Welcome to Mercy's Podcast Tiger Talk!
Ep 44: Finding A Passion & Traveling the World with Nicole Cizauskas '18
Nicole Cizauskas '18 has a recommendation for you. Next time you're deciding what topping you want to put on your pizza: skip the pepperoni and give haggis a try. Yes, you heard that right...we said Haggis, the famous Scottish meat dish, which consists of sheep's heart, liver, lungs and stomach. Since graduating in 2018, Cizauskas has not only stayed curious -- she has lived a life of exploration. Whether it be trying the national dish of Scotland on her pizza, or studying neuroscience and later health data analytics and machine learning in the United Kingdom, Cizauskas has continued to test her boundaries as she chases her post Mercy dreams. In a conversation that spans the world of neuroscience to the culture of Scotland and so much more, Cizauskas gives us an update on her amazing life after Mercy and we're hoping you'll come along for one of favorite podcasts in the history of Tiger Talk. Over the course of 30 minutes, Nicole reminds us about the power of learning, and the power of curiosity. Not to mention what it means to travel your own path. After showing in an interest in STEM at Mercy, Cizauskas was able to travel across the Atlantic and take on new challenges, and we are so grateful to share her story. So if you have a few minutes in the car, or you need something to join you on a nice summer's walk this month, please take a listen and marvel at Cizauskas' story, and we promise you won't be disappoint. Over the last six years, Nicole has seen her dreams take her from the University of St. Andrews to the Newcastle University, and she's not done yet. As well, a heartfelt thank you to Nicole. We greatly appreciate you giving us a few minutes of your time, and we remind inspired by your path after Mercy. Thank you and we'll be following along from Randolph Road!
Ep 43: A Visit From Business Analyst and CNBC contributor Ron Insana
You never know who will you will find at Mercy High School! Take this past spring! We were excited to welcome nationally-recognized business analyst and CNBC contributor Ron Insana to Randolph Road as a special guest speaker. As part of his visit, Isana toured the school, met with administrators, talked with our business students, and jumped on our Tiger Talk podcast! We are now proud to share that discussion as the latest edition of Tiger Talk with Mercy President Alissa K. DeJonge '95! However, our president wasn't alone for the talk. She was joined by our business savvy members of the Class of 2024, Rose Szeghy, Grace McKenna and Tayah Shepard. As always, DeJonge led a rousing discussion, which touched on a variety of topics. So we hope you give it a listen! Whether you're on your ride home, or need something to listen to at the gym or the beach, this episode is available anywhere you listen to podcasts. Spotify, Apple, Google -- you name it. You can find it there. Just dive in and hear about Ron's visit to Mercy and what are students learned from the experience!
Ep 42: Revisiting A Long-Awaited Cross Country Championship
In just a few days, another round of state tournament action will begin for our basketball, hockey, dance and cheerleading teams, but before we look ahead it is time to look back. This week, our Podcast President Alissa K. DeJonge '95 is back for another round of Tiger Talk, and she's assembled members of our most recent state championship to talk about their historic state title victory from the fall. So if you have a few minutes on your ride home, or need something to listen at the gym, or you simply want to hear the story of this year's cross country title from team members Eliana Fraschilla '24, Caroline Phillips '25, Clara Romero '25 and Sarah Roberts '26, please push that play button and dive on in. Together, Fraschilla, Phillips, Romero and Roberts give DeJonge a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to get bring home the program's first state championship in 30 years and raise a new banner at Mercy. As well, we hope this podcast gets you in the mood for tournament action, which starts this weekend with the Dance Team and continues Monday with Hockey and Basketball. Here's to a strong run for the Tigers over the next month or so, and of course, another edition of Tiger Talk!
