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O L P M a g a z i n e

A c a d e m y o f O u r L a d y o f P e a c e { f a l l 2 0 1 5 }

Golfing with a Pro “Fore”

Her

2 | OLP Magazine

In This Issue

Mission StatementThe Academy of Our Lady of Peace is a Catholic, liberal arts oriented, college preparatory secondary school dedicated to the education of young women. As a Catholic school, it is committed to helping its students become active participants in building Christ’s kingdom of justice, love and peace. As a school rooted in the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, it promotes the cultivation of “gentleness, peace and joy” as we respond to the needs of the “dear neighbor” both in our midst

Ourand in our human community. Through its college preparatory program, its mission is to empower its students to become knowledgeable in those skills needed to achieve success in post-secondary studies, and to make informed and values-driven decisions in the context of today’s world. As a result of these endeavors, and working with parents as our educational partners providing a family context of faith-in-action, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace strives to graduate responsible women educated to the needs of society.

{Fall 2015}

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5Partnerships

Our events are a success thanks in large part to our wonderful sponsors and

donors. Read more about Endless Summer & the Golf

Tournament.

15Leadership

A group of OLP students and educators attended the Mount Saint Mary’s Women’s Leadership Conference and share their insights with us!

8Oncofertility

OLP student Katie Pulvers ’16 takes us inside her

experience at UCSD Saturday Academy learning about

Oncofertility.

20Service

OLP student Gabriela Silva ’17 spent her summer in

Costa Rica serving others. Read about her incredible

experience.

10Learning

OLP English teacher Angie Gascho enjoyed the

opportunity to travel to New York to further explore her

Holocaust curriculum.

22Alumnae

Alumnae from all years share their news, announcements

and updates in our Pilots Take Flight section.

On the Cover: OLP golfers Dana Zapanta ’15, Gabrielle Ripa ’16, Aly Tiznado ’16, Catalin Yturralde ’19, Karla Valdez ’17 and Crystal Butcher ’18 pose with golf pro Tina Mickelson at the 24th Annual T.B. Penick & Sons. Inc. Golf Tournament to benefit OLP athletics. Photo credit: Maria Fernanda Valdez Campos ’16. Read more on page 5.

Fall 2015 | 3

Head of School Lauren Lek

Assistant Head of School Jessica Hooper

Assistant Principal, Director of Campus Life Jeanette Handelsman ’64

Assistant Principal of Instruction Sheelah Keeter

Director of Institutional Advancement

Ingrid de Llamas

Director of Communications Emily Pippin ’06

Contributors Rivka Bent

Johnathan Chittaluru Crystal Coriano ’17

Eva Curiel ’16 Emily Devereaux ’00

Angie Gascho Jeanette Handelsman ’64

Krystine Kruchten ’04 Diane La Costa ’08

Katie Pulvers ’16 Gabriela Silva ’17

Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Head of School Coreen G. Petti, Board Chair

Patricia Boer ’55 Mike Coughlin

Dr. Nora Faine-Sykes ’78 Michael Guerrero

Susan Hause Clair Cunningham Kennedy ’81

Damian McKinney Gayle McMahon

Martha McRoskey Sister Jill Marie Napier, CSJ

Barbara Picco Sister Virginia Rodee ’53, RSCJ

Nina R. Sciuto-Morales ’76 Peg Stehly

Academy of Our Lady Of Peace

OLPMagazine

Class notes should be sent to Krystine Kruchten ’04 at [email protected]

To update your address, please contact Chris Abdenour at [email protected]

Letter From Head of School

Dear OLP Pilot Community, Whether I’m in San Diego or traveling, I am always left

in awe when meeting an OLP graduate. Without fail, she is inspiring, passionate, faith-filled, and the epitome of a role

model for young girls. Many parents have remarked, when thinking back to their first encounters with a student ambassador in OLP’s Carondelet Circle, “I want my daughter to grow up to be like her some day.”

Over my past two years here at OLP, I have been humbled by each of the young women who have crossed my path, for each of them is a gift to our world. Whether she is a current student or alumna, each serves as a remarkable example; and each is a dynamic force of change. I am never left to wonder if she will have the courage, the faith, or the heart to achieve her calling. For she is an OLP graduate, formed by the legacy of our Sisters of St. Joseph, and inspired by the women who have walked these very halls before her.

With our new academic school year underway, and the addition of our newest students, the Class of 2019, I feel energized by the unlimited potential of our 750 young women. In this edition you can read about these leaders, visionaries, and change makers, and get a glimpse of the remarkable alumnae who continue OLP’s tradition. For example, in this issue Crystal Coriano ‘17 shares her accomplishment of attending the Global Student Leadership Summit; and while there, earning the distinction of being selected out of 400 competing students to meet the exemplary Sir Ken Robinson and attend the VIP luncheon.

This summer 2016, OLP will continue to provide students with the opportunity to travel abroad. The experience has proven to deepen relationships between attendees and broaden students’ perspectives. This coming summer’s trip from Provence to Le Puy en Velay will combine a rich cultural and historical exploration with the stories of our Sisters of St. Joseph. You can read more about the trip, which is open to current students, alumnae, and parents alike, on page 16.

Though our world is constantly changing, our OLP excellence, in the tradition of our Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, is steadfast. As responsible educators and with this unfaltering commitment, we continue to look toward the future to ensure that our young ladies are prepared to meet the ever changing global demands, to be exemplary scholars, and to be women of faith. This is especially apparent in our new course, Principles of Engineering, which utilizes Purdue University’s EPICS methodology integrating engineering principles in community service.

As you read through this edition, I hope you will be inspired by what I am blessed to experience daily. In service,

Lauren LekHead of School

4 | OLP Magazine

Robotics Varsity Team attended the annual FTC kickoff party to learn this years objectives of the competition!

50 students from Mrs. Oseguera’s Spanish for Native Speakers and Spanish III Honors classes participated on a field trip to Balboa Park. They visited the international cottages, The Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibition at the NAT and the Centro Cultural de la Raza on a full language immersion day.

This summer 26 of our students and 4 Saint Augustine High School students participated in the Innovation and Futures of Education leadership summit in Davos, Switzerland. Joined by 1500 other students from schools all over the United States, our girls attended workshops and engaged in dynamic design-thinking processes. Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned speaker on creativity and education, and Shiza Shahid, the co-founder and Global Ambassador of the Malala Fund, were keynote speakers at the summit. One of our students, Crystal Coriano ’17, was chosen to deliver the opening remarks at the VIP Luncheon at the summit. She did an amazing job.

Pictured Above Crystal Coriano ’17 with Sir Ken Robinson & Mrs. Handelsman ’64

From: Davos, Switzerland -With Love

The summit in Davos was preceded by an itinerary that included Amsterdam, Paris, and Geneva to explore education as a human right. The travelers visited Anne Frank’s House, met with French high school students, and visited the U.N. headquarters in Geneva. It was a truly remarkable experience – one the girls will not soon forget. We hope to participate in the leadership summit in the summer of 2017, which will take place in Italy. See page 16 of this edition to learn more about our planned travel for the 2015-2016 school year!

