OLP M a ga zi n e
Oh, The Places
She’ll Go...
OLP Travels & more
Academy of Our Lady of Peace {fall 2014}
In This Issue {Fall 2014}
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Summer News
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Athletics
Assistant Head of School Mrs. Jessica Hooper shares highlights of the OLP Religious Studies Department, its holistic education that also meets United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Curriculum Framework.
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Alumnae
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OurMission Statement The Academy of Our Lady of Peace is a Catholic, liberal
arts oriented, college preparatory secondary school dedicated to the education of young women. As a Catholic school, it is committed to helping its students become active participants in building Christ’s kingdom of justice, love and peace. As a school rooted in the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, it promotes the cultivation of “gentleness, peace and joy” as we respond to the needs of the “dear neighbor” both in our midst
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Meet Mrs. Allison Weatherford, OLP’s new Assistant Athletic Director. See how she’s helping our student athletes and learn of her own exciting Olympic experience.
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Travel
cultural immersion travel opportunities for the 20142015 school year.
OLP students spent their summers traveling, learning and winning competitions. Learn about the fun they had here!
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Religious Studies
Assistant Principal & Director of Campus Life Mrs. Handelsman ’64 explains the myriad of
strikes a pose in Trolltunga, Norway, one of many places she’s travelled around the world. Photo courtesy of Anna Reeder ’12.
Dear OLP Pilot Community,
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CSJ Corner The 2014-2015 Council of Ten team share how they’re living out their CSJ mission with this years theme of “Le Prochain.”
Letter From Head of School
Cover OLP alumna Anna Reeder ’12
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Multi-generational alumnae share their news, announcements and updates in our Pilots Take Flight section.
and in our human community. Through its college preparatory program, its mission is to empower its students to become knowledgeable in those skills needed to achieve success in post-secondary studies, and to make informed and valuesdriven decisions in the context of today’s world. As a result of these endeavors, and working with parents as our educational partners providing a family context of faith-in-action, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace strives to graduate responsible women educated to the needs of society.
A new academic school year is well underway here at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace as we welcome in our newest students, the Class of 2018, and prayerfully say goodbye, for now, to the Class of 2014. As in any new year, there are opportunities for reinvigoration, planning, and reconnecting. All of that has been happening while simultaneously the sounds of heavy machinery are being heard as the work on the St. Catherine’s Parking Structure continues.
This past summer has been alive with activity in preparation for the exciting changes to our facilities. Summer construction projects in addition to our St. Catherine’s Parking Structure included minor internal renovations to St. Catherine’s, remodeling the front office of the school to become a new art and science classroom, the creation of new outdoor seating spaces for students on North Terrace, and the launch of a new Pilot Café. You can read more about these exciting new construction changes in this edition of our Magazine. This summer also marked the initial gear-up phase in developing a schoolwide Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan will provide OLP with the goals and objectives to clearly identify our school wide priorities for the next three to five years. One of the initial steps in this process was to garner the input from all of our stakeholders. I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the 1,000 plus constituents who took the time to share with us your opinions on OLP. Those survey results have helped our Strategic Planning Task Force Committee and Board of Directors develop a strategic plan to carry OLP forward. In our next edition of our OLP Magazine, we will showcase the Strategic Plan and our approved Master Site Plan, along with an executive summary of the survey data. In this edition, you can also read more about the changes in our Religious Studies curriculum to ensure alignment with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Curriculum Framework for secondary schools. The OLP Religious Studies department is focused on incorporating those framework elements, along with the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, to ensure our curriculum is rooted in balancing formation with information to prepare our young women to live lives of “Faith in Action.” There is no greater example of the formative experiences, which shape the lives of our graduates, than by looking at our alumnae. This year, we are proud to recognize Margaret Wiedower ’68 as our Alumna of the Year. Margaret serves others with a humble, gentle and peaceful spirit. For twenty years, Margaret has been a leader in the Science department, serving as the Science Department Chair and the moderator for the only all-female chapter of SHPE. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping to facilitate OLP as a leading STEM center for young women. Another way that many of our students are able to apply their learnings from the classroom are through formative immersion experiences out in our world. This summer we are excited to offer a number of different student trips. One in particular is the Global Leadership Summit focusing on Education as a Human Right. OLP has extended a hand to St. Augustine to bring together students from both schools to join an international gathering exploring ways that our youth can actively be involved in changing the face of education world wide. Exciting things are happening here at OLP as we join with our CSJ sisters in shouldering their new theme, “Partnering with New Eyes,” which we look to the future and ensure our young ladies are prepared to meet the ever changing global demands in order to be exemplary scholars and women of faith. We encourage you to join us for one of our upcoming liturgies, or special events to reconnect with our faculty, staff, alumnae, and incredible young women.
