Spring 2016
INNOVATION TAKES ON DIVERSE FORMS. IT ALWAYS REVOLVES AROUND AN INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP STRIVING TO EXPLORE, INTRODUCE, AND PERFECT NEW IDEAS AND METHODS, WHATEVER THOSE MAY BE. IN THIS ISSUE WE PROFILE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO PURSUE NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT CUTTING-EDGE CURRICULUM, WORK AS TRAILBLAZERS IN FIELDS PREDOMINANTLY OCCUPIED BY MEN, AND EMBRACE NEW PERSONAL CHALLENGES FOR THE SAKE OF REACHING EVER HIGHER.
WE HIGHLIGHT AND CELEBRATE THE INNOVATIVE WOMEN OF THE SACRED HEART ACADEMY FAMILY AND HOPE THAT THEY SERVE AS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL.
Front Cover Principal Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 with Class of 2016 Valedictorian Helena Bui Cronin Photography ı Cheryl Cronin ’84 Photographer
IN THIS ISSUE
Innovation
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14
Sacred Heart alumnae
Abigail Kelly ’17
Sr. Mary Jane, ASCJ, ’65
Our Math Department
are notorious for pushing
corresponds live from
brings DNA sequencing
implements cutting-
boundaries and exploring
Super Tuesday as part
and a national spotlight to
edge curriculum
new opportunities, even
of a national program
Sacred Heart Academy.
and extracurricular
in the highest reaches of
to engage youth in civic
opportunities to encourage
government.
participation.
students of all levels to
ALUMNAE IN INTELLIGENCE
SR. MARY JANE — CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
JUNIOR ABIGAIL KELLY CHASES THE RACE
THE MATH DEPARTMENT
excel in mathematics.
@SHA 3 4
From the President A Fond Farewell to Sr. Maureen
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Class of 2016 Graduates! Excelsior Lives
Around the Academy Strong Bonds
Student Spotlights
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MAGAZINE Spring 2016 PRESIDENT Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 PRINCIPAL Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 EDITOR Director of Public Relations Beth Griffin DESIGN EP Graphic Design ı Elizabeth Parker MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cronin Photography ı Cheryl Cronin ’84 FEATURE WRITERS Eric Bradley Sarah Bradley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Director of Mission Advancement Debbie Camner Assistant to the President/Web Administrator Alora Caraglio ’08 Director of Public Relations Beth Griffin Director of Alumnae Relations Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 Faculty – English Department/Musical Director MaryLee Delaney
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alora Caraglio ’08 Elizabeth Christophy, Ph.D. Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 Princess Project Storytellers Photography Sacred Heart Academy is a Ministry of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. HEART magazine is published by Sacred Heart Academy for alumnae, parents, past parents, and friends of Sacred Heart Academy. To update your address visit www.sacredhearthamden.org and click the login link or send address changes to the Office of Alumnae Relations, Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514 or alumnae@ sacredhearthamden.org. Sacred Heart Academy admits students of any race, creed, national or ethnic origin, and handicapped status to all the rights, privileges and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in these areas in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Academy,
Now, almost 70 years later, the spirit of Excelsior still permeates every facet of life here and our Catholic values continue to be the foundation upon which everything else is built. Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71
Our founding principal, Sr. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ, set very high standards from the day the Academy opened our doors. This is clearly represented in our motto Excelsior, meaning ever higher. From the beginning, Sacred Heart Academy enjoyed a reputation for excellence. Students were challenged to work to their potential and to be women of faith, integrity, and compassion. The Academy was known — and is — for strong Catholic values, academic rigor, and outstanding cocurricular activities. Now, almost 70 years later, the spirit of Excelsior still permeates every facet of life here and our Catholic values continue to be the foundation upon which everything else is built. But the Academy has never been known to remain status quo. In keeping with Sr. Antonine’s vision, we continue to inspire innovation with new ideas, methods, and ways of doing things. The curriculum continues to evolve far beyond the original basic academic courses; the senior retreat program now includes a Kairos Retreat, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and led by students; and the musical has moved to the Shubert Theater to better highlight the creative ability of our students. In this issue of HEART we showcase aspects of the Academy in which innovation is thriving — our Math Department, chaired by Kathryn Gniadek, today offering 19 courses; Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 and her nationally recognized genetics program; Abby Kelly ’17 reporting at Super Tuesday; and our three highlighted alumnae bringing innovation to the field of intelligence. A Sacred Heart Academy education truly inspires our students to engage in innovative opportunities. We also proudly acknowledge our principal, Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81, who will be leaving us to begin her new ministry as principal of Santa Maria School in the Bronx. Sister’s pursuit of innovation has led her to increase AP offerings, add Mandarin Chinese, and emphasize critical thinking skills in the curriculum. She will leave behind a legacy of sharing the compassion of the Heart of Christ, and we are a better school because of her. Please enjoy the article on Sr. Maureen in this issue. We warmly welcome Sr. Kathleen Mary Coonan, ASCJ, ’76, as our new principal. Sister served as assistant principal of the Academy from 2002 – 2006 and has been principal of our sister school, Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, for the past 10 years. She leads with a caring and kind heart, and seeks to help students achieve their fullest potential. We are certain that she will continue Sr. Maureen’s work of innovation and inspiration. Please look for the fall issue of HEART as we share with you more details about Sr. Kathleen. Gratefully in the Heart of Christ,
Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 President
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There are three gifts Sr. Maureen has that she doesn’t even know she has....a humble, thankful, and gracious heart. May she serve the Lord in holiness all the days of her life. Kathryn Gniadek, Mathematics Department Chair
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A Fond Farewell to Sr. Maureen
ith bittersweet feelings we announce the transfer of our principal, Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, ’81, to Santa Maria School in Bronx, NY. She will serve as principal there and also oversee the pre-K4 program at Sacred Heart Learning Center. The Center has grown considerably in the last few years due to the city’s funding of universal pre-K4, and now enrolls more than 200 students. Sr. Maureen’s administrative experience and her gentle and strong demeanor make her ideal for these positions. Sr. Maureen will take to her new ministry all the gifts she has so generously shared with us for the past six years. As a result of her leadership, Sacred Heart Academy has upgraded technology, increased AP offerings, added Mandarin Chinese, expanded course offerings including Online School for Girls, enhanced our students’ critical thinking skills resulting in higher SAT scores, and improved our athletic program.
classroom, how they fared on the athletic field, what part they had in the musical, what club or interest they pursued, and what burdens they carried. Sister innately knew when students needed her compass and carefully and persistently worked to guide them. She was their strongest advocate and an even stronger role model.
Sister is a perfect example of what it means to be an Excelsior woman. She is always so kind and compassionate, and takes the time to get to know everyone in our community. Our time at Sacred Heart would not have been the same without her.
Sr. Maureen consistently demonstrated the spirit of giving back to her students. In 2014, she competed in the Summer of NikeFuel Challenge alongside more than 20 million participants. Running more than four million steps, Sister finished in the top 20 nationally. She declined the free trip award and requested that Nike support her new Sacred Heart Academy initiative — a health and fitness challenge to benefit the students.
Sacred Heart is a better school because of Sr. Maureen’s loving care for the students, her dedication to the faculty, and her humble and quiet gift of self. These are the hallmarks of her time here and she has truly left her mark.
Mitali Banerjee ’16
As an administrator, Sr. Maureen worked to keep alive the spirit of Excelsior, the foundation of the Academy for almost 70 years. Above all, she will be remembered for her devotion to the emotional and spiritual well-being of the students. She made a point of knowing the name of each student, she spent time in the hallways and the cafeteria, on the athletic fields and in the gym, and at countless events and activities, always with camera in hand. Sr. Maureen took great care in knowing how students were doing in the
We are excited for Sr. Maureen as she embraces the challenges of her new ministry and know that Santa Maria School and Sacred Heart Learning Center will reap the benefits of her strong leadership and character. Sr. Maureen, we know that God goes with you. You will be greatly missed.
Sr. Maureen always knows what to say when I’m having a bad day. Sacred Heart won’t be the same without Sister and I’m really going to miss her. Emma Reed ’18
Sister always promotes a positive atmosphere; she makes the energy around Sacred Heart upbeat and hopeful. She is truly inspirational. Emily Fowler ’17
Sr. Maureen is a genuine and caring person who strives to put the students first. Madeleine Fusco ’19
For starting out as my principal, and ending up as my friend, I am grateful for Sr. Maureen’s kindness, her support, her honesty, and her friendship. Kerry Alexander, Director of Guidance
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INNOVATION
Alumnae and Intelligence Most people imagine innovators as individuals who invent new products, pioneer new programs, or discover new ways of doing everyday tasks. But innovators are so much more — they are problem-solvers, change-makers, and risk-takers. They don’t shy away from challenges or crack under pressure; they work tirelessly and make personal sacrifices in pursuit of their passions.
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hese three alumnae define innovation through their commitment to carving out unique and fascinating pathways for themselves through the ever-changing fields of intelligence, security,
management, and technology. They are bold and adventurous, blazing new trails through high-profile careers and leaving a lasting impact on the organizations they have worked for. PROBLEM-SOLVER Nancy Cavallero McNamara ’80, Assistant Director of Inspection Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation In the mid-nineties, Nancy went from working as a senior level general manager at Macy’s Department Store in White Plains, New York, to accepting an appointment with the FBI. She veered off the retail management path without much preparation, entering the FBI at Quantico as a special agent in April 1996. “Interestingly, Macy’s process for promotions is very similar to the FBI process; for each, you have to serve multiple times in the ‘field’ and at headquarters in order to move up the chain,” says Nancy. “I was promoted and moved through several different positions over the Nancy Cavallero McNamara ’80. course of 12 years at Macy’s. It gave me insight into the credibility a supervisor gains by doing various jobs and understanding all levels of the organization.” Now approaching her 20th anniversary with the FBI, Nancy is currently serving as assistant director of Inspection Division (INSD), overseeing all misconduct investigations, including shooting incidents. She has held numerous supervisory positions within the FBI over the years, including a notable role as the first-ever female special agent in charge of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Field Office. She has overseen programs relating to clandestine operations, counterintelligence, and espionage. Her work has taken her from coast to coast and to several states in between. “I don’t have a ‘typical’ Bureau background; I don’t have an advanced degree nor was I former military or law enforcement,” remarks Nancy. “But I always had an interest in solving crime, and
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loved reading Nancy Drew when I was younger. I remember taking the FBI tour and thinking that being an agent would be a cool job. I was attracted to the mental challenge of beating a smart criminal.” Nancy is most proud of her tenure in INSD, where she believes she has had the most impact on the Bureau. The majority of her work relates to solving various problems within the organization and Nancy embraces that aspect of her job, happily streamlining the way her department runs or bringing her team up to date with many of the FBI’s electronic and technical advancements. “I solve problems all day; I joke with my colleagues that everything that comes across my desk is a problem,” Nancy reflects. “But I am very decisive and I tend to move quickly. I call myself a ‘change advocate,’ because I can point out change in every aspect of my career. I attribute that, in large part, to my retail background.” Though she is a problem-solver by nature, Nancy also credits her educational experience as a huge influence on her successful intelligence career. Her time at Sacred Heart prepared her for the rigors of Providence College, where she received a degree in business management. She notes that many of the values impressed upon FBI personnel were ones she already possessed due to her strong education at Sacred Heart Academy. “The values the FBI represents, like character and loyalty, are the same values I learned at Sacred Heart,” Nancy says. “We have a saying that the FBI chooses you, you don’t choose the FBI. It picks its personnel carefully and it’s looking for good people, not the ones who were the most popular or went to the most prestigious schools. Sacred Heart certainly played a part in helping me understand what it means to be a good person and to do the right thing.” RISK-TAKER Mary Ellen Condon ’62, Director of Condon Associates, LLC Though Mary Ellen started her career as a liberal arts graduate unsure of her future, she has spent the last several decades helping to
Mary Ellen Condon ’62.
