Nota Bene: January 25, 2022 - Saint Mary's Hall

A Message from the Director of Alumni Relations

Dear Saint Mary’s Hall Alumni,

Happy New Year! From all of us at Saint Mary’s Hall, we are grateful for you, our alumni community.

Year after year, you continue to demonstrate the spirit of a Saint Mary’s Hall student as you give back in numerous ways to your community, excel in your careers, challenge those around you to be better versions of themselves, and carry on the legacy of lifelong learning. In essence, you continue to set a standard of excellence that is becoming of a Saint Mary’s Hall graduate. It is powerful for our students to have role models such as yourself to look up to.

As they compiled stories and memories from the school year in 1941, the La Reata staff strongly believed they had a responsibility to express that which cannot be expressed with photos and words “because a beautiful scene should be painted, because an inspiring story should be told, because a melodious song should be sung, and because an impressive thought should be written.” Almost 81 years after the publication of the 1941 La Reata, these words and responsibility continue to ring true. As you continue to grow and develop your life and career after walking the stage at graduation, know that we are all rooting for you and we want to celebrate with you at every stage. We take great pride in our ability to share your stories with fellow alumni and students both to honor you and to inspire the next generation to continue weaving their stories into the fabric of our school’s storied history. Keep us updated!

While we haven’t been able to celebrate and reminisce in a while, we hope to see many of you on campus during Alumni Reunion Weekend on May 13 and 14. Remember, SMH is forever your home.

All the best,

Nancy Lee Archer ’16

Alumni Events

April 29, 2022: Passport

Passport is our school’s signature event, held every other year at Saint Mary’s Hall, where parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and friends come together with a two-fold purpose – raising funds for our beloved school and celebrating the friendships, faculty, and administration that make Saint Mary’s Hall our students’ home away from home. The evening itself is a fun-filled seated dinner with cocktails, and includes live and online auctions. Funds raised through Passport support the operating budget, student financial aid, and faculty salaries.

Our theme of DELIGHT highlights our school’s motto – “Teach Us Delight in Simple Things.” We want to delight in being together, supporting our school, and empowering our children. As an engaged community, we support our students’ individual passions by encouraging them to delight in the simple things.

For more information, contact Director of Enrichment and Events Laura Baker at lbaker@smhall.org or (210) 483-9218.

May 13 and 14, 2022: Alumni Reunion Weekend

Save the date! We will host the much anticipated Alumni Reunion Weekend for the Classes ending in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 at Saint Mary’s Hall. More details to follow this spring.

Around the Hall

Star Party Recap

After much anticipation, Saint Mary’s Hall hosted an all-school “Star Party,” where Upper School faculty members introduced the night sky, the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and the craters, lunar seas, and mountain ranges of the moon. The SMH community gathered on Lewis Field, and enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, glowsticks, chalk art by SMH Upper School art students, and interactive space activities under the Texas sky.

Welcome Back Barons Luncheon and Head of School Roundtable

Form 7 Study Genetic Traits

SMH Celebrates Founders’ Day

On November 16, Saint Mary’s Hall held its annual Founders’ Day ceremony. The SMH Community gathered to celebrate the history of the school and bestow the 2021 Master Teacher Awards. The following educators received the Master Teacher Awards:

Clea Underwood (Lower School) — Drama Teacher
Lourdes Saks (Middle School) — Spanish Teacher
Dr. Jamie Holbrook (Upper School) — Science Teacher
Patrick Cunningham (At-Large—Upper School) —Technical Director/Theater Manager/Scenic Designer

Read more about Founders' Day 2021 and the Master Teacher Awards.

College Alumni Panel

During Upper School Advisory on January 11, our senior class attended the 2022 College Alumni Panel.

Panelists provided insight into many aspects of the transition from Saint Mary’s Hall to college such as balancing the demands of being a college athlete and a student, finding a smaller community within a large institution, time management, the importance of networking for internships and job opportunities, ways to get involved on campus, and how to navigate moving out of Texas. The panelists reassured the senior class they would indeed be well prepared to succeed in college because of the strong foundation they received from their time at SMH. They also encouraged the students to push themselves to take challenging courses because by the time graduation rolls around, they will have the necessary tools to excel at the next level.

