yerin Woo (University of Miami) The Marian Award—Christine Lowe (The University of Scranton) The Marie Sellers and Dorothy Savarese Memorial Award—Nicole Costabile (William Paterson University) The Jeffrey E. Silver Memorial Award—Earyn Calvis (Stevens Institute of Technology)
Cosette Gastelu, salutatorian; Christina Sollitto, valedictorian; Mary Beth Keane’95, commencement speaker; and Mary Jane White, IHA Award recipient, are all smiles in the chapel after graduation.
Catch the ENT IRE story!
It continues on pages 28–31, and 34–35 . . .
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IHA NEWS
Class Notes Class of 1975
Kathleen O’Brien Normington was honored with the 2012–13 Outstanding Lecturer Award, one of the top teaching awards at San Jose State University in California, where she has been teaching since 1999. The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes a lecturer for excellence in teaching effectiveness and service to the San Jose State campus community. Kathleen works in the College of Humanities and the Arts. She writes, “I could not have done this without my IHA education.”
Class of 1976
Emmy Award-winner, Barbara Rick, was written about in the National Catholic Reporter for her most recent film, “School of My Dreams.” The film, which focuses on Daraja Academy, a boarding secondary school for girls in Mount Kenya, is a follow-up to the earlier short film “Girls of Daraja.” Both films were directed and produced by Barbara through her 501(c)(3) documentary nonprofit, Out of the Blue Films, Inc. Barbara’s husband, accomplished cameraman, Jim Anderson, served as cinematographer on both films. Out of the Blue is dedicated to socially conscious filmmaking and exceptional storytelling that explores, articulates, and celebrates humanity. Exceptional, Barbara!
Class of 1977
Elizabeth McCabe Truglio writes, “I have never bragged about what I had done with the life I have been given. When I
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SUMMER 2013
Blue Eagle Open
The Blue Eagle Open, formerly called the KariAnn Dellapenta’93 Memorial Golf Outing, was started in 2008 by KariAnn’s loving and supportive family members as a special way to remember their daughter and sister, while raising funds to assist students in need at IHA. This event has grown steadily each year, raising funds for both a graduation award and a partial, four-year scholarship. On June 17, 2013, more than eighty golfers from the IHA community, including alumnae, parents, friends, faculty members, and coaches, took to the links at Valley Brook Golf Course in River Vale for the sixth annual Blue Eagle Open. Following a great day on the course, the golfers continued the celebration at The Estate at Florentine Gardens, joining members of the Dellapenta Family and IHA’s administration, faculty, and staff for a gourmet dinner, tricky tray prizes, and a silent auction. An event of this magnitude cannot be successful without the help of many people. Assisting Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76, director of alumnae relations and special events, was an enthusiastic, eight-member committee, charged with ensuring the event’s continued success. IHA is extremely grateful for the support provided by the members of the Blue Eagle Open Committee: Joe Bossolina P’15, ’17; Tom Neumann P’14, ’17; Doug Cosgrove P’15; Christy Dellapenta’95, Joe Doheny P’11, ’15; Pat Purcell P’16; Jeff Knapp, director of development; and Jim Stayton, faculty and head golf coach. IHA extends its sincerest gratitude to the members of the Dellapenta Family, Joe Nizza and MTM Resources, the many corporate sponsors, the participants, and the volunteers, whose generous support of the Blue Eagle Open has made possible the KariAnn Dellapenta Memorial Scholarship. Continued on page 14 . . .
Thomas White P’10, ’13; Michael Kerrigan P’06, ’09, ’13; David Zied P’11, ’15; and Rob Reers P’10, ’11, ’14 make up their own foursome at the Blue Eagle Open.
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Guest Speaker
Mary Beth Keane, IHA Class of 1995
The guest speaker at the 2013 Commencement Exercises was Mary Beth Keane, IHA Class of 1995, and author of various stories, essays, and two wellknown novels: The Walking People (2009) and Fever (2013). After graduating from IHA, Mary Beth continued her education at Barnard College, graduating magna cum laude in English literature. She then received her M.F.A. in English language and literature from the University of Virginia. She has received numerous awards over the years for her writing including honorable mention for the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award for First Fiction (The Walking People) in 2010 and first place in The Baltimore Review Short Fiction Competition in 2006. The one she is most proud of is her inclusion on the 2011 National Book Foundation’s “5 Under 35” list. Her first novel, The Walking People, is about an Irish immigrant traveling to New York to find herself, while deciding that she must keep her new life separate from the one she once loved in Ireland. Mary Beth’s second novel, Fever, tells the story of “Typhoid Mary,” the first person in America, an Irish immigrant, identified as a healthy carrier of typhoid fever. Mary Beth received positive reviews for both of her novels in The New York Times Book Review, the London Times, Vanity Fair, and Oprah’s magazine, O. She also received the 2012 National Book Award Fiction Finalist Interviews for her essay, The Commuters’ City, published in The New York Times. Mary Beth lives in Pearl River, New York, where she grew up, with her husband, Marty, and her two sons, Owen, 4, and Emmett, 2. As an IHA student, Mary Beth was the co-editor of Orb, IHA’s literary magazine, cross country captain, and spring track captain in her senior year. She was an involved member of the IHA Class of 1995 and we were proud to welcome her back to speak at the Class of 2013 graduation!
Class Notes read about my classmates who had become doctors, lawyers, and accomplished pillars of their societies, I felt . . . less than. I married young, had six children, and felt that I had somehow let my alma mater down. However, as St. Therese ‘The Little Flower’ has shown, I had been mistaken. My four daughters and two sons were entrusted to me by my Heavenly Father. I am forever grateful for their presence in my life. Though I did not choose the career path, I am somebody very special to the six souls God deemed me worthy of raising to adulthood.”
Class of 1979
Linda Webster-Cennerazzo and her father, George Webster, donated a piece of 1.5-acre property to the township of Mahwah to be used for special needs and senior housing. The donation was made on behalf of their mother and wife, Judith, who left the land to Linda when she died in December 2011. The donation enabled the township officials to team up with Bergen United Way to draw up a plan for the housing.
Class of 1995
Alexis Starke and her husband, Martyn, welcomed Shannon May Ryan into the world on May 21, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs, 4 oz and has a full head of black hair! She joins big sister, Clara.
Class of 1996
Jen Tramontozzi Porcelli and her husband, Jason (Bergen Catholic’99), are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Continues on page 8
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Scene around IHA . . . Many students performed at the IHA Arts Festival on May 1.
IHA faculty/staff members Mrs. Lori Cellini, math teacher; Mrs. Kitty Kelly, guidance secretary; and Mrs. Lauretta Miller, math teacher, all stopped by the IHA Barnes and Noble Summer Book Fair on June 11, 2013 where Mary Jane Clark’72 signed copies of her newest novel, Footprints in the Sand.
Fiorella Calderon’13, Alexa Valentin’16, Samantha Perkins’14, Amy Cha’14, Candace DeLorenzo’13, and Annamaria Alcaro’13 perform as members of the handbell choir at the IHA Arts Festival.
The sophomores had some fun during Sophomore Spirit Day on May 22, 2013.
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Beautiful and interesting artwork lines the walls of IHA at the 2013 Arts Festival.
Mary Rose Coratolo’13 poses by her artwork at the IHA Arts Festival.
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Jessica Scrudato, Danielle Chalet, and Valerie Lauer enjoy their last days together at the Senior BBQ.
Rebecca Grambone’15, Sara Foley’15, and Gabrielle Acquaviva’15 show their skills on stage at the IHA Children’s Theater.
Four IHA alumnae all happened to be put in the very same group of twenty-three people during a food and wine trip to the Basque Country in Spain with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. From left to right are Mary Fryczynski Penotti’66, Jane Pennotti Jalil’67, Laura Coti Garrett’75, and Col. Jane Maliszewski’75. Four IHA graduates in a group from all across the country? Not bad!
❤ ❤ ❤ IHA alumnae had a blast at the last Traveling Plaid reunion in Sarasota, Florida at the home of Diane Stabile’70. Top row, left to right, are Margaret Ann Behrends’75; Catherine Ayrovainen Carnahan, M.D.’69; Gail Deptula Fink’66; Patricia Cleary Lucas’66; and Diane Stabile’70. Bottom row, left to right, are Meryl Conte Clayton’75, Laura Caldarola Macione’71, Teri Danko Cooper’66, Jeannine Walter’84, Maureen O’Shea Powell’80, and Rosanne Falduti’66.