transform the field of information technology (IT). As the director of her own business consulting firm, Condon Associates, LLC, Mary Ellen has turned her name into one that is synonymous with cyber security, information management, and interagency collaboration. But despite her prestigious resume, Mary Ellen’s beginnings were decidedly humble. “I was a history and political science major at American University. When I was getting ready to graduate, I considered a job as a Capitol Hill staffer, but I met a Navy recruiter on campus who was looking for people willing to work hard and put in long hours to do what needed to be done. I had no problem with that,” she says. Mary Ellen moved to San Diego to work on her first IT project with the U.S. Navy, training as a computer room operator and often covering evening and weekend shifts. That assignment afforded her the chance to learn about many different aspects of the field and sparked a career-long interest in exploring how IT can be integrated across multiple government agencies. Over the years, Mary Ellen has provided insight and leadership to some of the highest levels of government, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland
Sacred Heart certainly played a part in helping me understand what it means to be a good person and to do the right thing. Nancy Cavallero McNamara ’80
Security. She has gleaned a wealth of information about how our federal government operates — she once served as branch chief for the Department of Energy and had to learn how the oil industry operates in order to translate that information into technical solutions for the department. Throughout her career, Mary Ellen’s philosophy for success has been simple — take risks and be willing to do things that no one else wants to do. “Some people try to climb a very structured career ladder, but I think you need to take chances to get the opportunities you want,” Mary Ellen states. “I’ve always jumped at the chance to take on a project that no one
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was just looking for hard workers. I learned as I went along that you have to have an inquiring mind and a willingness to learn through the work. Straight As do not guarantee anything in life; you have to be willing to stretch yourself to be successful.” CHANGE-MAKER Anne Donegan Kraemer ’59, Retired, National Security Agency Anne found a more direct route into government work — after studying government and history at Regis College, she learned that the National Security Agency (NSA) had opened a recruiting office in Boston and was actively pursuing college graduates. She and eight of her college classmates passed the recruiting exam and Anne soon found herself working at NSA headquarters, 25 miles north of D.C. Anne Donegan Kraemer ’59. else wanted to touch. If it’s a failing project, what’s the harm? I could be the one to make it successful.” Like putting together the pieces of a puzzle, Mary Ellen has a unique talent for adopting projects in crisis, an ability to take a holistic look at the agencies she works with and suggest improvements. Being able to think holistically and analytically about her work, in fact, is a skill that Mary Ellen credits to her early days at Sacred Heart, where she believes the building blocks for her education were first founded. “It was a strong education that pushed me in the best possible way,” Mary Ellen declares. “There was a constant requirement to write and express your ideas that was very valuable, because it doesn’t matter how smart you are if you can’t communicate effectively.” Mary Ellen eventually returned to American University, receiving her M.S. in information management and computer systems. Throughout her long and impressive career, Mary Ellen has never stopped believing in the importance of those first lessons learned at Sacred Heart — to express your ideas clearly and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. “When I first started with the Navy, my employer
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“At the time of our employment, NSA was under the Department of Defense, so about a third of the employees were military,” remembers Anne. “We were told not to tell people that we worked for NSA, but that we worked for the Department of Defense. We were considered ‘spies’ by most people, but we were just regular workers.” Anne started out as an analyst, performing the tedious task of scanning through Russian communications for items of interest. NSA encouraged its recruits to continue their education, offering a wealth of opportunities to study foreign languages and the newly growing field of computers. Anne seized a chance to enter into a three-year Agency program that allowed her to change jobs every six months, giving her a comprehensive perspective of NSA. “When that was completed, I was considered ‘professionalized,’ and became a senior editor,” Anne says. “My first assignment was to produce intelligence on the Vietnam War.” The intelligence that NSA was responsible for producing was top secret; Anne and her colleagues analyzed foreign intelligence and produced reports that were then used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Eventually, Anne started a family, and found that working 10 hour days, five days a week with three children at home was too taxing. She
stepped away from her career for 10 years to focus on her family, and was thrilled to have NSA welcome her back with open arms when she was ready to re-enter the workforce. As in the earlier part of her career, she performed a varity of jobs, but eventually found that a supervisory role was an excellent fit for her talents. “Many workers don’t like to evaluate employees, but I enjoyed it because I like to see people reach their potential,” explains Anne. “I approached my staff with honesty and always had positive suggestions for how they could improve. My final job at the Agency was as a supervisor of 15 very talented people and we produced intelligence on energy from the Middle East.” Anne retired from NSA in 2004, wanting to travel and spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She still lives on Capitol Hill, where she lived for most of her career and raised her family. Though Anne spent all of her working years at NSA, the fact that she constantly changed roles in the Agency allowed her to accumulate a wide-ranging skill set. “There are many advantages to working for the government — great retirement and health benefits, varied career opportunities, and great educational support,” says Anne. “Although I didn’t like my first job assignment, my supervisor saw my potential and encouraged me to advance myself.” Advancing and fearlessly embracing change are qualities deep within Anne — from her time at Sacred Heart until the end of her career, she never stopped accepting or appreciating the wealth of educational support and opportunities for personal growth that were extended. “When I think back to my time at Sacred Heart, I fondly remember the Sisters, who always encouraged us to do our best,” Anne remarks. “They always gently pushed us to work harder, think things through, and know that we were worthwhile.” Congratulations to Nancy Cavallero McNamara ’80, Mary Ellen Condon ’62, and Anne Donegan Kraemer ’59 — unique innovators!
INNOVATION
Junior Abigail Kelly Chases the Race!
Abby Kelly ’17 has been reporting almost as long as she has been walking. From her humble beginnings as the creator of The Kelly Gazette, a mini newspaper that chronicled the goings on in her family, to her position as editor of the Sacred Heart school newspaper, The Alethea, Abby’s zeal for journalism has been met with increasing success. This year she was offered the opportunity of a lifetime — to report live from Super Tuesday on March 1.
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bby was selected as a national finalist for Chase the Race, a program which seeks to empower students to share an active role in the presidential nomination and election process. Chosen students served as correspondent reporters who were able to interview candidates or seasoned political figures by asking questions that they formulated themselves. All of the interviews were live streamed from Chase the Race 2016 social media websites. Abby had to submit an application, a short video, and receive enough votes from the community to earn this opportunity, born from a lifelong fascination with writing and sharing stories. “When I was young I wrote a lot of stories and even entered a few in a couple local competitions. When I was eight I won a contest in The Huntington Herald for my Christmas story, ‘The Tale of Jack Frost.’ As a sixth grader, I had an article published in the Connecticut Post entitled, ‘Stop Gasoline from Contaminating Waterways,’ based on my interest in environmental issues, particularly water pollution. Additionally, my aunt used to work in the marketing department of a local hospital and on ‘Take Your Daughter to Work Day’, or in this case, niece, I loved watching and helping her write articles about different departments in the hospital. Now, as editor-in-chief of the Sacred Heart newspaper, I’m learning more about journalism and I get to practice it regularly.”
“I was the most excited about the possibility of interviewing a presidential candidate at Super Tuesday. It was super interesting to try to crack open the candidates and hear straight from them regarding their goals and ideas for the presidency. I was especially thrilled to formulate questions based on the issues of most interest to my peers, which I learned based on polls I conducted. I was also excited to conduct polls of citizens in different locations in Virginia to find out what folks in that part of the country were most concerned with. I was anxious because I wanted everything to come off flawlessly, but I knew that I would just have to be calm, confident, and stay in the moment because it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Abby was able to exhibit such confidence in part because of her experience at the Academy. “Sacred Heart has helped me be more comfortable and confident as a writer and leader and the talented English teachers have helped strengthen my reading comprehension and writing skills. The inspirational history teachers have taught me the importance of learning about past as well as current events and have motivated me to keep up with the times. Lastly, my theology teachers have taught me to recognize my self-worth and value as a human being and have instilled in me an appreciation of my faith and an understanding of my responsibility as a member of society.”
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Twenty years ago Sr. Mary Jane began introducing a new field to high school education — gene sequencing.
INNOVATION
Sr. Mary Jane — Celebrating 25 Years At Sacred Heart Academy, innovation begins at home. No one better exemplifies this than Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65, now in her 25th year at the Academy. A former Science Department chair, administrator, vice principal, and current member of the Science Department, Sr. Mary Jane has been a veritable trailblazer throughout her years here, from pioneering gene sequencing in the classroom to integrating the school’s core values into scientific study.
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wenty years ago, Sr. Mary Jane began introducing a new field to high school education —gene sequencing, the practice of mapping out the genetic makeup of living things. “In 1996, I read an article stating that Dr. Maureen Munn from the University of Washington, Seattle, had developed a safe, non-toxic approach to sequencing DNA and that she was using it with high school students. I immediately called her and asked what it would take for us to do this on the East Coast!” Dr. Munn put Sr. Mary Jane in touch with the late Wesley Bonds, Ph.D., a geneticist at Yale University, who later became an esteemed consultant to the Science Department. “I would go to Yale two or three times a week after school to learn how to sequence,” Sister remembers. “By May, I was ready to teach the girls, but the seniors in my biotech class were not happy because they were about to graduate.” Because of their deep commitment to learning, Sr. Mary Jane’s students came back to class during senior week and after graduation in order to learn the process, becoming the first group of students on the East Coast to sequence DNA. This achievement, monumental in its own right, was just the beginning. With the tools in hand to pursue their own research, Sr. Mary Jane and her students have continued to push boundaries to stay current in the field. “Science is so rapidly changing and expanding. There is always new genetic information along with constantly evolving approaches and methods. For example, we now know that genetic illnesses are caused not only by gene mutations but also by epigenetics; environmental influences outside of the genes such as stress levels and diet. These influences can affect DNA structure and can cause disease. In light of this new information, our students have begun studying epigenetic changes known as CpG islands. They locate the CpG islands in their chosen gene using bioinformatics tools, sequence the DNA around them, and then submit their results to GenBank, the United States national genetic database. From there, the hope is that the students’ research will be used to help them understand the causes of certain diseases which will hopefully lead to treatments or prevention.” Today, Sacred Heart Academy students have published 26 DNA sequences in GenBank. Aside from the courses that are more research oriented, Sister offers “Genetic Ethical Issues” which combines her scientific prowess and research at Georgetown University’s National Center for Bioethics Literature with her formation as an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Falling in the realm of what is ethical in medicine and scientific study, the course fills a void found in the science departments of many other high schools and universities. “The course is a semester elective offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. We discuss and debate controversial issues facing society today that will affect our young women in the years ahead. We begin with the Eugenics Movement of the 1860s ‘to improve the human race.’ This idea spread throughout the world and was taken to extremes during the Nazi era. Today science is still trying to improve the human race, and we are concerned about the ethical, legal, and social implications surrounding
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The work of Sr. Mary Jane and the Science Department has not gone unnoticed. In 2010, Sacred Heart was recognized by Intel as one of the top three science high schools in the country.
some of the latest technologies.” Some of the contemporary issues examined in class are adult and embryonic stem cell research, cloning, and the development of vaccines, gene therapies, and genetic testing. Considering the rapid pace of scientific advancement, sometimes the ethical dimension of new treatments and technologies is neglected. Sacred Heart Academy prides itself on the formation of the whole person, so it is fitting that our young women learn to combine their moral and academic education.
