Download the PDF version of Harp Strings - Spring, 2010

St. Cecilia Academy 

4210 Harding Road 

Nashville, TN 37205 

www.stcecilia.edu 

NONPROFIT ORG. 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

NASHVILLE, TN 

PERMIT NO. 8 

Nearly 150 years 

of memories ... 

The first May Day celebrations were held at St. Cecilia Academy in the 

1930's. Pictured here is May Queen Doris Lockhart,'38, with her court that 

featured Dorothy Sharp,'38, Dorothy Maguire,'38, and Virgina Collins,'39. 

Coffee table book commemorates 150 years 

Sister Mary Christopher Weiland, O.P., ’73, Rickey Schuller, ’74, and Jenny 

Wesson, ’75, have been working with Sesquicentennial Celebration 

Director Michelle Barber to put together a commemorative coffee table 

book for the 150th anniversary. Photos that will be in the book date back 

to the earliest days of the Academy. Alumnae from each decade of the 

school’s history beginning with the 1920’s were interviewed for the book 

as well. The book will be available for purchase in late fall of 2010. 

Jeri Alessio was the May Queen in 1956 at SCA. 

Interim snapshots • Interview with Joel Anderson • New dates for 150th celebration events

Letter from Sister 

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes 

home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." 

— Lin Yutang 

Members of the 150th graduating class of St. Cecilia Academy received their class rings at the Junior Ring Mass in February at the St. Cecilia Motherhouse. 

"To remember the past with gratitude, To live the present with enthusiasm, 

To look forward to the future in confidence" 

— Pope John Paul II 

in Novo Millennio Ineunte #40 

Dear Alumnae, Parents, and Friends, 

As the Catholic Church approached the year 2000, Pope 

John Paul II included this theme (in the quote above) 

in a document he wrote to 

celebrate 2000 years of Christianity 

and the approach of the third 

millennium. Great markers of 

the passage of time always cause 

us to stop and reflect on our 

heritage and dare to hope for the 

great story still to come. 

Although 150 years is not quite 

the mile marker of 2000 years of 

history, Pope John Paul II's 

words give us much food for thought as we approach 

the celebration of 150 years in the Cecilian tradition. 

Many of the events we have planned for our 

sesquicentennial will help us all in remembering with 

gratitude the courage and hard work of those who have 

gone before us. On Founder’s Day, Aug. 17, 2010, we 

will remember the courage of the four sisters who 

opened St. Cecilia on the eve of the Civil War, and had 

the strength to persevere throughout the war, and 

dared to hope for a brighter future. 

Even as we plan for our sesquicentennial celebration, 

we are living the present enthusiastically. This issue of 

HarpStrings is packed with the many successes of our 

students and initiatives of our faculty. Eighty-five 

students traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in 

the National March for Life in late January. Forty-five 

girls competed recently on our Science Olympiad team, 

with 15 of them advancing to state competition. Nearly 

50 parents helped put together one of our most 

successful songwriter’s night/auction events ever. 

The proceeds from this will benefit expanding our 

technology capacity for student use before, during, and 

after school — a much needed expansion due to growth 

in enrollment. All of these facts give evidence to the 

statement that our students, faculty, and school 

community are living our mission at St. Cecilia 

Academy with great enthusiasm. 

Against the backdrop of present growth and 

achievement, we look forward with confidence to the 

years ahead. Our celebration year will be one like no 

other in recent years, when we will be able to thank 

those who came before us for their perseverance and 

belief. This year of celebration will allow our present 

students, faculty, and parents the opportunities to 

connect to the history they have inherited and to add 

their own page to the story. It will give hope that we 

will continue to represent the St. Cecilia Academy story 

well and that we will recognize our story in one 

another. Most importantly, many of our celebrations 

will allow us to proclaim one more time that Christ is 

the reason for this story, and He has blessed us time 

and again. Truly He gives us the confidence to continue 

the St. Cecilia Academy mission for another 150 years 

into the future. 

In Christ, 

Sr. Mary Thomas, O.P. 

Principal 

Contents 

This photo is from a ceremony held outside of the Motherhouse, 

then also serving as St. Cecilia Academy, in 1941. 

Joel Anderson adds SCA to his print series 4 

SCA students experience new opportunities during Interim 6 

Make a nomination for the new Athletic Hall of Fame 11 

The rich history of The Dominican Campus 16 

150th Anniversary event calendar 18 

150th Gala event planned for alumnae 20 

Class Notes 22 

Meet SCA’s oldest living alumna 24 


4210 Harding Road • Nashville, TN 37205 • 615.298.4525 

2 HARPSTRINGS www.stcecilia.edu 


Principal 

Sr. Mary Thomas, O.P. 

Assistant Principal 

of Student Affairs 

Michael LaHaie 

Vice President 

for Institutional Advancement 

Tim Stransky 

Director of Communications 

Barbara Esteves-Moore 

Director of Development 

Debbie Lassiter 

Director of Alumnae Relations 

Chenoa Jacobs 

Director of Admissions 

Betty Bader 

Graphic Designer 

Michael Ann Zinser 

Photos by: 

Ed Rode 

Andrea Wall 

Barbara Esteves-Moore 

Uchida Photography 

Michael’s Photography 

Amie Pike 

ON THE COVER: 

Joel Anderson Spirit of Nashville 

Print. 

CORRECTION 

Laura Black’s, Mischelle 

Madden’s and Amy Kysar’s 

names were incorrect in a 

recollection article in the last 

HarpStrings about the Class of 

1979’s reunion. 

Rose Snyder’s name was left 

off of her class list in the annual 

report. 

HarpStrings regrets these inadvertent 

errors and takes this opportunity to 

correct them both. 

HARPSTRINGS 3

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” 

— Pablo Picasso 

Advertising Agency. While there he 

worked on the “Hey Vern” series and 

won an Emmy for his design work on 

the CBS Saturday morning program 

“Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” After seven 

years with the firm, Mr. Anderson 

began Anderson Thomas Design, which 

later became Anderson Design Group. 

The father of three sons and a daughter, 

he and his family are proud to call 

Nashville home. 

Mr. Anderson said when he is deciding 

upon a subject to add to the series, he 

looks for something iconic - something 

that is “dear to Nashville.” 

Joel Anderson works on the finishing touches of the St. Cecilia Academy painting in his office near Centennial Park in Nashville. 

St. Cecilia Academy added to 

Spirit of Nashville print collection 

Joel Anderson’s ubiquitous Spirit of 

Nashville print series includes depictions 

of Nashville icons such as the Ryman 

Auditorium, The Hermitage, the state 

Capitol, and now, St. Cecilia Academy. 

Mr. Anderson, who is the creative 

director of Anderson Design Group in 

Nashville, created a St. Cecilia Academy 

150th anniversary print to add to his 

series this year after collaborating with 

the SCA sesquicentennial celebration 

organizers for several months on the 

design. The new print design will be 

available for sale at St. Cecilia Academy 

as well as at sesquicentennial events and 

in stores and online around the city later 

this year. The print will also be a part of 

an exhibit Mr. Anderson is putting 

together later this year as well. 

The Spirit of Nashville Collection, which 

features more than 65 designs, started in 

2004 when the design firm created a 

calendar of Nashville’s favorite icons as 

a Christmas gift for its clients and 

friends. People liked the art work on the 

calendars so much, they began tearing 

the prints out of the calendars and 

framing them. Mr. Anderson knew he 

was on to something and began offering 

the art work - done in the classic 

“golden age of poster art” style - for sale 

as limited edition prints in several local 

stores. Mr. Anderson has personally 

created more than 40 of the prints and 

has directed his talented team of artists 

to create the other designs which have 

won numerous design awards and have 

been exhibited all over Nashville. Prints 

from the Spirit of Nashville Collection 

have been inducted into the Tennessee 

State Archives and have been given as 

gifts to visiting dignitaries by Gov. Phil 

Bredesen, as well as Mayors Bill Purcell 

and Karl Dean. 

Born in Denver, Colorado, Mr. 

Anderson spent his youth in Dallas, the 

Caribbean, El Salvador, Upstate New 

York and Myrtle Beach, S.C.. He studied 

art in college at Ringling College of Art 

and Design in Sarasota, Fla. After 

graduating from art school, he came to 

Nashville to work for Carden & Cherry 

continued 

“We saw St. Cecilia Academy as an 

important addition,” he said of adding 

the Academy to the Spirit of Nashville 

Collection. “Architecturally the campus 

and historically the school are valuable 

to Nashville. And there is a sentimental 

connection for me because my wife, 

who is French and grew up in the 

suburbs of Paris, went to an all-girls 

Catholic school. For all those reasons we 

thought St. Cecilia Academy should be a 

part of the (Spirit of Nashville) series.” 

His wife’s alma mater is also a 

Dominican school, another connection 

for Mr. Anderson and The Dominican 

Campus. The school is Saint Dominique 

in Mortefontaine, a little town one hour 

outside of Paris. 

Mr. Anderson worked with St. Cecilia 

Academy’s 150th Celebration Planning 

Task Force to develop a design for the 

print that reflects the spirit and soul of 

St. Cecilia Academy. While many of his 

academic pieces - six Nashville 

colleges and one other high school - 

feature either a symbolic building on 

campus or a mascot, St. Cecilia’s print 

differs. The print centers on a girl, 

looking “out into her future” as she sits 

at the windows in Alumnae Hall. It is 

meant to depict the girl being at the 

center of the St. Cecilia Academy 

mission. It also shows that SCA gives 

girls a place to begin their journey into 

the larger world of college, adulthood, 

professional life and beyond. 

“We try to find what captures the essence, 

mood and feeling of a place,” with the 

print, Mr. Anderson said. “We start very 

conceptual and then boil it down.” 

“We focused on the saint and the girls,” 

he continued. “Those elements came 

together into a pleasing composition. The 

idea is timeless and it doesn’t date itself.” 

“To be included in the Spirit of 

Nashville series is not only a tribute 

to our Dominican sisters who’s own 

unique history is so tightly woven 

with that of our city’s, but is also a 

tribute to our alumnae and their 

impact within the community as 

good citizens,” said Michelle Barber, 

sesquicentennial celebration 

coordinator. “Our sesquicentennial 

jubilee gives us the opportunity to 

remember our past, celebrate the 

present, and share our heritage with all 

the young ladies who are yet to pass 

through the doors of St. Cecilia 

Academy.” • 

WEB EXTRA | To read more about Joel Anderson’s Spirit of Nashville series, visit www.SpiritOfNashville.com 

Mr. Anderson 

used a photo of 

Caroline Nevin, 

a member of the 

150th graduating 

class, as the 

central figure 

for the print. To 

purchase a St. 