Read more about The Traveling Plaid on page 16. Erin Maguire’13; Jillian Enyart’13; Meghan Murphy’13; Lauren Bredehorst’13; Lisa Encke, art department chair; Lauren Walsh’13, Ariel DeGiuseppe’13; Casey Devaney’13, and Juliana Leary’13 are members of the National Art Honor Society.
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SUMMER 2013
Class Notes Shane Anthony, born October 11, 2012, and weighing 8 lbs, 7 oz. Godparents are Liza Porcelli Fonti’96 and Greg Tramontozzi (Bergen Catholic’88).
Class of 1999
Eileen Connors writes, “I am currently residing in New Orleans, Louisiana and am the owner of two companies as well as a partner in a third. While this keeps me very busy, I would not want it any other way. I am the sole proprietor of a marketing consulting firm, Marketing, ETC LLC. I’ve been helping small business owners with their marketing strategies and execution and loving it every day. I’m also happy to report that one of my clients is an IHA classmate, with her 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio, Michelle Spadaro Radice’99! One of my clients, Aurorae Yoga, is a yoga retailer and I am happy to say that I am licensing the brand to develop the Spa line. My first product, a meditation candle, is currently available on Amazon.com. I attribute a lot of my success to my teachers, coaches, and mentors at IHA.”
Class of 2000
Mrs. Jamie DiGiacomo Stevenson, IHA faculty member, and her husband, Sam, welcomed son, Jesse Bayne Stevenson, on April 26, 2013. Jesse was 18.5 inches long and weighted in at 5 lbs, 12 oz.
Class of 2001
Mrs. Mary-Elizabeth Fuhrman Wren, IHA faculty member, and her Continues on page 15
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Sports Report
IHA NEWS
During the course of the lacrosse season, Gabrielle McMahon’13 became the career all-time goals scored leader at IHA! She scored two hundred and forty-six goals and had ninety-nine assists throughout her four years at Immaculate Heart Academy. Gabrielle will be continuing her playing career at University of Southern California in the fall. We wish her continued success, and are proud of her many accomplishments!
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Lacrosse
The lacrosse team enjoyed its finest season in the history of the program. Playing in the Stars and Stripes division of the NJIGLL, the team finished with an overall record of 10–12. The team defeated Waldwick, Northern Highlands, and Mahwah to advance to the finals of the BCWCA County Lacrosse Tournament. In the finals, IHA stormed back from an early deficit to narrowly fall to Ridgewood 13–10. Playing as the sixth seed in the NJSIAA State Tournament, the team defeated South Brunswick in the first round. In the second round, the team defeated Hillsborough High School. In the semifinals, IHA won a thrilling game against Ridge High School, the second overall seed. This victory put IHA in the sectional finals for the first time in program history. In that game, the team played valiantly but fell to Ridgewood High School. The junior varsity team also enjoyed another successful season. Stars and Stripes All-League Honors First-Team Maura Schwitter’13 and Gabrielle McMahon’13 Second-Team Mary Jane White’13 and Josephine Zinn’15 Honorable Mention Jalisa Mills’13
Gabrielle McMahon’13
BCWCA All-County Honors First-Team Gabrielle McMahon’13, Maura Schwitter’13, and Mary Jane White’13 Second-Team Josephine Zinn’15, Jalisa Mills’13, and Katherine Cromie’14 The Bergen Record All-North Jersey First-Team Gabrielle McMahon’13, Maura Schwitter’13, and Mary Jane White’13 Second-Team Josephine Zinn’15 and Jalisa Mills’13 The Star-Ledger All-Conference North Gabrielle McMahon’13 and Maura Schwitter’13 The Star-Ledger All-County Honors Gabrielle McMahon’13, Maura Schwitter’13, and Mary Jane White’13 The Star-Ledger All-State Honors First-Team Maura Schwitter’13
Katherine Cromie’14 hustles on the field.
Under Armour® All-American Maura Schwitter’13
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Spring Sports Wrap-up Softball
The varsity softball team had a tremendous season and has set the bar high for next year. The softball team played the toughest schedule in the state and answered every challenge, which was proven in its overall record of 31–2. The girls also achieved a rare feat for a northeast school by being ranked nationally from preseason to the final rankings. They won the Big North Conference, Bergen County Championship and clinched the State North Sectional Championship. The junior varsity softball team finished with an overall record of 14–1 and the freshman team finished with an overall record of 13–1. Big North All-League Honors First-Team Cassidy Trause’13, Daniella Ibarra’14, Alexandra Vergona’13, Stephanie Thomas’14, Rachel Pollard’14, Angelina McGuire’14, and Natalie Keller’13 Second-Team Lisa Higgins’16 and Emilie Cieslak’16
by John Downey, Athletic Director
The Star-Ledger All-County Honors First-Team Daniella Ibarra’14, Angelina McGuire’14, Rachel Pollard’14, Stephanie Thomas’14, and Alexandra Vergona’13 Second-Team Cassidy Trause’13 The Star-Ledger North Jersey Player of the Year Stephanie Thomas’14 The Star-Ledger Hitter of New Jersey Daniella Ibarra’14 The Star-Ledger All-Non-Public Honors First-Team Stephanie Thomas’14, Daniella Ibarra’14, Angelina McGuire’14, and Alexandra Vergona’13 Second-Team Rachel Pollard’14 and Cassidy Trause’13
Honorable Mention Alexandra Morse’13 BCWCA All-County Honors First-Team Cassidy Trause’13, Daniella Ibarra’14, Alexandra Vergona’13, Stephanie Thomas’14, Rachel Pollard’14, and Angelina McGuire’14 The Bergen Record All-North Jersey Honors All-Bergen Team Stephanie Thomas’14, Alexandra Vergona’13, Daniella Ibarra’14, Angelina McGuire’14, and Rachel Pollard’14 The Bergen Record Pitcher of the Year Stephanie Thomas’14
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Alexandra Vergona’13 catches behind the plate.
Bergen County Champions!
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Track
The track and field team had a gratifying spring season. The team ran its way to a league championship as well as placing second at Bergen County Relays. The track girls finished fourth at the County Group Championship as well as in the State Sectional Meet. This season’s team had many young members who are looking forward to developing their talents even more. IHA is looking to see some great performances in the season to come. Big North All-League Honors First-Team Colleen Buckley’15, Aine Tucker’15, Kylie McCavitt’15, Jaime Hliboki’14, Shaye Wisse’14, and Natalie Miller’14 Second-Team Caroline Morano’13, Erin Ahearn’14, Bridget McCormack’14, Gabriella Nutile’13, Stef-Hana Sopelsa’14, Caroline Namiotka’15, Deborah Majkowicz’15, and Jaime Hliboki’14 Honorable Mention Patricia Lederer’14 BCWCA All-County Honors Third-Team Shaye Wisse’14 Honorable Mention Colleen Buckley’15, Kylie McCavitt’15, Erin Ahearn’14, Gabriella Nutile’13, Stef-Hana Sopelsa’14, Patricia Lederer’14, Jaime Hliboki’14, Caroline Namiotka’15, Shaye Wisse’14, Bridget McCormack’14, Debborah Majkowicz’15, Lindsey Carpenter’15, Natalie Miller’14, and Julie Weismiller’16 The Star-Ledger All-County Honors Third-Team Shaye Wisse’14 The Star-Ledger All-Non-Public Honors Second-Team Shaye Wisse’14
Shaye Wisse’14 takes it over the top!
Track League Champions! Golf
The varsity golf team had another successful season, closing with a record of 9–9. A standout this spring was Victoria Paulson’14, who made First-Team All-League and All-County. With a roster of young upand-comers, the IHA golf team is ready to challenge again next year for a county and state title. Big North All-League Honors First-Team Victoria Paulsen’14 Second-Team Marisa Carlson’13 and Nicole Fracassini’14 Honorable Mention Suzanne Mistretta’13 and Diana Cosgrove’15 BCWCA All-County Honors Honorable Mention Victoria Paulsen’14
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SUMMER 2013
Capital Campaign Update
Let Us Go Forward
IHA NEWS
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Mrs. Cynthia McEachern; Patricia Molloy, principal; Monti McEachern’17; and Mr. Michael McEachern At Right—Mr. Jeffrey Knapp, director of development, shakes the hand of Mr. Michael McEachern to thank him and his wife, Cynthia, left, for their generous donation to IHA’s digital art students. Patricia Molloy, principal, and Monti McEachern’17 look on. The digital art students now have use of a technology kiosk with eight big-screen Apple computers with digital photography software, a scanner, and a state-of-the-art printer.
