Summer Newsletter 2023

Summer Newsletter 2023
Summer Newsletter 2021
Going Global!
Marymount resumed its focus on global education this year with the return of travel and exchange
programs and an expansion of inter-school curricular collaborations. As a member of the Global
Network of RSHM Schools that spans eight countries on three continents, Marymount is blessed
with the gift of internationality, offering students many opportunities to make connections with
others around the world. Through virtual projects, study seminars, semesters abroad, and cultural
immersions, Marymount equips students with the knowledge and skills required to be engaged
citizens in our interconnected global community. We are thrilled to continue to expand our programs
next year to include an international service trip, theater intensive, science expedition, and more!

Finding Common Bonds
Lower School students connected with students in RSHM
schools around the globe this year through curricular
initiatives that helped them find commonality with their
international peers. Class II students from New York,
Cuernavaca, Rome, Paris, Portugal,
and Colombia collaborated on a
slideshow presentation that explored
the unique customs and activities at
each of their schools. They shared
information about uniforms, PE,
recess, art and STEAM classes and then
compared and contrasted between the
different schools. Head Teacher Sarah
Kubasik explains, “Class II encourages
students to recognize similarities
and celebrate differences across our
curriculum. Allowing them to apply
this same mindset to our larger RSHM
community sparked excitement, joy,
and enthusiasm for learning as students
felt deeply connected through every
interaction within our global network.”
During their “Me on the Map” social
studies unit, Class I students had
the chance to speak to first graders
at Marymount Medellín to learn more about people
and places around the world. Working in small groups,
they interviewed each other via Zoom about the habitat,
climate, and weather in their home cities and discussed
their favorite things to do after school. “This was such
a wonderful opportunity for the girls to see how much
they have in common with students in another country
and continent,” says Head Teacher Dena Savarese. “Our
Marymount New York students were so
excited when they noticed similarities
in uniforms, hobbies, and even some of
the authors they all love to read. Despite
being thousands of miles apart, they
delighted in the shared bonds that unite
us across the network.”
Kindergarten students participated in
an art exchange with Marymount Rome.
Art Teacher Leah Rubin worked with
Isabel Zaino ’09, a Marymount New York
alum who is now a visual arts teacher at
our sister school in Rome. Kindergarten
students in New York drew land animals,
while Kindergartners in Rome drew
sea animals. Each land animal head
was matched with a sea animal body
to create a new imaginary creature in
“flip flap” books. “Our students loved
learning more about their international
art collaborators, from being greeted
in Italian to seeing their classrooms to admiring their
artwork,” says Ms. Rubin. “It was so meaningful to
the students to feel connected to our global RSHM
community!”
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Marymount School of New York

Collaborative
Calder’s Circus
This year, Lower Mid students collaborated
with students at Istituto Marymount Roma on
projects that replicated Calder’s Circus. In the
early twentieth century, artist Alexander Calder
constructed an elaborate troupe of miniature
circus performers using simple materials
like wire, cloth, string, and wood. In a crosscurricular
STEAM project involving engineering,
math, and art, Class III students created their
own circus acts using simple machines to bring
the scenes to life. They were challenged to
incorporate movement into their circus acts
without the direct use of their hands and to let
their own unique personalities shine through
their creations.
At Istituto Marymount, fourth graders were
creating their own Calder’s Circus in March. Our
Class V students met with them via Zoom to give
their “expert” advice on how to troubleshoot
problems and offer feedback on their circus
acts. The fourth graders from Rome returned
the favor in May when our Class III students
were building their own Calder’s Circus. “I was
very excited to show another school my Calder
Circus. I loved hearing all the compliments and
inspiration they gave us,” said Alexa S. ’32. India
d. V. ’32 agreed: “I felt really comfortable talking
to the other school knowing they were another
Marymount. It was so fun to meet new people on
the other side of the world!”
Lower Mid STEAM Teacher Mai Mack was
thrilled with the outcome of this global
collaboration: “Our students really bridged the
distance between New York and Rome. Class
III valued getting to interact with students
from another country and culture and make
a connection through the curriculum. In
the future, I hope Marymount can do more
projects with our RSHM network of schools,
including setting up pen pals using the Scratch
programming language. Even though not all our
international peers speak English, coding can be
our common language as we express ourselves
through our creations.”
Summer 2023 3