The work of Sr. Mary Jane and the Science Department has not gone unnoticed. In 2010, Sacred Heart was recognized by Intel as one of the top three science high schools in the country. “The Intel recognition process was highly involved, requiring months of gathering information on the history and philosophy of the school, academic data from the Guidance Department, and very descriptive information regarding the approach and curricula of the Science and Mathematics Departments.” The school’s detailed record of excellence and innovation has propelled it to national recognition, due in no small part to Sr. Mary Jane’s efforts. However, she is quick to acknowledge that the accolades bestowed upon the department belong to all its members, not to her alone. “I am one of seven,” she insists. “The whole department deserves recognition.” Her colleagues, though, readily acknowledge the great influence and impact that Sister has had on the department. “Sr. Mary Jane has been a mentor to me since I arrived,” offers chemistry teacher Elizabeth Christophy, Ph.D. “She is largely responsible for providing our students with the opportunity to work in professional laboratories and present at scientific conferences.” Science Department Chair Frances Saukas warmly remembers Sister from her first moments at Sacred Heart. “Sister was there when I interviewed 23 years ago. Since then she has been a mentor and a friend. She is the consummate teacher and has a level of compassion and humility that is so rarely seen in people of great ability. I share with so many faculty, students, and alumnae a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to work with Sr. Mary Jane.”
Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 in the lab with Erinn Halasinski ’15.
Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 instructing the Honors Biotechnology class.
The Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 Fund for Innovation Established
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e are excited to announce plans for a new initiative to acknowledge and honor Sr. Mary Jane’s spirit of innovation and her dedication to Sacred Heart and her students. Please consider joining hundreds of other students and parents in celebration of Sister’s 25 years at the Academy with a gift to the Sr. Mary Jane Paolella, ASCJ, ’65 Fund for Innovation. Interest earned from this fund will be used to support innovative faculty endeavors. Contact Director of Mission Advancement Debbie Camner to make your gift or for more information about this new fund.
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INNOVATION
The Sacred Heart Mathematics Department. From left to right, Sr. Judith Musco, ASCJ, ’61, Carole Stackpole ’67, Kristin Filipowicz, Department Chair Kathryn Gniadek, Carlos Plaza, Pamela Brownell, and Susan Vitale.
The Math Department — Embracing Innovation Grit. This one word has come to define the pedagogy of Sacred Heart Academy’s Mathematics Department. It is a simple but paradigm shifting concept — what if failure provides more opportunity for growth than immediate success? And if so, how can students learn the resilience to embrace their initial mistakes on the path to understanding? Popularized in a TED Talk by Angela Duckworth and corroborated by Stanford researchers Jo Boaler and Carole Dweck, grit, or tough perseverance through adversity, challenges certain beliefs that are considered sacrosanct in education, especially the assumption that the more intelligent someone is, the less likely she is to make mistakes. After watching Duckworth’s lecture, Mathematics Department Chair Kathryn Gniadek was floored by the implications of grit and immediately began implementing it in her classes. During the summer of 2013, Kathy, along with fellow department members Carole Stackpole ’67, Susan Vitale, and Pamela Brownell, took an online course at Stanford University headed by Jo Boaler which taught perseverance-based instruction. “Everyone is doing grit now,” Kathy explains. “But our department has been embracing it for several years. Initially, when my students made mistakes, their assumption was that they were not smart because smart kids get things right away. But now I have students who, after making mistakes and learning from them, tell me that their brains are growing! They have so much more confidence which has a great impact on their achievement.”
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Left, Susan Vitale instructing her Honors Geometry class and right, Department Chair Kathryn Gniadek working out advanced calculus with 2016 Salutatorian Jennifer Piciw.
The confidence inspired by grit is not a mere bonus; it is essential for realizing the goals of the department. The curriculum is designed to challenge every student, regardless of ability or prior experience, and to encourage our young women to set their sights high. “Everyone has an opportunity to take some level of calculus before graduation, regardless of her math entry proficiency,” says Kathy. “This is due to an interim course, fondly nicknamed the combo, which covers two math courses in one class: Honors Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. It serves as a segue for students to take high level calculus either junior or senior year, regardless of their original math placement.” This opportunity highlights the Math Department’s commitment to challenging advanced students and offers motivated students the chance to take higher level math, including UCONN Early College Experience (ECE) offerings which allow students to receive up to three transferable college credits for Honors PreCalculus and four credits for AP AB Calculus. “We view ourselves as people of possibility. We work diligently to implement the best teaching materials, technology, and curriculum sequence for our students, and if we need to do something that has never been done before, we find a
It’s amazing how one little thing a teacher says can impact hundreds of students. Helena Bui ’16
way, “ offers Kathy. This is evidenced by the revamped SAT Math course which now includes a component on advanced topics in mathematics, as well as the department’s willingness to innovate by designing textbooks or teaching materials if satisfactory ones do not exist. There is even a supplemental trigonometry resource, Fab Five for Trig, for sale on Amazon authored by Kathy to provide students with a quicker, more efficient way to study trigonometry. Our students are quick to recognize the great lengths to which the teachers go to educate them. Senior Helena Bui was glowing as she recalled her first experience with the department as a freshman. “I will always remember my Honors Geometry course with Mrs. Vitale; she was one of
the main reasons I looked forward to math class. Every day she came into class with a friendly, ‘Hello, ladies! How are ya?’ She is wonderful. Before any test or quiz she would remind us that we were ‘absolutely brilliant’ and I know that she meant it. I took that little mantra to heart and it has helped me in every class. It’s amazing how one little thing a teacher says can impact hundreds of students.” The department also meets the needs of students who are interested in the practical application of mathematics to daily life. Carole Stackpole teaches Personal Finance which aims to provide students with lifelong skills in financial responsibility and applied math. Students learn fundamental skills such as how to maintain a budget, as well as more advanced concepts such as how to get a mortgage, buying vs. leasing a car, benefitting from compound interest, and how to invest money. Considering the high cost of college, high school graduates are faced with monumental decisions about debt and Carole’s class provides a solid foundation in financial responsibility, an invaluable asset going forward. In addition to course offerings, the Math Department offers a plethora of extracurricular opportunities allowing students the ability to 15
Left, Carole Stackpole ’67 in her Personal Finance class, and right, Sr. Judith Musco, ASCJ, ’61 teaching Honors Algebra. excel outside the classroom. Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics Honor Society, serves as a way for students to disseminate a love and enthusiasm for math. “Our members are notoriously committed,” shares Kathy, who is the co-moderator. “They enroll in the national Study Buddy tutoring program, plan all-school activities during Pi Week in
March, and sacrifice their personal study time during the school day to offer tutoring services to any peer needing help.” Along with Pam Brownell, new teacher Kristin Filipowicz runs the Sacred Heart chapter of Math League, an organization that encourages students to work on diverse mathematical problems. “Next year we will compete in the New England Math League Competition,” says Pam. “In order to prepare, this year we are participating in the
As a result of the placement test I took as an incoming student, I enrolled in Honors Geometry for my freshman year. In sophomore year, I studied Honors Algebra II and I just completed Honors Pre-Calculus as a junior, an ECE course which offers college credit. Each math course prepared me well for the next level, and each teacher has constantly challenged me to be better and has always been there for extra help when I’ve needed it. Class time is always well organized to make sure the students have grasped the topics being taught that day. Most of my teachers allot time for us to do work on the white boards which I find extremely helpful since it reinforces the topics and allows for peer instruction. I scored well on the math section of the PSAT and felt very prepared for the SAT, which I recently took. This was possible because my teachers made sure I was in a position to succeed. I am extremely happy with my experience with the Math Department; I have become a better student because of it and I feel exceptionally well prepared for college and the real world. — Alisyn Narracci ’17
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competition as an intramural event.” Kathy Gniadek holds after-school prep sessions for the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, sponsored by the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics. This challenge has become a hit with students and faculty, as 10 top math students are invited annually by the Mathematics Department to spend a spring weekend working on a mathematical modeling problem to compete for a myriad of college scholarships. The school community has great admiration for the dedication of these students and for the faculty who are able to instill in them such dedication for mathematics. Rounding out the department is veteran teacher Sr. Judith Musco, ASCJ, ’65 who also serves as the new teacher mentor, sharing her educational expertise with new faculty across disciplines and furthering the Academy’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The Sacred Heart Academy Mathematics Department faculty embraces innovation, not for its own sake, but for the sake of the students. There is truly something for every young woman, regardless of her ability, thanks to the tireless efforts of the faculty for whom we have such deep admiration.
THE CLASS OF 2016 GRADUATES!
For the First Time Ever, Sacred Heart Honors Top Six! both Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society. She was also recognized as a Scholar Leader by the Southern Connecticut Conference and a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. Jenny was the recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Book Award in her junior year and was one of two students selected to attend the 2013 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Connecticut Seminar in sophomore year. She has also been active in her parish, serving as a lector, youth catechist, and altar server. Jennifer will From left to right, (back row) Elizabeth Smith, Jennifer Piciw, Helena Bui and (front row) Isobel Munday, Mitali Banerjee, Kristen Austin. Valedictorian Helena Bui has served as the vice president of National Honor Society, secretary of Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society, and senior co-captain of the annual Moody’s Mega Math Challenge. She is also a member of both the Science National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society. Helena was recently named a Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Leader and was recognized as a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. During her junior year, she was awarded the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology from the University of Rochester. In addition to her academic and leadership accomplishments, Helena has been a longtime volunteer in the pediatric unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital and at the Branford Community Dining Hall, and was a two-time varsity athlete on the swim team, earning SCC All-Academic Team recognition both years. She will attend Yale University and plans to major in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology and the history of science, medicine, and public health. Salutatorian Jennifer Piciw has participated in the prestigious Discovery to a Cure high school internship program in the Yale University Biomedical Engineering Department and was a member of one of the top 200 teams out of thousands of participants in the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge. She has served as president of
attend the University of Richmond as a Science Scholar, and will major in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as mathematics. Third in her class, Elizabeth Smith was a Sr. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ, Memorial Scholar, Connecticut Governor’s Scholar Semi-finalist, National Honor Society treasurer, and recipient of the Yale Book Award in junior year. She has also participated in many summer internship programs, including the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers Program where she studied biochemistry and theater, and then at Yale University School of Medicine for a sponsored research program. She was recently honored as a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. Lizzie has also been highly involved in the arts, performing in the musical all four years as well being a member of Honors Chamber Choir. She currently serves as the assistant choir director at St. Margaret Parish in Madison. Lizzie is headed to the University of Notre Dame where she will major in neuroscience and behavior in the pre-medical track and minor in theatre. Fourth in her class, Kristen Austin has held several leadership positions and earned several academic distinctions. She was a team leader for Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, membership chair for Peer Connection, and communications director of Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society. Twice she achieved magna cum laude honors on the National Latin Exam and was the recipient of the College of the Holy Cross Book Award in her junior year. Last summer she interned with an alumna financial advisor focusing on analyzing mutual funds, variable annuities, stocks, bonds, and portfolios.
She is also an accomplished dancer and has taught dance classes since eighth grade. Kristen was recently honored as a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. The next step for her is Villanova University where she will major in mathematics and minor in business. For the first time in history, two students are tied for fifth in the class. Mitali Banerjee has held several leadership positions, including recording secretary of Key Club, chair of publicity for Peer Connection, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society, and student director of Orchestra. She was the recipient of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award in her sophomore year, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award in junior year, and she has earned gold and silver medals on the National Spanish Exam three years running. She was recently honored as a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. Mitali has volunteered with Harc Inc. where she helped children with intellectual disabilities, the Bengali Association of Greater Hartford, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and participated in the Sacred Heart mission trip to Camden, NJ. In addition to her academic achievements and volunteer work, Mitali is a skilled flautist and pianist. She will attend UCONN as a STEM Scholar in the Honors Program and major in physiology and neurobiology. Isobel Munday’s accomplishments are many and diverse. She is an apprentice at Eli Whitney Museum, treasurer of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society, and a member of Peer Connection and Science National Honor Society. Isobel served as assistant stage manager for the school musical in her sophomore year and staff writer for Alethea, the school newspaper, in her junior year. Last summer she shadowed in the Yale Cytogenetics Lab. Isobel was awarded the Princeton Book Award and the Trinity Book Award in junior year and was recently celebrated as a Summa Scholar by the Archdiocese of Hartford. She will attend Boston University in the fall and plans to double major in cognitive science and aerospace engineering.
