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Softball, Outdoor Track Schedules Are Now Online
Schedules for the Softball and the Outdoor Track teams were posted on April 23, 2007.
Glee Club and Women's Choir Perform at Holocaust Commemoration on April 15
Thirty members of the St. Dominic Academy Glee Club and Women's Choir, an alumnae group, performed at the 17th annual Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony on Sunday, April 15, 2007. The ceremony, originally scheduled to take place at the Liberation Monument in Liberty State Park, was moved to the academy because of the extreme weather conditions. SDA President Benjamin J. Dineen was among the featured speakers.
This event was sponsored by the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and the JWV Ladies Auxiliary, in cooperation with St. Dominic Academy, the Holocaust Council of MetroWest, and the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey.
Mr. Joseph P. Napoli, director of SDA's choirs who has taught at SDA for 28 years, was in Myrtle Beach, SC with 51 members of SDA's Concert Choir for a performance on the same date, where they swept all major competition awards. The remaining choir members recognized the importance of this Holocaust Commemoration and were eager to participate. "It is a teacher's greatest source of pride when his students can go on without him," says Napoli. In his absence, SDA alumna Michelle Mecate '01 accompanied at the piano and Jean Kim '91 conducted.
Mr. Edward M. Goldman, who was Napoli's piano instructor, was present at the ceremony. Mr. Goldman is the composer of the first piece, which the SDA choir performed in Hebrew. The work is entitled Shalom Aleichem. The choir also performed The Butterfly, Birdsong, Shalom Friends, and Bashana Haba'ah. These songs tell the story of cultural life flourishing in Terezin, Czechoslovakia, despite it being taken over by the Nazis. The artwork and poetry of the children of Terezin is still admired today, notably by Vaclav Havel, the first President of the Czech Republic.
Scholarship Established in Memory of Kathleen Demytrk
Beloved SDA science teacher Kathleen Demytrk passed away on February 6, 2007. A funeral mass for Kathleen was held at St. Joseph Church, Bayonne, on February 10. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathleen's family at this difficult time.
The following has been excerpted from the funeral program. It was written by Kathleen's sister, Sr. Elaine Keenan '59. (Kathleen's five sisters attended SDA.)
Kathleen, the first born of the eight daughters of Marguerite and Harold Keenan, came into the world on August 24, 1939. She was educated at St. Nicholas Grammar School in Jersey City. On November 28, 1959 she married Morgan Demytrk in St. Nicholas Church and bore two sons, Peter and Mark.
When her children were students, a call to serve as an emergency substitute at St. Nicholas School became the catalyst for Kathleen's pursuit of a Bachelor of Science Degree from then Jersey City State College. Subsequently, she became a full-time teacher of science at St. Nicholas School, and from 1979-2002 she instilled a love of science in her students at St. Dominic Academy.
Family trips and vacations in Maine were captured in slides and photo albums. When Peter and Mark moved on with their lives, Kathleen explored the magnificent vistas of the National Parks and the Pacific Northwest with Morgan at her side. They had stories and memories to share with their six grandchildren who brought her such joy.
An avid reader, Kathleen devoured books and passed them on to her sisters and friends along with her personal reviews. She treasured life, her family, her wide circle of friends, and the contact and updates of so many of her former students.
Her wisdom, courage and determination were so evident during her six year battle with cancer - the same disease that took her loving and supportive husband four years ago. A teacher and scientist to the core, she taught her final lesson to all of us in the way she faced death - prepared and unafraid.
In lieu of flowers, the Demytrk family asked that donations be made to the "Kathleen Keenan Demytrk '57 Science Scholarship Fund".
Contributions should be sent to development office payable to St. Dominic Academy. Please specify the Demytrk Scholarship in the memo part of the check. If you prefer, you can make a secure online donation (see the Development page on our web site).
Each year the Scholarship will be awarded to a junior whose senior classes have a heavy concentration in science with a long-term goal of a career in a related field.
SDA Names Kate Lillis-Magnus Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations
St. Dominic Academy is pleased to announce that Kate Lillis-Magnus has been appointed as the Director of Advancement and Alumnae Relations. Kate graduated from SDA in 1983.
Kate's previous positions include Manager/Director of Investor Relations at Polo Ralph Lauren in Lyndhurst, and Marketing Director of Critt Graham and Associates of Jersey City. She has also held leadership positions with the SDA Alumnae Association.
For more information about Kate, visit our faculty news page.
Local Newspaper Features SDA Student Masterpieces
The January 5, 2007 issue of the Jersey Journal covers the SDA Alumnae Art Chair Exhibit on display in the rotunda gallery of the Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City. The article, entitled "Standing Ovation," is also available on-line.
