On April 4, in conjunction with McAuley’s annual Auction, Traditions, the 2009 ‘Spirit of McAuley’ Award was given posthumously to Mr. Leroy W. Rand, an individual who selflessly gave his time and talent to both the McAuley family and community at large during his tenure at the School.

An educator for forty-three years, thirteen of which were spent in Catherine McAuley High School’s History Department (1988-2001), Leroy fostered the educational and moral compasses of our young women by instilling the McAuley values of Excellence, Compassion, Leadership, and Service, the very same principles that Leroy practiced and modeled. He garnered the respect and admiration of students and faculty alike in his unwavering commitment to the betterment of McAuley High School and its immediate and extended family.

Beyond the classroom walls, Leroy was a beloved coach and mentor. He was McAuley’s first soccer coach and worked to develop a Class A team still in existence today, one that his daughter, Jo-Ellen, now helps to instruct. Leroy’s total career in coaching spanned an impressive forty years, most of which were spent on the baseball diamond with Little League through Over-30 teams. In addition, for his dedication to athleticism, sportsmanship, and love of the game, the Maine Principal’s Association honored Leroy with Class B Basketball’s ‘Coach of the Year’ Award in 1985.

In his personal life, Leroy was a treasured family man, one who was thankful for the blessings of his wife Joan, children Michele, Kevin, Greg, Dennis, David, Jo-Ellen, and Allison, his sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He and Joan, who were steadfast in their devotion to the Catholic Church, raised their family in this faith, with Leroy being recognized for his countless years of service as a CCD Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector for both St. Bartholomew’s and Holy Cross Church, and through his involvement with the Knights of Columbus Cheverus Council.

Rand passed away in February 2008 at the age of 74.

Accepting the award on his behalf were his wife, Joan Given Rand, CHS ‘55, and his daughter, Jo-Ellen Rand, a McAuley faculty member.

Catherine McAuley High School is pleased to announce that junior Alexa Coulombe has verbally committed to receive a full basketball scholarship to Boston College.

For the full article on Coulombe, published in the August 26 edition of the Portland Press Herald, please access the following link:

http://www.pressherald.com/sports/mcauley-player-decides-to-join-boston-college_2010-08-26.html

The McAuley community is proud of this tremendous accomplishment, Alexa!

Physics teacher, Jamie Schwellenbach, and McAuley senior, Sara Mercier, sat down with host, Erin O’Valle, to discuss the details of the School’s new ‘Pre-Engineering’ track, designed to promote math and science as it pertains to the engineering profession.

http://www.myfoxmaine.com/good-day-maine/Jamie-Schwellenbach-and-Sara-Mercier-Catherine-McAuley-High-School-101290314.html

Send your updates to lbrown@mcauleyhs.org or call 797-3802 x2043.

1940s

Sister Phyllis Doyle’s (RSM, CHS ‘48) chapbook of poems, Portraits and Landscapes, was recently published by Finishing Line Press in July 2010.  Sister Doyle is Associate Professor of English at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and earned her doctorate in English at the University of Rhode Island.  Her work has appeared in several publications and anthologies.

1960s

Lucia Pellegrini Roberts, SJA ‘60, writes that she and her husband, Stan, are the proud parents of four adult children and that she currently works with two companies on the west coast: Life and Avon.  She also volunteers at Phippsburg Elementary School and MidCoast Medical, and enjoys good books and traveling.

Mary McAleney, SJA ’63, has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees for Dirigo Health.

1980s

Susanna Gedaro, CMHS ‘88, and her husband, Tom Braun, are happy to announce the birth of their children: Andrew, Giuliana and Sofia. All three babies are home and join big brother, Giovanni, who thinks they are “cute, but very noisy.”

Ursula Vollkommer Haley, CMHS ‘88, wed Mark Haley on May 1, 2009.

1990s

Katherine Varney Ritchie, CMHS ‘96, and her husband, Brian, are pleased to announce the birth of their third child, Alex Matthew, born February 15, 2010.  Alex joins proud older siblings, Jack, four and a half, and Brooke, 21 months.  The family resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Kristen Bolduc Poole, CMHS ‘99, wed Joseph F. Poole in August 2010.

2000s

Katrina Nowak Dusek, CMHS ‘00, and her husband, Greg, welcomed Jack Gregory Dusek on August 1, 2009.  The Duseks reside in Chapel Hill, NC.