Ep 41: Catching Up With Our Mercy Ambassadors And An Open House Preview
It is that time of the year again! In a few days, we will once again be opening up the doors of Mercy High School for our annual Fall Open House. As always, the event marks an exciting time for our community. Not only are we getting a chance to meet the potential future of our school, but we're getting an opportunity to showcase everything we love about Mercy. In the lead-up to the event, which is arguably the biggest and most important function of the year, our intrepid Podcast President Alissa K. DeJonge '95 sat down with a couple of our student Ambassadors (Jill and Emily) and our Director of Admissions Rachel Papke '98. Together, our Admissions crew and our President previewed the upcoming Open House and the role of a Mercy Ambassador in the latest edition of Tiger Talk. As we count down the days till Sunday's big event (1-3 p.m.), we hope you give the episode a listen. It will give you some insight into everything that goes into our Open House and the impact of our Ambassadors. Here's to a great Open House, and another episode of our favorite podcast!
Ep 40: The Return of Tiger Talk!
Tiger Talk is back! After a brief hiatus, our Mercy High School Podcast has returned and we're ready to dive into all the stories happening in our Mercy community. Whether it is Academic or Alumnae news, or anything in between, we're excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at Mercy with our school's leader, Mercy President Alissa DeJonge '95. Please join DeJonge as she explores all the topics that make the Mercy community what it is and will always be. As we celebrate our 60th year at Mercy, this podcast and these conversations will look to recognize the full range of the Mercy experience, and all the Women of Mercy that left an impact here and beyond! In our first episode back, we get to know some of our new student leaders. And by the end, we're hoping you're ready to follow along as they pave the way for our school this year. As well, we hope you return for future episodes! Please give us a follow wherever you listen to your podcasts, and stay updated on everything Mercy!
Ep 39: Introducing Our Student Council!
On this Episode of TigerTalk, Mercy President Alissa DeJonge introduces our listeners to Mercy's 2022-2023 Student Council (or StuCo for short!) President Jasmine Mendez '23, Vice President Sophia Engels '23, Secretary Shannon Arsenault '23, and Treasurer Lillian Clark '23 share their thoughts on motivation, leadership, growth, and major Mercy events and traditions. (Unable to join us for the podcast: Isabella Stevens '23, Historian)
Ep 38: Meet Our Newest Teachers
On this Episode of TigerTalk, Mercy President Alissa DeJonge introduces our listeners to Mercy's newest faculty members. Get to know our four newest faculty members: Ms. Maria Buonasora (English), Mr. Elliot Levesque (Social Studies), Ms. Grace O'Brien '18 (English), and Mr. Joe Premus (Math). Find out why they love teaching their subjects and learn some fun facts about each teacher!
Ep 37: Mercy Summer Programs 2022
Summer is a busy time at Mercy! On this episode of Tiger Talk, Mercy's President Alissa DeJonge has a conversation with Mrs. Michele Dastoli, Theology teacher and Coordinator of Summer Programs, about all the fun and learning that happens at Mercy during the summer. Also joining in on the conversation is Mercy student Clare Bankoski '24, who has been an integral part of our programs by helping our guests and incoming students feel welcome at Mercy.
Ep 36: High School Musical
This two-part episode of Tiger Talk is all about the Mercy High School and Xavier High School production of High School Musical. During the first half of this podcast, President of Mercy High School Ms. Alissa DeJonge speaks with Mattingly Veilleux '23, who played Sharpay Evans, and Mia Pugliares '23, who played Ms. Darbus, in the musical. During the second half of this podcast, Ms. DeJonge has a conversation with Mrs. Michele Dastoli, co-director of the musical, and Mrs. Sara Brugger, musical director.
Ep 35: Catching up with Mercy's Tech Tigers
On this episode of Tiger Talk, Mercy President Alissa DeJonge catches up with members of the Tech Tigers Robotics Team after a busy season. Representing the Tech Tigers are Grace Cink '22, Sammi Magro '23, Kaelin DaSilva '23, and Emma Caruso '25. Each students talks about their roles on the team and how they envision their futures after the experiences they had on the team thus far.
