Please note: Any photographs that do not adhere to social distancing guidelines were taken prior to the COVID outbreak.
is published twice a year by Ramona Convent Secondary School. 1701 W. Ramona Road Alhambra, California 91803 (626) 282-4151 www.ramonaconvent.org
In an effort to reduce printing and mailing costs, we have eliminated the multiple copies of mailed to each household. Please contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 if you would like to receive an extra copy or if you would prefer to receive your copy electronically.
Standard of Accuracy
We are committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information in all of our publications. However, unintentional errors may appear. As a result, we ask you to contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 in the event that there are any factual errors. We will correct these errors in the next publication. We appreciate the interests and concerns of our readers and welcome any assistance toward achieving our goals.
MISSION STATEMENT
Ramona Convent, a welcoming Catholic college-preparatory high school, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, graduates empowered, resilient, socially conscious young women prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century global community.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
A Ramona Graduate is a…
A Woman of Faith
A Critical Thinker
An Effective Communicator
A Confident Leader
A Creative Problem Solver
Committed to Personal Growth
SNJM
CORE VALUES
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Cultivating and respecting the talents, abilities, and potential of each person, contributing to the development of all aspects of a person’s life.
EDUCATION IN THE FAITH
Creating an atmosphere that invites people to live, develop, and express their faith.
HOSPITALITY
Being a gracious, accepting, and welcoming presence for each person.
DEDICATION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of women and children.
DEDICATION TO JUSTICE
Committing time, energy, and resources to the pursuit of right relationships of equality, justice, and solidarity.
SERVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE POOR OR MARGINALIZED
Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned, or living at the fringes of society.
COMMITMENT TO LIBERATING ACTION
Seeking with others the freedom needed to live life fully without oppression
LOVE FOR THE NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY
Embracing as guide, inspiration, and strength the persons and names of Jesus and Mary.
A Message from the President
Dear Friends,
With Easter comes hope…Spring…new life. The great feast of the Resurrection has taken on a new meaning this year. Easter not only embodies hope, but it calls us to a new creation…a new beginning. Yes, that is exactly what is happening here. Easter Week at Ramona was one of final preparations for a new beginning – the opening of our school year on campus…in April instead of August.
Holy Week readings have touched on the darkness and emptiness of the tomb. We have seen this emptiness reflected in the vacant classrooms and hallways and the absolute quietness of our campus during the last thirteen months that we have been closed to in-person instruction. A few glimmers of hope came recently as we welcomed the freshmen to campus for an official orientation day and two days of in-person classes. The senior’s Kairos retreat with their beautiful closing Mass was a highlight of Holy Week for those of us on campus. Seeing the surprise on the girls’ faces as their parents arrived with bouquets of flowers was delightful. Knowing that some parents would not be able to adjust work schedules to join their daughters, the campus ministry team had thoughtfully prepared extra bouquets so no one went without. What a joy to hear their voices and see their happy smiles.
While many of the traditional activities have passed us by or become virtual, we look forward to some that have been transformed. The senior Mother-Daughter Tea, normally a Christmastime celebration, has become a spring garden party in Rose Heath. Although volleyball went by the wayside and basketball is questionable, soccer and softball are going strong, with both teams happily coordinating games and practices to share the field. With our ancient swimming pool undergoing major repairs, the swimmers condition on land and enjoy hospitality in the pool at the “Y.” The seniors will have graduation at Rose Heath. We anticipate a full in-person summer school and the return of Ramona Camp.
With all the excitement of re-opening, caution is still a key word. Masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer and daily temperature checks are a small part of our re-opening safety protocols. With guidelines changing rapidly, we expect that many of the girls will be able to receive their vaccinations too. With all that has happened, we remember that:
Our greatest enemy is the unwillingness to believe in the dawn, in resurrection. Hope is what keeps the soul alive in bad times; hope gives us the strength to go on despite the darkness of the moment.
~Joan Chittister, OSB
Sincerely,
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patty Lepe Smith ‘79 Chair
Arthur Dominguez Vice Chair members
Janice Burrill ‘75
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Kathleen Garvey
Cynthia Jarvis
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM ‘63
Marla Provencio ‘74
Felix Nunez
Jennifer Siu ‘77
Linda Reilly Swick ‘76
Gordon Trask
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Dennis M. Harley
Tom McKernan
Hon. Patricia Schnegg Oppenheim ‘70
A Message from the Principal
Dear Ramona Convent Alumnae Community,
Since speaking with you last, either via Zoom, in-person, or via Ramona magazine, much has changed and much has improved! It is with great joy that I share with you that Ramona has finally reopened and is teaching students in-person! In an effort to do our part and curb the level of Coronavirus in our community, Ramona held virtual classes for over one year! Now, with vaccine distribution taking shape within our county and community, and with COVID-19 numbers greatly improving in Los Angeles County, we have been given permission to reopen for safe, in-person classroom instruction.
Of course, we cannot successfully reopen without partnering with our students, parents, faculty, staff, and you. Your constant support, prayers, and messages of encouragement have made the job of reopening so much more possible - we are blessed by you, and grateful for you...thank you.
While reopening for in-person learning is an important part of what we have been working on, it is certainly not the only thing we have been working on. Prior to bringing students back for in-person learning, we have brought them back for events like grade level Masses, an important rite of passage - the Junior Ring Ceremony, and the ever-popular Applicants Tea Party. Everything we have done, we have done with the utmost care and lots of love and, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Blessed Marie-Rose, who guides our efforts, our events have been very well received, and very successful.
