Hall of Honor

In 2020, MEGAN COODY HOTZE ’01 was honored by The Junior League of Houston with the prestigious Sara Houstoun Lindsey Award, recognizing her exemplary dedication to the community and her unwavering commitment to advancing the League’s mission. After joining the League in 2009, Megan consistently demonstrated leadership, serving in various capacities including a leadership role in the Tea Room, multiple chairmanships, and a position on The Junior League of Houston Board of Directors. Her contributions extended to the Community Assistance Committee and to serving as a provisional mentor, showcasing her deep commitment to fostering community engagement.

Also in 2020, Megan took on a founding role with Impact100 Houston, a visionary initiative that unites women to make a profound impact on their community. This innovative group aims to raise at least $100,000 annually through member contributions, awarding transformational grants to local charities. Since its inaugural grant-making year in 2021, Impact100 Houston has awarded $685,000 to local non-profits, empowering women throughout the city to create significant, lasting change.

Megan is the founder and principal of Megan Hotze Editorial, a PR firm based in Houston that serves globally-recognized leaders in home design, mental health, and beauty.

In 2021, her outstanding leadership in professional services was recognized by the Houston Business Journal, which named her an honoree of the Women Who Mean Business Award. In 2024, she was invited to speak at St. Agnes Academy Career Day where she shared her insights on navigating the dynamic world of public relations, building a successful career in the industry, and the importance of storytelling in shaping a brand’s identity.

Beyond her professional accolades, Megan is a devoted mother to her three daughters, loving wife to John Luke Hotze, and is currently an active SAA parent. She is deeply involved with a number of non-profits, serving as a passionate advocate for Bo’s Place, Theatre Under the Stars, Memorial Park Conservancy, and 4^th Wall Theatre, in addition to her efforts with Impact100 Houston and The Junior League of Houston.

Megan leads by example, instilling a strong philanthropic spirit in her daughters. Her unwavering dedication to the worthy causes she supports is truly inspiring.

Joy Sewing is the Houston Chronicle Culture columnist and formerly the fashion and beauty editor. In December 2023 Joy was promoted to become the Houston Chronicle’s first Black news columnist in the paper’s 122-year history. She is an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Houston. In December 2016, Joy founded Year of Joy, a 501c3 nonprofit to bring joyful experiences and cultural and educational activities to children from Houston's underserved communities. Her organization has impacted nearly 2,000 area children. The annual H-E-B Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party at Discovery Green welcomes 200 children, performers, and 60 volunteers to celebrate the holiday spirit on ice.

in 2023, Joy was honored by the Hearst Corporation nationally with the Hearst Gives Back Service award for her community service. The award included a $2,500 donation to her Year of Joy non-profit organization. She used the donation to award the first Year of Joy Skating Scholarship to a Houston teen and Colombian immigrant who taught himself how to ice skate by watching YouTube videos. He is now headed to Northeastern University in Boston and working on triple jumps. (Joy became Houston's first African-American figure-skating coach while in college.)

In 2022, she was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary for her columns about community, social justice, and inequalities. The previous year, she was recognized for her column writing by the Society of Features Journalism, which called her work “touching works about humanity.”

Joy also was named a 2022 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. During the pandemic, she established the Year of Joy Skating Scholar program to provide free ice skating lessons and gear to deserving youth. Joy was named one of five “Houston unsung heroes” featured in the “Monuments by Craig Walsh” exhibit at Discovery Green Park in Downtown Houston. Her face was projected high onto one of the park’s majestic trees.

In 2020, after spending 15 years as the Houston Chronicle’s fashion editor, interviewing everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Beyonce, Joy was named the Houston Chronicle’s first-ever Culture Columnist, covering social justice, parenting, and culture. That previous year, Joy became a foster-to-adoptive mom to two siblings. She has since become an advocate for children in foster care. The adoption of her two children was final in April 2023.

Joy has a soft heart for shelter animals with two rescue boxers, which she featured in her debut children’s book, “Ava and the Prince: The Adventures of Two Rescue Pups. The book was one of the top picks by Houston children through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Home Library program. With her dog Ava, Joy visited more than 50 schools, libraries, and children’s events across Texas to share her story and teach children about animal empathy.

Joy received the Houston Humanitarian Award in 2017. This award was established to recognize local and National heroes who exemplify kindness by giving back to their communities. Recognized by the city of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner, the humanitarian award honors individuals who have given of themselves unselfishly.

