wings - summer 2013
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SUMMER 2013
S t . J o s e p h ’ s A c a d e m y A l u m n a e M a g a z i n e
M i c h a e l a W i t c h e r ’ s R e t i r e m e n t M a s s & C e l e b r a t i o n
Dear SJA Alumnae,
Here we are already in summer 2013.
This year has flown by with so many
wonderful intellectual pursuits, engaging
activities and brilliant accomplishments
of our students and benefactors.
We have been blessed with graduating 161 very talented, caring and promising
young women in the SJA class of 2013. Unfortunately the rain forced us indoors,
even after we dried off 1,500 chairs in the amphitheater at 5pm. The Honor
Guard of the Class of 1963 was out in full force for a beautiful reception of our
graduates as they entered the ceremony in their caps and gowns.
We added two significant events this year we would like to bring to your
attention. Last fall during Reunion Week we asked three alumnae back
to campus to speak to our girls. What amazing lives they are living. Patti
Sullivan Mays ’82, Nicole Benoist ’93 and Lauren Ruggeri ’02 spoke
to the students about what their experiences at SJA meant to them, and
how their lives continue to reflect the values and SJA mission. It was a very
touching and inspiring assembly, and current students were given time to ask
questions and meet their “Angel older sisters.”
We also added a new spring evening event - our Scholarship Celebration -
where we invited our donors and student recipients to come together to share
a meal and to get to know each other. This was a fantastic opportunity for
those who invest in our girls to meet the families they are supporting. The initial
gathering was very successful and we promise to hold this again next year.
As we renew ourselves during the quieter summer days here on campus,
we thank you for all you are and all you do for St. Joe and for our Angels.
We pray for God’s continued blessings in your lives, and ask God to con-
tinue to bless us in our work.
Sincerely,
Anita Reznicek
PRESIDENTAnita Reznicek
PRINCIPALPat Dunphy, CSJ
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALKaren Davis
CORRESPONDENCEOffice of Alumnae & DevelopmentSt. Joseph’s Academy2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63131Email: [email protected]: www.stjosephacademy.org
ADDRESS CHANGESPhone: 314-394-4342Email: [email protected]
DESIGN BYVeritas AdvertisingEmail: [email protected]
Contents
WHAT’S UP AT SJA 2-3Short updates of the latest news
WELCOME CLASS OF 2017 4-5
ANGEL SPOTLIGHT 6-7Michaela Witcher and Sr. Pat Dunphy, CSJ
EVENTS
SJA in Paris...An Evening with the Angels 86th Annual Celebration at Sunset 9NEWS 10-11CLASS NOTES 12IN MEMORIAM 13CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14
Saint Joseph’s Academy Mission StatementSt. Joseph’s Academy is a college preparatory high school
sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Our mission at
the Academy is to provide quality Catholic education for young women
in an environment that challenges them to grow in faith, knowledge,
and respect for self and others. Our community expects these young
women to make a profound impact in the world.
1
SJA Reunion Weekend!October 5, 2013
Save the date and mark your calendars!
If you are in the class of
1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003
you have a reunion coming up in October 2013!
Reunion Weekend will be celebrated on Saturday, October 5, 2013 and SJA is thrilled to invite all of the classes celebrating a reunion this year back to campus! Plus, this year we have some new and exciting features to add to Reunion Weekend! We will be hosting Fall Harvest
in the morning which will include ALL St. Joe Alumnae and their families followed by the evening events which will be for all of our Alumnae Angels celebrating a reunion this year.
Here are the details!To kick off the celebration, on Saturday, October 5, we will be hosting our annual
Fall Harvest on the back campus from 10am-1pm. It is a great opportunity to bring your kids to St. Joe and have a fun-filled family day! We will have games, pony rides, arts & crafts,
lunch provided by the SJA Fathers’ Club and so much more! This part of the day will be open to ALL St. Joe Alumnae and their families!
Later that evening we will be hosting our annual Reunion Event on campus, beginning with Mass in the SJA Chapel at 5pm. This year in addition to our Reunion Celebration we will have a ceremony
immediately following Mass to honor Bud Stein, SJA Math Teacher. Bud Stein has been a beloved teacher at St. Joe since 1985. Bud is an incredible teacher and we are blessed to have him at SJA. So many of our
Alumnae credit him with the ability to allow them to have fun with Math, while at the same time learning intricate Math equations and theories. Whether building a bridge or calculating how to make the perfect hot air balloon, Bud Stein is a teacher that goes above and beyond. He is a gifted teacher and we are so grateful for all he has done for our Alumnae and the incredible dedication and passion that he still has for
teaching our Angels. Please join us in honoring Bud Stein with the St. Joseph the Worker Award!
Schedule for Reunion events on Saturday, October 5
5pm ~ Reunion Liturgy in the SJA Chapel6pm ~ St. Joseph the Worker Award presented to Math Teacher, Bud Stein
6:30pm – 8:30pm ~ Cocktail Hour in the SJA Shanahan Commons After the Mass and Award Ceremony tours of the school will be given by current SJA students so that you can take a walk down Memory Lane at the Academy!