Jacqueline D’Ambrosi’07, Sonni Caruso’07, Meaghan Brennan’07, Deirdre Neubauer’07, and Katherine Krauss’07 all joined together at The Columbia University Club in New York City on May 28, 2013.
Mrs. Lisa Encke, art department chair, poses with Kyla Heinz’08 in front of Kyla’s artwork at Cosmos. At Right—IHA’s Rock Band, Kilts on Fire, performs at Cosmos on the Courtyard. Members of the band include Fiorella Calderon’13, Nicolette Pire’13, Annamaria Alcaro’13, and Earyn Calvis’13. The band has entertained the IHA community on many occasions.
IHA NEWS
IHA’s
most ambitious capital campaign, Let Us Go Forward, launched publicly to the IHA community in March 2011. It continues to generate excitement and support from alumnae, parents, administrators, faculty, and staff. As of June 30, 2013, the campaign has raised more than $1.4 million, twenty-eight percent of the campaign’s $5 million goal. Through the kind and generous support of IHA’s benefactors: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
The scholarship endowment has increased to more than $3.3 million Four spacious, high-tech classrooms have been added to the south wing An art studio was constructed to IHA’s demands of expanding visual and studio arts curriculum The Vincent Herold Fitness Center was completed. Athletic training, fitness, and conditioning equipment are available to our students. The center is staffed by a full-time fitness and performance coordinator
SUMMER 2013 Additionally, Kelly Oberle Tweed’93, director of admissions, donated an art easel in memory of her mother, Bonnie Oberle. Special Campaign Events On Saturday, April 27, 2013, campaign benefactors attended a cocktail reception in the Information Commons before a concert in the Patricia Sollitto Performing Arts Center featuring Irish tenor, Anthony Kearns. During the reception, guests were treated to a performance by IHA’s Concert Chorus, which performed with Anthony Kearns later that evening. On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, IHA alumnae and parents gathered for a cocktail reception at The Columbia University Club in New York City to reminisce, reconnect, and learn about the campaign and its significant impact on today’s IHA students. This event was sponsored by IHA fathers, Dr. Paul McCormick P’10; Mr. Jim McMenamin P’04, ’06; and Mr. Joe Bossolina P’15, ’17.
Dedications and Campaign Events
Dedications On Friday, May 17, 2013 members of the IHA community gathered in the art studio to dedicate a technology kiosk and two art easels. Through the generosity of Michael and Cynthia McEachern, parents of Mikaela’14 and Monti’17, IHA now provides its digital art students with a twenty-five-foot long technology kiosk featuring eight Apple computers, complete with digital photography software, a scanner, and a high resolution, digital, wireless printer. The kiosk enables digital photography students to enhance and manipulate images, which are then included in their digital portfolio. Members of the Class of 2006, through the efforts of Danielle Garrigan’06, raised funds to dedicate an art easel in memory of their classmate, Molly Offer’06.
Michelle Marra’94; her husband, Jimmy Rizos; and Mr. Jeffrey Knapp, director of development, enjoyed time together at The Columbia University Club cocktail reception.
Would you like to know more? For information about the Let Us Go Forward Capital Campaign, visit us at www.ihahs.com/ support/campaign or contact Jeff Knapp, director of development, at 201-445-6800, ext. 185.
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IHA NEWS
Blue Eagle Open
SUMMER 2013
Continued from page 4 . . .
This year’s Blue Eagle Open raised more than $15,000 for the fund. Through the support of the event’s loyal participants and sponsors, the scholarship fund, which began as an award presented to a senior at graduation, has grown considerably. The growth was so spectacular, that in 2012 the first KariAnn Dellapenta Memorial Scholarship was awarded to a current IHA student— Lily Makhlouf’16.
KariAnn Dellapenta’93
Graduation Award Recipients: Monica Delehanty’13 Courtney Vanni’12 Kelly Anne Quinn’11 Meghan Donohue’10 Rebecca Finn’09 Kayla Kaspar’08 Kathleen Donohue’07 Janine Repka’06 Marianne Delehanty’05 Brittany Nelson’04
Above—Terry Mullane, Daniella DiGiacomo Murphy’87, Linda Grossman, and Rick Garrigan were the winning combo foursome at this year’s Blue Eagle Open. At Left—Scott Donnelly; Chris Donnelly; Joe Tweed; and Mr. Dennis Oberle, IHA Consultative Board member, pose at the Blue Eagle Open.
A Note from Lily Makhlouf’16 Dear supporters of the KariAnn Dellapenta Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Blue Eagle Open, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for the generous scholarship that I have been awarded. My family and I are blessed with the opportunity this scholarship affords us. This gift has allowed me to receive an outstanding education, which will benefit me for the rest of my life. As I continue to live up to the expectations of an IHA student, I will continue to perform at the best of my ability throughout my years at IHA. Thank you for your support, Lily Makhlouf’16
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Lily Makhlouf’16 was 2012’s KariAnn Dellapenta Memorial Scholarship recipient.
IHA NEWS
Coming to IHA this November-
Seussical The Musical!
The many works of Dr. Seuss are coming Immaculate Heart Academy in November with the production of Seussical the Musical! Five performances will be held for four days in a row this year: on Thursday, November 13 and Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and the Grandparents’ Day matinee on Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. A “magical musical extravaganza,” Seussical brings to life many of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters—from Horton the Elephant and The Cat in the Hat to Gertrude McFuzz and Lazy Mayzie. The colorful characters will transport audience members from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Throughout the whole show, many Dr. Seuss books are incorporated into the characters/settings including Horton Hears a Who!, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham, Horton Hatches the Egg, and other favorites. Seussical, fun for the whole family, is now one of the most performed shows in America. During the Grandparents’ Day matinee, grandparents of current students are invited to the show, with refreshments at intermission and reduced ticket prices! Any questions about Grandparents’ Day can be answered by calling Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76 at 201-455-6800, ext. 182 or by e-mail at bgarrigan@ ihahs.com. Please visit www.ihahs.com for more information.
All are welcome, so please join us -
SUMMER 2013
Class Notes husband, Stephen, welcomed their baby boy, Luke Stephen Wren, on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 1:35 p.m. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 7oz and was 21 ½ inches long.
Class of 2005
Lisa Fuhrman was appointed to the newly formed School of Arts Board of Consultors at Manhattan College. The Board is composed of alumni and friends of Manhattan College who are willing to share their professional experiences and advice to guide department chairs and program directors, and to help the dean prepare the School of Arts for the future. Lisa is the associate producer in the Living Unit with NY1 News. Within the past year, she has produced specials on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy across the five boroughs in addition to traveling to London to produce a special edition of their weekly theatre program “On Stage.” In the past, she has produced coverage of events including Fashion Week, the TONYAwards, and New Years Eve Live from Times Square, among many others.
Class of 2006
Elizabeth O’Dwyer, who graduated from Northeastern University cum laude with a B.S. in nursing, writes that she had a biology teacher her sophomore year at IHA that helped her decide her career path. The teacher was a nurse who turned to teaching to accommodate her child’s schedule. It was during that time that Elizabeth decided she wanted to be a nurse as well. She is currently working Continues on page 20
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
New Faculty and Staffat IHA IHA is excited to announce a talented new administration and welcome a wonderful group of individuals to our faculty and staff for the upcoming school year. Jason Schlereth (B.A. William Paterson University, M.A. St. Peter’s University) has been named vice principal and John Downey (B.S. St. Thomas Aquinas) has been named the new athletic director. Alice Rogers (B.S. St. John’s University) has been named assistant principal—students, Kelly Oberle
Welcomed onto our team of directors is Lisa Encke (B.A. Montclair State University, M.S. Bank Street College of Education) as director of arts. Additionally, we have three substitute teachers for maternity leave positions including Matthew Sartori (B.S. Seton Hall University), Carol Murphy (B.A. University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D., M.A. University of Virginia), and Maureen McNulty (B.A., M.S.T. Iona College). We also welcome Sarah Kearns (B.A. Rutgers University) as
Tweed’93 (B.A. Manhattan College, M.Ed. Fordham University) has been named assistant principal— enrollment advancement, Stephanie Abdallah Brodeur’99 (B.A., M.A.T. Quinnipiac) has been named assistant principal—academics and technology, and Rosemary Fuhrman (B.A. Jersey City State College, M.A.E. Seton Hall University) has been named assistant principal—curriculum and instruction.
the new campus minister and Arta Lucescu-Boutcher (B.A. Stony Brook University, Ph.D. City University of New York, M.A. Middlebury College) and Soha Ibrahim (B.A. Alexandria University) as French teachers. We are thrilled about the changes and new additions to the IHA team!
