OUR MISSION

S isters Academy of

Baltimore, a Catholic,

community-centered middle

school, educates girls of

different races, ethnic groups,

and religions, from families of

limited economic means,

particularly in southwest

Baltimore. The Academy

empowers its students to

become agents of

transformation in their

families, communities, and

society.

Sponsoring Congregations

School Sisters of Notre Dame

Sisters of Bon Secours

Sisters of Mercy

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Board of Members:

Deborah Cerullo, SSND

Mary Donohue, SNDdeN

Patricia Smith, RSM

Alice Talone, CBS

Board of Directors:

Lawrence Beyer

Faye Alston Cook

Marcia A. Cort, M.D.

Rosemary Donohue, SNDdeN

Delia Dowling, SSND

James M. Dugan

Kate C. M. Edwards

Anita Feeley

Andrea Giampetro-Meyer

Mary M. Gunning

E. Tonas Kalil

Mark McCarty

Landa Rene McLaurin

Moira H. Monk

Margaret O. Moseley

Augusta Reilly, RSM

Janet Schmick

Carole Shinnick, SSND

Josette Towles

“Your old people will dream dreams, and your young people will see visions.” (Joel 2:28).

I n April, new and old friends of Sisters Academy came together for an evening of Jazzin’ It

Up at The Park. During the celebration, we had the distinct pleasure to honor Ethel

Ennis, Baltimore’s First Lady of Song, in presenting her with our Shining Star award. The

award recognizes a member of our community who serves as a shining example to our

students of fulfilled promise, exceptional talent, dedicated service, and commitment to

community.

Looking at the photo of our students smiling as they surrounded Ethel Ennis, I was reminded

of the words of the prophet Joel. The music career of Ethel Ennis reads like a dream that’s

come true, having worked with so many of the greatest of jazz artists, musicians, and leaders

as in, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton.

Her jazz career spans sixty years and going strong, she is still dreaming! Ethel and Earl Arnett

are celebrating fifty years of marriage this year. They share a philosophy of soft spiritual

power “to change ourselves and the world around us.” She uses her power and energy as a

civic ambassador and leader. And like all of us who believe in Sisters Academy, she too

dreams that young girls and boys hold to the vision of being able to reach their full potential

through the power of an excellent education.

The students in the photo represent a small composite of our whole group, current students

and graduates, who are on the path to fulfilling their visions. They see themselves as lawyers,

athletes, doctors, and scientists, but they don’t always see the next steps. By offering a strong

academic program, based in faith, incorporating social, emotional, and physical growth, Sisters

Academy provides the means for our students to succeed in middle school, gain acceptance

into the best high schools, and realize their God-given potential.

Ethel’s dream and our students’ visions unite us all, especially while Jazzin’ It Up at The

Park on a wonderful evening! I hope you enjoy reading about the event and all of the other

experiences of our students over the past months.

Your generosity as scholarship sponsors, donors, volunteers, and friends makes dreams come

true and visions a reality.

Dreams and Visions

Volume 14, Issue 1 Spring 2017

Sister Delia Dowling, SSND

President, Sisters Academy of Baltimore

Page 2 Sisters Academy of Baltimore Volume 14, Issue 1

News Notes

An Unexpected Meeting at the Holocaust Museum

For the eighth grade, a trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial

Museum in Washington, DC brought together their studies in

religion and literature. The trip also brought together Mykia, who

was holding a passport, and the person whose name was on the

passport.

In World Religion class, students had been learning about Judaism.

In literature, they read and discussed “Night” by holocaust survivor

Eli Wiesel. Planned as a culminating experience by their teacher

Patty Ruppert, the trip provided an opportunity to integrate their

learning and deepen their understanding of the Holocaust.

As each student entered the museum, she received an

identification card, similar to a passport, which tells the story of a

victim or survivor of the Holocaust. During their visit, the

students met with two women who were museum volunteers and

survivors. As the girls engaged in questions and answers with the

volunteers, Mykia suddenly realized that the name tag worn by one

of the volunteers was the same name on the passport in her hand.

