Summer 2026 Marian Monitor

THE MARIAN MONITOR

Who She Becomes

THE ENDURING IMPACT OF A MARIAN EDUCATION

KNOW A Future Mustang?

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Summer Admission Meetings

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High School Placement Test

Recommended test date • Make-up dates: Nov. 21, Dec. 5

President LETTER FROM THE

Dear Marian Alumnae & Friends,

In what has become a cherished end-ofyear tradition, Marian students, parents, faculty, and staff line the halls to clap out our graduating seniors on their final day of class. Tears flow freely as our seniors walk together, often hand in hand, in matching plaid for one last time.

We created a video of this special event and posted it to Marian’s social media channels. In the weeks since, it has been liked, shared, reposted, and commented on extensively. Alumnae have offered words of encouragement to our graduates. Parents have shared their bittersweet feelings as their daughters step into a new chapter, and our students have reflected on the friendships formed and memories made over the past four years.

As I read through these comments and heard from alumnae and parents at the many endof-year events that fill our school calendar, I

was struck by a common theme. Again and again, people shared the lasting impact Marian has made in their lives or in the lives of their daughters. They talk about the confidence gained in our classrooms, the friendships that have endured for decades, the values that continue to guide important decisions, and the foundation Marian provided as they pursued their goals.

These reflections bring into focus something we often witness but do not always pause to consider: the profound and lasting impact a Marian education can have on a young woman’s life. Simply put, Marian helps define the women our students become.

This idea is reflected throughout our summer issue of The Marian Monitor. In fact, it is our theme. Perhaps the best representation of this is our cover photo featuring Distinguished Alumna Dunya Atisha, MD, FACS ’94, alongside Distin -

guished Alumna of Tomorrow Kennedi Marsh ’26. While one has already built an extraordinary career as a surgeon and the other is preparing to begin four years at Spelman College, both reflect the promise and possibility of a Marian education.

As members of the Class of 2026 set out on new paths, we celebrate all they have accomplished and look forward to the women they too will continue to become.

As you read through this issue, I hope you see reflections of your own Marian journey and the enduring influence of this remarkable school.

With gratitude,

Heather Greig Sofran ’96 President, Marian High School

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

Senior Football

September 12, 11 AM

Lawrence Technological University

Admission Fall Information Night

September 22, 7-8 PM

Marian Auditorium

Fall Reunion Weekend

October 16-17

For the Classes of 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, and 1996

Admission Fall Open House

November 1, 1-3 PM

Memorial Mass

November 4

St. Regis

Marian Day of Giving

November 9

Alumnae & Freshman Breakfast

November 11

Marian Student Dining Area

Marian Rice Players Fall Production

12 Angry Jurors

November 12-15

Marian Auditorium

Savor the Season

December 3

Marian Auditorium

Marian Benefit Evening

February 6

Daxton Hotel

Marian Rice Players Spring Production

Legally Blonde the Musical

March 11-14

Marian Auditorium

Alumnae & Senior Luncheon

April 14

Marian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

April 25

Marian Auditorium

Distinguished Alumna LEADING WITH SKILL,

Serving with Heart

DUNYA ATISHA, MD, FACS ’94

“Marian gave me the courage to speak my mind and not worry about what others think.”

Marian is proud to recognize Dunya Atisha, MD, FACS ’94 as its 2026 Distinguished Alumna. A leader in plastic surgery and breast reconstruction, Dr. Atisha addressed the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies in May.

The Distinguished Alumna Award honors a graduate who demonstrates exceptional professional achievement and meaningful service while continuing to support Marian High School and its mission. Dr. Atisha is a true example of these qualities in action.

CALLED TO HEAL

For Dr. Atisha, the path to medicine, and ultimately to becoming board-certified in both general and plastic surgery, started young.

“My mom would always tell me that as a child, I’d walk around the house saying, ‘Dr. Atisha, you’re needed in the ER stat,’” she recalls. “I knew from a young age I wanted to be a physician.”

After discovering her passion for surgery during clinical rotations at Michigan State University, Dr. Atisha completed seven years of general surgery residency training at the University of Iowa, followed by a three-year plastic surgery residency at Duke University. She later served as Director of Breast Reconstruction and Director of Microsurgery at Henry Ford Health for more than a decade, helping countless women heal physically and emotionally following breast cancer treatment.

Several members of the Marian community have experienced Dr. Atisha’s care firsthand, noting not only

her clinical excellence, but also her compassion and faith.

“Dr. Atisha is a skilled doctor and surgeon, but what really sets her apart from her colleagues and peers is the drop-everything, familial concern she had for me, a fellow classmate,” says Carey Bzdok ’97. “What she did for me and my family was incredible, and she extends this same treatment and care to all her patients.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Molly Robinson, mother of Marian alumnae Kate Robinson Bongiorno ’94 and Macklin Robinson ’04.

“Dr. Atisha treated me as a person, not just another patient,” she recalls. “Prior to procedures, she prayed with me, asking God to guide her skillful hands for successful surgeries. She gives both her time and her heart.”

MARIAN’S LASTING INFLUENCE

Dr. Atisha credits Marian with helping shape the confidence and resilience that has guided her through a demanding and often male-dominated field.

“Marian gave me the courage to speak my mind and not worry about what others think,” she says. “It gave me courage to excel, even in a man’s world.”

As a student, Dr. Atisha was deeply involved in Marian life, participating in the Marian Rice Players (MRP), Model United Nations (MUN), and the National Honor Society.

During her commencement address, Dr. Atisha reflected on the Marian experiences that shaped her confidence, curiosity, and faith, including challenging honors

courses, productions with the MRP, and competing in Washington, D.C., with Marian’s MUN team.

She also recalled the lasting influence of Marian teachers Tim Wallace and Dan Sagert, whose classes challenged students not only intellectually, but personally and spiritually.

“The whole school was focused on helping young women succeed,” she recalls. “I remember teachers telling us that no man could do anything better than we could.”

This spring, Dr. Atisha launched Atisha Plastic Surgery, a reconstructive and plastic surgery center dedicated to restoring patient confidence and well-being. While continuing her advanced reconstructive work, she is also embracing a more flexible chapter focused on family life with her husband, Ragaei Ghali, and their children, Gianna and Gabriel.

As she closed her commencement address, Dr. Atisha left graduates with a message rooted in faith.

“Work hard,” she said. “Stay humble. Be kind. Continue learning. Continue growing. And no matter where life takes you, keep the Lord in front of you at all times.”

Kennedi Marsh ’26 arrived at Marian knowing no one. That was by design.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could make my own path,” she recalls. “But it took a minute. I was a bit timid at first.”

But little by little, Kennedi began saying yes.

She joined clubs. She ran for leadership positions. She discovered new interests and challenged herself to take on opportunities that felt intimidating. Before long, she was serving on student council, managing social media for Marian’s Black Awareness Society for Education, and captaining both the JV and varsity basketball teams. She also became deeply involved in DECA and the Business Entrepreneurship Alliance for Marian & Brother Rice (BEAM&R), two organizations that helped nurture her interest in business and entrepreneurship.

By senior year, Kennedi was serving as class president and delivering on her campaign promise to make all students feel heard. Whether organizing events, gathering feedback from classmates, or creating opportunities for student involvement, she worked to ensure every member of the Class of 2026 felt represented.

“It was important to me to involve everyone in the grade,” she says.

In fact, creating opportunities for others became a common theme throughout Kennedi’s time at Marian. As director of community engagement for BEAM&R, she regularly connected students with professionals working in sports, media, entrepreneurship, and business. In that

Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow

LEADING WITH Purpose

KENNEDI MARSH ’26

“Having someone believe in you helps you believe in yourself.”

role, she sought out and connected with speakers whose experiences could inspire and inform fellow students. In the process, she learned the value of persistence.

“Marian has taught me that if there’s not an open door, you can make one,” she says.

A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

Kennedi’s extensive involvement at Marian is only part of her story. She is active in her community, serving as a volunteer youth basketball coach and as social media coordinator at her church, while also making calls to seniors on behalf of The Senior Alliance.

Keeping up with her many commitments while pursuing a rigorous course load was a definite balancing act, but Kennedi always felt strengthened by a strong support system that included Marian faculty and staff members.

“The teachers here really believe in you,” she says. “Having someone believe in you helps you believe in yourself.”

Support also came in the form of her many school friends. The sisterhood she found at Marian is something Kennedi treasures and one of the reasons she chose Spelman College in Atlanta for her next four years.

“Spelman is all girls too,” she notes. “I felt the same sense of sisterhood that Marian has when I visited Spelman’s campus. That helped me make my decision.”

At Spelman, Kennedi plans to major in economics and minor in entrepreneurship.

Her ultimate dream is to combine her love of basketball and business as a general manager in the WNBA. She also aspires to someday be president of the United States.

With a Marian foundation beneath her, Kennedi feels ready for what’s next.

“Marian sets you up for life,” she says. “If you want supportive teachers and a rigorous academic curriculum, come to Marian. If you want to build your resume, come to Marian. People here care about you and want to help you prepare for life.”

