apublicationofelizabe - Elizabeth Seton High School

VOL. 1 • WintER 2011
A PUBLICATION OF ELIZABETH SETON HIGH SCHOOL

VOL. 1
Winter 2011
3
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
4 - 9
Music
10 - 11
Drama comes
to Seton
12
Service
16
Women’s Retreat
17
Advancement/
Admissions
18
Alumnae
23
In Memory
Advancement TEAM
Front Cover: Sophomores;
Jillian Barley (bottom left),
Tiffany Gales (middle left),
Mackenzi Olree (middle right),
and Jennifer Perdomo.
Sister Ellen Marie Hagar, ‘74
President
Kelli Horton
Executive Director
Erica Corbin, ‘00
Associate Director
Vision
Maureen McCart
Executive Manager
Elizabeth Seton High School provides a challenging college preparatory program for all young women who seek a community that celebrates
diversity and creativity, fosters moral, spiritual, academic and physical growth, and promotes the Gospel values through service to others.
2

PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Dear Friends of Seton,
When we ushered in this New Year,
I was reminded of last year’s theme of
our 50th Anniversary, “Celebrate Your
Story, Our History”. After more than a
year at Seton, I have come to realize that
there is really only one story to celebrate
and that is our story, a story well worth
preservation and progression.
As an alumna of Seton, I am certainly
part of its past, but now as president, I
am not only part of Seton’s present, but
more importantly, Seton’s future. This
year has impressed upon me the very
grave responsibility that not only I, but
all of us, together, have for the future of
Seton. I often say that I have come to
understand my role as one who stands
on the balcony looking out into the
distance, while being firmly footed on
the floor beneath me.
As many of you may know, in the midst
of celebrating our 50th Anniversary
in the Year of the Alumnae, Seton
embarked on the development of a five
year strategic plan. As with any plan, the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats have been identified, but more
importantly, the vision of what is most
needed for Seton has sounded loud and
clear. May I share that vision with you?
Seton must engage its entire
community in its needs, in its
successes, and in the preservation
of its mission.
Simply said, The Mission needs a
Community and the Community needs
a Mission!
This unequivocal truth is at the heart of
every effort that our Board of Directors,
our Administration, and our Seton
Advancement Team will be making
as they invite you to own, share, and
promote the mission of Seton.
The challenges that Seton faces in the
future are significant, but they are also
sustainable, if we see Seton as part of
“our story and our success,” and if we see
ourselves as “stewards of Seton’s story
and its success”. To shape this vision, I
leave you with three questions for your
prayerful reflection:
Does Seton reflect my values?
Does supporting Seton feel right?
What gift do I have to give?
May God give us all the light to see Seton
as part of our story and the grace to do
what Seton needs for its preservation
and progression!
Sister Ellen Marie Hagar’74
President
Mission
The mission of Elizabeth Seton High School is to educate young women in the Spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
and St. Vincent de Paul, stressing Catholic values, academic excellence and service to those in need.
3

usic
Tade Dosunmu ‘10
4

Cabaret Comes to be a Cornerstone Show!
By Dr. Kathleen Vadala
What do you get when
you give twenty-six
high-powered singers the
opportunity to create a performance that
showcases their considerable talents?
You get the fourth edition of Concert
Choir’s bi-annual Cabaret show! Ever
since last spring, members of Seton’s
advanced choral ensemble have been
thinking, planning, and dreaming about
the music that they will put on stage
this April 15, 16, and 17, when they
share “Music on Film” with the Seton
community. This year, the emphasis
on outreach to alumnae, initiated by
President Sr. Ellen Marie Hagar, will
be realized in a Cabaret performance
specifically for alums.
The Cabaret tradition began in 2005,
when an out-of-town festival to which
the Concert Choir had been invited was
cancelled only weeks before its planned
date in late February. With the wind
taken out of that particular set of sails,
the group needed a project. The idea of
some kind of a show had been floated
by students in previous years, but had
never progressed beyond the talking
stage. This time, students immediately
dug in, taking responsibility for
planning, staging, costuming, and
rehearsing. We reserved a single date
in the auditorium and chose music
from Broadway shows as our theme.
When I mentioned the project to Mrs.
Burke, she asked if there would be
refreshments served to an audience
seated at tables in the true cabaret
tradition. My historic response was, “As
long as I don’t have to be in charge of
it!” In true seat-of-the-pants fashion,
we invented as we went along. Our first
Cabaret chair Sue Wilkinson, mother of
Caitlin ’06, arranged for tables, planned
the décor and menu and bought every
item that was needed. I designed the
tickets, posters and programs and
printed them on the school copier. We
arranged to have tickets sold through
the Guidance Office, and opened sales
two weeks before the show. I checked
ticket sales every day, concerned that
the show would at least draw enough
of an audience to reward the students’
considerable efforts. I was flabbergasted
to learn that all of the tickets had been
sold within the first few days.
The first soloist in the first show was
Emily Casey ’09, now a vocal performance
major at Catholic University, singing
“I’ve Got The Sun In The Morning” from
Annie Get Your Gun. Among the many
highlights from that first show were
selections from “Wicked,” “Chicago,” and
“The Sound of Music,” along with solos
from a vast array of Broadway shows.
From that energetic beginning, students
in subsequent “Cabaret years” fully
understood that anything that they put
on stage would rise or fall based on their
own efforts. Now, they’ve chosen to put
together Cabaret shows every other year,
in the years when there is no music
department trip.
This year, students began with an
assignment that asked them to investigate
movie musicals and movie theme songs
ranging from Shirley Temple’s films in
the 1930’s to Disney’s 2009 release, “The
Frog Princess.” They also conducted an
informal survey to see what songs were
recognized by respondents from a variety
of age groups. Some of the favorites were
movie themes like Moon River and Misty
as well as songs from Chicago, (we will
be remounting The Cellblock Tango,
which appeared in the original 2005
show!) Singin’ in the Rain, Hairspray,
Hair, The Wiz, and Cinderella.
One of the most arresting aspects of
Cabaret Night is the changes that it
often makes in the way students are
perceived by their teachers and their
peers. Athletic coaches comment that
they never suspected that their varsity
players could also sing solos; classroom
teachers marvel at the onstage sparkle
of the quietest girl in class, and fellow
students are amazed by the sudden
transformation into confident and
engaging performers of classmates who
are just an everyday part of the crowd in
the cafeteria.
The commitment of the parents who
manage the hospitality aspects of the
show, of the students who stretch
themselves to produce a show worthy
of the tradition, and of the Seton
administration who support the event
is a testament to the way that the Seton
community works together.
Right now it’s the beginning of October,
and the 2011 show preparations
are underway. Watch the website for
ticketing information, and come enjoy
an evening of music to remember. We
especially hope to see alumnae who
have performed in past shows.
5