The events and occasions we have planned and carried out do not happen without a whole lot of people making them all happen. At this time, I would like to ask all of our alumnae community to lift high and keep in your prayers the following people who have been instrumental in our safe and successful events and reopening protocols. These people have been here every day and worked tirelessly - none of what we do is possible without: Halina Szymanski (can’t imagine trying to do this without her!), Veronica PuenteSmith ‘79, Veronica Fernandez ‘00, Alberto Chavarria, Kristin Tappan ‘07, Linda Wolffe, Sylvia Garcia, Cecilia Guandique, and last...but certainly not least, Oliver Truong and his facilities crew Sal Bahena, Francisco Giles, and Quiara Johnson. These incredible people are all exhausted! They are also full of love for our students and work hard to sustain and improve our community life.
And so, I close with the words of Andra Day, an incredibly talented artist who, in her song Rise up, sings “...and I’ll [we’ll] rise up, rise like the day, rise up, rise unafraid...and I’d [we’d] do it a thousand times again. Rise up, high like the waves, rise up, in spite of the ache, rise up, and I’d [we’d] do it a thousand times again.” Truer words were never spoken...sung - a thousand, ten-thousand, one-million times again and again. For our students, for all of you, we will never stop stepping up.
In peace,
Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski, JD Principal
ADMINISTRATION
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Halina Szymanski Associate Principal for Curriculum and Faculty Development
Elena Margallo Business Manager
Perils of Principals… and Other People Too!
It hasn’t been easy but it certainly has been interesting!
“You make it look so easy!” “You look ready to me!” Sister Kathleen, Mrs. Szymanski, and I hear those words from parents and other visitors almost daily. In reopening our beloved Ramona, I can honestly say that while we may make it look easy, it has been anything but. Opening our campus for in-person...no...hybrid learning has been a comedy of errors and a lesson in humility. For the past many months, it has felt a little like spinning multiple plates all at once while trying not to let any of them fall to the floor and shatter.
our lockdown would last for only a short time, and that we would soon be back to regular life, reopening Ramona has felt like...well...like this: waiting - purple tier - anticipating -
red tier - waiting. Purple tier - disappointment - red tierwaiting. Purple tier - frustration - red tier - waiting. Red tier - hopeful - yellow tier - more hopeful - orange tiernot yet - waiting...and so on for what seems like an eternity. Since the beginning of this academic year, we have been ready. With the help of our many generous alums, we have been able to purchase face masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, plexiglass partitions, “Six feet Distance” stickers, disinfectant spray, and so much more. We have set up classrooms with desks six feet apart...or is it three feet? “New rule is three feet” I am told. “Better keep six feet for safety” I say. We have had meeting after meeting to discuss what opening would look like. Meetings with faculty, with staff, with our students and their parents (the best part of our week was our grade level meeting where we had the opportunity to Zoom with our families and share regular updates). We brought students on campus to remind them of the beauty of the Ramona landscape and the love present in faculty, staff, and friends. Still though...we were told to wait some more.
Wait on hold...lovely elevator music plays...our weekly teleconference with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) for hour after endless hour we listen. We listen as Dr. Barbara Fererra shares, very often, the same things she shared during the teleconference of the week before- not her fault, of course, but that doesn’t stop other school leaders on the call from unloading on her regularly - to her credit, she handles herself with grace, dignity, and the patience of a saint...she asks us to wait a bit longer.
We complete paperwork, more paperwork, forms, protocols, and more forms, we lose track of what we write, and into which document it goes. We wonder if we have adequately explained our ability to open safely. We debate...“no...no random testing needed…” “well...maybe random tests would be good…” “we strongly recommend random tests in your community.” We do anything and everything to receive opening approval, we go back to our task force, which includes administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and the most important constituents...our students. We ask hundreds of questions and follow-up with hundreds more. We discuss incentives and consequences. We speak for hours about which direction we
Zoomies and Roomies
Ms. Averill’s hybrid ceramics class with off-site students (computer screen in background) and on-site students (foreground).
should travel while on campus, and where decals with directional arrows should be placed...oops...they are not sticking...what now!? Liquid adhesive is the answer! And still we wait.
I wish I could tell you that as we have waited and prepared to bring all grade levels back on April 12, that we are 100% confident - we are not. However, we are certain that we can roll with any “punch,” jump through any hoop, rise to any occasion, and fulfill any request. We are ready to do what we need to do in order to bring our students back safely. We are ready to close this challenging year the same way we opened it with; with grace, with dignity, and with sensitivity to many precious lives we have lost this past year, especially those lost from our Ramona community.
We are ready. With heels on our feet (or at least on mine), a smile on our faces, hope in our hearts, and excitement in our movements. We are Ramona...and we are ready.
~Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski
Mrs. Seager’s Honors Physics class with senior Patricia Salazar and her online lab partners.
Freshmen Natalie Gomez and Julianna Fernandez entering Mr. Cortez’s Honors Geometry class. Classroom doors have been marked with enter and exit signs.
Director of Student Activities, Laura Wendel Dumas ’89, points out the correct way to enter the library.
