Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 Magazine by Lacordaire Academy

LACORDAIRE

M A G A Z I N E

Fall2025/Winter2026

TheLacordaireAcademyMagazineis publishedbiannuallybythe Academy’smarketingoffice.

HeadofSchool

MeganMannato

AssociateHeadofSchool

SuzanneBilicska

BoardChair

ChristineJames,OPA’83,’87

Editor

KellyReillyMcCarthy’11 DirectorofMarketingandCommunications

AdvancementEditors

DeniseWagner DirectorofMajorGifts

ReneeReso AdvancementAssociate

Photography

LacordaireFaculty&Staff

LacordaireStudentPhotographers

DominiqueMarinzulich’04,’08

NewMoonPhotography

Mission

Empoweringstudentstogrowinto confidentdecisionmakersand responsibleleadersinacommunityof belonging,rootedintheCatholic Dominicantradition

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This issue of Lacordaire Magazine is centered on Giving Within the Catholic tradition, the act of giving is an extension of Caritas, the selfless love that seeks the good of others The Gospel of Matthew reminds us that where our treasure lies, our hearts will inevitably follow. What we choose to support reflects our deepest values and refines our character. Giving is an invitation into a life of greater responsibility and profound compassion.

A Historic Milestone of Faith in a $1 Million Bequest to Lacordaire

This year, the Lacordaire community was humbled by a gesture of historic proportions. The late Carrie Mallon Harris ’67, ‘71 and her husband George are remembered with immense gratitude for an extraordinary $1 million bequest to Lacordaire As the largest single contribution in our school’s history, this act of faith stands as a foundational testament to their enduring belief in, and love for, our school. You can read more about this gift on page 12

The Upper School Class of 1960 celebrated their 65th reunion in 2025 with an unrestricted class gift of $35,000. Their incredible act of generosity was commemorated during a beautiful luncheon in James Hall this October

Through the kindness of a family who would like their names to remain anonymous, the James Hall chapel was restored, the large cross that overlooks Park Street was cleaned and repainted, and the theater program received vital lighting upgrades.

This summer, Christine James, OPA ‘83, ‘87 provided the resources to renovate the gym, which also serves as a theater, meeting space, and cafeteria This newly bright space feels welcoming and inspiring for students and guests alike and has greatly improved the athletic and theatrical experiences of our students and their audiences

A generous grant, combined with support from The Lacordaire Fund, allowed for the total re-siding of The Carriage House, which is now well-protected from storm damage and sustainably insulated for better energy efficiency during both the warmer and cooler months

The Meaning of “Unrestricted”

Unrestricted contributions to The Lacordaire Fund provide the essential stability required for the school to operate efficiently without a major increase in tuition In addition to allowing us to invest in classroom technology, professional development for faculty, landscaping, and campus maintenance, these funds ensure operational resilience when unforeseen challenges arise For example, when storms compromised tall campus trees and damaged the fencing last year, The Lacordaire Fund allowed for immediate repairs The Lacordaire Fund pays for the nightly cleaning of our academic buildings and for the classroom utility bills, which can exceed $10,000 per month While these gifts are often “ unseen, ” their impact is foundational to the operation of our school

A Vision for the Future

This winter, as we look ahead, Lacordaire is poised for further evolution. In addition to offering new electives and expanded athletics, our goals include replacing the flooring in both academic buildings, restoring the much-used screened in porch of James Hall, renewed focus on the visual arts program, and a reimagining of classroom spaces to create environments that are bright, welcoming, and forward-thinking Financial contributions toward these initiatives will directly improve the academic experience of every student every day

Major gifts are the architects of Lacordaire’s future. They signify a collective belief in our mission and a confidence in the potential of our students By entering this circle of support, you can contribute to a legacy that ensures Lacordaire will flourish for generations to come

TheGiftofHome

AtPark&Lorraine

VARSITYVOLLEYBALLHASRECORDSEASON

The Upper School varsity volleyball team capped off an outstanding season, celebrating Senior Night and taking part in the fall pep rally. The team won the majority of their games while demonstrating remarkable sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the season Volleyball remains the largest and most popular sport in the Upper School

ExploringOurSharedHeritage

Key Arts Productions traveled from Philadelphia to share a vibrant program of song and storytelling, engaging students in exploring diverse heritages from Europe to Africa, Asia, and South America celebrating the threads that connect us all

WELCOMINGNEWPARENTS&GUARDIANSTOLACORDAIRE

As the sun set through the trees on a lovely September evening, new parents mingled on the lawn with faculty, staff, and the Parent Association over wine and light bites, filling the air with promise for the magical school year ahead In the words of PA President Diana Mikula, “I know everyone says their school is a family, but this one really is We aren’t kidding.” Welcome to Lacordaire!

AUNIFORMDEMOFORINCOMINGFRESHMEN

Student Ambassadors Veronica ’26, Gianna ’27, and Annie ’26 attended “Rookie Camp” for new Upper School students this summer to demonstrate how the Lacordaire uniform is supposed to be worn

STUDENTAMBASSADORSWELCOMEDRECORD

CROWDSATFALLOPENHOUSES

Our Fall 2025 Open Houses drew record attendance in both the Upper and Lower/Middle divisions, with more than 100 families registered Our incredible student ambassadors were the highlight of the day, welcoming guests, leading tours, and assisting with every detail We are excited to begin reviewing applications for the upcoming school year.

JAPANESECALLIGRAPHYONTHECARTESIANPLANE

Seventh-grade Pre-Algebra students explored the intersection of math and art by using the fourquadrant Cartesian Plane to practice Japanese calligraphy They learned about Japan’s writing systems Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji and practiced positioning their Hiragana characters accurately within the quadrants, combining precision and cultural learning

The Fundamentals of Tennis Kindergarten students explored the fundamentals of tennis in gym class, practicing swings and groundstrokes while building physical literacy and hand-eye coordination Along the way, they also strengthened teamwork and social skills by helping one another choose racquets and rally across the court.

FROM OURBOARD CHAIR

Dear Lacordaire Community,

I am filled with profound gratitude for the incredible gift of my Lacordaire education. It is foundational to who I have become and drives my purpose in seeking to ensure we thrive today and long into the future My inspiration grows every day that I witness our students Their curiosity, compassion, and courage reflect the absolute best of our Dominican tradition.

For the Board of Trustees, this year has been one of meaningful progress and renewed vision We find every opportunity to invest in the people and programs that support our vibrant community Lacordaire has been blessed with the extraordinary generosity of alumni and parents to make truly meaningful improvements to plant & facilities and fiscal soundness We wrestle with the ongoing challenge of balancing tuition affordability with fair compensation for our mission-driven faculty and staff All these efforts are not simply operational; they are acts of stewardship, honoring the legacy entrusted to us by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell and ensuring that Lacordaire continues to flourish for generations to come

What gives me the greatest hope is the unmistakable sense of community that radiates through our halls.

Whether cheering at a Lions game, gathering for Mass, celebrating student achievements, or supporting one another in times of need, our community embodies the values we teach. It is a privilege to witness the many ways our families, alumni, and friends contribute their time, talent, and treasure to strengthen our shared mission

In the pages ahead, you will hear about the strong ties that are built among classmates. That is certainly true of my Class of ‘87! We have a group text chat to share news, celebrate every holiday, or arrange the next meet up It is truly a sisterhood of support and encouragement

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your unwavering belief in Lacordaire Academy. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in faith, guided by wisdom, and illuminated by the limitless potential of our students

With gratitude and hope,

Christine James, OPA ’83 ‘87 Chair, Board of Trustees

“We are a community built on the idea that giving is not about what we lose, but what we build together.”

Head of School’s Note

Dear Lacordaire Community,

As we settle back into our routines following the Christmas break, I have found myself reflecting on a simple question: What is the meaning of "giving"?

Is it a sacrifice? Is it an act of love, or perhaps a gesture of service? Within the halls of Lacordaire, we don’t have to look far for the answer. Every day, our community experiences the transformative power of giving in its many forms

Giving at Lacordaire is not a seasonal event; it is our daily practice In the classroom, our teachers give our students the gift of learning joyfully while setting the bar high. More importantly, they provide an environment where every child is known, seen, and valued.

This spirit of giving extends to how we lead Our administrative leadership team has centered itself around the word "grace" this year To us, grace is the gift of patience when things are difficult and the understanding that we are all human By leading with grace, we are creating an environment where trust and acceptance are the standard, not the exception.

We see this same spirit reflected beautifully within our student body The gift of connection is ever-present in our "Big and Little" programs, where older students offer mentorship and friendship, and our youngest learners return that gift with pure adoration

We also see the subtle gifts students give one another every day It is in the student who spends a free period helping a peer complete a difficult project, and it is in the collective roar of joy we hear in the hallways when a senior celebrates an acceptance into a great college. At Lacordaire, our students understand that a friend's success is a cause for community celebration.

While Christmas has just passed, a season many define by the act of giving, it also serves as an important time for us to reflect on the gifts we already possess: the gifts of time, health, and the people who walk alongside us. I am reminded every morning as I walk through our doors that it is a profound gift to be part of the Lacordaire family and to share in the unique spirit that makes our school a second home for so many

We are a community built on the idea that giving is not about what we lose, but what we build together

Very truly yours,

Megan Mannato Head of School

200+

Bags of essentials packed for our friends in need this fall

7-1

Upper School Varsity Volleyball season

$100,000+

Raised at the 2025 Gala #1

Ranking as Essex County’s best private all girls high school (Niche.com)

$6,000

Donated to charity from Mission Bazaar

2 out of 2

First place Forensics victories

Voted #1

Best of Essex’s Top Private High School (Suburban Essex)

100%

2025 graduates accepted into at least one of their top three college choices

Top 15%

Ranked in the top 15% of private schools across NJ, NY, and CT (Niche com)

70%

Students participated in athletics from 2025-2026

A Lasting Legacy

Caroline ’67, ’71 and George Harris Leave Transformative $1 Million Gift to Lacordaire

Lacordaire Academy recently received the largest single gift in its history: a $1 million bequest from alumna Caroline “Carrie”Anne Mallon Harris ’67, ’71 and her husband, George Stanley Harris The couple’s extraordinary generosity will support the Academy’s mission and traditions for generations to come

Carrie, who passed away on November 29, 2021, just one day shy of her sixty-eighth birthday, was a lifelong advocate for education. Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and raised in Montclair, she attended Lacordaire for middle and high school before earning her Bachelor’s degree in History from Rosemont College and a Master’s in Educational Counseling Psychology from the University of Virginia Her career spanned decades of dedication to students, most notably as the founding Director of the Center for Academic Advising at George Washington University’s School of Business, where she built the office into a nationally recognized model of excellence

Carrie’s professional accomplishments were matched by a life rich in adventure and family She and George, whom she married in 1983, shared a love of camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains and northern Maine, hiking, kayaking, and documenting their travels in meticulous photo albums. She delighted in holiday gatherings, elaborate decorations, and the joy of bringing friends and family together Even in the face of serious health challenges, including breast cancer,

multiple strokes, and heart surgeries, Carrie faced life with determination, inspiring all who knew her.

