Vue du Coeur Summer 2012 - Cdssh.org

Vue du Cœur 

Country Day School of the Sacred Heart 

SUMMER 2012 

STEM @ CDSSH

Heartcoming Weekend 2012 

Friday, September 28 

Cocktail Reception 

at the Mansion 

6-8 p.m. All alumnae are 

welcome. Reunion classes ending 

in 2’s and 7’s will receive special 

recognition. 

Dear Friends, 

When we turned the calendar to June, many of us were astonished that the 2011- 

2012 academic year was coming to a close. This copy of Vue du Coeur certainly 

confirms that a myriad of learning and activities filled the days and probably 

account for the pace of the year. 

As I reviewed the contents of this Vue du Coeur, the words of Janet Erskine 

Stuart, RSCJ haunted me: “Our education is not meant to turn children out small 

and finished, but seriously begun on a wide-basis.” I was touched by the widebasis 

offered to and attained by our students. Academics, athletics, drama, music, 

art, and dances provided the basis, but active participation ensured the growth. I 

am encouraged that they are, indeed, going to be women who make a difference. 

This issue of the Vue celebrates Prize Days and Senior Awards, the culmination of milestones reached 

throughout the year in a variety of disciplines and experiences. It celebrates the wide-basis achieved by many. 

This issue also highlights new emphases in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program and 

the incorporation of the iPad as a learning tool. 

As important as individual disciplines and digital technology are, and as imperative as it is that teachers are 

professionally current, it is even more critical that students learn who they are, how they are called, and what 

their responsibilities are to their sisters and brothers around the world. Reflection, then, is integral to 

discernment and transformation. 

Within the pages is also an opportunity to meet faculty with seniority, faculty new to or returning to the Sacred 

Heart Family. Each shares a commitment to St. Madeleine Sophie’s vision. Each brings gifts that promise to 

enrich us. There are also stories of alumnae whose talents influence diverse communities, but whose witness to 

their Sacred Heart mission comes from one heart. 

Enjoy meeting the Sacred Heart Family and sharing their 2011-2012 year. Rejoice in the maturity you witness 

and in the growth you see. 

Sincerely yours, 

S. Matthew Anita MacDonald, SSJ 

Head of School 

Saturday, Septemer 29 

Miss Pat 5K Race & 

1-Mile Tricia Trot 

8:00 Registration, 9:00 am start 

Register on line. 

Family Fun Day 9-12 noon. 

Tour of Overbrook 

11:00 a.m. 

Sunday, September 30 

Mass & Brunch 

10 a.m. Mass followed by brunch 

The classes of ’62 and ’87 will 

receive special recognition. 

Distinguished Alumna: 

Louisa Willcox Sweeney ‘51 

8th grade history students explore the period between 1950 and 2000 with teacher Gina Cooney. 

SUMMER 2012 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

2 Graduation 

6 Spotlight on Students & 

Faculty 

9 Winter/Spring Sports 

12 It’s About Heart 

16 Grease 

18 S.T.E.M. Feature 

22 Alumnae Spotlights 

24 Alumnae Corner 

9th Grade Scholarship & Entrance Exam 

October 20th from 9 a.m. - 12 noon 

Open Houses: 

Grades 9-12: October 20th from 12:30-2 p.m. 

Grades Pre-K-12: October30th from 9-11 a.m. 

The Sacred Heart community would like to congratulate 

Sr. Barbara Dawson, RSCJ on her new post as provincial 

for the United States Province of the Society of the Sacred 

Hear and to sincerely thank Sr. Paula Toner, RSCJ for 

her dedicated service and leadership as provincial. 

On the Cover: Junior physics students launch rockets into the sky. 

Vue du Coeur is published by the 

Public Relations Office of the 

Country Day School of the 

Sacred Heart. 

480 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue 

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2101 

610-527-3915 ext. 227 

fax: 610-527-0942 

Head of School 

Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald, SSJ 

Senior Editor 

Betsy Dougert 

Editors 

Elizabeth Buckland 

Kathleen Gallagher 

Laurie Nowlan 

Lauren Santella 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 1 SUMMER 2012 

CDSSH does not discriminate on the basis of 

race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, 

gender, religion, disability, or any other class 

protected by law in the administration of its 

educational policies, employment practices, 

admissions policies, scholarship, loan or 

financial programs, athletic and other school 

administered programs.

Graduation 2012 

On Thursday, June 7, 2012, 49 seniors graduated from Sacred Heart. The graduation ceremony was held 

in the Gormley Gymnasium with Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald presiding over the ceremonies. Upper 

School secretary Jeanne Perretta was elected by the senior class to serve as the guest speaker, with many of 

the girls referring to Mrs. Perretta as their “mom away from home.” The class valedictorian was Nicolette 

Heinsinger, and the salutatorian was Brona Ranieri. The Baccalaureate Mass was held the evening before 

graduation at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Bryn Mawr. School chaplain Rev. Thomas P. Gillin, 

Rev. J. Thomas Heron, and Rev. Msgr. John J. Jagodzinski (homilist) acted as concelebrants, and were 

assited by school deacon Rev. Mr. James Dalton. Our seniors are well prepared to face new adventures 

and challenges in college, and will attend some of the country’s most prestigious universities. In total, the 

Class of 2012 received over $6 million in academic scholarships. We at Sacred Heart are very proud of their 

accomplishments. We wish them the best, and encourage them to come back and visit! 

Baccalaureate Meditation by Maria Schena’12 

A friend is someone who loves you because of everything she knows about you. A sister is someone who loves 

you despite everything she knows about you. She will always be there for you, and is always with you. To my 

dear Sacred Heart sisters: you are incredible. I see my own hopes and fears reflected in each of you. Am I ready? 

Will I succeed? What if I fail? I do not know the answers to these questions any more than you do, but I do 

know this - We have been blessed. We know how it feels to be loved unconditionally. We have laughed, cried, 

wondered, and wandered together. We cannot move forward without being conscious of where we have come 

from. We are all children of the Sacred Heart, and I pray we never grow up. 


College Acceptances for the Class of 2012 

Alvernia University 

American University of Paris 

Arizona State University 

Baylor University 

Belmont Abby College 

Boston College 

Boston University 

Brown University 

Bryn Athyn College 

Carnegie Mellon University 

Case Western University 

Catholic University 

Champlain College 

Chestnut Hill College 

Christopher Newport 

University 

Clemson University 

College of Charleston 

Cornell University 

Delaware Valley College 

Drexel University 

Duquesne University 

East Stroudsburg University 

Elizabethtown College 

Emerson College 

Eugene Lang College 

Fairfield University 

Fairleigh Dickinson 

University 

Fashion Institute of 

Technology 

Flagler College 

Fordham University 

Franciscan University 

Furman University 

Georgetown University 

Gettysburg College 

Hamilton College 

Hartwick College 

Highpoint University 

Hillsdale College 

Holy Cross College 

Ithaca College 

James Madison University 

Kent State University 

Kutztown University 

La Salle University 

Lafayette College 

Lasell College 

Le Moyne College 

Loc Haven University 

Loyola University Chicago 

Loyola University Maryland 

Loyola University New 

Orleans 

Lycoming College 

Lynchburg College 

Manhattanville College 

Marquette University 

Mary Baldwin College 

Marymount University 

Marywood University 

McDaniel College 

Merrimack University 

Millersville University 

Misericordia University 

Moravian College 

Mount St. Mary’s University 

New College 

North Carolina State 

University 

Northeastern University 

Pennsylvania State 

University 

Philadelphia University 

Polytechnic Institute of New 

York University 

Quinnipiac University 

Rensselaer Polytechnic 

Institute 

Rhodes College 

Salve Regina University 

Seton Hall University 

Shippensburg University 

St. Francis College 

St. John’s University 

St. Joseph’s University 

St. Michael’s College 

Stetson University 

Stonehill College 

SUNY College of 

Environmental Science 

and Forestry 


Susquehanna University 

Syracuse University 

Temple University 

Texas Christian University 

Towson University 

Trinity University 

University of Connecticut 

University of Dallas 

University of Delaware 

University of Kentucky 

University of Maryland 

University of Massachusetts 

University of Mississippi 

University of Pittsburg 

University of Richmond 

University of Scranton 

University of South Carolina 

University of Tampa 

University of the Sciences 

University of Vermont 

University of Washington 

University of West Virginia 

Ursinus College 

Villanova University 

Virginia Tech 

Virginia Wesleyan College 

Washington College 

West Chester University 

Yale University

Presidential Award Winners: Ellin Haab, 

Nicolette Heinsinger, Abigail Warner and 

Elizabeth McDonald 

The Cecilia Beatty Excellence in 

Music Award 

Presented by Christine Kline ’89 

Julie Marie Britt 

The Willamenia Bitting, R.S.C.J. ’53 

Creative Arts Award 

Presented by Annette Markowitz 

Julie Ann Romualdez 

The Linda L. Robinson 

Creative Writing Award 

Presented by Linda L. Robinson 

Mallory Cassidy Brown 

The Alumnae Essay Award 

Presented by Karin Kennedy ’91 

Taylor Marie Brady 

The Mère de la Chapelle 

French Award 

Presented by Tricia Heeney 

Victoria Abigail Warner 

The Isabel Gallagher, R.S.C.J. 

