Cordecho ECHOES FROM THE HEART A magazine for the Sacred Heart Academy Community Fall 2024 16 6 Congratulations Class of 2024 Our Sisters in Service 12 18 Class Notes Annual Report
A Message from the Head of School remember many years ago, a much younger and greener version of myself, more than a little nervous, walking into The Protocol banquet facilities on Transit Road. I had just been appointed head of school, and I was attending a 50-year reunion to start to get to know some of the Academy’s alumnae. I walked in and before I had a chance to introduce myself, the SHA alumna working the reservation table kindly told me “The baby shower was across the hall.” I smiled on the outside, but on the inside, my imposter syndrome was telling me I had more business attending a shower for someone I didn’t know than I did leading a school. Just as this internal conversation was playing out, I experienced the first of many gracious moments of unwavering support, love and hospitality from a Sister of St. Francis. Sr. Paula Fox, also a guest at the reunion, swept in and introduced me to the alumna working the desk and many others in the room as the new head of school. Her graciousness, hospitality and generosity in her introductions helped to quiet the insecurity I was feeling in an instant and transform an awkward moment into a memory I treasure and cherish. Such is the presence of the Sisters of St. Francis. I am certain many of you hold your own personal, vivid memories of a Sister’s kindness, guidance, warmth, welcome, or brilliance that impacted your life for the better. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity’s arrival in the United States, I wish to express my profound gratitude for their leadership and legacy. From the first four Sisters who bravely left their home to come to do God’s work in a far-off land, to the Sisters who continue to support Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart in presence, prayer, and service, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity’s unwavering dedication to education and the Franciscan values of compassion, humility, and service have shaped not only our Academy but also the lives of countless young women. The forward-thinking, balanced, challenging, faith-based educational environment the Sisters founded so many years ago is alive and well at SHA and continues through the principles reflected in our International Baccalaureate World School affiliation. Both frameworks emphasize a holistic approach to learning, fostering not just academic excellence but also development as a servant leader and global citizen. This alignment strengthens our commitment to graduating young women who are equipped to face the challenges of our world. Today, as we honor the Sisters, we also celebrate their upcoming Living the Spirit Award—a testament to their lifelong service and unwavering support for the Academy. Their guidance, good counsel, and steadfast prayers have illuminated our paths, reminding us of the power of community and faith. We also celebrate our other award recipients who reflect the Franciscan Charism and their own unique contributions to the Western New York community and beyond. As we reflect on contributions in our SHA community, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Eileen Scannell for her strong and joy-filled stewardship as president of the Board of Directors. Her leadership during our accreditation process to become an IB World School, the challenging COVID-19 years, and throughout our strategic planning process has been invaluable. She will be missed. We are fortunate to welcome Christine Licata ‘63, Vice Provost for Rochester Institute of Technology, as our incoming board president. Her depth of knowledge, experience, commitment, and enthusiasm will serve us well as the Academy continues to implement its vision statement inspired by our Sisters’ legacy to “empower young women through excellence in education.” Congratulations to the Sisters on this remarkable milestone. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, friendship, and the profound influence you have had on our lives. Together, let us continue to honor your legacy and leadership as we dedicate this edition to the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity and their 150 years of ministry in the United States. With heartfelt gratitude, 2 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. ONTHECOVER Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Feast of St. Francis celebration is one of our most beloved traditions. Each year, on October 4, Mass is celebrated with the full school community including the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity and their Franciscan Associates. After Mass, SHA students give each Sister and Associate a rose as a token of appreciation. The Sisters then sing their special blessing over the students and faculty. SPIRIT. MIND. BODY.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity Cross the Threshold of 150 Years in the US SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 3 A long time ago, in a distant place, God touched a spark that was in a Dutch woman, Catherine Damen. She left her simple home to find work in the nearby city of Maeseyck. There, she encountered franciscans and God in a new way. Then, a call came for assistance in Heythuysen. She crossed a threshold and left what she had known for an unknown place. Three graced words, “God will provide” guided her and a vision. Crossing many thresholds, challenges, and difficulties, she founded a community, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, in 1835. She became Mother Magdalen. Little did she think or hardly could she have imagined how her small community would grow and expand. Less than two decades later, four courageous women, Mother Aloysia Lenders and Sisters Veronica Conradi, Felicitas Dues, and Leonarda Hannappel crossed a threshold, a stormy sea. On June 5, 1874, they arrived in America. A few short years later, Sister Leonarda, in 1877, opened Sacred Heart High School on Washington Street. She guided the school and prepared for its official incorporation as Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart in 1895 and its permanent New York State Charter in 1899. The Sisters of St. Francis quickly spread across the country, establishing schools, hospitals, an orphanage, and a daycare center. It became clear that one person, a “Mother Superior,” would not be able to provide the contact, care, and leadership for all of the sisters. In 1939, three provinces were formed in the United States. Stella Niagara, New York had already been built for Holy Name Province. Additional motherhouses were established in California, St. Francis Province, and Colorado, Sacred Heart Province. These provinces continue today as well as a joint Mission of the provinces in Chiapas, Mexico. Sisters continue to serve in education, social services, health care, and pastoral care. Holy Name Province provides sponsorship for Sacred Heart Academy, Stella Niagara Education Park, Center of Renewal, and Francis Center. Associates, women, and men, who feel called and inspired by the spirit of St. Francis, St. Clare, and Mother Magdalen join us as non-vowed members for prayer, gatherings, celebrations, and service in their life reality. In June 2024, Sisters and Associates gathered at Stella Niagara to pray, share, and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of our sisters coming to the United States and all of our ancestors. Leadership of our international congregation also came for the celebration. Our franciscan brother and theologian, Joe Chinnici, ofm says that the Evangelical Life is “our experience of God and the relationship we have as brothers and sisters with the Creator.” That’s the heart of the matter; isn’t it? The Sacred Heart of the matter. This is the legacy we sisters, franciscans, offer to you… a way of being and living… We are grateful for you, for the relationships that we have had and have with you, alumnae, parents, friends, and benefactors. And it is with heartfelt gratitude that we express our appreciation for all who have co-ministered with us over the years at SHA, faculty, staff, administrators, and board. You carry and bring to life the spirit and mission of the Sisters of St. Francis. Among these co-ministers, we are deeply grateful to Eileen O’Brien-Scannell who has served us as Board President. She leaves her imprint and special and unique touch upon all of us… We, the Sisters of St. Francis, are happy to share with you that Christine Licata ’63 has been appointed to serve as our new Board President. We look forward to her leadership and the gifts that she brings. God’s love and goodness and beauty are within us and all around us. How blessed we are! God provides… I share with you and pray for you the blessing of St. Clare, “May God be always with you and, wherever you are, may you always be with God…” Sister Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF, ’67 Provincial Minister The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Province Provincial Council is made up of Sisters Regina Snyder, Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF ‘67 (Provincial Minister), Nancy Zelma, and Teresa Miklitsch.
