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In this issue - School of the Holy Child
A HOLY CHILD PUBLICATION | SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021

In this issue
Colleen Pettus: An Interview and Fun Facts
Learning and Connecting: In and Out of the Classroom
How We Support Our Girls
Making It Work for the Holy Child Community
Holy Child Admissions Reimagined

                                                        HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG   1
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
E D U C AT I N G YO U N G W O M E N O F C O N S C I E N C E A N D A C T I O N

                                                                                                                         Head of School
                                                                                                                         Colleen R. Pettus

                                                                                                                         Board of Trustees 2020-2021
                                                                                                                         Ellen Fahey-Smith, Chair
                                                                                                                         Christine Ford, Vice-Chair
                                                                                                                         Sr. Jeanne Ronzani, SHCJ, Secretary
                                                                                                                         Jenny Schwarz Horne ’78, Treasurer
                                                                                                                         Carol Altomare
                                                                                                                         ​​Charles Bryceland
                                                                                                                           Rozlyn Igwe Carvin
                                                                                                                           ​​Susann Ciaccia
                                                                                                                             Catherine Clemens
                                                                                                                             Fr. Thomas Collins
                                                                                                                             Katherine Higgins Doyle
                                                                                                                             Susan Driscoll

                               Contents                                                                                      Edward Forst
                                                                                                                             Marlon Mahon
                                                                                                                             Keith Mullin
                                                                                                                             Andrea Hooper Robert ’91
                                          2 | Message from the Head Of School
                                                                                                                             Cecilia Greco Ryan ’84
                                          3 | Colleen Pettus: An Interview and Fun Facts                                     Timothy Saburn
                                                                                                                             Sheila Stier
                                         4 | Our Holy Child Spirit Lives On
                                                                                                                             Andrew David Trickett
                                          6 | Learning and Connecting: In and Out of the Classroom                       John K. Mara, Esq., Trustee Emeritus
                                          9 | Empowering Renaissance Women: Yulissa Hidalgo-Lopez
                                                                                                                         Institutional Advancement
                                         10 | Claire Pagliaro: Teaching with Purpose                                     Samantha Hanley
                                                                                                                         Director of Institutional Advancement
                     11 | 175 Year Anniversary of SHCJ                                                                   Toni Santangelo Archibald ’76
                     12 | Arts in Focus: Performing Arts                                                                 Director of Community Engagement and Special Events

                     14 | Arts in Focus: Visual Arts                                                                     Kevin Brewer
                                                                                                                         Associate Director of Annual Giving
                     16 | Athletics: Gryphons in Action
                                                                                                                         Paul Costiglio
                     20 | Faith and Service in Action                                                                    Director of Communications
                     22 | How We Support Our Girls                                                                       Jackie Ciaccia Henschel ’06
                                                                                                                         Director of Admission and Financial Aid
                     24 | Welcoming Ideas
                                                                                                                         Kristen Parrott Mulvoy ’91
                     25 | Parent Profile: Kim Carriere                                                                   Associate Director of Admission
                     26 | Making It Work for the Holy Child Community                                                    Editor: Paul Costiglio
                                                                              A LU MN A E
                     29 | Parent Profile: Cynthia Adams                                                                  Photographers: Toni Santangelo Archibald ’76,
                                                                              32 | Alumnae Profile: Cira Mancuso ’17
                     30 | Holy Child Admissions Reimagined                                                               Catherine Conway, Paul Costiglio, Kat Sanford,
                                                                              34 | Alums on the Front Lines              Alina Troya ’00, and Mark Wyville

                                                                              36 | Virtual Reunion 2021                  Design: The Mardiney Group

                                                                              38 | Class Notes                           Printer: Action Graphics

                                                         50 | Faculty and Trustee Notes
                                                         52 | In Memoriam