W h e n p l a y i s w o r k &
work is play
By Deborah Hood, Department Chair of Music
W
hen most people finish their
work, they “play.” When a
musician “plays,” it is their
work. This leads some to believe that
studying and performing music is about
playing INSTEAD of working! In fact,
learning music is a long process that
requires in-depth knowledge, precisely
honed skills, and the commitment and
perseverance to continue the work over
years and years of study. Our Music
Department at Seton excels at providing
the opportunity and support for this kind
of musical “play.”
The Elizabeth Seton High School Music
Department is well known throughout
our community and beyond for its
high quality performances at local and
national festivals, and for its popular
and entertaining concerts, but many
people don’t realize how rigorous and
demanding the music curriculum is, or
how our performing ensembles also
contribute to Seton’s mission and vision.
Take a look at the ways our music
program supports three main aspects
of Seton’s mission statement.
Academic Excellence
While the music curriculum itself is
challenging, many of our music students
also excel in Honors and AP courses.
Music students are required to manage
the demands of music study and practice
along with other advanced academic
courses. Many of our music students
are also members of the National Honor
Society and the Seton Scholars Program.
In addition, the Music Department
sponsors a chapter of Tri-M, the National
Music Honor Society. Twenty-nine
students are current members of this
honor society for students who excel in
music, academics, leadership, and service.
At the top level of music courses, Wind
Ensemble and Concert Choir, students
can earn honors credit by committing
to an array of extra-curricular music
events, performances, auditions, and
private lessons.
Seton’s commitment to excellence in all
endeavors is apparent in the coursework
and performance level in music courses.
All students are encouraged to challenge
themselves daily, as rehearsals prepare
for polished performances. All music
ensembles compete in local, regional,
and national adjudications, which
prepare students for the demands of
college performances.
Rigorous, College-
Preparatory Program
Many of our music students go on to
major in music performance or music
education and have been very successful
in college and professional careers. In fact,
several of Seton’s alumnae are currently
instrumental music directors in public
and private schools: Gerianna Massimini
(’05) at Archdiocese of Washington
elementary schools, Phaedra McNair (‘93)
at Kingsford Elementary School in Prince
Georges County Public Schools, Cici
Klco (‘92) at McEaachern High School in
Atlanta, GA, and Francine Amos (’01) at
Bishop McNamara High School.
Seton’s String Quartet: Jean Kate Salvacion ‘11, Ashley Stinson ‘12, Jasee Freeman ‘12,
Imani Jasper ‘12
The Concert Choir has performed
regularly in the University of Maryland’s
High School Invitational Festival with
nine other select choirs from the
Washington and Baltimore area. Each
high school performs one piece of
music individually followed by several
other pieces being sung as a combined
choir as well as one additional piece
being sung by the combined choir and
the University of Maryland Chorale
and Chamber Singers.
6