RSHM Sports
Festival
Following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic,
the annual RSHM Sports Festival resumed at Istituto
Marymount Roma in March 2023, and twenty of our
Class VIII students participated. Over the course of three
days, teams from ten RSHM schools from seven countries
competed in volleyball, soccer, and basketball tournaments.
We are thrilled to report that Marymount New York took
home first place in girls soccer, second place in girls
basketball, and second place overall!
Despite long days of intense competition, winning was
secondary to the important opportunities for connection
and collaboration with international peers. Teams took
turns singing popular songs from their home countries
to get hyped up for games and supported each other by
cheering for new friends throughout the tournament. “No
matter how the games were going, it was so memorable that
everyone came together to support each other,” said Amira
H. ’27. “Everyone on our team was very proud of our ability
to stay persistent and positive during the competitions.”
In addition to gameplay, students from all the schools went
sightseeing together, participated in a scavenger hunt to
explore Rome, and danced the night away at a disco night.
“It was a great experience to have many opportunities to
bond with kids from other schools and make new friends,”
said Magdalena S. ’27. “Even though we came from all over
the globe, we all felt very connected because we share the
same RSHM mission.”
“For many students, it was their first time traveling
internationally without their families,” explained Coach Liz
Warkala. “As they rose to this challenge, I was so impressed
by how independent, responsible, and mature our students
were. They formed deep connections with students from
around the world, and the trip opened their eyes to the
possibilities that lay ahead for them in the Upper School.
I am thrilled to hear that they are keeping in contact with
their new international friends and are already discussing
which global programs to pursue next year!”
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Marymount School of New York

International Immersions
Upper School students have the opportunity to study abroad
in one of five language and cultural immersions in Classes
X-XII. During these three-week programs, students live with
a host family and attend school in their target language. This
March, students studied in Brest, France; Madrid, Spain;
and Barcelona, Spain. In August, students will travel to
Medellín, Colombia, and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Colleen P. ’24
began studying
Spanish in
Kindergarten at
Marymount and is
now a Spanish IV
Honors student. She
was excited to travel
to Barcelona this
spring to improve
her fluency and
experience life in a different culture. “Both my Spanish
and my confidence in my Spanish notably improved,”
Colleen said. “My conversational skills were impacted
most drastically by my immersion, which helped me once I
returned to class at Marymount.” Colleen also embraced the
experience of living with a host family and discovering the
amazing architecture, museums, and cuisine of Barcelona
with them. “This program expanded my worldview and gave
me a new sense of independence,” she said.
Janely C. ’23
is an Advanced
French student who
traveled to Brest this
March to deepen her
knowledge of French
language and
culture. In addition
to attending classes
at St. Ann’s school,
Janely enjoyed exploring beautiful northwestern France,
sampling delicious foods and cheeses, and experiencing life
with her host family. “The highlight of my time was meeting
new people and bonding with the other Marymount girls
who traveled to Brest,” said Janely. “I also enjoyed helping
my host mom prepare homemade meals, just like I do
with my own mom. The experience helped me grow more
independent and confident in my abilities, from traveling
alone to learning new customs in a place far from home.”
Our Upper School global journeys will continue to expand
next year with two new spring immersion options in
Barranquilla, Colombia, and Istituto Marymount in Rome.
Three of these programs will also be an inter-school
collaboration with students from Browning. In addition,
there will be a Marymount Singers concert tour in Portugal,
a science expedition with Marymount Bogotá to study
climate change in the Amazon, a service trip to Mexico, and
a theater intensive in London.
New in 2023-2024!
Upper Mid:
• Class VIII Europe trip (Paris, Rome, London, Porto, Béziers)
• Maker Faire at Istituto Marymount Roma
Upper School:
• New Immersions in Barranquilla, Colombia, and Istituto
Marymount Roma
• Marymount Singers concert tour in Portugal
• Science expedition with Marymount Bogotá to study climate change
in the Amazon
• Service trip to Mexico
• Theater intensive in London
If you are interested in being a host family for an exchange student
at the end of October or in January-February, please contact Carolyn
Booth at cbooth@marymountnyc.org.
Summer 2023 5