2   SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021   | glimpses                                                                                                             HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG                        3
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
FUN FACTS
                               M E S S AG E F R O M T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ABOUT COLLEEN
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         What inspired you to be a teacher?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Besides the example that my mother set for me at a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         young age, I recall a moment in English class during my
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         junior year of high school at Notre Dame Academy on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Staten Island. After presenting on Steinbeck’s Of Mice
                                                                                                                               Colleen and family, left to right: Steven, Ellie, Steve, Devin, Jack
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         and Men, my teacher looked at me and said, “McDonald
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (she always called us by our last names), I am going
                                E D U C AT I N G YO U N G W O M E N O F C O N S C I E N C E A N D A C T I O N                By Paul Costiglio, Director of Communications                                               to make an English teacher out of you.” That stayed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         with me and even though I was initially interested in
                                                                                                                             Our newly appointed Head of School is a compassionate and thoughtful                        business at the beginning of college, I kept gravitating
                                                                                                                             leader. Colleen Pettus still considers herself to be a learner as well. It’s the            back to the English and education classes. Working
                                                                                                                             way she has approached every new opportunity throughout her career in                       with children was something I always loved, so it was a
           Dear Friends of Holy Child,                                                                                       education. Whether it be as a classroom teacher or a mentor to new teachers,                natural fit for me.
                                                                                                                             the chance to connect, collaborate, and learn beside many different people                  What’s your favorite Holy Child tradition?
           Each year, our Glimpses magazine provides a view into the vibrant life of all that makes Holy Child special.      and constituencies has always been a driving force.                                         I will never forget seeing my first Holy Child graduation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I had never seen a graduation ceremony that was
           This new edition is certainly no different. However, with large segments of our community unable to visit         At Holy Child, Colleen has held a variety of roles that have provided insight into many     so beautiful, with such a “wow factor.” But more
           our campus this year, these “glimpses” into the daily life of our School are arguably more important, and         different sides of the School. After coming from Saints John and Paul in Larchmont,         importantly, I now know how much love and care goes
           hopefully more treasured, than ever before.                                                                       where she served as Principal for three years, Colleen initially joined the Holy Child      into planning every part of the ceremony. In our Middle
                                                                                                                             community in 2012 as the Head of the Middle School. She served in that role for five        School, Beach Day is my favorite! When I learned that
                                                                                                                             years before becoming the Associate Head of School and Dean of Faculty in 2017,             Cornelia Connelly brought her own students to the
           These pages reflect our tangible, collective work to “sustain a bright and joyful spirit.” These words from our                                                                                               beach at the end of each year, it made the tradition
                                                                                                                             until being named Interim Head of School last May. On being named Holy Child’s
           founder, Cornelia Connelly, always inspire us, but most significantly, since the pandemic impacted all of us                                                                                                  even more special.
                                                                                                                             permanent Head of School in late March, Colleen reports that “I felt ready for this next
           over a year ago. Throughout the magazine, you will undoubtedly notice the resiliency, smiles, collaboration                                                                                                   What is your favorite movie and why?
                                                                                                                             step and I’m thrilled that it also comes with a lot of opportunity for me to grow.”
           and joy that have continued to define our community.                                                                                                                                                          I feel like my love of different movies remind me of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         different phases of my life. But one is consistent ... I
                                                                                                                              “People still smiling through the masks after such a                                      watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” each year on Christmas
           Our decision making and creative problem solving throughout the year has been guided by our mission
                                                                                                                                difficult year shows how special and intentional the                                     Eve with my family. It is my favorite because of the
           and goals as a Holy Child school. While our focus on academics never faltered, our unwavering care for the                                                                                                    feelings it conjures up for me - comfort in family, peace,
           whole child helped differentiate us from other schools. This edition reflects the infectious commitment I
                                                                                                                                culture and community are at Holy Child.”                                                and love at Christmas.
           see each day from our faculty, staff and students as well as several inspiring profiles of other community                                                                                                    What sports teams do you root for?
                                                                                                                             Colleen’s commitment to Holy Child is borne out of the close alignment of the
           members. Each individual member of our community makes an invaluable contribution to the life of                                                                                                              The New York Mets and the New York Giants. I’m not a
                                                                                                                             different layers of the School’s identity and her own personal values. The importance       huge NBA fan, but I do love college hoops.
           our School.                                                                                                       of a quality education was instilled in her at a young age as she saw her own mother
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         What was your favorite subject in high school?
                                                                                                                             return to school for her teaching degree when Colleen was in middle school. Holy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         English, no doubt.
           Thank you for diving deep into the narrative of Holy Child. It is a great story to tell with many more chapters   Child’s Catholic identity nourishes the instrumental role that faith continues to play in
           to be written.                                                                                                                                                                                                What activity with your family do you enjoy the most?
                                                                                                                             her life. As the leader of Holy Child, Colleen feels blessed to be able to live and model
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I love spending time in the city, whether it be Manhattan
                                                                                                                             the mission of Holy Child schools in caring for the whole child through relationships,      or Brooklyn (where I was born and raised), with my
           With gratitude,                                                                                                   programming and the strategic planning for the future of the School. Finally, as an         family. We try to hit a different neighborhood, park, or
                                                                                                                             educator, she believes deeply in the influence one can have on young people, and in         museum each time we go. Related to Holy Child, I’m
                                                                                                                             the case of Holy Child in particular, the future of young women.                            so lucky to be able to share all things Gryphon with my
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         daughter, Ellie, who is a rising senior.
                                                                                                                             Assuming the role of Head of School during a global pandemic is undoubtedly an
           Colleen R. Pettus                                                                                                                                                                                             Tell us about a teacher who inspired you in school.
                                                                                                                             undertaking for which there is no blueprint or handbook. Colleen relied on the ability
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Coluccio, took a great
           Head of School                                                                                                    to draw on a well of inner strength to face the challenges that came with planning          interest in me as a writer and as a reader. That interest,
                                                                                                                             to reopen Holy Child safely this past September. The supportive and collaborative           both in me and my work, developed the love I have for
                                                                                                                             nature of the School’s culture is ultimately what helped to make it happen. It wasn’t       the middle school years. Students at that age are very
                                                                                                                             just about continuing with the normal routine amidst a pandemic. Under Colleen’s            excited about learning and their energy can be directed
                                                                                                                             steady leadership, a great deal of emphasis was placed on the need to adapt, change         in so many different ways.
                                                                                                                             and grow in order to be responsive to the pandemic and to the needs of Holy Child’s         Do you have a hobby?
                                                                                                                             students, parents, and faculty.                                                             I am a huge sports fan but my family and I have
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         become more interested in hiking in recent years thanks
                                                                                                                             So, what next? As Colleen stated, “In the world of education, the month of September        to the interest of my oldest son, Jack. I also love taking
                                                                                                                             has become synonymous with hope.” She is particularly thinking about the students,          photos and have an old-fashioned scrapbooking hobby
                                                                                                                             parents, and faculty who newly joined the community this past year, who have yet            that I share with two of my college friends.
                                                                                                                             to enjoy the full Holy Child experience. The commitment to growth and excellence            Who is your hero?
                                                                                                                             and the development of highly engaged learners will remain. For the benefit of the          I grew up with wonderful parents. My mother is the
       “To help develop compassionate, confident, and intelligent young                                                      entire community, there is an eagerness on her part to continue demonstrating Holy          epitome of kindness, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength.
      women to go forth into this world is a great honor and responsibility.”                                                Child’s thoughtful intention to create a tangibly inclusive environment, where each
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         My father was a model of integrity and authenticity and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         showed me, by example, how to meet life’s challenges.
                                                                                                                             community member feels a sense of belonging. “I hope that by empowering our
                                                                                                                             young women to build their voices, that they will be models for not only speaking           Any three dinner guests, living or deceased?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         My dad, Mother Teresa, Jackie Robinson.
                                                                                                                             their mind, but also for listening to others. When both are present is when we

                                | glimpses
                                                                                                                             truly grow.”
4   SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                       HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG               5
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
around campus

Our Holy Child Spirit Lives On
Resilient reimagination. This is the best way to describe how our School community has navigated the past year. It has been nothing short of
a privilege to witness the commitment and dedication of our teachers, combined with the focus and thoughtful cooperation of our students. It
would have been easy to lose or abandon the signature spirit of Holy Child amidst such uncertainty and difficulty. There are so many responsible
for making sure that didn’t happen. That’s where the reimagination came in. The 2020-2021 school year certainly looked a lot different than

                                                    Resilience
usual, but it still felt quintessential Holy Child.
I am delighted to bring to you in the pages ahead both a visual and narrative representation of this most unique year that saw our community
come together for the purpose of continuing to be Holy Child. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Paul Costiglio
Director of Communications

  6     SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021         | glimpses                                                                                                   HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG   7
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
In a year defined

Learning and
                                                                                                    by extraordinary
                                                                                                      challenges, we
                                                                                                      very much had
                                                                                                     to intentionally

Connecting:                                                                                         live in the moment
                                                                                                    and adapt to new
                                                                                                  circumstances, often
                                                                                                    without warning.

In and Out of the Classroom
                                                                           They are living
                                                                        the history future
The quotes that are highlighted in the pages ahead are excerpted          generations will
from weekly letters from Head of School, Colleen Pettus that were          study. There is
featured in Newslines. They speak to the various ways Holy Child      no doubt that I see
intentionally came together as a community this past year to learn             the infinite
from and connect with each other.                                      possibilities of the
                                                                            future in each
                                                                          of our students.
          A 21st century
      education should
     consistently “face
       out” to our ever-
        changing world.
     The learning we do
       in the classroom
      is more impactful
        when it helps us
      process and leave
        our mark on the
      world around us.

                                       Relationships need care                  In developing
                                         and attention. In this               courageous and
                                       challenging year, with so         compassionate young
                                     many conflicting priorities,       women, we encourage
                                       we have stayed focused           each other to lean into
                                         on our relationships.       these sometimes difficult
                                        When there is trust and             conversations with
                                    connection, the possibilities          humility, empathy,
      SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021 | glimpses
 8                                           are endless.              and open mindedness.                              HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG   9
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
feature article
                                              Learning and Connecting                         teacher profile
                                                    (Continued)           Despite this year
         Meaningful engagement with
                                                                          being anything
students, parents, and colleagues is a                                    but typical,
  hallmark of our community. Looking                                      we continue to
     ahead to next year, we will take a                                   extend ourselves
      careful look at how our students                                    to build our
engage with their academics through                                       community and
    choice, experiences, and different                                    celebrate our
                      ways of learning.
                                                                          girls.

