OLP MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE (SUMMER 2019)
IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER 2019
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BEYOUTIFUL CONFERENCE
SERVICE & R ET R E ATS
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28
16
32
BOUNDLESS GROUNDBREAKING & CONSTRUCTION
SISTERS HELPING SISTERS
CLASS OF 2019 G R A D UAT I O N
S AV E T H E DAT E : G O L F TOURNAMENT
FRONT COVER PHOTO
Valedictorian Mariana Frangos ’19 looks into the sunset after graduation. Photo by Ciana Yates ’19. Learn more on page 16.
O U R M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.” 2 | OLP MAGAZINE
OLP Dear OLP Pilot Community, As June came to a close, OLP faculty and staff headed out across the United States for training, professional development, and to serve as presenters and lecturers. For a group of 11 of us, we gathered together at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ annual conference, this year located in Pasadena. We were quickly the talk of the town as over half of us were also there as presenters – two students included! The conference was focused on Entrepreneurialism and helping girls Dream, Dare and Do. Over the four days, we were inspired by the stories of female lead project managers from the Walt Disney Imagineering team, the President of First Republic Bank, the Vice President at General Motors for Cruise Automation, inventors, scientists, show runners, and so many more. We collectively were inspired, but also reminded of the challenges that are facing women and girls across the world related to health, wellness, destructive perfectionism, and stress. It reinforced for all of us the important work we do every day to help our girls see all that they are capable of, while simultaneously working with parents as partners to overcome the hurdles that come with this incredible high school journey. There is no finer example of that transformation than watching our seniors take flight into their next chapter. This year, we said goodbye to a group of 183 exceptional young women in the graduating class of 2019. These extraordinary OLP Pilots were the singers, dancers, athletes, musicians, engineers, artists, mathematicians, scientists, writers, and programmers, who have touched our school for the past four years. Collectively, they were extended more than 850 offers of admission to colleges and universities internationally and garnered more than $24.7 million in merit-based scholarships and academic grants across 70% of the graduating class. Additionally, 17.3% will be the first in their family to pursue a college degree, and a record 40.7% have decided to pursue a STEM-based major (compared to the 16% co-educational national average). These young women are a testament to the power of an OLP education – a tradition that has been preparing generations of women. These are women poised to be leaders, knowing the power of sisterhood and the support of others, for whatever path they choose, grounded in the strength of their faith. In this magazine edition, you can read more about the extraordinary OLP women who are leaders in their communities and professions, and the many ways our school impacts the world. You will also read stories about how the OLP sisterhood extends well past these four years of high school. As always, a lot is going on at OLP! With fall just around the corner, and our newest Class of 2023 preparing to join our sisterhood, I encourage all of our families and friends to join us at our 6th Annual Endless Summer event on Friday, the 9th of August, here on our North Terrace. I would also like to personally encourage all of our Alumnae to consider joining us at our Alumnae Reunion Weekend August 8th – 9th. Have a blessed summer!
Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace Head of School Lauren Lek, Ed.D.
Assistant Head of School Jessica Hooper
Leadership Team George Battistel, Ph.D. Rivka Bent Chris Boyer Marlena Conroy Angela Gascho, Ph.D. Aaron Gonzalez Teri Heard Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Jessica (Goncalves) Occhialini ’88 Emily Pippin ’06 Toni Russo
Contributors Savina Charlier ’20 Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 Brianna Hunter ’20 Stephanie Kanaski ’99 Toni Russo Katie Wilson
Design Hollis Maloney ’07
Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School Damian McKinney, Board Chair Coreen G. Petti, Board Chair
Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81 Diane Koester-Byron
CLASS NOTES should be sent to Jeanette Handelsman at jhandelsman@aolp.org
Lisa (Manzer) Leweck ’82
TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS, please contact Nelson Kim at nkim@aolp.org
Danitza (Ramirez) Villaneuva ’98
Deacon Lane Litke Gayle McMahon Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ Provincial Sister Sandra Williams, CSJ Council OLP MAGAZINE
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Congratulations to Bailey Gehler ’19 and Erin Healy ’19 for being named as Athletes of the Year! Special congratulations to our Class of 2019 grads who have signed to continue their athletics in college. Way to go, Pilots!