See you in September!
Don’t miss out on-The Traveling P ❤ ❤ ❤
laid
The IHA Traveling Plaid is excited to stop on September 27 and 28, 2013 in the City of “Sisterly” Love Philadelphia at St. Joseph’s University. The event will be hosted by Claire Chelotti Simmers’68 and will take place on the campus. This event was rescheduled from last March due to inclement weather. On Friday evening, alumnae twenty-one years old and older will meet for a wine and cheese reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by a brunch on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. for all alumnae. Please join us in the New York, New York at Soldier McGees on Thursday, November 7, 2013. We will host a two-hour happy hour from 6:00–8:00 p.m., which will include drinks and appetizers. Special thanks to Joe Bossolina P’14, ’17 for his hospitality! A reunion of the IHA Florida Plaid will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2014 in Sarasota, Florida again at the home of Diane Stabile’70. All alumnae who reside in the area or who are winter “snowbirds” and are interested in joining us for a luncheon are welcome! The luncheon will also include a book signing by Mary Jane Behrends Clark’72.
E-vites for both events will be sent out one month prior, so please update your contact information as soon as possible. Anyone willing to host an event or assist with planning, please let us know. Please contact Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76 at
[email protected] or 201-445-6800, ext. 182.
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Open House
Welcome to IHA!
Seventh and eighth-grade students and their parents are reminded that IHA’s Open House, will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2013 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
All seventh and eighth-grade students and their
Additionally, laptop information is available on
parents are welcome to attend IHA’s Open House on
our web site. Very Important Note: If a student plans to
Sunday, October 20, 2013 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
attend IHA in September 2014, DO NOT purchase a
Learn about what IHA has to offer and the entire
laptop computer for her use in eighth grade. You will
admissions process. It is vital that students interested
be required to purchase the IHA laptop during the
in attending IHA take the Archdiocesan Entrance
summer of 2014.
Exam (COOP) on Friday, November 8, 2013
and complete the online application available
check IHA’s homepage for a link to pre-register online.
at www.ihahs.com by December 1, 2013. All
A second (smaller) Open House will be held on
necessary information about the school, curriculum,
November 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. For more information
scholarships, financial aid, and busing will be
on our Open Houses, please call the main office at
available at Open House.
201-445-6800.
Alumnae and their daughters are invited to take
a special tour and enjoy a breakfast reception; more information will be e-mailed to you.
Pre-registration for Open House is encouraged;
P lease Join Us! Page 17
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Honors Convocation At the annual Honors Convocation held June 4, 2013, members of the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes were awarded certificates for their numerous academic achievements. Presentations and awards included: The George Washington University Math and Science Award for the highest combined average in math and science for three years—Brigitte Lamarche’14 The Bausch and Lomb Science Award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science—Danielle Cole’14 The Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of social studies— Katherine Koch’14 The George Eastman Young Leaders Award recognizes outstanding academic achievement and leadership both in and out of the classroom—Kelly Bommer’14 The Xerox Award recognizes outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for the possibilities of technology—Marisa Proscia’14 The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award is given for outstanding achievement in math and science— Kaleigh O’Boyle’14 The Promising Young Scientist Award, sponsored by Dr. Ellen Paparozzi’72, recognizes and encourages bright young women to choose a career in the sciences, particularly agricultural science. A plaque and a check for $300 were presented to Nicole Barylski’14. The IHA Math Club competes in the New Jersey Math League and in a national competition known as the American Mathematics Competition. Pins for outstanding achievement were awarded to Daniela Chavez’14 for the AMC 12 Division and Monica Traupmann’15 for the AMC 10 Division. The Wellesley Book Award honors a female student in the spring of her junior year who has an outstanding academic record and character and has also made significant extracurricular contributions to the school and community. This year’s recipient was Elizabeth Crimmins’14. The Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and leadership in her community. This year’s recipient was Kristina Mertz’14. The Stonehill College Book Award program honors a student of outstanding contributions to the community and a
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Recognizes Achievement
strong academic record. Stonehill College looks to impress on its students the value of each person and to encourage them to work to safeguard the rights and dignity of all. This year’s recipient was Christina Muller’14. The Saint Anselm College book award is given to a student with academic success, a commitment to the school, and a sense of civic engagement and responsibility. This year’s recipient was Lindsey Rogers’14. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award was established by the Parents’ Club of West Point to recognize a high school junior who exhibits the qualities and ideals of the United States Military Academy. The student should demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, community service, good citizenship, and moral character. This year’s recipient was Jaime Hliboki’14. Each year, the New Jersey Science League sponsors a series of written competitions, held monthly from January to April. More than 160 schools, public and non-public, participate in the league. Students that represented us this year included: Samantha Allen’16 Nicole Barylski’14 Morgan Butler’14 Amy Cha’14 Sarah Cherian’15 Siu-Yee Ching’14
Angela Duffy’14 Victoria Lieto’14 Elizabeth Mathis’16 Kristina Mertz’14 Jordan Orriols’16 Monica Traupmann’15
The American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League recognize the following students for outstanding performance on the National Latin Exam: Cum Laude Adelaine Zuks’16 Silver Maxima Cum Laude Ava Cicio’16
Magna Cum Laude Jacqueline Rogers’16 Megan Twiss’16
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Excellence at IHA-
Above Right—Marisa Proscia’14, winner of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology; Kelly Oberle Tweed’93, director of admissions; and Kelly Bommer’14, winner of the George Eastman Young Leaders Award. Top Left—Caitlyn Floyd’16, Jennifer Wilson’16, Meghan White’16, and Melanie Lerche’16 pose with their certificates of honor. Bottom Left—Caroline Namiotka’15, Lindsey Carpenter’15, and Alexandra Caballero’15 Center—Olivia Remley’16 and Morgan Spencer’16
Women Career Panels- a magnificent success! In September and April of this school year, we will be continuing our Women Career Panel Discussions with two impressive panels of IHA alumnae. Last school year, we kicked off this idea with “Women in Science,” and it was a hit! On September 30, 2013 we will be hosting a “Women in Business” panel and on April 14, 2014, a “Women in Communications” panel. Alumnae will discuss their different career paths and the variety of fields they have gone into—from accounting, marketing, and finance to broadcasting, journalism,
and public relations. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are able to hear first-hand just how successful and enjoyable these various career paths can be. Alumnae, we would love for you to be part of our panel of experts! If you would like to volunteer to speak and sit on the panel of women in business or communications, please contact Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76, director of alumnae relations and special events, at 201-445-6800, ext. 182 or at bgarrigan@ ihahs.com.
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IHA NEWS
Class Notes in the Pediatric ICU at Hackensack University Medical Center. Olivia Jorgensen recently graduated from Advanced Performance Training at Pig Iron school in Philadelphia. She resides in Philadelphia and her next project is assistant director of Pay Up at the Pig Iron Theater in September 2013.
Class of 2007
Katherine Kerbstat was featured in the Manhattan College Spring 2013 newsletter for her job as a broadcast associate and assistant to the chairman of CBS News and executive producer of 60 Minutes.
Class of 2008
Krysten Moore, a senior at The College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst—Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department and a national spokeswoman for several anti-bullying organizations, was selected as the student speaker at its Senior Recognition Celebration for the Class of 2013 on May 11. Krysten, who is a national youth ambassador for Love Our Children USA™ and STOMP Out Bullying ™ , has educated more than one hundred thousand school children about bullying, and has won several New Jersey pageants to give her a platform for her cause. She also founded Students Helping Instill New Esteem (SHINE), whose goal is to give children a sense of respect and consideration for each other, while understanding and accepting each other’s differences.
