Message From SFAA National President - Ms.

Quallyna Nini Porte

has been few weeks since the St. Teresas Convent (STC) Platinum Jubilee (75 years) Benefit Celebration, and my spirit remains buoyed by the positive Saints/Friskies energy felt at the event. It is a combination of the joy I felt observing alumni from various decades so effortlessly networking with each other, the laughter shared by jokes galore perpetrated by the Master of Ceremonies and many willing participants in the audience, or maybe that good ole food prepared by one of our very own Friskies, among many other things. Regardless of what it was, it was totally heartwarming to see Saints and Friskies rise up to the challenge of replacing the roof in the elementary building while celebrating 75 years of existence of our dear STC. As was evident in photos presented during the evening, the current condition of the roof leaves elementary students at STC exposed to the weather elements, which has led to the development of mold within the structure. These conditions serve as an added distraction for learning in a safe environment. I am pleased to inform you over $8,500.00 was raised at the Platinum Jubilee Benefit Celebration. Although this is approximately a fifth of the projected cost of $40,000 quoted by the Archdiocese of Monrovia, I am confident that Saints and Friskies alums and friends of both institutions will continue to rise up to meet this challenge during this year. I remain wowed by the generous outpouring and am convinced that our good Lord is on this journey with us. As it is written in Luke 6:38 (NIV): Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 2012 is definitely a year of milestones for us. In addition to it being the platinum jubilee of STC, it is also the 20th year since the formation of the Alumni Association in the US. This years convention is being hosted by the Washington DC Chapter starting on May 25th and can be expected to be one that we will always remember. A lot of work has been going on in the background to position our organization to achieve its vision of Dedicated volunteers providing quality education for children in post-war Liberia. The leadership is excited to provide an update on how the course is being charted to achieve this vision while ensuring that the organization is one that you can be proud of. So Saints and Friskies, gear up for the 20th convention whose business meeting theme is Inform, Inspire, Invest and in the words of the skyjock Tom Joyner, lets get ready to Party with a Purpose.

It

The Voice
Volume II, Issue I In This Issue
SPHS Gala Day - Page 2 SES Scholarships Raffle - Page 2 STC Clean Up Project - Page 3 Jubilee Benefit Pictorial -Page 4&5 Saint / Frisky Spotlight - Page 6&8 2012 Reunion Package - Page 7 SFAA Leadership & Board - Page 8 Our New Logo - Page 8 Rebuilding SPHS (SPEF) - Page 9

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association - USA

Spring 2012

Alumni Celebrate STCs 75th Anniversary with Successful Fundraiser

St. Teresas Convent Celebrated Its 75th Anniversary in March.
To mark the historic occasion for Alumnae in the United States, the national chapter of the Saint Patricks and St. Teresas Convent Alumni Association hosted a special Platinum Jubilee celebration held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. It warmed my heart - the gathering as well as the response to the call to fix the roof of our alma mater, says Quallyna Porte 85, National President of the Saints and Friskies Alumni Association. Its not only about celebrating the rich history of our school but its also about making sure future generations benefit from the quality education that we received. Continued on page 8

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

Commemorating SPHS Patron Saints & Gala Day in Liberia - March 17

To

commemorate the school's patron saint and Gala Day ( March 17, St. Patrick's Day), The St. Patrick High

School Alumni Association visited its school site at King Gray Town, near ELWA. The group formed a prayer circle and invoked the presence of God within its midst and performed a dream building exercise to visualize the rebuilding of St. Patrick High School. Most importantly, the group asked God for faith, focus and consistency in achieving its goal of reopening the high school as a center of learning excellence in Liberia. At the end of the site visit, the SPHS Alumni Association played MC Alumni Association in a friendly basketball match. The SPHS alumni team was coached by none other than Alexander Kojo Anderson - (1970) and Kollie S Tamba (1968) . Players on the team included Wynston Doe (Alumni President - 1986), Boakai Kiahon (1978), Markus Kiahon (1984) Emmett Mollihi Watson Jr., (1983) Michael Wotorson (1985), Osmond Grigsby (1994/1995) and Victor Roberts (1986) . SPHS won the game by five points, with the score of 24 - 19. The SPHS Alumni extends its thanks to the Monrovia College Alumni Association and well wishers who commemorated the day with them. An induction ball and walk will be held on Saturday, April 7, as part of the SPHS fund raising strategy to rebuild St. Patrick High School.
Report: Fatu Gbedema