George Harris, a proud Navy veteran who passed away on November 15, 2023, at age 90, also dedicated his life to service Born in Miami, Oklahoma, he enlisted in the Navy at 18, served in Korea and Vietnam, and rose to the rank of Captain in the Medical Service Corps before retiring in 1990 Known for his humor, wisdom, and compassion, George’s life was defined by integrity and devotion to family

Reflecting on her sister’s impact, Lacordaire alumna Kitty Mallon Johnson

’65 shared, “Lacordaire Academy was the cornerstone of Carrie’s career in education. Her life was centered on her love of learning The sense of community and commitment to excellence she experienced at Lacordaire was at the root of her desire to work with students and led to her profession in counseling Carrie often reflected on what being a member of the Lacordaire community meant to her She felt truly blessed to be able to help provide for the continued maintenance of those traditions”

With this bequest, the school has established the Lacordaire Strategic Fund, part of which will be invested, while the remainder will serve as a savings reserve, creating a transformative resource that every school aspires to have.

“LacordaireAcademywas the cornerstone of Carrie’s career in education. Her life was centered on her love of learning. The sense of community and commitment to excellence she experienced at Lacordaire was at the root of her desire to workwith students and led to her profession in counseling.”

The Harrises’ $1 million estate gift ensures that Lacordaire Academy will continue to foster the profound love of learning that shaped Carrie’s remarkable life Their legacy is a testament to a lifelong belief in the transformative power of a Lacordaire education.

Lacordaire Academy welcomes bequests, IRA and retirement fund gifts, and other estate gifts to ensure a bright future for the school Donors leave their legacy for Lacordaire when they remember the school in their estate plans, and they will be enrolled in the school’s Veritas Society

For information on including Lacordaire Academy in your planned giving, please contact DeniseWagner in the Lacordaire Development Office by email or phone: dwagner@lacordaire.net; 973-494-7678

CreateYourLegacy

LeaveaLastingMarkatLacordaire

Forgenerations,theLacordairecommunityhasbeenbuilt onthegenerosityofthosewhobelievedinsomething greaterthanthemselves.

Whatbetterwaytohonorthelastingimpactofa LacordaireeducationthanbyincludingtheAcademyin yourwillorestateplans?Aplannedgiftisalasting testamenttoyourbeliefinthemissionofLacordaireand yourdesiretoseeitslightshineforyearstocome.

THEBLESSINGOFTHEANIMALS

InOctober,ourcommunitycametogetherfortheBlessingoftheAnimals,atradition honoringSt FrancisofAssisi,patronsaintofanimalsandecology St Francisis rememberedforhisprofoundloveofGod’screationandhisbeliefthatalllivingbeings belongtoonefamilyunderGod Hesawanimalsnotmerelyascompanions,butas livingexpressionsofGod’sgoodnessintheworld.

Studentsbroughttwo-legged,four-legged,winged,andevengilledfriends,whileothers sharedphotosofbelovedpetsorfavoritestuffedanimalstobeincludedintheblessing Beyondthejoyofthemorning,thistraditioncarriesadeeperpurpose:itinvites studentstorecognizelifeitselfasagifttobecelebrated Byhonoringtheirpets, childrenareencouragedtolookbeyondthemselvesandembracetheirroleasstewards oftheEarth Thecelebrationnurturesmoralimagination,helpingstudentsseethat everylivingbeingispartofaworldentrustedtoourcare:agiftthatcallsfor compassion,respect,andintegrity

A Prayer for Our Pets

“Blessed are You, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You created fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. We ask You to bless our beloved pets. By the power of Your love, help us to always praise You for the beauty in creation. May we always care for them with love, and may they live a happy, healthy life. Amen."

The Gift of Hands-On Learning

8th grade Physical Science students got hands-on while exploring non-Newtonian states of matter by making oobleck, a substance that behaves like both a liquid and a solid Through this messy and engaging experiment, students observed how oobleck changes under pressure, bringing abstract scientific concepts to life. The class was joined by 6th grade Earth Science students, who jumped right into the fun as they worked alongside their older peers

To learn about the Industrial Revolution, 9th graders in Mr. Occhipinti's World History Honors class each gave a Shark Tank-style investor pitch for an important invention from the 1800s. Bianca Cabrera ’29 who built her own lightbulb to demonstrate received the most "investments" from her classmates and was declared the winner!

12TH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FAIR

7th-graders in Mr. Eichmann’s U.S. History I class researched Native American cultures across North America and presented their discoveries at the 12th Annual Native American Fair Acting as archaeologists uncovering a time capsule, students described three cultural artifacts and explained the traditions and way of life of the culture they “discovered ” Students and staff from all divisions attended during Middle School Advisory The project highlights the diversity of Native American cultures and challenges common stereotypes

Mrs. Kessler’s daughter, Catherine, a certified yoga instructor, helped 2 graders “find their inner yogi” as they learned poses such as Warrior, CatCow, Baby Pose, and more The students loved taking time to stretch, move, learn about yoga, and relax together.

ALUMNI

Honoring Impact: Class of 1960 Reunion Gift

As the 65th anniversary of their graduation approached, members of the Upper School Class of 1960 began reflecting on what Lacordaire had given them and how they might mark the milestone. One alumna proposed creating a Class of ’60 gift to support the school, and she offered an anonymous $20,000 matching gift to help launch the effort. The response was strong. Eighteen classmates contributed, raising an incredible total of $35,300

For many, the decision to give grew out of a lasting appreciation for their years at Lacordaire. Louise Snider Dunn ’60 describes those four years as a period that stayed with her long after graduation “When I look back over the many years of my life, the four years of high school at Lacordaire are a very happy memory,” she says “I was given a sense of vocation and a set of values that were foundational, and I made lifelong friendships.”

The momentum of the class gift soon led to another idea: gathering again on campus. On October 4, twelve members of the Class of ’60 returned to Lacordaire for a reunion lunch in James Hall, a space they still refer to as the Mansion The day was clear and mild, and the familiarity of the setting made conversation come easily

As Carol O’Connor Toolan ’60 recalls, “The years fell away as we reconnected and recalled memories of those four years” The Mansion held particular meaning for the group The Class of ’60 was among the last high school classes to attend lessons there

beforeLacoHallopened During lunch,classmatessharedstoriesfrom theirstudentdays,includingLatin classesonthesecondfloorwithSister VivienJennings,wholaterbecame PresidentofCaldwellCollege.Peggy LaveryLeo’60remembersthose classesclearly.“Weweresixteenand shewasnineteen,andwewere petrifiedofher,”shesays “Shelater becameSisterSuperiorofthe CaldwellDominicanOrderand eventuallyPresidentofCaldwell College Istayedintouchwithherfor therestofherlife.”

“WhenIlookbackover themanyyearsofmylife, thefouryearsofhigh schoolatLacordairearea veryhappymemory.Iwas givenasenseofvocation andasetofvaluesthat werefoundational,andI madelifelong friendships.”

Othermemoriesweresmallerbutno lessvivid Severalalumnaerecalled SisterGeorginahandingoutwarm cookiesatthebackstepsaftercheer practiceorgames,justbeforethe walkdowntothelockerrooms These moments,ordinaryatthetime,have lingeredacrossdecades

Formanyintheclass,Lacordairewas notsimplyaschoolbutaplacethat shapedbothfaithandopportunity. PeggyLaveryLeocreditstheschool withopeningdoorsshemightnot otherwisehavehad “Myfaithwas

nourished by Masses, prayers, and retreats,” she explains “Our principal, Sister Virginia, applied for a scholarship to Caldwell College for me because she knew my father could not afford college. That made it possible for me to double major in English and Elementary Education and become a teacher for twenty-five years”

Relationships formed at Lacordaire have also endured. Carol O’Connor Toolan notes that many classmates remain close “Many of us are in touch with our high school friends more so than with college friends to this day,” she says. “Lacordaire was like our second family. We were in each other’s weddings and celebrated many of life’s milestones”

During their visit, members of the Class of ’60 spent time meeting current students and observing campus life today. Carol O’Connor Toolan was struck by what she saw. “The students we met were smart, creative, motivated, gracious, and successful,” she says “They are a credit to the school”

“Lacordaire was like our second family.We were in each other’s weddings and celebrated many of life’s milestones.”

The Class of ’60 gift reflects a long, beautiful relationship with Lacordaire Sixty-five years after graduation, the connection remains very much alive

ASA CAPSTONE

Students Travel to the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences InJune2025,studentsinLacordaire’sUpperSchoolAdvancedScience Academy(ASA)traveledtotheBermudaInstituteofOceanSciences (BIOS)fortheircapstonefieldexperience,markingtheculminationofa yeardedicatedtothestudyofmarineandoceansciences Thetripwas thefinalstepinademanding,year-longacademicprogramoncampus

AtBIOS,studentsworkedundertheguidanceofKaitlinNoyes’02,a LacordairealumnaandthecurrentDirectorofEducationand CommunityEngagementattheinstitute Studentssawfirsthandhowa curiositynurturedatLacordairecangrowintoaprofessionrootedin research,leadership,andenvironmentalstewardship Overthecourseof theweek,studentsimmersedthemselvesinlaboratoryandfield-based work,drawingonskillsdevelopedthroughouttheyearinLacordaire’s newsciencefacilities.Inthelab,theypracticedprecisetechniquessuch asusingmicropipettes,loadingagarosegels,andconductingDNA fingerprintingexperiments.Theyanalyzedbandingpatternsandused NCBIbioinformaticstoolstocomparesharkDNAsequenceswith existinggeneticdata,gainingexposuretothewaysscientistsinterpret andshareresearchonaglobalscale

Beyondthelab,studentsexploredBermuda’sdistinctmarine ecosystems,connectingtheirfieldobservationstolargerquestionsabout biodiversity,conservation,andenvironmentalchange Thesemoments helpedbridgethegapbetweendataonapageandthelivingsystems thosenumbersrepresent.

Upper School Advanced STEM Academy students, focused this year on Anatomy, recently visited the MedQuest program at Saint Dominic Academy MedQuest Director Roxanne D’Alessio led a pig kidney dissection, while Lacordaire students joined in hands-on stations, including suturing, phlebotomy, burn treatment, and wound care. This immersive experience gave students a real-world glimpse into medical science in action.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin Celebrates First Day of School at Lacordaire

The Lacordaire Academy community opened the 2025–2026 school year on Friday, September 5 with a historic celebration, as Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the first day of school Mass on the Academy’s campus The gathering, held under a large tent on the school’s lawn, marked Lacordaire’s 105th year of educating students in the Catholic Dominican tradition

“We’re heading into this school year with strong enrollment,” said Head of School Megan Mananto “We are grateful to Cardinal Tobin for joining us and for celebrating the joys and lasting benefits of a Dominican education.”

Cardinal Tobin’s visit was a tremendous honor for the Academy Cardinals are among the highest-ranking leaders of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope to serve as his advisors and, collectively, to elect a new Pope in a conclave Fewer than 20 cardinals currently serve across the entire United States

Christine James, Chair of Lacordaire’s Board of Trustees, opened the Mass by reflecting on the Academy’s century-long mission

“Your pastoral care and advocacy for mercy, inclusion, and dialogue resonate deeply with our own values. We are honored to welcome you to the Lacordaire family today.”

