Pathways, Fall 2022

A program with impact

by Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62

Cheers to all who celebrated anniversary re unions! On October 15, 2022 SCA welcomed back our alumnae whose graduation year end ed in 2 and 7, and what a great day it was! I’m from the Class of ’62, and happy to report that we were there 19 strong. We have a great class representative in Mary Coletti who keeps us together and serves as our official archivist.

The official class photos on the front cover only do partial justice to the celebration of friendship, sisterhood, and gratitude for an education rooted in faith and excel lence. They cannot capture the countless stories shared or the true joy on faces of alumnae reconnecting to friends of long ago. Reunion is also a day to show off the school and the programs of 2022. Whether toured by student ambassadors or self-guided, the impression of so many was St. Catharine Academy, ever-changing but still the same.

Our Areas of Concentration

Two stops on the tour were the STEM lab, a gift of the Class of 1966, and the Art Room. STEM and Vi sual Arts have become our signature programs. They represent areas of concentration, different from tracks which was in place when I attended SCA. Judging from the yearbooks, SCA’s curriculum and home rooms was organized around four academic tracks-Science, Language, General and Business—from 1958 to 1966. While there was some shuffling of students between freshmen and sophomore year, thereafter you stayed in your track. (I was in Science).

St. Catharine Academy

2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891

• Phone: 718-882-2882

Today’s curriculum program is more flexible. A student interested in art or STEM can take one course or im merse themselves in related course work over their high school career. The result are college acceptances with scholarship into selective majors and fields of study. I in vite you to read more about our Visual Arts program, and emerging music program, on pages 4 and 5.

Strategic Partnerships

Regarding STEM education where the pace of change is revolutionary, there is only so much that SCA can uniquely offer and fund. Therefore, under the leadership of STEM teacher and coach, Ms. Sheree Petrignani, better known as Ms. P., SCA looks beyond the corners of the STEM lab, leveraging relationships with colleges and universities to broaden the program’s impact. These same institutions also look to SCA for academically strong future students who also will further their diversity and women in engineering and technology goals. Within the past year Catharinites have been accepted into such programs as the Harvard Virtual Academy to study Python coding, the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program at Manhattan College, and AI (artificial intelligence) Camp at Stanford University. On page 3 you can read more about student successes.

Speaking of strategic partnerships, I’m delighted that our Alumna Profile, page 6, features Dr. Krystal Brijlall, Pharm.D. RPh. Krystal, a member of the Class of 2011 who owns two pharmacies in the Bronx, gave back and partnered with St. Catharine Academy through a vaccination program offered to all faculty, staff, and students. SCA plans to extend this partnership by hosting a community health fair in November.

• Fax: 718-231-9099

• www.scahs.org

In Conclusion

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I am grateful to all for what we nour ish and create together. I hold you in grateful prayer and ask that you keep SCA in your prayers as well.v

Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62 President

Sr. Ann M. Welch, RSM Principal

Jessica Ruiz Director, Alumnae & Family Relations Patrice Athanasidy Marketing Consultant

Contributing Writers: Patrice Athanasidy Jessica Ruiz Sr. Patricia Wolf, RSM ‘62

Photography: LORS Peter Schuber

Design and Layout: Nanako Inoue

Brianna R. ‘24 receives honor from College Board’s National Recognition Program

STORIES

Brianna R. ‘24, a junior, has been named a Hispan ic Scholar as part of the College Board’s National Rec ognition Program. She is one of some 5,000 scholars selected by the College Board nationwide.

“I felt incredibly proud to have been acknowledged for my academic achievements by the College Board,” Brianna says. She and her younger brother are first-generation Americans with roots in the Domini can Republic and Ecuador. A graduate of St. Raymond Elementary School, Brianna is captain of the St. Cath arine Academy’s award-winning Robotics team.