History Award 

Presented by Gary Saylor 


Senior Awards Prize Day Awards 

The Mary Helen Moore 

Mathematics Award 

Presented by Mary Hayburn 

Nicolette Mary Heinsinger 

The Mothers’ Association 

Science Award 

Presented by Dr. Eve Atkinson 


The Phillippine Duchesne 

Spanish Award 

Presented by Tricia Heeney 

Veronica A. Boyce 

The Children of Mary 

Theology Award 

Presented by Peter Callaghan 

Sophie Patricia Pauline 

The St. Madeleine Sophie 

Barat Award 

Presented by Elizabeth Rexford 

Buckland ’57 

Jordana Margaret Cech 

Brianna Lyn Gardner 

The Sportsmanship Award 

Presented by Cindy Shay 

Kara Elizabeth Shields 

The Jeannine Broussard ’85 

Effort Award 

Presented by Mrs. James Broussard 

Midley Eliezer Joseph 

The Phyllis Heuisler, R.S.C.J. Good 

Conduct Award 

Presented by William Santora 

Gabriella Aurora DiPasquale 

The Dorothy Anne Leahy ’64 Award 

Presented by Mary Lee Leahy 

Fitzpatrick ’79 



The Mary Ellen Ryan Loyalty Award 

Presented by Mary Ellen Ryan 

Caroline Ann Greenwald 

The Phi Beta Kappa 

Association Award 

Presented by Helene Regetta 

Elizabeth Lang McDonald 

The Très Bien Award 

Presented by Sister Matthew 

Anita, S.S.J. 


The Sacrè Coeur Award 

Presented by Barbara Carroll 


National Honor Society 

Ceara Marie Bogue 

Veronica A. Boyce 

Taylor Marie Brady 

Jordana Margaret Cech 

Gabrielle Aurora DiPasquale 

Eileen Marie Dombrowski 

Brianna Lyn Gardner 

Caroline Ann Greenwald 


Midley Eliezer Joseph 

Kathleen Callaway Llyod 

Margaret Anne Mack 

Brynne Ellen Martin 

Elizabeth Lang McDonald 

Alexandra L. McNulty 

Sophie Patricia Pauline 

Julie Ann Romualdez 

Maria Georgia Schena 


Shamique A. Thompson 


Kelsey Leigh Williar 

Presidential Education 

Awards 

Excellence Awards 12th grade: 

Nicolette Heinsinger, Elizabeth 

McDonald, and Abigail Warner 

Academic Achievement: 

Ellin Haab 

Excellence Awards 8th grade: 

Leila Haddad and Allison Monaco 


Brittany Hullhorst 

Excellence Awards 4th grade: Emily 

Brown, Julianna Prendergast, and 

Rachel Prendergast 


Julia Shavo 

The Triangle Club Scholar Athlete 

Taylor Brady ’12 

The Seventh Congressional District 

Scholar-Athlete Award 

Elizabeth McDonald ’12 

Princeton Book Award 

Fiona Bradley ’13 

Washington College Book Award 

Taylor Caton ’13 

Yale Book Club Award 

Christine Gerardi ’13 

American Chemistry Society Award 

Philadelphia Section 

Britney Dorval ’14 

The Priscilla Ryan Science Award 


The Philadelphia Chapter of the 

Society of Women Engineers 

Awards 

Margaret Mack ’12-Highest Honor 

Kim Madox Award Winner 

Madison Schneider ’16 and Sacré 

Coeur Winner Leila Haddad ’16 

Nicolette Heinsinger ’12- 

High Honor 

Abigail Warner ’12-Honor 

The Kim Maddox Memorial Award 

Madison Schneider ’16 

Community Service Award 

Leila Haddad ’16 

The Sacré Coeur Awards 

Leila Haddad ’16 

Maura Gibson ’20 

The Sarah Jane Gartland Award 

Joan Zozaya ’20 

Très Bien Awards 

Nicolette Heinsinger ’12 


Lauren McDevitt ’14 

Grace Parker ’15 

Chrustina Chambers ’16 

Jessica Perry ’17 

Anna Carroll ’18 

Lauren Gaetano ’19 

Julianna Prendergast ’20 

Paige Mullen ’21 

Caroline Lingle ’22 


Emily Hart ’23 

Effort Awards 

Lelia Gresh ’12 

Amanda Maile ’13 

Jacqueline Gibson ’14 

Catherine McLaughlin ’15 

Tiara Canty ’16 

Elizabeth McLaughlin ’17 

Hannah Seifried ’18 

Glenna Gobeil ’19 

Joan Zozaya ’20 

Stefanie Bonini ’21 

Brooke Husar ’22 

Isabel Zozaya ’23 

The Mary Jane Powers Scholarship 

Amber Holley ’14 

The Frank and Margaret 

Madden Award 

Callie Fisher ’13 

Lower School Courtesy Awards 

Grace Gagliardi ’20 

Cameron Zozaya ’21 

Sarah Patel ’22 

Emma McGinnis ’23 

Lower School Très Bien Award Winners: 

Caroline Lingle ’22, Paige Mullen ’21, Emily 

Hart ’23 and Julianna Prendergast ’20

Spotlight on Students & Faculty 

ere’s a picture of Gretchen. I have some more I can send too. 

Caroline Greenwald ’12 served as President of Student Council this year. Her goals 

were to plan exciting and creative school events such as Congé, a Thanksgiving 

celebration, and a scavenger hunt that would maximize student participation. 

Caroline was also captain of the tennis team, which she joined as a freshman, and a 

member of the National Honor Society, Liturgy Club, and Fellowship of Christian 

Athletes. She gives of her time by being an altar server and a phone-a-thon volunteer, 

and spent her last two spring breaks building houses on Sacred Heart’s Habitat for 

Humanity service trip. Caroline said, “Sacred Heart has been such a great experience 

for the past 7 years… I am definitely going to miss being part of a small school where 

I am able to develop a personal relationship with students from grades Pre-K to 12, 

teachers, coaches, and administration.” 

Midley Joseph ’12 looks forward to attending Penn State this fall, where she has 

earned a full scholarship through the Bunton-Waller Fellowship. During the next 

four years, Midley plans to study nursing with hopes of eventually becoming a 

nurse practitioner. The field of nursing appeals to Midley because it gives her the 

chance to interact with others and help people directly. “I’m the type of person 

who always asks questions,” she said, “so my science teachers at Sacred Heart 

encouraged me to pursue a scientific field.” 

While at Sacred Heart, Midley contributed to the community in a wide variety of 

ways. She worked as the yearbook’s official photographer, managed the softball 

team, and even produced a digital yearbook. She is also a dedicated volunteer 

at the Lab Charter School, where she tutors children in kindergarten to second 

grade. 

Heartbeats 

130 Desktop computers 

50 IPads for Class of 2015 

41 Laptops 

38 Teacher IPads 

16 Smartboards 

Gretchen Seifried ’14 is an avid swimmer who placed 3rd in the 

200 IM at the AACA 2012 Swimming and Diving Championships 

and medaled in the 500 at the PIAA District Finals. In addition 

to swimming, Gretchen plays field hockey and lacrosse at Sacred 

Heart, and she sings at her church. Gretchen also enjoys giving her 

time to community service projects, with some of her favorites 

including the Danny Curran Memorial Softball Tournament and 

the Danny Curran Invitational. 