Ep 34: Japanese culture with Mercy's Japanese Club
On this episode of TigerTalk, President Alissa DeJonge catches up with Naoki Yoneda, Tokyo resident and long-time friend, his wife Miyuki, and son Yuki. Joining in on the conversation is Japanese Club President Lauren Co '23. The group discusses important aspects of Japanese culture as well as the similarities and differences between the United States and Japan.
Ep 33: Catching up with Lindsey Fritz and Principal Ann Drewry
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge catches up with two Mercy Alumnae with deep ties to Mercy. Lindsey Fritz '18, Corporate Comminucations Professional at IBM, and Ann Drewry '97, Principal of Student Life, talk about Mercy memories, their outlook on life and what's in store for the future.
Ep 32: Attorney Tricia Reilly and Mock Trial
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge is joined by an alumna and members of Mercy's Mock Trial team. Patricia Reilly is a Mercy graduate from the class of 1978 and a partner at Murtha Cullina Attorneys at Law. Reilly shares her experience as an attorney with members of Mercy's Mock Trial team: Cassidy Wichman '22, Mairan Hall '23 and Giovanna Judge '24.
Ep 31: Social Media Club
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge welcomes members of Mercy's Social Media Club. Students Isabella Lee-Baldassini '23, Jill Fordyce '24, Rose Szeghy '24 and Emma Gilson '25 discuss the different jobs each need to complete when creating social media posts for school. Marie Kalita, Class of 1976 and Mercy's Director of Communications joins in on the conversation as the Social Media Club's moderator.
Ep 30: Kristan Higgins and Writing Club
This episode of Tiger Talk is all about writing! President Alissa DeJonge welcomes Kristan Higgins, class of 1983 and New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly best selling author. Higgins has written over 20 books to date. Joining in on the conversation are Mercy Writing Club members Emma Lemieux '24, Ava Pear '25 and Cora Rigg '25. Learn more about Kristan and her books on her website: kristanhiggins.com.
Ep 29: Mercy's Engineers
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge welcomes two alumnae, Anne D’Orvilliers '71 and Doris Xu '19 . Anne D'Orvilliers has had a long career in engineering and Doris Xu is a current engineering student. Also joining in on the conversation is Charlie Weaver '22. Charlie talks about why she would like to go into engineering and her interest in the field.
Ep 28: Peer Ministers and Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President of Mercy Ms. Alissa DeJonge is joined by Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco, who is an alumna of the first graduating class at Mercy (1967), Vice Chairperson of the Mercy High School Board of Trustees, and a Sister of Mercy. Also joining in on the conversation are Lilly Brown '22 and Ella Bankoski '22, who are Peer Ministers at Mercy High School. They discuss the importance of faith, our deep connection to Sisters of Mercy, and traditions at Mercy.
Ep 27: Mercy's Talented Artists
On this episode, President Alissa DeJonge discusses art with a current Mercy student and an alumna. Jen Casey Romer, a 2008 graduate of Mercy, painted a portrait of Sr. Mary McCarthy as a retirement gift and shares her thoughts on her artistic process. Lauren Harton, a Junior at Mercy, painted two versions of the Mercy High School building. One of which is the image used on the school's Christmas cards this year. Lauren also goes into detail about her artistic process and future goals.
Ep 26: FBLA and Fashion Club
On this episode of Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge welcomes Devon Stewart, Assistant Vice President of Global Marketing at Maybelline New York. Also joining in on the conversation are two members of FBLA and Fashion Club, Milana Koji '23 and Ava Cedillo '23. Ms. Stewart discusses what it is like working for a large beauty company and shares some advice with our students.
Ep 25: Mercy's Student Activities Council
On this episode of Tiger Talk, Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, introduces the 2021-2022 Student Activities Council. Maddy Carbone, President, Grace Andrea, Vice President, Kelly Cullen, Secretary, and Ava Noviello, Treasurer share some of the fun activities they have planned for this school year and what it is like to be in a student leadership position at Mercy.