Marcelle C. ‘25 , a sophmore, completed Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp over the summer. Students spent three weeks working on a project which predicted the severity of car accidents. The program, which is taught by Stanford AI experts, includes learning how to build an AI product, touring AI companies, meeting guest speakers and exploring a variety of tech roles to learn more about careers in the industry.

“Through AI Camp, I was able to learn/code Python,” Marcelle says. “I also learned about web development

Leah R. ‘25 a sophomore, participated in the New York University Step Program

Brianna considers St. Catharine’s a major influence on receiving the award. She says she chose to come to SCA because she was drawn to the many advanced courses the school offered as well as the variety of clubs and teams. “SCA was a school that really valued academic excellence and achievement, and I think that’s a very motivating factor of any school.” She also credits Mrs. Petrignani, Robotics teacher and coach, as a great influence. “Before taking her class and joining her team, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted, but now I can confidently say I want to be an engineer.”

and machine learning. It not only helped us code the project but also test out different levels of severity.” Marcelle, a member of the robotics team, says the pro gram helped her understand how AI is becoming a new tool used in the STEM field. “It is making our everyday lives better and why we code on our robotics team.” She is also a member of the Beta Club and APP team. Last spring, Marcelle worked with Stantec and the Hudson Meridian Construction Group as part of the ACE Mentor Program through Manhattan College on an architecture plan to Reimagine Mosholu Parkway.

Marcelle C. ‘25 completes Artificial Intelligence (AI) Camp at Stanford University

Leah R. ‘25 , a sophomore, participated in the New York University STEP Program last summer. The pro gram included classes in chemistry, geometry and anat omy/physiology, guest speakers, and participating in a book publishing project with essays written by program members.

“Group work was a very common occurrence and since most classes had students in the same age group, it was very easy to make friends, Leah says, describing the program. “All homework was assigned and turned in through the NYU Brightspace website, which was just the more complex version of Google classroom that we use in SCA. Most Thursdays, everyone from the program would meet at the NYU Kimmel Cen ter to hear from a guest speaker and participate in

group activities and discussions.”

Leah points to the program helping her grow academi cally. “It allowed me to improve my writing proficiency. I grew socially as well and became more confident after being around many people of different backgrounds and cultures.”

When thinking of St. Catharine’s, Leah says her fresh man year algebra teacher, Mr. Yoon, was a major influ ence. “Mr. Yoon’s enthusiastic attitude, dedication and fast-paced teaching style pushed me to work harder.”

She plans to bring that energy to all she does at SCA. Leah is a member of the National Beta Club and SCA robotics team. She also participates in campus ministry and the book club.

As you walk through St. Catharine Academy you will be drawn to the many art displays in the corridors and hear the choir learning their newest song. Students have many ways to explore their expressive side. The visual arts program enables students to take one course or immerse themselves in art during their high school career. A reinvigorated music program is designed to offer options beyond choir.

SCA Arts Program is all about expression

By Patrice E. Athanasidy

Visual Arts

With such a variety of courses and clubs, visual arts has become a signature program at St. Catharine’s. Students who follow their artistic passion have received scholarships and been accepted into prestigious programs throughout the country. This past year St. Catharine’s students had a 100% passing rate of 3 or more on the AP Art and Design 2D exam.

“Arts literacy generates connections with other disciplines, providing opportunities to create, develop and express meaning across a variety of content areas,” Ms. Deborah Ross, art teacher, explains. “Students can explore and express ideas about themselves and their community; and begin to envision possible futures. SCA offers a broad range of visual art courses which include Intro to Art, Drawing & Painting, Fashion Design, Graphic Design and AP Art & Design.”

One arts alumna, Ariana Crossman ‘22, is currently study ing architecture at Pratt Institute as one of only five students selected as a Wallace Augustus Rayfield Scholar. ”This scholarship is an amazing honor to receive,” Ariana says. “I am extremely grateful to be able to continue Wallace Augustus Rayfield’s legacy and study at his alma mater, Pratt Institute. African-Americans have been historically under represented in many fields but especially architecture. This

Music

The music program at St. Catharine’s is expanding under the direction of Mr. Stephen Johnson, music teacher. This year SCA has reintroduced choir which meets for daily rehearsal, sings for Mass and will present a Christmas program still in the planning stages.