Kara Kilmer Berry, CMHS ‘01, and her husband, Matthew McManus Berry, are pleased to announce the birth of their new little bundle of joy: Kingston McManus Berry, born on February 3, 2010.

Marcy Regan Sansone, CMHS ‘03, was recently wed to Bob Sansone on August 7, 2010.

Michaela Thomas, CMHS ‘03, is delighted to announce her engagement to Brice Greenleaf.  The celebration of their marriage will be held in February 2011 in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Jill Dalfonso, CMHS ‘04, received a “Rising Star” award at the ACAAP (Association for Catholic Advancement and Admissions Professionals) Conference at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Dalfonso is the Director of Parent Relations and Special Events at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, Massachusetts.  She was pleased to share this experience with Lynne Sullivan, CMHS ‘90, who also received an ACAAP award on behalf of the Catholic Schools Foundation, where she serves as Senior Program Officer.

Katherine Dedian, RN, CMHS ‘06, happily shares the news of her recent licensing as a registered nurse. Dedian is a 2010 graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and hopes to pursue a career in pediatric oncology.

Mary Clare Kusturin, CMHS ‘08, will spend the fall 2010 semester studying history in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Kusturin is a fashion design major at Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts.

Laura Duran, CMHS ‘09, was recently recognized as a “Rising Star” by the University of Maine Athletics Department for having a GPA of 3.0 or better as a student athlete.  She gained further recognition for obtaining a 4.0 GPA for her first semester at UMaine Orono and subsequently earned a 3.9 for her second semester.

Downing comes to Catherine McAuley from a successful administration and teaching career at St. Joseph’s Central High School, a co- ed college-preparatory school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where she served her last ten years as principal. Prior to her appointment as principal, she chaired the school’s social studies and guidance departments and was involved in directing numerous extra-curricular activities and sports.

Downing earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Boston College and a B.A. in History with minors in Education and English from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont.  She has also completed additional related coursework at St. Lawrence University, Harvard University Graduate School of Education and Loyola University of Chicago.

During her tenure as principal at St. Joseph’s, Downing continued its 100% college acceptance rate and significantly increased college financial aid and scholarships to graduating seniors. She also introduced online courses and AP classes for college credit at the school.

Downing is a former member and chairperson of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) visiting teams, responsible for periodically visiting and evaluating educational institutions and making recommendations on accreditation. She was involved with new teacher training in the Diocese of Springfield and was also a director of the religious education programs in that diocese.

In addition to her academic endeavors, Downing was involved with a number of community organizations, including the Berkshire United Way, The Trinity College Board of Trustees and the Citizen Scholarship Board.   She also inaugurated a number of programs to enhance the relationship of St. Joseph’s with the community through organized student services to community organizations and outreach through seminars and presentations with local business and civic leaders.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/longtime-mcauley-leadership-changing_2010-08-08.html

Ticket prices are $20 for students and $40 for adults.  The school bus will leave McAuley at 5:00 PM for a 7:30 PM show with a light supper before.

If interested in attending, or for more information, please email Mrs. Erkkinen at lerkkinen@mcauleyhs.org.

First Week Practice Times (starting Monday, August 16):

Field Hockey:  8 AM to 12 PM  each day

Soccer:  8 – 10 AM and 3:30 – 5:30 PM each day

Cross Country:  Monday at 3:00 PM; schedule then will be determined

Golf:  Meets Wednesday, the 18th, at 10:00 AM at TNT Golf Range on Rt. 302 in Westbrook (across from Dunkin Donuts).  All golfers should contact Mr. Kilmartin at jkilmartin@mcauleyhs.org.

To access the full story, written by Forecaster Sports Writer, Michael Hoffer, please click on the following link:

http://www.theforecaster.net/content/p-sportsaofycoaches-3

McAuley junior, Shelby Bryant, was recently recognized as Catherine McAuley High School’s ‘Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year’ by The Forecaster newspaper for her role in McAuley Softball’s best-ever record season.

For the full story from Forecaster Sports Writer, Michael Hoffer, please access the following link:

http://www.theforecaster.net/content/p-sportsaofymcauley-1

Congratulations on this impressive honor, Shelby!

This was the first ‘Peaks to Portland’ swim for the Desrosiers, who both attend the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and are part of the school’s Swim Team.