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SUMMER 2013
In Memoriam Your prayers are requested for the following members of the Immaculate Heart Academy community who died recently: @ Kathleen Shea, Class of 1964 and sister of Kerry Shea Boa’66, died on May 15, 2013. @ Tsai-Chun Liu, mother of faculty member, Amy Tu, died on February 5, 2013. @ Brian Connors, father of Eileen Connors’99, died on January 21, 2013. @ Anthony Tullo, father of Gina Tullo Vincequerra’94, died on May 18, 2013. @ Angela Verrone, grandmother of faculty member, Michele Verrone Manning’88, and the late Toni-Marie Verrone Hals’89, died on June 6, 2013. @ Selvino DiCocco, father of Barbara DiCocco Clare’73 and Christine DiCocco Hubinger’76, died on June 2, 2013. @ James C.G. Conniff, father of faculty member, D. Deborah Suta, died on June 8, 2013. @ Anne “Nancy” Cannon, mother of Kathleen Cannon’93, Maureen Cannon’02, and Sheila Cannon’02, died on June 15, 2013. @ Bonnie Oberle, mother of Kelly Oberle Tweed’93, IHA director of admissions, and wife of Dennis Oberle, IHA Consultative Board member, died on June 25, 2013. @ Louis J. Molinelli, Sr., father of Linda Molinelli Murray’82, died on July 1, 2013. @
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
J. Walter Keady, father of Claire Keady’73, Kathleen Keady’75, and Mary Carroll Keady Pfeiffer’86, died on July 2, 2013. @ Arthur Kaiser, father of Karen Kaiser Hawley’87, died on November 20, 2012. @ James Gandolfini, brother of Johanna Gandolfini Antonacci’66 and son of the late Santa Gandolfini, former IHA cafeteria supervisor, died on June 19, 2013.
@ On occasion, you may see the name of a friend or classmate in this section of the newsletter. That person may have been very special to you. You are invited to send your thoughts on any deceased alumna, faculty, parent, or friend to the Alumnae Affairs Office for publication in the next newsletter. The office can provide you with addresses of families if you would like to write them a note of condolence.
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
The Class of 2017 Welcome to
In our spring newsletter, we mistakenly left off a name on our list of members of the Class of 2017 who are daughters of alumnae. IHA proudly welcomes Gabrielle Tornatore’17, daughter of Kathleen Jordan Tornatore, IHA Class of 1984.
New Alumnae LinkedIn Group
We recently launched a brand new IHA Alumnae LinkedIn group, and we want you to join! This group is the perfect place for you to connect with fellow alumnae in your field, network, post job listings, share ideas, and begin careeroriented discussions. We will also be posting jobs and internships that alumnae send to us. Please ensure we have an updated e-mail address on file so that we can add you as a member. Send updated contact information to Tara Hopfenspirger, director of public relations, at
[email protected].
Class Notes Class of 2009
Ashley Pacheco, Megan Powers, and Megan Cotter were named to the dean’s list at Fairfield University for the fall of 2012. Jaclyn Schiemer was named to the dean’s list at University of Rhode Island for the fall of 2012. Jen Keller was one of nine Manhattan College softball players honored for her success in the classroom with a MAAC AllAcademic Team selection. To be named to the MAAC AllAcademic Team, student-athletes must have completed two or more semesters at their institution and boast a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher. Jacqueline O’Dwyer, who graduated from Bentley University this spring, says her love of math is due to Mrs. Elizabeth Kearns at IHA. She is graduating cum laude as a math major with minors in finance and computers. She will begin her career with Deloitte Financial Advisory Services in Boston as a data analytics associate. Sara Shahmiri graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and In Cursu Honorum from Fordham University as an economics major and a philosophy and business administration double minor. As part of the Fordham College Honors Program, Sara wrote the thesis, “The Data on Data Mining: Costs and Benefits of Data Mining for Consumers and Firms,” for which she also received Honors in Economics. She presented her original research at the Fordham Undergraduate Research Symposium. While at Fordham, Sara was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Sigma Nu, Continues on page 27
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IHA NEWS
Did you know that . . . ❤ The NHS Award for Scholarship for the third quarter was presented to Yerin Woo’13. Yerin maintained an exemplary academic record each quarter along with a heavy course load, which included three AP® classes. Aside from her schoolwork, she finds time to participate in Science League, Model UN, and Tri-M. Yerin is also passionate about music, serving as concertmaster of the Rockland Conservatory of Music Orchestra. She will be attending the University of Miami and plans on studying chemistry, as well as being pre-med. ❤ The NHS Award for Service for the third quarter was presented to Noelle Van Calcar’13. Noelle is heavily involved in service organizations at IHA. This year she was a co-leader of the CARE Group for the YJCC, where she would go every week to work with autistic children. In addition, Noelle enjoys donating her time to help out at the special needs dances and being a member of her parish youth group. She will be attending Wake Forest University. ❤ The NHS Award for Leadership for the third quarter was presented to Jennifer Pagano’13. Throughout her four years at IHA, Jen has been actively involved in STUCO and served on the Executive Board during her senior year. She is also a member of the varsity volleyball team, the YJCC CARE Group, and her parish youth group. Jen will be attending Franciscan University. ❤ The NHS Award for Character for the third quarter was presented to Earyn Calvis’13. This year, Earyn was on IHA’s varsity basketball team. She is also very musically inclined, serving as Tri-M president, head coordinator for bells, and as a member of orchestra, jazz band, and rock band. Outside of school, Earyn lectors Mass at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson and is a leader in two different Antioch groups. She will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology and plans to major in biochemistry. ❤ At the awards ceremony for the Annual High School Traffic Safety Challenge at Hackensack University Medical Center, IHA was recognized as having the highest achievement in student seatbelt usage. IHA’s cumulative score for the three seatbelt checks for the 2012–2013 school year was ninety-eight percent. ❤ Hyewon Kim’16 received a first place award in Cushing’s 2013 National Art contest for her entry “Pride and Beauty.” Hyewon is the recipient of a full boarding scholarship to the 2013 Cushing Academy Summer Session Studio Art and Portfolio Preparation program. This award is valued at $6,895, which covers tuition and all school excursions.
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SUMMER 2013 ❤ Karina Wojnar’14 received a full scholarship to attend the Skidmore College Pre-College Program focusing on Liberal and Studio Arts. The five-week program offers the opportunity to engage in college-level study in liberal and studio arts with distinguished Skidmore faculty. ❤ Mr. Donald Phillips, father of Morgan Phillips’15 and a forensic engineer, was a guest speaker during his daughter’s driver education class. Mr. Phillips presented information about the importance of safety devices in the car. He also explained how data is collected after a crash, which assists authorities with figuring out how the crash occurred. His lecture was enlightening. ❤ Second semester sophomore driver education students once again had a success rate of ninety-nine percent on their state driving exam. Alex Mesropyan’15, Olivia Nelson’15, and Julia Stevenson’15 scored one hundred percent on their state exams. ❤ Julie Sayegh’14 used first aid skills that she learned in Ms. Danielle Just’s health class during a recent locker break. A fellow classmate, Hope Mehra’14, showed signs of choking while eating peanuts. Julie had the skills and presence of mind to perform abdominal thrusts until the peanut was dislodged. ❤ Dana Scheffler’14, one of last year’s IHA Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) representatives, will return to the HOBY conference this year. Dana has been accepted as a staff member for the 2013 conference. ❤ Kelly Bommer’14, a 2012 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) representative, has completed two hundred Leadership for Service hours over the past year. She writes, “One hundred and forty-five of the hours have been service to the IHA community. In November 2013, I will be receiving the presidential leadership award from the HOBY President and President Obama. This was a challenge given to us during the HOBY Seminar and I decided that I was going to be able to do it.” ❤ From July 22–26, 2013, members of the IHA cross country team, parent chaperones, and coaches went on their first IHA College Running Tour. The group visited Manhattan College, Fordham University, Fairfield University, Brown University, Providence College, Boston College, Boston University, and Holy Cross. At each school, the girls attended information sessions, went on tours, and met with coaches and/or other runners to learn about their program. ❤ Abigail Martin’14 was presented with the Molly Offer’06 Memorial Scholarship at the Fine Arts Festival on May 1, 2013. This scholarship is given annually to an upperclassman with an interest in the arts and who qualifies with other criteria designated by the family.
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Celebrating Mass At the Heart-
“The school’s culture seems to always affirm to the students that they are loved by God . . .”
