BC Alumni Newsletter

March 2021
 Alumni Spotlight
Mercedes Smith
St. John’s High School ‘55
Back in January when
we hosted a virtual
cocktail party before
the Art Auction we
were joined by Mer-
cedes. It was an
amazing treat to
“meet” Mercedes and
hear about her time
at St. John’s High
School. We know you
will enjoy catching
up with this wonder-
ful and inspiring
Alumni.
THEN AND NOW. A CONTRAST
One thing that growing older offers is a retrospective
journey that bolsters the perspective about one’s
past. My years at St. John’s High School laid the foun-
dation for earning a Ph.D. and eventually chairing
the Department of Education at Agnes Scott, a wom-
en’s college in Atlanta. Be realistic about the chal-
lenging moments, but celebrate the successes.
I am a 1955 graduate of St. John’s High School, now
John S. Burke Catholic High School. In those years,
the student body also came from a broad geographic
area (except West Point families) but there the like-
ness ends. Our faculty was all nuns; no lay teachers.
Lunch was brown-bagged from home. Water from a
fountain. I can remember taking my turn sweeping
under the classroom desks with a brush and dust
pan. Don’t remember a janitor. We had NO SPORTS,
neither female nor male. Our athletics included ei-
ther a lunchtime walk, weather permitting, or re-
trieving a basketball from under the auditorium/gym
stage for a game of basketball. The girls, of course
play half-court, which brings up a repeating theme of
the second half of the 20th century, female inequity.
More about that later. The building itself was on
about a half acre. In my minds eye, it looks like a tall,
fortress-like building, originally called Garr Hall. But
looking back, it’s not the building that dominates my
feelings.
How St. Johns Built Student Success
This is a good point to transition to how the facul-
ty contributed to my academic success and pre-
pared me for life. I fondly remember the nuns be-
cause they cared for and nurtured each student in
a way that was palpable. As an example of my
warm feelings, I chose Mercedes as my confirma-
tion name, because my most favorite St. John’s
teacher was Sister May Mercedes. Retrospectively,
the nuns individualized learning before there was
a name for it. To this point, I was encouraged by
the principal, Sister Mary Agnes, to take a 3rd year
of French, a 4th of Latin, and algebra, essentially
taking all the advanced classes offered. Being the
only teacher qualified to teach these, she sched-
uled all my independent studies with her. In es-
sence, she did double duty as my counselor and
teacher. For me, it meant preparation for yearly
Regents exams so I could qualify for the academic,
college-bound diploma and scholarships. Besides
urging me to reach for higher scholarships goals,
Sister Mary Agnes encouraged me to run for stu-
dent council president. I did and won against a
make classmate. I consider the strong student
body vote for me an honor. All this focused dedi-
cation paid off when I graduated as Valedictorian,
and earned 2 New York State scholarships, plus a
few others to Catholic Colleges. Sister Agnes de-
serves no small credit for her part in this achieve-
ment.
Post High School Memories
The first steps in my long career were spent on
earning my degrees over a 15 year period. Since, I
was married with 2 children during the bulk of my
educational and early career years, I had to ration
and prioritize both time and energy. Other women
will recognize having juggled the same roles as
mother, wife and career. I clearly remember a time
my son was sick. I found myself explaining to my
professor why I had failed his pop quiz due to my
inability to focus on a homework assignment. For-
tunately, my husband was a constant champion.
While living in Atlanta, I completed my undergrad
and Masters course work at Georgia State Univer-
sity. In the late ‘60s we temporarily moved to Con-
necticut. While there, I taught at a middle school
and spent weekends and summers researching my
Master’s thesis, which investigated the women's’
suffrage movement in England during the late
1800’s. As my husband and I turned our thinking
to my Ph.D., he suggested that I interview at Yale.
My experience at Yale is a quintessential– example
l of what educated women faced when they dared try to
boys, which also adds social implications. Sud-
enter major elite universities, or step into the men’s job
denly, body odors need adult intervention, per-
market. As the interview waned, I was prompted to call
haps a school nurse to discuss personal hygiene.
in my husband from the waiting room. The ultimate in-
Good air flow is a must, and likely air condition-
sult was when the Professor turned and explained to my
ing as well. They need more sleep because their
husband, not me, that Yale did not accept women. Short-
rapid growth rate consumes enormous energy.
ly afterward, we returned to Atlanta where I completed
To accommodate this need, many schools have