                                              Through our retreats,
                                          service learning initiatives,
                                            and liturgies and prayer                          Empowering Renaissance Women:
                                            services we are living our
                                             mission to provide ways
                                                                                              Yulissa Hidalgo-Lopez
                                           for our girls to build their                       Yulissa Hidalgo-Lopez might not be coming       Yulissa’s experience directing theater           Another point of excitement for Yulissa

                                              own joyous, personal
                                                                                              up on her third year teaching English at        productions and her passion for social           comes with the new English curriculum for
                                                                                              Holy Child if her earliest childhood ambition   justice have already greatly benefited           10th grade. Previously, there was a singular

                                             relationships with God.                          had become a reality. Growing up in
                                                                                              Washington Heights and the South Bronx,
                                                                                                                                              Holy Child. This past October, she directed
                                                                                                                                              Twelfth Night, her second fall comedy with
                                                                                                                                                                                               focus on the canon of British literary greats.
                                                                                                                                                                                               There has been an expansion to World
                                                                                              Yulissa attended mostly public schools and      the Gryphon Players after staging You Can’t      Anglophone literature, which includes
                                                                                              had dreams of becoming a pediatrician. It       Take it With You last year. The messages         writers from former British colonies such as
                                                                                              wasn’t until she got to Bucknell University     about society that are included in both          Africa and parts of the Caribbean. “We’ve
                                                                                              that she realized she was destined for a        works are just as important, if not more         evolved from colonialism. How do we
  Our teachers                                                                                career in the Humanities. College is where      then hitting the right marks or set and          address it? We need contemporary texts.”
                                                                                              she discovered her love for literature and      costume design. The commentary on class          No matter the material, a very intentional
    continue to                                                                               theater. Having primarily spoken Spanish        in You Can’t Take it With You and Twelfth        aspect of the experience of being in Mrs.
  go above and                                                                                growing up, her enlightenment at Bucknell
                                                                                              led to a question beginning to form in
                                                                                                                                              Night’s exploration of gender roles and
                                                                                                                                              learning from mistakes were takeaways that
                                                                                                                                                                                               Hidalgo-Lopez’s classroom is defending
                                                                                                                                                                                               one’s argument without self doubt. “I tell
   beyond to be                                                                               her mind: “How could she help bridge the        Yulissa wanted everyone involved in the          them, don’t say ‘sorry’ for asking a question,
                                                                                              gap between second language learners            productions to consider. “We’re learning         make your point. Don’t say ‘I think.’ From day
 sure our Holy                                                                                like herself and the English language, thus     from each other. I’m learning from the           one, I try to banish them from beginning
                                                                                              inspiring students to use writing as an         Gryphon Players and they’re learning             any statement with self doubt.” She’s
    Child spirit                                                                              empowerment tool?” Furthermore, Yulissa         from me.”                                        preparing them for college and life beyond

      shines on.                                                                              became very focused on uncovering ways
                                                                                              to make literature and writing accessible
                                                                                                                                              The teachings of Brazilian philosopher
                                                                                                                                                                                               Holy Child.
                                                                                                                                              Paolo Freire were particularly influential for   The inspiring energy and joy of returning
                                                                                              and fun, particularly for those who find it     Yulissa at NYU as she began to establish         to Holy Child this past September was
                                                                                              daunting.                                       her own beliefs about teaching and the           something Yulissa felt from the very first
                                                                                              After graduating from Bucknell and teaching     classroom experience she wanted to               day. “The resiliency of the students has
                                             We know how                                      in New Hampshire for a year, Yulissa
                                                                                              earned her Master of Arts in Educational
                                                                                                                                              create for her future students. Freire’s
                                                                                                                                              concepts of learning through doing
                                                                                                                                                                                               shown itself through that joy and the ability
                                                                                                                                                                                               to hold each other accountable” as the
                                           important it is to                                 Theater and English Education at NYU.
                                                                                              The concept of accessibility surfaced yet
                                                                                                                                              and meeting students where they are
                                                                                                                                              academically integrate well within the Holy
                                                                                                                                                                                               community relied on each other to remain
                                                                                                                                                                                               healthy and safe. “It reiterated the notion

                                          live and celebrate                                  again as Yulissa quickly realized that when
                                                                                              it came to the arts, many communities
                                                                                                                                              Child community as they are hallmarks
                                                                                                                                              of the School’s educational philosophy.
                                                                                                                                                                                               that they want to be here and this is a place
                                                                                                                                                                                               worth being.”

                                           the joy and spirit                                 were underrepresented. “How do students
                                                                                              get there? They need mentors, they need
                                                                                                                                              As a self professed “weird hybrid of artsy
                                                                                                                                              and athletic,” Yulissa identifies with how

                                          of our community
                                                                                              someone to push them in that direction.         multifaceted Holy Child students are and
                                                                                              And students can’t get there if they think of   identifies with what she calls “a lot of
                                                                                              language as a barrier,” she told herself.       Renaissance women here.”
                                               each day.
  10   SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021     | glimpses                                                                                                                                                               HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG              11
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
teacher profile