Following their presentation, Mykia took the opportunity to speak

personally with the volunteer survivor. For Mykia and her

classmates, meeting a Holocaust survivor face to face was a

powerful and memorable moment.

Playwright Award from Center Stage

Seventh grader Gabriela Rivera’s one-act play received

Honorable Mention at the 2017 Young Playwright Festival at

Baltimore Center Stage. Her play, “Back to Reality,” was selected

from more than 300 entries from students across the State of

Maryland. Her award was announced at a special event at the

theater on May 1. On May 17, professional actors from Center

Stage came to Sisters Academy and performed a reading of the

play. Gabriela then answered questions posed by the other

students.

Archdiocesan Distinctive Scholars Award

Bria Thomas, Class of 2013, was named one of the three

Archdiocesan Distinctive Scholars from Cristo Rey Jesuit High

School. Each year, three Distinctive Scholars are named by each

high school in the archdiocese, and celebrated at a special

reception and dinner.

Postcards & News

from

Our Graduates

From Ivian Sanders, Class of 2012

Freshman, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

“Just about finished my year of college and it was more than I thought it

would be. I’ve met so many different people from all across the country.

Life is all about new beginnings. Not only did Sisters Academy help

prepare me to greet people with firm handshakes, but they also taught me

to reach for the stars. SAB pushed me to believe that if I have a dream,

then I can achieve it. I attended Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and carried

this along the way. My internship with M&T Bank helped me become

familiar with the business world and helped me become more of a social

person rather than a quiet one. Being able to voice my opinion not only

helped me grow a bond with my supervisor, but opened new

opportunities for me, such as being able to work at Ravens game and also

attend a concert by Rihanna, who happens to be my favorite artist. My

advice for high school, college, and life is: don’t be afraid to step out of

your comfort zone. Try new things and don’t let others discourage you.

Be yourself and have no limits!”

From Mickayla LaCour, Class of 2011

Sophmore, Stevenson University

“One word to describe college is ‘challenging.’ This isn't quite what I was

expecting for my college experience. Everything is different socially here,

and, of course, academically, but nothing I haven't been prepared for. I am

a Medical Laboratory Science major at Stevenson University and never

would have thought my love for science could have become this hectic,

hard, and frustrating. However, deep down, I know it will all be worth it

eventually and, I must admit that I love the challenge. I feel like I am

defying odds every step of the way. College hasn't been the easiest

journey at all for me; however, I know the tassel will be worth the hassle

in the near future.”

From D’Nya Scott, Class of 2016

Freshman, Mercy High School

“If I could describe my first year in high school it would be ‘new and

challenging.’ Being the only student from my class to attend Mercy has

been challenging to make friends. Now, I am a part of the Art Club and

have joined the Environmental Club and will try out for volleyball in the

fall. From my four years at SAB, I have learned how to expand my

horizon on things I believe I can do: reading prayer before the morning

announcements for the whole school and helping tutor other students on

different subjects. I also learned how to work through things that might

be hard in the beginning but persevered through them and got an

outcome I really wanted.”

The eighth grade visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC in March, as part

of their World Religion and literature classes.

Tymarra Sherrill, Sisters Academy Class of 2010 and current junior at Towson

University, addressed the guests at Jazzin’ It Up at The Park.

Page 3 Sisters Academy of Baltimore Volume 14, Issue 1

T he joint was jumpin’ at Montgomery Park on Saturday, April 22nd, as it

was a pos-i-lute-ly, paint-the-town-red-celebration for Sisters Academy of

Baltimore. Spirits, including the VIP Sagamore Rye, were flying high as the

350+ party guests moved through the Jazz Club to the smooth sounds of the

Craig Alston ensemble. For those who moseyed their way into the “Back

Room” (after whispering the secret “passcode”), the revelry was geared up

for all those playing games of chance and for all who strolled or swizzled along

“Whiskey Row!” Yes, it was a smokin’, jamin’ night for all!