OLPMagazine Academy of Our Lady Of Peace Head of School Lauren Lek Assistant Head of School Jessica Hooper Assistant Principal, Director of Campus Life Jeanette Handelsman ’64 Assistant Principal of Instruction Sheelah Keeter Director of Institutional Advancement Margot Meier Howard Director of Communications Emily Pippin ’06 Contributors Jessica Hooper Margot Meier Howard Teri Heard Allison Weatherford Sally Boettger Kirsten Rauber Hadzicki ’81 Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Head of School Mike Coughlin, Board Chair Patricia Boer ’55 Msgr. Richard Duncanson Dr. Nora Faine-Sykes ’78 Michael Guerrero Susan Hause Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81 Damian McKinney Gayle McMahon Martha McRoskey Sister Jill Marie Napier, CSJ Coreen G. Petti Barbara Picco Sister Virginia Rodee ’53 RSCJ Antonina R. Sciuto-Morales ’76 Rita Scherrei Peg Stehly
God Bless,
Lauren Lek Head of School
Class notes should be sent to Kirsten Rauber Hadzicki ’81 at alumnae@aolp.org
To update your address, please contact Jason Tucker at jtucker@aolp.org
Fall 2014 | 3
Living Le Prochain
OLP LAUNCHES:
Rokenbok Student Design & Engineering System The Academy of Our Lady of Peace is proud to have been chosen as one of the pilot schools to launch Rokenbok Toys’ Student Design and Engineering System. The life size mobile STEAM lab features reusable Rokenbok materials and a 3D virtual parts library. The mobile lab is also supported with a STEAMmaker curriculum focused on introducing students to engineering principles. Rokenbok Education is seeking partnerships with schools to pilot programs where faculty and students have the opportunity to test out the tools and curriculum, providing real-time feedback to developers. Partnering with Kid Spark, UC San Diego, Pittsburgh State University, International STEM Education Association, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum and the Ocean Discovery Institute, Rokenbok is looking
By the olp council of 10
to provide STEM learning in hands-on, creative and innovative ways for students. Rokenbok’s link with 3D printing and modeling also provides students with the experience of creating the tools necessary to learn and create. OLP is thrilled to be part of this exciting STEM Education initiative and is grateful for the partnership with Rokenbok Toys provided through alumna Caitlin Bigelow ’07.
OLP Class of 2018
Welcome
Class of 2018! You started strong, 68 of you received Honors at Entrance upon acceptance and many of you are balancing 2 or more Honors classes as freshmen. We loved welcoming you and your parents at Freshman Orientation, where we had fun, learned about OLP and ate over 775 hot dogs! There are 4 | OLP Magazine
199 of you and we are so glad to call you our OLP sisters. 174 of you have come from the Catholic parochial schools and 25 from independent or public schools. You are our first official Bring Your Own Device class. You are starting at OLP during a time of development and will experience so many new offerings throughout your years at OLP. Right away you
are experiencing a new Café, access to North Terrace, the Zero Block, the new OLP Learning Lab for needed student academic support, an additional art and science classroom and new technologies infused throughout the campus. We believe in all of you and are here to support you throughout your high school journey. We wish you many blessings along the way and welcome you to the OLP Family!
Construction and Chartwells Dining Services In preparation for our new Café, we have formed a partnership with Chartwells dinning services, which has been providing food to our community with the start of the school year. Once the kitchen is ready, the Pilot Café will offer nutritious, healthy warm food options prepared daily on site for students, faculty and staff. The outdoor Café will continue as a grab-ngo station for sandwiches, salads, fruit smoothies and espresso prepared beverages.
As a school established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and devoted to the CSJ charism, we, the students at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace are encouraged to spread gentleness, peace, and joy to the dear neighbor. We may ask: Who are those that we call our “dear neighbors?” The French word for neighbor, le prochain, used by those first Sisters of St. Joseph, takes its understanding from the English word “neighbor” a step further. The term le prochain, translated directly, refers to those next to us or those who follow after us. Today we interpret that definition and its connection to the CSJ charism as being neighborly, serving those who are right next to us in this place and time, as well as those who follow us in the future. By being women of heart, faith, and courage, we will not only inspire those around us, but also encourage those who follow us in continuing the legacy of the CSJ founders. We will live out the meaning of le prochain by putting the needs of all of our “neighbors” before our own, sharing the knowledge that we gain at OLP, promoting peace under all circumstances and acting in ways that reflect the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. We
will begin by fostering solid relationships within our OLP community and branching outward into the worldwide neighborhood to which we belong. A recent example of our commitment to live our le prochain and care for the “dear neighbor” came in September. OLP joined with the Diocese of San Diego in gathering donations for Catholic Relief Services on behalf of persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Pope Francis’ call for a Day of Prayer for Peace. These efforts were initiated by members of our OLP Chaldean community and other concerned students. On Wednesday, September 3 we began our school day with information regarding OLP’s plan to support our “dear neighbors” in need and a prayer for peace in all areas of the Middle East.
More to come in the January edition of OLP Magazine on our new Café. Our parking structure is well underway, which will ultimately allow for 104 parking spaces. The project commenced on May 30th and will be finalized by December 2014. The internal renovations for St. Catherine’s are moving along rapidly with offices being ready by the end of September and a new kitchen finalized in mid-October. The renovations include a Pilot Café and Spirit Store downstairs, and staff offices on the second level for counseling, registrar, campus ministry, and service learning/retreats. There will also be a large gathering room upstairs for after school peer tutoring, a learning lab, club meetings, college visits, and Campus Ministry retreat planning. You can read more about our new Learning Lab and college counseling program in this edition.
Collectively, the OLP community donated more than $1,500. We completed our week with Amphitheatre Prayer during Section on Friday to again lend our support to the call from Pope Francis. As a Council of Ten we are committed to focusing on strengthening our attention to le prochain and raising our awareness on how together we serve others.
