spring 2011 - Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

Transcription

SPRING 2011
Contents
LA PLUME • Spring 2011
Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
Headmistress
Michael Cole
Graphic Artist in Residence
Maria Cristina Garcia ’00
Director of Alumnae Relations
Denise Ortega
Director of Communications
Amy Repine
Annual Fund Coordinator
Isabel Junco Singletary ’69
Director of Development
Photography Credits:
Kathryn Banks
Michael Cole
Ada Lluhi Stevens/SnapHappy Photos
Studio 1791 Photography
We thank the faculty, staff and
alumnae whose contributions
made this magazine possible.
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
3747 Main Highway
Miami, Florida 33133
(305) 446-5673
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
is a Catholic, all-girls Montessori-3 through Grade 12
college preparatory school. The school is part of
an international network of Sacred Heart schools
whose mission is to educate women leaders
in the Sacred Heart tradition that fosters growth in
an active faith in God, intellectual values and
a commitment to social awareness in
an environment of wise freedom and community.
Letter from the Headmistress ................................................. 2
Letter from the Chair of the Board ..........................................3
Third Grade Friendship Fence .................................................4
Nourishing the Soul with Music ..............................................5
1:1 Learning in the Digital Age ...............................................6
From Toy to Tool ....................................................................6
Digitial C itizenship .................................................................7
DyKnow Showcase: A Technology Symposium at Carrollton ..8
Carrollton Hosts FIRST Lego League Competition ................9
All About Engineering in the Primary ...................................10
Montessori SMART Table .....................................................10
Intermediate & Junior High Students Are
Introduced to the World of Engineering ...........................11
Sacred Heart Goals in the Intermediate School................ 12-13
Debate: Competitive Success Meets Spirit of Service .............14
Carrollton Athletes are Raising the Bar ..................................15
Carrollton Salutes Class of 2011...................................... 16-17
Always A Child of the Sacred Heart ......................................18
Class of 2011 Colleges and Universities .................................19
Drum Roll…The Wellness Center ................................... 20-21
Celebrate 2011 ................................................................ 22-23
Carnival 2011 .......................................................................24
Alumnae Art Exhibit in Jay Weiss Art Gallery .......................25
Alumnae Reunion ........................................................... 26-27
Carrollton Welcomes The Associated Alumnae and
Alumni of the Sacred Heart ........................................ 28-30
Mother-Daughter Alumnae: A Sacred Heart Bond ................31
Mother-Daughter Alumnae: Our Tradition ..................... 32-33
Curing and Caring for Others ...............................................34
A Class Act! .................................................................... 35-39
Networking: Alumnae Meet and “Mingle” ............................40
Front cover: A peacock made by Intermediate students for service day (more details on page 12)
Inside front cover: (Clockwise, from upper left) M5 student Drue Diaz,
Fourth Grader Iva Harris, First Grader Abigail Felan, Junior Cristina Campo.
Inside back cover: Junior High students begin a daily assembly. From left,
Alexis Vidaurreta, Camila Conesa, Maria Hornbacher, and Jessica Kuhn (Eighth Graders).
Back cover: Art installation created by High School students next to the
Sacred Heart statue on the Barat Campus.
La PLume SPring 2011
1
From the Headmistress
2010-2011 Administration &
Support Team Leaders
Sister Suzanne Cooke
Headmistress
Sister Margaret Seitz
Assistant Head for
Curriculum Development
Matthew Althage
Athletic Director
Alejandra Bunster
Director of After School &
Spring/Summer Camps
Tom Cheleotis
Director of Finance and
Operations
Paola Consuegra ’87
Director of Montessori and
Primary Schools
Dr. Susan Dempf
Director of High School
Heather Gillingham-Rivas ’94
Director of Intermediate School
Paul Parker
Chair of Sacred Heart
Spirituality
Ana Roye ’92
Director of Admissions,
Financial Aid and Marketing
Isabel Singletary ’69
Director of Development
Lourdes Wood
Director of Junior High School
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Spring 2011 La pLume
Dear Alumnae, Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff and Friends,
Sacred Heart Educators believe
that we must be on the alert during
moments of historic transition. “They
ask us to keep our eyes open upon the
distant horizons, our minds listening to
seize every indication that can enlighten
us; reading, reflection, searching, must
never stop; the mind must keep flexible
in order to lose nothing, to acquire any
knowledge that can aid our mission.”
(Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ) Globalization is such
an epoch of transition. Just imagine the
world that will exist when the girls who
began Montessori this year graduate in
2025, the same year that the Seniors
will be in their early 30s. What skills
and attitudes will these generations of
Carrollton students need as adults?
What should their education be like?
Such questions have been asked
and answered by Sacred Heart
Educators for more than 200
years. Inspired by St. Madeleine Sophie
Barat, each generation of Sacred Heart
educators has chosen curriculum with
the view to allow true instruction, in the
etymological sense of the word:
…in-struere, that which aims not
at accumulating knowledge, but at
constructing solid foundation in the
mind, that is to say, serious intellectual
habits, steady and coherent personal
thought. (Plan of Studies)
Globalization and constantly changing technology provide the context
for Sacred Heart Educators today to
engage our students in this spirit. At
Carrollton we see technology as a means
to enhance learning.
This edition of La Plume offers our
readers a window into how we are
helping students develop dispositions
necessary to engage in lifelong learning
and to use the numerous tools available
to them. With curriculum enhancements such as the development of
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum and the
Engineering Program, Carrollton continues to play a leadership role in its
mission to educate the whole child.
I hope you enjoy the stories and see
that our programs are ensuring that
for the students. We want them, in the
words of Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, an
internationally recognized education
leader to develop “a different form
of thinking and a new approach to
life – one that prizes aptitudes such
as the capacity to detect patterns and
opportunities, to create artistic and
emotional beauty, to craft a satisfying
narrative, and to combine seemingly
unrelated ideas into something new.”
Her words echo the Goals and Criteria.
St. Madeleine Sophie said, “To
influence our world, we must understand it.” A Sacred Heart education encourages our students to become ever
more aware of the truth, of love and
freedom, of the significance of their
lives, to learn to take part creatively in
the common effort to transform the
world, to encounter the love of Jesus
and to root their lives in an active faith.
Every day is an adventure at
Carrollton! Enjoy!
Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
From the Chair of the Board
Dear Members of the Carrollton Family,
The proximity of the semi-centennial
anniversary of the founding of Carrollton
prompts me to revisit the tremendous
sense of gratitude I feel toward all who
make up our community.
This year which is leading up to the
school’s 50th birthday has been exceptional. We learned from our accrediting
bodies, the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the Florida Kindergarten
Council and the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools, that “Carrollton
provides an exceptional education” and
that our faculty and staff “clearly understand and live by the mission …
as well as the Goals and Criteria …
They inspire the students.” The Visiting Team spoke highly of our students,
parents and alumnae. In short, the
Carrollton Community demonstrated
Carrollton’s excellence. This same communication was made clearly to over
300 alumnae and alumni of the Sacred
Heart who attended the AASH Biannual National Conference in April.
Standing on the shoulders of all who
came before us, I am keenly aware of the
historical role we all play as we prepare
for the next 50 years. We could not be
better positioned. As the Annual Fund
reaches never before seen levels and
the participation of the parents reaches
99.5%, Carrollton can look forward
to an immediate future that will fulfill
the dreams of generations of students
and their families. Our daughters and
future generations of students will be
the direct beneficiaries of the amazing
Wellness Center.
Enjoy reading La Plume and I think
you will experience the same confidence
and excitement about our future as we
trustees hold.
2010-2011
Board of Trustees
Patricia Sanchez Abril ’93
Sheldon Anderson
Antonio L. Argiz
Mary “Bunny” Bastian
Georgie Blaeser, RSCJ
Margarita Codina
Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ
Luis A. de Armas
Maureen Glavin, RSCJ
Charles Herington
Elizabeth K. Hicks, Chair
Marianne Kircher ’70
Beth Hicks
Mariana Martinez
Luisa Botifoll Murai ’66
Jorge Padron
Marilu Palacios ’74
Roberto Pesant
P. Nelson Rodriguez
Frances Sevilla-Sacasa
Frank Vellaccio
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Third Grade
Friendship Fence
By Maxine Cohn, Art Faculty Coordinator
T
Mrs. Bruno’s Third Grade class.
Mrs. Ismael’s Third Grade class.
Mrs. Cornide’s Third Grade class.
4
he “Friendship Fence” project grew from the
desire to teach the girls about their own individuality as well as making them aware of the
diversity in our Carrollton community and the
strength derived from fellowship. The coming together of
these two concepts led them down the creative path to the
realization that we are all one, connected by our strengths
and weaknesses, just as a fence is connected to form a strong
and united structure.
Each Third Grade student was given a “Gothic” style
fence post and asked to design a figure. The figure could
be of herself, a friend or someone from their imagination.
Acrylic paints were introduced and all the students learned
how to mix flesh tones using this advanced media.
Each face took on a different shade of skin tone as the
students decided on which final tone would be part of their
project. The fence posts were then “dressed” using scrap
material, foam, doll hair, buttons, ribbons and any other
material that could be found or brought in from home.
When the projects were complete they were displayed in
the Primary/Intermediate Art Exhibit close to one another,
with arms touching and joined together for support and
strength. The project suggested to the Third Grade that we
can help one another as a group, using our collective energy
and vigor.
Close-up of the faces on the fence.
Nourishing the Soul with Music
By Ashley Liberty, Music Faculty
K
indergarten students, who were the first never dismiss the mastery and beauty of Bach, Beethoven
to play violin at Carrollton, are now in and Mozart, we are learning to embrace our own, unbelievGrade 6 and the program has expanded each ably rich musical heritage.
On April 12, 2011, Mr. O’Connor came to Carrollton
year to follow them. I was honored to join this
musical picture two years ago when I accepted the task of and listened to our violin students play music using his
method. He was fascinated and amazed that such a proteaching these 225 young students to play skillfully.
At about the same time, I crossed paths with musician gram existed (unlike any other he had seen anywhere in
and composer, Mark O’Connor. He has played the violin the U.S.). He played and explained that sharing music can
all over the world as a soloist and with musicians such as produce pure joy in a way that so many other things in life
cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the late, legendary jazz violinist Stephane cannot; a statement akin to what Sister Cooke often says
Grappelli, singer and songwriter James Taylor, jazz trum- about music being nourishment for the soul. The experipeter Wynton Marsalis, John Williams and the Boston ence was priceless and historic.
Mr. O’Connor spent the rest of the week talking about
Pops, and the list goes on. This Grammy Award-winning
his experience at Carrollton and carmusician is revolutionizing the art of
rying around the pictures of our vioplaying the violin. He has developed
Sharing music can produce
lin students that were presented to
and written a new way of teaching
pure joy in a way that so many him as a gift, along with 150 thank
the art of violin playing.
you notes from the Primary students.