4 Polyboards 

2 Computer labs 

2 Carts – 

One with 25 Macbooks 

One with 30 IPads 

Ciara Burke ’15 competed in the 2012 World Irish Dancing Championships held in Belfast last 

April. This was her second time at Worlds where she competed against the best Irish dancers 

in the world, some of whom came from as far away as New Zealand. “The competition brings 

people together,” Ciara said. “We come from different countries, but we all share the same 

passion for dance. It was a great experience.” 

One of her more unique dancing stories involves the band One Direction. On St. Patrick’s 

Day, Ciara and three friends attended One Direction’s CD signing in New Jersey. They had just 

come from a show and were still in their Irish dancing costumes. As they reached the front 

of the line, they started to dance and two of the band members, Niall from Ireland and Harry 

from England, joined in with them. 

Ciara currently studies at the Coyle School of Irish Dance and has been dancing since age four. 

“Irish dance is a competitive sport above all, but also an art and a tradition,” she said. Ciara 

regularly shares her gift with others by dancing at nursing homes and teaching younger 

dancers. When she’s not dancing, Ciara also plays volleyball and runs track at Sacred Heart. 

Just one month after starring as Sandy in the Sacred Heart production of Grease, Fiona 

Bradley ’13 danced alongside Ciara at the World Championships in Belfast. Fiona won a 

recall medal, which, she said, “was a huge surprise, especially because I did not have as much time to practice as I 

would like!” Fiona belongs to the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance. She is no stranger to World 

Championship competition, having also competed at the 2010 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, and at 

Nationals in Disney World. 

Lifers at Sacred Heart 

Jordana Cech ’12 said, “Sacred Heart has been home to me over the past 14 years. The faculty, staff, and my 48 

classmates taught me so much more than just the material in a textbook. I learned the importance of 

determination, confidence and loving everyone within a welcoming community. Without SHA I would not be the 

person I am today, and I know I will keep the lessons and skills I learned with me for the rest of my life.” 

Jordana played on the field hockey team and served as the senior class vice president. She was co-captain of the 

crew team and rowed in the multiple medal-winning varsity quad, which finished the season with a third place 

finish at Scholastic Nationals. Jordana will attend Penn State this fall, where she plans to study engineering. 

Brilyn Gardner ’12 has been involved in numerous activities at Sacred Heart, 

but most recently played for the lacrosse team and worked on the literary 

magazine Chez Nous. She is active in several community service projects 

including her church’s annual fair, Relay for Life, and the Pulsera bracelet 

project, which helps benefit an orphanage in Nicaragua. Brilyn also loves to 

sing and has performed the national anthem at several of Sacred Heart’s 

basketball and volleyball games, including the volleyball championship. “It 

feels amazing to be a lifer,” Brilyn said. “I love Sacred Heart, and I love 

being here. It will be tremendously hard to leave because this feels like home. 

I’ve spent more years here than I have in my current house.” Brilyn has been 

friends with fellow-lifer Jordana and almost-lifer Brona Ranieri ’12 since 

they were four years old. This fall, Brilyn will attend the University of South 

Carolina where she plans to double-major in International Business and 

Finance. “I’m telling myself that I’m not losing Sacred Heart, just going away 

for a little while. I hope to bring some of that Sacred Heart love down to 

South Carolina with me when I go.” 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 6 SUMMER 2012 WWW.CDSSH.ORG 7 SUMMER 2012

Introducing . . . 

We are pleased to welcome Theresa McCoy to the Sacred Heart community as 

the new Director of the Upper School beginning this fall. Theresa graduated 

magna cum laude from Rosemont College with a B.A. in history before 

earning her Master’s degree at Villanova University. She holds a Pennsylvania 

State Principal Certification for grades K-12. Most recently, Theresa taught 

social studies at the Academy of Notre Dame, where she also served as a 

department chair and a PAIS/Middle States Internal Coordinator. As a member 

of the St. Pius parish in Broomall, Theresa enjoys giving of her time to present 

the Gospel message to children during Sunday liturgy. Welcome, Theresa! 

Casey Monahan’13, Callie Fisher’13, Grace Parker’15, Jules 

Conti’14, Lauren Wilson’15 and Abby McGuckin’15 


Sacred Heart started a squash club this year 

and had their first match against the boys 

team at Shipley. Coached by Ty Meredith the 

girls quickly learned the game of squash. All 

six held their own in the match against 

Shipley, a team who had been playing for 

some time. We look forward to seeing more 

girls participating in this exciting game next 

year. 

Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to: 

❦ a personal and active faith in God 

❦ a deep respect for intellectual values 

❦ a social awareness which impels to action 

❦ the building of community as a Christian value 

❦ personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom 

Winter & Spring Sports 


Crew 

The Country Day School of the Sacred 

Heart crew team, under the direction of 

head coach Emily Schmieg, made waves on 

the river this season. They began rigorous 

training in November before hitting the icy 

water in February. 

When competition started in March, Sacred 

Heart entered a series of races run by the 

Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association 

(PSRA) known as Manny Flicks. The 

Sacred Heart Crew Team launched five 

boats in the Manny Flicks, and the team 

collectively placed first, second, or third overall in five races. In the recent City Championships, all five boats sailed 

into the finals with three boats earning medals. The Novice 1X with Caitie Carroll finished first, over 25 seconds 

ahead of the second place boat, and earned a gold medal. The Novice 2X with Gigi Homan and Elise Brutschea 

placed second, earning the silver medal while the Varsity 4X with Kelsey Williar as stroke, Taylor Brady, Alex 

McNulty, and Jordana Cech as bow placed third, earning the bronze. The JV 2X with Cece Hess and Helena 

Brutschea finished fourth in their heat, and the freshmen 4X with Hannah Bushner, Elle Barton, Lindsay 

Johnson, and Meg DiStefano finished sixth. 

At the Doctor White Regatta, Caitie Carroll (Novice 1x) earned third place, Gigi Homan and Elise Brutchea 

(Novice 2x) earned second place, Meg DiStefano, Elle Barton, Lindsay Johnson and Hanna Bushner (Novice 

Quad) earned third place. 

The team finished up their season at the Stotesbury Regatta, which is the largest high school rowing event in the 

country. At the event, Kelsey Williar, Taylor Brady, Alex McNulty, and Jordana Chech (Girls Senior Quad) 

placed fifth while Helena Bruschea and Cece Hess (Girls Junior Doubles) placed sixth. 

As a result of their outstanding performance throughout the season, all of the team’s boats were invited to compete 

in the Scholastic National Regatta on the Cooper River in Camden, NJ on Memorial Day weekend. Kelsey Williar, 

Taylor Brady, Alex McNulty, and Jordana Chech (Varsity Quad) earned third place, Caitie Carroll (Varsity 1x) 

placed fifth, and Meg DiStefano, Elle Barton, Lindsay Johnson, and Hanna Bushner (Novice Quad) also placed 

fifth. 

The Varsity Quad was also one of only five boats across the country invited to Youth Nationals in Tennessee. 

Ultimately, they opted out because the race coincided with graduation, but the invitation was a real honor that the 

seniors will remember forever.

Lacrosse 

The Sacred Heart lacrosse team had a season with highs and lows, but the girls never quit. The Lions finished the 

season 5-8 in the league and 7-10 overall. The team had some big wins against league opponents Nazareth 

Academy, Villa Joseph and St. Basil’s and non-league wins against Network opponent Stuart. They also played a 

thriller of a game against Lansdale Catholic that came down to the final minute of play. 

Senior captains Karleigh Carlin, Lara Haab and Kara Shields guided the team throughout the season with their 

leadership. Eileen Dombrowski, who led the team in goals, paced the attack while Nene Fitzpatrick, Casey 

Monahan and Kerri Shallow were instrumental on offense. Brilyn Garnder started the season on the attack, but 

unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury in the second game. Running the midfield were the three captains, 

along with Callie Fisher, Kelly O’Brien, Jenna Palumbo and Gretchen Seifried. These ladies were instrumental 

in transition and forcing turnovers during the games. Chandler Dunn, Lauren McDevitt, Abby McGuckin and 

Kate Reilly played stoic defense and shut down the opponent’s offense as a result of their outstanding play. Ali 

Cobaugh started the season on defense, but injuries sidelined her for the season as well. In goal, Maggie Reilly 

was a consistent presence and had several games with double digit saves. She had relief from Katie Honebrink, 

who also saw some time in the varsity goal. 

