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Celebrating the Community of Union Catholic High School Magazine 2020 JUSTICE SENIORS 2019–2020 GIVING LEADERSHIP GRADUATION ALUMNI LEARNING CONSULTATIVE BOARD Now You Can “Watch” UC Magazine ave you noticed those squares of Throughout UC Magazine, there will be key black and white patterned mazes pictures with QR codes next to them. Should Heverywhere? They are called QR you want to view the video mentioned in (Quick Response) codes. Why manually the article, see additional photos, or watch “Google” a website, a restaurant menu, the livestream show, just open the camera or a video, when you can merely scan the feature on your cell phone and hold it over QR code with your camera phone and be that QR code to enjoy special UC moments instantly navigated to that site? and memories. In a year where enhanced technology has Want to try? Scan on this QR code to enabled UC to host virtual events, contests, visit the UC website. shows and more, we are including QR codes in UC Magazine 2020, so that we may bring (Note: Those with older model phones may those events right to you, too. need to install a free QR reader app.) Your Gift Matters When you give to Union Catholic High School, you help us make a difference. thoughtful estate plan, which Catholic in your estate plan by going to accounts for people and places unioncatholic.planmygift.org. There, you Ayou care about, is one of the will find a charitable plan that lets you greatest gifts you can give. Your estate plan provide for your family and support serves as a testament to who you are, your Union Catholic. values, and your legacy. If you have included a gift to Union Catholic Learn the different gift options available in your estate plan, please let us know. to you and how you can include Union Please contact Dr. James T. Reagan, Jr. at (908) 889-1600 ext. 330 or at [email protected] with any questions or to discuss further. Mr. William McLaughlin: Past Parent - Paul ‘72, Stephen ‘80; UC Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Magazine 2020 Contents UC Administration FEATURED ARTICLES Sister Percylee Hart, RSM Principal Dr. Karen Piasecki ‘88 Associate Principal Mrs. Noreen Korner Andrews 2 Assistant Principal 2019-2020 Year in Review Dr. James Reagan, Jr. ‘96 Union Catholic Strong Assistant Principal Editor-in-Chief Dr. Karen Piasecki ‘88 Associate Principal Four Decades of Innovative Leadership 10 UC has been blessed for 40 years Editors Ms. Nancy Foulks ‘76 Supremely Proud of Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis Director of Alumni Relations 16 Meet the newest Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey Mrs. Anne Wischusen Former Director of Advancement; Past Parent ‘89, ‘91, ‘93, ‘95 Contributors 22 Development Office Graduation 2020 Planned Giving Office A special graduation celebration for a special class Design Trillion Union Catholic Class of 2020 28 These 207 graduates hold a unique place in UC history Alumni Notes 47 Read about your classmates and friends 1600 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 www.unioncatholic.org IN THIS ISSUE 8 School Consultative Board 24 Third Generation Family 9 Experiential Learning 25 Legacy Graduates 14 “For It Is In Giving That We Receive” 26 Graduation Award Recipients 18 The Life of Reillys — at UC 32 College Acceptances 2020 19 Service Anniversaries & Retirements 33 2019–2020 Donor Report UC Administration (l to r): 24 Class of 1970 — Continuing the 45 Reunion Recap Mrs. Noreen Korner Andrews, Alumni Challenge Dr. James Reagan, Jr. ‘96, 57 In Memoriam Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, Dr. Karen Piasecki ‘88 2019–2020 Year in Review UNION CATHOLIC STRONG The 2019–2020 school year was filled with learning, giving, competing, mentoring, performing, growing, creating, discovering, caring, adapting, playing, praying, celebrating, and zooming. The year began as usual and then changed course in March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UC classes, events and activities continued in virtual formats, while the UC spirit stayed strong. Here’s a glimpse of this remarkable school year. SEPTEMBER: PEER MINISTRY TRAINING Training was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for juniors and seniors who were members of the Peer Ministry team. This session prepared the Peer Ministers to lead Days of Recollection for each class year, to assist in organizing prayer services, and to provide support at school liturgies. 