Of course the highlight of the night was greeting Ethel Ennis, Baltimore’s First

Lady of Song! And, it was a supermurgitroid moment when Sr. Delia Dowling

presented Ethel Ennis with the Sisters Academy 2017 Shining Star Award!

The Jazz Club came alive as Ethel Ennis offered her gratitude and engaged the

audience with her own spirited song. A hi-di hi-di hi-di-ho celebration!

Jazzin’ It Up was a ballyhoo success due to the tremendous support from our

event sponsors, in-kind donors, and all who purchased tickets and more

throughout the night. And, it cannot go unsaid how much we appreciated the

“cat’s meow” Jazz Club mood that was created by one swell of a volunteer

team, who worked tirelessly at producing a berries evening, all to benefit

Sisters Academy!

Thank you to all for your support of our

mission – enabling middle school girls to

reach their full potential through

education and become agents of

transformation in their families,

communities, and society. And, although

the celebration has now ended, please

remember, “guys and gals” alike, you are

always welcome to come along for a

visit to Sisters Academy of Baltimore!

Accolades for the Jazzin’ It Up Event

Committee:

Meg Bowes

Carmel Gambacorta

Claire Hartman

Julie McQuilkin, Co-chair

Moira Monk

Peggy Moseley

Sallie Mullen

Susan Solberg

Maris St. Cyr, Co-chair

Emma Wesoloski

Thank you, thank you!

Carlos and Kate Edwards and Heather and Marty Kajic, guests of

lead sponsor Whiting-Turner, dressed the part for the Jazz Club.

Maris St. Cyr, on the right, is granting a much-needed wish at the

Wish Upon A Star booth, staffed by Beth Wood, Sisters Academy art instructor.

Amanda and Hui Seo and Ellen Yankellow and Bill Chapman,

guests of Correct RX Pharmacy Services, are enjoying themselves at one of the blackjack tables in the “Back Room.”

Jim and Jackie Stradtner converse with Sister Delia Dowling,

President, at the VIP Reception, hosted by Sagamore Spirit.

Baltimore’s own First Lady of jazz, Ethel

Ennis, is recognized by Sisters Academy

with the 2017 Shining Star Award for her

international jazz contributions and her

community roles as a woman minority

entrepreneur and cultural ambassador for

the city.

A Night on the Town with Sisters Academy

Page 4 Sisters Academy of Baltimore Volume 14, Issue 1

Sisters Academy Experiences Hidden Figures

I n April, Sisters Academy students and teachers had the pleasure of

experiencing a “one-of-a-kind” field trip when the whole school took a break

to go to the movies! Yes, our students enjoyed their own private screening of

the Academy Award nominated film, Hidden Figures.

Not only was it fun to leave school to go to the movie, it was an opportunity for

the students to learn and experience this true story. Even more importantly, the

girls experienced it together as a school community.

The film realistically speaks to the mission and vision of Sisters Academy. It tells

the story of three African American women mathematicians who played

important roles at NASA during the early days of space flight. The film

documents their struggles and triumphs as they became agents of transformation

at NASA in the early 1960’s. In the process, they were transformed.

“It was quite moving to be in a theater with only our girls, and to listen to their

captivating applause at various points during the movie,” commented Gina

Goodman, mathematics and social studies teacher. She also explained, “Hidden

Figures has so many take-a-ways that we hoped the girls would find.” And they

did. “The girls were quite taken with learning about the treatment of both

women and race many years ago. It was important to have the girls learn about

these three trailblazers. They were educated professional women who became

empowered to establish their civil rights in the workplace—a strong parallel to

what we try to achieve every day at Sisters Academy.”

The field trip also included an all-school pizza lunch back at school. After lunch,

students were given an assignment to write their own reflections about the film

and how to apply what they learned to their own lives. The girls were asked to

answer six questions, challenging them to reflect upon the theme and historical

aspects of Hidden Figures. They started writing very quickly.

