Twelve Graduates are Daughters of Alumnae

6/2/2023

The Rosary Legacy Continues

Twelve members of the Class of 2023 have mothers who are Rosary alumnae. Following their own experiences at Rosary, these graduates and many other alumnae chose a Rosary education for their daughters.

“I have always shared stories and wonderful memories and experiences of my High School years at Rosary with my two daughters,” said Valerie (Hartkopp ’91) Shoger. “When it was time for my youngest daughter Emily to choose where she wanted to go to High School, I couldn’t have been happier when I found out she wanted to attend Rosary. She was going to follow me in my footsteps and walk the same halls that I did several years earlier.

Valerie spoke about the many benefits of a Rosary education. “Rosary shaped me into the independent, confident, spiritual and successful woman I am today. And, there is something to be said about attending an all-girls Catholic school; no worrying about doing your hair, putting on make-up or picking out a cute outfit to wear to school. These are just some of the things that took away a little pressure in high school.

“Emily and I have a very special bond because of Rosary,” Valerie continued. “We have shared many fun stories together that bring back great memories for me. She never experienced having to run outside in the rain or snow to get from one wing of the building to the other because they were not connected. The soft serve ice cream cones at lunch were delicious! Our Spanish class trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu and the Amazon was a trip of a lifetime!

“It seems like yesterday Emily was a freshman and now she is graduating,” she said. “Thank you, Rosary, for giving Emily a great foundation to conquer her dreams. No matter what she decides to do in life, she has the tools she needs to succeed.”

"I'm so proud to have a daughter graduate from Rosary,” said Kristi (Waters ’91) Hess. “It has been amazing to watch how much she's grown since her first day as a freshman. You always hear about "finding your voice" in the halls of Rosary, and that has been so true for Emma. She has been involved in sports, clubs, and leadership roles--some of which I wouldn't have imagined her doing a few years ago.

“Just like my experience at Rosary, she has been given the foundation to develop her faith, to gain confidence in her decision-making, and to prepare herself for college,” Kristi said. “I can't wait to see her continue on her journey.”

Kristi shared some Rosary memories. “For me, it's a little like a time-warp--so many things have stayed the same, and some have changed immensely--the gym, the science labs, the 300 wing, the auditorium! I look back on my four years there with great fondness: the antics in the art room, the spring break trips I participated in, and the soc hops with Marmion and ACC. The education I received in an all-girls environment helped me tackle college and later, career, and I hope that that's Emma's experience as well.”

“I am delighted that Samantha is graduating from Rosary this year,” said Jennifer (Runkle 92) Willman. “She will join her Grani, who was a Madonna graduate, her Aunt Christine ('87), myself ('92), and her sister Sarah ('17) as Rosary Alumnae.

“We appreciate the passion that Rosary teachers and staff bring to the classroom every day. Samantha has learned lessons that have allowed her to grow and flourish, both in and out of the classroom over the past four years,” she said.

Colleen (Wenberg ’87) Pfeiffer has also had two daughters graduate from Rosary, Tara in 2011 and Brooke in 2023.

“I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Rosary High School. My experience was one I’ll always remember,” she said. “The teachers were amazing, lifetime friendships were formed, and the all-girls environment allowed me to focus on my grades / schoolwork.

“I am thrilled that two of my daughters were able to have the same Rosary experience. I know that Brooke has received a quality education, formed lifelong friendships, and become a strong, independent young woman with a zest for life and aspirations for her future.”

“I am grateful that Kylee experienced Rosary as I did,” wrote Sheridan (Middleton ’98) Gurbal. “She found a core group of friends freshman year that have shaped her into a confident young woman. I found the same core group that has continued to shape my life as I know Kylee's will as well.”

“We also both continued to foster a love of music and theater through Rosary. It was Ann Mary Wagner who encouraged me through Glee Club and Ensemble, just the way Megan Carron did for Kylee. It is in the same choir room that we found who we really are and are celebrated for being ourselves.

“While I was blessed to have more Dominican Sisters influence my life, Kylee was blessed to have Sister Geraldine and Sister Katrina cheering loudly for her success,” Sheridan said. “It is through their love and support that she has learned to embrace a challenge and come out on the other side.

“The physical building may look a little different than it did in 1998, but the feeling of love and sisterhood is still just as strong, if not stronger. I know Kylee will go on to be successful in whatever she decides to do and it is due to the education she was given at Rosary.”

Linda (Bettag ’85) Seraphin, mother of two Rosary graduates, reflected on her own experiences at Rosary: “I graduated in the mid 80’s, a time of big hair for the students and long habits for the sisters. We spent a minimum amount of time in extracurriculars. In our free time, we did homework, talked on the phone (landline), and drove around in our cars. During school hours we lamented the amount of homework our teachers gave us, prayed a lot, and argued with the sisters about almost everything. It took some time for us to realize that they were right most of the time.

“When our older daughter Amy (’13) was looking at high schools we gave her a choice. After visiting two schools she came to us and said, ‘At the other school they talked about themselves but at Rosary they asked about me. I want to attend a school that cares about me.’

“And that’s what Rosary has been for our family— a school that cared about our daughters,” she said. “Rosary pushed them academically and while they both complained a lot, they were very prepared for college. They also had opportunities to participate in many extracurriculars that they may not have chosen in a co-ed environment. But more than anything we have made lifelong friends. Because at its core, what makes Rosary so special are the students who attend the school.”

Becky (Arbizzani ’92) Barr, mother of Reegan (’23) and Erin (’25), was surprised that both daughters always assumed they would go to Rosary as their mother and aunt did. “They didn’t even shadow here or anywhere else; they just knew.”

“My best memories of Rosary are in the theatre, and I think it will be the same for my daughters.” Becky went on to major in Technical Theatre /Scenic Design and continues to help with shows at Rosary and Marmion. “I consider it a privilege that they share something that is a cornerstone of my high school memories. Being part of a close-knit community; that’s what theatre does for kids.”

"Maddie could not wait to get to Rosary and I could not be more proud of my little miracle child who strives to be a chemistry high school teacher," said Patti Bakala ('89), mother of Madeline Maar. "Thank you RHS for a great education and thank you Maddie for being the most wonderful daughter a mother could ask for, truly. Job well done in crushing your time at Rosary following a long line of Bakala women who attended Rosary…three aunts, three cousins and your mom, all Royals: Sue (Bakala '80) Agnew-Ostermeier, Kathy (Bakala '82) Bryant, Anne Bakala ('83), Kelley (Agnew '11) Wolff, Emily Bakala ('14), Mary Kate Bakala ('17), and Patti Bakala ('89)."

Thank you to our alumnae mothers for sharing their thoughts and experiences, and for continuing the Rosary legacy.

We pulled out our yearbooks and found senior photos of the alumnae and paired them with their daughters. Hairstyles and clothing styles may change, but the beauty and smiles of Rosary students endure!

See all of the side-by-side photos in this album.
(Limited number of photos allowed in news story.)

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