SST.PATRICKS & ST. TERESAS HIGH SCHOOLS ALUMNI AASSOCIATION QUAFTERLY NEWSLETTER T.

PATRICK S & ERESA S HIGH SCHOOLS ALUMNI SSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Email: sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com P. O. Box 1541. Laurel, MD 20725 Phone: (240) 979-1415

FALL 2011

Volume 1, Issue 1

elcome Saints and Friskies to our inaugural Alumni Newsletter. First, allow me to thank you for having confidence in me, as evidenced through my election as the national president. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve YOU and our alma maters. Moreover, I am excited to be working with a group of officers that is totally engaged with a clear vision to advance our organization. The importance of this moment for our organization cannot be overstated it is time for us to put aside things that divide us and move forward united in this vision: Dedicated volunteers providing quality education for children in post-war Liberia. A step in that diQuallyna Porte, President rection is the launching of your alumni newsletter; one of many initiatives aimed at communicating and building a transparent culture within our Alumni Association. As we look toward our common goal, visualize with me the wealth of resources that the STC and SPHS alumni body possesses. Then envision a portion of these resources given to children who are less fortunate than we are. Envision these children using the resources to better themselves, future generations, Liberia, and the world. This life changing and enriching vision for all can only be accomplished through unity and commitment. As your president, I am calling on all SAINTS and FRISKIES, young and young at heart, to unite and recommit to our alma maters! Commit to participating and attending local and national events. Commit to volunteering your expertise, time, and money to YOUR organization. Commit to respectfully providing suggestions on improving YOUR organization. Commit to expanding our network by encouraging classmates, family, and friends to become active. Allow this vision to become a reality. As a proud Frisky, I know We Can Make It Happen!!! Be encouraged, be inspired, and be empowered. Your organization awaits YOU!

CONVENTION NEWS
Lets extend our sincere thanks to the Delaware Valley Chapter (President Niahson Porte, Class of 85) for hosting this years annual convention during the Memorial Day Weekend in the beautiful city of Philadelphia. It was a very difficult year to host, and we are truly grateful for your fortitude and commitment. We held board and leadership elections during the business meeting. Never doubt that a small The elected officers were installed during the Annual group of thoughtful, comBall. We raised $9,500 during Convention 2011 to sup- mitted citizens can change Delaware Valley Chapter port STC and the rebuilding of SPHS. The breakdown the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. ~ is: $5,100 contributed directly to the St. Patrick's Endowment Fund for the rebuilding of Margaret Mead SPHS and $4,400 net from the convention activities. Convention 2012 will be held in the state of Maryland. Our goal for the upcoming year is to truly maximize our fundraising potential by containing costs while being creative and innovative. If you are in the Maryland area and currently not active, please reach out to the Maryland Chapters President, Tarloh Sayeh Brathwaithe, to volunteer and become involved. Your alma mater really needs YOU! STC WISH LIST Every year, the Principal and administration of STC provide a list of items that the school needs. Chapters, individuals, classes or even a group of friends are encouraged to kindly adopt one of these projects. Full or partial cash and/or in kind contributions will go directly to the project you select. Thanks in advance! CURRENT YEARS LIST Roof repair/replacement in elementary building (adopted by Alumni Association). Renovation of the library. Upgrade of computers in computer lab . Cameras for photography class. Yarn and needles for knitting class. Front gate replacement

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ST. PATRICKS & ST. TERESAS HIGH SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Email: sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com P. O. Box 1541. Laurel, MD 20725 Phone: (240) 979-1415

FALL 2011

Volume 1, Issue 1

STC CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

ince 1936, St. Teresas Convent High School has provided exceptional education to thousands of Liberian girls. Over the years, the Alumni Association has provided more than $50,000 in scholarships to girls from low income families and funding to help St. Teresa's Convent meet its operational needs. We have also remitted over $40,000 to the SMA Fathers in Liberia towards the reconstruction of SPHS. To celebrate STCs 75 years, the Alumni Association is sponsoring the Platinum Jubilee Benefit Ball. The proceeds will be allocated between the repair of the elementary buildings roof at STC and the SPHS Building Fund. Please join us on November 5, 2011 in celebrating our accomplishments and dedication to education excellence. St. Andrew Ukrainian Grand Hall 15100 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905 General Admission: $50

A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions. - Anonymous

ELECTED OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011

LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT Quallyna Porte, 86 President: : Quallyna Porte, 86 VICE PRESIDENT: Snorwlor Bropleh, 96 Vice President: Snorwlor Bropleh, 96 SECRETARY: Trokon Smith, 96 Secretary: Trokon Smith, 96 FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Joyetta Satiah,89 Financial Secretary: Joyetta Satiah,89 TREASURER: Charles Cooper, 84 Treasurer: Charles Cooper, 84 CHAPLAIN Editus Addy, 90 Chaplain: :Editus Addy, 90

THROUGH

2013

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. Blamo Kuwon (CHAIRMAN) Fatu Gbedema Ben Wreh Charles Ford Alvin Blake Jacinta Wolo (New Jersey) Nikki Dagbe (Southeastern Saints) Tarloh Sayeh-Brathwaite (Maryland) Niahson Porte (Delaware Valley) Lois Holman (Michigan)

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ST. PATRICKS & ST. TERESAS HIGH SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Email: sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com P. O. Box 1541. Laurel, MD 20725 Phone: (240) 979-1415