By thinking outside the box, our Enrollment Team and Administrators effectively collaborated to create meaningful opportunities for potential students and families to learn about Ramona.
Keeping Our Enrollment Lively During
Ramona’s Enrollment Team shows that
Even during a pandemic the essential tasks of running a school must continue. This includes recruiting and enrolling students. Given this challenge, Veronica Puente-Smith ‘79 and Veronica Bacio Fernandez ‘00 crafted a plan and worked it to successful completion. They offered all the enrollment events that a typical school year would offer but utilized different hosting platforms such as Zoom.
Nothing was canceled. Our annual Tiger Play Day, Open House, High School Placement Test and Interviews were held on Zoom. On-campus, in-person tours, the Applicants Tea Party and the Welcome Rose Ceremony, both for last year and this year, were held on campus with the appropriate social distancing restrictions observed. As a result of a lot of inspiration and innovation, additional events were added. For example, an admissions application workshop, a virtual holiday social for prospective 8th grade students led by student ambassadors, and “Ask A Tiger Parent” Q & A led by current Ambassador parents and their daughters.
Surprisingly, much good resulted from the changes. More families were reached. We discovered that the small on-campus, limited number visits were more intimate and personal. Valuable perspective was obtained from our committee of mothers and student ambassadors who strategized to determine the safest way to hold the event on campus so our guests could experience the beauty of our facilities.
Kudos to our student ambassadors and their parents who made themselves readily available to assist with all events. Our parents are our best ambassadors and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group. Enrollment is a team effort and word-of-mouth marketing is one of our best tools.
No successful endeavor is without its challenges! Technology issues, weather, and the ever changing CDC guidelines contributed to unpredictable schedule changes. Understandably, cautious parents did not
Veronica Bacio Fernandez ‘00 and Ambassador Elizabeth Reynoso ’23 at the Welcome Rose Ceremony in March.
Parent and student Ambassadors: Eugenia Solis Montoya ‘88 with daughter Isabella ‘22 and Patricia Contreras-McJunkin ‘92 with daughter Valeria ‘22
Enrollment Program
During the Pandemic
creativity and hard work really pay off!
allow their daughters to attend on-campus events.
We were happy to see the number of guests at most events increased. Guests and parents were very appreciative that we offered the same opportunities to learn about Ramona as had been offered pre-COVID. And our own families were very grateful for the opportunity to stay connected and be involved with the events.
As we plan the next school year, we look forward to being able to host on-campus events and actively engage our future Tigers and their families, as well as putting into play some of the new ideas that were the inevitable result of COVID brainstorming.
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust - The Applicants Tea
While adhering to safety guidelines with mask-wearing, social distancing, and temperature checks, this year's theme was fittingly appropriate. The event was planned as a self-guided walking tour of the enchanted gardens of Ramona featuring creatively decorated mystical tables. Guests also met with Ramona Ambassadors and their moms, all of whom were creatively dressed as garden fairies.
Sr. Kathleen, Mrs. Sienkowski, Veronica Puente-Smith ‘79 and freshman Andrea Barcena during the Rose Ceremony in March.
One of the hospitality tables at the Applicants Tea hosted by Nancy Herrera with daughter Corina ‘21 and Diana Altamar Brown ‘91 with daughter Isabella ‘21
Dominique Ruedaflores ‘22 at the Academics table
Rebecca
Lamas
‘06
Athletic Director
Ms. Lamas was asked to summarize the positive and negative effects on Ramona’s sports program.
What were your challenges?
The everyday changing protocol
Uncertainty of whether or not a sport/season was a go
Keeping the athletes motivated and encouraged
What were your successes?
Cross Country was able to have a season and run three races. We took the top spot in each race!
Working with an amazing staff to get sports up and running quickly when given the okay to play.
Seeing the joy on the girls faces when they were able to compete!
At the End of the Day,
A collection of thoughts from our Athle
Jordan Amper ‘21
Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field
Connie Parker Scholarship Recipient
“With COVID leaving so many uncertainties as to whether or not our sports seasons would be cancelled, it’s been great to get out and start playing again, especially since it is my senior year. I’m glad I can be with my teammates and enjoy one last season with them.”
Day, Sports Triumph
Athletic Director, Coaches, and Athletes
Arianna Gomez ‘21 Soccer, Track & Field
“Given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, I was very sad at first to know that I wouldn’t get to play my last soccer season at Ramona. Luckily, we were able to return safely and have a season which is very meaningful to me because I get to play a sport that I love with my amazing teammates and coaches. I’m very excited to finish off the season and be league champions again!”
Kiley Kraft ‘20 Assistant Softball Coach
Kiley’s senior softball season was cut short last year but now she is able to apply her expertise as Assistant Coach to our Tigers. Kiley is currently a Freshman (online) at Dominican University where she is studying Health Science.
“My senior year did come to an end early, which meant the end of my softball season, the thing I was looking forward to the most. But I was given the chance to take the field again at Ramona as Assistant Coach. I feel honored to know that I am able to help this school year and be a part of the game in a new way. It has been such a pleasure to be part of the coaching staff. I have loved seeing the girls play and how much they have grown! Can’t wait for a great season! Go Tigers!”