If your class is interested in planning an individual class party, off campus, during that weekend for your class only, the St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae Office is happy help by providing current
contact information for any class celebrating a reunion. Please call or email Theresa Klein, SJA Alumnae Director, to request a copy of your Class Roster or if you have any additional questions
about Reunion Weekend at [email protected] or via phone at 314.394.4343. We are looking forward to seeing you on October 5, 2013!
Spring Breaks With Charity
Twenty-two students from SJA spent their spring break in New Orleans working with Habitat for Humanity. This was the second year that students have gone to the most devastated area of New Orleans to rebuild homes in the 9th ward.
The students began on a Monday with sight-seeing because that is the day that Habitat prepares everything for the volunteers to work with during the week. Throughout their time volunteering, students became experts with the hammer as they began by laying floors down. They were also given the task of putting up exterior and interior walls. Our young ladies worked seven-hours a day and it was a fantastic experience for everyone.
Seniors Mary Brightfield, Natalie D’Alessandro, Jenna DeWoskin, Lauren Durst, Allie Hentschell, Hailey Meersman, Alex Mohs, Lauren Nuelle, Tatum Van Dam, Rachel Volmert and Megan Won led the trip.
Juniors Camille Fox, Clare Hannick, Katy Kurowski, Elaina Simon and Emily Weible supported the expedition. Sophomores Kate Hannick, Elizabeth Loe, Kate Schwartz, Meg Sharp, Rachel Walker and Emma Welge were introduced to the trip. Chaperones were faculty Bud Stein, Ann Hammer, Leigh Edmonston and Jennifer Millikan. Three supervisors from Habitat and Americor gave direction.
They truly nailed it for the dear neighbor!
A Symphony of Honors
On April 11, three St. Joe students were honored at Powell Hall as finalists in the St. Louis Symphony’s annual Express the
Music Contest. These young ladies were senior Stephanie McElwrath, sophomore Elizabeth Kenny and freshman Madeleine Staley. To enter the contest, students listened to Mussorgsky’s Pictures of an Exhibition: the Great Gate of Kiev and responded by writing a creative story or poem. SJA students were among 54 finalists out of over 1,700 entries. Congratulations to these girls and their teachers, Mrs. Stephanie Lancaster, Mrs. Kathy Hams and Mrs. LuAnn Worrall, for representing excellence in writing at the Academy.
In The Swim of Things
SJA has an All-Metro swimming Ace! Sophomore Grace Stiegemeyer was named to the All-Metro first team by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Grace brought home a trio of top ten finishes at state level competition. She placed third in the 200-free and clocked in at 1:53.67. The 500-free found Grace at fifth with a time of 5:04.90. Grace also swam the final leg of the 200-free relay team as she helped her Angel teammates finish second in that relay. Grace was totally surprised and grateful for this honor—but her teammates were not at all surprised. They knew who was a swimming Ace! Congratulations, Grace!
3Please visit our website to get all the latest St. Joe News http://stjosephacademy.org/2 3
National Letter of Intent Signings
This spring we had 5 Angels sign National Letters of Intent. We are incredibly proud of these student athletes and we wish them luck as they enter the next level of athletic competition at some top notch Universities.
SoccerLexi Boschert—Rockhurst University Haley Kavanaugh—College of William & MaryLauren Nuelle—Webster University
SwimmingMeghan Glogoza—University of Arkansas–Little Rock
Field HockeySophia Sansone—Catholic University of America
To Write is to Recieve
Each year juniors in every Catholic High School in the Archdiocese are invited to write an essay on “what giving means to them.” Their essays are used in promoting the Annual Catholic Appeal. The top three essayists, chosen by their teachers, receive a cash award that can be used as a scholarship to help with senior year tuition. The award recipients support their essays on giving by citing the important lessons they are learning from those who have made sacrifices for them, and others who have inspired them to give back in some way. Essayists from SJA are Julie Deibel who placed first in the competition, Colleen Dillon placed second and Claire Henson placed third. These young ladies met with Archbishop Robert Carlson who personally handed each winner her award.
Happy Chinese Competition!
SJA’s Mandarin Chinese III class participated in the 2013 “Happy Chinese Competition.” This was St. Joe’s first time participating in the competition sponsored by Webster University and the Confucius Institute. SJA took 3rd place in the talent portion of the Competition. The team, Allison Engelage, Ashleigh Litzsinger, Ashlyn Hoock, Ashley Taylor, Clare Hannick, Charlotte Cordova and Kate Hannick, received prizes, a certificate and a trophy for all their hard work, plus having a great time celebrating the Chinese language!
Congratulations to the team and Mandarin Chinese teacher, Ms. Heather Hughes!
SJA’s Angel Outreach Receives another Award!
On April 18, 2013, Angel Outreach and the teacher who founded this wonderful club, Jane Garvin, received the Generosity of Joseph Award from the Sisters of St. Joseph. The award is given to people and organizations who exemplify generosity like that of St. Joseph. The people who make up Angel Outreach live that generosity day in and day out. They serve the dear neighbor without distinction and make a profound impact on the St. Louis community.