Sports Recap
WINTER
Varsity Basketball and JV Basketball had solid
seasons, with both teams placing fourth in the league and
making it to the semifinals of the AAIS Tournament.
Varsity Fencing had a good season, with the Women’s
Sabre team placing fourth in the ISFL Championship. Anna
K. ’25 placed second in the ISFL Individual Championship.
Varsity Indoor Track had a strong season, placing third
in the AAIS Championship. Gabrielle H. ’23 placed first
in shot put in the AAIS Championship and second in the
NYSAIS Championship with a distance of 34’ 08.85”.
Varsity Swimming had a season of growth, working hard
to develop their skills and come together as a team.
SPRING
Varsity Badminton had a good season, placing fifth in
the league and making it to the quarterfinals of the AAIS
Tournament.
Varsity Lacrosse had a dominant season as the undefeated
AAIS league and tournament champions! They made it to the
quarterfinals of the NYSAIS Tournament.
Varsity Softball proved themselves to be solid
competitors, finishing fifth in the league and making it to the
quarterfinals of the AAIS Tournament.
Varsity Track & Field placed first in the AAIS
Championship, with individual wins by Gabrielle H. ’23 in
shot put, Tess O’D. ’24 in the 3000m, and Harper C. ’27 in
the steeplechase! Harper went on to be crowned the NYSAIS
Steeplechase champion as well, and Gabrielle placed third
in shot put at the NYSAIS Championship. Numerous school
records were broken this season, including Sahana S. in the
100m (12.87); Shannon M., Ayevah M., Sahana S., and
Sage V. in the 4x100 relay (52.45), Gabrielle H. in the shot
put (36’ 2”) and discus (97’ 6”), and Harper C., Ayevah M.,
Sahana S., and Laura V. in the 4x400 relay (4:16:67).
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Marymount School of New York

Arts Recap
Our talented students lit up the Marymount stage this spring with cross-curricular speech
performances, dazzling musical theater productions, and stunning concerts. Bravo to our
fabulous actors, dancers, musicians, and artists!
Summer 2023 7

Celebrating the Class of 2023
On May 30, the Class of 2023 celebrated Commencement at the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola,
surrounded by their families, friends, and teachers. The fifty-nine graduates honored the spirit,
strength, and unity they cultivated during their time at Marymount and looked forward to the
future with hope and optimism. We are so proud of each and every member of the Class of 2023
and cannot wait to see how they go forth to challenge, shape, and change the world!
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Marymount School of New York

