To Lisa Turano ’85, the Nazareth Academy of 2024 isn’t all that much different from her Nazareth of the 1980s. We caught up with Lisa as she talked about her campus memories, the people who shaped her time at Nazareth and the experiences that defined her legacy.
“I recall the Spirit of Nazareth in all things during my days as a student. There were two annual events in particular that will forever embody Naz Spirit during my days as a student: Homecoming and the WALK.
Homecoming was a huge day of Spirit. Since Nazareth had only recently transitioned to co-educational instruction, Homecoming was also a new event hosted on campus. Our football team was also in its early days of development and success. Both of these factors made Nazareth an exhilarating place to be during the mid-1980s!
Homecoming was particularly special because, as a member of the Pom Pon squad, I was able to be near or on the field and watch the games up close. Homecoming provided an opportunity to showcase so many talents from athletics in sports and cheer, music in band, dance in Pom Pon, the flair of the color guard and the excitement of all to cheer on not only our team, but also the progress of our school! We were on the move forward, and it was obvious! The culmination of Homecoming was our dance hosted on campus, where not only would we find students “cutting a rug,” but we could also appreciate the dance moves of Sr. Jackie and especially Sr. Pat – it was a spectacle not to be missed, but respected and admired!
The WALK was also something that seemed like a formidable challenge at the time. Though it was only 2-3 miles at the time, I would swear it was 10-12! It was a time when class separation was determined by uniform skirt color and pattern – but that was eliminated when we all came together as a casually clad group of adolescents walking in unison for the singular purpose of improving Nazareth. Between being out of uniform, being outside and being supported by faculty and staff (like Mr. Mike!) who walked alongside us or cheered us on, we were made to feel like we were making a difference. It felt good! The best part was coming back to the football stadium for the post-party and finding Sr. Jackie – on horseback, no less! – as her alter ego, ‘Nancy Nazarene.’
The enthusiasm of the Sisters is what provided such a palpable, tangible source of Spirit and inspiration on campus. You could feel it as soon as you walked into the K building. I always felt an invisible embrace when I came into Nazareth (and I still do!) and a peaceful sense of being home where I was safe and secure. I always felt like their enthusiasm and spirit could lift me physically and carry me through my days of sitting through classes, walking between buildings and participating in extracurriculars. The presence and talents of Sisters Marianne Race, Jackie Schmitz and Pat Bergen, not to mention Sisters Freddie Molitor, Ellen Springer and Ethel Vaca, exemplified their commitment and devotion to Nazareth.
My experiences at Nazareth Academy WALKs and Homecomings provided me with a sense of freedom to be myself but at the same time to be part of something bigger, greater and meaningful to others. I learned that one person can make a difference, but a group of people might make a bigger difference. I also learned to identify as part of the Nazareth Academy community and it is a pride that I still carry on today.”