Claire Pagliaro: Teaching with Purpose                                                                                                              175 Year Anniversary of SHCJ
                                                                                                                                                    Reflection from Sr. Jeanne Ronzani, SHCJ, former Head of School and current trustee of Holy Child:
                                                                                                                                                    On October 15, 1846, Cornelia Connelly           We have all been touched by this valiant        philosophy with total commitment and
                                    By Paul Costiglio, Director of Communications                                                                   and her three companions were joined in          woman and her innovative, far-sighted           dedication. They carry the beloved legacy
                                    Claire Pagliaro is a member of Holy Child’s science faculty as well as the STEM Curriculum and                  prayer at the Society’s first Mass in Derby,     approach to educating the whole person,         of the Society into the future, and our whole
                                    Assessment Coordinator. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she majored in                       England. Little did she imagine that 175 years   encouraging each to be his or her best self.    world benefits as graduates commit to
                                    Biology and minored in Photography. Claire then went on to get her Masters degree in Environmental              later, countless thousands of individuals, on    For many decades, as the number of Holy         making the world a better place.
                                    Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She is deeply committed to fostering human                four continents, would have been inspired        Child Sisters grew, the sisters opened and      This year, as we celebrate 175 years since
                                    connections to nature and the Earth and creating hands-on learning opportunities for her students.              by her spirit of “courage, confidence and        staffed schools in Europe, Africa and North     the founding of the Society, we have great
                                    Our conversation highlighted below covers Claire’s multiple roles, the importance of caring for our             cheerfulness.” Cornelia’s life is an amazing     America, along with pastoral ministries in      cause for rejoicing. While sisters are fewer in
                                    environment and her assessment of a challenging school year.                                                    story of call and response, filled with          Latin America. In more recent decades,          number, hundreds of amazing companions
                                                                                                                                                    obstacles and challenges, and through it all     leadership of the schools, in particular, has   lead our schools, steadfast in their resolve
PC: Tell us about your passion for sustainability and the                 PC: Given that we are a Catholic school, please share your                she was able to heed her own exhortation,        been entrusted to outstanding women and         that Cornelia’s vision is and will be sustained
environment and why it’s important to you for students                    perspective on our collective role as Catholic stewards of creation.      that is the desire to sustain a “bright and      men who have embraced our Holy Child            over decades, hopefully centuries to come.
to learn about these issues.                                                                                                                        joyful spirit.”                                                                                  For what more could we ask, for this spirit
                                                                          CP: God created the Earth, and we all live here together. It is our
CP: When I was choosing my Master’s program, I knew I wanted to           responsibility to protect the planet that God created for us. It                                                                                                           is a treasured gift, one beyond measure
study not just environmental science, but environmental education         sounds so simple, but to truly be stewards of creation we have to                                                                                                          and a boundless source of encouragement.
specifically. I think my love for environmental education began in        follow a path in life that makes the smallest negative impact on                                                                                                           The Society has every confidence that our
earnest in college while studying zoology abroad in Tasmania. I           the planet while improving the planet as best we can. Some small                                                                                                           schools will thrive, long after we are gone,
wanted to protect these amazing species around the world from             ways I try to be a steward of creation in my own life are to reduce,                                                                                                       and our gratitude is profound and deep.
the destructive impacts of climate change. I thought the best             reuse and recycle products rather than buying new. I also greatly
way to make that change was not to try to do it all myself but to         reduce my use of single-use plastics as I try to consciously only use                                                                                                      In 1957, when I began secondary school at
teach students about my passions and help them discover their             five plastic bottles a year. I also like to volunteer for environmental                                                                                                    Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Illinois,
own passions for protecting the planet we all share. I was always         clean-ups or removal of invasive species.                                                                                                                                  little did I know this Holy Child connection
passionate about animals, nature, and the future of our planet            PC: What are some of your favorite aspects of the culture among                                                                                                            would define the rest of my life. For this
growing up, but education was a discovered interest of mine               both students and faculty at Holy Child?                                                                                                                                   great adventure I am grateful each day.
after college. Empowering this generation to make a positive
environmental impact in our world, one that we desperately need           CP: The community of adults at Holy Child is amazing! I love the
right now, is of utmost importance to me.                                 collaboration, communication, support, creativity, sharing of ideas,
                                                                          and positivity between and within departments. Having taught at
PC: In addition to being a member of the science faculty, you are                                                                                                                                                                                      Scan this QR code to watch American
                                                                          several other schools before, I know that our school is unique in
also the STEM Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator. Can you                                                                                                                                                                                           Province Leader Carroll Juliano, SHCJ,
                                                                          that respect. I have seen the amazing way that faculty and staff
describe this role and what it entails?                                                                                                                                                                                                                open the 175th Anniversary of the
                                                                          work together. For example, the 5th and 6th grade middle school
CP: This is a fairly new role at Holy Child. I really love this work! I   students worked on a Daffodil Project this year and I worked closely                                                                                                         Society of the Holy Child Jesus.
teach three classes and the other part of my position has so many         with Dr. Ashely Marks, the middle school science teacher, Toni
interesting facets and challenges. I help to develop curriculum maps      Archibald, Director of Community Engagement and Special Events,
for each STEM course, create in-house professional development,           Louisa Polos, Middle School Dean as well as the Little Garden Club
make sure that the skills in each course are appropriate and build on     of Rye members in town to make this a true life-long learning
the skills of previous years, create new courses or revamp existing       experience that the girls will never forget.
courses and curriculum, analyze school testing data, improve and          PC: What most impressed you about how the Holy Child community
diversify classroom assessments, and support the STEM teachers            navigated the pandemic at the tail end of last year as well as this
with anything else they might need.                                       past school year?
PC: How important was it, particularly for science students, that         CP: As the STEM Curriculum Coordinator, I was most impressed at
we were able to be in person for this past school year?                   the beginning of the pandemic with the resilience and adaptability
CP: Being in person this year opened so many doors for the science        of the faculty and staff. We had to quickly pivot professional
department. It allowed the students to do field research outside,         development to focus on a new world of online learning. Teachers
carry out multiple labs and activities in the classroom, collaborate      adopted new forms of technology, online programs, and teaching
in person with their classmates, have meaningful live discussions         techniques. The summer learning last year was also incredibly
and so much more. Besides the obvious interaction and relationship        impressive. A team of teachers volunteered to help develop our
building that is so much easier face-to-face, the ability to do labs      own Holy Child remote teaching professional development series.
and activities was definitely the greatest benefit for the science        It was a wide range of videos covering multiple areas to help our
department this year. The skills necessary to design an experiment,       students including how to use certain online programs, streamlining
carefully follow instructions, work with a lab partner, collect and       technology between classes and departments to make it easier
analyze data, and draw conclusions using evidence are essential for       for students, and how to adapt assessments for remote learning.
middle and upper school students alike. While it is possible to teach     We all worked together to improve the learning experience for our
some of these skills through virtual labs, the experience and growth      students.
is not the same. We were so lucky have in-person learning in small
classroom groups this year.

 12     SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021          | glimpses                                                                                                                                                                                                                HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG               13
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
around campus

                                                                                                                                       MIDDLE SCHOOL: FROZEN JR.

ARTS IN FOCUS:                                    PERFORMING ARTS

                                                                                                UPPER SCHOOL: SHAKESPEARE’S TWELFTH NIGHT
                                                        There were many things that we all
                                                        missed about being on campus during
                                                        the spring of 2020. Experiencing
                                                        and creating art encourages self-
                                                        exploration and discovery. Being
                                                        creative also has tangible mental and

                          CLASS OF 2021 HOLY NIGHT      physical health benefits. Visual and
                                                                                                UPPER SCHOOL: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
                                                        performing arts are an important
                                                        aspect of a Holy Child education, and
                                                        for the 2020-2021 school year, the
                                                        arts were back!

                                 UPPER SCHOOL: DANCE

                                 MIDDLE SCHOOL: DANCE

 14   SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021   | glimpses                                                                                                                           HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG   15
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
around campus

ARTS IN FOCUS:
 VISUAL ARTS

 16   SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021   | glimpses   HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG   17
In this issue - School of the Holy Child
around campus

      Athletics:                                                                                                                                         “The Class of 2021 dealt with the loss of their junior
                                                                                                                                                          spring season, massive uncertainty regarding

      Gryphons in Action                                                                                                                                  the fall, a mostly lost senior winter season, and
                                                                                                                                                          a truncated senior spring. Throughout, these
                                                                                                                                                          student-athletes have remained positive, engaged,
                                                                                                                                                          upbeat and overall fantastic members of the
                                                                                                                                                          Athletics community. They have participated in
                                                                                                                                                          our intramural offerings with gusto and they
                                                                                                                                                          have picked up new sports when offered. While
                                                                                                                                                          the end of their high school interscholastic careers
                                                                                                                                                          could not be what they imagined, they have
                                                                                                                                                          proven themselves to be resilient and adaptable;
                                                                                                                                                          traits that will take them far further in life than
                                                                                                                                                          the athletic skills honed in training.”
                                                                                                                                                         - Catherine Conway, Director of Athletics

By Catherine Conway, Director of Athletics
Athletics is part of the fabric of being a student at Holy Child. More than 210 students participated in athletics over the course
of the 2018-2019 school year. We were on track for almost 250 student participants in 2019-2020, prior to the disruption in
spring 2020. On a “normal” afternoon, campus buzzes with athletic activity from 3:00 p.m. on, with practices, scrimmages,
games, birthday celebrations, parking lot dance parties, and more.
This 2020-2021 year had a different look, but no less buzz. Without the structure of traditional interscholastic athletics this fall, we got creative.
Starting at 7:30 a.m., middle school students arrived daily for intramural athletics. They have tried soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, kickball,
amongst others. Upper school students arrived at 7:40 a.m. for optional strength and running form training. Our Gryphons headed to class at
8:20 a.m., and we started again at 2:45 p.m. We added a running club that went out for 2-5 mile loops daily. We offered soccer and field hockey
practices and scrimmages; weekly volleyball and basketball training sessions; and finally, a semi-normal spring season. Whenever the turf was
open, there were groups of students ready to jump into field hockey, lacrosse, and soccer games. The lone outdoor basketball hoop was used
almost daily for free throw practice.