4 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. In 1971, Sister Georgia Dunn, OSF wrote a history of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity entitled Towers of Montabaur. Her book opens with the words, “There is a chapter in the history of the United States that needs to be written. It is the story of one hundred sixty thousand nuns now alive and working, and their thousands of precursors in the last one hundred years who helped to establish a strong well instructed Catholic laity in the United States of America; who cheerfully left homes here and abroad; homes poor, homes middle class and homes affluent, to work in schools and hospitals…” For Western New York, history was written by the work of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity who arrived in Buffalo in 1874. Their story rapidly unfolded into a remarkable legacy of faith, education, and service, inspired by Franciscan values. On April 23, 1874, Mother Aloysia Lenders informed Sister Leonarda Hannappel that they, accompanied by Sister Veronica Conradi and Sister Felicitas Dues, would go on a mission trip to Buffalo, New York to oversee the educational needs of German-speaking immigrant children. Within 16 days, they set sail for North America. By September of that year, they were teaching immigrant students at St. Ann’s and St. Michael’s parishes. Within just three years of their arrival, Sister Leonarda became the principal of the newly built Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart on Washington Street. The Academy offered co-educational classes for grades K - 8 and a high school for girls. At a time when less than six percent of children continued their studies after eighth grade, the Sisters brought forth the bold vision to educate young women in spirit, mind, and body. With steadfast faith as their guide and a compelling commitment to service, the Sisters have made a deep imprint in Buffalo and beyond. For more information on the fascinating history of the Sisters of St. Francis and their 150 years of service in North America, consider the following resources: Leonarda’s Journey a short film produced by Sister Diane Giannada, available at stellaosf.org; Towers of Montabaur by Sister Georgia Dunn, OSF; Mother Magdalen Daemen and her Congregation 1835-1935 by Sister M. Ligouri, OSF. Coming to America! The house at 459 Ellicott Street served as the first convent home for the Sisters, purchased in the summer of 1874.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 5 MOTHER ALOYSIA LENDERS led the group from Europe to Buffalo at the request of the German Jesuit priests serving the immigrant communities of Buffalo. SISTER LEONARDA HANNAPPEL was 23 years old when she was entrusted with $5,000 in gold for the journey to America. In just three short years she would become Sacred Heart’s first principal. SISTER VERONICA CONRADI SISTER FELICITAS DUES By 1877, Sister Leonarda had established Sacred Heart Academy at 749 Washington Street. The building housed a high school, grade school, chapel, and convent. The convent at St. Ann’s, located at Broadway Avenue (formerly Batavia Street) and Emslie Street, replaced the frame house at 472 Emslie, the Sisters’ original residence at this location. This doorway can still be seen on the St. Ann’s campus. NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST FOUR SISTERS
6 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. AN INTERVIEW WITH Our Sisters in Service Sister Connie Sr. Connie Marlowe has done a lot at SHA. From Assistant Principal to teacher to Coordinator of Administrative Services, she has served the students and faculty at SHA faithfully for 41 years. While she has enjoyed all of her roles, she found teaching to be the most fulfilling. It was through teaching that she developed friendships with students that continue today, including many who now count Sr. Connie as a colleague. The sense of family that permeates SHA is what keeps Sr. Connie coming back day after day and year after year. People change, and students come and go, but the sisterhood, support, and family are always present. That’s the real essence of SHA for Sr. Connie. How have students changed, and how have they stayed the same? Mostly the girls have stayed the same. They are outspoken, deliberate, persuasive, and have their own ideas. However, in the past few years, the girls have been more accepting of their own frailty and more willing to seek the help they need to succeed at every level of their life. What’s your hope for SHA’s future? We’ve been blessed with excellent leadership that is grounded in Franciscan values, women-centered, and forward-thinking. I hope that SHA always has a strong leader to ensure the legacy of the Sisters and that the Franciscan values remain embedded in the identity and mission of the school. Sister Pat Sr. Pat’s deep love of SHA is evidenced in her long and varied involvement. Her journey at SHA began in 1959 as she entered the school as a freshwoman, and that journey has yet to conclude. Through the years she has served as a teacher, board president, family member, loyal alumna, and now as the Mission Integration Minister. She is thrilled that she is able