On behalf of the OLP athletes and coaching staff, the Golf Tournament Committee, the Board of Directors, and all of our faculty and staff members, thank you to all who participated in the 24th Annual OLP Golf Tournament held on October 12, 2015 at the San Diego County Club. We are all so very grateful for the incredible generosity of our sponsors, parents and participants. This year’s event netted upwards of $42,000 for OLP’s Athletic Department. This represents over a 70% increase from last year! All funds from this year’s tournament will go towards replacing the gym floor and upgrading the weight room. Over the past two years, the OLP Golf Tournament has brought in over $65,000 to help support our student athletes. Again, thank you to our generous sponsors, donors and partners who allowed us to see such unprecedented success on behalf of our student athletes. Go Pilots! SAVE THE DATE FOR Next Year’s Tournament: October 2016 at the San Diego Country Club.

24th Annual T.B. Penick Golf Tournament to benefit OLP Athletics

Title Sponsor: T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. Presenting Sponsor: WNC Foam Top Flight Sponsor: McMahon Steel Company, Inc.

Special Tee Sponsors Domus Studio Heaviland The O’Connor Family The Whitton Family

Tee Sponsors AAA Imaging Celene Lyddon ‘07 & Claire Cortney ‘03 in Memory of Louise Cortney City Wide Maintenance Donation In Honor of the OLP Cross Country Team EDCO Disposal Educational Outfitters Hands on Labor Knowledge Stream/Troy & Paola Gorostiza ‘93 Mills Uniform Company Peg Stehly in Memory of Sr. Jeanette Van Vleck CSJ ‘61 The Crawford Team Wings-N-Things

Special Thanks to Tina Mickelson and our Golf Tournament Chair, Gayle McMahon

Endless Summer was the theme for a wonderful gathering of OLP alum, current parents, faculty, staff, neighbors and friends. The event was held on beautiful North Terrace. Sounds of a Beatles-inspired local band, The Baja Bugs, provided a mellow backdrop for the gathering. It was a good time for catching up with one another and connecting before the official beginning of the school year.

PartnershipsOLP thanks all who turned out for this delightful evening.

Additionally, special thanks go to our sponsors and those who contributed items for the raffle:

» San Diego Magazine» Joel & Anne Marie Tubao» San Diego Chargers» Coreen & Kevin Petti» Walter Andersen Nursery» Pep Creative

Special Thanks to our OLP Golf Tournament Committee Gayle McMahon, Committee Chair Liliana Armenta Lisa Handy Renee Herrell Michele Kalla Kelly Lane

Special Thanks to In-Kind, Silent & Live Auction Donors American Sheet Metal Anheuser-Busch Rick Barry Bellage Cosmetics Body Elite Massage Frank and Nora Brady Lori Brock, LPGA Bully’s East Chick-fil-A Coca Cola Designed to a T Dr. Nora Faine-Sykes ‘78 Farmers Insurance Open Golf Mart Golf Smith H&M Landing Harrah’s Resort Leo Hamel In-N-Out Burger JC Resorts Laurie Judd Matt and Michele Kalla King’s Fish House Kelly Lane Liberty Tobacco Lomas Santa Fe CC Maderas Golf Club

OLP Golf Tournament a Success!

John O’Connor Peter Ripa Tracy South Perri Spiller Sue Suglich Steve Travers

Derek & Gayle McMahon Martha McRoskey Mary Mickelson Moceri Food and Beverage Mary O’Connor, D.D.S. Mary & John O’Connor Orfila Vineyard and Winery The Paintball Park at Camp Pendleton Coreen & Kevin Petti Tom & Diane Plein Debbie Pollakov Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas & Quivira Golf Club Sabuku Sushi Seaforth Boat Rental Theresa and Peter Ripa Sea Port Inc. Sky Zone Slater’s 50/50 Solid Rock Gym Stadium Golf Center Sue and Bill Suglich TaylorMade-Adidas The Grand Del Mar The Lodge at Torrey Pines Torrey Pines Golf Shop What to Wear by Cory Anne

Special Thanks to Student Photographers Maria Fernanda Valdez Campos ’16 Hannah Covington ’18 Isabella Hoang ’17 Karla Valdez ’17

6 | OLP Magazine

Thanks to OLP and Educational Tours, over the summer I, along with 25 other OLP students and 4 Saint Augustine High School (SAHS) students, traveled to Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, and Davos. The first leg of the trip we did some sightseeing, while the last leg we attended the Global Student Leaders Summit, in Davos, Switzerland. To prepare for the trip, I visited the summit’s website and was delighted to learn that they were running a contest. Participants were asked to submit a video that answered this prompt: “What is one skill or trait that people in your community need in order to succeed in the future?” The winning student would not only get to meet the distinguished Sir Ken Robinson, but would also attend the VIP lunch as a special guest.

I was especially eager to submit my entry because Sir Ken Robinson has been an inspiration to me ever since I watched his TED Talk, titled “Schools Kill Creativity,” in the seventh grade. In it he advocates for school support for students’ creativity. This message

How I Won the Global Citizen Scholarship & Why It’s Important

By Crystal Coriano ’17

Fall 2015 | 7

resonated with me because at the time I attended public school, and I felt that my creativity was being stifled. It was his presentation, in fact, that motivated me to apply to OLP. For these reasons, I desperately wanted to win.

To develop my submission, I started by thinking about the connections between my local community and the larger, global community. Specifically, I recalled Malala Yousafzai’s inspiring life story and lessons I learned from Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book, Half the Sky. I also thought deeply

about discussions I have had with classmates and family

members, most of which concluded without calls to action. I realized that while there is no shortage of passionate dialogue, there is a lack of praxis, or putting ideas into practice.

With this in mind, I determined that one’s ability to actively advocate is the skill most essential to success. Then I posted my video on their website, selected a photo of Malala as my cover art, hit send, and crossed my fingers.

online forum that girls can use to communicate about issues in their communities. My thought was that through these local, micro-level narratives, together young women could tackle global, macro-level problems. It aims to foster their voices and inspire their actions.

As a result of the contest and the blog, I was automatically entered and won a Global Citizen Scholarship, which is given annually to students who strive to become global citizens in their daily lives and demonstrate a commitment to tackling global issues. Which means that next summer I will attend the human

Creativity is important and...schools should support it...

“Out of 400 international submissions, my video was selected. Not only did this victory provide me with the opportunity to meet Sir Ken Robinson and give the toast at the VIP luncheon, but it also gave me the unexpected gift of being seated next to Shiza Shahid, Co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Even before I started my video or stepped foot in Davos I knew that active advocacy was crucial to the empowerment and success of young women. But it took interacting with other students and listening to the speakers at the summit for me to come up with a way to help solve the pervasive inaction. My fellow students developed many ideas in only two days that could benefit a variety of people with a range of needs. Their designs helped lead me to the conclusion that innovation is different than invention, and that the former is the key to the development of new solutions. Innovation is what led me to the creation of my blog.

My blog, which I titled “Conversations that Matter,” is an

Students struggle with subjects that don’t foster their creativity.

“rights summit in The Hague.

My hope is that with the help of my OLP sisters and SAHS brothers, I will have the opportunity to build on what I started this summer.

