Dance! Dance! Dance! - St. Agnes Academic High School

20 Pages·2012·1.3 MB·English

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Agnews
Winter - News from St. Agnes Academic High School, College Point, NY
Dance!
OOOOOuuuuurrrrrr SSSSSStttttaaaatttttteeeee ooooofffff tttttthhhhhheeeee AAAAAArrrrrttttt DDDDDaaannnncccceeee SSSSSttttuuuuddddiiiooo

Dance!
Dance!
T
he plans are in and the preparation has begun! Our will become an integral part of the Physical Education
new State of the Art Dance Studio is scheduled to Department at St. Agnes.
open this summer! Dance is a very popular activity here at
One of our newest dance clubs at St. Agnes started on
St. Agnes and after much feedback from our students and input
January 23rd… Zumba! For those of you not familiar with
from many of our parents and Board Members there will be
Zumba, it is an exhilarating, eff ective, easy-to-follow, Latin-
“Dancing at St. Agnes”! Presently, our students express their
inspired, calorie-burning dance fi tness-party™ that’s moving
creative talents in Dance Club and Step Club. Our Liturgical
millions of people toward joy and health. Many of the St. Agnes
Dancers perform at Liturgies and Assemblies and the interest
girls along with some faculty and staff are already participating
is growing. Practices take place in the cafeteria and classrooms
in this after school dance club and everyone’s loving it!
when the gym is not available. Th e Dance Studio will allow
the students to have a dedicated space where they can focus on Donations are still being accepted in support of the dance studio
their talent and improve their skill. Th e air conditioned studio and with a $300 donation your name will be placed on a plaque
will feature new fl oors, mirrored walls, ballet bars, a sound in the studio. We greatly appreciate the support that we have
system, track lighting and a wall mounted television. Dance already received!
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Letter from
the Principal
In this Issue
Principal’s Note 2
One of our Best 3
Central Council visits St. Agnes 4
A Time to Give 5
A Heartfelt Harvest Dinner 6
New York Hospital Queens 7
Dear Alumnae,
Reunions 8
Craft Fair 9
I just fi nished reviewing Agnews before it goes to press. Denise has done a fabulous job
UNICEF 10
putting it all together and as I personally read through it all, my only thought was St. Agnes
Honors Assembly 11 is certainly a school on the move and overfl owing with activities and events for the girls.
Th rough the Years 2012 12
Just this morning I met with all of the seniors to speak about events coming up for them,
Walk-a-thon 14
the prom in May, graduation in June etc. While speaking to them, I spoke of you, our
Staff & Faculty 15
alumnae, and said they will be soon joining this illustrious group. I also said to them I don’t
Annual Fund Report 16
know where we would be without the generous support of so many of you. I looked at all
Alumni Update 19 their faces and saw their education made possible because of your generosity.
And so, while it may seem that each time I write to you, I am asking for your support, this
time I want to say a big thank you – it’s working, your donations are enabling me to off er
fi nancial assistance to so many.
S . A A
T GNES CADEMIC
H S We will send out 7200 copies of AGNEWS in the next couple of weeks, keep those
IGH CHOOL
donations coming. As I do the math…$20 from each recipient of AGNEWS would give
13-20 124 Street
us $144,000. Just imagine all of the families you would be helping.
College Point, NY 11356
General Offi ce: 718-353-6276 May you and your families continue to be blessed. You are remembered in our weekly
Fax: [phone]
prayers here at St. Agnes.
Web: www.stagneshs.org
Alumni: 718-353-6276 x 30
Sincerely,
Administration
Sister Joan Martin, OP
Principal
Mrs. Susan Nicoletti Sister Joan Martin, OP
Assistant Principal
Principal
Ms. Denise Fetonte
Development
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One of our Best Did they impact your current career? Th ey were a reason I went
into writing. At St. Agnes High School in College Point I joined

the yearbook and newspaper staff s. Th e nun who was principal at
Catholic upbringing influences script writer’s
“Blue Bloods” work the time actually paid for me and a few other girls to fl y to Ohio
University for a workshop to improve the yearbook.
