Beginning its 42nd year, Seton School in Manassas welcomes one new full-time teacher and several new part-time teachers to the staff.
Joining the Latin department is Elisabeth Willson, a 2016 honors graduate from Christendom College, with a bachelor’s in classical and early Christian studies. Willson will teach Latin I, II, III and IV. At Christendom she was the head resident assistant in her senior year, and the president of the Presidential Advisory Council. At commencement, she received the student achievement award, given to the graduating senior who best served the campus community and set an example of Catholic virtue.
Teresa Kelly will direct the Mass choir and chamber choir. A 2011 honors graduate in liberal arts studies from Ave Maria University, Kelly brings experience in many facets of music education and liturgical music. She will guide student singers to bring beauty and reverence to Seton’s twice-weekly Masses.
Mother of three Seton alumni and three current students, Martha Aveni will lead the art appreciation classes. Aveni has a bachelor’s from Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University art foundation program. She will continue coaching the girls cross country team.
Returning to Seton after a 14-year absence, Mary Francis DiVietri will teach freshman English. DiVietri has a bachelor’s from Dominican College and did graduate work in English literature at Dominican and the University of San Francisco. She also did graduate work in French literature in France. She will be half of Seton’s first mother-son team; her son John-Robert teaches history and government.
Carmen Briceno, experienced in youth ministry in the Arlington Diocese, will be at Seton one day a week to assist the religion department by giving talks, teaching lessons and mentoring young women.
In the curriculum, Seton is expanding its dual enrollment offerings. Last year, dual enrollment credit in biology and statistics was added and this year, Spanish and engineering will be available to students for college credit. Ann Martella will teach Spanish, and Mark Hoffman will direct the engineering class.
Another new elective, public speaking, will be taught by Richard Pennefather.