Cecilia Academy 

Spirit of 

Nashville print, 

contact SCA at 

298-4525. 



HARPSTRINGS 5

INTERIM 2010 

St. Cecilia Academy students enjoy new experiences, 

prepare for their future during Interim 

Part of every girl’s experience at St. Cecilia Academy is the opportunity 

to take a week away from her classes each January to explore her own 

interests, see new sights and even visit new countries. Interim 2010 was 

full of new opportunities and experiences for all SCA girls. Freshmen 

and sophomores explored such courses as heritage cooking, Russian 

studies and life in 1860 on campus, while juniors and seniors took off 

for internships in Nashville, Washington, D.C., and as far away as 

Hong Kong, while still others traveled to New Orleans, Costa Rica 

and Paris. Here are a few snapshots from this year’s Interim week. 

WASHINGTON, D.C., INTERNSHIPS 

The view of the Capitol building on a frigidly cold, Washington, D.C., 

winter night is something seven St. Cecilia girls will never forget. Caroline 

Leftwich, Abby Bray, Sarah Overby, Olivia Drinkwater, Emily Parten, 

Natasha Thompson and Alex Brink interned in the offices of Tennessee 

Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Reps. Jim Cooper, Marsha Blackburn, 

Phil Roe and Bart Gordon for the week of Interim 2010. The girls experienced the 

exciting behind-the-scenes workings of a legislative government office. One 

evening was spent with several SCA alumnae who work in various 

government agencies in D.C. 

Sarah Overby worked in Congressman Cooper’s office while in Washington, D.C. 

“I was expecting to run errands, make photocopies, and staple things for my 

internship, but I learned a lot more than what I expected,” Sarah said. “The office 

staff really cared about our experience and included us in everything from talks on 

current events to a conference call with Congressman Cooper.” 

“I also got a true idea of what life in politics is like,” she added. “The realities of 

the job will help me when I vote.” 

Senior Teresa Linehan works with a student from 

Cathedral Academy in New Orleans during 

Interim. 

NEW ORLEANS SERVICE TRIP 

For six years St. Cecilia Academy has been sending 

students to Cathedral Academy in New Orleans to 

spend Interim serving the children at an inner-city 

elementary school run by the Dominican sisters. 

This year the students focused their service on the 

classrooms. Seniors were paired up and assigned to 

a specific teacher and classroom at Cathedral 

Academy. The girls began building relationships with 

their classes long before the trips; they mailed 

pictures, bios, and prayers to each of their classes. 

Upon arrival, the Cathedral Academy students were 

elated to meet their “pen pals” and welcome them with 

open arms. 

COSTA RICA TRIP 

Faculty members Mrs. Teddie Clark and Mrs. Becky Simon 

chaperoned a group of students to Costa Rica during Interim 

for a language immersion experience and some science 

expeditions. Costa Rica presents incredible biodiversity and 

different ecosystems with distinct plant and animal life which 

made for a great experience. 

On the trip, students went horseback riding, zip lining through 

the canopy in the rainforest, kayaking around a lake looking at 

wildlife, and hiking to see a volcano, a frog pond and a sanctuary. 

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Hogar Cristiana, 

a Catholic girls’ orphanage. 

“The highlight of my trip was going to the orphanage,” Caroline 

O’ Rourke said. “I loved playing with the kids; it was a lot of fun. It 

was sad to leave because I wanted to spend more time with them.” 

The girls who went on the trip plan to do a service project this 

spring to help the orphanage. 

“Being aware of others’ situations aside from my 

own has made me more appreciative of life,” Allison 

Goodwin said of the experience. 

(Above) St. Cecilia Academy 

students stand in front of the 

Basilique de Sacré-coeur in 

Montmartre, France. 

Sister Mary Andrew, O.P. was impressed when “the 

girls chose an extra day with the students instead 

of touring the city … what a statement that is about 

the character level of this group and their love for 

our children.” 

(At Right) The group is pictured in 

front of the Arc de Triomphe. 

SCA students, from top left, Alex Brink, Caroline 

Leftwich, Olivia Drinkwater, Natasha Thompson, Sarah 

Overby, Abby Bray and Emily Parten stop for a photo in 

front of a Senate Office Building while interning in 

Washington, D.C., during Interim. 




SCA juniors, from left, Roxana Pita-Romero, Sarah Grubbs, Liz Lund, Jill 

Nagle, Mary Waddill, Sara La Haie, and Lin Marzialo, stand near the edge of 

the Volcano Poas crater north of San Juan, Costa Rica, during their Interim trip. 

FRANCE TRIP 

A group of SCA French and art students spent 

Interim in Paris at the La Maison d’Education de 

la Legion d’Honneur with chaperones Madame 

Carole Begley and Mrs. Barbara Gronefeld. The 

Paris school, established in 1802 by Napoleon, 

is located in St. Denis on the edge of the city in 

a monastery. 

The trip was an opportunity to experience 

French educational systems, French family 

lifestyles and cultural diversity, with a focus 

on museums and art history. The SCA students 

spent the week in the school dormitories and 

went home with their exchange 

students for a weekend of cultural 

immersion. 

“The home stay with my host family 

showed me how different families 

operate and their interactions,” said 

Olivia Reed. “My (French) family didn’t 

speak any English, so I got to practice 

my French language skills.” 

continued 

HARPSTRINGS 7



"But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” 

— Robert Frost 

Dana Holt and Jessie O'Rear work in the 

Cultivating Crystals class with Sister Julia 

Marie during Interim. 

INTERNSHIPS 

Julianna Franks, Junior 

Internship with: Helistar Aviation 

Julianna Franks interned with Helistar Aviations 

based out of John C. Tune airport. The company 

charters aircraft, provides training for pilots, and 

is involved with weather and traffic reporting. 

Julianna was attracted to the internship due to 

her love of flying and was able to log in some 

hours of flying time in several types of aircraft. 

“This experience has definitely shaped my 

understanding of career possibilities,” 

Julianna said. 

“It is very hard and time consuming to be 

in the aviation field. My mentor does what 

he loves with a great passion. Now I really 

understand you can never be successful in 

Junior Julianna Franks got the chance to ride 

in a helicopter during her Interim internship 

life if you are not passionate about what you 

with Helistar Aviations. 

are doing.” 

Amelia Furbish, Junior 

Internship with: Oasis Center 

Amelia Furbish interned with Oasis Center. 

Based in Nashville, the center works with youth, 

primarily ages 12-17, who are facing challenges 

and crises in their lives. Amelia worked closely 

with her mentor, Judy Freudenthal, and her 

“prevention” team. According to Amelia, the 

team focused on working with youth to involve 

them in the community and to prevent 

underage pregnancy and drug use. 

“I learned what it meant to be part of a team 

and what it is like to have others rely on your 

work,” Amelia said. “I would definitely look into 

this job as a future career because it was both 

incredibly fun and an amazing way to give back 

to the community as well as help others.” 

Young Ladies Seminar 

This class was inspired by SCA’s 

upcoming sesquicentennial celebration. 

Run by Ms. Jenny Lamb of Belle Meade 

Plantation, the class allowed students to 

travel back to 1860 and get a glimpse into 

the lives of the first SCA graduates. Topics 

covered deportment, penmanship and 

calligraphy, needle arts, the language of 

the fan, and how to dance a reel. 

“My favorite part … was learning about 

late 19th century etiquette and dressing in 

the appropriate outfits. I also learned how 

to cross-stitch … and how to write 

a proper letter,” said sophomore 

Maggie Page. 

Hillary Woods, another sophomore, 

appreciated the clothing, and gained 

some perspective. “My favorite part … 

was being able to try on all the fabulous 

costumes … [Also] I can appreciate how 

far we have come today. I learned I 

have a lot to be grateful for.” 

Sophomores Maggie Page and Hillary 

Woods practice walking with a book atop 

their heads during the Young Ladies 

Seminar Interim class about life in 1860. 

Anna Vaughn, Junior 

Internship with: Anne’s Cakes 

Junior Anna Vaughn interned with a 

local bakery, Anne’s Cakes. The bakery 

provides products to a number of local 

retailers and also sells some product 

directly to the consumer. 

“I learned how to run a business and 

keep customers happy. It was 

surprising to see how a few ingredients 

can turn into a real business,” Anna 

said. “I was inspired that Mrs. Schultz 

was able to start a business on her own 

and continue it for 16 years. This 

experience allowed me to spend time in 

a field that I never had truly considered 

… It was such an unforgettable week.” 

CLASSES/SEMINARS 

Russian Literature and Film 

The class was taught by Katie Wells, ’00, an SCA 

alumna with a Russian studies background. The students 

had a chance to immerse themselves in another culture 

by trying Russian cuisine, perusing some Russian classics, 

and watching Russian films. Angellena Berberich- 

Eerebout, a sophomore, found the class fascinating. 

“Russians, it seems, are more serious than Americans 

which was interesting. The guest speaker 

taught us about the Second World War and the 

impact of Russian women,” she said. 

Fellow sophomore, Emily Butcher agreed. 

“Kim Green, (editor of Red Sky, Black Death) 

our guest speaker, spoke passionately about 

one particular female Soviet fighter pilot (Anna 

Yegorova). It was a fascinating foray into 

ideologue-making and the sacrifices of soldiers 

in World War II.” 

Gourmet Breads 

SCA teacher Mrs. Kim Bastone and Elizabeth Gobbell 

make bread dough during an Interim class. 

Bread has long been an important symbol in the Judeo-Christian 

tradition. Actually baking it has become a lost art for many in the 

modern day. Led by Mrs. Kim Bastone, an SCA teacher with a 

background in baking, the seminar taught the students how to 

make four different varieties of gourmet breads. Learning how to 

use yeast and knead dough, the students mastered the basics of 

this important, and often overlooked, art. 

Introduction to Songwriting 

professional. 

new skills into practice with a and had the chance to put their and methods of writing songs given a chance to learn techniques songwriting. The students were class focused on the craft of it seemed perfect to offer a Since SCA is based in Music City, onto a CD for us.” 