Sing to Him; sing praise to Him;
tell of all His wonderful Deeds
G
od tells us over and over in
the 150 Biblical psalms that
he delights to hear our praises.
He especially wants to hear our voices
joined together in song and celebration.
Mr. Samuel Cromwell, Elizabeth Seton
High School’s Gospel Choir Director,
leads our girls in doing just that.
Having come to Seton 12 years ago, he
has developed the Gospel Choir, which
now includes 80 of our young women
who enjoy singing, to use the full range
of their talents to give glory to God.
Although he is a full-time musician who
works with several choirs, Seton’s gospel
choir is the only high school choir that he
directs. Mr. Cromwell has empowered
the choir to reach a performance level
that enables them to compete in at least
two local and national competitions each
year: their favorite being the Pathmark
High School Competition in New York.
When the students compete, they are
judged according to the following
criteria: tone, quality of voice, rhythm,
music selection and overall enthusiasm.
Seton’s Gospel Choir also joins in
concert with other area youth groups
for seasonal celebrations. Their most
recent performance of The Messiah with
1 Chronicles 16:9
the St. Augustine Choir in Washington
DC invigorated everyone with joy and
jubilation. Likewise, the Gospel Choir
bears the responsibility of Seton’s
liturgical music at masses and prayer
services. Inspiring over 600 high
school girls to magnify the Lord is an
amazing grace that flows through our
celebrations.
We invite all of our alumnae to follow
Seton’s website for performances
of the Gospel Choir and to join us,
whenever possible, to thank God for His
bountiful blessings and His almighty
omnipotence.
“Participation in this festival,” says Dr.
Kathleen Vadala, director of Seton’s choral
ensemble, “is a mark of respect given to
choirs who have mastered very difficult
selections.” The Concert Choir began
practicing for this festival in August in order
to master their solo selection, “I Am Not
Yours,” a poem written by Sara Teasdale
and set to music by David N. Childs.
Although the festival is not a competition,
recognition of superior talent happens
quite naturally as the performances are
compared and the students are recognized
for their contributions. The students
benefit from singing on the college level in
many ways: from learning to listen critically
to music, to bringing a piece of music to
the expected performance level.
Service to Others
Through the leadership of Seton’s Chapter
of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society,
our music students spend many hours in
service to the school and the community.
Even though the acceptance criteria require
high GPA’s and exemplary musicianship,
this group’s activities mainly focus on
service to others, particularly through
the use of music. Tri-M has sponsored
carol singing at area nursing homes, and
Christmas Day performances at Walter
Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda
Naval Medical Center to provide holiday
spirit for the patients and staff who are
spending Christmas Day in the hospital.
In addition, our music students provide
music for a variety of school events
such as Open House, Baccalaureate and
Graduation, Alumnae events, school
fundraisers, and off-campus events such
7

W h e n p l a y i s w o r k &
work is play (continued)
as the 150th Anniversary Celebration of
St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home
at the Strathmore Music Center and a
special reception at the Vatican Embassy
for the Papal Nuncio. Our music students
generously give of their time and talent
throughout the year whenever and
wherever needed. They learn to recognize
and appreciate the value of sharing their art
with others and to experience the joy they
can provide to the elderly, the sick, and
the lonely. To develop a talent and share
it with others without the expectation
of reimbursement or recognition is a
valuable lesson that our music students
take to heart. They will carry this lesson
with them throughout life.
Through challenging rehearsals, coursework,
and performances, our music department
teaches students to strive for perfection
in their work; to give attention to detail;
and to persevere through frustration as they
strive for academic and artistic excellence.
Students in the Music Department move
through a series of increasingly advanced
performing ensembles, gaining skills and
knowledge, in preparation for a successful
college experience.
Finally, our music students give generously
in service to others by using their
talents in a variety of ways to enhance
school events and to provide moments
of happiness to the less fortunate in the
community.
Emily Castelli ‘12 soothes us with String Music.
In these ways, our Music Department
truly embodies the Elizabeth Seton High
School mission and vision. These students
exemplify what we value most at Seton:
students who are engaged in learning,
striving for excellence, giving of themselves,
and working together for a greater goal than
one’s own personal reward.
8

C e l e b r a t i n g t h e H e a r t &
Soul of Christmas
T
he Spirit of Christmas resounded
in the hearts and souls of
those who celebrated Christmas
with Elizabeth Seton High School’s
music groups. The students’ exquisite
performance of sacred music, traditional
carols and holiday favorites was spiritually
uplifting as it resonated with all
that we believe about Christmas.
For students, these performances began
in late October with steady practices,
critical reviews, and student involvement
in the final selection of songs that are
shared. For alumnae, faculty members,
parents, and the entire Seton Community,
it began on December 5th as the Gospel
Choir and the Divine Dancers presented
Rejoice. This celebration of worship
and praise music, under the direction of
Mr. Samuel Cromwell, prepared our
hearts and souls during the holy season
of Advent.
Sacred music continued to lift our hearts
and souls on December 8, The Feast
of the Immaculate Conception, when
Seton’s choral groups honored Mary, the
mother of Jesus with songs of joy and
thanksgiving. At this concert, under
the direction of Dr. Kathleen Vadala,
each choral group performed traditional
carols from the United Kingdom that
allowed us to freely celebrate our
Christian faith and belief. The mix
of both familiar and unfamiliar music
delighted the audience with songs they
love or remember and with songs that
surprise and charm them. Among the
audience favorites were O Come All Ye
Faithful, The Carole of The Bells, and The
Twelve Days of Christmas. Exuberance
and excitement filled the auditorium as
hearts and souls were united in the true
blessings of Christmas.
The celebration of Christmas continued
on December 10 with Elizabeth Seton
High School’s instrumental concert,
under the direction of Ms. Debra Hood.
Regardless of your music preference,
you were sure to enjoy this concert
performed by Our Wind Ensemble,
Our Orchestra, Our Concert Band, Our
Jazz Band, and Our Symphonic Band.
Holiday music and other practiced
pieces gladdened the spirits of the
audience especially when favorite carols
were played in unique arrangements.
At Elizabeth Seton High School, there is
no celebration of Christmas without our
Christian faith. With praise and thanks,
we gave God the glory and we freely
performed sacred music that is the heart
and soul of Christmas!
9

DRAMA
comes
to Elizabeth Seton high
school In the form of
Little women
Kia Burrell,
as Hannah, manages
a sweet smile
when handed Aunt
March’s family
Christmas present.
Beth, played by
Sarah Larkin,
commiserates with
Jo, “Oh, Jo, I just
don’t know how you
can go on working
for Aunt March”.
Kaitlyn Phillips,
Marmee, and
Natalia Esteve, Jo,
celebrate Jo’s
first story
being published.
Jealous Amy,
played by
Erin Pratico,
defiantly announces
that she has just
burned Jo’s other
stories.
Meg, played by
Natalie Ridgley,
gives her hand
in marriage to
M r . J o hn B r o o k s .
Aunt March,
played by Lydia
Clemens, knows
what is best
f o r e v e r y o n e .