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Navigating Our Own Yellow Brick Road B Y S AV I NA C H A R L I E R ’ 20 & BRIANNA HUNTER ’20
Our annual BeYOUtiful Conference this year was a refreshing take on The Wizard of Oz: Follow Your Yellow Brick Road. Our main focus is always to empower the 350 young girls who attend the conference each year, however, as high school
High school is one of the most challenging times to maintain confidence in yourself and your future. From our experiences at
club members and leaders we often
this year’s BeYOUtiful Conference, we were able to discern the
benefit just as much as our middle
importance of self-discovery, passion, and the value of having a
school participants.
sense of adventure.
Our guest speaker, Troy Mullins, a professional golfer, emphasized that our yellow brick roads will not always be clear; cloudy skies and rainy days could make it hard for us to find them. However, once the sun breaks through, it will illuminate the yellow brick roads life has in store for us. We learned that it’s okay, and healthy, to not know exactly where our yellow brick road will lead us. By creating a growth mindset and setting small goals, our Emerald City becomes more visible, and we become more empowered to continue on the journey. The BeYOUtiful movement continues to empower the next generation of young women! 6 |This O L Pyear’s M A Gguest A Z I Nspeaker E was Troy Mullins, long drive phenomenon and a rising
star in women’s long-drive competitions.
Reconnect at OLP’s 4th Annual ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND AUGUST 8-9, 2019
THURSDAY , AUGUST 8 WEEKEND DETAILS All classes and alumnae are welcome to attend the festivities. Special classes celebrating reunions are: 1944–75th 1949–70th 1954–65th 1959–60th 1964–55th 1969–50th 1974–45th 1979–40th 1984–35th 1989–30th 1994–25th 1999–20th 2004–15th 2009–10th 2014–5th
Purchase tickets and find information at aolp.org/alumnae-reunion-weekend
Family Mass FREE! | 4:30 pm-5:00 pm » Join us for a special family Mass open to alums, and their families, kids too!
Family Fun Night + BBQ $10 | 5:00 pm-7:30 pm | Kids under 3 are free! » Bring your whole family and join us for a fun night on North Terrace with a delicious BBQ, games and more.
FRIDAY , AUGUST 9 Alumna of the Year Award Honoring Nina Sciuto-Morales ’76 FREE! RSVP Requested | 12:00 pm » Alumna of the Year Award Recognition » Open to alumnae, current students and their families
Campus Tours by Carondelet Circle Students FREE! RSVP Requested | Afternoon 6th Annual Endless Summer Event $35/$50/$750 Tickets | 6:00 pm | North Terrace » Music, craft beer and wine bar, and delicious food! » 21+ Only co-ed event
RSVP AT AOLP.ORG OLP MAGAZINE
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WE CELEBRATED THE MAY CROWNING along with a lovely goodbye blessing ceremony for our renovations in early May. The morning started with an alumnae coffee and donuts reconnect in Aquinas Hall where alums were invited to join their fellow OLP sisters and help “demo” the walls. Guests and community members then joined with students for a May Crowning led by alumna and Boundless Campaign donor Ann Navarra ’63 and a blessing of the OLP buildings by Father Mark Campbell. Boundless Campaign donor Darlene Shiley was also in attendance to celebrate the day. Students and alums also had the chance to “graffiti” the walls and leave their mark on these halls that have been home to so many students and alumnae!
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Boundless donor and prominent San Diego philanthropist, Darlene Shiley, attended the groundbreaking with Boundless donor and OLP alumna Ann Navarra ’63. They are pictured here with Dr. Lek.
T H E C A M PA I G N F O R O L P
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Each of the four classes had their own “graffiti” wall where they could sign their names and leave special messages.
Students laid flowers at the feet of our statue of Mary as part of the May Crowning.
