In celebration of our Centennial year, we asked alumnae across the decades to reflect on what Stone Ridge means to them. Within the following testimonials, common themes emerge: Stone Ridge is a place where alumnae dedicated themselves to their faith which has sustained them throughout their lifetimes, where they forged lasting friendships, and gained the foundation to become empowered leaders within their communities today. These alumnae exemplify how the five Goals of Sacred Heart education are a roadmap for life. Timeless and timely, the Goals unify Sacred Heart graduates across the world.

KATHY JOHNSTON HUTTO ’73

Having just celebrated our 50th reunion along with Stone Ridge’s centennial anniversary, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what Stone Ridge means to me. First and foremost, Stone Ridge has given me many lifelong friends for whom I am very grateful. We keep in touch with each other and visit as often as possible—a remarkable feat in today’s world.

Attending Stone Ridge in the 1960s and early 1970s put our class in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, Vatican II, the space race, JFK’s assassination and the Cold War. Stone Ridge helped us navigate these social changes and challenges as mature, caring and thoughtful young women. We became determined to make positive contributions to, and changes in, our world. To this day, I can’t walk past a piece of trash or throw away something that can be recycled. I spend every day hoping to be the best I can be and always to be kind towards others. I credit Stone Ridge—of course along with my family and faith—with much of this awareness and effort.

Having three younger sisters follow me at Stone Ridge and also teaching Grade 7 there from 1978–1979, I had the unique opportunity to see that Stone Ridge’s traditions and whole-person education continued to shine bright. After my April 2023 reunion weekend visit, I was happy and impressed to see the Stone Ridge community’s continued deep mark on young women and our world.

 

LINDSAY BRATUN ’14

Stone Ridge was my first exposure to female leadership at the highest level of an organization. The faculty, students, and administrators demonstrated high standards of how to achieve personal growth, contribute to a community through action, and how to be respectful towards others that upgraded my vision and standards for myself. It meant a total shift in how I saw women in roles in the world around me and guided my own community involvement and leadership after high school.

Stone Ridge makes me feel grounded and supported when I’m with SR friends, current students, past parents, faculty, and members of the community. It is a reminder to be true to myself. It welcomes me back for Mass with friends and family, to see how the School has grown and to reflect on my own goals. It is a place where love is abundant. It exemplifies new heights of achievement, it is a call to serve others, it is a tradition that endures. It is a guide to embrace lifelong learning, forgiveness and personal growth. It is a prideful stop on a hometown tour, it is a fond memory of barbecues, outdoor DJs and dance parties at Congé, it is a triumphant story about a field hockey victory. It is an old friend, a new friend, and a friend that is to come.

 

ARJETTA OLIVER WHITE ’88

In 1984, I was introduced to Stone Ridge by the leadership teams of the Black Student Fund and Higher Achievement Program (HAP). Upon my shadow visit, I was skeptical, unsure if this all-girl, Catholic school environment was a good fit for this urban Baptist, a proud product of DC Public Schools. My mother, however, was resolved. So, I joined the Class of 1988—the best decision I ever made. The high school experience is one of the most special journeys in life. And mine did not disappoint. The culture, curriculum, and characters embodied within Stone Ridge allowed me to embrace my authentic self through faith, friendships, and leadership—the core of the woman I am today.

First, Stone Ridge encouraged an unashamed acceptance and demonstration of my faith. My belief of, trust in, and loyalty to God, has sustained me, taught me to remain focused on Christ through life’s journey, and to endure through all seasons of life while visibly demonstrating love, compassion, empathy, and service in this chaotic world.

Second, Stone Ridge shaped my closest friendships. For almost 40 years, my un-biological sisters have been a fortress; they have supported, encouraged, and prayed for me. I trust these women with my heart, my deepest secrets, and proudest accomplishments. Though miles and obligations prevent us from seeing one another as often as we desire, our bond is unbreakable. Finally, Stone Ridge developed my leadership skills. As first-year class president, I quickly realized communication, flexibility, and accountability, as fostered through the five Goals of Sacred Heart education, were necessary skills to encourage and empower others to pursue and reach common purposes.

So, what does Stone Ridge mean to me? Stone Ridge is where the strong, fiercely independent, spiritual, insightful woman I am today was birthed!

 

ELIZABETH CORMACK THETFORD ’72

As I sit down to write these paragraphs, I find that words cannot express the profound impact Stone Ridge has had on my life. Reflecting on my time at Stone Ridge, it is impossible to separate the School from the extraordinary friends I made and teachers who taught me during my four years.