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Religious Studies at OLP: A Holistic Approach
The OLP Religious Studies department is made up of 7 faculty
members, two of whom graduated from the Academy (Mrs. Suzie Knapp ‘79 and Mrs. Donna Allen ‘85). The department is committed to the Religious Education of each OLP student and operates from the foundation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. Starting freshman year, students are introduced to the CSJ sisters, both their history and the incredible work they are currently contributing to the world. RELIGIOUS STUDIES Six years ago the department began to offer courses based on the release of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Curriculum Framework for high school students. The department evaluated OLP’s course offerings and adapted them as needed to meet the requests of the USCCB. Beyond meeting the requirements of the USCCB Framework, every class within the curriculum is committed to the charism of the CSJ Sisters and faculty members model what it is to live a life built on gentleness, peace and joy. The curriculum is rooted in balancing formation with information and is integrated across all disciplines under the religious guidance of the tradition of studies the Roman Catholic Church. SERVICE
Invitation to Mass We would love for you to join us for one of our upcoming liturgies October 9, 2014
11:00 a.m.
November 13, 2014
11:00 a.m.
December 8, 2014
7:45 AM Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Stay Tuned! Advent and Lenten Reconciliation Services, available to students, will take place on campus this year. We are adding two more masses each month, before school at 7 AM. All members of the OLP community are invited to attend. Check the OLP calendar for specific dates and times of the morning masses and reconciliation services.
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courses
CAMPUS MINISTRY The OLP Campus Ministry program is rooted in student leadership; students are encouraged to engage in their faith and lead others through a vibrant faith experience. Students serve as retreat leaders and the Campus Ministry class works together to conduct annual charity drives and plan monthly liturgies, weekly campus prayer services and school wide prayer services. They carefully evaluate the readings of the liturgies to connect the faith experience to our students on a personal level. OLP is fortunate to have so many incredible supporters among our San Diego clergy as we have the privilege of inviting priests from all over the Diocese of San Diego to lead us in our liturgical celebrations. Students love the opportunity to connect with their parish priests within their school experience. Over the years more and more parish youth ministers have visited their youth group members on campus, often bringing lunch and connecting through faith discussions and conversations. All members of the OLP community, including parents, siblings and alumnae are invited and encouraged to join us for our monthly liturgies.
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During my junior year I was a member of the Campus Ministry class. Through this experience I was able to help lead retreats and plan prayer services and liturgies. I grew in my own faith and I was able to be a part of other’s faith. While at OLP I have learned the importance of community and sharing my faith journey. Everyone is at a different place in her relationship with God but coming together and sharing our experiences helped me grow in new ways. —Abbey Sarnowski ‘15
campus The emphasis of the service ministry department is to inspire OLP students to live their Catholic faith, in action. As modeled by Christ, it is in giving that we receive. The learning retreats that takes place within the Religious Studies curriculum at OLP inspires true servant leadership among students, RETREATS which is evident in their participation in the OLP Equally important as learning about our Catholic faith Service Learning Program. Service to the community is the opportunity to engage in community building is an integral part of the OLP community, particularly retreats based on the tenants of our faith. Each because of the model of the CSJ Sisters. Each year year annual class retreats allow OLP students an students are required to complete 25 hours of service opportunity to engage in faith building activities and while seniors are required to complete 10 hours experience faith as a smaller community. Freshmen followed by a service synthesis project. If each student have two days of retreat on campus each December, were to complete the minimum amount of service we sophomores spend a day serving the homeless of would be giving our community approximately 15,900 downtown San Diego at Father Joe’s Village, juniors hours of service. Instead, and consistently, our students have an overnight retreat experience at Whispering far exceed the minimum requirement and complete Winds and seniors are able to choose from a 3-day more than 25,000 hours each year. This is a true Senior retreat or a 3-day service immersion trip with testament to their commitment to make a difference in CSJ sponsored institutions in Los Angeles. The retreat our world. experiences round out the experience of knowledge At OLP “go and make a difference” is not a cliché, it is within the classroom. Students are always encouraged a calling. Serving our “Dear Neighbor” is the heart of to own their faith experience, to ask important the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet questions and to pursue a lifetime of discovering and therefore is also the heart of the mission of OLP. truths. The foundation of the Religious Studies, Students at OLP understand that every person is Campus Ministry, and Service and Retreat experiences created with innate worth and dignity and their service while at OLP produces women of heart, women of reflects this understanding. faith, women of courage, all in the tradition of the CSJ Sisters.
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IT IS WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT and anticipation that
we announce the 2014-2015 Travel Program for the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. We are sponsoring three trips, each with its own special emphasis and opportunity, giving our students the chance to explore the world outside of the walls of OLP, in fact, outside the boundaries of their own country. This travel program provides interested students an insight into the diversity and cultural differences as seen through the countries and regions in which they visit. They will also engage in meeting the differences of the world as
viewed through the lens of the CSJ charism. Not only will they develop real life skills not learned in the classroom, such as budgeting their time and money within the realm of foreign currency and time zones, but they will also learn to navigate within new environments maintaining a high standard of character with their foreign counterparts. Additional trips will be featured in our e-newsletter, which includes two trips in partnership with Saints.
Global Student Leaders Summit | JUNE 19-29, 2015
EDUCATION AS A HUMAN RIGHT | AVAILABLE TO ALL CLASS LEVELS
Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Davos (Switzerland) This is an opportunity for your student to travel on an intensive tour of the Netherlands, France and Switzerland, exploring some of the world’s most treasured cities while seeing for herself how their education systems work. She will then gather with students from around the world at our twoday leadership conference in Davos, Switzerland, where she will work on creative solutions to challenges that will
prepare her for an ever-changing world driven by technology and globalization. Highlights of the trip include a visit to Anne Frank’s house, The Hague, the International Court of Justice in Amsterdam, the headquarters of UNESCO (a branch of the UN that uses education and international collaboration to promote peace and security), a meeting with French high school students in Paris, and the United Nations Office in Geneva. Lastly she will experience the Global Leaders Summit in Davos.