Adeline (Navarra) Williams and sister Ann Navarra ’63 pose for a photo before helping to demolish a wall in Aquinas Hall. OLP MAGAZINE
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Boundless S U P P O R T
WE NEED YOU TO W E CA N ’ T M E ET O U R G OA L W I T H O U T YO U R H E L P IL $12 M LION $11 Million $10 Million
PHA SE 2 GOAL $12 MILLION
$9 Million $8 Million
$10.64 MILLION ACHIE V ED TO DATE
$7 Million $6 Million $5 Million
PHA SE 1 GOAL $10 MILLION ACHIE V ED
$4 Million $3 Million $2 Million $1Million
YO U C A N H E L P U S S TA R T P H A S E 2 ! G I F T S O F A N Y S I Z E A R E W E L C O M E A N D A P P R E C I AT E D !
T O M A K E A G I F T C O N TA C T A L E X I S R O D R I G U E Z 6 1 9 - 7 2 5 - 9 1 3 6 O R A R O D R I G U E Z @ A O L P. O R G
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES ARE S T I L L AVA I L A B L E ! The Campaign for OLP offers many naming opportunities for physical spaces. Donors at the $5,000 Giving Level and above will receive naming recognition on digital donor displays in the building of their choice. Donors at the $25,000 Giving Level and above will receive name recognition on the donor wall in Aquinas Hall. Donors at the $100,000 Giving Level and above will receive permanent name recognition in the Donor Seal located on the floor of Aquinas Hall and permanent naming opportunities for physical spaces located in the building of their choice.
S TA R T P H A S E 2 !
T H E AT E R & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER $1,000,000
LAB CLASSROOMS $ 10 0 , 0 0 0 (6 o f 6 a v a i l a b l e)
DANCE STUDIO $250,000
B R E A KO U T S PAC E S $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 (6 o f 7 a v a i l a b l e)
LIBR ARY TERR ACE $250,000
TV PRODUCTION ROOM $250,000
ADDITIONAL NAMING OPPORTUNITIES LIBRARY & LEARNING COMMONS O F F E R P E N DI N G
LIBRARY STUDY ROOM $250,000
T H E AT E R SET SHOP $ 10 0 , 0 0 0
STUDENT COMMONS O F F E R P E N DI N G
SPIRIT STORE $250,000
FA C U LT Y C O M M O N S O F F E R P E N DI N G
E L E VAT O R $250,000
T H E AT E R DRESSING ROOM $ 10 0 , 0 0 0
ORCHESTRA & BAND ROOM $250,000
FA C U LT Y & S TA F F MOTHER’S LOUNGE $ 10 0 , 0 0 0
N O O K S PAC E S $50,000
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Boundless S U P P O R T
Construction Updates I T H A S B E E N A N E X C I T I N G S U M M E R O N C A M P U S ! The interior demolition of St. Joseph’s and Aquinas is complete. The priority for the remainder of the summer and early fall is concentrated on the interior renovations of St. Joseph’s. Preparations for the new infill building between St. Joseph’s and Aquinas will also begin during this time. The infill building will house our new Student Commons, complete with a PTV viewing area, as well as our new multi-stop elevator. Renovating buildings that are nearing 100 years old does not come without challenges. We are working creatively to find solutions for tariff issues on materials and rising costs of steel. Dedicated to honoring the historical facade of the buildings, we are challenged with the restoration process for many of our existing, original windows. This summer has truly been a time of discovery, of walking a historical construction timeline through the materials and upkeep methods of days gone by. OLP has been blessed, these buildings have provided shelter, a place to educate and care for our young ladies for more than 100 years. It is up to us to bring new life to these buildings. All that we do today ensures and provides for the education of young women for another 100 years!
We need your critical support for Boundless: The Campaign for OLP to help us reach our goal. We can’t start Phase 2 without your help! Visit aolp.org/Boundless to learn more and give today.
Left: The interior stairwell of Aquinas Hall. Above right: The theater has been completed demoed. Below right: The beautiful mural painted on the archways in Aquinas Hall were removed and preserved for incorporation into the new building.
