Oh, What a Night!  Around the World Gala, May 18, 2022

After two years, the Cathedral Community gathered with great excitement at the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations to honor two celebrated Cathedral alumnae. Maria Cecilia Salazar ’87, member of the Principal’s Council and Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Dr. Denise De Las Nueces, Chief Medical Officer at Boston Health Care for the Homeless, were presented with the 2022 Distinguished Alumnae Awards.
Thanks to cooperative weather, participants enjoyed cocktails on the outdoor terrace overlooking the East River with splendid views of Long Island City while listening to the piano compositions of Cathedral junior Anita Andrade. During dinner, the program was livestreamed to at-home guests, who were welcomed by the mistress of ceremonies and NBC 4 New York’s Consumer Reporter Lynda Baquero ’83. Senior Catalina Almeida offered a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem and beloved religion teacher Jim Philipps led the participants in prayer.
Principal Maria Spagnuolo thanked the board and committee and presented the awards to the two honorees who spoke eloquently of their experiences at Cathedral and the value of Catholic education. Said Maria Cecilia Salazar, “When asked why I give to CHS, whether it is my time or as part of the annual giving to fund the education of future generations, the answer is usually quite simple. CHS not only holds a special place in my heart, but through the years and with maturity, I have come to recognize that CHS is the place where the strong foundation started by family is further strengthened and solidified so that we can become the people we are meant to be.” Added Dr. De Las Nueces,  “My time at Cathedral set the stage for the person I have become. I give back because I was taught to do so. I was able to succeed scholastically because of teachers who believed in me and challenged me to be my best. I was so delighted to spend time with the next generation of Cathedralites today in the Medical Gateways program. The students are so bright and I am confident they will achieve whatever they set their minds to doing.”
Seniors Raquel Rubio and Lyla Velez offered their reflections on their Cathedral journeys and shared their excitement at winning scholarships to New York University and Emory University, respectively. Said Raquel, “As a first-generation American, and the first in my family to learn English and attend college, Cathedral has taught me to ‘Go forth and set the world on fire,’…I cannot wait to continue exploring science and health at New York University majoring in Global Public Health.” Added Lyla Velez, “The Future Business Leaders of America and Junior Achievement Programs both ignited my interest in business and law and I am eager to study Philosophy, Politics, and Law at Emory University.”
Entertainment was provided by Marie-Claire Giraud ’87 who made her operatic debut with a selection of arias and songs and DJ Flyy Grl, Latidra Lewis ’91 who had everyone on their feet dancing. 
Funds raised during the evening will be directed to scholarship support.