Rev. Thomas Quinn
At IHA, a key goal is to ensure that the school’s Catholic identity is at the forefront of everyone’s hearts and minds every day. We do our best to instill and cultivate that Catholic identity not only in our faculty, staff, and administration, but especially in our students. The chair of IHA’s religion department, Sr. Margaret Gaffikin, FSP, explained that Catholic identity in schools is much more about “who you are than what you do.” “Catholic identity depends upon the people in the community and what is in their hearts as they seek to be disciples and live the Gospel,” she said. “If we have a vibrant community of faith-filled people serving as educators in the school, we will almost certainly have a vibrant Catholic identity.” IHA reaches that goal by giving students opportunities to experience rituals and events that reflect who they are as Catholics. These special opportunities include school liturgies, prayer services, classroom prayer experiences, retreats, service projects, and daily mass in IHA’s beautiful Sisters’ Chapel. The Sisters’ Chapel, available to all IHA students, faculty, alumnae, and parents, hosts masses almost every weekday during the school year at 7:15 a.m. Priests from surrounding parishes generously say liturgies to give community members a chance to start their day with prayer and reflection. Rev. Thomas Quinn, parochial vicar at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in River Edge, has been saying weekday mass at IHA for about two years. He said he believes IHA does a lot to cultivate a Catholic identity within its students. “The school’s culture seems to always affirm to the students that they are loved by God (it shows in the faculty and staff), that they are special, and that their particular dignity as young women is treated with respect and reverence,” he said. Rev. John Chadwick, STD, assistant professor at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University and director of the RCIA at the Archdiocese of Newark, has been celebrating mass regularly at IHA since 2009.
Altar server Salina Pressimone’16; Rev. Thomas Quinn; and Rev. John Chadwick, STD in IHA’s Sisters’ Chapel.
He said that a strong Catholic identity is what helps IHA to stand out—the vision to “provide faith as a lens for young women to live their lives and exercise their gifts according to Gospel Values.” Sharing in daily liturgy contributes to that. “The celebration of the Eucharist is the singular sacrament in which we participate whereby we gather to worship the Lord, express our identity as a family of faith, and receive strength in the Lord’s body and blood for living life as a disciple,” Fr. John said. Rev. Kevin Waymel, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Ridgewood, has been saying mass at IHA for just over a year. He said that daily liturgy is a significant offering for the IHA community. “It offers students and faculty the possibility to begin their day listening to the words of Christ and receiving his body and blood,” Fr. Kevin said. “In a world full of the changing tides of popular opinion, this provides one with the foundation upon which to base their life.” The daily mass celebrations also present the opportunity for anyone who so wishes to offer a mass in memory/honor of a family member or friend, or for special intentions. The donation for each offering is $10. Additionally, deceased alumnae are remembered twice a year at our All Saints Day and Ascension Thursday liturgies. All alumnae are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Sr. Margaret Gaffikin, FSP at 201-445-6800, ext. 171.
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SUMMER 2013
Kathryn McKenna IHA Class of 2009
Spotlight on...
IHA NEWS
Kate McKenna’09 poses in front of the Ocean Giant. At left, Kate sharpens her skills by plotting a course during her time at sea.
IHA NEWS Kathryn (Kate) McKenna, Class of 2009, is the first IHA graduate to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York. She wrote to us about her time there so far and her plans for the future. As a senior at IHA, Kate considered being a broadcast journalism/communications major with the ultimate goal of a job that “paid her to travel the world.” The alternate path she chose definitely fulfills that objective. Kate is currently a 2/c Midshipman (junior) at USMMA, a four-year academy where one graduates with a B.S. degree (marine transportation/engineering in Kate’s case), a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mates or Third Assistant Engineer’s license, and a commission in the U.S. military reserves. Another option is active duty as an officer in any branch of the military. Her program entails spending about three hundred days at sea upon a commercial or military vessel in preparation for the U.S. Coast Guard License Exam. Kate departed for her first sea term in November 2011 and was assigned to the MV INTEGRITY, a commercial merchant vessel. “We transported the cargo across the Atlantic Ocean and visited Baltimore; Charleston; Brunswick, Georgia; Norfolk; Bremerhaven, Germany; Antwerpen Breven and Zeebruge, Belgium; and Southampton and London, England through much of 2012,” she said. In June 2012, Kate was selected to participate in summer indoctrination training and in July, she completed her required internship period as part of her academy training. During her internship, she spent two weeks with the Charleston Branch Harbor Pilots. She also participated in a study for the North Atlantic Wright Whale Restriction Zone, a speed reduction on all vessels over a certain tonnage/length for a one hundred and eighty-day period in order to help save the endangered North Atlantic Wright Whale.” When returning back to school, Kate assumed the Petty Officer position of First Company Commander. She then completed her 2/c trimester and began her second sailing period of two hundred and eleven
SUMMER 2013 days onboard multiple merchant vessels in many locations—from Portland and San Francisco to Korea and Diego Garcia, a military communications outpost island in the British Indian Ocean. Kate got word to move to the Persian Gulf and sail for Fujairah United Arab Emirates, traveling through the Arabian Sea and the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aiden. She then traveled to Dubai and flew back to JFK to spend a few days at home before flying to Los Angeles and traveling to the Port Hueneme Naval Base in Ventura, California to join the MV Ocean Giant. She completed her sea days on June 27, 2013 and returned to the USMMA on July 1, 2013 to assume the role of First Company Commander for the indoctrination period and the senior officer position of First Company Commander for the first officer rotation of the academic year. “If all goes as planned, I will be spending all three trimesters at school this year and be taking my USCG Third Mates license exam in May 2014 before graduating from school on June 23, 2014,” Kate explained. After graduation, she plans on moving to Charleston, South Carolina and sailing on her Third Mates License indefinitely. “I want to spend my time at sea when I am not working overtime or standing my watch, learning as many languages as I can remember, writing, taking online courses to further my education, and continually studying for degrees I hope to collect,” Kate said. “I hope to circumnavigate the globe prior to turning twenty-five,” she said. Kate said that USMMA has given her more opportunities than she could have ever imagined. Her education and training has prepared her for much more than solely being a maritime officer. “I can continually choose opportunities that interest me,” she said. “I have learned skills valuable in every facet of business and know that I will use this education in every aspect of my life.”
We are proud of you, Kate! Page 25
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
In Memoriam
Kathleen Marie Shea’64 August 23, 1946–May 15, 2013
A Story of Eduring Friendship . . . It is with a sorrowful heart I write about the first friend I made at IHA in September 1960. Kathy passed away after a long illness in May of this year. We were all of 14 years old on that first day of high school when we sat in one of those five or six borrowed classrooms in Paramus, all of us divided in alphabetical order. Shea and Tuffy were assigned desks across a narrow aisle from each other, and a life-long friendship began. It wasn’t long before Sr. Benedicta named us the “Trouble Twins,” and we did our best over the next four years to live up to that moniker. Sr. Louise called us the “wanderers,” as we frequently found excuses to skip a class to roam the halls, always on urgent school-related business of course. Kathy always had a wad of “permission slips” in the pocket of her gray blazer. Sometimes we would end up on the other side of Sr. Louise’s spotless, crescent shaped desk. We were first reminded of the importance of good posture before facing the terrifying inquisition! The interviews often ended with a stern warning and a new vocabulary word accompanied by an interesting anecdote to contemplate. It is no wonder we were repeat offenders. Mostly, though, I remember Kathy’s spontaneous laughter. I’m not talking girlish giggles here either; these were bouts of belly laughter that could get a roomful going. Her sense of humor was legendary and her timing impeccable. Does anyone else remember Kathy organizing a group of us on the lawn to serenade Sr. Louise and Sr. Annette Marcella with her own rendition of “We’re poor little lambs who have gone astray…” ? I have no recollection of that, but we were forgiven and the entire faculty had a great laugh. By senior year, Kathy became Sr. Louise’s preferred chauffeur. At that time, no one in the convent had a driver’s license or a car! How fortunate we were, all of us, to be together at that time in our lives.