Gizzelle Saavedra ‘22, Natalie Pace ‘22, Kiley Kraft ‘20, and Samantha Guzman ‘22
In August 2020, Mr. Henri Lee began his forty-first year of teaching Social Studies at Ramona. To say that the Ramona Convent that Henri began teaching at looks very different than Ramona today is an understatement. He was on campus the morning the 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake changed the physical face of Ramona forever. But although he values the past, he has embraced each new group of students and learned to educate them in a manner that is pertinent and meaningful to them. How does a teacher make the past come alive for teenagers? How does a teacher keep the subject fresh and interesting after so many years? The fact that many of our alumnae remember Mr. Lee as one of their first (and most memorable) teachers at Ramona demonstrates the impact he has had on the decades of junior high and high school girls who have sat in his classroom.
Henri recalls that teaching was always something he wanted to do. More specifically, he wanted to teach History. “Social Studies,” he says, “accurately describes the subjects I teach.” The key to his success has been that he makes history come alive by tying it to something that is happening in his students’ lives so that it becomes relevant for them. “When the girls respond to what you are doing, then you know you are being successful.”
We hate to say goodbye to beloved members reaches a point in life where each one Farewell Henri and Alma, our deepest
“Prepare, check, and don’t take anything for granted,” he says. “The class preparation never stops regardless of how long you have taught.” He acknowledges that he has changed his teaching style with the changing times. Today’s students respond to what, why, and the outcome.
Mr. Lee has also brought his classroom teaching skills to sports. Over the years, he has coached CYO volleyball, basketball, and softball, JV volleyball and JV basketball. Retired Ramona Athletic Director Deb Drury, who worked with him for 30 years, describes him this way: “Henri is dedicated and fun-loving. He’s a great coach for the younger kids because he teaches the skills necessary for the game.”
With retirement rapidly approaching, I asked Henri to share his thoughts:
“Ramona has been a big part of my life for forty-one years but there are new days coming, new chapters in my life, and new doors will be opening! Teachers must still be prepared, be relevant, be caring, connect with the students, and always try to include some type of skill activities. Do not teach the students what you know, teach them to understand what they know. Everyone ‘Keep On Truckin’ STAY
Break time on Alumnae Drive (2008): Michael Bradley, Henri Lee, David Gray, Joe Paguio, Alberto Chavarria, Bill Hoffman, Leo Vanhoof (RIP), Sr. Vera Rutolo, SNJM
Photo by Sr. Barbara Stark, SNJM (RIP)
members of our Ramona community. But there of us is ready for the next adventure. deepest thanks and love go with you!
Alma Garcia graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. in Mathematics and Spanish in 1981. It was also there that she met Michael, her husband of 37 years. She was hired by Ramona immediately after her graduation to teach Algebra 1 and Geometry and also serve as Athletic Director and volleyball coach.
Seven years later, in April of 1989, she left to give birth to her first child. “I began feeling labor pains while writing on the chalkboard in class. (We used chalkboards back then.)” she recalls humorously. She then took time off to raise her three children Christopher, Daniel, and Karina.
Alma returned in 2006 when daughter Karina entered Ramona. She coached varsity soccer and found herself teaching in the exact same classroom from seventeen years before. In 2012, she switched to coaching varsity basketball.
She considers her teaching journey unique, divided in two periods of her life. First, when she was fresh out of college and then, when her youngest child was a teenager.
When asked about her daughter, Karina, who graduated from Ramona in 2011. Alma proudly responds, “Karina is (like numerous other Ramona alumnae) a confident, accomplished, compassionate, and happy young woman, doing what she loves...teaching...imagine that!”
She shares that she enjoyed all her different positions at Ramona and still plans to serve as Director of the newly Ramona Camp, our summer camp for children.
Camp Ramona for 16 years. This engaging summer program for girls and boys entering 1st through 6th grade was always sold out, introduced many families to Ramona, and was the first job for many of Ramona’s young graduates.
When asked what her greatest success is, she says, “Seeing our Ramona students gain confidence, poise, and develop integrity through sports.”
“I am passionate about sports in general and especially in inspiring young women and girls to participate in athletics. I hope I’ve had a positive impact on the girls’ lives either in the classroom or on the field or court.”
Alma will be very active in retirement. She plans to referee and coach part-time but also wants to try new, fun activities: tennis, yoga, pilates, and piano lessons. She currently plays in a “Senior” women’s basketball league. Most important to Alma though, is the freedom to have a flexible schedule so she can be available to her 81 yearold mother.
Soccer coach Mrs. Garcia, with Deanna Cendejas ‘10 and Andrea Salazar ‘10
Timeless Ramona Tradition Continues as Juniors Receive Their School Rings
Although they received their rings in December, the formal observance occurred on March 3rd, 2021 as the rings and the girls were blessed. Held in the gym, the juniors were allowed to bring one parent/guardian to enjoy the ceremony with them.
A long-standing tradition at Ramona, the “rings” were originally gold lapel pins. When they transitioned to the ring, each class designed their own. Finally, the Class of 1968 “gifted” the design that we know today.