The Introduction to Music class, which is new, teaches students about music in various time periods and important composers throughout history.

Students learn the basics of singing and reading music. They also learn about the instruments in the orchestra from strings to percussion and how they all work together. Mr. Johnson says, “We listen and watch lots of performances. It is hoped that the students’ lives are enriched by their awareness of a variety of musical expressions.”

scholarship will allow me to make my mark on the architecture world and increase diversity. With this opportunity I hope I can open doors for others who look like me as well.”

Clubs also enhance the arts experience outside the class room. Students in the Art Club and Photography Club explore their creativity throughout the year and learn from each other as they collaborate.

Kristian E.’23, who participated in a special arts program over the summer, describes how SCA is helping her grow artistically. “I’ve been greatly influenced by my fellow art students and my art teacher, Ms. Deborah Ross. I’ve been pushed to go out of my comfort zone and explore different mediums while a part of art classes at SCA.”

The depth of the program gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion beyond high school. Over the years, SCA has placed students with scholarships in prestigious college programs, including Pratt Institute, Moore College of Art & Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Otis College of Art and Design, Parsons School of Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Mr. Johnson, who has served as a church musician and choral director, has also been teaching since 2008 sharing all his musical experience with his students. He holds a master of music degree in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Mr. Johnson wants to expand the SCA program over the next few years to include a music theory course and an instrumental program.

Students say they are glad to be part of the new program, pointing to how it enhances their daily experience. Brianna R. ‘24, says, “Being in the choir and being able to attend rehearsals as a class has been such a nice and peaceful experience. There’s a very stark contrast in mood between my regular classes and choir, in that choir feels so much more freeing and easy going. It’s truly a time to relax and just enjoy singing with my peers.”

Yudelis M. ‘23 concludes, “The music program has been such a thrill. It is the best form of free expression. It has been my outlet in a full day of heavy classes. Our music teacher has been so amazing and understanding that in a time, going back to normalcy, he has been the one to make me feel at home.”

Alumna brings vaccination program to SCA

Krystal Ivana Brijlall, Pharm.D. RPh. ‘11

A pharmacist who recently opened two pharmacies in the local area, brought a vaccination program to St. Catharine Academy in October to give back to the high school she appreciates so much.

“I am grateful for all the work SCA did to help shape and mold me into the young lady that I am today,” she says. “I wanted to come back and support the school and the community.” She held a vaccination program in October and is planning a community health fair in November.

“As a way of giving back to SCA and to the community, this program/health fair stresses the importance of being vaccinated with not only COVID but various other vaccinations including but not limited to Shingles, Pneumococcal, Influ enza, and more,” Krystal explains.

“Vaccines are the strongest tool we have in virus protection,” says Annalisa Imperia, school nurse. “Working with Krystal in keeping our school community healthy and having her come back to SCA to provide our faculty, staff and students with their vaccinations has been a great asset.”

Krystal owns the Bridge Rx Pharmacy at 763 Allerton Ave nue and Bridge Care Pharmacy at 4008 Boston Road. They are part of Krystal’s plan to create health care centers within

the community to provide better access to testing and vacci nations in the Bronx, which often lags behind in vaccination rates and preventative healthcare.

Krystal is a graduate of the Arnold and Marie Schwartz Col lege of Pharmacy Doctorate Program at Long Island Univer sity. She says SCA prepared her well for the rigorous six-year program.

She says in her early school years she struggled with reading. At SCA she became part of the Student Council and gained leadership skills. “It entailed conducting school events, hosting philanthropic gatherings, prepar ing school walks, dances, and most importantly speaking with incoming freshmen and parents on the importance that SCA instills in its students,” she says.