Writing their answers on colorful sticky notes, each girl posted her notes on the

large posters that were then displayed on the gym walls. The exercise

concluded with girls quietly taking time to walk around the gym and read the

responses posted by all of the students.

The experience of seeing and reflecting on the film reinforced the importance of

academic excellence and the personal characteristics that lead to achieving one’s

dreams.

The field trip to view Hidden Figures was a special event, funded through the

generosity of friends who donated specifically for this memorable trip. Thank

you!

What lesson can you take away from the movie

Hidden Figures?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t,

because you can.

By learning a lot—I can be whatever I want

to be.

Be who I am. Be determined and solve

problems peacefully.

Work hard no matter what.

Talk when you need to talk.

Stay strong!

What character traits did the main characters

embody that you admire and how could you use

those traits to achieve your goals?

They were confident, brave, never gave up,

and determined. I can use these traits by

always remembering that I can do anything I

put my mind to.

Courage and power. I don’t know how but I

know I can.

I saw that they were strong-hard-working-

patient-smart-loyal-sincere-nice-funny-

unselfish-black. I can use all of this by

working hard and being strong.

Character traits I admire: They were the

“firsts.” They were determined. They never

gave up. I could use these traits by being

determined to do what I want to achieve and

to never give up on my dreams.

All of the women were kind, hardworking,

smart, and determined. By having these

traits, you can do anything. My goal is to

actually work at NASA someday, so it was

cool to see what actually goes on there.

How have we progressed since the era of the movie?

What is still the same, what is different and how can

we grow?

More equal rights now for women. Women

are still underestimated. We can grow by

empowering women.

Progress—more equality among gender and

race. Today some people still discriminate

just because of different colors or society.

We can grow by looking deep into the heart

and not looking at surface features.

No segregation / Still division / We grow by

being courageous and caring.

Everyone has the same rights now. You have

to go to school and are expected to get a

job. We can grow by standing up for our

rights in a good and positive way.

Better technology. Treat people equally.

Students Speak

Mayah, Mykayla, and Kiana are perusing and discussing the responses to one of the Hidden Figures

questions.

Page 5 Sisters Academy of Baltimore Volume 14, Issue 1

Students Learn Body Flow: Union of Mind, Body, and Spirit

O n two Thursdays in February, Sisters Academy students

and teachers took a “time-out” from their regular schedule

to experience Body Flow, the art of controlled physical

movement combined with the practice of connecting one’s body,

mind, and spirit. Julianne Sterett, Body Flow instructor from

Brick Bodies, Timonium, along with Brick Bodies Intern, Carly

Lutz, and volunteer Sally Sager from the Christ Child Society of

Baltimore, worked as team. They calmly guided the entire

student body through each one-hour lesson that combined yoga

poses with Pilates movements, breathing techniques, and quiet

meditation. Through the Body Flow classes, the students gained

the experience of learning how to create their own sense of

well-being in mind, body, and spirit.

The Brick Bodies Body Flow classes were provided through a

generous sponsorship from the Christ Child Society of

Baltimore. The classes are just one of several gifts and

experiences the Christ Child Society of Baltimore has provided

for Sisters Academy in support of our life skills and academic program. At the end of each class, Sisters Academy students expressed their

gratitude offering hearty applause to the Christ Child Society of Baltimore and Brick Bodies for giving them the gift of finding one’s peace and

beauty, love, and light. Namaste!

S tudents learned what it takes to become a paramedic, investment manager, environmental engineer,

emergency doctor, or to become of member of the United States Air Force during Career Day on

March 17. Across the board, students in grades five through eight engaged in presentations by

professional women who broadened their horizons about career choices. The students responded with

many positive remarks about the day, and when asked about the presentations, they offered words such

as funny, cool, and inspiring. And one student gave her positive assessment stating “I liked hearing

women say that they like working for men, but I really enjoyed hearing that they like it even better to

have men work for them!”