In 2021, St. Agnes Academy held a combined Reunion celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2021. In place of naming individual Veritas and SAYPO Award recipients, we chose to recognize an extraordinary group within our alumnae community: our Veritas Heroes.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Agnes reached out to the community to help us identify and thank alumnae serving on the front lines. The response was overwhelming. At Reunion Mass on October 2, 2021, we honored alumnae working in medicine, healthcare, the military, emergency response, and other essential services whose professionalism, dedication, and extraordinary courage carried them—and their communities—through one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

 

Rather than recognizing one individual, the 2021 Veritas honor belonged to all of these remarkable Academy women, with our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

St. Agnes Academy also presented a special Lifetime Achievement Recognition to the Class of 1975, which has won the Alumnae Class Challenge more times than any other class in the history of the competition.

 

Originally planned for their 45th Reunion in 2020, the recognition was presented at the combined Reunion in 2021. It was our privilege to celebrate and thank the Class of 1975 for their loyal support of St. Agnes Academy, unwavering dedication, and extraordinary fellowship throughout the years.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor ALYSSA PARRISH BUBLEWICZ ’97 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary philanthropic leadership, professional achievement, determination, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

In 2019, Alyssa participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year campaign, a nationwide philanthropic competition that brings together dedicated community leaders to raise critical funds for blood cancer research and patient support. In just ten weeks, Alyssa raised an extraordinary $417,000, finishing as Houston’s runner-up and setting a record at the time for the highest amount raised by a runner-up in both Houston and nationally.

Her efforts contributed to a record-breaking year for the Houston campaign, whose candidates collectively raised more than $1.8 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For Alyssa, however, the campaign was about far more than a title. Her goal was to help advance research, improve treatment, and ultimately help “give cancer the boot.”

Alyssa’s commitment to the cause was deeply personal. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a diagnosis that inspired her to turn a personal challenge into action and advocacy for others facing blood cancer.

Alyssa has also distinguished herself professionally. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Houston and a law degree with a focus in health law from Texas Tech University School of Law. She serves as General Counsel for Partners Surgical, LLC, bringing her legal expertise and leadership to the healthcare field.

Through her remarkable fundraising success, professional leadership, generosity, and determination to create meaningful change, ALYSSA PARRISH BUBLEWICZ ’97 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas. Her story is a powerful example of how one Academy woman can use her talents, experience, and resolve to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor KATIE UPTON DAILY ’96 with the 2016 Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to service, philanthropy, and her community.

A devoted St. Agnes alumna, Katie has remained actively involved with the Academy through the years, helping plan her class reunions, serving as secretary of the Alumnae Board, and making St. Agnes a philanthropic priority.

Katie’s dedication to helping others extends throughout the Houston community. After losing her mother to lymphoma, she became a passionate advocate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising awareness and critical funds in the fight against blood cancers. Her remarkable efforts culminated in being named Woman of the Year by the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after raising approximately $250,000 in just four months.

Katie has also given generously of her time and talents to St. Michael Catholic School, serving on the School Commission and, alongside her husband, chairing the school’s golf tournament for two years to raise important funds for the school.

Through her leadership, generosity, faith, and countless hours of volunteer service, Katie exemplifies the spirit of Veritas and continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor DIANE KNEBEL WATLER ’72 as the 2015 Veritas Award recipient in recognition of her lifelong leadership, service, faith, and extraordinary dedication to the St. Agnes community.

Diane’s commitment to leadership began during her years at St. Agnes, where she served on Student Council throughout high school and as Student Body President during her junior and senior years. She continued that tradition at The University of Texas, earning a degree in Business Administration and serving as president of her sorority.

Throughout her adult life, Diane has devoted countless hours to serving others. Her professional and volunteer work has included supporting senior living communities, working as an art broker with clients including Texas Children’s Hospital, raising funds for the Gladney Center for Adoption, and giving generously of her time to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and School. She has chaired school fundraising efforts, participated in weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and continually found ways to support organizations and people in need.

Her dedication to St. Agnes has been equally enduring. Diane served on the Alumnae Board from 2004–2006, has been an outstanding Class Agent for the Class of 1972, and has volunteered for Academy galas, auctions, phonathons, reunions, and other alumnae initiatives. For decades, she has helped keep her classmates connected to one another and to the school they share.

Those who know Diane describe her as determined, optimistic, generous, faith-filled, and an unwavering source of encouragement to others. Her positive spirit, steadfast faith, and willingness to serve have remained constant throughout her life.

