nardin today: the magazine for the nardin...

nardin

Encouraging student choice and voice

N A R D I N TO DAY : T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E N A R D I N AC A D E M Y COM M U N I T Y

S PR I N G 2 0 1 6

President's Reflection • Classroom News • Yoga at Nardin • Reunion 2016 • Alumni Spotlights

2 Nardin Today Spring 2016

Nardin Elementary third graders work at the classroom's ActivTable, an interactive learning tool that allows up to six students to work simultaneously.

Photo: Julina Marie Photography

3Nardin Today Spring 2016

CONTENTS Spring 2016

NARDIN TODAY: The magazine for the Nardin Academy community

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 President's Desk A reflection from Marsha Joy Sullivan

5 Community Q&A Community members share their thoughts

6 In Focus All-Academy images of students in action

8 Class Acts News from in and out of Nardin’s classrooms

24 Alumni Sightings Images of our dedicated graduates reconnecting

26 Alumni Spotlight Nardin alums doing amazing things

30 Alumni Reunion Images of our celebrating classes

32 Nardin Notes Updates from our alumni community

20 ENGAGING EVERY MIND

18 YOGA AT NARDIN 30 REUNION 2016

FEATURES


president's desk

It is such a pleasure to be backat Nardin and to observe all ofthe creative and collaborativelessons and projects that

are being worked on across theAcademy.

This issue of Nardin Today highlightsmeaningful, passionate, imaginative,and cooperative work which is taking

place in Montessori, elementary, and high school classrooms, onplaying fields, and beyond.

Nardin’s commitment to progressive instruction, project-basedlearning, and the empowerment of students in their own educationis evident in the student experience here. Our technologyadvancements, active learning environments, and curriculumenhancements are present at every level of the Academy.

Our 21st century and multi-age classrooms support variouslearning styles and allow students to function effectively asmembers of a team. And, Nardin's dedicated faculty and staffconsistently offer innovative opportunities for our children andyoung adults to find their voice.

I hope that, as you read these stories, you will see that our schoolcontinues to provide students of all ages an enriching academicexperience, one that enables our boys and girls to develop theirtalents and nurture their potential in unique, individual ways.

Sincerely,

Marsha Joy SullivanInterim President

Nardin TodaySpring 2016

Amazing things for the world...At Nardin Academy, we believe that every student

has the potential to do amazing things. As an independent Catholic school, with a focus on

academic excellence, Nardin helps students to develop their individual talents and to cultivate their intellect, character and courage to make a difference

in the world.

ADMINISTRATION

Marsha Joy Sullivan

Interim President

Leslie Johnson

VP, Finance and Operations

Catharine Miles-Kania ‘92

VP, Enrollment Management

Kathleen A. Naughton

VP, Institutional Advancement

Margaret Abels

Elementary School Principal

Rebecca Reeder

High School Principal

Kristin Whitlock

Montessori Principal

NARDIN TODAY

Laura Caya

Editor and Designer

Jennifer Westerholt ’95

Editor and Writer

Joanna Batt

Rebecca Klauk Braungart ’01

Diana Mura Maskell ’05

Catharine Miles-Kania ’92

Kathleen A. Naughton

Martha Papiernik

Joan Ricca

Alexandra Tramposch ’05

Editorial Committee

Special thanks for proofreading:

Cheryl Ranney and Iris Skoog

Julina Marie Photography

Cover Photo

Nardin Today is published twice annually by the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Nondiscrimination Policy: Nardin Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does

not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.


community q&a>> In each issue, members of the Nardin community will share their thoughts on the publication's theme.

QUESTION: What's one way you were creative or collaborative this year?

Karen Adelsberger House '04Alumna

"As a music therapist for kids with special needs, I am constantly collaborating with Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists. While my students and I are simply “having fun” playing instruments or singing together, I am actually designing and providing specific interventions to address their goals for these related therapies."

Savana Castelli '18High school sophomore

"The Slinky physics lab was very creative and collaborative! We worked together in our lab groups to demonstrate the motion of a wave and to demonstrate different types of waves. As a group, we had to come up with a way to figure out if two wave pulses, coming from different sides, pass through each other or just bounce back. Each group came up with a different way and together figured out that they do pass through!"

Luke BiharyElementary seventh grader

“I play basketball, lacrosse, and soccer, and my teams work together everyday. We have each other’s backs, because one man can’t do the job alone.”

Audrey MaskellMontessori early childhood program

"On Earth Day we all dug holes and planted strawberries with Miss C."

Tom MichalsHigh school faculty

"Assistant Principal Kara Schwabel and I developed a creativity professional development workshop and were excited about the response we received from the three faculties. We believe that every Nardin educator utilizes creativity in their teaching, and we hope to provide additional ways that this creativity can be enhanced and maximized."

For the Love of LearningThe Nardin TalesWith all that is currently happening at Nardin, and with the stories that are highlighted in this issue, the themes of creativity and collaboration naturally emerged. Students at every level of the Academy are exposed to and benefit from unique, cooperative coursework.

Mrs. Lorence’s ninth period AP English Language class is one such example. This past winter, students were assigned to work in groups and write a modern version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s moral stories from The Canterbury Tales. The result was so impressive that the collection was published as The Nardin Tales and was distributed to each member of the class.

The girls also formed an independent book club, to spend time reading for pleasure, aside from the demanding syllabus. Each student presented a favorite book, and the group held an exchange, so that they could all read a book that was outside of their normal tastes and comfort zones.

“Everyone's favorite books somehow represented them,” said Abbi Delmonte. “It was intriguing to discover how each person who read the book got something different from it and shared that experience with us. It was a nice way to learn about new genres and books we wouldn't normally pick up to read, as well as it being a fun way to learn something new about our classmates.”

The Nardin Tales is available in the Koessler Family Library Media Center. n

“Everyone's favorite books

Written and Illustrated by the Nardin AcademyJuniors in Period 9AP English Language and Composition2015-2016

6 Nardin Today Fall 2015

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MARTHA PAPIERNIK

7Nardin Today Fall 2015

in focus>> In each issue, you will see Academy-wide images of Nardin students in action.

(1) A hands-on Montessori lesson takes shape (2) Rosarium staff: the high school yearbook was chosen by publisher, Herff Jones as a national sample book (3) Will Power’s student presenters (4) Buffalo Bills receivers coach and current parent, Sanjay Lal, reviews plays with a kindergator (5) Seventh and eighth graders hold a human brain at the Gates Vascular Institute’s Brain Boot Camp (6) St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Math Contest winners (7) High school orchestra practicing for their spring concert (8) First graders celebrate 100 days of school (9) Knitting in Montessori elementary (10) Montessori’s Monet Room creates their class art project for Fortune Gala (11) Nardin’s team tied for first in the “crash test dummy” event at the Physics Olympics in March1

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JULINA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

JULINA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

ANNE CASPER


class acts

A West Ferry Study of the Far EastMontessori students learn about Japan

Children in the Montessori Matisse Room have spent the last several months focusing on the society, food, art, and clothing of Japan.

The group of two-and-a-half to six year olds enjoyed all aspects of a geographical unit on the Asian country, including readings and art, through which they identified squares and circles through Japanese sculpture and wooden toys. In late winter, the students hosted a sushi party for parents at which they followed recipes, set up food stations, and served noodles, eggs, and salmon.

The children also learned about family customs and culture. On March 3rd, they celebrated Hina Matsuri,

also known as Girls Day, which is a traditional Japanese holiday to wish for the health and success of girls.

In alignment with the Montessori philosophy, Kodomo-no-hi, observed on May 5th, the fifth day of the fifth month, is Children’s Day, a day to respect children’s unique personalities and to celebrate their happiness. The class completed the unit with a trip to Sato Restaurant, where they tasted authentic Japanese cuisine, and they visited the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival in Delaware Park. n

Visit www.nardin.org for the latest news and updates. You can also follow us on:

>> In each issue, Nardin news from in and out of the classroom is showcased.

class acts


Instead of a test at the conclusion of the sixth grade social studies month-long unit on Ancient Egypt, teacher Nicole Beahan instructed her class that their assessment was to create a movie.

