December 2023

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As we approach our 50th Anniversary, we’d like to especially thank all the past faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring Willows to 50 years of challenging young women to transform society for the good by developing their character, intellect, love of God and desire for excellence. Stay tuned for more events as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary!

On September 30th, Willows hosted our annual Volleyball Homecoming Weekend for alumnae and their families. Three cheers to all the Sunkos who came out for a fun evening of volleyball and a pizza party afterwards. Please join us on Friday, January 5, 2024, for our basketball homecoming night.

Barb Sunko, Gretchen Sunko Thein (‘97) with her children Maddie, Elijah and John Paul, Shawn Sunko Mongoven (‘90) with daughters Kailey (‘19) and Erin (‘26), and Cammy Sunko Czarnik (‘03) with sons Nathan and Jeremy.

At this year’s Holiday Prelude, we were honored to hear from Julie Barder (‘90) as she gave a moving tribute to her parents, Bob and JoAnn Barder, and explained why they dedicated so much of their lives to the success of Willows Academy.

Willows Academy Chamber Choir

Thank you to the Lairds who showed their support at the Holiday Prelude: Mary Therese Laird Brown (‘05), Keara Laird Burke (‘96), Janet Laird, Katie Laird MacKinnon (‘02) and Patsy Laird Carter (‘09). [not pictured, Brigid Laird Kewell (‘97)]

Willows alumnae from the class of 2019 bidding on auction items: Margarita Manrique; Theresa Paschall; Amelia Knapp; Maria Kaiser; and Rhiannon Cassata

Amy Simpson Walsh (‘92) buying raffle tickets from students

Willows class of 1995 was represented by Maureen O’Sullivan Artl, Betsy McEwen Rodriguez and Patty Dziamski Szafranski

Fr. Peter with Mary Barder Leahy (‘92) and Mike Leahy

Julie Barder (‘90)  gave a wonderful tribute to her parents, Bob & JoAnn Barder

Ann Lechner (‘17) with Hannah Labotka (‘15), our featured alum performance

Keara (‘96), Anna Mary (‘27), Janet (‘29), Rory, and future Willows students, Edel (‘31) and Liadan (‘33)

"At a time when some schools and teachers are overstepping into areas that rightly belong to parents, my husband and I are so grateful we chose an educational institution that truly partners with parents, recognizing our role as the primary educators of our daughters.The staff and faculty of Willows Academy strategically empower students to achieve academic success, grow in virtue, and build confidence to become strong women.

As a Willows alumna, I know first-hand that the friendships forged with the students and faculty are genuine and lifelong. The instilled desire of service to others led me to found Rory's Way, a support and advocacy program for women who are given an adverse prenatal diagnosis. Thank you to the faculty, staff and board at Willows Academy for continuing to provide a superb education, rooted in excellence and service to others for our daughters."

-Keara Laird Burke '96

Rory Burke, baby Rory and Keara

This year we have a record 9 alumnae working at Willows as faculty and staff. Pictured LtoR: Cammy Sunko Czarnik ‘03 (History); Jamie Madison Vasquez ‘97 (Head of School); Katie Budnik Stangel ‘87 (Dean of Students); Monika Culjak ‘16 (Math and Theology); Rhiannon Cassata ‘19 (Art and PE); Nicole Jendras Hortness ‘90 (Physics and Math); Molly Kane Valdez ‘08 (World Language Department Head); Amy Simpson Walsh ‘92 (History Department Head); Betsy McEwen Rodriguez ‘95 (Interim Director of Development)

Willows Alumnae celebrate a special birthday with Barb Sunko: Deidre Mangan (‘01); Karen Godfrey Meyers (‘01); Therese Nash (‘03); Caitlin Mangan (‘04); Bonnie Ryan Trainor (‘01); Barb Sunko; Brittany Sunko Cassidy (‘02); Katie Laird McKinnon (‘02); and Beth Hermes Bamouni (‘02)