Through her leadership, compassion, loyalty, and deep commitment to her faith and community, Diane exemplifies the values of St. Agnes Academy and the true spirit of Veritas. We are proud to recognize DIANE KNEBEL WATLER ’72 as our 2015 Veritas Award recipient.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor DR. CONCEPCION DIAZ-ARRASTIA GREEN with the Veritas Award in recognition of her exceptional achievements in medicine, her compassion for others, and her extraordinary commitment to St. Agnes Academy and the greater Houston community.

A highly respected gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green has devoted her career to caring for women facing some of the most difficult and frightening diagnoses of their lives. As a physician, educator, researcher, and leader in her field, she has combined exceptional medical expertise with the compassion and personal attention that have become hallmarks of her care. Her work has included research in gynecologic cancers, HPV, cervical cancer, and cancer treatment, reflecting a career committed not only to caring for individual patients but also to advancing women’s health.

Her dedication to St. Agnes has been equally meaningful. Over the years, Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green has returned to campus numerous times to speak with students about women’s health and medicine, has been a longtime participant in Career Day, and has personally mentored dozens of St. Agnes graduates who are pursuing careers in medicine. She has generously shared her time and expertise because she believes in encouraging the next generation of young women to learn, ask questions, and pursue ambitious goals.

Her connection to the Academy also extends through her family. Her daughter, Madeleine Green Mefford ’12, is a St. Agnes alumna, and her son, Elliot Green, graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. Through the years, Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green has remained a generous and steadfast supporter of St. Agnes and its students.

Perhaps most remarkable is the compassion with which she practices medicine. Members of the St. Agnes community have experienced firsthand her willingness to help alumnae, classmates, friends, and their families during serious medical crises. Regardless of how busy her professional life may be, she has repeatedly made herself available to those who need guidance, reassurance, or expert care.

That same commitment to dignity and compassionate healthcare has extended to some of Houston’s most vulnerable women. Through her work serving patients at Ben Taub Hospital and her outreach to incarcerated women in need of gynecologic care, Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green has demonstrated a profound belief that every woman deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

Her impact is perhaps best measured not simply by professional titles or accomplishments, but by the lives she has touched—as a physician, mentor, educator, advocate, and friend. Through a career devoted to healing others and a lifelong willingness to share her gifts with her community, Dr. Concepcion Diaz-Arrastia Green exemplifies the compassion, leadership, service, and pursuit of excellence at the heart of Veritas.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor SR. CAROL MAYES, O.P. ’56 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to Catholic education, Dominican life, servant leadership, and the St. Agnes community.

A native Houstonian and proud graduate of St. Agnes Academy, Sister Carol continued her education at Dominican College, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of Notre Dame. Her vocation has led to a lifetime devoted to education, faith, and service. She began her ministry as a high school teacher and later served as principal of O’Connell High School in Galveston, where she provided important leadership during the consolidation of Ursuline Academy, Kirwin High School, and Dominican High School. She has also served in parish ministry at St. Cecilia Catholic Community and is a certified spiritual director.

Sister Carol has held significant leadership roles within the Dominican Sisters of Houston, including serving as Prioress of the Congregation. She has also shared her experience and leadership through broader Dominican and Catholic organizations, consistently working to strengthen religious life, Catholic education, and the Dominican mission.

She has been instrumental in the development of the Dominican Family of Houston, which provides lay women and men an opportunity to deepen their connection to Dominican spirituality through prayer, study, community, preaching, and service. As a past Director of Dominican Family, Sister Carol has helped extend the Dominican charism beyond the vowed community and encouraged others to live its mission in their daily lives.

Her dedication to St. Agnes has been equally significant. Sister Carol has served the Academy as a member of the Board of Directors, a Dominican Trustee, and a Foundation Trustee, generously sharing her wisdom, leadership, and deep understanding of the Dominican mission. Through these roles, she has helped guide St. Agnes and preserve the values upon which the Academy was founded.

Whether serving as an educator, administrator, spiritual director, congregational leader, or trustee, Sister Carol has devoted her life to strengthening institutions, nurturing faith, and serving others.

Through her lifelong commitment to prayer, study, community, and preaching, SR. CAROL MAYES, O.P. ’56 exemplifies the Dominican spirit and the ideals of Veritas. Her faith, leadership, dedication to Catholic education, and enduring service to St. Agnes Academy make her a remarkable example of an Academy woman.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor CHARLA WARD BEIRNE ’64 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary loyalty, generosity, leadership, and lifelong commitment to Catholic education and the St. Agnes community.