“As an independent Catholic school rooted in Dominican tradition, Lacordaire has, for over a century, nurtured young minds and hearts to become confident and compassionate leaders grounded in truth, justice, and service,” James said She went on to thank the Caldwell Dominican Sisters, the Academy’s faculty and staff, and Cardinal Tobin for his leadership, noting: “Your pastoral care and advocacy for mercy, inclusion, and dialogue resonate deeply with our own values. We are honored to welcome you to the Lacordaire family today”

During his homily, Cardinal Tobin engaged closely with students and teachers, walking among them as he spoke “At the beginning of a new school year, I think Jesus is inviting us to think about what’s new,” he said. “The newness of Jesus is that each day, he gives us what we need. God goes where God wants to go, and that’s into our hearts so we don’t have to face this year with fear or anxiety”

Megan Mannato concluded the Mass with remarks that celebrated Lacordaire’s history and its vibrant present

“One hundred and five years ago, Lacordaire welcomed its first two students Today, we welcome two hundred and seventy students,” Mannato said, to fervent applause from Cardinal Tobin and the audience. “Every day, we all enter these doors with our mission in mind: to empower students to grow into confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition ”

“One hundred and five years ago, Lacordaire welcomed its first two students. Today, we welcome two hundred and seventy students,”

As Cardinal Tobin processed out of t sacred space, he shared a moment of connection with the entire student b offering fist bumps to students from through 12th grade The gesture bro smiles across the Academy and reflec the Cardinal’s approachable, pastora leadership.

The Mass with Cardinal Tobin set an inspiring tone for the new academic y reinforcing Lacordaire Academy’s en commitment to faith, learning, and community, its strength for the future, and its historic place within the Montclair community.

A Culture & Belonging

We were delighted to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our Upper School students The event, generously organized by Angie Castro ’27, featured a Zumba lesson and delicious home-cooked empanadas made by Angie’s mom The highlight of the afternoon came when six students processed out of Laco Hall in their stunning quinceañera gowns, each carrying the flag of their heritage. They performed a short dance and shared thoughts about what they love most about their cultures

STUDENTS SPEAK AT FAR BROOK CONFERENCE

Lacordaire was honored to attend the Far Brook School Diversity Conference, Widening the Lens, alongside educators, parents, students, and administrators from 14 peer schools including MKA, Oak Knoll, Far Brook School, and Morristown Beard The conference fostered dialogue around barriers and strategies for advancing diversity and inclusion in schools.

LACO JOINS PEER SCHOOLS AT PRINCETON DAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Twelve Upper School students, along with Mrs Bigelow and Ms Alexander, attended a diversity and leadership conference with students from MKA, Pingry, and Princeton Day School

IN MADAME LANDREVIE’S LOWER SCHOOL FRENCH CLASSES, STUDENTS LEARNED ABOUT GALETTE DES ROIS, A TRADITIONAL FRENCH PASTRY ENJOYED ON THE EPIPHANY, WHICH COMMEMORATES THE VISIT OF THE MAGI TO THE BABY JESUS. IN FRANCE, THE PASTRY IS SHARED WITH A HIDDEN FIGURINE, OR FÈVE, BAKED INSIDE; WHOEVER FINDS IT IS CROWNED KING OR QUEEN FOR THE DAY STUDENTS BROUGHT THE TRADITION TO LIFE BY MAKING PAPER CROWNS, AND SOME EVEN TOOK HOME A RECIPE TO BAKE THEIR OWN GALETTE WITH THEIR FAMILIES.

This fall, thanks to the generosity of student and family volunteers, our community came together to celebrate Diwali The gym was transformed into a vibrant space where students explored the traditions of the Festival of Lights through dance, cultural stations featuring clothing and jewelry, temporary tattoos, crafts, a photo booth, and books and coloring activities. Students wore bright colors and learned that Diwali is celebrated by millions of people around the world across multiple faiths and cultures

Middle School students participated in Student Government elections this fall, listening to candidate speeches and casting their votes in late September. The newly elected officers were announced soon after and officially sworn into office by Mr Eichmann

FLUENCY & FRENCH CULTURE

Mr De Toustain's Middle and Upper School French classes welcomed special guest Madame Lynne Wilson-Bruchet, who became fully fluent in French through focus and living abroad. She inspired students with the message: "You, too, can become a fluent French speaker!" The class enjoyed French activities and trivia magnifique!

As part of their study of immigration to the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, 11th grade students traveled to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty The visit offered sweeping views from the pedestal and a unique opportunity for students to explore the immigrant experience, with several of the girls uncovering records connected to their own family histories at Ellis Island. CULTURE&BELONGING

CHRISTMAS ONSTAGE

Sharing the Story of Christ Through Performance

ThroughouttheAdventseason,studentsacross gradelevelsbroughtthestoryofChristmastolife throughmusic,drama,andstorytelling,offering performancesthatreflectedbothcreativityandfaith

Kindergartenandfourthgradestudentscollaborated onamovingproductionofTheTaleofThreeTrees, tellingthestoryofJesus’slifethroughtheimagined voicesofthreetreesdestinedtobecomeHiscrib,His boat,andthecrossuponwhichHedied The performanceinvitedaudiencestoseetheChristmas storynotonlyasamomentintime,butasthe beginningofChrist’slifeandmission.

MiddleSchoolstudentsalsotookthestagewithtwoperformancesofThe BestChristmasPageantEver,directedbyMs.Coleman.Featuringalively castandplentyofhumor,theproductionembracedchaosandcomedywhile deliveringafreshretellingoftheNativity.Throughitsspirited performances,theplayremindedaudiencesthattheChristmasstory belongstoeveryone

Theseasonconcludedwiththefirstgrade’sannualChristmaspageant, performedinconjunctionwiththeschool’sChristmasprayerservice Throughlivesongandnarration,studentssharedthelivingstoryofJesus’s birthinthemanger,offeringasimpleandreverentportrayalthatcaptured thejoyandhopeoftheseason Together,theseperformancesreflectedthe manywaysstudentsengagewiththeChristmasstory throughimagination, faith,andcommunity bringingitsmessagetolifeforaudiencesofallages

A Tradition of Storytelling

Teaching the Christmas story through performance connects generations. These productions honor a longstanding tradition of passing faith from one generation to the next, through song, storytelling, and shared experience.

"A warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame"

A

fireside performance of “Beowulf”

Mr Lombardo’sUpperSchoolBritishLiteratureclassbroughtthe OldEnglishepicpoemBeowulftolifewithanoutdoorperformance forthethirdandfourthgradeclasses Althoughpreservedtodayas oneoftheearliestwrittenworksintheEnglishlanguage,Beowulf grewoutofarichoralstorytellingtradition,meanttobespoken aloudandsharedincommunity Byperformingpartsofthestory, studentsexploredhowvoice,rhythm,anddramaticexpressionshape meaninginatextthatwasoriginallyexperiencedthroughsound ratherthanonthepage

DalilahRivera’27,LucyDeCristo’27,HelenaLee’27,AngieCastro ‘27,andPeytonBattle‘27captivatedtheiryoungaudiencewitha spiritedretellingofthehero’scourageandlegendarybattles The performanceincludedasymbolicmomentinwhichapaperbody representingBeowulfwasplacedinafirepit,echoingthepoem’s funeralimageryandhelpingyoungerstudentsunderstandthemesof heroism,mortality,andlegacy

MunchkinsandHawaiianPunch,alongwithfuncostumes,music,and thefireitself,helpedrecreatethecommunalatmosphereinwhichsuch poetrywouldoncehavebeenperformed Theeventtookplaceonthe playgroundonabeautifulfallafternoon,transformingafamiliarspace intoasettingforancientstorytelling

Followingtheperformance,youngerstudentswereinvitedtoask questions,sparkingathoughtfuldiscussionacrossgradelevels The BritishLiteraturestudentsrespondedwithimpressivedepth,offering philosophicalanddetailedreflectionsonthepoem’scharacters,moral questions,andenduringrelevance Experienceslikethishighlightthe importanceofpublicspeakingasanacademicandlifeskill,encouraging confidence,carefulthinking,anddialogue JustasBeowulfhasendured forcenturiesthroughthepowerofspokenlanguage,thisperformance demonstratedhowliteraturecomesalivewhenitisshared,questioned, andreflectedupontogether

ALUMNI ON CAMPUS

Members of the Upper School Mock Trial Team recently went to Morristown Beard to break down the criminal case for this year with their Mock Trial team Great discussions were had, which will help both teams, and they enjoyed cookies and coffee after the session.

JAMES HALL CHAMBER OF CHILLS

The Upper School Student Government hosted the 2nd annual Chamber of Chills, opening the historic James Hall, including areas rarely seen, like the third floor and attic, to a terrifying live-action tour that explored its history as a local doctor’s mansion in the 1800s before becoming a convent.

DESIGNING AN ARCTIC DEN

As our second grade science class learned about different habitats, they took a deep dive into the burrowing habits of polar bears and foxes in Arctic environments To incorporate STEM and hands-on building, students worked together to design and construct their own animal dens using toothpicks and marshmallows, making learning both engaging and delicious!

Mrs. McCarthy's Intro to Marketing students presented Brand Audits to the class Each student selected a brand that aligned with their own psychographic profile, allowing them to explore marketing through a personal lens In doing so, they refined essential skills (public speaking, data-driven analysis, and brand evaluation) across multiple dimensions, including financial performance, reputation, search engine visibility, social media presence, packaging, and overall market positioning

An Upper School theatre class explores far more than acting alone This semester, students delved into the art of theatrical makeup, applying their creativity on the page by designing distinctive makeup looks for a range of characters and scripts

Ms.Lewis’sIntrotoPaintingclass completedaprojectwherethey usedculturalinfluencesand referencestocreatetheirowntextile patterns

VISUALARTS

CHECKING IN ON THE ARTS

Mrs Birnbaum’sdigitalphotography studentslearnedtheartofcapturing motion Thisexerciseinvolved poppingbagsfullofwater

Studentsin9 gradeartclasschosefish-eyereference imagestorecreateusingcoloredpencils,showcasingthe shadingandspatialskillsthattheyareperfecting

TheKindergartenclassdisplayedhand-drawnselfportraits attheirSpring2025graduationceremony

ALUMNI ON CAMPUS

“BIG SISTER” ALUMNAE VISIT TO SEE THEIR “LITTLE SISTERS” GRADUATE

Families from Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, 8th, and 9th grade gathered at Catamount Mountain for a beautiful day of skiing, snowboarding, and community connection with the Lacordaire Ski and Board Club

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS KEEP

GALA RUNNING SMOOTHLY

One of the many things that makes Lacordaire special is the helpfulness and responsibility of its students. At this year’s gala, Upper School students arrived polished and professional, ready to take on a variety of important roles. They assisted guests with check-in, guided attendees to their tables, distributed paddles for the auction, and even helped deliver prizes at the end of the evening. Their presence not only kept the event running smoothly but also reflected their strong sense of leadership and initiative.