(Anthony) Orio and he put them 

the end of the week with Mr. 

recorded the songs we wrote at 

and actually writing songs. We 

“[I loved] breaking off into pairs 

enjoyed the hands-on opportunity. 

Betsy Brewer, a sophomore, 

Junior Anna Vaughn worked 

at a bakery during Interim. 

Sophomore Elizabeth Gobbell was excited by the reality of the 

experience. “I liked actually making and baking the bread, not 

just learning recipes. Now that I have learned how, I can make 

it at home with no assistance.” 

Sophomores Betsy Brewer, left, and Abby Coakley write a 

song together during Interim. 



HARPSTRINGS 9

SCA SPORTS 

“(Playing sports) is about self-esteem, learning to compete and learning how hard 

you have to work in order to achieve your goals.” 

— Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 

three-time Olympic gold medalist and member of the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame 

St. Cecilia Academy student named to All-Star teams 

Sophomore Maggie Sullivan and senior Kendall Kelly show their support for life at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. 

St. Cecilia Academy students learn value 

of involvement in March for Life in DC 

By Eileen Heflin 

St. Cecilia Academy parent 

St. Cecilia Academy students marched 

in Washington, D.C., this January to 

commemorate and protest the Roe v. 

Wade decision at the annual March for 

Life along with more than 200,000 

people from across the country. 

SCA has participated in the March for Life 

since the early 2000’s. In past years, groups 

of 30-40 students have chosen to attend. 

Last year, the number climbed to 70. This 

year, 87 girls - almost one-third of the student 

body - elected to make the trip. 

Principal Sister Mary Thomas, O.P., 

appreciated the chance for the students 

to take their faith beyond the walls of 

the school. 

“I like the fact that the girls got a 

chance to see others who feel strongly 

about a cause,” Sister said. “Thousands 

of people are willing to vote with their 

feet and voices to make a difference 

with regard to this issue. The girls got a 

chance to see that they can have an 

impact in this country if they will take 

advantage of it.” 

Michael La Haie, assistant principal of 

student affairs, has made this trip several 

times; he finds the event uplifting. 

“I think it is wonderful for the girls to 

experience the excitement of the march 

and the pro life movement in 

Washington, D.C.,” Mr. La Haie said. 

“One of the highlights each year is at 

the end of the march, in front of the 

Supreme Court building, people give 

testimony about their life after abortion, 

men and women. It is very powerful.” 

Senior Ellie Vaughn, who was 

instrumental in organizing the trip, 

was inspired. 

“The march is really a very eye-opening 

experience,” Ellie said. “It’s our 

responsibility to speak up for those who 

can't speak for themselves, and by 

marching this year I truly feel like we 

made a difference.” 

“It’s an unforgettable experience,” 

added senior Rosie Smith. “I one 

hundred percent believe that our 

generation is going to do great things 

and spark great changes.” 

Senior Hayley Robinson, who also 

organized the trip, felt the inspiration of 

so many young voices brought together. 

“Our generation is the pro-life 

generation,” she said. “Life is a gift; 

living life is a joy. Each new day is a gift, 

and we have to spread that joy. No one 

can take away life; a child can not be a 

choice.” 

Senior Catherine Louk plans to 

continue her participation even after 

she graduates from St. Cecilia Academy. 

“I have been on the march for three 

years now,” she said. “I started to think 

of next year when I am in college. I most 

definitely want to try to come to the 

march again because it is something that 

is so important to me, and each year it 

keeps getting bigger and bigger.” • 

St. Cecilia Academy Junior Natalie 

Goodrum was recognized by the 

Tennessee High School Soccer 

Coaches Association (THSSCA) as a 

member of the TSSAA Division II 

Class A-All-State Team for 2009. 

Natalie was also named to the 

Division II Class A East/Middle 

Region All-Region Basketball Team 

and is the co-captain of the tennis 

team this spring. 

Natalie, a mid-fielder on the SCA 

soccer team, received several 

other awards this season. She 

was named to the All-District 

Team and the All-Tournament 

Team at the regional tournament. 

The SCA Ambassador and honor 

student also scored the first goal 

for her team on the new St. 

Cecilia soccer field that was just 

completed this past fall. 

Her soccer teammates Lin 

Marzialo and Roxana Pita-Romero 

were named to the All-Region team 

for soccer. Both are SCA juniors. 

Junior Natalie Goodrum was named 

to the All-State soccer team and the 

All-Region basketball team this year. 

In addition to expanding St. Cecilia Academy’s Athletic Department 

this year to include 11 competitive sports teams, Principal Sister Mary 

Thomas, O.P., and Director of Athletics Coach Jerry Landers proudly 

announce the establishment of the St. Cecilia Athletic Hall of Fame. 

“Through our research efforts for many of the upcoming 150th 

celebrations, it became apparent that the occasion of our 

sesquicentennial marks the perfect time in our history to identify 

and honor our student athletes,” said Coach Landers. “We are 

excited about this opportunity to put a spotlight on all the SCA 

St. Cecilia Academy swim and dive team 

sends six swimmers to state 

The Scarab swim and dive team achieved its 

second best finish for SCA in the past 10 years at 

the regional competition this winter, placing tenth 

out of 32 schools in the region. The Scarab swim 

and dive team finished the regular season 9-0, 

winning all of its dual meets by an average 

margin of 76 points. 

SCA swimmers Keely McCulla, Alex Forrest, 

Charlotte Hassett, Michelle Dicks, Ellie Fike and 

Hailey Turner qualified for state finals. 

The girls helped the team go undefeated in 

Sophomore Hailey Turner was one of the SCA swim 

team's first competitive divers. 

SCA to open Hall of Fame in December 

the regular season. Competing in its division 

against nine other teams, including Hillsboro 

High, Hume Fogg, Battle Ground Academy, and 

Franklin Road Academy, SCA won the Division I- 

Central region title for the second year in a row. 

SCA lacrosse takes the field 

Join us for our first inter-squad 

scrimmage on our new lacrosse field 

Thursday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. Hot dogs 

and drinks will be provided to celebrate 

the addition of another team to the 

Scarab athletic program. No charge. 

athletes that helped us build the program into what it is today.” 

The SCA Sports Hall of Fame will recognize the outstanding 

contributions in athletics among SCA athletes, coaches, teams, 

and/or school officials. Criteria and nomination forms can be 

found on the SCA Web site at www.stcecilia.edu. Look for a link 

on the home page.The Hall of Fame will be unveiled and the first 

members inducted at the 2010 SCA Homecoming Saturday, Dec. 

18, 2010 at 3 p.m. Mark your calendar now to attend this historic 

event! 



HARPSTRINGS 11

"It is not down in any map; true places never are." 

— Herman Melville 

Changes in the English Department curriculum 

By Robert Collins, Ph.D. 

Chairman of the SCA English Department 

All we wanted to do was add a single class 

to the English Department curriculum. By 

the time the smoke cleared, however, we 

had changed the entire look and focus of 

junior English at St. Cecilia Academy. So 

what’s going on here? 

In the 13 years that I have been at SCA, my 

colleagues and I have had the privilege of 

working with a curriculum handed down 

to us by generations of talented English 

teachers. The goal of the department has 

always been to expose our students to the 

widest possible range of great writers and 

great works of literature. By the time they 

finish their four years at SCA, our 

girls have had extensive experience 

discussing, analyzing, and writing about 

these authors and their works. When a 

St. Cecilia graduate goes off to college, 

she will find no surprises awaiting her 

in her literature classes. 

For years I have wanted to add an 

Advanced Placement English class to 

the junior year curriculum, but the 

complexities of class scheduling made 

that virtually impossible. The class is 

called Advanced Placement Language 

and Composition. It’s what we oldtimers 

call a good old-fashioned rhetoric 

class designed to improve critical 

reading and writing skills. It’s a great 

class, a class that could potentially be 

the most useful class our girls take in 

their four years at SCA. 

In fact, this class is so potentially useful 

that it should be taught to all students 

and not just AP students. So that’s what 

we’re doing. Beginning next year, all 

juniors will take English Language and 

Composition. More advanced students 

can take Advanced Placement English 

Language and Composition. 

The junior year seems the perfect time 

for an intensive concentration on 

reading and writing skills. With college 

Dr. Robert Collins leads a class discussion during Interim. 

clearly on the horizon, students can use 

this year to improve the two skills that 

are most crucial to success in college no 

matter what the course of study. And in 

an age where the information we get 

comes more and more from bloggers, 

tweeters, and people who shout at us 

from radio speakers and television 

monitors, we all need to become much 

more skilled at being aware of the ways 

that information can be skewed and 

logic can be twisted. Learning to be 

more critical readers and writers 

addresses that very problem. 

So what happens to the British literature 

survey course? That course will now be 

taught in senior year, which was mostly 

devoted to English literature anyway. The 

good news is the new curriculum loses 

virtually nothing in terms of the scope 

and breadth of reading requirements in 

the four years of study. The better news 

is it adds a junior year devoted entirely 

to improving our students’ reading and 

writing skills. That's good news not just 

for the English department but for every 

department on campus. 

Writing has been defined as the “art of 

producing desired effects in readers.” 

Effective writers know what they want 

to achieve with their writing and they 

know how to make it happen. 

Beginning next year, the SCA English 

department will be focused more than 

ever on producing writers and readers 

who are ready to tackle whatever 

challenges await them outside the 

walls of the Academy. • 

Dr. Robert Collins teaches a lesson on Dante’s Inferno to seniors this semester. 

Dr. Collins leads department with a distinct character 

By Maggie Kuyper 

SCA English teacher 

A few days after his birthday, Robert 

Collins, Ph.D., chairman of the St. 

Cecilia Academy English department, 

pulled a birthday card from his mailbox 

in the faculty lounge and read it aloud. 

It was from a student who graduated in 

1998; she still remembers his birthday. 

That gives you just a glimpse into the 

impact Dr. Collins makes on his students 

at SCA. Before coming to St. Cecilia in 

the mid-1990’s, he taught at Saint Mary’s 

College in California and the University 

of Minnesota among others and worked 

as an opera critic for a newspaper as 

well as a broadcast writer. His years of 

experience in the professional writing 

field and in teaching on the college-level 

benefit the students who step into his 

classroom at SCA. 