As a Marian alumna, Kennedi plans to stay actively engaged with the school that has become a second home. She hopes to one day establish a scholarship to help future students experience the same opportunities she found at Marian.

“I’m a big believer in helping other people,” she says. “I want to bring others up with me.”

FOUR YEARS IN THE MAKING FOUR YEARS IN THE MAKING

Celebrating the Marian High School Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 arrived at Marian in the fall of 2022 and now graduates from a school that both shaped them and grew alongside them.

Over four years, they experienced beloved traditions as Freshmen Fairies, Sophomore Spies, Juniors on the Jukebox, and Senior Sergeants. They gathered for Walkathons, allschool Masses, Senior Football, and Senior Retreat, creating memories that strengthened the bonds of friendship first formed in the halls of Marian.

They also witnessed a period of transformation on campus. During their time at Marian, the Fisher Family Science Wing and Wanink Art Wing opened, new academic opportunities emerged, and facility and security enhancements continued to improve the student experience.

The Class of 2026 celebrated many accomplishments along the way. They cheered state championship-winning teams in volleyball, swim and dive, and pompon; watched Marian robotics compete on the world stage; and filled the seats for Marian Rice Players productions, including “Seussical,” “High School Musical,” “Descendants,” and “Anne of Green Gables.”

Their final days on campus brought many of those experiences full circle. At Candlelight, they passed the light of leadership to the Class of 2027. They tearfully walked the halls in uniform one last time during clap-out and celebrated achievements in academics and leadership at the Baccalaureate Mass. Along the way, they earned acceptance to more than 100 colleges and universities and were awarded more than $12.5 million in scholarships Finally, on May 14, each member of the Class of 2026 accepted her diploma during Commencement at St. Hugo of the Hills, marking the culmination of four years of growth, achievement, and sisterhood.

As Marian’s newest alumnae, they leave with memories to cherish, friendships to sustain, and a sisterhood that will remain part of their story for years to come. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026

Lourdes Abro

Giulianna Agrusso

Ava Anger

Jenna Awanis

Marie Ayar

Alexandra Bailey

Ainsley Ballarin

Julia Bashir

Olivia Benyo

Madeline Bingham

Lucie Bogus

Olivia Brook

Mary Claire Byerlein

Grace Callaghan

Catalina Colangelo van Meek

Megan Critchfield

Allegra Curis

Alicia Dally

Claire Damman

Clair Dauer

Allie Davison

Bryn Dawson

Mirabelle Dawson

Grace Dery

Kamryn Draper

Elaena Dutcheshen

Alissa Elias

Andrea Elkhoury

Elizabeth Emerick

Mary Everly

Claire Fagan

Jordyn Farida

Kathryn Frye

Gracie Griffis

Amelia Gumma

Gianna Gumma

Grace Hannosh

Meredith Hermann

Quinn Hock

Alexis Jones

Nina Juliano

Kaitlyn Kainaya

Violet Kainaya

Lauren Kchikian

Elisabeth Klawender

Jizen Kocak

Madeleine Koch

Gabrielle Kouza

Jewels Kouza

Madeline Kouza

Anne Lamarche

Jessica LaVoie

Alessandra Lee

Mikaylee Leko

Isabella Mansour

Kennedi Marsh

Meredith Martin

Chloe Michael

Sarah Michael

Alesa Mikhail

Lucy Mobily

Katelyn Morgan

Madeline Najor

Allison Ong

Sophia Passon

Katie Pietrosante

Madelyn Prantera

Ella Rademacher

Peyton Rehbine

Lily Robinson

Julia Rogers

Adrianna Roye

Hannah Sackman

Brooke Salkowski

Ivana Salzeider

Aren Saroukhanian

Lillian Schuff

Serena Scott

Fernanda Segura Flores

Madeline Sellke

Giselle Sesi

Bella Sheena

Ella Swanson

Gabriella Thomas

Rachel Thomas

Trinity Thweni

Caroline Torok

Emerson Turkot

Mia Warren

Roisin Whelan

Sienna Wilcox

Tatym Williams

Jolie Yaldoo

Jayla Zayti

Josephine Zelasko

Alexandra Zimmermann

Joelle Zora

FOUR STORIES Marian Excellence

The valedictorians of the Class of 2026 reflect on the people, experiences, and sisterhood that shaped their four years at Marian.

CLAIR DAUER

University of Michigan

Plans to study: Pre-Law

For Clair Dauer, Marian’s greatest gift has been the people. Through varsity soccer, varsity field hockey, All School Board, and the National STEM Honor Society, she formed friendships across grade levels and learned the value of accountability, teamwork, and working toward something bigger than herself. Some of her favorite memories came through athletics, where teammates pushed one another to improve while celebrating every practice, win, and loss together.

In the classroom, teachers like Mrs. Heatherly and Mrs. Varbedian fostered a love of learning that often extended beyond class, whether through conversations about books, literature, or life. Looking back, Clair is grateful for the opportunity to have spent four years surrounded by strong women who challenged and supported one another. “It’s so powerful to have the smartest, kindest, and most confident people surrounding you all be women,” she says. “I’ve formed lifelong friendships with all different types of people.”

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Howard Thurman

MEREDITH HERMANN

University of Michigan

Plans to study: Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience

Meredith Hermann describes her Marian experience as the best of both worlds. “I was challenged consistently in the classroom,” she says, “yet it was also the most fun four years of my life.” As class board president for three years and co-director of the Marian Mindset Project, Meredith enjoyed helping bring students together and creating opportunities for connection. She also competed in field hockey and tennis, forming special friendships across grades.

Meredith’s favorite thing about Marian is its emphasis on faith. “The atmosphere at an all-school Mass, looking around and seeing everyone singing together, is incredibly special,” she says. Looking back, Meredith believes Marian helped her develop a strong sense of self. “I feel a strong sense of confidence as a young woman,” she says. “I’m eager to learn and mark my place in the world.”

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

“How you do anything is how you do everything.

MADELYN PRANTERA

University of Notre Dame

Plans to study: History, Political Science, & Theology (Pre-Law)

Madelyn Prantera made the most of her four years at Marian by saying “yes” to new opportunities. “I would describe my time at Marian as trying everything,” she says. “It was a fabulous way to get involved and meet new people.” As captain of the track team and a three-year member of Marian’s state championship pompon team, Madelyn formed some of her closest friendships through athletics, where daily practices, competitions, and shared goals brought students from different grades together.

JULIA ROGERS

University of Michigan

Plans to study: Neuroscience and/or Finance

Looking back on her four years at Marian, Julia Rogers is grateful for the experiences that challenged her, the teammates who supported her, and the classmates who inspired her. Through varsity field hockey, varsity lacrosse, forensics, and her leadership of the National STEM Honor Society, Julia learned the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

Take every step with confidence!

She also immersed herself in campus life through leadership roles in the International Thespian Society, Culinary Club, and L.I.F.E. Club, along with involvement in numerous other organizations. Looking back, she credits those experiences with helping her grow in confidence and form lasting friendships. “The Marian sisterhood is unique,” she says. “It’s a bond that is unbreakable because of all the shared memories and traditions.” FAVORITE

Some of Julia’s favorite academic experiences came in classes like AP European History and AP Literature. Surrounded by classmates who challenged and inspired one another, she thrived in an environment where teachers like Mr. Turner and Mrs. Heatherly brought their subjects to life. Upon reflection, Julia says her favorite things about Marian are the all-girls environment and the high standards to which students are held. She says, “Marian has prepared me to seek a rigorous education and to prioritize kindness.”

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

“It’s so easy to laugh, it’s so easy to hate, it takes strength to be gentle and kind. - Morrissey

FAVORITE

ONE WORD FOR

Mrs. Varbedian (Honors U.S. Expository Literature & Writing)

Salutatorians

Congratulations to our Class of 2026 salutatorians for their leadership, service, and dedication to academic excellence.

VIOLET KAINAYA

Wayne State University

Plans to study: Biological Sciences (Pre-Med)

With a strong interest in medicine, Violet Kainaya took advantage of every opportunity Marian offered to explore the healthcare field. Through membership in the Marian Medical Club, leadership roles with the National STEM Honor Society, and participation in events like Marian’s STEM Night, she connected with healthcare professionals, learned about careers in medicine, and participated in hands-on activities such as suture and splinting labs.

With these many experiences under her belt, Violet says she feels more than prepared for her next chapter. “I’m so grateful for the rigorous academics I was exposed to at Marian,” she says. “I feel prepared to take on new challenges and opportunities with confidence and faith.” As she reflects on the last four years, Violet says it’s the people who made all the difference. “I love how Marian brought so many amazing young women into my life,” she says. “I’m forever grateful for the lasting friendships and amazing memories I’ve made.”