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Mary Ellen Tuffy Cope’64
remembers her
IHA friend
Kathleen, though, was not your ordinary sort. After college, wanderlust, fearlessness, her quick intelligence, and curiosity led her around the world, living and working in Germany, Dubai, and London. We spent wonderful times together as roommates in New York City and vagabonding around Europe for a time in the early seventies. Careers and family and the busy years eventually found us on opposite sides of the country, as I settled in Colorado in 1975, while Kathleen continued to travel. She finally settled in Philadelphia to pursue her successful consulting business, Penn Partners. Almost fifty years have passed now since we graduated from IHA. Who would have dared to dream we’d be pushing 70 and come this far? Like many of us, Kathy treasured her memories of IHA and the school remained dear to her throughout her lifetime. “Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end,” Kathleen and I would sing aloud and we believed with all of our hearts that they would never end, that somehow we could be forever young. Goodbye, my friend; I miss you more than words can say. Now that you are truly home, may you find eternal peace and serenity and may you “sing and dance forever and a day.”
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Academic Superstars! Class
The following students have been named Distinguished Scholars by earning an average of 95 or better for the fourth quarter. Congratulations!
Freshmen Samantha Allen Alexa Buffa Taylor Buffa Ava Cicio Allison Cole Jamie del Rosario Kerry Flynn Hye Young Kim Casey King Ashley Marino Melissa Mendizabal Salina Pressimone Meaghan Ralph Jacqueline Rogers Julia Rubino Bridget Scanlon Rachel Shingelo Estee Spyropoulos Megan Twiss Julie Weismiller Meghan White Sophomores Sarah Cherian Moly Dudas Alexa Gonzales Colleen Keegan Deborah Majkowicz Marissa Mattia Olivia Nelson Megan Nyhuis
Sophomores continued Kelly Saldarriaga Julia Stevenson Monica Traupmann Aine Tucker Eleanor Walesiewicz Margaret Zied Juniors Nicole Barylski Amanda Ciano Giuliana Coccia Danielle Cole Gabriella Herrera Katherine Koch Brigitte Lamarche Jillian Mangone Maria Mastropaolo Alexis Mendez Kerry Morley Christina Muller Kaleigh O’Boyle Lindsey Rogers Stephanie Thomas Seniors Cristina DelPrete Emily Horne Theresa Larsen Nicolette Pire Megan Schlosser Christina Wiggin
Congratulations to all!
❤ ❤ ❤
Notes
and Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Societies, and won the Helen and Norman Ethics Prize for her thesis, “Theological and Economic Approaches to the Living Wage.” She served as the president of the Pre-Law Society, senior member of the United Student Government Budget Committee, and a New Student Orientation Captain. Sara published her first novel, Rumors, while at Fordham. She was also a Campus Correspondent for w w w. h e r c a m p u s . c o m , t h e number-one online magazine for college-aged women, and independently contacted and interviewed a three-time gold medalist swimmer from the U.S. Men’s 2012 Olympic Team. Sara has worked as a legal intern for Part of the Solution (P.O.T.S.), a non-profit in the Bronx, and will be attending the University of the Virginia School of Law. Jackie Schiemer writes, “I am completing an accelerated bachelor’s-master’s program for speech-language pathology at the University of Rhode Island. I just finished my first year of graduate school, where I worked with adults with strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury and children with language and speech disorders. I am currently completing my summer externship at the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood, working with adults with aphasia (a language disorder secondary to stroke). I will graduate in May 2014 with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speechlanguage pathology and completion of a master’s thesis on the impact of an intensive articulation treatment on dysarthria, a neurogenic speech disorder, secondary to traumatic Continues on page 30
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Continued from page 3 . . .
Cristina DelPrete poses with her Academic Achievement Award.
Acknowledged at the Baccalaureate Awards and in-house ceremonies were:
IHA Scholar Athlete Award—Caroline Morano (College of the Holy Cross) NJSIAA New Jersey Scholar Athlete Award—Marisa Carlson (College of the Holy Cross) IHA Athlete of the Year—Samantha Wilkes (Villanova University) IHA Athletic Achievement Award—Maura Schwitter (Duke University) Art Award—Samantha Calabrese (Pratt Institute) BCWCA Scholarship Award—Mikayla Dudas (Villanova University) Business Award—Katlyn Twomey (Bryant University) Communications Award—Jessica Scrudato (Fairleigh Dickinson University) Computer Science Award—Sara Tibbetts (Rochester Institute of Technology) English Award—Cristina DelPrete (Johns Hopkins University) French Award—Cara Minichetti (Georgetown University) Faithful Heart Award—Emily Whelan (Manhattan College) Mathematics Award—Emily Horne (Georgetown University) Michael Edward Echeverria Award—Elizabeth Petretti (Providence College) MSG Varsity Scholarship—Melissa Donofrio (Montclair State University) Music Award—Annamaria Alcaro (West Chester University of Pennsylvania) and Megan Kaulfers (The University of the Arts) Physical Education Award—Taylor Anderson (Syracuse University) Religious Studies Award—Cosette Gastelu (University of Pennsylvania) Spanish Award—Sharon Jaquez (Northeastern University) Science Award—Emily Horne (Georgetown University) Social Studies Award—Cosette Gastelu (University of Pennsylvania) Virginia Pannicucci Memorial Award—Katherine Perrotta (The College of New Jersey)
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
GraduationThe Ceremony & Fond Farewells-
Casey Devaney, Emma Younghans, Gabrielle McMahon, and Alexandra Van Grouw look beautiful in their classic white graduation dresses.
Sergina Lambert processes into the IHA gymnasium on graduation day.
Mikayla Dudas listens intently to one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony.
Taylor Gedeon and Kaitlyn Jacob exude happiness at graduation!
Story continues on the next two pages . . .
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SUMMER 2013
Class Notes
Other Honors Included: The National Merit Scholarship Commended Students
Elana Burk (Fordham University) Cristina DelPrete (Johns Hopkins University) Emily Horne (Georgetown University) Rosemarie Jacob (Pennsylvania State University) Sarah Mills (Tulane University) Cara Minichetti (Georgetown University) Caroline Morano (College of the Holy Cross) Linda Morris (Boston College) Aimee Nogoy (University of California at San Diego) Katherine Olson (Clemson University) Christina Sollitto (University of Notre Dame) Olivia Surgent (Hamilton College, NY) Margaret Szydlik (Ramapo College of New Jersey) Noelle Van Calcar (Wake Forest University) Christina Wiggin (Tulane University) Yerin Woo (University of Miami) Monika Zinn (University of Virginia)
Awards
brain injury.” Clare Cox writes, “I just graduated from Saint Joseph’s University as a marketing major with a minor in faith-justice. FaithJustice takes a “faith that does justice” approach to analyzing social problems and seeking their solutions. My education at IHA was one of the main reasons I chose to pursue this minor. Faith-justice studies was a great addition to my marketing major. It gave me a unique perspective on what I was learning in my business classes. Post-graduation, I am moving to Philadelphia where I will be working for Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies, in client relations.” Angelica Otiepka writes, “I just graduated from Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences with my B.S. degree in animal science, pre-veterinary concentration. I will be attending the Ohio State University to get my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine this fall. I was a member of the coed honors and service agricultural fraternity of Alpha Zeta and served as scribe (secretary) for the year of 2012. This summer I will be working full-time at Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital. At Rutgers, I received the following awards and scholarships: Rutgers University Academic Excellence Award 2011 for being in the top ten percent of the S.E.B.S. sophomore class; Dean’s Academic List for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences from 2009–2011; the James Dickson Carr Scholarship; the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Scholarship; the William
for the Best of the Best
IHA NEWS
Continues on page 34
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The National Achievement Scholars
Sergina Lambert (University of Pennsylvania) Sabine Ogé (The Catholic University of America)
The National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars Jacqueline Galichon (Boston University) Sharon Jaquez (Northeastern University) Devin Perez (Northeastern University) Elizabeth Petretti (Providence College) Nicolette Pire (Northeastern University)
IHA Distinguished Honors for Four Years
Cosette Gastelu (University of Pennsylvania)
IHA NEWS IHA Parents’ Club Robert Ryan Memorial Scholarship Most Improved Student Kaitlin Pasinski (Stevenson University)
American Psychological Association Recognition
SUMMER 2013
At Right— Maura Schwitter, Marisa Carlson, Emily Whelan, Elizabeth Petretti, Kaitlin Pasinski, and Caroline Morano pose with the awards they received at the Baccalaureate Ceremony on June 1, 2013.
