Villa Walsh Academy NEWSLETTER 455 Western Avenue • Morristown, NJ 07960

VOL. 34 No. 5 FEBRUARY 2018

SCHOLARSHIPS PERFECT SCORES

Congratulations to Larissa Loeser’18 for earning Congratulations to Jenna Brancatella’19 for earning a Fordham Loyola Scholarship in the amount of perfect scores of 36 on the English and Reading por- $100,000 over four years at Fordham University in tions of the ACT in December 2017. the Bronx, NY. Congratulations to Erin Collier’19 for earning a per- Emma Lynch’18 has received an additional $15,500 fect score of 36 on the Reading portion of the ACT in per year in scholarship money for her Dean’s Schol- December 2017. arship at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, total- ing $122,000 over four years. GUIDANCE

Lauren Brett’18 has received the following scholar- On February 8 and 9, the Guidance Office presented ships: Stetson University in DeLand, FL has offered Coffee Break with the College Counselor. This brief Lauren a merit-based Presidential Scholarship total- morning information session provided junior parents ing $140,000 over four years. For her outstanding with suggestions regarding standardized tests and academic record, Lauren also received a Presidential the start of the college process. Information can be Scholarship to Loyola University, MD, in the amount found on the guidance webpage, or you may call of $80,000 over four years. Based upon her academic Mrs. Devins at ext. 173 with any questions. achievements, Lauren was selected to receive a Bel- larmine Scholarship at Fairfield University in Fair- GUIDANCE REMINDERS field, CT, for a total of $80,000 over four years. The Guidance Department will host College Night on The University of Scranton in Scranton, PA, has Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 7:15 p.m. in the Grace awarded Catherine Gallo’18 a merit-based Dean’s Ann Café for Junior and Sophomore students and Scholarship for a total of $92,000 over four years. parents. She has also been selected to receive a Fordham Loyola Scholarship to Fordham University in the Seniors: If you have been accepted to your Early De- Bronx, NY. This scholarship totals $82,000 over four cision School, please remember to notify the admis- years. sions offices of any other school you have applied to in order to withdraw your application or admission Congratulations to Kathleen Brennan’18 for earn- offer. ing a Presidential Scholarship to the University of Delaware in Newark, DE. Based upon her strong Juniors: Please remember to register for upcoming academic and personal achievements, Kathleen will standardized test dates. receive $6,000 each semester, totaling $48,000 over four years. NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH Congratulations to Allison Hart’19, who is the win- ner of a trip to Ecuador this summer, including air Did you know that February is Teen Dating Violence travel, hotel, and expenses. She has been chosen by Awareness Month, and one in three teens in New La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica for her achieve- Jersey have experienced at least one incident of dat- ment in the national essay contest, which was based ing abuse during the past year? Earlier in the school on Allison’s five-minute video speaking Spanish, her year, on November 8, 2017, five students from Villa transcript, and her service to the Hispanic community. Walsh, Cori Chiarolanzio’18, Mia Douglas’18, Kelly Guiltinan’19, Christina Rosamond’20, and ART AWARD Emma Shatel’19, accompanied by faculty member Mrs. Kristin McCormick, attended the 6th Annual Accolades are in order for two Villa Walsh students Teens for Healthy Relationships Conference present- who earned recognition in the 2018 Scholastic Art ed by the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter (JBWS) Awards in the Northern New Jersey Art Region, at Randolph High School, along with students from presented by Montclair Art Museum. This prestigious numerous other high schools in Morris County. To nationwide competition, which accepts submissions raise awareness and bring attention to this very im- in twenty-nine different categories of writing and portant issue, the students sponsored a “Wear Orange visual art, has had many illustrious alumni, including for Love” tag day on Tuesday, February 13, on which Andy Warhol. There were a total of 4,200 submis- Villa students wore orange to raise awareness and sions from 1,500 students. Mary Carolonza’18 show that they believed in and supported healthy re- submitted a water color and painting with ink zentan- lationships for all. In addition, the group held a bake gle designs, and Olivia Goosay’18 submitted an in- sale with the support of Villa Serves, the community tricate embroidery of a flower garden. Both received service club at Villa Walsh, during the lunch periods Honorable Mention for their work. that day. All of the proceeds will be donated to Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter. FORENSICS Special thanks go to all who contributed to the bake The