College Alumni Panelists included:

Mary Corinne Archer ’18: The University of Texas at Austin
Daisy Bousquet ’18: Texas A&M University
Matt Leonard ’19: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Brian Garrett ’19: Davidson College
Weston Bohne ’20: Texas A&M University
Mafer Benavides ’20: Tulane University
Max Rosenbloom ’21: The University of Texas at Austin

Athletics

Senior Remy White Awarded Moss-Eaddy Scholarship

On November 30, the Executive Director of the Texas Track & Field Coaches Association Stuart Kantor conducted an online interview with Remy White ’22 and announced that Remy was selected as a recipient of the annual Texas Track & Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) Moss-Eaddy Scholarship. Remy was awarded this honor at the annual Track & Field Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Great Wolf Lodge in January. She is invited to attend the annual TTFCA Track & Field Coach’s Clinic as a special guest this year.

Fall Signing Day

Fall Sports Signing Nota Bene January 2022

Congratulations to student athletes Kirsten Schlortt ’22 and Ethan Doehler ’22 who officially committed to compete collegiately during our Athletics Fall Signing Day. Kirsten will swim for Southern Methodist University and Ethan will swim for The University of Texas at Austin.

Baron Golfer is Girls Champion at Tournament

Julia Garcia ’23 Girls Champion for the Duel

Julia Garcia ’23 was the Girls Champion for the Duel at Lady Bird STPGA Prestige Gold Tournament in Fredericksburg, Texas. She won in a playoff hole and recorded the most birdies (10) for the girls to include one eagle.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts Students Make Program History

Earlier this month, two Fine Arts students received recognition for their work.

Matthew Averyt ’22 was selected to perform in the Texas All-State Orchestra. Matthew is the first SMH student to be selected to perform in All-State all four years.
Anish Beeram ’23 competed for Team Texas at the Euro-Open in World School’s Debate. He placed in the Top 16. Anish is the first student in SMH Debate history to be invited to participate in World School’s Debate.

Saint Mary’s Hall Artist Featured in the San Antonio Express-News

Congratulations to Bella Munoz ‘22, who had her Hamilton artwork featured in the San Antonio Express-News’ Meet San Antonio’s ‘Hamilton’ superfans as Broadway blockbuster returns to Majestic Theatre article. Way to go Bella!

Upper School Art Teachers Exhibitions

Upper School 2D Drawing & Design Teacher Logan Blanco and Upper School 3D Art Teacher Nate Cassie currently have work on exhibition in San Antonio. Mr. Blanco’s work can be seen in the Hunt Gallery's Baskets of Love exhibition. Mr. Cassie’s work is currently on view at Ruiz-Healy’s Quinceanera exhibition, which runs through January 29, 2022. The galleries are walking distance apart in Olmos Park.

Upcoming Fine Arts Events

Upper School Art Shows: Coates Seeligson Theater/Chapel Galleries and Middle & Upper School Library
February 3-5: Middle School Drama, Revenge of the Space Pandas, Remmert Theater.
February 11-12: Student Directed Play: Bright Ideas, Black Box Theater, 7 pm
February 17: Form 5 Drama Production and Art Show.
February 25: Montessori-Kindergarten Dance Recital: 1 pm, Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel
February 23: Middle School Music Showcase, 6 pm
March 17: Middle School Art Reception, 5:30pm, Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel
March 27: Strings and Voice Recital: 1 pm, Remmert Theater
March 1: Children’s Choir & Orff Ensemble
March 18: Forms 1 and 2 Musical: 9:30 am and 2 pm, Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel

Visit the Fine Arts Ticket Page for show information and tickets!

Kaleidoscope

In November, Middle and Upper School dancers performed in the annual Middle and Upper School Dance Production, Kaleidoscope. Student choreographers created their own original works which were selected by members of the Dance faculty for originality, choreographic vision, collaboration, and commitment.