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around campus

Joyful is…                                                                          Bright is…
Listening to the soccer program warm up mix before                                  Having more students come out for a sport than
a scrimmage.                                                                        ever before.
Watching the field hockey win on a beautiful                                        Watching a student try a new sport, or one
November afternoon.                                                                 they haven’t played since they were in
Tearing up while the Class of 2021 was honored on                                   elementary school.
Senior Day.                                                                         Seeing our students come together and support each
Having 20+ middle school students on Gryphon Field                                  other through the least traditional
every morning for athletics before school starts.                                   season ever.

Playing a semi-normal spring season, complete with                                  Experiencing the support of the Holy Child community
interscholastic competition.                                                        for our students, wherever they
                                                                                    might be.

                   Below is a list of senior student-athletes and the sports they participated in during their time at Holy Child
Lailah Bannister                                                                     Emily Lyons
                                                                                                                                                                           Four members of the Class of 2021 will be
                          Volleyball                              Tennis                                   Volleyball      Swim              Tennis

Fallon Barry                                                      Softball           Coco Marriott                                           Tennis

Rachel Bonanno            Cross Country         Track and Field   Track and Field    Ali Marzen                                              Softball                     competing in athletics at the collegiate level:
Abby Brown                Field Hockey                            Golf               Jillian McGovern      Volleyball      Basketball        Softball

Dara Burke                                      Swim              Tennis             Ciara McIntyre                                          Softball

Kellie Chao               Volleyball                                                 Eliza Mills                           Squash            Tennis

Ruthie Chilton                                                    Tennis             Meaghan Mosher        Field Hockey                      Tennis

Caroline Cleary           Field Hockey          Swim              Lacrosse           Ava Moye                                                Softball

Kailah Comrie             Soccer/Volleyball                       Track and Field    Annie Nicastri                                          Golf

Rory Cronin                                                       Golf               Clare Nugent          Cross Country                     Track and Field

Fiona Degen                                                       Tennis             Caroline O’Neill                      Basketball        Golf

Isabelle Dolce                                                    Softball           Hannah O’Shea         Cross Country   Squash            Lacrosse

Megan Doyle                                     Basketball        Softball           Caroline O’Leary      Field Hockey                      Golf

Catherine Duffy                                                   Tennis             Emilia Ponce Ocampo                                     Tennis

Lekha English             Field Hockey          Basketball        Lacrosse           Lauren Reilly         Volleyball                        Golf

Gabby Finn                                      Squash            Golf               Lindsay Ricciardi     Volleyball                        Softball

Katharine Forst                                 Squash            Lacrosse           Jackie Riordan        Field Hockey                      Golf

Raquel Frank              Soccer                                  Golf               Juliana Rivera                        Swim

Olivia Gaffney                                  Swim              Tennis             Maggie Robinson                                         Golf

Lexie Grigg               Volleyball Manager                      Softball           Lizzie Scala          Field Hockey    Swim              Lacrosse

Charlotte Irwin           Soccer                                  Lacrosse           Katie Scalzo          Soccer          Track and Field   Softball

Alessia Jaeger                                  Swim                                 Christina Schanne                                       Golf

Karlie Jellinek           Field Hockey                            Lacrosse           Annie Semprevivo      Cross Country   Track and Field   Lacrosse

Alanna Kelly                                    Swim                                 Shelby Smith          Volleyball                        Softball

Rachael LaMassa           Volleyball                              Softball           Sofia Smith           Soccer

Julia Lane                Volleyball Manager                      Softball           Natalie Soltz                                           Golf

Kate Leach                Soccer                                  Golf               Elizabeth Stier                                         Tennis
                                                                                                                                                                Back (l to r): Kate Michelini, Cornell University (gymnastics), Rachel Bonanno, Tufts University (sailing)
Emma Loos                 Volleyball                              Softball           Julia Valentino                       Basketball
                                                                                                                                                               Front (l to r): Alanna Kelly, University of Scranton (swimming), Caroline O’Neill, Tufts University (soccer)

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                                                                   Faith and Service                                                                   “The fervor for community service, a favorite student

                                                                   in Action                                                                           experience to nourish the soul, is stronger than ever.”

By Jayne Pickett, Religious Studies Faculty and Upper School Campus Minister

In a time when physical distancing created separation, spiritual closeness   retreats were led by upper school campus ministry leaders. The fifth
was needed more than ever to help combat the feeling of loneliness           grade retreat happened in the fall and was a combination of online
that was prevalent during the height of the pandemic. Campus Ministry        and in person. The bonds formed between the younger fifth grade
creatively engaged our community in reimagining ways to come                 students and their upper school mentors continued after the retreat as
together to pray and nourish our spirits. Each month, a class was            they exchanged email addresses and connected online with one another.
chosen to write prayers which were then prayed daily by students
                                                                             The fervor for community service, a favorite student experience to
during advisories at lunch time. Once a month, there was a prayer
                                                                             nourish the soul, is stronger than ever. A new tutoring program was
service that was led by students and live streamed into classrooms
                                                                             started this year where upper school students met virtually with
before lunch. When these prayer services were led by middle school
                                                                             middle school girls to help them with challenging subjects and to
students, upper school campus ministry leaders mentored their
younger sisters, worked with them on their parts and practiced               ensure they stay organized. This has again created special bonds
reading and praying so they were prepared on the day of the prayer           between younger and older Holy Child students. Four new service
service. Finding ways to safely pray together in a liturgy was more          clubs were formed by students to serve the food insecure, homeless,
challenging; however, our community also began live streaming                elderly, and sick children. As a first, these clubs are made up of both
liturgies on Catholic Holy Days so the whole community could                 middle school and upper school girls working together to plan and
participate. In a normal year, every grade has an opportunity to go          serve the most vulnerable in the community. While COVID limited
on retreat. However, during COVID-19, the focus of class retreats            our options of coming together as a whole community to worship
shifted to giving our newest members, the fifth and ninth grades, an         and pray, through creativity and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we
experience that would help them become closer as classmates. These           continually found ways to love and serve God and one another.