“Dr. Collins truly cares about his 

students,” said colleague and SCA teacher 

Becky Simon. “He is the teacher returning 

alumnae most wish to see. He also keeps 

up with the girls and what they are doing 

after graduation. He is always found 

every afternoon in the senior hallway 

wishing the seniors a good evening.” 

Dr. Collins has been humming down the 

SCA hallways since January of 1997. He 

not only heads the English department, 

but has long-been a senior class sponsor 

as well as a mentor to new teachers. The 

consistency of his passion for academics 

and the SCA student body is inspiring to 

all of his colleagues. However, when 

asked what keeps him inspired everyday, 

he quickly responds, “my coworkers and 

fellow teachers… I have the best colleagues 

and mentors imaginable.” 

In talking to the students, it is easy to see 

why he was voted teacher of the year in 

2005. Senior Nathania de Caestecker 

responded with a huge smile when 

asked why she likes Dr. Collins. 

“He’s just an out-of-the-box teacher. He 

has a really eclectic way of presenting 

the material. He makes learning fun!” 

Nathania said. 

Dr. Collins, who earned his Ph.D. in 

Dr. Collins and his wife Sharon at the 2006 

Evening of Excellence on The Dominican Campus. 

English from the University of Minnesota 

and his undergraduate English degree 

from Villanova, reciprocates that 

admiration for his students. He feels 

that SCA is an ideal place to teach. 

“I couldn’t ask for better students; they 

want to be here and they want to learn,” 

he said. 

The passion Dr. Collins has for teaching 

combined with our students’ passion for 

learning is a vital part of preparing our 

girls for the world beyond SCA. • 



HARPSTRINGS 13

ACADEMIC/TEACHER BRIEFS ACADEMIC/TEACHER BRIEFS 

The SCA team consists of 45 girls, divided 

into three teams of 15 each. The senior 

varsity, varsity and junior varsity teams each 

competed in 23 different events covering 

biology, chemistry, physics, and earth 

sciences. The senior varsity team placed 

second in the overall competition, securing 

a spot for the 2010 Science Olympiad State 

Tournament. 

Junior named best attorney 

St. Cecilia Academy seniors, from left, Amelia Simms, Ann Quigley, Marissa Bulso, Claire Horrell, Abby Morrison, Sara Hornberger and Anna Kate Read, 

were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program and by the College Board for high scores on the PSAT and AP exams. 

Five seniors recognized by 

National Merit; four seniors 

AP Scholars 

Five St. Cecilia Academy students - 9 % of the 

senior class - have been recognized by the 

National Merit Scholarship Program for high 

scores on the PSAT. Seniors Marissa Bulso, 

Claire Horrell and Amelia Simms are National 

Merit semifinalists; seniors Sara Hornberger 

and Anna Kate Read are Commended 

Scholars. In addition, four SCA seniors were 

recognized by College Board for scoring high 

on multiple Advance Placement exams last 

spring. The seniors recognized as AP 

Scholars by College Board are: Marissa 

Bulso, Ann Quigley and Abby Morrison. All 

three students scored three or above out of a 

possible five points on the three AP exams 

each took as a junior. Senior Caitlin Heflin 

was recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors 

for scoring 3.25 or above out of a possible 

five points on the four AP exams she took as 

a junior. 

Conference lets girls 

experience the United Nations 

the St. Cecilia Academy team. Fifteen SCA 

girls represented five countries in the 

General Assembly, with another two serving 

on the Security Council. Three St. Cecilia 

students served in the press corps. 

Students invite guests 

to help give back 

The St. Cecilia Academy Student Ambassador 

Board hosted a sleepover this fall for more 

than 100 middle school students to give the 

younger girls a feel for life at the Academy. 

This included service work, which is at the 

heart of every girl’s SCA experience. When 

parents checked in their daughters for the 

overnight, ambassadors collected canned 

goods for a food drive. SCA junior Sara La 

Haie then delivered the collection to St. 

Henry Church to fill its closet for the 

Assumption North Nashville Outreach. 

After attending a performance of The Wizard 

of Oz in the SCA theater, the ambassadors 

taught the middle school girls to make no-sew 

baby blankets in the library. Together they 

created more than 75 baby blankets to donate 

to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Hope 

Clinic for Women, and Miriam’s Promise. 

Team receives honors, 

wins berth at state Science 

Olympiad 

With its largest team ever, St. Cecilia Academy 

finished the Science Olympiad regional 

tournament at Volunteer State Community 

College with an unprecedented 60 medals 

and a berth in the state competition at the 

University of Tennessee-Knoxville. In addition, 

three of the five outstanding seniors recognized 

at the tournament were SCA students. 

St Cecilia Academy’s 21-member Model UN 

team came home from the Middle Tennessee 

Model UN conference with several awards 

under its belt and a newfound global 

perspective. The four-person SCA team 

representing Poland in the General Assembly 

received the award for outstanding research. 

Cate Hargrove, a junior, was appointed Print 

Press Editor for the 2010 Model UN. Senior 

Sarah Brewer served as Model UN Vice 

President for 2009. Teachers Mrs. Deanna St. Cecilia Academy's 45-member strong Science Olympiad team with faculty sponsors, from left, 

Kendall and Mrs. Linda Braddock directed 

Sister Janet Mary, O.P., Becky Simon, Dan Smith and Sister Julia Marie, O.P. 

Ferlicia Ranellucci, a junior at St. Cecilia 

Academy, has been involved in Mock Trial 

for two years and served as an attorney both 

years. She won the Best Defense Attorney 

award this year at the regional mock trial 

competition, beating out 47 other students 

for the honor. Although teams are ranked 

at the end of the competition, only four 

individual awards are handed out each 

year - Best Plaintiff Attorney, Best Defense 

Attorney, Best Plaintiff Witness and Best 

Defense Witness. According to Mock Trial 

coach Teddie Clark, Ferlicia did such a good 

job that she attracted the attention of 

several of the judges, who offered her 

internship opportunities. 

Students collect for 

Haiti earthquake relief 

The St. Cecilia Academy freshman class 

completed a school-wide drive for Haitian 

relief efforts. Initiated and coordinated by 

the officers of the class, the school collected 

a van-load of supplies to ship to Haiti to help 

with disaster relief efforts. Among the items 

collected were 97 gallons of water, 28 tubes 

of antibiotic cream, 450 ounces of hydrogen 

peroxide, 44 boxes of pain relievers, 75 

blankets and 32 large boxes of band-aids. 

SCA artists win 

multiple awards 

St. Cecilia Academy seniors Kathryn Davis, 

Ann Quigley and Teresa Linehan won 

regional awards for their art works at the 

Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art 

Exhibition at the Renaissance Center, 

Dickson, Tenn. Kathryn received third place 

for overall 12th grade level, Ann won Best in 

Drawing, and Teresa received Best in Mixed 

Media. A total of 11 St. Cecilia art 

students were accepted into this prestigious 

show. This is the first year that St. Cecilia 

Standing with the van of supplies are SCA freshman class officers, from left to right, Maggie Mech, 

vice president; Mary Marshall Anderson, secretary; and Amy Bray, treasurer. 

Academy has participated in this event. In 

addition, Allison Goodwin won an award at the 

Me & Myself 9 regional art exhibit at Austin 

Peay State University. The students selected to 

be in the show were: Allison, Rachel Davis and 

Cate Hargrove. Finally, Yujin Yeon received a 

Silver Key Award at the Cheekwood Scholastic 

Art Competition, Middle Tennessee. Yujin’s 

work was titled Sepia and was entered in the 

area of drawing. 

SCA college councelor 

receives grant 

SCA College Counselor Diane Connolly 

received a grant from the Southern 

Association of College Admissions Counselors 

to attend its annual Summer Seminar June 

17-20 at Tulane University. During the 

seminar, professionals from both admissions 

and college counseling share ideas learned on 

the job and address various aspects of a 

college counselor’s responsibilities. Topics 

include ethics in college counseling, 

counseling models and calendar, the 

recommendation and school profile, programs 

for students and parents, financial aid, and 

students with special talents (arts and athletics). 

Also included are tours of five colleges in 

the New Orleans area. Funds from SACAC’s 

Counselor Participation Fund will fully cover 

the cost of the program, including airfare. 

Drama teacher inducted 

into THSSDL Hall of Fame 

St. Cecilia Academy’s long-time drama teacher 

Cathie Correia Stamps was inducted into the 

Tennessee High School Speech and Drama 

League Hall of Fame at Belmont University. 

The THSSDL Hall of Fame was created in an 

effort to reward outstanding teachers of the 

dramatic and forensic arts. Mrs. Stamps has 

taught drama, directed drama productions and 

led the forensics team at St. Cecilia Academy 

since 1988. In 2006, she was recognized for 

her creativity and success in the classroom as 

a Disney Teacher Award Nominee and as a 

Tennessee Association of Independent 

School’s Hubert Smothers education award 

winner. Then in 2007 St. Cecilia Academy’s 

production of Beauty and the Beast, under her 

direction, was named the best high school 

musical in Tennessee by USAWeekend. 

Art teacher selected to 

conduct session at the 

Tennessee Art Education 

Association Fall 2009 

Conference 

Barbara Airhart Gronefeld led fellow 

Tennessee art educators in a workshop to 

experiment, develop and explore painting 

skills influenced by the artist Jim Dine. 

Teachers attending were reintroduced to the 

pop art movement of the 1960’s. The super 

session focused on creating mixed media 

paintings using crayons, colored pencils, 

water color, India ink and oil pastels. 

St. Cecilia Academy Choir 

releases new CD 

The St. Cecilia Academy Choir has a new CD 

Musica Dei of music performed by the choir over 

the last two years. The CD’s are $15 and can be 

purchased in the front office at St. Cecilia 

Academy or from any member of the choir. • 



HARPSTRINGS 15

"What a buy!" 

— Sister Aloysius, O.P., said of the purchase of the Harding Road property 

cattle to graze on the property. 

Later, eight steer and two mules 

were added. In 1936, The 

Dominican Sisters opened 

Overbrook grade school and 

enrolled nine students. Classes 

were held in the White House. In 

1945, the Nashville, Chattanooga 

and St. Louis Railway bought 

eight acres of land from the 

Dominicans. It bordered the train 

track along the Harding property. 

The campus was reduced to 83 

acres, which is the size it remains 

today. 