Alumnae Honored at Eighth Annual Gala Awards Dinner-Dance on November 4th
St. Dominic Academy's Board of Trustees honored alumnae leaders at SDA's eighth annual gala held on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at Casino-in-the-Park in Jersey City. The honorees were Kathleen Wynn Barnitt '59, Anne Dalton O'Brien '65, and Alumnae Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters.
SDA President Benjamin Dineen with honorees and Board members.
Left to Right:
St. Dominic Academy President Benjamin Dineen,Trustee Marie J. Varley, EdD '56, Kathleen Wynn Barnitt '59, Anne Dalton O'Brien '65, Andrea Fahrenholz '96, Elsie Mendoza-Thongvichith '94, Sharon Whelpley '94, Melissa Falco Gigante '94, Maureen Nally '84, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees Sr. Alice Uhl, O.P., and Trustee Philip Frezzo, DVM.
Kathleen Wynn Barnitt '59 is a longtime supporter of SDA who spearheaded the reconstruction of SDA's beloved Madonna Hall, a reception and salon used for SDA's most special gatherings. Kathleen spoke fondly of her mother taking a job to help pay her $250 tuition so she could attend "Harvard on the Boulevard." Later, her mother would return as an 88-year-old to help polish brass on the floor of the 'new' Madonna Hall that her daughter renovated. Kathleen has been an educator and co-owner of an interior design firm, and currently enjoys restoring old homes. Kathleen also volunteers at the Sisters Academy in Asbury Park, NJ. A world traveler, Kathleen journeyed solo to Ecuador for two weeks to work with special-needs children as a 60th Birthday present to herself. A longtime Jersey City resident, Kathleen recently relocated to Bradley Beach. She is a Trustee emerita of SDA.
Anne Dalton O'Brien '65 was also honored for being a leader of SDA and in her community. "Whatever I have given doesn't compare to what I get back in return," Anne told the crowd when speaking of her myriad volunteer works. She coached SDA's soccer team from 1988 to 2005, winning three undefeated Hudson County Athletic Association Championships. She also established SDA's Sister to Sister Scholarship and runs an annual alumnae basketball game that helps fund the scholarship. She is a co-founder of North Arlington's Girls Basketball League and continues to coach the 8th grade travel team. She has served on North Arlington's Recreation Commission for over twenty years. She also founded Friends of North Arlington, which aided victims of catastrophic illness or accident. She has many volunteer and coaching awards to her name. Anne is currently employed by LLTeach as a Mathematics Coach.
The third category of honorees recognized all SDA alumnae who serve as public law enforcement officers or firefighters, including:
| Bayonne Police Officers: | Janine Nesheiwat Foy '88 (Sergeant) DeAna Mendez '98 |
| Delaware State Probation Officer: | Diane De Benedicits '94 |
| Hoboken Police Sergeant: | Melissa Falco Gigante '94 |
| Hudson County Sheriff's Officer: | Sharon Whelpley '94 |
| Jersey City Firefighter: | Maureen Nally '84 |
| em>Jersey City Police Officers: | Datina Rinn '74 (Captain) Amy Hulings Culhane '88 (Detective) Elsie Mendoza-Thongvichith '94 Andrea Fahrenholz '96 |
| NJ Transit Police: | Elizabeth Clark Farrell '91 |
Maureen Nally was one of the first female firefighters in the history of Jersey City. Elizabeth Clark Farrell became the only woman appointed to the Training Unit and the first female Firearms Instructor at the Essex County Police Academy.
Maureen Nally, who became a firefighter after 9/11, spoke on behalf of the law enforcement honorees and said that it struck her that all the women honored in her category live out the words to the school's alma mater, "boast of courage, truth and honor…," every day. She said SDA absolutely made her and all those honored at the gala the women they are today. She ended by joking that she is still afraid to step in fellow-honoree Kathy Barnitt's Madonna Hall (a rare privilege for SDA students).
Over 300 guests attended the gala and enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, and addresses by SDA's administration, including President Benjamin Dineen, Principal Deborah Egan, and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees Sr. Alice Uhl, O.P. On behalf of SDA's scholarship recipients, Provident Bank Scholars Angela Condo '07 and Mitali Thakore '09 thanked attendees for contributing to SDA's scholarship fund. SDA's own Teacher of the Year for the Non-public schools of the State of New Jersey and Glee Club Director Mr. Joseph Napoli guided the performances of Alumnae Adrien Brizzolara '00 and Tara Kulbatski '00.
In addition to the 300 attendees, hundreds more made SDA's eighth gala a success by participating through journal ads, raffle tickets and ticket donations. All proceeds from the Gala benefit SDA's Scholarship Fund. Thanks to all who made the SDA Gala such a success, especially Director of Development Ruth Conner, Assistant Director of Development Christine DeBlois Zitzman, and Development Office Secretary Carmen Vega Correa.
