Magnificat Magazine–Summer 2013 - Magnificat High School

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MAGNIFICAT 

Magazine 

a publication of Magnificat High School 

« 

summer 2013 

SAYING GOODBYE TO 

SISTER CAROL ANNE SMITH 

PAGE 3

CONTENTS 

3 An Interview with Sister Carol Anne 

9 Advancement News 

11 School News 

14 Alumnae 

17 Class Notes 

19 In Memoriam 

Dear Magnificat Community, 

A Message from 

Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M. 

So many vivid images crowd my mind and heart as I write this last message to 

you. Your faces, stories, sacrifices, achievements and generosity are present to me 

as I attempt to find the words to express both my gratitude and my hopes for you 

and your families. 

God who is mighty has done great things for me…and for us… 

Board of Directors 

2012-2013 

Mr. P. Kelly Tompkins, Chairperson 

Mr. John Bello 

Mrs. Kathleen A. Ferry 

Mr. Daniel Filippi 

Dr. William W. Francis 

The Honorable Patricia A. Gaughan ’71 

Mr. Ralph P. Higgins, Jr. 

Ambassador Heather M. Hodges ’64 

Ms. Teri A. Coury Ingleright ’80 

Ms. Rose Marie Gates Jenne ’68 

Sister Rose Marie Kramer, H.M. 

Mr. Gary Miller 

Mrs. Ann Mathews O’Malley ’81 

Mr. Thomas J. Onusko 

Mr. Thomas A. Richlovsky 

Mrs. Margaret Jeffers Rowe ’87 

Sister Susan Schorsten, H.M. 

Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M. 

Mrs. Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81 

Sister Annette Solma, H.M. ’69 

Mrs. Darlene Thomas 

Mr. Robert Troop 

Mrs. Karen Wysocki Yacobucci ’83 

This is a publication of the Offices of Marketing and 

Advancement. Please call (440) 331-1572 or email 

kuthe@magnificaths.org with questions or comments. 

School Photographer: Woodard Photographic 

Design: Academy Graphic Communication, Inc. 

2 Magnificat Magazine 

I thank God for abundant 

blessings and the guidance of 

the Holy Spirit through these 

years. I thank each of you-- 

parents, students, alumnae, 

faculty, staff, benefactors and 

friends--for your commitment 

to our Mission. How simple 

these words, “commitment 

to Mission,” and yet how 

powerful the consequences of 

actually living these words and 

providing for young women 

the highest quality Catholic 

education in an environment 

that nurtures, challenges, forms 

and encourages. 

I thank our Board of Directors, in particular Chairpersons Jeff Leitch and Kelly 

Tompkins with whom I had the privilege of working so closely these years. Our 

Board’s vision, leadership and generous support promise a vital future for our 

great school. Thank you to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary for their continuing 

sponsorship of Magnificat and for providing the founding inspiration and continued 

direction for the School’s Mission in this day. 

Finally, a warm and heartfelt welcome to our new President, Renata Rafferty. I 

am so eager for you to experience as I have her warm heart, keen insight, honed 

leadership skills, breadth of experience, expertise as an educator and zeal for our 

Mission. I have assured her she could find no more supportive community, no 

better partners, as she leads Magnificat into the future. 

I am not saying goodbye, for you live in my heart. I take cherished memories 

with me and ask you to pray for me as I promise to pray for you. In the words of 

St. Paul, 

I thank my God whenever I think of you. And every time I pray for you, 

I pray with joy…rejoicing at the way you have all continually helped 

promote the Gospel from the very first day. I am sure of this much: that 

the One who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to 

completion right up to the day of Christ Jesus. 

Lovingly and gratefully always, 

Sister Carol Anne 

President 

Sister Carol Anne addresses the class of 2013 at graduation.

‘God who is mighty has done great things for me!’ 

SAYING GOODBYE TO SISTER 

CAROL ANNE SMITH: 

HER GRATEFUL Reflection ON Her Time at 

Magnificat 

We sat down with 

Sister Carol Anne to 

talk about the many 

milestones marking her combined 

22 years at Magnificat. We also asked 

her about topics ranging from her 

personal commitment to Catholic 

education and how her own family 

influenced that passion, to growing 

alumnae leadership and the influence 

of the H.M. Sisters. Read on to hear, 

in her own words, Sister Carol Anne’s 

account about and precious memories 

of the Magnificat Community. 

As you read this article, Sister Carol Anne 

Smith, H.M., will be stepping down from her 

role as President of Magnificat High School. 

It’s hard to imagine a day at Magnificat 

without Sister, but she has prepared us well 

for this time. Her role has been that of a 

servant leader; her work a ministry and 

fulfillment of a call from God. 

THE EARLY YEARS 

“My years here are about the people of the 

Magnificat Community.” 

My years here are a journey intertwined with 

the stories of thousands of other members 

of the Magnificat Community. Being at 

Magnificat has been a privilege, a ministry 

and partnership with so many others. As a 

beginning teacher here, I never thought I’d be 

doing anything other than working directly 

with the students. I was very excited about 

the Second Vatican Council. I loved teaching 

Theology and English and being involved with 

the students’ co-curricular and outreach 

activities. 

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 

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www.magnificaths.org 

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When asked how they would describe Sister Carol Anne in one word, here is how members of the Magnificat 

My hope was to pursue my graduate degree in religious studies and 

theology. I had taught only three full years when I was asked by Sister 

Rose Schaffer, then Principal, to become her assistant. She simply 

asked me to move into the office next to her, and thus began the rest 

of my life! Shortly after that, I was asked by the personnel board of 

the H.M. Congregation to get my Master’s in Administration rather 

than theology. I’ve been in leadership ever since! 

THE H.M. INFLUENCE 

“As a beginning teacher, a young Sister of the Humility of Mary, I came 

into such a vibrant educational community, a learning community so 

ahead of its time…” 

When I came here in 1971, there was much excitement about the 

state-of-the-art Resource Center with its study carrels, and support for 

independent learning and team teaching. Educators were coming here 

from all over the state to see this center and learn from Sister Therese 

Quinn, H.M., Director of the center. I was so inspired by this tiny, 

vibrant educator and her love for the students and support for their 

learning. At 97, she is as vibrant as can be and one of the persons 

who was most excited to learn about Surround Learning ® ! Love for 

the students, being forward-looking and sharp educational vision 

characterize the commitment of the Sisters here. When I came to 

Magnificat, the School was 16 years old. It bore the imprint of the 

original leaders and still does today. 

Sister Bernadette (Mary of Lourdes) inspired the “pioneers” and 

encouraged those first students to see Mary as their model. Sister 

Honora, with her characteristic elegance, moved the school forward 

during the tumultuous 1960s. Sister Claire Young (Mary Pius), beloved 

as physical education teacher, paved the way for the Resource Center 

and the growth of girls athletics in this geographic area. Sister Ann 

McManamon (Mary Patrick) advanced the School’s educational 

program, initiating the still vibrant Senior Genesis Program. 

As a beginning teacher, a young Sister of the Humility of Mary, I came 

into such a vibrant educational community, a learning community 

so ahead of its time–beyond what I could really appreciate as a 

young person. 

COMMITMENT TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION 

“God who is mighty has done great things for me.” 

To best summarize my time here, I borrow from our School’s prayer 

and name, Mary’s Magnificat, the words, “God who is mighty has 

done great things for me.” What I have said most often to the 

students are these words included in Mary’s song of praise and thanks. 

It is the most fitting prayer for those of us blessed enough to be part of 

this School Community. My commitment here is because of my belief 

in the power and formative dimensions of Catholic education. Young 

lives are influenced differently when they are impacted daily by the 

lives of adults who are grounded in faith and who invite and encourage 

a personal faith response from young people. 

