Rosarian Academy Celebrates 100 Years with Emotional Centennial Alumni Reunion
On February 7, 2026, Rosarian Academy opened its doors, and its heart, to the generations who have loved it most. Alumni spanning nearly five decades, from the Class of 1969 through the Class of 2017, returned to celebrate 100 years of “the school we love so well.”
The evening was graciously hosted by Annie Johnson ’05 and Megan Bulfin Monteiro ’00, whose warmth and pride set the tone for a truly meaningful celebration.
As they arrived, alumni were greeted by current students in their blazers, a warm reminder of the school’s enduring traditions. The sight sparked memories of their own student days, and one alumna even wore her own blazer to the event, bridging past and present in a single proud gesture.
They came with stories. They came with spouses who had heard those stories for years. And they came ready to sing every word of the school song, proving that while much has changed in a century, Rosarian pride most certainly has not.
Among those in attendance were Danielle Hickox Moore ’81, Maggie Flagg Richman ’99, Gabrielle Coniglio Fricker ’05, and Colleen Orrico ’87, alongside Rosemary Cooney ’72 and her daughter Shannon Boyles Middlebrooks ’06; Gretchen Shadoin Quattlebaum ’07 with brothers Greg ’04 and Grant Quattlebaum ’13 and cousin Jake Lewis ’13; Hill Scaff ’06; Cory Surovek ’96; and Jesse Azqueta ’00 and Maryena Azqueta Besner ’06, who joined their mother, Winnie Groth Azqueta ’77. Graduates from every decade were represented, each reflecting a different chapter of Rosarian’s remarkable history.
The evening began with personalized tours of Rosarian’s beautifully renovated campus, led by current staff, alumni, and students. Guests explored many of the newly updated spaces, including the athletic complex and the Picotte Center for Athletics and Fine Arts.
While the impressive renovations sparked excitement, it was the Margaret Tighe Machlin Theater and Rosary Chapel that drew the most heartfelt reactions. Alumni lingered there a little longer, smiling as the familiar scent of both spaces instantly transported them back in time, proof that some memories never truly fade. One alumnus even laughed and admitted he came back just for the smell.
The evening continued with a welcome from Head of School Virginia Devine, who reflected on her more than 40 years of service to the Academy in various roles, a legacy that mirrors the very history being celebrated. She also introduced Rosarian’s future Head of School, Sharon Lencheski, who warmly greeted alumni before inviting seventh grader and choir member Avianna Petrucco to lead the crowd in the beloved school song. Alumni sang proudly and enthusiastically while their significant others looked on in awe at how every lyric had been permanently etched into memory.
The celebration continued with light bites and drinks, lively conversation, and a walk down memory lane. Yearbooks dating back to the 1940s were displayed alongside cherished memorabilia and current school awards. A special “Through the Decades” exhibit from the Palm Beach Historical Society and a photo slideshow tracing Rosarian’s journey from its opening in the 1920s to today offered a powerful reminder of the Academy’s enduring legacy.
Guests also enjoyed exciting raffle items generously donated by fellow alumni, including pieces from Coniglio Palm Beach; concert tickets to country music artist Luke Combs, donated by his wife, Rosarian alumna Nicole Hocking Combs ’06; and an Augusta National pin flag signed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, donated by Stephanie Nevels Holcombe ’96. Alumni also had the opportunity to take home limited-edition Academy Centennial merchandise as a meaningful keepsake.
The Centennial Alumni Event, open and free to all Rosarian alumni age 21 and over, was more than a reunion. It was laughter echoing down familiar hallways. It was memories revisited and new ones made, spanning decades, from the girls-only days to the boarding school years, from afternoons spent at the beloved swimming pool to the time when gym class was held in the Chapel instead of today’s beautiful Garvy Gymnasium.
Most of all, it was a celebration of faith, friendship, academic excellence, and a community that continues to shape generations. After 100 years, the spirit of Rosarian Academy is as vibrant and enduring as ever.
Alumni who would like to get involved or stay connected are encouraged to contact alumni@rosarian.org to remain informed about future events and opportunities to support the next century of Rosarian excellence.
To relive the celebration and view event photos by Erica Dunhill Photography, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eTt16YCBJwt8ekwj7
