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Volume 86, Issue 2
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Graduation Issue, 2021 Volume:89, Issue 6

Commencement Speakers 2021 Summer Plans:
The Shore, Travel,
A Year To Remember Jobs & Chilling
With Friends
Lauren Yost ‘21
Allison McCann ‘21

The Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian Salutatorian Summer 2021 is approaching and the
for the Class of 2021, St. Basil Acad- students of St. Basil Academy plan on
emy’s final graduating class, has been enjoying every second of it. As all of you
named. Congratulations to Jenn Mayro, may know, this has been one of the crazi-
the Valedictorian, and Jamie Barbara, est years any of us could have ever imag-

the Salutatorian. The students were ined. The students of Saint Basil Academy

awarded the titles because of their deserve nothing more than to spend their
hard-work and commitment to academ- summer worry-free.
ics throughout their high school years.
I asked some students what their plans
Jenn Mayro has been a model of are this summer since it is around the cor-
leadership and academic excellence ner. Hannah Hunter, a senior, says, “I will
throughout her time at SBA. Her ex- be spending my summer days lounging at
tracurricular activities include partic- the beach with my best friends before we
ipation in SBA Cares, band, chamber go our separate ways in college.”
ensemble, and mathletes. She also has
Savannah McQuaid, a senior, says, “I
will be spending my summer continuing

a role as the President of National Hon- to work and living down the shore.” 

ors Society and was a Koinonia Leader “I am incredibly honored to be “I am very honored to have this I also anticipate spending summer with
this year, while also dedicating her time awarded this title and extremely title and I feel that many girls at our my best friends before going our sepa-
to “High School Musical” as a member thankful to the entire school com- school were eligible to receive it. I rate ways. St. Basil Academy has helped
of the Drama Club. munity for providing not only an know that every girl at our school every girl here bond with her classmates.
amazing education, but a place for is extremely intelligent and talented The main goal of every student is to spend
In the Fall, Jenn will be attending me to call home. These past four and I can’t wait to see what we all time with the people who made their four
Temple University, where she will be a years at Basils by far have been the do next!” - Jamie Barbara years in high school unforgettable.  
member of the Honors Program. On re- best time of my life...” - Jenn Mayro
ceiving the title of Valedictorian, Jenn talented and I can’t wait to see what we Some students will be traveling to
says, “I am incredibly honored to be avid horseback rider, and helps other all do next!” Greece for the “Travel for Teens” trip,
awarded this title and extremely thank- equestrians get ready for their lessons. asummer traveling program for students
ful to the entire school community for In school, she is a part of Drama Club The school community is excited to who love adventure and experience. Stu-
providing not only an amazing educa- where she has participated in both the see what these brilliant girls do after dents leave for Greece June 13, 2021, and
tion, but a place for me to call home. Fall and Spring shows for her entire graduation, and eager to support their return June 22, 2021. I cannot think of a
These past four years at Basils by far high school career. future endeavors. better way to start off summer. Emily Luz,
have been the best time of my life, and Class of 2021, will begin her summer in
I am grateful to every person I have en- In the Fall, Jamie has chosen to attend The bittersweet note on which the Greece. I asked Emily why she decided
countered during my time here.” Villanova University, where she will final senior class is leaving this year to attend the trip. She responded, “Greece
major in Business Management and is made a bit more sweet knowing that has always been my dream vacation and
Jamie Barbara, the Salutatorian, has Marketing. Jamie remarks, “I am very Jenn and Jamie are able to represent I am so excited that I can finally go and
shown her dedication to academics and honored to have this title and I feel that the class through their academics and explore! I’m really excited to see Athens
the SBA community since freshman many girls at our school were eligible leadership. and Santorini, and to see all the beautiful
year. Outside of school, Jamie works to receive it. I know that every girl at architecture and beaches.” This will not
at Dairy Queen and volunteers at An- our school is extremely intelligent and Congratulations to all graduates! only be a once in a lifetime trip, but it will
imal Care and Control Team (ACCT) be an educational one also.
Philly Animal Shelter. Jamie is also an
The newspaper staff of 2021 wishes ev-
What Are The Effects of eryone a safe and healthy summer! Make
memories and have fun!!!

