Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten Celebrates 50 Years Families representing many faiths enroll their children in Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten. For 50 years, Valley families have been sending their children to the faith-based school. “We teach Catholic faith traditions — and the parents know that,” said Sister Charlotte Italiano, director and principal. “Values and respect for life are part of it.” Mary Ann Critell, assistant principal and kindergarten teacher, added the school “welcomes all faiths and students are of various faiths and races.” “Families like the Christian environment for their children,” Sister Charlotte said. “Generations have come here and remember it as a positive experience.”
Sister Elizabeth Anne Freidhoff Sister Elizabeth Anne Freidhoff is the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Calpin Freidhoff. She entered the Ursuline Sisters from St. Patrick Parish after graduating from Ursuline HighSchool. She earned a B.S. in Education from Youngstown State University, an M.A. in Education from the University of Dayton and pursued further graduate studies at Ursuline College, Cleveland. She has taught at various levels and schools: St. Nicholas, Struthers, St. Rose, Girard, in Youngstown at Sacred Heart, St. Columba, St. Charles where she also served in pastoral ministry, Holy Family in Poland, The Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten and Cardinal Mooney High School. Currently, she serves as Secretary for the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.
Ursuline Associate Mary Ann Critell Receives Golden Apple Award Sr Nancy Dawson, General Superior, presents a gift to Ursuline Associate Mary Ann Critell on the occasion of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mary Ann Critell, Kindergarten teacher at the Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, was recognized for 17 years of dedicated service as a teacher. Her generosity and her ability to relate to children is outstanding. Mary Ann is also a vital part of her parish, St. Luke in Boardman, and she is involved in various local charities. Several Sisters and Associates celebrated with her at the “Golden Apple” banquet held at the Youngstown Country Club on May 7, 2009. The Golden Apple Award is the “Academy Awards” for Catholic School teachers. Mary Ann was one of seven recipients for 2009. Shortly after high school, Mary Ann entered congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, but after six years, discerned that her vocation was not to be a nun but to be a mother. She and her husband have raised three wonderful children. Mary Ann now extends the spirit of the Ursuline Community as an Ursuline Associate. Ursuline Associates are women and men of prayer and service who resonate with the vision of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursulines. Mary Ann models daily this vision, prayer and service with everyone in her life.