The girls played their hearts out this season and should be proud of their efforts. Best of luck to the seniors! 

Congratulations to Eileen Dombrowski who made the Academic All-American lacrosse team and AACA Lacrosse 

All-Stars, as well as Kara Shields for making AACA Lacrosse All-Stars! 

Track 

Twenty-three girls competed on the track team this 

year, which was once again coached by avid runner 

Patrick Hayburn. The girls had a very busy and 

exciting season focused on learning new strategies. 

They competed in AACA sprints, relays, and 1 and 2 

mile entries every Tuesday and on a few weekends. 

Many of the girls participated in the AACA League 

Championships. Senior Elizabeth McDonald 

qualified for Districts, where she earned first place 

in the 2-mile run and second in the mile run. From 

there, she competed in the State Championship, where 

she placed in the top ten for the 2-mile run. 

Congratulations to Elizabeth for her 4 years of hard 

work and dedication. Best of luck at Yale! 

Basketball 

The season started out strong for the SHOOPS team, 

winning their first five games by an average of over 

30 points. Highlights included a 72-28 opening win 

over Friends Select, a 68-26 defeat of Bishop McDevitt, 

and a win on the road in the first league game against 

Merion Mercy 51-43. Seniors Nicki Heinsinger and 

Jayni Webster keyed a 22-10 run in the third quarter 

by knocking down two three-pointers each. In mid- 

December, senior Jayni Webster almost singlehandedly 

tried to win the game against St. Basil’s, scoring 30 of the 

team’s 47 points. The score was tied at 35 going into the 

fourth quarter, but Sacred Heart eventually lost 54-47. 

Sacred Heart defeated Academy Park 44-39 after the 

Christmas break, led by Katie Brannau’s 12 points and 

10 rebounds. Academy Park is a AAAA school while Sacred Heart is a single A making this a very impressive win. 

Nicki Heinsinger scored a career high 16 points in a close game at Gwynedd Mercy. Sacred Heart closed out the 

season with a 44-22 victory over Stuart Country Day School. They also took a 7-15 record into the district playoffs. 

Unfortunately, Jayni Webster suffered a season-ending knee injury in early February. She was the leading scorer at 

16 points per game and was 30 points shy of 1000 for her career. Despite the devastating news of Jayni’s injury, the 

team rallied around one another to win the first round of the district playoffs against Girard College 39-32. 

Freshman Sam Tamaccio made a big basket down the stretch and swished 2 crucial free throws. The season came to 

an end in the semi-finals against top seeded Morrisville 50-42. It was promising to see that 36 of the combined 42 

points Heart scored were from the underclassmen, led by Alanna Tucker’s 13 points and Debornay Kidd- 

Wilkerson’s 12 points. Coach Shulter anticipates another great season next year. 

The leadership of Katie Brannau, Nicki Heinsinger, Megan McNamee, and Jayni Webster will be missed, but the 

team looks forward to competing for another district title with its four returning players next year. We would also 

like to congratulate Jayni Webster for making AACA All-Stars and third team All-Delco as well as Alanna Tucker 

and Nicki Heinsinger for their honorable mentions. 

The Sacred Heart softball team fielded its largest team in years with 20 students filling out its roster. A great group 

of seniors led the team throughout the season. Six seniors—Dorieann Duffy, Regan Gaul, Leila Gresh, Midley 

Joseph, Lauren Keech and Brynne Logan—led with positivity and hard work from the first day on the field. The 

team received significant contributions from several underclassmen, with the regular starting nine including 

freshmen Jamie Falcone, Meghan Grogan, and Caryn Trepts and sophomores Emily Arriviello, Tara Doherty, 

and McKenna Schneider. This combination of experience and youth, along with a large group of enthusiastic, 

supportive, and vocal role players, made for a competitive team that was fun to watch all season long. 

Coach Callaghan and assistant coaches Jeanne Perretta 

and Sandy McGrory stressed fundamentals and 

challenged every player to continue to work and improve 

each day. The team responded well, and, by the end of 

the season, they were playing their best ball, even scoring 

an impressive victory over Friends’ Central. The coaches 

congratulate Jamie Falcone for making AACA Softball 

All-Stars. 

Although these current seniors will be greatly missed, 

a talented class of juniors is ready to step up, and this 

young team hopes to turn this season’s strong finish into a 

winning season next year. 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 10 SUMMER 2012 WWW.CDSSH.ORG 11 SUMMER 2012 

Softball

Father-Daughter Dances 

It’s About Heart 

Greg Palumbo and daughter Mary’21 dance the night away 

alongside David Clark and daughter Marnie’21. 

Auction 


First Communion 

The joyous First Communicants 

The Orange Team strategizes. 

Movie Morning for MS 

Right: Co-Chair 

Catherine Warrin with 

her daughter Caroline’17 

enjoy the day with 

Kellie McIntyre’17 and 

her mom, Co-Chair 

Heidi McIntyre. Not 

pictured: Co-Chair 

Christine Bass. 

Far Right: The senior 

class takes a turn on the 

catwalk. 

Congé 

Above: Lower School students hosted a “Movie Morning” 

showing of 101 Dalmations, with all ticket and concession 

proceeds donated to MS research. 

Right: Fran Gentile and his wife Janice conquered the course 

alongside Carol DeVivo and Joyce Dugan. 

Congé winners! 

Mother-Daughter Luncheon 


Steve Dugan Memorial 

Golf Outing

Career Day 

March 19th was Career Day at Sacred Heart. We were privileged to learn from (L to R): Dr. James McGuckin- 

interventional radiologist and founder of Vascular Access Center, Wendy Hamilton'89- GM SugarHouse 

Casino, Rosemary Connors- NBC 10 news reporter, Lauren Tucci Schaffer'01- pediatric nurse practitioner, 

Mary Horstmann'00- Deputy Policy Director of the City of Philadelphia, Alisha Trocciola- chemical engineer, 

Isabel Beichel'70- government mathematician, Sarah Haskins- software engineer and (not pictured) Christine 

Breen Keffer- teacher and theologian. 

Habitat for 

Humanity 

During Spring Break, a group of 

24 students, nine parents, and 

two teachers traveled to 

Pittsboro, North Carolina to 

work with Chatham Habitat for 

Humanity. Our group 

constructed a new house, helped 

refurbish another, spent time in the Habitat ReStore, and aided Habitat staff with the enlistment of new 

homeowners. Siding, painting, landscaping, roofing, and door installation were all just part of a day’s work. The 

Chatham Habitat staff was incredible and always had fun activities planned for us such as Temporary Tattoo 

Tuesday and War Paint Wednesday. We also spent a day at the Carolina Tiger Rescue, and when we explored the 

town of Pittsboro, we sampled some authentic Carolina Barbeque. 

Throughout the week, our students showed gratitude at the opportunity to give back and began to recognize the 

advantages they have experienced in their own lives. Parents also participated in the work and the reflections 

allowing them to share this time with their daughters. We send a special thank you to everyone who helped with 

the trip. Overall, it was a great week that helped us to live Goal 3, “a social awareness which impels to action.” 

-By Kelly Weber, 9th Grade History/12th Grade Social Justice/CSC Coordinator 

Women of Achievement 

Above: The 1st, 3rd, 2nd and 4th grade students dress up as successful women from throughout history. Choices 

ranged from patriots to scientists and atheletes, and included First Lady Michelle Obama, Pocohantas and 

Mother Teresa. 

Field Day 

Left: Lower School students prepare for the three-legged race. 

Right: Upper School trophy winners from both teams celebrate 

their success. 


GREASE is the Word 

Sacred Heart presented four sold-out performances of Grease is the Word, a family-friendly version of the hit coming-of-age 

musical, Grease, from March 22nd-25th. 