Cristina DelPrete (Johns Hopkins University)
IHA Career Athletic Achievement Awards
Lacrosse Gabrielle McMahon (University of Southern California) Volleyball Michelle Cruz (Providence College)
❤ ❤ ❤
Center—IHA faculty/staff members pose with their graduating daughters: Mrs. Elizabeth Szydlik, religion teacher, and her daughter, Margaret Szydlik; Mrs. Alice Rogers, director of students, and her daughter, Caroline Rogers; and Mrs. Lisamarie Perini, science teacher, and her daughter, Carly Perini.
Jessica Sperber shows The Jennifer Brawley Memorial Award.
IHA Class of 2013 Yiana Matthews proudly holds on to her diploma.
The Mistretta Family smiles proudly in the IHA Sisters’ Chapel. Sharon Tassely Mistretta’75, Suzanne Mistretta, and Fred Mistretta pose with The Kim Montelaro Memorial Award, which Suzanne graciously received at graduation.
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Keeping You Informed . . . This Year’s Calendar Changes The IHA events calendar has been changed up a bit for the 2013–14 school year, and we wanted to keep you informed! Due to these event changes, we will be drawing the winner of the IHA Education Raffle at the Christmas Concert on December 12, 2013. Education Raffle tickets will be sold at numerous events throughout the fall including Out of the Box Night, the IHAAthletics Beefsteak, and Parent-Teacher conferences. Buy your ticket today! Did you know that IHA Education Raffle winnings can be put toward college tuition too? If your daughter attends IHA, the winnings will be applied toward her education here. But if you do not have an IHA daughter, the prize will be applied directly to the tuition of a college or high school of your choice. In the spring, we are replacing the Mother-Daughter Brunch with a new and exciting Fashion Show! This will be the first Fashion Show IHA has hosted in many years—save-the-date for March 23, 2014. Bring your mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and cousins—all of the special women in your life. The Fashion Show is open to all of those in the present IHA community, including alumnae and their families. Keep an eye out for a special invitation. We also wanted to mention that our Blue Eagle Open will now be held in the fall of 2014 instead of the spring. Start the 2014–15 school year off right by enjoying a fun-filled day hitting the links and enjoying a delicious dinner afterward. If you have questions about our calendar of events or would like more information, contact Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76 at 201-445-6800, ext. 182 or bgarrigan@ ihahs.com.
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Calendar Of Events Open House October 20, 2013
IHA Athletics Beefsteak October 26, 2013 All Saints Day Liturgy (remembering decease alumnae and faculty) November 1, 2013 Alumnae Reunion Weekend November 2–3, 2013 Grandparents’ Day November 17, 2013 Father-Daughter Dance November 23, 2013 Christmas Concert December 12, 2013 Anthony Kearns Concert March 2, 2014 Fashion Show March 23, 2014 Cosmos on the Courtyard May 16, 2014
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
Reunion Weekend
November 2 and 3, 2013
Anniversary Classes: 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008
The schedule of events is as follows:
Saturday, November 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. 5k Run/Walk/Crawl Around the IHA field $25 entry fee includes T-shirt and stations for morning beverages.
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, open bar, and live entertainment. $75 per person
Sunday, November 3, 2013
10:30 a.m. Alumnae Memorial Mass and Brunch Mass in the Sisters’ Chapel with brunch immediately following $20 per person
Online registration preferred; invitations will not be mailed out. A special room rate of $99 per night is available at the Courtyard Marriott in Montvale. Please check our web site for more Reunion Weekend information at www.ihahs.com. You may also contact Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76, director of alumnae relations, at
[email protected] or by phone at 201-445-6800, ext. 182.
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IHA NEWS
Class Notes C. Skelley Memorial Scholarship; the Teaneck Community Academic Scholarship; the Douglass Residential College Scholarship; the Douglass Parent’s Association Scholarship, and the Douglass Alumni Scholarship.” Christina Masur was awarded the Sister M. Margrete Kelley Medal for Distinction In Service at Marywood University’s 2013 commencement ceremony. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art therapy from Marywood University.At Marywood, Christina was a member of Volunteers in Action and Campus Ministry.
Class of 2011
Alma Banyai, an art history and graphic design major at Seton Hall University writes, “Several of my pieces were accepted to the student art show at SHU this year. It’s the first time the show is being juried by outside art professional people! Four out of the five pieces we were allowed to submit were accepted, which is pretty cool since they only chose fifty total works for the whole show. I also got Best in Show for graphic design, and an honorary mention for multimedia.”
Class of 2012
Madeline Ubriaco, Alyson Jacobs, and Luisa Rooney were named to the dean’s list at Fairfield University for the fall of 2012. Emma Clarke, Lauren LoPresti, Jenna Latushko, Abigail Holmes, and Stefani Hitscherish were named to the dean’s list at University of Rhode Island for the fall of 2012. Gabriella Procida was named to the dean’s list at Ramapo College
Page 34
SUMMER 2013
Family Matters-
Each year at the Baccalaureate Mass, Immaculate Heart Academy recognizes several extraordinary families in our IHA community. Parents who have committed themselves to Catholic education and who have sent three or more daughters to IHA, are presented with the IHA Family Award. This award is given when the last of their daughters graduates from Immaculate Heart Academy. Congratulations, parents!
IF aHm iAl y
A w a rd The entire Rogers Family proudly shows off their IHA Family Award! From left to right are Meaghan Rogers’07; Kristen Rogers’09; Mrs. Alice Rogers, director of students; Mr. Charlie Rogers, and Caroline Rogers’13.
❤ ❤ ❤ Andrea Cuna’05, Serena Cuna’08, Mr. Mario Cuna, Mrs. Cindy Cuna, Gabriele Cuna’15, and Patricia Cuna Weaver’01 joined together to celebrate their IHA Family Award. Dr. Dennis Bohlin, Christine Bohlin’13, and Mrs. Rosemary Donoghue Bohlin’70 pose with their IHA Family Award. Christine is the last of five Bohlin sisters to graduate from IHA. Anne Marie Bohlin Briggs’98, Laura Bohlin’00, Mary Katherine Bohlin Morgan’02, and Therese Bohlin’06 all preceded her. What a spectacular achievement . . .
IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013 For Five Daughters— Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bohlin Anne Marie’98, Laura’00, Mary Katherine’02, Therese’06, and Christine’13 For Four Daughters— Mr. and Mrs. Mario Cuna Patricia’01, Andrea’05, Serena’08, and Gabriele’13
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walsh Alison’01, Kathleen’03, Maryellen’09, and Lauren’13 For Three Daughters— Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fitzsimmons Erin’02, Kathleen’05, and Mary’13 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kerrigan Elizabeth’06, Mary Pat’09, and Margaret’13
Class Notes for the fall of 2012. Anastasia Paluch was named to the dean’s list at the Rutgers University business school in New Brunswick for the spring of 2013. Catherine Dattoli was named to the dean’s list at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island for the spring 2013 semester. A rising sophomore, she is majoring in food and beverage management.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Lafayette Jennifer Sransky’96, Amanda Sransky Moran’98, and Megan’13 Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Nogoy Gwendolyn’08, Danielle’10, and Aimee’13 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rogers Meaghan’07, Kristen’09, and Caroline’13 Mr. and Mrs. William Schwitter Meaghan’05, Tara’10, and Maura’13
The Walsh Family proudly displays its IHA Family Award on graduation day. From left to right are Alison Walsh Trynosky’01, Kathleen Walsh’03, Mr. Frank Walsh, Mrs. Donna Walsh, Maryellen Walsh’09, and Lauren Walsh’13.
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IHA NEWS
SUMMER 2013
IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY
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NEWS
a publication for the
IHA community
Published three times each year by the Immaculate Heart Academy Alumnae Office
Editor-in-Chief:
Patricia Molloy Principal
Contributors:
Tara Hopfenspirger John Downey Jeffrey Knapp Mary Ellen Tuffy Cope’64
Photography:
Tara Hopfenspirger Beth DiCiancia Garrigan’76 Patrizia Proscia Lisa Encke Image Art Studio RSP Photos LLC Students of the IHA Photography Club
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Main office: Website:
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. . . a Blue Ribbon School
Blue Devils and Blue Eagles Athletes and Fans Alike! You are cordially invited to the
IHA Athletics Beefsteak Dinner Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. IHA Gymnasium
$40 per person/$300 for a table of eight Catering by The Brownstone Please visit www.ihahs.com to register online or print out a registration form to send by mail.
RSV P by
October 18, 2013