Energy Drinks? Ask Kayla STUDENT COUNCIL SPEAKS

Maria Abraham ‘21

Shannon Remolde ‘21 I look back on the past four years, and I our student body, which only goes to show

am beyond grateful for my time at Basil’s our fortitude, especially during this tough

This year, many students in the SBA nent High School, learning about the lab and my chance to serve as student council year.

community have made and conducting exper- president. Being stu- The news about our

big accomplishments. iments under guidance dent council president school truly rocked

Although this year has of Dr. Amanda Purdy has helped me break us to our core. It was

been tough, students and Dr. Alyssa Leystra. out of my shell and at- heartbreaking to hear

have optimized time. Kayla was able to tain a confidence and and nearly impossible

Kayla Guevara, a conduct a scientific re- self-awareness that I to understand. How-

senior who will be search project. She said, never thought was pos- ever, even with this

attending Drexel Uni- “For the last six weeks sible. I will take many news, we persevered

versity and majoring in of the program, I got to lessons with me, but the as an army undivided,

Biomedical Engineer- design and conduct my greatest lesson I have as a family. In each

ing, is a prime exam- own scientific research acquired during my and every one of us,

ple of this. Over a four project, using fruit flies time as president is that there is the heart of a

month period, Kayla (Drosophila Melano- kindness allows you to true Basilian that we

has been participating gaster) as test subjects. create change in a silent should never let go of.

in The Teen Research My project focused on but powerful way and No matter where we

Internship Program Gurcsik Studios the effects of taurine leaves a lasting impres- go or what we do, we
sion on all of us. Kind- Gurcsik Studios will always be part of
(TRIP Initiative). (from energy drinks) on
The Internship Pro- Kayla Guevara gut health and anxiety ness seems like such a Maria Abraham the Basil’s sisterhood.

gram is a free intern- levels. It was amazing.” simple thing; however, Student Council President It has truly been an

ship for high school students, sponsored by Kayla said she learned a lot about work- in its highest sense, kind- honor and a privilege

Fox Chase Cancer Center. Every Saturday ing in a lab environment, preparing her for ness takes great strength, compassion, and to be your student council president. With

a group of students from the surrounding the future. You can check out more on the selflessness. Even with this high standard, I deep sincerity, I thank you, and send best

area attended lab sessions at William Ten- TRIP Initiative website. have seen kindness reflected effortlessly in wishes to all.

Page 2 The Graduation Class of 2021

Maria Abraham Francelie Arguelles Rah’Dirah Baker-Lane Jamie Barbara Regan Bentley
Villanova University Temple University Bowie State University Villanova University Temple University

Anastasiya Bloshchynska Stephanie Boston Sarah Campellone Isabella Capaldi Samantha Carlson
Manor College Cheyney University. Neumann University Widener University St. Joseph’s University

Denae Carter Madelyn Carter Brynn Cooney Izabella Crabtree Rebecca Dmytryk
DeSales University Texas Tech University Temple University
Mississippi State University University of Pittsburgh

Chloe Dolan Hannah Dolan Jadlyn Domico Joan Dotchel Fiona Douglas
Holy Family University Holy Family University DeSales University Drexel University University of Tampa

Carie Fiedler Molly Follmer Lauren Gerstle Brianna Gracey Kayla Guevara
Merrimack College West Virginia University Drexel University
Immaculata University Flagler College-St Augustine

Erin Harbison Hanna Hesson Hannah Hunter Ella Hutchinson Nicole Jarrett
DeSales University Temple University West Chester University University of the Sciences Temple University

Congratulations!

Riley Jones Margaret Junkin
West Chester University High Point University

The Graduation Class of 2021 Page 3

Stephanie Kim Natalie Kolonis Sasha Lee Emily Luz Rachel Mackel
University of the Sciences
Penn State University- Harrisburg Lansdale School of Business Shippensburg University Montgomery Co.
Community College

Adrianna Matos Jennifer Mayro Allison McCann Ava McCusker Madison McGuire
Kutztown University Temple University St. John’s University Holy Family University West Chester University

Savannah McQuaid Melissa Mejia Lauren Metro Katelyn Morrissy Jacqueline O’Brien
Gap Year Temple University Widener University Penn State University
Penn State University -Altoona

Abigail Petner Kerry Pinkerton Haley Powers Shannon Remolde Jacklyn Ryan
Holy Family University Penn State University Temple University Kutztown University Jefferson University

Bella Santangelo Riley Scannell Christine Schleicher Michaela Smith Elizabeth Stampone
St. Joseph’s University Temple University Drexel University Rider University West Chester University

Madeline Stampone Sophia Stampone Tia Taylor Noelle Vega Alyssa Weber
Cornell University West Chester University Jefferson University
University of South Carolina University of South Carolina

Alexandra Whelan Zoey Wilkins Lauren Yost Madeline Zetick
Drexel University St. Joseph’s University Temple University Temple University

Graduation Issue, 2021 The Basilian Pillar Page 4

Putting News in Print: Spring Sports News:
A Personal Perspective
The Last Hurrah!
Editorial
Regan Bentley ‘21
As this final school year comes to a close, given the circumstances, I agreed to help
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there are many Basil’s write and edit for the

organizations and tra- newspaper.

