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Ms. Cucciniello Receives Teacher of Excellence Award
Congratulations to Social Studies teacher Lisa Cucciniello who received the National Society of High School Scholars - Teacher of Excellence award in June at a ceremony at the Senate Dirksen Office Building in Washington, DC. SDA Junior Nisha Sharma, who is a student in Ms. Cucciniello's U.S. History II class, nominated her for this award.
Ms. Cucciniello with fellow award recipients.
Ms. Cucciniello shows her award citation.
Kate Lillis-Magnus Appointed Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations
Kate Lillis-Magnus '83 has been appointed as the Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations.
Kate served as Manager/Director of Investor Relations at Polo Ralph Lauren in Lyndhurst, where she worked from 1990-2000; and then as Marketing Director of Critt Graham and Associates of Jersey City from 2000-2002. Most recently, Kate served as President of "Kate's Covers", a custom radiator enclosure business, from 2003-2007.
Kate, a long-time supporter of St. Dominic Academy, served as the President of its Alumnae Association from 1992 - 2006. Prior to that, she served as secretary. During her tenure on the Alumnae Association, Kate and co-chairwoman Denise Anderson '81 chaired "Nunstalgia" fundraisers in 1992 and 1996.
When asked why she wanted to return to SDA as the Director of Advancement, Kate says, "One lesson I learned from my dad who worked a great deal of overtime to support our large family was to find a job that you love. I have always had great affection for SDA; for the friendships I made here and still hold dearly today, and for the education and valuable lessons learned within these halls. To be able to give back to a community that gave me so much is truly gratifying."
Kate enthusiastically looks forward to ensuring that SDA is around for decades to come. Says Kate, "I believe in SDA's mission of educating young women and influencing their lives in the most positive way."
Kate's fondest memory of being a student at SDA centers on a basketball game against Sacred Heart Academy. The game was in overtime and Kate was fouled with a chance to make two free throws to gain the lead. Says Kate, "Sacred Heart called a timeout and our coach, Mr. Lynch, strategized, 'After Kate makes both free throws, go into full-court press.' One of the players asked, 'What if she misses?' The coach replied, 'She won't.' That's the kind of confidence SDA instilled in me. I made both shots and we won the game."
Of Kate's nine siblings, all attended private Catholic high schools, and all four girls attended SDA: Pat '74, MaryEllen '76, and Barbara '84.
Kate is a graduate of St. Peter's College, and holds a B.A. degree in English. She is married to Steve Magnus. The couple lives in Berkeley Heights, N.J.
Social Studies Teacher to Attend Academic Conference in Greece
Social Studies teacher Lisa Cucciniello will be attending a conference in Loutrki of Korinthia, Peloponnese, Greece from April 18 - 22, 2007. The conference, entitled "The All and Everything Conference," will focus on the writings of George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff (d. 1949). Gurdjieff, born and raised in Russian Armenia, spent a great deal of time traveling to Asia, Tibet and Egypt learning many spiritual traditions. Gurdjieff believed that in order to create a more peaceful world, the knowledge and wisdom of the east and the drive of the west must be combined.
A series of articles published in 1991 about his teachings sparked overwhelming response and discussions among the global academic community, and led to the creation of an annual conference, now in its 15th year. Gurdjieff's work spanned history, philosophy, and sociology.
Ms. Cucciniello will receive an M.A. in Social Science with a concentration in history in May from Montclair State University. Ms. Cucciniello was invited by a former professor to attend the conference.
Napoli Honored as Italian-American Educator
Congratulations to Mr. Joseph Napoli who was honored by the Columbus Society of Bayonne as the Italian American Educator of the Year. He was honored at Bayonne's Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, October 15th.
SDA Teacher Is Honored Guest of Japanese Government
French teacher Ms. Denise Scholz participated in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program in Japan from June 11 - 29, 2006. This program allows distinguished secondary school educators in the U.S. to travel to Japan for three weeks in an effort to promote greater intercultural understanding between the two nations. She was selected from a national pool of nearly 2,300 applicants by a panel of educators to earn this honor.