to continue to be engaged in the community and present in the building. For Sr. Pat, the value of SHA is its conscious effort to infuse the legacy of the Sisters and the Franciscan values in everything we do. Where do you see yourself in today’s students? In the students pushing the boundaries on the uniform. The boundaries were different – jumper to the knees instead of sweatpants under the skirt – but the adolescent need to push those boundaries remains the same. And so does the need for adults to hold to those boundaries in a loving way. How have students changed, and how have they stayed the same? I was on the cusp of women discovering they could have a career as something other than a teacher, nurse, or secretary. We were looking at colleges and careers that were out of reach for the women a few years ahead of us. Today’s young women take for granted that they can do and be anything they want. When I was in school, women had a much more limited view of their potential and the possibilities of their future. What’s your hope for SHA’s future? That SHA will always be a community of persons who prepare young women academically, spiritually, and personally within the context of Franciscan values.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 7 Sister Terri Since professing her vows with the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in 1982, Sr. Terri has been associated, in some way, with SHA. She’s worked in the guidance department, taught religion, and most recently she sits on the Board of Directors. As a member of the Board of Directors, Sr. Terri knows that her support of SHA and its mission is done mostly through strategic planning and policies. However, her favorite way to support SHA is through a ministry of presence. As much as her schedule allows, Sr. Terri enjoys showing up to SHA events, games, assemblies, and other gatherings. This development of relationships, nurturing of the family, and strengthening of the community is what she loves most about SHA, so it thrills her to be a part of that as much as she can. How have teenage girls changed or stayed the same over the years? While the essential desire for relationships grounded in respect remains constant, the mechanism by which those relationships are grown and nurtured has changed. Technology has revolutionized school and society over the many decades that separate me from the current teenagers, but not all of it is bad. New technology and social media allow for creativity and fruitful connection and collaboration, in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. However, the rise of this same technology can be used nefariously to damage reputations and bend the meaning of truth. Girls are faced with new stressors on a myriad of levels that weren’t around many years ago. How do you see the teachings and values of St. Francis and St. Clare in SHA today? The Sisterhood is the teaching of Francis and Clare in action. God gives gifts to individuals for the sake of the community. The invitation to share those for the common good is a core value of Francis. So, every time a student or teacher reaches out to serve someone, to uplift someone, to add beauty or peace to the world, they are living out the values of Francis and Clare. Sister Mara Is there a name more synonymous with SHA than Sr. Mara Walton? Even though she has left the classroom after almost 30 years of teaching, students today still know her through the stories their mothers and grandmothers tell. Sr. Mara began at SHA as a student in 1955; her presence at SHA continues today. She has served at SHA in almost every imaginable role: teacher, coach, club moderator, assistant principal, principal, board member, alumnae relations, and archivist. Sr. Mara’s knowledge and love of SHA are evident in everything she has done and continues to do for the Academy. That love of SHA lived out through the members of the community is what she enjoys most about her work. There have been plenty of storms and changes over her 69 years of involvement, but the joy, care, and hospitality that the community shows to each other has remained constant. It is this enthusiasm that SHA instills in its students and community members that is so important for the continuing success of the Academy. Where do you see the legacy of the Sisters lived out at SHA? SHA’s history is entwined with the history of the Sisters of St. Francis; both share a story of dedicated women taking risks and persevering when it was most difficult. The Sisters valued education; it was evident in their assertion that all women entering the order would continue their studies, advance toward degrees, and be lifelong learners. This was a novel position for an order to take at the time; not all religious orders held the education of their Sisters as a priority. This commitment to education became the reputation of the Sisters. Other orders in Buffalo, like the Sisters of St. Joseph, would send their sisters to Rosary Hill (now Daemen University) for schooling because they knew the Sisters of St. Francis provided quality content with innovative teaching methods. This dedication to excellence in education is still clearly lived out at SHA.