Southeastern Saints 2012 Scholarship Benefit Raffle

Southeastern Saints (SES) are proud to announce the Kick Off of our 2012 Fundraising season! It all starts with the SES 2012 Scholarship Benefit Raffle. The proceeds from which will go towards scholarships to qualified St. Teresas Convent students and a donation to the St. Patricks High School Endowment Fund. Tickets are on sale now and will be available during the Convention through June 25th. The drawing takes place Saturday, June 30, 2012. Tickets are $5 each with a value booklet going for $20 for 5 tickets. The prizes, which have been cheerfully donated by chapter members, are as follows:
Grand Prize First Prize Second Prize Third Prize Apple iPad2 (Wi-Fi) $200 Visa Gift Card
ALL PRIZES WERE DONATED BY LOCAL SES MEMBERS

The

NAME_________________________________ EMAIL_________________________________ PHONE _______________________________

SES 2012 Scholarship Raffle

Grand Prize Apple iPad 3G 1st Prize $200 Visa Card 2nd Prize $100 Visa Card 3rd Prize $50 Wal-Mart Card

PRIZES

$5.00 PER TICKET OR 5 FOR $20.00

$100 Visa Gift Card $ 50 Visa Gift Card

ALL PRIZES TO BE GIVEN AWAY SATURDAY, JUNE 30TH, 2012

Southeastern Saints Chapter

*Do Not Need To Be Present To Win*

SES 2012 Scholarship Benefit Raffle

We invite all Saints and Friskies alumni and friends of St. Teresas Convent and St. Patricks High Schools to join us in supporting this worthy cause. Tickets will be available from Southeastern Chapter members as well as other national alumni association members who are supporting our fundraising efforts. To find a ticket vendor near you please contact us at southeasternsaints@yahoo.com The Southeastern Saints have set a goal of raising a minimum of $2,000.00 through various fundraising events for each remaining quarter of 2012. We challenge other SFAA chapters nationwide to do the same.

Page 2

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

Clean-UP & Painting Project at STC Sponsor By: The DC Metro Chapter The STC/SPHS Washington, DC Metro Chapter sponsored a
clean-up and painting project at the St. Teresas Convent campus in Monrovia. Chapter President Tarloh Sayeh-Brathwaite traveled to Monrovia and spent a considerable portion of her vacation overseeing and participating in the efforts. The project was completed over three weeks in December 2011 and January 2012. Principal Emily Bestman who assumed the role of Principal in STC at the beginning of the current year, also received $100 from the Chapter specifically restricted to covering the costs of repairing the roof of the palava hut. In a letter to the Chapter, STC principal Bestman expressed her deepest thanks and appreciation for the speedy response to her plea for the painting of the Junior and Senior high school buildings. She further appealed for assistance with chairs, office desks, running water supply, and the renovation of the student restrooms. Attached are photos of the Palava Hut, Alumni present during painting, and before and after photos. The full letter, along with more details and pictures will be presented in a slide show during Convention 2012.