In our Catholic schools in general, and certainly here at Magnificat, 

God is part of every single day. My hope and prayer for our girls is that 

they remember that they could not draw their next breath without 

God’s keeping them in existence. God’s love is the foundation of their 

lives, and responding to that love by sharing it in action is ultimately 

the path to peace. How blessed they are to know that and to see 

women and men here who believe and model that! They come to 

know that the purpose of their life is discovering and responding to 

God’s call to them. This is why I have been here: to further an 

education that fosters this development in growth in faith. 

4 Magnificat Magazine

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Community responded: 

Faithful y partner y beloved y leader y role modeL 

“Six years ago, Sister Carol Anne shared with us one 

of her favorite quotes. It reads: ‘Go to the people, 

learn from them, love them, build on what they 

know…and of the best of leaders, when their work is 

finished, the people will say, We did it ourselves.’ 

So, Sister Carol Anne, your work is finished, and I 

want you to know that, ‘We did it ourselves.’” 

Ms. Gloria Polzer, Teacher, Physical Education Department 

MY FAMILY 

“It was my parents who taught me that the single, most important thing 

I could do in my life was discover God’s call to me.” 

My love for and dedication to Catholic education comes directly from 

my parents. I saw my Mom and Dad sacrifice so that my brothers and 

sisters and I could receive a Catholic education. This same story of 

sacrifice I have heard from many, many parents over the years. These 

parents, like my own, know that a Catholic education provides the 

context and support for their daughters in developing their relationship 

with God and as strong women of faith. It was my parents who taught 

me that the single, most important thing I could do in my life was to 

discover God’s call to me, and then to be faithful to that and do it with 

all my strength and energy. It is this wisdom, this path to peace and 

meaning, that I most want for our students here. 

FIRST CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 

“Others said an all-girls’ school couldn’t do it! And that’s all we had 

to hear!” 

I would not have believed in a million years I’d be back at Magnificat 

or part of another capital campaign here after having led the School’s 

first one in the mid-1980s! As a beginning principal, I was faced with 

students crowded in the building, not enough offices and four 

activities going on simultaneously in our 1955 gym! I didn’t know what 

to do, but I learned! Tom Moore, George Wasmer, Dick Ryan, Ed 

Durkin and Bill Sheehan really led that first capital campaign effort, 

taught me and brought to the School the resources we needed 

because they were passionate and forward-looking advocates of our 

Mission. Lou Seuffert was our contractor for the project that expanded 

the whole east end of the building–classrooms, offices, regulation-size 

gym and new outdoor fields! Others said an all-girls’ school couldn’t 

do it! And that’s all we had to hear to complete a successful campaign 

back in the 1980s! 

MOTHERS’ AND FATHERS’ CLUBS 

“A source of lifelong friendships.” 

Since Sister Bernadette first established The Mothers’ and Fathers’ 

Clubs in the later 1950s, these two organizations have been a vital part 

of the School Community offering the opportunity for parents to be 

fully engaged in the life of the School. Involvement in these clubs has 

been, for so many members, a source of lifelong friendships. 

From my first years as Principal when Rosemary Saas was Mothers’ 

Club President and Wally Voettler led the Fathers’ Club, to this current 

year with Terri O’Neill and John Kelly leading the organizations, our 

Magnificat parents have been the most ardent supporters, active 

partners and true leaders of our School Community. And have we ever 

had fun over the years! 

BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL 

“They kept remarking how marvelously strong this School 

Community was.” 

Many today are familiar with the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue 

Ribbon Award of Excellence for High Achieving Schools. Back in the 

mid-1980s, that recognition was born with a program called then, The 

Exemplary School Award. I remember when the information about 

that award first came. I shared with the faculty this possibility knowing 

that it involved a very rigorous and demanding application process. 

Indeed it was demanding, lengthy and comprehensive; but a 

committee stepped forward and worked together to fulfill every 

requirement leading to a visit by the selection team, which included 

educators from various parts of the country. They spent time with 

every group in the Community–parents, faculty and students. I knew 

intuitively when they left that we would get the award because they 

kept remarking how marvelously strong this School Community was! 

Eventually we received word that, indeed, we were one of only 26 

non-public schools in the nation to receive that award the first time it 

was presented. Two members of the committee and I traveled to the 

South Lawn of the White House where President Reagan conferred 

the honors. Throughout our history, from that award to such honors as 

Top Academic School and one of Northeastern Ohio’s Top Workplaces, 

Magnificat has earned recognition repeatedly for the quality of our 

academic program and the commitment of our faculty, staff, parents 

and leaders. 


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PASSIONATE y energetic y HOLY y hardworking y calming y humble y admirable y 

ADVISORY BOARD TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

“I could never have fulfilled any of the roles I have been in without the 

leadership and support of those with greater and different expertise and 

skills than my own.” 

While Magnificat will be blessed to welcome its first lay president for 

the 2013-14 school year, lay leadership of the School has been a reality 

for over 25 years. When the School was separately incorporated in the 

mid-1980s and a Board of Directors was formed, responsibility for the 

School’s Mission and strategic direction was transferred from the 

Sisters to lay directors. This is very much in keeping with the tradition 

of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary who have always partnered with 

others and who, from our earliest beginnings, knew that we would be 

the ones who would learn from others. 

I could never have fulfilled any of the roles I have been in without the 

leadership and support of those with greater and different expertise 

and skills than my own. From our first Chairperson of the Board, Tom 

Moore, to our immediate past Chair, Jeff Leitch, and current 

Chairperson of the Board, Kelly Tompkins, and including all those 

directors in the intervening years, Magnificat has been abundantly 

blessed. Our School Community owes a debt of gratitude to those 

who have served on our Board of Directors since its inception. 

THE RETREAT PROGRAM 

“We learned that as women in this world we could do anything we 

believed in.” 

Throughout Magnificat’s history, a retreat program, service 

opportunities and outreach–the dimensions of our current Campus 

Ministry program–have been a part of Magnificat. One simply could 

not be a student in a “Blue Nun School” at any time without being 

challenged to live the social justice teachings of the Gospel. When I 

talk to Magnificat alumnae from the 1960s, I feel as if I am listening to 

a description of my own experience at Lourdes Academy. The Sisters 

encouraged us to have a passionate concern for the needs of others 

that led to specific action for justice. We learned that as women in this 

world we could do anything we believed in. 

During Sister Carolyn Marshall’s and Sister Mary Pat Cook’s time as 

Magnificat Principals, the retreat program and campus ministry 

program developed to a whole new level, including a variety of retreat 

offerings such as retreats at the Villa, our H.M. Motherhouse. The 

immersion program and formal campus ministry programs began 

through the vision and direction of Mrs. Moira Clark. This program 

has grown and expanded to include retreats, liturgical ministries and 

outreach activities involving the largest number of students in any 

co-curricular program within our School. 

ALUMNAE 

“Magnificat is always home to the women of Magnificat, our alumnae.” 

I think for almost any teacher, reconnecting with former students and 

hearing their stories is a unique delight. To spend time with my 

students from the 1970s and 1980s, now so fully engaged in the life 

of the School in numerous ways, has been a particular joy for me. 

Reunions around the country, welcoming alumnae as Magnificat 

moms, and sharing memories have been a fun privilege. 

Magnificat is always home to the women of Magnificat, our alumnae. 

Their love and care for and involvement in and support of their Alma 

Mater are most fitting. I am so pleased with any and every 

engagement alumnae have with our students because these women 

are true models. The students are open to and grateful for the 

influence of the women who have gone before them. Our students 


grateful y motherly y purposeful y nurturing y mentor y presence y genuine 

“Thank you for being a living presence of the 

Mission and history of the Sisters of the Humility of 

Mary for all of the Magnificat Community. Thank 

you for making every day of Magnificat a day of 

learning, a day of faith, a day of community and 

a day of mirth. Thank you for your dedication to 

guiding the Magnificat Community in faith.” 

