In this special episode of the Mount Pack Podcast, student hosts Sarah Habi (‘25) and Maria Pasqua (‘26) sit down with beloved Mount Saint Mary Academy alumnae-turned-faculty members, Ms. Toryak and Ms. Lovallo. Through warm, heartfelt conversations, they explore how the Mount has evolved over the decades—from strict single-file hallway rules and all-Sister faculty to today’s vibrant community rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and innovation.
Listeners get a glimpse into past traditions, current student life, the evolution of female empowerment at Mount, and how returning to teach has deepened their appreciation for the Academy. Whether you’re an alumna, student, parent, or prospective family, this episode captures the heart of the Mount experience across generations.
✨ Top 3 Takeaways:
1) Traditions evolve, but the Mount spirit remains timeless. From white gowns on St. Patrick’s Day to today’s ring mass and theater, heritage and innovation go hand in hand.
2) Female empowerment is now intentionally cultivated. Where confidence once developed quietly, it’s now part of the curriculum—through clubs, courses, and leadership opportunities.
3) Mount faculty care deeply—and personally.Teachers see each student as an individual, fostering emotional, spiritual, and academic growth with heartfelt attention.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro by Student Hosts
01:20 – Alumni Memories: Life at the Mount in the ‘60s & ‘90s
07:10 – Then vs. Now: Rules, Teachers, & Empowerment
12:45 – Favorite Classes & Activities from Student Years
19:05 – Theater, Music, and Evolving Traditions
24:30 – Becoming Faculty: Full Circle Journeys
29:50 – Philosophy, AI & New-Age Courses
35:00 – Hope Club, Mock Trial, and Student Leadership
41:30 – Mount’s Role in Discovering Passions & Talents
47:00 – The Power of Student-Led Admissions
52:30 – Final Reflections: Why Mount Fosters Thriving Women
Mount Saint Mary Academy: Voices of Excellence
Welcome to Mount Saint Mary Academy: Voices of Excellence, the official podcast of Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, New Jersey.
Join us as we highlight the achievements, traditions, and stories of the Mount community. Each episode features inspiring conversations with students, faculty, alumnae, and leaders who embody our mission of academic excellence, service, leadership, and faith.
Whether you're a student, parent, alumna, or prospective family, you'll gain a deeper connection to the vibrant spirit and legacy of Mount Saint Mary Academy.
Faith. Leadership. Sisterhood. Excellence. This is Mount Saint Mary Academy — where young women are empowered to lead with confidence and compassion.
🎧 Subscribe now and be part of the Mount journey.
👉 Visit the Mount — where confidence is cultivated, voices are valued, and every young woman is empowered to thrive.
Learn more at www.mountsaintmary.org