The McAuley community is proud of this noteworthy accomplishment!

http://www.mcauleyhs.org/student_life/summer_reading_list/

Priya Ahluwalia ‘11

Williams Book Award

The Williams College Alumni of Maine sponsors this award to recognize juniors who have distinguished themselves both academically and as contributing members of their school communities.  The prize is an ornately bound Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, adorned with a large Williams seal on the cover.

Katerina Arabatzis ‘11

Saint Michael’s College Book Academic Achievement

The Saint Michael’s College Book Academic Achievement seeks to recognize students who exhibit the characteristics of an ideal Saint Michael’s student, based specifically on achievement in academics, and social conscience as evidenced through commitment to community service, issues of peace and justice and concern for others.

Katherine Burns ‘11

College of the Atlantic Book Award

The College of the Atlantic Book Award is presented to a student who has challenged herself academically and who goes beyond the norm to make the world a better place.  This student is passionate about being the change they wish to see at home, at school, in Maine or around the world.

Winnie Carlo ‘11

Mount Saint Vincent Book Award

The Mount Saint Vincent Book Award is given to a student who has performed well academically and who has contributed in service to school and community.  The student receives “Having a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom and an academic scholarship to Mount Saint Vincent College.

Nona Gillis ‘11

Springfield College Book Award

The Springfield College Book Award is awarded to a high school junior whose personal values and aspirations most closely align with the mission of Springfield College:  to educate students in spirit, mind and body for leadership and service to humanity.  The winner will receive a leather-bound copy of Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, waiver of application fee and waiver of enrollment deposit to Springfield College.

Michele Girard ‘11

St. Lawrence University Book Award

The St. Lawrence University Book Award honors the achievement of a student who has displayed a significant commitment to community service.  The award winner will receive a book as a gift and a merit scholarship to St. Lawrence University.

Allison Goodridge ‘11

Harvard Club in Maine – Harvard Prize Book

The Harvard Prize Book is presented to a junior who combines excellence in scholarship and high character, together with achievement in other fields.

Paige Hickey ‘11

Saint Anselm College Book Award

The Saint Anselm College Book Award is presented to an outstanding student in her junior year who demonstrates academic success and exceptional leadership qualities in the area of civic engagement.

Emma Kenney ‘11

Holy Cross Book Prize

Holy Cross’ Book Prize is based on academic excellence and overall personal qualities.  The winner presents exceptional academic achievement within a rigorous college preparatory program.  The winner must also exhibit sincere concern for others and a responsible attitude in all of her endeavors.  The prize is a Merriam Webster Deluxe Reference Desk Set and CD.

Jessica Murphy ‘11

Smith College Book Award

Smith College’s Book Award is presented to an outstanding junior who exemplifies the academic achievement, leadership qualities and concern for others that characterize the thousands of women who have graduated from Smith College.

Marie Normantas ‘11

Regis College Book Award

The Regis College Book Award is offered to a member of the Class of 2011 who has demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, displayed outstanding academic promise and exhibited exceptional leadership qualities.

Samantha Roberston ‘11

Wheelock College Alumni Book Award

The Wheelock College Alumni Book Award is given to a junior in good academic standing who demonstrates a strong commitment to working with and improving the lives of children and families.

Aoife Ryle ‘11

Dartmouth Book Award

The Dartmouth Book Award is given to outstanding members of the junior class.  The winners will receive a copy of “The Poetry of Robert Frost.”

Anna Traugh ‘11

St. Thomas University Book Award

The St. Thomas University Book Award honors students who are leaders in the arts and show appreciation for the humanities and social sciences.  The winner receives a cash prize, a book written by St. Thomas University alumnus David Adams Richards and tuition rebate if they choose to attend St. Thomas University.

Agnes Baldenweck ‘11

Phi Betta Kappa Academic Achievement Award

The Phi Betta Kappa Academic Achievement Award is awarded to an outstanding junior who is going on to higher education and who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and achievement in and beyond the classroom.

Wendy Doan ‘12

HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar

HOBY is the nation’s foremost youth leadership development organization. The U.S. State HOBY Leadership Seminars are designed for high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, schools, workplace and community.

Jennifer Field ‘11

University of Rochester – Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award

The University of Rochester Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise and academic achievement.  The students are eligible for scholarships to the University of Rochester.

Allison Goodridge ‘11

Consider Engineering – University of Maine, Orono

Univ. of Rochester – Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award

The UMaine Pulp & Paper Foundation’s “Consider Engineering” program is offered to superb high school students who have completed their junior year of study and who are well-suited to becoming engineers. The four-day free of charge on-campus “camp” gives students opportunities to experience the rewards and challenges of both college life and technical careers.