– Colleen Carroll ’13, President, Student Council 

see in them women of faith and enthusiasm and dedication. I remind 

our students often that, first of all, our School patroness Mary was a 

mom. Hundreds of our alumnae moms have daughters following in 

their footsteps here. What a joy that is! 

NEW LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE 

“We don’t function in a hierarchy, but rather collaboratively and with 

mutual respect for the sake of the Mission.” 

Different times call for different structures. The decision to move from 

the traditional principal role to a dynamic and collaborative partnership 

between two deans leading the day-to-day operation of the School has 

significantly and measurably enhanced how we educate and fulfill our 

Mission here. Our Dean of Faculty and Academics is able to focus on 

the academic program, the curriculum and the support of our 

marvelous faculty and their professional development. Marilyn Knox 

Arundel ’76 does this so very well in the day-to-day and in partnership 

with the Dean of Student Life and Formation, Moira Hickey Clark ’77. 

Moira focuses on all dimensions of the lives of our students given our 

commitment to holistic education. She oversees Campus Ministry, 

Counseling, Athletics, Co-curriculars and the students’ day-to-day life. 

The respect of the School Community for these two women speaks 

eloquently of their commitment, collaboration and dedication. 

Collaboration is essential, and a word that is often overused. 

I believe collaboration is working together in a spirit of mutual respect 

and unwavering commitment to mission. I cannot move on from 

Magnificat without expressing my deepest gratitude to all members 

of the School’s Leadership Team. Along with Moira and Marilyn, the 

Community of Magnificat is led lovingly and effectively by women 

focused tirelessly on the School’s Mission. For their partnership, 

integrity, expertise and selflessness, I recognize and thank Sister 

Helen Jean Novy, Vice President of Mission; Amy Arbogast, Vice 

President Finance and Administration; Diane Tomer, Vice President 

Advancement and Susie Turek my closest coworker and support 

to us all. 

As new staff members and teachers join our community, I so often 

hear the same thing, “People here are so good to each other. They 

care about, teach and support each other.” I heard from the students 

at the first meeting I had with them when I came back in May 2007, 

“Our teachers love us.” I have to smile when I use the term “came 

back…” Coming back home, coming back to where my time in 

Catholic education began... I was a very young administrator, and the 

only way I fulfilled all the roles I’ve held was with the help of other 

generous, competent people. We walked the path together and did it 

for the good of our students. 

SURROUND LEARNING ® CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 

“In every decade, Magnificat has significantly advanced the learning 

environment and educational program.” 

From my early days as principal, I’ve been so impressed and humbled 

by the generosity of those who support Magnificat’s Mission. My 

consistent experience has been that when an opportunity to advance 

our Mission and our program, or provide what our girls truly need 

presents itself, generous benefactors step forward. In almost every 

decade, Magnificat has significantly advanced the learning 

environment. 

When the SURROUND LEARNING ® Innovative Education for Global 

Leading campaign was planned, we made every effort to include in 

the project what was needed for now and for the future, and do it in 

the highest quality way. We planned under the direction of our 

Surround Learning Steering Committee and Board. The case 

was compelling and the results beyond our initial vision. 

We have come to know even more how critically important it is to 

match learning modalities with learning environments. Additionally, 

the former Resource Center and Cafeteria are really the hub of the 

daily life of the School. They are in a central location and used by 

students and faculty every day and all day in some way or another. I 

am so deeply grateful as I move on that Phases I and II–so needed 

and with such advantages–are covered financially through the 

success of the first phases of the campaign thanks to so many 


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graceful y dynamo y committed y visionary y peaceful y tireless y petite 

here. Every single day we celebrated Eucharist in the Chapel and 

prayed there together. I have always been grateful for how our 

students used the Chapel then and now. It’s a place that’s precious to 

our students, faculty and staff. 

One of the first things I did as Principal was to post in the School’s 

main entrance a sign that read: 

Be it known to all who enter here, 

That Christ is the reason for this school, 

The unseen but ever present Teacher in its classes, 

The model of its faculty and 

The inspiration of its students. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: In every classroom of the School and in many of the offices 

and hallways, there is a framed replica of the sign that Sister Carol Anne hung 

in Magnificat’s Main Entrance her first week here as Principal. In 2011, Mary 

Khouri, mother of Lauren ’05 and Carolyn ’11, had these signs made for the 

School when she realized how important this quote was to Sister Carol Anne. 

generous and lead donors, our campaign chairs Jeff and Jan Leitch, 

George and Mary Lu Wasmer, Ann Litzler Coyne ’88 and Vice 

President of Advancement, Diane Tomer. Parents, past parents, 

alumnae and friends, have all contributed and will continue to do so. 

An inspiring joy for me about the campaign is the 100% participation 

of our faculty and staff. So many have said to me, “That’s unheard 

of.” To me their generosity is reflective of the daily, wholehearted 

commitment of a unique group of women and men, Magnificat’s 

faculty and staff, to the Mission of the School and to our students. 

IT’S NOT ASKING, IT’S SHARING 

“I serve as a conduit or a channel between a life-changing mission... 

Over the years, people have said to me, “How do you ask people for 

money?” Actually, I don’t “ask people for money.” I share the story of 

our Mission and the people of Magnificat–especially the students–and 

invite those who value and cherish that Mission to become a special 

part of it through their personal involvement and sharing of their 

resources. I serve as a conduit or a channel between a life-changing 

Mission and the goodness, faith and generosity of those who desire 

to see this Mission of a Magnificat Catholic education endure 

and thrive. 

This expresses our reason for being here. As I leave Magnificat and 

end my service as its leader, I know this is an educational faith 

community that knows why it exists and that is passionately faithful to 

its life-changing and critically needed Mission. My joy is knowing that 

this Community is strong in purpose, commitment and service on 

behalf of others. The women of Magnificat do indeed learn, lead and 

serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat, and their influence for good 

knows no bounds. May they and all who are part of the School be 

abundantly blessed. 

Indeed God who is mighty has done great things for us– 

He has given us you, Sister Carol Anne. You came to 

Magnificat at a crucial time in Magnificat’s history. Thank 

you, Sister, for answering God’s call. We know God has 

wonderful plans for you in the future. Please always 

“keep us in your heart.” 

FAITH 

“My joy is in knowing that this Community is strong.” 

When I take visitors on tours of the School, I always start with the 

Chapel, as it is the heart of the School and the embodiment of the 

reason we are here. The Chapel has such memories for me of the 

dedicated women religious who served at Magnificat. I worked and 

lived with a significant number of those 109 Sisters over my 22 years 


BOARD CORNER 

Advancement NEWS 

You have probably heard by now that the 

Magnificat Board of Directors, with the support 

of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, has 

announced the appointment of Mrs. Renata J. 

Rafferty as the next President of Magnificat. Our 

search committee conducted a thorough process 

and engaged multiple stakeholders during the 

nearly six-month search. Many candidates were 

highly attracted to Magnificat, reflecting upon 

Mr. P. Kelly Tompkins 

the reputation of our Mission-driven school 

and the leadership of Sister Carol Anne, our senior Leadership Team 

and faculty. Simply put, among a diverse array of highly qualified 

candidates, we have found in Renata another exemplary leader wellsuited 

to lead Magnificat into the future. 

In searching for the school’s third president and first lay leader, Renata 

stood out above the other finalists for many reasons, including her 

deep grasp of Magnificat’s Mission, both intellectually and spiritually; 

her passion for learning, specifically the education of all women; her 

dedication to social issues, not only in words, but in her deeds; her 

global perspective and experience; and familiarity with best practices, 

especially fundraising and governance. Renata’s warm, engaging and 

humble spirit was manifest during her on-campus visit, especially with 

our students, and well evident in her relationship with Sister Carol 

Anne over the past several weeks. 

Renata will also bring a fresh perspective and unique view to our school, 

grounded in a deep respect for our traditions and what Magnificat 

means to Northeast Ohio. I hope that you will help me welcome Renata 

to the Magnificat Community and that you have the opportunity to work 

with her during this exciting time in our school’s history. 