To see my winning videos visit: http://projects.weshare.eftours.com/gallery/summit/project 55365f8fe6d9b5f22354a8c2/?feat ured=true

8 | OLP Magazine

When patients are diagnosed with cancer, the main focus is preserving their lives; however, depending on the treatments, fertility of patients can diminish. The Oncofertility Consortium is an interdisciplinary program made up of Oncofertility scientists, scholars, and specialists. They conduct research in an effort to preserve fertility in cancer patients.

Beneath the Microscope

By Katie Pulvers ’16

Fall 2015 | 9

energy and contains a small amount of genetic information. Because mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited solely from the mother, maternal age can affect the health of the mitochondria, its function during embryonic implantation/development, and ultimately a healthy pregnancy. I find this important for doctors to study so the rates of successful pregnancies in women with fertility problems can increase.

In Mrs. Cullina’s Genetics class this past year, I was able to learn about embryology, cancer, and genetics, which truly helped me in this program. As a result of my work this summer, I have been selected as one of five OSA participants to attend and present at the 2015 Oncofertility Medical Conference in November at Northwestern University, Chicago, Il.

Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff championed its creation in 2006 and describes the consortium as meeting “an emergent urgent unmet need for young cancer patients: balancing life-preserving treatments with fertility preserving options.”

In 2007, Northwestern University established the Oncofertility Saturday Academy (OSA), and has since expanded to three other locations nationwide: Oregon National Primate Research Center, the University of Pennsylvania, and UCSD. This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in the UCSD chapter of OSA along with my OSA sisters, fourteen girls from high schools across San Diego. Throughout the program, we learned from doctors from the UCSD Health Sciences center, experienced astounding Saturday sessions, and worked on personal research posters. Dr. Ericka Senegar-Mitchell was not only the director, but also our mentor. Under her guidance we were able to understand In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, cancer detection, as well as uses of embryonic stem cells in cancer treatment.

During the Saturday sessions I was able to fertilize sea urchin eggs, tour an IVF lab, study model organisms, and practice in the UCSD robotic surgery training center. I visited many locations that aid Oncofertility, such as: UCSD’s Medical School, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps Xi-MED, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (part of the St. Joseph Health System), and the UCSD Center for the Future of Surgery. Being part of a program that explores the future of medicine and encourages young women pursuing STEM careers has made this summer extraordinary.

For my personal research poster, I researched the effects of mitochondrial DNA on embryonic implantation. As maternal age increases, the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and complications with the pregnancy increase as well. Inside cells, the mitochondria provides

Being part of a program that explores the future of medicine and encourages young women pursuing STEM careers has made this summer extraordinary.

In addition to attending the conference, I have been asked to return to OSA next summer as an intern for the 2016 Summer Academy. The sisterhood experienced at OSA this past summer reminded me of OLP and the importance for young women to join and motivate other women in STEM.

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Engineering Conference

BY JONATHAN CHITTALURU

This summer I had the opportunity to attend an engineering teachers’ conference at Purdue University. The conference was titled the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) K-12 workshop. EPICS is solution-based engineering curriculum with a wide range of applications and implementations that focus on using engineering to help people.

In my spring course, Principles of Engineering, I am currently planning to use the EPICS methodology to scaffold and track students’ progress as they apply their knowledge of engineering toward helping at the Wild Willow Farm, which is located in south San Diego and serves as a learning center and model for promoting sustainable agriculture. To launch the course, I plan to have the girls study renewable energy and gain hands-on experience by building a large-scale solar oven, capable of purifying multiple gallons of water and/or cooking a large pot of soup/stew within a single afternoon using only sunlight as an energy source. Once proficient in using the solar stove, the girls might then have the opportunity to use it on-site at the farm, which holds potlucks each Saturday.

Following their launch project, the girls will use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design signage for the farm, which will be subsequently fabricated by CNC and/or laser cutting machines. Beyond that point, I am considering multiple options both at the farm and on campus, including construction and maintenance of a hydroponic garden that would live on campus. But regardless of the final project goals, it is nice to know that the girls’ efforts will fall under the umbrella of EPICS projects, which are very much in keeping with our school’s mission as we aim to “respond to the needs of the ‘dear neighbor’ both in our midst and in our human community.”

OLP teachers are all lifelong learners. Many faculty members took the opportunity to expand their curriculum and their skills and participate in

professional development experiences over the summer. From Engineering to Visual & Performing Arts to English, our teachers enjoyed their “summer school”

experiences and will bring their skills back to the classroom this year.

Seminar for Holocaust EducatorsBY ANGIE GASCHO

AP By the

SeaBY DIANE LA COSTA ’08

To prepare for the year ahead, this summer I attended the AP By the Sea Summer Institute, sponsored by the College Board and held at the University of San Diego (USD). Since the AP Art History test was recently rewritten, I was eager to attend this educational conference so that I could incorporate the changes into my curriculum. Some of the content changes reflected in the new version of test include: a shift in perspective – from Western to global, a narrowing of the works studied, as well as greater emphasis on the historical and cultural context of the pieces.

As a result of the test’s revisions, students will study fewer works in greater depth. In other words, our curriculum is now an inch wide, and a mile deep. This gives students the opportunity to more thoroughly engage with each work, be it painting, sculpture, performance, or architecture. We as art educators are confident this shift will benefit students, giving them a broader understanding of each piece, and the way each fits into the global artistic narrative.

The AP By the Sea Summer Institute was an incredibly enriching experience that continues to inform my instruction daily.

Fall 2015 | 11

The age-old question, “What did you do last summer?” has become a cliché for that dreaded essay upon returning to school. It implies a need to have something “interesting” to tell about faraway places and unusual or exciting activities. But in reality, many of us simply read, swim, go to the beach, or do those things we have been meaning to do but haven’t had the time to do. While teachers often pose this question to students, I have found that students and parents don’t always have insight into how teachers use these months off. Yes, many of us teach summer school or other programs, travel, and spend much needed time with our families. But, occasionally, we do something extraordinary that is worth sharing with the community. This summer I had one such experience.

Through a very unlikely series of events in teaching the new Holocaust Literature course here at the Academy, I became connected with an organization called The Memorial Library in New York that is dedicated to Holocaust Education. In my class we read a memoir called Five Chimneys by Auschwitz survivor, Olga Lengyel who is the founder of this organization. My students this last year were so moved by the experience of reading her story that they needed to do something creative to help them process the content and emotions they felt. Through an intense and lengthy process, they each created a “Found Poem”

concentration camp system, treated to genuine experiences of the Jewish faith and culture through a full day at the Jewish Heritage Museum, Shabbat services and dinner and an evening of Klezmer music and dancing. I met and heard the stories of survivors, children of survivors, and gained amazing insights from multiple experts in this field of study. As if this weren’t enough, we were instructed by professors from SUNY and NYU on the practice of being excellent and compassionate teachers and in writing as well. I became fully immersed as an educator in a complex topic that impacts us all: what it means to be human.

Needless to say, the two weeks were grueling. It was hard work, mentally and physically, since we kept such long days. It was emotional on multiple levels and it was inspiring to be connected with a new community of change-makers. My task now is to share with all of you and my students that spark lit within me. I begin that quest as I share here.