Sofia Ceballo ’23 and Gianna Sanchez ’23, among many other big and little sibling pairs, returned to campus this June to watch their little sisters, Reyna Bunyan ’25 and Emily Gatean ’25, graduate The Big and Little sister program is a longstanding tradition at Lacordaire

Senior Night was a bittersweet occasion as we sent our senior volleyball players onto the court for their final match. Before the game began, the seniors were honored with flowers and a special gift, and each had the opportunity to recognize someone who had inspired or supported them throughout their journey at Lacordaire In a true display of Laco spirit, the celebration extended beyond our own team: each senior player on the opposing team was also presented with flowers, reflecting the values of respect and sportsmanship that our school holds dear

The first Big/Little matching event of the fall season brought students together for a read-along on the front lawn of James Hall. Lower School students are paired with Middle School mentors through careful consideration of personality and interests During the event, students shared their favorite books while their “bigs” read aloud A love of reading across grade levels was on full display

This year’s Halloween parade was made even sweeter by the middle school students, who lined the perimeter of the blacktop, high-fiving and handing out candy to each lower school student as they marched by.

A FACULTY CORNHOLE LEAGUE

Did you know Lacordaire has a semi-professional cornhole league? Six teams of teachers were formed and competition was fierce. In the final, the team of Abrego, Bilicska and De Toustain eked out a win over the team of Eichmann, Marinzulich and Occhipinti

Upper School commencement speaker Kaitlin Noyes ’02 was joined by her best friend, Erin Iozzia ’02, who taught Kindergarten at Lacordaire for many years. Noyes and Iozzia are pictured here with their children, who were also in attendance at commencement.

THE ANNUAL GALA

Honoring the Chiaravalloti Family

The Lacordaire community came together for an elegant evening of dining, dancing, and generous giving in celebration of a true Lacordaire family

On Friday, November 14, Lacordaire honored the Chiaravalloti family at the annual gala, recognizing their long-standing commitment to the school and its mission. Nancy and Nicholas Chiaravalloti, married since 2000, have been steady advocates for the Academy. Nancy serves as Director of Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, and Nicholas is Vice President at Essex Equity As Head of School Megan Mannato noted, “Nicholas and Nancy knew that this education was what they wanted for their children They made a choice to come to Lacordaire all the way from Bayonne ”

All three Chiaravalloti sons began their academic paths at Lacordaire. AJ, a 2018 graduate, went on to Saint Peter’s Prep and is now a Senior at Boston University majoring in Electrical Engineering Nico, who graduated in 2019, is a Junior at Villanova University majoring in Civil Engineering Joshua, the youngest, graduated in 2024 and is currently a Sophomore at Saint Peter’s Prep Their parents viewed their time at the Academy as a partnership Nancy explained, “We did not see it as we bring our kids to school, they learn, then we pick them up and go home. We saw it more as a partnership to achieve what we wanted to achieve, which was for the boys to be the best they can be ”

The family’s involvement was not limited to the classroom. Nancy volunteered as a class parent, served as Tricky Tray Co-Chair, and currently contributes on the Board Advancement Committee Faculty members have long recognized the family’s commitment “They welcome a challenge for their children,” said Mary Thornton, Director of Curriculum Enrichment, reflecting on the way the Chiaravallotis consistently engaged with academic and extracurricular programs. That sense of engagement shaped the boys’ experiences as well. Nico noted, “The beauty of Lacordaire for us was the community it built My best friends today are still my Lacordaire friends,” a sentiment shared by AJ and Joshua

Their continued ties were evident at the gala, which raised just over $100,000, providing strong early momentum toward this year ’ s $350,000 annual fundraising goal. The evening’s celebratory atmosphere extended to alumni from the Middle School class of 2024, including Zamir Boger, Brandon Matute, Nicholas De Sopo, and Quinn Beckler, who returned to celebrate with their classmate, Joshua Chiaravalloti Former teachers who shaped the boys’ years at Lacordaire were also present, including those who received (and brought with them to the gala) the souvenir “We Survived the Chiaravallotis” mugs gifted at Joshua’s graduation Humanities teacher John Eichmann said, “I miss them terribly because they were always kids I could rely on, ” underscoring how strongly the family’s presence resonated with faculty

Throughout the evening, school leaders emphasized the broader significance of the family’s influence on the Academy Mannato shared, “The boys are perfect examples of everything we want a Lacordaire student to be. They are involved, respectful, and wellspoken.” She continued with a reflection on the collective strength of the community, noting, “Tonight, we honor the Chiaravalloti Family They embody everything we treasure in a Lacordaire family, but the truth is, so do all of you. You are here tonight because you believe in this school You understand the importance of giving back, and you want to be part of the legacy we are building together ”

Other educators highlighted the family’s alignment with Lacordaire’s values “They represent our Dominican values of Truth,” said Margaret Melore, who taught all three boys in first grade Suzanne Bilicska, Associate Head of School, added, “What is most special about them is how dedicated they were to Lacordaire and the importance of having families like this at the Academy ” For Nancy, the outcome of those years is unmistakable. “They would not be the same people they are without the experience they had here,” she said Nicholas echoed her reflection, stating, “Lacordaire has been here for a long time, and we are going to continue to work to keep it around forever.”

Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management Saydi Callahan Keefe tied the evening’s celebration to the future of the school “We are here tonight not just to celebrate a school, but a community, one that dares to believe education can be both rigorous and joyful, both faith filled and forward thinking It is a rare balance, and it takes every person in this room to sustain it,” she said. She invited attendees to recognize their role in shaping the Academy’s next chapter “So tonight, I invite you to lean in, to the laughter, the friendship, the purpose that brought you here. This evening is not about transactions, it is about transformation. Every bid, every paddle raise, every conversation tonight fuels the future of these students, young people who will go out into the world curious, confident, and kind ”

The Chiaravalloti family’s story reflects the strength of Lacordaire’s community and the lasting connections that define the Academy Their involvement continues to shape the school and illustrates the impact of a shared commitment to education and values

BIGSISTER LITTLESISTER

The Gift of Sisterhood and a Longstanding Upper School Tradition

It’s no secret that women supporting women creates something truly special. At Lacordaire, this spirit is celebrated and carried forward through the school’s beloved Big and Little Sister tradition, a program that has connected generations of students and alumnae

Each fall, incoming freshmen are paired with a junior, chosen carefully based on shared personalities and interests These “big sisters” serve as mentors, role models, and friends, guiding their younger peers through the challenges and joys of Upper School life Big sisters pledge to be present, listen deeply, offer guidance, care selflessly, and cultivate a lasting friendship with their little sisters.

Sealing the Bond

The program kicks off with a ceremony, where each big sister lights a candle and presents her little sister with a flower The gesture symbolizes the light of guidance and the bond of friendship that will continue to grow throughout their years at Lacordaire, and, in many cases, well beyond graduation.

The Medical Sciences Club prepared delicious “bags of blood” forcurious students.

Film Club sold nostalgic movie theatersnacks and drinks, and had a fabulous displaysummarizing theirfavorite flicks and recommendations

The Mu AlphaTheta Math HonorSociety sold cups of chicken feed and offered students a chicken petting zoo in the Gaga pit

The Black Student Union offered comfort foods like mac and cheese, chickenwings, and sweet potato pie.

The GlowForward Club sold beautyproducts like face masks and hairaccessories.

The National English HonorSocietyhad a tablewhere children could make theirown book marks.

Did you know?

Math Curriculum Chair Mr Orso has a chicken coop at home! Throughout the year, Mr Orso’s chickens are a fixture in the Math program

Club Carnival

The Club Carnival is an annual fundraiser organized by Upper School girls to support all the clubs in which they participate. 100% of Upper School students are involved in at least one club.

MISSION BAZAAR

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

MissionBazaar,alongstandingUpperSchooltraditionhosted andrunbystudents,wasastandoutsuccessthisChristmas season Thegymwastransformedfortheoccasion,witheach UpperSchoolgradeclaimingitsownthemeanddecoratingits spacewithcreativityandplentyofholidayspirit

Studentsspentweeksassemblingrafflebasketsfilledwith sought-afteritems,rangingfromfacemasksandtoystolarger prizessuchasaTheragun.LowerandMiddleSchoolstudents eagerlypurchasedraffletickets,browsingthedisplaysand choosingwhichbasketstoenterforachancetowin. ForMiddleSchoolstudents,MissionBazaaralsoservesasa belovedbig-littlesiblingevent.EachMiddleSchoolstudentwas pairedwiththeirLowerSchool“little,”guidingthemthroughthe gym,helpingthemselectraffles,andsharingintheexcitementof theafternoon Theeventcreatedalivelyatmosphereof connectionacrossdivisions,withUpperSchoolstudentsleading theway

Inadditiontobeingajoyfulcommunityevent,MissionBazaar servedagreaterpurpose Thestudentsraisedmorethan$6,000, withthemajoritydonatedtoalocalmentalhealthfacilityandthe remainingfundssupportingLacordaire

One of the day’s most popular attractionswas the outdoorpetting zoo,which delighted students of all ages Visitors had the chance to meet a babycow, llama, donkey, goats, and angora bunnies, making the Bazaarfeel festivewell beyond the gymwalls

It is no surprise that Mission Bazaar has grown stronger and more polished in recent years The event is now led by alumna Lizzie Genzale ’16, whose deep connection to Lacordaire and understanding of the tradition have helped guide students in bringing the Bazaar to life

Middle school students explore color theory in Mrs. Lewis's art class. By painting watercolor color wheels, students learn how primary, secondary, and tertiary colors mix, discover complementary and analogous relationships, and practice brush control and layering.

TThe Lacordaire Academy forensics team began the academic year with an impressive series of performances, setting a strong tone for the season ahead In the fall, six

competitors and one alternate joined students from six other schools at St Thomas the Apostle School in Bloomfield for the dramatic reading meet. Five Lacordaire competitors advanced to the final round, a notable achievement in a competitive field. Leading the group was Gavin Belicose, who earned first place with a lively and expressive reading of Room on a Broom, capturing both humor and dramatic flair

The momentum continued into the winter season. On Wednesday, January 7, Lacordaire students competed in their second forensics meet of the year at St. Elizabeth University. The event was hosted by the Essex County Steering Committee for Gifted and Talented Students, an organization of which Lacordaire is a proud member The meet brought together competitive teams from approximately ten school districts across Essex County,

MIDDLE SCHOOL FORENSICS OPENS SEASON VICTORIOUS

Fromdramaticreadingtovarsityfinals, Lacordairestudentsmaketheirmark.

including Livingston, Roseland, Bloomfield, Belleville, and West Essex

In a highly competitive environment, Lacordaire’s varsity forensics team earned first place overall. This top finish reflected disciplined preparation, strong delivery, and consistent performances across both the varsity and junior varsity teams Individual achievements further highlighted the team’s success. Seventh grader Lucy Mikula advanced to the final round in the varsity division and earned second place overall, an impressive accomplishment competing against older students

Beyond awards and rankings, the meet showcased the collaborative spirit that defines Lacordaire’s forensics program Varsity competitors regularly set aside their own practice time to support younger teammates, running through pieces and offering thoughtful, constructive feedback to members of the junior varsity team This culture of mentorship, shared effort, and mutual responsibility continues to distinguish Lacordaire students, both on and off the stage.