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THE
Class of
2019
Graduation 2019 16 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
I
T WA S A D A Y O F E X C I T E M E N T F O R T H E G R A D U AT I N G C L A S S O F 2 0 1 9 A S T H E Y celebrated Commencement on May 24. Head of School Dr. Lauren Lek addressed our seniors and their families before valedictorians Mariana Frangos ’19 and Sanjana Paye ’19, and salutatorian Gillian Folk ’19
gave their speeches. Also in attendance was the Class of 1969, which celebrated their 50th reunion on campus earlier that day—including our very own Ms. Cascarano ’69! Also part of the special day, Dr. Melinda Blade, who has dedicated more than 40 years of service to OLP, was gifted with an honorary diploma!
The Senior Class of 2019 received a total of
855
OFFERS OF ADMISSION TO
2 1 8 D I F F E R E N T 4 -Y E A R U N I V E R S I T I E S AC R O S S T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S A N D THE WORLD. These acceptances include Ivy League Institutions, Top Tier Public Research Institutions, and Highly Selective Private Schools.
From this remarkable senior class,
1 7. 3 %
ARE THE FIRST IN THEIR
FA M I LY T O P U R S U E A C O L L E G E D E G R E E .
40.7%
of these graduates P L A N T O P U R S U E
A STEM-BASED MAJOR IN COLLEGE.
In a class of 183 students,
74%
O U R S E N I O R S W E R E O F F E R E D AT
L E A S T O N E M E R I T- B A S E D S C H O L A R S H I P.
This amounts to more than
$24.7 MILLION which equates to an average offer of
$183,271 PER STUDENT!
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G R A D UAT I O N 2 0 1 9
SENIOR
Spotlight
SA NJANA PAY E Sanjana Paye served as valedictorian for the Class of 2019. She will be attending the University of Southern California, where she received a $114,512 Presidential Scholarship. Sanjana received more than $622,000 in scholarships to eight colleges and universities. While at OLP, Sanjana participated in Spring Sing for three years, served as President of the Red Cross Club, President of the Interact Club and Co-President of the French Club, was Varsity Tennis Captain and won the OLP Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a National Merit Finalist, a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, a member of French Honor Society, received numerous department and subject awards from OLP, received the Carondelet Circle of the Year Award and a Top 10 Senior Award.
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MA R I A NA F R A NG OS Mariana Frangos served as valedictorian for the Class of 2019. She will be attending Stanford University. Mariana received more than $163,000 in scholarships to four colleges and universities. She also received the St. Spyridon Papanicolaou Scholarship. While at OLP she participated in Link Crew, served as a Peer Tutor, engaged in Spring Sing for three years as the Music Director, served as Freshman and Sophomore Section President, was President of the Rocket Club and Greek Heritage Club, and participated in Academic League, Cross Country and Track and Field. Mariana was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, the National Honor Society (NHS) and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) in addition to receiving the World Languages Department Award and a Top 10 Senior Award from OLP. She also participated in the STEM Certificate program.
GIL L IAN FOLK Gillian Folk served as salutatorian for the Class of 2019. She will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall. Gillian received more than $124,000 from two colleges and universities. She also received the CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year Scholarship, the CIF Spirit of the Sport Scholarship, the Mensa Scholarship, and the Athena Pinnacle Scholarship. While at OLP, Gillian was a Peer Tutor, Freshman Section President, President of the Fitness Club and the Women’s Health Initiative, a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Club, participated in Spring Sing, served as Captain of the Varsity Cross Country and Swim & Dive teams and was a member of the Surf team. Gillian was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and California Scholarship Federation (CSF), participated in the STEM Certificate Program and received a Top 10 Senior Award and Science Department Award from OLP. OLP MAGAZINE
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EMMA G R O NSTA D Emma Gronstad will be attending the University of Southern California, where she has been selected as a Viterbi School of Engineering Scholar and received scholarships totaling $13,750. Emma received more than $43,000 in scholarships from four
G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 9 S E N I O R Spotlight
colleges and universities, including Pennsylvania State University, University of Washington - Seattle, and the University of San Diego. While at OLP she served as a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador, a Peer Tutor and a member of Link Crew, served as the Spring Sing Music Director for her class for three years, was Freshman Section Secretary, the co-founder of the Angel Chorus Club and Humans 4 Humanity Founders’ Council liaison, was a member of Liturgical Choir, Amnesty International, Thespians/ Drama Club, and Women’s Symposium Student Committee and played Lacrosse, Track and Field, and Volleyball. Emma was a member of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, the National Honor Society (NHS) and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) in addition to receiving the Liturgical Planning subject award and being named a 10-Star Honor Thespian Scholar. She also participated in the STEM Certificate program.