my PhD. The Yale experience was not the only gender
adjusted the scheduled middle school arrival to a
discrimination experience I endured. I was refused a
later hour. Otherwise, they may find their stu-
credit card in my name, and denied a small boat handling
dents falling asleep on their desk, or just exhibit-
certificate bye the Connecticut Power Squadron. They
ing an inability to focus on learning. As you can
did offer it to my husband which he vehemently refused.
see, middle school years can be a tough time for
some kids.
My Favorite Career Opportunities
Focusing on the emotional development, it’s
critical for educators and parents, to recognize
Achieving a Ph.D. opened doors for me. I enjoyed years
that the physical maturity of early adolescents
of college teaching and administration, with the afore-
far out paces their oft fragile emotional develop-
mentioned time as Department Chair at Agness College.
ment. Their awkward attempts to declare inde-
Then followed my opportunity to serve in two emerging
pendence can aggravate adults who wonder
fields: middle schooling and after-school programming. I
what happened to the recently adult-pleasing
can’t fully express how exciting it was to be on the cut-
child. Think of the emotional impact this might
ting edge of both these movements.
have. A boy, puzzled about this new body that
Middle schooling, during its birthing in the 1960’s and
constantly changes, is worrying about tripping
1970’s, clearly was a revolutionary concept. The founda-
over his feet as he passes a cute girl in class.
tional philosophy behind middle schools is grounded in
Heaven forbid that a teacher should call on him
the academic, emotional, social and spiritual nature and
to answer a question and embarrass him further!
needs of the 6th through 8th grade child. To truly meet
Now let’s focus on social development, which
their needs, these years must be recast as a distinct devel-
comes easily to some kids and challenging to
opmental phase, no longer viewed as an extension of
others. Helping children learn positive ways to
childhood, but a transitional period from childhood to
interact with other children and adults should
adolescence, deserving recognition as a unique passage in
be a focus of teachers and parents. Also, early
human development. Most significantly, this is the time
adolescence is a uniquely opportune time to
they begin to develop their identity, who they are as a
build character, nurture confidence and practice
person. The middle school years heretofore had been
making good-friend choices. Learning to regu-
written off as just a phase. Adult attitude was, just wait,
late their emotions, and use conflict resolution
the phase will pass if we just ignore it. As we shall see,
are vital skills. Not yet being emotionally ma-
this new concept had and still has ramifications for every
ture, early adolescents may also struggle with
aspect of the school setting. I first encountered middle
peer pressure. Such challans offer opportunities
schools in Connecticut where I team taught with two
for adult guidance. These children also need op-
other teachers, and learned to love middle schoolers. But
portunities to contribute and to take charge
it was when I accepted a professorship at Georgia College
which can build their confidence. Finally, as they
following my PhD graduation that I was immersed in
enter 6th grad, stability supports them as they
middle school philosophy. My Dean, John Lounsbury,
try new things, often making mistakes. Moving
known internationally as the Father of Middle Schools,
to a new
took me under his wing. The more I learned about mid-
environ-
dle schooling, the more I became convinced of its validity
ment tend
and value. So how does middle school fulfill early adoles-
to upend
cents’ developmental needs? By building an ecosystem
their confi-
that responds to their needs.
dence and
Taking physical development first. At this age chil-
may under-
dren's bodies and minds develop more rapidly than dur- mine their
ing the first 2 years of life. This often results in awkward- confidence
ness as their bodies morph in weird, scary ways. Different and self
body parts change at different rates. Fast growth often esteem.
causes physical pain. Girls usually develop earlier than
My involvement with after-schooling piggybacked on my
work with middle schools. When I first became aware of
after school programming, it was called after school care,
in reality babysitting. I was approached by a lady who
had a vision of founding an organization that provided
guidance toward enriching middle school after school
programs. Together we secured funding and so the Geor-
gia Afterschool Association was born. We published the
first curriculum plans for early adolescence, including
community service, which in those formative years was
restructured as service learning. Th latter is characterized
by the preparation for and debriefing after the service,
that make community service a truly learning experience.