Mark O’Connor, a master violin
other things in life cannot.
He told hundreds of people about the
technician and improviser in multiple styles, invites the world to learn to play the violin the ‘200 violinists at Carrollton’ at his concert in Gusman Hall
way he did – one American song at a time. His method and at his historic and videotaped panel discussion with
introduces us to the value in teaching American music, Harvard Professor John Stewart on the essence of American
and invites students to join the long tradition of improvi- music. The NBC local news recognized the event as their
sational styles in the United States. Not only do students ‘living positive’ story (view the clip at www.carrollton.org),
learn how to play the violin methodically and skillfully, but and our young violinists will never forget their musical enthey are invited to have a personal voice – a way to express counter with Mark O’Connor, and the chance they had to
themselves beyond the notes on the page. While we will share their music.
Mr. O’Connor listens as Montessori students play for him using the Mark O’Connor method.
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1:1 Learning in the Digital Age
By Monica Cuza, High School Faculty
In the 21st century the concept of 1:1 computing, using technology to enhance the student-teacher and peer-to-peer learning environments, is taking on many faces. It encompasses
virtually every type of hardware imaginable,
from the smallest iPod and cellular phone to
tablets, and everything in between. It is a concept that embraces the use of all technologies,
and it encourages creativity and engagement
among all classroom constituents. With the
constant advances in connectivity, 1:1 computing will allow students and teachers to truly engage in “anytime,
anywhere” learning. However, as we advance in our use
of technology, it is imperative that we work diligently to
close the “digital divide;” to fail to do so will
further marginalize those we seek to help by
our use of technology.
Integrating technology into the curriculum
is a rewarding yet demanding task. It is important to be prepared for the inevitable setbacks
– the computer lessons that are met with minimal enthusiasm by students, or the network
that suddenly goes out during the lesson – and
to celebrate those “ah ha” moments that come
with a well-executed technology-based lesson. Key elements of success with 1:1 computing are a willingness to
experiment and to share best practices with colleagues, as
well as the desire to embrace new methodologies.
From Toy to Tool
By Elizabeth Anne Rivera-Arocha, Intermediate Faculty
The theme of my First Grade computer class, “From courses, students have access to interactive activities in
Toy to Tool” intends to shift the students’ perceptions Spanish, French and Mandarin via the Internet, which
of technology in the classroom. Students are expected to provide them with immediate feedback on their language. In the 6th Grade, students
master listening skills before they
join the virtual classroom through
begin to work on computers. They
DyKnow, which allows them to
practice this skill when paying
work cooperatively in a virtual
close attention to cues or verbal
learning space and enhances classinstructions to complete a given
task. Students are taught the purroom interaction with features
such as sharing tasks and responpose and benefits of tutorials while
sibilities in group projects. The
they eagerly walk through them on
different tools in DyKnow allow
the interactive board. The young
teachers to share data and inforgirls are also introduced to common technology jargon, learn the
mation with the class fostering the
learning process for the individual
importance of Internet safety, and
are warned about the hazards of
and the class as a whole.
cyber-bullying. It is in the Primary
School computer lab where they
start to experience 1:1 learning.
As students continue in the
Mrs. Rivera-Arocha explains a
Intermediate School, their expericomputer concept to a First Grade
student.
ence with technology further expands. For example, in language
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Digital Citizenship
By Lyana Azan, High School Faculty
A
s a High School teacher, I watch with awe
and some trepidation as my students maneuver the complex world of technology and
wonder if I am teaching them to navigate the
pitfalls of an increasingly publically connected world.
With one-tenth of the 21st century behind us, the
future we imagined with technology integrated into all
facets of our lives is here. Today’s seniors are creating
relationships to knowledge that is foreign to most of
us. The manner in which they collect, assemble, and
publish knowledge is social, digital, experimental and
innovative. Is the world they participate in so far removed from the classroom as to render it useless? Or
are the social networkings, blogging, chatting aspects
of their digital lives outside of Carrollton being integrated into the classroom? How do we teach them to
be responsible and ethical in the digital realm?
My response brings me back to Moodle and its use in
the classroom. Moodle provides a digital environment
in which teachers can manage the potential fears and
dangers of technology, while still engaging in a medium that asks students to be digital participants. It
allows the class to create “WIKIs” where the students
use the information they have gathered from their
research to construct collaboratively a webpage for
shared understanding. It allows the class to create and
participate in forum discussions, where even the most
introspective of students contribute with their astute
insights. It allows each individual in the class to write
and publish blogs, where she builds her evaluation of
the works studied based on her flow of ideas as well as
on the comments received by her classmates. Utilizing
this platform, or any software program, in and of itself does not ensure digital citizenship. It is learning to
present the keenness of your understanding through a
valuable comment; learning to affirm statements while
elaborating or expanding an idea; learning to ask new
and related questions to further understanding; learning to make oppositional statements while maintaining the dignity of others. These lessons and many more
provide the students with the opportunity to engage as
digital citizens who understand that integrity and responsibility are manifested by our actions and through
our relationships with others.
High School students use technology to facilitate and enhance their classroom experience.
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DyKnow Showcase:
A Technology Symposium at Carrollton
By Caroline Gillingham and Cynthia Thiry Camayd ’99, High School Faculty
At the request of DyKnow, on January 19, 2011,
Carrollton hosted a day-long conference focused on the
implementation of the 1:1 Programs in local schools. 1:1
computing programs allow for technology to be integrated into the classroom. Such programs help students to seek
answers quickly, communicate with teachers and peers as
they learn, and create and share information with others.
With 1:1 programs, students are fully engaged and own their
learning environment. Beginning with brief introductions
of the major software and hardware used at Carrollton, the
faculty and staff highlighted our technological environment –
an engaging environment where the student and teacher and
peer-to-peer relationships are enhanced by the use of such
applications. DyKnow is a 1:1 classroom management and
interactive education software that gives educators the ability
to create collaborative digital learning environments.
P
reparing students for the 21st century is the
charge given to educators today. In our constantly
changing and globalized world, students’ needs
abound with questions about the ever-expanding information super highway. A focus on guiding a student to a deeper understanding of herself and the world
around her has always been central to a Sacred Heart education. It is imperative that our focus is relational with
concern not just for academic growth but for formation
of heart and life skills.
We must then ask – what are the necessary life skills for
At the day-long conference, teachers demonstrated how they
integrate technology in the classroom.
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today’s students? Technological innovation is more than
“fun toys” and “cool stuff.” It has in many ways changed
our lives and enhanced our abilities. The true mastery of
these abilities lies in the use of technology not for technology’s sake but for the sake of successfully accomplishing
the task at hand.
Sister Cooke frequently references the technology
“toolbox” at Carrollton. In the classroom, technology is
part of the “toolbox” that is used for learning. As the conference attendees toured classrooms, students were showcasing not the tools used but what they were learning in
the course. The tools Carrollton students utilize are the
cutting-edge technologies of the day; however, the idea
is that technology is a means to an end. What is of consequence today and in the future is a need for students
of all ages to adapt and enhance their tasks and output,
whatever the tools of the day.
In Ms. Gillingham’s Freshman English class, symposium attendees experienced first-hand the dynamic nature
of Carrollton classrooms. Students demonstrated ownership of course material by instantly displaying their work
electronically through DyKnow and OneNote software. As
the demonstrations progressed, the students themselves
took on the explanation of the various aspects of DyKnow
and OneNote, further illustrating how these innovative
tools assisted them in their own learning.
The symposium attendees traveled throughout the
campuses and visited various grade levels. They enjoyed
the experience of getting to know our technologies but
mostly of getting a glimpse into the world of Carrollton’s
21st century learners.
Carrollton presenters at the DyKnow showcase were
Lyana Azan, Cynthia Thiry Camayd ’99, Monica Cuza,
Caroline Gillingham, Mari Lovo, Elizabeth Rivera, and
Maria Teresa Valle ’79.
Carrollton welcomed 17 guests representing 11 schools
in the community: Balere Language Academy, The
Cushman School, David Posnack Hebrew Day School,
Gulliver Schools, Immaculata La Salle High School,
Miami Country Day School, Palmer Trinity School,
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School, St. Thomas
Episcopal Parish School, Trinity Preparatory School,
and Westminster Christian School.
Carrollton Hosts FIRST Lego League Competition
T
hanks to the generous AT&T grant
awarded last year,
Carrollton has vigorously pursued the expansion
of its robotics and engineering
programs. Junior High teacher, Maria Teresa Valle ’79 has
spearheaded several projects
including the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology) Lego
League Competition this past
January. Over 400 people were
in attendance as Carrollton
hosted the first Youth Robotics tournament for 16 teams in
Miami.
FIRST Lego League is an
international
organization
which aims to inspire students
through technology and engineering. Carrollton’s Junior
High students assisted with
scoring, judging, welcoming
and deciding awards, as they
had already competed earlier
in the year. The organization
of the tournament called for
a collaborative effort by the
entire Carrollton community; Third Graders and Junior
High teams created trophies
made of Legos, while faculty,
staff, family members, parents
and administrators helped to
coordinate, judge, score and
officiate the robot missions.
The Barry Building’s Performing Arts Center was filled
with enthusiasm, cheering and
emotion when the bell rang
to kick off the event at 9 a.m.
Throughout the day, the 16
teams were asked to present
their biomedical solutions to
the judges, participate in team
building activities, showcase
their robots and software programs to the technical judges,
and compete three rounds
against another team to see
who scored more points by
performing specific tasks.
The day concluded with
congratulatory words and advice for these future engineers
from Dr. William P. Murphy Jr., co-founder of FIRST.
Sister Cooke also spoke about
the role robotics and engineering play in developing 21st
century learners as problem
solvers and critical thinkers.
The day concluded with a fun
video show of all the day’s
pictures and with an amazing
award ceremony during which
Sister Cooke was presented
with the “Adult Mentor Award”
for her inspiration throughout
this decade.
The success of the day was
measured by the enthusiasm of
students working hard to improve their robot projects and
joy of younger children who
were taught about Carrollton’s
robots by Primary, Intermediate, Junior High and High
School students.
Participants in the
Youth Robotics Tournament
used their problem-solving
skills while working on
their task robots.
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All About Engineering in the Primary
D
By Maria Teresa Valle ’79, Junior High Faculty
Margarita Nuñez-Ismael, Primary Faculty
uring Engineering Week,
the Primary School
was
transported
to
the world of agricultural
engineering as students read a story about
Mariana, a girl like them who discovered that her new plant was not
well matched for its surroundings. With the help of her aunt, an
agricultural engineer, they learned
what engineers do and how with
an invention – a pollinator –
they could help the plant survive.