Forensic League meet was hosted by St. Eliza- sale, as well as to Villa Serves moderator Mrs. Karen beth Academy on Saturday, February 3. Four VWA Cunico. Every morning during the week of February speakers won certificates by earning a total score 12th, the school was presented with information and of 26 by judges in three rounds. In Drama, Caitlin statistics about teen dating violence during the morn- Minutillo’21 won for her memorized piece from Our ing announcements. In addition, the group placed Town, and Lillian Pinheiro’19 won for her perfor- handprints on every third locker to visually represent mance of a piece from The Glass Menagerie. to the student body the one in three teens who have experienced dating abuse in the past year. While Feb- Meaghan Imossi’18 and Maeve Imossi’20 received ruary comes to an end, our attention to this important a perfect score for their Duo from The Diary of Anne cause should not. For more information and for ways Frank. Scoring 23 or 24 points in Prose & Poetry to help continue spreading awareness, please visit were Stephanie Naunton’19, Olufikayo Olabin- www.no2datingabuse.org. ton’18, and Juliana Youssef ’20. OUTREACH SERVICE Congratulations to newcomers Caitlin Minutillo’21 and Lillian Pinheiro’19, who received the Blue De- VWA students raised money and made sandwiches gree of Merit for nine performances. for the St. Martin's de Porres Soup Kitchen, an out- reach of the Franciscan Friary of the Renewal at the Most Blessed Sacrament Friary in Newark, NJ. In addition, students took part in the national Blue STUDENT COUNCIL Campaign to bring awareness of Human Trafficking to our Villa Walsh community. Some of the activities The Villa Walsh Student Council hosted Spirit Week included a video from the United Nations, morning 2018 from February 20 - 23. The festivities began announcements, and posters raising awareness. with “Holiday Day” as students dressed to show their spirit for their chosen holiday, and on Wednesday, Operation Smile continued its work by collecting fun students dressed up for “Meme Day.” “Green and and engaging toys to help calm patients before their White Day” was the theme for Thursday; students surgery, this time with a focus on infant and toddler wore their Villa gear, and the Villa Walsh cheerleaders needs. These toys are used to facilitate therapeutic led a pep rally and cheer contest. They also taught the play and activities that help children and their fami- entire student body to line kick in the gymnasium. On lies during their hospital experience. Special thanks Friday, students showed their spirit again by dressing goes to everyone involved in Operation Smile for up for “Theme Day.” Villa Spirit Week was capped making this drive a success. These activities were by the volleyball tournament on Friday. The Student accomplished through the efforts of our school ser- Council provided the faculty with a delicious conti- vice club, Villa Serves. nental breakfast, and the Home School Association hosted a sumptuous faculty appreciation luncheon MOUNT 2000 with an assortment of hot and cold entrees and delec- table desserts. Much gratitude goes to the moms on During the weekend of February 9 - 11, three VWA the HSA board who facilitated the luncheon and to all students, accompanied by Sr. Laura and Mrs. Laura involved in Spirit Week 2018! Willams, traveled to Mount 2000, a Eucharistic Retreat held on the grounds of Mount Saint Mary’s ATHLETICS University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend featured praise and worship music, Eucharistic Ado- Congratulations are in order for Senior Basketball Co- ration, talks geared to high school students, fellow- Captain and Lacrosse Co-Captain Caroline Dolan’18 ship, Liturgy, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. for being nominated by VWA Coaches and Athletic The retreat is an annual event held in February and staff to represent Villa Walsh Academy at the National conducted by the seminarians at Mount Saint Mary’s Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration at Seton Seminary. It was attended by more than 1200 Catho- Hall University on February 4, 2018. lic youth of high school age who are open to learn- ing more about forming a deeper friendship with the Basketball Lord. This year’s theme, “Live the Drama,” invited The Varsity Basketball team has a current record of 9 - the participants to leave behind the drama of life 6. The team participated in the Morris County Tour- that annoys, divides, and causes unrest. This type of nament and was seeded thirteenth. VWA hosted the drama is the result of flawed human nature, both that preliminary round, beating Morris Hills to advance to of ourselves and of those around us. Participants the first round, which the team lost to fourth-seeded were asked to look at drama instead as a great play Montville. Off to a slow start in February (0-2), the that God has written for us. According to the orga- girls bounced back to win four in a row, highlighted nizers, “The greatest thrill we can have is