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                                  HOW WE SUPPORT
                                  OUR GIRLS
                                                                                                                                                                                             COLLEGE COUNSELING
                                                                                                                                                                                    The college process is all about connections, but how
                                                                                                                                                                                    does a student make connections in a pandemic? Our
                                                                                                                                                                                      College Counseling team, like so many others, had
                                                                                                                                                                                    to pivot quickly to help our Class of 2020 to connect
                                                                                                                                                                                     as they made their final matriculation decisions, our
                                                                                                                                                                                      Class of 2021 to connect when the cancellation of
                                                                                                                                                                                         in-person visits and travel restrictions made
                                                                                                                                                                                         it virtually impossible to visit campuses, and
          LEARNING CENTER                                                                                                                                                              now, our Class of 2022 who begin their process

     With daily challenges outside the walls
                                                                                                       STUDENT LIFE                             SCHOOL NURSE                                       under the same conditions.

      of Holy Child, we continue to create a                                                      Many traditions at Holy Child had          The role of school nurse at Holy         In Spring 2020, our task was to help our students
      safe environment where we can lend                                                          to be modified this year, but our       Child has changed dramatically since       make their final decisions. To do this, we connected
     additional academic support, especially                                                  community worked hard to keep joyful          the pandemic began. Typically, a         with some of our Holy Child alumnae, asking them
          during these uncertain times.                                                         celebration part of our everyday life.   majority of nursing responsibilities and      to be panelists in virtual information sessions to
                                                                                               The Student Life team, in partnership     obligations have been centered around           answer questions about the various colleges.
        Through the Learning Center, we
                                                                                               with our Student Government leaders         taking care of students’ health and       For our Classes of 2021 and 2022, we’ve connected
     continue to focus on the specific skills      HEALTH AND WELLNESS                            reimagined what spirit looks like.       well being while they are in school.
      and strategies the girls need to stay                                                                                                                                           students to the various colleges by hosting virtual
                                                   Despite the challenges presented, we         Whether it was giraffes roaming the         The pandemic has reinforced that          visits with college admission officers at nearly 100
      on track whether in the classroom or
                                                     maintained our student counseling         campus on Safari Day during a special       schools are an irreplaceable part of        colleges and universities. Our Junior and Parent
       remotely. We meet the girls where
                                                      sessions both live and virtually, in    Spirit Week, a new Ring Day tradition, a         our lives and communities.           College Night was re-designed as a monthly webinar
     they are to help keep their confidence
                                                    order to remain available to the girls    Halloween parade through the Theatre,        This certainly shifted the focus and       series that allowed us to address a different facet
         and spirits high in any learning
                                                    whenever they needed or wanted to            or the Christmas holiday traditions       pushed and challenged us in ways          of the application process each month. Topics have
                  environment.
                                                   talk. Our counseling program, affinity       that continued via videos and virtual      that we never imagined. It seemed         included financial aid, academic planning for senior
                                                      groups, peer mentor program and          meetings, our Student Life allowed us      that support came through advising,            year, holistic admissions review, and shaping
                                                  other supports, like advisory, continued       to have fun every step of the way!        discussing, and directing students                            a freshman class.
                                                   to flourish. The Health curriculum was                                                    and their families about COVID.            Despite living in this virtual world, our college
                                                     revised to focus particularly on the                                                  Collaborating and working with the        counselors continue to engage with and personalize
                                                  unique social and emotional challenges                                                 Health and Safety Committee remains        the college process for each of Holy Child’s students
                                                        the students faced this year, in                                                    critical. Every member’s specialty      and their families. Cornelia Connelly’s words guide us
                                                   addition to the core curriculum topics                                                   and knowledge all contributes to        as we continually adjust to the new circumstances of
                                                     we address each year in each grade.                                                   prioritizing the health and safety of         our world and their impact on our student’s
                                                      Health and Wellness was featured                                                   our school community and allowed us                journey to their years after Holy Child.
                                                      in grade level meetings where we                                                                 to be together.
                                                     presented a weekly tip, designed to
                                                     highlight an issue relevant to overall
                                                      student well-being. In addition to
                                                   being present with each of the girls in
                                                    grade level meetings, the Counseling
                                                     Department reached out to families
                                                   through the Counseling Corner in our
                                                     weekly newsletter, offering tips and
                                                    reminders for community well-being.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                   profile
                                                                                          By Caty Bishop, Director of IDEA Initiatives
                                                                                                                                                                                                      PARENT

                                                                                                                                                                                                        KIM CARRIERE
                                                                                                                                                                                                         ALUM DAY OF SER-
           WELCOMING
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Kim is the mom of Lizzie Carriere, ’26 and the incoming Co-President of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     VICE
                                                                                                                                                                                                         the Parents Association. Her day job throughout most of the pandemic
                                                                                                                                                                                                          was COO of the Scarsdale Medical Group. Kim has recently taken on a

           IDEAS
                                                                                                                                                                                                          new role as Chief Administrative Officer at Somnia Anesthesia.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Paul Costiglio, Director of Communications spoke with her about the

                                                                                                                                                                             re
                                                                                                                                                                  Kim Carrie
                                                                                                                                                                                                           experience of being on the frontlines.