Speaking of excitement, I would also like to update you on our 

SURROUND LEARNING ® Innovative Education for Global Leading 

initiative. On May 6, construction began for Phase II of SURROUND 

LEARNING, which includes the redesign of the Kitchen and Cafeteria. 

With special thanks to our benefactors, the $2 million dollar project 

will continue to “surround” students with new learning environments. 

The new Marian Commons will not only provide healthier meal options 

and greater sustainability, but also will encourage students to use the 

space throughout the day to study or to collaborate on group projects. 

As in the Surround Learning Center, now known as the Humility of 

Mary Center, the Marian Commons will be bright and colorful with 

natural light and full views to the outdoors. The area will have muchimproved 

acoustics, flexible furnishings and transparent technology. 

In addition, as a place for nourishment, learning and socialization, the 

new Marian Commons will be a more productive space for promoting 

service activities in which students are involved. And the best news 

is, this will all be complete for the start of the 2013-2014 school year! 

I encourage you to stay up-to-date on Phase II this summer by visiting 

our SURROUND LEARNING blog at www.surroundlearning.wordpress. 

com. Then come see the unveiling in person at our October 3 grandopening 

event. Until then, have a safe and enjoyable summer! 

Sincerely, 

P. Kelly Tompkins 

Chairperson 

Magnificat High School 

Board of Directors 

Follow the progress of SURROUND LEARNING 

Phase II: The redesign and construction of 

the new Marian Commons 

Read weekly updates in the 

SURROUND LEARNING blog– 

Here’s What’s Cookin’ 

by Megan Fenner ’14 

www.surroundlearning.wordpress.com 

Mark your calendar for the following 

SURROUND LEARNING Celebrations: 

« September 20 Alumnae Happy Hour in the Marian 

Commons 

« October 3 Public Grand Opening 

« November 29 Class of 2013 “Return Home” event 

to celebrate Phase II 


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Advancement NEWS 

TRANSITIONS 

2013 GALA A SUCCESS 

On March 9, Magnificat hosted its 24th 

Annual Endowment Gala. Chaired by 

Pat and Michele Sims Ahern ’85 and 

Melissa and Tom Coughlin, the evening 

was a great success raising over 

$250,000 in support of the Magnificat 

Endowment Fund, including $108,000 

in the Paddle Raise alone. Mr. John 

Reali was honored with the Magnificat 

Award and Mary Anne Bishop Gauntner 

was presented with the Alumnae 

Award of Excellence. Special thanks to 

everyone who attended, assisted with 

and sponsored the event. Mark your 

calendars now for the 25th Annual Gala 

set for March 8, 2014. 

Retirements 

MRS. MARTHA SCHMITZ 

Martha Schmitz has been a beloved teacher in the Health and Physical 

Education Department for the past 24 years. As a teacher, it was 

important to her to help all of her students be successful no matter what 

their skill level. She was a wonderful teacher who modeled Mission to 

her students on a daily basis. 

Not only has Martha been a teacher at Magnificat, but she has also 

been a valuable member of the Athletic Department. Martha faithfully served as the Assistant 

Athletic Director for 12 years from 1996-2008. She was also a very successful volleyball coach 

for 13 at the freshman level. Her teams were often undefeated. 

I think many of the students and alumnae will fondly remember her in what was one of her 

greatest roles, “Mrs. Night-In-Blue.” She came up with many new ideas that inspired the 

students to attain their goal of 100%. 

She has been a blessing to all of us in the Magnificat Community. God has done great things 

for us through her. Although her journey takes her on a new path, Martha will always remain in 

our hearts and prayers. We wish her the best of luck in her retirement. 

– Ms. Gloria Polzer, 

Health and Physical Education Department member 

MS. KATHLEEN HAGGERTY 

Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M., President of 

Magnificat High School, and P. Kelly Tompkins, 

Chairperson of the Magnificat High School 

Board of Directors, congratulate Mary Anne 

Bishop Gauntner ‘64 and her husband, Daniel, 

after Mary Anne received the Alumnae Award of 

Excellence. 

“’Gird your loins’, it’s going to be that kind of day.” These words are from 

the scriptures, but for us in the Theology Department, they have added 

meaning. With every short or unusual schedule, Kate Haggerty would 

start the day, with this mantra. 

Kate has been a member of the Theology Department for the past 

13 years. She has been instrumental in numerous re-writes of the 

curriculum. Her faith and steadfast understanding of social justice has been an important 

compass for students and faculty alike. The students marvel at her compassion and 

understanding. Her colleagues have been enriched by her dedication to prayer and teaching, 

as well as, her constant awareness of the needs of all people. 

Besides being a dedicated teacher, Kate has been involved with retreats, immersions and a 

number of service activities. She works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for others. As 

co-moderator of Magnificat Outreach Club (formerly Key Club), she helps to prepare meals 

that heal for the Domestic Violence Shelter, painting pumpkins and making crafts for he VNA 

hospice patients, doing nails for the women at The Normandy and helping wherever there is 

a need for service. She is a great example of living out the Gospel and teaches with words 

and example. 

John Reali, who was honored with the 

Magnificat Award, receives congratulations from 

his wife, Marie, along with Sister Carol Anne 

Smith, H.M., President of Magnificat High 

School, and P. Kelly Tompkins, Chairperson of 

the Magnificat High School Board of Directors. 

She is indeed a “Master Teacher”, an invaluable colleague and a loyal friend. Kate embraces 

the Mission to learn, lead and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. Although she is retiring 

from Magnificat, she will continue to be a presence in our hearts and in the lives of all those 

she meets. 

– Mrs. Mary Therese Dwyer-Kueller, 

Chairperson of the Theology Department 


SCHOOL NEWS 

Run, Walk and Shop 

Nearly 260 runners and walkers, including 74 

alumnae, spent part of their Memorial Day Weekend 

participating in the annual Blue Streaks Through 

River 5K Run/Walk. Adding to the excitement of race 

day was a farmers market organized by Magnificat’s 

Fair Trade Family, a student group committed to 

supporting Fair Trade Initiatives. A big thank you 

to all the participants, to lead race sponsor Flynn 

Insurance Group (owned by Alumnae Board Member 

Anne Nicole Flynn ’99), 

and sponsors First Merit 

Bank; Friedman, Domiano 

and Smith LLC; Phil Vedda 

and Sons Printing; 911 

Restoration; Earth Fare and 

Elyria Hyundai. All proceeds 

support the Angels in Blue 

Fund. 

Welcome CLASS OF 2017 

Mrs. Liz Capezzuto, math teacher, met with Reagan Hardy and her mom during Freshman 

Welcome Conferences last month. Reagan is a member of the Class of 2017. 

Top Teacher 

Magnificat chemistry teacher Ms. Betty Dabrowski 

has earned yet another award from the American 

Chemical Society (ACS). She has been selected 

as the recipient of the ACS Division of Chemical 

Education Region Award in High School Teaching for 

2013. Ms. Dabrowski was invited to be the guest 

at the ACS Central Regional Meeting at Central 

Michigan University. 

Mrs. Heidi Paul 

CONGRATULATIONS! 

Mrs. Heidi Paul, science teacher, is 

Magnificat’s 2013 recipient of the Metro 

West Kiwanis “Teacher of the Year” award. 

Mrs. Paul was recently honored at a breakfast 

reception. She was recognized for the work 

she does with students both inside and 

outside the classroom. 


11

SCHOOL NEWS 

Where in the 

world is 

Magnificat? 

CHINA 

Bravo! 

Congratulations to the directors, cast and crew of 

Anne of Green Gables for a charming production 

of L.M. Montgomery’s enduring classic. 