Our production of GREASE was an outstanding success! My thanks to all of the parents and faculty who came forward to 

show their supoort and make this show a reality. The girls truly shone 

onstage (and, of course, the young men twinkled a bit, too)! We will miss 

our seniors and encourage you to come back and visit during next year’s 

show. We’re already looking forward to our next amazing production. 

My Thanks! ~ By Director/Choreographer Carolyn Curran Slota ’81

STEM @ CDSSH STEM @ CDSSH 

Technology Integrator Sharon Mitsler, Auction Co-Chair 

Jen Reid’89, 2nd Grade Teacher Michelle Jeffries’97, 

Religion Dept. Coordinator Pete Callaghan, Science Dept. 

Chair Beverly McBrearty, Auction Chair Janine Zozaya, 

Technology Support Specialist Sandy McGrory and Head 

of School Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald, SSJ 

iPad Program New Biology Lab 

by Sharon Mitsler, Technology Integrator 

“Age of Technology,” “digital natives,” “The Future is Now,” - these 

phrases, which pepper many conversations, also describe Country 

Day School of the Sacred Heart’s three-pronged iPad program. 

Phase One of the iPad Pilot Program began in 2011and finished in 

June 2012. Eighteen faculty members participated in twenty-five 

hours of on-going training on the iPads. The training included 

learning how to use the iPads, how to choose and evaluate apps, 

how to integrate those apps into their specific disciplines, and the 

best practices for teaching with iPads. Some teachers used the 

iPads wirelessly with the use of an Apple TV attached to their 

projectors and some were hard wired with a cable to their 

projectors. The work of these teachers resulted in a set up of both 

a student and teacher profile as well as a list of required apps for 

Phase Two of the iPad Program. 

Phase Two has four features. The position of Technology 

Integrator was established as a resource to teachers and students and to ensure the success of the iPad Program. 

Twenty additional faculty have begun the year-long iPad training program, with iPads purchased by the Mothers’ 

Association from proceeds of the “Win My Heart” raffle that is part of the annual auction. 

Most importantly, each tenth grade student will be using an iPad in a 1:1 program in the fall of 2012. iPads will be 

used to take notes, access the internet, as an eReader, as a multimedia resource, and as an organizer. The use of the 

iPad will increase our students’ ability to communicate, collaborate, analyze, and synthesize material; they will 

investigate, create, and produce more authentic work. Each student and one of her parents will participate in a three 

hour iPad Boot Camp prior to the opening of school to ensure they know how to use and care for their iPad. Sacred 

Heart will also purchase a cart of thirty iPads to be used by Lower and Middle School students. 

Phase Three will complete the training for the faculty and add iPads for students. To accommodate this increased 

usage, Sacred Heart will purchase a new enterprise wireless system complete with centralized management 

capabilities. This will also introduce a campus wide guest network and seamless connectivity as students and faculty 

move between the buildings. 

Advances in the Math Department (Math Department continued) 

With more and more Sacred Heart students considering jobs in the STEM fields, the mathematics department is 

constantly updating their methods to keep students interested and engaged. This summer, Middle School students 

will take part in a program called First in Math, an online program based on the math game 24, which helps to build 

mental math skills by asking students to do basic operations in a timed setting. 

With the Upper School calculus classes more popular than ever, Math Department Chair Mary Hayburn says, 

“The students are really developing good minds for mathematics–rather than just finding the right answers, they’re 

exploring how they got to them, which can be more important than the answer itself. I’m always asking them, ‘Can 

you think this through?’” 

Last April, four of the Sacred Heart math teachers attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 

Conference held in Philadelphia. Zach Shuler, Marilyn Wilwol, Maureen Sullivan, and Mary Hayburn used the 

conference to learn how new technology could be used in the classroom as a way to make math really come to life. 

The Upper School biology lab was recently renovated due to funding from the One Heart One Vision Campaign. 

The lab is now running more efficiently thanks to better storage and new lab tables that are now set up in clusters 

rather than long rows. “The new arrangement is student-centered, rather than teacher-centered,” Upper School 

biology teacher Joanne Dougherty said. “It’s more conducive to efficient group work, which is consistent with my 

goals of inquiry-based, rather than lecture-based, learning.” 

Joanne went on to explain that inquiry-based learning helps students to 

uncover content for themselves, rather than passively receiving it via lecture. 

Students are encouraged to ask and answer their own questions, and to 

consult with peers as they explore the scientific process. Ultimately, 

students reach a deeper and longer lasting level of understanding the 

material. 

Joanne is a trained biologist who studied anemones in Maine for her 

undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, before continuing 

her education with an M.S. from Villanova University, where she studied 

donax fossor clams in New Jersey. Along the way, her field work has taken 

her everywhere from the costal temperate rainforests of British Columbia, to 

conservation biology work in Puerto Rico. 

While student teaching as part of her graduate studies, Joanne discovered 

that she had a talent for making the material approachable. “I made (my class) fun, and talked to the students like 

they were college students, rather than post-doctoral researchers,” Joanne said. “I knew that if I could present the 

material in a way the kids could understand it on a personal level and make it their own, that they’d want to learn it.” 

Joanne’s hands-on approach to teaching is apparent in the many models on display in the lab, from water molecules, 

to lipids, chloroplasts and DNA. Rather than simply telling students that hydrogen bonds to oxygen, she’ll give each 

girl a model and have her play with it to see for herself and enforce the material covered in her textbook or in the 

day’s PowerPoint presentation. “The girls at Sacred Heart are special and unique because they make it fun to teach,” 

Joanne said. “They’re smart and generous, and I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.” 

“I love biology because the field is constantly growing bigger and more exciting as we learn more each day,” Joanne 

said. “The connection between what’s going on in cells, then molecules, then a species, then an ecosystem fascinates 

me. The fact that a cell can affect the whole organism is so complicated and amazing.” 

Tools like the SMART Board, which helps to provide more real world examples and lesson plans, the TI-Nspire, 

which combines a computer with a graphing calculator, and the Cabri Jr. program, which allows for manipulation of 

graphical and figure constructions, are just a few of the ways that faculty are using technology to engage students on 

a daily basis. 

Mary added, “We’re using technology, rather than just writing on the board, to verify and demonstrate answers. The 

goal is to get students interested and excited about math and to encourage more participation in outside 

workshops.” The faculty is also excited that seniors Meg Mack, who is interested in biomedical engineering, and 

Jordana Cech, who plans to major in engineering, will continue studying within the STEM fields while at college. 

In the future, the mathematics department looks forward to working more intimately with the physics department. 

They are eager to create activities together that integrate both fields as a way to further demonstrate how math and 

science can be applied to daily life. 


STEM @ CDSSH 

The Science Bowl is a single elimination competition held during Science 

Week each April and covers the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, 

environmental science, and math. The Upper School Science Bowl began 

25 years ago under the direction of Barb Mancini while the Lower and 

Middle School Science Bowls followed in the next few years. 

Eight teams (four for the Lower School) consisting of one member from 

each grade, with the exception of the senior class, join together with hopes 

Upper School Science Bowl winners, “REM” of winning the 

included Taylor Brady’12, Maria 

competition. Because 

Schena’12, Amanda Maile’13, Sara three science courses 

Corsi’14, and Alexia Kline’15 

are taught senior year, 

two seniors are 

assigned per team in order to cover more of the material. 

While each student is responsible for the information from 

her respective science course, often times the older students 

will recall concepts they learned from their past classes. 

In addition to playing on a team, students volunteer to become 

moderators, judges, score keepers, and time keepers for this 

event allowing everyone to participate. 

Science Bowl 

At the end of Science Week, the final rounds of the competition are 

held in front of the whole school. With their team’s victory, students 

receive a prize and claim a place of honor for the remainder of their 

academic careers at Sacred Heart as Science Bowl Champions. 

Left: Lower School Science Bowl winners, “The Science Fanatics:” 

Maggie McCloskey’23, Abby D’Anjolell’21, Emily Spadaro’20, and 

Mikaylah Wade’22 


Middle School Science Bowl winners, “The Cochlear 

Implants:” Maggie Cass’16, Tina D’Anjolell’18, 

Jessica Perry’17 and Grace Magnotta’19 

“Where in PA?” Webinar 

On February 16th, 4th grade students from Sacred Heart and four other Pennsylvania elementary schools connected 

with each other in a virtual environment in a webinar organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Prior to 

the webinar, each classroom used their computer and library classes to create a five-minute presentation consisting 

of clues about their city or town. Students then worked with Elluminate video conferencing to display their 

home-town presentations while the other classrooms used maps, the Internet, and textbooks to guess the location 

being described. The students asked each other questions via video conferencing, with topics ranging from the 

environment to local industry, transportation and history/civics in order to try and guess their exact location. 