STC Platinum Jubilee Benefit Celebration Donor List PLATINUM Dr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Sleweon Ms. Quallyna Porte GOLD Mr. and Mrs. Kpadi Williams SILVER Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Brown Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Taylor Mr. Sam Glover Mr. and Mrs. Fonati Koffa Phoenix, SPHS Class of 97 BRONZE Dr. and Mrs. Vincent Adams Mr. Joseph Crayton Ms. Natalie Wilson Mr. Gottlieb Momolu Bright Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Doe Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bedell Mr. Lawrence Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Wulwyn Porte Mr. Vaylah Clinton Mr. and Mrs. Jermaine Baker Ms. Joyetta Satiah Mr. Tanu Henry Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Perry Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Wreh Ms. Tele Tarpeh Mr. Alvin Blake Ms. Doris Minikon Mrs. Tinesi Minikon-Edwards Mr. Henry Clements, III Mrs. Marica Cox-Mitchell Mr. Lawrence Pratt Ms. Massa Lansanah Ms. Lulu Marshall PLEDGES Mr. Tanu Henry Silver Friskies Fest Silver Mr. Bai Sama G. Best - Bronze Page 3

Join Us In DC May 25 - 28, 2012

for the

SPHS/ STC Alumni Association 20th Annual Convention & Reunion!

Proudly Hosted By The Metro DC Saints Chapter - DC, MD, VA

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

STC Platinum Jubilee Benefit Celebration - A Pictorial

See more pictures from the event on the Alumni Association Facebook Page: Search for : SPHS-STC Alumni on Facebook
Page 4 St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

STC Platinum Jubilee Benefit Celebration - A Pictorial (contd)

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

Page 5

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

Saints Spotlight: James Teah Tarpeh II - By: Tanu Henry

James Teah Tarpeh, II
a Dallas-based entrepreneur with an impressive corporate portfolio of three thriving businesses, only spent a year and a half at St. Patricks: ninth and part of tenth grade in 1984 and 1985 before he left to attend Trinity Episcopal, a prep school in Richmond, Va. (He later graduated from Annandale High School in Virginia). That short period he spent at St. Patricks, though, left a lasting impression, one that he says still guides the way he views himself and the approach he takes to life. Particular in his recall of those memorable years spent at St. Patricks is the spirit of brotherhood and pride the school instilled. He also treasures the way teachers and administrators empowered students to feel they could achieve whatever they set their minds to in spite of the odds against them. I remember the attention to discipline. The structure and rigor of the academic program and the way the Catholic Priests made sure you were in line and respectful, he says. It was very similar to Morehouse College, where I earned my undergraduate degree. "You come out of there a refined young man." Teah remembers causing somewhat of a stir during his first year at St. Patricks. He was chosen by basketball coach Alexander Psycho Anderson and then team captain Michael Wotorson to play for the schools senior varsity basketball team even though he was still a ninth grader in junior high. It was an incredible experience, he says. It gave me a lot of confidence and really made me believe that hard work pays off. I moved on with the understanding that that there would be very few situations that I face in life that could not be overcome with determination and perseverance.

James Teah Tarpeh II (far left) and his wife Tonya Tarpeh (far right) pose with their two daughters and staff at their Pump It Up store in Ft. Worth, Texas.

That can-do outlook on life is paying off. Teah, along with his wife and former college sweetheart, Tonya, an attorney and Spelman College graduate he met in 1988 during his first week on campus at Morehouse, now own and operate the Tarpeh Group, LLC. The Texasbased company has three main business concerns: Pump It Up, a center that hosts and facilitates themed parties and team building events; Time Out Adventure Land & Play Care, a mall-based, short-term day care center for shopping parents; and New Horizon Minerals, a partnership with Texas based mineral and oil and gas companies that will help small miners in Liberia take more ownership of their production and set up global market channels for them.

What matters most in this life is what we do in the lives of

I plan to re-invest 10 percent of whatever we earn in others. I want to be the vessel God has called me to be such Liberia into making life in the communities we work with that blessings I receive flow through me and make a lasting better, he says. impact in the lives of others. - James Teah Tarpeh, II The father of two girls, an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old, Teah says one of the biggest rewards of owning his own businesses is the luxury of knowing that he never has to miss one of his daughters dance recitals or sporting events because he makes his own schedule. The price for that, though, he says is finding good people he can trust with the day-to-day operations of his businesses. Before venturing out on his own, Teah, a finance major in college, started his career as a market analyst at AXA Advisors in New York. He later became a sales manager of the companys financial products before attending Southern Methodist University where he earned his MBA. Now, even more important to him than earning money, is finding his purpose based on Gods will for his life, says Teah, who mentors four boys at two Dallas area public schools. The more I seek it, I realize that God wants me to use whatever skills I have to do for others, he says. All the stuff you acquire in life feels empty if it doesnt help other people directly.