Concluding Thoughts

As Burke Catholic ventures into middle schooling, I want

to emphasize how congruent their values are with those
of traditional middle-age schooling. The founding gener-
ation of middle schooling used a more secular word,
“spiritual” rather than religion, to include students of all
faiths. They emphasized a “value-infused curriculum”
that prepared middle schoolers for real world responsi-
bility, in short, to fight for social justice, which is exactly
what your motto says. I clearly witnessed my mentor,
Dean Lounsbury, act from this moral center, without re-
gard for negative impact on his career. Your motto, Non
Vox Sed Votum, states exactly that. Action, not words, is
the measure of a person. Burke Catholic’s mentoring pro-
gram parallels the service learning of the foundling mid-
dle school movement, which included “identifying, devel-
oping and encouraging individual students talents to be
used for the good of others.” As far as changes in the
middle school philosophy I believe that in the past 50
years, part of our society has moved away from these val-
ues. Burke Catholic values can only strengthen those of
the original middle school movement.

Writing this allowed me to unpack memories of my work

with and for early adolescents. I thank you for that and,
I’m certain your venture into middle schooling will be
successful. My best wishes are with you.
 Voice of Eagles Past
Sr Janet Brisky ‘67
Class of '67...Life was different then. Tuition
was $10-15 a month. Most of Burke Catholic
High School faculty members were the won-
derful Sisters of the Presentation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. Our teachers were hap-
py, dedicated and people of great faith. Only
boys ran to be school president on the Stu-
dent Council. We girls could be vice presi-
dent!! When we started at Burke, the only
sport for girls was cheerleading. We did get a
gym and basketball team in time. I was in-
I helped to start the tennis team and
volved in Liturgy Club, Math League, school
was asked to start the Girls' JV Bas-
plays and Student Council. Our prom was in
ketball Team. We won one game the
the gym. Community Service was im-
first season-my last season, we only
portant. Fun fact-my mom worked for John S.
lost one!
Burke at B. Altman's in Manhattan.
Did Burke Catholic influence my I still ski and play tennis. I have
life? It sure did! I became a Presentation Sis- golfed in most of the Burke Outings.
ter over fifty years ago. In 1976, I was assigned
One year I won closet to the pin,
to teach Math and Religion at Burke. I was in
my twenties, teaching students for whom I beating out a Burke grad who
babysat and the brother of one of my old boy- thought he had won! Today I am a
friends! I brought students to volunteer at pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish
Special Olympics and we took trips to the in West Milford, NJ. I have been
Catholic Worker in Manhattan. We got to working with the elderly, the sick and
meet Dorothy Day. I had fun running Ski
the poor for over 35 years.
Club and Tennis Club (ask Mr. Douthit!)
 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame
The Burke Catholic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors BC alumni, faculty, staff, and extended
family who exemplify the highest ideals of Catholic education and live by the standards of our school
motto, “Non Vox Sed Votum” – Not Words but Deeds.

Since 2002 we have been honoring the inductees at our annual BCHS Family, Friends & Alumni Gala.
We are looking forward to celebrating our 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees when we can all gather togeth-
er again. In the meantime, we will highlight one these amazing men and women in each month’s
newsletter.

2020 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame Inductees

Rory Brady

Andrew Rivas

Katherine Juliano

Cynthia Philips

Cynthia Phillips BC ‘70

Cindy exemplifies our motto Non Vox Sed
Votum. She has spend her life applying her
Catholic education and the values she
learned at Burke to help others less fortu-
nate in her community. Cindy has an ongo-
ing dedication to making her community
and the world a brighter place.
Peter Haggerty BC

Cindy was a good friend of mine from

grade school on. Cindy always had a
kind word and was a friend to all dur-
ing her elementary school years at St.
Joseph’s in Middletown and Burke
Catholic. Her smile and her laugh are
infectious!
Sharon Diana Therriault BC ‘70
’
 It is almost that time of year...

ge
p-
n
-
o

Send us your prom pictures… kdwyer@burkecatholic.org

The BC Family & Friends Facebook

Page is a great way to keep up on all
the happenings at BCHS. Check our
page often for updates and to learn
about upcoming events. You can al-
ways reach out to us there with any
questions.
Are you in?
 BC Day of Giving
May 26, 2021
Celebrate with us…

BC Day of Giving
Join us in celebrating BC’s Inaugural Day of Giving on March 26. Cele-
brate all things BC while supporting our students. This is a day the en-
tire BC community: alumni, parents, faculty and staff will show their
love for BC and our students.
Together we can continue to build a school where success is a tradition.

Stay tuned!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the
latest Day of Giving updates and ways you can
make an impact.
 Points of Pride

BCHS had articulation agreements with 4 prestigious Catholic Colleges.

All eligible graduates are guaranteed
ACCEPTANCE and SCHOLARSHIP .
BCHS continues to Redefine the Possible
BC Family, Friends & Alumni Gala
Update...

New date coming soon...

our

SAVE THE DATE

Our 1st Annual BC
Alumni BBQ is just
around the corner!

Mark you calendars.

It’s going to be a great
day!
our

Business Spotlight
Camden Olivero ‘18
Camden Olivero & his partner Dan Feliciano (a Middie but don't hold it
against him) are proud to announce the opening of ClothesLyne.