Reprinted with permission from the National Catholic
Reporter, courtesy of Sr. Camille D’Arienzo Does the faith they imparted aff ect your view of life? I love
that at the root of Catholicism is a belief in forgiveness and the
S
encouragement to use it liberally.
iobhan Byrne O’Connor
enjoys her life as wife to Say a little more about that. Th roughout grammar school and
Daniel O’Connor and mother high school the sisters instilled in us that there’s no right time for
of their three children, ages 12, revenge. Th inking about forgiveness helps me to look at everything
8 and 6. “My children and my from the other person’s perspective. Th at attitude is essential for
family are my greatest joy,” she a writer too.
said. “I have a terrifi c husband
and so I feel like I’ve won some Blue Bloods is about a crime fi ghting family. Has your belief
cosmic jackpot.” She’s also happy in her chosen career as script system had an impact on the storylines? I’ve been able to
writer and supervising producer of the popular television series explore weighty subjects. An episode I have shooting now has two
Blue Bloods. storylines … one is about a man who has spent 18 years in prison
for rape, and new DNA exonerates him. Frank (Tom Selleck), as
Being a devout Catholic in a media world not ordinarily the arresting offi cer, has to grapple with the consequences of this.
sympathetic to the church presents its own range of challenges; Th e other story is about three innocent kids who are gunned down
however, Siobhan is personable and competent. She also has a in a park in broad daylight. Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) catches
powerful ally in the industry, David Black, creator of Law and the case, and throughout he is driven by the need to fi nd out who
Order, under whose tutelage she began her career. He recognized killed them and why. And the more the case seems to indicate it
and encouraged her talent, and about 18 years ago, suggested I was a random shooting the more he wants an answer, because the
meet this talented newcomer to the world of scriptwriting. idea that senseless violence has invaded his world (which is usually
fi lled with motive and opportunity) is so discomforting. What is
Camille: Siobhan, what is it like for a practicing Catholic to so great about Blue Bloods and what makes it so diff erent is the
be working in the entertainment industry? Unfortunately, the family element. We don’t just explore crime stories, but use them
Catholic Church isn’t held in high regard. Th e Church does so more as a jumping off point to explore the family’s relationships,
many wonderful things, but most people are unaware of them. beliefs and journeys. We not only tackle larger societal questions
It’s becoming acceptable to bash the Catholic Church in ways and concerns but how they impact a family that is enmeshed in
other religions don’t experience. Much of that is a result of the law enforcement and the legal system. Because this is an Irish-
sex scandals and how they were handled and also the negative American, Catholic family the writers are free to explore issues of
stereotyping of religious women. Th en some Catholics have faith and culture.
horror stories about their school experiences. I always insist that
Does the fact that your husband’s a police offi cer help your
mine were just the opposite.
work on Blue Bloods? Yes. He gives me a lot of insight into law
enforcement and what it’s like to be a cop. But he also helps me
In what ways? My recollections of Catholic school could not
creatively. Dan comes from a family of cops. Four cousins growing
be more diff erent than the widely accepted vision of the nun in
up in the same house chose that career.
black habit brandishing a ruler. I had very kind, socially active,
devoted sisters who stayed after school on their own time and
How do you pray? Driving in my car, or kneeling in church.
for no money to help students who were falling behind. Th ese
And of course, every time I press that send button, with a
Amityville Dominicans created no child left behind. Th ey went
script attached.
above and beyond not only to teach, but to cater to the students
as whole persons. Th e sisters really helped foster smart, socially To read Siobhan’s full interview from November 15, 2011 with Sr.
conscious individuals. Camille visit the National Catholic Reporter on line at: ncronline.org
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Central Council students, faculty, and visitors got to know one another, coming
to fi nd many common interests and backgrounds. After lunch,
Visits St. Agnes
the group moved into the chapel. Following the stained glass
By: Josephine O’Malley windows, the girls told the story of how the Dominican Sisters
came and founded our school in College Point.