And in the Seniors’ Star
SOCCER season!
Seniors stun
soccer fans
in 3-1 victory
over PVI.
10 Seniors
lead Seton to
its best soccer
season since
the 90’s.
Nia Walcott
heads to Howard
on a 90% Soccer
Scholarship.
1st play-off
game against
St. John’s
requires 2 days,
2 overtimes, and
an 8 kicker
p e n a l t y k i c k .
“Having had 10 seniors and no major injuries”, according to Mel Nai, Seton’s
Varsity Soccer Coach, helped Seton advance from dead last to 3rd in the WCAC,
but she continues, “what really motivated these girls, some of whom had been
playing together since they were 10 years old, was their chemistry. They worked
hard in season and out of season to play well for each other. They were different
personalities who grew closer as a group, and that gave them a bond, ‘Stronger
than Sisterhood’. They are, without a doubt, the most talented soccer team that
Seton has seen in a long time.”
7 Seton
Players earn
distinguished
recognition
i n t h e W C A C .

ERVICE
Karen Orellana, ‘12
12

“What God asks
of us is to have
great care to
serve the poor”
St. Vincent de Paul
I
n the spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann
Seton and Saint Vincent de Paul,
Seton’s young women perform
at least 20 hours of service each year.
Much of Seton’s Vincentian service is
moderated by Sister Catherine France,
DC. Vincentian service is a spiritually
oriented service of those who suffer
poverty and is named after St. Vincent
de Paul. Before the students begin their
particular service, Sister Catherine
prays with them and after their
service, they reflect together on what
has happened in their time of giving.
This reflection encourages students to
be thankful for the blessings in their
own lives.
The various projects and activities
in which the students participate
include St. Ann’s Day Care Center.
The students make weekly Tuesday
visits to St. Ann’s to interact with the
children, and they spend one on one
time with them. Their main ministry
during their visit is to help care for
the children. To be selfless and to give
your full attention and love to children,
even for that short hour, is such a gift
to those young children. When they
see our Seton students coming, they
light up with big smiles!
St. Vincent de Paul said, “We must
soften our hearts and make them
sensitive to the suffering and worries
of our neighbor.” Students draw on
this Vincentian inspiration when they
visit Sacred Heart Nursing Home
Urban Plunge
Urban Plunge is an overnight retreat
that allows Seton students to interact
with the people who call the streets of
DC their home. It is a weekend spent
visiting various homeless shelters
including the Father McKenna Center
and Food for Friends. Our girls serve
food and break bread with homeless
people who come there each day
looking for their next warm meal and a
place to sleep. The retreat focuses on the
injustice that some people face in their
life, and the ways that our students can
counter injustice.
The program, which evolved back in
March 2009, under the guidance of Ms.
Lisa Brininstool and Mrs. Teresa Clancy
Jackson, involves 30 retreat students,
5 student leaders, and over 12 faculty
members. The retreat starts on a Friday
night with a drive around Washington
DC’s inner city. This tour presents
an “eye-opening” experience of life for
those who have none, and it shows
13

14
Mary Jo Rohrer, ‘12

SERVICE (continued)
Urban Plunge (continued)
twice a month. The beauty of this
ministry is the time students take to
listen and to share stories. Often, all
it takes is a smiling face or just sitting
with someone to let them know that
they are cared for and not forgotten.
This is learning that lasts a lifetime:
give even an hour of your day to make
someone else feel joyful.
Hunger is defined as the uneasy or
painful sensation due to lack of food.
Sandwiches for S.O.M.E. (So Others
May Eat) are a service to relieve this
terrible sensation: sandwiches are
made each Thursday in Seton’s school
kitchen by students. After many
years of doing this, the process has
been perfected: Sr. Catherine knows
just the right type of bread, jam, and
peanut butter to acquire, and just how
to organize her girls in the making
of 400 sandwiches in an hour’s time.
Once the sandwiches are made, Mr.
Anthony Kirwan, Seton’s beloved
bus driver, takes them to S.O.M.E.
Our Seton students are blessed for
serving the poor, the disadvantaged,
and the forgotten whether it is face to
face or indirectly. These experiences
help them grow as individuals who
can later offer the best of themselves
in the spirit of Vincentian service!
the struggle of those who survive with
nothing. Next, they stop at the Father
McKenna Center, a shelter near Union
Station. The Seton faculty members
provide dinner for everyone, and the
students gather to serve and eat with
those who visit for the night. After
dinner, the retreat participants return
to Seton for their own version of
staying overnight in a shelter. They
spend the remainder of the evening in
reflection and prayer, and then retire to
makeshift beds that simulate sleeping
on uncomfortable surfaces. Early
Saturday morning, they continue their
experience of service and implementing
social justice as they break into groups
and spend the day at different local
shelters. They, then, come together in
prayer and thanksgiving and conclude
with mass.
The Urban Plunge retreat teaches
students how to effectively give back
to their community. During their
experience, they are challenged to
evaluate each situation using the “See,
Judge, and Act” method. This method
urges them to stop and explore the
facts of being homeless, in order to gain
a greater understanding of the people
whom they meet, and to sit beside
them, if only for a day. This may lead
to debunking any ideas and stereotypes
they may have carried before the retreat.
Afterward, they decipher the rights
and the wrongs of the situation based
on their understanding. Lastly, they
discuss and build strategies for helping
the growing population of homeless
people. As part of Seton’s drive to instill
social justice in a world full of injustices,
the school encourages students to take
part in the Urban Plunge experience
to develop compassion for those who
are less fortunate, and to assure them
that they have the capability and the
voice to make a difference in the lives
of others.
15

