2006-2007 Annual Report

Flakes Donate $1 Million to MSM

In September 2006, Karen and John Flake announced the donation of a $1 million gift to Mount St. Mary Academy. Mount St. Mary will use the gift for future renovation and school enhancement projects. The Flakes have a long history with the Mount -Karen Flake is a 1965 graduate and a former teacher at the Academy. And in 2000, the Karen Elizabeth Flake '65 Math and Science Building was completed.

Flakes

Alumnae Picnic

"Girls Have Fun" at Alumnae Picnic

The fourth annual MSM Alumnae Association "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Picnic was held on September 27, 2006 on the grounds of the school campus. Leigh Ann Crain Camp '87, chair of the hospitality committee, and her hard working group of volunteers put together an event that definitely lived up to its name - over 200 fun-loving alumnae were in attendance. Martha Matthews Kirspel '83, president of the alumnae association, served as "master of ceremonies." Awards were given for youngest alumna in attendance (Susanne Stabnick '02), golden Belle (Mary Lou Durst Limon '32) and most class spirit (class of '64 with 12 alumnae in attendance.)

Alcohol Awareness Program Adopted by MSM; Alumna Recognized by MADD for Efforts

On November 16, 2007, Miss America Jennifer Berry came to Little Rock to present a number of awards to Arkansas state troopers at a banquet sponsored by MADD. After the banquet, but before heading to the airport for her next flight, local MADD officials arranged for Miss America to make one more "surprise" presentation. Miss Berry, who is also MADD's National Spokeswoman, stopped by Our Lady of the Holy Souls School to present MSM alumna Laura Rasco Reeves '87 the Trooper Herbert W. Smith Memorial Award for her significant contributions towards underage drinking and drunk driving prevention. Trooper Smith was a dedicated proponent of DUI/DWI enforcement who was killed in the line of duty in 2001.

Mrs. Reeves received the award in recognition of her work with MADD's "Protecting You/Protecting Me" program, a science-based alcohol use prevention program that is taught to elementary students by high school students. Mount St. Mary hired Reeves in 2006 as a consultant to head up a drug and alcohol education program. She researched a number of nationally recognized programs before selecting "Protecting You, Protecting Me," an accredited curriculum developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

"This program has been used very successfully in other states, but the Mount is the first site in Arkansas where it's being used. It really is a pilot program for the school," Reeves says.

MSM students working with first graders at Holy Souls.

Laura Rasco Reeves '87 (left) with Miss America 2007.

"Protecting You, Protecting Me" is a science-based curriculum developed specifically for grades one through five. "It's really frightening to realize that nationally, the average child is only 11 years old when he or she takes that first drink," Reeves says.

But it's the teachers who are the big news in the PY/PM program - MSM juniors are trained to teach the program, and they began with elementary students at Our Lady of the Holy Souls. The PY/PM program has been integrated into the junior service-learning curriculum at Mount St. Mary Academy, and each Thursday afternoon, a group of St. Mary students teaches the program to elementary students.

"The goal is to reach children with this information at least five years before they are offered alcohol for the first time," Reeves says. "We know that little kids respond better to teenagers that they idolize, and hopefully it also impacts the older girls who are doing the teaching."

In addition to Holy Souls, plans are to take the program to Christ the King, St. Edward and North Little Rock Academy by next year.

Making Time to Nurture One's Soul Focus of Lenten Recollection

The fourth annual alumnae recollection was held on February 27, 2007 in MSM's cafeteria. More than 100 alumnae, current and past moms, and friends of the Mount, attended the evening Lenten reflection. A factor contributing to the success of the event was most certainly the evening's speaker, Sr. Richard Mary Burke, RSM. Sr. Richard Mary served as principal of Mount St. Mary from 1981 to 1991. She is currently a Mission/Mercy Services Representative for the St. John's Health System in Springfield, MO.