Students were given a rubric outlining the project expectations and a storyboard to map out their task.

Groups performed extensive research on an Ancient Egyptian-related topic, citing at least three sources. They then developed and wrote a script, acted, edited, and used a green

screen for filming, incorporating an ancient scene as background.

“Students filmed time machine travel, an ancient fashion and makeup report, a rap, and a video on the pastimes of the era,” said Beahan. “They learned how to work together, with some kids emerging as leaders and others more comfortable in behind-the-scenes roles.”

The videos were uploaded to Mrs. Beahan’s teacher YouTube channel and are available for viewing. n

Film Like an Egyptian7th graders travel back in time

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For years, Nardin has dedicated a day to science; and, like most school traditions, it has evolved. The result was Science Daze, a student-organized competition led by the high school’s Science Club, which took place on February 25.

“We wanted to develop student leadership, confidence, teamwork, organizational skills, and time-management,” said physics teacher Anne Casper. “This proved to be a great forum for that.”

Modeled after the Science Olympiad, Science Daze is directed toward attitudinal changes toward science: that it is collaborative, not just one person is responsible for an experiment or project, but all people can contribute. Therefore, each student participates by selecting a project that matches their individual interests and signs up to join a team that is focused on a common goal: to win the competition.

The Science Club, which was comprised of more than 60 students this year, began planning Science Daze at their first meeting in September. They are responsible for designing twelve “events” or projects on which students will work, calculating time to perform the challenge, considering

specific skills and grade levels, taking necessary safety precautions, collecting competition materials, and establishing guidelines for presentation and judging.

“Since we were trying to encompass all aspects of STEAM, we let students sign up for different themes for their projects, such as engineering, coding, biology, astronomy, etc.,” said Science Club President Emily Mason.

Miss Casper asks high school science teachers to assist in developing a rubric to calculate a quantitative grade, but the day is entirely student-run.

“Our three Science Club officers are each responsible for overseeing four events. It is an ideal occasion for them to supervise a group of their peers,” added Casper.

“The variety of the events showcases Nardos’ amazing talents and abilities. Most importantly, this day is incredibly positive, like a proton,” added Science Club Vice President Madeline Utz.

Scores for the individual events are combined to determine the top-scoring homeroom, proving that Science Daze is clearly a collaborative effort. n

Science DazeTeaming up for a student-run tournament

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By Callie Georger >> Every month, fourth grade reading students are assigned a book report on biographies and autobiographies, realistic fiction, non-fiction, or expository texts. But, these are not typical book reports; these assignments become creative ways to respond to literature.

Students are able to choose from a list of thirty different projects, each of which offers a unique way of telling a story and present information based on interests and learning styles that highlight individual strengths. Each presentation includes a written portion, as well as a creative aspect.

Students may create comic book versions of the story, 3D mobiles with objects that represent the text, board or card games related to the book, new jacket covers for the books,

letters to characters or authors, or digital presentations using WeVideo, Wixie, or Google Slides. They may also create a “book in a bag,” in which 10 items representing the story with a descriptive key are included, or “wanted” posters for specific characters.

Students also benefit from the public speaking aspect of the report which is included on the graded rubric. The children focus on their “professional voice,” eye contact, and overall demeanor when presenting in front of their peers.

This is an excellent way to encourage reading for children who aren’t otherwise excited to pick up a book. By the time the students hand in their report, they’re already asking when the next one is due! n

Not Your Parents’ Book ReportShowcasing individual interests

class acts

Spring Brings Sprouts at Montessori

Last fall, students in the Montessori program planted bulbs and enjoyed an afternoon in the sun doing gardening tasks. With the knowledge that plants have essential needs for survival, just like the humans who planted them, the children nestled the bulbs in nutrient-rich soil and provided adequate water.

After thoughtful, tender loving care, the students saw those bulbs begin to sprout from the ground this spring. Montessori students will begin the process all over again this coming fall. n

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Iris Skoog Honored by Business First

Our veteran high school English teacher, Iris Skoog, was honored in Business First as one of 23 "teachers of merit" in the 2015-16 Western New York area. Both elemenatary and secondary teachers were nominated by their students. n


A group of Montessori students got crackin’ this spring on a special project about eggs. Boys and girls in the Monet Room studied, weighed, spun, and measured eggs that were both uncooked and cooked.

The children hypothesized about the mass of their eggs and which would spin the fastest- the raw or the hardboiled. They even determined the circumference with a string; some strings were too short, some were too long, and some were just right.

The class also examined what the inside of an uncooked egg looks like, with an exercise that had the children cracking raw

eggs into a cup, drawing what they observed, and identifying parts of eggs, such as the egg white, yolk, unfertilized egg cell, and chalaza.

Montessori students were also lucky enough to house 17 eggs in an incubator. The eggs came from the Gemza Family, who own and run the Garden of Eden Cattle Farm. Our little ones watched their progress and candled the eggs and observed shadows and veins to predict viability.

In the end, 14 chicks hatched and were returned to the farm to be used for laying more eggs. n

...The Chicken or the Egg?Montessori students learn what comes firstJU

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By Joanna Batt >> At Nardin, young women are bustling with homework, service projects, concerts, sports games, and everything else a whip-smart population changing the world does. Ija Peters, a graduating senior, and Zandra Cunningham, a sophomore, can add another accolade to the list: entrepreneur.

Ija started BiA, or Born in Apparel, a line of clothing for young Buffalonians repping their generation and the Queen City. Bright t-shirts and sweatshirts labeled “born in 716” or “1998” are popping up at Nardin and beyond.

“It started when I was shopping for school clothes, jerseys had every year, ’96, ’97, except the year I was born in, ’98—so I said, let me make one”, says Ija. She designed a website, mocked up t-shirts and sent them to family and friends, who demanded more. That’s when Ija decided to keep trying. A few social media posts with positive reactions later, Ija knew she was on to something; besides personal orders, her apparel was sold at this year’s Angel Fund Fashion Show. Ija will be attending Clark Atlanta University in the fall and was already passing out business cards at Clark’s open house. Although she’s running away from the snow at full speed, Ija will keep her Buffalo roots strong, “even though the Bills are not winning much,” she adds. “BiA is the future, look out for it.” Borninapparel.bigcartel.com

Zandra Cunningham may be a name you already know if you have popped into Renew Bath and Body on Elmwood or Modern Nostalgia on Hertel and Canalside. With her colorfully labeled lip balms, lotions and soaps on the shelf

alongside huge name brands, Zandra isn’t just the name of an expanding all-organic beauty business, but also a sophomore at Nardin who’s juggling being a teenager.

“I started making products when I was 9, but it wasn’t until 2011 that it became a certified business,” she explains. Since the day her dad jokingly refused to buy her more lip balm, and she went on YouTube to see how to make her own, Zandra has tenaciously created and marketed her products. Starting by selling lip balms in her grandfather’s church, she enrolled in the KidBiz program at Buffalo State at 10 (“it was like a really cute business boot camp”), went on to sell at Broadway and Bidwell markets, took college courses in 8th grade to learn how to develop prototypes, got involved with other young powerhouse women in the International Day of the Girl Campaign, even winning the national Coolest Kidpreneur competition. Zandra explains she is driven by helping organizations like Girls Education Collaborative, who sell her Tea Tree Lip Balm with 10% sent to girls’ schools in Tanzania, and by having every ingredient in her products one that is natural and pronounceable.

“I need that connection,” she says, “I want it to go somewhere; I could even go to Tanzania someday. I want to be in this business for the rest of my life. Hopefully by the time I’m in college Zandra will be so big, but at the same time I don’t want it to grow too fast and lose any integrity.” Her words of wisdom for Nardin women? “No dream is too small and too wide, don’t sit there and wait for it to come for you—if you wait, someone else can grab it.” Zandrabeauty.com n

Entrepreneurs of NardinIja Peters and Zandra Cunningham talk business

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Life LessonsElementary students experience the real worldIn January, elementary students began “My Simulated Life,” a comprehensive, cross-curricular project that taught fifth through eighth graders valuable life lessons- literally.