Charla’s relationship with St. Agnes extended far beyond her years as a student. Throughout her life, she served the Academy in numerous leadership roles, including as a Trustee, member of the Alumnae Board, member of the Emeritus Advisory Council, and member of the 1906 Planned Giving Society. She generously shared her time, experience, and resources with the Academy and remained a steadfast advocate for the mission of St. Agnes.

A lifelong supporter of Catholic education, Charla attended St. Michael Catholic School and St. Cecilia Catholic School before graduating from St. Agnes in 1964. She later attended Spring Hill College and completed her studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Her commitment to service extended throughout the Catholic community, including many years as a parishioner of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and involvement with the Charity Guild of Catholic Women.

Professionally, Charla had a keen interest in real estate and was affiliated with Madeline O’Brien Realtors and Keller Williams. Beyond her professional pursuits, she gave generously of herself to her children’s schools, community organizations, boards, and committees. Those who knew her remembered her optimism, graciousness, memorable laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and willingness to embrace both service and adventure.

Charla’s love for St. Agnes also became a family legacy. Her daughters, SHANNON BEIRNE WIESEDEPPE ’90 and KELLEY BEIRNE STEPHENS ’93, followed her as Academy women, as did her granddaughters FINLEY WIESEDEPPE ’26 and QUINCY STEPHENS ’28. Across three generations, the Beirne family’s connection to St. Agnes reflects the deep and enduring place the Academy held in Charla’s life.

Her generosity to St. Agnes was characteristically practical and heartfelt. When supporting the Academy Fund, Charla encouraged St. Agnes to use her gifts wherever they were needed most—to meet the everyday needs that keep a school running and its mission moving forward. With her trademark humor, she once joked that perhaps someday there might even be a closet named for her.

Through decades of leadership, philanthropy, friendship, and service, CHARLA WARD BEIRNE ’64 demonstrated an unwavering belief in St. Agnes Academy and its mission. Her legacy lives on through the school she served so faithfully, the family who followed in her footsteps, and the generations of Academy women who continue to benefit from her remarkable generosity.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor MARY ANN CHAMBERS ’57 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary loyalty to St. Agnes, her lifelong spirit of service, professional leadership, and the joy and enthusiasm she brings to the Academy community.

Few alumnae can claim a connection to St. Agnes quite like Mary Ann’s. She entered St. Agnes when the Academy still included an elementary school and attended all 12 years, from first grade through her graduation in 1957. That remarkable beginning grew into a lifelong love for the school and the Dominican traditions that helped shape her.

Mary Ann has remained one of St. Agnes’ most devoted alumnae. She has served as a Co-Class Agent for the Class of 1957, a member of the Alumnae Board, and Chair of the Alumnae Board, generously giving her time and leadership to strengthen the alumnae community. A familiar and beloved presence at St. Agnes gatherings, Mary Ann faithfully attended Fannin Street Luncheons, Reunions, and countless Academy events, always bringing with her an infectious enthusiasm and genuine delight in reconnecting with fellow Academy women.

Her dedication to service extends well beyond St. Agnes. Professionally, Mary Ann enjoyed a successful 34-year career with Gulf Oil and Chevron as an accountant before establishing Chambers Cargo Consulting, where she provided maritime logistics consulting at the Port of Houston. Never one to stop learning or contributing, she later brought her energy and enthusiasm to the Weekley YMCA, serving as a fitness instructor and Active Older Adults Coordinator and teaching Pilates, yoga, and Zumba to students of all ages.

Mary Ann’s Dominican roots have remained an important part of her life. A lifelong friend of the Dominican Sisters of Houston and a committed member of the Dominican Family, she has embraced the Dominican values of faith, community, service, and respect for the dignity of all people.

Above all, Mary Ann is a joyful ambassador for St. Agnes. Her warmth, wonderful sense of humor, enthusiasm for life, and genuine affection for her classmates have helped keep the Class of 1957 connected and have made her a treasured member of the alumnae community.

Through her leadership, loyalty, professional achievement, service, and lifelong devotion to St. Agnes Academy, MARY ANN CHAMBERS ’57 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas and the enduring bonds of sisterhood that begin at St. Agnes and last a lifetime.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor DEBBIE SIECK ’87 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to St. Agnes, her compassionate service to students, and her leadership within the alumnae community.