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13

MADELINE KOUZA

University of Michigan

Plans to study: Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience (Pre-Dental)

Coming to Marian from a small school was a big adjustment for Madeline Kouza, but over four years, Marian became a place where she formed some of her closest friendships and was able to nurture her many interests. Over the past four years, Madeline was active in the Marian Medical Club, where she served as treasurer and later president, and in the National STEM Honor Society. She was also an active member of the L.I.F.E. Club through which she was able to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., which was one of her most meaningful Marian experiences. Reflecting on her time at Marian, Madeline says she deeply appreciates the many ways she was able to explore and grow her faith. “The most impactful experience was the faith life at Marian,” she says. “Marian provided many opportunities for us to attend Mass, recite the rosary, and pray the Stations of the Cross. All these experiences helped me feel connected to my faith.”

QUOTE TO LIVE BY:

“God’s plan is always more beautiful than our desires.

FAVORITE TRADITION

Field Day

UNFORGETTABLE TEACHER

Mrs. McRoberts (Honors Precalculus & AP Calculus BC)

ONE WORD FOR MARIAN Sisterhood

Class of 2026

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

The Class of 2026 earned acceptances to colleges and universities representing a wide range of academic programs, locations, and pathways. We celebrate the achievements that opened these doors and the bright futures that await our newest alumnae.

Adrian College

Albion College

Alma College

Arizona State University

Ave Maria University

Aquinas University

Auburn College

Belmont University

Bowling Green State University

Butler University

Calvin University

Central Michigan University

Clemson University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

Colorado State University

Cornerstone University

DePaul University

Duquesne University

Fairfield University

Eastern Michigan University

Elon University

Ferris State University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida State University

Gettysburg College

Grand Valley State University

High Point University

Holy Cross College

Hope College

Indiana State University

Indiana University Bloomington

James Madison University

John Carroll University

Kalamazoo College

Kettering University

Kent State University

Lake Superior State University

Lawrence Technological University

Liberty University

Louisiana State University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Madonna University

Marquette University

Miami University-Oxford

Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Northeastern University

Oakland University

Oklahoma State University

Oregon State University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Pepperdine University

Providence College

Purdue University

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Saint Louis University

Saint Mary’s College

St. Mary’s University

Santa Clara University

Southern Methodist University Spelman College

Syracuse University

Texas Christian University

The Catholic University of America

The Citadel

The Ohio State University at Columbus

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Alabama

University of Alaska

University of Arkansas

University of Dayton

University of Detroit Mercy

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Houston

University of Iowa

University of Kentucky

University of Louisville

University of Memphis

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

University of Michigan–Dearborn

University of Michigan–Flint

University of Mississippi

University of New Haven

University of Notre Dame

University of Olivet

University of San Diego

University of South Carolina–Columbia

University of Tampa

University of Toledo

University of Utah

University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Villanova University

Wayne State University

Western Michigan University

Xavier University

READY for the NEXT LEVEL

Four Marian seniors are taking their talents to colleges across the country this fall, continuing athletic careers shaped by their years at Marian.

PIPPA DAWSON

(GOLF)

Gettysburg College

A two-year captain and one of Marian’s most decorated golfers, Pippa Dawson made a big impact both on and off the course. While being the individual winner at Regionals during her senior year is a moment she will never forget, she found equal fulfillment in mentoring younger golfers and helping them grow in confidence. Those opportunities to lead and support others became defining parts of her Marian experience.

“Stick with it even when it seems impossible because I promise it is not.”

MEREDITH MARTIN (VOLLEYBALL)

University of Michigan

After transferring to Marian midway through her sophomore year, Meredith spent a season on the sidelines due to eligibility rules. Rather than viewing it as a setback, she used the opportunity to study the game from a new perspective. By senior year, she was contributing in all six rotations and helping lead the Mustangs on the court before committing to continue her volleyball career at the University of Michigan.

“If you truly believe in yourself and are willing to work for it, you can accomplish more than you think.”

ALLIE DAVISON (VOLLEYBALL)

The Citadel

As a freshman, Allie helped Marian capture a state championship, a moment she still considers the highlight of her high school volleyball experience. Since first picking up the sport at age 8, Allie has learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. She says playing for Marian has been an unforgettable experience, filled with countless memorable moments both on and off the court.

“Work hard. Stay consistent and always support your teammates.”

JAYLA ZAYTI (VOLLEYBALL)

University of

New Haven

Since first picking up a volleyball at age 10, Jayla Zayti has spent the past eight years building a love for the game and the friendships that come with it. Her four years at Marian were highlighted by a state championship in 2022, a state semifinal appearance in 2024, and a senior season filled with memories she will always cherish. The relationships she built through volleyball remain among her favorite parts of the experience.

“Never be afraid to challenge yourself and trust the process.”

Sheila Geary

34 YEARS OF FAITH, LAUGHTER, AND SERVICE A

I’ve felt at home here. “

For 34 years, Sheila Geary has been a cherished presence in Marian’s hallways and classrooms, teaching theology, making students laugh, and encouraging young women to see the world through a wider lens. Along the way, Geary has inspired generations of young women to think deeply, serve generously, and remain curious about the world around them.

A native of Grand Rapids and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Geary arrived at Marian in 1992 after teaching in Chicago and earning a master’s degree in theology. As she considered several teaching opportunities, Geary found herself reflecting on a simple question: If she had a daughter of her own, where would she want her to attend school? Her answer was Marian. Drawn to the school’s strong academics, Catholic identity, and commitment to educating young women, she accepted the position and never looked back.

“I’ve felt at home here,” Geary says. “I’ve loved it and believe in all-girls education.”

Over the years, Geary taught a variety of theology courses, but Catholic Social Teaching became her passion. Through classroom discussions, current events, and conversations about faith and justice, she challenged students to consider their responsibility to others.

One of the most impactful parts of Geary’s Marian career has been her involvement with International Samaritan. Since helping lead Marian’s first service immersion trip in 2014, Geary has accompanied students on annual service immersion trips, first to Guatemala and more recently to Honduras, where they encounter families facing extreme poverty.

Year after year, she has watched students return home with a broader understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for the dignity of every person.

“I don’t know anyone who has gone to

Central America and hasn’t been touched by seeing how other people live,” Geary says. “The borders we have were drawn by humans, not by God. At the heart, we’re all the same.”

MORE THAN A TEACHER

Ask Marian alumnae about Sheila Geary and the stories come quickly. They remember her humor, her kindness, and discussions about faith and justice. They also remember how she made them feel.

“For her students, it was almost a badge of honor, a Marian rite of passage, to enter freshman year knowing her only as ‘Ms. Geary’ and then, over four years, earning the privilege of affectionately calling her ‘She-She,’” says Marian Principal Stacey Cushman.

“I would venture to say that not a single graduate from the past 30-plus years would have any trouble sharing a favorite ‘Ms. Geary’ memory.”

While Geary spent most of her career as a theology teacher, this year she also stepped into the role of campus minister, a fitting culmination of a career devoted to helping students grow not only academically, but spiritually as well.

“Sheila is deeply faith-filled and connected to the IHM mission and the Marian community in ways that go far beyond the simple label of faculty member,” Cushman says. “Her presence has always been rooted in mission, purpose, and a profound understanding of what Marian is called to be.”

Geary’s impact has continued long after students leave Marian. Over the years, she has attended former students’ weddings, celebrated their accomplishments, and stayed connected through life’s many milestones. She takes particular joy in teaching the daughters of former students and watching a new generation of Marian women carry forward the values she worked to instill.

“Sheila Geary is a legacy at Marian High School whose influence has touched the lives of many students, parents, faculty, and staff,” says Claudine Denha, Marian’s Director of Engagement and Catholic Identity. “An outstanding educator, mentor, and friend, her presence at Marian will be greatly missed. Sheila has not only shaped communities; she has made a lasting impact in our hearts.”

As she begins retirement, Geary looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering, and remaining involved with International Samaritan. While her daily presence in Marian’s classrooms and hallways will be missed, her legacy lives on in the confident, compassionate, and service-minded Marian women she helped form over three decades.

MORE THAN A MISSION TRIP

Marian and International Samaritan united in service

For more than a decade, Marian students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumnae have partnered with International Samaritan through service immersion trips to Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Since Marian's first trip in 2014, students have traveled to communities surrounding garbage dumps, where International Samaritan works to break the cycle of poverty through education. Through the organization's scholarship program, children in these communities can receive tuition assistance, meals, transportation, counseling, and other support to help them stay in school.

On these trips, Marian students vol-

unteer in the community, form genuine connections with children and families, and gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges many communities face. Many students return inspired to continue supporting the organization through fundraising and advocacy efforts on campus.

This spring, students, alumnae, parents, and faculty gathered for an International Samaritan reunion event to celebrate the partnership and hear updates on the organization's newest project, a health center in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, that will provide medical care to families in the surrounding community.

In recognition of the Marian commu-

nity's longstanding support, the facility will be named the Marian Health Center. During the event, International Samaritan President Mike Tenbusch also announced that the welcome area inside the facility will be named the Sheila Geary Welcome Center, honoring the longtime Marian theology teacher and campus minister for her years of leadership and commitment to the program.

"Because of Sheila and the Marian community, a health clinic will bring lifesaving medical care to a community accustomed to going without much-needed treatment," Tenbusch says. "It's only fitting that the clinic is named after Marian and the welcome center after the teacher who shares such a vibrant joy for the preciousness of life."