The first meet of the season, for dramatic reading, was at St. Thomas the Apostle in Bloomfield/

The second meet of the season, hosted by the regional Gifted and Talented Steering Committee, was at St Elizabeth University

In addition to built-in test preparation, our College Counseling team, led by Ms McFarlane, offers a Common App Bootcamp as students enter their senior year. As a result, most Lacordaire seniors complete the Common App before the first day of classes, allowing them to begin senior year focused, confident, and prepared for the rest of the application process ahead.

Let’s Talk College

Cultivating purpose and discovering fulfillment

In the modern American landscape, college admissions has transformed into a high-stakes cultural performance. We are surrounded by documentaries and articles on elite entry and the relentless pressure of prestige-chasing, where the process is treated like a zero-sum game with only one right winner

At Lacordaire, we reject the frenzy, but we never lower the bar. In fact, our students consistently earn admission to the nation's most competitive universities, from the Ivy League to top-tier research institutions and elite liberal arts colleges. However, we believe the truest measure of our success is not just where a student goes, but who they become once they arrive

We move beyond the allure of prestige to focus on fit. This isn't about bout maximizing potential. When a t aligns with their personality, learning they don't just "get in" they thrive They us organizations, the recipients of ents who catch the eyes of top-tier ools To find this fit, we encourage our

students to look inward before they look at anything else:

Self-Knowledge: Do they understand their own learning style well enough to choose a school that challenges them appropriately? Agency: Are they prepared to be active participants in their education, rather than passive consumers of a brand? Independence: Have they developed the internal compass needed to navigate the responsibilities and uncertainties of adulthood?

Our college application process is an extension of our relational pedagogy. Lacordaire teachers don't just know a student’s GPA; they know their voice in a challenging debate, their quiet leadership in a service project, and the

specific curiosities that drive them. We believe the ultimate goal of education is not the mere acquisition of a diploma, but the lifelong cultivation of a purposeful, fulfilling existence We achieve this through an approach to guidance that favors deep inquiry over simple answers This journey begins with guided discernment, where advising sessions become spaces for self-reflection

Instead of following a predetermined path, students are challenged to confront the hard questions, learning to distinguish their intellectual interests from the weight of external factors By stripping away the noise of what they think they should want, they begin to discover what they truly value

We also believe that an education is most powerful when it is viewed as a tool for the greater good; thus, through mandatory community service and diverse leadership opportunities, our students learn that their talents carry a social responsibility. This synthesis of reflection and service promotes a natural intellectual curiosity. We nurture the belief that purpose and adaptability, rather than grades alone, are the true pillars of long-term flourishing in an ever-changing world.

By demystifying the college process, we return it to its rightful status as a period of thoughtful maturation rather than a frantic competition When a student eventually walks up the steps of James Hall at graduation, she does not merely carry a folder of acceptance letters She departs with the quiet confidence and profound self-awareness required to grow into exactly who she is called to be

The Data

Current outcomes reflect what’s possible when students are nurtured, challenged academically, and supported in pursuing their dreams—wherever those dreams may lead.

100%

For the past eight years, 100% of graduates have been admitted to at least one of their top three college choices.

$150,000

Average total academic scholarship awards earned per Upper School graduate across college acceptances

70%

Upper School students participate in the athletics program

100%

Upper School students complete an extensive community service program

Ranked #1

Named the #1 all-girls private school in Essex County by Niche com, the nation’s leading source of school and college rankings

Voted #1

Awarded the gold medal for #1 Private School in Essex County by Suburban Essex

ALUMNI ON CAMPUS

Middle and Upper School students sorted and packed all of the hundreds of donations we collected throughout the "Fill Their Shelves with Hope" drive Students also wrote cheerful notes to include in the bags of food and necessities that will be given to our brothers and sisters in need.

A PEACEFUL VIGIL FOR MIGRANTS

On the feast day of Mother Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants, Lacordaire welcomed Sisters of St Dominic, parents, and friends for a prayer vigil in support of migrants, detainees, and asylum seekers Led by Ms Reed, campus minister, the vigil affirmed the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status or country of origin, honoring each as a child of God We join Pope Leo in praying for all migrants and refugees as fellow travelers on the journey to our true homeland

COMMEMORATING VETERANS DAY

On Veterans Day, Lacordaire parent and Marine Corps veteran Marcela Crossman visited campus to share her story and speak with students from Pre-K to 12th grade about her experience serving our nation, both before and after the September 11th attacks. Veterans Day reminds us that America is the land of the free because of the brave. May we continue to pray for peace, for healing for all wounded and disabled veterans, and give thanks for those who have answered the call to serve

KAITLYN MCFARLANE WINS FACULTY-VOTED KEY AWARD FOR SERVICE TO LACORAIRE

The Key Award is given annually to one faculty member, chosen by their peers, who demonstrates outstanding service to Lacordaire This year ’ s recipient, Ms. Kaitlyn McFarlane, Dean of Student Affairs, embodies that commitment Ms McFarlane began her Lacordaire journey as a religion teacher, and her dedication to supporting students quickly led her to become Director of Counseling, where she guided countless students toward successful high school and college placements. Today, as Dean of Student Affairs, she continues to shape student life, organizing programs, overseeing the college and high school placement process, and remaining a constant presence in the daily lives of students

At their Baccalaureate Mass, four Upper School graduates surprised guests with a performance of Edelweiss, many holding back tears at the lyric “bless my homeland forever.” It was a quiet, touching moment that marked their final gathering together before processing down the lawn as graduates

The Middle School Environmental Club stayed after school this fall to help Nurse Megan tend the school garden. Students trimmed back shrubs, spread mulch, planted 100 daffodil bulbs generously provided by Van Vleck House & Gardens, and cleaned up trash around campus.

THE ANNUAL GIVING TREE

Members of Lacordaire’s Upper and Middle School Honor Societies, joined by a special guest, collected and delivered holiday gifts to our friends at the 1st Cerebral Palsy School. Throughout the month of December, the Lacordaire community donated gifts through our Giving Tree in support of the 1st Cerebral Palsy School The visit gave students from both schools the chance to spend time together and share in the holiday spirit

During Spirit Week in the Upper School, students had fun with themed days like "Meme Day," but the faculty favorite was "Dress Like Your Teacher" day. Pictured here, Alice Cox ’27 channels her inner Mr. Orso with a spot-on lookalike outfit.

CYO CROSS COUNTRY BROUGHT TOGETHER STUDENTS FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE, WHO COMPETED IN FOUR MEETS OVER THE COURSE OFTHE SEASON.

UPPERSCHOOL VOLLEYBALLCLOSED OUTASTRONG SEASONWITHA

7–1RECORD

LACO SPORTS ROUND-UP

CYO Volleyball continued to grow in its third year, expanding from a single team to three teams competing in the CYO League. The 8th grade team capped the season with a first-round playoff win.

Middle and Upper School

Rowing Club partnered with Nereid Boat Club this fall, giving students the opportunity to train and practice on the water.

Middle and Upper School Cheer Clubs performed at the school’s Pep Rally, helping build energy and school spirit

Lower School Athletics offered both a Pickleball Clinic and a Soccer Clinic, introducing younger students to new skills and game play.

“Graduation is more than a ceremony; it’s a threshold. On one side stands the person you were when you first stepped onto this campus. On the other side stands someone transformed: uniquely you, and ready for what comes next.”

Kaitlin Noyes ’02 Commencement Speaker

“Never let your fears and anxieties become more than what they are: passing thoughts, not permanent truths. We are often so much more capable and resilient than we think.”

Nasreen DeFrank ’25 Valedictorian

Strength in Laughter: the Class of 2025

“A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you’ve been, accepts who you’ve become, and still gently invites you to grow. Know that Lacordaire will always be that friend to you.”

OOn Sunday, June 8, Lacordaire Academy proudly celebrated the graduation of its 104th Upper School class, a cohort defined by strength and resilience. The 2025

Commencement Ceremony honored the individual accomplishments of its graduates and the Academy’s enduring mission to empower young women to lead lives of integrity, empathy, and courage

The ceremony opened with a moving invocation by Sister MaryJohn Kearney of the Caldwell Dominicans, the founding order of Lacordaire Academy in 1920.

Valedictorian Nasreen Defrank ’25 offered reflections on the emotional terrain of high school, encouraging her peers to separate doubts from truths “Never let your fears and anxieties become more than what they are: passing thoughts, not permanent truths,” she said. “We are often so much more capable and resilient than we think ”

Adriana Barnett ’25, Salutatorian, expressed gratitude for the faculty’s lasting

impact, emphasizing their role in developing both intellectual and personal agency “Our faculty have taught us not only the distinct subjects they teach, but also that our voices as women matter and can make a difference,” she said

Christine James, OPA ’83, ’87, Chair of Lacordaire’s Board of Trustees, spoke to the moral responsibilities that come with education “Education is so important for all of us; it opens our minds not just to knowledge, but to acceptance of one another. Intolerance is the worst offense. It has ugly and inhuman consequences,” she said She closed with a message to the graduates: “A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you’ve been, accepts who you’ve become, and still gently invites you to grow Know that Lacordaire will always be that friend to you.”

This year’s Commencement address was delivered by esteemed Lacordaire alumna Kaitlin Noyes ’02, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). In her role at BIOS, Noyes leads the development of inclusive, ocean-centered

educational programming that bridges scientific research with both local and global communities Noyes urged graduates to invest in relationships that foster mutual growth and support “Women who lift each other up don’t just change each other’s lives they change entire communities They change systems Your circle will be your safety net, your launch pad, and your mirror when you forget how powerful you are ”

“Women who lift each other up don’t just change each other’s lives—they change entire communities They change systems Your circle will be your safety net, your launch pad, and your mirror when you forget how powerful you are. ”

Noyes reflected on the profound transformation the students have undergone: “Graduation is more than a ceremony; it’s a threshold On one side stands the person you were when you first stepped onto this campus. On the other side stands someone transformed: uniquely you, and ready for what comes next.”

Entering high school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2025 faced a formative landscape shaped by uncertainty and disruption “You arrived quiet tentative, perhaps still carrying the weight of the unknown,” Noyes shared. “But you are leaving bold. You are leaving confident And, unexpectedly but beautifully you’re leaving very funny The kind of funny that only comes from people who’ve seen some things, survived them, and found strength in laughter ”

Before awarding diplomas, Head of School Megan Mannato offered thoughtful reflections on each graduate, celebrating their individual strengths, the many ways they have touched the hearts of those at Lacordaire, and the distinctive impact they have made during their time at the Academy. “They will carry this wisdom into the world and, I hope, place it where it’s needed most leading with compassion, uplifting others, and making the kind of difference only they can,” Mannato shared “I have no doubt they will change the world not all at once, but in quiet, powerful ways that truly matter.”

“I have no doubt they will change the world not all at once, but in quiet, powerful ways that truly matter.”

This year’s graduates earned admission to a wide and distinguished array of institutions, including:

CUNY School of Medicine (Sophie Davis program), Smith College, New York University, University of Michigan, Boston University, Bryn Mawr College, Northeastern University, Middlebury College, Mount Holyoke College, Howard University, Sarah Lawrence College, University of Rochester, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Stony Brook, TCNJ (The College of New Jersey), Seton Hall University, Fordham University, Penn State, Montclair State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Delaware State University, Caldwell University, American University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and NJIT.