Students designed a life by selecting a family size at random, and considered income, qualifications, interest, and availability when choosing a profession. They used that information to examine how various factors affect income and expenses.

“The project built a lot of interest, because it became so personal,” said math and science teacher Ann Klass. “They became the nurse, or the fireman, or the doctor.”

Students created a budget, which addressed critical components such as bank accounts, the importance of savings accounts, check writing, investments, wants versus needs, and

healthy, balanced meals. Researching car buying and leasing on Autotrader.com, they then searched for homes or apartments on Zillow.com.

If that wasn't eye-opening enough, the students then selected an unexpected event and adapted to the resulting, unavoidable circumstances.

“The end piece was an evaluation, which asked ‘How can I pay my bills?’” Klass continued. “The class sat in a circle and discussed what changes could be made to their choice of cars or living arrangements. And they learned that some changes created new expenses.”

At Nardin, it is never too early to learn how to make the most of what we have. And, in this game of life, students were able to apply that knowledge to real life scenarios. n

>> A sample family profile includes the student's profession, income, living situation, and dependents.

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Montessori Students Hit a High NoteAn experiment in resonance

In preparation for this year’s Montessori elementary spring performance, based on The History of Numbers lesson, students were encouraged to explore math in a variety of ways. Gracie Robbins was drawn to the idea of math in music.

After a classmate had worked on scales and the mathematical relationship between notes, children watched a video of a man playing a song with water glasses. Gracie wanted to recreate that experiment, so she filled some glasses with water and practiced making them resonate with her finger.

The class learned about resonance and how the vibration was making the glass “sing,” and Gracie tuned five glasses by playing notes on an electric keyboard. She adjusted the water in each glass to produce the first five notes of the D major scale and measured the amount of water in each glass in milliliters.

High school physics teacher Anne Casper, simultaneously teaching her class about resonance, invited Gracie

and helpers Evelyn Embow and Audrey Watt up to demonstrate their experiment to her sophomores and juniors.

“You mean I’m going to the high school?” asked Gracie, excitedly.

Miss Casper’s class was riveted to see the youngsters prove that vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another and to learn that materials make a difference.

“What a perfect example of the scientific method,” Casper explained to her class. “The Montessori students performed research, asked questions, made observations, and tested their predictions.”

Montessori teacher Julie Zenger noted that research is only part of this experience. “Students also painted artwork inspired by Jasper Johns, constructed spiral sculptures derived from the Fibonacci sequence, and created tons of written work about mathematicians and their discoveries,” she said. n

In April, sophomores benefited from a cross-curricular activity after studying Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The high school Theater 2 class performed Afflicted: The Daughters of Salem by Laurie Brooks for elementary and high school students on the Nardin stage.

Written as conjecture on the Salem Witch Trials, this award winning play examines how six oppressed girls became accusers and caused 20 people to be put to death for witching.

Senior Bella Rose LaMartina designed the sets, a project which will be included in her portfolio; she will attend The New School’s Parsons School of Design in the fall as a Product Design major.

Former theatre class students ran the lighting. n

A Different Perspective

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Making Valuable ConnectionsHigh school girls reflect and shareBy Kara Schwabel >> Nardin’s high school Connections program was designed to connect freshmen and sophomore girls with one another, a faculty mentor, and the school community in a non-academic, relaxed environment. Monthly meetings focus on developing individual talents, creating gifts for those in need within the community, and connecting with their peers in a hands-on, collaborative way.

Self-reflection is a critical aspect of the experience, as was encouraged in the Hearts On Fire activity and the Stone Buddies project, in which students made blankets for the families of children at Roswell Park.

Recently, a number of seniors was invited to share their experiences with the Connections groups in an effort to provide encouragement and support. The program has proven to be a meaningful time for all involved, and the feedback has been resoundingly positive. n

Sophomore Performs Solo

Kelly AfricanoNamed Coach of the YearElementary Basketball Coach Kelly Africano was named Coach of the Year by the Southtowns Catholic Basketball League for her commitment to coaching and to the basketball program here at Nardin. Kelly was honored at the Southtowns Basketball Awards Banquet in March. n

Chromatic Club student member Madeline HusVar, a current sophomore, performed at the Buffalo Philharmonic Spotlight Concert in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall in March. She was selected as a soloist, an honor usually bestowed to seniors, and sang “Astonishing” from Little Women and “Pulled” from TheAddams Family. n


alumni spotlight

Lessons in Life SkillsMontessori students get cooking

By Sarah Collins >> Throughout the school year, groups of five to six Montessori children prepare meals for the entire class of 34 students, five teachers, and a number of parents. Students arrive at 7:30am and set tables with linen tablecloths, napkins, plates, cups, silverware, and place cards.

Children visit the indoor aquaponics system and outdoor gardens to select fresh herbs and spices. They then walk to the Lexington Co-op, with a wagon in tow, and shop for ingredients for the meal. While there, foods from local farms are discussed, children are taught how to look for and select ripe fruits and vegetables, how to weigh items, and scoop bulk food items. Upon checkout, a student eagerly gives their member number.

After the group walks back to the West Ferry campus, two parents/caregivers help prepare the food, which is served at noon. Parents of third year students are invited to join their child for lunch on their cooking day. After lunch,

students clear the tables, making sure all viable waste is composted. They then wash and dry all of the dishes.

This comprehensive activity is an ideal example of the practical life skills which students learn in the Montessori setting. The exercise provides students with an introduction to a variety of cooking methods and the use of necessary kitchen tools, as they practice using the oven, stove, skillets, griddles, food mills, peelers, graters, and learn how to cut, chop, and dice. Nardin’s own Chef Julie Levin ‘88 provides valuable assistance by offering recipe advice and tips. One of Levin's dietitian interns, speaking with the class before they begin the cooking program, leads the students in a discussion about the differences between whole foods and processed foods to encourage healthy habits. This class’s menu included French toast, sausages, fruit salad, breakfast potatoes, and chocolate chip cake with fresh whipped cream for dessert. Bon Appetit! n

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at Nardin

Making healthy minds, bodies, and spirits a priority


Health and wellness are integral to personal growth and development. The importance of mindfulness and the benefits of ushering awareness into the

present moment are undisputed.

Practices such as yoga and meditation are common exercises to reduce stress and improve well-being. And now, both are regular parts of the student experience at Nardin, where efforts to create healthy minds, bodies, and spirits are a priority.

“Yoga is a fundamental component of our holistic approach to instruction,” said dance teacher Cindy Hanna, who has incorporated yoga into the elementary curriculum. “It is a modified version of yoga, but it is yoga. It helps the kids with agility and concentration, and it is important to instill that at an early age.”

Nardin students at every age and grade level have the chance to practice yoga. Montessori parent and yoga instructor Theresa Ann Zabawa-Mort volunteers her services in the Matisse Room.

"Working on the anatomy of the body while teaching the poses helps the children develop greater body awareness as well as tuning fine motor skills,” she said. “As yoga connects breath with movement, it is a unique experience for the children and has the ability to calm the mind and the body. It is truly amazing and beautiful to watch their breathing settle into a natural calmness, as their bodies become more still and peaceful throughout the practice."

And high school students are involved in yoga as well. Part of the philosophy of yoga is to overcome challenges and create an emotional, physical, and psychological balance in one’s life. Instructors from the Himalayan Institute are brought in to provide yoga instruction and other relaxation

exercises for high school students, just before mid-term exams in January. Yoga improves flexibility, coordination, core-strength, and mental stability.

“It is such a special opportunity, and one that is not offered in all schools,” said junior Amanda Hausmann. “I love that Nardin addresses mental and emotional health and is concerned with our general well-being at a stressful time of year.”

The high school will also conduct a meditation session at the end of May in order to put students in the proper frame of mind to finish the year with confidence and ease.