Th ey were given private tours of the school by the four students;
each girl showed one or two Sisters all the fi ne points of the school
and talked about the amazing opportunities to be found here. Th ey
discussed their participation in the various clubs and sports here
at St. Agnes, including Student Council, Science Research, and
Cheerleading. Th e girls did a great job showing off their school,
and our guests found themselves to be pleased with their wondrous
guides, as well as the school itself. Th e Sisters left St. Agnes very
happy with what they had seen and delighted with the goody bags
they received. All in all, it was a fabulous afternoon for
L to R: Seniors Christina Schaub & Ashley Caff ey with S. Mary Hughes, those involved.
S. Judith Golden, S. Th eresa Gallagher, S. Alice Byrnes & S. Elizabeth
McGarvey, and Director of Development, Denise Fetonte with Junior’s
Josephine O’Malley and Jennifer Galvin.
Service Commissioning
Sitting are Mrs. Susan Nicoletti, S. Joan Martin and S. Alice Grillo
Ceremony
T
he Sophomore Service Program at St. Agnes requires that
students complete at least 56 hours in service to the com-
munity. Service is required for at least 15 days and is fi ve percent
of the student’s religion grade. Service is performed during the
summer before entering into Sophomore year at St. Agnes. Th is
year, the girls volunteered their time at day care centers, schools
& parishes, community libraries and nursing homes giving over
2,500 hours of service as a Sophomore class. On Friday, October
S. Alice Byrnes, Jennifer Galvin, Josephine O’Malley and S. Elizabeth 14th at an assembly presented by Religious Studies teacher, Ms.
Garvey share some happy moments about St. Agnes
Nancy Gendron, the Sophomore class made a public commit-
O
ment to reach out to those in need and were reminded that even
n Tuesday, November 22, six Dominican Sisters from the
the smallest act of kindness goes a long way.
Central Council at Amityville visited St. Agnes, the only
school currently operated by the Dominican Sisters. Sister Mary
Hughes, OP, Sister Judith Golden, OP, Sister Th eresa Gallagher,
OP, Sister Alice Byrnes, OP, Sister Elizabeth McGarvey, OP and
Sister Elaine Jahrsdoerfer, all came to see St. Agnes and learn about
all the incredible things that happen at our school. Th ey arrived in
the afternoon and were warmly welcomed by faculty and students
alike. Seniors Ashley Caff ey and Christina Schaub, along with
juniors Jennifer Galvin and Josephine O’Malley, were chosen to be
on hand to welcome these very important guests, which included
the Prioress and Assistant Prioress of the Motherhouse. Th e visit
began with a fun-fi lled lunch in the conference room during which Sophomore, Jaclyn Spiezia shares her experiences.
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A Time to Give Thanks
O
n Wednesday, November 23rd the students, faculty &
staff of St. Agnes joined together to celebrate at our
Th anksgiving Liturgy! Mass was celebrated by Father George
Cowan and Deacon Stanley Galazin. After the homily Father
Cowan installed Seniors, Ashley McCorey, Michelle Maiello, and
Stephanie Patino as Eucharistic Ministers.
Pictured are Freshman Sylvia Ayoub, Kelsey Bobb,
Kaila St. Omer & Kimberly Guambana.
A Gift giving tradition
continues at St. Agnes
F
reshman students collected toys to donate to St. John’s Bread
and Life Program in Brooklyn. Th e Sophomores raised
money to donate to a family in need. Th e Juniors contributed
to the Hour Children program and the Seniors donated basic
Eucharist Ministers, Ashley McCorey, Michelle Maiello & Stephanie Patino
necessities for the poorest of the poor. Th is is a gift giving tradition
joined by Father George Cowan
at St. Agnes where students demonstrate a commitment to the
Our Freshman Chorus group led by music teacher Joan Marie Christian value of social justice.