8 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. FRANCISCAN CHARISM AND IB MIDDLE n the late 1800s, the educational landscape for young women was vastly different from today. The rigid conventions for a girl’s role in society limited her potential for tasks outside of the home. Educational opportunities were aimed at inculcating her domestic duties: cooking, sewing, cleaning, etc. Convinced that young women deserve equal opportunity for an education in liberal arts, math, and science, Sister Leonarda Hannappel created Sacred Heart Academy, a place where intellectual and spiritual rigor knew no gender limits. Sister Leonarda believed that a holistic education could develop young women into caring, knowledgeable, and principled members of society. As a Sister of St. Francis, Sister Leonarda devoted her life to recognizing, respecting, and upholding the dignity of every human being, a central tenet of Franciscan Spirituality. A few decades later, the turbulence and uncertainty of the interbellum period in the 20s and 30s threw the world into disarray. Another woman, Marie Therese Maurette became a champion for the transformative power of education. While countries around the world held tight to nationalism and looked at others with skepticism and fear, Maurette developed a way to create unity and peace through radical acceptance of the shared dignity of humanity. She believed education was the antidote to war, and her curriculum favored communication and thinking over memorization and rote learning. Her methods demanded that students see the humanity of a person before their ethnicity or national affiliation. To do so, students needed to speak multiple languages, consider opposing opinions, learn to discuss, debate, and stretch their minds beyond their own experience. Maurette was convinced that the key to peace and ending further conflict was through developing young, caring, and capable citizens of the world. Maurette’s ideas and curriculum caught on, and global schools in Europe used her pedagogy as the foundation of their programs, including what eventually became known as the International Baccalaureate Organization. In an increasingly complex world that struggles with the turbulence of national conflicts and the rapid expansion of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional models and methods of education alone may no longer meet the needs of students nor the demands of society. Today, education is most effective when addressing the whole person. It needs to focus on students’ acquisition of knowledge, but also their use and application of knowledge. Teaching and learning are enriched when the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of students are considered at the forefront. While society has changed, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s priority and mission have not; SHA continues to be an institution dedicated to providing an excellent education to young women. International Baccalaureate (IB) allows programming to be customized to meet the interests of students while integrating the foundational Franciscan values. Sacred Heart initially adopted IB’s Diploma Programme IB MISSION STATEMENT The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
YEARS PROGRAM ( MYP) SHA MISSION STATEMENT Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is a community committed to providing young women with a comprehensive, balanced and challenging Catholic education rooted in the core values of the Franciscan tradition. We graduate young women with intellectual preparedness, spiritual grounding, commitment to service and the leadership skills necessary to have a positive impact on the world. (DP), a rigorous but accessible comprehensive curriculum for 11th and 12th graders. Next, individual IB course offerings became available to juniors and seniors not enrolled in the full program to expand their academic options. This enabled the benefits of an IB style of education to be shared with more students. SHA has seen the benefits of IB programming in the quantitative success of student achievement and the qualitative success of creating thoughtful and capable learners. Following our strategic plan, the benefits of IB programming will be made available to students in all grades moving forward. In the spring of 2024, Sacred Heart became a candidate school for the Middle Years Program (MYP) and will spend this year working toward authorization of the MYP at SHA. Through the adoption of the MYP, all freshwomen and sophomores will participate and benefit from the pedagogical framework of IB. Classrooms become places of inquiry and discovery through real-world application of concepts. Students are evaluated based on their usage of developed skills and their ability to apply knowledge to contemporary and relevant situations. Students have opportunities to explore their passions through personal projects and experience interdisciplinary learning and authentic, real-world assessment tasks. The MYP, like all of IB’s programs, is aimed at developing learners and thinkers, caring and competent citizens of the world. In other words, offering IB opportunities for all SHA students is the next step along the Sisters’ path to provide young women with the educational advantages necessary to positively impact the world. SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 9 IB Learner Profile Attributes Franciscan Values • Inquirers • Thinkers • Communicators • Hospitality • Service • Creativity • Joy • Peacemaking • Care for Creation • Compassion • Respect for the dignity of human person • Trust in the Providence of God • Open-Minded • Risk Takers • Balanced • Principled • Caring • Knowledgeable • Reflective