Having a Mary Heart in
a Martha World
Now as they went on their way,
he entered a certain village,
where a woman named Martha
welcomed him into her home. She had a
sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s
feet and listened to what he was saying.
But Martha was distracted by her many
tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord,
do you not care that my sister has left me
to do all the work by myself? Tell her then
to help me.” But the Lord answered her,
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and
distracted by many things; there is need
of only one thing. Mary has chosen the
better part, which will not be taken away
from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
Seton’s first Annual Women’s Retreat
gathered over 30 women who, challenged
by the many demands of family,
work, and ministry, were brave enough
to sit at the feet of Jesus with their
sisters. Yolanda Wilson ’89 resonated
immediately with the women, who often
feel cumbered about much serving, as
she challenged them to not be tempted
by “busyness”, but to embrace their work
as “His business”. “Such a challenge”,
said Yolanda, “requires letting our horse
(our personal relationship with Jesus)
pull our cart (our workload). On the other
hand, “pulling the cart by ourselves often
leads to frustration, discouragement, and
resentment. Service without our Savior
is meaningless,” she added.
“Sitting at the feet of Jesus gives us time
to discover our motives for serving and
time to rid ourselves of false motives:
impressing someone, external rewards,
hard to say no, feeling good about
ourselves. Why we serve is as important
as how we serve,” Wilson proposed.
Sitting with our sisters in small group
discussions about women in scripture,
led by Colleen Perret ‘80, allowed the
women to explore ways that they can
support one another in womanhood
and in service. Finding the strength
of sisterhood, as did many women
in scripture, was much like finding
The Pearl of Great Price.
After lunch and more sharing, Rene
Green ’81 led the women in a reflection
on “Stewarding Our Gifts for the Benefit
of Others”. “Because we believe, we are
called to share what we have received
now and in the future. Our gifts are
a legacy of love from God to us, a
legacy that requires planned giving:
commitments now and at the end of
our life that reflect our convictions;
benevolence that bestows our blessings
upon others,” challenged Green.
“Stewardship also requires sitting at the
feet of Jesus and asking Him to show us
how to give. Stewardship necessitates a
magnanimous Mary heart rather than
a martyred Martha heart The transformation
of your heart takes time: with Jesus
who longs to have a personal relationship
with you,” concluded Wilson.
16