Jane Garvin founded Angel Outreach in 2006 as a way for the SJA students to live out the Sisters of St. Joseph’s call to “practice of all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of which woman is capable and which will most benefit the dear neighbor.” Congratulations Jane and Angel Outreach -we are so proud of your incredible work!
What’s Up at SJA
Jane Garvin and her family
at the Award Ceremony
Welcome Class of 2017St. Joseph’s Academy would like to welcome its newest Angels. We look forward to having you as a part of the SJA community!
Caroline AlfaroIncarnate Word Elem School
Christine Wiehl 86 (m)
Sophie BardenSt. Clement of Rome School
Emma 14 (s)
Elizabeth BarrettSte. Genevieve du Bois School
Caitlin 07 (s)
Emily BauwensSt. Clare of Assisi School
Anissa Bernardez
St. Clare of Assisi School
Julia BiehleSt. Alban Roe School
Kelly Bockerstett
St. Joseph School CottlevilleLauren 15 (s)
Abigail Bourbon
Saeger Middle School
Kirsten BourbonParkway South Middle School
Katherine Brennan
Christ Prince of Peace School
Sarah BrightfieldIncarnate Word Elem School
Mary 13 (s)Megan 15 (s)
Amanda Buehrle
St. Alban Roe School
Mary BurgerCrestview Middle School
Mary Burnham
Holy Infant School
Emily BurtonHoly Infant School
Isabelle Chickanosky
Mary Queen of Peace School
Daria ClucasSt. Joseph School Cottleville
Catherine Cordia
Mary Queen of Peace School
Isabella CoronaAscension School
Ellen DarlandMary Queen of Peace School
Mary 14 (s)Mary Clare Darland 84 (m)
Jeanne Leritz Callahan 47 (g)
Anna DavisCrestview Middle School
Olivia Davis
Brentwood Middle School
Catherine DelkerSt. Patrick Sch-Wentzville
Delaney Dickey
St. Joseph School CottlevilleMadison 14 (s)
Natalie Dienstbach
Ascension SchoolKatherine 08 (s)
Victoria Doering
St. Mary Magdalen School
Ellen DonlinSt. Clare of Assisi School
Grace Dressel
Visitation AcademyClaire 14 (s)Allison 12 (s)
Riley Durham
St. Clare of Assisi SchoolTiffany Durham 92 (m)
Therese Egan
St. Clement of Rome SchoolMary Caroline 13 (s)
Elizabeth 15 (s)Kathleen 09 (s)
Jacqueline Faron
Academy of the Sacred HeartJessica 11 (s)
Rachel FedererAscension School
Malia Fisher
Frontier Middle School
Christina FritzHazelwood N Middle School
Elisabetta GabrieleIncarnate Word Elem School
Rossella 15 (s)
Julia GarlichChrist Prince of Peace School
Joan 13 (s)Jill Garlich 80 (m)
Rose Garr
North Kirkwood Middle School
Gabrielle GeversFt Zumwalt West Mid School
Bridget Gibson
Mary Queen of Peace School
Cambrie GielowSt. Joseph - Imperial
Grace Goga
Holy Redeemer School
Marguerite GoodrowLadue Middle School
Conner Gray
St. Clare of Assisi School
Hannah GruensfelderSt. Joseph School Cottleville
Emily Guzy
Ft Zumwalt West Mid School
Amal HamedHazelwood N Middle School
Zoe HarrisSalem Lutheran
Adrienne Hill
St. Clare of Assisi School
Campbell HillHoly Infant School
Delaney 15 (s)Kyerstin 10 (s)
Katharine Hudson
St. Clement of Rome SchoolMary 13 (s)Alissa Hulett
Mary Queen of Peace School
Jenna HuntParkway South Middle School
Emily 11 (s)
Amanda IsomSt. James the Greater School
Maya Jackson
Mary Queen of Peace SchoolNancy Fawcett Jackson 61 (g)
Ashley JamesSt. Peter School - Kirkwood
Carolyn Karutz
Incarnate Word Elem SchoolVictoria 15 (s)
Allison Keith
St. Clare of Assisi School
Katie KerstingIncarnate Word Elem School
Jenna Klinkhammer
St. Clare of Assisi School
Laura KochanskiSt. Gerard Majella School
Sarah 14 (s)Christine Kochanski 83 (m)
Kennedy Kohl
St. Alban Roe School
Maria KramerSt. Alban Roe School
Laura 08 (s)Michelle 11 (s)Marissa 12 (s)
Annette Kramer 79 (m)
Gabrielle KriegSt. Alban Roe School
Carolyn KutchbackImmaculate Concept
Sch-Dardenne
Victoria LandMary Queen of Peace School
Mary Lane
Incarnate Word Elem School
Gabrielle LawlorRockwood South Mid School