St. Cecilia Academy students explore the construction site for the new school on Harding Road on March 

4, 1957. They are, from left, Gail Caudle, '60, Ibbie Clare Rye, '59, Carolyn Graham, '57, Rosemary 

Barrett, '57, Elizabeth Tripp, '57, and Elinor Martin, '58. 

this acreage for $72,000 from the Bosley 

estate. Their lasting monument to us is 

the “big white house,” originally built 

as their home and now used to house 

campus central office staff. It was 

Warner who named the estate 

“Overbrook,” alluding to the spring-fed 

stream still flowing across the property. 

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia 

Congregation bought the house and 92 

acres from Mr. Warner on June 23, 1923 

for $180,000. 

Initially, the sisters bought 10 head of 

It was not until 1956 that the St. 

Cecilia Congregation announced 

that St. Cecilia Academy would 

move to the campus on Harding 

Road and would become a day 

school. This meant that the girls 

could no longer live at the school 

as they had at the Motherhouse 

since the Sisters arrived in 

Nashville in 1860. 

The Academy moved to its new building 

on the Harding Road campus in 1957 

and remains in that spot today in the 

middle of the vibrant and bustling West 

Nashville-Belle Meade community. • 

Ground is broken on the new St. Cecilia Academy on Harding Road in 1956. Pictures, from left, is the Rev. Joseph Wesley, Mr. Luke Lea Jr., the Rev. Leo 

Seiner, Bishop William L. Adrian, D.D., the Rev. Robert Hofstetter and Mother Joan of Arc, O.P. 

St. Cecilia Academy’s campus has rich history in Nashville 

By Steve McCarthy 

Aquinas College History Professor 

The historical marker on Harding Road 

only gives passers-by a glimpse of the 

rich history of The Dominican Campus 

property that St. Cecilia Academy now 

calls home. 

In 1784 the land that is now The 

Dominican Campus was granted to Isaac 

Johnston by North Carolina for services 

rendered during the American 

Revolution. More than 220 years later, 

the land will be the centerpiece for the 

sesquicentennial celebration marking St. 

Cecilia Academy’s presence in Nashville. 

At the time Mr. Johnston walked on The 

Dominican Campus, Tennessee was part 

of the “Tar Heel” state, not gaining 

independent statehood until 1796. 

Charles Bosley purchased the land from 

Mr. Johnston in 1818 - and built a 

substantial residence where once log 

cabins had stood. Mr. Bosley bottled and 

sold mineral water from a spring on the 

property. A faint outline of the old road 

that led past the bottling house to the 

spring may still be seen to the left of the 

main campus road just past the bridge. 

Before both men occupied The 

Dominican Campus, the land was 

grasslands with deer drinking at its 

creeks and springs, as still occasionally 

happens today. 

During the Civil War there was action 

on and around the future campus. In 

the Battle of Nashville, Dec. 15, 1864, 

the left flank of the Confederate line was 

situated at Harding Road, then Richland 

Pike, and Bosley Springs Road which 

ran between St. Thomas Hospital and 

the Imperial House. Federal troops 

attacked and over ran the position. 

In December 1910 Joseph Warner and 

his wife Lillian Black Warner bought 

continued 

TH 

VISIT THE NEW 150 WEB PAGES 

SEE VIDEOS, 

SLIDESHOWS 

AND 

SCA HISTORY! 

VISIT www.stcecilia.edu/150 TODAY! 



HARPSTRINGS 17

“It shall be a jubilee for you, when every one of you shall return to his own 

property, every one to his own family estate …Ever present in your midst, 

I will be your God, and you will be my people.” 

— Leviticus 25:10 & 26:112 

The following dates have been confirmed for 

our celebrations this year. 

June 12, 2010 

Alumnae Luncheon & Fashion Show 

11 a.m. Mass, followed by lunch and fashion 

show of SCA uniforms throughout the 

decades as well as prom fashions and more 

from years gone by. 

Aug. 17, 2010 

150th Anniversary 

Founders’ Day Celebration 

10 a.m. on The Dominican Campus. This is a 

day to celebrate with local government and 

church officials as it marks the exact date 

150 years ago that the sisters arrived in 

Nashville. 

Sept. 26, 2010 


Heritage Day Community Event 

1:30 p.m. in the St. Cecilia Academy courtyard. 

This is a community-wide event where 

we will look back on life in the 1860s. 

SAVE THE DATE 

This year’s jubilee marking the 150th anniversary of St. Cecilia Academy’s founding 

should be a time to pause and experience the grace of God in our lives and in the time 

spent at the Academy. The calendar of events for this celebration was created with all 

SCA alumnae in mind. We hope you can join us for at least one event - and hopefully 

many more - to help us mark this historic milestone. 

Vendors, craftsmen, SCA students in period 

costumes and more will be on campus that 

day to celebrate with the SCA family. Bring 

your family and join us. 

Nov. 7, 2010 

Alumnae Memorial Mass 

10 a.m. St. Cecilia Motherhouse. All deceased 

SCA alumnae will be remembered at the Mass. 

Nov. 11-14, 2010 


St. Cecilia Historical Drama 

This is an original production being written 

and directed by Cathie Correia Stamps. 

Check www.stcecilia.edu for times and ticket 

info closer to the date. 

Nov. 24, 2010 Special presentation 

of Historical Drama for Alumnae 

7 p.m. St. Cecilia Academy Theater. This night 

the drama will be performed especially for 

alumnae with a reception before the show. 

Nov. 27, 2010 


St. Cecilia Alumnae Gala 

6:30 p.m. Schermerhorn Symphony Center. 

This is an alumnae-only event that will 

include cocktails, dinner and dancing. It is a 

time for alumnae to gather to celebrate the 

150th anniversary in style. 

Dec. 18, 2010 Homecoming 

and Hall of Fame unveiling 

This year’s homecoming event which begins 

at 3 p.m., will feature the unveiling of the St. 

Cecilia Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. See 

page 11 for more information on how to 

nominate someone for this honor. 

May 20, 2011 

150th St. Cecilia Academy Graduation 

6 p.m. St. Cecilia Academy Courtyard. 

This will be the 150th St. Cecilia Academy 

Commencement and it will draw upon the many 

graduation traditions of the past, including 

some from that very first graduation. 

June 11, 2011 Alumnae Luncheon 

10 a.m. Mass at the Motherhouse. Next 

year’s alumnae luncheon will begin with 

Mass at the Motherhouse followed by lunch 

at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. 

CLASS REUNIONS PLANNED 

FOR THIS JUNE 

Class of 1960 50th Reunion 

Friday, June 11, 6 p.m. at the White House 


Saturday, June 12, at Gretchen Hart’s home 


Saturday, June 12 


Plans in progress 


Friday, June 11, couples dinner at Denise Beaty’s home with 

a Girls Night Out on Saturday, June 12 


Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. at the White House with night 

event 7 p.m. at The Crow’s Nest on Bandywood Drive 


Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m. Brunch 

Weekend of July 23 


Saturday, June 12, 6 p.m. in Alumnae Hall 

Letter from the President 

of the Alumnae Association 

Dear fellow alumnae, 

As we draw closer to the beginning of our 150th 

anniversary celebration, I look forward with 

excitement to the road ahead and nostalgically back 

on our journey to this point. As I look back I recall my 

graduation, as well as my daughter's. Graduation is a 

milestone that moves us toward our future. Some of 

us approach this part of the journey with fear and 

hesitation; others race toward change and new 

opportunities. Whatever our pace we can all declare 

that we have been well-prepared for whatever road 

lies ahead of us by our time at St. Cecilia. We have 

learned to put God first, to make our best effort and to 

forge relationships with those around us. These are the 

truths that accompanied us as we left SCA, and are 

with us when we return to our alma mater. 

We hope to see you at all our alumnae events this very 

special year. The traditional alumnae luncheon will 

include a nostalgic look back. There will be many 

commemorative events and recognitions beginning 

in April. Many of our sister alumnae have worked 

tirelessly and generously for this special celebration. 

We invite you to return to your beginnings and join us 

in the festivities. Come back, remember and enjoy. I 

ask you to join me in thanking the sisters for their 

dedication to their faith, to their vocations and to us 

for 150 years. I look forward to seeing you and 

celebrating with you. • 

Sincerely, 

Allison Burns Sheehan ’79 

President 

St. Cecilia Alumnae Association 

The Class of 1980 

has one word for you... 

The St. Cecilia Academy original cast of the 1980 

production of Grease will gather June 11-13, 2010, for a reunion. 

For more information, contact Denise Donnelly Beaty at 

dcdbeaty@comcast.net or 615-352-9866. Watch for invitations 

coming soon. If you were a member of the cast, remember … 

You’re the one that I want, Oh, oh, oh, … 

Members of the Class of 1980 pose for a cast shot for Grease, which they 

performed that year. The cast is having a Grease reunion in June. 

St. Cecilia Academy alumnae from as far back as the Class of 1952 attended this year's Homecoming basketball game and reception during the holidays. 

WEB EXTRA | Join us on Facebook! St. Cecilia Academy Alumnae Association now has an official Facebook page. Check it out soon. 



HARPSTRINGS 19

SAVE THE DATE 

ALUMNA PROFILE 

The Gala Girls solidify friendships as they plan a party 

When St. Cecilia Academy Principal 

Sister Mary Thomas, O.P., and 

Sesquicentennial Celebration Director 

Michelle Barber thought about 

committee chairs for the 150th gala 

event, several alumnae came to mind. 

They decided it might not be a job for 

one single person and even a 

double-chair team might not suffice. 

Enter the “Gala Girls,” the triple 

co-chair team of the alumnae gala event: 

Denise Donnelly Beaty, ’80, Mary Ruth 

Peffen Geny, ’77, and Claudia Volz 

Kornmeyer, ’71. 

150th Celebration Alumnae Gala 

Saturday, November 27, 2010 • Schermerhorn Symphony Center 

To celebrate St. Cecilia Academy’s 150th anniversary with 

elegance, the St. Cecilia Academy alumnae have planned 

a gala dinner and dance at Nashville’s Schermerhorn 

Symphony Center. Mark your calendars now and watch 

for the invitations in the mail this fall. Seating is limited, 

so be sure to respond quickly to this once-in-a-lifetime 

celebration for alumnae. 

The date of the event closely coincides with St. Cecilia Day 

and was planned at a time when many out-of-town 

alumnae may be in town for the holidays. 