Fourteen students traveled to China 

over Easter Break to complement their 

Chinese language and cultural studies 

coursework. From Beijing to Shanghai, 

the students, along with three faculty 

members and two current parents, visited 

the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the 

Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, the 

Terracotta Warriors and other historical 

and significant sites The group also spent 

time at Beijing Sanshizhong School to 

experience a day in the life of a Chinese 

student. The trip to China was new to 

the World Languages Department, which 

offers a cultural exchange with both Spain 

and France. 

If you would like to be featured in this regular 

column, please email a photo of yourself in 

Magnificat attire at an interesting location 

around the globe to Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 

at mlamb@magnificaths.org. 


2013 SPRING SPORTS WRAP-UP 

“How you do what you do is Mission.” 

SCHOOL NEWS 

1 

1 TRACK & FIELD 

Twenty-five freshmen, 27 sophomores, nine juniors and 14 seniors came together for 

the 2013 Blue Streak track & field team. This year’s captains, Shannon Sullivan, Macey 

Walker, Emma Frank, Maria de Caris, Isabelle Haney, Tess Ryan, Jackie Misencik and 

Beth Myers were instrumental in helping the girls achieve team and personal goals. The 

team worked hard to run faster, jump higher and throw further. Though there were no 

Magnificat records, many girls achieved their personal bests in 2013. 

2 

2 LACROSSE 

The varsity lacrosse team finished its season 14-5. Highlights of the year included a win 

over Hathaway Brown, a win over Shaker Heights and the team’s TV debut as a “game 

of the week” on SportsTime Ohio. The team went on to earn the district championship 

with a thrilling 13-10 overtime victory against Cleveland Heights. For the first time 

in school history, the team qualified for the regional tournament. The Blue Streaks 

eventually lost 9-8 to Massillon Jackson, but can boast being in the elite eight in the 

state in division 1 play. 

3 

3 SOFTBALL 

The Blue Streaks finished 11-16. The team was very young, but seniors Alexis Setta and 

Nicole DiRando were instrumental in the team’s success. On May 18, the Magnificat 

varsity and JV softball teams sponsored a Strike-Out Cancer Day with Eastlake North 

and Chardon high schools. The varsity teams each played two games and each team 

finished with a 1-1 record. The games were part of the day, but the efforts to raise 

money for two cancer-stricken families (including a Magnificat family) was the highlight. 

The Blue Streaks are proud to announce that the event raised $1,688. 

Athletic Hall of Fame 

Magnificat’s Athletic Director 

Rhonda Rickelman and Dean of 

Student Life and Formation Moira 

Clark welcomed the fourth class 

of inductees into the Magnificat 

Athletic Hall of Fame on April 12: 

Karol Kaminski Coundourides ’80, 

Ginny Waitkus Heffner ’81, Amy 

Brown Lupson ’94, Katie Niksa ’05 

and former Coach and Athletic 

Director Gloria Polzer. As Rhonda 

Rickelman stated, “Their efforts 

and accomplishments have laid the 

foundation and traditions for today’s 

athlete. Nominations are now open 

for next year’s inductions; visit 

www.magnificaths.org. 

New Soccer 

Coach 

Mrs. Gretchen Micklitsch will lead the 

Magnificat Soccer program beginning 

with the 2013 season. Coach Micklitsch 

has local, national and international 

coaching experience, and has played at 

the high school and college levels, as 

well as a player in Europe, Australia and 

with the Cleveland Eclipse, a W League 

Pro-Am. 

The 2013 inductees, left to right: Katie Niksa ’05, Ginny Waitkus Heffner ’81, 

Gloria Polzer, Amy Brown Lupson ’94 and Karol Kaminski Coundourides ‘80. 

Coach Micklitsch 


13

ALUMNAE 

THE WRITE STUFF: Meet Some of Magnificat’s Published Authors 

Our alumnae authors have written about topics ranging from Cleveland’s historic West Side Market to a college 

student in 1969 communist Czechoslovakia. We decided to check in with some of our Magnificat wordsmiths to find 

out what inspires them to write and how Magnificat may have influenced their decision to put pen to paper. Read a 

page in the lives of these authors, and you may just want to add their books to your own summer reading list! 

Marilou 

Kosik 

Suszko 

‘73 

Current Book: Cleveland’s West 

Side Market: 100 Years & Still 

Cooking 

Hometown: Lakewood 

Lives Now: Vermilion 

Education: University of 

Toledo—BA in Journalism & 

Communications 

Day Job: Full-time writer with 2 

other books under her belt; 

frequent contributor to Ohio 

Magazine and other local/national 

Q. What inspired you to write 

this book? 

A. The West Side Market has 

always had a certain allure for me, 

starting with visits and shopping 

trips with my grandparents. While 

it’s first and foremost a way to feed 

families, the Market’s secondary 

purpose is to be the keeper of 

tradition. All this and the fact that 

the Market was preparing for its 

100-year anniversary was reason 

enough to write the book. 

I partnered with Laura Taxel in 

researching and writing this book. 

It took us almost four years and 

was a difficult process. But when I 

hold the book in my hand, I realize 

that we captured the first 100 

years of the Market’s history. That 

feels pretty darn good! 

Q. What has been the most 

memorable experience related to 

your book writing? 

A. I love hearing about someone’s 

personal history. With every oral 

history I collect, I become a better 

listener. It’s amazing what you can 

learn if you just keep your mouth 

shut. My writing partner and I 

conducted more than 300 

interviews to write the West Side 

Market book. I was always 

humbled when someone shared 

their life history and in doing so 

was moved to tears. 

Fun Fact—Marilou can’t live 

without her dog-eared, tattered 

and battered Synonym Finder. 

food-related publications; teaches 

culinary classes; presents special 

programs all around Ohio on all 

her books 

Personal: Married 30 years; 

2 grown children; 1 grandson; 

Ben the dog is her only employee 

and he is paid in dog treats 

Contact Her: 

www.mariloususzko.com 

To Buy this Book: amazon.com, 

Barnes & Noble, Costco and 

many independent bookstores 

Kasey 

Crawford 

Kellem 

‘84 

Current Book: Mind Over Matter 

Books for children with Believe 

and Love already published in the 

five-part series 

Hometown: Fairview Park 

Lives Now: Westlake 

Education: Baldwin Wallace 

University—BS in Education; Kent 

State University—MA in Special 

Education & Educational 

Specialist Degree in School 

Counseling 


this book? 

A. I had researched resiliency 

throughout college and was very 

interested in teaching children how 

to be resilient. The book idea 

seemed to be a meaningful, way to 

instill this concept in children. 

Although as a school counselor I 

was teaching high school students 

how to be resilient, I really needed 

to reach the younger population. 

Given my drive and determination, 

along with my mother’s inspiration, 

I chose to follow my dreams. 

A few years after her passing, I 

created my M.O.M. (Mind Over 

Matter) books after her! The five 

concepts of resiliency are the titles 

of my books: Believe, Love, Laugh, 

Relax and Dream. The first two 

books are out now and Relax, 

Dream and Laugh will be out in the 

next two years. 

Q. Do you feel your Magnificat 

education gave you any 

advantage or inspired you to 

become an author? 

A. I believe Magnificat instilled in 

me empowerment to follow my 

dreams, be a leader, be 

independent and to be resilient. I 

am very grateful for my education 

at Magnificat and attribute it to 

much of my success in life. I also 

feel the messages from my books 

signify the Mission of Magnificat. 

Fun Fact—Kasey writes in her 

“Ma’am Cave”. An iPad has 

recently replaced her MacBook. 

Day Job: High school counselor; 

regularly writes in her blog 

mindovermatterbooks.blogspot. 

com 

Personal: Wife and stepmother; 

enjoys golfing and skiing; caring 

for her husband who was 

diagnosed with terminal cancer; 

they are currently spreading their 

strong belief system and 

resiliency to others by doing 

“Love Mobs” 

Contact Her: 

mindovermatterbooks@gmail.com 

To Buy this Book: 

mindovermatterbooks.com 


ALUMNAE 

Diane 

Farr 

Knittle 

‘61 

Current Book: Mothering: An Art 

of the Heart; Nine Moms with 

Forty-three Children Share Their 

Reflections from the Empty Nest 

Hometown: Bay Village 

Lives Now: Rochester, NY 

Education: Rosary College—BA 

in Economics; St. Bernard’s 

Institute—MA in Theology & 

Pastoral Counseling 

Day Job: Marketing the book, 

doing book signings and meeting 

regularly for “mom fellowship” 


this book? 