As a proud St. Agnes alumna and Wellness Counselor, Debbie has devoted her professional life to supporting and caring for St. Agnes students. Through her work, she provides guidance, encouragement, and a compassionate presence for young women as they navigate the challenges of high school and adolescence. Her commitment to her students extends well beyond the walls of her office; Debbie is a familiar and enthusiastic presence at student activities and events and takes a genuine interest in the lives and accomplishments of the young women she serves.

Debbie’s dedication to St. Agnes also extends to the alumnae community. She has served as a member of the Alumnae Board and as Alumnae Board Chair, generously sharing her time, leadership, and love for the Academy while helping strengthen the connection between St. Agnes and its graduates.

In both her professional and volunteer roles, Debbie brings warmth, empathy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to others. Her unique position as both an alumna and a member of the St. Agnes staff allows her to carry the spirit of the Academy forward while helping a new generation of young women discover their own strengths and potential.

Through her compassionate care of students, leadership among fellow alumnae, and steadfast devotion to St. Agnes Academy, DEBBIE SIECK ’87 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas and the enduring commitment of an Academy woman to serve others.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor KATHY KOKAS ’73 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to service, civic leadership, professional achievement, and dedication to improving the lives of others.

A native Houstonian, CPA, and graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Kathy has built a successful career in business, accounting, and consulting. Her professional experience has included work with Enron and Semeron Corporation, where she has brought her financial and business expertise to complex projects and organizations.

Service has been an equally important part of Kathy’s life. As a member of the Rotary Club of West University, she has embraced Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” both at home and internationally. She traveled to Brazil to review literacy initiatives and has committed her time to an international effort providing polio vaccinations to children in India. Her volunteer service in Houston has included organizations such as Houston Habitat for Humanity and Dress for Success, reflecting a particular commitment to underserved individuals and communities.

Kathy has also invested in developing her ability to serve and lead. As a member of Leadership Houston’s Class XXII, she joined other emerging community leaders in gaining a deeper understanding of Houston and the challenges and opportunities facing the city.

Her dedication to St. Agnes Academy has remained steadfast. Kathy has served as a Foundation Trustee, member of the Emeritus Advisory Council, and Career Day speaker, generously sharing her professional experience and perspective with the Academy. She is also a member of the 1906 Planned Giving Society, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that the St. Agnes mission continues for future generations of Academy women.

Whether applying her professional expertise, volunteering in Houston, traveling across the world to serve others, or giving back to St. Agnes, Kathy approaches life with curiosity, energy, courage, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Through her professional leadership, adventurous spirit, generous service, and commitment to those in need, KATHY KOKAS ’73 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas and the belief that an Academy woman can use her talents wherever they are needed most.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor JANET KINGHAM GREENWOOD ’57 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary loyalty to St. Agnes, her leadership and service to the Academy, and her dedication to her classmates and community.

A devoted member of the Class of 1957, Janet has maintained a strong connection to St. Agnes throughout her life. She has generously given her time and talents as a member of the St. Agnes Alumnae Board and has been especially dedicated to keeping her classmates connected to one another and engaged with the Academy.

Janet played an important role in one of the most significant celebrations in St. Agnes history, serving as a co-chair of the Academy’s Centennial celebration during the 2005–2006 school year. Helping commemorate 100 years of St. Agnes required tremendous organization, enthusiasm, and commitment, and Janet brought to the celebration the same love for the Academy that she has demonstrated throughout her years as an alumna.

Her leadership extends into the greater Houston community as well. Janet served as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of Bay Oaks Country Club and went on to serve as Chairman of the Board of Governors, demonstrating her ability to lead, build community, and bring people together.

For Janet, St. Agnes has always been about more than the years she spent as a student. She has remained deeply invested in the friendships formed here and has worked faithfully to preserve those relationships for the Class of 1957. Her enthusiasm for gatherings, reunions, and Academy traditions reflects a genuine belief in the lifelong sisterhood that begins at St. Agnes.

Through her leadership, volunteer service, devotion to her classmates, and enduring love for St. Agnes Academy, JANET KINGHAM GREENWOOD ’57 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas and the lasting impact of an Academy woman who continues to give back to the community that helped shape her.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor SR. MARY THERESE WARDEN, O.P. ’51† with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Catholic education, Dominican life, leadership, and service to others.

A Houston native, Sister Therese attended All Saints Catholic School before graduating from St. Agnes Academy in 1951. Following graduation, she entered the Dominican Sisters of Houston, beginning a vocation devoted to faith, education, and service.