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THE CLASS OF 2016 GRADUATES! “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Class of 2016 College Acceptances Albertus Magnus College
American Musical and Dramatic Academy American University Anna Maria College Arcadia University Assumption College Auburn University Babson College Barry University Becker College Belmont University Bentley University Berklee College of Music Binghamton University Boston College Boston Conservatory Boston University Bowling Green State University Brandeis University Bryant University Caldwell University CAP21 Performing Arts Conservatory Castleton University Centenary College Central Connecticut State University Champlain College Chestnut Hill College Clemson University Cleveland State University Coastal Carolina University Colby-Sawyer College Colgate University College of Charleston College of Mount Saint Vincent College of the Holy Cross Concordia University Connecticut College Coppin State University Curry College Daemen College Dean College DeSales University Dickinson College Dominican College Drexel University Duquesne University Eastern Connecticut State University Elizabethtown College Elms College Elon University Emerson College Emmanuel College Endicott College
Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technology Florida International University Fordham University Franklin Pierce University George Mason University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Hampton University High Point University Hofstra University Hood College Howard University Illinois Institute of Technology Iona College Ithaca College James Madison University Johnson & Wales University Keene State College King’s College La Salle University Lafayette College Lasell College Long Island University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Lyndon State College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Marquette University Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University Marywood University Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Medaille College Mercy College Merrimack College Michigan State University Misericordia University Mississippi State University Mitchell College Molloy College Monmouth University Mount Ida College Mount Saint Mary College Nazareth College New York Institute of Technology New York University
Nichols College North Dakota State University Northeastern University Old Dominion University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Plymouth State University Point Park University Providence College Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island College Rice University Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Sacred Heart University Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University Saint Michael’s College Salve Regina University Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Siena College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Connecticut State University Southern Vermont College Springfield College St. Bonaventure University St. John’s University St. Vincent’s College State University of New York, Albany State University of New York, Canton State University of New York, Cobleskill State University of New York, Cortland State University of New York, Korea State University of New York, Maritime College State University of New York, New Paltz State University of New York, Oswego Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk University Temple University Texas A&M University The Catholic University of America The College of Saint Rose The George Washington University
Congratulations Graduates! 18
The Institute for American Musical Theatre The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Scranton The University of Tampa Trinity College Union College University of Bridgeport University of California, Los Angeles University of Connecticut University of Connecticut at Avery Point University of Connecticut at Waterbury University of Delaware University of Hartford University of Maine University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth University of Massachusetts, Lowell University of Miami University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Notre Dame University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of Rochester University of Saint Joseph University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Vermont University of Virginia Ursinus College Utica College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Washington State University Wellesley College Wentworth Institute of Technology Western Carolina University Western Connecticut State University Western New England University Widener University Wilson College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester State University Yale University
EXCELSIOR LIVES Ann volunteering at Clelian Adult Day Center.
Anna Marsico DeLucia ’51 Long before Sacred Heart Academy occupied the hill on the top of Benham Street, it was located on Greene Street in the Wooster Square area of New Haven, where Ann was a member of the second graduating class. “There were only 37 of us in that class and we were all very close. We were there for the first uniforms, the first class rings, and the first basketball team,” Ann remembers. “There aren’t many of us left now, but I still stay in touch with a few. You never lose your bonds with Sacred Heart; it’s a real sisterhood, not just with the nuns but also with classmates.” After graduating, Ann worked for Southern New England Telephone (SNET) Company, but eventually stepped away to raise her four children. When she gave birth to a daughter, after having had three sons, she named the baby after Sr. Anita Marie Giampetro, ASCJ, with whom Ann was very close. Sr. Anita Marie was Provincial Superior and played an instrumental role in the development of Sacred Heart Manor on the Benham Street property. “Anita was my last child, and my only girl, so it felt like the right choice to name her after Sr. Anita Marie,” Ann offers. “She was one of my mentors at Sacred Heart. I’ve always spent a lot of time around the Sisters and felt a closeness with them. I’ve gained so much from them spiritually, and I still pray often to Mother Clelia.” This bond with the Sisters eventually led Ann back to Sacred Heart once her children were
grown. After teaching ceramics in the Wilbur Cross Adult Education Program, Ann worked for 21 years as a nurse’s aide at the Clelian Adult Day Center, assisting with therapeutic recreation. Though she officially retired several years ago, Ann still volunteers there regularly. She has taught evening ceramic classes and is widely praised for the pickled eggplant she contributes annually to the Apostles’ Holly Berry Festival. “It’s just part of me to want to give something back to the Sisters because of what they gave to me,” she says. “Giving is a grace that you receive. I get embarrassed when someone wants to reciprocate because of something I’ve done. I just want to give people my heart.” Ann is well-known and well-loved by the Apostles. When in 2013 it was revealed that she had lung cancer, she depended on the prayers of the Sacred Heart community to get through her surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. The Sisters sent out prayer requests on Ann’s behalf around the world, even reaching as far as a convent in Japan. “It was a gift from God that I did so well with the cancer treatments,” Ann explains. “I was cancer free for two-and-a-half years, and then last summer more nodules were discovered. I had some serious side effects from the chemotherapy medication, but I’m doing very well now and hoping to keep improving.” Throughout her illness, Ann has relied on her daughter, Anita DeLucia Willette ’87, for support. As a physical therapist, Anita has the medical
background and knowledge to help her mother navigate her treatment. The two share the kind of mutual love and appreciation that is often unique to the mother-daughter relationship. “My mom is truly a special and graceful woman,” Anita says. “I can only hope to follow in her footsteps.” Ann’s willingness to “give her heart” to others is remarkable considering that she is now in her eighties and continues to battle a major illness. Still, she perseveres, generously maintaining a presence at the Clelian Center and at the Manor, and often attending daily Mass with the Sisters and doing what she can to help. To Ann, few things are more important than sharing God’s grace of giving, regardless of the personal sacrifice involved. Ann truly exemplifies what it means to be a proud alumna. She has watched the Academy grow from the ground up and has seen what a difference a Sacred Heart education can make in a young woman’s life. She is always impressed by the accomplishments of our students and even more so by what they go on to achieve after graduation. “The girls who graduate from Sacred Heart are not only academically sound, but have so much confidence. They are qualified to do almost anything,” Ann explains. “It’s so special when you meet a fellow alumna. I run into them all the time, in the most unexpected places. I can see the glee in their eyes when they find out I’m an Academy girl, too. They just light up.” You inspire us, Anna Marsico DeLucia ’51, this issue’s Excelsior Woman!
Please enjoy this column dedicated to Sacred Heart’s Excelsior Women, focusing on exceptional alumnae who inspire us. Nominate your Excelsior Woman by emailing alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org. 20
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS Arena. Once I get there, I warm up for about 20 minutes by running, jump roping, doing jumps off the ice, and stretching. Then I skate for two hours.” Kaitlin’s on-ice regimen is grueling; she works through single, double, and triple axels, spins that are in her skating routine, and footwork sequences. “After I finish skating, I do off-ice training. Some days I focus on stretching, or jumping techniques on the floor, along with intense workouts.” Kaitlin hopes that all of her hard work will lead to great opportunities in the near future. “I plan to continue skating in college, and this summer I am going to compete at the U.S. Collegiate Nationals in Colorado Springs. At one point I hope to compete at the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships.” Kaitlin also uses her talents to serve others. Every Wednesday she volunteers at the Kids on Ice Program at the Yale Ingalls Rink, which provides underprivileged children the opportunity to learn to skate.
Kaitlin D’Agostino ’16 Sporting an old pair of over-sized skates her dad found for her, Kaitlin first hit the ice at Brooksvale Park in Hamden when she was just two years old. It wasn’t her most graceful moment on the ice, but it was one of the most important. “Ever since that I day I have loved ice skating,” Kaitlin recounts. “When I turned three I started lessons, and competitions when I was seven.” Now, at 17, Kaitlin trains with Steve Moore, a former national pairs skater, and his wife, Svetlana Kulikova, a world medalist ice dancer. Kaitlin is a highly accomplished skater in her own right, having won several medals and awards. She is a gold medalist in Moves in the Field, having passed all levels in the series of tests that assess a skaters’ competence in essential techniques like spirals and spread eagles. In December, she was chosen as the 2015 Nutmeg State Games Female Athlete of the Year and was honored at a banquet where she received a letter of special recognition from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. To earn those accolades Kaitlin undergoes an extensive training regimen. “I train five to six days a week,” she explains. “On a typical day after school I travel 45 minutes to the Newington
Cecelia Cropp ’18 Often the inspiration to serve others begins with an agonizing personal experience. For Cecelia, it was watching her grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s and her grandfather suffer from dementia. As a child she dreamed of someday making a difference for those suffering with debilitating neurological conditions and now,
at age 15, she is making good on those aspirations as a youth volunteer at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Cecelia had always wanted to be a physician, but her grandfather’s hospitalization for dementia at Yale last summer inspired her to take action. “After I saw the positive impact that the patient volunteers had on my grandfather, I was convinced to get involved right away,” says Cecelia. “The volunteers would come into his room and even if they were only bringing him more water or a pile of magazines, his day would brighten. They provided a sense of caring that filled the void of long hospital days. Toward the end of his stay, all of the volunteers who spent time with him knew his name and dropped in to say goodbye. The care shown to him and the impact it had on him was amazing and inspired me to want to volunteer in the same way.” But merely wanting to get involved was not enough — Cecelia had to undergo the hospital’s extensive vetting process which ensured that all volunteers are able to meet the needs of their patients. “The Volunteer Services Department at the hospital has a detailed online application that includes an essay describing one’s motivation for becoming a volunteer. The selection process included a panel interview, which made me both excited and nervous since I had never participated in anything like that in my life.” Despite the arduous process, Cecelia was accepted last September. Before she could begin interacting with patients, she had to complete a training program to prepare her for volunteering in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Cecelia soon realized how daunting hospitalization can be for patients, many of whom are recovering from intensive, life-saving surgeries and procedures. “An ICU is really scary for some patients. Whether I am responding to a request for water and ice, or providing a telephone, or just offering a smile and reassurance, I do whatever I can to support the patients. It seems quite basic, but in an ICU it is really an important role.” Aside from her patient responsibilities, Cecelia assists the nursing staff, aides, and physicians with whatever needs to be done, whether answering the phones, faxing documents, running samples to one of the labs, or helping with the ample paperwork. “If I can be a little bit of support to the nurses and doctors in helping to care for the patients, I see it as an amazing thing.”