While stress is an unavoidable fact of life, Nardin embraces simple and profound practices to bring greater balance and peace to all of its students. n


For 159 years, Nardin Academy has been telling stories. There is variety- some are vivid, others are more behind the scenes, yet they are all valuable- and they are all what make

the school what it is today.

Nardin’s teachers- those in the Montessori, elementary, and the high school- are modest about telling their stories, perhaps to uphold the tradition of The Daughters of the Heart of Mary: our good work should fly below the radar and not be touted. However, the amount of good and creative work being done deserves a closer look. Nardin prides itself on hard work and dedication, but it also prides itself on the talent and passion that resides within its walls- within its teachers, its staff, and its students.

Nardin ensures that every student is provided with the opportunity to be creative and collaborative. Giving teachers the ability to meet student needs at their own level of learning in a number of different ways, lessons are student-focused and student-driven.

To these ends, the high school faculty has revisited current curriculum, in order to open the door to new ways of connecting across disciplines. Likewise, the elementary school will expand its efforts towards project-based learning as the roll out of the new fall schedule includes a DaVinci period: once a week, kindergarten through eighth grade students will be immersed in a seven-week project that integrates cross curricular instruction with hands on learning. And Nardin Montessori students continue to thrive with the freedom of choice, movement, and discovery, in alignment with the Montessori philosophy.At Nardin, learning is always a group effort, and passions are

regularly pursued. Each student has a unique voice, and each is encouraged to showcase what they’ve learned in a variety of ways.

MONTESSORIThe Montessori Great Lessons form the foundation of the Montessori curriculum; they are the Creation Story, the Timeline of Life, the History of Writing, and the History of Numbers. Each of these lessons puts day to day learning in the context of a bigger, interconnected story of who we are and our place in the universe. They provide sparks that ignite the child's imagination and curiosity. Every year, Nardin Montessori chooses one of these lessons to serve as an impetus for discovery and exploration, culminating in a spring presentation. This year the children are exploring The Timeline of Numbers: Math, Math, Everywhere, and Leonardo Fibonacci, an Italian mathematician during the Middle Ages, is their inspiration. The older children in the classroom assume a leadership role and work on presenting this lesson to the audience, as well as assisting their younger classmates. This process inspires a variety of individual and group work. As a class, the children write a song to reflect their learning. Each child, choosing a particular topic that he or she interested in exploring, creates a presentation using music and art to share with parents and families. It is exciting and fun to discover that math can be found everywhere in the world.

ELEMENTARYThe kindergators and 1st graders explored the topic "animals in winter" through project-based learning to reach a deeper understanding of the cycle of seasons and the variety of animal communities. The children learned about the different animal communities that exist in the greater Western New York region and what those animals do once the cold and snowy weather of


winter sets in. Some creatures hibernate, others migrate and some stay active in winter. Both grades learned to distinguish between the animals that are "hoppers," "straight line walkers," or "waddlers" and to track an animal by the prints it leaves in the snow. Students also learned what active winter animals eat when food sources become scarce and how they stay warm and sheltered (*hint* some of them share spaces together to stay safe and warm- even nature collaborates!). After all of this exploration, and both indoor and outdoor tracking, students created a class story by laying down tracks on a winter storyboard to narrate a complete story about animals in winter.

And the elementary students studied habitats, where the home is! They created animal habitats to learn about the living creatures that share our school grounds, in an effort to better grasp the interconnectedness of human and non-human communities. In the fall, fourth graders studied birds that live on and near our campus and built nesting boxes for those birds to live in come springtime. This spring, those same students completed the cycle of seasons by placing the nesting boxes in the preferred habitats of the birds they had chosen.

The fourth grade English Language Arts class went on a bug hunt in the learning gardens after reading about ants and ant

colonies. Aside from learning that an individual ant is ridiculously strong (they can lift five times their own body weight), students discovered that even ants live and work in collaborative ways. As a result, the children will be testing cooperative strategies, working like little ants, in a series of projects to finish out the school year.

When the fifth graders studied animal habitats on Nardin’s campus this fall, they noticed that the most fundamental need of all living things was missing: water sources. This spring, the class designed and built a water component into our pollinator garden. This will also serve as a "toad abode" to add another essential component to the diversity of the pollinator ecosystem. Nature’s equilibrium is the interdependence of all living things working in cooperation and in ways that are sustainable.

HIGH SCHOOLCollaboration is equally as evident in the upper grades. A twelfth grade English class recently completed Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice and wrote poems that describe their favorite character, using expressive and vivid language. Those poems were read by the fashion design class and served as the “material” for original clothing designs for the character in a modern day or period setting. The results were amazing, and the


on the cover:

Will PowerThe integration of interdisciplinary learning activities is a hallmark of the Nardin Academy student experience. A perfect example was April’s Will Power, a day-long, community-wide festival to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, in an effort to demonstrate that his work remains relevant to people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Spearheaded by English teacher Emma Eddy ’04, the children and adult event was a creative celebration that incorporated hands-on activities such as Letterlocking™, arts, crafts, dance, and acting. A number of Nardin teachers facilitated workshops, and students presented and performed scenes from their recent collaboration with The Gow School, a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

nardin

Encouraging student choice and voice

N A R D I N TO DAY : T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E N A R D I N AC A D E M Y COM M U N I T Y

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President's Reflection • Classroom News • Yoga at Nardin • Reunion 2016 • Alumni Spotlights

interdisciplinary project created a deeper experience for the students.

The Latin class presented their research of famous Romans through Twitter feeds, webpages, fashion shows, and store advertisements. Likewise, an 11th grade social studies class explored the Progressive Era through public service announcements via billboards and videos.

Students also partnered with computer science classmates and role-played a scenario in which a robot and a computer user communicated via programming language that they had developed. They also planned, shot, and edited a one-minute movie in a digital movie and music production course.

In addition, our engineering students designed prototypes of an original product that will benefit a disadvantaged group of people, including a battery charger that uses body heat and a steering pedal for a paraplegic to drive a car. They also created maps of housing developments that protect a native species in a specific biome.An economics class role-played the process of budget preparation by a town board to improve a town’s infrastructure,

in which each team presented their budget to the ‘mayor’ in an effort to earn re-election.

Moreover, an eleventh grade religion class explored the meaning of life, as they read Viktor Frankl’s groundbreaking Man’s Search for Meaning. Through meaningful dialogue and further research, they expressed their understanding of their own place within the larger world.

Along with clubs, an extraordinary fine arts, physical education, and athletics department, and guidance counselors to support every step of the journey, these examples only begin to tell the Nardin Academy story.

For in every subject, in every extracurricular club, and on every sports team, our students are provided with ways to learn from the inside out, to extend the content beyond the classroom and to understand how their talents can make a positive contribution to the world. n

Nicole Capitumino, Christine Sabuda, and Kara Schwabel contributed to this article.

L to R: Molly Hannon, Jianna Diaz '19, Liam Wurst, Abigail Szarowicz '19, Geffen Sasala, Candace Erni '19 and Jacob Noble


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alumni sightings

>> Nardin’s dedicated graduates reconnected at a number of recent Alumni events.

(1) Alums and friends gather at the home of Carol Demme Fatta ’62 in Sarasota, Florida this spring (2) Nardin’s most recent alumnae, the Class of 2016 (3) Reunion Weekend High Tea at The Garret Club (4) Alums celebrate Fortune 2016 at Rich’s Atrium (5) The Angel Fund Fashion Show (6) Alumnae Christmas Luncheon at The Twentieth Century Club (7) Nardin’s proud alumnae faculty and staff during this year’s 24 Hour Challenge (8) North Carolina Chapter event in March (9) Former Nardin rowers enjoy the annual Crew Cocktail Party at West Side Rowing Club

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alumni spotlightHometown HeroMichelle Girardi Zumwalt '00 produces Four Falls of Buffalo

Michelle Girardi Zumwalt ’00 was eight years old the first time the Buffalo Bills went to the Super Bowl. But, that doesn’t mean the infamous loss, or the three additional ones that followed, was any less painful for her. Like most Buffalonians, those four nights are forever etched in her memory.

