SCA Online News
December  2019
Alma Matters

Valerie Irick Rainford '82 presents second annual scholarships

Valerie Irick Rainford, '82 awarded the Valerie Irick Rainford '82 scholarships for the second year. Juniors and seniors participate in a writing competition telling their stories of courage and resilience based on her memoir, global best-selling book, Until the Brighter Tomorrow, One Woman's Courageous Climb from the Projects to the Podium.

This year's winners are Cheyene Schober '21, $1,000 and  Xhulia Kolaj '21, $500.

"I have a story to tell," says Valerie, "and I want to help others tell their story. At SCA I saw that there was life beyond the projects. I want to inspire people to get beyond their circumstances." 

Valerie's Instagram post marked the occasion saying, " One of my favorite things to do each year is to select the winners of the Valerie Irick Rainford scholarship at Saint Catharine's Academy. This year, 36 phenomenal and compelling essays with stories of personal faith, courage and perseverance were submitted with two winners selected. Very special to have last year's winners join today's ceremonies to pass the baton."
Student Spotlight

 

Rachel Rodriguez '20 Plans to Create 
a Welcoming Place for Women in Architecture

Rachel Rodriguez '20, an artist at heart, wants to study architecture and interior design in college so that she can become a catalyst for females in the industry. "Hopefully beyond college I will be able to open my own for women by women building and design company," Rachel says. "I would really like to see more women in the field of building / construction. Only 40% of architects are women and I feel like if I had an all women company it would be a truly astonishing business."
 
"Ever since I was younger, I always knew that I had a knack for art," Rachel says. "My mom always enrolled me in pottery classes, dance classes, music classes. I feel like I was bound to do something with art."
 
Dancing for almost 12 years, Rachel decided to explore her art more this summer. She found that abstract art came naturally and is teaching herself about landscapes by watching Bob Ross tutorials on YouTube. Rachel recently had her artwork displayed at Mindbuilders Creative Arts Center on Gun Hill Road , the same place she dances and teaches younger students to dance. Within a week, all her paintings had been purchased at the gallery and she needed to bring more for display.
 
Rachel credits her classmates with helping her find her future path. "I feel as though my friends who I've been with for all four years and some for two, inspire me to be the best young woman possible. Having such a strong bond with my friends, makes a strong push and pull factor to make each other great."
 

Around SCA


Toys Galore for Montefiore!
 
SCA's Women Empowerment Club collected toys for children at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore.


Decking the Halls and Doors
Students brought the spirit of the season to the hallways with the Door Decorating Contest.


Sports Shorts

Dance Team Becomes Regional Champs
The SCA Dance Team became Regional Champs at the Dance Union Competition.

Watch their jazz and hip hop performances.


JV and Varsity Cheer teams are headed to Nationals

Both JV and Varsity Cheer are headed to Nationals in Florida in February. The  JV team also took second place in the CHSAA downstate competition.



Basketball teams are playing hard in league play
League play has begun for both the JV and Varsity Basketball teams. JV has a record of 2-1 and the Varsity has a record of 1-2. Watch all the updates for the season on social media and the website.
Circle the Calendar



Young Alumnae Save the Date
Young alumnae come back to SCA on Friday, January 10, 2020 and share your college experiences with the Class of 2020. It is a great chance to reconnect with young alumnae too. RSVP.


Announcing Best Bites of Bronx and Westchester

Coming to SCA on Thursday, March 26, 2020 for food and family fun. Learn more.
 

Participating restaurants (list will update regularly)


A Special Thank You to our Sponsors (list will update regularly)


Save the Date: Multi-Year Reunion

If you graduated in a year ending in 0 or 5, this is your Reunion year. Please join us on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Invitations will be coming in the New Year.
STAY CONNECTED

Join our social media networks:
St. Catharine Academy | 718-882-2882 www.scahs.org

Donate Now (This year's Fund for Catharinites runs through August 31.)