SOPHIE BUT L ER Sophie Butler will be attending Gonzaga University in the fall, where she received a $60,000 Gonzaga Grant. She also received more than $160,000 from four colleges and universities including the University of Oregon, University of Portland and Washington State University. While at OLP, Sophie served as the Pilots for Prayer Club Secretary and was a member of Amnesty International, Blood Drive, Red Cross School Club, and the Women in Business Club. She was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and the National Art Honor Society.
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MARGA R ET MCNAMA R A Margaret McNamara will be attending Denison University in the fall, where she received a $108,000 scholarship. Margaret also received more than $262,000 in scholarships from three schools. While at OLP, Margaret participated in Spring Sing for four years, served as a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor, Freshman Representative, and Link Crew member, participated in BeYOUtiful Club, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Surf, and Water Polo, and was Freshman Section President. She was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and the National Speech and Debate Honor Society.
A L EXA APODACA Alexa Apodaca will be attending the University of California, Berkeley in the fall, where she received a $33,200 scholarship. She also received more than $772,000 in scholarships from eight colleges and universities. Alexa received a $10,000 Costco Scholarship, an $8,800 Raise Me Scholarship, and a $5,500 Getty Scholarship. While at OLP, she was a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador, Peer Tutor, and Senior Mentor, participated in Spring Sing for four years, served as a Freshman Retreat Leader, Senior Retreat Leader, a member of Academic League, the Women of Science Club, Architects of Change Club and GIVE Club, and was the Vice President of the BeYOUtiful Club and Interact Club. Alexa was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and received a STEM Certificate from OLP.
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G R ACE KOT NI K Grace Kotnik will be attending Franklin University Switzerland in the fall, where she received more than $110,000 in merit scholarships. Grace also received more than $312,000
G R A D U A T I O N 2 0 1 9 S E N I O R Spotlight
in scholarships from three other colleges and universities, including Regis College, the University of Portland, and Stonehill College. While at OLP, she was a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador, a Peer Tutor, a member of the Student Curriculum Council, President of the Thirst Project, President of the Rho Kappa National Honors Society, Vice President of the Amnesty International Club, the Surf Team Captain, and goalkeeper for the Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse teams. She was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, in addition to winning the OLP department awards in Social Studies and Religion, and subject awards in Chemistry, Social Justice, AP Environmental Science, Herstory, and Women’s Literature Seminar. Grace was a recipient of the Sister Dolores Anchondo Leadership and Legacy Merit Scholarship and was OLP’s recipient of the Matthew 25 Diocesan Service Award.
K IRA LUKAS I K Kira Lukasik will be attending New York University in the fall, where she received a $27,000 Tisch School of the Arts Scholarship. She received more than $472,000 from five additional colleges and universities including Fordham University, Loyola Marymount University, Pace University, and George Washington University. Kira also received a $2,500 Optimist International Oratorical Scholarship. While at OLP, she was a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador and Peer Tutor, participated in Spring Sing for three years, was President of the Thespians Troupe her senior year, Speech and Debate Team Captain, and Thespians Troupe Commissioner of Publicity. Kira was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), National Speech and Debate Honor Society, and an 18-star International Honor Thespian Scholar.