Construction of the Marian Health Center is underway, but fundraising efforts continue as the project moves toward completion. Those who wish to support the effort can do so using the QR code below.

Dan Mahoney

CLOSING ONE CHAPTER, CREATING THE NEXT

“

There are students here with incredible natural talent.

Whether teaching Intro to Filmmaking, Graphic Design, or Art Exploration, Dan Mahoney has spent the past eight years at Marian helping students explore creativity in its many forms. Now preparing for retirement, he reflects on the experiences, lessons, and relationships that shaped his time at Marian.

A LIFELONG LOVE OF ART

Mahoney’s connection to art started early. Growing up in a family of 10 children, creativity was always part of life. Over time, his interests expanded from drawing and pastels to filmmaking, television production, and digital art.

“I’ve always liked a little bit of everything creatively,” he says.

When he saw an opening at Marian eight years ago, he decided to throw his hat in the ring. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I’m so glad it worked out because I’ve really loved it here,” he says.

MAKING SPACE FOR CREATIVITY

Throughout his time at Marian, Mahoney became known for creating a classroom atmosphere that felt welcoming, relaxed, and supportive, something students often appreciated amid busy academic schedules.

“Among my superpowers are patience and staying calm,” he says. “I hear from students a lot that my classes feel very chill, and I think they like having that space during the day.”

Rather than rushing students through projects, Mahoney always focused on helping them create work of which they genuinely could be proud.

“I’m more interested in students enjoying the process and feeling good about what they make than trying to finish something quickly just for a grade,” he notes.

That philosophy also shaped the way he approached teaching art itself.

“In art, people make mistakes all the time,” Mahoney explains. “The whole secret is learning how to fix those mistakes. The minute you put paint on a canvas, it becomes this organic process where you keep adjusting and improving.”

WHY THE ARTS MATTER

Mahoney believes arts education plays an essential role in schools because it gives students opportunities to think differently, solve problems creatively, and use imagination in ways other subjects may not always allow.

“Students get a lot of STEM education, which is important,” he says. “But art lets them explore another side of their brain. It teaches creativity, patience, and problem-solving.”

He also encouraged students who may not see themselves as naturally artistic to keep practicing and stay open to growth.

“People think art is all in the hands, but really it’s in the eyes,” he says. “Learning how to truly see shapes, textures, and details takes time.”

Over the years, Mahoney said he has been continually impressed by the talent of Marian students.

“There are students here with incredible natural talent,” he notes. “It’s amazing to see what they can do.”

UP NEXT

In retirement, Mahoney plans to spend more time creating his own artwork, traveling, hiking, biking, and collaborating with filmmaker friends on creative projects. He also hopes to volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts, a place he has long loved visiting.

“It’s a new chapter in my life,” he says. “I’m going to make the best of it.”

And while retirement may mark the end of his time in Marian’s classrooms, his encouragement for students remains the same:

“Have imagination. Have patience. Keep a sense of humor,” he says. “And create what you like.”

Ask Peter Shaheen about his favorite novel to teach, and his answer is unexpected.

“I like teaching kids,” he says. “I don’t like teaching books.”

That philosophy has guided Shaheen throughout nearly five decades in the classroom. While literature provided the vehicle, relationships remained at the heart of his work.

Though his five years at Marian represent only a small chapter in a remarkable 48-year career, they are years he remembers fondly because of the students and colleagues who made Marian feel like home.

DISCOVERING THE MARIAN DIFFERENCE

Shaheen’s path to Marian came after decades spent teaching English throughout metro Detroit. One Sunday evening, while browsing Marian’s website, he had an unexpected thought.

“Hey, I could work there.”

The added bonus that he could walk to work ultimately convinced him to apply, and fortunately for Marian, he did.

Although Shaheen had spent his career teaching in a variety of settings, Marian marked his first experience at an all-girls school. The transition was an easy one.

“It has always been great,” he says. “The girls are really mature. They have a handle on who they are and where they’re going.”

What stood out most to him, however,

A LASTING LEGACY

Peter Shaheen

TEACHING BEYOND THE BOOKS

“

I can’t compete with the brilliant minds we have here, especially the kids.

was Marian’s strong sense of purpose.

“There is a strong sense of who we are here at Marian,” he says. “There is a clear sense of mission.”

BEYOND THE BOOKS

While Shaheen taught a wide range of literature throughout his career, poetry holds a special place in his heart.

“I understand everything that happens to me through poetry,” he says. “You can learn everything important through poetry: about nature, about writing, about living.”

He believes students should encounter poetry early and often as a way of understanding themselves and the world around them.

“Kids should learn how to write poetry,” he says. “They should learn to ask questions and worry less about the answers.”

Throughout his career, Shaheen watched generations of students navigate changing circumstances, from the rise of social media to the lasting effects of COVID. Through it all, he has remained fascinated by the ways students adapt, grow, and challenge the adults around them.

THE CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

As he prepares to retire from teaching after nearly five decades, it is the interactions with students Shaheen says he’ll

miss most.

“I’m going to miss learning from these kids,” he says. “I’ll miss the individual conversations.”

Those moments of connection often happened with Marian’s therapy dog, Uma, nearby.

A few years ago, when Principal Stacey Cushman was looking for a place for Uma to spend part of her day, Shaheen volunteered his classroom. Before long, the two became inseparable. Students grew accustomed to seeing Uma following him through the halls or resting on a bed in his classroom, rarely far from his side.

“She’s that kind of dog,” Shaheen says.

LOOKING AHEAD

For Shaheen, retirement will not mean slowing down. He plans to spend more time writing poetry and fiction and tending the gardens in his condominium complex.

As he reflects on nearly half a century in education, Shaheen is quick to credit the teachers, mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped his journey.

“I can’t compete with the brilliant minds we have here, especially the kids,” he says.

As he prepares to leave the classroom, the impact of his work will remain.

Says Cushman, “His patience, humility, kindness, and genuine care for students made an impact on everyone around him.”

Peter Shaheen, Tina Malloy Pedersen ’96, Jill Shopinski, Rosanne Charles Acciaioli ’74, Abbie Bailey, Margie Birchler Adams ’82, Michele Colosi, Renee Menker, Mary Murray, Bess Riek, and Mary Steinhauer are recognized during the last all-school Mass of the school year.

The People Who Make the Place

Faculty and staff celebrating milestone anniversaries reflect on the people, purpose, and moments that have shaped their years at Marian

Ask a group of Marian faculty and staff why they have stayed for five, 10, 15, or even 30 years, and their answers are remarkably similar.

They talk about students. They talk about faith. They talk about relationships that have lasted decades. And they talk about the privilege of helping young women discover who they are becoming.

This year, Marian recognizes faculty and staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries, representing more than 150 combined years of service to the school. Their roles vary widely, from teaching English, theology, art, and world languages to counseling students, welcoming visitors in the front office, guiding prospective families through the admission process, and overseeing school operations. Together, they reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that have shaped their years at Marian.

CALLED TO MARIAN

Many still remember arriving at Marian for the first time and wondering whether they belonged.

“I was absolutely terrified,” recalls English teacher Dawn Tafel Zink ’86,

who returned to her alma mater in 2021 after spending a decade teaching in an all-boys environment.

Theology teacher Mary Murray remembers similar feelings.

“I am not qualified or equipped. They’ll think I’m a fraud,” she recalls thinking on her first day.

For others, Marian felt immediately familiar. Counselor Bess Riek had previously worked at another all-girls Catholic school, while Director of Business Operations Margie Birchler Adams ’82 remembers spending her first day reconnecting with teachers who had once taught her as a student.

Over time, those first-day nerves gave way to something deeper: a sense of purpose rooted in the people around them.

STUDENTS WHO LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT

Again and again, faculty and staff described students as the people who have shaped their experiences most.

For Zink, one such moment came when a student asked her to proofread a college application essay. Reading the essay revealed challenges the student had been

carrying outside of school and left a lasting impression.

“We are always told that we never know what a student is dealing with or facing,” Zink says. “Reading this student’s incredibly poignant story has stayed with me.”

Art teacher Abbie Bailey points to a conversation that transformed the way she teaches. A talented student once told her that creating art for herself, not for a teacher, assignment, or portfolio, was what made her happiest.

“She found peace in her own decisions,” Bailey says.

Inspired by that perspective, Bailey reimagined her curriculum. Today, students learn the skills they need while pursuing projects that reflect their own interests and creativity.

“Instead of 30 birdhouses, I now get surprised by 30 different projects that students care about and want to take home,” she says.

For Riek, students broadened her perspective in a different way. She credits the students who advocated for the creation of the Black Student Union (now known as the Black Awareness Society for Education) with broadening her perspective.

“They opened my eyes in ways I did not expect and that I am grateful for,” she says. “They made me a better person.”

MOMENTS THAT STAY WITH YOU

Many of the moments that remain most vivid have little to do with academics.