SDA Names First President and New Principal
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.
Winter Sports Schedules Now Available On-line
The Basketball, Indoor Track and Swimming schedules are now available on line.
SDA Parents Sponsor Events
The 2006-2007 academic year is providing SDA parents with a number of activities:
The Mothers' Club "Welcome Freshman Mothers' Tea" was held on Sunday, September 17.
Freshman Parents' Night was held Tuesday, September 19.
The Mothers' Club meeting on October 5 featured Salsa Dancing lessons! Much fun was had by all.
The SDA Fathers' Council presented A Night At The Races on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. here at SDA
SDA's annual Mother/Daughter Communion Brunch will be held on October 29, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Casino-in-the-Park.
SDA Mothers' Club hosted its annual Turkey Bingo on Thursday, November 17.
Upcoming Events
SDA Offers 6th Annual Summer Seminars for 7th and 8th Grade Girls; New Summer Institute Announced
SDA is offering its 6th annual Summer Seminars, and its new Summer Institute for girls entering 7th and 8th grade this September. Class size is limited and the offerings provide an exciting learning opportunity. Choose from a variety of six, four and two week seminars, as well as the new three week long Summer Institute focusing on leadership, culture and design.
All sessions meet Monday through Friday, mornings only. For a complete schedule, course description, fee and registration information, visit our 2007 summer programs page.
News Archives
Legendary Hudson County Sports Figure Lucas Speaks at SDA on May 9
Ed Lucas, legendary Hudson county sports figure, spoke at St. Dominic Academy on Wednesday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Lucas, who is the Director of Development and Public Education at St. Joseph's School for the Blind, is the only blind sports journalist to cover both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.
Ed Lucas with President Bill Clinton at Shea stadium in 2005.
Lucas spoke about his incredible life and how he overcame his disability to accomplish extraordinary things, and the famous sports figures and celebrities he has met along the way.
This event was free and open to the public.
Mothers' Club Hosts Annual Auction/Fundraiser on May 5
The annual Tricky Tray Auction is one of the Mothers' Club's biggest fundraisers of the year. This year it was held on Cinco de Mayo, Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Marist High School (1241 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ).
Fathers' Council Sponsors Third Annual Golf Outing on April 30
On Monday, April 30, the SDA Fathers' Council sponsored its third annual golf outing at the historic La Tourette Golf Club on Staten Island. All proceeds benefit the SDA scholarship fund.
Gallery Reception for SDA Alumnae Art Chairs Exhibit Held 1/3/07
The SDA Alumnae Art Chairs were on exhibit at Jersey City's Brennan Courthouse, 583 Newark Avenue, from January 3 - 11, 2007.
As part of SDA's Art Studio courses, Art teacher Celeste Giarratana had students paint the wooden chairs in SDA's Art Room. She said it was a great project because "Students learned how to paint, learned about the artists and gained experience working with a painted sculpture." She added, "For many alumnae, it was difficult for them to leave their chairs behind at SDA; they loved working on them and seeing the finished product."
Approximately twenty-five chairs, featuring such styles as Dali, Matisse, O'Keefe and Picasso, were on display. SDA's Classes of 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 were represented. For a complete list of chairs and alumnae artists, please visit our alumnae news page.
This art show was made possible by Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Women's Choir Appears at Carnegie Hall
The SDA Women's Choir performed the Mozart "Requiem" at Carnegie Hall on Sunday, June 4.
Women's Choir Cabaret Night
The SDA Women's Choir hosted a Spring Cabaret Night on Saturday, May 13 in ELAN.
Women's Choir Spring Concert
The SDA Women's Choir presented its annual Spring Concert on Sunday, May 7 at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, 440 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City.
SDA Alumna Presents Benefit Concert for Darfur
Class of 2000 SDA alumna Adrien Brizzolara presented a benefit concert to raise money for the victims of genocide in Darfur on Saturday, May 6, in ELAN. Much of the repertoire for this concert was opera.
Alumna Appears on March 22nd Edition of Jeopardy
Mary Margaret LoSardo '65 appeared on the March 22nd and 23rd, 2006 episodes of the quiz show Jeopardy. In her two-day appearance, Mary Margaret won a total of $20,600.
Seventh Annual Gala Takes Place 10/28/2005
Family Ties, the Seventh Annual SDA Gala, was held p.m. on Friday, October 28th at the Casino-in-the-Park, Jersey City. This annual dinner-dance benefits the Saint Dominic Academy Scholarship Fund.
This year's honorees were Jersey City Mayor and Mrs. Jerramiah T. Healy and Carolyn M. Zelop, M.D. (SDA Class of 1979).
Alumnae and Friends Gather at 'Ever a Part of Our Lives' Faculty Tribute on September 24, 2004
Nine 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.