Dear Friends,
In the seven and a half years that I
have worked at Elizabeth Seton High
School, I have learned so much. This
is an amazing community of students,
parents, alumnae, and faculty and staff.
Our students come from 5 counties and
over a dozen elementary and middle
schools. Few have gone to a single sex
school and may view that change with
some trepidation. Our feeder schools
are public, private, religious and nondenominational.
Seton has a well-deserved reputation
for high academic standards. We offer
classes from bio-ethics to ceramics,
karate to honors physics and photo
journalism to Advanced Placement
calculus. Seton is constantly evaluating
its courses to offer the students the latest
in technology and science to both meet
the demands of the students for more
challenging courses and to prepare them
for a smooth transition to college. Our
students excel in the most demanding
courses and do well in the AP exams.
What is most amazing to me is the
way that our families give back. The
students collect a mountain of food at
Thanksgiving for SOME. Throughout
the year, the Seton girls make sandwiches
on a regular basis for a shelter.
They visit nursing homes and day
care centers and volunteer as translators
for Back to School Night at
our neighboring elementary schools.
They donate money for areas around
the world that suffer devastating
events like the Asian tsunami and the
Haitian earthquake. The students are
required to perform 10 hours of service
each semester, but they average about
twice that each year.
Parents and students are very generous
with their time for the varied activities
at Seton throughout the year. Their
work is invaluable to the music and
athletics programs through the various
parent organizations. They volunteer
their evenings to make phone calls to
contact Seton graduates about making
financial donations to support Seton.
The alumnae enjoying hearing about the
Seton of today and respond generously
to the phone calls. Seton’s Gala last year
required hours of planning and many
people to make it the success that it was.
Parents, students and graduates gave
willingly of their time, made donations
to support the event, and attended to
make the Gala a great success.
Last fall, we received a matching grant
from the State of Maryland to upgrade
the field and add lighting and new
bleachers. We needed to raise $25,000
in a short period of time as a condition
of receiving the grant. The Seton parents
and graduates responded and made the
grant and those improvements possible
through their generous support.
Elizabeth Seton High School is a
community of people who value the
education that Seton provides and the
commitment of the faculty and staff to
the students. Seton has a wonderful
history of accomplishments: being
named a Blue Ribbon school, winning
championships in volleyball, track and
basketball, to name a few, and music
groups that take the top prizes at each
adjudication that they enter. Most
importantly, we are a community that
values diversity and teaches our students
to be educated women of character who
support Seton and their community
with their time and resources.
Truly yours,
Maureen McCart
Executive Manager
Seton Advancement
Expect the Seton Fund (Seton’s Annual Appeal) in your mailboxes in April.
The Seton Fund is a pledge program; pledging enables our friends to give
more generously with their other economic responsibilities.
A Warm new welcome
From Seton
Melissa Davey ’99
took her seat as Seton’s
Director of Admissions
in August of 2010.
She spent her first
years at Seton teaching
psychology and sociology as well as
directing the Bayley Program. As she
began her new position, Melissa found
herself in a first-class operation thanks to
the successful work of her predecessor,
Dawn Schiavone. At the same time,
she discovered some challenges as
she familiarized herself with the many
details of her responsibility and as she
learned the current statistics of the
surrounding area’s Catholic elementary
and middle schools.
Her goal as Director of Admissions is
to pique the interest and to increase
the entrance of prospective students
who come to visit the school. She has
continued to expand recruitment into
Anne Arundel and Calvert counties.
She has been successful in identifying
and recruiting young girls who have
the potential to grow and thrive in the
Seton community.
Melissa loves being the spokesperson
for Seton. She believes that Seton has a
nurturing environment in which parents’
daughters can develop into their own
person. Furthermore, she finds it “easy
to be the spokesperson for a school in
which she believes.” As a graduate and
former teacher of the school, Melissa
possesses a keen understanding of the
environment, the mission, and the
faculty and staff. She is aware of both
the sacrifices and the benefits of an
excellent Catholic education, and she
believes in its value for today’s young
women. Likewise, Seton believes that
Melissa will be successful in recruiting
students who will bring talent and
creativity to Seton’s classrooms and
flourish into future leaders.
17

18
LUMNAE

Weekend Exceeds Expectations for All
On Halloween weekend, the
Classes of 70, 80, and 90
wore no costumes or masks
as they returned to Seton hoping to
recognize former classmates and recall
fabulous memories. E-vites, phone
calls, and Facebook helped to find one
another again as the planning committee
organized the details of decorations, the
dance, and the dinner.
Finally, Friday came and alums poured
into the upper student lobby to meet and
greet one another at the wine and cheese
reception. There was just no end to the
laughter and the joy of being with one
another. Gladdened in spirit, the Class of
70 continued the party at The Italian Inn.
The Class of 90 moved on to Franklin’s,
and the Class of 80 just didn’t go home.
More stories to share, more news to tell,
and more pictures to show prompted
everyone to make a night of it.
Saturday’s dinner and dance allowed
alums to re-connect with one another as
well as to remotely connect with those
who had joined online. In between picture
taking, tours of Seton, and shopping in
the bookstore, alums viewed class movies
of “The Way They Were”.
Sunday, some alums returned again
for a mass in the Sisters’ Chapel where
the Eucharistic meal fed, nourished
and bonded them together in ties not
to be broken.
The eloquent words of Juanita Lucas-
McLean ’70 express the enthusiasm, the
energy, and the excitement of those who
attended, “How wonderful our weekend
was! Each day got better and better for
me. Having not been back in 40 years,
it was very gratifying and heart-warming
to bond once again with my classmates.
I say that with true sincerity. I have come
to realize that the Seton experience, the
spiritual grounding that we received and
the bonds that we formulated as young
ladies have carried us through life and
have influenced the women that we
have become. Greeting each other on
Friday, being genuinely happy to see
our classmates, being silly on Saturday
at the dance as we danced line, soul,
and our grand finale (the girls’ only
circle of friendship dance), and finally
fortifying ourselves spiritually at mass on
Sunday morning all contributed to one
fabulous reunion weekend. I challenge
every woman from the class of ’70, ’80
and ’90 to keep this momentum going.
And, let’s give back financially to Seton
where the foundation for our educational
experience, spirituality, and character
building began.”
Juanita’s passion is equally shared by
Patti Aluise ’70 who has just joined our
Alumnae Association and who says, “I’m
still on a high. I’m also on a quest to find
the rest of our class.” Seton’s president,
Sister Ellen Marie, has this to say, “The
spirit of the alums flowed throughout the
student lobby. It was fun, but it was also
profound. These classes decided early on
that their reunion would not be all about
them. They chose to give back to Seton.
They worked hard, secured donations,
and gave of their time and talent so they
could leave Seton with a gift from every
ticket sold. Their total gift of $3000 of
scholarship monies for those who struggle
to stay at Seton was a very selfless way of
passing on the torch of Seton’s “light to
know and grace to do”. It was a sacred
moment for me to see that these words
are engraved on their hearts and souls.
The entire weekend was much more than
“a woman thing”; it was indeed a “Godly
encounter of sisterhood”.
19