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St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

SPHS/ STC Alumni Association 20th Annual Convention, May 25 - 28 2012 Proudly Hosted By The Metro DC Saints Chapter (DC, MD, VA) LIMITED CONVENTION PACKAGE - BUY NOW AND SAVE

EVENT Friday, May 25, 2012 Saturday, May 26, 2012 Saturday, May 26, 2012 Sunday, May 27, 2012 Sunday, May 27, 2012 Monday, May 28, 2012

DESCRIPTION Welcome Party + Cash Bar Business Meeting - Includes Lunch and a drink (Water/Soda) Evening of Elegant Ball (Includes Adm & Dinner) + Cash Bar TBD All White & Green Farewell Party Farewell Picnic in The Park

DONATION $15.00 $15.00 $45.00 $15.00 FREE

QTY

Convention Packages (Please also donate if you cannot make the events)
Early Bird 1 Package Early Bird 2 Package Full Package Before March 31st April 1st - April 30th After April 30, 2012 (Total Package) $100.00 $110.00 $120.00

Convention Sponsorship
LEVELS Bronze Patron Silver Patron Gold Patron Platinum Patron INCLUDES A full package, reserved seating at Elegant grand Ball A full package, an additional Ball ticket, reserved seating at Elegant Grand Ball Two full packages, reserved seating at Elegant Grand Ball Three full packages, reserved seating at Elegant Grand Ball & Recognition DONATION $ 200.00 $ 350.00 $ 500.00 $1000.00 QTY

Available Souvenir Items (Outside of the Package Pricing)

ITEMS T-Shirt Mouse Pad Pen AVAILABLE IN PRICE $15.00 $10.00 $ 2.00 QTY

Advertising in Convention Elegant Grand Ball Program

Quarter Page Ad Half Page Ad Full Page Ad Full Page & Outside Back Cover Of Program - Full Page Ad inside front cover Daily Booth rental $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 75.00 $100.00 $150.00 $ 50.00

Order by: _________________________________________ Email & Mobile Phone: ______________________________________________ (Please print full name)

Mail order To: SPHS-STC Metro DC, 1701 Doral Court, Mitchellville, MD 20721 Contact Information: Tarloh Sayeh-Brathwaite 301-580-3821; Lionel Brown 703-622-7077; Quallyna Porte 301-806-1473; Charles Cooper 240-882-4358; Alvin Nyonnoh Blake 301-213-0281

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

Page 7

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

Alumni Celebrate STCs 75th Anniversary with Successful Fundraiser

Continued from page 1

A cool $8,576.01 was raised at the celebration with only $600 of it generated in pledges, even though less than 100 people attended the dinner. During the event, the organization awarded four alumni two Friskies and two Saints for their generous support to the alumni association and institutions as well as the work they do to impact the lives of others and students attending St. Teresas Convent in Liberia. The honorees were: Kpadi Williams 73, Dr. Euphemia Brumskine Burrowes78, Dr. Thomas K. Sleweon 78, and Wede Hodge Gibson 85. National Secretary Trokon Smith 96 introduced a special multimedia feature, STC Then and Now, that detailed the history of the school and showcased its storied past in grainy historical photographs only made more poignant by the a narration track filled with little-known facts and problems facing the school now. The evenings M.C. Wulwyn Porte 90, steward of North Carolina-based GiG Foundations, shared with the audience the biblical etymology of the word Jubilee. He also stressed the importance of giving of ourselves in a selfless Christian spirit the word connotes to fix major problems facing St. Teresas Convent like the schools damaged and caving roof. At turns, delivering jokes that made guests laugh out loud and quieting the room to silent introspection with his pointed observations, he kept the crowd upbeat and engaged. It certainly met expectations, said Quallyna Porte but I hope that more alumni will support events like this in the future. She thanked all the Saints and Friskies who attended and supported the evening in big and small ways, including Leemu Gbarbea 86 who oversaw the decorations and catering of the delicious food served at the celebration. Other planning committee members were Mina (Tarpeh) Jenkins 85, Nejea Davis 93 Velma Kiawu-Fahnbulleh 79, Tyrell Jarrett 95 and Patrick Wreh.