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DA NI EL A M I R A NDA Daniela Miranda will be attending Barnard College in the fall, where she received a $64,619 scholarship grant. She also received more than $408,000 in scholarships from six additional colleges and universities, including New York University, Fordham University, the University of Southern California, University of California, Santa Barbara, Loyola Marymount University and the University of California, Berkeley. While at OLP, Daniela was a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador Captain and Peer Tutor, participated in Spring Sing for two years, was President of the Thespian Troupe, and Vice President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). She was a member National Honor Society (NHS), the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA), an International Honor Thespian Scholar, part of the National Hispanic Scholarship Recognition Program, and received a Carondelet Circle of the Year Award and the Marine Science subject award from OLP.
Top 10 Seniors
Nicole Bruno
Gabrielle Pascua
Anne Danaher
Sanjana Paye
Chloe Faucher
Ana Serrano
to recognize the following students who
Gillian Folk
Molly Schroeder
have demonstrated academic excellence,
Mariana Frangos
Nicole Stepovich
persistence, and a desire for lifelong learning.
Maeve Miller
Catalin Yturralde
As a college preparatory high school, OLP values academic success and is proud
Students with the top 10 cumulative grade point averages for the Class of 2019 are:
Kendall Ota
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Ada B. Nisbet Award
This year’s Ada B. Nisbet Award recipient is described as a young lady who is faithful. She is resolute about compassion for others and standing firm on her Christian faith as seen in her leadership devotion at both her parish, and OLP. Additionally, she has tirelessly given her time and enthusiasm to the Boundless Campaign for OLP by writing scripts, acting out vignettes, giving informative tours and taking a lead in being a supportive voice for the needs of the school. But let’s not stop there; she is also a Carondelet Circle Student Ambassador Captain and a joyful model for the entire Carondelet Circle Team. It is this joyful and committed spirit that won her the admiration of Maria Shriver, former first lady of California, who witnessed her exemplary leadership skills in the program, Architects of Change. The Class of 2019 Ada B. Nisbet recipient is described as the smiling face that we love to see on campus, the girl who will, without hesitation, lend you a helping hand, and as someone who has unwavering and sincere kindness to offer to all. We are proud to present the 2019 Ada B. Nisbet Award to Maggie Brady!
Congratulations to our Class of 2019 STEM Certificate Program participants In 2015, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace created the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Certificate Program to acknowledge students for their achievements and involvement in STEM-related activities. Students completing the requirements to earn a STEM Certificate receive special recognition at their commencement ceremony, as well as a seal of completion on their graduation diploma. In addition, STEM certificate completion will be noted on their transcript.
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Alexa Apodaca
Marian Isbell
Marisa Beresford
Caelan McKamey
Gillian Folk
Sanjana Mody
Mariana Frangos
Ana Serrano
Emma Gronstad
Kaycee Nathalia Valdez
Anna Hedberg
Isabella Velarde
Athena Champions Athena champions the next generation of women leaders in science and technology with its annual Pinnacle Scholarships.
Each year, merit-based scholarships are awarded to five qualified graduating high school senior women in San Diego County. This year, two of the five awards were granted to OLP students! Congratulations to seniors Marisa Beresford ’19 and Gillian Folk ’19 for winning Athena 2019 Pinnacle Scholarships! Way to go, Marisa and Gillian!
Save the Date: One School, One Book M EET T HE AUTHOR : A LL A RE WE LCOME Committed to the social and emotional development of students alongside their academic growth, as a school community we look forward to hosting New York Times Best Selling author Rachel Simmons in the fall! Ms. Simmons will present to the OLP student body, lead a professional development for OLP faculty and staff, and speak at a Parent Education Evening Program on the OLP campus. Be sure to pick up her book and save the date!
PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, 6:30 pm OLP’s Holy Family Event Center Rachel Simmons www.rachelsimmons.com
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Student Service Retreats
&
Faith & Fresh Air L E N T E N R E T R E AT This year Campus Ministry hosted an inaugural optional Lenten Retreat for all grade levels. This outdoor retreat was hosted in Descanso, CA and included hiking, meditation, and faith reflections during our Lenten journey.