ditions that are also During this time, I

coming to an end. have been able to re-

One such or- search further into top-

ganization is the ics I care about, and

long-running school share those topics with

newspaper, the Basil- students, faculty, and

ian Pillar. Throughout teachers. Moreover,

the years, the Basil- being able to present

ian Pillar has housed a unique point of view

writing from many through my editorials

different students on has been a wonderful

many different topics. experience. To be able

In addition, each issue to share articles about

is graced by insightful Photo by Gurcsik Studios current, important

and thought-provoking Lauren Yost ‘21 world issues has been

editorials written by Co-Editor-In-Chief an honor.
dedicated editors. The Along with everything

newspaper also features articles on current else, we are going to miss the countless

events, school clubs, celebrations, and a memories and heartfelt, uplifting, disap-

range of other topics written by many of pointing, exciting, and unfortunate news,

Basil’s writers. stories, and opinions that were able to be

I began writing for the Basilian Pillar shared through this paper. We hope that, in

just this year because of a unique sched- the future, we will all be able to find the

uling situation. I was not expecting to be special opportunities that allow us to con-

a newspaper editor for my senior year, but tinue to share our writing with the world,

Athletes Go To College:

Everyone Is AWinner!
Carie Fiedler ‘21

Throughout the course of life, we decide ically.

to try new sports that interest us and con- At SBA, the athletic department is so

tinue to play these sports throughout grade happy to announce that there are five girls

school and high school. Our coaches and graduating in the year 2021 that will be

teammates shape us into the people we moving on to colleges to play our sports.

are and the enjoyment we get out of these These girls include Denae Carter, Carie

sports. Each day athletes take the field, Fiedler, Sasha Lee, Tia Taylor, and Shan-

court, or track to train and advance, becom- non Remolde. Denae Carter, a four-year

ing the best athletes that they can be. The varsity basketball player will be attending

blood, sweat, and tears can make or break Mississippi State to play women’s division

a person, and for many it makes us better 1 basketball. I, Carie Fiedler, a four-year

athletes and better people. varsity lacrosse player will be attending

Many students each year decide to take Merrimack College to play women’s divi- HERE’S GRATITUDE

the step to continue these lifelong sports sion 1 lacrosse. Sasha Lee, a four-year track

into college. This commitment is a large and field runner will be attending Shippens-

achievement for these athletes. It is a true burg University to run women’s division 2

symbol of the hours of work that have gone track and field. Tia Taylor, a four-year track Editorial parent’s association would be the flock of
flamingos outside of the building for us
into making this dream a reality. College and field runner will be attending Cornell Saint Basil Academy has been able to to walk out to after school. These are the
continue many traditions with the help of little things that, I, as an St. Basil Academy
searches started much earlier for athletes. University to run division 1, Ivy League the teachers, alumni, and parent’s associa- student, will never forget.
tion. They have put in countless hours to This school not only holds a community
We make many decisions about where we track and field. Finally, Shannon Remolde, assure the remaining students an unfor- of girls, but a sisterhood. I believe that
gettable year at SBA. As a student at St. every girl that has attended SBA, has a
would want to go to school, want to play a four-year basketball player will be attend- Basil Academy, I feel as though we faced special place in their heart for this school.
many hardships throughout the year, such It is a place we will all hold onto forever,
our sports, and get the best scholarships for ing Kutztown University to play women’s as school closing and having events taken whether the building stands or not. We
away from us due to the pandemic. I be- have called this place home for years and
our abilities. Many emails and phone calls division 2 basketball. lieve I speak for the whole class when I say will hold SBA in our hearts forever.
that I am extremely grateful for the alumni,
occur throughout our high school years to Congratulations to all the girls on their teachers, and parents for making our final Photo by Gurcsik Studios
year at SBA the same as any other. As an
find the perfect college match that we feel achievements and good luck at your future Amry Undivided, the alumni have worked Allison McCann ‘21
tremendously to make sure we united and Co-Editor in Chief
we will excel in academically and athlet- colleges! excelled. One of their unforgettable works
include buying signs for each grade. They
Staff Photo purchased signs that are honoring each
grade. Also, the parents bought the students
(L to R) SBA athletes sign basketball commitment documents; Denae Carter to Mississippi donuts for our 100th day of school. The fun
State and Shannon Remolde to Kutztown University. committee dedicates multiple hours inside
and outside of school to make this year the
best. We owe a huge thank you to everyone
who has donated time, money, and efforts
to ensure we had our fun days at SBA.
They also helped brighten up our days by
simply donating an ice cream bar during a
school day. My personal favorite from the