Celebrating the 8 Grade th Class of 2025

At Lacordaire’s 8th Grade Graduation, Valedictorian Mishka Mellachervu and Salutatorian Lyric Watts, who are both attending Lacordire’s Upper School for high school, reflected on their middle school experience with themes of growth, community, and preparation for the future

In her valedictory address, Mellachervu framed her remarks with a quote from Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: “How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky” She used the line to emphasize that middle school taught students not the need for control, but the importance of connection “We don’t have to be the strongest,” she said “We don’t have to control everything” Describing Lacordaire as “ more than just a school it’s been a place where I’ve grown up, found my voice, and learned to believe in myself,” Mellachervu thanked faculty and staff for helping students learn “how to speak up in class, how to fail gracefully and try again, and how to be a friend and accept friendship in return.”

Salutatorian Lyric Watts reflected on her arrival at Lacordaire in sixth grade, recalling initial nerves about joining a small, close-knit class and meeting high academic expectations “When I first walked into the front doors of Lacordaire, I was immediately accepted into

“There were days we tried to do everything by ourselves — whether it was figuring out Mr. Chester’s science tests, or figuring out who we are, or dealing with a hard friendship. And along the way we learned: yoau need your people. Your crew. Your classmates, your friends, your teachers, your family.” Mishka Mellachervu ’25,‘29

my classroom community,” she said, noting that the welcoming environment helped shape lasting friendships and shared memories. Watts traced the class’s development through each middle school year, highlighting milestones such as Mission Bazaar, field trips, retreats, and leadership opportunities She emphasized that some of the school’s most important lessons occurred “in the quiet moments,” when students learned to be “good, responsible, and helpful people when no one is looking,” through acts of service, empathy, and advocacy

Both speakers expressed gratitude to families, teachers, and staff for their guidance and support, and looked ahead with optimism to the next chapter. Mellachervu concluded by celebrating the class’s shared journey of “inside jokes, crazy group chats, forgotten homework, and found confidence,” while Watts affirmed that the lessons learned at Lacordaire have prepared students “to thrive in high school, and lead happy, successful lives in the future”

Both Mellachervu and Watts will continue their education at Lacordaire’s Upper School, carrying forward the values and skills developed during their middle school years

ALUMNI RETURN TO SEE FRIENDS GRADUATE

We always look forward to graduation weekend, knowing that it is not just a celebration for our current students, but a homecoming for alumni as well Year after year, graduates return to campus to reconnect with old friends, greet former teachers, and cheer on the next class as they cross the stage Pictured here are Viktor Markikovic ’25, Quinn Beckler ’24, and Jack Vermeulen ’25 capturing a moment that perfectly represents the spirit of continuity, friendship, and tradition that defines graduation day.

In her valedictory address, Mishka Mellachervu ‘25, ‘29 framed her remarks with a quote from Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: “How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.”

A TRADITION OF CELEBRATING EVERY STUDENT

Ms Bilicska, Associate Head of School, is known for a moment at 8th Grade Graduation that never fails to move the room. She speaks about each graduate individually, sharing a few words she has written just for them small, thoughtful reflections that capture who they are and how they’ve grown. It’s a touching reminder of life in a small school, where students are known as individuals and no two journeys look the same

Celebrating the Kindergarten Class of 2025

The Kindergarten Class of 2025 celebrated a vibrant graduation ceremony filled with music, movement, and student voices.

Each child also took part in a public speaking presentation, sharing something he or she loved about the school year. From favorite classroom moments to special friendships, these reflections gave families a glimpse into the experiences that shaped their first years at Lacordaire.

The entire ceremony was narrated by a student, with songs and movement guiding the program from start to finish. The celebration concluded as each student proudly received their diploma, marking an important milestone and a joyful close to the school year.

Development

2024-2025 Impact Report

Lacordaire Academy wishes to extend its gratitude to all the parents, alumnae/i, parents of alumnae/i, grandparents, Sisters of Saint Dominic, friends, corporations and foundations who supported us during the fiscal year.

July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025

Our donors are partners in our work.

Pictured: Lower School students receive their diplomas at the end of the school year in 1926

OUR DONORS

$1,816,124

FOUNDATION GRANTS

FUNDRAISING EXPENSES $79,952

THE ANNUAL FUND

Many of our supporters make a difference by supporting the Annual Fund Tuition alone does not cover the total cost of educating a student at Lacordaire Donations supplement tuition and help us to meet our operating budget

FOUNDATIONS

In the past fiscal year, Lacordaire secured grants from the following charitable foundations:

Blanche M Walsh Charity Trust

Cestone Family Foundation

Deborah Lee Wachsman Trust

James A. Pinaire III Foundation Inc.

John L. & Grace P. Soldoveri Foundation, Inc.

Lewis M. Gabbe Foundation

McMullen Family Foundation

Nicholas Martini Foundation

The Montclair Foundation

The New York Community Trust

The Theresa & Edward O'Toole Foundation

Waldele Family Foundation

TUITION ANGELS

The following donors gave the gift of a Lacordaire education to deserving students through tuition support:

Patricia Keegan Abels '69

Karen DiSalvo Bachman ‘66

Earl & Marisol Beecham P'27

Stephanie Bilinski '94

Mary Birmingham '72

Marybeth Boger P'24

Mary Alice Boylan '84

Mollie Boylan '86

Dr. Denise Brown-Allen

Maryann Emily Vallillo Chach '01, '05

Samantha Chalet '16

The Conheeney/DeWitt Family P'20

Maureen Corbeski

Susan Baker Cox '73

Melissa Cumberbatch P'28

Tuition Angels, Continued

Dr. Lesly D'Ambola '74

Beverly Davison P'27

Hala Dollari P'28

Nancy Spinella Eldridge '88

Theresa and Michael Giarrusso 'P25

Ann Costello Gaudreaux '67

June Carey Haberbusch '61, '65

The Herrera Family P'25

Alice Huang

Patricia Kenny '72

Deirdre Johnston Kravec '83, '87

Peggy Lacz P'99

Amelia Lake '18

Jonathan & Fiona Lake P'18, '20

Joan Godal Lytle '72

Joanna May

Joseph & Selina McAllister G'25

Bob & Kathy Mortenson Mosesian '66

Tina Barsh Mulhare '69, ‘73

Craig Ogelby

Sr. Gerarda Panek, OP

Maria Pazmino P'28

The Rondinella Family P'05, '07, '09

Montserrat Soler P'27

Denise & Ira Wagner

ENDOWEDSCHOLARSHIPS

Lisa&JosephAmato: TheLucilleandGusScerboScholarship

ElaineBauerZabriskie'69: TheSisterDenise,O.P.Scholarship

VERONICA

E. JAMES SCHOLARSHIP

Christine James, OPA, '83, '87

MELISSA MARTINEZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Andrea Hurt '03

Oscar & Bertha Martinez P'03

DENNIS AND CYNTHIA

MIKULA

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kathleen Agudo & Family

James Kosch

Drew & Nancy Mikula

Daniel, Erica, and Juliette Negrin

Sebastian & Nancy Pandolfo G'27

George & Susan Turner P’93

Ed & Jeanmarie Wieczerzak

ADVANCED SCIENCE ACADEMY

Natalia Sardo '02 & Juan Zuluaga

THE CLASS OF 1960 ANNIVERSARY GIFT

Elizabeth Draghi Campanello '60

Louella Bertoni DeVita '60

Charles & Ann Marie DiLorenzo '60, P'88

Louise Snider Dunn '60

Jo Ann Rivera Engelhardt '60

Jan Cozzolino Gavzy '60

Elizabeth O'Brien Kline '60

Margaret Lavery Leo '60

Catherine Ljungquist '60

Robert & Gail Meighan '60

Margaret Rodino Stanziale '60

Rosalie Silesia Stinson '60

Carol O'Connor Toolan '60

Nellie Nolan College Counseling Program and UThrive Program: These two visionary anonymous gifts from two of our alumnae are supporting an innovative expansion of the Academy’s college counseling program, renamed the Nellie Nolan College Counseling Program in memory of the donors’ grandmother, and a proactive program from UThrive of workshops to prepare students for the college experience

Scholarship Support for Upper School Students: Thank you to all those who donated to our Tuition Angel Scholarships for Upper School students, raising over $80,000 last year, including the named scholarships given by donors Elaine Zabriskie ’69 and Lisa and Joe Amato, and generous gifts from many donors to the Class of ’60 Scholarship and the Tuition Angel Fund.

1920 CIRCLE

$20,000 and Above:

The Harris Family Trust*

Christine James '83, '87

The Theresa & Edward O'Toole Foundation

Lisa & Joseph Amato

Brandon & Jacqueline Caroprese P'28, '30

Louise Snider Dunn '60

LUMEN CIRCLE

$15,000 and Above

Anonymous

SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC CIRCLE

$10,000 and Above

John A. & Marianne Hyzak Ehinger '76

Michael Fleming & GiGi Paralkar P'29

Ellen Lafferty & Joseph Morrissey P'26, '29, '31

Dennis & Diana Mikula P'27

The New York Community Trust

HEAD OF SCHOOL'S CIRCLE

$5,000 and Above

Cestone Family Foundation

Drs. Nicholas & Nancy Chiaravalloti P'18, '19, '24

Mary Elizabeth Gleason Dannemiller '72

Mary Anne Ford

Margaret Hanratty '65

William & Joan Hearst

Andrea Hurt '03

James A. Pinaire III Foundation Inc.

McMullen Family Foundation

Simply Gourmet LLC

Carol O'Connor Toolan '60

Jaclyn & Michael Walker P'32, '34

Elaine Bauer Zabriskie '69

TRUSTEES CIRCLE

$2,500 and Above

Anonymous

Laura & Peter Almasi P'28, '32

Blanche M Walsh Charity Trust

Douglas & Marcela Crossman P'29

Deborah Lee Wachsman Trust

Fernando Maddock '88

Ghilianie Soto & Rwenshaun Miller P'32

The Montclair Foundation

Mosi & Toni Nadal P'30, '33

Nicholas Martini Foundation

Monika & Kurt Robertson P'24

Tommy Hilfiger School Uniforms

Waldele Family Foundation

BENEFACTORS CIRCLE

$1,000 and Above

Anonymous

Patricia Keegan Abels '69

Sabrina & Jamil Allen P '31, '33

Suzanne Bilicska

Mary Birmingham '72

Paul & Melody Brown

Dr. Denise Brown-Allen

Mary Cay Menk Cancelosi '70

Joan Cavalero '72

Christina & Ron Collucci P'34

Dr. Lesly D'Ambola '74

Dr. Tonya Walker-Daniels & Dr. James Daniels P'27

Joseph D'Arco & Louise Palagano P'05, '10

Valerie DePiro '79

Louella Bertoni DeVita '60

Charles & Ann Marie DiLorenzo '60, P'88

Susan Dominguez P'28

Jo Ann Rivera Engelhardt

David Eskew & Keira LoBreglio P'26

Louise & Andrew Gallop P'24, '28

Earl & Marisol Beecham P'27

Jan Cozzolino Gavzy '60

Assemblyman Thomas Giblin

Megan Griffin

Marie Grover P'25

Dr Patricia Hanratty '68

Benefactors Circle continued on next page

In honor of the 65th anniversary of their high school graduation, fourteen members of the Class of ’60 came together to donate a total of $35,300, including a $20,000 anonymous challenge match from one of the classmates. Thank you very much to the Class of ’60 for this important leadership gift for Lacordaire, which supported the Class of ’60 Scholarship, the Senior Class Community Service Trip, and the Lacordaire Annual Fund

The fundraising effort was led by six members of the class: Louella DeVita, Louise Snider Dunn, Jan Cozzolino

Gavzy, Gail Pecora Meighan, Peggy

Lavery Leo, and Carol O’Connor Toolan, and were joined by classmates

Elizabeth Draghi Campanello, Ann

Marie Catanzaro DiLorenzo, Jo Ann

Rivera Engelhardt, PattyYerg Giuditta, Elizabeth O’Brien Kline, Catherine

Ljungquist Pulverman, Margaret

Rodino Stanziale, and Rosalie Silesia Stinson.