Ep 24: New Teachers
Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, has a conversation with Mercy's newest faculty: Mr. Liam Cahill (English), Mr. Andrew Carroll (History and Latin), Mr. Justin Michaud (Math), and Mrs. Sangita Ray (Physics).
Ep 23: Presley and Taylor Visit Mercy
On this episode of Tiger Talk, Ms. Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, catches up with Alumnae Presley Termini '15 and Taylor Termini '17 on their careers in the country music industry.
Ep 22: Jocelyn Stearns '18 and her Experience at West Point
Mercy High School President Alissa DeJonge chats with Jocelyn Stearns '18 who is starting her final year at WestPoint. DeJonge and Stearns talk about a day in the life of a West Point student. They also discuss how the Mercy community prepared Jocelyn for her college career.
Ep 21: Mercy's Summer Programs
Join Alissa DeJonge as she discusses Mercy's summer programs with Michele Dastoli '03, Theology teacher and Coordinator of Summer Programs, and Jennifer Crutchfield, Library media Specialist and Technology Fundamentals teacher. Learn about the many programs that keep current and future students engaged in academics and athletics through the summer.
Ep 20: Religion and Science with Mercy
Mercy High School President Alissa DeJonge discusses the connection between Religion and Science with Mercy Theology teacher Meg Malafronte and student Elisia Pagliuca '21.
Ep 19: The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate
In this episode, Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, has a conversation with Megan Bush, Executive Director at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT. DeJonge and Bush talk about Mercy's relationship with the Mansion, the history of the Wadsworth Mansion, and summer events coming up at the Mansion.
Ep 18: Catching up with the Robotics Team, Joanie Stupik '07, and Mrs. Bachenheimer
Ms. Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School, celebrates the career of Mrs. Buff Bachenheimer who has taught Physics at Mercy for over 40 years. Robotics Team members Hannah Wrubleski '22 and Grace Cink '22 discuss the many accomplishments of their team. Alumna Joanie Stupik '07, who currently works at NASA, joins in to talk about the influence Mrs. Bachenheimer has had on her love for Physics and her career.
Ep 17: Mo Finn And Broadcast Journalism Club
In this episode hosted by Mercy president Ms. Alissa DeJonge, Mo Finn, a 2009 graduate of Mercy, talks about her career as a broadcast journalist with Jessica Goduto '22 and Mairan Hall '23, who are two members of Mercy's Broadcast Journalism Club, Mo is an Emmy award winner and nominated a producer, writer, director, and editor who has worked at four Olympic and Paralympic Games and spent 8 years working solely in sports. She currently is a freelance journalist.
Ep 16: Meteorologist Sarah Wroblewski '00 and Mercy's Math Team
On this episode of Tiger Talk, Emmy award winning meteorologist Sarah Wroblewski '00 joins Alissa DeJonge and Mercy's Math Team for a discussion on the importance of Math and Science in daily life. Representing the Math Team are Helen Yang '21 and Mrs. Maureen Wellman, moderator of the Math Team.
Ep 15: CT Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Mercy Student Council Officers
CT Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joins Mercy High School's Student Activities Council and Ms. Alissa DeJonge for a conversation about what it means to be a female leader in government. Mercy's SAC Officers are: Ava Arcesi '21, Katherine Antico '21, Kayla Fordyce '21 and Kylie Fordyce '21.
Ep 14: Bryan Garcia of CT Green Bank
In this episode, Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of CT Green Bank, Sophia Engles '23, Julia Malz '23 , and Mercy's president Alissa DeJonge discuss green banking and other environmental topics.
Ep 13: Patrick Flaherty from the CT Department of Labor
In this episode, Patrick Flaherty from the Department of Labor joins Ms. Alissa DeJonge for a discussion on Connecticut's economy. Also joining in on the discussion are Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members Lily Bigos '21 and Brooklyn Libera '23 as well as Maddie Thompson '21 and Julia Nadolski '23, who are students in Mercy Business and Personal Finance class.