Sr. Kathleen shared these thoughts with the students, “As you look at your ring, I hope it is not just another piece of jewelry, but that it holds a special meaning for you. It is a reminder of the Ramona sisterhood. That’s a word we hear spoken a lot you tell visitors and friends alike that the sisterhood is what makes Ramona special. Each day in school you care about each other, you help each other, you support each other. You are not just friends you are sisters. May you wear your ring in a spirit of thanksgiving and pride knowing that you are on the way to becoming a Ramona graduate: EDUCATED. FOR LIFE. COMPASSIONATE. FOR LIFE. A RAMONA WOMAN. FOR LIFE.“
Senior Mother-Daughter Tea
Usually held in December in a festively decorated Holy Family Room, the Senior Mother-Daughter Tea was held on Sunday, April 18th in naturally beautiful Rose Heath. The attendees were divided into three groups with different arrival times to accommodate social distancing. A Ramona tradition is to take a photo of the Legacy (daughters of alumnae) seniors with their mothers.
Archdiocesan Christian Service Award
On Wednesday, March 17th, senior Alyssa Macias Orgaz, along with her mother, grandmother, and Sister Anna Keim attended the Archdiocesan Service Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels where Alyssa received the Archdiocesan Christian Service Award. Every Catholic high school in the Los Angeles Archdiocese nominates one senior to receive the award. Alyssa received a medal which she will be able to wear at graduation. She has completed over 300 hours of service, mostly justiceoriented service in the form of speaking at the L.A. Freedom Walk, speaking at justice assemblies, and learning about and presenting the SNJM corporate stands on water, human trafficking, and immigration at the SNJM Youth Justice Forum. While at the Forum, Alyssa completed service projects around Oakland that included cleaning up Lake Merritt.
Proud Legacy moms with their senior daughters: Adriana Martinez De Leon ‘81 with daughter Shauna, Elizabeth Valenzuela ’00 with daughter Mia, Elizabeth Ramirez Echeverri ‘90 with daughter Christina, and Diana Altamar Brown ‘91 with daughter Isabella
Proud Legacy mom Yvonne Moreno Chau ’90 with daughter Kirsten
Seeking Justice to Improve Lives
We are challenged by the Gospel and by the needs of society to unite our efforts with those around us to attain for all people conditions of life more equitable and more worthy of human dignity.
(SNJM Rules and Constitutions)
This section of our Holy Names Rules and Constitutions has been the impetus for our three Corporate Stands:
Against the trafficking of women and children
In support of clean water as a human right and public good
Working to improve the situation of migrants and refugees
The Sisters do not address these issues alone, but along with other organizations having similar values and goals, such as NGO’s at the United Nations, as well as local groups. The Peace and Justice Network, made up of representative across the congregation, coordinates justice activities and provides prayer and reflection materials for us to use and to share. Students are offered the opportunity to delve more deeply into justice issues and to participate in activities related to the corporate stands by their attendance at the Youth Justice Forum sponsored by the congregation. Locally, here in Southern California, our actions are coordinated though the Southern California Partners for Global Justice and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), among others.
Last month, Sister Jo’Ann De Quattro and Sr. Jennie Lechtenberg participated in a virtual meeting, sponsored by Network, with the staff of newly appointed Senator Alex Padilla, who is chair of the Senate Immigration Committee of the Judiciary. His office is vital in seeking immigration reform and the attendees seized the opportunity to make their concerns known and to advocate for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform in 2021.
In January, although the LA Freedom Walk was only a virtual event, Ramona students participated and took a leadership role in the Zoom program. Service opportunities have been very different this year, but our students’ commitment to helping those less fortunate has moved forward. Thanks to the creativity of our campus ministry team the girls have found opportunities, to cook food for Alexandria House which provides transitional housing for women and women with children, to participate in holiday food and gift distribution programs, and to circulate petitions supporting various issues from immigration to affordable housing to climate change. A creative team from Ramona’s Peace and Justice Society didn’t let the lack of in-person assemblies deter them from using Zoom to present their informative and inspirational anti-trafficking assembly. Despite the limitations caused by the pandemic, those who seek justice to improve the lives of others will find a way!
Ramona students Marilou Vazquez ‘22, Isabel Vidro ‘21, Mayela Ramon ‘22 and Sheccid Vazquez ‘21 display the results of their food prep at Alexandria House.
Ramona’s very own annual day of giving, chosen to coincide with Strawberry Day, is just around the corner! As all Ramona alumnae know, Strawberry Day celebrates the day the Sisters of the Holy Names arrived in California in 1868. Again this year, instead of a written appeal, we will be reaching out to you through email and social media to ask for your support of Ramona and our young women. Alumnae representing various decades have volunteered to act as “champions” to help us reach a broader group. So keep an eye out and say yes!
Making a gift through the Strawberry Day of Giving platform is quick and easy! Your gift of any amount does make a difference. Join your classmates as they show their support for their Alma Mater. Thank you!
24 hour giving will begin at midnight May 9th and close at midnight May 10th
To make a donation to Strawberry Day of
Meet Raquel Carvallo ‘72, the Newest Member of the Mother Marie-Rose Legacy Society
Rocky on vacation in March at Crabby Mike’s in Surfside Beach, SC
We welcome Raquel (Rocky) Carvallo ’72 as the newest member of the Mother Marie-Rose Legacy Society. In December of 2020, Rocky contacted Yulanda DavisQuarrie, to inquire about how she can reduce her tax liability for the year. After a few conversations, Yulanda shared with Rocky that she could lower her income tax liability and avoid capital gains on a highly appreciated asset by making a charitable gift to support Ramona in the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust. It turned out to be a win-win for Rocky. She was able to decrease her income tax liability, avoid substantial capital gains and create an income stream for life while supporting her two charities of choice, Pomona College and Ramona Convent.