Jenna Leahy
Parkway Central MiddleKatherine 15 (s)
Janie Leahy 87 (m)Mary Mansfield Mohart 60 (g)
Kara LensmeyerHoly Infant School
Meredith Lewis
Ste. Genevieve du Bois SchoolMichelle Lewis 88 (m)
Francine Bilyeu Michel 65 (g)
Judith LucasLittle Flower School
Sophia Marcinkiewicz
St. Joseph School Cottleville
Gabrielle MartinoSelvidge Middle School
Allison 14 (s)Anna McAtee
St. Peter School - Kirkwood
Brenna McGrailImmaculate Concept School
Susan McGrail 95 (m)Peggy Hennelly McGrail 64 (g)
Molly McKeon
St. Joseph School Cottleville
Bridget McLaughlinSt. Gerard Majella School
Mary 15 (s)
Kelly McLaughlinSt. Peter School - Kirkwood
Emily Meier
Christ Prince of Peace School
Anna MilburnImmacolata School
Joan Milburn 74 (m)
Anna MillerAscension School
Mackenzie MillerAscension School
Lucy Scheulen Miller 65 (g)
Madeleine MitchellSt. Ambrose School
Carolyn Mitchell 92 (m)Mary Moroso Kerber 64 (g)
BreAnn MurphyAscension School
Anika Nobs
St. Monica School
Mary OlsonImmacolata School
Grace 12 (s)
Marissa O’MalleySt. Justin Martyr School
Kristina OsredkerAcademy of the Sacred Heart
Kari 02 (s) Katelyn Paez
St. Joseph School Cottleville
Jenna PesekBernard Middle School
Caroline Pozo
St. John Lutheran School
Elizabeth ProsperiIncarnate Word Elem School
Katherine 13 (s)
Marissa QuinnAscension School
Sophia Radetic
Crestview Middle School
Lauren RedingSt. Alban Roe School
Hannah Reeves
Hollenbeck Middle SchoolElizabeth 15 (s)
Eryn Rideout
Westminster Christian Academy
Zoe RobinsonRemington School
Caroline Roethlisberger
Visitation Academy
Elizabeth RoethlisbergerVisitation Academy
Julia Rowan
Mary Queen of Peace SchoolCarol Kriegshauser Bremehr 49 (g)
Taylor Rowland
Incarnate Word Elem School
Abigail RussoMary Queen of Peace School
Tatum Schieber
St. Clare of Assisi School
Emily SchneiderImmaculate Concept
School Dardenne
Sarah ShepardWydown Middle School
Dorothy Einig Shepard 57 (g)
Madelyn SimonSte. Genevieve du Bois School
Nancy Gund Simon 61 (g)
Angela SimpsonChrist Prince of Peace School
Nautica Slater
DeLaSalle Middle Catholic School
Jessica SquellatiCrestview Middle SchoolKaren Squellati 84 (m)
Natalie Stagoski
St. Joseph School ManchesterEmilie 15 (s)
Megan Steis
Seckman Middle School
Mallory StockChrist Prince of Peace School
Morgan 12 (s)Madeleine 12 (s)
Audrey StriflerAscension School
Margaret Sullivan
Ste. Genevieve du Bois SchoolJoanne Crowley Sullivan 52 (g)
Lauryn SussmanAscension School
Mi’Kayla Taylor
Most Holy Trinity SchoolAshley 14 (s)
Allison Thomas
St. Clare of Assisi SchoolErica 15 (s)
Grace Thompson
Our Lady of Sorrows School
Kathryn ThompsonHoly Infant SchoolMadeleine 15 (s)
Rose Thompson 83 (m)
Natalie TildenHoly Infant School
Paige 14 (s)
Marisa TomekQueen of All Saints School
Marissa Triller
St. Joseph School Cottleville
Meghan TroughtonImmaculate Concept School
Megan VanGieson
Crestview School
Genevieve VogelSt. Joseph School Cottleville
Lauren Wade
Our Lady of the Pillar School
Nicole WaltersQueen of All Saints School
Kristen Weber
Incarnate Word Elem SchoolLauren 09 (s)Annie 11 (s)
Judy Weber 83 (m)
Kristen WehmeierIncarnate Word Elem School
Stephanie 11 (s)
Elisabeth WeppnerNipher Middle School
Katherine Weppner 85 (m)
Meredith WestrichMary Queen of Peace School
Aidan Whitworth
Brentwood Middle School
Meredith YaldenSt. Joseph School Manchester
Caroline Zupan
Rockwood Valley Mid School
Please visit our website to get all the latest St. Joe News http://stjosephacademy.org/4 5
Sister Pat Dunphy Retires
SJA Principal Sr. Pat Dunphy, CSJ, retired at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. She has served St. Joseph’s Academy for nine years—two as assistant principal and seven as principal—and her legacy will most certainly live on in our hearts.