The pieces and choreographers for this production were:

“The Chase”
- Class: Upper School In-School Dance
- Music: Konga Conga Kappa by Danny Baranowsky
- Choreographer/Dancers:
  - Emma Carter ’24
  - Megan Liu ’24
  - Laurel Miller ’23
  - Eliana Wyche ’25
“Sunshine”
- Class: Middle School Activity Block—Form 6
- Music: Unconditionally (Instrumental) by Katy Perry
- Choreographer/Dancers:
  - Myrka Alvarez ’28
  - Morgan Graf ’28
  - Pearl Moore ’28
  - Eloise Oliver ’28
  - Peyton Reyes ’28
“Lost”
- Class: Middle School Activity Block—Forms 7 & 8
- Choreographers/Dancers:
  - Divya Beeram ’27
  - Jane Griffith ’27
  - Victoria Guerrero ’27
  - Ellie Hunter ’26

Alumni News

Alumni Class Notes

1960s

Wandita Ford Turner ’64 shared her wisdom and knowledge of her father O’Neil Ford’s impact on the architecture of the Saint Mary’s Hall Starcrest Campus with Upper School students in Upper School 3D Art Teacher Nate Cassie’s AP Art History class. Wandita was joined by Trinity University Professor Dr. Kathryn O’Rourke and Anna-Brooke Gutzler ’08. As part of Trinity University’s Food for Thought Spring 2022 Lecture Series in February, Wandita and Dr. O’Rourke are hosting a conversation at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens about the ways Mexico influenced O’Neill Ford’s work and how he then shaped San Antonio.

Lyn Eckert Hills ’67 spent the past year celebrating 50 wonderful years with husband David. Lyn has three beautiful grandchildren and is so grateful!

1990s

Annie Montgomery Labatt ’97, the Associate Professor of Visual Studies and Director of Galleries and Museums at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, wrote a book on art history entitled Art History 101 without the Exams: Looking Closely at Objects from the History of Art, which will be published in April 2022. In this text, Annie takes the reader through 20 lessons built around a single piece that is considered a masterpiece from its time. Annie received the Momentum Award in 2009.

2010s

Bryn Blanks Lewis ’12 is working at Procore Technologies in Los Angeles as the Global Outreach and Partnership Manager for Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging. Last fall, Bryn spoke with the Student Equity Collective about her career path, current job position, and student experience at SMH. When asked about strategies to use for identifying a problem and making effective change in your community, Bryn encouraged students to include many voices and backgrounds in the conversation in an effort to broaden the horizon for longstanding solutions.

Francisco Pergola ’12 spoke with Upper School Economics Teacher Shakira Flores’s Entrepreneurship Class last fall about the journey he and Tomas Pergola ’13 took to launch their company Cheddies. Francisco touched on many aspects of running a business such as analyzing market trends, the importance of learning to become a decision maker to execute the best ideas, the influence mentors can have in your success, the balance between quality and price of your product, and the need for a strong marketing and social media presence. He also encouraged the students to dream big and pursue what they believe in.

Under the editorial direction of Francie Billups Mannix '81, The Scout Guide: San Antonio, Texas Volume 8 featured Carolina Roberts Lewis ’13, McKenna Kinder ’14, and Rachel Brown ’15 as the “Young Ones to Watch” in San Antonio.

Carolina Roberts Lewis ’13 co-founded Sorella Clothing Co. with Margaret Amberson ’16 and Alicia Amberson ’16. Together, these cousins create beautiful scarves, shawls, and vests that are the perfect accessory for the Texas outdoors.
In 2020, McKenna Kinder ’14 established The Kinder Influence, where she works with businesses on content creation, brand strategy, and social media management.
Rachel Brown ’15 is the Head Art Consultant of Lenoir and Associates, Inc., a Fine Art Gallery and Art Consultancy. Rachel also serves as the Head of Collections Management of Lenoir’s collection and as Gallery Director at the Parchman Stremmel Gallery. She has had great fun in her new roles and loves meeting more artists and art dealers in the industry.

Macy Bayern Alcido ’14 and Joe Alcido ’15 married on October 2, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by family and friends.