“This date which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving will 

give our out-of-state alumnae the opportunity to come 

back to Nashville and be part of this wonderful event,” 

said Claudia Volz Kornmeyer, ’71, one of the three alumnae 

planning the event. The gala evening will include a cocktail 

reception for mingling with the sisters and each other, 

a seated dinner in the concert hall, and dancing to the 

music of the Pat Patrick Orchestra. 

There are many surprises planned for this special evening. 

Dress will be cocktail attire. It will be a celebration 

alumnae won’t want to miss! 

All three alumnae have stayed active 

as volunteers for St. Cecilia Academy 

while their daughters attended school 

and have continued to support the 

campus in various ways since then. 

They became the “Gala Girls” about six 

months ago as they began planning this 

special event with Michelle Barber. 

Denise Donnelly Beaty went on to 

Western Kentucky University after SCA 

where she graduated with a bachelor of 

science in Comprehensive Business. 

Denise worked in the mortgage business 

after college as a loan originator. She has 

been married to Alan Beaty for 25 years. 

Her daughter Erin, 21, graduated from 

SCA in 2008 and is now a sophomore at 

UT Knoxville. Her son John, 17, is a 

junior at Father Ryan. And her youngest, 

Luke, 9, is a third-grader at St. Henry. 

“I knew Mary Ruth. We were neighbors 

when we were growing up, and she was 

a senior when I was a freshman at St. 

Cecilia,” said Denise, who has chaired 

SCA events in the past. “I only met 

Claudia when we formed the Gala Girls.” 

The Schermerhorn’s main hall will be transformed into a dining room for the Gala. 

Claudia Volz Kornmeyer attended 

Memphis State University after she 

graduated from SCA. She majored in 

education and accounting. She worked 

in accounting until her daughter, 

Meghan Traughber, was born in 1979. 

Widowed when Meghan was 2 years 

old, Claudia went back to work, this 

time for The Nashville Network at 

Opryland as accounting manager and 

contract administrator. 

Gala girls, from left, Claudia Volz Kornmeyer, 

'71, Denise Donnelly Beaty, '80, and Mary Ruth 

Peffen Geny, '77, are planning the 150th 

Celebration Alumnae Gala together. 

College.” 

St. Cecilia. Michael attended Aquinas Meghan, ’98, and Cathy, ’99, attended Ethan, who just turned 2 years old. Both Cathy gave us the gift of a grandson, our 22nd anniversary earlier this year. ‘meshed’ the children and just celebrated daughter Cathy, and together we said. “Carl has a son Michael and a husband Carl Kornmeyer,” Claudia “It was there I met and married my 

as Gala Girls!” 

have grown up and found a new niche 

is only natural that three St. Cecilia girls 

fun working on this special event. So it 

Claudia said. “We are having so much 

years that our daughters attended,” 

in volunteering at St. Cecilia over the 

Cecilia as alums and have stayed active 

well because we share our love for St. 

SCA alumnae have ever seen.” 

on the way to the greatest celebration 

and my organizational skills, we are well enthusiasm and Nashville connections, planning large events, Mary Ruth’s underway, with Claudia’s experience continued. “Now that the planning is is for a school to be 150 years old,” she 

gala because I realized how significant it 

“I wanted to work on the 150th alumnae 

“I think the three of us work together 

Mary Ruth Geny for a long time.” SCA days,” Claudia said. “I have known two sisters, Kay and Lolo, during my began the gala planning but knew her “I did not know Denise Beaty before we University of Tennessee and in 1983 

married Henry Geny. They have three 

children, two of whom have graduated 

from SCA as well. Jennifer Geny graduated 

in 2005 and went on to graduate from 

continued on page 23 

Mary Ruth Geny graduated from the 



HARPSTRINGS 21

CLASS NOTES 

SCA alumna is a role model in the Nashville professional world 

Nicole Floyd 

Nicole Floyd, ’03, an assistant account 

executive at McNeely Pigott & Fox 

Public Relations, was recently named 

an honoree in the Cystic Fibrosis 

Foundation’s Top 30 Under 30. 

Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 honors 

Nashville’s young professionals and 

philanthropists and raises money for 

the Nashville chapter of the Cystic 

Fibrosis Foundation. Nicole and the 

other 29 honorees were nominated 

by friends, family, co-workers and 

community members for their efforts to make a difference 

in the local community. 

“I can’t think of a better young woman to represent MP&F and 

Nashville as a whole,” said MP&F senior partner Mark 

McNeely. “Nicole is a talented member of our team who 

understands the importance of giving back to the community.” 

Nicole joined MP&F in 2007 after graduating magna cum 

laude from Vanderbilt University with a dual bachelor’s 

degree in communication studies and sociology. She attended 

Vanderbilt on the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which recognizes 

Mary Ellen Brown Schenk, ’60, 

welcomed a new granddaughter, Margaret 

Elizabeth “Maggie,” recently. Maggie joins 

her 3-year-old twin brothers, Jack and Oliver. 

Ana Escobar, ’84, was appointed the first 

Latina female to a court panel that 

nominates judicial candidates to the 

governor. Ana is a local attorney with 

Escobar Law Group in Nashville. 

Beth Hailey Walker, ’86, has joined the 

SCA office staff as the receptionist from 

8 a.m.-12 p.m. She has worked on the 

campus previously as business office 

assistant at the White House. Beth is a 

graduate of Western Kentucky University, 

earning degrees in public relations and 

sociology. She has been married to her Cameron Elizabeth Uchida 

husband for 15 years and has two 

Debbie Hay Uchida, ’90, welcomed a 

children. Her daughter Madison is in 

baby girl born on Nov. 3, 2009. Cameron 

the fifth grade at St. Henry’s and her 

Elizabeth weighed 6 lb. 4 oz. She is 

son Joseph is a fourth-grader at Grassland 

Debbie’s second child. 

Elementary. 

Meg Hailey Neeley, ’83, is the new 

purchasing manager at Overbrook School. 

She began working at OS in November. 

She has been married to Tim Neeley for 

20 years and has a son, Jake, who is a 

sophomore at Father Ryan and a 

daughter, Emily, who is a seventh-grader 

at St. Henry School. 

Catherine Stuart Vrettos, ’98, was the 

recipient of the 2009 Harding Academy 

Distinguished Alumni Award. The award 

a commitment to diversity, leadership, citizenship and 

scholarship. She also served on the editorial board of 

Vanderbilt’s award-winning student newspaper, The Hustler, 

and conducted independent research concerning the work of 

minority reporters in television newsrooms in conjunction 

with an internship with WTVF-TV in Nashville. 

Growing up as the granddaughter of former Tennessee State 

University president and Tennessee Board of Regents 

chancellor, Otis Floyd Jr., she realized early on the value of 

education and the importance of helping others. Nicole can 

often be found mentoring students regarding educational 

opportunities and career choices. She has also done pro bono 

work for nonprofits including The Refuge Center for 

Counseling, Rooftop, Nashville Opportunities Industrialization 

Center, and the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. 

Floyd’s experience at MP&F includes media relations, event 

planning, advertising campaigns, grassroots marketing and 

news writing for multiple clients. 

“Being considered one of the top professionals under 30 in 

Nashville is a tremendous honor,” said Nicole. “I’m happy 

to live in a city where so many young professionals are 

motivated to work for positive change.” • 

recognized her as a scholar who 

graduated from Duke in three years and 

won a writing scholarship at Georgetown, 

where she earned the first of her two 

graduate degrees. She is an athlete whose 

achievements include being state ranked 

by the United States Tennis Association 

and winning the Harpeth Valley Athletic 

Conference doubles championship. She 

is a good citizen, who volunteers for 

Second Harvest Junioe League and at 

local shelters, among others, and who 

considers Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to 

be “an ongoing life commitment.” 

Catherine currently teaches at Harding 

Academy. 

Katie Wells, ’00, who is a National 

Veterans Outreach Coordinator, taught a 

Russian film class for the SCA Interim 

program in January 2010. She is currently 

studying bioethics at Aquinas. 

Sarah Tuke, ’01, recently accepted a new 

job as a political researcher at the Embassy 

of Japan after two and a half years working 

in U.S. Congressman Bart Gordon’s office. 

She lives in Washington, D.C. 

Lauren Parker, Alex Economos and 

Wallis Williams, all of Class of 2004, 

met up in Korea recently for a mini SCA 

reunion. Lauren is teaching English in 

Itako, Japan. Both Wallis and Alex are 

teaching in Seoul, Korea. 

(pictured at right) Sarah Elizabeth 

Nunan, ’03, married Robert Edward 

Marvel III on July 18, 2009, at St. Pius X 

Church in Loudonville, NY. They met while 

at Union College. The couple currently 

resides in Williamsburg, Mass. Sarah is 

completing her master’s degree at Smith 

College. SCA graduate Leigh Anderson 

was maid-of-honor and Greta Clinton-Selin 

and Catie Clinton-Selin attended the 

wedding. 

Heather Yopp Honeycutt, ’02, joined the 

St. Cecilia Academy staff as director of 

student activities this past summer. She 

previously worked at Vanderbilt University 

after graduating from the University of 

Georgia with a master’s in education. She 

received her undergraduate degree from 

Davidson College. She is in charge of such 

activities as Spirit Week, Student Council, 

Interim and more. She is married to 

Graham Honeycutt, who is SCA’s golf 

coach. 

Mary Brette Clippard, ’05, graduated 

Cum Laude from the University of 

CLASS NOTES 

"We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the 

reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way." 

— anonymous 

Wallis Williams, Alex Economos and Lauren 

Parker, all of Class of 2004 

Gala Girls 

continued from page 21 

the University of Mississippi. Elizabeth 

Geny graduated in 2008 and is now a 

sophomore at the University of 

Mississippi. Charlie Geny is a junior at 

Ensworth High School. “I knew both 

Claudia and Denise before SCA and 

after. We have stayed in touch all these 

years. Denise has a child who was in 

Sarah Elizabeth Nunan, '03, and her husband 

Robert Edward Marvel III at their wedding. 

Elizabeth’s class and Meghan, Claudia’s 

daughter, was my children’s life-long 

babysitter,” Mary Ruth said. 

When planning the event, the right venue 

was a most important aspect to consider. 

“We wanted to choose a venue that 

reflected the right atmosphere in 

celebration of all of our alumnae,” said 

Mary Ruth. “We want it to be an elegant 

Mississippi in May 2009 with a B.B.A. 