BENEFACTORS CIRCLE (CONTINUED)

$1,000 and Above:

Deidre Hollywood '97

Aricelle Inigo & Marc Johnson P'30

John L. & Grace P. Soldoveri Foundation, Inc.

Katherine Mallon Johnson '65

Saydi Callahan-Keefe & David Keefe P'30, '33

Sarah Lacz '99

Richard & Francesca Lanning P '12

Lewis M. Gabbe Foundation

Roger Luo & Maria Chancay P'32

Seth & Tara Mankin P'21

Megan & Justin Mannato

Robert & Gail Meighan '60

Sarah O'Neill Meyer '62, P'87

Drew & Nancy Mikula

Jane Morgan P'83, '85, '87, '91

Bob & Kathy Mortenson Mosesian '66

Tina Barsh Mulhare '73

Tina Nampumuza '23

Anna Navatta, OPA

Stella Psaroudakis & Gregory O'Keeffe P'25

Daniel & Magdalena Oledzki P'27

Sister Luella Ramm, OP

Christopher & Lu-Ann Reilly P'11

Renee Reso

Barry Roy & Angela Pandolfo Roy

Mary Anne Conti Salmon '64

Amanda & Gary Sardo P'27

Tracy Kump Sentowski '00 & Steven Sentowski

Sisters of Saint Dominic

Cheryl & Marc Slutzky

Linda Sterling

Eugene & Mary Ryan Thornton P'08

George & Susan Turner

Stephen Maichle Utley '12

Stephen & Anne Utley P'12

Stephan Vallillo & Maryann Chach P'01, '05

Denise & Ira Wagner

Natalia Sardo '02 & Juan Zuluaga

large, technologically-advanced screens in all of our classrooms last year, with generous donors

Francesca and Rich Lanning P’12 hosted a holiday reception at Lacordaire for past parents from the classes of 2000 – 2025, who shared wonderful updates about their children, our Laco alums, and fond memories about being parents at the Academy

SCHOLARS CIRCLE

$500 and Above

1G Vending

Tama Barsh Andres '76

Hugh Arthurs & Carla Anderson-Arthurs P'20

Karen DiSalvo Bachman '66

Stephanie Bilinski '94

Marybeth Boger P'24

Delanya Dubinson & Romal Bullock P'30

Carolyn Caprio Buss '59

Clare and Colin Campbell

Captivate Communications

Sheilagh Mary & Daniel Caufield P'27

Drs Natasha & Lawrence Chinn

Megan Connolly '89

Fred & Allyson Crespo P'33

Cindy August and Mona Dajani P'24, '28

Beverly Davison

Nick De Toustain

Manon & Patrick Fasoro P'30, '34

Sameeda Ali & Jaime Fernandez P'33

Friends of Mercier Sportsmen

Amira & Vernon Gatling P'27

Carolyn Gould '76

Hoffman Interior Painting

Margaret Lavery Leo '60

Frances Leon, P'30

Linda Logan G'32, '34

Joseph & Selina McAllister G'25

Carol Shulver McDougall '52, '56

Carol Monroe

LTC Brian F Morgan USA Ret & Nancy Y Morgan, Esq

Hugh Moriarty III

Jessica and Adam Muro

Daniel Negrin

Maureen Grady Oczypok '73

Sean Orso

Pan American Coffee Co.

Sebastian & Nancy Pandolfo G'27

Noreen Morgan Petraitis '83

Matthew Slowinski & Sally Atkins P'13, '17, '19

Ann Marie Tomassoni McCabe '75, '79

Elizabeth M Van Houten '68, '72

Rick & Lisa Vermeulen P'25, '27

Dennis Villegas & Mariela Mitre P'26, '31

Carolyn von Schaumburg-Brickner '89

FRIENDS CIRCLE

$250 and Above:

Brittany & Tyler Andreula

Michael Brandon & Vanitha Pushparaj P'14, '17

Mark & Debbie Cohen G'28, '30

Jennifer & Bradley Colwell P'29, '30

Patricia Bruinooge Conaton '64

Friends Circle Continued

Hala & Elie Dollari P'28

Esther Edwards '16

Sara Ferry

Nancy Frohling '74, '78

Theresa & Michael Giarrusso P'25

Kelli & James Glenn III P'28

Sarah Mannion & Ben Hickes P'33

Mohini & Ashish Jaiswal P'26

William Jarrett & Gina Imperato P'25

Marissa & Alex Klapwald

Margarette Laborde G'33

Mirielle & Stafford Mather P'25, '29

Dr. Claire Yearwood Munn & Mr. Daniel Munn P'30

James Ott & Elizabeth Thoms-Ott P'19

Sidorela Risto P'24, '27, '28

Margaret Rodino Stanziale

Rosalie Silesia Stinson

Sister Patricia Tavis, OP

Frank & Marguerite Walter

Cymone & Anthony Williamson P'23, ’27

SUPPORTER

Anonymous

The Agudo Family

Andrew Alford

Rosemary Allen G'31,'33

Hilary & Kelsey Anderson

Karen Arnone

Georgette & Jeff Augustin P'32

Dr Sherlene I Ayala & Charles Brandon Medina P'31

Mark & Leslie Beck

Michael Bilicska

Andrea Birnbaum

John Renck & Mary Louella Boylan '86

Samantha Syblis & Peter Brown P'29

Victoria Buchholz '08

Richard Callahan

Elizabeth Draghi Campanello '60

Margaret Kennedy Carey '78

Nicole & Arnaldo Castellanos, P'33

Samantha Chalet '16

Deepesh Chandra & Swarnima Srivastava P'26

Cheri Schon

Chrill Care, Inc

Mary Cifelli

Citizens Bank

Tawana Clarrett

Patti Ann Hin Combs '70

Patricia Conheeney & Michelle DeWitt P'20

Katie Poremba & Robert Constantin P'26

Blake Cook '99

Deborah V H Cook P'99

Maureen Corbeski

Thomas W. Corbo

Marie Napoleon Coronel

Susan Baker Cox '73

Cristina & Zarko Cvetanovic P'24

Richard Cucci & Carol Doerr Cucci '71, P'13

Melissa Cumberbatch P'28

Faith Damian '03

Martina Deignan '67

Christine Del Pozzo P'05

Jill Del Pozzo '05

Margarita DeSantos

Robert & Lauren DeSopo P'18, '25

Matthew DeSopo '18

Michael & Linda Dox P'15

Ellen Egan

John Eichmann

Nancy Spinella Eldridge '88

Mr & Mrs Anthony R Emma

Eunice Schubert Fallon '48

Xinyu & Jeffrey Fan P'25

Edward Fanning '64

Patricia Feola & Juan Febrero P'27

Melba Fidalgo P'28

Robert Flanagan & Elizabeth O'Brien Flanagan '77

Rose Fenelon Frola '67

Michael & Whitney Gallagher P'26

Jane Foulkrod Galvin '64

Catherine Garrabrant '90, '94

Ann Costello Gaudreaux '67

Mona Gerdes

Terri Crystal-Gibbs Appel '80

Susan Goldstein

Jamie Anderson & William Gora P'32

Dr. Richard A. Guarino P'93

Mary Hearst

Erika Herrera P'25

Deborah & Peter Hirsch

Alice Huang

Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home

Philip Hui P'25

Denise Burke & Matt Jenkins P'24, '27

Joy Chia & Rebecca Martin P'29

Karine Kasbarian P'33

Sister Mary John Kearney, OP

Michael & Elizabeth Keefe G'30, '33

Peter Kelly & Ruth Morris

Patricia Kenny '72

JoAnne Missbach Kevitz '70

Elizabeth O'Brien Kline '60

James Kosch

Carl & Ann Kraus P'07

Deirdre Johnston Kravec '83, '87

Reetika Aran & Shobhit Kumar, P'26, '30

Peggy Lacz P'99

Amelia Lake '18

Jonathan & Fiona Lake P'18, '20

Emily Lanning '12

Louise Lawless Delaney '54, '58

Kurt & Tania Levins P'28

Leslie McDevitt Lewis '69

Catherine Ljungquist '60

Joseph Lombardo

Irma Obal Lucca '81

Joan Ann Godal Lytle '72

Carrie Rowe Malanga '81

Eleanor Mintz Malone '48, '52

Eleanor Mariano & Victorino Hernandez P'26

Leonard & Linda Spinella Marinzulich '77, '81, P'08, '12, '14

Oscar & Bertha Martinez P'03

Joanna May

Tylice Meade & Kirk McCarthy P'32

Kaitlyn McFarlane, OPA

Susan A. Reid McGovern '56

Mary Ann McKenna G'10

Donna & Kevin McMonagle P'24

Mary Alice Boylan '84

Richard & Margaret Melore P'22, '26

Steve Meserlian P'27

Leueen Miller G'33

Pauline Powell-Mills & Dennis D Mills G'31

Jennifer Sepulveda & Alcibiades Montas P'32

Alisha Morris P'26

Chris & Jade Newkirk P'27

Kristine & Ariel Nunez P'33, '34

John T. O'Donnell *

Craig Ogelby

Michael O'Melia & Elizabeth Collins O'Melia '83

Suzanne Ott '19

Elizabeth Owen, OPA '11

Pallavi Madakasira & Vijay Mellachervu P'25

Arlette Palo '74, '78

Sr. Gerarda Panek, OP

Monika & Michael Rains P’27

Susan & Courtney Randall G'33

Joe & Doreen Rearden P'22, '26

Tracey Reed

Carlos Reyes & Dannievi Castillon-Reyes P'26, '29, '31

Thomas & Sharon Rondinella P'05, '07, '09

Alexandra Schmidl Rosenthal '90

Gina Russomano P'29

Brenda Schait '81

Jessica Schomaker

Renee Faris & Joseph Sciacca P'33

Brenda Roscoe Shire '76

Margaret Shultz P'98, '01

Renée Powell-Simmonds P'31

Allie Skibiak

Edward J Skillin '53

Theresa Lang Smith '68, '72

Rosemary Rimmele Snow '62, '66

Montserrat Soler P'27

St Hilaire / Bornemann Families P'20

Joanne Spallone Staats '64

Bart Stankiewicz P'30

Sister Pat Stringer, OP

Alice Sturzinger G'11, '17

Maria Pazmino & Juan Pablo Tapia P'28, '32

Linda Telesco

Emily Torres '20

Jeffrey & Amanda Turcotte P'14, '28, '32

Mariana & Hugo Villegas G'31

Spencer Vining

Leslie Walker G' 32, '34

Drs Jeffrey & Rosaline Whitworth P'16, '18, '19, '23

Ed & Jeanmarie Wieczerzak

Dean Wight

Susan Worth P'11, '17

Dr Jennifer Zinman

IN-KIND DONATIONS:

Gifts of Goods and Services

Alexandra Smolarova

American Dream

Anastasia Kamper

Andre Watts & Alexandra Garcia-Watts, Esq P'24, '25

Andrew Ngeseyan & Tracy-Ann Kelly-Ngeseyan P'27, '32

Barbara Eclectic Village Vogue

Bloomingdale's

Brandon & Jacqueline Caroprese P'28, '30

Brookdale Shoprite

Camp Store

Carol Monroe

Chris and Jade Newkirk P'27

Christina & Sam Astigarraga P'24

Christina and Ron Collucci P'34

Christine James, OPA, '83, '87

Christopher & Lu-Ann Reilly P'11

Daniel & Magdalena Oledzki P'27

Daniel & Rachele Cohen P'28, '30

Denise & Ira Wagner

Dennis & Diana Mikula P'27

DeNovo European Pub

Dr Victoria DeSantos & Kirk Gibbons P'28, '31, '34

Enzo Pizzeria & Restaurant

Evelyn Colbert

Fernando and Julie Acevedo P'28

First Serve Tennis / Montclair Pickleball

Francesca Lema P'28

Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.

Golf Paradise Club

Jaclyn & Michael Walker P'32, '34

Jenkinson's Aquarium

Jim Dandy's

Juniper Yoga

Kidville Montclair

Liberty Science Center

Lilah and Marcus Nicolaidis P'25

Linda Telesco

Macy's

Marissa & Alex Klapwald

Continued on next page

Mayo Performing Arts Center

Megan & Justin Mannato

Megan Griffin

Melandre Salon & Sulis Spa

Michael & Nathalie Rabasca P '28, '30, '33

Moda Studio

Monika & Kurt Robertson P'24

Montclair Culinary Academy

New Jersey Beer Company

New Jersey School for Dramatic Arts

New Moon Photography

NY Jets

Pan American Coffee Co

Paper Mill Playhouse

Peter Yip Art (Yippy Art)

Pinky Nails

Rehani & Joelle Sayed P'27

Richfield Farms

Rita & Joseph Naviello P'27

Scream Truck

Sherrina Navani P'24, '27

Silk City Distillers

Simply Gourmet LLC

Skopos Hospitality Group

Steven & Kristin Beckler P'24

Susan Worth P'11, '17

T S Ma Chinese Cuisine

The Brookdale Restaurant

The Little Daisy Bake Shop

Theresa & Michael Giarrusso P'25

Tinga Taqueria

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Tommy Hilfiger School Uniforms

Turtle Back Zoo

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park

Venus Jewelers

Virtues of Vanity Watchung Booksellers

William & Joan Hearst

Wonder Lane

Yarnia

Event Supporters

Gala

1G Capital LLC

Fernando & Julie Acevedo P'28

Sameeda Ali & Jaime Fernandez P'33

Sabrina & Jamil Allen P '31, '33

Juan Arias & Kristi Mishler P'26

Mark Beck

Earl & Marisol Beecham P'27

Suzanne Bilicska

Marybeth Boger P'24

Mollie Boylan '86

Virna & Keith Brandofino P'26

Paul & Melody Brown

Dr. Denise Brown-Allen

Kathleen Burns '86

Saydi Callahan-Keefe & David Keefe P'30, '33

Victor & Deirdre Cangialosi

Brandon & Jacqueline Caroprese P'28, '30

Cedar Grove Deli

Champion Waste Removal, Inc

Drs Nicholas & Nancy Chiaravalloti P'18, '19, '24

Jennifer Cianci '74, '78

Christina & Ron Collucci P'34

Fred & Allyson Crespo P'33

Douglas & Marcela Crossman P'29

Jennifer Crowley-Barnett & Corrie Barnett P'25

Melissa Cumberbatch P'28

Dr Lesly D'Ambola '74

Dr Tonya Walker-Daniels & Dr James Daniels P'27

Valerie DePiro '79

Dr. Victoria DeSantos & Kirk Gibbons P'28, '31, '34

Teresa Di Staso '74,'78

Hala & Elie Dollari P'28

Susan Dominguez P'28

Delanya Dubinson & Romal Bullock P'30

LeeAnn Easterlin

David Eskew & Keira LoBreglio P'26

Stephanie Russo Fazio '83, '87, P'13, '17, '19

Sara Ferry

Melba Fidalgo P'28

Mary Anne Ford

Louise & Andrew Gallop P'24

Nancy & Roy Garretson G'27

Amira & Vernon Gatling P'27

Justin George

Mona Gerdes

Theresa Giarrusso P'25

Assemblyman Thomas Giblin

Gikas Home Improvement

Megan Griffin

Mary Hearst

Joan & William Hearst

Sarah Mannion & Ben Hickes P'33

William Jarrett & Gina Imperato P'25

Mohini & Ashish Jaiswal P'26

Christine James, OPA, '83, '87

J.W. Pierson Co.

Marissa & Alex Klapwald

Assisted Living Locators of Essex County and NW NJ

Kristen Laporta '86

Anna Lee

Livingston Family Orthodontics

Linda Logan G'32, '34

Frank Mancuso/ Elliott-Lewis

Megan & Justin Mannato

Marcel Bakery & Kitchen

Leonard & Linda Spinella Marinzulich '77, '81, P'08, '12, '14

McCormack Plumbing & Heating

Kaitlyn McFarlane, OPA

Dennis & Diana Mikula P'27

Dennis Villegas & Mariela Mitre P'26, '31

Hugh Moriarty III

Mosi & Toni Nadal P '30, '33

Anna Navatta, OPA

Rita & Joseph Naviello P'27

Chris & Jade Newkirk P'27

Kristine & Ariel Nunez P'33, '34

Jacqueline Palacios P'28

Joseph D'Arco & Louise Palagano P'05, '10

Renée Powell-Simmonds P'31

Stella Psaroudakis & Gregory O'Keeffe P'25

Michael & Nathalie Rabasca P '28, '30, '33

Christopher & Lu-Ann Reilly P'11

Renee Reso

Sidorela Risto P'24, P'27, P'28

Monika & Kurt Robertson P'24

Wantawan & Delfin Rodriguez P'32

Anthony Rodriguez

Barry Roy & Angela Pandolfo Roy

Amanda & Gary Sardo P'27

Rehani & Joelle Sayed P'27

Brenda Schait '81

Lisa Schweitzer

School Uniforms by Tommy Hilfiger

Shook Funeral Home

Sisters of Saint Dominic

Montserrat Soler P'27

Stobbs Printing

Maria Pazmino & Juan Pablo Tapia P'28, '32

Cherian Jubilee & Jodi Thomas P'26

Ronieka Thomas '08

Eugene & Mary Ryan Thornton P'08

Emily Torres '20

Amanda Turcotte P'14, '26, '28, '32

Stephen & Anne Utley P'12

Mariana & Hugo Villegas

Denise & Ira Wagner

Jaclyn & Michael Walker P'32, '34

Virginia Woo

Michael & Nathalie Rabasca P '28, '30, '33

Yarnia

Dr Jennifer Zinman

Kentucky Derby Spring Event

Sameeda Ali & Jamie Fernandez P'33

Sabrina & Jamil Allen P'31, '33

Mayra Barreto P'28, '30

Suzanne Bilicska

Marybeth Boger P'24

Cafe Aroma

Saydi Callahan-Keefe & David Keefe P'30, '33

Amy Canning & Mike Dell P'33

Jacqueline & Brandon Caroprese P'28, '30

Rachele & Daniel Cohen P'28, '30

Patricia Combs

Baden Copeland P'26

Allyson & Fred Crespo P'33

Nicolas De Toustain

Teresa Di Staso '74, '78

Sara Ferry & Rick Gyan

Melba Fidalgo P'28

Jennifer & Steven Gabel P'30

Whitney & Michael Gallagher P'26

Louise & Andrew Gallop P'24

Joan & William Hearst

Ari Inigo & Marc Johnson P'30

Christine James, OPA ‘83, ’87

Jason Tire

Laurie Jesolosky P'27

Karine Kasbarian P'33

*Every effort has been made to assure accurate reporting of contributions

In Memoriam 2024-2025

Grace Dolores Camito “Aunt Dee” Former Lower School Aide

Kimberly Ann (Ramos) Castelli ’03

Barbara D’Allegro ’54

Judith Ann Howes-Hacker ’75

Mary Ellen Harvey ’73

Mary Powers Mackeith’ 66

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

an(s)of are ef issions nt may y, gfor er nt priorto y to ns

WHO WE ARE

ADMINISTRATION

Megan Mannato Head of School

Suzanne Bilicska, M.Ed. Associate Head of School

Karen Arnone Director of Finance and HR

Maura Bigelow Director of Counseling and Wellness

Nick DeToustain World Language Department Chair

Saydi Callahan Keefe Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management

Kelly Reilly McCarthy ’11 Director of Marketing and Communications

Kaitlyn McFarlane, OPA Dean of Student Affairs

Elizabeth Owen, OPA ’11 Director of Operations

Mary Ryan Thornton P’08 Director of Curriculum Enhancement

Spencer Vining Director of Technology

Denise Wagner Director of Major Gifts

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

OFFICERS

Christine James, OPA ’83, ‘87 Chair

Elaine Bauer Zabriskie ‘69 Vice-Chair

Anne Utley, OPA P’12 Secretary

Carol Monroe Treasurer

Louise Palagano Institutional Advancement Committee Chair

MaryBeth Boger, PhD, P’24 Plant & Facilities Committee Chair

Sr. Patricia Tavis, OP

Caldwell Dominican Council Sponsorship Director

Sr. Deborah Lynch, OP Caldwell Dominican Council Representative

MEMBERS AT LARGE

William S. Hearst

Sr. Mary John Kearney, OP

Megan Mannato, Ex-officio, Head of School

Hugh M. Moriarty, III

Sr. Lena Picillo, OP

Anna P. Navatta, OPA

Trustees Emeriti

Sr Bertrand Austin, OP ♰

Sr Mary Immaculate McGovern, OP

Brian F Morgan, Head of School Emeritus

L L

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LacordaireAcademy

“WhenIlookbackoverthemanyyearsofmylife,the fouryearsofhighschoolatLacordaireareavery happymemory.Iwasgivenasenseofvocationanda setofvaluesthatwerefoundational,andImade lifelongfriendships.”

LouiseSniderDunn‘60