Sr. Pat has left an indelible mark on the St. Joseph’s Academy community and we could not be more grateful for her years of service to our Angels, the SJA Faculty and Staff and the entire St. Joe Community. When you meet Sr. Pat, you can immediately feel her wonderful energy and love for St. Joseph’s Academy. Without fail, Sr. Pat can light up a room and make everyone feel at home at the Academy. We will miss her dearly next year, but we are thankful for all that she has done to make St. Joe a school of academic excellence, integrity and spirit.
A Sister of St. Joseph for more than 50 years, Sr. Pat has spent her entire career as an educator and school administrator. She has served as both principal and teacher in elementary and secondary schools across Missouri, Texas, Colorado and Michigan.
“I have spent the past nine years focused on maintaining St. Joseph’s Academy’s high academic standards. All of us—the administration, faculty and our wonderful students—are dedicated to continuous improvement.”
Sr. Pat joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1961—the same year she graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy’s sister school in Kansas City, St. Teresa’s Academy. “Obviously, the Sisters of St. Joseph made a profound impact on me,” says Sr. Pat.
“It’s been an honor to stand in the footsteps of my predecessors. The Sisters of St. Joseph—beginning with Mother Celestine—have been educating young women for almost 175 years. Over the past nine years I have focused on keeping this connection to our roots alive and well. The Sisters’ mission of serving the dear neighbor without distinction is at the center of everything we do.”
Sr. Pat’s retirement plans include creating an association of the 30 Sisters of St. Joseph-sponsored high schools to encourage further collaboration and partnership. “I want to create a ‘virtual academy’ that will enhance the spirit and spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet within our member schools.”
Sr. Pat says she also plans to accomplish two items that have been on her bucket list. “I have always wanted to see the leaves change color in New England—so I am headed to Maine and Vermont in the fall.” She also wants to learn how to play poker. “Mr. Pierce, our theatre teacher, has promised to teach a group of Sisters how to play. We are trying to come up with a clever name for our group!”
While Sr. Pat is looking forward to the next stage in her career, she is going to miss St. Joe. ”I won’t miss getting up early every day, but I will miss the daily interaction with our wonderful students and faculty.”
Thank you, Sr. Pat. You have set an incredible example of what it means to be a Values-Driven Woman Leader! Many blessings for the next chapter in your life.
6 7
Angel Spotlight Michaela Witcher and Sr. Pat Dunphy, CSJ
Michaela Witcher Retires
Michaela Witcher, St. Joseph’s Academy’s longtime Athletic Director, has announced her retirement after 38 years. As our entire community knows, Michaela will be missed incredibly. Her legacy will be one of discipline, strength, integrity and dedication to the Academy. Michaela Witcher embodies the mission of St. Joseph’s Academy and we are forever grateful for her years of service.
Since the school’s athletic program was established and throughout Witcher’s tenure, St. Joseph’s Academy student athletes have amassed numerous state championships, final four appearances, awards, and national recognition. Specifically:
• 92MissouriStateHighSchoolAthleticAssociation (MSHSAA) “Final Four” Appearances• 41MSHSAAStateChampionships• 28IndividualStateChampions• 2MidwestFieldHockeyChampionships• 6RacquetballStateChampionships• 117DistrictTitles• MissouriStateHighSchoolAthleticAssociation Scholastic Achievement Award winner (All St. Joseph’s Academy athletes have consistently qualified by surpassing grade point average benchmarks set by MSHSAA during the semester each team participates in athletics.) • NamedBest High School Athletic Program in the state of Missouri by Sports Illustrated magazine (Award is based on all-around excellence during previous decade, state titles won, and college athletes produced.)• ThreetimefinalistforSt.LouisPostDispatch Top Large School Athletic Program of the Year• RecognizedbySportsIllustratedmagazine as one of the Top 50 High School Athletic Programs in the United States
“The success of our athletic program is due to the hard work and dedication of our student athletes and our outstanding coaching staff,” says Witcher. “It is also a reflection of the entire school community’s commitment to excellence in the 3 A’s – Academics, Athletics and the Arts.”
Witcher joined the Athletic Department during the 1975-1976 school year when she began teaching physical education and health classes. In addition to teaching, she coached field hockey for 28 years, basketball for 12 years, and softball for 7 years. She was named athletic director in 1986 and received her Certified Athletic Administrator certification in 2001.
With the foresight and guidance of former Athletic Director Rosemary Wellington, the St. Joseph’s Academy Athletic program now offers a total of 28 teams—twelve varsity—overseen by more than 40 coaches.
Witcher credits her predecessors and colleagues for their inspiration and example. “When I began my teaching and coaching career at St. Joseph’s Academy, I was so very blessed to have two special women who instilled in me the true meaning of dedication, hard work, and class—but most importantly a deep and profound love of St. Joseph’s Academy! With love and respect—I am grateful for Sister Mary de Paul Berra and Rosemary Wellington. I have lived every day with that expectation of excellence as my guide.”
“The reputation of our athletic program is unsurpassed among girls’ schools in the state of Missouri, and
this is due to Michaela Witcher’s leadership,” says St. Joseph’s Academy President Anita Reznicek. “She holds our young women, and her coaching staff, to high expectations—in their dedication to athletics, their academic achievement, and in their respect for other teams. Athletic Director
Witcher leaves an amazing legacy of excellence on the field and off.”