FALL 2011

Volume 1, Issue 1

POST CONVENTION UPDATE: THE FIRST 90 DAYS

The national president held formal discussions with Archbishop Zeigler of Liberia and Principals Gray (former) and Bestman (current) of STC reiterating our commitment to provide consistent, purposeful contribution to STC and to rebuild SPHS. A new constitution/bylaws committee headed by Michael Wotorson has been formed, and chartered. The committee has developed a project plan which includes a period of review by the general body prior to finalization before convention 2012. To address the operational issues recently faced by the organization and adequately plan for the upcoming fiscal year, a strategic planning session facilitated by a professional strategist was held on August 6, 2011. The executive team developed a new vision and mission for the organization, identified our key focus areas (KFAs) for the next two years, brainstormed initiatives for each KFA along with target dates and owners, and finalized a scorecard to track progress. The Ladies of the STC Education and Leadership Fund (SELF), a 501 Friskies Fest 2011 (c)(3) non-profit entity, held their 3rd Annual Friskies Fest Charity Gala on August 6 and raised about $10,000, which will be used to mentor, empower and educate girls at STC. Kudos to the ladies of SELF, all attendees, donors, and everyone else who made this program a huge success. The administration identified replacing the elementary buildings roof as its next major project. Updated and regularized not-for-profit status and contact information.

SELFS LITMUS SCIENCE PROJECT

Its common knowledge that women are underrepresented in most fields of science and technology in Liberia. Also, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) recently instituted a practical examination component to its science sections which would entail assessments of students skills and knowledge in the lab. Students who do not obtain passing marks on the WAEC examination are not eligible to enter any of the accredited universities in West Africa. SELF is currently raising funds for its Litmus Science Project to renovate STCs High School laboratory and provide updated supplies and instructional materials for science experiments. This project will help usher in a renewed learning experience and new breed of prospective science and or research. It will also enable the school and its students to meet WAECs standards and compete with other students internationally. Please send cash or in kind contributions to: SELF or call for more information.
STC Education & Leadership Fund (SELF) 3011 W. 11th Street Chester, PA 19013 www.friskiesfest.org Phone Number - 610-931-3081 or 410-258-3701

Lauri Shropshire, facilitator and Trokon Smith, National Secretary at the Strategic Planning Retreat.

THE NEXT 90 DAYS

Roll-out of national website Membership drive to expand our current network of alumni 1st draft of the revised constitution and bylaws will be available for review Full set of financial controls will be finalized and implemented STC 75th Platinum Jubilee Ball will be hosted. Members of the Rebuild St. Patricks Project Management Team will be identified Rollout of the rebranding of the organization including logo and name

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ST. PATRICKS & ST. TERESAS HIGH SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Email: sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com P. O. Box 1541. Laurel, MD 20725 Phone: (240) 979-1415

FALL 2011

Volume 1, Issue 1

REBUILDING ST. PATRICKS HIGH SCHOOL

The cost of rebuilding St. Patricks High School, both financially and institutionally, is expensive. The Arch Diocese of Liberia has dedicated land for the new campus in Paynesville, but it has also tasked the Alumni Association and Friends of SPHS with raising the $1 million plus needed to cover the construction Trustees: costs. To tackle this herculean fundraising challenge, the St. Patrick's High School Victor Abraham 89 Endowment Fund ( SPEF) was created in September 2010, and unveiled during the Doeba Bropleh 84 2011 Annual Convention. SPEF is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity administered by nine (9) Endowment Trustees, who are also alumni of SPHS, and has the following objectives:

Lionel Brown 83 Dr. Michel Dioubate 83 Samuel Glover 80 Dr. Thomas Sleweon 78 Laurence Pratt 78 Kpadi Williams 73 Evans Yancy 73

To raise money for the purpose of reopening SPHS. To support the operational and long term upkeep of SPHS. To prudently manage the assets contributed for the benefit of SPHS by complying with sound gift acceptance, investment, disbursement due diligence, administrative policies, financial and operational controls, full disclosure and accountability.

SPEFs initial target is to raise $100,000 to help with start-up construction costs. We are proud to state that to date, the fund has collected donations and commitments totaling $20,000. We plan to achieve our $100,000 goal prior to the 2012 Convention . Donations to this fund go exclusively to the rebuilding of SPHS. Were asking you to invest in the rebuilding of one of Liberias premier institutions by making a donation today at one of the giving levels. LEVELS SAINT BENEFACTOR PATRON SPONSOR FRIEND AMOUNTS $1,000+ $700 - $999 $400 - $699 $200 - $399 $25 - $199 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR TAX FREE DONATION Make check payable to SPHS Endowment Fund; Mail to: SPHS Endowment Fund, 14704 Northfield Court, Laurel, MD 20707. Pay by credit or bank card: Email SPEF at sphsendowment@gmail.com or call (240) 285 9752, tell us how much you would like to donate and we will send an invoice payable by credit or bank card. Online Bank Payment: Set SPEF up as a payee in your online banking profile. Account Name: SPHS Endowment / Account #: 7733 / Address: 14704 Northfield Court, Laurel, MD 20707.

Please make a choice to contribute to this effort.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Class of 86

The Maryland Chapter is hosting a Family and Friends Appreciation Day on October 1, 2011 at Oak Crest Park. Free food and drinks will be provided. Address: 8601 Lindale MD, 20707 between 2pm and 9pm. Please bring school supplies, white socks and white uniform shirts as donations to STC students.

Departed 5/28/11

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

To contribute stories, articles, comments , ask questions about the newsletter, or join the newsletter team, please contact the editor at sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com. PAGE 4

IN MEMORIAM
Bode Brownell 82