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AROUND THE ACADEMY Emily Wielk ’16 — Our 2015-2016 Scholar-Athlete Congratulations to senior Emily Wielk who was selected as this year’s Scholar-Athlete. Recognized for her cumulative grade point average, varsity sport participation, community service, selfdiscipline, integrity, and leadership, Emily was honored at the 34th Annual Connecticut High School Scholar Athlete Awards Dinner in May at the Aqua Turf Club. A member of the National Honor Society, and Math, Science, and Spanish National Honor Societies, Emily has earned high honors all four years. Notable academic accolades include the Gettysburg College Book Award and Honorable Mention on the National Spanish Exam. A four-
“Sacred Heart has prepared me to excel in the future on the field and track and also in the classroom. With the valuable lessons and experiences learned, I plan to pursue track and possibly soccer in college, as well as maintain a rigorous course load by potentially double majoring in political science and sociology. No matter where I end up next year, I know that I will be academically and athletically prepared, as well as having made friendships here that will last a lifetime.” Emily Wielk ’16
year varsity soccer and indoor and outdoor track standout, this year Emily was captain of all three. Athletic honors include SCC Academic All-Star Team, SCC All-Quinnipiac Division (Soccer), New Haven Register All-Area Team (Soccer), CGSCA Senior Bowl Participant (Soccer), SCC All-Academic Team (Soccer and Track), SHA Outstanding Sophomore and Junior (Track), and SHA 2015 MVP (Track). Outside of school, she has been playing premier soccer since sixth grade. In addition to her academic and athletic accomplishments, Emily volunteers at her parish teaching first grade religious education as well as serving as a counselor at Vacation Bible School. In summer 2014, she assisted with the West Haven Sandy Ground Project. The following summer, after studying and sequencing the SNCA gene in Honors Biotechnology, Emily and her classmates attended the UMDF Conference in D.C. where they presented their findings and worked with children
affected by mitochondrial diseases. And if all this isn’t enough, Emily works as a sales associate in the Sacred Heart University Follett Bookstore and is a youth soccer referee in West Haven. “Emily is goal-oriented and methodical in her approach to everything. When she sets a goal, she never wavers until she reaches it. She is a student you can count on not only to do the work assigned, but to do it well and learn more from it than you may have expected. Truly outstanding,” shared Director of Guidance Kerry Alexander. “Emily is an exceptional student and an exceptional athlete. As captain of the soccer and indoor and outdoor track teams, she is an inspiration to her teammates, demonstrating a tremendous work ethic on and off the field. She was named to the All-Academic teams in all three sports, in addition to earning many other athletic and academic honors. Emily is a true leader in every sense of the word,” offered Athletic Director and Varsity Soccer Coach George Bedocs. Added Indoor and Outdoor Track Coach Pat Redding, “Emily joins a distinguished group of young women at Sacred Heart…young women who have taken on the challenge of the Academy’s rigorous academics while excelling in athletics. Always representing Sacred Heart in the best possible light, she has broken five school records and taken medals at the SCC Championships and the State Championships. Emily consistently demonstrates hard work and determination both in the classroom and in athletics and inspires her classmates, coaches, and teammates to also always bring their best…a true role model.”
Rising Senior to Attend Civil War Institute Julia Davis ’17 has been awarded a scholarship to GET T YSBURG COLLEGE attend the 2016 Civil War Institute (CWI) Summer Conference at Gettysburg College. For 30 years, CWI has hosted this conference at which public audiences and leading historians come together for small group discussions, battlefield tours, panel debates, and presentations.
CIVIL WAR INSTITUTE
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“Julia discovered her interest in the Civil War when it was discussed in history class, so when I saw this scholarship opportunity I encouraged her to apply. She did, and was awarded one of only 10 scholarships offered,” shared history teacher Tara Cantore. The CWI conference is noted for presenting fresh perspectives and new angles on the Civil War as part of an exciting and engaging dialogue between experts and general audiences. Congrats to Julia.
SACRED HEART
DECEMBER 1, 2015 This year we participated in #GIVINGTUESDAY for the second time. A global movement for online giving, #GIVINGTUESDAY is a one-day fundraising effort which supports our Annual Fund and directly impacts current and future students. We are proud partners of the #GIVINGTUESDAY movement and thanks TUE your continued generosity, our second #GIVINGTUESDAY was a huge success!
CRED HEART SA
150 PARTICIPANTS 71 ALUMNAE 29 CURRENT PARENTS 15 FORMER PARENTS 15 FACULTY/STAFF 5 GRANDPARENTS 9 FRIENDS 6 BUSINESSES
20,466
DOLLARS RAISED
698,961 TOTAL DONORS 114 BILLION TWITTER IMPRESSIONS 1.08 MILLION GIFTS
116.7 MILLION DOLLARS RAISED
Class of 2016 Surpasses Annual Fund Goal
Congratulations to the Class of 2016 for reaching 85% participation in the annual Senior Showdown vs. Notre Dame High School. For the first time both schools met their goal and were awarded
a Senior Switch Day! Twenty-eight Sacred Heart students attended classes at ND while 24 Notre Dame students spent the day at Sacred Heart. The Class of 2016 proudly presented Sr. Sheila and
Sr. Maureen with a check for $2,020. Thank you to the class for understanding the importance of donating to the Sacred Heart Academy Annual Fund.
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AROUND THE ACADEMY Hugh O’Brian Leadership Selections
Seniors Published in New Haven Magazine Congratulations to Andrianna Ayala ’16 and Kaitlin Nealon ’16 whose college essays were selected by New Haven Magazine for publication in their “High School Confidential” issue.
Roselynn Thattil ’18 and Gabriela Koziol ’18.
Each year, one sophomore is chosen by the Social Studies Department to represent Sacred Heart at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar and one sophomore is chosen as alternate. Selection is based on essays on leadership. The Social Studies Department has announced this year’s selection is Roselynn Thattil ’18 with Gabriela Koziol ’18 serving as alternate. Both will attend the seminar which will be held this June. Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY seminars are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. These seminars allow select students to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences. The HOBY Seminar is the only program exclusively designed for high school sophomores. We congratulate Roselynn and Gabriela.
Newest Sister Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Scholars Celebrated Each year, incoming freshmen with the highest entrance exam scores and those who demonstrate outstanding academic potential are selected to receive the Sister Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1993, the scholarship honors the life, philosophy, and achievements of the Academy’s founding principal. These students display strong academic success with promise of future accomplishment and truly affirm the Academy’s motto, Excelsior. This year we welcome twelve new Antonine Scholars: Megan Lynn Baker of Cheshire; Alessandra Michele Cordero of Northford; Oviereya Betty-Maria Ekeh of Milford; Alyssa Joan Harduby of Wallingford; Susan Silliman Hemingway of Branford; Jenna Lois Kennedy of Wallingford; Brisa Nadiezdha Mendoza of Hamden; Julianna Christina Milidantri of Durham; Abby Elizabeth Noniewicz of Madison; Maria Theodora Papademetris of New Haven; Allison Pierce Rozear of Branford; and Adalyn Grace Schommer of Cheshire. Our newest Sister Antonine Scholars and their families attended a reception held in their honor during March, hosted by the Admissions Office and current Antonine Scholars. Sacred Heart is proud of these young women and all members of the incoming Class of 2020.
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Andrianna’s essay, which details her experience encountering and overcoming cultural and ethnic stereotypes about Hispanic American women, was one of nine Connecticut high school student essays chosen to be part of the magazine’s spread. Shared Andrianna, “I am honored to represent Sacred Heart Academy in New Haven Magazine… to share my own story and allow for racial stigma to be openly discussed and considered. Thank you to my incredible teachers for their support.” Kaitlin’s essay examines her experience with spinal surgery and the power of self-advocacy and education. “I am most pleased that my essay was selected…the core of my essay isn’t just about me; it’s about everyone, and what we can accomplish simply by learning more. Many times in the process of helping ourselves to be self-sufficient, we inadvertently help the greater community around us. I am grateful for my time here at Sacred Heart which has fostered a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge that has not only helped me excel academically, but in all areas of my life,” Kaitlin offered. Check out their essays in New Haven Magazine at www.newhavenmagazine.com.
We’re on Pinterest! We are excited to announce the launch of Sacred Heart Academy on Pinterest, the ever-popular digital pinboard that allows you to visually catalog ideas and inspiration. Some of our featured Pinterest boards include study tips, healthy snack ideas, inspirational quotes, and daily prayers. Start following and pinning today at pinterest.com/ SHAhamden or search “Sacred Heart Academy” under “Pinners.”
ACAAP Honors Mary Jane Maturo Mary Jane Maturo has received the 2015-16 Support Staff Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Catholic Admissions & Advancement Professionals (ACAAP). This award recognizes one exceptional support staff member for long-term commitment to his or her school, parish, or institution. Mary Jane was presented with this award at the ACAAP Spring Conference
thousands of applicants and families during the admissions process when first impressions truly count, but her day-to-day love for our students and families is what truly makes her special. Whether assisting a student, helping a parent, or working closely with faculty and administrators, Mary Jane is always patient, caring, and kind.
in March at the College of the Holy Cross. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.
committees including our Auction, House Tour, and Spring Fashion Show. In 2011, Mary Jane was the recipient of the Hearts of the Community Award for her unstinting service to the Academy, and for her compassion and commitment to helping others.
An invaluable presence at Sacred Heart, Mary Jane is currently in her 18th year as office manager. Always gracious and welcoming to all who phone or visit, parents, students, alumnae, and visitors speak of her warmth, kindness, and willingness to help. Over the years, Mary Jane has greeted
Offered Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, “Mary Jane brings honor to our institution and inspires others by her example. We are thrilled that ACAAP publically acknowledged her extraordinary commitment to Sacred Heart.”
“Throughout my life I have enjoyed helping others in any way I can. I’m delighted to know that someone’s life has been made easier because of my efforts. In so doing I am a happier, more fulfilled person,” shares Mary Jane. A critical member of our Safety Committee, working closely with local police and emergency personnel to keep our students safe at all times, Mary Jane addresses safety issues on a daily basis, monitoring visitors, and determining entry. She has also served on numerous fundraising
A
MaryLee Delaney
Please enjoy our new feature where we hope, in 265 words or less, to capture a snapshot of life at the Academy from one of our faculty or staff, students, or alumnae.
nnie. Beauty & the Beast. Les Miserables. Fiddler on the Roof. Godspell. The Wiz. White Christmas. Singin’ in the Rain. West Side Story. Nearly 10 years of theatrical creation. I feel so blessed to be able to collaborate and create with our young artists and gifted faculty. Every year, a new company emerges with a unique vision, a unique story, and a unique identity. Perhaps what I love most about directing the annual musical is watching that identity emerge. Over the years, I have had a front row seat for thousands of first auditions. I’ve watched terrified young freshmen walk in trembling, only to watch them develop into powerful actors within four short years. Some of our alumnae successfully pursue professional careers in the arts, on Broadway, in regional theatres, and in communications. Others continue sharing their theatrical passions by teaching in classrooms throughout the world. For me, what matters most is that each young woman finds her voice. By providing opportunities for students to perform as powerful characters and to implement service projects, the musical does more than provide a continuation of one of the Academy’s oldest traditions. The musical empowers young women, both on the stage and off, to free their voices. Participation in the musical teaches many valuable life lessons, and one of my favorites is that the world only spins forward. This was inspired by our revolving stage, brilliantly masterminded by our Fathers’ Club for Les Mis. The tradition of acknowledging returning alumnae at every performance makes me grateful that our paths have crossed again.
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AROUND THE ACADEMY
Legacy Strongly Represented in Class of 2020
Maggie McAndrew ’13 Shares Her Sparkle
Sandra Labanaro Ciaburro ’87 and Alexandra Ciaburro ’20; Ava Maselli ’20 and Patricia Pacelli Gambardella ’96.
Margaret McAndrew ’13 with Princess Project co-founder Kylee McGrane.
“Sacred Heart legacy is again strongly represented in this class. We are particularly struck with the number of alumnae who are sending their daughters to Sacred Heart. The presence of these young women at the Academy is a testament to the importance that families place on the values learned here, and their desire to ensure that the Sacred Heart tradition continues,” announced Director of Admission Elaine Lamboley ’60 in welcoming the Class of 2020. Fifteen members of the class have mothers who are alumnae and five members of the class have a grandmother who is an alumna. Twentynine class members have one or more sisters who are current students or graduates of the Academy. Members of the entering class come from 27 towns and 45 feeder schools. Legacies from the incoming class were recognized at the Orientation for Incoming Freshmen. The following members of the Class of 2020 are Sacred Heart Academy legacies: Emily Birney, granddaughter of Katherine Moran Birney ’57; Emily Carchia, daughter of Regina Heiman Carchia ’88; Alexandra Ciaburro, daughter of Sandra Labanaro Ciaburro ’87; Gabriella Dagliere, granddaughter of Mary Christoforo Carroll ’65; Morgan Dubay, daughter of Shannon McKeon ’96; Samantha Fraser, daughter of Kristin Marganski Fraser ’87; Hannah Guth, daughter of Kellie Ciaburro Guth ’88; Megan Harkins, daughter of Patricia McHugh Harkins ’82; Allyson Kirck, daughter of Kristin Triana Kirck ’88 and granddaughter of Ellen McKeown Triana ’58; Mariana Kordorsky, daughter of Doreen Lucibello Kordorsky ’75 and granddaughter of Jo-Anne Sansone Lucibello ’54; Elizabeth Landolfi, daughter of Amalia Saracco Landolfi ’84; Ava Maselli, daughter of Patricia Pacelli Gambardella ’96; Brooke McNabola, granddaughter of Marie Pascucelli McNabola ’52; Karsyn Molyneux, daughter of Michele Kazmerzyk Millican ’94; Abby Noniewicz, daughter of Maryann Sullivan Noniewicz ’82; Maria Pagliaro, daughter of Catherine Filardi Pagliaro ’83; Katherine Reynolds, daughter of Raeann Viscuso Reynolds ’87; and Sofia Vendetto, daughter of Deana Papa Vendetto ’88.