Class Notes
1960’s
Janet (Bonomo)
Thompson ‘64
is a RN Case Manager at University of
Maryland Medical System in Baltimore,
Maryland. She lives in Odenton, Maryland
and she is blessed with 2 children and 5
grandchildren.
1970’s
Gerry (Byrnes) Hahn ’70
attended Johns Hopkins Hospital
School of Nursing after her graduation
from Seton. She was a member of their
last class graduating from the 3 year
diploma program. She worked part time
in various nursing areas, but she found
her most rewarding work over the past
10 years in hospice care. She is married
for the second time with 2 children and
2 grandchildren.
Jacquelyne Wilson, R.N. ’70
is currently working in the nursing field
of medical and cosmetic Dermatology.
Before that, she spent thirty years working
as a nurse in Obstetrics/Gynecology.
While in this field, she had the joy of
being the delivery nurse for two of her
daughters. Her oldest granddaughter,
Drew, is a freshman at Seton.
Carol (Gerhardt)
Bachman ’70
became a step-grandmother on June 19th
2010 to a baby boy! She also works as
the Team Lead on a $5 Million Contract.
Debra J. Cleary ’71
is enjoying life on Kent Island in
Maryland. She has three healthy adult
children, and she has been blessed with
nine grandchildren.
Mindie (Garrison)
Burgoyne ’77
has released her book entitled Haunted
Eastern Shore: Ghostly Tales from East of
the Chesapeake. Mindie writes for several
different travel blogs and conducts tours
of mystical and haunted sites.
Trish Harkins-Dunn ’78
was on Season 7 of the TV Show Survivor,
where she had many great adventures
and ate disgusting things! She called
her time on Survivor an experience of
a lifetime. She is now training for her
45th marathon.
1980’s
Celeste (Knox) Laurel ’80
became an ordained minister in June of
2010.
Leslie (Redding) Gincley ’81
lost her husband, Glenn Gincley, two
years ago on July 24, 2008 due to cancer.
Her daughters, Genna and Kristina, have
been busy healing, and they are thankful
for their supportive family and friends.
Currently, they are in the process of
relocating to Hedgesville, West Virginia to
be closer to family. Leslie describes Glenn
as a wonderful husband and father.
Lisa (Herkert) Trapani ’81
is a public relations Vice-President
who works from home for Rose
Communications Inc., a PR firm based
in Hoboken, NJ. Her daughter, Kate, is a
sophomore theatre major at the University
of Maryland in College Park, Lisa’s alma
mater. Also, her daughter, Sophie, is a
high school junior at Mount de Sales
Academy for Girls in Catonsville.
Ericka Johnson ’82
was promoted to Vice-President Controller
of ZGS Communications. She
started with ZGS when it was a television
production company in the early 1990s.
She most recently served as Controller
for ZGS and all of its media properties.
Ericka is a member of the Media Financial
Management Association (MFM) and
a 2003 graduate of Leadership Prince
George’s, a prestigious leadership program
and professional network. She received
her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from
Towson University in Maryland.
Katherine (Rooney)
Howell ’82
works for the Transportation Security
Administration in Colorado Springs,
CO. She loves being in Colorado and
working with our beloved military men
and women.
Ann Principe ’82, Patti
(Principe) Schmaltz ’84,
Felissa (Principe) Oden
’88, Juliet (Principe)
d’Epagnier ’90, Amanda
(Principe) Overby ’91
all vacationed together in the Outer Banks
(OBX). There were 41 family members in
attendance.
Angela (Conroy) Scrom ’88
lives in Arizona with her husband and
three children. She, also, teaches first
grade and loves it!
20

Class Notes
1990’s
Sarah (Kendrick)
Watson ’97
graduated in 2002 from UMBC with a
Bachelor of Arts in Imaging and Digital
Arts. She became a Sergeant in the
Army National Guard and worked as
a Government Contractor, specializing
in Industrial Security. In 2009, she left
the National Guard to pursue her Master
of Fine Arts from UC Davis. In 2010,
she graduated with a Master of Fine
Arts in Costume Design. Currently, she
is working as a Costume Designer for
area theaters and she is an Independent
Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay, Inc. In
October of 2010, she married Sgt. Adam
Watson, USAF.
2000’s
Seton Class of 2000
celebrated their 10 year reunion on
September 18-19, 2010 in the Seton
Auditorium and Rose Garden. The girls
came from near and far and joyfully
reunited with each other and their alma
mater. A great time was had by all!
Tricia Ballenger ’00
will be awarded a Bachelor of Science
in Social Science from the University of
Maryland (UMUC). She will also receive
a certificate in human development and
diversity awareness.
Maria (Rieg) Singletary ’00
married Daniel Singletary on October
31, 2010. She graduated in 2004 from
Frostburg University with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Mass Communications
and a minor in Spanish. Currently, she
works in Human Resources at MedStar
Health Research Institute.
Kristen Reza-Atkins ’02
graduated from the University of
Maryland in 2006 with a Bachelor of
Arts in Elementary Education. She is
working as a 3rd grade Literacy Teacher
in Montgomery County, and she is
approaching her 5th year of teaching. She
is also working on her Master’s Degree
in Minority and Urban Education at the
University of Maryland. On August 15,
2009, she married David Atkins. Her two
maids of honor, Lauren Price ’02 and Ana
Reza ’09, helped to make the wedding
day amazing and special for Kristen and
David. They recently bought a house in
Baltimore, MD in March of 2010.
Ashley Byrd ‘09
has accepted membership in The National
Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).
She will be honored during an Induction
Convocation this fall on the campus of
Winston-Salem
State University.
NSCS is a member
of the Association
of College Honor
Societies, the
nation’s only
interdisciplinary
honors organization for first- and secondyear
college students. Membership is by
invitation only, based on grade point
average and class standing.
21