A. Our story has a small beginning, 

as most stories do. Two friends 

met for coffee. One began the 

conversation with the 

accomplishment of a young adult 

son securing a good job. During his 

growing years, he struggled 

mightily and was the cause of 

huge concern and many crises. 

The other mom acknowledged the 

faithfulness of her friend for her 

commitment to her child. “We 

should write a book!” she said. 

The authors of our book are 98% 

Catholic women’s high school and 

college grads. We met through our 

sons’ and daughters’ Catholic high 

schools in Rochester. 


memorable experience related 

to your book writing? 

A. Taking an “authors’ retreat” at 

Mount Savior Abbey to pray 

together and put our book 

together. We have become a 

community of nine women who 

have supported each other through 

cancer, an untimely death of an 

adult child, sons in the Middle East 

serving our country, weddings, 

births, moves and other related 

crises of family life. 

Fun Fact—Diane recently 

organized a regional reunion in 

the Rochester area for 

Magnificat alumnae. 

Personal: Married 47 years; 

5 children; 5 grandchildren; 

former pastoral associate for 

the Diocese of Rochester; 

community volunteer, middleschool 

tutor, Eucharistic minister 

and lector 

Contact Her: www. 

motheringanartoftheheart.com 


createspace.com (#3743069) 

Elizabeth 

Onusko 

Cafferkey 

‘98 

Current Book: The Prague 

Winter; a poetry chapbook 

Hometown: Westlake 

Lives Now: Yonkers, NY 

Education: Fordham University— 

BA in English; Fordham 

University—MA in English; Sarah 

Lawrence College—MFA in 

Poetry 

Day Job: Major Gifts Officer at 

Sarah Lawrence College 


this book? 

A. My maiden name is Slovak, 

and I was curious about the 

country’s history. During my 

research, I read about communism 

in Czechoslovakia, and I discovered 

the story of Jan Palach, a college 

student who immolated himself as 

an act of political protest in 1969 

after the Prague Spring failed. I 

wrote these poems years before 

the Arab Spring began in late 2010, 

when a young Tunisian man also 

immolated himself as an act of 

political protest. The parallels 

between the two revolutions are 

striking to me. 


memorable experience related 

to your book writing? 

A. In terms of The Prague Winter, 

it was visiting Jan Palach’s 

hometown of Vsetaty in 2007, 

which is about 20 miles north of 

Prague. When I was researching 

and writing these poems, I was 

very cognizant of the fact that my 

subject was someone else’s life. I 

felt a great deal of responsibility. 

Being in his hometown enabled 

me to understand and appreciate 

him on a deeper level. 

Fun Fact—Elizabeth jots down 

ideas, images and phrases in a 

notebook, and when the moment 

is right—when the ideas have 

cooked long enough in the back 

of her mind—she begins typing 

her drafts on the computer. 

Personal: Her dad is Tom 

Onusko, a member of the 

Magnificat Board of Directors; 

several of Elizabeth’s cousins 

have also graduated from 

Magnificat, including Allie 

Corrigan ‘13 

Contact Her: 

Elizabeth.onusko@gmail.com 


finishinglinepress.com 


15

Graduation 

Class of 2013 

O 

n Thursday, May 30, 2013, a capacity crowd filled the Magnificat Center for 

the Performing Arts to watch 189 seniors become the 55th graduating class 

of Magnificat High School. The graduates, along with their family and friends, heard a 

beautiful reflection from classmate Colleen Carroll, chosen by her peers to deliver this 

year’s student address. Congratulations to the Class of 2013! 

From left to right: Christine Billie, The 

Sister Mary Pat Cook, H.M. Leadership 

Award; Gemma Aldana, Phi Beta 

Kappa Award; Colleen Carroll, Student 

Speaker and Sister Bernadette Vetter, 

H.M. Award; Megan Cook, The Nancy 

Powell Service Award. 

72% of the Class of 2013 was offered $15.9 million in college scholarships. 

Magnificat High School 

Graduates of the Class of 2013 chose to attend these institutions of higher learning: 

Allegheny College 

Baldwin Wallace University 

Belmont University 

Boston College 

Boston University 

Butler University 

Cabrillo College 

Canisius College 

Capital University 

Case Western Reserve University 

Clemson University 

Cleveland State University 

Coastal Carolina University 

College of Wooster 

Columbia College 

Columbus State 

Community College 

Cuyahoga County 

Community College 

Daemen College 

Denison University 

Duquesne University 

Eastern Michigan University 

Fairfield University 

Fordham University 

Franciscan University 

Grand Valley State University 

Indiana University 

John Carroll University 

Kent State University 

Loyola Marymount University 

Loyola University Chicago 

Marquette University 

Mercyhurst University 

Miami University 

North Park University 

Ohio University 

Pace University 

Parsons The New School for Design 

Purdue University 

Saint Joseph’s University 

Saint Louis University 

Salve Regina University 

Texas Christian University 

The Catholic University of America 

The Ohio State University 

The Ohio State University, 

Mansfield 

The Ohio State University, Marion 

Tiffin University 

University of Akron 

University of Alabama 

University of Cincinnati 

University of Dayton 

University of Findlay 

University of Michigan 

University of Pennsylvania 

University of Pittsburgh 

University of South Carolina 

University of Toledo 

Ursuline College 

Wake Forest University 

West Virginia University 

Wittenberg University 

Xavier University 


CLASS NOTES 

Alumnae! 

Email Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 at 

mlamb@magnificaths.org with your 

alumnae updates. 

2 

Marriages 

Roselle Reyes ‘87 married Fran Adler on 

May 25, 2013. Their daughters were 

bridesmaids: Kate Adler ‘13, Maggie Adler ‘15, 

Kelly Adler ‘15, Grace Kerwin ‘18, Annie 

Kerwin ‘20 and Sara Kerwin ‘24 (flower girl). 

Jessica Pompei Ciborek ’03 married Ben 

Ciborek on December 8, 2012. 

1 Katie Polefko Alexander ’06 married 

Lieutenant Paul Alexander on October 27, 

2012. Katie is a Registered Nurse in the 

Intensive Care Unit at Baltimore Washington 

Medical Center, and Paul is an officer in the 

United States Coast Guard. They are 

stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. Elizabeth 

Hazel ‘06 and Brittany Fiffick Gumucio ‘06 

were bridesmaids. 

2 Elena Cotton Comiskey ’08 married 2nd 

Lieutenant Kevin Comiskey on September 8, 

2012. The wedding party included maid of 

honor Ellen Stothard ‘08, junior maid of honor 

Chrissy Cotton ’16 and bridesmaid Kristin 

Nichols ’08. 

Births 

Laura Deucher Hlavaty ‘90 and husband, 

James, welcomed daughter, Katherine 

Elizabeth Faustina, on April 10, 2012. 

Katherine joins big sisters, Grace and Abigail, 

and big brother, Luke. 

Katie McGlynn Smith ‘92 and husband, 

Peter, welcomed daughter, Maeve Elizabeth, 

on March 27, 2013. 

3 Jill Stransky Schutzler ‘93 and husband, 

Craig, welcomed son, Kyle Jeffrey, on 

January 22, 2013. He joins big brothers, 

Justin, 4, and Ryan, 1. 

Kim Bentley Hennessey ’95 and husband, 

James, welcomed daughter, Seraphina 

Natalie, on January 10, 2013. She joins big 

sisters, Alexa, Bianca, Meghan and Natalia, 

her angel brother, Jamie, and big brother, 

Sammy. 