A lifelong learner and gifted educator, Sister Therese earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from Dominican College, a Master of Science in Education and Mathematics from Texas Woman’s University, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology. She also completed certification in Accelerated Spanish at the University of Houston.

Her ministry in Catholic education has reached students throughout Texas and California. Sister Therese helped co-establish St. Mary’s School in Whittier, California, and has served as a teacher at numerous Catholic elementary and secondary schools, including St. Anthony Cathedral School in Beaumont, St. Francis de Sales School in Riverside, St. Charles School in Nederland, St. Francis de Sales School in Houston, Monsignor Kelly High School, O’Connell High School, and St. Pius X High School. She has also served as Principal of Corpus Christi School in Houston.

Beyond the classroom, Sister Therese has provided important leadership to the Dominican Sisters of Houston. She has served as Director of Formation, helping guide women entering religious life, and has contributed her wisdom and experience through the General Council Steering Committee, the Planning and Implementing Goals Committee, and numerous other congregational initiatives.

Known for her analytical mind, rich spiritual insight, and high expectations for her students, Sister Therese encourages those around her to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live with integrity. Her familiar challenge to students—“Say what you mean and mean what you say”—reflects the honesty, thoughtfulness, and pursuit of Truth that have characterized her life and ministry.

Through her vocation, scholarship, leadership, and commitment to Catholic education, SR. MARY THERESE WARDEN, O.P. ’51 exemplifies the Dominican values of prayer, study, community, and preaching and the spirit of Veritas at the heart of St. Agnes Academy.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor EILEEN ANTILL ’51 with the Veritas Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Catholic education, her lifelong service to St. Agnes, and the lasting impact she has made on generations of Academy women.

A graduate of the Class of 1951, Eileen entered religious life with the Dominican Sisters of Houston, where she was given the name Sister Laetitia. She earned a degree in Mathematics from Sacred Heart Dominican College and began a vocation centered on education, faith, and service.

Eileen returned to St. Agnes as a mathematics teacher in 1967, beginning what would become decades of service to the Academy. For 20 years, she taught students across all levels of mathematics, challenging them academically while bringing warmth, humor, and genuine care to the classroom.

When family responsibilities called Eileen to become a full-time caregiver for her mother, she transitioned from religious life but never stepped away from the Dominican values that had shaped her or from the St. Agnes community she loved. Her bond with the Dominican Sisters remained strong, as did the friendships she formed with students, alumnae, faculty, and staff.

In 1987, Eileen began a new chapter of service as Development Director, helping strengthen the Academy’s relationships with alumnae, families, and supporters. She later served as Alumnae Director from 1990 to 1998, nurturing the connections between St. Agnes and generations of graduates and helping alumnae remain engaged with one another and with their alma mater.

Even after stepping away from the Alumnae Director role, Eileen continued serving St. Agnes as a part-time Development Associate and later as a Gifts Records Specialist and member of the Advancement team. Her remarkable institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and deep affection for the Academy have made her an invaluable presence within the St. Agnes community.

Eileen’s devotion to St. Agnes has always been accompanied by a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine enjoyment of life. Whether teaching mathematics, working with alumnae, supporting Advancement, sharing music, or making those around her laugh, she brings warmth and joy to everything she does.

Through nearly four decades of service to St. Agnes—as an educator, administrator, alumnae leader, advancement professional, and devoted Academy woman—EILEEN ANTILL ’51 exemplifies the spirit of Veritas. Her life and work reflect an extraordinary commitment to education, faith, service, and the enduring relationships that make St. Agnes Academy a community for life.

 

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor CALISTA SCHNEIDAU HERBERT ’69 as the inaugural recipient of the Alumnae Veritas Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, professional achievement, service, and extraordinary dedication to St. Agnes Academy.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors, Calista has built a successful career in information technology and healthcare. For 11 years, she served at Harris County Psychiatric Hospital, including in information technology leadership, before retiring in 2002. Her career reflects the intelligence, professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to excellence that she has brought to every area of her life.

Calista’s service to St. Agnes has been extensive and deeply meaningful. She has served as a member and Chair of the Alumnae Board, a member of the Board of Directors, and a Foundation Trustee, generously sharing both her professional expertise and her deep understanding of the Academy community.