We are also very excited to announce that Saint Augustine High School students will be joining our OLP students on this incredible journey. Students from both schools will travel together to the three destinations and then on to the Summit in Davos. This is a great opportunity for the students from both schools to interact in a very different recreational and educational setting. Small scholarships are available for this trip.
» DUE TO HIGH DEMAND A SPACE ON THIS TRIP MUST BE RESERVED BY EARLY OCTOBER. Please explore the details of this trip including price here: www.eftours.com/1518043MW and contact Mrs. Jeanette Handelsman (jhandelsman@aolp.org) for more information.
Athens and the Islands | APRIL 2-11, 2015
AVAILABLE TO ALL CLASS LEVELS Journey from the mainland to the isles, and see Greek Mythology come to life. This is where heroes and gods faced challenges, did battle, and laid the
foundations for the literary adventures that permeate our culture to this day. From Athens and Delphi to Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and more, travel to a
time and place where fact and legend were one and the same.
» Please explore the details of this trip including price here: www.eftours.com/1625161DR and contact Ms. Shawn Hanley (shanley@aolp.org) for more information.
London & The Theatre | APRIL 2-11, 2015
AVAILABLE TO JUNIOR AND SENIOR STUDENTS
FOR ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS
regarding OLP’s travel program, please contact Mrs. Jeanette Handelsman, Assistant Principal, Director of Campus Life (jhandelsman@aolp.org). 8 | OLP Magazine
As an adjunct to their studies in their British Literature class this year or next, students will experience London in depth as well as the surrounding countryside. In London, students will
visit Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square. Traveling out from London, students will visit the birthplace of
Shakespeare, Canterbury, Oxford, and Stonehenge. On three of their evenings in London the students will attend London West End Theatre performances.
» Please explore the details of this trip including price here: www.cha-tours.com/Tours/TourDetails/S005/London_and the_ Theatre and contact Ms. Kathleen Guerin (kguerin@aolp.org) for more information.
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Q:
How Did You Spend Your Summer?
OLP girls traveled the world, won competitions & pursued STEM learning
Cami Asher ’16
Engineering Exploration Program Cami Asher is a member of the Class of 2016. Ever since she can remember, her interests have always led her to math and science. This past summer, Cami pursued her interests and found an engineering exploration program rooted in the STEM fields. The program took place at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in upstate New York. Cami originally learned of the program by researching engineering internships across the country. She found there were a wide range of colleges offering programs. Cami applied for, and was accepted to, programs at RPI, University of Maryland and Cal Poly SLO. The application process entailed listing her interests and experiences in STEM activities, submitting an essay describing why she wanted to attend the program and providing an official transcript along with two letters of recommendation from science and math teachers (Cami is very grateful to Miss Ma’ake and Mrs. Lazar for writing her letters). Of the three acceptances, she chose to go to that of RPI because she felt familiar with the campus after having toured over spring break, and she also knew a few of the professors with whom she would be working. 10 | OLP Magazine
While attending the program Cami enjoyed learning about the different disciplines of engineering, and the program helped affirm her interest in aeronautical engineering. What she discovered at the internship was that she was one of two juniors accepted out of over 200 applicants. She credits this achievement to her stellar letters of recommendation, academic achievements and personal essay. When asked if she had any advice to give, she stated, “For students who aren’t certain whether a field of study is right for them, I suggest researching different programs because there are plenty out there just waiting for an OLP girl. Thank you OLP!” While at the institute, Cami’s project tested the efficiency of different types of blades (prototypes created by Cami) used in wind turbines. She built a DC motor, a small wind turbine structure and a circuit that measured the amps and volts so she could calculate power. She also tested her theories by designing two different blade shapes, sketches of which can be seen below. Beyond being an academic scholar, Cami is also involved in OLP drama productions and is a very talented Drawings Cami Asher made in her Engineering Exploration Program.
Angela Balistreri holding the OLP Magazine in China.
Angela Balistreri with her travel group in China.
now understands the language and country even more. In reflecting on her trip, Angela shared, “Everything is different, from the general structure of the buildings to the way people drive, and I can honestly say I have never seen such “daring” drivers in my life as I did in Beijing. Aside from that, it was a pleasant vacation, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” At the camp, Angela had the privilege of meeting teenagers from all over the world (24 countries total). She found it interesting to learn more about different cultures, religions, and ideas. Angela was accepted to OLP with honors from St. Mary’s, Star of the Sea in Oceanside, CA. She delights in her days at OLP and is a constant beam of optimism on campus.
vocalist.
Angela Balistreri ’18 Travel to China
Angela Balistreri is a freshman this year at OLP, a member of the Class of 2018. Prior to starting her freshman year of high school, Angela had the opportunity to travel to China with a select number of honor students. These students were invited by the People’s Republic of China to participate in an educational and cultural program within the city of Beijing, with all expenses covered. While there, Angela visited some of the famous Chinese historical sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and much more! Although she has studied Chinese history in the past, she found that by fully immersing herself in the culture she
Colleen Brady ’16
Seaside Volleyball Tournament OLP Junior Colleen Brady ’16 and her sister, OLP alum, Bridget Brady ‘13 competed this past summer in the Seaside Volleyball Tournament outside Portland Oregon. Colleen is currently a member of Carondelet Circle and the OLP Sand Volleyball team. Bridget Brady ’13 is a sophomore at Gonzaga University.