Please share a favorite memory from when you were a student at Ramona.
I was a boarder in 8th grade and one of my favorite memories is actually a time when my friend Patti Jo Quiroz and I were grounded and not allowed to go home for the weekend. It so happened that it was a holiday weekend and as a result we were the only two students at the school. We were bored and decided to put on make-up which devolved into exaggerated clown make-up. We had a pillow fight breaking a feather pillow in the process. Trying to avoid getting caught we threw the feathers out the window and watched the campus become covered in a blanket of feathers. Of course, we were immediately identified as the culprits and a Sister came up to scold us. We had our backs to the door when she came in and she sternly asked us to turn around and face her. She couldn't help but laugh at our clown faces and pretty much gave us a pass on our misadventure. In the scheme of things’ I can't remember what we had done to get grounded in the first place but I wasn't terribly rebellious as I recall so I'm thinking it was a life lesson we were being taught. I just remember it being a lot of fun and hope that I learned my lesson.
What advice would you give current Ramona students?
I would advise girls to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available both academic and cultural. I have a deep love of the arts and I believe it stems from the exposure to classical music, plays, and museums through Ramona field trips.
What made you think of Ramona this past year that allowed you to include Ramona in your estate plans and why?
I have always been grateful to Ramona for the education I received and the financial aid I was given to remain a student when we had financial reversals after my father passed during my freshman year. I was given an opportunity I didn't fully appreciate until I was old enough to look back and assess the importance of Ramona in my ability to navigate life. I felt that it was time to express my gratitude.
How was that experience for you?
I was able to create a trust through my college alma mater, Pomona College, as they were familiar with the process. They would serve as trustees and I could designate both Ramona and Pomona as the beneficiaries of the trust. There was no cost to creating the trust and the trustee would file all tax forms and do it pro bono. It was such a win-win arrangement.
Would you advise others to consider this type of gift to Ramona?
A Charitable Remainder Trust is almost too good to be true. It gives you an immediate charitable tax deduction. The money in the trust provides for income during my lifetime with the expectation that upon my death the beneficiaries (Ramona and Pomona College) will receive a distribution that will very likely be much more than the original amount of money put into the trust. It is a very good vehicle to provide for a charitable gift.
About Raquel Carvallo A member of Ramona’s Class of 1972, Rocky received her B.A. in Sociology from Pomona College in 1979. After graduation, she worked as a tax auditor and several other jobs before she stumbled into a job with Pacific Bell (before it became AT&T) and was hired into their computer operations working on mainframe computers. They put her through an excellent training program that developed her skills in the mainframe computer arena. Unexpectedly, she went from being a sociology major to becoming a career tech professional.
Rocky loves to travel. While she was at Pomona College, she took a leave of absence for a few months before graduating, where she hiked all over Europe. In her mid-thirties she travelled around the world for five months visiting Turkey, Greek Islands, Nepal, Thailand, Burma, Pakistan and the Himalayas where she lived in a cave.
Upon her return from her world travels, Rocky restarted her career at Continental Airlines, took a job at Northrup Grumman, and then in Houston at BMC software. She finished her working career at IBM where she had the unique skill set for that job. During her seventeen years there, she worked remotely and travelled all over the U.S. She retired from IBM in 2018.
Rocky, second row, far right, with her Ramona classmates at their 40th reunion celebration.
Make a Tax-Free Gift from Your IRA and Support Ramona Convent
For years, you’ve faithfully saved for retirement. However, what once worked in your favor - putting money into your IRA and enjoying tax savings - will change when you begin withdrawing funds. That’s because you pay income taxes on the amount you withdraw from your IRA. Here are a few ideas on how you can get the most from your IRA and your support of Ramona Convent Secondary School.
If you’re at least 59½ or older, you can take a distribution from your IRA and then make a gift without penalty. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a charitable deduction for the amount of your gift.
If you’re 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $100,000 each year from your IRA directly to Ramona Convent Secondary School or another qualified charitable organization without having to pay income taxes on the gift. Your gift can satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution and you’ll see the impact of your generosity today.
No matter your age, you can designate Ramona Convent Secondary School as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA. As a tax-exempt organization, we receive your gift tax-free.
If you choose to name Ramona Convent Secondary School as beneficiary, follow these simple steps to complete your gift:
Contact your IRA administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form, or simply download a form from your provider’s website.
Name Ramona Convent and the gift percentage. Return the form to your administrator.
Let us know! We want to ensure that your charitable intent is carried out and you automatically become a member of the Marie-Rose Legacy Society for your thoughtfulness of including us in your estate plans.
To learn more about how you can use your IRA to minimize taxable income while investing in students, contact Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, Director of Institutional Advancement at 626-282-4151 x113 or email her at ydavis-quarrie@ramonaconvent.org to get started. She would be happy to help!
Make Your Gift Count in 2021
Still need to take your required minimum distribution for the year? Your gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement up to $100,000. Take action now - you must make the transfer by December 31 to ensure your gift qualifies for 2021. (If you have check-writing privileges on your IRA account, please mail your check by December 20 in order to give us time to process your gift before the end of the year.)