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Los Angeles
SERVICE IMMERSION Campus Ministry kicked off April with our annual service immersion to East Los Angeles. This service immersion for juniors and seniors explored the systemic issues of homelessness in Southern CA. We visited our CSJ Los Angeles outreach programs, as well as several nonprofits serving the most vulnerable in Los Angeles.
Tijuana SERVICE IMMERSION Our spring Tijuana Service Immersion included a prayer service at the border wall, and a donation drive to help organizations aiding asylum seekers. We ended the day with a visit to Hogar Infantil La Gloria orphanage.
Appalachian SERVICE IMMERSION Six students spent their Spring Break serving the Appalachian community in rural West Virginia. OLP students gathered for a week of intentional community living at Nazareth Farm, with fellow high school students from across the country. Each day included home repair projects in the local community, as well as faith sharing, Catholic Social Teaching lessons, and learning simple living practices to better our environment. OLP MAGAZINE
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Katherine Bacino ‘10 (cousin), Josette Persson ‘90, Sophia Bacino ‘19
Sisters Helping Sisters BY JEANETTE (PRANTIL) HANDELSMAN ’64
O, my sisters, let us love one another! - Mother St. John Fontbonne This beloved quote by the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph forms the foundation for the close and vibrant relationships that the daughters of the CSJ tradition, our alumnae, have for one another. The care that they provide for one another can take a myriad of forms – from the ready hugs, celebratory birthday balloons, and shoulders to cry on – that we observe being shared between students on the OLP campus, and extending to the support offered as our alumnae experience the celebrations and challenges that life brings to each of them. Katelyn Heffler ‘16 decided to transfer to the University of Alabama – Go Crimson Tide! – a very brave decision, moving away from home and not knowing anyone on the campus – she thought! Madison Byron ‘15 came to her rescue. As a second-year student at Alabama, she connected with Katelyn and provided familiarity and a much-needed sense of “home” when they were together. Although not acquainted when they were students together at OLP, Katelyn now considers Madison one of her best friends and they agree that their OLP bond will continue to flourish. They agree that although graduates all go their own way, the OLP sisterhood is always present no matter the time or distance. At Alabama, Katelyn is studying News Media with hopes of becoming a sports broadcaster, and Madison is majoring in Hospitality Management and hopes to own her own business.
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Michele Schiele ‘85 and Hannah Pingol ‘18 share
award winning video production studio based in
the Stanford University campus: Hannah as a first-
New York City. Sophia, an accomplished musician
year student and Michele as a Senior Vice President
and songwriter, begins her studies at the Herb
in Stanford’s Office of Development. As the end
Alpert School of Music at UCLA this fall. They had
of the school year approached, Hannah needed
much to share in the area of creative endeavors.
support to continue her studies at Stanford. She
Josette loves being a mentor to the next generation
reached out to her alma mater and OLP’s Head of
of students – it is a beautiful way for her to stay
School, Dr. Lauren Lek, connected Hannah with
connected to her alma mater. It is a wonderful
Michele, a faithful and dedicated supporter of her
reminder to her that OLP is a family, and wherever
alma mater and the vision for its future, captured in
you land in the world, the sisterhood stays strong
the Boundless Campaign. Dedicated to giving more
long after you graduate. Sophia finds that every
than she receives, Michele was happy to help Hannah
interaction she has with Josette is “empowering,
with a few strategic phone calls, which resulted in
and motivating.” She shares: “It is wonderful to
a positive outcome for Hannah and her future at
have a conversation with such a successful woman
Stanford. In Michele’s words: “If as alums we want to
who has walked the same hallways, had the same
see OLP excel, we have to do what we can to help.”
teachers. That’s a priceless opportunity that only
And she further shares that she was happy to do so.
the OLP sisterhood can provide.” Josette likewise was impressed with Sophia and her enthusiasm
Emily Latham ‘08, a firefighter for the San Diego
for the arts, and is very excited to see all that she
Fire Department, was on the job in downtown
accomplishes.
