The Sacred Heart Greenwich alumnae community from the classes of 1995 to 2020 gathered virtually Saturday, October 3.  The Zoom event provided the opportunity for alumnae to reconnect during this time of separation and uncertainty.  Mrs. Kathleen Plunkett O’Connor ‘89, P ’20, ’21, ’22, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Mrs. Margaret Frazier, Head of School, gave updates on the start of the 2020-2021 school year.  Dr. William Mottolese, Chair of the Upper School English Department, gave a presentation on poetry, and Mrs. Meghan Mara Ryan ‘01, Director of Alumnae Relations, distributed alumnae awards.

Although the reunion differed in presentation from previous years, it remained a time of reconnection for 25 Sacred Heart graduating classes.  Mrs. Lisa Fallon ‘89, P ’22, ’25, President of the Parents Association, attended the reunion, and was grateful that the reunion was able to take place virtually.

“The feel of the Sacred Heart reunions are always the same, lots of spirit and a lot of engaging the alumnae,” Mrs. Fallon said.  “It is hard not being in person, but it was really great to see all of the alumnae from all around the country virtually.” 

Ms. Elisa Howard ‘20 was also present at the virtual reunion.  Elisa enjoyed the reunion as it was a reminder of her Sacred Heart family for which she is grateful. 

“I really enjoyed reconnecting with Sacred Heart alumnae and faculty,” Ms. Howard said.  “After meeting so many new people in college, the reunion reminded me of my entire Sacred Heart family, of which I will forever be a part.” 

Despite the many challenges that this year has brought, Elisa believes that her knowledge in faith, which she gained while at Sacred Heart, has helped her during these difficult times. 

“Sacred Heart taught me to trust in God unconditionally,” Elisa said.  “Starting college this year, particularly amidst COVID-19, has been a tremendous adjustment.  Nonetheless, Sacred Heart provided me with the religious foundation necessary to preserve.  With Sacred Heart lessons instilled in me, it is in those difficult times that I turn to God for comfort and strength.” 

During the reunion, Dr. Mottolese gave a lecture titled “Does Poetry Matter: The Artist as Witness in Turbulent Times.”  The reflection began by examining Mr. Wystan Hugh Auden’s claim that “poetry makes nothing happen,” and then looking at the notion of “art for art’s sake,” and the idea that art itself should not worry about representing reality or reflecting on injustice.  The major focus of the talk was the revitalized movement for racial justice in this nation.

At the reunion, Sacred Heart honored four alumnae individually as well as the Class of 2014 as a whole.  Dr. Helen Whamond Boucher ‘82 received the Global Leader Award, and Mrs. Alice Martinez Aragonés ‘53, Mrs. Stephanie Beaudouin Piper ‘65, and Ms. Karen Hendricks ‘72 received the Outstanding Alumnae Awards.  The Class of 2014 won the Young Alumnae Spirit Award.

At last year’s reunion, Mrs. Fallon was the recipient of the Outstanding Alumna Award.

“What is always apparent in the honorees is their real commitment to service,” Mrs. Fallon said.  “Whether in a small or large sense, it is something that is fostered to Sacred Heart girls as students, and it is interesting to see how it really carries through into our adult lives.  There is a common thread of giving back, which is always so nice to see.”

Featured Image by Dylan Drury ’22