to discover by a win over Morristown Beard. Mary Cate Mc- our role in the beautiful drama that God has written. Glone’19 dropped nineteen points for Villa Walsh in When we come to know our part and learn to play its 46-24 win over Dover in Morristown. Daniella it well, we experience true and lasting freedom.” It Jambrina’20 scored 12 points, and Mary Cate was an amazing weekend! We are deeply grateful to McGlone’19 added 16 to lead Villa Walsh 43-29 over seniors Emily Santen’18, Angela Solazzo’18, and a very tough Parsippany Christian team. Margaret Celine Zalamea’18 for taking time out of their busy McGinn’19 continues to be a steadying influence on lives to encounter the Lord. Many thanks also go to the team, scoring two points, grabbing four rebounds, Sr. Laura Bezila and Mrs. Laura Williams, Theology one assist, and two steals. Lauren Brett’18 had four Instructors. points, three rebounds, an assist, a block, and two steals to lead a balanced attack in Indoor Track & Field a win against Parsippany. Valeria Orellana’19 hit After a close second place finish at the Prep B her first 3-pointer of the year, andKatherine Geh- Championships in early February, the Villa Walsh ringer’20 chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Winter Track team solidified a strong season by Katherine Gehringer’20 also hit three 3-pointers on WINNING the NJSIAA State Non Public B Group the way to a 10-point performance, helping to lead Championships. By placing in the top 6 in their final Villa Walsh to a 40-39 win over Morristown-Beard heats, several girls will also be heading to Toms in Morristown. Karin Brett’20 recorded nine points River in the Meet of Championships to compete in the win and added three assists. Mary Walsh’18 against the top track-and-field athletes in the state. put up eight points and six rebounds. Mary Cate Although all of the girls competed fiercely and com- McGlone’19 led the team with four blocks, sinking petitively, the following are some notable efforts: in the go-ahead 3-pointer with 17 seconds and blocking the running events, Sarah Hanifin’21 placed first in a game winning attempt on defense. Daniella Jam- the 3200, not only earning her recognition as State brina’20 collected the rebound to secure the game. Group champ, but also posting a new indoor school Villa Walsh will be hosting St. Mary’s Rutherford in record of 11:37.53! She also took third place in the the first round of the NJSIAA State Tournament on 1600. Hope Crann’20 had a PR of 12:05.76 in her Feb. 27, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. 3200 run and placed fifth;Julia Benz’19 was sixth in the 55 High Hurdle dash. In the field events,J u- The JV Team advanced to the second round of the JV lia Benz’19 and Maura Hager’18 competed in the County tournament with a first-round win over Par- pole vault to help earn some big points by finishing sippany Hills 45-29. The team experienced a tough first and second, respectively, andAnnie Shan- second-round loss to Morristown. On February 1, the non’20 jumped her PR of 4'10'' in the high jump, JV team travelled to Hanover Park for a game thriller placing fourth. All members of the winter track win 38-37 over Hanover Park. Tessa Reilly’20 and team should feel extremely proud of their participa- Grace McKenna’19 led in scoring for the win. tion this season. It is the collective and unified effort Overall, the JV team has improved to 10-7, conclud- of individuals in their support, encouragement, ing the season with a strong finish. dedication, camaraderie, and positive sportsmanship The freshman team closed out the season by win- that creates a strong and successful team. ning five of their last six games. The team witnessed some great plays from Christiana Modugno’21, Swimming Lucy McGurn’21, Nicole Harrington’21, Bridget The Swim team finished off the season with many Christie’21, and Mary McKenna’21. The girls outstanding accomplishments. The team celebrated have worked hard all season, learning to work to- their four graduating seniors, Cagney Boyle’18, gether as a team, even in close, difficult games. It Nicole Naunton’18, Mia Douglas’18, and Larissa has been a fun season for the freshman girls; they put Loeser’18, with an exciting meet against Mendham in a great effort from the start of the season until the High school. The swimmers competed in the Morris very end. County Championship, finishing 10th overall, out of 19 teams. VWA had 6 girls represent the team, Cheerleading including Cagney Boyle’18, Maribel Rice’19, Elle Villa cheer has enjoyed another spirited season. Akerman’20, Isabella Lewandowski’21, Mara Together with the Villa Captains United and Basket- Kelly’21, and Sophia Toomey’21. The dual meet ball teams, VWA raised money for the Coaches vs. season ended with an extremely close meet against Cancer event. The squad spread the word about find- Madison High School and an exciting win against ing a cure as they performed their half time routine Morristown Beard. On February 8, all fifteen swim- at the freshman, JV, and