The project was designed to give students practice with public speaking, help 

develop their research, critical thinking, and technical skills, and provide a fun 

way to learn about the history and geography of Pennsylvania. According to 

Catherine Scholl, our library media specialist, “The 4th graders really enjoyed 

the whole process of the “Where in PA?” Webinar. They worked hard from the 

start, researching their facts and creating PowerPoints, then finally presenting 

live, the clues about the town of Bryn Mawr, to their peers in other 

Pennsylvania towns. It was a highly collaborative and fun project!” 

STEM @ CDSSH 

The Great Egg Drop - An Engineering Project 

In a tradition almost as old as the Science Bowl, the legendary Great Egg Drop 

Project has been teaching eighth graders the basics of engineering for decades. 

The assignment requires each student to build a container that will protect a 

raw egg from breaking after free-falling from the second story of the School 

House. The only materials that may be used are just 4 rubber bands, 6 straws, 

and masking tape. Additionally, the egg itself must remain visible within the 

structure in order to determine whether or not it survived the fall and is still 

intact. 

According to Science Department Chair Bev McBrearty, “The purpose of 

the project is to show a practical application of concepts that can sometimes 

seem like abstract ideas. The girls learn about acceleration due to gravity, fluid 

friction, and shock absorption. Then, they get to apply those lessons as they 

create a (hopefully) successful design.” 

Students agreed that the hands-on nature of the project gave them a deeper level of understanding than they would 

have received from a textbook alone. 

“The hard part was the construction,” Leila Haddad’16 said. “It’s easy to think of an idea, but it’s hard to get started 

on the actual construction. Then, you have to test the design and redo it based on the testing.” 

Christina Chambers’16 reported a similar process. She began by researching parachute designs on the Internet and 

then drew some preliminary sketches. Next, she built a test model and ran it through a series of trials before 

fine-tuning the design according to the results she received. 

Mrs. McBrearty said, “I have been doing the egg drop project for about 20 years and what amazes me is that at least 

one student every year comes up with a design I have never seen before. The girls are truly creative.” 

After working so hard on their projects, the students found it challenging to let go of them. Tiara Canty’16 claimed 

that the toughest part of the project was, “actually dropping it! After all of our hard work, we had to drop the 

structures out the window.” 

Most of the girls agreed that their anxiety levels reached an all-time high as they watched their structures travel 

toward the ground. In the end, the group experienced a surprisingly high success rate of 80%. 

Whether their eggs broke or not, all of the students enjoyed the challenge to think in new and creative ways. 

Maggie Cass’16 said, “I couldn’t figure out how to use the rubber bands in my design… I kept getting stuck on that. 

Eventually, I figured out how to incorporate them, and they turned out to be the most important part of my design 

because they absorbed the impact.” 

Pi Day 

Pi Day sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Well, the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 

8th grade math classes did more than just enjoy pie on Pi Day, 

3-14. They also used pi, 3.14, to find the circumference, and 

area of various pies. They solved word problems and calculated 

how much pie each student was allowed if all were to consume 

an equal amount of various pies. Pi Day was a fun and 

delicious way to review circumference and area of a circle. 

- By Gina Cooney, Mathematics and Social Studies 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 21 SUMMER 2012

What exactly does your job as Senior Manager of Social Media at MTV 

entail? Can you describe a typical day? 

One of the coolest things about working at MTV is there is no real typical day. 

My work day completely depends on what’s going on in entertainment and 

online that day. Part of my job is to talk to and post to almost 40 million people 

on Facebook and Twitter every day about music, movies, pop culture, MTV 

shows, fashion, and more. I also help oversee our brand accounts on Tumblr, 

Instagram, Google+, Foursquare, and Pinterest, and work with an incredible 

team of six others on all things social media at MTV from television shows to 

awards shows and music video premieres to movie exclusives. 

How did you find yourself in this field? Did your Sacred Heart education 

influence you at all? 

Sarah on set at a Mad Men-themed I’ve been interested in music and pop culture since I can remember and one of 

photo shoot for Page Six Magazine, the reasons I went to Fordham University in New York City was to intern in the 

which named social media 

entertainment industry. I ended up working in the new media/digital 

specialists the modern day version of marketing department at a small record label for three years in college and 

the 1960s “Mad Men” of advertising. absolutely fell in love with what the internet could do for musicians and artists. 

Photo Credit: Michael Sharkey 

I spent the majority of my time updating MySpace pages, posting on fan boards, 

and doing TONS of research, but I really liked being able to connect bands with 

their fans online. This was way before Facebook and Twitter, but after interning there for 3 years, I saw myself 

doing something similar with online communities for the rest of my life. 

My Sacred Heart education definitely helped me get where I am today. If it wasn’t for the encouragement of all of 

my teachers to take my first radio station internship during my junior year at CDSSH or the writing skills I learned 

from Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Robinson, and Mrs. Schuster, it’s pretty unlikely that I’d be where I am. I can’t thank them 

enough for the support in high school and beyond! 

What’s your favorite part of the job? Any cool stories? 

Alumnae Spotlight 

Sarah Epler’03 

I actually just got back from the MTV Movie Awards in LA and, I’ll be honest, it’s one of the coolest experiences 

I’ve ever had. It’s days of tons of work and no sleep and working insane hours on nights and weekends, but it’s an 

amazing feeling to be part of a show that I watched every year since I was probably too young to be watching MTV. 

I’ve been featured in the New York Post, hung out with the Jersey Shore cast, tweeted with Justin Bieber and Britney 

Spears, and held a VMA Moonman, but the coolest part of my job is definitely talking to all of the fans and 

followers of MTV on Twitter and Facebook. I don’t get to everyone, but I like that anyone who wants to talk to 

MTV can talk to MTV. 

What is your advice to the girls who aspire to a career in social media? How should they study or train for it? 

One of the reasons I was chosen for this job was because my boss liked my personal Twitter and Facebook 

accounts and wanted my voice to be the voice of MTV. If you want a career in social media, be super active on any 

social network you can get your hands on--tweet and Facebook a lot, start a Tumblr, update your Instagram, check 

in on Foursquare, pin your heart out, +1 everything, connect with people online through LinkedIn, and intern as 

soon as you possibly can. Also, be smart on social media. Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t be okay with 

absolutely everyone on the planet seeing. Even if you untag that Facebook photo or your tweets are private, 

anything can be found on the internet. 

In your opinion, where is social media headed in the next few years? 

Mobile! With the increasing number of smartphones being sold and apps being created, I think social media is 

going to have a huge increase on mobile devices. The success of social networks like iPhone and Android-exclusive 

Instagram and location-based Foursquare are a pretty good indication that people want to take their social 

networks to go. 

One of Sacred Heart’s newest alumnae, Kiely Bridge’12, 

comes from a strong legacy of Sacred Heart women. Kiely is 

a third generation Sacred Heart girl, who understands 

commitment and working hard for causes she believes in. 

She has played field hockey at Sacred Heart since the 6th 

grade and has spent several years serving as a CSC rep. 

Kiely has been involved with Relay for Life since her 

freshman year and served as the school’s team captain for 

three years. She says, “This year, with the help of 28 of my 

wonderful classmates, Mrs. Mitsler, and Ms. Sullivan, we 

were able to raise over $3,000 through our footprint 

fundraiser and donations.” 

Kiely credits much of her success to the five goals, which have made a huge impact on her life. “The goals will be 

great reminders for me to make wise decisions and to continue my personal growth at Syracuse University. In 

addition to the goals, I definitely feel prepared for college and beyond because of the fantastic teachers and staff at 

Sacred Heart.” 

Pictured above are Kiely and the Sacred Heart women in her family: Katie Honebrink’15, Rosemary Honebrink’80, 

Joan Quinn’47, Kiely, Ann Bridge’81 and Joanie Milhous’87. 