Below from Left: The Garden of Stones at the Jewish Heritage

Museum in New York City; The group participated in a poetry recitation at the seminar; Angie and her colleagues at the Klezmer Music Night.

using Olga’s memoir and presented it in an artistic format to the class. Because I thought the foundation might like to see how Olga’s work was having an impact on younger generations, I wrote to them and sent them my students’ poems. The Board of the Memorial Library was so thankful and moved by my students’ work and the gesture that they wrote us back and invited me to apply for a spot in their Summer Seminar for Holocaust Educators in New York. After completing a rigorous application process, I was accepted amongst 25 teachers from across the United States to spend two weeks in New York, fully paid for, and was given the opportunity to learn how to be a better Holocaust educator.

To say that this experience was life-changing would be an understatement. As I assimilated into life in New York City for two weeks, living in the dorms at Columbia University and commuting everywhere by subway, I ventured into truly unique and rich experiences. At the seminar, my eyes were opened up to Holocaust and Human Rights Education in truly new ways as I connected to phenomenal educators across the nation who shared my passion for inspiring students to act against social injustices and advocating on behalf of the oppressed. I was educated in the deep history of Antisemitism and the complex

Seminar for Holocaust EducatorsBY ANGIE GASCHO

>>

12 | OLP Magazine

Most families, when planning travel for summer vacation, don’t consider going to school a first choice. Not so for the Cerquiera family. With dad, Tony, inspired to incorporate a CSJ aspect into the mix, the Cerquiera’s plotted their course for Saint Joseph Joshi Gakuen (SJJG) in Tsu, Japan. SJJG is an all-girls catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It also happens to be the sister school to OLP. Back in 2014 Mrs. Lek and SJJG Principal, Sister Grace Saito created an international partnership for cultural exchange. SJJG has students ranging from 12 to 18, making it a Junior and Senior High School. The school began about 55 years ago and much like OLP, carries a strong reputation within the Tsu area for its exceptional standards of education.

was fascinating for the Cerquiera girls to learn that the students of SJJG have shoe lockers for their outdoor shoes, not book lockers! All students utilize indoor slippers during class time and change into their outdoor shoes for all out of door activity.

A highlight for the family was meeting with Nakayama-san, she is one of the first students to graduate from SJJG and also a personal friend of Sister Grace. They then received a very warm welcome from a number of students and some staff (there was even a Ninja mom) which was a nice surprise being that the school was closed for summer recess. These students are members of the Tea Ceremony club and were preparing to travel to the Philippines in a few weeks. Having the Cerquiera family on site provided them the opportunity to showcase their skills in real-time. Each Cerquiera was adorned in a kimono and then treated to a private tea ceremony complete with an overview into the practices and culture of what that means. The Cerquiera’s learned that there are many nuances within the ceremony itself that have deep significance and symbolic meaning within the Japanese culture. The

OLP Family Visits CSJ Sister School in

The Cerquiera family traveled to Tsu, Japan in search of our CSJ connection.

By Rivka Bent Japan

They received a very warm welcome from a number of students and some staff (there was even a Ninja mom).

Much to the family’s surprise, Sister Grace met the Cerquiera family at the train station and provided a warm welcome and ride to the school. Once on school grounds, Stefania ‘16 and Camila ‘19 were introduced immediately to the Japanese custom of removing shoes before entering a building. It

Fall 2015 | 13

school actually has a dedicated Tea Ceremony room on campus for girls to practice and learn the refinements related to the skill. Some people spend years learning the very subtle nuances of the tea ceremony, in fact it is actually quite involved and very respectable in that it is an honoring practice.

to the Japanese instrument called “koto.” The koto has 13 strings over 13 movable bridges and is played with finger picks. The Cerquiera family was treated to a private performance of a song the girls were practicing for their upcoming music competition.

All in all Stefania, Camila and family were quite blessed to spend their summer vacation going to school. Sharing in the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet is a special kindred connection. And though culturally there are many differences within their school experience, the SJJG student and the OLP girl share holistic educational learning and a dedication to the underlying mission they are taught. Just like in scripture where it is depicted that “iron sharpens iron,” the Cerquiera family and Saint Joseph Joshi Gakuen were the perfect match of mutual encouragement.

This November 4-6, OLP is looking forward to welcoming Sister Grace Saito (among others) to the 2nd Annual CSJ/SSJ Association gathering. You can read more about the upcoming CSJ/SSJ Association Meeting on page 20.

Japan

Clockwise from top left: A view of the school from the exterior. The students of SJJG in their classroom. OLP Head of School Lauren Lek with SJJG Principal, Sr. Grace Saito. The uniform options vary with the seasons. SJJG students Akari Ikeda, Miki Tokunaga, Marin Sakaguchi, Marina Ito, Honami Yoneyama, and Ayumi Oda.

The Cerquiera’s learned that there are many nuances within the ceremony itself that have deep significance and symbolic meaning within the Japanese culture.

Stefania and Camila were surprised to learn that English is required for all students and it is the only foreign language taught at SJJG. Additionally, they learned there are several uniform styles that are used depending on the season and the event. Uniforms with blazers are

worn during the fall and winter, while the light gray and white uniform dresses are worn in the

springtime and the summer. The students of SJJG have a PE uniform dress which

is used year-round. While visiting with the students, they learned

that the SJJG curriculum is similar to OLP, and students have a normal amount of homework. The SJJG girl also takes part in extracurricular activities such as music, athletics and hobbies. They even have an Enjoy Speaking English Club, which to the native English speakers proved quite fascinating! But the highlight of the visit, as shared directly by Stefania and Camila, was their introduction to the music

club. This club includes a group of students from all

grades that are very dedicated

14 | OLP Magazine

CSJ/SSJ Association Meeting

We look forward to hosting the 2nd Annual CSJ/SSJ Association Meeting on the OLP Campus November 4-6, 2015. We’ll be welcoming more than 20 CSJ-sponsored secondary schools and CSJ organizations to promote the CSJ/SSJ charism, continue dialogue on forming an association, and grow together in community as we all further propel the Mission of our CSJ/SSJ schools.

You can learn more about the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in the family tree to the right.

Our Family Tree Congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph Throughout the World

Founding Dates of Our SchoolsCarondelet Sisters of St. JosephSt. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis, Missouri founded in 1840

St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City Missouri founded in 1866

Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota founded in 1877

Academy of Our Lady of Peace in San Diego, California founded in 1882

St. Mary’ Academy in Inglewood, California founded in 1889

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

St. Joseph’s High School in Lakewood, California founded in 1964

Carondelet High School in Concord, California founded in 1965

Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota founded in 1987

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

Congregation of St. JosephSt. Joseph Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana founded in 1868

St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio founded in 1890

Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois founded in 1900

Congregation of Sisters of St. Josephof Brentwood, New YorkSt. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1904

The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, New York founded in 1936

Fontbonne Hall Academy in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1937

Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn New York founded in 1961

Academia Maria Reina in San Juan, Porte Ricco founded in 1966

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Josephof BostonSt. Joseph Preparatory High School in Brighton, Massachusetts founded in 1885

Fontbonne Academy in Milton, Massachusetts founded in 1954

Sisters of St. JosephMount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, Pennsylvania founded in 1858

Immaculate Heart Central High School in Watertown, New York founded in 1881

Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee, Massachusetts founded in 1963