The girls I had the privilege of sharing my high school years with were not only fun and interesting, but also incredibly intelligent. I have such fond memories of chatting (and gossiping) with girlfriends as we walked to class or after school, and then sharing and debating challenging ideas in class. Those same girls provided unwavering support for me during some of the more challenging moments in my life. Friendships I forged during those transformative years have stood the test of time, enduring even as we celebrated our 50th, 60th, and (shh) almost-70th birthdays.

Beyond the incredible camaraderie among the students, the faculty at Stone Ridge played an instrumental role in shaping my life. Among them, Sister Anne Dyer ’55, RSCJ, is a beloved role model for me. I cannot overstate how lucky I am to have grown under her guidance and mentorship, both during my years at Stone Ridge and beyond. One summer—years after I had graduated and started my own family in London, England—Sr. Dyer visited me and I organized a dinner for Stone Ridge girls in the city. Everyone was so happy to reconnect and share time together and with Sr. Dyer—a real testament to the power and enduring nature of Stone Ridge relationships.

Fast forward to our recent 50th reunion. As I attended the weekend event, I was filled with awe and admiration for my fellow alumnae. My Stone Ridge classmates have made such incredible accomplishments in diverse fields and far-flung places—from successful careers to flourishing personal lives, I was so happy to see the ways Stone Ridge’s foundation of faith and intellect affected each one of us. As we chatted and shared stories, I found one common thread—all were a “Stone Ridge” girl—one who I recognized and truly admired.

 

MARIEL RICO ’09

Whenever I think of who I am today and how that relates to my time at Stone Ridge, it always comes down to one word: goals. On the surface, I learned how to lead organizations simply through the existence of the five Goals of Sacred Heart education. I was president of a chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) during my senior year of college. That role allowed me to create an active community for our students and the university through my knowledge of goal setting. When I entered the workforce, I established a mission for a science experiment integration program for a suborbital rocket. I came out of Stone Ridge with an absolute understanding that good leadership needs explicitly stated mission statements and goals.

But more meaningfully, I have often reflected on the five Goals of Sacred Heart education and incorporated them into my own life. Before Stone Ridge, I understood the woman I wanted to become but had no basis on how to get there. The Sacred Heart Goals became that basis. I am dedicated to an active and personal faith in God through prayer. Having a deep respect for intellectual values inspired me to go to graduate school for my Master’s in Aerospace Engineering. My commitment to service has led me to work with Days for Girls International, a nonprofit dedicated to preparing and distributing reusable menstrual products so girls can pursue their schooling with hygiene and dignity. I strive to embody Christian values through how I treat others. And I am always looking for opportunities for personal growth through any challenges I may face.

I do not think I fully understood the privilege and good graces of Sacred Heart education when I was attending Stone Ridge, but I can feel its value and blessings to this day. I am truly grateful for its guidance in my life.

 

ROSEMARIE CALABRO TULLY ’03

To me, Stone Ridge means curiosity. As a student at Stone Ridge, the environment was nurturing—facilitating the ability to push myself academically, challenge myself spiritually, and grapple with the importance of community and social justice. My four years at Stone Ridge were marked by a sense of exploration into new languages, literature, friendships, and career paths—a curiosity that stays with me today. I’m forever grateful for my formative time as a Gator, and the lasting impression that the Goals of a Sacred Heart education left on me.

 

SHANNON BOLAND BURKHART ’94

It is wild for me to think that Stone Ridge has been a part of my life for more than 40 years. Not only from the standpoint of jokingly wondering how I can possibly be old enough to have an Upper Schooler, but from a sense of wonder and gratitude for the more than four decades of gifts my Sacred Heart education has provided me.

Growing up with three brothers, my thirteen years spent at Stone Ridge provided me with friends who became sisters. My teachers instilled in me the confidence and academic skills that have guided me to rewarding positions in politics, communications, and now in the non-profit sector. Sacred Heart traditions became my own and hundreds of core memories were made on campus, including marrying my husband in the Sacred Heart Chapel 23 years ago.

I am grateful and proud that my two girls are now at Stone Ridge—and I hope that the five Goals that have shaped me into the person I am today will have the same profound impact on them. Stone Ridge to me is my foundation and my launchpad and what will always feel like a second home. ❤