Witcher says her decision to step down was not an easy one—it required much
prayer, thought, and discussion. “I will miss this community of people who have been part of my life for
38 years, watching these talented and gifted athletes do amazing things and being able to call the BEST coaching staff in the state my friends! I am looking forward to golf, golf, and more golf!! I am also eager to spend more time with my family in Kansas City.”
On February 23, 2013 St. Joseph’s Academy hosted the annual dinner auction, “SJA in Paris…An Evening with the Angels.” This year we decided to head to France, the country where the Sisters of St. Joseph were founded, to rendezvous in Paris and say Bonjour to the city of lights, the language of love, the home of the Louvre! The atmosphere was fabulous, the company was charming and St. Joe was transformed into a
Parisian soirée! The evening was a huge success and we are forever grateful to everyone involved who gave of their time, talent and treasure to make the evening something we will never forget!
With a total of over $300,000 raised this year, including nearly $85,000 in Fund-A-Need contributions to Scholarship we were thrilled with the results! This is an increase of over $50,000 from the 2012 Auction!
We are so thankful for the hundreds of people who helped make this event happen. We could not have done it without the generosity of our sponsors, underwriters and donors who allowed us to create an elegant atmosphere with fantastic entertainment. Our silent and live auction chairs worked tirelessly to procure more than 1,000 wonderful items to be auctioned during the evening. The many other committee chairs, committee members and SJA staff also gave countless hours behind the scenes to ensure this event was a success. There were over 100 volunteers the night of the event who helped everything run smoothly, including parents, past parents, alumnae, faculty and students. Our local businesses, parents, alumnae and friends were once again extremely generous in their donations. To top it off, more than 400 people from the SJA community (including 15 Sisters of St. Joseph!) attended the event and generously bid on their favorite items.
Also, a very special thank you to Emily Mahon ‘99, SJA Director of Community Relations, Julie Meersman, SJA Auction Manager, Beth Pelch, Auction Chair 2012 & 2013 and Carol Mullenix, Auction Chair 2013 & 2014 for your amazing leadership, hard work and commitment which made “SJA in Paris…An Evening with the Angels” such a success!
Additionally, we would like to give a huge thank you to these wonderful classes who generously underwrote several needs of the auction! 1992 & 1993 – The entertainment for the evening, musicians featuring beautiful French music!1999 (in memory of Jenny Boyce ’99) & 2002 – The fabulous Grab Bags1974 & 1975 – Heart of an Angel Favors (LED pins)2007 & 2010 – Fund-A-Need Favors (chocolate Eiffel towers)
We are proud to be a part of the wonderful and generous St. Joseph’s Academy community. Thank you to all who helped make this auction such a success. None of this would be possible without you!
Believe it or not, planning is already underway for the 2014 Auction! Carol Mullenix will once again be chairing the event, alongside Joan Thompson. We hope to once again count on your continued support next year!
SJA in Paris...An Evening with the Angels
8 9
6th Annual Celebration at SunsetSeptember 9, 2013 Please mark your calendars and join us on September 9th for our 6th Annual Celebration at Sunset event at Sunset Country Club. There’s something for everyone!
SJA Fathers’ Club/Community Golf Tournament - 12:30 p.m. $250 per player/$1000 per foursome. Includes 18-hole foursome scramble tournament, greens fees, cart, on-course lunch and beverages, cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction and live auction.
Round-Robin Doubles Tennis Tournament - 9:30 a.m. $50 per person. Includes round-robin tennis, lunch and silent auction.
Card Party - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. $50 per person. Includes cards, continental breakfast, snacks, lunch and beverages.
Cocktails & Dinner - 5:30 p.m. $50 per person. Live and silent auctions, awards ceremony. You can register online at www.stjosephacademy.org/webforms/golf/.
Proceeds from this event benefit St. Joseph’s Academy Parent Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to students who lose their primary tuition-paying parent while attending our school. A portion of the proceeds also benefits the General Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to families in immediate need.
Not a golf, tennis or card player? Just join us for a good lunch, dinner and auction! This is a great community event filled with friendship, family and fun!
Major Sponsorships and Hole Sponsorships are also available and encouraged, as well as any monetary donations or auction items. Thank you in advance for your help!
As always, your continued support to St. Joe is greatly appreciated! We look forward to once again bringing the St. Joe community together on September 9th at Sunset Country Club. See you on the green!
Please visit our website to get all the latest St. Joe News http://stjosephacademy.org/
10 11
St. Joe Does STEM!Incredible things have been happening in the SJA Science department and we are so excited to share the great news with you! Recently, some of our Angels participated in eCYBERMISSION, a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine where teams can compete for State, Regional and National Awards while working to solve problems in their community. eCYBERMISSION is a team competition sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association and the United States Army in which SJA’s freshmen compete. The Physics Four comprised of Madeleine Ohlms, Mary O’Brien, Peyton Pilcher and Maggie Schwarz were awarded the title of 1st place State Winners! In addition to the Physics Four, the Pollution Busters comprised of Emma Carrow, Megan Conrad and Grace Goedde were 2nd place State Winners!!