S“SCA not only motivated me but every one of my peers to go beyond our reach. I grew a love for sci ence and with that SCA made me shadow fields of service within the medical field. Going down that path, Pharmacy landed at my feet.”

Krystal plans to continue working with and through SCA to share her expertise with the local community.

1959 Frances LaMotta Monti writes, “My husband Bill and I just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. He came to my SCA prom.”

1962 Louise Biancardi Villani celebrates the birth of her first grandchild, Robert Allen Villani on August 2, 2022, 8lbs and 4 oz.

1965 Donna Donofrio Costanza writes, “My husband and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary. We were joined by our children, grandchildren, family, and friends.”

1967 Jean Tinari Doyen writes, “I am a licensed adult nurse practitioner. I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.”

1972 Eileen Wolf Davey and her husband Mike relocated, after living 32 years in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in October 2020 to be closer to their family. The picture is Eileen with her son Kevin, and grandchildren Maddie, 2 ½, and Emmett, 6 months.

1977 Jo-Marie DiBattista writes, “I retired from NYC Health-+Hospitals on January 14, 2022. I have been appointed faculty for the school of nursing at Manhattanville College. My daughter, Jessica, graduated from SCA on June 1, 2022, and is attending Manhattanville College.”

1987 Evie Tsolomytis-Kalousis shares, “I am enjoying my twenty years in Catholic education.”

2004 Marisa Totino Villani, PhD graduated from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education in May 2022. Marisa is a proud first-generation college student whose wildest academic dream was to obtain a PhD. Her research focuses on Mission and identity, academic advising, and persistence support for first-generation college students. Nothing could have been better than achieving this tremendous personal goal, except for the birth of her second child, Angelo Michael Villani in June. Angelo joined big brother Matteo, her husband, Tom, and of course, Dr. Mama.

2008 Nadia Seeteram reports that she recently completed her Ph.D. in Earth Science Systems from Florida International University. She is a climate adaptation scientist with expertise in climate migration and adaptation to dynamic sea level rise impacts. Nadia has accepted a position as a fellow at Columbia University’s Climate School and relocated to New York.

2014 Leanna Bonanno writes that she graduated in May 2022 with a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from Manhattan College.

2015 Caitlin Dixon writes that she has started a new position as an Intervention Counselor for high school and elementary schools with the Archdiocese of New York Drug Abuse and Prevention Program.

Please remember St. Catharine Academy in your will.

Our legal title is St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, New York 10469

2018 Amal Binmahfood married her lifelong best friend Faysal Banafe in June 2022!

Jeannine Carpenter-Reeves is thrilled to report that she graduated from the FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on September 26, 2022, after completing an 18week course. She’s assigned to the Soundview section of the Bronx.

Daniela DeGregorio ‘89

March 2022

Jennifer Tagliaferro Herencia ‘89 July 1, 2022

Sharon McDonald Reilly ‘57 August 2, 2022

Alfred O. Weber

August 9, 2022

Husband of MaryAnn Rosato Weber ‘58

Patricia Simbulan Smith ‘54 August 10, 2022

Veronica Faughnan Bartlett ‘49 August 15, 2022

Matthew C. Pennacchia September 20, 2022

Husband of Carol Patrissi Pennacchia ‘76 and father of Nicole Pennacchia Sallustio ‘00 and Danielle Pennacchia ‘04

IN MEMORIAM

St. C atharine A cademy

2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469-4891 www.scahs.org

Address Service Requested

St. Catharine Academy is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and is a member of the Mercy Education System of the Americas, Inc.

CAREER DAY

Are you interested in speaking to the young women of St. Catharine Academy about your profession?

St Catharine Academy is hosting an in person and virtual career day for the 10th and 11th graders on Thursday, March 16, 2023 We seek alumnae or friends of SCA from a variety of professions

Please contact Sr Patricia Wolf, RSM '62, president if you are interested at pwolf@scahs.org.