San Diego recently when she was sent on a call for medical assistance at her alma mater! She was able to lend the needed support to her alumna
We look forward to the development of a
sister, Ali Buser ‘19, when in Emily’s words, “fate
structure that will formalize the support that
stepped in that day!” Emily shares that the best
our alumnae provide to one another with the
part of being a firefighter is giving back to her
inauguration of the OLP Mentoring Program
community. In this case, giving back to the OLP
during the 2019-2020 academic year. Watch
community meant a great deal to Emily and her
for details in our upcoming publications.
entire family. Three generations of women in her family have been educated at OLP starting with her late grandmother, Monica Manzer ‘53, followed by her mother, Maureen Latham ‘76, and aunts, Coleen Manzer ‘79, OLP Board Member Lisa Leweck ‘82, and Kathleen McKaveney ‘83. Emily shares that her grandmother always attributed her success to her OLP education and Emily is grateful that she was able to provide needed help to Ali: “It was paying it forward, helping a sister as another has helped me.” Josette Persson ‘90 and Sophia Bacino ‘19 were fortunate to find time to share at the 2019 Women’s Symposium. Josette is an Executive Producer and Principal at Point Studio, Inc., an 8-time Emmy-
Madison Byron ’15 with Katelyn Heffler ’16
OLP MAGAZINE
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a DAY i n the LIFE
Congratulations to all the students who were honored at the Academic Awards Assembly and the Evening of Excellence! We are so proud of the achievements of our girls.
The 2019-2020 ASB had their first meeting with Saint Augustine recently. We are excited to see what our student leaders have in store for us next year!
Mrs. Rayner, Mrs. Allen ’85 and Ms. Nagem ’70 are at Regis in Massachusetts for the Association of Colleges of Sisters of St Joseph (ACSSJ), deepening their knowledge of the CSJ charism.
Say hello to the 2019-2020 Thespian leadership team! We can’t wait to see what the new year brings for our Performing Arts Department.
The Class of 2023 is here! We had so much fun welcoming our frosh at Spring Welcome Night and can’t wait to have them on campus again in the fall. 30 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
We had one win and two nominations for A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the 14th Annual National Youth Arts Theatre Awards! Congratulations VAPA Department!
Community Day 2019 was a blast. We enjoyed our annual tradition of Mass on the Grass, celebrating the liturgy outside on North Terrace followed by fun, food and games!
OLP faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members participated in the Anti-Defamation League No Place for Hate recognition ceremony and Walk Against Hate. OLP recently received its No Place for Hate designation again this year and is happy to be a place that is accepting of all!
The 2019 Spring Pops Concert was a resounding success! Students from the advanced Choral Ensembles and the Instrumental Ensemble performed in our lovely Chapel.
College chalk day was so fun! Seniors were invited to wear the shirt or sweatshirt of the college they’ll be attending in the fall, and chalk their new school’s mascot or name onto the sidewalks on North Terrace. This annual tradition is always looked forward to! We are incredibly proud of all of our Class of 2019 seniors and their incredible college acceptances.
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POS TAGE PAID SAN DIEGO, C A PERMIT NO. 1592
4 8 6 0 O R E G O N S T, S A N DI E G O, C A 92 1 16
THE ANNUAL OLP
Endless Summer FRID AY, A U G U S T 9 , 2 0 1 9 | 6 : 0 0 P M
Let’s start the school year with a party! Join OLP for the Annual Endless Summer event featuring local craft beer, delectable wines, dinner and music. Mix and mingle with OLP parents, alumnae, faculty and friends as you celebrate the end of summer with the majestic view from North Terrace. 21+ O N LY. IDS W I L L BE C H E C KED AT T H E D OOR .
Purchase Tickets:
A OLP. OR G/EN DLESSSU M M ER
Save the Date!
OLP GOLF TOURNAMENT
maderas Golf Club friday, september 13, 2019 Reserve your spot at aolp.org/golf