Inspired by the growing gig and share econ-

omies ClothesLyne is the Airbnb of the laun-
dry world. As an e-commerce marketplace,
ClothesLyne provides an outlet for laundry
haters to outsource their time-consuming
laundry needs while also creating an income
source for service providers. To facilitate the
connection ClothesLyne developed an
online and app-based marketplace that pro-
vides customers with several different ser-
vice providers (traditional Laundromats and
nontraditional gig workers) based on the
customer’s laundry needs. All
laundry services include pick up
and delivery at the customer’s
preferred address as well as a
menu of upgrades to ensure
each customer's needs are met.
Additionally, the marketplace
provides employment and an in-
come source at rates well above
minimum wage for our service
providers. ClothesLyne will
launch in May in our local com-
munity.

For more information check

out www.clotheslyne.com and
follow us on social media @clotheslyne
 MENTORSHIP AND MILESTONES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Collen Coda ‘95 - Partner at 22C Capital
LLC
Faith Ferguson (BC Class of ‘82) -Stage Coach Inn
We are hiring! Calling all hospitality professionals to Kevin Hickey ‘99 - Senior Vice President
join our stellar team Stagecoach Inn is a great place at TXM Group
to work and we welcome everyone to apply for all
Lexi Avanzato‘08 - Started as Project
positions on our website. We are looking for bar-
Manager at Pantel Electric
tenders, servers, dishwashers and housekeepers.
Click here to apply: https://stagecoachny.com/work- Meghan Kerr ‘13 – Display Manager at
with-us Dentsu, Ireland

Madison Olivero ‘15 - named Officer,

Ellen Roesch (BC Class of ’78) – CEO of Ellen
Investment Consultant II at Merrill Edge
Roesch Your College Coach. Let Ellen simplify the
college process for you. She offers full service college Heath Hoovler ‘18 - Athletic Depart-
selection and application coaching. Ellen is experi- ment Intern at Hanover Area Junior/
enced and knowledgeable in selection criteria, appli- Senior High School
cation success & how to write a great essay. You will
Michael Wajda ’19 - passed his FAA
get personal one-on-on attention from beginning to
end. Priced to fit all budgets and needs. Learn more flight examination and is now a licensed
at yourcollegecoach.org. You can reach Ellen at commercial pilot. He is a sophomore at
taxlawyer20@gmail. Utah Valley University studying aviation
science where he has a 3.9 GPA. Mi-
Jeanine Grillo (BC Class of ‘12) - Jeanine is gradu- chael will next work to earn his flight
ate of St. Thomas Aquinas (2016) and works as a instructor certifica-
Senior Associated for Innovation & Enterprise Solu- tion.
tions at KPMG. She has been working with students
through KPMG’s University and Internship Program
and also offers services independently. Jeanine is
ready to help young professionals navigate the job
market and coach them early on in their careers.
Contact Jeanine at jgrillo@kpmg.com

Elizabeth Brady (BC Class of ‘98) Plexus offers Bi-

oavailable clean supplements and an incredible
compensation plan. If helping people with wellness
and contributing financially to your family is some-
thing that motivates you please reach out to me .
Facebook : Elizabeth Megan or IG: beth_megan11
A Re-Imagining of Catholic Education in Orange County

Burke Catholic Academy

Burke Catholic Academy is a new middle school program that allows for students to
attend 6th-8th grade on the campus of John S. Burke Catholic High School.

To be chosen by the Archdiocese of New York to launch this innovative pilot pro-
gram is a testament to Burke Catholic’s commitment to being the premier college
preparatory school in the New York Hudson Valley Region.

We are excited to expand our legacy of academic excellence to our new Burke
Catholic Academy middle school students.

Registration information contact:

John Douthit, President – jdouthit@burkecatholic.org

Tracy Sullivan, Director of Admissions – tsullivan@burkecatholic.org

BC Alumni Newsletter
February 2021

ReVitalize, ReEngage, ReConnect

Office of Alumni and Advancement

Your gift will have an immediate impact on all BCHS students.

Light the way for today’s students, so that they can find their way to impact
the world.

To make your gift today, please visit

www.burkecatholic.com

To double the impact of your donation check to see if your company participates in a matching
gift program - please visit

https://doublethedonation.com/BCHS
 If you would like to be in-
cluded in the next news-
letter or have a Milestone
or story you would like to
share, contact Karen Dwyer:
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org

Contact Information
John S. Burke Catholic High School
Office of Admissions, Alumni and Advancement
80 Fletcher St, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 294-5481 ext 132

burkecatholic.com
facebook.com/burkecatholichighschool
facebook.com/BCadmissionsandadvancement
twitter.com/burkecatholichs
instagram.com/burkecatholichs