The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
On March 20, the Holy Family Room became Ramona’s production studio for our virtual auction, La FÍte. Alumnae, parents, and friends signed on to help celebrate our three Distinguished Alumna honorees, Deborah Taylor Lilly ‘69, Delia Carbajal Hauser ‘79, and Sirithon Thanasombat ‘95. Ramona’s President, Sister Kathleen Callaway, presented the awards, Principal Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski spoke on the importance of supporting our scholarship program and junior Dominique Reudaflores shared her personal story as a student at Ramona.
This was the second year La FÍte was held online. As the event drew to a close, bidding was fast and furious. All items were sold and we were very pleased with the outcome! Our gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and everyone who participated. Thank you!
Alumnae Weekend
March 5 & 6, 2021
In a year filled with all things virtual, of course our Alumnae Weekend Happy Hour and Homecoming were virtual too! Both events were well attended and we were able to honor our Golden Girls, the Class of 1971. We were also very excited to have join us, Alexandria Villegas De Palma ‘45, who graduated from Ramona seventy-six years ago! She lives with her daughter Diane, who let us know of Alex’s desire to say hello to everyone! Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing everyone in person at Ramona next March!
Weekend 2022 will be held on March 4th & 5th
Alumnae
Alex’s senior portrait Alex at home
Remembering with Gratitude and Love
We would like to virtually gather as a community to cherish the memory of our loved ones. In a year that has been filled with indescribable loss, we all feel the need to share and remember.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
We will be creating a photo slide show of those you wish to remember that will be included in the prayer service. As part of the prayer service, we will have the opportunity to share a favorite memory of our loved ones. A Zoom link will be sent when you register and one hour before the service.
For more information, please contact Julie Huntley ‘72, Director of Alumnae Engagement at 626-282-4151 x135 or jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
ALUMNAE UPDATES
1963
Rosalia Ornelas Walker ’63 shares that Ramona’s boarding school was her home from 1954 to her high school graduation. She is blessed to have a wonderful husband and four sons and their families.
1976
Allison Marshall Picard ’76 retired in December 2018 after almost 40 years of local government executive work. She has been doing Human Resources consulting to stay productive during the pandemic that has interrupted her and her husband’s busy international travel itineraries.
1972
Alexis Ruiz-Alessi ‘72 is enjoying her retirement. She keeps busy with her church, her community and taking care of her grandson.
1979
Anna Pulido Ferrera ’79 has a new position as Assistant Executive Director for Legislative and International Affairs at the California Energy Commission.
1985
Ana Rivadeneyra ’85 was promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Loan Operations at East West Bank.
RN’s (and Ramona alums) Ileana Vasquez ‘16 and Alexandra San Lucas ‘99 volunteered to help administer vaccinations at Ramona. Thank you ladies!
2004
Alessa Alarcon ’04 received her M.A. and recently passed her state test for family nurse practitioner.
2008
Laura Montenegro ’08 is the California-based staff editor for the New York Times.
2015
Martha Vasquez-Hernandez ’15 graduated from USC in 2018 with a B.A. in Political Science and is a Juris Doctor candidate at Southwestern School of Law.
“I have been working at multiple mass vaccination PODs to administer the Covid-19 vaccines. My new graduate residency was delayed, so I've been working full-time at these vaccination hubs. I've given vaccines across Southern California in Los Angeles such as the Dignity Health Sports Complex, Disneyland, Anaheim Convention Center, Soka University, and for CVS. Most days, the total number of vaccines we give is over 4,000 depending on the site! Sometimes these sites are mass outdoor drive-thru events. Before the vaccines, I was doing Covid testing at various sites, as well.”
~Ileana Vasquez, BSN, RN, PHN
Ashton & Andrew
& Katherine
MARRIAGES
Jacinda Jade Castellanos ‘14 to Nelson Guerra Katherine Stout ‘00 to Tony Nocerino Ashton Wolffe ’14 to Andrew Chalker
BIRTHS
Liliana Andrea, daughter of Roberto and Jacqueline Ortiz Jurado ‘03
Tony
Virginia Meaney Shacker ‘41
Joanne Pardieck Lipman ‘44, sister of Suzanne Pardieck Mende ‘47 and Jill Pardieck
Kuhlmeyer ‘55
Sue Hawkins Coad ‘46
Barbara Rolfs Menard ‘46
Lucy Castro Pestaner ‘48
Nancy De Cuir Somers ‘51
Marlene Faletta Teel-Heim ‘51
Frances Riccobono Dattola ‘55
Theresa Salgado Page ‘55
Elaine Ehring Peconi ‘55
Maureen Flynn Purton ‘55