Special Honors for
the Class of 2023
Student Award
Recipients
Kyra Bettwy and Sophia Chan were
recognized as recipients of the National
Merit Scholarship. Of the roughly 1.5
million students who take the PSAT
annually, only 7,250 receive a National
Merit scholarship.
Kate Falla, Audrey Hooper, Nina
Levret de Melo, and Jane Lilly were
recognized this year as Commended
Scholars in the National Merit Scholarship
Competition.
Icema Castle was named a winner in the
College Board National African American
Recognition Program, and Janely Cruz,
Maria Eyzaguirre, Annamarie
Magana, and Nathalie Robayo were
named winners in the College Board
National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Alexys Jingool won the New York State
Attorney General’s Triple C Award in
recognition of her courage, commitment,
and character.
Icema Castle received a merit
scholarship through the New York Urban
League. The Whitney M. Young, Jr.
Scholarship is awarded to a student of
excellent character and proven leadership
ability, with a demonstrated commitment
to community service and extracurricular
activities.
Janely Cruz won the Daughters of the
American Revolution Good Citizens
Award and College Scholarship at both the
Chapter and District level.
Janely Cruz, Grace Liu, Annamarie
Magana, and Nathalie Robayo received
merit scholarships from the Community
Foundation of New Jersey through the
Elsie E. and Joseph W. Beck Memorial
Scholarship Fund.
Victoire Lokossou will be attending
Syracuse University on a full academic
scholarship. Victoire also received two
academic scholarships from Figure
Skating in Harlem.
Annamarie Magana received a merit
scholarship from the New York Hall of
Science, where she worked as an intern.
Ayevah Marinez will be attending
Johnson and Wales University as a
Presidential Academic Scholar. She also
received the Johnson and Wales Academic
Achievement award.
Clare McGarry will be attending Union
College as a Presidential Scholar.
Zoë Veltri will be attending George
Washington University as a Presidential
Academic Scholar.
Heather Hertzan Award:
Abigail Taylor
Carina Tam Award:
Isabella Kao Gwin
GRACE Award:
Icema Castle
Nina Levret de Melo
Maggie Murray Portfolio Prize:
Jane Lilly
Catherine Koller Award:
Nathalie Robayo
Sr. Antoine Campbell Award:
Margaret O’Connor
Sr. Kathleen Fagan Leadership
Award:
Elizabeth Jordan
Andrea Rodriguez Arcila
Dalyn Booker ’23 will be attending Spelman College as an Academic Scholar this fall. This
prestigious merit scholarship recognizes Dalyn for her intellectual curiosity, community service,
leadership, and academic excellence. “Being named a Scholar validates all of the hard work and
dedication I have put into my studies over the past four years and makes me proud of all I have
accomplished academically,” says Dalyn. At Spelman, she plans to study art history and is also
considering a double major in economics. “Thanks to Marymount, not only am I ready to manage
my time in college, but I am also more than prepared for my major,” Dalyn explains. “Marymount’s
extraordinary art history program has put me ahead of many of my peers, and I am so grateful that I
found a subject I am passionate about and eager to pursue in the future.”
Nina Levret de Melo ’23 will be attending the University of North Carolina on a full academic
scholarship. Fewer than 5% of Carolina students receive this distinction, and being a member of
the Honors College gives her access to special courses, events, and learning opportunities. “This
scholarship marks the culmination of all the hard work that I’ve put into academics, clubs, and my
life here at Marymount,” explains Nina. “Although I came to Marymount in sixth grade, I feel like
I’ve learned a lifetime of knowledge! I’ve been lucky enough to have such amazing teachers who have
taught me the skills necessary for academic success, as well as how to speak confidently in front of
others and work collaboratively in a team. I’m excited to study biology at UNC, work in a few labs as
an undergrad, get my PhD, and go into a career of research.”
Summer 2023 9

On April 13, over 600 members of the Marymount
community gathered at Tao Downtown to raise a toast
to our beloved school. Guests enjoyed delicious food
and cocktails, connected with friends, and danced
the night away at both the Benefit and the afterparty
at the PHD Rooftop Lounge. A big thank you
to everyone who supported our silent auction, and a
special thanks to Benefit Chair Lindsay Shookus, PA
President Sandi Taylor, and PA Events Chair Franco
Finstad for making the event such a success. It was
truly an unforgettable evening!
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Marymount School of New York

A Fond Farewell
We wish you abundant joy as you begin the next chapter of your lives!
Jenn
Croson
In her twentynine
years at
Marymount, Jenn
Croson transformed
the Upper School
art room into a
safe space where students could retreat from
outside pressures and find new life through
creative expression. She helped them embrace
the power of art to effectively communicate
their deepest feelings and to make their voices
heard. We thank Ms. Croson for infusing our
community with such a life-affirming spirit
and for coaxing the brilliance out of everyone
she encountered.
Juan
Etcheverry
For the last eleven
years, Juan
Etcheverry helped
develop an Upper
Mid music program
that was a magical
space for growth and discovery. A master
musician himself, Mr. Etcheverry built the
skills and confidence of his students as they
developed their own signature style through
the school of rock, instrumental ensemble,
handbell choir, and UMS orchestra. We thank
Mr. Etcheverry for nurturing the musician
within and for filling our halls with song.
Alice
Kearney
Alwin
As Director of Ministry
and Mission, Alice
Kearney Alwin ensured
that we carried out
Mother Butler’s vision for Marymount as a valuescentered
and mission-driven environment. In her
fourteen years at the School, she has deepened
Marymount’s ties to our RSHM founders,
nourished a robust spiritual life program, and
served as a moral compass for our community. We
thank Ms. Kearney Alwin for always being a model
of faith, compassion, and hope as our students
forge closer relationships with God.
Becky
Lazzeri
Since 2014, Becky
Lazzeri has helped
Upper School
students develop a
deeper appreciation
for math and
grow more confident in their skills. With
her vibrant personality, she formed genuine
connections with her students, helping them
navigate academic and personal challenges
with grace and good humor. We thank Ms.
Lazzeri for shining her light on the Marymount
community and for growing the capacity and
confidence of our students in math.
Summer 2023 11