They also acted as mechanical engineers, learning from different inventions like the MagLev train seen at
Disney World. As a prize, they ate
chocolates made in the shape of a
saw and hammer.
Pulleys, Levers and Machines
in the Third Grade
This year the Third Grade learned
about the characteristics of inclined
planes, pulleys and levers and built
their own simple machines. They
learned to identify where the force,
load and fulcrums were located.
The Third Grade also welcomed a
visiting scientist from the company,
High Touch High Tech, who further
explained and designed more complex machines. Using ramps, which
could be raised and lowered, the
First and Third Grade teamed together to experiment with inclined
planes using different ramps and
balls. This lesson was experiential.
The girls were encouraged to use interactive websites to investigate the
functions of simple machines and
how they are used to solve scientific
problems. They thoroughly enjoyed
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playing with each machine and
solving problems with their friends.
Engineering for a Greener Planet
Throughout the year, Primary
students learned about renewable energy and its importance in
helping the planet. They built solar cars and windmills using Lego
kits. They also learned about green,
environmental and agricultural engineering through stories provided
by the Boston Museum of Science.
Using the engineering design process, students identified parts of the
stories related to the different steps:
ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve. The girls reinforced their
understanding of simple machines
First Graders studied balls and ramps
with the help of Third Graders. This
helped them understand properties of
physics and velocity.
and their importance in the world
of engineering by using the Lego
mechanical kit.
Montessori SMART Table
In today’s tech savvy world there is even technology made available for
the youngest learners. Not that long ago, you would rarely see students in
a Montessori classroom gathered around a computer.
The introduction of the SMART Table Interactive Learning Center
has been a wonderful addition to our
Montessori classrooms. At this table,
work and play come together. The
SMART Table is designed to allow
children to manipulate the learning activities by touch. It encompasses many
different areas for learning including
language arts, mathematics, geography
and social studies. The table is set up to
allow up to eight children to work on
it at one time. Each of the three group
levels uses it for different skills.
The table has enhanced the student’s recognition of sounds, blending,
listening, reading and counting. It has helped build a stronger sense of
community as the students must work as a team by taking turns, listening
to each other carefully and working together to find the answers.
Intermediate & Junior High Students
Are Introduced to the World of Engineering
I
By Maria Teresa Valle ’79, Junior High Faculty
n addition to after school robotics,
a new course in the Junior High,
“Technology and Introduction
to Engineering,” is designed to
familiarize students with concepts and
careers in different fields of engineering through hands-on building projects, visits to offsite locations, mentor
speakers and ideas from the Boston
Museum of Science curriculum. Early
in the semester, students applied the
engineering design process by building
and programming their first robot to
perform a task. Those that employed
the Engineering Process: Ask, Imagine,
Plan, Create, and Improve, were more
efficient and successful. While having fun, students learned that all ideas
are valuable, many plans can solve the
problem at hand, improving is key and
everyone can be an engineer.
Seventh Graders researched and
made presentations on different disciplines within bio-medical engineering
and learned about pacemakers, kidney
dialysis machines, MRI machines, prosthetics, bionics, orthopedics, biomechanical products and bioinstrumentation and robotic surgery. Dr. Murphy,
scientist, engineer and 2003 winner of
the MIT Lemelson Lifetime Achievement Award, spoke to the Junior High
Robotics Club and also spent a day
teaching about the functions of kidneys, dialysis machines, physiological
pacemakers and other inventions for
our bodies and organisms.
Eighth Graders explored the invention of the light bulb, electric cars,
telecommunications, computers, and
wireless communication, which later
helped them build electric circuits and
design their own alarm circuit.
Throughout the year, students also
built mechanical structures, applying their knowledge of gears, pulleys
and cranes, cars and other mechanical
structures giving them insight into the
field of mechanical and industrial engineering. During Engineering Week,
students researched the history in their
chosen areas, advancements made, important people and their inventions,
and were exposed to the educational
requirements to become an engineer.
They saw how robots help in many areas of our society.
In preparation for a visit to the
Mako Surgical Corp. made possible by
current parent, Dr. Maurice Ferre, 8th
Grade students investigated different
parts of the knee and robotic surgeries
used to address knee injuries. Dr. Ferre
and his colleagues explained the inspiration behind their vision and inventions.
Female engineers shared details about
becoming an engineer and what their
jobs entail. In smaller groups, students
were given demonstrations and a tour.
National studies point to the under-representation of women in
STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), although
that number has been growing in recent years. Research provided by the
National Coalition of Girls’ Schools
indicates girls’ school graduates are
three times more likely than their coed peers to consider pursuing a career
in engineering. With opportunities
like the ones experienced by the Junior High students this year, we aim
to increase their exposure to, interest
in and awareness of the endless opportunities in the STEM fields.
Future Engineers
In Training
Grade 6 Activities
• Built “light spiders” robots with
photo sensors that react to light;
soldered the electrical components to circuit boards to build
them
• Had a visit from Tom Bales who
spoke about cosmic rays; Carrollton is one of 10 schools in the area
that has a cosmic ray detector
• Had the opportunity to build
a cloud chamber in which they
could actually see cosmic rays go
through the chamber
• Listened to guest speakers from
IT Women who discussed women
in technology and spoke about
their professions and the technology that they use in their fields
• Visited Starbot, an engineering and
robotics machine shop, where
they toured the facility and
learned about different fields of
engineering
Sixth Graders Meagan Carpintero
and Rayna Garcia build robots.
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Sacred Heart Goals in the Intermediate School
By Pam Styrsky, Intermediate Faculty
T
his year, Intermediate led prayer, meditation on ways the
students deepened their community lives the Goals, speakers
experience of service by who inspire and impel to action and
gathering for afternoons of shared student activities and reflecreflection based on the Sacred Heart tion. During each reflection day, stuGoals and Criteria. For the fourth dents create an artwork expressing
consecutive year, students participat- their understanding of the respective
ed in community service and social Goal and its relevance for their lives.
justice projects focused on building Each of the reflection days seeks to
awareness and connections with spe- nurture the Big Sister, Little Sister recific communities in the Miami area: lationship between Fourth, Fifth and
the migrant farm worker community Sixth Graders. Through this relationin Homestead, the children at Jackson ship, students develop a sense of unity
Memorial Hospital Pediatric Center and collaboration that fades the diviand the Haitian community.
sions between age and grade levels.
Director
of
the
IntermeOn September 17, the reflecdiate
School,
Mrs.
Heather tion afternoons began with the
Gillingham-Rivas, together with students and faculty discussing the
Intermedimeaning of
ate CommuGoal I. Big
Each of the reflection days seeks
nity Service
and Little Sisto
nurture
the
relationship
between
Coordinaters gathered
Fourth,
Fifth
and
Sixth
Graders.
tor,
Mrs.
together to
Pam Styrsky
share a picnic
and Intermediate faculty felt it lunch. Students then made time for
important that students make prayer, shared how Goal I – “a persona stronger connection between al and active faith in God” – is pracservice to these communities ticed in the Intermediate School, and
and the Goals and Criteria. With participated in reflection and an art
everyone’s enthusiastic and creative activity. Their reflection time inspired
collaboration, the idea for reflection a splendid Carrollton heart sculpture.
days was born.
The day of reflection for Goal II,
“The Goals transcend subjects and “a deep respect for intellectual values,”
grades. They are an essential, forma- was themed “Inspiration,” during
tive part of what we teach and learn, which students practiced espacio and
who we are with one another, and reflected on those who have inspired
who we hope to become as people their learning. Each student decorated
committed to living as a community a feather with her personal reflection
of Christ’s heart. We want students to as part of a student designed peacock
understand this essential connection full of colorful, personal insights (as
and the centrality of the Goals to life seen on the cover).
at a Sacred Heart school,” explained
For the Goal III reflection day,
Mrs. Styrsky.
“Acts of Kindness Can Change the
Each reflection day has a common World,” Sister teams shared stories
design. The day consists of student- about acts of kindness they have expe-
12
SPring 2011 La PLume
rienced in their lives. With Goal III in
mind, “a social awareness that impels
to action,” students created a paper
chain that circled the entire Intermediate courtyard filled with their acts of
kindness, transforming the intanglible
into a visual reminder of how a good
deed goes a long way.
Natalia Echeverri Sabagh ’03 and
Junior Molly Nuell spoke movingly
about how their experiences with and
for the Haitian people have impelled
them to act with compassion and justice for others.
After returning from their March
service day, Intermediate students
reflected on Goal IV: “the building
of community as a Christian value.”
With the theme, “Planting Seeds of
Hope for the World,” they shared the
different ways that they could build
community and make a difference in
the world. The girls planted a symbolic garden of native plants on the
Barat Campus. They learned that relationships, like plants, must be gently planted, watered and cared for in
order to grow and created a tree filled
with leaves of reflection.
The reflection day for Goal V, “personal growth in an atmosphere of wise
freedom,” was scheduled for June 7 at
the close of the school year. Students
and faculty shared a further opportunity to grow and celebrate together
as a Sacred Heart family as well as to
renew their spirit and their sense of
hope for the future.
Photos show Intermediate students
working on art projects expressing their
reflections on the Goals.
Debate: Competitive Success Meets Spirit of Service
By Dana Randall and Joe Carver, High School Faculty
F
or the third time in four years,
Carrollton’s debate program
finished ranked in the top
10 in both national debate
organizations. The National Debate
Coaches Association’s Baker Award,
given to the top team in the country,
named Senior Anna Dimitrijevic and
Junior Fabiola Urdaneta the fifth team
in the country. The Tournament of
Champions seeded them 10th. Dimitrijevic also placed in the top five in
individual recognition and finished
the season as the top female speaker in
the country, for the second year in a
row. The team proved that it deserves
its recognition as the top all- female
debate program in the United States.
In addition to the accolades, attention
and awards, the program has developed a culture of respect and service
Greenhill Round Robin and Tournament
Dallas, TX
Georgetown Day School Tournament
Washington DC
New Trier Township Season Opener
Chicago, IL
St. Mark’s Heart of Texas Tournament
Dallas, TX
Capital Fall Classic
Baltimore, MD
The Glenbrooks Invitational
Chicago, IL
The Blake Tournament
Minneapolis, MN
The Southern Bell Forum at
Montgomery Bell Academy
Nashville, TN
The Pace Round Robin
Atlanta, GA
The Barkley Forum at Emory University
Atlanta, GA
The Harvard Round Robin and Invitational
Tournament
Boston, MA
The Vestavia Hills Classic
Birmingham, AL
The National Debate Coaches
Association Championship
Scranton, PA
The Tournament of Champions
Lexington, KY
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that is spreading as quickly as their
reputation.