Canadian Federation U.S. Federation

Italian FederationFrench Federation

St. Etienne

De LugDarès

1849

Le Puy1650

Vivier

s1660

Rodez

1824

Annecy1833chambéry1812

N.D. de

chambriac

1732

Champagnole

1851

BorDeaux1840

St. Vallier

1683

Lyon1808

Bourg

1823

1996

Le Puy1650

Cler

mot

1723

InstitutSt. Joseph

19931996

Susa

1867 Ao

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1831

Pinerolo

1825 cuneo1831

Torino1821

instituto delle

duore di san Guiseppe

2006

Novara1826

orange1912

Superior, WI

1907

La Grange1899

Fall

river, m

a 1902

Buenos Aires,

Argentina

1882

Philaelphia,

Chesnut hill

1847

(canandaigua)

Roschester1854

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igua)

Buff

alo1854

Wichita

1888

Concordia

1883

Watertown

1880

Brentwood1856 congregation ofst. joseph1899

Wheeling1853

nasa

reth

1889Springfield

1883

Boston1873

Rutland, VT1873

Erie1860

Cleveland

1872

Baden

1869

Tipton

1888

Medaille

1977

St. A

ugus

tine

1866

Carondelet

1836

corozal, Puerto Rico

1976

1986

1974

2001

1986

Pembroke1921

Sault Ste. Marie

1936

Pete

rsbo

roug

h1890

Hamilton1852

London

1868

Toro

nto

1851

Our Family Tree Congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph Throughout the World

Founding Dates of Our SchoolsCarondelet Sisters of St. JosephSt. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis, Missouri founded in 1840

St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City Missouri founded in 1866

Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota founded in 1877

Academy of Our Lady of Peace in San Diego, California founded in 1882

St. Mary’ Academy in Inglewood, California founded in 1889

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

St. Joseph’s High School in Lakewood, California founded in 1964

Carondelet High School in Concord, California founded in 1965

Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota founded in 1987

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

Congregation of St. JosephSt. Joseph Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana founded in 1868

St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio founded in 1890

Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois founded in 1900

Congregation of Sisters of St. Josephof Brentwood, New YorkSt. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1904

The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, New York founded in 1936

Fontbonne Hall Academy in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1937

Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn New York founded in 1961

Academia Maria Reina in San Juan, Porte Ricco founded in 1966

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Josephof BostonSt. Joseph Preparatory High School in Brighton, Massachusetts founded in 1885

Fontbonne Academy in Milton, Massachusetts founded in 1954

Sisters of St. JosephMount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, Pennsylvania founded in 1858

Immaculate Heart Central High School in Watertown, New York founded in 1881

Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee, Massachusetts founded in 1963

Canadian Federation U.S. Federation

Italian FederationFrench Federation

St. Etienne

De LugDarès

1849

Le Puy1650

Vivier

s1660

Rodez

1824

Annecy1833chambéry1812

N.D. de

chambriac

1732

Champagnole

1851

BorDeaux1840

St. Vallier

1683

Lyon1808

Bourg

1823

1996

Le Puy1650

Cler

mot

1723

InstitutSt. Joseph

19931996

Susa

1867 Ao

sta

1831

Pinerolo

1825 cuneo1831

Torino1821

instituto delle

duore di san Guiseppe

2006

Novara1826

orange1912

Superior, WI

1907

La Grange1899

Fall

river, m

a 1902

Buenos Aires,

Argentina

1882

Philaelphia,

Chesnut hill

1847

(canandaigua)

Roschester1854

(cananda

igua)

Buff

alo1854

Wichita

1888

Concordia

1883

Watertown

1880

Brentwood1856 congregation ofst. joseph1899

Wheeling1853

nasa

reth

1889Springfield

1883

Boston1873

Rutland, VT1873

Erie1860

Cleveland

1872

Baden

1869

Tipton

1888

Medaille

1977

St. A

ugus

tine

1866

Carondelet

1836

corozal, Puerto Rico

1976

1986

1974

2001

1986

Pembroke1921

Sault Ste. Marie

1936

Pete

rsbo

roug

h1890

Hamilton1852

London

1868

Toro

nto

1851

Our Family Tree Congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph Throughout the World

Founding Dates of Our SchoolsCarondelet Sisters of St. JosephSt. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis, Missouri founded in 1840

St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City Missouri founded in 1866

Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota founded in 1877

Academy of Our Lady of Peace in San Diego, California founded in 1882

St. Mary’ Academy in Inglewood, California founded in 1889

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

St. Joseph’s High School in Lakewood, California founded in 1964

Carondelet High School in Concord, California founded in 1965

Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota founded in 1987

St. Joshi Gakuen in Japan founded in 1959

Congregation of St. JosephSt. Joseph Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana founded in 1868

St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio founded in 1890

Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois founded in 1900

Congregation of Sisters of St. Josephof Brentwood, New YorkSt. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1904

The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, New York founded in 1936

Fontbonne Hall Academy in Brooklyn, New York founded in 1937

Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn New York founded in 1961

Academia Maria Reina in San Juan, Porte Ricco founded in 1966

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Josephof BostonSt. Joseph Preparatory High School in Brighton, Massachusetts founded in 1885

Fontbonne Academy in Milton, Massachusetts founded in 1954

Sisters of St. JosephMount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, Pennsylvania founded in 1858

Immaculate Heart Central High School in Watertown, New York founded in 1881

Holyoke Catholic High School in Chicopee, Massachusetts founded in 1963

Canadian Federation U.S. Federation

Italian FederationFrench Federation

St. Etienne

De LugDarès

1849

Le Puy1650

Vivier

s1660

Rodez

1824

Annecy1833chambéry1812

N.D. de

chambriac

1732

Champagnole

1851

BorDeaux1840

St. Vallier

1683

Lyon1808

Bourg

1823

1996

Le Puy1650

Cler

mot

1723

InstitutSt. Joseph

19931996

Susa

1867 Ao

sta

1831

Pinerolo

1825 cuneo1831

Torino1821

instituto delle

duore di san Guiseppe

2006

Novara1826

orange1912

Superior, WI

1907

La Grange1899

Fall

river, m

a 1902

Buenos Aires,

Argentina

1882

Philaelphia,

Chesnut hill

1847

(canandaigua)

Roschester1854

(cananda

igua)

Buff

alo1854

Wichita

1888

Concordia

1883

Watertown

1880

Brentwood1856 congregation ofst. joseph1899

Wheeling1853

nasa

reth

1889Springfield

1883

Boston1873

Rutland, VT1873

Erie1860

Cleveland

1872

Baden

1869

Tipton

1888

Medaille

1977

St. A

ugus

tine

1866Carondelet

1836

corozal, Puerto Rico

1976

1986

1974

2001

1986

Pembroke1921

Sault Ste. Marie

1936

Pete

rsbo

roug

h1890

Hamilton1852

London

1868

Toro

nto

1851

Above tree is an adaptation of the original heart graphic created by Sister Kari Pohl CSJ.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

Fall 2015 | 15

On Saturday September 19, 2015, seven girls, and I attended the 2015 Women’s Leadership Conference at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. It was a day none of us will soon forget because we were afforded the opportunity to hear from many powerful, inspiring women. In addition to the impressive speakers, the beauty of the campus stunned us. Many girls commented that it reminded them of our own Academy’s grounds, most likely because the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded both schools.