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Co-founder of the Princess Project Margaret McAndrew ’13 returned to campus this winter to tell her story. College-age students participate in the Princess Project by dressing as princesses and superheroes and visiting children in hospitals, special education programs, and foster care. Along with co-founder Kylee McGrane, Maggie spoke to the student body about the origins and aspirations of their project. “We turned our passion for serving people into something we love and believe in empowering women and raising each other up to be the best that we all can be,” they shared. “We do this free of charge, and all our girls are volunteers. Right now our first and only chapter is working out of my college — The College of Mount Saint Vincent in NYC — but we have interest from more than 30 colleges and universities and hopefully will bring the program to these schools by the end of this year. Our mission: To restore the magic of believing at a time when children need to “just be kids,” and remind them to be brave, strong, and fearless. More information, photos, and videos can be found on our website at www.theprincessprojectny.org.” To support Maggie’s non-profit, students had the opportunity to donate $2.00 to dress as princesses and superheroes on the day of the presentation which included a video of Maggie and her volunteers visiting sick children in Long Island, moving many students to tears. Several students displayed interest in volunteering for the Princess Project. Currently a junior at CMSV, Maggie is studying English and secondary/special education. A love of working with children and the color pink inspired her to found The Princess Project, fulfilling her passion for helping those in need which first began at home and here at Sacred Heart.
AUCTION
2016
THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA
Auction Chairs Michael and Dana Ajello, with daughter Sam ’19.
Maryanne Giaimo Pisani ’81, Jocelyn Maminta P’19, and Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71.
Uncle Sam, aka Sandy D’Ambrosio.
A Patriotic Party with Pizzazz! Under the dedicated leadership of Michael and Dana Ajello P’15,’19, event chairs, and their tenacious and talented steering committee, a delightful evening was had by all at this year’s auction. With delicious food stations, spectacular lighting and staging, marvelous items up for bid, and fun games, The Spirit of America was certainly a night to remember! Three hundred guests gathered and more than $140,000 was realized to benefit the Academy. Always the most meaningful part of the evening, Hands Up for Heart raised nearly $80,000 for need-based scholarships. Special thanks to WTNH News8 Medical Reporter Jocelyn Maminta P’19 for serving as emcee and Eric Hummel for returning as auctioneer. Many, many thanks to our generous alumnae, parents, and friends for helping in so many ways to make The Spirit of America a success. You donated items, volunteered, or attended the auction, and your participation helped to strengthen our community and raise vital funds in support of Sacred Heart.
Varsity Soccer Team Honors Congratulations to the 2015 Varsity Soccer Team on earning the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Gold Ethics and Sportsmanship Award. This award recognizes teams that exhibit fair play, sportsmanship, and adherence to the laws of the game. We are proud of this achievement
which sets our team apart from other teams, demonstrating the program’s commitment to both success and fair play on the field. The team was also recognized by NSCAA with the Team Academic Award for exceptional academic performance during the 2015 season.
This annual award is based on a team’s academic performance for the entire academic year. For a team to be considered it must have a composite team grade point average of at least 3.25 for all team members who appear on the official eligibility roster for the season; our team’s GPA is 3.8!
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AROUND THE ACADEMY President’s Club Established in 2013, the President’s Club recognizes individuals whose exceptional generosity helps Sacred Heart achieve our goals. Members include donors who make a commitment of $1,000 or more annually to the Academy. This year we are proud to have close to 150 members. These individuals were celebrated at a gathering in March at the Q Club. Kristin Morico ’80 graciously hosted this lovely event.
Top left, Sallie Vece DeMarsilis ’82, Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71, Advisory Council Chair Karen Harris; bottom left, Andrea Sanchez ’15; and right, Kristin Morico ’80.
Internship Program Initiated to Support Office of Mission Advancement EDUCATION INSTRUCTION PRACTICE ABILITY SKILLS
The Office of Mission Advancement (OMA) has established an unpaid internship program beginning this summer. The goal is to offer opportunities for college and graduate students, retirees, or those wishing to re-enter the workforce to expand their experience in specific fields of interest and to support OMA. The following positions are currently available: Grant Writer Intern................summer 2016 Public Relations Intern..........fall 2016 and/or spring 2017 Video Production Intern........fall 2016 and/or spring 2017 Please visit the school’s website for more information or to apply.
Sacred Heart Ranked Number Four Catholic High School in Connecticut Sacred Heart has been ranked number four of the 20 best Catholic high schools in Connecticut by the online ranking website Niche.com. The site bases its list on factors such as SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, student and parent reviews, and more. This ranking also takes into account key factors such as the strength of academics and school culture and diversity in an attempt to measure the overall excellence of the school. We extend congratulations to all schools making the list!
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Hearts Community of the
Award Nomination Form
Make Your Gift to the Annual Fund Today! A gift to the Sacred Heart Academy Annual Fund is the single most important gift you make each year. Funds raised are allocated to:
• Tuition assistance • Facility upgrades • Capital improvements • Student & faculty enrichment
By giving to the Annual Fund you help Sacred Heart to be the best we can be. Thank you for your generosity.
Awards will be presented during a Mass of Celebration on Friday, February 3, 2017. A reception will follow for family and friends of recipients. We invite nominations for the 2017 Hearts of the Community Award. Nominees may be alumnae, friends of the Academy, and former or current parents and faculty. Please submit nominations to: Sacred Heart Academy, Office of Mission Advancement, 265 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514 or mpisani@sacredhearthamden.org using this form. Name of nominee____________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________
Email _____________________________________________________________ Affiliation:
Alumna_____
Parent_____
Faculty_____
Friend_____
Reason(s) for nomination______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Nominated by_______________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________
Email______________________________________________________________
The Sacred Heart Academy
Heritage Society
In 2007, former principal Sr. Ritamary Schulz, ASCJ, ’58 established the Heritage Society to give alumnae, their families, and other friends an opportunity to make bequests to Sacred Heart Academy. Charitable bequests may include cash, stocks, real estate, or other property. We welcome open discussions with you or your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor on the specifics of including Sacred Heart Academy in your estate plans. Please contact the Office of Mission Advancement at 203-287-8181, x318 for further information.
The Promise of Excellence The Promise of Excellence, a booklet providing information on how to support endowed and named scholarships, is now available. It describes the ways in which gifts to the Endowment Fund help reduce tuition for recipients and secure the dreams of talented young women who qualify, regardless of their ability to pay. This booklet encourages donations in any amount to the Endowment Fund and explains that donors have the option of establishing named scholarships with gifts of $15,000 and more. Scholarships are more than dollars, they are priceless investments in our students and they strengthen our community.
Please contact Debbie Camner at 203-287-8181, x318 to request a copy of The Promise of Excellence or for information on contributing to the Endowment Fund or establishing a named scholarship.
RECENTLY ESTABLISHED NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS The Reverend John P. Blanchfield Scholarship by Karen S. Harris The Pilar Gonzalez ’05 Scholarship by Ramon and Bernadette Gonzalez The Marylouise T. Harris Scholarship by Eugene Harris The Carolyn Lee McCormack ’90 Memorial Scholarship by Joseph Lee and Mary Jo Carney Lee ’57
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STRONG BONDS RED & WHITE LINE
1958
Rosemary DiGioia Abbate and her husband, Fred, live in NJ. Don’t miss Rosemary’s article, picked up by the Philadelphia Inquirer in November: “Tumultuous, and short-lived, romance with eBay!” Curious? Google the title and enjoy the read.
1960
Maryann Palmieri lives in Campbell, CA, and is a retired RN. She enjoys volunteering at the local library where she facilitates and tutors students in ESL.
1961
Carolyn Peterson Mayers and her husband, David, are now officially “snowbirds,” sharing their living experience between Lakeland, FL, and Fairfield, NJ. They treasure the times when their whole family can be together.
1964
Stephanie Inzero Stanley has retired as a mental health counselor and has returned to the school at which she taught as a substitute. She is realizing how quickly those memories come back. She is also busy fundraising for her beloved New Hampshire SPCA Paws Walk to be held this year on June 5. Through the power of Facebook, she has realized how strong the bonds of her Sacred Heart classmates really are. Many have donated generously on her web page for this walk. She is truly proud of and gratefully humbled by her animal-loving friends from the Class of ‘64. Sandra Zikis Thomas shares a special message to the members of her class: “To all my dear Class of ‘64 sisters, I look forward to making the coming year one of celebration as most of us will turn the big ’70.’ Remember, age is only a number. Enjoy life!”
1966
Rosemary D’Alessio Gonzalez and her husband, Alejandro, have just relocated to Philadelphia
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after having spent 40 years living and working in Madrid, Spain. Welcome back, Rosemary! Sandra Migani Wall and her husband have been married for 45 years and currently live in Ohio. Sandra is a part-time consultant and serves as board member for several non-profit organizations. Her most recent joy is her oneyear-old grandson!
1967
Ann Criscuolo Pari is enjoying semi-retirement. She works two mornings a week at the Caritas Christi Center at Mt. Sacred Heart, helping with programs and office functions. “I feel that I have come full circle having returned to work for the Apostles who helped shape my education and adult values. I enjoy giving back and supporting the Sisters in their community missions.” This year Ann and her husband, Gene, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They have three daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom are the light of their lives!
1968
Catherine Surface retired from Gateway Community College in New Haven after serving the college for more than 22 years in Student Services. Upon retirement Cathy was the director of college transition and previously had served as director of admissions.
1969
Margaret Crowley Boissoneau currently chairs Financial Executives International, an organization of CFOs and CIOs that focuses on global solutions for finance and IT organizations, including cybersecurity. In addition, Peggy holds a corporate finance position at United Technologies Corporation. “My career aspirations in finance began at Sacred Heart when I was a year advanced in math and a member of the computer club with many wonderful role models.”
1971
Amy Wilson is an academic advisor at Albertus Magnus College in the Division of Professional
and Graduate Studies. Amy is also an acudetox specialist and a registered trainer for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.
1974
Cheryl Ford Rountree and her husband, John, have been married for 27 years. Cheryl has a private practice in clinical social work in Westport. Reflecting on her years at the Academy, Cheryl is “grateful for the foundation of Christian faith.”
1975
Maureen Brady Moran has been a faculty member at Feinberg School of Medicine – Northwestern University for 24 years. She is an Institutional Review Board (IRB) chair, teaches medical students and graduate students, and helps to administer a graduate program in public health.
1978
Elizabeth Barone Ranchinsky and Marlene Barone Cohen ‘80, along with other family members, coordinated a surprise visit with their parents, Richard & Harriet Ciaburro Barone ‘53, to Disney World in January. Elizabeth, Marlene, and Harriet also enjoyed a girls-only trip to AZ. Both trips were wonderful!
1979
Angela Biancur Meade lives in West Haven and works as an arts and recreation coordinator at Apple Rehab. She is anticipating a move to AZ to enjoy the sunshine!