Ms. Scholz began her visit in Tokyo with a practical orientation on Japanese life and culture, and attended meetings with Japanese government officials and educators. She traveled to different host cities, including Nagasaki, and toured Japanese primary and secondary schools as well as a teachers college. She also visited cultural sites, local industries, and attended a homestay with a Japanese family. Among her many varied experiences, Ms. Scholz learned origami, attended a workshop on Japanese art, and attended a seminar on the Status of Women.
Ms. Scholz is the moderator of the Anime Club at St. Dominic Academy. Members of this club watch Japanese animation and read cartoon-style novels. Ms. Scholz has made presentations about her experience to SDA's faculty, and plans to engage in cross-disciplinary work with SDA's history department as a result of her experiences.
Ms. Scholz is also the moderator of SDA's Multicultural Club. A highlight of this club's activities is its annual International Assembly showcasing SDA's collective heritage and featuring songs, dance and a fashion show of traditional international dress.
The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Program is sponsored by the Government of Japan and was launched in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. government Fulbright Program, which has enabled more that 6,000 Japanese citizens to study in the U.S. on Fulbright fellowships for graduate education and research.
Saint Dominic Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Benjamin J. Dineen as its first President and Ms. Deborah Egan as its new Principal effective July 1, 2006.
Principal Deborah Egan and President Benjamin Dineen in Madonna Hall after their appointments were announced.
Mr. Benjamin J. Dineen of Secaucus comes to SDA with a strong background in banking. He most recently served as Vice President for Not-for-Profit and Municipal Banking at Independence Community Bank in Newark. Mr. Dineen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Accounting from Catholic University in Washington, DC. Among Mr. Dineen's many honors are an award from President George H.W. Bush at the first New Jersey Governor's Volunteer Conference, his participation in a yearlong fellowship through Leadership New Jersey, the 2004 Rotary Club of Jersey City Community Service Award, and the 2003 March of Dimes Northern New Jersey Leadership Award for Volunteerism.
Ms. Deborah Egan of Sayreville has been with St. Dominic Academy for 17 years as a Religion teacher. In 2003, she was appointed Assistant Principal for Academics, a position in which she has been responsible for curriculum development, professional development and faculty supervision. Ms. Egan holds a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Caldwell College, as well as an M.R.E. in Systematic Theology from St. Joseph's College Seminary, Yonkers, NY, and post-Masters Certification in Spirituality from St. Michael's College, VT. She has just begun studies in the Executive Ed.D. Doctoral Program in Education Administration at Seton Hall University. Ms. Egan served as a co-chair of SDA's Middle States Coordinating Committee and is also a member of the Dominican Sisters of Hope Associate Program.
"Saint Dominic Academy has a proud history as one of Hudson County's oldest educational institutions. I believe the appointment of Ben Dineen as the new President and Deborah Egan as the new Principal ensures a bright future as well. The Caldwell Dominican Sisters who founded the Academy and the current SDA Board of Trustees are enthusiastic about these appointments and offer our prayerful support for the future," said Chairwoman of the SDA Board of Trustees Sr. Alice Uhl, O.P.
Sr. Vivien Jennings, O.P., Ph.D., who has served as SDA's Principal since 1999 will be retiring in July. During her tenure she oversaw the expansion of the curriculum, initiated plans for an expansion of the physical plant and laid the groundwork for the forthcoming Capital Campaign to support the Academy's endowment, scholarships and growth of the facilities.
Faculty Awards and Achievements
Dr. Wangiwang Listed in Who's Who
Congratulations to Dr. Julius Wangiwang who will be listed in the August 2007 edition of Who’s Who in American Education.
Ms. Vega and Ms. Spizzirro Attend Conference
Science teacher Ms. Flordeliza Vega and English teacher Ms. Stefanie Spizzirro attended a workshop on Teaching Techniques at the Pingry School. Subjects they covered at the conference include group learning, different ways to stimulate student interest, and fun classroom activities.
Mrs. Jimenez Listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers
Spanish teacher Mrs. Altagracia Jimenez was listed in the 2005-2006 Tenth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. On receiving this award, she says, "I feel more than pleased to be able to touch many lives in a special way."