3 

Cheryl VanDeMotter Buchino ‘96 and 

husband, Louis, welcomed son, Jacob 

Christopher, on September 21, 2012. He 

made his arrival on their 10-year wedding 

anniversary! Jacob joins big brother, Kevin, 6, 

and big sister, Kaitlyn, 3. 

Shane Spicer Fitzpatrick ‘96 and husband, 

Regan, welcomed son, Robert Spicer 

Fitzpatrick, on April 17, 2012. He joins big 

sisters, Mairin and Kelsey, and big brother, 

Regan. 

Annie Brennan Mahon ‘96 and husband, 

Marty, welcomed daughter, Margaret Kelly, 

on December 22, 2012. She joins big brother, 

Patrick Joseph, 2. 

Bridget O’Callahan McGlynn ‘96 and 

husband, Matthew, welcomed son, Ronan 

Richard, on September 21,2012. He joins big 

brother, Brayden. 

1 

Blue Streak 

Bundles of Joy! 

Have a new little love in your 

life? We want to hear about it! 

Please share the good news 

with our Alumnae Office and 

we’ll send you a Magnificat bib. 

Take a picture of your little one 

sporting his/her new Blue 

Streak attire and email it to 

mlamb@magnificaths.org. 

Photos may be featured in an 

upcoming publication. 

Maria Svoboda Brown ‘99 and husband, 

Richard, welcomed daughter, Savannah 

Grayce, on August 29, 2012. 

Angela DiSalvo Newberry ’01 and husband, 

Patrick, welcomed daughter, Nicole, on 

December 28, 2012. She joins big sister, 

Jeannie, 3. 

Stephanie Gaydos Thompson ’01 and 

husband, Aaron, welcomed daughter, 

Julianna Jean, on October 19, 2012. 

She joins big brother, Benjamin. 

Devon Lynch-Huggins-Szep ’02 and 

husband, Nathan Szep, welcomed son, 

Edward Steven “Teddy” Szep on February 28, 

2013. He joins big brother, Thomas Luke, 1. 

Emily McGowan Williams ’04 and husband, 

Gary, welcomed son, Luke Timothy, on April 

9, 2013. 


17

CLASS NOTES 

1971 

Geri Calabrese Moran and husband, Mike, 

have resided in Plano, Texas since 1980 

where she is a National Marketing Director 

for Juice PLUS+. Their son, Gregory Moran, 

31, Captain USAF Aerospace Engineer is 

currently stationed at Kirtland AFB in 

Albuquerque, New Mexico. Daughter, 

Michelle Moran Mourtgos, 28, is a middle 

school teacher and was awarded the 

Huntsman Award of Excellence in Education 

from the State of Utah. 

1973 

Michele Wallace 

McMath and 

husband, Jim, 

celebrated the second 

anniversary of 

adopting their second 

daughter, Alina, 14, 

from Russia. They 

also adopted their 

first daughter, 

Anastasia, 12, from 

Russia. Anastasia has been part of the 

McMath family for two and a half years. 

1993 

Suzanne Duddy and husband, Patrick Butler, 

welcomed son, Benjamin Edward, on August 

28, 2012. Ben joins big brother, Sam, 

3. Suzanne is Assistant General Counsel for 

FINRA, a securities regulator in Washington, 

D.C. Her husband is a Major in the U.S. Army 

who works in Arlington, Virginia as a JAG 

specializing in government contract law. The 

couple resides in Old Town in Alexandria, 

Virginia. 

1997 

Natalie Hostacky Stevens, an attorney with 

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, 

P.C., was named a Rising Star by the 2013 

Super Lawyers Magazine in the category of 

Employment Litigation: Defense. 

1998 

Julie Davalla is a special education teacher 

at Milford Junior High School in the Cincinnati 

area and was recently honored with the 3-C 

Outstanding Cincinnati USA Teacher Award 

by the Schools of Education of Northern 

Kentucky University, 

the University of 

Cincinnati and 

Xavier University in 

partnership with the 

Cincinnatus Association. 

Julie is a graduate of 

Xavier University. 

1999 

Colleen O’Donnell 

Tonges was appointed 

by Gov. John Kasich to 

serve as a judge on the 

Franklin County 

Common Pleas Court, 

General Division to 

finish the term of John 

F. Bender who retired. 

Colleen received a 

degree in Political 

Science from Miami 

University and earned 

her law degree from Case Western Reserve 

University School of Law. Since 2007, she 

has worked as an Associate for Carpenter 

Lipps and Leland LLP. 

2004 

Archana Nadig earned a Bachelor of Science 

degree from University of Pennsylvania and a 

Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Harvard 

School of Dental Medicine. She is currently at 

University of California San Francisco 

completing her residency in Endodontics. She 

married Sundeep Kasi, MD on May 31, 2012, 

who is in residency for Opthalmology at 

University of California San Francisco. 

A Class Brick in the 

Marian Courtyard 

Maeve O’Hara received the Lindback Award 

for Distinguished Teaching from William W. 

Bodine High School in Philadelphia where she 

teaches mathematics. Maeve is a graduate of 

Bryn Mawr and is the daughter of Magnificat 

world languages teacher Josephine O’Hara. 

2007 

Katie Knox recently graduated from Carnegie 

Mellon University with a Master of Science in 

Civil Engineering and is now working as an 

Energy Efficiency Engineer at DVN KEMA 

Energy and Sustainability. She earned her 

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics 

from John Carroll University. 

Bragging Rights 

Save the Date for Reunion! 

Saturday, September 14, 2013 

As of May 30, the Class of 1973 has a big 

lead in The Reunion Challenge with 

23% participation! The Class of 1963 is in 

second place with 14% participation. 

Visit www.magnificaths.org/giving for updates! 

Reunion Queens 

Best Reunion 

Class Ever 

2008 

Keisha Gonzalez is working on a master’s of 

Historic Preservation at University of 

Delaware’s School of Public Policy and 

Administration. She is a Graduate Assistant at 

the Center for Historic Architecture and 

Design (CHAD) and is working as a Historic 

Architecture Researcher and Field Worker for 

the Mid-Atlantic Historic Buildings and 

Landscapes Survey branch of CHAD. Keisha 

will spend the summer in Virginia City, 

Montana to help document the historic, 

abandoned town. Keisha has a bachelor’s 

degree in Anthropology and International 

Relations from Cleveland State University. 

2010 

Kathleen Duncan just finished junior year at 

University of Notre Dame where she is 

studying Graphic Design. She will be in New 

York City this summer for an internship with 

Harper Collins. 

Annie Martinez is a rising senior at the 

College of William and Mary and is studying 

Marketing, Psychology and Entrepreneurship. 

She recently received the Phoenix Award, an 

award given to only one student each year 

whose service to the College and it students 

demonstrates a selfless commitment to 

others and exemplary leadership. Annie is 

director of The Intonations, an all-female 


acapella group, and has worked as a 

Marketing Assistant for two years at W&M 

Cohen Career Center. She will be completing 

her second internship in the Consumer 

Marketing Division of Colgate-Palmolive this 

summer in Chicago. 

Laura Mast is studying Chemistry at 

Vanderbilt University and was selected to 

be a Beckman Scholar. The Beckman 

Scholars program is an independent, national 

organization and will fund Laura’s research on 

the water solubility of nanoparticles, which is 

part of a larger energy development program, 

for 15 months. She plans to go to graduate 

school for Chemistry and to continue working 

on energy and environmental projects in 

the future. 

2011 

Susan Szendrey is studying Occupational 

Therapy at St. Louis University and just 

completed a semester abroad in Rome. 

2012 

Kristen Krystowski has been accepted at 

The School of International Service at 

American University. Kristen has also 

completed an internship at the Washington, 

D.C. headquarters of School of America’s 

Watch. She is majoring in International 

Development. 