Bailey still gets emotional hearing students sing “Oceans” together at the seniors’ final Mass each year. Riek remembers tearfully saying goodbye to a recent graduating class.

For Chad Stevens, it was the kindness students showed during difficult moments. “When it matters,” Stevens says, “the Marian community really does stand out.”

Beyond memorable moments, many also pointed to the relationships and sense of purpose that shape daily life at Marian.

Others spoke about colleagues who have become lifelong friends, the opportunity to pray openly with students, and the chance to make a difference in a young person’s life.

German teacher Jill Shopinski appreciates working alongside colleagues who are passionate about what they teach and who genuinely care about students. Zink treasures beginning each class with prayer.

“Being able to share a prayer at the beginning of each class, every day, brings a sense of togetherness,” she says.

For Michele Colosi, front office assistant, the rewards often come in small but meaningful moments. One Catholic Schools Week, students left anonymous notes thanking her for her work.

“Those kind gestures really touched my heart and made me feel so valued and appreciated,” she says.

Director of Admission Tina Malloy Pedersen ’96 finds purpose in introducing new families to the school that helped shape her own life.

“I love introducing families to Marian,” she says. “I enjoy trying to make the admission process as accessible and enjoyable as possible for families.”

As an alumna, Pedersen knows firsthand the impact a Marian education can have and finds joy in helping families begin that journey.

Across departments and decades of service, these Marian faculty and staff members reflect a simple truth: while they have helped shape generations of Marian students, Marian has shaped them, too.

CONGRATULATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS TO FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS

CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES:

5 Years

Michele Colosi

Renee Menker

Peter Shaheen

Dawn Tafel Zink ’86

10 Years

Rosanne Charles Acciaioli ’74

Mary Murray

Abbie Bailey

Mary Steinhauer

Chad Stevens

15 Years

Tina Malloy Pedersen ’96

Bess Riek

30 Years

Margie Birchler Adams ’82

Sally Riemenschneider Bzdok ’71

Jill Shopinski

MARIAN

AWARDS $212,000 IN 2026-27

MARIAN AWARDS $212,000

SCHOLARSHIPS

Marian is proud to recognize the recipients of scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 school year. Each scholarship is guided by unique criteria that recognize specific qualities, achievements, or areas of involvement. Recipients were selected based on scholarship-specific criteria that may have included applications, essays, interviews, academic achievement, leadership, service, and school involvement. Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients!

Ancog Good Neighbor Scholarship

Liana Rea ’30

Elizabeth O’Donnell

Baer ’89 Memorial Scholarship

Vivian Flowers ’27

Josephine Stewart ’28

Joe and Marilyn Balous Scholarship

Jan Bodagh ’27

Imani Elcock ’28

Khloe Marrogy ’28

Grace Rayis ’28

Jude Choucri ’29

Vienna Shkreli ’29

Katherine Clement ’30

Isla Ley ’30

Caritas Scholarship

Grace Rayis ’28

Dolores Chapman

Memorial Scholarship

Carey Conroy ’29

Emily Murphy ’29

Sr. Christa DePrimo, IHM Science Scholarship

Sophia LaBoda ’29

Mary Ann DuBay

Leadership Scholarship

Paige Roth ’30

St. Marguerite d’Youville Scholarship

Madeline Kizy ’27

Christine Else ’90 Memorial Art Scholarship

Laura Hotaj ’30

Eugenia & Arthur Feehan Science Scholarship

Angelina AbdulNour ’27

Sr. Elizabeth Girardot, IHM Memorial Scholarship

Mary Frangie ’27

Mary Anne Harahan Memorial Scholarship

Grace Gappy ’27

Margaret Conroy ’28

Richard T. Healy, Jr. Scholarship

Nicole Haibsh ’27

Giuliana Hanna ’28

Courtney Elizabeth

Johns ’96 Memorial Scholarship

Josephine Senk ’27

Josephine Stewart ’28

Gianna Ryszewski ’29

Zara Hanna ’30

Kerry A. Kerby ’98 Memorial Scholarship

Stella Glorio ’27

Kolasa Kelly Science Scholarship

Alexa Shamoun ’27

Gracelyn Riga ’28

Margaret T. McMahon English Scholarship

Rozalee Hancock ’30

Megan McNally Nacy ’91 Service Scholarship

Elizabeth Poota ’30

Mustang Champion Scholarship

Reese Berryman ’30

Kelly Nagle Scholarship

Andrea Gordy ’28

Loghan Cooper ’29

Marian Byrd ’30

Raymond J. Nagle Memorial Scholarship

Solara Jarbo ’28

Riley Roth ’29

Elliot Rolands ’30

Sr. Dorothy Peltier, IHM Science Scholarship

Marguerite Buckles ’29

Sr. Lenore Pochelski, IHM Endowed Scholarship

Ava Hierlihy ’27

Imani Elcock ’28

Khloe Marrogy ’28

Liberty Manning ’29

Samyn Akao Science Scholarship

Melanie Frangie ’27

Charlotte Hermiz ’28

Luise Smela Memorial Scholarship

Angelica Gedwill ’27

Taunt Family

Memorial Scholarship

Joelle Mio ’27

Solara Jarbo ’28

Carey Conroy ’29

Academic Merit Scholarships

Ella Adams ’27

Meghan Bluethmann ’27

Jan Bodagh ’27

Lucy Clark ’27

Marja Geisz ’27

Ava Hierlihy ’27

Samantha Monroe ’27

Caroline Quaine ’27

Emma Truza ’27

Maria Burlingame ’28

Olivia Bussa ’28

Charlotte Hermiz ’28

Sophia Pellegrino ’28

Gracelyn Riga ’28

Elizabeth Torok ’28

Simona Berishaj ’29

Marguerite Buckles ’29

Melanie Clark ’29

Gwendolyn Gessner ’29

Olivia Liras ’29

Grace Nofar ’29

Delaney Nykerk ’29

Anabelle Rollo ’29

Riley Roth ’29

Vivienne Vaupel ’29

Sophie Altawil ’30

Marian Byrd ’30

Adrianna Ciotti ’30

Katherine Clement ’30

Josephine Humphrey ’30

Paige Roth ’30

Jane Runyon ’30

Sophia Valdez ’30

Create

a

Scholarship Change a Life

The scholarships recognized on these pages are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of a Marian education. Named scholarship opportunities begin at $50,000 and allow donors to create a lasting legacy while helping students achieve their goals. Endowed scholarship gifts are permanently invested, providing scholarship support year after year.

To learn more about establishing a scholarship or making a gift to the Marian Scholarship Fund, contact the Office of Advancement at 248-644-1946 or advancement@marian-hs.org.

Fresh off her graduation from Marian, Courtney Johns ’96 was preparing for the next chapter of her life.

A standout student, accomplished athlete, and emerging leader, Courtney was a member of the National Honor Society, served as Senior Class First Vice President, and earned numerous academic honors. On the tennis court, she was a regional champion, team captain, and Marian’s Most Valuable Player. That fall, she was set to attend Villanova University, where she had been recruited to play tennis.

Just weeks after graduation, Courtney was on her way to France to visit an exchange student her family had hosted the previous year. Tragically, she was among those who lost their lives aboard TWA Flight 800 on July 17, 1996.

Later that year, Courtney’s beloved parents, Barb and Fred Johns, established the Courtney Elizabeth Johns ’96 Memorial Scholarship at Marian, creating a lasting tribute to their daughter and the school that had meant so much to her.

“She really loved Marian,” Barb says. “It helped shape who she became.”

A Clarkston native, Courtney first discovered Marian during an eighth-grade shadow visit and immediately felt at home.

“She came back glowing,” Barb recalls. “She never looked back.”

Over the next four years, Courtney immersed herself in every aspect of Marian life. Athletics played an especially important role. Tennis provided friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging that remained important throughout her high school experience.

Her Marian classmates remember Courtney as outgoing, confident, kind, and full of energy. She was always up for adventure, quick to laugh, and eager to embrace new experiences.

“She was truly special,” says Marian President Heather Greig Sofran ’96, Courtney’s classmate and friend. “She had a contagious enthusiasm for life and

Courtney’s Legacy

Nearly 30 years later, the light she brought to Marian continues to shine

a way of making everyone around her feel valued and included.”

CARRYING HER LEGACY FORWARD

For Barb and Fred, the decision to create a scholarship in Courtney’s memory was a natural one. Marian had provided Courtney with opportunities to grow as a student, athlete, leader, and young woman of faith, and they hoped other girls could benefit from those same experiences.

Nearly 30 years later, the scholarship continues to do exactly that.

Awarded annually to an incoming freshman, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, athletic participation, and community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for all four years of a recipient’s time at Marian, provided she continues to meet the established criteria.

Since its creation, the scholarship has awarded nearly $300,000 in tuition assistance.

For the Johns family, one of the most rewarding aspects has been watching recipients grow throughout their four years at Marian.

“We used to get handwritten thankyou notes from them each year,” Barb says. “Now we get videos. It’s wonderful to see the girls and hear their voices and watch them mature.”