Ep 12: Mercy Ambassadors
Ms. Alissa DeJonge '95, president of Mercy High school in Middletown CT, has a conversation with Mrs. Mary-Clare Wamester '97, who is Mercy's Director of Admissions. Also joining in on the conversation are Bella Bartolomei '21. Ashlyn Liedke '22, Mia Pugliares '23, and Sophia Franchi '24. The group discusses their experience coming into Mercy as Freshwomen and the transition into high school.
Ep 11: Students 4 Change and Alumnae Discuss Social Change
Mercy alumnae Sacha Armstrong-Crockett '95, Dr. Jada Waters '03 and Mallory Perry, PhD '10 join Ms. Alissa DeJonge '95, President of Mercy High School, to discuss important topics concerning social justice. Also joining the podcast are members of the Mercy Students 4 Change Club: Chanel Delgado '22, Guadalupe Corona-Sampedro '21, Jocelyn Santiago '21 and Ms. Amy Freeman, moderator of the Students 4 Change club.
Ep 10: Yale pediatric nurse Nicole Proto '16 and Medical Minds Club members
President Alissa DeJonge hosts a medical field centered podcast with alumna Nicole Proto '16, a pediatric nurse at Yale New Haven Health, and members of Mercy's Medical Minds Club. Delaney Boone '21, Kayla Fordyce '21, Kylie Fordyce '21 and Elisia Pagliuca '21 ask Nicole questions about her career path and her experience as a Mercy student.
Ep 9: Middletown Mayor Florsheim and AP Government Students
In this episode, Ms. Alissa DeJonge hosts a conversation with Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim and Mercy High School AP Government students Elena Cahill '21, Lily Herron '21 and Jocelyn Santiago '21.
Ep 8: RJ Julia Bookstore and Mercy's Breakfast Book Club
Mercy High School President Alissa DeJonge has a conversation with Mercy Alumna Lori Fazio, Class of 1988, who is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RJ Julia Booksellers. Julia Marotta '21 also joins in on the conversation and discusses Mercy's Breakfast Book Club. Julia is the foundress of Mercy's Breakfast Book Club.
Ep 7: Ecology Club Happenings
Mercy High School President Alissa DeJonge discusses important environmental issues with Mercy High School's Ecology Club. The Club also describes steps the Mercy community is taking to be more environmentally conscious.
Ep 6: Soccer, SCC Champs, Achievements of the season
Mercy High School's Soccer Team had an amazing year! In this episode, Ms. Alissa DeJonge has a discussion with Coach Marcus Harley and co-captain Kaila Lujambio '21 about the many achievements of the team this season.
Ep 5: Tiger Talk Music Creators
Do you enjoy our podcast’s delightful intro and outro music? This music was composed and performed by Mercy students! In this podcast, Ms. Alissa DeJonge has a conversation with students Abby Weaver ’21, Lily Herron’21, and Mrs. Sara Brugger, Music Director and Tri-M advisor, about the process of creating our podcast music. Also, learn about the Tri-M Society at Mercy High School.
Ep 4: Tiger Talk - Catching Up with Sister Mary
New President, Alissa DeJonge, catches up with Sister Mary McCarthy, Mercy High School's former president, to hear how she's enjoying retirement and learn some of her favorite Mercy High memories.
Ep 3: The 2020-2021 Mercy High School Student Activities Council
Even with COVID changing how Mercy High School runs, President Alissa DeJonge learns that the 2020-2021 Student Council leadership has fun and energizing activities planned!
Ep 2: Tiger Talk - Meeting the New Educators
In the second episode of Mercy High School's Tiger Talk, President Alissa DeJonge speaks with the newest Mercy High educators, and learns what they are looking forward to this year.
Ep 1: Welcome to the Mercy High School Tiger Talk Podcast
Welcome to Tiger Talk - the podcast of Mercy High School in Middletown, Connecticut. Tiger Talk is about everything Mercy High School - the students and what they are doing, interesting projects and ideas from faculty and staff, the Mercy High School alumnae and what they've been up to since graduation, the Sisters of Mercy, and leaders in the greater Mercy community.