The academic year of 2010-11
saw Carrollton invited to their 5th
Greenhill Round Robin in five years
and their 4th Harvard Round Robin
in five years. The girls represented
Carrollton in late elimination rounds
at tournaments including the semifinals at The Harvard Invitational, The
Glenbrook’s Invitational in Illinois
and The Heart of Texas Tournament.
Dimitrijevic was awarded Top Speaker
at the Greenhill Invitational and St.
Mark’s Invitational. By all standards,
it was the most competitively successful year in the history of Carrollton
debate. The year wound down with
a quarter-finals appearance at the
NDCA National Tournament and an
octo-finals appearance at the Tournament of Champions.
Senior Anna Dimitrijevic will
follow former debater Catalina
Santos ’08 to Harvard this fall. In
addition to being one of the nation’s
most recruited debaters, Anna helmed
an aggressive service program in the
name of debate. This past year, debaters volunteered their Saturdays to
teach argumentation skills to students
in the Breakthrough Miami program.
This was debate’s first year working
with Breakthrough after having previously served at The Barnyard. Under
the direction of Team President Dimitrijevic and Service Coordinator Susanna Jimenez, the girls would prepare
lectures, listen to speeches and judge
debates for the select group of students. In addition to the Breakthrough
Program, debate also prepared care
packages for soldiers abroad at various
times during the season. This dovetailed with the girl’s annual debate
resolution, which dealt with United
At the University of Scranton, host
of National Debate Coaches Association Championship, front, from left:
Fabiola Urdaneta, Kelly Keough, Anna
Dimitrijevic, Meredith Angueira,
Lauren Cue. Back: Francis Swanson,
Mary Grace Darmody.
States military deployments. Anna’s
commitment to blending competitive success with service to others was
recognized at the 2011 Tournament of
Champions where she became the second Carrollton student in four years to
be named a finalist for The Julia Burke
Award. The Burke Award is given each
year to the debater who best combines
the spirit of competition with fellowship. Dimitrijevic joins Dorothy Ann
Hector ’08 in having received this
honor.
As debate’s season winds down, we
find alums of the program at Harvard,
Northwestern, Georgetown, Wake
Forest, University of Chicago, Dartmouth, Cornell and Fordham. In each
case, the universities are benefiting not
just from the tremendous skill and
training that debate provides, but also
from the lesson that each skill one is
taught is one that can be taught in return. Each year that passes, Carrollton
becomes more of an established part
of the top five debate programs in the
country and each graduate carries with
her the gift and pride that comes with
being the best at what they do.
Carrollton Athletes Raising the Bar
Athletes in five sports competed in State Final Tournaments this year
C
arrollton’s athletes have had
an outstanding year marked
by skilled performances in
several sports. The Varsity
Golf Team headed to the State Final
Miami Herald All-Dade Athletes
Cross Country
Maria Madiedo – 1st Team
Maria Balcazar – 1st Team
Kailey Gonzalez – 3rd Team
Mary Grace Darmody – Honorable Mention
Gabriela Gonzalez – Honorable Mention
Golf
Julie Steinbauer – 1st Team
Alexandra Perez – 1st Team
Kristin Gonzalez – 2nd team
Ryley Gregorie – Honorable Mention
Ilyssa Block – Honorable Mention
Swimming/Diving
Morgan Matson – 2nd Team Diving
Kristine Reyno-Marcano – 3rd team
100 M Back
Volleyball
Manuela Fernandez – Honorable Mention
Cristy Beauperthuy – Honorable Mention
Alejandra Rovirosa – Honorable Mention
Nastassja Schmiedt – Honorable Mention
Soccer
Jacqueline Aran – Honorable Mention
Claudia Campano – Honorable Mention
Lauren O’Brien – Honorable Mention
Zelmira Rizo-Patron – Honorable Mention
and placed in the top 10, while Varsity
Cross Country placed in the top five.
In diving, Morgan Matson placed in
the top 10 at the State Final Tournament while Kristine Reyno-Marcano
finished in the top 15 in swimming.
Coupled with the Varsity Tennis team’s
2nd place finish in the State Tournament, our athletes have truly raised the
bar this year.
Varsity Tennis Team State Runner-Up
The Varsity Tennis team had a
remarkable season. After completing the regular season with a perfect
9-0 record, the team was named
the District 16-1A Champions
following a winning performance.
The Cyclones advanced to the
FHSAA
Regional
Semifinals
defeating Doctors Charter, 7-0.
By then, the team had a 12-0
season record and defeated
Ransom Everglades in the Regional
Final 4-2 and qualified for the
FHSAA State Final. It was the first
time since 1984 that the Varsity
Tennis Team has advanced to the
State Final. Finally, on April 18-20,
the team competed in the FHSAA
Class 1A State Championship
in Sanford, Florida.
Falling
just three points shy to
St. Andrew’s of Boca Raton,
the Cyclones took the title of
2011 Class 1A State Runner-up.
Individual Honors
Singles:
Rebecca Pol:
#3 seed Singles State Champion
Alexandra Fields:
#2 seed Singles State Runner-up
Daniela Lopez:
#1 seed Singles State Runner-up
Doubles:
Rebecca Pol and Daniela Lopez:
#1 seed Overall Doubles
State Champions
Alexandra Fields and Lindy Lyons:
#2 seed Doubles
State Champions
Basketball
Sofia Gomez – Honorable Mention
Victoria Jimenez – Honorable Mention
Softball
Christy Sanchez – 2nd Team
Marianne Sevilla-Sascasa – 3rd Team
Laura Valentine – Honorable Mention
Anna Hoskinson – Honorable Mention
Tennis
Daniela Lopez – 1st Team Singles and
1st Team Doubles
Alexandra Fields – 1st Team Singles
Rebecca Pol – 1st Team Doubles
Gabriella Campana – Honorable Mention
Lindy Lyons – Honorable Mention
Rebecca Pol, Ana Rincon, Alejandra Rovirosa, Gabriela Campana,
Cristina Urquidi, Alexandra Fields, Lindy Lyons, Daniela Lopez
Athletes Continuing to College
• Alexandra Perez - golf at University of Illinois at Chicago.
• Alexandria Porter - gymnastics at Bowling Green.
15
Class of 2011 in the PAC during their final days at Carrollton.
Carrollton Salutes Class of 2011
Members of the Class of 2011 applied to 39 of
the top 50 national universities as outlined
by US News and World Report.
One or more Seniors were accepted to 28 of the 39 schools.
T
he 66 members of
the Class of 2011
achieved great success
during their time at Carrollton. Seniors were accepted into the nation’s
top schools, many of them
receiving independent and
merit scholarships. They
have been recognized for
their intellectual abilities, athletic skills, artistic
talents and much more.
From student leaders,
to scholars, to performers, members of this class
committed their time and
effort to serving the community in numerous ways. At the Athletic Awards Communion Breakfast, outstanding
Here, we highlight a few of Seniors were recognized. From left, Sister Cooke, Scholar
their achievements.
Athlete Alejandra Rovirosa, Outstanding Athlete Alexandra
Perez, Sportsmanship Award Cristina Garcia Montes, Dr. Dempf.
16
On April 27th, Alexandra Perez signed a National
Letter of Intent to play golf
and attend the University of
Illinois at Chicago. Alex will
be joining the UIC Flames in
their inaugural season. Good
luck, Alexandra!



National Merit Scholarship Programs: 1 National
Merit Finalist, 2 National Merit Commended Students, 4 National Hispanic Scholars, 1 Outstanding
Participant in the National Achievement Program
Bright Futures Scholarships: 91% eligible to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship; 52% eligible for
the highest Academic Scholars Program and 48% received Medallion Scholarships
College Merit Scholarships: 46 seniors received
one or more merit scholarships to 44 different colleges and universities (not including those eligible to
receive Bright Futures Scholarships). Students received merit
scholarships from: Occidental
College, Loyola Marymount University, Xavier University, Spring
Hill College, Loyola University
Maryland, Florida International
University, Pace University, The
Catholic University of America,
Loyola University (LA), Ford- Anna Dimitrijevic,
ham University, Florida State nation’s top female
University, Pratt Institute, Savan- speaker in debate.





nah College of Art and Design, School of Art Institute of Chicago, University of Miami, Marymount
University, St. John’s University, Georgia Institute of
Technology, St. Louis University, Boston University,
Southern Methodist University, University of Denver, Emmanuel College, Stonehill College, Ohio
Wesleyan University, Canisius College, Denison University, University of Southern California
Athletic/Outside Scholarships: 1 University of Illinois at Chicago Scholarship, 1 Miami-Dade County
Youth Fair Scholarship, 3 Community Foundation of
South Florida Blood Donor Scholarships, 2 Florida
League of IB Schools Scholarships
National Honor Society: More than 36 % are members of National Honor Society
International Baccalaureate Program: 75% enrolled in the IB Program
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: 1 Regional Gold
Key and 1 National Silver Key award
8th Annual Beaux Arts Festival: 2 award winners
At left, pennants of colleges of choice. Above, students work on
college applications in the college counseling center.
International Baccalaureate Art Show in the Jay Weiss Art Gallery
17
Always A Child of the Sacred Heart
By Sophia Baez ’11
Sophia Baez was elected by her classmates as Alumna
Class Representative. Below is the speech she gave at the
Alumnae Association Induction Ceremony. Sophia will be
attending Miami Dade Honors College in the Fall.
I
came to Carrollton in Ninth Grade as a scared
Freshman with my rebellious red nail polish.
To be honest, I did not know what I was
getting myself into: long hours of studying, hair falling out, and stress pimples –
charming, I know. But I also entered a family; a family
of 65 other girls who would be a shoulder to cry on,
a study partner, and a friend when
I needed one the most. That is what
being a member of the Sacred Heart
is about. Being a member of the Sacred Heart is about being a family.
Last year I moved to Tallahassee
for a semester. Not thinking I would
return, I was incredibly heartbroken
to be leaving my second home. I will
never forget the feeling inside when I received the big
poster of little notes at Feast Wishes – to most of my
classmates’ great surprise, I cried. This past Friday I was
reading the letters again, with my friend Annie, and
many of the notes said, “once a sister of the Sacred Heart,
always a sister of the Sacred Heart.” As a Senior less than
a month from walking down the aisle at Saint Hugh, I
Class of 2011 with their Pin Sisters.
18
have come to realize the importance of that statement. I
realized that we are all sisters. We are all connected.
Throughout my four years at Carrollton, I have fallen
in love with its fun, its people, but also its traditions.