1st Place winners receive a $1,000 US Savings bond. 2nd Place winners receive a $500 US Savings bond.
Congratulations to these fledgling scientists and their teacher/ advisor, Mrs. Julie Haddock!
In addition to our 1st and 2nd Place State Winners, 75 students from SJA have been invited to the St. Louis Science Fair as participants because their projects qualified for consideration. The American Chemical Society chose Charlotte Cordova, Claire Henson, Valerie Jose, Cady Kopsky, Stephanie Landgraf, Hannah Pingleton, Abbey Robinson and Nora Simon as finalists in their Twitter contest: Where Do You See Chemistry? They are waiting for results along with their advisor Mrs. Rose Davidson!
Have You Ever Considered the Environmental Impact of Keurig Coffee Brewers?
Two SJA Angels did and they have the research to back it up! Congratulations are in order for our two latest SciJourn authors. Elaina Simon and Danielle Luongo who have each had their Infographic on the environmental impacts of Keurig coffee brewers accepted for publication by the Science Literacy through Science Journalism, a National Science Foundation funded program offered through University of Missouri in St. Louis. Their infographics can be found on The SciJourner website: www.scijourner.org/ Check it out!
Scholarship ReceptionOn Thursday, April 11, 2013 St. Joseph’s Academy hosted our 1st Annual Scholarship Reception, an event to honor those students who received scholarships during the 2012-2013 school year and to thank the donors who have invested in their education. We are immensely proud of these students and their accomplishments, hard work and dedication.
SJA President, Anita Reznicek gave an award to 27 students that evening. Ms. Reznicek also explained the history of each scholarship and honored the donors that contribute to these incredibly important scholarship funds. It was a great opportunity for our donors, the scholarship recipients and their families to meet and learn more about each other. The evening was a huge success and everyone enjoyed honoring the students’ achievements and thanking those that made it possible! We will look forward to hosting this event for many years to come.
St. Joe, on a quest to conserve energy and be a better steward of the environment, has installed a series of solar panels on the roof over the science wing of the original building. Work began this past December, and the panels are expected to be activated in the next few weeks.
Maintenance Director Rob Parker stated, “We have installed a 25 kilowatt photovoltaic solar system and will produce 32,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year.”
The idea to install solar panels originated when St. Joe alumna Cindy Bambini, who works for solar development and finance firm Brightergy, approached President Anita Reznicek. The school was able to install the panels with no upfront or ongoing costs through BrighterLease, Brightergy’s program for non-profit organizations like schools, churches and municipalities.
According to a Brightergy press release, the group of solar panels is estimated to save St. Joe over $28,000 in electricity costs and will decrease the school’s electricity use by approximately 12 percent over the life of the lease.
The press release additionally stated, “St. Joe’s solar photovoltaic array will produce enough electricity to prevent the release of 50,927 pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of not burning over 2,590 gallons of gasoline.”
The solar panels will also give students the opportunity to observe solar energy, output, consumption and conservation. Monitors that will record the production of solar energy have been installed to help students learn more about energy-saving devices.
“Through the online monitoring portal, accessible via the school Internet system, students and teachers will be able to view real time data on the solar system’s energy production,” according to the Brightergy press release.
Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph’s dedication to the conservation of nature and its resources, Ms. Reznicek felt that installing solar panels would further St. Joe’s campus-wide effort to become a more environmentally friendly institution.
“We hope to motivate students to think about clean renewable energy and also to encourage careers in the sciences with an eye on the care of our planet. It is important, as stewards of the earth, that we leave this planet better than how we found it, and installing solar panels is one of the ways we can achieve this,” stated Ms. Reznicek.
Ashley Taylor (‘14) Accepted into the STARS Program
Congratulations to Ashley Taylor on her acceptance to the University of Missouri, St. Louis, STARS program this summer. STARS (Students and Teachers As Research Scientists) is “a program funded partially through various private industries and universities in St. Louis. It introduces both rising high school juniors and seniors and teachers to the various aspects of the scientific enterprise as practiced by successful scientists in academic, private and governmental research institutions.” http://www.umsl.edu/~sep/STARS/stars_desc.html We have no doubt that Ashley will be a STAR in the program this summer!
SJA Science Faculty is Keeping Busy!
Mrs. Jen Bisch and Mrs. Julie Haddock attended the NSTA STEM Expo in May. Mrs. Katie Lodes presented a paper at the NSTA Conference in San Antonio, and will attend an EARTH workshop this summer. Katie has also been awarded an internship with the Center for Microbial Oceanography in Hawaii. And Mrs. Rose Davidson will be attending the STEM Girls’ Think Tank Conference this summer in Nashville.
Rose, Julie and Katie are members of the SJA STEM Integration Task Force; we are so lucky to have their expertise at St. Joseph’s Academy!