10 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Elizabeth Barczak Horrigan ’64 Elizabeth Horrigan is grateful for the education she received at Sacred Heart Academy. It laid the strong foundation for later successes. The solid academic program, Franciscan values, and leadership opportunities, especially as Senior Class President, supported her personal and professional growth. This appreciation encouraged her to stay involved with SHA after graduation. She has helped with fundraising, strategic planning, the golf tournament, and class reunions. Betty was a member, Secretary, and Chair of the Board of Directors. SHA is truly part of her family, which is evidenced by the fact that her sister, niece, and four sisters-in-law are alumnae. Presently, her granddaughter is experiencing all Sacred Heart has to offer as a member of the class of 2027. Betty’s career in education included working as a guidance counselor for the Clarence Central School District for 32 years where she retired as Director of High School Guidance. During this time she was president of the Suburban Counselors’ Consortium, served on numerous college admissions advisory boards, and was named WNY School Counselor of the Year. What she enjoyed most was helping young people pursue their personal, educational, and career goals. Giving back to the Buffalo community has been and remains a priority. The Cornell Master Gardener Training Program provided her with the skills to become a volunteer gardener. Betty was a gardening hotline responder and presently maintains a garden at the Kevin Guest House where she also assists with meals and special events. Betty’s commitment to making the world a better - and more beautiful place - began at Sacred Heart. Through each phase of her personal and professional life, she has carried that commitment, enriching the lives of all those around her. Eileen Tubridy Drinkwater ’67 Eileen Drinkwater is centered on family, faith, and commitment to others. The spark to serve, which was ignited during her years at SHA, still burns brightly in Eileen. Eileen started her nursing career in the Army Student Nurse Corps and was commissioned in November 1970 as a second lieutenant. She served for a combined 23 years of active duty and army reserve service, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. After active duty, her career brought her back to Buffalo where she worked for the Erie County Health Department. She and her husband lived and worked in Germany, New Jersey, and Virginia. She concluded her 45-year nursing career with 18 years as a Hospice nurse. Eileen and her husband now reside in Virginia where she spends her time volunteering for several organizations. Eileen is a member of the American Legion Honor Guard and the Ruritans, a civic organization that provides “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service” in rural towns and villages. She works with local schools, organizing the yearly selection of student scholarship winners. Every holiday season, she helps with the annual food basket distribution and gift gathering for families in need. Each December, you will find Eileen doing one “last official duty” to our country by visiting the graves of veterans as part of the Wreaths Across America program, affixing a red bowtrimmed wreath at each marker. Celebrating Our Best Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Christus Super Omnia Distinguished Alumnae Awards are given to alumnae who have distinguished themselves in their careers and/or civic activities and exemplified the spirit and tradition of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. Our distinguished alumnae will be honored at the CSO Scholarship and Awards Dinner on November 6, 2024 at the Atrium@Rich’s.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 11 Megan Tracy, MD ’94 Dr. Megan Tracy’s focus has always been on service to others. Her energy and enthusiasm for her community were evident during her time at SHA. Throughout college and medical school, Megan focused her efforts where she could make the most impact. In addition to her formal medical training, Megan participated in mission trips as a student at Boston College and went on to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Megan left a busy pediatric practice to pursue a fellowship in neonatology so that she could work with families most in need. With more than 20 years of medical experience, she now splits her time between the NICU at Oishei Children’s Hospital and overseeing their outpatient clinic. Megan coordinates the acute medical care her patients require and ensures they receive the appropriate medical and social services after discharge. This unique arrangement allows her to help families achieve the best possible outcomes for their children. Megan’s service to others does not end when she leaves the hospital. She is actively involved as a volunteer at NativityMiguel, St. Monica Division. There, she co-moderates the Science Club and serves as a mentor to students, potentially inspiring a new generation of caring servant leaders. The Franciscan Charism Award is presented to a member of our extended family who has given unselfishly to further the mission of Sacred Heart Academy. Jim and Lynn Panepinto Jim and Lynn Panepinto first became involved with Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart when their daughter Isabella Panepinto ‘18 started her freshman year. They eagerly supported Sacred Heart activities and events in ways large and small. “Yes!” has always been their response to every request, whether to lead a major fundraising event or pick up a pizza for student volunteers. When their daughter Lily ‘23 joined the SHA community, the Panepintos deepened their involvement, offering professional consultation on building projects from their business, Pinto Construction, and serving as unique voices in the 2022 Strategic Planning retreat that helped chart Sacred Heart’s course for a bright future. With each action, Jim and Lynn exude gratitude for their blessings and profound commitment to their Catholic faith. These values drive the palpable sense of joy the Panepinto family brings to all of their endeavors, truly embodying the spirit of St. Francis. Jim summarizes their commitment to serving their community in this way, “Our family finds tremendous satisfaction with quietly and humbly helping others in need. Whenever and wherever we witness an opportunity of need and respond directly, THAT is where we find Jesus.” The Living the Spirit Award is presented to individuals or organizations who use their Godgiven talents in outstanding service to others following the tradition of St. Francis and St. Clare. Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Province has its motherhouse at Stella Niagara, New York. Part of an international congregation, the order was founded in 1835 in the Netherlands by Mother Magdalen (Catherine) Damen. The congregation’s presence in the United States dates back to 1874 when the first four missionary Sisters arrived in Buffalo, New York. (Learn more about their arrival on pages 4-5.) The Sisters are the founding and sponsoring organization of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. They serve the same role for Stella Niagara Education Park, Francis Center, Center of Renewal Retreat and Conference Center, and Women’s Respite Program. Each ministry the Sisters engage in is inspired by their distinct, Franciscan Charism: Like Francis of Assisi and Magdalen Damen, we trust God’s goodness and providence, living the Gospel in our time with gentle courtesy toward all creation. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity beginning their work in the United States, it is a profound honor for Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart to recognize their accomplishments with the Living the Spirit Award. In honor of the Sisters of St. Francis’ 150th year of service in the United States, they are undertaking a special appeal for Sacred Heart, their oldest sponsored ministry. Through this appeal, the Sisters aim to create a scholarship that will provide an opportunity to a deserving student in financial need, while valuing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. To join their efforts, donate at stellaosf.org and indicate that your gift is in honor of Sacred Heart. An Appeal from the Sisters