While the students who receive the scholarship never had the opportunity to know Courtney or experience her vibrant spirit personally, they share many of the qualities that defined her life: dedication, leadership, service, and a willingness to make the most of every opportunity.

“It makes you feel warm that you can do something to send another girl to a school your daughter loved so much,” Barb says. “You hope they get the same things out of it that Courtney did. There’s a comfort in it, and it feels gratifying.”

Nearly three decades after Courtney last walked the halls of Marian, the scholarship established in her name continues to open doors for young women who reflect the leadership, kindness, and light that Courtney brought into the world.

Courtney Elizabeth Johns ’96 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded annually to an incoming Marian freshman who demonstrates:

• Academic achievement

• Leadership

• Athletic involvement

• Community service

Renewable each year with:

• Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA

• Continued athletic participation

• Ongoing service and community involvement

Service to others was an important part of Courtney’s life.

To learn more about Courtney’s life and legacy, SCAN HERE

Kerry Kerby ’98 had a way of making people feel important.

Whether she was advocating for a student, encouraging a colleague, or sharing advice with a friend, she connected with people easily. Intelligent, confident, and funny, Kerry brought energy and enthusiasm wherever she went. Her parents, Mike and Laura Guay Kerby ’69 , remember her as both determined and compassionate, with an innate ability to understand people. Friends, former students, and colleagues remember the way she seemed to light up a room.

“Kerry had a special quality about her that made her eyes sparkle when she was doing what she loved most, and that was teaching,” Laura says.

As a special education teacher and transition coordinator, Kerry dedicated her career to working with students who often needed extra encouragement and support. She believed in them, advocated for them, and celebrated their successes.

“Working with children wasn’t just her profession. It was truly what she loved,” Laura notes. “She understood her students and knew how to help them succeed. She was also deeply connected to their families who were often navigating difficult challenges themselves.”

Kerry’s commitment to serving others was rooted in values that began taking shape long before she began her teaching career.

As a Marian student, Kerry embraced both the academic and spiritual opportunities the school offered. She was active in the Marian Rice Players, the National Honor Society, and student government. As a senior, she earned the Marian Theology Medal as well as the Timothy Youth Award of Excellence from the Birmingham Bloomfield Troy Vicariate.

“Marian helped shape who she became,” Laura says. “There were so many faculty members and experiences that influenced her.”

Kerry’s Calling

The Kerry A. Kerby ’98 Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a beloved teacher committed to helping children succeed

A SCHOLARSHIP TAKES SHAPE

When Kerry passed away in 2011 following a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, friends of the Kerby family wanted to do something meaningful in her memory.

“Several of them made contributions to establish and endow a scholarship in her honor,” Laura recalls. “This was a gift from friends who cared deeply about Kerry and were very committed to Catholic education. Some of Kerry’s classmates also contributed, as have others throughout the years. Mike and I contribute annually to help sustain it.”

The Kerry A. Kerby ’98 Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a Marian student entering her senior year. The recipient must demonstrate significant service beyond Marian’s required hours, particularly through work with children.

“Working with children was absolutely central to who Kerry was,” Laura says. “We felt that needed to be at the heart of the scholarship.”

Mike and Laura, along with Kerry’s sisters, Elizabeth Kerby Quenneville ’95 and Megan Kerby Canty ’00, remain actively involved in the scholarship process, interviewing applicants each year.

“We really value being part of the process,” Laura says. “We meet remarkable young women and see the impact the scholarship has on them. At the same time, though, it’s bittersweet and reminds us how much we wish Kerry were still here.”

The Kerbys say that one of the most meaningful parts of these interviews is hearing students talk about their faith.

“It’s reassuring to see that the qualities we valued so much when our daughters attended Marian—strong academics, deep faith, service, and character—are still present in today’s students,” says Mike.

For the Kerbys, the scholarship has become a lasting tribute to Kerry and the values she embodied.

Says Laura, “It’s an honor to be able to continue this scholarship. Catholic education was paramount to our family, and Marian was a very important part of Kerry’s life.”

Kerry A. Kerby ’98 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Marian senior who demonstrates:

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

• Significant service working with children

• Compassion and commitment to others

Eligibility:

• Entering senior year

• Has exceeded Marian’s community service requirements through service primarily benefiting children

Support a Marian Legacy

If you’d like to honor these legacies with a gift, scan the QR code and note the scholarship fund you’d like to support in the comments.

HONORING Excellence

Four Marian Inductees Join CHSL Hall of Fame

Marian proudly celebrates Coach Leon Braisted III and alumnae Ava Brizard ’22, Grace Rotter ’22, and Sarah Sylvester ’22, who earned induction into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame on June 8.

The honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to athletics within the Catholic High School League through outstanding achievement, leadership, and service. Together, this year’s Marian inductees reflect the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit that define Mustang athletics.

COACH LEON BRAISTED III

Over more than two decades as a varsity golf coach, Braisted has guided his teams to nine state championships, numerous league and regional titles, and hundreds of victories. Since coming to Marian in 2016, he has continued to build upon a career marked by competitive excellence and a commitment to student-athletes.

Braisted is a four-time Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association Coach of the Year and a three-time Michigan High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year. He was named the National Federation of State High School Associations Coach of the Year in 2018 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2019. In 2015, he was inducted into the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Beyond coaching, Braisted has devoted countless hours to growing the game of golf through tournament leadership and service at the state and national levels. He has also helped build Marian’s bowling program, creating additional opportunities for studentathletes to compete.

For Braisted, the honor is less about personal recognition and more about the students he has coached.

“You coach for kids, not for the glory and recognition,” he said. “If you are coaching to be recognized, you are in the wrong profession. God is good!”

AVA BRIZARD ’22

One of the most decorated volleyball players in Marian history, Ava Brizard helped lead the Mustangs to back-to-back MHSAA Division I State Championships while earning recognition as one of the nation’s top high school athletes.

Brizard was named Michigan Miss Volleyball and Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year in 2021. She finished her Marian career with more than 2,100 kills and 1,700 digs while helping establish Marian as one of the premier volleyball programs in the country.

After graduating from Marian, Brizard continued her collegiate career at NC State University before transferring to the University of Southern California, where she now competes in beach volleyball.

Looking back on her Marian experience, Brizard credits the program and Catholic League competition for helping prepare her for success at the collegiate level.

“Being inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame is an incredible honor,” she said. “When I reflect on my time at Marian, I remember being challenged and pushed to succeed by my teammates, coaches, and teachers.”

GRACE ROTTER ’22

At Marian, Grace Rotter distinguished herself as one of the school’s top multi-sport athletes, earning four varsity letters in both lacrosse and basketball. A multiple-time AllCHSL selection, she helped lead the Mustangs to success across both programs while establishing a reputation for her competitiveness, versatility, and leadership.

Following her graduation from Marian, Rotter continued her academic and athletic career at Slippery Rock University, where she has emerged as one of the top Division II lacrosse players in the country. Most recently, she earned USA Lacrosse All-American Second Team honors, IWLCA All-American Third Team recognition, and IWLCA AllRegion First Team honors while helping lead Slippery Rock to the NCAA Division II national semifinals.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Rotter has earned CSC Academic AllAmerica honors, underscoring her commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Reflecting on her induction, Rotter shared, “Being inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame is such an incredible honor. To be considered among so many talented and accomplished individuals is truly a privilege, and I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside people who have made such a lasting impact.”

SARAH SYLVESTER ’22

During her time at Marian, Sarah Sylvester established herself as one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in school history. A standout in both volleyball and basketball, she helped lead the Mustangs to back-to-back state volleyball championships while earning All-State, All-Catholic, and AVCA All-America honors. Her athleticism, leadership, and competitive drive made her a key contributor to one of the most successful eras in Marian volleyball history.

A finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball and one of the nation’s top-ranked recruits, Sylvester helped Marian earn a national ranking as high as No. 2 while excelling both on the court and in the classroom. She also made a significant impact on the basketball court, earning All-Catholic honors.

Sylvester continued her athletic career at Texas Christian University, where she quickly emerged as one of the Big 12’s top middle blockers. She has helped lead the Horned Frogs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. In addition to her success in volleyball, Sylvester made school history by becoming the first TCU student-athlete in the Big 12 era to compete in both varsity volleyball and basketball.

Reflecting on her induction, Sylvester said, “Being inducted into the CHSL Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor. The CHSL is a league defined by excellence, tradition, and an incredible history of accomplished athletes, coaches, and staff.”

MARIAN FOR THE GENERATIONS

COMPLETING THE Vision

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Marian alumnae, families, grandparents, and friends, Marian continues to transform its campus through the Marian for the Generations capital campaign. With Phase 1 complete and Phase 2 construction well underway, the project is nearing completion, and the positive effects of the renovated spaces are already shaping the Marian experience.

This past school year, Marian proudly celebrated the opening of the Fisher Family Science Wing and Wanink Art Wing with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by nearly 150 guests. Those spaces are now fully alive with activity as students collaborate in state-of-the-art science labs, engage in hands-on discovery, and explore creativity in bright, modern art studios designed to elevate learning and expression. These new environments reflect Marian’s commitment to providing young women with an exceptional educational experience rooted in faith, leadership, and academic excellence.