The University of Rochester Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise and academic achievement.  The students are eligible for scholarships to the University of Rochester.

Olesia Horodniuk ‘11

Elmira College Key Award

The Elmira College Key Award is an award of merit and is presented an outstanding student in their junior year of high school who also demonstrates school and community leadership.  A merit scholarship is guaranteed for four years for each award winner who attends Elmira College.

Elizabeth McGarvey ‘11

The Rensselaer Medal

The Rensselaer Medal is awarded to promising students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science and to motivate students towards careers in science, engineering and technology.  A merit scholarship is guaranteed for four years for each medalist who attends Rensselaer.

Sara Mercier ‘11

Consider Engineering – University of Maine, Orono

Society of Women Engineers – Certificate of Achievement Award

Discovery Quest Program – Acadia University, Nova Scotia

The UMaine Pulp & Paper Foundation’s “Consider Engineering” program is offered to superb high school students who have completed their junior year of study and who are well-suited to becoming engineers. The four-day free of charge on-campus “camp” gives students opportunities to experience the rewards and challenges of both college life and technical careers.

The Society of Women Engineers awards a Certificate of Achievement to girls who have excelled in math and science during their high school careers and to motivate students to study for careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The Discovery Quest program exposes students to several themes related to leadership, the environment and technology. Discovery Quest engages students in developing a project to solve a major environmental problem. Students conduct field trips to witness the challenge and then throughout the program set goals and work plans to develop their debate.

Jessica Murphy ‘11

Dirigo Girls State

Dirigo Girls State is a non-partisan, non-political attempt to teach and inculcate in the youth of America a love of God and country.  It is not a camp or vacation — it is a School of Government from which the delegate will reap great benefit, not only for herself, but for her school.

Katherine Poulin ‘12

Maine Youth Leadership Program

Each year more than 120 high school sophomores from all parts of Maine are invited to participate in the four-day Motivate ME Seminar held at the University of Southern Maine campus in Gorham. This popular and energetic event is designed to recognize and develop personal leadership skills.  Maine Youth Leadership covers all expenses, meals and lodging.

Aoife Ryle ‘11

Univ. of Rochester – George Eastman Young Leaders Award

The University of Rochester Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional promise and academic achievement.  The students are eligible for a scholarship to the University of Rochester.

Danielle Street ‘11

LeMoyne College Heights Award

The Lemoyne College Heights Award is to recognize high school juniors who are “reaching for the heights” in the classroom and in service to their school and community.  An annual scholarship is guaranteed for each award winner who attends LeMoyne College.

Jolie Thomas ‘11

Russell Sage College Women of Influence – Student Sage Award

The Student Sage Award is a recognition program that honors an outstanding woman who embodies the Russell Sage College motto:  “To be, to know, to do.”  Candidates should be academic and social leaders who put their knowledge into action in their school and community.  The winner is eligible for a scholarship to Russell Sage College.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Full tuition for fours years given to the top-ranking 8th grade student on the High School Placement Test (97th percentile or higher).

Recipient: Brianna Heisler ‘14 of Gray

Academic Scholarship

Half tuition for four years given to the second top-ranking 8th grade student on the High School Placement Test (97th percentile or higher).

Recipient: Carolyn Liziewski ‘14 of Gray

Sister Edward Mary Kelleher Principal Scholarship

A $500 award given to a deserving 8th grade student based on consistent academic performance, a positive attitude and financial need.

Recipient: Hayley Holzhacker ‘14 of Fairfield, CT

Catherine McAuley Scholarship

A $500 award given to an 8th grade student from a parochial school based on financial need, academic excellence, leadership, character and service.

Recipient: Rachael Dalton ‘14 of Portland

Sister Mary Gerald McLellan Memorial Scholarship

A $500 award given to an 8th grade student from a non-parochial school based on financial need, academic excellence, leadership, character and service.

Recipient:  Katherine Lake ‘14 of Falmouth

Parents Club Scholarships

Five $500 awards given to an incoming freshman, a rising sophomore, a rising junior, a rising senior and a graduating senior based on financial need and school and community service.

Recipients:

Class of 2014:  Nancy Umba of Portland

Class of 2013:  Molly Miller of Raymond

Class of 2012:  Kathryn O’Donoghue of Falmouth

Class of 2011:  Jolie Thomas of Gorham

Class of 2010:  Lauren Fecteau of Portland