Marisa Gomez ’15:
Distinguished Young Woman Award Winner Marisa Gomez is now the Distinguished Young Woman of California for the Class of 2015 ($15,000 scholarship), and Talia Hill earned awards in the Fitness and SelfExpression categories, as well as Third
Alternate Overall (approx. $3,000 in scholarship funds). This all happened last July in Bakersfield. Marisa and Talia rehearsed and bonded with 27 other contestants from around California in the DYW Scholarship Program. Both Marisa and Talia expressed how much they enjoyed and learned from the unique features of this program, which first connected them with 11th-grade girls from all around San Diego County, and then from all around California. (The five judging categories are Scholastics, Self-Expression, Fitness, Interview, and Talent.) Marisa will represent California next June at the national-level DYW program for the Class of 2015. She will be in the running for $50,000 in additional college scholarship funds. OLP alumnae Jenni Penix ’14 and Mary Kate Sheehan ’09 were also integrally involved at the state-level competition which comprises a 9-day effort by dozens of volunteers. As a prior contestant, Jenni returned to assist the program directors and contestants. Jenni was one of seven prior DYW contestants who volunteered in this vital capacity. They are endearingly called “HasBeens” and also appear at events throughout Bakersfield to thank sponsors and drum up support for the DYW program. Mary Kate Sheehan has returned as a choreographer and production assistant each summer since her own competition year six years ago.
Jenni Penix & Marisa Gomez together at the Distinguished Young Women competition.
Colleen & Bridget Brady at the Seaside Volleyball Tournament.
It was so exciting to attend see all the girl power from OLP blossoming in their own talents and in the genuine friendship-fostering environment of Distinguished Young Women.
Fall 2014 | 11
New
College Counseling Offerings
The college counseling program at OLP is a robust program that begins with
Congrats
Miss Wiedower ’68 BY Kirsten Hadzicki ’81 The Academy of Our Lady of Peace Leadership team,
in partnership with the Board of Directors, is thrilled to announce that Miss Margaret Wiedower ‘68 has been selected as the OLP Alumna of the Year. Miss Wiedower and her family have been connected to OLP for nearly 60 years beginning with the attendance of her older sisters in the 1950s. She has been a member of our faculty for more than 35 years and has served in many capacities. From student to science teacher to master scheduler, from Spring Sing moderator to retreat leader, Miss Wiedower has always gone above and beyond what is expected; even on Sundays, she is usually found in her classroom, tutoring her physics and chemistry students. She serves others with a humble, gentle and peaceful spirit. Miss Wiedower is the Science Department Chair and the moderator for the only all-female chapter of SHPE. Her guidance has been a huge help in facilitating the Noches de Ciencias and STEAM events at OLP. She is also a life-long learner committed to advancing her knowledge in the science
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2014
alumna Of the Year
fields through ongoing monthly science seminars at Point Loma, and supporting students in the UCSD oncofertility research seminars. As an expert in her field, she is a tremendous role model who has brought extensive knowledge to our students. It is a direct result of her leadership and vision that OLP graduates women to compete at all levels in STEM professions. Outside of school, one may find her singing in the St. Didicus choir or delivering meals to San Diegans affected by AIDS or cancer through Mama’s Kitchen. In the words of Mrs. Handelsman, “More important than what she has accomplished is the how of it. I have ALWAYS said that Miss Wiedower is the very heart of OLP—she is so gentle, sensitive, loving and caring. She is kind to everyone and would lay down her life for any of us, including her students. She never has an unkind word to say about anyone—which is an inspiration to me. She is so special and has contributed so much to our OLP community.” Friends and alumnae, please join us in honoring Miss Wiedower at our school Mass on October 9. RSVP to alumnae@aolp.org.
freshmen and provides guidance through graduation. Many OLP parents express appreciation for the program as their daughters are confidently able to navigate the competitive world of college admissions based on the preparation work they have completed as a student at OLP. Mrs. Heard & Mrs. Wyatt are junior and senior college counselors. They both actively participate in regional and national organizations (WACAC and NACAC) which help them stay informed of current admission trends at the collegiate level as well as network with college representatives from across the country. Mrs. Heard & Mrs. Wyatt also work with universities as admissions readers (including UC schools and private Catholic universities) which only adds to their expertise.
Partnerships Endless Summer was the theme for a wonderful gathering of OLP alum, current parents, faculty, staff, neighbors and friends. The event was held on beautiful North Terrace. Sounds of a Beatles-inspired local band, The Baja Bugs, provided a mellow backdrop for the gathering. It was a good time for catching up with one another and connecting before the official beginning of the school year. OLP thanks all who turned out for this delightful evening.
Additionally, special thanks go to our sponsors and those who contributed items for the silent auction: » Crabbie’ s Ginger Beer-Jeremy Kennedy, St. Killian Importing » San Diego Padres » Bill and Debbie Pollakov: Bikes for Kids » Rosalie Martinez » Hess Brewery » Daily Sparkle Festive Wear » Ballast Point Brewing » Lightning Brewery » The Lost Abbey Brewery
New Offerings From the Counseling Department Include: » Sisters and Scholars (SAS) is an academic support program for students with learning differences. There are 10 students enrolled in this new program. These students will receive learning accommodations within the classroom in accordance with their documented learning needs. Families who think their daughter might benefit from the Sisters and Scholars program can contact the Learning Coordinator, Mrs. Jill Hicke (jhicke@aolp.org).
» “Coffee With Counselors” is an exciting new opportunity for counselors to connect with parents. Once a month the counseling department will host an informal question and answer gathering in the new St. Catherine’s Pilot Café. This will be a chance for parents to stop by in the morning after dropping off their daughter to discuss questions and concerns, or just to share in dialogue about current trends and topics. All parents are welcome and a calendar with dates will soon be posted on our Counseling Department webpage.