PHASE 2 UNDERWAY

As the Marian for the Generations campaign enters its final phase, attention is now focused on the final major improvements that will bring the vision fully to life. Phase 2 construction includes new energy-efficient windows and air conditioning throughout the 100s and 300s halls, along with additional windows and a new double-buzz visitor entry system in the front atrium to enhance campus safety and security. These upgrades will bring lasting improvements

to comfort, sustainability, and the daily experience of students and faculty, ensuring that Marian’s spaces reflect the excellence of the education taking place within them every day.

To date, Marian has raised $5.9 million toward its $7 million campaign goal. Leadership gifts from alumnae, families, grandparents, and friends have played a significant role in advancing the project and inspiring continued support across the Marian community. While the campaign is nearing its goal, additional support is needed to fully realize the vision.

Naming opportunities remain available for families and supporters who wish to make a lasting impact on Marian’s campus and legacy. Gifts at every level are welcomed and deeply appreciated, and every contribution helps move the project closer to the finish line. Supporters who make gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on Marian’s donor wall, which will be unveiled at the Marian for the Generations Gratitude Reception on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027.

“Marian has always been strengthened by a community that believes in the power of educating young women,” says Holly Gorecki, Marian’s Vice President for Advancement. “Today's students are developing confidence, faith, compassion, and leadership within these halls. The improvements made through the Marian for the Generations campaign will help ensure that future generations benefit from learning environments that support and inspire their growth.”

THE CLASS OF 1970 Pays It Forward

When the Class of 1970 gathered for a milestone reunion, the celebration became something more, an opportunity to invest in future Marian students.

Encouraged by classmate Barbara Spreitzer-Berent ’70, a former Marian Board member and Advancement Committee chair, alumnae embraced the idea of a collective reunion gift. Contributions made before, during, and after the reunion raised nearly $12,000.

The Class of 1970 has long been deeply engaged with the school, and many classmates were especially drawn to supporting Marian’s science program. For classmates whose Marian education helped launch careers in healthcare, research, and other STEM fields, the project offered a fitting way to give back.

As Barbara Satur Kupferschmidt ’70 recalls, “I would never have discovered the field of cardiovascular perfusion had I not taken advanced biology at Marian.” Through a research opportunity arranged by a Marian parent, she was introduced to the emerging field and ultimately built “a very long, fulfilling career in healthcare.”

The class’s gift helped fund equipment and instructional resources in the Fisher Family Science Wing, including human skeleton models, electrophoresis systems, molecular kits, and centrifuges that are now enhancing hands-on learning for students.

For the Class of 1970, the experience demonstrated the power of coming together around a shared purpose. The class hopes its example will inspire other reunion classes to consider marking milestone celebrations with a gift that honors their Marian experience while helping shape the future for generations of Mustangs to come.

Bride Adrienne Volk ’01 with Kristen Golden Evans ’99, Stefanie Pattison ’01, Amanda Goebel Hemingway ’01, and Karolina McGovern ’02 on her wedding day

ALUMNAE News

♦ Three generations of Marian women recently came together on campus when longtime staff member Sally Riemenschneider Bzdok ’71 , Marian’s Advancement Services Manager, welcomed her granddaughter, Kennadi Luxon, for a shadow day. Kennadi shadowed her sister, Camryn Luxon ’28 . The girls are the daughters of Marian alumna Lindsay Bzdok Luxon ’98 , creating a special three-generation Marian moment.

♦ Members of the Class of 1979 gathered for a Galentine’s celebration hosted by Kelli Grady Damman and Carol Verbiest Roney. Joining them were Yvette Roumayah Wittman, Julie Nagle, Mary Jo Henry Warner, Janie Nagle Kelly, Nancy Stefanek Allen, Connie Denha Yasso, and Renee Hrdlicka Rapson.

♦ After many years in North Carolina, Stacey Ann Smith Glasgow ’87, her husband Michael, and their children are returning home to Michigan to be closer to family. As they settle into Highland Township, they are looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and embracing a new chapter.

♦ Mary Ann Samyn ’88 released her seventh poetry collection, “The Return from Calvary.” Beyond her published work, she connects with readers through her Substack newsletter “Cake & Poetry.”

♦ Diane Mulso Rucker ’88 is being recognized by the MIT Sloan Executive MBA program for her work in startup ecosystems and angel investing. Based in Minnesota, Diane has built a career marked by innovation, leadership, and global connections. She and her husband, Derek, have daughters living in North Dakota, Berlin, and Minneapolis.

♦ Adrienne Volk ’01 and Branden Moore were recently married in a seaside wedding in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The celebration included several Marian connections: Kristen Golden Evans ’99 officiated the ceremony, while Stephanie Pattison ’01 and Amanda Goebel Hemingway ’01 served in the wedding party. Karolina McGovern ’02 was also in attendance. Adrienne is the owner of Academic Success Partners, a local tutoring and academic support company, and enjoys helping Marian students achieve their academic goals.

♦ Kristen Lowe Mitera ’05 and her husband, Mark, welcomed twins Rhett and Palmer last October. With four little ones all under the age of 4, their home is full of love, laughter, and lots of energy.

Rhett and Palmer, twins welcomed by Kristen Lowe Mitera ’05

Bride Lindsay Woch Nicholas ’07 with Katie Woch Naheedy ’01, Lisa Harris Burgess ’04, Allison Harris ’08, Celia Sabo Hudson ’07, and Jacqui Feldman ’19 on her wedding day

Tara Streng-Schroeter ’11, Kat Streng Callahan ’14, Brooke Galli ’14, and Kristin Lunghamer ’11 meet up in Lisbon

♦ Lindsay Woch Nicholas ’07 married Jacob Nicholas on July 19, 2025, in a beautiful ceremony at St. Hugo of the Hills, followed by a reception at Pine Lake Country Club. Marian alumnae in attendance included Katie Woch Naheedy ’01, Lisa Harris Burgess ’04, Allison Harris ’08, Celia Sabo Hudson ’07, and Jacqui Feldman ’19. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Marian women, Lindsay and Jacob enjoyed a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and community. After honeymooning in Australia and New Zealand, the couple is enjoying married life in Bloomfield Hills.

♦ Alumnae Tara Streng-Schroeter ’11, Kristin Lunghamer ’11, Kat Streng Callahan ’14, and Brooke Galli ’14 enjoyed a reunion in Lisbon, Portugal.

♦ Vanessa Wolf ’12 spent two weeks in Cambodia serving with Mission Rabies. Working alongside local veterinary students, she went door to door in Phnom Penh providing free rabies vaccinations and educating families about disease prevention. Their efforts helped vaccinate more than 48,000 dogs in Phnom Penh, enough to help achieve herd immunity. Nationwide, the campaign reached more than 221,000 dogs across Cambodia.

♦ AlissaBeth Morton Rieman ’14 welcomed a baby boy, Calum, on March 19.

♦ Anne Koziara ’16 married Niko Papanastasopoulos in September, with fellow Marian alumnae Irene Wilson ’16 and Elizabeth Grobbel ’16 serving as bridesmaids.

♦ Erin Neaton ’16 earned her Ph.D. in psychology and cognitive science in December 2025 and recently began a new role as a clinical assistant professor of sport analytics at the University of Michigan.

Baby Calum, welcomed by AlissaBeth Morton Rieman ’14

Bride Anne Koziara Papanastasopoulos ’16 with bridesmaids including Irene Wilson ’16 and Elizabeth Grobbel ’16

Dr. Erin Neaton ’16

REUNION WEEKEND

REUNION WEEKEND BRINGS GENERATIONS

This spring, Marian and Brother Rice came together once again to host a memorable Reunion Weekend, welcoming back alumnae and alumni celebrating their 50th, 45th, 40th, and 35th milestone reunions, along with our Golden Mustangs and Warriors from the Classes of 1963–1976. The weekend was filled with laughter, connection, and special moments as generations of alumnae and alumni came together to celebrate enduring friendships and shared experiences.

The festivities began Friday, May 29, with the Golf Classic and Reunion Open Championship for the 50th reunion class and Golden alumnae, alongside the Classes of ’81, ’86, and ’91. On Saturday evening, the Classes of 1981, 1986,

BACK TOGETHER

and 1991 gathered for a joint cocktail celebration honoring their 45th, 40th, and 35th reunions. The evening featured tours of both campuses, opportunities to reconnect, and plenty of laughter as classmates shared memories, caught up on family and career milestones, and remembered friends who are no longer with them.

The weekend concluded Sunday with the Golden Mustangs and Warriors Mass and Brunch. Alumnae from the Classes of 1963–1976 gathered for Mass at St. Regis before returning to campus for brunch, tours, and fellowship. Together, they shared stories, renewed friendships, and celebrated the enduring bonds formed during their years at Marian and Brother Rice.