Faculty Milestones
Faculty Members Receive Masters Degrees
Science teacher Lori Palmieri will receive her Masters degree in the Science of Education with a concentration in literacy from the Dominican University in August 2007.
Congratulations to English Department Chairman John Seborowski, Physical Education Department Chairwoman Cathy Jo Lombardi and Religion teacher Brian Caldwell! All received Masters in Education from St. Peter's College this year.
Personal Milestones
Congratulations to Social Studies teacher Mrs. Venessa Polito and her husband, Anthony, on the birth of their son, Benjamin on March 29, 2007. He joins big sisters Summer and Abigail.
Faculty News Archives
Teacher of the Year Makes Singing Debut at Carnegie Hall with members of the Dominoes
Mr. Joseph Napoli is happy to report his February 19, 2006 debut at Carnegie Hall was "sensational." Mr Napoli prepared 16 male singers from the following schools to join the Dominoes as part of a mixed choir in this historic concert: Saint Peter's Prep; The Hudson School; Westfield High School; Rutgers, Newark; Steven's Institute of Technology; and County Prep.
The chorus was literally a family affair. Says Mr. Napoli, "We had brothers and sisters, Danielle and Daniel Libatique, and Natasha and Danny Carles; Father and Daughter, Paul and Katie Branagan; and SDA Director of Finance Mr. Patrick Boyle's son, Gregory, perform." Mr. Napoli's good friend, Vincent Rone, who has written music for the Dominoes, also sang in the choir.
At the concert's conclusion, audience members gave Mr.Napoli and the mixed choir a three minute standing ovation!
Joseph Napoli Receives State Award for Teaching Excellence
Congratulations to Joseph Napoli for being awarded the non-public school Teacher of the Year award for the State of New Jersey. Mr. Napoli received his award at a ceremony in Trenton on October 11, 2005.
John Nagel Is Inducted into St. Peter's College Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Athletic Director John Nagel on being inducted into the St. Peter's College Hall of Fame.
Science Faculty Members Learn New Techniques
Science Department Chairwoman Mrs. Sue Lingat and teacher Ms. Cristina Manuel attended a weeklong program in August entitled “The New Generation – A Year of Chemical Tools for Teachers” at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison. The purpose of the program was to familiarize teachers with new techniques in teaching chemistry, and to liven up chemistry classes.
Art Faculty Member Attends Program
Art teacher Mrs. Celeste Giarratana attended the Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference in June.
Mr. Crudo Donates Texts to Philippines School
SDA received a thank you for Math teacher Mr. Justin Crudo’s donation of geometry books from the Imus Institute in the Philippines, where Mr. Crudo formerly worked.
Faculty Members Attend NJAIS Conference
The following faculty members attended the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools’ 2004 Conference in October: Math teacher Roy Cramer and English teacher Linda Gilbert. They attended workshops on topics including "Smart Board Usage," "Incorporating Technology into the Classroom," "Fostering Self-esteem in Young Women," "Using Geometry," and "Teaching Shakespeare."
2006 Teaching and Service Milestones
Congratulations to Spanish teacher Mrs. Sylvia
Zaballero who celebrated 50 years of teaching.
Congratulations to the following SDA faculty on celebrating teaching
milestones of their own:
Congratulations to History teachers Mary Ann McLean and John January for being selected for inclusion in Who’s Who among American Teachers.
Congratulations to Secretary Marge Magaldi who was one of the distinguished recipients of the Archdiocesan Sesquicentennial Medal presented by the Archbishop at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Congratulations to Sr. Danelle McCarthy on the celebration of her Golden Jubilee as a Dominican sister.
Alumnae and Friends Gather at 'Ever a Part of Our Lives' Faculty Tribute on September 24, 2004Nine dedicated individuals who have served Saint Dominic Academy for twenty-five years or more were honored at this tribute. For further details, visit our Alumnae page.
From left to right, Pat Criaris, Joe Napoli, Marge Magaldi, Sister Jean Veronica Duszynski, Jane Albert, Sister Maureen Kelly, Sister Vivien Jennings, John Nagel, Cathy Jo Lombardi, Marilyn French.