Her leadership has been particularly valuable in helping guide the future of St. Agnes. In 2001, Calista served on both the Finance Committee and the Head of School Evaluation Committee. The following year, she was selected to serve as Vice-Chair of the School Board and as a member of its Executive Committee, positions reflecting the confidence placed in her judgment, leadership, and commitment to the mission of the Academy.

Throughout her involvement with St. Agnes, Calista has demonstrated that alumnae leadership means more than simply remaining connected to one’s alma mater. She has brought her professional expertise to the table, accepted significant leadership responsibilities, asked thoughtful questions, and worked to ensure that St. Agnes remains strong for the generations of young women who will follow.

Indeed, Calista’s example of an alumna who combines professional accomplishment, leadership, service, and an enduring commitment to St. Agnes helped inspire the creation of the Alumnae Veritas Award itself. It is fitting that the first woman recognized with this honor is the Academy woman whose example helped define what the award should represent.

Through her intelligence, generosity, leadership, and steadfast dedication to St. Agnes Academy, CALISTA SCHNEIDAU HERBERT ’69 embodies the spirit of Veritas and sets a remarkable standard for the alumnae who will receive this honor in the years to come.

NATALIE HARMS ‘10 has worked as a business journalist for a decade and has served her hometown of Houston in a number of ways both professionally and philanthropically. 

 

She is the inaugural editor at InnovationMap, a digital news source covering Houston innovation and startup news. She is also the editor of EnergyCapitalHTX, where she covers energy transition news happening in Houston. She previously served as associate editor at Houston Business Journal.

 

In 2020, Natalie was awarded the Small Business Media Advocate Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Houston and Score Houston. Natalie says, “It’s honestly such a privilege to get to help tell the stories of Houston’s small businesses and startups, so this award is just the icing on the cake!” 

 

She also received the “Rising Star” award at the American Advertising Federation's 2019 Trailblazer awards. She was honored alongside Paul Hobby.

 

In 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Houston named Natalie as a “Defender of Potential” for being a big sister and for representing BBBS as a positive spokesperson and advocate through her Houston lifestyle blog, It’s Not Hou, It’s Me, which she co-founded with a fellow SAA alumna to be the voice of young professionals either discovering or rediscovering their city.

 

Natalie holds a degree in journalism from the University of Houston and received her certificate in publishing from New York University. Natalie is a former SAYPO Board chair, vice-chair, and member, serving from 2016 to 2022. She hosted a SAYPO Alumnae Event in conjunction with the launch of It’s Not Hou, It’s Me in 2016 and is a founding mentor in the Alumnae Mentorship program. She is a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo volunteer as a content contributor to the Bowlegged H Magazine, and has raised funds for Dressember Foundation, a human trafficking nonprofit.

 

 

In March of 2020, as restaurants were closing and events were being canceled due to the pandemic, Emma Morris '12 reached out to Barbara Friend '07 via Twitter. At this time, they only knew each other tangentially. Emma said, "I was thinking about bringing back the VTV morning announcements in some capacity… just thought it could be a fun daily break from all this corona chaos." During the first 36 hours of sheltering in place, Emma had been contemplating how to get through it and thought, "Should I stream live on Facebook daily? Wow, no one wants to watch a video of me every day." Then she thought, "Ha, remember when they HAD to in high school?" Barbara was in. They asked Barbara's sister, Charlotte Friend '13, to join them, and "VTV Lockdown" blossomed into an almost-daily live Facebook show with guests from all over the St. Agnes community.

We were entertained with morning pledges and prayers, costumes from their SAA days, Tiger Girls dance lessons, bingo, and a vote for an alumna prom queen! They showcased the many gifts, stories, and experiences of alumnae, faculty, staff, and current students. They even interviewed Sr. Jane, who joined to promote Giving Day and reflect on her incredible SAA legacy.

 

This daily dose of grown-up morning announcements, which became weekly as the pandemic went on, was a spirit-lifting bright spot for many in the St. Agnes community. Emma, Barbara, and Charlotte's talents and efforts brought us together and showed that the spirit of St. Agnes is alive and well. They brought joy to all during some difficult times. See past episodes of VTV Lockdown at www.facebook.com/vtvlockdown.

 

Barbara is a television writer and producer in Los Angeles. She helped institute our first Zoom Career Day panel this year. 

Emma is a North America Talent Acquisition Manager at Silicon Labs in Austin. 

Charlotte is an End of Life Doula, Grief Guide, and Patient Advocate in Houston, under the company name “Friend ‘Till the End.”
 All are consistent supporters of the Academy Fund and SAA Giving Day – Fired up.