varsity games! During the mers traveled down to The Lawrenceville School varsity game, the squad guided the crowd in spirit to compete in the Prep State Swimming Champion- calls, trained and supported our “cheerleaders for a ships. Villa finished fifth overall against eighteen day,” and assisted in getting the fans together for the teams and third overall for the B division. All girls half-court shot. As they round up their season, they who competed earned a lifetime best or season made their final performance at the annual pep rally. Congratulations on a great season! best time in at least one event at the meet. We had Booster Club two top-three finishes, including the relay team of The next meeting of the Athletic Boosters is Monday, Cagney Boyle’18, Maribel Rice’19, Isabella Le- March 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the SDLAC Study Room. wandowski’21, and Sophia Toomey’21 in the 200 Plans are being made for the 2018 Dinner and Golf freestyle relay, and Elizabeth Fenton’20 earned third Fundraiser. Please join us in making our one fund- place in the 100 breaststroke. Elle Akerman’20, raiser a success! Stephanie Naunton’19, Nicole Naunton’18, and Bridget Nunan’21 showed the VWA spirit and sprinted their best in the 50 freestyle. Anne Goss’20 "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" and Kristina Rybak’21 had fabulous swims in the 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle, respectively. Villa Walsh Academy will soon be staging Fiddler on Mara Kelly’21 had an outstanding swim in the 500 the Roof. The cast and crew are working diligently to freestyle, and Quinn Akerman ’21 and Sophia present three powerful performances. We would truly Schwab’20 earned season best times in the 100 appreciate your support in placing either a personal breaststroke. Although Morgan Maguire’21 was ad or a business ad. The deadline for our Ad Booklet unable to participate, she attended meets, cheering is Monday, March 12. The forms can be found on our on her teammates. Out of twenty-four swims, twelve website, or your daughter can pick up a flyer in the of those races earned Villa top points for a fifth-place Business Office. We hope you will join us! finish. VWA qualified for the NJSIAA Non-Public B tournament. During the quarterfinal round, Villa competed against Gloucester Catholic. This ex- tremely exciting meet, to which every swimmer gave LENTEN REFLECTION her all, ended with a loss. Villa has one more meet left for the season, with Cagney Boyle’18, Maribel Lent is a powerful season, a turning point that can Rice’19, Elizabeth Fenton’20, Sophia Toomey’21, foster change and conversion in each of us. Pope and Isabella Lewandowski’21 competing in the NJ- Francis reminds us to: SIAA Meet of Champions on March 3 and 4. We look forward to seeing fast swimming during this meet and Fast from hurting words and say kind words. celebrating all of the Vwimming swimmers during Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. our end-of -season banquet. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Spring Sports Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Spring Sports begin on Friday, March 2, 2018. Fast from worries and trust in God. Pre-season informational meetings and sign-ups Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. were held in February. Please contact Mrs. Fleury Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy. with questions. All sports forms for medical clear- Fast from selfishness and be compassionate ance are due at this time to Mrs. Janice Figa, R.N. to others. **Please note that there is a new form (Form 8) that Fast from grudges and be reconciled. is required for clearance for participation in Spring Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. Sports; it is currently located on our Athletic page of the website under Sports Forms. There is still time to let the Lord enter your life. In the days ahead, Lord, help me to focus my attention Schedules on the personal renewal I resist. May I become more All athletic schedules are found on www.nwjerseyac. alert and accepting of the reality that the only person com. This site has a feature for parents, players and I can set about changing is myself. As I carry the fans to sign up for and receive notifications of chang- crosses that are mine, remind me often that you are es via email and text. always with me and will never abandon me.

Please email or call Mrs. Jennifer Fleury, Athletic Director, with questions. DATES TO REMEMBER Friday March 2 Father/Daughter Dinner Dance at 7:00 p.m. Monday March 5 Booster Club Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center. All are invited. Thursday March 8 College Information Night for Sophomores and Juniors, 7:15 p.m. in the Grace Ann Cafe. Friday March 23 Performances of Fiddler on the Roof for group reservations only Saturday March 24 Performance of Fiddler on the Roof at 7:00 p.m. in Mother Ninetta Auditorium Sunday March 25 Performance of Fiddler on the Roof at 3:00 p.m. in Mother Ninetta Auditorium