Delahunt, beautifully performed and signed the Kiss of Peace
(W.A. Mozart) before the breaking of the bread. Christmas Karaoke
O
During communion meditation, Freshman Sara Bhuyan and
n Friday night, December 16th the St. Agnes Academic
Seniors, Ashley Caff ey and Zoe Liverpool gracefully performed
HS Auditorium was transformed into a Winter
ballet dancing capturing the attention of all those present.
Wonderland! Th e St. Agnes girls were joined by the boys from
Holy Cross & McClancy High School for a night of singing,
dancing and a visit from Santa!
Liturgical Dancers, Zoe Liverpool, Sarah Bhuyan & Ashley Caff ey
perform during the Th anksgiving Liturgy
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A Heartfelt Giving A Little Can
Harvest Dinner Make a Big Difference!
By Tira Ann Aff atato ’12 I
n the January 7th edition of Th e Tablet, S. Joan Martin,
St. Agnes is very proud that this article appeared in Th e Tablet came upon an article in the editorial section written by a
as written by Tira Ann! To read the full article click on the link former grade school student, who attended St. Fidelis where
from St. Agnes website. S. Joan was principal prior to St. Agnes. In it, the alumna wrote
T how saddened she is to hear about the six elementary schools that
he annual St. Agnes Harvest Dinner, which took place on are slated to close next year. “In these diffi cult fi nancial times,
Friday, October 28, 2011, brought together the families, Catholic elementary schools are really struggling. Th e schools do
friends, teachers, staff , and students that make up the St. Agnes not have the staff or resources to reach out to their alumni for
community for a delightful kickoff to the Th anksgiving season. fi nancial help.” Mary continues to say that if we do not want to
see any further school closings, the alumni of the 1950s, 1960s
Th e festivities commenced with a cheer. Th e spirited and energetic and 1970s should consider donating to their elementary schools
St. Agnes Cheerleaders were called upon to give a warm welcome as part of their charitable giving this year. “Just think, if everyone
to all the guests. Th en it was time for other students to take to the from my graduating class of 120 students gave as little as $20,
stage. As these amazing performances continued, the St. Agnes it would make a big diff erence to our school.” Mary is grateful
community quickly realized that our Freshmen are a talented group that her parents sent her to a Catholic school and grateful to the
of girls, singing solos and duets while playing guitar and dancing dedicated religious and lay teachers that educated all so very well
elegantly across the stage. Even our Sophomores caught the dance for very little pay. “I feel an obligation to give something back to
fever with their Irish step dance and tap dance performances. In my school, as I would like it to stay open as a faith based choice
between each routine we had the great opportunity to have comedic for parents.”
penguins, a.k.a Juniors Jennifer Galvin and Amanda Piecyk clad
in penguin costumes, fi ll the audience with wild laughter with Sister Joan anxiously responded to this editorial:
their clever jokes and punch lines. (January 14th edition of Th e Tablet):
Dear Editor: I was thrilled to read the letter from Mrs. Bosko
with her thoughts and solution regarding the closing of so many
Catholic schools. All too often when we hear of a school closing
the response goes something like this… “what a shock, how can
this happen, why didn’t we see it coming.” While her suggestion
that each Catholic school graduate send their respective school a
donation perhaps of $20 per year sounds so simplistic, it makes
such good sense. Let’s see the hundreds of thousands of Catholic
school graduates out there – walk the walk and remember where
you got your start – your elementary school or high school. Let’s
not stand by and let the greatest institution of our church slowly
disappear – our Catholic schools. Truly, where would our society,
our corporate world, our families and our church be today, without
our Catholic school graduates. Th anks so very much. Mary Rose –
we need more people like you.
Sister Joan Martin, O.P.