A WARM WELCOME TO Marian’s Newest Alumnae

Marian alumnae and members of the Class of 2026 gathered this spring for the 14th Annual Alumnae & Senior Luncheon, a cherished tradition that welcomes graduating seniors into the Marian Alumnae Association.

Held at The Village Club and graciously hosted by Molly Doherty-O’Shea Gallucci, MD ’83, the event brought together alumnae from across generations to share

stories, celebrate Marian connections, and honor the school’s newest graduates.

Alumnae Association Co-President Sarah Agius Davis ’97 addressed attendees, reflecting on the lifelong impact of a Marian education. As both an alumna and Marian parent, Davis reflected on the connections and opportunities that come with being part of the Marian alumnae community.

The luncheon gave seniors the opportunity to connect with alumnae whose Marian experiences span decades, highlighting the enduring bonds that unite generations of Mustangs. By the afternoon’s conclusion, the Class of 2026 had been officially welcomed into the Marian Alumnae Association, joining a network of thousands of women whose lives have been shaped by Marian.

Yasmine Kassab Najor ’98 (left), Natasha Petrous Baccari ’01, and Madeline Najor ’26, pose with the sign they purchased to honor the legacy of their beloved aunt.

A Family’s TRIBUTE

How one family used a Marian tradition to honor the memory of Nadine Kassab Bashi ’74

Each year at Marian Benefit Evening, one of the most popular auction items gives the winning bidder the opportunity to rename the campus entrance road for a school year. Often, families choose a last name, a daughter’s name, or a phrase that holds personal meaning for them.

This year, Yasmine Kassab Najor ’98 and her husband, Brian, chose something different. Their winning bid will designate the entrance road as “Nadine’s Way,” a tribute to Yasmine’s beloved aunt, Nadine Kassab Bashi ’74, who passed away in November 2025.

A proud Marian alumna, Nadine was known for her joyful spirit, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to family. During her

time at Marian, she participated in basketball and softball and built friendships that remained important throughout her life. Those who knew her remember a woman whose laughter was contagious, whose kindness was genuine, and whose positivity touched everyone around her.

Family was at the center of everything Nadine did. She was deeply loved by her husband, Eddie; her children, Jeanine, Anthony, and Vincent; her granddaughter, Jules; and a large extended family that spans generations of Marian women. Among them are her nieces, Yasmine Kassab Najor ’98 and Natasha Petrous Baccari ’01, and her great-niece, Madeline Najor ’26

Nadine’s senior yearbook quote reflected the outlook she carried throughout her life: “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” Through her example, she taught those around her the value of faith, hard work, friendship, and finding joy in everyday moments.

For the Najor family, naming the road in her honor was a special way to celebrate a woman whose Marian roots and lasting influence continue to shape their family today. Throughout the 2026-27 school year, every visitor who arrives on campus via Nadine’s Way will be reminded of a life marked by faith, love, laughter, and a legacy that endures.

EVOLVING TOGETHER

EVOLVING TOGETHER

Marian alumnae come together to plan, connect, and give with purpose

Marian alumnae from across the generations gathered this spring for Evolving Together, an evening focused on financial planning, personal legacy, and the power of philanthropic giving.

Hosted by Marian Board Members Sue Rabahy Ebbing ’77 and Alison Gleeson ’83, the event brought together alumnae from a variety of class years to explore financial topics of relevance to every stage of life. Their vision was simple: provide a space where women could learn from one another, ask questions, and gain practical knowledge while strengthening connections among fellow alums.

The evening featured a presentation by Patty Belknap Whitney ’79, Managing Director – Wealth Management and Senior Portfolio Manager with Double Eagle Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services Inc., who generously sponsored the event. Whitney shared insights on financial

planning, estate preparation, and retirement considerations. She encouraged attendees to think about how financial priorities evolve over time.

WHERE FINANCIAL PLANNING MEETS PHILANTHROPY

The discussion also explored ways thoughtful planning can help individuals align their resources with their personal goals and values while also creating opportunities to support causes that matter to them. Whitney highlighted how philanthropic support of Marian can help future generations of students benefit from the same transformative education and sisterhood that shaped the lives of so many alumnae.

A fun connection to Marian history emerged during the event when attendees learned that Whitney’s father had placed an advertisement for his financial services busi-

ness in the Marian 1979 yearbook, a reminder that financial advising has long been part of her family’s story.

One of the evening’s highlights was the strong turnout from younger alumnae, including a full table of graduates representing the Classes of 2018–2022. Their participation added new perspectives to the discussion and sparked thoughtful conversations about financial planning early in adulthood.

More than a financial planning seminar, Evolving Together offered alumnae a chance to engage in conversations that are often postponed or overlooked.

“I left inspired by the openness, honesty, and generosity of the women in the room,” Gleeson said. “Watching different generations share perspectives and learn from one another reinforced the idea that we are stronger when we stay connected, curious, and willing to listen.”

PARTNER WITH Marian

Sponsorship and Underwriting Opportunities

Marian events bring our community together, celebrate traditions, and create valuable opportunities for our students. Your support as a sponsor or underwriter helps make these experiences possible.

Opportunities are available at a variety of levels and can be tailored to meet your goals or those of your business.

EVENT DATE

Leadership Circle Dinner

Day of Giving

Oct. 6, 2026

Nov. 9, 2026

Alumnae & Freshman Breakfast Nov. 11, 2026

Savor the Season Dec. 3, 2026

Marian Benefit Evening Feb. 6, 2027

Marian Hall of Fame April 25, 2027 2026-2027 EVENT OPPORTUNITIES

Spring Raffle March 5-19, 2027

Alumnae & Senior Luncheon April 14, 2027

Together, we make Marian stronger!

Recognition on Marian website

Name or logo on event signage and materials

Event tickets and preferred seating

Recognition in event communications

Customized benefits may be available

Interested in learning more?

Contact Holly Gorecki, Marian’s Vice President for Advancement, to explore opportunities and find the right fit for you or your organization. hgorecki@marian-hs.org 248-502-3015

The Keeper of Connections

For more than 20 years, Ann Therese Darin Palmer has helped keep the Class of 1969 connected to one another and to Marian

Nearly 60 years after graduation, the women of Marian’s Class of 1969 remain closely connected, thanks in large part to the efforts of Ann Therese Darin Palmer ’69.

As a class ambassador, Palmer maintains class records, shares updates, coordinates communication, and helps ensure that important milestones, from celebrations to losses, are shared across her class.

“The job is what you make of it,” Palmer says. “Every class has different needs and expectations.”

Palmer first became involved in 2004 when she was asked to serve as class secretary. At the time, many classmates had lost touch with one another. Through years of outreach and collaboration, the Class of 1969 rebuilt those connections and remains one of Marian’s most engaged classes today.

A NETWORK OF SUPPORT

For Palmer, serving as an ambassador is about more than organizing reunions or sharing news. It’s about preserving relationships that began decades ago.

“Most of us went to grade school together,” she says. “We grew up knowing each other’s families. Those longtime relationships have become an important source of support throughout our lives.”

She recalls a recent example when a classmate recovering from major surgery asked for prayers through the class Facebook group. Within hours, classmates responded with messages of encouragement and support.

Moments like that, Palmer says, demonstrate the value of staying connected.

She also believes strong alumnae connections benefit Marian itself. By sharing accomplishments, life updates, and stories with the school, alumnae help showcase the lasting impact of a Marian education while inspiring future generations of Mustangs.

As Marian expands its Alumnae Association Ambassador Program, Palmer encourages others to get involved.

“No one has decreed this is a one-woman job,” she says. “Find a classmate and do it together. I hope others find it as rewarding and as much fun as I have.”

Be the Link That Keeps Classmates Connected

Marian’s alumnae network thrives because graduates stay connected not only to the school but to one another. Alumnae Ambassadors help make those connections possible. Serving as a link between Marian and their classmates, ambassadors share school news, promote events, encourage participation, and help classmates stay engaged with the Marian community. Some ambassadors help organize reunions, while others simply keep classmates informed about upcoming events and opportunities to reconnect. Many serve alongside other volunteers, making it easy to share responsibilities and stay involved in a way that fits their schedule.

If you enjoy bringing people together and helping classmates stay connected, consider becoming an Alumnae Ambassador. Whether you volunteer on your own or with a group of friends, your efforts can help strengthen the Marian sisterhood for years to come.

Friends from the Class of 1986 share a candid moment as Marian students. Many of these alumnae recently returned to campus for their 40th reunion, a reminder that while the years pass, the friendships and lifelong bonds of sisterhood forged at Marian continue to endure.

What Endures

The traditions evolve. The buildings change. The spirit remains.

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

In line with our IHM Core Belief of ecological consciousness, only one Monitor is mailed per household. If your daughter has moved from home, please contact advancement@marian-hs.org with her current address.

RECOGNIZE A LIFE OF IMPACT

Behind every generation of Marian women are mentors, educators, coaches, parents, alumnae, and friends who helped make their journey possible.

The Marian Hall of Fame celebrates those whose dedication and achievements have left a lasting mark on our school.

Submit your nomination for the Marian Hall of Fame Class of 2027. Honorees will be recognized at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 25, 2027.