T h i s W a s N o O r d i n a r y
Rose Garden Party...
I
t was a clear and mild Friday
afternoon in early September as
members from the class of 1968
prepared to host the first annual
Seton Reception in the Rose Garden.
The spirit of the day was mixed with
reminiscence and optimism as alumnae
from all across the age spectrum
gathered to say “Cheers” to Seton’s rich
legacy and marvel at the bright future
that stood before them. Women from
the class of 1963 to the class of 2004
gathered around and shared memories
of the shenanigans in the hallways, the
lessons learned inside and outside of
the classrooms, and the lifelong friends
that they never forgot. The reception
was a celebration of the special bond
between Seton women of all ages, the
shared vision for breathing a new energy
and life into the school community, and
a partnership that is centered around
continuing the tradition of excellence of
instilling young women with the “light
to know and the grace to do.”
As the guests arrived, they were greeted
by the sight and sound of Seton’s award
winning String Quartet. Delicious
desserts and appetizers were served
along with an assortment of wines and
other beverages. Slowly phrases like,
“I graduated in the class of…,” and
“I remember when…,” began to fill
the air as alumnae became acquainted
with each other. Seton’s president
and alumna, Sister Ellen Marie Hagar
‘74, gave tours of the school to all
who desired to take a brief walk down
memory lane and discover the changes
that have occurred over the years. Mary
Brophy Haddow, a member of the class
of 1968, recounts the day and the
attitude of the alumnae in attendance,
“The spirit of the day was festive and
hopeful! The alums who worked on
the event were excited to be giving back
to the school and looking forward to
meeting other alums and students in
the process.” In the spirit of giving back
and looking forward to the future, the
event was closed with a special message
from our president.
“Giving back means offering your time,
talents, and energy toward continuing
the Seton tradition of giving young
women a strong foundation. Giving
back makes an impact forever. It creates
a circle of endless love, a love creative
unto infinity.” At the close of the Rose
Garden Reception, the class of 1968 made
a toast to her message that described a
future filled with an infinite amount of
love and opportunity. When the night
came to an end, the alumnae left with
positive feelings towards Seton’s future
and an eagerness to get on board with
the vision of Elizabeth Seton High
School: to carry on the legacy of being
an excellent school for young girls
who are ready to transform themselves
into bright and confident women of
the 21st century.
22

I n M E M O R Y
Alumnae
Deborah Winkler ’72
Sister of Nancy Winkler Olson ’64;
Cousin of Peggy Windsor Del Collo‘77
Jane Pesci Townsend ’77
Sister of Cecelia Pesci ’75, Barbara
Pesci Rosenberg ’78 and Marianna Pesci
Stavely ‘81
Mary Windon Edelen ‘80
Margaret Creamer Glessner ‘79
Natasha Pettigrew ‘98
Barbara Bennings ‘65
Sister of Burnell Bennings ‘68
Family and Friends
Shirley Boykin
Mother of Lisa Boykin Mauricci ‘83
and Christine Boykin Simikowski ‘85
Joseph P. McElroy
Father of Carol McElroy Potts ‘82
and Mary McElroy Bello ‘84
Vincent Falcone
Father of Teresa Falcone-Bothwell ‘74,
Julie Falcone Johnson ’75, Angie Falcone
Johnson ’79, MaryBeth Falcone Minch
’81, and Susan Falcone Lopresti ’85;
Grandfather of Cloey Henchcliffe ‘09
Angela Connelly (former faculty)
Mother of Margaret Connelly ‘11
Rosemary Quade
Mother of Caitlin Quade ‘08
Patricia Windsor
Mother of Peggy Windsor Del Collo ‘77
Donald Windsor
Father of Peggy Windsor Del Collo ‘77
Ronald Wilson
Father of Sue Wilson Krick ’71;
Uncle of Karen Wilson Larman ‘75
Stuart Tull
Father of Terri Tull Jank ‘72 and Karen
Tull Breen ‘74 Elliot Eckert, Michaelanne
Eckert ’81, Teresa Eckert Carroll ’83 and
Linda Eckert ‘85
Roberta Tate
Grandmother of Kimberley Neely ‘91
Ann Self
Mother of Katie Self Aaron ‘97
Frank Kelly
Father of Franita Kelly ‘12
Deborah Walker
Mother of Jennie Brown ‘00
Ann Kehoe
Former Seton Student
C o n t a c t u s
S Magazine is a publication for the school community,
especially our alumnae. Tell us what you are doing now,
catch up with old friends, and say hi to those with whom
you lost touch with. Don’t forget to include your name,
maiden name, class year, complete address, phone numbers,
and email address along with your update. Email your
facts and photos to advancement@setonhs.org, or mail
them to: Elizabeth Seton High School, Seton Advancement,
5715 Emerson Street, Bladensburg, MD 20710.
Senior’s: Left to right; Katherine Jacobs,
Nigisty Lulu, Alyssa Albanese,
Amanda Lamar & Joan Kate Salvacion
23

Elizabeth Seton High School
5715 Emerson Street
Bladensburg, MD 20710
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