A special thank you to the many St. Agnes alumni who responded to
these editorials and made that $20 contribution. Please know that
YOU are making a Big Diff erence and your support is appreciated!
7
New York Hospital
Queens welcomes
Students of St. Agnes
Th e entire 2011-2012 Student Council along with moderators, Mrs. Susan
Nicoletti (far left) and Sister Alice Grillo(far right).
- Student
Council Installed
T U
he Juniors and Seniors are participating in the ED/ nder the leadership of Mrs. Susan Nicoletti, Assistant
Hospitality Volunteer Program at New York Hospital Principal and Sister Alice Grillo, faculty member, the
Queens. Led under the direction of Marie Barnwell, Asst. Nurse newly elected St. Agnes Academic High School Student Council
Manager, ED and Vanessa McPolin, ED Hospitality Volunteer offi cers were installed on Tuesday, October 18th. During this
Coordinator, our students have the opportunity to interact directly assembly, the young ladies of St. Agnes took their respective oaths
with hospital personnel, patients, interns and other volunteers at and promised to fulfi ll their roles and responsibilities as class
the facility. Th e girls must commit to a 4 hour a week schedule for presidents and homeroom representatives. Senior, Ashley Caff ey,
a 3 month period where they will be assigned to work in various President of the Student Council reminded everyone “we are a
areas and departments of the hospital. Th e girls will be given hands school community fi lled with determined young women and
on experience in a fi eld that interests them and will work one on loving teachers & staff . With that, we can accomplish the world.”
one with professionals in that area. Th is opportunity will also better “Let us stand united as strong St. Agnes women, who support one
prepare them for their future career decisions as they graduate from another, who see that good exists in each of us and who celebrate
St. Agnes. our diff erences.”
Senior Wins First Place
in Art Contest
S
t. Agnes is proud to announce that Senior Johanna Ceren
was awarded First Place for the student art contest at Th e
Tablet. Th e contest was co-sponsored by the Archbishop John
Hughes Knights of Columbus. On the High School level, over
180 students from the Brooklyn & Queens diocese entered this
year’s contest and had to show their creative talents by submitting
an original piece of artwork refl ecting the theme “Keep Christ in
Christmas”. Johanna’s winning piece was featured in the December
17th edition of Th e Tablet! Congratulations Johanna!
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Class of  Reunion without even trying! It was wonderful seeing everyone and catching
up on old times and new times!
O
n September 10, 2011 thirty-four women from the
Another get together is in the planning stages for April and in
Class of 1971 met for a 40th Reunion Dinner at the
July, there will be a 35th Reunion celebration!
Barefoot Peddler in Greenvale, LI. It was an evening of talking,
laughing, reminiscing, and catching up with classmates. We began
the night by singing the school song, igniting our school spirit,
melting the years away! Conversations started as if the yesterdays
were truly the day before. Th e food was spectacular and the
company unsurpassed! At the end of the evening, it was decided
that we would do this again in fi ve years for our 45th! If anyone
who didn’t receive a notifi cation postcard about this event and
would like to be placed on the contact list (or knows of someone
who would like to be contacted), please email: Patty Gernon Koch
at [email protected]
Pictured left to right are: Karen Johnson, Christine Kerwin, Renee Best,
Ellen Arocho, Debbie DeMartina-Parrish, Helena Masson, Esther Ann
Cali, Sandy Delphin-Failla, Maria Bonilla and Marie Toni Pascal.
Class of  Reunion
O
n Saturday, October 15, 2011, 63 members from the
Class of 1986, along with 8 former faculty, met at Th e
Westbury Manor to celebrate their 25th High School Reunion!
It was a great afternoon full of laughs, a few tears, as well as a
visual and sonic stroll down memory lane. As a small token of
their gratitude for the top notch education they received at St.