Be a Part of the Online Community Stay Connected Alumnae! Register or reregister today for the SHA Online Community on our website. Visit sacredhearthamden.org. Click ‘Login’ in top right corner. Click ‘New User Registration’. It’s that easy!
Janyce Murphy lives in New Haven with her husband, Bob Hill, a nurse practitioner at Yale, and her two children, Anna Hill ‘16 and Eamon, a freshman at Wilbur Cross High School. Janyce is an outpatient therapist in the psychiatric clinic at Griffin Hospital.
1982
In October, six classmates spent a stormy weekend in Charleston. The wind and torrential rain did not stop Mary Lou Pellegrino Palmieri, Mary Danehy, Kim Simione Walsh, Alicia DiElsi Burr, Sharon Tilki Cantor, and Sallie Vece DeMarsilis from having a wonderful time!
1988 from left, Sallie Vece DeMarsilis, Sharon Tilki Cantor, Mary Danehy, Alicia DiElsi Burr, Kim Simione Walsh, and Mary Lou Pellegrino Palmieri.
1983
Monica Albert Still has been appointed to the steering committee of the Adult Council Spina Bifida Association of America. She will be a featured speaker at the association’s convention in MN in June. A semi-retired RN and home care administrator, Monica resides in Slippery Rock, PA, and spends her time as an advocate for the spina bifida community and consulting as a Medicare advocate.
1984
Paula Fradiani has had a very exciting year… she earned a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in Davey, FL, and announced her engagement. Paula and Ret. Master Sargent James Graham of the U.S. Air Force are planning to marry next year.
1985
Elizabeth Moran Rapone is back in CT and currently living in Branford. Beth works for D+H, a financial technology provider, and was recently promoted to director of implementations and professional services.
1986
Andrea Morrison Alford teaches math at Gould Academy, a small boarding school in Bethel, ME. Last summer she and her husband, Doug, a Spanish teacher at the school, and their two children, Ben (16) and Chaia (13), hiked
Linda Drost has left the fashion industry and NYC to start a company called Daily Aromatherapy, a small venture that she tends to on weekends and evenings. In recent months, the company has been picked up by two large retailers for online testing of some items: Bluum, a gift subscription service for moms and babies, and Urban Outfitters.
the Camino de Santiago. This is a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Jane Lawlor Cournan lives in Pembroke, MA, with her husband and three boys. She is vice president of marketing and social media for a start-up internet company. Colleen Tracey Fenn and her husband, Jordan, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in October. They live in East Hartland and have a daughter who is a freshman at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, and a son who is a freshman in high school. The family took a trip to Paris to celebrate their anniversary, their daughter’s high school graduation, and their son’s black belt in karate. 2015 was an eventful year for the Fenn family! Maria Morrison has moved to Montreal to be an assistant professor in German at McGill University. She has spent the past 10 summers teaching at the Middlebury College Summer Language Institute.
1987
Catherine Dell’Oro lives in Wallingford with husband, Kevin, and son, Kevin Dino. Young Kevin will be three in July and has brought great joy to his parents.
1989
Mary Card-Mina attended The Catholic University of America in D.C, for both undergrad and law school. She joined the U.S. Army JAG Corps in 1996 and has been on active duty ever since. Recently, in Charlottesville, VA, she met Judge Advocate Jessica Farrell ‘94. “I am not sure how we figured it out...but we did...and I can’t even tell you what a moment it was when we realized we were both Sacred Heart alumns! There aren’t that many Army judge advocates from CT to start with...and Jessica is the only other one that I am aware of. Our conversation really reminded me of all things good and wonderful about my time at Sacred Heart.”
1992
Jennifer O’Donnell is a freelance American Sign Language interpreter, living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jen is also attending California School of Herbal Studies to become a clinical herbalist.
Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae facebook.com/groups/SHAalumnae
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STRONG BONDS
1996
Megan Quigley Crisci and her family have relocated to the Marine Corps base in Camp Lejeune, NC. Megan is currently homeschooling her two girls, Maryn (7) and Cailyn (6) and is a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils. Her husband, Robert, has begun a new career at the Jacksonville VA and Vet Center. “I am forever grateful to the Sacred Heart alumnae community for supporting my family and welcome communication with my SHA sisters.”
1999
1994
1995
Leslie Torre and her husband, David Lipp, welcomed twins, Wyatt Huckleberry and Adeline Torre, on November 28, 2015. The twins each weighed in at 6 lbs., 7oz. and were 20 in. long. Now, at a little over three months old, their favorite word is “goo,” they enjoy looking at their cats, Luna and Boo Radley, discovering that hands actually have a purpose, and listening to music.
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Tracy Bello Madden and her husband, Brian, live in Palm City, FL. They are raising two beautiful daughters, ages five and three. Tracy works as a CPA in her own accounting practice.
loves her new role as a mom! Ginny lives in West Haven and is currently the director of special education for the Seymour Public School System.
Deana White married David Ebert in January. She is the choral director at Madison Middle School in Trumbull and David is the choral director at John Reed Middle School in Redding. They both sing in the choir at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Woodbridge where Deana is also a cantor.
Kerry Flanagan is a working actress living in NYC with her husband, Matthew, and daughter, Jayne. She was recently seen on episodes of The Blacklist, The Affair, and Limitless, and in films, St. Vincent with Bill Murray and And So it Goes with Michael Douglas. She holds a MFA from The New School and is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio.
1998
Virginia Bauer Tagliatela and her husband, Jeff, welcomed their first son, Callen Lawrence, on July 21, 2015. He was 9 lbs. and 21 in. She
1993
Amanda Vecchio Armstrong and her husband, Jared, are the proud parents of Cody (9) and Ava (7), and step-children Mason (15) and Brandon (13). Amanda is owner of AA&A Precious Metal Exchange, a volunteer at Where the Love Is Animal Rescue, and a dog bather at Hot Diggity Dog.
Mairead Kinnare O’Brien and her husband welcomed their newest family member on February 19 - Seamus Liam. He joins siblings Michaela, Isabelle, and Rowan.
Shannon McKeon has participated in 10 Susan G. Komen 3-Day events. In the fall, she will go to Atlanta and Philadelphia for her 11th and 12th walks. Each walk takes Shannon and more than 1,000 others on a 60 mile journey over three days. Shannon is proud to be a part of this community for which she has raised over $20,000 in the last six years to support screening, education, community programs, and research. Pictured is Shannon at the end of her 10th walk in Philadelphia with her daughter, Morgan Dubay ‘20, a three-time 3-Day Youth Corps member.
Carissa Carofano Civitello graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in marketing. She is director of advancement and marketing at St. Rita School in Hamden and owns an event planning company, The Party Designers. Carissa has two wonderful children, Amato (8) and Dyllan Marie (5).
2000
Jessica Hanchette Neuweiler and her husband, Michael, welcomed their first child, Braiden Joseph, on October 21, 2015.
2001
Stefanie Hennes, her husband, Jonathan Harnois, and their daughter, Amalia, welcomed Dominic Roger on September 10, 2015. Stefanie works as an attorney for the Department of Justice in D.C.
2007
Barbara Jalowiec was married to Kevin Kalinowski in San Francisco on October 17, 2015. Chrisanne Pilletere Wnek was a bridesmaid and Jamie Nelson also attended the wedding.
Joann Korniluk Kokorus became a certified antimoney laundering specialist in October 2014. She is currently employed as a BSA operations manager for Liberty Bank in Middletown and lives in Northford, with her husband, Richard, and son, Alexander. Another bundle of joy is on the way.
2002
Marisa Caiafa Bosta is the owner of Marisa’s Hair Salon, LLC in Hamden where she resides with her husband, Jon.
2003
Meaghan McMunn Wargo recently left her position as assistant innkeeper at The Atlantic Inn on Block Island. She and her husband, Evan, along with their daughter, Isla, are relocating to Buffalo to pursue new ventures in the hospitality and culinary industries.
2004
Megan Steinberg McGrath and her husband, Shaun, welcomed their son, Brian John, on January 21. He has entered a large Academy family: grandmother Anne Flaherty ’75, great aunt Margo Flaherty Burke ’74, cousins/aunts Lauren Burke Mahoney ’02, Bethany Burke ’08, and Kelsey Higgins ’10 and is looking forward to his first SHA Easter party!
Ashley Abel is an award-winning wedding photographer having been named Best Photographer by New Haven Living Magazine and New Haven Advocate two years in a row. Ashley attended Paier College of Art where she earned her degree in photography in 2011. Check out her work at www.ashleyabel.com.
2005
Raffaella Pascarella graduated from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in May and began a three-year residency program specializing in foot and ankle surgery at Cambridge Hospital in MA. Laura DeNigris Share and Jennifer Smith both earned their juris degrees from Quinnipiac University School of Law and are associate attorneys at Bansley Anthony, LLC, a full service law firm with offices in New Haven, Groton, and Danielson. Ashleigh Smith welcomed her first child, Jackson Kasper Blake, on January 27. Unlike mom, whose tardiness was legendary during her years at Sacred Heart, Jackson decided to make his entrance a full month early!
Caroline Dearborn Raynis works for the State of Connecticut Department of Labor in Employment Services’ Operations and Program Support. She is also a certified professional resume writer. Her daughter, Lila (5) is attending kindergarten at Holy Trinity School in Wallingford and Lara (18 months) goes to Carver Preschool, a Christian Academy. Amanda Lupi teaches middle school math and science in New Haven. She is working on a master’s degree in special education.
2010
Heather Vicenty became engaged to Carl Redding on January 1. They are planning a fall 2017 wedding. Heather has accepted an internship in Columbus, OH, for the next school year, the last step to her board certification in music therapy.
2011
Alicia Avino graduated in May from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in elementary and special education. She student taught third grade at Wintergreen Intermediate Magnet School in Hamden. Jennifer Bishop graduated in May from Boston University and will pursue a master’s degree in public health. In the spring Jen interned at the World Health Organization. Megan Readey graduated in May 2015 from Western Connecticut State University where she earned a degree in media arts production. She lives in North Hollywood, CA, where she is pursuing a career in TV and film production.
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STRONG BONDS
2012
Stephanie Baldwin has moved back to NYC after studying communications and working in Tokyo for a year. She graduated from Fordham University this May and plans to continue her career as a filmmaker.
relations at Fairfield University. She is currently interning in the University’s marketing and communications department, writing for the e-newsletter and the alumni/family magazine.
Rachael Cisto is in a BS/MS occupational therapy program at University of Scranton. She continues to excel academically and attributes her success to the strong foundation she received at SHA. This year she received two impressive scholar–athlete honors: CoSIDA Academic All–District Honors for Volleyball and Landmark Conference Senior Scholar-Athlete for Volleyball. Congratulations!
to the most vulnerable populations and work with families to repair or build homes, assist with school repairs in neighborhood preschools, visit community members, play with students, and tutor local school children. “I am incredibly honored and blessed to have been selected for this opportunity and I thank Sacred Heart for instilling in me a love for serving others.” Demery Ormrod is working toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a focus in forensic psychology. She has applied to a combined degree program where she will earn a BS in criminal justice and a MA in criminology and justice. Future plans include law school to become a criminal defense attorney.
Molly Hanchuruck earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary nutrition from Johnson & Wales University in RI and is currently exploring several internship opportunities to become a registered dietitian in a hospital setting. Bethany Naccarato earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Southern Connecticut State University Honors College, graduating magna cum laude in three years. Bethany is proud to announce that she will attend Quinnipiac University School of Law in the fall.