This tradition of becoming a part of a network of people
who care about you is something you do not find anywhere else. In receiving these pins tonight we are joining a group of women who have changed the world by
being humble, simple, and by bringing joy to others, as
St. Madeleine Sophie said. That is our goal as Sacred
Heart women. We are making a promise to change the
world. Changing the world might be easy for Spiderman or the President of the United States, but not for
a 17 year old. Going to Carrollton has taught me so
many things, but one thing that I will always remember
is Mrs. Panzer telling me Freshman year to have courage
and confidence in myself, and I have every bit of confidence in all of you. I know that all of you sitting in front
of me tonight will change the world or at least someone’s
world, because you all have already changed mine.
The other night a friend sent me a link to the last
scene from “Boy Meets World.” While watching it, I realized that so much of the process of me growing up is
because of my Sacred Heart education. I am a woman,
but I am still and always will be a child of the Sacred
Heart. So, my sisters, I am going to leave you with this
quote from Mr. Feeny, “Believe in yourselves. Dream.
Try. Do good – not well, but good.”
Students in the Class of 2011
Have Been Accepted to These
Colleges and Universities
American University
American University of Rome
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Babson College
Barnard College
Barry University
Bentley University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
Bucknell University
Canisius College
Clemson University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
College of William and Mary
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
Denison University
Drexel University
Duke University
Elmira College
Emerson College
Emmanuel College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hampton University
Harvard University
Howard University
Johns Hopkins University
Lehigh University
Lesley University
Louisiana State University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University New Orleans
Manhattan College
Marymount Manhattan College
Marymount University
Miami Dade Honors College
Moore College of Art and Design
Mount Holyoke College
New College of Florida
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Ohio Wesleyan University
Oxford College of Emory University
Pace University, New York City
Parsons The New School for Design
Philadelphia University
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Providence College
Rice University
Saint Joseph College
Saint Louis University
Savannah College of Art and Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Seattle University
Sewanee: The University of the South
Simmons College
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Spring Hill College
St. Edwards University
St. John’s College
St. John’s University - Queens
Stanford University
Stonehill College
Stony Brook University
Suffolk University
Texas Christian University
The Catholic University of America
The Culinary Institute of America
The George Washington University
The University of Alabama
The University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Trinity College
Tufts University
University of California at Los Angeles
University of Central Florida
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Denver
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of New Haven
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of Notre Dame
University of San Diego
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
University of South Florida, Tampa
University of Southern California
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Westminster
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Xavier University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Yale University
19
Drum Roll . . . The Wellness Center
S
hortly before the new year, the Markert
Family offered Carrollton a challenge grant
of $250,000 toward the Wellness Center. The
excitement of this gift has inspired so many
within the Carrollton community that we not
only met the grant, we surpassed it. As you may know,
at Celebrate 2011 with the help of Mistress of Ceremony
and current parent, Jackie Nespral, Sister Suzanne Cooke
unveiled the news of a leadership gift of $1 million!
Thanks to the Markert Family and this anonymous donor,
and all who have given to date, we have raised $2.2 million
in gifts and pledges. We need $6 million and we will At Celebrate 2011 with the help of Mistress of Ceremony
do it!
and current parent, Jackie Nespral, Sister Cooke unveiled
The Wellness Center has been a dream for genera- the news of a leadership gift of $1 million!
tions of Carrollton’s families. It will be situated on the
Duchesne Campus and will include a gymnastics studio, Committee is working with the architects and engia weight cardio room, athletic training facilities, an in- neers while the Development Committee is helping
door track and a gym. Imagine the sheer joy of Carroll- Sister Cooke raise the necessary funding. Sister Cooke is
ton students and their families to have a new facility that counting on all of us to join those generous donors who
will serve as both a teaching space and as home to the have already given.
Cyclones. Studying the plans helps one realize that all
What can you do to help? Familiarize yourself with
students from Montessori to the 12th Grade will benefit the project. If you are ready to support the building, call
from this incredible building.
or email Sister Cooke! Please read our updates as we
The Board of Trustees is fully engaged in ensuring proceed. Starting in August, please consult the website
that this dream comes true. The Buildings and Grounds often to experience our progress.
JUST THE FACTS!
• 43% of students in
Grades 6-12 competed in Junior Varsity
and Varsity teams in
more than 11 sports.
• 83 students in Grades
4-8 participated in
Developmental Programs to prepare
themselves for Junior
Varisty and Varsity
level sports.
20
Site plan
Ground floor plan
Second floor plan
21
Celebrate 2011
T
he evening of January 28 was a festive
night marking the 49th anniversary of
Carrollton. Creative food, wines,
upbeat music and dazzling auction
items made for a fantastic celebration under the
stars. With the leadership of Entertainment
Chair Tere Batista Worland ’82, Auction
Chair Shay Lamelas and Advertising Chair Olga
Solares, the event was a complete success.
The night featured music by artist Luis Bofill
and his seven-piece band, supplemented by the
popular DJ, Peter Diaz. The silent auction of over
130 must-have items featured a “Tiffany & Co.
Mystery Blue Box Wall” and a new wine selection
component, adding to the excitement of the
anniversary party.
More than 20 of Miami’s finest restaurants
served signature dishes delighting the taste buds of
guests. The evening was made complete when
Sister Cooke announced the Patrick M. Markert
Family challenge gift of $250,000 for the
construction of the Wellness Center followed by a
surprise announcement of a $1 million anonymous
gift toward the next phase of the Master Plan.
Carrollton is grateful for the generous support
of sponsors, benefactors, underwriters, advertisers,
guests and friends, which made the event
unforgettable.
Guests enjoyed the evening under the Barat Oak.
Founders Library was filled with an exciting silent auction.
Tiffany & Co. presented a “Mystery Blue Box Wall.”
Above: Luis Bofill and his band entertained. At right, Jorge Anaya and renowned chef Michelle Bernstein.
22
Jill Penman and Matthew Kujawa, Yvette and Alberto Gonzalez, Lisa Lobo, Albert and Yvonne Johnson, John Lobo, Ines Isaza ’85
and Felipe Isaza, Nicolas Cortes, Patricia Sanchez-Abril ’93 and Ari Abril, Sandra Fiorenza, Sister Suzanne Cooke, Randall Fiorenza
Patrick and Marisa Dwyer, Peter Dolara and Mary Lou Rodon, Olgamari Solares, Shay Lamelas, Tere Batista Worland ’82,
Gigi and Javier Polit, Rene and Mariana Martinez Sanchez ’91, Armando Hassun and Jackie Nespral-Hassun
Sister Ann Taylor, Sister Maureen Glavin, Sister Georgie Blaeser, Gabriela Rexach-Gianulis and Peter Gianulis, Kim and
Geoffrey Manna, Maria Elena Pardo and Jose Luis Zapata, Jorge and Beba Padron, Malou and Steven Perricone
Sister Margaret Seitz, Beth and David Hicks, Carmen Diaz-Padron ’77 and Luis Morales, Raul Jimenez and Vivian
Calvar-Jimenez, Nelson and Chelly Rodriguez, Georgette Rodriguez-Vazquez ’92 and Oscar Vazquez, Mark and Liliana Advent,
Jesus Labarta and Irene Galan Labarta
Natalie and Ruben Garcia, Desiree and Charles Johnson, Marilu Suarez Palacios ’74, Luisa Botifoll Murai ’66, Sofia
Powell Cosio, Inez Lorenzo Gomez and Adelio Gomez, Saskia Galliano-Touret and Philippe Touret, Nicole and Frank
Seidenthal
Ana Maria and Ernesto Alvarez, Denise and Gino DiMare, Alex Garcia and Laura Garcia Kelly ’95, Adriana and
Manuel Albarran, Malcolm and Laurence Stott, Catherine Markert, Steffany Lafosse-Marin, Ines Lorenzo Gomez, Ana
Pifano Chiossone
23
2011 Family Carnival
The 2011 Family Carnival
returned after a four-year hiatus to
commemorate the 49th anniversary
of Carrollton. The carnival opened
with festive tunes from the Miami
Heat Marching Band. Later in the
day, recording artist Chris Cab put
on a show for the gathering.
Attendees could select from a
full complement of amusement
rides including interactive school
Photos from Carnival 2011
24
activity booths and a variety of
foods while basking in a spectacularly sun-drenched day, shaded
by historic El Jardin. The return
and overwhelming community
support of this event was ensured by
Carnival Chairs Albert and Yvette
Gonzalez, Christine Weill-Rodriguez,
and School Booth leaders Viola Lake
and Gigi Polit (Montessori), Stasi
Scurtis-Arvanitis ’88 (Primary),
Stacy
Lorenzo
(Intermediate),
Patricia Cruz (Junior High) and
Elena Garcia-Montes ’83 (High
School). This sensational and
memorable family event attracted both young and old and the
curious and courageous.
The best is yet to come as we approach our 50th celebration, Carnival 2012! We look forward to seeing
everyone there.
Alumnae Art Exhibit in the Jay Weiss Art Gallery
A special highlight of the Anniversary Weekend was the Alumnae Art
Exhibit showcased in the Jay Weiss
Art Gallery. On the evening of the
Alumnae Reunion, guests were treated to champagne and harp music as
they mingled and enjoyed the alumnae artwork on display. The exhibit
was open to the Carrollton Community for several weeks.
Alumnae Exhibitors
Liza Tucker ’86, Diana Torres de
Navarra ’86, Sister Cooke
Cristina Ruiz Maxwell ’86, Alejandra Sofia Lacayo Remy ’91,
Neret de Fernandez ’86, Nily Milton Christine SanchezDiaz ’86, Yanik Fenton-Espinosa ’86 Galliano ’86
Claire Brown ’92
Lauren Coll ’79
Irene Delgado ’98
Lourdes Diego ’87
Adriana Elgarresta ’08
Meme Ferre ’74
Vanessa Garcia ’97
Maria Cabassa Kretschmar ’69
Barbara Hicks-Compton Lamar ’73
Ana Haydee Linares ’07
Cecilia Hernandez Nichols ’84
Nina Gimenez Obregon ’79
Janet Bauman-Glen O’Leary ’67
Elizabeth Pines ’82
Alejandra Prieto-Valle ’01
Guilaine Lamar Sosa ’87
Alumnae
Mother-Daughter Lunch
On January 30th, Carrollton
alumnae celebrating their reunion years and their mothers,
daughters or both gathered in El
Jardin for the annual MotherDaughter Alumnae Lunch. Sr.
Cooke joined attendees in the
Benoist Room as they shared
memories over a lunch buffet.
Cristina Espinosa Tommasino ’01, Victoria Diaz de Villegas ’01,
Victoria Suarez-Palomo ’01, Karina Moises ’01, Lindsey Wells ’01
Guests mingled in the Jay Weiss Art Gallery for the Alumnae Art
Exhibit.