Freshman PE Students Get Revved Up With MapMyFitness App Do technology and physical education go together? YES! OLP’s Physical Education Department has embraced technology, using traditional methods for physical fitness, but also incorporating devices to support student learning. The freshmen PE students are all using MapMyFitness to track their fitness achievements. “MapMyFitness is a great way to log and track your workouts regularly,” says Freshman Sofia Goncalves ’18. Along with tracking all physical activity on MapMyFitness, students are also being encouraged to run the mile with their smartphones while using the App. The App records data during a workout providing immediate feedback for the student on her current run pace, her average pace, elevation, and distance. Additional critique is given when the student finishes the workout. This App is a tremendous learning tool,
using the phone’s GPS to track the student. Apps such as this encourages personal improvement. Students can also earn badges as rewards for getting a PR (Personal Record), Fastest time on the course, Guru of the course, and many more. Students are also encouraged to create Personal Goals and enter Challenges to continue to improve their personal fitness. Its ease of operation allows for immediate integration. Freshman Carly Tucker says, “It is suitable for anyone ranging from tech-savvy to people who are like me! When I was looking into logging my workouts, I noticed that the site covers every possible workout. I was happy to see that shopping counts as exercise and burns calories!” With the school’s new BYOD policy, this is just one example of many ways departments are leveraging technology to individualize learning.
Fall 2014 | 13
Mrs. Weatherford at the Opening Ceremonies at 2002 Paralympic Games.
2014 ANNUAL
OLP Golf Tournament
Title Sponsor
Join us October 27 for golf at the award winning San Diego Country Club, delicious food and great fun all in support of the OLP Athletics Department.
Dinner
Tickets The USA Softball Team & Staff with Gold Medal at 2004 Olympics in Athens. Mrs. Weatherford is on the far right.
Olympic Trainer Comes to OLP BY Allison Weatherford
Assistant Director of Athletics & Athletic Trainer
I am excited to join the OLP community as the assistant athletic director and athletic trainer. I look forward to assisting Dr. Blade with the administration of the athletics program as well as working with the studentathletes helping them with injuries and getting them back to activity, educating them, and keeping them healthy. An athletic trainer is a qualified health care professional recognized by the American Medical Association and nationally certified by the athletic training Board of Certification. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health care personnel, the athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary schools performing injury evaluations, treatment, prevention, education, and rehabilitation services to student-athletes.
I look forward this coming year to engaging with the student-athletes, coaches, teams, parents and community. I feel privileged to share my expertise and background with everyone. 14 | OLP Magazine
As an athletic trainer for more than 18 years, I have been assisting athletes at all levels from high school to the elite and Olympic level with athletic injuries and medical or health conditions. During that time, I have had the amazing opportunity to work for the U.S. Olympic Committee at the Training Center in Chula Vista working with a multitude of sports and athletes including USA Softball, USA Soccer, USA Track & Field, USA Archery, USA Rowing, and many others. I have also worked with the U.S. Ski Team in Park City, UT working with the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. I was also a member of the USA Medical Staff for three Olympic/Paralympic Games including Salt Lake City 2002, Athens 2004, and Torino 2006. Prior to that and since then, for the past 7 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed working at the high school level with the student-athletes and assisting them in their athletic experience. I look forward over this coming year to engaging with the student-athletes, coaches, teams, parents and community. I feel privileged to share my expertise and background with everyone. I am also excited to enact the collective vision of providing an athletic training room facility for purposes of evaluating and treating our student athletes. I believe it will be a great year ahead and encourage anyone to stop by if they need anything or just to say “hi.�
fund her
Dinner Reception Only: $50
General registration: $200 This price includes Lunch, Golf, Reception and Dinner and a commemorative t-shirt to help remember the day!
All proceeds generated at the Golf Tournament go to supporting OLP Athletes and Athletic Programs. Your gift helps fund her dreams!
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Tee A Tee pack: $50 One golf ball
Pay for games along course
Set of tees Two Mulligans
Silent Auction
Sunscreen
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Vendor Fee Vendor Fee: $100 for space Recognition on OLP website
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Recognition In OLP Magazine
Top Flight Sponsor: $2500 Foursome -Lunch, Golf, Dinner, Shirt Four Tee Packs One Tee Sign Corporate Logo Op.
tee Sponsor Tee sponsor: $500 Corporate Logo on Tee and in Program Recognition on OLP Website Recognition in OLP Magazine
Four extra tickets for dinner Reserved Table Logo Placement at dinner Spokesperson Recognition from the podium Recognition on OLP Website Recognition in OLP Magazine
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Art Comes to Life Margot Meier Howard
Director of Institutional Advancement
I recently met Ashley Blalock for the first time at a fundraiser for another organization when she approached Suzie Knapp, Director of Campus Ministry to say hello. In this great opportunity to catch up with Ashley, it quickly became clear that other members of the OLP community would be interested to hear how life has evolved for her since graduating from OLP. Ashley is an artist who has combined her love of making art with a teaching career. She attended SDSU, earned both an MA in Art History and an MFA and taught full time for 12 years until becoming an adjunct professor at two community colleges and University of California Santa Barbara. Being an adjunct allows her the flexibility she desires so that she can pursue her art making. Ashley crochets. But not just the kinds of pieces she learned to create from her grandmother. Ashley enters an exhibition space and then creates a large installation using red yarn that “fits” with the space. Originally graduating as a painter, Ashley eventually abandoned that as her primary art form– in a defining moment – imagine her dog in the paint and fumes of turpentine. She thought that there must be another route of artistic expression. She always loved crocheting. The question was “How do I do this
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crocheting as an art form?”