Much has happened in the interim. But, little did she know that she would one day be a three-time Emmy winner and nominee for producing a film about her beloved hometown team or that she would be back on stage at the University of Buffalo, at Nardin’s graduation, as the commencement speaker in 2016.

After attending Nardin Academy’s high school, Girardi graduated at the top of her class from St. John Fisher College, where she double-majored in journalism and English. She moved to New York City and took an

administrative position with a finance company in order to pay her rent despite her desire to pursue a career in book publishing.

“I had the nagging feeling that journalism wasn’t for me,” Girardi explained. “It felt too rigid, too serious, and not enough of a creative outlet.”

It wasn’t long before she joined the New York City chapter of the Buffalo Bills Backers, housed at the famed McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, and offered to take over its weekly fan blog.

“Honestly, I had never written about sports before, but the point of the column was to entertain, and I wanted to give it a shot,” she said.

After Girardi’s regular columns became a big hit, she quickly realized what she wanted to do with her life: to be involved with the Bills and to help fans

>> From the top: Scott Norwood, former Bills kicker, Girardi and Bruce DeHaven, former special teams coach • Girardi at the film's Buffalo premier • Girardi with Al Francesco, director of photography and Ken Rodgers, director, at the Sports Emmy awards


take pride in their team, regardless of its record. A colleague at her “pay my rent job,” as she describes it, had a former roommate who was a producer at NFL Films and offered to pass on Girardi’s resume. She was a bit skeptical of her qualifications; she studied writing, not filmmaking. But, she thought, ‘let’s do this.’

Luckily, NFL Films hires writers, because they can turn into filmmakers.

“They told me, ‘we can teach someone to edit film; we can’t teach someone how to write,’” she said.

Toward the end of the interview process, she was asked to submit a writing sample.

“I’ll never forget one of the four men who interviewed me said, ‘This is where we distinguish the people who can write from the people who think they can write.’ That is where I benefited most from my Nardin background and the great Iris Skoog.”

Girardi got the job and started to edit, direct, interview, write scripts, and conduct voice-over sessions. In March 2014, ESPN’s 30 For 30 film Four Falls of Buffalo was green-lit to be produced by NFL Films, and she and director Ken Rodgers met with Jim Kelly.

“We had breakfast with him the day before his cancer diagnosis, and Ralph Wilson passed away two weeks later,” she described. “I thought we would be at a standstill.”

Kelly went on to run his youth football camp that summer. Girardi and her crew began capturing footage there and eventually interviewed all of the Bills greats.

“The first thing we did was obtain the original broadcast of the 1990 Super Bowl,” she said. “It was so hard to watch! I was sweating during that final drive, all those years later.”

Rodgers considered Girardi a secret weapon; she was a Buffalonian who understood the pain of the Super

Bowl losses and wanted to give the team a fair shake in the telling of its unbelievable run, giving the story justice.

“Former Bills special teams coach Bruce DeHaven offered to speak to Scott Norwood for us. He vouched for me, and convinced Scott that my heart was in the right place,” she explained.

Norwood had rarely given interviews in the years since he gained notoriety for missing the final field goal in the Bills 20-19 loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XXV.

After a few months of reaching out, Girardi finally got a call back from the reclusive kicker, who agreed to participate in the film. She immediately traveled to interview Norwood over three hours at a rented house in Virginia.

“It was intense. It isn’t easy to interview someone about the worst moment of his life,” she remembered. “It was really emotional and yet cathartic for both of us.”

She called Norwood’s interview the heart of a film that explored the unique bond between the team and its fans. In one poignant scene, Norwood returns to the steps of City Hall, where 24 years earlier, he’d been embraced by thousands of fans chanting, “We want Scott!” just hours after he felt he’d let the city down with his missed kick.

Girardi said that display of compassion was “quintessential Buffalo” and a moment the area should remember with pride.

“When we began this project, my hope was that we’d remind Bills fans that they have nothing to be ashamed of when looking back on those years. The film was a love letter to the region and provides a window into a very special place and time. “I wanted to capture the magic of being a kid from Buffalo in the 1990s and explain why we are still so passionate about the Bills,” she said. “I wanted to make something that

demonstrated how big a role those teams played in this community.”

Last June, Girardi left NFL Films to become the senior producer with Pegula Sports and Entertainment, where she engages in regular creative brainstorming to cover both the Bills and the Sabres.

Girardi considers it a dream come true to be back in Buffalo and to witness the city’s renaissance. Last December, she was able to sit inside a packed house at the North Park Theater for the premiere of Four Falls of Buffalo, surrounded by Bills fans. Listening to the cheers, gasps and even laughter from the enthusiastic crowd was perfect closure for her as she began to build a new life and career back home in Buffalo.

Still, there was one more moment to celebrate her final project at NFL Films; she traveled to the Sports Emmy awards in New York City where the film was nominated for Best Long-form Documentary. Although Four Falls didn’t win, she described the incredible journey by saying, “I’m still so proud of the story we told and grateful to the players who shared their memories with us, no matter how difficult. The emotion the film brought out means more to me than any award could.”

This May she instilled timeless wisdom on Nardin’s Class of 2016: “I followed my instincts, and they led me to the Super Bowl, to the Emmy stage, and eventually right back home to Buffalo. To Nardin,” she told the girls. “Do the best you can, which will be better than you think, thanks to the skills and work ethic you’ve cultivated on Cleveland Avenue.” n

>> Michelle Girardi Zumwalt ’00 addresses the Nardin Academy high school Class of 2016 as the keynote speaker at graduation on May 16


alumni spotlight

An American in ParisSally Benner '80 visits DHM Mother House

By Sally Benner ‘80 >> I actually got into the Daughters’ house. Not in Buffalo, but in Paris.

Why does this matter? For my generation at Nardin, attempting to enter the third floor of the main building, now the Koessler Family Library Media Center, was strictly prohibited. A no-go zone. It was where the Daughters of the Heart of Mary community lived. Many of the women taught courses and administered the academic programs on the floors below and when they were done, they ascended to their aerie once again.

How did I get in? I traveled to Paris this past Thanksgiving. But, one week before I was to depart, when terrorists attacked Paris, my first thoughts were in solidarity with Parisians who would experience what we in New York City lived through on September 11, 2001.

My second thought was for the provincials of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary whom I knew were gathered from around the world for month-long meetings at the order’s Mother House in Paris. Their aim was to work through the DHM constitution, a document that defined the mission of the Daughters’ work and would reiterate the order’s relevance in the 21st century.

I invited Anita Baird, DHM U.S. Provincial and Nardin Trustee, to an American Thanksgiving in Paris, if she was able to break away from their meetings. She wasn’t confident that she could but, in turn, invited me to join the Daughters for the final mass that would be celebrated on Thanksgiving at the close of their convention.

That day I walked from the apartment where I was staying in the 6th Arrondisement to


alumni spotlightthe Mother House. As I approached, teenage girls and boys in their individual cliques, dressed in school uniforms and talking spiritedly passed by me. Was it like Cleveland Avenue with Canisius High School across the street from Nardin? A bit, as it was a residential neighborhood with a few schools placed on the side streets.

The outside of the grounds is obscured by a high wall as are many facades on that street. Buzzed in, I pushed the ancient door open using my right shoulder. Inside were peaceful grounds, private and planned like a small college campus. I explained to the Daughter who gave me entrance that I was there to attend mass and to meet Miss Baird. She spoke true French, but only speaking tourist French, I made the sign of the cross, drew the outline of a church in the air, and put my hands together in prayer. She led me through the gardens to the chapel.

A sister who spoke only French welcomed me; she held both my hands in hers, smiled warmly, and chatted on and on. “Good morning. Good night. Tout bien.” She wore a cardigan over her shoulders, as I remembered so many of the Buffalo Daughters wearing in the late 1970s.

I was early and sat in the chapel as novices prepared for the mass. Once the meeting ended, the sisters came into the chapel, Miss Baird among them. A touch of homesickness washed over me when I saw her familiar face, and we embraced tightly.