Frisky Spotlight: Dr. Rowena Kelley - By: Tanu Henry For

Maryland-based genetic engineer and molecular geneticist, Dr. Rowena Y. Kelley, her years spent at St. Teresas Convent played no small part in triggering the scientific curiosity that has led to a trailblazing career in molecular biology and biochemistry. She attended the school from 1986 to 1987 before leaving to finish high school in the United States. I really enjoy what I do. It excites me, says Kelley, who works as a collaborator with the United States Department of Agricultures research arm, the Agriculture Research Service (USDA/ ARS). For more than a decade now, Dr. Kelleys research has zeroed in on Aflatoxins, a naturally occurring substance produced by fungi, which is used as an addition to many food products and animal feed in the world. She says her work is important because it has the potential to help the US and other countries create healthy food products with minimum or no aflatoxin for human and animal consumption. A former guest lecturer at Mississippi State University and Alabama A&M University, Dr. Kelley is fond of how formative those years she spent at St. Teresas were in her career. Getting to high school and being taught my Mrs. Monger was just an invaluable experience, says Kelley. She was a very knowledgeable biologist. She and Brother Thomas really influenced me to pursue a career as a scientist, in which I have excelled very well. Besides learning the dos and donts of becoming a budding researcher in the science lab at STC, Kelley remembers enjoying the general morning devotions held once a week in the yard at the Convent. Those were some of the best times I had. I am a Christian and I humbled myself before God at those assemblies, she says.
Continued on page 10

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St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

SFAA

THE VOICE

Volume I, Issue III

Spring 2012

Rebuilding SPHS - The St. Patricks High School Endowment Fund (SPEF) Update

Interests in the St. Patricks High School Endowment Fund (SPEF) continue to grow. Since the last Saints/Friskies VOICE publication, donations and pledges to SPEF increased by over $6,000.00, with total donations and pledges now at $30,250.00 as of March 12, 2012. Although we continue to make progress, we have a far way to go to meet our goal of raising at least $100,000.00 by the convention in May.
We are counting on you to help us meet or surpass our target by making a contribution to SPEF of at least $10 for each year since your graduation (join the 10-1 Club). Please make your tax deductible donation at one of the giving levels below:

LEVELS - AMOUNT

SPEF Trustee
Victor Abraham 89 - Trustee Lionel Brown 83 - Chairperson Samuel Glover 80 - Treasurer Laurence Pratt 78 - Secretary Evans Yancy 73 - Chaplain Michel Dioubate, MD '83 - Trustee Niahson Porte 85 - Trustee Thomas Sleweon MD 78 - Trustee Kpadi Williams 73 - Trustee

Contact Info:
vabraham@plastipak.com ltbrown@bus.illinois.edu sam.glover@att.net lawpratt@us.ibm.com lurubu@yahoo.com cockroachmd@yahoo.com niahsonporte@comcast.net tsleweon@comcast.net kpwee@aol.com

SAINT $1,000+ BENEFACTOR $700 -$999 PATRON $400 -$699 SPONSOR $200 - 399 FRIEND $25 - $199
OPTIONS TO MAKE YOUR TAX FREE DONATION:

Through the St. Patricks High School Endowment Fund (SPEF) Website: www.sphsendowmentfund.org/please_donate Make check payable to SPHS Endowment Fund; Mail to: SPHS Endowment Fund, 14704 Northfield Court, Laurel, MD 20707. Online Bank Payment: Set SPEF up as a payee in your online banking profile. Bank of America Account Name: SPHS Endowment / Account #: 4460 2199 2858 / Address: 14704 Northfield Court, Laurel, MD 20707 Pay by credit or bank card: Email SPEF at sphsendowment@gmail.com or call us at (240) 285 9752, tell us how much you would like to donate and we will send you an invoice payable by credit or bank card. - Contact any of the trustees on making a donation or becoming a trustee.