Several Sacred Heart women enjoyed the opening 

reception for the Hildreth Meière exhibition at the 

Museum of Biblical Art on Feb 3, 2012 in NYC. From L 

to R: Adele O’Grady Botticelli, AASH Past President; 

Kimberly Kupik, Greenwich’05, great granddaughter 

of Hildreth Meière; Hildreth Meière Dunn, 

Greenwich’77, granddaughter of Hildreth Meière; 

Debbie Wygal Greenwich’77; Virginia Coudert, 

Greenwich’48; Louise Meière Dunn, Greenwich’48, 

daughter of Hildreth Meière; Alice Ann Robinson, 

Bryn Mawr’04; Valerie O’Keeffe, AASH Past President; Sister Francis Gimber RSCJ, Manhatanville’55; Sister 

Angela Bayo RSCJ, Greenwich’44 and Lauren Kinslow, Bryn Mawr’02. 


Alumnae Spotlight 

Dr. Isabel Beichl’70 

by Lauren Santella’10 

Dr. Isabel Beichl, a Sacred Heart graduate from the class of 1970, currently works as a mathematician for 

the U.S. government. After finding her love for the field young in life, she decided to attend the University of 

Pennsylvania for her B.A. and then continued to Cornell University where she received her M.A. and PhD. 

Before reaching her current position, Dr. Beichl worked at Bell Labs in New Jersey, taught at Goucher 

College in Baltimore, and volunteered her time at the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NIST) where she was eventually hired. Running the summer program at NIST, being the editor-in-chief of 

the Computing in Science and Engineering magazine, and continually conducting research in mathematics 

are just a few of the ways that she now enjoys spending her days. Dr. Beichl took some time out of her busy 

schedule to tell the Vue more about her daily responsibilities and her memories of Sacred Heart. 

Q. Could you tell me what your job entails on a daily basis? 

A. Things are different every day. I work on measurements that cannot be done directly on huge IT related 

objects such as networks. So I talk to people, I think of solutions to problems, I write programs. Currently 

we are estimating the reliability of massive networks such as the power grid. The programs tend to be 

computational experiments. It’s really exciting. This is a third way that science is done these days. We all 

know about theory and experiment, but computation gives another way to get information and 

measurements. So this is a wonderful time to be in mathematics and computation. 

Q. When did you begin working in this position and did you know this is what you always wanted to do? 

A. Well I sure wanted to work in applied mathematics, and the people were great. I do miss teaching 

students, but I run a summer program for college students that bring lots of them to NIST every summer. 

They keep me hopping. 

Q. How did you get involved working for the government? 

A. While I was teaching, I volunteered at the National Bureau of Standards so that I could do research and 

keep myself marketable as a mathematician. I went there as a visitor from the college for a year. It was a great 

year, and they offered me a permanent position a year later. 

Q. What is it like to be a woman in a male-dominated field? 

A. Things are getting better all the time. It used to be terrible. I think a women’s college would have been a 

better place for me to learn mathematics, but as time went on, things improved. 

Q. Did you develop your love of math here at Sacred Heart? 

A. Absolutely. I had some great math teachers. Miss Ratigan taught me algebra and geometry. And the biggest 

influence was Sister Mary E. Walsh. She used to give me extra problems and would send extra problems home 


(continued) 

when I was sick. I was in a class with only 5 students: Mae O’Brien, Margie Lombard, Carol Honebrink, Jill 

Luscombe and me. After we got over our initial fear of asking questions, it was fantastic. Everybody was right 

on it all the time. Sister Walsh taught us algebra and trigonometry, but also started us on a little calculus. And of 

course my Dad was very encouraging from the beginning. 

Q. How has your Sacred Heart education influenced your career? 

A. I think it helped me think for myself and helped me to dream of possibilities beyond the usual things women 

were expected to do. And of course I developed a great love of mathematics. 

Q. Do you have a favorite tradition or moment from your time at Sacred Heart? 

A. “As the battle rages fiercely...” comes to mind as a wonderful song/hymn we sang. The last time we sang it in 

the chapel I knew it was the last time and I felt very sad. 

Q. What advice could you share with women who are looking to work in male dominated fields? 

A. Well I tell this to the women in the summer program. Don’t let anyone get you down. Don’t let what 

ANYONE says ever stop you from following your dreams. Trying is everything. Just try. I know people will say 

no, you need to get good grades. No, that’s not true at all. Recognition is secondary. It’s the doing that’s 

important, the trying. 

Q. In your spare time, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy? 

A. Oh, too many things. I am happily married to another mathematician. I practice the piano every day, and I 

am working on planning my next bicycle tour. Last year, I biked with my husband from Munich to Italy. I do it 

myself; I don’t use a travel company or a group. My German is ok, and I’m still working on Italian. 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 25 SUMMER 2012

CORNER 

ALUMNAE 

1940s Edie Phelan’48 and husband Jim spent the 

winter in Florida recovering from Jim’s heart 

surgery and Edie’s skin cancer surgeries. They had 

visits from their daughter, Mary Frances’84 and her 

family from France. Her daughter, Kathleen’89, 

brought their newest grandson with the older boys for 

Easter. 

Alumnae Corner 

1950s Class of 1953 members Paula Burnes, 

Babs Essig, Connie Fraser, Sylvia Giro, Helen Locke, 

Mimi Miner, Molly O’Grady, Jean Schrader, and 

Imogene Venuto have placed a brick in the Fatima 

Garden in memory of another Sacred Heart alumna, 

Eleanor Huver’51. The Willcox family had a reunion 

in their family homestead in Wawa, Pa. The reunion 

brought 150 members of the family - which included 

babies - up to those who are 98 years young. Wesa 

Wilcox Sweeney’51 said they had a wonderful time. 

Mary Ellen McKeon Harvey’52 is organizing her class 

reunion for September. Please contact her for 

information. Members of the Class of 1953 dedicated a 

brick in honor of their fellow classmate Susan C. 

Mullen who passed away in December. Betty 

Buckland, Louise Dagit and Betsy Shaner Tomlinson 

are organizing the Class of ‘57 reunion. Fortunately, 

Nancy Gain Gonzales’57 had no damage from the 

severe floods that recently occurred in Chile. Louise 

Dagit’57 informs us that she will travel to Ireland in late 

spring. Several friends gathered in Long Beach Island 

for the surprise 70th birthday of Gail White Dillon’59. 

Among the partygoers were classmates Janet 

Wolfington Rende, Joan Lanahan, Chris Lanahan 

Doring, Betsy Gain Gross, and Karen Keegan Isard. 

Pam White Brotschul was the hostess for a truly 

memorable weekend. Zenny Arradondo Webster’59 

is currently living in Miami with her three children 

and five grandchildren living nearby. Karen Keegan 

Isard’59 reports that her son Brendan was married last 

November and her second son Alex will soon follow. 

1960s Kathy Davis’68 was honored for her 15 

years as a Catechist at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints 

Peter and Paul in January. The Class of 1962 will 

celebrate their 50th reunion in September. Please 

contact Kate Kittleman and her committee for 

arrangements. Constance Alburger, Helen Heuisler, 

Genie O’Brien and Reggie Haley Pakradooni are 

organizing the Class of 1967 reunion along with their 

other committee members. Congratulations to Charlie 

Dagit, husband of Alice Murdoch’63, who was awarded 

the Medal of Distinction in April at the rotunda of the 

State Capitol in Harrisburg. A reception in the 

Lieutenant Governor’s balcony was followed by dinner, 

where a slide presentation of his architectural work was 

shown. Charlie is also the brother of Louise Dagit’57. 

Suzanne Rainville Roth’s’63 youngest son Stephen was 

recently married in Maui. Dr. Helen Meeks 

Horstmann’63 has been appointed to the Board of 

Trustees of Villanova University. 

1970s Maureen Ryan Fitzpatrick’72 and 

committee are organizing the Class of ‘72 reunion. In 

anticipation of their 40th reunion next year, several 

members of the Class of 1973 gathered at the end of 

March for a long weekend at the lovely home of Posey 

Gallagher in Alexandria, VA. Ann Honebrink joined 

in the fun with Diana Ermilio Carrigan who drove 

down from NJ. Mimi McNamee, and long-lost 

classmate Susan Platt Dezelle both flew up from Texas, 

while Laurie Nowlan stopped by on her way to South 

Carolina for vacation. Memories from Overbrook 

highlighted the rendezvous along with an oldies “Name 

That Tune” contest and catching up about husbands, 

jobs, and children. The former red and white teamers 

had such a great time reconnecting with each other that 

they encourage all members of the great Class of ‘73 to 

attend their 40th reunion next June. 