In 2021, St. Agnes Academy held a combined Reunion celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2021. In place of naming individual Veritas and SAYPO Award recipients, we chose to recognize an extraordinary group within our alumnae community: our Veritas Heroes.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Agnes reached out to the community to help us identify and thank alumnae serving on the front lines. The response was overwhelming. At Reunion Mass on October 2, 2021, we honored alumnae working in medicine, healthcare, the military, emergency response, and other essential services whose professionalism, dedication, and extraordinary courage carried them—and their communities—through one of the most challenging periods in modern history.

 

Rather than recognizing one individual, the 2021 Veritas honor belonged to all of these remarkable Academy women, with our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

St. Agnes Academy also presented a special Lifetime Achievement Recognition to the Class of 1975, which has won the Alumnae Class Challenge more times than any other class in the history of the competition.

 

Originally planned for their 45th Reunion in 2020, the recognition was presented at the combined Reunion in 2021. It was our privilege to celebrate and thank the Class of 1975 for their loyal support of St. Agnes Academy, unwavering dedication, and extraordinary fellowship throughout the years.

ALYSSA PARRISH BUBLEWICZ ’97 was the runner-up for the 2019 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year. In ten-weeks Alyssa raised an incredible $417,000 - the highest amount any runner-up has raised in Houston, or the nation. The LLS Man & Woman of the Year is a philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. The 2019 Houston candidate class raised a record-breaking $1,875,848. Alyssa says, “This was so much more than titles and winning; it was about giving cancer the boot!” In 2018, Alyssa was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (“CML”); it was caught just on the cusp of it going more advanced and she was told she would have this cancer for the rest of her life. This was her inspiration to support the LLS Woman of the Year Campaign and help put an end to blood cancer. 

Alyssa is General Counsel at Partners Surgical, LLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from  the University of Houston and her Doctor in Jurisprudence in Health Law form Texas Tech University School of Law. She is married to Michael Bublewicz and has two beautiful daughters.

Inspired by her daughter, Sadie, AMMIE HUDSON BLAHUTA ’98 founded GiGi's Playhouse in 2015. Her hard work and dedication empowers individuals with Down syndrome by providing free, direct educational and therapeutic programs to those with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Ammie was recently honored by the Suburban Sugar Land Women at their annual National Women's History Project which recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women. Ammie is currently the Director of Special Programs at The George Foundation, an organization that invests in Fort Bend County to enhance the community and the quality of life of those in need.

MADELINE BURNS ’09 uses her career to help people around the world, and is truly living Veritas. This past year she spent 10 weeks as a volunteer ward nurse on a Mercy Ship - the Africa Mercy - docked in Cotonou, Benin. Mercy Ships is a non-profit organization that operates the largest nongovernmental hospital ship in the world. The ship docks in various countries along the coast of Africa, for nine months at a time, and provides life-saving surgeries and medical care to children and adults. The ship is operated by nearly 400 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, electricians, engineers, plumbers, chaplains, chefs, and pharmacists. Volunteers come from all over the world and serve various lengths of time, and because the ship can dock for nine months, patients can obtain follow-up care and participate in therapies to optimize their healing.

As a ward nurse, Madeline built relationships with patients and their families. She says it was amazing to see first-hand the transformation patients underwent after their surgeries, and it was an experience that has not only strengthened her desire to serve those in need, but reaffirmed her desire to work as a nurse and provide medical care to deserving patients.

Madeline works at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota on the Neuroscience Unit as a Pediatric Registered Nurse.

St. Agnes Academy is proud to honor SARA BRANDINO ELIAS ’99 as the 2016 SAYPO Award recipient in recognition of her extraordinary courage, compassion, and commitment to serving others.

After her husband, Victor, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at just 40 years old, Sara searched for a meaningful way to support the lung cancer community and quickly discovered there were few local opportunities to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Rather than accept that absence, she took action.

Sara partnered with the Lung Cancer Alliance, recruited fellow volunteers, and founded Houston’s first Lung Love Walk. The inaugural event drew nearly 700 participants and raised approximately $85,000 to support lung cancer awareness, research, and advocacy.

Following Victor’s passing in May or 2016, Sara’s dedication to the cause remained a powerful reflection of her strength and determination to help other families facing lung cancer. By recognizing a need and stepping forward to meet it, Sara turned an intensely personal experience into meaningful service for others.

Her compassion, leadership, and willingness to make a difference embody the spirit of the SAYPO Award.