SPHS Endowment Fund (SPEF) Consolidated Financial Statement - As Of March 12 2012

2010 In Come - Cash Contribution Total Income Expenses: Filing Fees ** Check Printing Bank Fees Misc Total Expenses Net Cash Income Fund Balance: Checking Savings Paypal Total Cash Balance Current Pledges Receivable ** Total Fun Balance - Cash / Pledge 2,648.00 2,648.00 948.00 22.00 15.00 985.00 1,663.00 1,463.00 200.00 1,663.00 1,663.00 2011 13,452.00 13,452.00 (450.00) 1.06 (448.94) 13,900.94 15,363.94 200.00 15,563.94 7,050.00 22,613.94 2012 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,200.00 17,763.94 17,763.94 11,950.00 29,713,94 To Date 18,300.00 18,300.00 498.00 22.00 15.00 1.06 536.06 17,763.94 17,763.94 17,763.94 11,950.00 29,713.94

Notes: ** In 2011, the IRS refunded $450.00 in filing fees SPEF paid to get its tax deductable status due to over payment - *** Outstanding pledges to be collected

St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association-USA

Page 9

NEW SFAA LOGO

Fellow

saints and Friskies, It is our hope

SFAA Leadership
Quallyna Porte. 86
President

that in the reading of

THE VOICE

you learned something new, shared a chuckle or re-lived a fond memory. We, the editorial and production staff, invite you to help keep this newsletter fresh and relevant by contributing article, photos, milestones, and local or regional chapter updates. This information can be emailed to sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com. All contributions will be credited to sender / contributor.

Snorwlor Bropleh, 96
Vice President

Trokon Smith, 97
Secretary

Joyetta Satiah, 89
Financial Secretary

A Womans Worth
An Event Hosted by:
STC Education And Leadership Fund (SELF) Friday, May 25th 2012 6:30 - 10 P.M. Washington Printmakers Gallery
More information will be made available soon
www.friskiesfest.org

Charles Cooper, 84
Treasure

Editus Addy, 90
Chaplain

SFAA Board of Directors

J. Blamo Kuwon
Chairman

Fatu Gbedema Ben Wreh Charles Ford Alvin Blake Jacinta Wolo
New Jersey

Frisky Spotlight: Dr. Rowena Kelley

Continued from page 8

She also enjoyed singing in the choir (which was made up of students from Saint Teresas Convent and St. Patricks.) Kelley says many of the friendships she made with Friskies and Saints during that time still last until now. In her career, Dr. Kelley, who has won numerous awards in her field, has authored or co-authored over 100 publications, presentations (oral, written), proceedings and two book chapters. And when shes not working, she enjoys spending time with her 12-year-old son and her two nieces. Im a very, very family oriented person, she says. In my leisure time, when I am not reading, youll find me hanging out with close relatives. Kelley earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Agribusiness at Delaware State University; a Masters at North Carolina A&T University in Plant Bio-technology; and her PhD at Alabama A&M University in Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering.

Nikki Dagbe
Southeastern Saints

Tarloh Sayeh-Brathwaite
Maryland

Nejea Davies
Delaware Valley

Lois Holman
Michigan

THE VOICE St. Patricks & St. Teresas High School Alumni Association USA - P. O. Box 1541 Laurel, MD. 20725 - Email: sphs.stc.nl@gmail.com Tel: 240-979-1415 Editorial & Production - Joyetta Satiah, Tanu Henry, Vira Tarpeh & Aldrin Porte