October 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon

celebrated at St. Catharine's

Thanks to NYC Council Member Marjorie Velazquez '99 (pictured in center above) who was instrumental in bringing the Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon to St. Catharine Academy. The event included dance performances and delicious Hispanic food. Also pictured is alumna Giamara Rosado '02 (wearing the hat above), wife of Senator Jamaal Bailey (far right).

Manhattan College engineering student completed summer internship

at Columbia University Climate Research Laboratory

Reprinted with permission from Manhattan College News.

Angelina Persaud '21, a junior at Manhattan College, studied the applications of ultrasonic technology for drying processes to increase energy efficiency.

Angelina, a chemical engineering major, knew that she wanted to attend Manhattan College from the day she set foot on campus as a high school sophomore. The visit for Engineering Awareness Day as a St. Catharine Academy student convinced the Bronx native that the College offered her exactly the kind of education she was looking for. Now five years later, Persaud has established herself as an active member of the Manhattan community: she’s news editor of The Quadrangle student newspaper, and last summer completed a prestigious research internship with the Columbia University Climate Change and Health Solutions Cohort.

At Columbia, Persaud worked in the Moment and Kymissis Labs, where she studied the applications of ultrasonic technology for drying processes in a way that increases energy efficiency. The internship allowed her to utilize engineering, science and mathematical concepts that she learned in Chemical Thermodynamics and Chemical Engineering Materials and apply them in a laboratory setting.   

Ultrasonic drying is a method that uses high-frequency sound waves to accelerate the evaporation of water. It is faster and more energy-efficient than traditional drying methods, such as hot air drying, and the devices used are micro-scaled. It can be used to dry food, textiles such as clothes and towels and pharmaceuticals such as tablets, powders and capsules.  

Click to read more.

Meet Victoria Franek,

Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Victoria Franek brings ten years of teaching experience as she begins teaching mathematics to the SCA middle school students.

“Starting to teach in a completely new program is exciting to me,” she says. “I am often so impressed with the kindness and compassion I see in the girls. Many of them serve as models for Christian values, especially when it comes to helping their classmates. I am seeing a bond within the classes that I can't wait to see develop even more as the year continues.”

Explaining that students only learn when they feel “safe, comfortable and heard,” Ms. Franek adds, “I can see that there will be so much learning in this middle school.”

Beyond the content area, Ms. Franek wants to inspire her students to want to learn more. “I try to challenge the girls to try, even when they are unsure, and to question and try to figure things out. I want them to believe that they are capable of thinking and pushing through anything on their own. To do that, I hope they always feel that I am on their side to help them.”

Ms. Franek concludes, “Sometimes students think being a good student means having the highest grades, but I hope to make them all see that true growth occurs when they are ready to learn, and are able to use their strategies to become stronger thinkers…. Getting a Mercy Education helps students to learn to be compassionate toward others and to rely on their faith to help them to grow.”

St. Catharine Academy Named to

Advanced Placement School Honor Roll

College Board announced that St. Catharine Academy has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning GOLD distinction.

St. Catharine’s was also recognized with the AP Access Award, which “recognizes Saint Catharine Academy as providing all students the chance to participate in AP, including students of underrepresented populations.”

The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

St. Catharine Academy had 71% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 35% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 18% of seniors who took five or more AP exams! St. Catharine Academy offers 11 AP Courses. 

"St. Catharine Academy prides itself by giving students an opportunity to challenge themselves by offering college level courses as early as sophomore year,” says Carmela Melucci-Ivanov, assistant principal of academic services. “We find that this opportunity allows our students to be better prepared for the rigors of college."

“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”

Father Daughter Bowling Night

St. Catharine's took over the bowling lanes for a fun night of strikes, spares and just plain fun at Bowlero in White Plains. Congratulations to Mr. Zhala for having the highest score at the Father-Daughter event!

Take a look at photos from the evening.

Halloween in the hallways

SCA is celebrating Halloween with its traditional Decorate A Door and Decorate a Pumpkin contests. Students also gathered for Scary Movie Night.

See more fun photos.

SCA joins in Pink Out Day

This year, St. Catharine Academy marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Pink Out Day, a walk for Memorial Sloan Kettering's Breast Cancer Research Fund and training for self exams.

SCA marches in Morris Park Parade

St. Catharine Academy marched in Morris Park's Columbus Day Parade. This year, alumna Louise Palazzo DeLucia '77 served as deputy grand marshal. She was honored for her longtime service in the Bronx, including her bridal gown shop, Gowns by Louise which was a fixture on Morris Park Avenue for 37 years.

Brianna R. '24 selected to participate in Columbia University’s College Prep Leadership Program

Brianna R. ‘24 has been selected to be one of some 125 students from around the country to participate in Columbia University’s College Prep Leadership Program, which is sponsored by Seeds of Fortune. 

The course runs virtually every Sunday through December to help with the application process and then meets monthly through June to work with students as they make their college decisions. Brianna says they are working on everything from writing college essays to navigating financial aid to writing resumes.

This is the first year a college is hosting the program, giving the students the opportunity to spend three days at the Columbia and Barnard campuses where they attended writing workshops, lectures and took tours of the campuses. Brianna says they also worked in groups to create projects. We came up with a technological solution for bridging the racial inequity gap in sectors such as healthcare, education, and finances. 

“It’s certainly been nice and stress-relieving to have such a huge support system throughout my college application process,” Brianna explains. “In the program I have a program manager who manages a smaller group of girls and works with us personally on researching colleges and scholarships and navigating the Common App.” 

The first in her family preparing to go to college, Brianna says, “As a first-generation college student, there was a lot I didn’t know about applying to college, so being a part of this program has given me many resources and tips to make the process easier to navigate. It was also very inspiring and comforting to be surrounded by like-minded young women who have goals for their future and are also taking the initiative to construct competitive college applications to help achieve them.”

Bring on basketball season

This year, St. Catharine Academy will have three basketball teams on the newly renovated court, thanks to a very generous gift from past parent and coach, Ben Colon. The Middle School students will play in the CYO League. The High School will have both a junior varsity and varsity. Watch social media for updates all season.

Fall High School Information Night

Calling all alums to invite young women to visit SCA this fall. The Fall Information Session will be Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Card Party on Nov. 18!

Seats are limited!

There are only 27 seats left!!