12 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. ClassNotes Class Notes-where you’ll find updates on your fellow alumnae. Please share your news! Send information, including pictures, to classnotes@sacredheartacademy.org. THIS ISSUE OF CLASS NOTES CONTAINS UPDATES RECEIVED SINCE SPRING 2023 70s Ann Marie Kardas Gaik ’76 is retired and enjoying doing things like knitting, exercising and going out to lunch with her friends and cousins. 80s Rachel Riggio ’87 has started a new position as Senior Customer Success Manager for KidKare by Minute Menu as well as starting her own health coaching business called Fit and Flourishing. Kimberly Schweitzer Evering ’89, also known as the Gal on the Go, was recognized at the 2023 Signal Awards, which celebrates the world’s best podcasts, for her podcast, Gal on the Go Unplugged: Signal Award, gold, general interview | talk show; W3 Award, gold, diversity, equity & inclusion, W3 Award, silver, interview; W3 Award, silver, best use of writing; Davey Award, silver, interview | talk show; Davey Award, silver, diversity, equity, & inclusion; and Davey Award, silver, general interview | talk show. 90s Kari Ann Kasmier ‘92 married Christopher M. Sodaro on March 10 at The Reach Resort in beautiful Key West, Florida. The couple resides in Newfane, New York. Kathy Piech-Lukas ’94 won gold medals in the 45-49 women’s age group at the YMCA Masters Nationals Swimming Championships this past spring in the 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, and 200 medley relay. She also won silver medals in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke, and a bronze in the 100 IM. This summer, she won the silver medal in the 200 meter backstroke, the bronze in the 50 meter backstroke and fourth place in the 100 backstroke at the United States Masters National Long Course Championships. She is currently ranked in the USMS Top Ten nationally in all the backstroke events for the women’s 45-49 age division. Kathy took 27 years off from competitive swimming and started training and competing again in 2022. Dr. Jennifer Korzen O’Toole ’95 is the vice chair for faculty affairs in the Department of Internal Medicine and a professor in the departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where more than half (51.3%) of students admitted to the college’s doctor of medicine program during the last 10 years have been women. Sixty-two percent of the 573 students in the college’s 26 graduate programs are women and 69% of the 502 students in the prestigious medical sciences undergraduate program are women. She was recently featured in an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer saying, “Women are stepping into bigger and more prestigious leadership roles and are making a tremendous impact on the lives of our students, residents, faculty and, most importantly, patients.” Heather Thompson ’95 was recognized as this year’s Woman of Achievement at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business event. Julie McHugh Gajewski ’97 is employed by the Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Schools in Western New York as the Assistant Superintendent of Academics. Molly Hayden Saper ’99 sang the Canadian National Anthem and the American National Anthem at a Buffalo Bisons game. She started singing at Sacred Heart her senior year in Chamber Singers. She went on to join Chamber Singers at SUNY Geneseo and they toured Europe. Now, she is the lead singer of her five piece band, Hello Molly, and have played all over Western New York. She credits SHA for fostering her love of music! SHA basketball teammates reconnect as New Hampshire residents twenty years after graduation! Lynn Zlotkowski ’99 and Kristy LaPlante-Jodoin ’00 compete in a women’s golf league every week in Goffstown, NH. 00s Kristin LaPlante ’00 married Eric Jodoin on October 8, 2023. Theresa Spada Yacobozzi ’00 and her husband Chris welcomed their first baby William Christopher in August 2023. Dr. Beverly Schaefer, MD ’02 was named Medical Director of WNY BloodCare, a nonprofit providing diagnosis and treatment to persons with bleeding and clotting disorders. Dr. Schaefer will work with her team in the development and implementation of a vision and strategic plan to advance care for patients and research in the field of bleeding disorders. Ashley Janiszewski May ’03 and her husband welcomed a baby girl Whitney Rose in October 2023. Annie Stoll ’03 is now VP, Creative at Republic Records in New York City. Pictured L to R: Mary Sinnot ‘70, Madeleine Tardif ‘70, Barbara Heine ‘70, Carol Zimmerman LaPlante ‘70, Jane Geis Rasmussen ‘70, Kristy LaPlante-Jodoin ‘00, Kelly LaPlante Strutz ‘98, Shannon Steinmiller Malinowski ‘00, Gina LaPlante ‘95, Bridget Saviola ‘00, Becky Zak Loy ‘00, Victoria Wagner ‘00, Dr. Michelle Haslinger ‘00, Sara Alpsan Johnson ‘00