Michelle Branchini ’03,
Ada Lluhi Stevens ’71,
Katie Branchini Nelson ’98
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Alumnae Reunion
More than 250 alumnae
and guests returned to El Jardin on Saturday, January 29,
2011 for the Alumnae Reunion Reception. This year’s
reunion honored the classes
of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981,
1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and
2006. Everyone was thrilled
to reconnect with former
Ann-Janette Fuentes Iris Guzman
classmates and teachers as
Kolaya ’96,
Twombly ’96,
they remembered their days
Alexandra
Lili Carissa
at Carrollton. As alumnae
Rodriguez
Giangrandi ’96
entered El Jardin’s courtSomoza ’96
yard, Sr. Cooke welcomed
them back home. Board
members Sr. Georgie Blaeser and Sr. Maureen Glavin
joined faculty and alumnae
for the celebration. The reunion celebration included
an Alumnae Art Show in the
Jay Weiss Art Gallery, which
featured a variety of works Marsha Whelan,
Nicole Lydecker ’01,
from alumnae that they cre- Danielle Haub
Nicole Abellaated as students and profes- Richmond ’72
Morazan ’01
sionals.
Sister Suzanne Cooke, Sister Ann
Taylor, Sister Georgie Blaeser, Sister
Maureen Glavin
Members of the Class of 1971
26
Luisa Botifoll Murai ’66, Alina Antonetti ’66.
Sister Suzanne Cooke, Isabel Junco Singletary ’69.
Lucia Giraudy Olano ’66. Marsha Whelan, Laura
Mendoza Grabiel ’66, Lourdes Leon Mena ’66
Alejandra Neret de Fernandez ’86, Liza Tuckler ’86
Mary Ellen
Loffler Pyle ’71
Maitee Hernandez Cuero ’96, Lauren
Marianela Morejon
Aran ’76, Victoria Corrigan Mack ’96, Jessica Lera Rodriguez ’96,
Fine ’76, Annemarie Harris Maria Camila Tobon ’96
Block ’76, Alicia Cervera
Lamadrid ’76
Madelin Escagedo Menacho ’71, Terry Ray Ruiz
de Castilla ’71, Ada Lluhi Stevens ’71, Carmen
Dominguez de Vallois ’71, Marilu Suarez
Palacios ’74, Alina de la Fuente St. Louis ’74
Ana Funcia-Frost ’84,
Carol Recicar
Ana Maria Rodriguez ’01,
Veronica Mendiola ’01,
Victoria Suarez-Palomo ’01
Mimi Abello Blanco ’83,
Leslie Jones ’73, Maria
Elisa Cardenal Cuadra ’81 Blanco Goodno ’81
Alice Boyle ’71, Terry
Ana Diaz-Albertini Benitez ’71,
Ray Ruiz de Castilla ’71 Beth Churchill Slezak ’71,
Conchita Espinosa Chediak ’71
Lauren Hastings ’01,
Veronica Perez-Gurri ’01
Cristina Lopez-Gottardi
Kristina Adler ’06, Carolina
Chao ’91, Alexandra
Arma ’06, Francis Hassun ’06
Bermudez Elgarresta ’91,
Carmen Gonzalez Monterrey ’91
27
Carrollton Welcomes The Associated
Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart
By Maria Cristina Garcia ’00, Director of Alumnae Relations
A
fter two years of planning, preparation and
excitement, Carrollton and
Miami hosted the Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart (AASH)
National Conference
April 7-10, chaired
by Laurie Weiss
Nuell ’75. With the
theme of “Celebrate
Cor Unum: Living
Sophie and Philippine’s Vision into Tomorrow,” more than Laurie Weiss
300 alumnae, alum- Nuell
ni and Religious of
the Sacred Heart from around the
country and world gathered in “The
Magic City.”
The conference opened by welcoming Sister Catherine Lloyd of
the England/Wales Province and
Sister Hiroko Okui of Japan, both
members of the Central Team of the
Society of the Sacred Heart, from
Rome. Sister Suzanne Cooke and
Sister Maureen Glavin presented the
opening keynote address “Contemplatives in Action: A Dialogue with Sophie
and Philippine.” Patricia Sanchez
Keynote speaker Patricia Sanchez Abril ’93 presenting “Sophie 2.0 –
Communicating in the Age of Technology.”
Abril ’93, member of Carrollton’s
Board of Trustees, presented “Sophie
2.0 – Communicating in the Age of
Technology,” describing a unique approach on how she believes St. Madeleine Sophie would communicate in
today’s technological and interactive
world. Drawing from Madeleine
Sophie’s philosophy of communication, Patti expressed how St. Madeleine Sophie would use social networking.
Attendees enjoyed a series of
seminars given by Sacred Heart
and Carrollton alumnae, RSCJs
and Sacred Heart educators. The
topics ranged from environmental
stewardship, to answering the call to
global citizenship, to the making of
a documentary. Guests also had the
opportunity to explore many of Miami’s sites including a tour of El Jardin and the Barnacle given by former
board chair, past parent and architect,
Joanna Lombard-Hector. Other
tours included a Miami City bus tour,
Vizcaya, Fairchild Tropical Botanic
Garden, Cape Florida State Park and
shopping at Coconut Grove and The
Village of Merrick Park.
From left: AASH President Beth Lowry Speck, National Office Director Jeanne Burke O’Fallon. Carrollton alumnae
speakers: Vanessa Garcia ’97, Lizette Alvarez ’82, Ana Viamonte Ros ’75, Christen Parker ’99, Ali Codina ’96, Christina
Casado ’90.
28
Sister Catherine Lloyd of the England/
Wales Province, and Sister Hiroko
Okui of Japan, both members of the
Central Team, from Rome, flank Sister
Paula Toner, U.S. Provincial.
Religious who attended the conference.
Carrollton students sang and greeted attendees at the Cor Unum
luncheon.
Local Sacred Heart alumnae and
Carrollton board members welcomed guests into their homes on
Friday evening. The home dinners, always a highlight at national
conferences, are jubilant get-togethers
celebrating Sacred Heart camaraderie.
On Saturday, all gathered at St.
Hugh Catholic Church for the traditional Cor Unum Liturgy. Sister
Helen Rosenthal was honored as
the 2011 Woman of Conscience.
Cor Unum Award Recipients included Patricia Eldredge Kolojeski
(Central Region),
Rosemary Holland
Gidionsen (Southern Region), Toni
Walsh Curry (Eastern Region), and
Susanna McPherson Lane (Western Carrollton hosted “Tropical Night Under the Stars.”
Region).
The
Saturday
Lunch Keynote Address was given by “Walking Together Toward a Better World:
Sister Cecile Meijer an NGO repre- The Society and the United Nations” was
sentative of the Society of the Sacred an eye-opening presentation of the
Heart at the United Nations. Her topic, Society’s work in the global community.
On Sunday, the conference closed
with a beautiful concluding address
given by Sister Melanie A. Guste.
Also at this last gathering, AASH
National Office Director Jeanne Burke
O’Fallon officially retired after 17 years
of service in the organization.
The Conference was truly a
celebration of Cor Unum (“one
heart”) and its great success was due to
Carrollton, its leadership, the
planning committee and countless
volunteers. The next AASH national
conference will be held in Omaha
in 2013.
Current and former Cor Unum Award recipients pictured with the 2011
Woman of Conscience, Helen Rosenthal, RSCJ.
29
Excerpts from AASH Keynote Speakers
(For complete coverage, go online to www.aashmiami.org)
St. Madeleine Sophie viewed communication as a way of transmitting hope and
love … Sophie had an unsual capacity for
relationships and for inspiring people. She
knew how to read individuals and their
needs, a trademark of her governance.
In summing up Sophie’s philosophy of
communication, I would call it an Ethic
of Grace in Communications; grace being
the opportunity to recognize the Spirit’s Patricia
presence in communication and the Holy Sanchez
Spirit in others, and celebrating it through Abril ’93
a reciprocal communion of information.
She would say, ‘Be humble, be simple and
bring joy to others,’ in our communication. And she would
say, ‘Respect silence and solitude’; turn off the multiple
blackberries.
– Patricia Sanchez Abril ’93, Sophie 2.0:
Communicating in the Age of Technology and
Transparency
What are the gifts that Sophie has provided us and
inspired us and which we should be taking from our
own experience as Sacred Heart students? One has to
begin, when talking about Sophie, with prayer. For
her it was very simple: all things are possible in God.
All things are possible if one seeks the time to find
Jesus in prayer. Attention to the Holy Spirit always yields
Conference attendees enjoying home dinners.
30
hope. Sophie saw herself as God’s beloved
and this is a tremendous gift to us … God
has created each of us and is in love with us.
This profound love, when really attended to,
through prayer, allows ourselves to come to
see ourselves as God does. Contemplation,
which is the gift that Sophie has given us, is
the knowledge of God that is impregnated
with love. We are called to open our hearts
Suzanne
to this love.
– Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, Contemplatives Cooke, RSCJ
in Action for the 21st Century: A dialogue
with Sophie and Philippine.
Here, right now, gathered in this place, we, [Sophie
and Philippine’s] 21st century daughters and sons are
now two centuries later being forged by
different forces, different families and
different times. So the question to us is if
their call is still our call, if their lives still
have meaning for our lives, what would
they be doing now? Not what would they
have done then, but what would they
be doing now, here, in the 21st century?
– M a u re e n Gl a v i n , R S C J ,
Contemplatives in Action for the 21st
Maureen
Century: A dialogue with Sophie and
Glavin, RSCJ
Philippine.
Spotlight on Alumnae
Mother-Daughter Alumnae: A Sacred Heart Bond
By Alumnae Council President Annemarie Harris Block ’76 and Alexandra Block ’06
O
ne of the greatest gifts my parents gave me
was a Carrollton education. As the only girl
in a large family, it came at great sacrifice for
them. I was always aware that Carrollton was
unique and that my Sacred Heart education was deeper
and broader than I could grasp as a student. How right I
was! I can honestly say as a daughter, sister, wife, mother
and practicing attorney, every facet of my being remains
firmly rooted in the education, values and faith I received
from Carrollton. I wanted nothing less for my daughters.
Alexandra and I are mother-daughter alumnae, 30
years apart. Our Carrollton experiences are quite different, yet fundamentally the same. Over the years we’ve
compared notes, laughed and shared stories, but this is
the first time we seriously talked about the Sacred Heart
bond we know is there. Because Alexandra is a first-year
law student studying outside Miami, our collaboration
for this article was based on telephone conversations in
between her classes and studies. It was fun and reflective.
It was humorous and deep. It was me convincing her to
share with you what she shared with me one year ago.
As part of a law school application, Alexandra was required to prepare a personal statement. After its submission, she shared it with me. I treasure it. With her permission, I now share a part of it that addresses her Sacred
Heart education.