1980s The Eastern Regional AASH meeting this 

fall will be held on Cape Cod in Osterville, MA from 

September 21-23. More information to follow. Wendy 

Buckland’85 Eastern Director will have invitations 

out this summer. Representatives from all the Eastern 

schools should feel welcome to come and enjoy 

spreading the Sacred Heart 

message. Wendy 

Hamilton’89, General 

Manager of SugarHouse 

Casino, spoke at Career 

Day where the students 

enjoyed her presentation 

and realized that a person 

can do many things after 

graduation on the path to 

Karin’91 and Saoirse Kennedy finding her dream job. 

1990s Congratulations to Karin Flippin 

Kennedy’91 on the birth of her second daughter on May 

21st. Saoirse Brigid arrived at 8 lbs. 9.1 oz. and was 19 

3/4 inches long. Karin, besides being President of the 

Alumnae Association, takes great care of our athletes in 

all sports as the athletic trainer for Sacred Heart. 

WWW.CDSSH.ORG 26 SUMMER 2012 WWW.CDSSH.ORG 27 SUMMER 2012 

ALUMNAE CORNER 

Winter Vinall’99 married Eric Gocke with two of her 

best friends Noelle Candelieri’99 (2nd from L) and 

Lauren Biddle Kain’99 (3rd from L) by her side. 

Ali Avellino’96, Gabby Kaminsky’95, Maureen McCarron 

Powers’95, Emily Kropp’96 and Lauren O’Neill Deets’95 

celebrated Gabby’s wedding in NYC. 

The Class of 1991 got together at The Newtown Grill on April 14th. Everyone had a great time catching up and 

reminiscing on their fun times at Sacred Heart. (L to R) Back row: Amy Hendrixson Detwiler, Amy Johnson 

McNichol, Bretany Walsh Pilko, Judy Tyson, Karen Flippin Kennedy, Laren Sherman Zeglin, Polly Vidinghoff 

Cobaugh, Angela Pica Oandasan. Front row: Nicky Ceccarelli Kreamer, Carrie Carlin Sarmento, Meegan 

Manion Anderson, Missy Avellino Holt, Aimee McClain Polaha, Molly McAlaine Dagit, Whitney Howard Miller 

and Amanda Kropp.

CORNER 

ALUMNAE 

2000s Mary Horstmann’00 spoke at Career Day 

where she told our students about her job in the 

mayor’s office at City Hall as the Deputy Policy 

Director. Lauren Tucci Shafer’01, a pediatric nurse 

practitioner at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, was 

also a speaker at this year’s Career Cay. Darian 

Murtagh’04 works in admissions at Chestnut Hill 

College. She volunteers her time by taking shelter dogs 

for runs with the Monster Milers organization in 

Philadelphia. Alice Ann Robinson’04 continues to 

teach Irish dance at the Deirdre O’Mara School of 

Irish Dance in New York. Alice Ann and Deirdre have 

started an outreach performance group of Irish dancers 

who wish to actively give back to the NY community 

through combining Irish music and dance. Later this 

summer, Alice Ann will travel to Ireland as the “Mary 

from Dungloe” representative from New York. 

Lauren Trucksess’04 is also enjoying adventures 

abroad. Lauren is currently teaching English to lower 

school students in Seoul, South Korea. Madeline 

Reynolds’08 was named Phi Beta Kappa at Villanova 

University. We also 

extend congratulations to 

Pam Maginnis’08, who 

graduated from Fordham 

University with a B. A. in 

history. After graduation, 

she will be moving to 

Washington, D.C., where 

she will continue her 

Jesuit education as a 

member of the 

Georgetown Law School 

class of 2015. We are 

so happy for you, Pam. 

Congratulations to 

Arianna McDevitt’08 

Kelly Slota’08 stars as Kim in St. 

Joseph University’s production of 

“Miss Saigon.” The actors 

performed to sold-out crowds, 

and standing ovations. 

who was named to the 

2012 Atlantic 10 All- 

Conference First Team. 

Arianna rows for St. 

Joseph’s University and 

has earned medals at 

several regattas, 

including the Dad Vail and the A-10 Championships. 

Kelly Slota’08 graduated magna cum laude from St. 

Joseph’s University with a degree in theatre and film 

and a concentration in musical theatre. She won the 


The Class of 2002 celebrates the wedding of Anne 

Bongiovanni Parks. (L to R) Rory Rogers Callaghan, 

Carly Nowlan, Emily Mannion, Anne, Lorin Riley Early, 

Cristin Byrne, Liz Bongiovanni Person and Kelly Bogue 

Narins Award for The Performing Arts at graduation. 

Tori Wilbraham’11 and other members of Sacred 

Heart schools attending St. Mary’s College and the 

University of Notre Dame have formed a college group 

of Sacred Heart alumnae. This is one of the great things 

that the AASH does for our alums at graduation—they 

provide students with the names of other SH alums 

attending their colleges or universities. It is 

comforting to have a friend (or two!) as the newest 

alums enter their next stage of life. 

Laura Mancini’00 married Tim Belmont on May 

5th, and held her reception at the Mansion. Her 

sister, Jenna Mancini Rufo’98, and Julee 

Mitsler’05 were among the bridesmaids. Pictured 

above are Jenna, Sister Matthew and Laura. 

Calling all Alums 

Remember to keep your email address 

current with the alumnae office. Stay in 

the loop with special event invitations, 

birthday cards and more. Be sure to “Like” 

the CDSSH Facebook page for even more 

updates. 

In Loving Memory 

Young Alums Happy Hour 


ALUMNAE CORNER 

Left: (L to R) Kristen Schumacher ’05, 

Christie Lebano’05, Kate Reynolds’05, 

Val Burns’05, Katie Quinn’05, 

Stephanie Sakel’06 and Gen Moser’05 

Below: (L to R) Cassie Nentwig’04, 

Megan Ruff ’04, Cristin Byrne’02, 

Betsy Dougert’04, Anne Bongiovanni 

Parks’02 and Ashley Youngers’04 

Diane Cahill Mother-in-law of Liz Rorer Cahill’01 

Timothy John Calnan Brother of Jacqui Calnan’99 

John A. Chambers Grandfather of Christina Chambers’16 

Eugene Corcoran Grandfather of Kelly’02, Erin’04, Maura’06 and Ceara’12 Bogue 

Jerry C. Dati Grandfather of Annalise Dati’19 

Marilyn Fryman Fives’54 

Marie Froio’63 Sister of Joanne’62, Marianne’61 and Madeline’70 

Donald Glowe Grandfather of Miriam Willcox’18 

Gabrielle Schwarz Haab Grandmother of Lara’12 

C. Blair Ives Father-in-law of Amy Binns’91 

James Kane Husband of Betty Kane’48 

James Kearney Grandfather of Molly Porth’05 

Marie Merry Ludlow Mother of Merry Ludlow MacColl’67 

Cynthia C. Marshall Grandmother of Carly Marshall’14 

John “Jack” Marshall Grandfather of Carly Marshall’14 

William I McCloskey Father of Helen Thompson’69 and Karen Feeley’70 

Marjorie Murray Grandmother of Lauren Wilson’15 

Jane McCarthy O’Brien Sister of Carol Farrell’61 

Carlstein Passarelli Mother of Angel’11 

Richard Porth Grandfather of Molly’06 

Thomas Shallow Husband of Eileen Fitzpatrick’60 

Sue Henkels Tucker’45 Sister of Nancy Henkels Moriarty’39 

Lawrence Weathers, Jr. Father of Dolores Weathers’07

480 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue 

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2101 

Parents: If this issue is addressed to a 

daughter whose permanent address is not 

at your home, please contact the Alumnae 

Office with her new address. 

Non-profit Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Permit No. 10122 

Conshohocken, PA

Vue du Coeur Summer 2012 - Cdssh.org

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