The Ursuline School in New Rochelle Holds 125th Commencement

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May, 2022) – The Ursuline School held its 125th commencement ceremony on May 20 with a class of 163 students graduating from the all-girls, Roman Catholic, independent college preparatory school.

The ceremonies were held on Kelly Mac Field during a day that saw both sunshine and a brief shower. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Class of 2022 completed global capstones, science research, art portfolios and sports seasons, and they were accepted into 220 different colleges, earning nearly $23 million in college scholarships and awards.

Ursuline School President Dr. Colleen Melnyk pointed to some similarities between the Class of 2022 and the first graduates of The Ursuline School.

“Though you may think you have endured a singular experience, there are some surprising parallels between you, the Class of 2022, and the FIRST graduating class of The Ursuline School. . . The first student enrolled in The Ursuline School was named Mary Brady and her nickname was Maisie. We know a lot about Maisie Brady. For example, she and a number of her classmates survived the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. Five years later, she and her fellow alums were granted the right to vote when the 19th amendment was passed,’’ said Dr. Melnyk.

She added, “Like Maisie and her classmates, you have been a part of a unique and pivotal time not just for our school but for our nation and the world. The last several years have produced a global pandemic, political divisions, civil unrest, and global conflict. Despite local and global challenges, you leaned upon our rituals, our heritage, our core values, and our community to persevere and move forward.”

Valedictorian Julia Ognibene addressed the class saying, “Our Ursuline experience has given us confidence. Resilience and grit. That is what I have seen in our class over the past four years. We have overcome every difficulty, risen from every failure, faced every challenge with grace and dignity.’’

Salutatorian Rory Sibley picked up the theme:

“To our teachers, I want to convey our sincerest gratitude for all the patience and diligence you have shown us over the years; the dedication to your work and students, which is especially recognized considering the chaos these last two years have presented, has enriched us, mind, body, and soul.”

In the Honors and Awards portion of the program, the National Merit Scholars and Global Scholars were recognized, and the following awards were announced:

Serviam Awards for service to the school in the spirit of St. Angela: Anna Ausanio, Anaya Balkcom, Anna Brody, Caroline Brody, Erica Cally, Emma Centenni, Frances Cockburn, Angelina Coppola, Abigail D’Angelo, Sophia Frank, Mackenzie Handler, Catherine Hickey, Kelly Katsoris, Rachael Mannix, Jannett Martiena, Mary Wrotniak

Departmental Awards:

Classics – Sophia Frank

Computer Science, in memory of Frances LoCicero Bailie ‘61 –Frances Cockburn

English – Sofia Cintora

Mathematics – Julia Ognibene

Media Arts – Kamryn Gaines

Performing Arts – Santina Madden

Physical Education – Jannett Martiena

Religious Studies – Kelly Katsoris

Science – Rory Sibley

Social Studies – Lola Milazzo

Visual Arts – Mary Whelan

World Languages: Italian – Isabella Castellano, Spanish – Susan McGuckin

Student Council Leadership Awards – Olivia Oshiro, Olivia Zerafa

Fathers’ Club Award – Jennipher Martiena

Mothers’ Auxiliary Award – Olivia Goncalves

Ursuline Alumnae Key – Margaret Gordon

Katherine Johnson Memorial Award – Frances Cockburn

Emily A. Clemente Memorial Award – Lola Milazzo

Sheila Kelly Memorial Award – Anna Galdabini

Sister JB Nicholson, OSU Award – Kayla-Ann Johnson

Principal’s Award – Safiya Grant

About The Ursuline School

The Ursuline School is an all-girls, Roman Catholic, independent college preparatory school, grades 6-12, celebrating its 125th year. It is located on a 13-acre modern campus in New Rochelle. The mission of the school is to educate, inspire and empower young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all and dedication to Serviam – “I will serve.”