St. Joe Solar Panels By Carolyn Heger ‘13, Patti O’Brien and Gaby Brown
Board Chair, Susan Eisenhart Conrad ‘83 with
two SJA scholarship recipients.
Welcome to our Class Notes section. Please keep us updated! We’d love to hear what you are up to these days and we love those pictures!
1981Meg Baalmann Weis celebrated her 50th Birthday with her SJA friends on Oct. 20, 2012.Anne Rallo Ferretti ’81, Katie Viehmann Martin ’81, Mary Noel Brueggestrass Donovan ‘81, Margaret Thompson Wright ’81, Patty Southerland- Fitzgerald ’81.
1994Emily Bahn Moriarty and her husband welcomed Michael William Moriarty on September 10, 2012. Michael was 7lbs, 9oz and joined big sisters, Madison (14), Abby (6) and Lucy (4).
1999Laura Bahn Robson and her husband welcomed Jack Patrick Robson on October 30, 2012. Jack weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz. Proud grandma is “MoMo” Maureen O’Brien Bahn ’67 and proud aunts are Carrie Bahn Blanke-meyer ‘92 and Emily Bahn Moriarty ’94.
Renee Hartbeck Helfrich and her husband Jason welcomed Stella Elizabeth Helfrich to the world on January 5, 2013 at 7:33am. Stella was 8lbs, 1oz and 21 inches long.
Katie Kieffer Richardson and husband Pete welcomed Kieffer Patrick Richardson on December 6, 2012. Proud godmother is Emily Mahon ’99.
2001Elizabeth Hofstra Darabcsek, her husband Kevin and their son Jacob welcomed twins to their family, Allison Elizabeth and Ashley Rose, on December 18, 2012. Proud Aunt is Rose Tanner Darabcsek ’03.
2002Marcy Moreland Krems and her husband David welcomed Henry Robert on September 18, 2012 at 8:08AM. Henry was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21.5 inches long.
Andrea Aston Kendrick and her husband Ryan welcomed Audrey Mae on February 16, 2013 at 9:03am. Audrey was 5lbs, 7oz and 19.25 inches.
Kelly Fitzsimmons Glennon and her husband Alex welcomed Darcy Elizabeth on January 2, 2013 at 3:48pm. Darcy was 7lbs, 15 oz and 21 inches long. Proud Aunt is Molly Fitzsimmons ’04.
2004Mollie Rhodus married Adam Meeks on May 19, 2012 at the Shrine of St. Joseph in St. Louis. Maid of honor was Mollie’s sister, Libby Rhodus ’05 and SJA bridesmaid was Molly Fitzsimmons ‘04. Mollie and Adam are currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Class Notes
Wings Wish List
Gifts In Memory Of, In Memoriam and Gifts In Honor Of will be featured in our next publication.
Laptop fees for a student - $600
Lunches for visiting 8th graders on shadow days -$400
Uniform for a student - $100
Giving Back to St. Joseph’s Academy - Priceless
Have you ever thought to yourself, I’d like to give back to St. Joe in a way that really means something to me? We continue to need your support for scholarships, but there are other ways to give to SJA, both big and small! As you saw in the last issue of Wings, we have started a Wings Wish List that will include items that students, the school or faculty need, but can’t obtain because of budget constraints. If you are interested in donating to anything on the list, please contact the Alumnae Director, Theresa Klein at [email protected] or via phone at 314.394.4343. We appreciate your support and hope that something on this list may spark your interest! Thank you for your consideration.
Gifts can be donated by one person, a group of Alumnae or an entire class. It is up to you!
SJA’s Wish List:- Book Fees for a student in need - $300 - $500- Uniform Skirts for a student in need - $100 - Laptop fee for a student - $600- Lunches for visiting 8th graders on shadow days - $350-$400- Fencing for around the softball field- Ceiling fans in the classrooms- Fees for retreats March for Life, Kairos, etc. - $250 - $500- Equipment and software for the SJA News Team- Cameras for the student run newspaper, The Voice
And last, but certainly not least, thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Wings Wish List! These items are no longer on the wish list and we are forever grateful for your gift. These items are making a profound impact on our world, thank you again!
- Additional Automated External Defibrillator’s for the SJA Campus- New dishwasher for Katy’s Kitchen in the Sr. Mary de Paul Room - New refrigerator for Katy’s Kitchen in the Sr. Mary de Paul Room - New couches for the Campus Ministry Room
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PAIDST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY
St. Joseph’s Academy
2307 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
Calendar of Events
September 9, 2013 Celebration at Sunset
October 5, 2013 Reunion Weekend & Fall Harvest
November 3, 2013 Open House at SJA
November 3, 2013 Mass for SJA Alumnae and Prospective Angels
January 8, 2014 Class of 2013 Reunion Luncheon
February 22, 2014 SJA Auction
April 11, 2014 Decade Mass & Lunch (Alumnae of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s)
April 26, 2014 Trivia Night
May 22, 2014 50th Reunion Celebration & SJA Graduation