“I remember feeling thankful for Carrollton at the
time: thankful for the friendships and role models it had
given me during the six years I walked its halls, thankful
for the sacrifices my parents made so that I could receive
a Sacred Heart education. However, it took three years
of living outside the walls of Carrollton for me to come
to understand that it left a mark upon me deeper than
friendship, stronger than membership, and so much more
significant than academics.
The Sacred Heart Network of Schools, to which
Carrollton belongs, is founded on the Five Goals. As
students, we were quizzed on them so often that every one
of us could list all five on a moment’s notice. However,
once I went off to college and was no longer required to
recite them, I thought they were no longer a part of me.
I went about my life making decisions but not realizing
that in each, I was subconsciously driven by the Five Goals
I had supposedly all but forgotten.
The Goals made an unexpected return to my awareness when I held an internship with the Public Defender’s Office this summer. I slowly realized that the Sacred
Heart Goals have silently guided
my choices, actions, and outlook
over the course of my college career. With a quiet presence, the
Goals continued to influence my
actions, and did so more strongly
than they did when I could recite
them in high school. They have
instilled in me a worldview that
sets me apart because they have
given me a sense of balance between intellectual curiosity and
moral responsibility, as well as an
understanding of my place and
Alexandra Block ’06
purpose.”
Thirty plus years ago,
Carrollton endowed me with “an
understanding of my place and purpose.” Five years ago,
Carrollton did the same for Alexandra. We are women
of confidence, courage, compassion and conviction. That
is the Sacred Heart bond we share. And that is the bond
we will both share with Ilyssa, Alexandra’s sister and my
younger daughter, who will graduate Carrollton in 2012.
God willing, it is a bond that will be shared and passed
on for generations to come.
31
Mother-Daughter Alumnae: Our Tradition
Maggie Ledo Carreño ’68
The Carrollton I attended is very
different from the Carrollton of today
– the Carrollton of my daughters. I
was there in El Jardin the first day it
opened in 1962: nuns in their black
habits just like the pictures of St.
Madeleine Sophie and St. Philippine
Duchesne. We called them “Mothers” and had a Reverend Mother and a
Mistress General. We would curtsy to
them when we met them in the halls;
gives us that sense of independence
and pride we all possess. This sense
of “being a child of the Sacred Heart”
and belonging to this universal group
of women compels us to act and sets
us apart from others; it identifies us
with the phrase, “she is different.”
I have been very fortunate to belong to the Sacred Heart Family at
Carrollton. My aunt was a Religious
of the Sacred Heart who belonged to
the Carrollton community when it
At first, I didn’t realize how privileged I was
to be a part of the history of Sacred Heart
education that my family shares.
– Margarita Carreño Rodriguez ’92
we wore white gloves and had ribbons
and sodalities; we never saw a nun eat
because they were cloistered. El Jardin housed the whole school and the
grounds were beautiful with a garden
pagoda and an orchid house.
However, what I received as a student, although it may not seem possible after the above descriptions, was
that same education Carrollton students have received all along: a deep
faith in God, the security of knowing
that you are special and unique within this big family, which sets us apart
and allows us to stand firm on our
own convictions. Although expressed
in a different way, the values we were
taught then are equal to the Five Goals
so important to today’s students.
There is an acquired etiquette that
32
opened in 1961; my mother, a graduate of El Cerro in Cuba, was very active in Carrollton’s early years. I am a
member of the fifth graduating class
and I am still active as an alumna; my
oldest daughter graduated 24 years
later making us the first “motherdaughter” Carrollton graduates; my
second daughter graduated in 1998
and my niece in 2010. I have a 1-yearold granddaughter who will hopefully
also graduate from Carrollton one
day. What a tradition – one I truly
enjoy, appreciate, and give thanks for
every day!
Margarita Carreño Rodriguez ’92
At first, I didn’t realize how privileged I was to be a part of the history of
Sacred Heart education that my fam-
ily shares. Growing up, I always knew
that my grandmother was a child of
the Sacred Heart and was instrumental in getting Carrollton started and
that my mother had attended the Sacred Heart School in Cuba and then
Carrollton. But I don’t think I truly
grasped the tradition that existed in
my family and the great privilege that
came with it until my graduation
when Sister Ann Taylor, our headmistress, announced that I was the
first daughter of a Carrollton alumna.
That’s when I knew that if I ever was
blessed with a daughter, I would want
to continue the tradition of ensuring
she had a Sacred Heart education and,
specifically, a Carrollton education. I
was equally as proud to be a graduate of Carrollton and share that commonality with my mother when my
sister graduated in 1998. There is a
fundamental bond that is understood
among us and is evident when we attend events at Carrollton or when we
hear Coeur de Jesus. It’s something that
just makes us stand out.
I have always been an independent
person who goes after what I want
with a strong faith in God. Having attended Carrollton for 13 years made
this independence and faith flourish
even more. I left knowing very well
who I was and feeling very confident
that I could stand on my own two
feet to accomplish anything I set my
mind to. The summer after graduation, I found myself interviewing for
a job at a prestigious international
bank, ABN Amro. I was 17 years
old and the person interviewing me,
who would eventually become my
boss, couldn’t believe how someone as
young as me could be so confident,
poised, and articulate. This wasn’t by
accident; it was as a result of my 13
years of training at Carrollton. This
training is what sets all children of the
Sacred Heart apart and, yes, you can
spot one of us in a crowd. At ABN
Amro, I immediately became close to
one of my colleagues who had a je ne
se quoi about her. I later found out
she was a child of the Sacred Heart
from a school in Spain and it all became clear why we had gravitated so
easily towards each other.
I have always been proud to have
attended Carrollton and love that the
friends I met in Kindergarten are still
part of my life today at 36 years of age.
All of my Carrollton friends have a
common ground and history together
that is special, unique and important
as we continue to grow and evolve in
our lives.
Every time I return to campus, I
feel special and know that I always
have a home and a friend there no
matter how many years go by. It is
a great feeling and one that I hope
to someday be able to pass on and
continue the tradition of multigenerational Sacred Heart women in
Miami.
I never really had to speak for myself
because there was always someone
there to ask the questions before me.
At school, I had my other family.
My friends that I had from the age
of five, and the new ones that came
into my life every year. I had a sense
of security there that I never thought
twice about until I found myself at
orientation at International Fine Arts
College. I had no one to fend for me,
no safety net, and I didn’t know anyone in the room. Instantly, I found
myself thinking of what I learned in
Carrollton, the courage I had every
day, the opinions I was encouraged
to have and the faith that God would
help me through what I thought was
the worst day of my life. Before I knew
it, I was standing in front of a room
of 300 strangers talking about myself
and my dreams, and shortly thereafter, I was the assistant to the head of
the fashion department. In that 300
person class was a Sacred Heart alum
from Greenwich, Connecticut with
whom I instantly felt a connection.
We discovered why it was that we felt
like we knew each other. It was not
our common love of fashion; it was
our Sacred Heart education. We were
of the same kind. We were strong,
smart, independent despite the initial
shyness, we had a strong faith in God
and we were just plain different from
the rest. We had and still have a certain way of carrying ourselves that set
us apart from other girls.
I think that as a student I didn’t
fully realize how important my Sacred Heart education would become
in my adult life. I think I was used
to this being my life considering I
had been at Carrollton since kindergarten, and although I was able to see
myself growing in my faith and in my
education, I think that it wasn’t until I got into college that I was truly
aware and grateful. I was blessed to
be a Carrollton student. I truly believe that the Five Goals still guide me
down this path of life and encourage
me to continue to excel and become a
better person. I can only hope that I
have the opportunity to pass this on
to the next generation as it was passed
on to me.
Ana Cristina Carreño ’98
The Sacred Heart bond I share with
my mother, sister and fellow alumnae
is something that is very special and
evident without having to use words.
You recognize it in a fellow alum right
off the bat and even more so when
that alum is part of your family. It is a
common thread that makes us stronger as a unit while allowing us to remain independent. It has taught us
to have a strong faith in God, think
for ourselves, analyze and respect each
other in a way that I am sure would
not be the same had we not shared
this experience.
Carrollton was instrumental in
helping me find a voice. I am the Mayita Ledo, Maggie Ledo Carreño ’68, Margarita Carreño Rodriguez ’92, Ana
youngest of four children and at home Cristina Carreño ’98, at Ana’s Carrollton graduation.
33
Curing and Caring for Others
By Sarah Marie Selem ’07
M
y night is restless – unwelcome guests put on their best, formal clothing to visit the doctor.
crawling, roosters and donkeys serenadWith a smile, I welcome them. But there is something
ing, dogs brawling. In my sleeping bag, else on their faces that makes me want to do more. I reach
I visualize hundreds of campesinos (rural into my bag to get them lollipops. Their eyes sparkle. The
farmers) and their families jostling, pushing, struggling mother is comforted as I measure a dose of Tylenol. I am
to reach the clinic’s gate. Their impatience astonishes me, grateful for the chance to be of service and for the realbut how can I blame their edginess? Their miles-long walk ization that I can ignite a sense of hope in others. Hours
on the dirt roads to get to the clinic by 7 a.m. justifies later, she returns with a bag of delicious mangos.
their behavior.
Night: in my sleeping bag. Tonight I close my eyes,
Morning: walking to smiling. The decision to become a physician is rooted in
Sarah Selem ’07 is an
the
clinic. Are my eyes my interest in people, service, and science. Medicine, beInternational Baccalaureate
deceiving me? What are ing a confluence of these, is the natural choice. My indiploma recipient. After
graduating from Carrollton, those men carrying? As terest in becoming a doctor began at a young age as the
the group and their car- daughter of two physicians. I remember being dropped
Sarah attended Yale
go approach, I stop. I off at my mother’s pediatric office after school. I appreciUniversity where she
gaze not at them, but at ated her desire to treat a child and to console an anxious
majored in molecular,
cellular and developmental the old, wooden gurney mother.
However, my passion to become a doctor was ignited
biology. In the fall, she will with no legs or wheels.
On it stands a chair and years later when I accompanied her to the Dominican Reattend the University of
on the chair sits a wom- public. Throughout the six trips I have taken there, I have
Miami Medical School.
an. Her face is haggard been confronted with others’ challenges. Yet despite the
with exhaustion from struggling all night to give birth to disparity, I realized that people share the same desires. We
her ninth child.
have a wonderful capacity to identify with others.
