Women’s Education Alliance’s fall luncheon highlights students

Betty Contino could barely contain her excitement.

Ayva Cabesa-Harris, an eighth grader at Mother Mary Lange School in Baltimore, who also studies at the Peabody Conservatory, smiles for a standing ovation following her rendition of “Ave Maria” to conclude the Women’s Education Alliance’s 13th annual fall luncheon at the Cardinal Shehan School Oct. 28. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

As chairwoman of the Women’s Education Alliance, Contino welcomed more than 240 people to its annual fall luncheon Oct. 28 at Cardinal Shehan School in Baltimore, advising them to “just eat your cookies and chill out,” as the event would be nothing short of spectacular.

Emceed by Jennifer Gilbert St. John, a former television news anchor at Fox-45, the luncheon highlighted students – all WEA scholarship recipients – and their achievements. A nonprofit, WEA provides scholarships to Catholic schools for qualified students in grades pre-K through 12.

Dillion-Seth Smith, a senior at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore and a Cardinal Shehan School alumnus, acknowledged the “many familiar faces” in the room as he thanked WEA for its investment in him.

“What could be more meaningful than sharing my high school experiences with the people who made it possible?” Smith said, as he spoke of his activities at Curley, from his work with student government, to his summer internship and numerous societies to which he belongs.

“To all of you who have supported me and gave me the opportunity to grow, I am truly grateful,” Smith said. “Your impact on my life is very important to express. It’s our journey, just as much as it is mine. Thank you.”

Tracey Chapman, mother of former Women’s Education Alliance scholarship recipient and graduate of Mother Mary Lange School, Autumn Fleary, provides an impromptu update on her daughter during the 13th annual WEA luncheon at the Cardinal Shehan School Oct. 28 in Baltimore. Fleary will be attending Duke University in the fall of 2026 on a basketball scholarship. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Former WEA scholarship recipient Autumn Fleary, a senior at Sidwell Friends in Washington D.C., was recognized for her academic excellence and talent on the basketball court. The top point guard in the country recently committed to Duke University.

“It has been a journey with Autumn,” Tracey Chapman, Fleary’s mother said. “WEA helped her get an education from kindergarten all the way up to eighth grade and then allowed her to go to McDonogh based on academics. I thank you, Betty, for the opportunity and everything you have done for my family. “

WEA also offers support services to help finance programs and supplies for its partner schools Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, Cardinal Shehan, Archbishop Borders School in Highlandtown and Bishop Walsh School in Cumberland.

Dillon Seth-Smith, a senior at Archbishop Curley High School, shares his high school experience with guests. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Anthony Allen, a fifth-grade teacher at Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, spoke of his appreciation for having access to updated materials and additional training to help guide his students to success not only in test scores, but in confidence.

“To all of you who contribute to this world, whether through time, resources or advocacy, please know you are part of that transformation,” Allen said. “You are not only supporting teachers, you are helping nurture futures full of light and possibility.”

Two second graders from Archbishop Borders School, Emma Martinez and Manuel Flores, said the prayer before lunch in both Spanish and English. Ayva Cabeza-Harris, an eighth-grade student at Mother Mary Lange Catholic School and a student of voice and flute at Peabody Preparatory School in Baltimore, ended the luncheon with a performance of “Ave Maria.”

Contino said afterward that it was a blessing to have “the opportunity to help children.”

To view more photos from the Catholic Women’s Education Alliance luncheon, click through the slideshow below:

“They have it all. You’ve just got to get it on the table,” Contino said.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org