Fall 2022 Newsletter

Viking Voyages (for the summer)

For these recent St. Mary alumni, their work began when their college classes let out for the summer! Check out some of the great, hands-on experiences our alumni have taken part in:

Dorian Record ('19) is currently in her senior year at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Biology and Spanish. She will graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in May 2023.


This summer, Dorian was invited on an eleven-week archaeological dig in Veracruz, Mexico. The goal of the ongoing project, called the Tuxtla Ingenio Project, is to investigate the lives of indigenous Mesoamericans and enslaved Africans who worked and lived within the sugarcane industry.

Click to learn about Dorian's experience this past summer.

Caleb Dunn’s (‘19) summer internship/co-op experience for CMTA has actually continued on into the fall, allowing him to keep honing his engineering skills while he completes his electrical engineering degree from the University of Louisville’s JB Speed School of Engineering.


CMTA is a consulting engineering firm that specializes in green and energy-efficient designs for commercial-grade buildings with primary expertise in K-12 schools and hospitals. As an intern, Caleb spent time working on one of the electrical engineering teams. The team designed lighting, power, and systems for building projects. Caleb has assisted in all aspects of the design process and worked on hospitals, schools, medical office buildings, courthouses, and many other types of buildings.

Chiara Doran (’20) started working for Landrum & Shouse LLP, a law firm in Louisville, KY, as a runner earlier this summer to better understand the legal profession. She is currently studying Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville and will begin applying to law schools over the winter break.


"I want to go to law school because of the injustices I have seen within the criminal justice system. I believe everyone deserves a second chance and the option of rehabilitation," said Chiara.


While her time at Landrum & Shouse has helped her become familiar with legal documents and court processes, it has also given her a better understanding of all the work and time put into being an attorney. 


Alumni Connections


It was an honor and privilege to welcome Commander Billie J. Farrell (formerly Matlock) back to her alma mater on August 30th as she spent the day speaking to our elementary, middle, and high school students. Commander Farrell is a 2000 alumna of St. Mary High School and the first female commander of the USS Constitution. She is a remarkable role model for our students and will always be a St. Mary Viking!

For Sherri DiCicco ('93), things are coming full circle! As a Lady Viking basketball player throughout her middle and high school years, Sherri has stepped into the role of coach this year for our Lady Viking Middle School Basketball Team! 


The annual Back to School Bash/Alumni Soccer Game was held on August 12, complete with food, fun, and lots of soccer! It is always a wonderful way to celebrate the start of a new school year with a gathering of our current students and alumni.


This year, 28 soccer alumni came out for the game with representatives for the Class of 2022 all the way to the Class of 1991! Nathan Brown ('91) even scored with a header assisted by Jamie Paxton ('00)

Alumni Reunions

The Class of 2000 held their 20 year (plus 2) reunion over the summer, delayed due to the pandemic. Alumni gathered at Noble Park for a BBQ lunch with kids in town and then later gathered for dinner and drinks at the home of Jamie and Leigh Ann Paxton. Although many of the class are now scattered about the country, it was a blast to be together in Paducah to reminisce and hear about what they are doing now.

The Classes of 1981, 1982, and 1983 celebrated a joint class reunion on September 23rd and 24th. Almost sixty St. Mary alumni attend in addition to many friends and spouses. Activities included a casual meet-up at Barbecue on the River Friday night, a St. Mary tour Saturday morning, a mass for classmates, and a reception at the Carson Center followed by a concert. A great time was had by all!


We are excited to announce Lisa Zakutney as our

St. Mary Alumni Coordinator!


If your class is planning a reunion in the next year, please let her know! She is happy to help with reunion planning and loves connecting with our alumni!

Please contact Lisa Zakutney at lisa.zakutney@smss.org

Upcoming Events

St. Mary Auction

Saturday, November 12

This community-wide event is quickly approaching! Come kick off the holiday

season and support St. Mary!

Tickets now on sale!.

To reserve a table or purchase tickets:

https://www.smss.org/giving/the-st-mary-auction/

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