Jennifer Feick (’91) is the paragon of what it means to be a Victor. She possesses a strong moral character, esteemed academic success, and motivation to excel in her work place. These traits came from her experiences at Villa Maria Academy and her family, who also attended Villa Maria Academy and Cathedral Preparatory School..
Feick became a victor in 1987 and chose to never look back.
“I never questioned it and looked forward to it,” Feick said when asked what drew her into the Sisterhood to begin with. Her father, two sisters, niece, and nephew had all attended Cathedral Preparatory School and Villa Maria Academy. The Sisterhood was inevitable.
One of her favorite teachers at Villa was Sister Mary Allen Plum. It was during a psychology course that Feick’s perspective on meditative prayer was changed forever.
“She [Sister Mary Allen Plum] was the first person to introduce me to meditation, and I vividly remember the day she had our whole class meditate,” she said. “The concept of envisioning your mind as a chalk board and using an eraser to erase the thoughts helped Feick develop a mechanism to better promote peace internally and externally. She was well ahead of her time.”
Feick was an active member within the school community, partaking in classes such as Yearbook and clubs such as Ski Club. Some of her favorite memories made at Villa consisted of the memories that she made with her friends, especially regarding events such as Sports Day. Feick reflected on the Sports Day of her junior year, where her class was able to beat the seniors and take their flag. These traditions were perceived as an essential part of Villa culture that Feick hopes does not diminish once Prep and Villa merge.
Feick was vocal about her concerns regarding the merger towards a coeducational institution.
“I understand it [the merge] from a fiscal perspective. However, I have a lot of concerns towards the maintenance of traditions.”
While the school’s name, color, and traditions may no longer persist, Feick thinks that the, “Sisterhood is still present and always will be,” even through the changes and evolution of both institutions.
Feick noted that Villa formed the backbone of her career as an attorney and risk officer.
“It gave me a strong moral and educational foundation,” she said.
She also reflected on the benefits towards her education that attending an all-girls school provided. Even though all of her male friends attended Prep, she was eager on their lack of presence in school. This allowed Feick to study fields of STEM without the interference of bias or distraction.
When the schools finally collaborate in the 2022-2023 school year, Feick would like to remind the young girls to avoid temptations to change themselves.
“Remember during school you are there for a reason and should be focusing on your education,” she said. “Do not try to be someone different. Stay true to yourself and your values.”