The work of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy) at Holy       engagement and education in the 2021-2022 school year.
Child is folded into all aspects of the student experience in a way     All of this important work was supported this past year by an
that is meant to build empathy, compassion, and true respect for        engagement with Haakmat Consulting. With a focus on developing          PC: As a healthcare professional, you were on the frontlines of the pandemic this past year. What has that experience been like?
the dignity and uniqueness of each person. It is clear that the work    strategy and providing coaching on diversity and inclusion, Martha
of IDEA must exist in every space and within every constituency                                                                                 KC: It was surreal-the pandemic hit the medical community so quickly that no one was really prepared to handle it. It was an extremely trying
                                                                        Haakmat and her team conducted robust sessions with Holy Child’s
and it is our collective responsibility as a community to commit to                                                                             time for all involved living with it day in and day out.
                                                                        Board of Trustees and members of the faculty and staff. In addition,
learning, reflecting, and always moving forward with humility. As we    a particular emphasis on achieving more diversity through the
strive to make our community one that is equitable and inclusive                                                                                PC: How has COVID-19 impacted how you and your colleagues’ view of and approach to patient care?
                                                                        practice of hiring has been the thrust of a renewed and reimagined
for all identities, we seek to always keep the wellbeing of each and    relationship with Joli Moniz, former Director of Admission and          KC: We went back to the basics; patients come first and everything else comes second. During the pandemic, it was an “all hands on deck” for
every one of our girls at the center of what we do. Ultimately, the     Financial Aid at Holy Child. She consulted on the School’s hiring       the medical community. It didn’t matter if you were a doctor, nurse, receptionist or COO. We were all in it together, knowing we had to help our
mission of IDEA is to create a sense of belonging for all members of    of new teachers for the upcoming school year. We look forward to        patients as best as we possibly could, while at the same time, keeping our teams safe to ensure they didn’t get sick.
our community, and it has been inspiring to witness the ways many       deepening these relationships going forward as we continue to learn
of our community members have created spaces for others to truly        and grow as a community.                                                PC: What has it been like to also be a mom and care for your family during this time? What have been the biggest challenges?
belong this year.
                                                                                                                                                KC: It was difficult being away from my family for so many hours. My practice was one of the first to set up full time, drive-in COVID testing.
Our student IDEA members meet weekly in Affinity Groups and             “As we strive to make our community                                    We tested patients 7 days a week. I was there from the start of the day to the end of the day. When I came home I was physically and mentally
allyship spaces to discuss aspects of their identities and encourage                                                                            exhausted. I had to stay away from my family in fear I would get them sick from being at the testing site. I am extremely lucky to have such
each other to lead by example. These spaces, which include Girls of
                                                                          one that is equitable and inclusive for
                                                                                                                                                a supportive and loving family who let me do “what I needed to do”! Elizabeth was beyond understanding and was truly the bright spot of
Color, White Allies for Antiracism, Mental Health, and LGBTQ+ are         all identities, we seek to always keep the                            everyday. When you see so many individuals coming in sick and scared, it is hard not to get emotional or upset for them.
led by students who actively model the importance of courageous           wellbeing of each and every one of our
conversations.
                                                                          girls at the center of what we do.”                                   PC: Over this past year, healthcare teams have been celebrated for their courage and care. What did you learn about your colleagues at the
Our alumnae and parent communities have embodied our mission                                                                                    Scarsdale Medical Group?
of “conscience and action” by creating spaces for mentorship,                                                                                   KC: I always believed that I worked with an outstanding group of clinicians and staff, but they all rose to the occasion and went above and
conversation, and education that seek to call all constituencies                                                                                beyond to take care of the community in Westchester County. I am extremely honored and proud to have worked side by side with all of them.
into the mission of IDEA in a meaningful way. We are committed
to growth and continual reflection on our procedures, policies, and                                                                             PC: Any specific case, patient or experience that made your efforts particularly gratifying?
curriculum. Our faculty and staff continue to examine their work
                                                                                                                                                KC: There is no specific event, but it was gratifying to see the generosity of patients and individuals in the community through their show of
through an equity lens. These steps help to provide opportunities for
                                                                                                                                                support to the clinicians and staff. Many sent food, cards, and more to the practice thanking us for taking care of the community. To see the
students to both see themselves represented in class material and to
                                                                                                                                                community appreciate what you do and see that we were making a difference-all you can do is smile and know that you are doing the
expand their understanding of the many ways their own identities,
                                                                                                                                                right thing!
and the identities of others, inform the world around them.
We continue to develop meaningful relationships between alumnae                                                                                 PC: As we continue to navigate the pandemic, what advice would you give to Holy Child students, parents, and community members?
and current students. The Alumnae Mentorship Program for Students
of Color officially launched this spring under the leadership of                                                                                KC: The pandemic is not quite over! It is wonderful that we have the vaccine and so many people have already been vaccinated, but we have
Chioma Nwana ’14, Rayjenée Roberts ’14, and Arnell Stewart ’16                                                                                  to stay the course and be vigilant. Lastly, thank you to the faculty and staff at Holy Child for the wonderful job they have done to keep our girls
                                                                        Our IDEA Initiatives embody our Holy Child network of schools’          safe!
and in partnership with our Alumnae Engagement Office and IDEA
                                                                        goals. Undoubtedly, they reflect the Christian principles of justice,
Initiatives.
                                                                        peace and compassion as we aim to nurture a learning climate based
The Parents of IDEA re-established themselves this year under           on the reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
the parent leadership of Deb Brookes P ’21, ’27 and Krissie Mulvoy      They help promote the personal growth and development of all who
Williams ’88 P ‘25. We are grateful for their efforts and look          participate in the life of the school.
forward to a continued partnership creating more opportunities for

 26     SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021         | glimpses                                                                                                                                                                                                                  HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG               27
around campus

MAKING IT WORK
FOR THE HOLY CHILD
COMMUNITY
By Toni Santangelo Archibald ’76, Director of Community Engagement and Special Events
The 2020-2021 school year will most certainly go down in the books as a year like no other. As a school, it became necessary
to reimagine the Holy Child experience, not only for our faculty and students, but also for our parents and the Parents                       In the spring of 2020, the Parents Association hosted its first
                                                                                                                                              virtual meeting with a record attendance of over 100 families. A
Association. We forged ahead, thinking of creative and innovative ways to engage our parent community, inspired by the
                                                                                                                                              virtual book club was subsequently created, with its first read,
words of our founder, Cornelia Connelly:
                                                                                                                                              I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in A World Made for Whiteness by
“Remember that it is not sufficient to have begun well; you must also persevere with courage and finish with resolution.”                     Austin Channing Brown. The discussion was led by Kat Sanford,
                                                                                                                                              Director of Library Services and parent and alumna, Krissie
                                                                                                                                              Mulvoy Williams ’88 P ’25.
                                                                                                                                              Krissie says, “Co-leading the book club is a real gift. Meeting other
                                                                                                                                              parents, having dynamic conversations and discussing great
                                                                                                                                              books fills me up with gratitude for the Holy Child community.”
                                                                                                                                              The group continues to meet seasonally, having read The
                                                                                                                                              Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett this winter, and the selection,
                                                                                                                                              There There by Tommy Orange voted on by members, will be
                                                                                                                                              discussed this summer. “Walking with Purpose” was brought               COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
                                                                                                                                              to Holy Child virtually last summer through the Parents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Holy Child’s engagement with the community outside of our campus was
                                                                                                                                              Association. The Bible study group was aimed at mothers who
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      highlighted in a number of different ways over the course of this school
                                                                                                                                              were looking to develop a more personal relationship with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      year. The common thread was providing new and enriching learning
                                                                                                                                              Jesus. The program incorporates at home Scripture study as
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      opportunities for Holy Child students. Nowhere was this more present than
                                                                                                                                              well as weekly small group virtual discussions and has served
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      the ongoing partnership with the Little Garden Club of Rye for the first ever
                                                                                                                                              as an excellent opportunity to learn from each other and share
                                           Last spring and throughout this year, the Parents Association collaborated with Student Life to                                                                            Daffodil Project.
                                                                                                                                              personal stories about faith.
                                           create a number of fun events for students as well as their families. In October, Breast Cancer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the fall, Little Garden Club members, Cheryl Adler and Chris Duncan
                                           Awareness Month was celebrated on a perfect autumn day with a student advisory group               “We have become close spiritual friends who support and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      P ’09, ’09 joined the girls on campus and led a bulb planting with 5th and
                                           pink ribbon tree tying event on campus. Virtual Family Trivia Nights, hosted by alumna faculty     encourage each other in our faith. I am truly lucky to know
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6th grade students in the Alumnae Garden. Holy Child’s first Daffodil Show
                                           members Christine Shanahan ’05 and Lauren Poccia ’07, have proved to be winners with our           them,” said Susie Cannon P ’27, ’27 who coordinates the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      was a terrific success and we could not be more proud of our students,
                                           families, and in February our ever popular Bingo Night returned virtually with over 100 families   program for Holy Child with Trish McMullin P ’25.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      who worked on this Daffodil Project since the fall. They researched and
                                           participating! We even managed an in-person raffle and candy gram sales for the girls in the       In December, the annual Christmas plant sale pick-up took place         presented on different varieties of daffodil, planted over 500 bulbs, waited
                                           Hughes Family Lobby.                                                                               outside with dedicated parent volunteers. The annual Maureen            patiently for the bulbs to bloom, and learned about what a Daffodil Show
                                           Parents Association Co-President, Heather Gillespie, P ’23 ’25 stated, “As a PA, we have missed    Alison McGrath ’78 Memorial Library Lunch and Boutique landed           is and how to enter. Each student chose one bloom, groomed it, and
                                           doing events on campus this past year. Fortunately, the PA worked closely with Student Life in     on Zoom with featured speaker, Kelly Corrigan, best selling             displayed it flawlessly in our very own Holy Child Daffodil Show! Students,
                                           order to create virtual events for the Holy Child community. We appreciated the support of the     author and host of the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders and a             faculty and staff took in the unique beauty of each bloom and voted for
                                           School, Student Life and our incredible staff and teachers for making these events possible.”      virtual all-day boutique with 23 spectacular vendors.                   their favorite flower.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This cross-curricular project drew connections in science, art, religion,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      language arts, and other subjects around flowers, daffodils, and enjoying
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      nature. This project was truly a testament to the “joy in teaching, joy in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      learning” model of Cornelia Connelly. Teachers, staff, and community
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      members came together to bring beauty to the campus and lifelong
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      learning to students. These flowers will grow every spring just as our
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      students grow each year on their journey at Holy Child.