2013
Katherine Betlej is double majoring in psychology and elementary education and was named to the dean’s list for the third consecutive semester at Western New England University. She is currently working on a graduate level dissertation exploring the academic implications of Reactive Attachment Disorder while balancing an internship working with underprivileged youth in an inner city school district. Nicole Funaro is a communications major with a double minor in journalism and public
Margaret McAndrew, a student at the College of Mount St. Vincent in Bronx, NY, is studying to become a high school English teacher. Maggie is co-founder of The Princess Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to taking college students dressed as popular Disney characters to pediatric hospitals. See article on page 26. Panagiota Zorgias is studying at St. John’s University in Queens, NY, where she is majoring in health and human services with a concentration in healthcare administration. She was recently inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society. She is treasurer of Earth Club, community service chair of the Future Healthcare Leaders of SJU, and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity.
2014
Kathryn Mortati was recently accepted into the University of Scranton International Service Program for summer 2016. She will travel to Managua, Nicaragua, to provide food, water, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care
2015
Erinn Halasinski attends Fordham University where she is involved in the Women’s Club Rugby Team and SAT tutoring with the Let’s Get Ready Program. She participated in a service trip to Ecuador during spring break. Although there is no Joke Friday at Fordham yet, she tries to tell as many corny jokes as possible to practice for when the time comes! Brooke Lotto is a dean’s list student at Southern Connecticut State University, ranked in the top 10% of her class. She qualified for and competed at the Northeast-10 Championship for indoor track and field in the triple jump event. Callia Ricozzi returned from Italy and is continuing her studies in mechanical engineering at the University of New Haven. August Warhall just completed a very successful first year as a dean’s list student at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. As a jewelry design major she is excited to integrate her unique perspective into this challenging field.
Stay in Touch! If you’ve moved or married, please contact us with your updated name and address information. Think about sharing information about noteworthy events or accomplishments in your life with your fellow alumnae! Submit your photos (jpg) and news to: RED & WHITE LINE ı Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 ı alumnae@sacredhearthamden.org
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IN MEMORIAM Sacred Heart Alumnae Carolyn Frattini Carloni ’51 Margaret Fitzgerald Pyne ’59 Frances Sweeney Rife ’57 Priscilla Thomas ’60, sister of June Thomas ’64 and Patricia Thomas Carter ’70
Sacred Heart Family Edward Allen, son of Laura Donahue Allen ’65 Dennis Barnum, II, father of Haley Barnum ’13 Willie Boyd, father of Regina Boyd ’89 Paul Brown, father of Jennifer Brown Tucker ’96 Agnes Bruno, mother of Joann Bruno Baer ’82 James Butler, father of Sarah Butler ’09, brother of Barbara Butler ’88 and Janice Butler, ’91, son of the late Josephine DiDonato Butler ’60 Louis Caliendo, father of Carly Caliendo ’11 Fortunata Coletta, mother of Johanna Coletta Fallert ’66 Henry Coppola, husband of Maura Wilson Coppola ’70 Margaret Coyle, mother of Margaret Coyle Nowakowski ’71 Mary Dauenhauer, mother of Joanne Dauenhauer Cimino ’80 Anthony DeMaio, father of Cheryl DeMaio Lombardo ’74 and Denise DeMaio Hindinger ’78
Chester Harris, husband of Janet Crocco Harris ’71 Albert Hauser, father of Kristen Hauser Murphy ’90 William Hendricks, father of Mary Hendricks Glazier ’64 Keith Jones, father of Kierstin Jones ’17 Thomas Kelly, husband of Denise DiMeo Kelly ’72 Susan LaRiviere, mother of Jenna LaRiviere ’10 Frances Leigh, mother of Maryellen Leigh ’84 Larry Lemelin, father of Gwendolyn Lemelin ’10 William Mager, father of Cynthia Mager Kim ’87 and Deborah Mager ’91 Cecelia Malicki, mother of Susan Malicki Murphy ’94 William Mathews, father of Shannon Mathews Martinello ’87 Edward Mauro, former member of the Advisory Council Robert McGuire, husband of Ellen D’Agostino McGuire ’68 and father of Kara McGuire ’99 Madeline Meriano, mother of Maria Meriano Moniello ’70 and Deborah Meriano Greenblatt ’72 David Morse, father of Katelynn Morse ’05 Michael Napierkowski, father of Alicia Napierkowski ’10 John Nolan, father of Elizabeth Nolan Integlia ’83 Assunta Piscitelli, mother of Emma Piscitelli ’83 Christine Poutot, mother of Simone Poutot Ketchum ’94
Ralph DelVecchio, father of the late Dolores DelVecchio Perfetto ’58
Thomas Prestianni, father of Alexa Prestianni Cohen ’89
Robert DiLauro, brother of Paula DiLauro Robinson ’71
Gabriele Rovinelli, father of Lucy Rovinelli Healey ’85
Eugene Fargeorge, Jr., brother of Jirina Fargeorge-Martone ’82 and Caroline Fargeorge-D’Andrea ’86
Adam Gregory Vasaturo Seagull, infant son of Michelle Vasaturo Seagull ’02 and infant grandson of Dean of Studies Annette Vasaturo
Gaetano Ferraro, father of Annmarie Ferraro Masella ’81 Nicholas Fiasconaro, father of Edwina Fiasconaro Szelag ’74
Helen Shair, mother of Anne Shair Balzano ’63 and Rita Shair ’67
Anna Rose Finer, mother of Darlene Finer Levy, ’75 and Lois Finer Boling ’79 William Finer, father of Darlene Finer Levy ’75 and Lois Finer Boling ’79
John Skalenakis, father of Lillian Skalenakis ’76
Louis Follis, father of Lynn Follis Dorian ’70 Susan Gagliardi, mother of Maria Gagliardi Moran ’84 and Theresa Gagliardi Allgaier ’88 Joseph Gentile, father of Stephanie Gentile ’93 and brother of the late Sr. Mary Carol Gentile, ASCJ, ’63 Ralph Gentile, father of Joy Gentile Balsamo ’75 Hon. Thomas Giaimo, husband of Geraldine Antonucci Giaimo ’56 and father of Maryanne Giaimo Pisani ’81 Wayne Giovanelli, father of Carissa D’Agostino ’15 Glenn Gramolini, father of Jenna Gramolini ’05
Carol Starkey, mother of Mary Bielaska ’76 John Tango, husband of Patricia Kirby Tango ’71 and father of Casey Tango ’05 Frank Tortora, father of Elizabeth Tortora ’64 Nora Toscano, mother of former member of the Advisory Council Joseph Toscano Margaret Trentini, mother of Catherine Trentini ’64 Edward Uranker, husband of Nancy Wondrach Uranker ’65 Veronica Vitale, mother of Elisa Vitale ’84 Irene Zaleski, mother of Joan Zaleski Dempsey ’78 Walter Zyskowski, father of Mary Jane Zyskowski Fegan ’83
This memorial listing includes information as of April 1. Information about deceased persons received after this date will appear in the fall issue of HEART. Please contact the Alumnae Office when an immediate family member or a graduate has passed so that we can express our condolences and remember that person in prayer.
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Sacred Heart Academy Advisory Council Karen S. Harris, CPA, FP – Chair Associate Controller, Treasury & Gift Administration ı Yale University Richard J. Iovanne – Vice Chair Market Manager, Senior Vice President ı People’s United Bank James M. Alexander, FP Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Retired ı Spinnaker Exploration Company
James E. Bowman, FP Partner ı Bowman, Monaco & Black, PC John F. Buckley, Jr., Esq., FP Attorney at Law ı Buckley & Wynne Tracy Salemme Church ’79 Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ı Hartford HealthCare
MaryGrace N. Santagata Crisci ’88 Major Sales Account Manager ı Altura Communication Solutions Sallie Ann Vece DeMarsilis ’82 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ı Movado Group, Inc. Louise Rosarbo Dinsmore ’86 Principal ı Partners in Philanthropy, LLC Anne Fitzpatrick Donahue ’84 Senior Vice President ı U.S. Bank Dolores DeFonzo Ennico ’70 Corporate Vice President of Human Resources ı Olin Corporation Salvatore G. Filardi, CP Vice President, Facilities & Capital Planning ı Quinnipiac University Mary-Ann P. Haran, Esq., FP Attorney at Law ı Law Office of Mary-Ann P. Haran Cynthia Mariani Director of Stewardship/Recording Secretary ı Yale University Robert McMahon, CP Senior Managing Director ı GE Capital Kathleen L. Nastri, Esq., CP, FP Attorney at Law ı Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, PC Sr. Linda Pettinella, ASCJ, ’65 Vice Provincial and Councilor ı Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Thomas P. Smith, Jr. Chief Insurance Officer ı Knights of Columbus Mallory A. Tarca ’04 SOX Leader ı W.R. Berkley Corporation Earl W. Tucker III, FP Project Manager and Vice President ı Empire Paving, Inc. Mary Lee Weber, FP Director of Business Development ı Cashman & Katz
MARK YOUR CALENDAR 2016 - 2017 ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION EVENTS
2016 2016
September 10 ı Ladies’ Day of Reflection at Sacred Heart on the Lake, Higganum, CT 20 ı Alumnae Leadership Team Planning Session October 11 ı Alumnae Gathering — Harvest 15 ı Christmas Shopping Trip to Woodbury Commons, Central Valley, NY November 1 ı Alumnae Leadership Team Planning Session 4 & 5 ı Alumnae at the Musical, Shubert Theater, New Haven, CT 17 ı Chapel Bells Memorial Liturgy 23 ı Young Alumnae Return Day for Classes of 2013 - 2016 December 1 – 6 ı Alumnae Christmas Stocking Drive 6 ı Alumnae Gathering — Christmas Stocking Social 17 ı Alumnae Leadership Team Holiday Activity
2017 2017
February 7 ı Alumnae Leadership Team Planning Session March 8 ı Alumnae Gathering — Gaelic and Garlic Get Together April 4 ı Alumnae Leadership Team Planning Session 8 ı Children’s Easter Party May 2 ı Alumnae Gathering — May Spring Fling 24 ı Class of 2017 Alumnae Induction and Sponsors’ Garden Reception June 3 ı Alumnae Reunion Day Alumnae Gatherings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the DiMeo Library. All are welcome. Come and join us…new format with focus on friendship, fare, and information. Planning sessions for the Alumnae Leadership Team are held at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Heart Speaks to Heart
Sr. Sheila M. O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 ı President Sr. Maureen P. Flynn, ASCJ, ’81 ı Principal Deborah S. Camner ı Director of Mission Advancement Maria Cammarota ı Business Manager FP ı Former Parent
CP ı Current Parent
Visit “Heart Speaks to Heart,” a blog for spiritual inspiration, featuring reflections from Director of Alumnae Relations Sr. Mariette Moan, ASCJ, ’77 at www.heartspeaksblog.wordpress.com.
YOU are a blessing to our Sacred Heart family. Please give generously to the 2015-2016 Sacred Heart Academy Annual Fund and help us continue excellence in Catholic education.
e
n. \’gra t
¨ : Thank you for all you do. -tud GIVING CIRCLES
Cornerstone Circle Charter Circle Mother Clelia Merloni Circle Excelsior Circle Sr. Antonine Signorelli Circle Red & White Circle The 21st Century Circle Heart to Heart Circle
$10,000 + $5,000 - $9,999 $2,500 - $4,999 $1,000 - $2,499 $500 - $999 $250 - $499 $100 - $249 up to $99
To make your gift online visit www.sacredhearthamden.org/give All gifts made by June 30, 2016, will be credited to the 2015-2016 Sacred Heart Academy Annual Fund and published in the fall issue of HEART magazine in the Honor Roll of Giving section.
Sacred Heart Academy 265 Benham Street Hamden, CT 06514-2801
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CELEBRATING 70 YEARS ı 1946 - 2016 You are invited to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of SACRED HEART ACADEMY and NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL with a liturgy on Sunday, September 25 Two o’clock in the afternoon St. Rita Church ı 1620 Whitney Avenue ı Hamden, Connecticut Dessert reception following in Donnelly Parish Center