Agnes, the Class of 1986 proudly presented a gift of $1400.00 to
The Class of 1971 40th Reunion!
the school. Th e donation was made with sincere thanks and love
in memory of their lost classmates, Christine Pensabene, Dawn
Class of  Reunites
Cetero, Liz Romano and Diane Harty Wilson.
Submitted by Ellen Arocho
O
n Tuesday January 24th, the graduating Class of 1977
had a small get together, hosted by Marie Toni Pascal,
at Bryant Park Grille located in NYC. It was a wonderful evening
fi lled with great conversation and discussions! It was very simple to
pick up where we had left off 35 years ago!! Th e interesting thing
was that everyone who was there that night was not necessarily in
each other’s circle while in high school. We all knew each other
but ran in diff erent groups! You never would have known this
from the conversations going on. Eventually we looked at our
watches and realized that we had been sitting there talking, eating,
Join the facebook page “St. Agnes Academic Class of 1986 Alumni”
drinking, etc. for 5 hours and could have sat there for another 5 to keep in touch with your classmates
9
2nd Annual Craft Fair
Reunions in the
L
Planning Stage ast year’s craft fair was a success and this years was even
better! On November 5th, the St. Agnes community once
again joined together along with many vendors and alumni who
Class of 1997
proudly displayed their precious treasures and handcrafted items
15th Reunion
for sale. Jennifer Loonan Satriana ’89 warmed up some samples
June 16, 2012
for interested buyers to taste and fi lled her appointment book for
Contact Tastefully Simple parties!
Roseann DeCesare Stein at
[email protected] Th e St. Agnes Craft Fair has now become an annual event that is
organized by the Parents Association. It is a great time for shoppers
: to pick up those last minute gifts for the holidays and a time for
others to catch up with one another!
Class of 1982
30th Reunion
Contact
Robin at 516-384-2403
or email at [email protected]
:
Class of 1977
35th Reunion
July 20, 2012
Manhattan Skyline Dinner Cruise
leaving from the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing,
Queens Boarding will be at 6:30pm and
will set sail at 7pm returning to the marina at 11pm.
Th e cost of the four hour dinner cruise with
open bar is $100.00 per person.
Please wear something RED, your class color!
For more information contact
Patti Sullivan Schmidt at [email protected]
:
Class of 1957
55th Reunion
Contact
Judy O’Brien at [email protected]
10
U
NICEF, the United Nations International Children
Emergency Fund, is an organization dedicated to helping
children around the world who are in need. It was established in
1946 by the United Nations in order to help developing nations
improve the health and education of their neediest citizens: women
and children.
Members of UNICEF Club
Faculty member, Mrs. Keri Wade-Donohue, has organized the
UNICEF Club at St. Agnes. More than 50 girls are members of In October by participating in the Trick or Treat Campaign for
this new club and are aware of the adversity faced by those in need US Fund for UNICEF, the students raised $855.00 (which was
around the world. Th ey are all extremely dedicated and passionate well above their goal of $250.00) for children’s supplies and in
in helping others realize and care about the injustices occurring December Christmas cards, hand made by the club members, were
around the world. Th e members of UNICEF do their share by sold in an eff ort to raise additional funds. Everyone came together
participating in activities and spreading awareness. and succeeded in doing some spectacular good for others!
A new Alumnae Program is now being launched at St. Agnes Academic High School.
“Th e St. Agnes Big Sister Program”
Diffi cult economic times demand creative solutions. Catholic school education, as you hear so often,
is in need of donations from their alumnae to help off set the rising costs.
Too many young women are denied the opportunity to attend St. Agnes due to fi nancial hardships.
Give a gift that will last a lifetime by sponsoring a student in need.
Become a Big Sister!
Name Class of
Address
Phone Email
I would like to become a “Big Sister” to a student for:
$4000 one semester $8000 full year
Your commitment can be renewed each year or each semester.
For more information on this program contact the Development offi ce at
718-353-6276 ext. 30 or email at [email protected]
Please respond by March 30, 2012