Bianca Immormino, who is studying Public 

Relations and Advertising at DePaul 

University, was accepted into The National 

Society of Collegiate Scholars, the nation’s 

only interdisciplinary honors organization for 

first- and second-year college students. 

Membership is by invitation only. 

CLASS OF 2013 STUDENTS 

ACCEPTED TO DOCTORAL 

PROGRAMS 

Madeline Comer, PharmD program at 


Colleen Hutchinson, PharmD program at 


Rebecca Mainger, PharmD program at 


Alexandra Norton, Doctorate of Physical 

Therapy program at Marquette University 

Memoriam 

IN 

Please join us in prayer for the families of our students and alumnae. 

Frank J. Abramczyk 

Grandfather of Katherine Henterly ’09 

Judith Kleinsmith Baxter ’61 

Sister of Mary Kleinsmith Michaelis ’60 

Janice Bentley-Krumins 

Mother of Kimberly Bentley Hennessey ’95 

Ruth M. Bogart 

Mother-in-law of Kate Ryan Bogart ’73 

Raymond L. Caruso 

Father of Ellen Caruso Fatica ’84; Grandfather of Julia Fatica 

’15 

Margaret Ann Stuart Chisholm ’64 

Sister of Karen Stuart Ladyga ’63 

Maureen O’Donnell Cleckner ’84 

Sister of Denise O’Donnell Rusch ’83 

Vasilios S. Kavarligos 

Husband of Demetra Tsantes ’83 

Patricia Vaughn Keating ’59 

Sister of Cynthia Vaughn Cotie ’61 and Lorraine Vaughn 

Schutzler ’63 

Joann Cosentino Kelly ’61 

Jean Marie Kish ’62 

Sister of Marilyn Kish Maher ’61*; Aunt of Colleen Maher ’99 

Carol A. Ludorf ’63 

Scott L. Mader, M.D. 

Husband of Maureen O’Malley Mader ’73; Brother-in-law of 

Annette O’Malley Lipaj ’81 

Marilyn Kish Maher ’61 

Mother of Colleen Maher ’99; Sister of Jean Marie Kish ’62* 

Kari “Karen” Manley ’80 

Sister of Kathy Manley Pucci ’78, Kristen Manley Kerge ’81, 

Kim Manley ’83 and Kelly Manley ’84 

Margaret “Peg” McAvoy 

Mother of Susan McAvoy Brimus ’64, Mary McAvoy Walker 

’66, Ann McAvoy Placko ’67, Ellen McAvoy Walsh ’70, 

Catherine McAvoy Patterson ’71; Grandmother of Kimberly 

Brimus Mather ’89, Kristen Brimus Bakich ’90, Elizabeth Hatgas 

Hayes ’91, Carol Brimus Chalkley ’92 and Catie Brimus Macuna 

’96; Great Grandmother of Michelle Brimus ’12 

Joseph C. McHale 

Father of Maureen McHale Fish ’84 and Eileen McHale 

Machovina ’88 

Stephen Ondash 

Father of Pam Ondash Bergner ’70 

Noreen J. Patton ’62 

Sister-in-law of Nora McDonald Patton ’60*; Aunt of Erin 

Patton ’87 and Katie Patton ’90 

Charles A. Rini Sr. 

Father of Christine Rini Slyman ’84, Nicole Rini Bebie ’89 and 

Theresa Rini Simms ’89 

Juan J. Saavedra 

Father of Sonia Saavedra ’97 

Robert V. Schriner 

Mother of Julie Schriner Nader ’79, Sue Ellen Schriner Sullivan 

’80 and Mary Schriner ’82; Grandfather of Mary Clare Becker 

’08 

Christine Shaefer 

Mother of Emily Shaefer ’09 and Hannah Shaefer ’12; Sister-inlaw 

of Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75 

Sean Somoles 

Brother of Kristen Somoles Chapman ’86 

Barbara J. Stinn 

Mother of Beth Stinn Cavoli ’81 and Patti Stinn Cebrzynski ’83 

Henry “Hank” Symanski 

Father of Marianne Symanski ’81, Christine Symanski ’83 and 

Denise Symanski Campbell ’89 

Emily M. Vartorella 

Mother of Rosemary Vartorella Singleton ’65 and Georgeanne 

Vartorella, M.D. ’69 

James M. Vedda 

Son of Carole Frate Vedda ’60 

James P. Walsh 

Father of Maureen Walsh ’00, Colleen Walsh ’02 and Jackie 

Walsh ’08 

Corrections 

Vincent J. Scullin 

Husband of JoAnne Koster Scullin ’63; Father of Brenda Scullin 

Budzar ’86, Sara Scullin Kephart ’91 and Sheila Scullin ’95; 

Brother-in-law of Diane Marquard Koster ’61 

Charlie Warren 

Grandson of Patricia Cherry ’77; Nephew of Debbie Cherry ’73 

* Deceased 

We have included all the relationships that we could locate in our records. If we have missed one, 

kindly let us know by emailing Christine Rini Slyman ’84 at cslyman@magnificaths.org, and we 

will be happy to include it in the next edition of our magazine. 


19

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Rocky River, OH 44116-3397 


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upcoming events 

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 

August 23 

OPENING SCHOOL MASS & 

SCHOLARSHIP DONOR BRUNCH 

August 30 

LOURDES REUNION 

September 8 

MY NAME IS PARVANA 

AUTHOR DEBORAH ELLIS 

All-School Assembly 

September 12, 2 P.M. 

REUNION 2013 – CELEBRATING 

CLASS YEARS ENDING IN 3s & 8s 

September 14 

ROSEMARY’S CONVERSATIONS 

September 17 

ALUMNAE HAPPY HOUR 

IN THE MARIAN COMMONS 

September 20 

MAGNIFIBOT ROBOTICS DAY 

FOR GIRLS 

September 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Grades 5-8, with Great Lakes Science 

Center 

SCHOLARSHIP DONOR LUNCHEON 

September 24 

BIG/LIL SIS CHALLENGE CUP 

October 1 

SURROUND LEARNING ® PHASE II 

PUBLIC GRAND OPENING 

October 3 

fall OPEN HOUSE 

October 20, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

NIGHT-IN-BLUE 

November 2 & 3 

PLACEMENT EXAM & PARENT FAIR 

November 9 or 16, 8 a.m.-Noon 

fall MUSICAL 

November 23-24 & 29-30 

Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, 4 p.m. 

Dinner Theater Event, Nov. 23 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

December 7, 10 a.m-Noon 

holly LUNCHEON 

December 8 

COFFEE AND CAREERS 

YOUNG ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 

December 19, 7:30-9:30 a.m. 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

December 19, 7:30 p.m. 

STAY IN TOUCH WITH OUR 

E-NEWSLETTER! 

An ’09 alumna was overheard saying, 

“I can’t wait for my E-news and just 

devour it!” And it’s no wonder with all 

that’s jam-packed into our monthly 

online newsletter. From student 

accolades to alumnae tidbits to dates 

and times of upcoming events, be the 

first to know what’s happening at 

Magnificat with “The Magnificat 

Messenger” E-newsletter. 

Start your “subscription” by sending 

your email address to Mrs. Traci Zahn, 

tzahn@magnificaths.org. 

Magnificat High School, 

a girls’ Catholic college-preparatory 

high school, 

founded and sponsored 

by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, 

calls young women to live 

Mary’s Magnificat in the world. 

Mission 

We educate young women holistically 

to learn, lead and serve 

in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. 

you can help us go green! Please let us know if: 

• You’re receiving more than one copy of the magazine at your home. 

• You’d prefer to save paper and postage and view the magazine via the Magnificat website, www.magnificaths.org. 

• Your daughter has finished college, and you are still receiving her magazine at your home. We can forward her 

magazine directly to her. 

• You no longer wish to receive the magazine. 

Please email your request to Mrs. Traci Zahn at tzahn@magnificaths.org.

Magnificat Magazine–Summer 2013 - Magnificat High School

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