Pilots Take
Attending the Scout Heagan School opened doors for her in creating art and eventually exhibiting. She joined the tribe of fiber artists and crocheting became her medium. She’s exhibited in Manhattan creating a large piece using contributed yarn from Lyon Brand. She was featured in an exhibit at the Last Bookstore in Los Angeles entitled “Craft in America.” She completed a two day installation at the Nevada Museum of Art. The process is an interesting one. Ashley sees and senses the space and estimates the time it will take to create her installation. And then she begins. Her husband, Lucio Cooper assists and supports her in practical ways including moving and positioning her ladder. Her creations are “huge doilies that are set up to respond to the space.” And why are all of the pieces crafted in red yarn? Ashely says red is an important element that signifies personal space. It represents the domestic. When one acquires a home or space, one sets about decorating it. The way a space is arranged or inhabited, conveys an inner reality about a person. Red too signifies relationship to Ashley. When asked about her relationship with her husband and what he thinks about her art, Ashley laughed and said, “Oh, he is incredible. He understands. First I am crocheting a hat and then I am crocheting our wedding vows!” Ashley’s crocheting is a link to a way of life. It is great for brain development, but also has a calming effect and is a wonderful way to direct creative energy or calm excess nervous energy. As both a student and as a teacher, Ashley has learned that art can go from cutting a straight line to learning how to describe things and states, artistically. Art as a career for Ashley is perfect. She values the independence of not being tied to one work place but rather managing a life of more independence. Needing to be somewhat extroverted as a teacher, she also has her quiet time as
an introvert. She lives in a mountain cabin in Crestline with her husband and enjoys gardening very much. She and Lucio are looking forward to welcoming their first child, a girl, in January. Ashley says, “OLP is a great school; the smaller size is advantageous and the academics are so great. I loved Dr. Melinda Blade’s classes very much. I learned about the ancient survey from her and completely enjoyed learning about Dr. Blade’s love of archaeology.” Dr. Blade’s excellent introduction and instruction in the ancient survey is one of the primary reasons Ashley teaches it today. She also greatly appreciated her class in Shakespeare with Ms. Rose Fegley and Sister Joyce’s classes. She will always recall speech teacher Dr. Timothy Sheehan drilling it in that “it is NOT anyways, it is any ways.” At OLP Ashley benefited from many AP classes that ultimately prepared her well for college and prepared her to finish her BA in three years. Her sister Georgie ’92 is an author who worked as a screenwriter in Los Angeles. She now writes romance novels for Harlequin. “OLP gave me the courage to take a chance and gave me the courage to try new things. I don’t think it occurred to me to ‘sit back!’ I think not being demure is linked to being in an all girls school. I spent five summers on my own and lived in San Francisco and it never occurred to me to be lonely or afraid in that setting although young women struggled. I was pretty brave about doing things. OLP helped me learn to make my own way. I am happy with my career and that I can sail my own boat. I have loved traveling, having choices and living with a vision.”
Flight
80s Michele Fournier ’84 just
started her 25th year of teaching in the San Diego Unified School District. Michele teaches AP U. S. Government at University City High School.
Maria Moceri-Casas ’84 is a
registered nurse at UCSD Medical Center where she’s worked for more than 20 years. Married for 23 years to her husband, Rudy, the couple has three children, aged 22, 20 and 14.
Kathleen Riley Ahlgren ’84
is chief operations officer for hipS-sister, a company making a functional and flattering alternative to the dreaded fanny pack.
Diana Schuerman Hyatt ’84 is
president of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Take a ride with in November or December on their “Santa’s North Pole Limited.”
Molly Sullivan Di Fede ’84 is an
executive assistant in the office of admissions at the University of San Diego.
Maria Pasquale Manning ’85 asks
“Got pudding?” After a successful 20-year design career, Maria has started her own business, SugarLove
Pudding Co. As Maria says, “I became a purveyor of pudding because it was time someone shook up the pudding market. At SugarLove, we love a good challenge!” Her sister, Katie Pasquale ’84 is part of the pudding team, too.
joined the San Diego chapter of the charity group Team Challenge which raises money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America through participation in athletic events. She ran her first half marathon in July.
Leysia Palen ’86 is a University
Heather Kelsey ’97 teaches eighth
of Colorado Boulder associate professor. She and her colleagues used tweets from last year’s massive flooding in Colorado to give engineers valuable information about the extent of damage to the area’s infrastructure. Leysia’s research into disaster response and social media combines the areas of computer science, engineering and social science. She is involved with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), an organization trying to attract more women to computer science. See more about her here: www.cs.colorado.edu/~palen/.
Ammi Ludwick ’88 is the director
of the “Aspirations in Computing” program, a talent development initiative working to engage more young women in computer science and technology. Ammi says, “NCWIT exists to establish gender parity in the technology sector so that conversations in classrooms, research institutions, corporate leadership teams, board rooms and staff meetings are richer with representation from the brightest minds available.”
90s Desarae Cipriano McGlauflin ’97
joined the Army in 2007 and served at Fort Polk in Louisiana. She and her children, Oscar (15) and Emmerie (7), are back in San Diego. Desarae
grade at St. Gall School in Chicago. Living out the CSJ charism she experienced at OLP, Kelsey says, “I believe in inner-city education…I hope that when students leave my classroom and move on to high school, they look at their surroundings and the outside world with eyes of compassion, leadership, and determination--I send them out to make the world a better place not only for themselves, but for all who inhabit it.”