Following a soup super provided by the alumnae board and members of the alumnae association's spirituality committee, Sr. Richard Mary offered her reflection entitled "Lent: A Time to Nurture the Soul" in which she challenged all in attendance to look at Lent as a time of new beginnings and as a time to care for our individual soul and the souls of those around us.

Sr. Richard Mary Burke, RSM

A huge thank you to Sr. Richard Mary Burke, RSM for offering such a wonderful reflection for the Lenten
Season and to Vickey Hum Metrailer '69, chair of the spirituality committee, for coordinating the event.

Catholic Youth Ministry Help Students Deepen Faith

Liz Tingquist (standing) leads a discussion with students.

Two times a month, Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) director, Liz Tingquist, and her assistant, Tricia Barsch Gentry '78, come to MSM armed with pizza, scripture readings, and discussion topics, and meet with MSM girls during their lunch and activity periods. "Our primary goal is to build on what the girls are hopefully getting in religion classes and at their own churches," explains Liz.

"A few days before we come to MSM, I work with campus ministry director Susan Phillips to determine topics for discussion. Sometimes a current event or controversial issue in the news will be a natural topic. Other times, we open the floor to the girls in case there is a 'hot' issue they want to discuss."

Overall, Liz and Tricia come prepared to listen and to try and explain where the Catholic Church stands on various issues and why. They encourage a comfortable, small-group atmosphere, where no topic is off limits, because as Liz has told the girls, "If you have a question or need to discuss something, chances are the girls sitting on either side of you feel the same way."

As a 1978 graduate of the Mount, Tricia Gentry is especially excited to be involved in this ministry. "These years are so critical in a young girl's life. And for us to offer an ear, or a shoulder or just an outlet, can help in so many ways."

Tricia predicts that interest in these gatherings will continue to grow. "We've gone from just a handful of students the first month, to almost 40 girls now. It tells us that there is a need for what we provide, and I am sure the free pizza doesn't hurt either!"

TeePot Classic Scores Some Green on the Greens

The skies were blue, the sun shined and a full house of golfers enjoyed themselves at the third annual MSM TeePot Classic, held on April 30, 2007 at the Country Club of Arkansas. The event raised over $28,000 for the school's annual fund, which supports tuition assistance and faculty compensation. The tournament also benefited from over $11,000 worth of in-kind donations including lunch for all of the golfers and volunteers, and over 25 door prizes for the players. Top-flight winners of this year's tournament were players from the American Abstract & Title Co. sponsored team: Kris Adkins, Clint Wilson, Will Allison and Jeff Sparks.

2006-2007 Chair Kathy Bradley Gwatney '77 (left) and co-chair Dee
Shields.

Mary Bea Couch Hiegel '57 and Ken Hiegel.

The tournament would not have been a success without the support of our Founding Chairs, Harry and Kem (Embrey '66) Aburrow and Ron and Nancy (Lensing '69) Hughes, and Committee Members: Kathy Bradley Gwatney '77 (Tournament Chair); Dee Shields (Tournament Co-Chair and Registration); Pam Wood Hodges '76 (Volunteers); Debbie Partee (Solicitations); Mary Lamb (Food and Beverage); and Marilyn Lenggenhager '73 (School Liaison.)

Carolyn Chalmers Retires

Carolyn Cerrato Chalmers '64 (at right, purple shirt and jeans) gave almost 30 years to MSM. Throughout her career here, Mrs. Chalmers wore many hats! She was a teacher, counselor, vice principal, dean, volunteer coordinator, chaperone, event organizer…you name it, she did it.

Students put on a farewell skit to help celebrate her legacy.

Graduation Was Icing on the Cake for Class of 2007

The class of 2007 held commencement exercises on May 28, 2007, at Robinson Auditorium. One hundred and twenty-two (122) graduates received their diplomas from Reverend Msgr. Frank Malone, vicar general of the Diocese of Little Rock, as MSM president Sr. Deborah Troillett, RSM, announced each graduate and the college she will attend.