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 13 Tanisha FordhamAlston ’05 gave birth to a son Sunday Fordham Alston in fall 2023. Angelica Maier ’07 and her husband John welcomed their first child Casper Shane Maier-Grivna in April 2023. Angelica also began a new position as Curator of 3D Objects at the Minnesota Historical Society in October 2023. Her peer-reviewed article, “Martha Jackson’s Voice: Gender, Oral History and ArtHistorical Evidence,” was published in the fall 2023 issue of Archives of American Art Journal. The essay features new research on midtwentieth century gallery owner and Buffalo, NY native, Martha Jackson. Sarah N. Rodman ’09 has joined AmLaw 100 law firm, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, as Senior Counsel in its Buffalo office. She focuses her practice on civil litigation defense as well as intellectual property. As the first Buffalo-based GRSM attorney, part of Sarah’s role will be to grow, develop, and establish the Buffalo office. 10s Cheryl Johnson ’10 married Andrew Sarcinello on July 14, 2023. The ceremony was held at St. Mary of the Assumption with a reception at The Columns Banquets. Michelle Nowacki, PharmD ’10 met up with SHA alum Melanie Marczak Whitney ’96 in Charleston, SC. Michelle is a successful clinical pharmacist and misses SHA! Catherine Trzaska Tringali ’10 and her husband Anthony welcomed daughter Josephine Rose on February 12, 2023. Emilyrose Conforti Hourihan ’11 and her husband Michael welcomed daughter Quinn Michelle on July 20, 2023. Jennifer Kovach ’11 was appointed Corporate Secretary at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, NY. Caroline Niederpruem ’11 earned her professional architectural license in March 2022 (Registered Architect/RA). Licensure requirements include completing six divisional exams and 3,740 experience hours. She currently works for Hillstone Restaurant Group as a project architect in Los Angeles, CA and is working on restaurants and wine shop renovations nationwide in addition to two new restaurants in Del Mar, CA and Aspen, CO. Dr. Sarah Collins Berkley ’12 received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2019. More recently, she was married to Jack Berkley on August 11, 2023 at the Sterling at Arrowhead. They had a few SHA alum friends in attendance as well. Jacqulyn Graber ’12 has passed her doctoral qualifying exams as a PhD candidate in English composition & rhetoric at St. John’s University. She’s in the beginning stages of writing her dissertation, focusing on intersectional feminist narratives and rhetorics of sexual health and reproduction. She also is employed full-time at Barnard College of Columbia University and is the founding chair of the LGBTQIA+ & Allies Affinity Group of the New York Junior League. As a Sacred Heart student, Savannah Revelas ‘19 recognized that teens face unique mental health challenges - challenges that can go unnoticed. This motivated her to establish the Be-You-tiful club, a student organization designed to create a more conscious, inclusive, and accepting environment for students. Be-You-tiful club shed light on the importance of mental health issues, strengthening SHA’s already supportive sisterhood. The club continues at Sacred Heart today. Savannah’s passion for building healthy communities became her vocation in college. She went on to study psychology at Fordham University. After graduation in 2023, she decided to stay at Fordham to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Her commitment to this field is echoed by her family, who founded the Revelas Family Foundation. The foundation’s mission is “to aid in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the WNY community by providing awareness and resources to support local organizations dealing in mental health counseling and rehabilitation.” Savannah’s mom, Diane Revelas, describes Savannah as the “heart and soul” of their efforts, constantly focusing the organization toward supporting teens in need of help. To date, the Revelas family and their foundation have raised over $230,000 in support of programming through neighborhood basketball tournaments, the World’s Longest Basketball Game, and A Not So Silent Night Gala. The Gala will return for a second year on December 20, 2024. As a teenager, Savannah was uniquely sensitive to the needs of those around her. As a young adult, her compassion has turned to action as she “thinks big,” finding new ways to address teen mental health challenges. She continues to support the Sacred Heart community by sharing her expertise and insight. A Career in Counseling Savannah Revelas ’19
14 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Lauren Stich ‘12 married Ryan Conner in April 2022 and welcomed son Henry in May 2023 in Austin, Texas. Hanna Perillo ’13 was proposed to on December 8, 2023 by her boyfriend Scott on their 5 year anniversary trip in Florida. Their wedding date is Sunday, May 25, 2025, in East Aurora, NY. Kara Barke Rice ’13 is a registered nurse at Rochester Regional Health. Lt. Carlee Conway USN ‘14 has successfully completed the extremely demanding Strike Fighter training conducted at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. She flies the F/A18-E/F Super Hornets which are the same jets seen in the recent Top Gun: Maverick movie. Lt. Conway finished at the top of her class with her last round of qualifications being day and night landings on the USS Roosevelt aircraft carrier in the Pacific. She received her next duty station, NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA and reported in June 2023. Her new squadron is Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 32, the “Fighting Swordsmen” who operate the F/A-18F Super Hornet. They are currently assigned to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. Julia Cordani ’15 has been accepted to a doctoral program at UC San Diego starting fall 2024. She’ll be pursuing a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in voice performance and pedagogy as a fully funded teaching fellow. Elizabeth Vinal ’15 married Collin Adams in July 2023. Deanna LaVean ’16 gave birth to her second child Darian Jr. on September 22, 2023. He joins big sister Dearra. Hollie Gfroerer Mincone ’16 completed her residency in orthotics with University of Michigan Health and moved back to Buffalo, where she is completing her prosthetic residency with East Coast Orthotic and Prosthetic, Corp. Emma Shabala ’16 is a licensed occupational therapist at Success Academy Charter School in New York City. Brianna Brissette ’17 has a degree in biology and business from Canisius and is currently working at Epcot in customer relations. Hannah Laski ’17 graduated from University at Buffalo with a master’s degree in cancer sciences. Sarah Wellence ’17 married Holden Hill in Hereford, United Kingdom, on June 10, 2023. The Catholic ceremony was held at Belmont Abbey in Hereford, UK with a reception at Breinton Hall, Hereford. Her sister Amanda Wellence ‘21 was her maid of honor. Madeline Barrick ’18 graduated in May 2024 with her doctorate of physical therapy from Daemen University. She accepted a full time pediatric position at Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center. Claire Hofmeister ’18 graduated from UB School of Law in May 2024. Jane Kent ’18 graduated from UB School of Law in May 2024. Victoria Sippel ’18 is a registered nurse at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Rebecca Ajtai ’19 graduated with a BA from American University