Kathleen Ohl Maloney ’99
graduated cum laude from Boston University in May with a master of science in risk management. Married to John since 2010, the couple has a two-year old son, John Patrick; their family will be expanding in October with the arrival of a second child. Kathleen is an underwriter for CNA Financial Corporation in New York City.
00s Viva Arabo Yacoo ’04 earned
her MBA from SDSU. She and her husband, Jack, are proud parents of a beautiful son, Jacob.
Andrea Clift ’04 has a master’s
degree from NYU and lives in Chicago where she works for Weber Shandwick.
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call for updated contact info Be sure you’ve updated your address & email with us! Send info to alumnae@aolp.org.
Theresa Devine ‘04 has a master’s degree in public health from UCLA and works at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC.
Holly Aguigam ’06 graduated with
Nydia Fierro ’04 earned a master’s
Kelly Gleeson ’04 graduated
Fiametta Raboy ’04 has a
Janmari D. Hueso ‘03 earned her juris doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May. Janmari, a graduate of UCSD, majored in English and Spanish Literature (Thanks Mr. Moreno for four years of Spanish classes at OLP!). She commenced her law school career in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she met her husband, Ramón, a violist from the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. She studied international, European Union and human rights law in England, Italy and Spain. Janmari and Ramón have a 4-year-old son, Hector Alejandro, and welcomed the birth of their daughter, Isabel Aurora, in February. Janmari is studying for the bar and plans to enter private practice in San Diego with her father, Saintsman Felipe D. Hueso ’77.
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bachelor’s degree in microbiology from CSU Long Beach and works at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital. Catch up with her at www.the5footer.com.
Christine Russo ’04 has an MBA
from the University of Redlands and is a financial advisor at Prudential.
Andrea Self ’04 works at Voices
for Children, advocating for children in foster care.
in sales and catering for Continental Catering, owner of the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center.
InMEMORIAM
Teresina B. Hueso ’08 and
degree in architecture from the New School of Architecture. Her students are made aware of the power of education in her life and run around the school yard at recess claiming they will be “doctors” too...actually calling themselves by the title!
from USD and is a sales associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
Chelsea Gustafson ’10 is working
a DDS degree from UCLA in June and is working for the U.S. Navy Dental Corps.
High school sweethearts since freshman year, Giovanna
Brunetto ’08 and Christopher Manzano (Saints ’08) were married on July 12 at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla. The bridal party contained many OLP alumnae, including
Stephanie Waters ‘08, Elyse Witt ‘08, Miriah Roberts ‘09 and Juliana Brunetto
‘11. Many other OLP and Saints
Jake Hebert, Jr. were married this past December in a lovely ceremony at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church followed by a beautiful reception at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. Teresina is completing her degree in cardiovascular respiratory therapy in Louisiana. She is a certified Bodyflow instructor and loves encouraging health and well-being.
Grace Hoy ’09 graduated from ASU and is the social media coordinator for Sun Devil Athletics.
10s Kate Googins ’10 graduated in May with a degree in anthropology from the University of Chicago.
Alexandra Rice ’10 graduated with honors from Regis University in Denver, Colorado with a degree in sociology and a minor in criminology. Before pursuing an additional degree, she will spend a year as a client specialist in the public defender’s office in Bethel, Alaska. Alexandra will be a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps which promotes living in community, simple living, social justice and spirituality while working with poor and marginalized communities.
grads were present to celebrate their big day! The Manzanos live on Long Island in NY where Giovanni currently attends medical school at Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine.
’09
Claire Lower ’07 received her
bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in family studies from Northern Arizona University last May.
Jacqueline Franco is the barn manager at Tea Time Farm in Virginia. Alejandra Hernandez ’09 is a
graduate of USD who works as an accounting technician at Component Control.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Jacqueline Bowles ’51 Patricia Peacock Turk ’53 Sandra Dampier Faella ’68
Alexandra Espinosa ’09 is one of
the San Diego Aviator Girls, cheering at World TeamTennis matches this season.
We remember our beloved alumnae who have gone to their eternal rest.
In the small world category: Alums from three decades discovered each other while working together at Kaiser Point Loma Primary Care in San
’00, MD, Ann Burkhardt Simmons ’68, RN, and Amanda Howell ’95, MD. Diego! From left to right: Christine Millerick Shaw
Reunions ‘89
Kimberly Kreutzer ’68 Susan Wiehle ’68 Ruthie Coles ’71
Contact alumnae@aolp.org for more info
For Year: 1989 | Date: October 24-26, 2014 Event: Contact Yvette Aguayo at bruin4Lyfe@hotmail.com
‘99
For Year: 1999 | Date: October 14, 2014 Event: On OLP Campus. Contact: Kristin Landucci Haygood at khaygood@siprep.org
Fall 2014 | 19
ACADEMY OF
OUR LADY OF
PEACE FOUNDED 1882
4860 Oregon St. San Diego, CA 92116
REGIONAL RECONNECTS You’re Invited!
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace Invites You to Attend Our Regional Alumnae Events
Northern California Event S
U
N
D
A
November 23
2014
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Chicago Event F
R
I
D
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November 7
2014
cantor arts center at stanford university
Waldorf astoria chicago
11:00 A.M. Tour of the Rodin Sculpture Garden & Galleries. Lunch to Follow.
6:00 p.m. Social Hour with Wine & Appetizers
328 Lomita Drive Stanford, CA 94305
Y
11 E. Walton Street Chicago, IL 60611
Hosted by OLP in partnership with Michele Schiele ’85, Stanford University We’re Missing You!
Follow Us to Get Reconnected