The mass was spoken first in French and second in English. Among us were Provincials from Southeast Asia, Japan, Africa and France. Two African women who stepped and swayed, singing as they carried them, brought the gifts to the altar. I was fascinated and in awe of this dedicated group, from countries all over the world. In fact, each Daughter approached the altar to place the flag of her nation beside it.

Miss Baird was free to celebrate an American Thanksgiving with me after all. We went to a small Italian bistro, and when she asked about what was going on “outside,” referring to the terrorist attacks, I described the crowded yet silent scene I witnessed earlier in the day when I went to the Place de la Republique monument to lay flowers and pay respects to the slain and grief-stricken.

We’re taught the mark of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary is that they are “in the world,” meaning not cloistered. Their good works are evidenced by their actions. Throughout my trip, I listened as Parisians told me what it was like “that night.” In New York we use the phrase “that day.” I hope I allowed them to unburden themselves for a moment. I hoped that by saying ‘I’m a New Yorker’ they felt someone understood their grief and fear.

I attempted to demonstrate what the Daughters taught us at Nardin: to live in the world with love and to respond to the needs of God’s people. To visit the Mother House was a privilege; to be filled once more with the vital simplicity of the Daughters’ mission was a gift.

Ms. Benner is a member of Nardin’s Board of Trustees and lives in New York City. n

Nardin alumnae who live in the nation’s capitol region volunteered at Nativity Shelter for Women in Washington, DC.

The shelter is a low-barrier refuge for single adult women that provides overnight safety and lodging. Each client is given a cot or a bed for sleep each night, in addition to sheets and blankets. Occupant ages range from 18 to 85.

Our alumnae helped to spring-clean the shelter, which houses up to 25 women in a humbling and eye-opening experience. They also tore down the insulating plastic and cleaned windows, scrubbed floors, sanitized lockers, and collected personal hygiene products to donate. n

DC Alumni Chapter Gives Back

From L to R: Michele Breaux (Hope Corps), Lauren Reddington '08, Jennifer Collesano Adams '90, Leigh Giangreco '09, Karen Boyd '96, Jennifer Rahm '94, Robyn Dorsey Willis '94, Roslyn Roberts (Nativity Women’s Shelter)


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alumni reunion

>> Congratulations to the celebrating classes!

(1) Class of 1966 (2) Members of the class of 1991 reminisce (3) Class of 1971 (4) Class of 1991, celebrating 25 years! (5) The lively party at The Garrett Club (6) Class of 1961 (7) Mark Mazur and the Little Big Band energized the dance floor (8) Class of 1981 (9) Class of 1996 (10) Members of the class of 2011 take their seats during school tours (11) Class of 2006

To see all the Reunion 2016 photos, visit the online gallery: http://tinyurl.com/Nardin-Reunion-2016

Joe Cascio Photography

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nardin notes

1940s

Gloria Marie Drake McDonald ’45 writes, “I have a great family- my son, Paul, daughter-in-law, Amy, a step grandson, Wes, and the light of my life, my grandson Alan Thomas.”

Louise Martina Cavalier ’47 writes, “I have seven grown-up children and 12 grandchildren. I am still active and enjoying life. I send my greetings to former classmates.”

Patricia Stubinger Hill ’48 and her husband John celebrated 63 years of marriage on January 3, 2016.

1950s

Margaret Mary Wagner ’55 writes, “I recently returned from a Tulip Time River Cruise in

Amsterdam and Belgium with special guest Sister Joan Chittister of the Benedictine Order in Erie, PA. Sister Joan gave four inspiring lectures during the cruise, each based on a book that she has written. Sister is a great inspiration for women in the Catholic Church.”

Clare Schultz ’56 has been in a chorus for 55 years, “I’ve sung my whole life!” she writes. She also arranges duplicate bridge at the College Club.

1960s

Arlene Riley Diermyer ‘60 welcomed two beautiful great-grandchildren: Makenzie, born on January 24th, and Jaxon, born on February 6th. “They have brought great joy to me after my husband passed away in 2014.”

Idamarie Battaglia Rich ’60 was a graduate of the high school as well as a teacher at Nardin Montessori. She passed away on February 10, 2015. Her husband Nick and her daughter Bonnie have honored her memory at Nardin in two ways: Nick dedicated a plaque to his late wife and her love of children at Montessori, and they established a high school award to be given to a student with a penchant for the arts.

Jo Ann Puglisi Brzezniak ’61 writes, “I am heart-broken that I won't be in Buffalo for my 55th reunion with the rest of my classmates. These reunions are phenomenal for renewing old friendships and making NEW ones. That was the most enlightening, making new friendships with old classmates.”

Jean Van Tyle Koch ’61, Terry Allen Meyers ’61, Sue Trzaska ’61, and Frances Alessi Vecino ’61met in San Diego, CA and enjoyed catching up for lunch at an outdoor restaurant in the area known as “Old Town.”

Frances Alessi Vecino ’61 writes, “Life in San Diego has been fun especially since our boys and family live in the Bay area. We get to visit quite often. Our grandson Christian is 6 years old and brings so much joy to us. Nothing like having a child around - keeps you young and laughing. Tony and I celebrated our 50th Anniversary by taking a Rhine River Cruise. Where has the time gone? I am unable to attend our 55th reunion but will be thinking of you all.”

Pam Scibetta Davenport ’69 writes, “I’ve had the opportunity to get in touch with many great friends from Nardin, and I still treasure their friendship!”

1970s

Deb Taylor Castiglia ‘71 is happy to announce her retirement from teaching 8th grade Literature and Writing. Her extensive 28-year career was spent in Jefferson County and Eagle County Schools, both located in Colorado. Deb and her husband Gordy are selling their Denver home and will spend 1-2 years traveling America in their R.V. They will start by following the Lewis and Clark trail and a winter at Mexico's Sea of Cortez. You may contact her at [email protected].

Margie Riforgiato ’75 writes, “I have been working as an adult health nurse practitioner for 29 years and living in Conway, NH for 25 years. My daughter Sarah graduated with distinction, earning a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland in December 2015. She is engaged to be married in August 2016; her fiance is also a petroleum

>> Above: Clare Schultz '56 with Bill Clinton • Top: Jean Van Tyle Koch ’61, Terry Allen Meyers ’61, Sue Trzaska ’61, and Frances Alessi Vecino ’61 met in San Diego, CA • Right: Colleen Curtin Gable ’83 and Michael J. Flaherty, Jr.


nardin notes

engineer and is from Scotland. My son Phillip is finishing his master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and will pursue a second master’s in public health there this summer. My twin sister, Mary Riforgiato-Nagel ’75, is also an adult health nurse practitioner in New Hampshire. On June 18, Mary and I will run up Mount Washington for the seventh time in the Mount Washington Road Race.”

Kate McGuire ’76 won the prestigious Outstanding Mentor Award from the Society of Women Engineers for organizing engineering outreach events for over 2000 middle school through

collegiate girls with over 200 mentors. Kate also won the Maryland Governor's Community Service Award for her work directing the Maryland Science Olympiad program for over 1000 Baltimore city middle students.

1980s

Colleen Curtin Gable ’83 was appointed Homicide Bureau Chief by Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. (brother of Marie ’86 and Anne ’92 and cousin of Carol Flaherty ’80). Colleen is the first woman to hold this position in Erie County. Also serving as Assistant Erie County District Attorneys are Meghan Leydecker ’03 and Megan Mahoney ‘07.

Mary Patricia Burns Hughes ‘85 is thrilled to be a new staff member at the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York. Tricia is using her 12 years of experience teaching at Nardin as she travels across eight counties educating professionals and family caregivers about Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. If you have any questions please contact her at (800)272-3900 or [email protected].

Megan Toohey ’86 started a new job in May at Stony Brook University Medicine as Chief Deputy to the Senior VP for Health Sciences.

Tracey Harland ’87 writes, “I am happy and proud to announce that I have become a first time grandma. My grandson Jordan Jr. is now one year old and definitely the apple of grandma's eye.”