Mary Frances Kaufman Graham ‘56
Marilyn Roberts ‘56, sister of Mary Roberts Olivarez ‘57
Martha Jamison Howard ‘57
Barbara Sawaya ‘57, sister of Therese Sawaya ‘65
Irene Heredia Duran ‘61, mother of Danielle Duran-DeGrood pp’85; sister of Sylvia Rueda Lopez ‘72
Vicki Sherman Bauer ‘62
Jane Salvaty Kuhnmuench ‘67, sister of Ann Salvaty Ward ‘61 and Mary Kay Salvaty Allen ‘64
Kathleen Doran ‘68
Martha Weckinger Gergely ‘69
Eloisa Gomez pp’75, grandmother of Faith Reyes ‘24
Lucinda Lam ‘88
Daniel Altamirano, brother of Jessica Altamirano Peak ‘92
Heliodoro Altamirano, father of Jessica Altamirano Peak ‘92
Joseph Alvitre, husband of Mary Church Alvitre ‘61 (RIP); brother-in-law of Sister Deborah Church, SNJM ‘56 (RIP) and Ardath Church Jepson ‘58
Joan Hutchinson Brady (former SNJM and faculty)
Ambrosio CalderÛn, brother of Francisco Giles
Michael Carter, father of Michele Carter Ransick ‘77 and Jeanne Carter Wilkinson ‘81; father-inlaw of Terri O’Hara Carter ‘81
Mary CastaÒo, mother of Nora Castaño Lawrence ‘89
Carmen Haro Castro, mother of Carmen Castro ‘76, Irma L. Castro-Haro ‘77, and Patricia Castro ‘85
Theresa Christansen, mother of Ann Christansen ‘84 and Mary Beth Christansen Rupp ‘85; grandmother of Nina Christansen ‘20
Vito Colonna, father of Anna Colonna Aguilar ‘78, Mary Rose Colonna Caras ‘80 and Elizabeth Colonna Noriega ‘82
Robert Contreras, father of Valerie Contreras ‘92 (RIP) and Patricia Contreras-McJunkin ‘94; grandfather of Valeria McJunkin-Contreras ‘22
Justin Corwin, son of Catalina Herdtfelder King ‘80
Ronald Ferson, husband of Diane DeValle Ferson ‘56 (RIP)
John Galvan, brother-in-law of Maria Smith Pimental ‘79
Michael James Garvey, husband of Kathleen Garvey (Board of Trustees)
Bernie Garcia, husband of Sylvia Garcia (staff)
Sonia Garcia, mother of Dianne Verano Quintana ‘91 and Stacey Verano Fontanella ‘93
Ruth Gormly, mother of Elizabeth Gormly Bury ‘77 and Michelle Gormly Guillen‘78; grandmother of Megan Bury ‘12
Dann Gruber, husband of Wendy Piana-Gruber ‘87
Roberto Guzman, father of Sylvia Guzman Avendano ‘78
James H. Hawkins, husband of Joanne Tunney Hawkins ‘49; father of Katherine Hawkins Berger ‘73; brother-in-law of Loretta Tunney Holstein ‘58
Edith Hill, mother of Julie Hill Sherburne ‘77
Dr. George J. Hugo, father of Jean Hugo Reid ‘68 and Nancy Hugo Butler ‘75; father-in-law of Sheila Faherty Hugo ‘72
Noritishi Kimura, father of Tamaki Kimura-Lundahl ‘91
Suzue Kimura, mother of Tamaki Kimura-Lundahl ‘91
Carol Larkin (Sr. Miriam Luke), former faculty
Joe Legallet, husband of Annette Trudeau Legallet ‘54
Karl Macasaet, husband of Vanessa Villegas Macasaet ‘87
Elvia Mancia, mother of Yajaira Mancia Rivas ‘97
Carmen Martinez, mother of Janet Martinez ‘79
Robert McKernan, husband of LaDonna Kendall McKernan ‘53; brother of Sr. Rita
Bertha Moreno, mother of Nancy Moreno Ruiz ‘79; grandmother of Natasha Ruiz ‘09
Efrem Moreno, father of Nancy Moreno Ruiz ‘79; grandmother of Natasha Ruiz ‘09
Gustavo Moreno, brother of Nancy Moreno Ruiz ‘79; uncle of Natasha Ruiz ‘09
Josephine Nagmay, mother of Anna Nagmay ‘81 and Michele Nagmay Flynn ‘78
Linda Nies, mother-in-law of John Phan (staff)
Mansour Qwaider, father of Sadeel Qwaider ‘24
Margarita PeÒa Ramos, great-aunt of Michelle Herrera (faculty)
Joe Rubalcava, father of Terry Rubalcava-Wesdy ‘78
Alberto Sanchez, husband of Martha Gayou Sanchez ‘62; brother-in-law of Eugenia Gayou De Alejandro ‘64
Harry Sanders, husband of Barbara Hynes Sanders ‘59
Carmelito Santiago, father-in-law of Jereen Bautista Santiago ‘92; grandfather of Halei Santiago ‘20 and Lauryn Santiago ‘22
Fred Stanio, husband of Bonnie Buchter Stanio ‘57; brother-in-law of Kathleen Buchter
Bosanszki ‘60 (RIP) and Nanette Buchter ‘70
Fritz Tichenor, husband of Teresa Davies Tichenor ‘45 (RIP)
Claribel Zuniga, sister of Cecilia Guandique
Tomas Zuniga, brother-in-law of Cecilia Guandique
Vanessa Villegas Macasaet ‘87 sends a message of thanks to her Ramona sisters for their love, prayers, and kindness following the death of her husband Karl in January. She is forever grateful.
Many families of our Ramona community have lost loved ones who are not listed here. Our heartfelt prayers go out to all. Alumnae, family, and friends are included in our daily prayers and our Book of Intentions in the Chapel.
As life begins to more or less return to normal, you might want to begin to plan your next reunion. We recommend using the Homecoming Mass and Luncheon in March as your reunion celebration day. Individual classes are seated together so you can just sit back and enjoy each other’s company! The Alumnae Office can provide information, answer questions, and happily connect you with other alumnae who have recently organized their own reunions.
For more information, please contact:
Julie C. Huntley '72 Director of Alumnae Engagement (626) 282-4151 ext. 135 jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