First we heard from Lateefah Simon, the Program Director for the Rosenberg Foundation. She shared with us her life story and how perseverance has paved her pathway to success. Though she has had to overcome major obstacles, like having a baby as a teenager and, years later, losing her husband to leukemia, she has remained steadfast in her advocacy for others. Her efforts have paid off, as

today she is a prominent civil rights leader. She encouraged us to be promoters of change for our communities and ourselves. Before ending her address, she announced that she would be running

for office. Not surprisingly, the crowd went wild.

Another speaker we heard from was Nichol Whiteman, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. She shared with us her advice for succeeding in a male-dominated workplace. At the foundation women

make up approximately 10% of the leadership team. She also spoke about ways to create change for women in today’s society. The tips she gave us include, never stop learning, stay on your toes,

mentor others, and work hard.

2015 Women’s Leadership Conference at Mount Saint Mary’s University

She encouraged us to be advocates of change for ourselves because we have to be leaders in our community.

Before we arrived back to campus, we dined together and enjoyed sharing our personal highlights from the day

over a meal. It was certainly an experience we’ll hold with us forever. I would encourage other students at OLP to apply to attend next year’s conference. It’s sure to change your life, like it did mine!

By Eva Curiel ’16

Two circles: The OLP students who attended the Leadership Conference enjoyed lunch at the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum. Ann McElaney-Johnson, President of Mount St. Mary’s University spoke at the conference.

16 | OLP Magazine

Berlin

Paris

Boston

Fall 2015 | 17

From Provence to Paris | JULY 11-21, 2016 Nice, Provence, Le Puy en Velay & Paris: A pilgrimage to learn the stories of our Sisters of St. Joseph

Available to All Class Levels

Please join us for an in-depth 10-day excursion to France this summer! We will begin our journey in Nice, on the French Riviera and travel north through Provence, to Avignon, Le Puy en Velay, Lyon and end our trip in Paris.

Over a year in the planning, this custom trip for the OLP community was designed to not only explore France but also to pay a very special visit to the beautifully cobblestoned street town of Le Puy en Velay where the Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in 1650. Working

with the International Centre in Le Puy we have arranged a private visit to “the Kitchen” the very room where those first six women, the Council of 6 met for the first time. This will be the first time that a trip with this special opportunity has been offered students in the CSJ tradition!

Aside from the visit to Le Puy en Velay, we will visit Nice with the blue waters of the Cote d’Azur, Provence, known for its beautiful countryside so beloved by such artists as Cezanne, Van Gogh and

Monet; Avignon, the seat of the Papacy in the 1400’s; and of course Paris, the city of lights and a destination that one never tires of visiting. Our trip provides center city accommodations and upgraded hotels and food.

This is truly a wonderful opportunity for our students (all grade levels), parents, alumnae - for the entire OLP community AND SPACE IS LIMITED!

Please note: Previous travelers with EF receive $100 discount for trip fee.

Berlin, Prague & The Alps | MARCH 21-30, 2016 Available to All Class Levels

» Please explore the details of this trip including price here: http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1683833EP and contact Mrs. Jeanette Handelsman ([email protected]) or Kathleen Guerin ([email protected]) for more information.

Spend 10 days traveling through central Europe, seeing the remains of the Berlin Wall, discovering the fairy tale charm of Prague, and taking in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Students will see first-hand

the history that they’ve learned about in the classroom, all while enjoying the sights and culture throughout Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.

All inclusive: Airline ticket, upgraded hotels, upgraded meals, private coach and added excursions.

» Please explore the details of this trip including price here: http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1770313ZA and contact Mrs. Shawn Hanley ([email protected]) for more information.

Boston & New York College Tour | MARCH 28-APRIL 2, 2016 Available to Junior and Senior StudentsThis trip is a great introduction to college touring, allowing students to explore many different types of schools and gain confidence as they create their college list. Traveling with a group removes

the anxiety and expense of your family planning a trip, buying multiple plane tickets, renting a car, finding hotel rooms, and designing an itinerary. Your future visits as a family will also be more

productive by focusing on their top choice schools.

» Please explore the details of this trip including price here: http://www.efexploreamerica.com/tour-website/1726866dh and contact Mrs. Teri Heard ([email protected]) for more information.

IT IS WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT and anticipation that we announce the 2015-2016 Travel Program for the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. We are sponsoring three trips, each with its own special emphasis and opportunity, giving our students the chance to explore the world outside of the walls of OLP, in fact, outside the boundaries of their own country. This travel program provides interested students an insight into the diversity and cultural differences as seen through the countries and regions in which they visit. They will also

engage in meeting the differences of the world as viewed through the lens of the CSJ charism. Not only will they develop real life skills not learned in the classroom, such as budgeting their time and money within the realm of foreign currency and time zones, but they will also learn to navigate within new environments maintaining a high standard of character with their foreign counterparts. Additional trips will be featured in our e-newsletter, which includes two trips in partnership with Saints.

18 | OLP Magazine

my commitment to being all in for olp starts today.

Tuition today does not cover all it costs to educate our students. The gifts collected through the annual campaign directly support our students and our programs. An investment in the annual campaign can be designated in one of three ways….• To support student scholarships; • Classroom furniture that will be immediately purchased after reaching each increment of

$10,000; • In the Carondelet fund that supports athletics, clubs, innovative programs, technology,

educational enhancement, campus maintenance, and much more!

we need you, our alums, Alum Parents & Community & friends of OLP to join us!

Visit aolp.org/giving to make your one-time or recurring gift today!

O u r G o a l i s 1 0 0 % p a r t i c i p a t i o n 100% of faculty, staff and Board Members gave to be All in For OLP.

99.9% of all current OLP families gave to be All in For OLP. Join with them so you can be All in For OLP!

Fall 2015 | 19

A gift of $25 per month, adds up to:• $75 per quarter• $300 per year

A gift of $50 per month, adds up to:• $150 per quarter• $600 per year

A gift of $75 per month, adds up to:• $225 per quarter• $900 per year

A gift of $100 per month, adds up to:• $300 per quarter• $1,200 per year

S T U D E N Tp a r t i c i p at i o n

O u r G o a l i s 1 0 0 % participationO u r G o a l i s 1 0 0 % participation

T u i t i o n t o d ay, d o e s n o t c o v e r a l l t h at i t c o s t s t o e d u c at e a s t u d e n t. �

1.2.

3.

To support student scholarships

In the Carondelet fund that supports athletics, clubs, innovative programs, technology and much more!

Your gift directly goes to support all 750 students!

O L P i s c o m m i t t e d t o p r o v i d i n g a n e x e m p l a r y a l l- g i r l s c at h o l i c c o l l e g e - p r e p a r at o r y e d u c at i o n t h at i s a c c e s s i b l e t o a n y f a m i ly.

S T U D E N Tp a r t i c i p at i o n

•� All students who have participated will receive “All in for OLP” t-shirt that they can wear every Friday on Spirit Fridays

•� Goal, by the end of September 2015 reach 100% percent participation

•� Sections that reach 100% will receive a donut party at section

9.3THur

9.10THur

9.17THur

9.24THur

IMPORTANTINFO there will be Excellent prizes!