Kerry Gould-Schmit ’87 writes, “In November I became Director of Planning for the New York Public Library's Capital Division. Our department

oversees design and construction at 88 branch libraries and four research centers, including the main branch at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. For those who have visited our office, I make sure Patience and Fortitude are cared for properly. I'm also excited that my niece Kathryn Bergmann is in this year's freshman class!”

Sarah Moore ’88 was the recipient of a Burton Award for her article entitled "Employers: Prepare to Enter the Drone Zone.” The Burton Awards, established in 1999, is funded by the Burton Foundation, a non-profit, academic effort devoted to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the legal profession. Sarah is a partner in the Cleveland office of Fisher & Phillips LLP.

Maria Frisina ’89, E’85 was recently nominated and elected to a 3-year term to the Canisius College Alumni Association Board of Directors. The board assists the college in achieving its mission to engage alumni in

direct and meaningful ways, in order to develop a long-term relationship between alumni and their alma mater.

Sara Dodman Miller ‘89 and her husband Bill received The Spirit of St. Nicholas Award from His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, at the 70th Annual Cardinal's Christmas Luncheon on December 7, 2015. The Cardinal's award honored the Millers for their inspirational support for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese.

Sarah Bermingham Quinn ’89 shared that her classmate, Kathryn Hirt '89, recently returned from a 10-day trip to Lesvos, Greece, where she worked as a humanitarian aid welcoming and helping Syrian refugees.

1990s

Nancy Burns ’92 writes, “The exhibition I organized, Cyanotypes: Photography's Blue Period, led the Arts section for the New York Times!”

Sam Wolinski ’92 writes, “I recently finished my first season as Head Volleyball Coach at Eastern Illinois University, located in Charleston, IL. In addition, I was recently promoted to serve as our Senior Women's Administrator.”

>> From the top: Grandson of Tracey Harland ’87 • Sara Dodman Miller ‘89 and husband Bill received The Spirit of St. Nicholas Award • Nancy Burns ’92 exhibition that led the Arts section for The New York Times!”


nardin notes

Kristen Maricle ’94 was appointed as a Support Magistrate in Erie County Family Court, by the Office of Court Administration in October 2015. Prior to that, she served for 13 years as an Assistant County Attorney in the Erie County Attorney's Office. She is currently at home in Orchard Park with her three children, Kyle (16), Ryan (9) and Madelyn (7).

Leah Doherty Roberts ’95 left the Baltimore County Public Schools to found LMR Educational Consulting in Baltimore, MD. LMR is a full-service advocacy firm that specializes in the IEP/504

process and empowers families to ensure their child has what they require to be successful in school.

Monica Parikh Weissich ’95 writes, “I recently spent two weeks with my father and his family in their home, Mumbai, India. We visited temples, the Gandhi museum, and studied cooking. We were in tropical Kerala for one week and saw acres of tea, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cocoa. Colonizing nations had fabulous taste! We then enjoyed one week in the Golden Triangle - Jaipur Agra and Delhi, passing time rug and sari shopping, and Christmas at the Taj Mahal! Trip of a lifetime for me and my Nardinware!"

Pamela Savage ’96 and her healthcare advertising agency, Area 23, were honored at the annual Manny Awards with nine nominations and six wins, including Most Admired Agency and Most Creative Agency. Sponsored by the industry’s leading pharmaceutical business and marketing publication, the Mannys celebrate the best of healthcare advertising. Winning Best Professional Campaign meant the most to Pamela, since it was for her team’s “Go Beyond Barriers” campaign for Alecensa, a new drug for lung cancer.

Tiq Milan ’98 was the keynote speaker at the University of Buffalo’s Sex, Gender, Health Symposium last fall. Tiq is a Senior Media Strategist for National News- GLAAD and co-organizer of #ThisIsLuv.

2000

Kara Quinn Burke ’00 was promoted to Director of New Platforms at Rich Products in Buffalo. Kara drives innovative growth through the exploration and execution of new ventures and the development and incubation of new platforms. She is also responsible for leading the e-commerce strategy for the organization.

Erin Holzerland Mansour ’00 and Rebecca Klauk Braungart ’01 pictured at Buffalo’s annual St. Patrick's Day Parade with fellow teachers of the Clann Na Cara Irish Dance School. Their dance students were featured at over 50 locations in Buffalo over the holiday, and they are proud to have had two dancers compete in the World

Championships of Irish Dance in Glasgow, Scotland over Easter.

Colleen Countryman '04, a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at North Carolina State University, was featured in an article on mobile technology in the classroom published by Comtorial. Countryman credits Nardin Academy and teacher Anne Casper with developing her passion for physics.

Katherine Gibas Gibbons ’05 was recently named to The Service Collaborative of WNY Board of Directors. TSCWNY is a non-profit organization in Buffalo, providing sustainable community service opportunities.

Alicia Graser '05 writes "I recently was given the opportunity to design the flowers for Nardin Fortune 2016! As the Sales & Marketing Manager at my family owned floral shop, William's Florist & Gift House, I was honored to be able to add to the ambiance of this event. I have worked at our store for 5 years but grew up in the floral industry...it's in my bones! My mother, Sandy, and I specialize in modern wedding and event design, including many Nardin weddings over the last several years!"

Stacey Tatta Mazzu ’05 writes that she was married in September 2012 to Eddie Mazzu, an attorney for Dolce Panepinto, and “is working in medical diagnostic sales, and had twin boys on October 9, 2015.”

Andrea Polechetti ‘05 writes, “I am working as a full-time RN in behavioral health at ECMC, and I am getting married on July 02, 2016.”

Samantha Attard ’06 writes, “I recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a PhD in nutrition and now run my own nutrition coaching, lifestyle, and yoga business - Happy Healthy Human - in Washington, DC.”

Carolyn Byrnes ’06 writes, “I earned a BS in biology from Loyola University Chicago in 2010 and my MPH in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011. For several years I worked in cancer prevention research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute before accepting my current position in June 2015 as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Health for the State of Pennsylvania."

>> From the top: Monica Parikh Weissich ’95 sports Nardinware in India • Floral arrangement for Fortune 2016 by Alicia Graser '05 • Erin Holzerland Mansour ’00 and Rebecca Klauk Braungart ’01 at Buffalo’s annual St. Patrick's Day Parade


nardin notes

Jessica Silvestri Canallatos ’06, E’02, Montessori writes, “I am a Prosthodontics resident at West Virginia University and will be graduating in May 2017.”

Alexandra Bennett Roach ’06 writes, “In February 2016, I graduated with a master's degree from Columbia University's School of Nursing. I am looking forward to beginning my career as a pediatric nurse practitioner at a primary care practice here in Buffalo!”

Venzella Joy Williams ‘06 is a percussionist for Beyonce and performed with her at the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Megan Mahoney '07 passed the New York State Bar Exam in July 2015 and is currently working as an Assistant District Attorney at the Erie County District Attorney's Office in Buffalo.

Morgan Pino '08 began her J.D. at Fordham University School of Law in August 2015 and will be interning for the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan this summer.

Sarah O'Brien '09 and Marina Murray '09 graduated from the University at Buffalo Law School in May, 2016.

2010

Laura Avino ’10 graduated with a Doctorate of Pharmacy, with a statistics minor, from Ohio Northern University in May. She will start as a Health-System Pharmacy Administration (HSPA) Pharmacy Resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital

in Baltimore, MD in June. With this residency, she will be pursuing her MBA at The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, beginning in August.

Tori Christ ’10 writes, “I signed my second professional soccer contract for Rovaniemen Palloseura, or RoPS, in Finland. I played soccer at Nardin and have such fond memories of playing there. “

Meghan Richey ’10 received her master's degree in Robotics Engineering from the University of Michigan in December. She now works as a software engineer at SoarTech, a defense company in Ann Arbor, MI, specializing in artificial intelligence for military training systems.

Madeline Rogowski ’10 began working as an RN at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in February of 2015.