majoring in international studies. Sydney Brownschidle ’19 is taking a gap year after completing her degree in human physiology from Boston University. She will be gaining experience at a dermatology practice in the Boston area and will then pursue a physician’s assistant degree. Sarah Campbell ’19 graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a BS in biomedical science. Anna Collard ’19 received her BS in pre-PA studies at the University of Pittsburgh and will be attending Chatham University to become a physician’s assistant. Eliana DeGlopper ’19 graduated with her BS in biology from Canisius University and is attending medical school at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Buffalo. Jaden Drilling ’19 attended Niagara Community College and graduated from Salon Professional Academy. She is currently working at DiLusso Salon and Spa as a stylist. Catherine Faturos ’19 completed her bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education, grades 1-6 with a minor in theater at Niagara University. She will continue her studies at Niagara for a master’s degree in literacy instruction. Haley Joanne Funderburk ‘19 graduated in December 2024 from D’Youville University in the physician’s assistant program. Madeline Garcia ’19 has been living in Washington State the past three years. In the spring of 2023, she graduated from California State University, Chico with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business administration. While in school she started working at Planet Fitness as a service desk employee in February of 2022 and now has an amazing opportunity to open one of their new clubs and become the general manager at the Monroe, WA location. Abigail Halsdorfer ’19 attended Case Western Reserve University and received her BS in mechanical engineering with a second major in business management. She is presently working as a quality control engineer with Stryker Corporation in Michigan. Claire Hejaily ’19 received her BS degree in mechanical engineering from Binghamton University in May graduating magna cum laude. Claire is working as a crash test engineer at Calspan Corporation. Cassandra Holmwood ’19 graduated in May with a BS in business administration/marketing from Marist College. She is now a media investment associate at Starcom in New York City. ClassNotes (continued) Claire Hofmeister and Jane Kent ’18
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 15 In Memoriam We remember alumnae of whose passing we’ve learned since June 2023. Mary Bietz Mohr ‘40 Josephine DeAngelis Scuto ‘42 Alice Fassel Webb Oxenford ‘42 Joan Smith Bermeitinger ‘43 Alicia Kaminski Hannon ‘43 Doris Hergenroder Heim ‘43 June Carr Hughes ‘43 Mary Jane Coveny Moran ‘43 Mary Lucy Mancini ‘44 Karen Allen, OSF ‘45 Eleanor Janson Zeis ‘46 Rita Weidmann Herrmann ‘47 Betty Ann State Morlock ‘48 Doreen Bork Bachowski ‘49 Joan McKenna Barron ‘49 Joan Haake Busch ‘49 Josephine Feddo Furioso ‘49 Lois Marquis Horgan ‘49 Lois Marion Petters Maving ‘49 Norine Nirschel ‘49 Maryann Cook Stabell ‘49 Patricia Ann Malone ‘50 Grace Weisbecker Bednarek ‘51 Ann Marie Frainier Hutchison ‘51 Phyllis Gerhard Caputi ‘54 Mary Lou Continelli Nevin ‘56 Mary Lou Marohn Nolan ‘56 Mary Ellen Schoell Parker ‘56 Mary Ann Wurstner Cheney ‘57 Coleta Glass ‘57 JoAnn Kowalski Grzechowiak ‘58 Marilyn Parker Vogt ‘59 Karen Bernick Barba ‘60 Rae Ann Wallenhorst Kitson ‘60 Mary Anne Licker ‘60 Helen Foran McMenamin ‘61 Nancy Pecoraro Carnall ‘63 Mary Lou Carrigg Fernandes ‘63 Darleene Crotty Lincer ‘65 Virginia Best Cross ‘68 Linda Nasca ‘68 Mary Ellen Williams Pfeifer ‘70 Nancy Boeckler Hartranft ‘73 Danette Zakroczemski Lelonek ‘79 Danelle Zaccagnino Tobin ‘82 Kelly Ann King ‘87 Monica Maniccia Villani ‘89 Sandra Vitthuhn ‘99 Emily Kase ’19 completed her degree in finance with a minor in Chinese at Stonehill College. Emily will be working at Corning, Inc. in their finance department. Emileigh Mazurkiewicz ’19 completed a double major with a BA/BS in biology and psychology from Niagara University and a double minor in criminology and American Sign Language. She is presently studying for the LSAT for law school. Megan Nicholas ’19 accepted a position as a pediatric emergency nurse after her completion of her BSN from Ohio University. Isabella Pezzino ’19 is an esthetician at Glamour Studio after attending Salon Professional Academy. Tessa Pizzella ’19 attended Valencia College in Orlando, FL completing her BAS degree in business management and organizational leadership. Savannah C. Revelas ’19 received her BS in psychology from Fordham University in May 2023 and will pursue a master’s in mental health counseling at Fordham. Hannah Shabala ’19 graduated cum laude from Gannon University in communication sciences and disorders. She is the first to major in this field and received an academic award for excellence in communication sciences and disorders. Sophia Usewicz ’19 completed her degree in business administration - digital marketing at Duquesne University. Athena Zak ’19 completed her bachelor’s of science in childhood education in the honors program at St. Thomas Aquinas College. She will go on to complete her master’s in special education. She was awarded the Silver Service award. Olivia Zanelli ’19 graduated from University at Buffalo with a BS in mechanical engineering. She will be working at Moog. 20s Gabriella Andhor ’20 is a paralegal at the Law Offices of Lisa J. Allen. Cara Cugno ’20 is a doctoral student at University of Hartford PsyD program in clinical psychology. Reannon Frost ’20 is a registered nurse at ECMC. Anna Gambacorta ’20 is a pharmacy intern at Wegmans. Juliana Gambino ’20 is a pediatric ICU nurse at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Bandhan Khabra ’20 is a student nurse at Catholic Health. Haley Matuszak ’20 is a custom solutions developer at IntelePeer. Alexa Plummer ’20 is an account executive at Gartner in Texas. Hannah Tudor ’20 is a toddler student teacher assistant at Early Childhood Research Center. Molly Wissing ’20 is a post production assistant at Muck Media in California. Madelyne Kamens ’21 returned to SHA as the swim team assistant coach Tessa Pezzino ‘21 is majoring in finance/ business and marketing at the University of Delaware. She is on the dean’s list with a 3.8 GPA. Mini SHA Reunion SHA graduates love to get together! Patricia McKernan ‘72, Barbara Eye Stanley ‘72, Sandra Eye Sendlak ‘71, Linda Yirke, and Jeanette Piscitello ‘72 attended St. Aloysius Elementary School together and love recollecting fond memories.
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