THE ROAD TO 115:
ALMOST TO THE FINISH LINE!
In just two short months,
Marymount will open the doors
to 115 East 97th Street and
welcome students, staff, families,
alumnae, and friends to our new
home! We are busy putting the
finishing touches on classrooms
and gathering spaces this summer
as we prepare for an exciting
year ahead. While our theater will
still be under construction when
we open in September, we look
forward to dazzling performances
there later in the year. Cheers to a
year of new beginnings!
Lines are drawn, baskets are hung, bleachers are installed – all
we need are fans to cheer our Lions on to victory!
Our classrooms, science labs, art studios, and innovation hubs
are ready for students’ inspired minds!
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Marymount School of New York

The finishing touches are being put on the special acoustic ceiling of
our Chapel, ready to be filled with prayer and song.
Our chefs are eager to move into their new kitchen to whip up
another year of delicious and nutritious meals for our community.
Our outdoor spaces will bloom and grow this summer, creating
four tranquil oases from everyday life.
Our lobby will offer a warm and inviting welcome to our
community in September!
Locker pods are waiting to be filled with the sounds of laughter
and friendship as students gather there between classes.
All we need now are the books to fill our library, which offers a
quiet study space for students.
Summer 2023 13

Class Notes
Alison Igoe ’73 was appointed as an
‘73
Immigration Judge on November 29, 2021.
Her older daughter graduated in May 2023
from The Pennsylvania State University’s
Schreyer Honors College.
‘85
Carol Dorrian
Carbonetti ’85 and
Charlotte Carbonetti ’21 are
thrilled for Caroline C. ’23 to
join them as proud Marymount
alumnae!
‘01
Julia Bianco Schoeffling ’01 recently
released her first book, a first-of-its-kind
manual for actors looking to book jobs
in video games. The Art and Business
of Acting for Video Games is available online for purchase
wherever books are sold. Julia is a member of BAFTA, is
featured in the Los Angeles Times and Wired Magazine, and
recently was credited with the casting and managing English
dialogue production on the global smash hit, “The Legend of
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.”
Last fall, Elisabeth Rennell
‘04
Hosmer ’04 was awarded the
2022 Society of Women Engineers
Emerging Leader award and also came
to Marymount to talk with students
about engineering careers. She was also recently promoted
to Director of Increment 2 GPS products for Raytheon
Technologies.
Patsy Sciutto
‘86
Doerr ’86
was overjoyed
to present
her daughter
Ella D. ’23 with her diploma at
Commencement on May 30, 2023!
Laura Gilman ’88 has recently started a
‘88
consulting and coaching practice working
with CEOs, Founders, Executives and
Boards of Directors who seek to increase
their impact and achieve sustainable growth. The Honest
Advisor LLC focuses on unbiased, strategic, and direct
interactions and feedback rarely found in the corporate or
nonprofit settings.
‘90
Ann Beirn ’90 has co-authored the
textbook, Understanding Ethics in Applied
Behavior Analysis: Practical Applications,
now in its second edition. She also recently
developed Responsive Skills Training, an autistic-informed
paraprofessional level training for those working with
individuals with autism. This was developed with the Global
Autism Project, an organization Ann has worked with for over
15 years.
Mariah Mulvihill ’99 and John Bradley
welcomed a baby girl, Kennedy Anne, on
November 29, 2022. She joins Victoria Jane
(6) and John Dennis (3).
‘99
Olivia Whelan ’04, who also goes
by the name Spiritual Butterfly, is
producing a photography series
called “Finding Balance.” It is about
American women throughout the
decades. She fundraised throughout
winter and summer, and will be
bringing the show to a gallery space
in the fall. The project is directed by
spiritual teacher Guru Enlightment,
assistant produced by Marie Leila
Douaihi ’06, and features the
talents of various Marymount parents and alumnae. Learn
more by following @findingbalance_insta on IG (photograph
by Tobias Everke).
Taylor Shuler ’06 started www.
‘06
TaylorShuler.com in 2020, combining
regenerative design principles and activism
with astrology to help identify tangible
solutions and timing to make the world a
better place now and for many generations
to come. In May, Taylor won an award “The Most Promising
Astrologer 2022” from the Organization for Professional
Astrology (OPA). This year, she has been featured on The
Astrology Hub, The Black Sustainability Conference, Sacred
Planet, Stormie Grace, Tucson Astrologers’ Guild, OPA,
and ISAR’s International Conference. Next year, she’ll be a
featured speaker at Synchronicity University, the Northwest
Astrology Conference (NORWAC), The Astrology Hub, the
San Diego Astrology Society, OPA and more! You can listen
to her podcast called “On Thriving: Astrology & More with
Taylor Shuler” or her YouTube channel (YouTube.com/c/
TaylorShuler).
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Marymount School of New York