Immediately following graduation, she 

was admitted (one of 40 students 

accepted) into the masters of business 

administration program. 

Ellen Stevens, ’03, was juried into the 

Tinney Contemporary Art Gallery in 

Nashville. Her work was selected by 

Andee Rudloff, curator of the Frist 

Museum for the Visual Arts. 

Class of 2006 members Elizabeth 

Baker, Mary Katherine Batson, 

Alexandra Brandon, Austin DeMoss, 

Mary Hancock, Miller Hunt, Marissa 

Mencio, Ginny Page, and Jennifer Todd 

were presented at Bal D’Hiver, the ball put 

on by The Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae of 

Nashville to benefit CASA Family and 

Children’s Service and the Kappa Alpha 

Theta Foundation. 

Class of 2001 alumnae Victoria Richards, Jill 

Bader, David Vaughn, Jordan Moore Vaughn, 

Mary Siefker, Lindsey Conlin, and Tara Neuhoff 

Walsh attended the wedding of Jordan Moore 

recently. 

and fun evening.” 

Keeping St. Cecilia, patron saint of 

music, in mind, the Gala Girls set their 

sights on the Schermerhorn Symphony 

Center. Denise added “Some of us have 

not yet had the opportunity to attend an 

event at the Schermerhorn so it was 

exciting to consider this magnificent 

venue for our gala celebration.” • 



HARPSTRINGS 23

ALUMNAE HIGHLIGHTS 

MEMORIALS 

SCA’s oldest living alumna turns 100 

Lucile Maddux, ’28, is the oldest living SCA alumna. She 

was recently interviewed by her niece, Allison Balthrop, ’69. 

Here is what Allison discovered about her aunt: 

“She remembers her uniform being a blue skirt and cream 

colored blouse and oxford shoes. She rode a street car to 

school which, of course, was the Motherhouse located at what 

was then known as 8th and Clay. She remembers the May 

Procession being a ‘big event’ and all the girls wore white 

dresses. She also recalls music being an important part of her 

experience at SCA. She was not allowed to play sports in fear 

that she might hurt her fingers which could prohibit her from 

playing the violin. She believes that she got a great education. 

After graduating from the Academy, she went to Vanderbilt 

University for a year and then transferred to Peabody College 

where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She 

was a teacher and principal in Metro Davidson County 

Schools for 33 years and then taught at Ensworth for another 

10 years. She celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 9, 2009. 

Several classmates from SCA became her lifelong friends.” 

Sister Catherine Marie, O.P., executive director of The 

At St. Cecilia 

Academy’s 75th 

anniversary 

commencement 

in 1935 a new 

award was 

handed out to 

recognize the 

girl who 

embodied the 

spirit of the 

Academy, the 

“Ideal St. Cecilia Girl” designation. The 

first recipient of that award was Helen 

Werrbach, ’35. 

“I don’t know how (the award) was 

decided,” Ms. Werrbach said. She then 

added humbly, “But it wasn’t a big deal.” 

The awarding of the title of 

“St. Cecilia Girl” has since become the 

highest honor a senior receives each year. 

Ms. Werrbach attended St. Cecilia 

Academy during the 1930’s but did not 

board at the school. She lived with her 

family in East Nashville, where she 

and her siblings attended Holy Name 

elementary school. When she was at St. 

Cecilia, Ms. Werrbach said she used to 

take the Nashville street car near where 

the Farmer’s Market is now. She also 

remembers the uniform she wore: a 

boy’s shirt and a pleated blue skirt 

with, of course, saddle oxfords. During 

that time, Ms. Werrbach said juniors 

participated in the graduation ceremony 

by standing in the aisles as the 

graduates came in. She believes that 

ceremony has evolved into what is now 

the Candle Ceremony that takes place 

after Baccalaureate Mass each year. Her 

Dominican Campus went to visit Lucile before her 100th 

birthday. Lucile recognized Sister’s habit immediately and 

said, “Oh, St. Cecilia Academy!!” Lucile then received visits 

from Sister Mary Christopher, O.P., who is working on a 

coffee-table book about the history of SCA, and Peggy Hunt. 

Both are SCA alumnae as well. • 

The first St. Cecilia Girl reflects on her SCA years 

Helen Werrbach 

Sister Mary Christopher Weiland, O.P., '79, visits Lucile Maddux, '28, 

earlier this year in honor of her 100th birthday. 

sister Sue Ann Werrbach Peffen, ’51, also 

attended SCA. After graduation in 

1935, Ms. Werrbach attended business 

school and then secured a job working 

for the state treasury department. She 

worked there for 40 years. Now retired, 

she lives in the Cloister at St. Henry 

and is a faithful member of the parish. 

“In my class at St. Cecilia there were 

14 girls,” she recalls. “It was a great 

place to be. I remember Sister Dominica 

was a wonderful teacher. And Sr. Mary 

Agnes was a great teacher; everybody 

loved her. It was just fun and we had a 

good time together.” 

Ms. Werrbach said she can still 

remember the sound of the sisters 

walking down the hall, their rosary 

beads clinking softly. • 

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no 

evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me.” 

— Psalm 23 

The following SCA alumnae and 

immediate family members passed 

away recently. Please keep them in 

your prayers. 

ALUMNAE 

Sister Angela Neuhoff, D.C., ’40 

Juanita Dozier Boguskie, ’44 

Ann Bradley Lockhart, ’54, sister of 

Mary Catherine Bradley Hannon, ’48 

Bettie Jean Tripp, ’57 

Mary Patricia “Pat” Martin, ’63, sister of 

Elinor Martin, ’58, Mary Martin Herman, 

’60 and Katharine Martin Hogan, ’62 

Elizabeth Stuckey Greathouse, ’70 

FAMILY OF ALUMNAE 

’30s-’40s 

William Woodrow Harris, husband of 

Lillian Otto Harris, ’39 (deceased) 

William E. Hoffman Jr., son of Pattie 

Mulvihill Hoffman, ’47, and brother of 

Margaret Hoffman Skene, ’67 

James “Nick” Lynch, son of Marguerite 

Deaderick Lynch (deceased), ’30 

Frances B. Maines, mother of Lisa 

Maines Carter, ’79, and sister of Alberta 

Badacour Perry, ’37 

Francis J. Steiner Jr., husband of Mary 

Frances Kincaid Steiner, ’48 

’50s-’60s 

Cornelius Anthony “Tony” Peffen, 

husband of Sue Ann Werrbach Peffen, 

’51, and brother of Delores Peffen 

Wilson (deceased), ’40, Mary Jo Peffen 

Schmitt (deceased), ’54, and Frances 

Peffin Austin, ’57 

Sykes Barbour Hewitt DeWitt, mother of 

Betsy Neas Jackson, ’62, and Cary 

DeWitt Allyn, ’71 

Dr. Charles H. Smart Jr., brother of 

Joann Smart Satterfield, ’58 

Alfred N. Arnold Sr., husband of Mary 

Thomas Johnson Arnold, ’58 

John Edward “Jack” Gorham, father of 

Peggy Gorham Krozely, ’65 

Charles D. “Buddy” Willis Sr., husband 

of Anne Watson Willis (deceased), ’50 

Matthew Paul Bateman, brother of 

Frances Bateman Baird, ’69, and Mary 

Patricia (Trisha) Bateman Fultz, ’70 

Mildred L. Wherry, mother of Mary 

Wherry Hopkins, ’67, and Alyce Wherry, 

’68 

’70s-’80s 

Fred G. Bilyeu, father of Vicki Bilyeu,’75, 

Terri Bilyeu Nelson, ’76, Karen Bilyeu 

Pratt, ’78 (deceased), and Beth Bilyeu, 

’81 

Victor T. Forte Jr., father of Helen Forte 

Smith, ’72 

John C. “Jack” Fox, father of Kathy Fox 

Whitney, ’82, Ann Fox Cannon, ’84, 

Joan Fox, ’86, Elizabeth Fox, ’92, and 

grandfather of Anna Whitney, current 

freshman 

Morris H. Brogdon, father of Mary 

Brogdon Oxley, ’83, and brother-in-law 

of Bitsy Higgins Thompson, ’48, and 

Geddy Crawford Higgins, ’56 

Leo Deadrick Wege, father of Bette 

Wege Baker, ’71 

George P. McGinn Sr., father of Lena 

McGinn Doyle, ’76, and grandfather of 

Mary Elizabeth McGinn, ’03, and Libby 

McGinn, ’06 

Thomas N. Plaster, father of Mary Joan 

Plaster, ’72 

Adam Nall Long, brother of Christie 

Long Standley, ’96 

’90s-’00s 

Paul Beavin Jr., brother of Susan Beavin, 

’08 

Ignazio Biondo, grandfather of Angela 

Meeker, ’00 

Albert W. Johnson, grandfather of 

Briana Johnson, ’04 

Freda Watts Dunne, grandmother of Ivie 

Murphy, ’04 

Rosemary W. Kane, grandmother of 

Mary Ladd Kane, ’01, and, Stuart Kane, 

’05 

Virginia R. Morton, grandmother of 

Elizabeth Hance Miller, ’01, and Anna 

Hance, ’03 

Theophilus I. Pitts, grandfather of 

Caroline Rainey Edwards, ’04 

Edward A. Tagliaferri, grandfather of 

Alex Poe, current freshman 

FRIENDS OF ST. CECILIA 

ACADEMY 

Rev. Paul W. St. Charles 

*(Memorials printed here were as of March 1, 2010.) 



HARPSTRINGS 25

DEVELOPMENT 

Celebrating Reunions at SCA 

By Debbie Lassiter 

Director of Development 

As you read this magazine, we hope 

you are feeling a sense of gratitude 

for our rich tradition and history, the 

accomplishments of our current 

students, the initiatives of our faculty, 

and our hopes for the future. This June, 

and again in June 2011, SCA alumnae 

will be celebrating special reunions 

during a historic time in the history of 

St. Cecilia Academy. 

So many of you have come back and 

said reunions provide an excellent 

opportunity to come together with 

classmates and friends and receive 

updates on SCA. During this 150th year, 

we have even more things to celebrate 

and share with you. With all of these 

150th events, we hope to better engage 

our alumnae, and in particular those of 

you with special year reunions. 

We are excited about building upon 

the momentum of last year with the 

Reunion Weekend and the class 

participation levels for the annual fund. 