S t u d e n t i n c e n t i v e s

s c h o o lw i d ei n c e n t i v e

did you know?

Where Do your funds go?

OLP is a gift given to each & every young woman

The cost of education continues to increase, as do the needs around this historic campus. This year, our focus is on replacing the antiquated student desks with new furniture. Each chair costs approximately $100, and a desk is $200, with an entire classroom costing $10,000. Thus far, we have raised enough for 4 classrooms, but we have 20 left to go! Giving is easy! Go online to the aolp.org website and help us secure a desk or a chair or two. Funds can also be allocated to student scholarships or the Carondelet Annual Fund. Every gift makes a difference to our students.

For 134 years, the girls who have attended OLP, have left prepared to compete on a global scale as exemplary academic scholars and women of faith. There is nothing that an OLP graduate cannot undertake--her education and relationships with her “sisters” have helped her achieve that. Now is the time to give that same gift to the next generation of girls by giving back to OLP. We need the support of all our alumnae and each alumnae family to ensure our programs are able to continue. No amount is too small to help touch the lives of our students today and strengthen OLP for years to come. Don’t hesitate--give now and become

All In For OLP.

For questions, or other giving opporrtunities, contact Ingrid de Llamas at [email protected] or 619-725-9188

20 | OLP Magazine

This summer I spent two weeks in Costa Rica and Panama through Outward Bound, a non-profit, outdoor-education organization. They were weeks filled with fun, laughter, new friends, eye-opening experiences, and community service. When I touched down in Costa Rica, I was little terrified, but mostly excited. The following day was spent assisting with reforesting. Together, my service partners and I carried 80 pounds of trees through a river and up hills. The combination of the weight and the distance made my arms feel as though they would fall off. But seeing all the newly planted trees in the rainforest at the day’s end made it well worth it. Once that project wrapped, we were off to Talamanca, a small village in Costa Rica.

Talamanca is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is extremely green. To get there we crossed a river on a motorized canoe, and then hitched a ride in the back of a truck that drove us through rivers and the rainforest floor. In Talamanca we laid a walkway from the shower to the school. To accomplish the work, the entire community – from little kids to adults – pitched in. Seeing their smiles motivated me to carry the heavy bags of sand from the riverbank to the school. After we completed the walkway, the members of the village gathered round and everyone had a smile from ear to ear. As I wiped cement off my tired legs, I couldn’t help but smile, too.

My favorite part of Talamanca was

By Gabriela Silva ’17spending time with the children of the town. One special little girl, Juli, and I became fast friends. I came to call her Paquete – the Spanish word for packet – for that was the word I was teaching my friend when I met her. Paquete is nine years old and quite possibly the most helpful girl in the world. On our last day in Talamanca we hiked to the home of Ronan, the village leader. The treacherous trek included muddy, slippery hills and countless rivers. Paquete held my hand the entire time, steadying me as I worked to find my footing. She would giggle every time I would let out a squeal, as I almost fell in the mud or slipped on the rocks while crossing the river. Though perilous, that hike remains one of my fondest memories. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but we had one more stop before heading home.

the size of my palm – crawl towards the ocean, was incredible. Before we released them we gave each a name. Their monikers included Tupac the turtle, Chevy Chase, Phillip, and Two Chains. We spent the next few days looking for nests with sea turtle eggs, releasing turtles, and cleaning the beach. One night we found a possum in one of our rooms, and I was so proud that I was able to use my recently acquired biology knowledge to tell my friends about placentals. My time in San Pond Sak was incredible and filled with many laughs.

After the service work ended, we spent time rafting, zip lining, repelling, and shopping. Not too shabby, right? The two weeks I spent in Costa Rica and Panama were hands-down the best of my life. Though I went to help others – to build essential infrastructure for a community and give back to mother nature – I ended up helping myself, too. I learned about myself, experienced new ideas and ways of living, and soaked up lots and lots of raindrops. This service trip helped me put le prochain into action while improving my Spanish. Though I came back covered in bug bites, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Talamanca is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

It was a 45-minute boat ride to San Pond Sak, where we did sea turtle conservation work. Within minutes of our arrival we were charged with releasing sea turtles. We went to the hatchery and removed the turtles from their nests. There, in front of the hatchery, we measured, weighed, and recorded the measurements and weight of every turtle, and then released them, one by one. Watching the sea turtles – cute, little creatures approximately

Service Knows No Bounds: Costa Rica

Fall 2015 | 21

In accordance with Pope Francis’ encyclical “Caring for Creation and the Poorest Among Us” released this year, we, as a school community chose “Show the Love” as our 2015-2016 mission statement. God’s creation goes far beyond the limits of our imagination. The earth-humankind relationship is a mutualistic one; as we care for creation, creation will provide for us. Pope Francis reminds us, “We need to see, with the eyes of faith, the beauty of God’s saving plan, the link between the natural environment and the dignity of the human person.”

The common quality among the inhabitants of the world is that we are children of God who deserve love, respect, and an equal opportunity to flourish and thrive. To “show the love” means to take action on behalf of the poorest among us, to reach out to those who are not only

Community ConnectionsFACULTY/STAFF RETREAT TO CARONDELET CENTER This past August, before moving into the 2015-2016 academic year, the faculty and staff traveled north to Los Angeles where they spent time in retreat amongst the CSJ sisters at the Carondelet Center. The focus of the retreat was to further the understanding of the charism, “unifying love” and who better to lead the discussion than Sr. Pat Nelson, CSJ. The unification process began early in the morning as everyone loaded into two charter buses. The tight quarters and length of the commute provided ample opportunity for OLP faculty and staff, new and veteran, to become acquainted and reunite after a summer break.

The complications that arose as a result of the large buses and the narrow, winding roads of Brentwood provided opportunities to apply another charism: “love the dear neighbor.” This was especially true when the bus became stuck and blocked traffic, which was not a welcomed event for the residents of the hill. Arriving at the Carondelet Center after the adventure of the ride, Sr. Pat Nelson and others greeted our group with love and hospitality.

We gathered together as a community, and actively learned from our presenter and each other. Sr. Pat began the

2015-2016 IS THE YEAR OF

Showing the Love...

1. The logo to accompany the 2015-2016 mission statement of Show the Love. 2. Faculty & staff traveled to Carondelet Center to visit with CSJ Sisters. 3. Faculty, staff and their families started “showing the love” at the very start of the school year with a family potluck. OLP students ran with the “show the love” theme and visited with CSJ Sisters at Carondelet Center. 4. Even our alums embraced the “show the love” theme. The Class of 1990 held their reunion on campus and took a photo inside one of the classrooms; The Class of 2012 came back to OLP for an impromptu visit; The Class of 1975 posed for a photo at their 40th reunion on North Terrace.

poor in material wealth, but also those who are poor in spirit, poor in love, poor in faith, poor in peace, or poor in hope. By acting as a voice for the voiceless, we can surpass the expected standard of caring, and act in service to the “dear neighbor.” In doing so, we will show our love for God’s creation. We will work together to truly create a Heaven on Earth for when we

cherish the beauty and meaning in creation, we will also understand the value of human life.