After the traditional procession of the girls, fifth honor graduate Amy Derlikowski led the invocation, followed by the salutatorian address by Laura Sharp, entitled "Sugar and Spice."

The class essay, entitled "Mixing It Up," was presented by third honor graduate Emily Nevala, who was followed by the singing of the graduates' class song, "You've Got a Friend."

Fourth honor graduate Brittany Pasierb introduced the keynote graduation speaker, Ms. Angela Duran, who is a 1986 Mount graduate and is currently the president of the Southern Good Faith Fund. Ms. Duran, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tulsa and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard, spoke about the influence the Mount has had on her life.

Honor Graduates

Following Ms. Duran was first honor graduate Vicki Flynn, who gave the valedictory address, entitled "Icing on the Cake," during which she recapped accomplishments of and challenges faced by the class of 2007. After this, was the presentation of the diplomas. This was followed by a special presentation to Mrs. Carolyn Cerrato Chalmers '64, who retired from Mount St. Mary after almost 30 years of service. The exercises concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater for a final time by the class of 2007.

2007 Graduates

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Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Special scholarships are available to Mount St. Mary students and are awarded on a yearly basis at Mount assemblies. These named scholarships provide between $300 and $5,000 toward tuition, making a difference for deserving Mount St. Mary students.

If you would like to honor a family member, an alumna, teacher or friend by establishing a scholarship in their-or your-name, please call Carolyn McCone, CFRE, director of development at (501) 664-8006.

2007 McAuley Achievement Award winners.

TheMcAuley Achievement Awards:
Established by Mount alumnae, friends and board of trustee members, the scholarships awarded from this fund recognizes students who have proven their commitment to Mount St. Mary Academy and are living examples of the Mercy Values.

John L. and Jane K. Corley Endowment:
Earnings from this fund are applied toward International Baccalaureate (IB) Program costs for IB students who demonstrate financial need.

Melissa Ma '98 Scholarship:
Established in memory of Melissa Hung-Jean Ma '98, this fund is used to provide full assistance for tuition, books, fees and uniforms for one senior student each year.

Retired Sisters Scholarship Fund:
Provides annual funding toward need-based tuition assistance.

Jade Brown '07 (left) recipient of last year's "Spirit of '95 Scholarship," with this year's recipient Catherine Le '08 and Catherine Hickey Cole '95.

Spirit of '95 Scholarship:
Established by the Class of 1995, this scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2005 to a student entering her senior year who exemplifies the qualities of character, spirit, individuality and service.

Evalyn Josephine Coulter Thomas '30 Scholarship:
Established in 2001, this scholarship benefits a qualified student who demonstrates interest in the arts or music.

Norma Bacon Kennedy '27 Scholarship:
Established through a bequest, this scholarship provides full tuition assistance for a qualified student each year.

The Oliva DiGregorio Scholarship Fund:
Established in 2004 by a member of the class of 1984, this fund provides financial assistance for a student demonstrating financial need whose parents or guardian have immigrated to the United States within the last 15 years.

2007 Ma Scholarship recipient Rachel Lee '08 (center) with her parents, Theresa Wrape-Lee '77 and Dennis Lee, and Dr. and Mrs. Frank Ma.
Bornhoft Tuition Assistance Fund:
Established through a planned gift from Susanna Bornhoft and Valora Bornhoft Smith, this fund annually provides tuition assistance for qualified students.

Sr. Mary Frances Coutlee, RSM '21 Scholarship Fund:
Established to honor Sr. Frances, a Mount St. Mary Academy alumna, teacher and principal. Interest from this fund is used for need-based scholarships.

Sandra Gueydan Hickey '66 Merit Scholarship:
Established by James E. Gueydan to honor his daughter, Sandy, this scholarship is awarded annually and is based on merit.

Judith Wrappe Scholarship:
Established by the Class of 1982 in memory of classmate Judith Wrappe, this scholarship provides art supplies for a junior interested in pursuing art as a career.