‘07
Margaux
Traina
Connors ’07
welcomed
her third baby, Grayson Michael
Connors, on January 9, 2023.
Along with mom and dad, Grayson
was welcomed with love by big
sister Chloé (4) and big brother
Philip (2). Margaux currently
works for CBRE as a Senior
Business Partner in the Life
Sciences sector.
Emily Vance ’06 and
her husband Henry
welcomed the birth of
their daughter, Audrey
Vance Parr, in February
2023. Furry big sister
Ruthie is excited about
her new playmate!
Juliet Davidson ’19 was awarded The
‘19
Senior Prize in Theatre at Hamilton
College, in recognition of her outstanding
contributions to the theatre program during
her college career.
Alexandra Harrison ’19 graduated from the United States
Naval Academy in May 2023 with a degree in aerospace
engineering (aeronautics) and began her training at the Naval
Aviation School in Pensacola, Florida.
In Memoriam
Marymount School of New York has lost the
following members of our community:
Ceil Gavin Ainsworth ’54 passed away in May 2023.
Neill O’Hearn Miller ’56 passed away on March 3, 2023, in
Montreal, Canada.
Kaitlyn Farrell Rodriguez ’10 earned
her Doctor of Philosophy in May 2023,
graduating as one of the first of five doctoral
College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Distinguished
Graduates at the University of Texas at
Austin.
‘10
Nicholas Cooney, beloved husband of Brenda Kavanagh
Cooney ’60 passed away on December 16, 2022.
Jeanne Travers ’73 passed away in May 2023.
Rebecca Ressy ’81 passed away on May 10, 2023.
Abby Dugan
‘12
Hall ’12 and her
husband Justin
welcomed their
first child on May
5, 2023. Their son’s name is Justin
Michael Hall Jr. (JJ for short). They
are over the moon!
Kwame Brathwaite, beloved father of Ndola Braithwaite
’85, passed away on April 1, 2023.
Nico Nuño, beloved brother of Tara Nuño ’18, passed away
on May 20, 2023.
David Wells, beloved father of Marin W. ’24, passed away on
February 11, 2023.
‘15
Claudia
Baker ’15
married
Thomas
Valle-
Hoag on April 29, 2023, in
Concord, Massachusetts.
Her four sisters, Kitty
(Marymount teacher),
Eliza ’17, Arabella ’20,
and Scarlett ’23 were
in attendance as well as
Victoria Becker ’17 and Caroline O’Sullivan ’17.
Save the date
• September 14: Alumnae Cocktail
Party at our new building!
• December 8: Alumnae and
Alumnae Parent Holiday Wine Tasting
• April 26-27: Reunion Weekend
Summer 2023 15

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Newsletter Staff: Jennifer Cyranski, Krista LaBella
Photos: Tobias Everke, JDZ Photography, Clemens Steinbock, Israel
Veintidos, COOKFOX Architects, and members of the Marymount community
Save the Date for
Opening Festivities!
Saturday,
September 9, 2023
The Marymount community is
invited to join us for opening
festivities at our new campus at
115 East 97th Street. Keep an eye
out for more information as we
get closer to the start of school.