The Class of 1974 had the highest level 

participation in the annual fund with 

78% of their class participating. We 

celebrated their success with a 

dinner party held at the White House. 

Giving back to SCA by participating in 

the annual fund can make dreams come 

true for young girls. Charitable giving 

is a time-honored tradition for SCA 

alumnae who place a high value on 

their SCA experience. Your participation 

is important and makes a strong 

statement that you believe in and are 

truly grateful for the foundation gained 

at St. Cecilia Academy. 

Take action and join your fellow 

classmates with an annual fund gift in 

Members of the Class of 1974 enjoy dinner at the White House along with Sister Mary Justin, O.P., 

for having the highest participation in the 2008-09 school year. 

honor of your reunion. Together as a 

class, you can make a significant impact 

in the success of this year’s campaign. More 

than ever before, we need the financial 

support of our alumnae. Current parents 

are making great sacrifices in order for 

their daughters to attend SCA. Forty-two 

percent of the school’s families could not 

send their daughters at all without the 

tuition assistance that the school provides. 

Your gifts can go directly to help these 

young women achieve their potential. 

Some classes are setting a goal to raise a 

certain amount this year, while others 

are just aiming for 100% participation. 

Every gift matters regardless of the 

amount. Last year, we had 50% greater 

alumnae participation overall with 

nearly 100 first-time gifts. If you made 

a gift last year, consider increasing it. 

If you haven’t made a gift recently, 

please know that we value your 

partnership and that your participation 

is critical to our success. Let’s break 

all the records again this year as we 

begin to celebrate our 150th 

anniversary. • 

To make an impact and make your gift today, go online anytime to www.stcecilia.edu or send a gift in the reply envelope enclosed in this 

magazine. If you have any questions, please call Debbie Lassiter at 615-383-3230, ext. 524. If you would like to learn more about Planned 

Giving, please e-mail lassiterd@dominicancampus.org. 

20 

number of living Dominican 

sisters who are SCA alumnae 

SIXTY 

number of medals 

SCA students won 

at Science Olympiad 

97 gallons 

of water collected for 

relief efforts in Haiti 

NINETEEN 

the number of SCA 

alumnae who currently 

work on The Dominican 

Campus 

360 

maximum seating in the 

Schermerhorn Symphony 

Center Ballroom for the 

150th Alumnae Gala 

85 students 

participated in the 

March for Life in 

Washington, D.C. 

20% 

of the student body is 

on the science team 

the amount the Dominican 

sisters paid to purchase the 

92-acre property now known 

$180,000as The Dominican Campus 

247 

2,340number 

of living St. Cecilia 

Academy alumnae 

number of alumnae who 

attended the alumnae 

luncheon last June 

266 students 

currently attending 

SCA 

ten 

number of reunions 

planned for this 

summer 



HARPSTRINGS 27

Registration online at www.stcecilia.edu 

Overbrook 

School Where children grow in grace and knowledge 

Overbrook School is a pre-k through eighth grade co-ed, 

private Catholic school owned and operated by the 

Dominican Sisters since 1936. Overbrook is committed 

to providing an atmosphere in which children can grow to 

their fullest potential: spiritually, intellectually, culturally, 

physically and socially. Students at all levels study religion, 

art, foreign language, music, computer and physical 

education in addition to the advanced core curriculum. 

2010 

athletics 

fine arts 

academic camps 

for 

GIRLS 

GRADES 1-8 

This summer Camp St. Cecilia will offer a wide variety of camps for girls rising into grades 1-8. We 

have added cooking, science, “U Go Girl,” day trips, water days, middle school writing, and Artsy Divas 

camp programs for young elementary-aged girls up through middle school girls. In addition, we 

continue to offer art and athletic programs run by the outstanding faculty and staff at St. Cecilia 

Academy and Overbrook School. Registration for all camps as well as more information is available 

at www.stcecilia.edu. 

4210 Harding Road Nashville TN 37205 www.overbrook.edu 615.292.5134 

Call for a tour, to arrange a visit day for your child or more information. 

Aquinas College welcomes 

Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N. 

Brother Ignatius is the new dean of nursing at Aquinas 

College. An internationally acclaimed nurse educator, 

Brother Ignatius currently serves as director of 

administration for the Dominican Friars in the Eastern 

Province in the United States, as well as project director 

and coordinator of health care ethics programs of the 

Dominican Friars Health Care Ministry of New York. 

Some highlights of his exceptional professional career 

include: 

professor and chair of the School of Nursing and 

dean of the College of Health and Natural Sciences 

of Spalding University in Louisville, Ky.; 

executive vice president and staff ethicist of the 

National Catholic Bioethics Center in Boston; 

and chair of the Department of Nursing at the 

College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

4210 Harding Road | Nashville, Tennessee 37205 | Phone: (615) 297-7545 | www.aquinascollege.edu 



HARPSTRINGS 29

EVENTS 

St. Cecilia Academy’s Annual 

Songwriter’s Night and Auction 

The Dominican Sisters of the 

Congregation of Saint Cecilia 

request the honor of your presence at a 

Mass of Thanksgiving in celebration of the 

One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary 

of their founding 

on Friday, the twenty-fifth of June 2010 

at three o’clock in the afternoon 

immediately followed by a reception 

on the South Lawn 

SAINT CECILIA MOTHERHOUSE 

801 DOMINICAN DRIVE, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 

St. Cecilia Academy’s annual songwriter’s night and auction hit a 

high note with its beach theme, the outstanding performances by 

Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, Gary Nicholson, Colin Linden and Kenny 

Vaughan and the amount of money raised for the Academy. 

The sold-out evening raised $68,000. This money will be used 

for media-center and library renovations needed due to 

increased enrollment and demand for computers to use at SCA. 

The renovations include adding a new computer workroom to the 

library. 

“It was a blessing to be able to tap into the wonderful talent 

Nashville is known for in order to draw a great crowd to the event. 

One of our parents, Carmella Ramsey, a talented musician in her 

own right, helped us secure this year’s entertainment, which was the 

highlight of the evening,” said event Co-chair Carol Fike. “It really 

was a wonderful night for those in attendance and for the Academy.” 

SCA parents, from 

left, Aggie Read, 

Stephen and 

Patricia Brink 

enjoy the evening. 

Gary Nicholson, Pam Tillis and Marty Stuart perform at SCA. 

Upcoming Calendar of Events 

Intrasquad April 8, 5:30 p.m. 

Lacrosse Game 

SCA Forensics Evening April 12, 7:30 p.m. 

Dance Ensemble April 23, 7:30 p.m. 

Performance 

150th Anniversary April 30, 11 a.m. 

May Crowning 

SCA Arts Parts April 30, 7 p.m. 

149th Graduation May 21, 6 p.m. 

Alumnae Mass June 12, 11 a.m. 

& Luncheon 

150th Anniversary Aug. 17, 10 a.m. 

Founders Day 

150th Anniversary Sept. 26, 1:30 p.m. 

Heritage Day 

The pleasure of your company 

is requested at the Jubilee Dinner 

in celebration of the Congregation’s 


Friday, the twenty-fifth of June 2010 

Reception at six o’clock in the evening 

Dinner at eight o’clock in the evening 

SHERATON MUSIC CITY HOTEL 

77 MCGAVOCK PIKE, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 

You are cordially invited to a 

special performance by the 

Nashville Symphony 

Saturday, the twenty-sixth of June 2010 

seven o’clock in the evening 

on the South Lawn 

Saint Cecilia Motherhouse 



NAME: __________________________________________________________ 

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________ 

PHONE: ______________________ EMAIL: ______________________________ 

ST. CECILIA CLASS OF: ___________________ 

150th Jubilee Mass 

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 3:00PM 

I/WE WILL ATTEND. _____ NUMBER ATTENDING 

PLEASE PRINT NAMES OF THOSE ATTENDING: _______________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

Please plan to be seated for Mass by 2:45 p.m. 

Nashville Symphony Concert 

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2010 7:00PM 

I/WE WILL ATTEND. _____ NUMBER ATTENDING 

PLEASE PRINT NAMES OF THOSE ATTENDING: _______________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

THE FAVOR OF YOUR REPLY IS REQUESTED BY NO LATER THAN JUNE 4, 2010. 

Please cut-out response card, complete information and mail to: 

150th Jubilee, St. Cecilia Congregation, 

801 Dominican Drive Nashville, TN 37228 

150th Jubilee Dinner 

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 20108:00PM 

NAME: __________________________________________________________ 

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________ 

PHONE: ______________________ EMAIL: ______________________________ 

ST. CECILIA CLASS OF: ___________________ 

INDIVIDUAL DINNER TICKETS; $115 PER PERSON X____= $_________ 

COUPLE DINNER TICKETS; $200 PER COUPLE X ____= $_________ 

TABLE DINNER TICKETS; $1,000 PER TABLE (10) X____= $_________ 

The deductible portion of your contribution for federal income tax purposes is 

limited to the excess of your contribution over the value of goods and services 

the St. Cecilia Congregation provided to you. Please note: ($115) Single Ticket 

-- donation amount is $30; ($200) Couples’ Tickets -- donation amount is $30; 

($1,000) Table of 10 --donation amount is $150. 

I WOULD LIKE TO PAY BY: 

_____ CHECK (PAYABLE TO ST. CECILIA CONGREGATION) 

_____ CREDIT CARD 

CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION 

VISA MASTERCARD AMEX DISCOVER 

ACCOUNT #:____________________________________ EXP. DATE:____________ 

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD:__________________________________________ 

TOTAL OF AUTHORIZED PAYMENT: $______________________________________ 

SIGNATURE:__________________________________________________________ 

PLEASE LIST THE NAMES AS THEY SHOULD APPEAR ON NAME TAGS FOR THOSE 

PERSONS FOR WHOM YOU ARE PURCHASING TICKETS: 

1._______________________________ 6._______________________________ 

2._______________________________ 7._______________________________ 

3._______________________________ 8._______________________________ 

4._______________________________ 9._______________________________ 

5._______________________________ 10.______________________________ 

PLEASE NOTE SEATING IS LIMITED AT THIS EVENT AND RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN 

ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. THE FAVOR OF YOUR REPLY IS REQUESTED BY 

NO LATER THAN JUNE 4, 2010. 

Please refer to the website for important parking information: 

www.nashvilledominican.org/News/Latest_News 

HARPSTRINGS 31

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