It is also important to remember the beloved words of our CSJs, “gentleness, peace, and joy.” These are the gifts that we must use to care for creation and the poorest among us. If one possesses these qualities of gentleness, peace, and joy, what else is needed? We will

live out the Sisters’ charism while reflecting on Pope Francis’ message about how to care

for God’s creation and honor the dignity of the human person. The students, faculty, staff, parents

and alumnae have all been living out this theme. Below are just a few ways we’ve “shown the love” so far this year.

The day bestowed the opportunity for both new and tenured faculty and staff to engage with the rich legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, just in time for the start of the school year. Each member of the OLP team was blessed to retreat alongside the sisters who demonstrate daily the charism, “unifying love.”

workshop by asking questions that underscored our personal and professional commonalities. For example, “Who here is a parent?” and “Who here has taught at OLP for more than 10 years?” As faculty and staff rose she allowed us to see – literally – our connections. She then used that message to bring us into a more full understanding of our commitment to each other through the shared mission we serve by way of the Academy. An additional highlight of the day was the opportunity to dine and spend time with sisters who had either taught at OLP or who are alumnae. It was a blessing to share that experience with the sisters who have faithfully provided leadership and vision to OLP for many years.

2

3

Service Knows No Bounds: Costa Rica

4

22 | OLP Magazine

PilotsTake Flight

{ A l u m n a e N e w s }

50s

60s

70s

Alice gonzalez ’72 works as the kindergarten teacher at St. Martin of Tours Academy. Her daughter, Amy ’13 SDSU as an Accounting major. This fall Amy will be studying abroad as part of the SDSU business exchange program. She will attend the University of Hertfordshire in London where she’ll spend 5 months taking a full load of business courses in her major. Amy’s close friends from OLP will also be in Europe at the same time as part of their study abroad programs-- Kelly Walsh ’13 and Sara Poiset ’13 will be in Ireland. Christina Gallo ’13 will be in Italy and McCall Wells will study in Argentina. The girls plan to meet up for a gathering while they’re all in Europe.

Daina collins ’74 recently flew from her home in Maui, HI to host a book reading at the Point Loma home of Connie Degrazier Cresci ‘74. Many women from the Class of 1974 attended the reading and had “a raucous good time!”

ann burkhardt simmons ’68 recently traveled to Massachusetts with her husband for grandson, Asher Thomas’ , reception of the Sacrament of Baptism.

Recently the class of 1970 had their reunion, and for their donation to the school, they chose to donate to the OLP theatre department. Here is Cheryl Perry ’70 presenting the check to OLP’s Drama teacher Kathleen Herb-baker ’70. The drama program is grateful for the donation, and will use it for more LED (low wattage, ecological) theatre lights.

Karene evenson ’56 got together to share memories with her classmates recently. Pat Thompson Simons ‘56 traveled from Arizona to join Karene and classmates as Anthony’s for dinner. All is well with the class of 1956! Above, from left to right: Mary Ellen Hill Klataske ‘56, Gail Evans Dowliing ‘56, Barbara Rivard ‘56, Peggy Mandolf van dan Akker ‘56, Jackie Kerkoff Bennett ‘56 and Emily Riley Hedgpeth ‘56.

80s

Laurie spence stevens ’83 was recently promoted to Nordstrom in Puerto Rico as the HR Manager. She is living in Puerto Rico and loving it!

Fall 2015 | 23

‘80 Jubilee

We remember our beloved alumnae & former teachers who have gone to their eternal rest.

Sr. Magdalen Marie Crivello ’47

Susan L. Cope ’83Sr. M. Madeline Therese, CSC

Sr. Mary Joann Lindenfeld

Sr. Marylouis Markel

Meghan Weller ’00

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

MEMORIAM

DeLora faaborg ’08 graduated with an ACS-Certified degree in Bio-chemistry from USD in Spring 2014, and as of November 2014, has been working in a North Park brewery called The Homebrewer, linked with the Home Brewing Co. as their brew-ery biochemist, as well as working in the Home Brewing Co. tasting room, and as an assistant homebrewer in The Homebrewer resource center.

Reunions Contact [email protected] for more info

Inlena vessell king ’85 and her husband Justin celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past June. Congratulations Lena & Justin. Lena’s daughter Madeleine King is a Junior at OLP.

jennifer gutierrez ’12 started her final year at the University of San Francisco where she is majoring in Architecture & Community Design, and minoring in Urban Agriculture.She spent her last semester abroad in London where she completed an internship with an environmental charity called Groundwork that focuses on creating sustainable communities. She worked closely with the landscape architecture team to design outdoor spaces as part of a project to climate-proof housing.She also spent time in Paris and Copenhagen, as well as several cities around England, like Oxford, Brighton, Cambridge, Bath, and Canterbury. The photo above is of Jennifer at Roman Baths.

For Years: 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961 | Date: Feb. 27, 2016Event: Save the date for the Jubilee Luncheon

For Year: 1980 | Date: Nov. 14, 2015 Contact: Kathy Leach [email protected]

90sLaura clark ’93 got engaged on January 2, 2015 and will marry Joseph Fee on June 11, 2016. Congrats Laura!

00s

amy easterling ’98 married David Blake on May 15, 2015, at Steele Canyon Golf Club in Jamul, CA. One of her bridesmaids was Rhiannon Dube Meshot, class of 1999. Congrats Amy & David!

NONPROFIT ORG.U. S. POSTAGE

PAIDSan Diego, CA

Permit No. 1592

November » Nov. 3 & 17: 7 a.m. Morning Mass & 7:45 a.m. Parents

in Prayer (You’re Invited!)» Nov. 4-6: CSJ/SSJ Association Meeting & Senior Retreat» Nov. 6, 8, 12-14: Fall Production of Anything Goes

(You’re Invited!)» Nov. 24: Grandparents Day » Nov. 25-27: School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday» Nov. 30: No School for All in For OLP Recognition Day

December» Dec. 1 & 15: 7 a.m. Morning Mass & 7:45 a.m. Parents

in Prayer (You’re Invited!)

» Dec. 8: Mass of the Immaculate Conception (You’re Invited!)

» Dec. 10: Christmas at Our House & Candlelight Procession (You’re Invited!)

» Dec. 12: BeYOUtiful Event: For 6-8th Grade Girls

» Dec. 21-Jan. 4: Christmas Vacation

O U R L A D Y O F

F O U N D E D 1 8 8 2

PEACE

A C A D E M Y O F

4860 Oregon St.San Diego, CA 92116

February» Feb. 5: Alum Reconnect hosted by Lauren Lek & Jessica

Hooper in Boston (email [email protected] details to come!)

» Feb. 6: Alum Reconnect hosted by Lauren Lek & Jessica Hooper in New York (email [email protected] details to come!)

» Feb. 26-27: Spring Sing Performances

» Feb. 27: Jewel Jubilee Luncheon: Classes of ’46, ’51, ’56, ’61

March »March12:L’affaireenBloomGala&

Auction» March 18: 2nd Annual OLP Women’s

Symposium» March 21-April 1:Easter Vacation

April» April 30: STEAM Day: For 7th & 8th Grade Girls

May» May 25: OLP Baccalaureate Mass

» May 26: OLP Commencement Ceremony


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