What's Happening

By Eleanor Schmerler-Rich '09
Vice President of Growth, Regina Dominican High School

May 4, 2026, Wilmette, Illinois — Regina Dominican High School joyfully celebrated its annual St. Catherine of Siena Feast Day Mass on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and special guests in a meaningful expression of faith, community, and Dominican tradition.

The school was honored to welcome more than 100 grandparents to campus for this special celebration, creating a beautiful opportunity to share in the faith life of the Regina Dominican community across generations. Regina Dominican was also thrilled to be joined by Adrian Dominican Sisters, the founding order of the school, whose presence made the liturgy especially meaningful and reflective of the school’s rich heritage.

The liturgy honored St. Catherine of Siena, a model of truth, courage, and deep faith, whose legacy continues to inspire the Regina Dominican community. A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the prestigious Veritas Award, recognizing individuals who embody the spirit and values of a Dominican education.

This year’s Veritas Award recipients are senior Grace Stadler and Campus Minister Dr. Meghan Toomey. Both honorees exemplify the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service, and have made a lasting impact on the Regina Dominican community through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to truth.

The Veritas Award recognizes members of the community who demonstrate a strong belief in God, proclaim the joy of God’s Word, and share a message of hope. Recipients are individuals who encourage prayerfulness, respect the dignity of all persons, and are “afire” with love for God and others. They exhibit a balance of truth and charity; speak with moral authority; and are committed to fostering a spirit of peace, compassion, and community.

Additional qualities honored through the Veritas Award include a love for learning and pursuit of truth; the ability to communicate wisdom and knowledge; and a dedication to service, leadership, and integrity. Student recipients, in particular, are recognized for their positive influence on others through a love of study and a strong commitment to academic excellence.

The Feast Day Mass and Veritas Award presentation serve as powerful reminders of Regina Dominican’s mission to form young women of faith, purpose, and leadership, grounded in the enduring values of the Dominican tradition.
 

Caption for above feature photo: From left, Dr. Kassie Porreca, principal; Veritas Award recipients Grace Stadler '26 and Dr. Meghan Toomey, campus minister; and Krista Gallagher, president.

May 7, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – For the second year in a row, Joanne Wood, Spanish teacher at Lenawee Christian School in Adrian, brought her service group of eight seniors to the Dominican Life Center (DLC) at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse Campus for the school’s annual day of service. Spending the day with the Sisters were Keira Naegele, Brielle Parker, Madison Pillar, Laina Reitz, Ila Stewart, Tory Swiggum, Ava TenCate, and Emilia Yatzek. 

The students comprise one of three groups of seniors who provided service on April 28, 2025. The other groups served at different sites.

Sandy Place, RN, DLC Administrator, explained that the students spent a full day at the DLC, beginning with a blessing of the hands created by the Spiritual and Social Care Services Department. Chaplain Bryan Gregory read the blessing, while Chaplain Pamela Przybylski blessed the hands of the students and others in attendance.

During the day, the students worked with Sisters to plant flowers in pots at the entrance of the Regina residence or planted perennials in the permaculture section; paused for a pizza lunch; bussed tables in the dining room after the Sisters’ lunch; spent time speaking with the Sisters; and created cards to be distributed to Sisters who seldom have visitors.

The day brought joy to the students as well as the Sisters.

“I like helping people,” said Keira, who hopes to study music education at Michigan State University and serve as a band director. “I’m happy to take the opportunity to do what needs to be done and show God’s love for others.”

Emilia, granddaughter of Sandy, said she had come to the DLC last year for service day and enjoyed it. “We’re just happy to come back,” she said. She was impressed by meeting one of the Sisters who ministered in a variety of ways over the years, including teaching. Emilia herself plans to attend Adrian College to study Elementary Education.

“I like talking with the Sisters and listening to them and their life stories and how they help people,” said Ila, who plans to study interior design.   

Both Joanne and Sandy also appreciated the day and the blessings it brought to everyone involved.

Joanne said the students in her group have been working together in service for four years. “We meet on a monthly basis,” she explained. “We’re looking for an opportunity to help others, putting hands and feet at the service of others. When you come to serve, you are also blessed.”

“This is the second year in a row that Joanne Wood’s service class has come to the DLC to provide service to our campus, and we have both received blessings from their visit,” Sandy said. “I am hoping this becomes an annual event.”
 

Caption for above feature photo: Participating in the day of service are, from left, Sandy Place, Administrator of the Dominican Life Center; students Emilia Yatzek, Ila Stewart, Tory Swiggum, and Brielle Parker; Spanish teacher Joanne Wood; and students Keira Naegele, Ava TenCate, Laina Reitz, and Mady Pillar.