Wrappe Scholarship recipient Rebecca Krupsaw '08 (center) with Sue Keith Wrappe '49 and Jerry Wrappe (on either end), joined by Rebecca's mother Jill Krupsaw (left), and Judith Wrappe's friend and former classmate, Marie Friend '82.

Juanita Baer Enderlin '41 Scholarship:
Established in 2005 by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ponzini and the estate of Helen Zylco, this scholarship is awarded annually and is based on need.

Alana Wolfe Memorial Scholarship:
Established in 2006 by Diane and Keith Wolfe, in memory of their daughter Alana, this scholarship is awarded annually to a rising senior who has demonstrated courage, strength and great love of family.

Diane Wolfe (left) and Lizzie Wolfe '06, with scholarship winner Sarah Mattingly '08, and her mother Donna.

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1851 Society Ensures Our Future

In 2001, Mount St. Mary Academy established the 1851 Society to recognize and thank those who have included Mount St. Mary in some way in their estate planning--through wills/bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of life insurance, retirement plans, or other planned giving vehicles. The name of the society commemorates the year that St. Mary's was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy from Ireland. Planned gifts ensure that Mount St. Mary Academy will have the funds necessary to continue her mission and ministry far into the future. If you would like more information about becoming an 1851 Society member, please contact Carolyn McCone, CFRE, MSM director of development.

1851 Society Members*:
Anonymous (2)
Susanna Bornhoft and Valora Bornhoft
     Smith
Phyllis Phillips Clark '48
Dennis and Karen Ferra
Rose Hogan '50
Alan and Ruthie (Huncke '66) Holland
Larry and Pauline Jegley
James and Charlene Kaminski
Mary Logan
Dawn Magby
Ron and Bobbie (Cupples '62)
     McKenzie
Terry and Betty Renaud
Cathy Springstead '63
Annette Wahlgreen '48
Michael and Lynnette Watts
Keith and Diane Wolfe
Mark and Andrea (Williams '92) Wright
Posthumous:
Cecilia Ballard
Patricia Page Bruich '48
Pearl Smith Bujarski
Flora Bittner Croft
Bernadine Lipsmeyer Evans '39
Mr. and Mrs. J. Fred Hart
Mary Rumbach Karlan '28
Norma Bacon Kennedy '27
Sr. Amata McGee, RSM
Leo and Grace Nonnenkamp
Sydney and Delores (Hooks '48)
     Sanderson
Dorothy Severson Schofield '35
Henry and Mary Zarnoski Senac
Evalyn Josephine Coulter Thomas '30
Martha Vroeman '34
Helen Zylko

*As of January 2007

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2006-2007 School Year: Facts in Brief

Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Mount St. Mary.

Enrollment
   9th grade.....................................................163
   10th grade...................................................140
   11th grade...................................................134
   12th grade...................................................128
Graduates going to college..............................128
Students residing in Little Rock.......................378
Top 3 cities after Little Rock
   North Little Rock..........................................74
   Maumelle......................................................25
   Sherwood.....................................................30
Non-Catholic students...................................26%
Average class size.............................................20
Teacher/Student Ratio....................................1:19
Full-time Faculty/Admin....................................44
   Sisters of Mercy..............................................3
   Male Religious.................................................0
   Lay Women and Men....................................41
Part-time Faculty/Admin.....................................6
   Sisters of Mercy..............................................1
   Male Religious.................................................1
   Lay Women and Men......................................4
Staff who are MSM alumnae............................16
Total alumnae..............................................6,976
Tuition.......................................................$5,401
Cost to educate a student...........................$7,166
Tuition "gap" **.........................................$1,765
Financial aid provided to students...........$407,113
Students receiving aid....................................25%
Library    Volumes.................................................15,764
   Periodicals.....................................................42
   CD/Database Services.....................................3
Computers
   In labs...........................................................50
   In library........................................................14
   In classrooms and dept. centers......................57
   In administration/support................................11
   Laptops.........................................................56

**The "gap" refers to the difference between the tuition we charge and the actual cost per student.

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