October 2021
Alma Matters
Mary Geralyn Schollhamer '03 supports
breast cancer awareness at SCA
Mary Geralyn Schollhamer '03 learned how important breast cancer awareness was when she took health with Ms. Dolores Piergentile '70 at St. Catharine's. She made a donation this year to help support breast cancer awareness for the current students to continue Ms. P's legacy.

"When I was a student at SCA, I received comprehensive health education, including how to find tumors on 'dummy' breasts," she says. "It wasn't until I moved away did I realize that my experience was nearly unheard of. Breast cancer education is simply not found in high school curricula. As a result, my friends didn't know how to perform a monthly breast exam nor did they know its importance for women of all ages."

She pointed to the funding as an opportunity to save lives. "When we educate young women, we are not only empowering them, but we are also empowering their loved ones," Mary says. "Students take the information they learn at school home to their families and friends. It's an exponential win for all women."

"There was an entire class about how to check your breasts for lumps," she recalls. "In the past few years, I’ve lost young female friends to breast cancer. I think back to those classes with Ms. P. and wonder how many lives she saved."

Nowadays Mary spreads the word where she can too. She tells the story of her friend Erika. "One of my closest friends, Erika, was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in 2019. By the time she found the tumor, it was nearly the size of a golf ball. She died a year and a half later at age 36 and left behind two children. I try to share Erika's story with young women I meet. If her story can prevent one loss or heartache, maybe her death won't have been in vain." 

Mary says St. Catharine's had a huge impact on her life. "In a period of our lives when there's so much insecurity, SCA offered a safe space for young women to simply be themselves. You can tell a woman went to SCA when you meet her because all graduates have an authentic confidence - one that says 'I am here and I have value.' I look back now and realize what a special experience it was."
Around SCA
Breast Cancer Awareness
Juniors and Seniors learned about breast cancer and how to do self exams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (See alma matters story above.)

"Early detection of breast cancer has a huge impact on chances of survival," says Annalisa Imperia, School Nurse. "Even though breast cancer in teens is rare, it's important for all young women to become familiar with their bodies so they can recognize any changes, and also important for them to be comfortable talking about it. Being educated can save not just their own life but someone else's."
Reunion Weekend: Celebrating the classes ending in 0, 1, 5 and 6
Alumnae from the Classes ending with 0, 1, 5 and 6 returned to St. Catharine's for Reunion Weekend on Oct. 16 and 17. They enjoyed visiting with each other with the renovated St. Catharine Academy as a backdrop.

Father Daughter Bowling
Strikes Up Some Fun
The Father Daughter event was filled with strikes, spares and a whole lot of fun on Oct. X.

View photos of the event.
Student Spotlight
Doris P. '22 explored STEM opportunities
at Jefferson University's Summer Academy
Doris P. ’22 spent a week during the summer as part of Jefferson University’s Summer Academy. The program included career discovery sessions with mentors from the field. “I had the privilege to meet architects, engineers, interior designers and real estate developers from all over the world,” Doris says.
 
 During the week, Doris project's goal was to build a parklet, designed to serve people in the city. “My group decided that we would build a parklet for friendships, and create a space for friends to come in and enjoy each other's company,” she says. “The best thing that I learned throughout this process was using Sketchup, an online tool and design software to create and bring our project to life.”
 
Interested in architecture, Doris is a member of the BETA Club and its APP Team. She is also taking AP Art and has been a member of the coding club. Doris is a member of the SCA honor societies and has served as a tutor.
 
Crediting Ms. Sheree Petrignani as an influence, Doris says, she has helped her explore opportunities surrounding her passion for architecture. “Ms. P.’s connections to programs, mentors, professors and her ability to expose us to opportunities outside of our high school has made me realize that through talent and hard work, you can accomplish your dreams. We are grateful that she understands the importance of women in STEM, and that we should take the opportunities offered to us, that women historically never had access to.”
Sports Shorts
The Varsity Volleyball team took the regular season title with an undefeated league record of 5-0. The Archdiocesan Playoffs have just begun. JV lost a tough first round match to St. Joseph Hill Academy on Oct. 30 by scores of 25-10 and 25-12. Watch social media for Varsity updates.
Circle the Date
Alumnae Event
Fall Event
Information Session
If you missed Open House on Oct. 30, there is still time to learn more about SCA and its programs. Join us for an In-Person Information Session on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. To register, please complete the form.
2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10469
(718) 882-2882 www.scahs.org