 28    SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021     | glimpses                                                                                                                                                                                                                      HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG             29
around campus

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED                                                     It is clear that the Holy Child community has brought creative ideas

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               profile
                                                                                     and a resilient “bright and joyful spirit” to this year, whether we were
                                                                                     together in person or online.                                                                                                 PARENT

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CYNTHIA ADAMS
                                                                                                          Works on Canvas
                                                                                                          by Joseph Genova

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     As a parent, your own personal journey undoubtedly informs the guidance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     you provide your children as they seek out their own path. I had the pleasure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      of spending some time with a new member of our parent community;
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cynthia Adams, mother of Taylor ’24. She shared how her own experiences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       and views on the world led her to choose Holy Child for her daughter and

                                                                                                                                                                                          ams
                                                                                                                                                                                Cynthia Ad
                                                                                        “We are proud to be a part of this                                                                                            her hopes for Taylor continuing to grow as a “woman of conscience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        and action.”
                                                                                          school, because of the people who
                                                                                          welcome our girls, with open arms,                                                                                             By Paul Costiglio, Director of Communications

                                                                                          into their classroom everyday.
                                                                                          Through your instruction and                                            Cynthia Adams is a problem solver.               as if they were already part of the Holy Child      advocate for DEI (Diversity, Equity and
                                                                                          leadership, our girls are well on their                                 Throughout her professional career, she has      family.”                                            Inclusion). “Representation matters. Life is
                                       Symphony in White by Joseph Genova                                                                                         always been interested in helping people in                                                          challenging enough. Why not go through it
                                                                                          way to becoming young women of                                                                                           As a parent, Cynthia is eager for Taylor to
                                                                                                                                                                  organizations solve problems. She considers      have certainty about her place in the world         in an environment where you’ll be affirmed
                                                                                          conscience and action.”                                                 it her own niche, whereby she advises and                                                            and celebrated?” She has not always found
The inaugural group of students who are participating in Holy Child’s                                                                                                                                              and feels strongly that Holy Child is a place
newest two-year signature program, the Advanced Humanities                                                                                                        counsels clients to avoid problems before        that will help to facilitate that outcome by        herself in environments that were welcoming
Institute took on a project to showcase the works of local artist,                      -Heather Gillespie and Kelly Hodulik                                     they happen or investigate, unearth problems     developing her as an independent thinker and        or affirming, but she has forged pathways to
                                                                                                                                                                  and contain them.                                                                                    success beyond those obstacles in an industry
Joseph Genova. Not only did they mount an exhibit of his new work                         Parents Association Co-Presidents                                                                                        embracing her interest in the arts.
in the Holy Child Theatre lobby gallery this spring; the students also                                                                                            She attributes much of her success to                                                                not known for its diversity. Having lived
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   As a new Holy Child parent during a time of
created a virtual walk-through and online gallery catalogue for the                                                                                               meeting people at various stages of her                                                              through those experiences provides her with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   heightened global focus on issues of social
whole community to enjoy. Genova’s paintings highlight folds in                                                                                                   career that invited her to follow them to new                                                        a perspective and a strong conviction about
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   justice and equality, Cynthia jumped at the
fabric and the texture of the sea and flowers, rendered in hyper-                                                                                                 and more challenging opportunities. It’s a                                                           what she wants for Taylor. “The full spectrum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   opportunity last summer to participate
realistic form. After the exhibit was displayed, students were asked to                                                                                           scenario that she likens to what she senses                                                          of young womanhood and possibility has a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   in a book club offered by Holy Child’s PA
express their views and feelings about the paintings in poems and                                                                                                 about Holy Child in that inevitably there are                                                        place at Holy Child and that’s very important
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   IDEA committee; an initiative of the Parents
essays. Following is a poem written by Christine D’Avanzo ’22, who                                                                                                fellow Gryphons that “will go on to do cool                                                          to me.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Association. First on the list was the book I’m
was inspired by the painting entitled “Symphony in White.”
                                                                                                                                                                  things and might ask you to do cool things       Still Here, Black Dignity in A World Made for       A print of the iconic Norman Rockwell
                                                                                                                                                                  with them.”                                      Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. “If Holy        painting of young Ruby Bridges becoming the
The man in the moon watching.           Destitute -
The wind screaming,                     Aged with time.                                                                                                           In just a short time as a member of the Holy     Child was willing to engage in uncomfortable        first African American student to integrate
The cold threatening,                   Destined for vacancy:                                                                                                     Child community and during a school year         conversations and invite candor about a             her local elementary school in the South
Rapping against the broken door         Past, present, future.                                                                                                    when parents have rarely been able to visit      book that is not for the faint of heart, I had to   hangs in the Adams household. “It serves as
- Her door
                                        The wind howls,                                                                                                           campus, Cynthia has been able to sense the       participate.” She felt she could authentically      a reminder that education is an important
The floorboards creak beneath Her       The transparent wolf blows the door                                                                                       energy and level of engagement through           share her lived experiences both as someone         avenue for progress and change in our lives.”
weight.                                 open.                                                                                                                     Taylor’s daily experience. The camaraderie       who grew up in the rural South and as a
A step forward,                         A step through the threshold.                                                                                             was evident early on for Cynthia and Taylor      professional of color on Wall Street.
A ghost town lay before,                The cold bites - its teeth sharp as nails.
                                                                                                                                                                  when they first visited Holy Child’s open        On both a personal and professional level,
Around - everywhere.
                                        She leaves the house.                                                                                                     house. “Prospective students were treated        Cynthia is a very engaged and passionate
The silken cloth                        The once loving -
White as snow -                         Now abandoned -
Sorrowful as ghosts -                   House.
Covers the memories.
                                        She leaves her childhood,
Her delicate fingers toy the fabric     Leaves the dust collecting silk                                                                                           Cynthia currently serves as Managing Director and Head of
As it toys her mind.                    And walks away.                                                                                                           Litigation, Regulatory and Employment Legal at Jefferies LLC, a
Her mother’s laugh, Her father’s smile, Eyes - like heart - lingering.                                                                                            global investment banking firm. She leads the team responsible
                                                                                                     AHI Co-Director Tim Duffy with local Rye artist Joe Genova
Plague the once youthful mind.                                                                                                                                    for a wide array of litigation, enforcement, and employment
                                                                                                                                                                  matters, including internal investigations, regulatory and
                                                                                                                                                                  compliance advice, and firm-wide policy initiatives.

 30      SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021              | glimpses                                                                                                                                                                                                                              HOLYCHILDRYE.ORG               31
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