Urban educator, Dr. Jana Thompson of St. Mary’s College made a huge impression as the “teacher of teachers.” She convinced some students to follow their hearts and become a teacher. Hands-on

experiences were also a big draw, as the Digital Transformers presenters, Josette Towles and Coretta

Bennett of BITHGroup Technologies, aligned prizes with level of difficulty for students to answer

questions. And when asked about Dr. Marcia Cort’s presentation of The Role of the Emergency Room

Physician, one student’s statement said it all, “I just loved it!”

When surveyed about Career Day, several girls shared remarks about having a new level of respect for

the people who protect our country after meeting Johne’ Tribble, USAF, who shared stories about her

military service. In a final summary, one student offered “It was good to see and hear from people who

are successful in life and inspiring others by what they are doing

through their job.”

After looking at the students’ comments about the type of

presenters they would like to meet at a future Career Day, there

were a multitude of suggestions but only one universal suggestion, “We need to offer snacks!”

The student body performs some of the moves, stretches, and poses according to

choreographed music to create a holistic workout in the body flow class.

Professional Women Inspire Students at Career Day

Dr. Marcia Cort explains the role of an

emergency room doctor.

Fifth-grader, Sauceray, tries on the jacket of

paramedic, Emily Wasil from the Baltimore County Fire Department.

Presenters and Their Profession

Coretta Bennett—Chief Operating Officer, BITHGroup Technologies

Marcia Cort, M.D.—Clinical Director, Emergency Medicine, Total Health Care

Stephanie Rowan—Environmental Engineer, Northrop Grumman

Jeanny Silva—Fixed Income Analyst, T. Rowe Price

Kimberly Stokes—Fixed Income Analyst, T. Rowe Price

Janna Thompson—Advocate of Urban Education and Leadership, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Josette Towles—Digital Transformation Specialist, BITHGroup Technologies

Johne’ Tribble—Senior Airman, United States Air Force

Emily Wasil—Paramedic, Baltimore County Fire Department

139 First Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21227-3002

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A Day of Appreciation for Students and Scholarship Sponsors

D espite the gloomy, rainy day, as our student scholarship sponsors arrived at Sisters

Academy, they were delighted to discover that the day was about to become much

brighter! On Friday, March 31, as our guests arrived in the school gymnasium for Sponsor

Appreciation Day, they were welcomed with joyful hugs and hearty handshakes from the

students they are sponsoring at Sisters Academy.

As any Sisters Academy girl will tell you, this is an extremely important day at school. “It’s

special that I can say thank you, as it is the least I can do for getting to go to a great school like Sisters Academy,” stated Steffi Garcia, a fifth grade student. “I am so lucky to go to this

school, I just love being here.” And with that said, it is clearly understandable why student

scholarship sponsors are truly engaged as investors in our mission. “They have each

generously committed to providing an individual student with a four-year scholarship,”

offered Sr. Delia Dowling, SSND. “We could not do what we do without their sponsorship

support and the annual gifts from many.” For Sisters Academy students, meeting their

scholarship sponsor on Appreciation Day is an exciting annual tradition. They are eager to

learn about the person supporting their education and excited to share their own news

about their progress as a student. It is all about meeting in person and getting to know one

another.

As the day’s events unfolded, students and sponsors participated together in fun classroom

activities. The activities made it easy to learn more about one another while showcasing the

students’ academic achievements and artistic talents. The day also featured a “Q & A”

presentation with the eighth grade students who offered their candid perspectives on their

four years at the school. It was an overwhelmingly positive exchange and one that clearly

demonstrated appreciation for their education. As the activities came to a close, it was time for farewells and goodbyes. And once again, students and sponsors embraced each

other with genuine smiles along with words of personal praise and encouragement. The

closing moments displayed true expressions of gratitude for being a part of Sisters

Academy. It was a day of appreciation for all.

Nyla, Mealia, and Giani interact with sponsors Chuck and Martha Kendall and Pam Himmelrich.

Sponsor Kathy Novak works on the assignment with Tylah and Kiana.