1970s

Cate Foster Ormond ’70, Gena Root Dowdle ’72, and Deborah Jamail ’72 visited campus to reminisce on their time as students and boarders at SMH. They look forward to celebrating with their classmates during Alumni Reunion Weekend in May!

2000s

Jessica Lall ’02 is a candidate for the upcoming mayoral election in Los Angeles. To learn more about Jessica’s campaign, visit jessicalallformayor.com.

Ben Liff ’02, Keith Villano ’02, Melissa Vanover ’02, and Dominique Bauer ’02 founded Experiential Learning Resources. When asked about the inception of this organization, Ben shared: “Twenty years ago, Madame Clark, one of Saint Mary’s Hall’s long-tenured French teachers, took a group of students to Quebec for a spring break trip. This was an (almost) annual adventure; Madame knew Texas wasn’t necessarily the most immersive environment for learning French in Texas, so each year, she would set up a trip to France (if possible) or Quebec. The Spanish teachers did the same with Spain and Latin American countries. Students at schools like Saint Mary’s Hall often have amazing experiential learning opportunities to take them beyond the classroom. San Antonio Symphony concerts, Arts Festivals, Sports Tournaments, Science Research Projects: these experiences teach lessons we remember far beyond the facts and figures memorized for exams and standardized tests. These experiences form us into the people we become. Experiential Learning Resources is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in March 2021 by five individuals, four of whom graduated from Saint Mary’s Hall almost 20 years ago, in 2002. We’re dedicated to providing resources, funding, and information related to experiential learning to students, families, and educators worldwide.”

To learn more about Experiential Learning Resources, please visit www.experientiallearningresources.org.

Peter Holt ’05 spoke with Upper School students last fall about his career journey, the many lessons you learn when owning and running a business, and the importance of building strong relationships and a work ethic. Peter is the Chairman of Spurs Sports & Entertainment and the CEO and General Manager of HOLT CAT. Peter concluded his message to the Upper School with advice from his grandmother: “The best is yet to come.”

Claire ’09 and Easton ’11 McNab welcomed their daughter Isabella into the world on February 25, 2021. Last fall, the McNab family joined us on campus for a Lower School soccer game.

Get Involved

Class Agents

Stay in touch with your classmates by being a Class Agent. This is a great position for alumni who want to keep classmates connected to SMH and one another by collecting class notes for The Shield and contact information updates.

If you are interested in being a Class Agent for your graduating class, please contact Nancy Lee Archer ’16, Director of Alumni Relations, at narcher@smhall.org or (210) 483-9196.

College Ambassador Program

Every year, we have SMH graduates who go on to colleges and universities where fellow alumni attend. We want to foster Saint Mary’s Hall connections beyond Starcrest Drive by creating a College Ambassador Program to provide support, camaraderie, and networks for Saint Mary’s Hall alumni during their college years. Whether you are in undergraduate or graduate school, College Ambassadors have the opportunity to share advice and experiences with fellow Barons.

If you would like to be a College Ambassador for your school, please contact Nancy Lee Archer ’16, Director of Alumni Relations, at narcher@smhall.org or (210) 483-9196.

Class Reunion Representatives

Because we have missed celebrating Alumni Reunion Weekend over the last two years, we will honor graduates from classes ending in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 on May 13 & 14. Each year we seek Class Representatives to help coordinate class attendance at Alumni Reunion Weekend. Would you like to help with Alumni Reunion Weekend 2022?

If you are interested in reconnecting with your classmates and helping with this year’s reunion, please contact Nancy Lee Archer ’16, Director of Alumni Relations, at narcher@smhall.org or (210) 483-9196.

Guest Speaker

Are you interested in sharing your career expertise or life experiences with a particular class, club, or the student body? Our students appreciate hearing stories from and interacting with alumni who have walked the same halls they do every day.

If you are interested in being a guest lecturer on campus, please contact Nancy Lee Archer ’16, Director of Alumni Relations, at narcher@smhall.org or (210) 483-9196.