They rush her to the dilapidated church, the site of
I firmly believe that this capacity to identify with oththe makeshift clinic, where doctors urgently work with ers is fundamental to the practice of medicine. Patients in
no anesthesia to bring life into the world. And there I illness seek the help of physicians not only to be cured,
stand with my arm outstretched and trembling, holding but also to be understood and comforted — to be cared
the intravenous bag. I struggle to see over the doctors for for. The mother of the Coke can children in the Dominiany sign of the baby. And then I hear him cry.
can Republic thanked us simply because our words and
Afternoon: walking back to the clinic. My eyes do not actions were enough to demonstrate that we “cared.” Of
deceive me: children running around barefoot, wearing course, in the daily practice of medicine I imagine things
dirty shirts, playing with a Coke can. I wave to them and can become routine and impersonal, but a sense of empathey wave back. I intercept the flying can and throw it thy, the feeling that “I could be you,” is needed to alleviate
back. I want to join
this problem. Practicthem, but know I must
ing medicine makes
get back to work. A
us feel that “we could
few hours later, as I rebe you.”
cord patients’ histories,
I am passionate
I recognize the “Coke
about becoming a
can” children walking
physician, to cure and
in with their mother.
care for others. As I
But now they wear
embark on this jourtheir best pants, shirts,
ney, I open my eyes,
dresses. Their faces glis- Sarah Selem ’07 spoke to High School students about career preparation,
smiling.
ten with sweat. They’ve college courses and the rigorous medical school application process.
34
A Class Act!
1960s
The Class of 1966 celebrated their
45th year reunion in January.
ting and sewing. These days, Janet
is enjoying being a grandmother
to her grandchild Benjamin James.
The Class of 1971 celebrated
their 40th year reunion in January.
Robin Korth ’72 is a publisher
Maria Cabassa Kretschmar ’69 is and creative force behind Insights
co-owner of a company that produc- On Aging, the only online magazine
es publications and websites for the that celebrates aging. “What I really
Florida Chambers of Commerce. She
travels around the state photographing
our unique lifestyles and landscapes.
She has been photographing since she
bought her first Nikkormat in 1972.
Janet Bauman-Glenn O’Leary ’67
is currently the Director of Development at Jenkins Arboretum &
Gardens in Devon, Pennsylvania.
Her writing skills are put to good
use in grant writing, newsletter writing, catalog writing and public relations. Art and music have been her
passions. She is a painter, a stone
carver and a sculptor and has studied at many art schools. She enjoys
singing major works with choral
groups in Philadelphia. She loves
sailing, reading, gardening, knit- Maria Cabassa Kretschmar
Janet Bauman-Glenn O’Leary with her
grandson
1970s
Robin Korth
35
A Class Act!
turned out to be another Carrollton
alumna, Christina Garcia-Rivera
Wilkins ’90.
talk about is living,” says Robin, “because every day we get older is an opportunity for growth and doing life
well.” From the Insights On Aging
platform, Robin provides keynotes,
workshops, seminars and mentorship
for both businesses and individuals.
Robin is also a writer and published
author. Her book, The Guts of the
Matter, is available at her website:
www.insightsonaging.com.
Valerie Jahn Grandin ’75 is senior
underwriting counsel for commercial
services with The Fund in Orlando,
Florida handling multi-million dollar commercial transaction in Florida
and across the U.S. Valerie has two
daughters, Chloe and Chrissy. Chloe
is heading to the University of Florida’s Honor College in the fall where
she will study photography and public relations and plans on a career
in the fashion industry. Chrissy, a
sophomore in high school, recently
completed her second trip to the state
track meet for discus and plays the
flute in the local youth symphony.
Valerie still loves to dance and takes
1980s
Valerie Jahn Grandin
tap dancing to stay fit. She and her
husband, Dean, are celebrating their
20th anniversary this month and give
thanks that both Val’s parents are still
with them. Valerie and her family just
moved into Baldwin Park, the new urbanism community in Orlando, and
met their new neighbors across the
alley. To Val’s surprise, her neighbor
Eva Arronte with her daughter, Victoria Cristina
36
Eva Arronte ’86 has been very
busy these days. In addition to her
day job in the telecommunications
department at Miami Dade College,
she also records voiceovers at both
the college and WDNA 88.9 FM.
She hosts a karaoke show on the
weekends. She enjoyed returning to
Carrollton for her reunion this past
January. Eva’s daughter, Victoria
Cristina, recently graduated from
high school and, like her mother,
loves to sing and has performed with
the Women’s Ensemble for the last
couple of years.
Cristina Guardado Chait ’86
welcomed with much happiness
daughter Charlotte Rose, born
November 19, 2010. She joins sister, Mady, 11, and brother Jack, 5.
Cristy was sad to miss her 25-year
reunion but hopes to see everyone
again soon.
The Chait children
A Class Act!
Alexa Garrido ’89 married Chris
Dupuis in a romantic seaside wedding in Antigua and Barbuda. After
working as the vice president of marketing for Tradelink, Inc and launching Corona beer in the Caribbean, an
eight-year endeavor, Alexa found a
second calling as a realtor. She joined
One Sotheby’s International Realty at
its inception in January of 2009 and
is loving every minute. At One Sotheby’s, Alexa is surrounded by fellow alumnae from all decades in all
positions. She still keeps in touch
with Carrollton alumnae from her
generation and has acted as realtor
for several of them. Aside from being
blissfully happy in her personal and
career life, she has taken on a new
challenge – Crossfit. She welcomes
40 with a big smile.
1990s
Margarita “Mana” Carreño
Sylvia Diaz-Yoserev Barrenechea Rodriguez ’92 and husband,
’90 returned for three months to Gonzalo welcomed their second son
Carrollton in January as a life science Lucas Andres on January 12.
substitute teacher at the Junior High.
She enjoyed being back at Carrollton,
this time, on the other side of things.
“Carrollton is part of who I am. So,
to be able to come back as a teacher
– and most importantly- a Sacred
Heart educator, was an experience
that I will never forget. The girls were
amazing; and I find myself thinking
of them quite often. Lourdes Wood
and the teachers at the Junior High Lucas Andres Rodriguez
are the very best and I was honored
Caridad Centeno-Gueits ’95 and
to have been able to call them colhusband,
James, welcomed their first
leagues. Having Sister Seitz upstairs
was a real plus as well!” Sylvia and child, Emma Grace, on November
her husband, Javier, live in Coral Ga- 17, 2010. Emma Grace weighed 7
bles, and they have two children Javi, lbs. 4 oz. The Gueits family have been
enjoying this very special time.
7, and Nicole, 5.
Emma Grace Gueits
Sylvia Barrenechea with Junior High students
Carolina Alvarez Menendez ’97
recently returned to Northern Trust
Bank after taking some time off to
start a family, which now includes
two boys, Manuel, 2.5, and Santiago,
37
A Class Act!
Mia Martell
Santiago and Manuel Menendez
2000s
Jenise Sierra Castro ’00 married
Albert Castro on January 8, 2011 at
Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The
wedding celebration took place at the
Katie Branchini ’98 was married Intercontinental Hotel surrounded
on February 26 to Mark Nelson in by family and friends. Jenise’s sister
Jessie Sierra Diaz ’97 was her maid
Coral Gables.
of honor and classmate Mercy Alvarez Sarria ’00 was one of the bridesmaids. Currently, Jenise is completing her MBA at NYU Stern School
of Business and will be returning to
Miami in May when she will begin
her full-time position at Burger King
Corporation.
1.5. Carolina is vice president at the
Coral Gables branch where she’s a
private banker and lender.
After graduating from Florida International University with a BacheFrom left, Laura Alvarez ’03, Irene
lor of Business Administration, NataDelgado ’98, Katie Branchini ’98,
lie Zamora ’05 accepted the position
Melissa Keaster and maids of honor,
as Regional Manager for FanVision,
Michelle Branchini ’03 and Jennifer
a sports-technology company that
Branchini ’03.
enhances fans’ game day experience.
She has spent the past year travelChristie Alvarez Martell ’99 and ing the U.S., specifically to her deshusband, Carlos, had their second ignated cities that include Chicago,
child, Mia, on July 14. Mia joins Minneapolis, Cleveland and Ann Arbor. She said, “I thank Carrollton for
brother, Charlie, 2.
ingraining in me the seed to always
38
Jenise and Albert Castro
Natalie Zamora
A Class Act!
aspire for greater things and for arming me with the confidence and selfassurance needed to never give up on
my dreams.”
As a recent graduate of Babson
College, Marissa Mignone ’07 was
consistently surrounded by a representation of Carrollton alumnae
throughout her four years. She says,
“The Carrollton alumnae network
has been such a blessing thus far, and
I know it will continue as I end one
chapter of my life and begin a new
one.” Marissa is moving to Stamford,
Conn. in June to work as an assistant
brand manager for Sun Products.
She hopes to see everyone living in
the greater New York area. She is
open to make connections and therefore has provided her email address:
[email protected].
Adriana Elgarresta
Rubio (R-FL) until graduation. She history. This year, she was an intern
will be joining the Senator’s staff full at a non-profit organization working
with Colombian missionaries. She
time upon graduation.
is currently studying one semester
Adriana Elgarresta ’08 is in at the American University of Paris.
her junior year at George Wash- Adriana’s photography was recently
ington University majoring in on display in the alumnae art show
Ali Pardo ’07 is currently playing political science and minoring in during Carrollton’s anniversary weekend.
softball as a senior at George Washington University. She is also working
part-time at the office of Sen. Marco
Senior pitcher Ali Pardo with Republican Whip Eric Cantor and Marco
Rubio on the campaign trail.
Carrollton alumnae at Babson College. Top, from left: Angelica Castro ’10,
Victoria Lorido ’09, Sophia Pittaluga ’09, Alexandra Guerra ’10. Bottom:
Marissa Mignone ’07, Carla Perez-Abreu ’09
39
Networking: Alumnae Meet and “Mingle”
I
n January, alumnae gathered
in Founders Library for an
evening of networking. Attendees were provided with
MingleSticks – a device similar
to a jump drive, used to facilitate
exchanging business card information digitally. From college students
to seasoned professionals, alumnae
enjoyed making new friends and
rekindling old relationships over
light fare. Younger alums had the
opportunity to initiate mentortype relationships with more experienced women who are professionals in their field of interest. All
in attendance took advantage of
the ease of the MingleStick: with
the simple tap of two MingleSticks
contact information is instantly
shared and a new member is added
to one’s networking circle. The enthusiasm of the alumnae made the
evening a success.
Carolina Alvarez Menendez ’97 and Madelin Escajedo Menacho ’71.
Elena Garcia-Montes ’83, Annemarie Harris Block ’76, Maria Cristina Garcia ’00
Alumnae input their contact information on the MingleStick website in Founders Library.
40
Carrollton
Carrollton
School
of the Sacred Heart
School
of the
3747
Main Highway
• Miami, Florida 33133
Sacred Heart
3747 Main Highway
Miami, Florida 33133
FOR PARENTS OF ALUMNAE ONLY: If this magazine is addressed to your daughter
who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumnae Office of the
correct mailing address by calling (305) 446-5673, ext. 1230.

spring 2011 - Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

Transcription

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