Colleen Wagner ’10 writes, “I recently graduated number one in my class at Medaille College, receiving an MS in Accounting in May 2015. I started a career as a Special Auditor Investigator for the State of New York Office of the Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in September of 2014. And on June 11th, 2016 I will be marrying Paul Bartlett, a graduate of St. Joe's High School Class of 2008 who was just admitted to the New York State Bar.”

Katie Turner ‘12 was the student speaker at the University of Alabama luncheon in Buffalo this April. Katie graduated in May with a hospitality management degree and hopes to work for a professional football team.

>> Clockwise from left: Professional soccer player, Tori Christ '10, makes a save • Venzella Joy Williams '06 performing with Beyonce at the 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show • Sarah O'Brien '09 and Marina Murray '09 graduate from UB Law • Colleen Wagner '10 and fiance Paul Bartlett


nardin notes

Erin Gannon ’14, E’10 is excited to announce her engagement to fiance Jamal Edwards, an NBA forward. Erin and Jamal know their love is true and eternal. They are planning on a wedding in the summer of 2017.

Caroline Colpoys ’15 has been selected to receive the Herbert T. Graham Scholarship Award in the department of chemistry at Michigan State University. Caroline also received a study abraod scholarship from the MSU College of Natural Science for summer study in London.

MARRIAGES

Katie Friedman Addo ’99 writes, “I was married on September 6th, 2015 at the Red House in Cassadaga, NY. My good friends who were guests in attendance (all Nardin Class of '99): Kristen Puglisi, Katie Brammer, Alicen Knapp, Alison Smith, Colleen Hunter. My husband, Greg, and I live in Brooklyn, NY. Greg is a videographer and I am the staff photographer at Glamour magazine.”

Lauren Blas ’04 and Shalana O’Brien, MD were married on a gorgeous summer day at the Rose Garden in Delaware Park with a reception following at Marcy Casino on August 29, 2015. The couple resides in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village, where Lauren is a mechanical engineer at CannonDesign, and Shalana is a surgical resident. Tricia Aubrecht Herby ’04 was a bridesmaid and Cortney Eberhardt Chmelik ’04 was in attendance.

Meghan Danahy ‘04 married Michael Rossetti on August 15, 2015. The couple are living in Columbus, OH where Meghan is in medical/surgical sales at Applied Medical.

Kathleen Hourihan '04 was married to Peter Ruocco in November 2015. The couple met at the University at Buffalo from which they both graduated. The maid of honor, Caroline Hourihan '07, and bridesmaids Anna Hourihan '10, Leah Hourihan '10, and Meaghan Ruocco '06, are all Nardin graduates. Kathleen is a marketing

>> Clockwise from the top: Kathleen Hourihan '04 and bridesmaids Caroline Hourihan '07, Anna Hourihan '10, Leah Hourihan '10 and Meaghan Ruocco '06 • Jessica Tramont Neilans ’07 with bridal party including Mollie Riester Young '07 and Katie McCooey '07 • Julie Renda ‘86 twin boys, Justin and Tyler • Anne Froustet Gupta ‘02 daughter, Cecilia Anne Gupta • Lauren Blas ’04 and wife, Shalana O’Brien • Katie Friedman Addo ’99 with wedding guests Kristen Puglisi '99, Katie Brammer '99, Alicen Knapp '99, Alison Smith '99, and Colleen Hunter '99 • Caroline Bell '05 and husband, Jeff Boucher


nardin notes

manager at Rich Products Corporation and Peter is a CPA. The couple resides in Buffalo.

Caroline Bell '05 was married in Groton, MA on a beautiful sunny day to Jeffrey Boucher. There were many 2005 Nardin girls in attendance, including Cara Gallivan (bridesmaid), Claire Cosgriff (bridesmaid), Alicia Graser, Molly Frizzell, Caelainn Macaluso (Bochachi), Allie Lesh (McGrath), Jessica Basil, Caitlin Evans, and Kelly Haslinger. Caroline and Jeff have also been living and working outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the past four years. They are both teachers at the Liger Learning Center.

Jessica Tramont Neilans ’07 was married to Erikson Neilans on September 5, 2015. She met Erik in 2009 while working at a summer camp for children with high functioning autism. Jessica is currently a School Psychologist at Starpoint Central School District. Nardin alumnae Mollie Riester Young '07 and Katie McCooey '07 were two of Jessica's bridesmaids.

Monica Wlodarczyk Beck '09 married Elliot Beck of Andover, MA in their home state of Connecticut on August 14th 2015. The two met while attending Bowdoin College. Fellow Nardin alumnae Theresa Rusnak '09, Angela Tuminno '09, and Sara Wlodarczyk '11 shared in the celebration.

BIRTHS

Julie Renda ‘86 was blessed with the birth of twin boys, Justin and Tyler, on September 28, 2015. "They were born in New Jersey where I've been living for over 10 years. However, I recently moved back to the area, and we are now living in Amherst."

Kate Kandefer Barbagallo ’96, E’92, Montessori and her husband, Philip, welcomed their second child, Eleanor Jacqueline, on December 18, 2014. They reside in Snyder, NY with their older daughter, Maggie.

Meghann Carroll Roehl ‘99 writes, "My husband Tim Roehl and I welcomed Ainsley Grace on May 18, 2015. She joins big brother Connor (2). I'm also happy to say that I recently joined Harris Beach, PLLC as a partner."

Tatiana Amico ’00 and her husband welcomed their second baby, a girl, Aria Mia, on December 30, 2015. She arrived at 8:36am weighing 7 lbs, 6 oz and 20.5".

Cara Costantini Parker ’01, E’97, Montessori and her husband Jason welcomed their second son Noah Avard on December 13, 2015. He joins older brother Chase Avard. The family resides in Naples, FL.

Anne Froustet Gupta ‘02 and husband, Rahul, welcomed a daughter, Cecilia Anne Gupta, on October 30, 2015.

Andrea Fuller Ockers ’02 and husband, Gerry, welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Sofie Rose, on February 2, 2016. They currently live in Highland Park, NJ.

Maura Comerford Devlin ’04 and her husband Dan welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Ann “Annie” Catherine Devlin on April 29, 2016.

Erin Hanley Helle ’05 writes, “I am still on active duty in the US Army, and my husband and I just welcomed a baby girl that we named Blake!”

Marta Hamberger Sanborn ’06 writes, “My husband Dustin and I welcomed our daughter, Mia Jane, on September 3, 2015 in Overland Park, KS.”

Lauren Byrne Pettis ’09, E’05 writes, “My husband, Brian, and I welcomed our son, Colt Thomas Pettis, to the world on March 3rd, 2016!”

CONDOLENCES

Michael P. Clohessy, father of Deanna Clohessy ’89, passed away on February 19, 2016.

Paula Kabel Langenstein ‘59 lost her husband of 52 years, Franklin Langenstein, on October 2, 2015.

IN MEMORIAMErica Staszak Bliss ‘92 passed away on April 12, 2016.

Nardin mother, grandmother, and active volunteer,Donna McCartney Henry passed away on February 14, 2016. Donna was a former member of Nardin’s Board of Trustees, and she and her late husband Karl were founding members of the Academy’s grandparent committee.

Catherine Dearing Waters '26 passed away on November 15, 2015, at the age of 107. Catherine was the oldest living alumna of Nardin Academy. She graduated with a BA from D'Youville College and went on to a successful teaching career.

>> Clockwise from left: Ann “Annie” Catherine Devlin, daughter of Maura Comerford Devlin ’04 • Tatiana Amico ’00 and daughter Aria Mia • Lauren Byrne Pettis ’09 son, Colt Thomas Pettis • Cara Costantini Parker ’01 and family


photo finish>> A picture is worth a thousand words

>> Nardin Academy's Athletics Program instills the ideals of sportsmanship and collaboration while contributing to the physical, mental, and social development of the individual. Top: Members of Nardin elementary's track team, Left: Golfer Sarah Beckwith '16, earned 1st place in the Catholic High School Athletic State Championship, Middle: Nardin elementary boy's lacrosse, Right: Varsity tennis players, Carly Coppola '19 and Victoria Kirby '19 at the All-Catholic Tennis Championships

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