Keep In Touch

Share Your Story

Do you have great news to share with your fellow SMH alumni? Maybe you landed your dream job, got married, had a baby, or took up a new hobby. Or, you just want to update your contact information! Fill out our online form by clicking the button below and filling the form out with your name, class year, email address, mailing address, latest news, and even upload photos. Your story may be highlighted in the Alumni Class Notes section of The Shield.

Share Your Story

Don't forget to follow us on social media!

Follow us on:

Facebook: @saintmaryshall
Instagram: @smhall_sa
Twitter: @smahll_sa
Athletics Twitter: @smh_Barons

We’d Love To Hear From You!

If you would like more information about our Alumni Program, want to visit campus, have questions about stories you’ve read in Nota Bene or The Shield, or would like to share your story with us, please contact:

Nancy Lee Archer ’16
Director of Alumni Relations
narcher@smhall.org
(210) 483-9196

Do You Receive The Shield?

Take a look at what your classmates are up to in the Fall 2021 issue of The Shield. The Shield is published twice annually for parents, alumni, and friends of the school. Each issue contains interesting stories about the school, students, teachers, and alumni.

Read the Fall 2021 edition of The Shield! Established in 1879, Saint Mary’s Hall is known for its deeply rooted traditions. As the school advances into the 21^stcentury, SMH is where tradition meets innovation. We invite you to read about some of the ways SMH melds traditional with creative and innovate forms of teaching and learning. Other highlights in this issue include our Class of 2021, Around the Hall stories about student and faculty accomplishments, and alumni celebrations and updates.

If you are not receiving The Shield and would like a printed copy or the digital edition, email us at editor@smhall.org.

In Memoriam

Alumni

Laura Tobin Barber
nee Laura T. Newton
Class of 1962
October 27, 2021

Margaret (Peggy) Doane Calvert
nee Margaret Aiken Doane
Class of 1950
December 29, 2021

Martha W. Guerin
nee Martha W. McAshan
Class of 1956
April 25, 2021

Joan N. Kelleher
nee Joan Negley
Class of 1950
December 1, 2021

Mary Martha McNeel
nee Mary Martha Luke
Class of 1966
October 11, 2021

Nancy Peel Moeller
nee Nancy Peel Towler
Class of 1946
November 24, 2021

Community Members

Max Henry Acosta
September 18, 2021
Grandfather of Christine G. Hinchey ‘99

Kathryn Lucille Baldwin Bondurant
October 3, 2021
Mother of Carol B. Rowland ’69 and Linda B. Burgtoft ’74

Albert Garza Bustamante
November 30, 2021
Father and grandfather of Albert Anthony Bustamante ’90, Celina Emery Bustamante ’96, Alberto Andres (Andrew) Bustamante ’20, Carolina Sofia (Sofia) Bustamante ’21, and Charles (Charlie) Francis Emery ’23

Thomas A. Drawert
November 15, 2021
Grandfather of Katherine Anne Drawert ’22

Patricia Maxine (Mickey) Ferrell
November 14, 2021
Grandmother of Elly C. Ferrell ’07, Georgeann F. Ferrell ’09, and Hallianne H. Moore ’16

James Harlan (Hal) Kelly
November 27, 2021
Husband of Alice Shankle Kelly ’56 and father of Leslie Dawson Brown ’79

Elsie (Mae) Wheeler McTee
November 2, 2021
Grandmother of Michaela E. McTee ’19

Dr. Stuart Allen Terry
November 9, 2021
Grandfather of Cooper Yale Terry ’20 and Max Michael Terry ’20

Renee Fischer Tynan
November 8, 2021
Grandmother of Martha S. Doss ’06 and Johanna S. Rochelle ’05

Dr. William Chisholm Winter, Jr.
November 10, 2021
Grandfather of Nikki S. Winter ’21 and Abby E. Winter ’24

James Wallace (JW) Womack
January 1, 2022
Great grandfather of Robert (Bo) ’28, Layne ’31, and Sloane ’33

This list contains information received September 16, 2021-January 10, 2022.

Contact Alumni Relations