BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mount St. Mary Academy wrapped up the month of June hosting their annual Alumnae weekend celebration- bringing graduates of all years together again to celebrate three influential women who have served the Western New York community.
Awards ceremonies honored Elizabeth Leous Bressette '77, Annie Deck-Miller '89, and Jo Ann Wiatrowski- all of whom were nominated by peers and fellow alumnae.
Years of graduated classes gathered at Big Ditch Brewing for a featured Alumnae happy hour event- followed by a weekend of trivia, brunch, and milestone reunions for the classes of 1954, 1964, and 1974.
Bressette was recognized as the 2024 Alumna of the Year, celebrating 43 years in her role as a nurse at the Oishei Children's Hospital, and her community volunteer work for the Committee for Special Education Board.
Deck-Miller received this year's Sophia Award, recognizing an alumna who has distinguished themselves throughout their chosen career path. She currently works as the Director of Public Relations at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and is an active member on the Board of Trustees for the Theatre of Youth in Downtown Buffalo.
Wiatrowski- who started teaching English at the Academy in 2016- was presented with the 2024 Distinguished Educator Award. After retiring from teaching full-time in 2022, she continued to work as a substitute- and just last year stepped up to fill a vacant role as the Interim Director of Admissions.
An Alumnae Sunday Mass concluded Mount St. Mary's celebratory weekend, where the alumnae community presented the recipients with their awards, recognizing their works of service to educate and better our community.
