Our Lady of the Angels Academy - Angelican Yearbook (Enfield, CT)

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SISTER MARY HILARY Under the discerning influence of Sister Mary Hilary, the appre¬ ciation of fine works of art as well as the inspiration of neophyte artists has taken on vast perspective. Sister encourages free interpretation of artifacts from medieval to modern times in Art Appreciation classes, and challenges young hands and minds to free expression with varied media in Basic Art classes. As Earth Science teacher, Sister Hilary introduces the Freshmen to the dual panorama of nature’s mysteries and her beauties. Whether decorating corridor bulletin boards, projecting slides on ancient architecture, guiding hesitant brushes in the intricacies of water coloring, or studying rock formations, Sister Hilary exhibits an artistic flair that truly personifies Longfellow’s definition: “Art is the gift of God and must be used unto His glory.” SISTER MARY LEONIA In teaching first, second, and third year Mathematics, Sister Mary Leonia is dedicated to molding analytical minds and to imparting deductive reasoning processes. When not in the classroom Sister Leonia may be found, if not in the senior cloak-room, then in some other unobtrusive spot, tutoring students in problems ranging from elementary algebra to the intrica¬ cies of modern math or from plane geometry to complex geometrical proofs and formulas. This ' service, complemented by a youthful vitality, is remembered and appreciated by students and graduates alike who undoubtedly see in her a reflection of their own vitality. SISTER MARY PONTIA Never known to have denied anyone service, whether faculty mem¬ ber or student, Sister Mary Pontia typifies the well-informed librarian. Versed in literally every phase of subjects represented in the school li¬ brary, she is ever-willing to assist girls in their search for volumes. Under her vigilance, the store of books has increased to include a range of paper backs. Academic scholars have received thoughtful assistance in their re¬ search work, and all have come to appreciate the potential of perusing through . . . “volumes of forgotten lore” . . . and current secular and religious periodicals. “Ex libris” has become a grasping of the intangible sweetness of life’s cupboard of practical knowledge. 15

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SISTER MARY DOLORIA Sister Mary Doloria has cultivated a distinguished path in the di¬ rection of English mastery in her students. Probing past the material essentials of grammar and rhetoric, she enables students to view the masterpieces of the written word with an extraordinary insight. For sophomores, there is first the sharpening of their observational powers regarding the panorama of life’s events. Then there is a gradual unfolding of the beauties of self-expression in the various types of writing. Seniors are often awed by the knowledge of human nature with which she interprets literary passages and cur¬ rent literature. Students who have been rewarded for their writing in statewide competitions, acknowledge her classroom instructions as keys to their achievement. Sister has become the “paradigm of the good teacher who expresses herself well . . .” She is mindful that her students do the same. SISTER MARY EVELYN Imparting a keener knowledge of French grammar and culture, Sister Mary Evelyn offers an interestingly diversified study to the stu¬ dents in her courses. A firm adherent to the necessity of instructing from different texts, she augments prescribed volumes with civilization foun¬ dations and supplementary word-usage drills. In the three years of French courses, a striking balance between modern techniques of language presentation and older forms is visi¬ ble. The result is a solid college-preparatory understanding. Music Appreciation and General Music, in their second year on the Academy curriculum, have received wide acclamation from students who have “grown accustomed to the face” of the classical language-music in its varied forms of beauty. SISTER MARY FELICIA For Sister Mary Felicia, teaching fourth-year Religion connotes more than merely following a text. Bearing in mind the necessity for graduates to possess ample knowledge of the current Church move¬ ments, she charges students with Biblical research. Devotedlv responding to questions posed by students, she combines practical knowledge of Scripture, dogmatic theology, and moral learn¬ ing with years of teaching experience. Classes become catalvsts to move students to renewed vigor in fur¬ thering the labors of the Second Vatican Council in ecumenism, litur¬ gical renewal, and individual apostolic endeavor. As instructor of English III. Sister desires to encourage not only a thorough study, but also an outlet for enjoyment in evolution of Ameri¬ can writings. 14

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SISTER MARY PRESENTIA Sister Mary Presentia offers moral and vocational guidance to all who present the request in her position of school counselor. Easing incomers in their adjustment to overcome unfamiliarity, and gradually directing a week¬ ly program of guidance for all classes, she has come to understand the varied demands of teenagers. To aid individuals to self-mastery, Sister administers a diverse range of standardized directional tests. Comments from students regarding these has been truly appreciative. Since the introduction of this formal guidance sys¬ tem, many have come to understand the essence of the whole being in education. Furthering her moral guidance in- the classroom situation, Sister Pre¬ sentia instructs Religion III students in their practical application of re¬ ligious principles. MRS. JEANNE KROCHALIS Modem educators feel that maturity of personality, as well as an ease in expression and appreciative understanding, is the aim of the study of literature. Jeanne Brown Krochalis has incorporated these ob¬ jectives into her enriched English course for a Freshman honors group. She has also applied them to her English III course, centered around the study of American literature. Completing her first year as a full-time faculty member, she is not new to the Academy, having acted previously as a substitute teacher in World History. Her interest in literature is given many outlets, such as member¬ ship in various area cultural organizations and an intensive study of Irish literary works. Such involvement results in a broad background, enlightening and inspiring to her students. MRS. ROBERT BREEDING Untiring service and sincere dedication indelibly mark the atti¬ tudes and performance of the good nurse. The school nurse must em¬ body and promote the highest standards of general health and personal welfare among all students. Comprehensive experience in almost every phase of nursing in times of war and peace, in sick bays and hospitals scattered over the world, has contributed to the prime training of the registered nurse who is counted an invaluable member of the Academy faculty. Mrs. (Mary) Robert Breeding, a full-time wife and mother, supplements her professional skills with the warm smile and willing hand of an authoritative and trusted friend. 16