2 UC Magazine 2020 August DIGITAL SIGN Students were welcomed back to UC with a new digital sign on the front lawn. The outdoor sign keeps 2019–2020 the UC community aware of school events, and the local community aware of any public service or emergency messaging. Year in Review BOOK SALE Students gathered in the gym and cafeteria for the annual Book Sale, which also serves as an unofficial “homecoming” for students who may not have seen their classmates since June. UC Service Club members volunteer their time to “pick” book orders. (l to r) Taylor Benjamin ‘22, Emme Haddad ‘22, Arminder Singh ‘21 September LEARNING BEGINS Students are following safety guidelines as they work on the Rainbow Lab, which develops their skills and tests their precision in measuring chemicals with a graduated cylinder. SIBLING FOR A DAY The Admissions Office hosts the Sibling for a Day program. Current UC students bring their younger brothers and/or sisters with them to experience first- hand a typical UC day. (l to r) Angelina Crotty ‘20, Jasmine Crotty ‘24 UC Magazine 2020 3 October NATIONAL HONOR COACH SAGGIO 500 WINS SOCIETY INDUCTION UC head volleyball coach, Nancy Richardson Saggio ‘88, reached the impressive UC inducted 111 members of the junior and senior classes into the prestigious National Honor milestone of 500 UC wins during her 26th season. Coach Saggio’s teams have Society. The NHS recognizes exceptional students captured 20 conference titles, 12 county titles, and one state championship. She based on their academic achievement and has twice been named the State Coach of the Year. community engagement. The four pillars of NHS are character, service, leadership and scholarship. (l to r) Andrew Palacio ‘20, Sarah Abood ‘20, Jacob Cunha ‘20, Catherine Tangreti ‘20 LEGACY BREAKFAST JUNIOR RING There is no greater tribute to our school than an CEREMONY alumna/us choosing to send his or her child to UC. Members of the Class of 2021 received their There were 41 legacy families enrolled at Union school rings at a Mass attended by their Catholic for the 2019-2020 school year, and we families, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. welcome these parents and children to the A celebratory reception followed in the UC Legacy Breakfast each fall. cafeteria. Students took part in the traditional turning of the ring, and noted that they “symbolize memories and hold stories of our UC journey.” CLUE ON STAGE The Union Catholic Performing Arts Company 5K RUN/WALK (UCPAC) of talented actors 2019 marked the ninth year of the annual UC 5K. More and dedicated stage crew than 200 participants from the UC community and the brought down the house local community gathered for the run. Proceeds from with their outstanding the event were directed to the ever-growing athletic production of the madcap programs at school. comedy Clue On Stage. 4 UC Magazine 2020 CABARET NIGHT SENIOR TREE TRIMMING Hosted by UCPAC, Cabaret Night features An annual UC tradition, the senior class gathers in the cafeteria to hand decorate performances by both current UCPAC members ornaments which students place on the Christmas tree. Seniors then sing and alumni who return to participate in this annual carols and enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. The tree is illuminated event. Each year, Cabaret Night honors prior UC throughout December, for the entire student body to enjoy. shows celebrating “anniversaries” of 5, 10, 15 years and more. January CHRISTMAS CONCERT GRANDPARENTS Under the direction of music teacher, BREAKFAST Mr. Don Frio, both instrumental and vocal This annual event is filled with love as the students students perform at the annual Christmas “show off” their school and enjoy breakfast with Concert. The concert follows the UC Parent their grandparents. The grandparents delight Council Tree of Lights ceremony, both of which in watching a slide show featuring photos of are December traditions at UC. themselves with their grandchildren, as submitted by the students. Grandparents then join in the school Thanksgiving liturgy. Cara Leegan ‘20 with December grandparents Joe and Maryellen Leegan November OUTDOOR SCOREBOARD VETERANS DAY CEREMONY A new digital scoreboard was added to the turf Union Catholic proudly honors all who have served our country, and specifically recognizes UC field complex. This enhancement will be enjoyed alumni who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The annual by both players and spectators during all outdoor Veterans Day ceremony is hosted by the Hearts for Heroes Club and the Alumni Office. UC PAC sports seasons. members sing a medley of the military anthems as each veteran stands and salutes his/her branch. UC Magazine 2020 5 FORENSICS The Forensics team at UC is a formidable group who frequently brings home trophies and medals. They compete in tournaments throughout the year with the goal of qualifying to represent the Newark Catholic Forensic League at the Grand National Tournament each Memorial Day. THE LAST BUS As students headed to their buses on Friday, March 13th laden with books and belongings, who could have predicted that they would not return to the March building until September? Beginning on Monday, March 16th, all classes and events were held virtually for the remainder of the year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SENIOR SIGNING DAY Signing Day is a big event for senior athletes, as they officially sign their National Letter of Intent and commit to the college they will attend to play their sport.