This is an audio introduction to the December 2025 Monthly Newsletter from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace.

https://www.aolp.org/

This is an audio introduction to the Monthly Newsletter from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace.

https://www.aolp.org/

In this special episode of Pilot Voices, OLP Architects of Change, Jillian Nowicki '24 and Ainsley Savant '23, interview Nancie Geller and Phylicia Cicalo-Aiken, former past chairs of the Rady Children's Hospital's Charity Ball. Heartfelt reflections on philanthropy, volunteerism, "giving back" and the importance of our role to "love the dear neighbor without distinction" are highlighted. OLP takes particular pride that the Chair of our OLP Board of Trustees, Danitza Villanueva '98, is the Chair of the Charity Ball for 2023. We encourage you to support the important work of Rady's Children's Hospital.

The Ma'ake family has enjoyed a legacy experience at OLP that has spanned over twenty-five years. In this episode, OLP Science chair, Stefini Ma'ake, class of '98, reflects on her experience of attending OLP and shares the microphone with her daughter and niece who offer their insights into their lived experience at OLP. As the family reflects upon the OLP community, the fun that is ever present on campus, their experience with softball and their joy with the sisterhood, it is clear that the concept of " legacy" extends beyond family ties when considering the OLP experience.

This episode of Pilot Voices features: Maisie Connolly '23, Stefini Ma'ake '98, OLP faculty and Science Department Chair, Alayna Ma'ake ' 25 and Stefini Ma'ake ' 24. Inez Odom, Strategic Initiatives and Research Director.

From understanding Catholic Social teachings to the Le Puy method, this episode of Pilot Voices is a unique lens into the Theology department at OLP as seen through the eyes of the department chair, Jeff Kirschbaum and the Director of Mission Integration, Ryan Martin-Spencer. Their warmth and genuine care for the mission of OLP and the community is palpable in this episode. "We are rooted in the understanding that we have a unique opportunity. We teach all girls…they are future leaders in all areas of life. They are so gifted, so smart, so talented. It is a privilege, it is an honor, it is a responsibility and we take that responsibility very seriously; to make sure our girls are continuing to educate and advocate for the role of women in the world."

This episode of Pilot Voices features: Ryan Martin-Spencer, Director of Mission Integration, Jeff Kirschbaum, Faculty and Chair of Theology, Inez Odom, Strategic Initiatives and Research Director.

In this episode of Pilot Voices, we hear from program moderator, Mr. Jim Cooney, a veteran teacher who has taught at OLP for the last 7 years. His sincere and understated style lends itself to creating a learning and robotics team atmosphere that is both serious and relaxed while alive with academic rigor. Mr. Cooney's thoughts are augmented by the student leaders as they reflect on STEM, the challenges and intricacies of robotic competitions and all girls' learning, such as breaking the stereotype of the "all boys club." We learn new terms and practices such as " gracious professionalism" that teaches skill sets all listeners have the opportunity to learn from.

This episode of Pilot Voices features: Ainsley Savant '23, Alexandra Martinez '23, Alexandra Wolan '24, Ana Sophia Coronel '23, James Cooney, OLP faculty, Inez Odom, Strategic Initiatives and Research Director

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience life on Mars? What would be required if we truly wanted to inhabit the Red Planet? Students were invited from around San Diego county to attend the third annual "Hackathon: Life on Mars" at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Get a glimpse into the event and find out about this unique learning opportunity.

This episode of Pilot Voices features: Ainsley Savant '23, Kelly Rickwa '23, Kristin Haygood '99, Annual Gifts Manager, Debra Simmons, Retired Engineer - James Webb Space Telescope and Hackathon Keynote speaker and Inez Odom, Strategic Initiatives and Research Director

In this episode, we examine leadership and all of its dimensions with Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School, and Dr. Brandy Sato, Assistant Head of School. Dr. Lek is a veteran educator and has guided OLP in the last decade. Dr. Sato is a well respected academic professional who previously acted as a servant leader at her alma mater, Sacred Hearts Academy, an all girls Catholic school in Hawaii. From reflections on their recent journey to Le Puy France to the importance of partnership in leadership, Dr. Lek and Dr. Sato explore the dynamic nature of school leadership, framed in a faith based context, in this modern age.