SYDNEY ORSECK
Thirty-two years ago, Mrs. Sydney Orseck was a recent Skidmore graduate and Lower School assistant teacher at the Brunswick School. Upon moving to New York City and enrolling at Bank Street, she interviewed for a position with Don Maiocco, the former Headmaster.“ To this day, I can still remember doing a demo lesson in the Kindergarten class( which is currently our Pre-K classroom), it went really well and the stars were aligned for what was to follow.”
Mrs. Orseck vividly recalls the environment that drew her in:“ The teachers on the first floor were friendly, fun, and welcoming,” she shared. In the years to follow, she became a Head Kindergarten and First Grade Homeroom teacher, before settling into her Reading Teacher position.“ This allowed me to focus more on the support of the individual boy, it became my niche at Saint David’ s— one which has been so fulfilling.” In fact, it’ s the“ inner-light bulb moments” that drive Mrs. Orseck to continue her calling.“ Getting to know a boy as a learner and seeing the individual growth and development throughout the years, from lower( division) through eighth grade, is invaluable— and it’ s that continuity of their education that is fulfilling, both personally and professionally.” When asked what has remained the same over four decades at East 89th, she was quick to affirm the mission:“ High expectations, and cultivating our rigorous curriculum,” she proudly affirmed.“ The Saint David’ s experience is specific to a boy’ s needs. From my earliest years with Cathy O’ Neill to the present day with Kara Cohen, I’ ve learned so much from my friends and peers, and we drive each other to continue serving the mission of the school.”
JENNA BOCCELLA
It was the summer of 1990, Jenna Boccella had just completed her graduate degree in painting and she was increasingly certain that she didn’ t want to become“ an artist in a studio” but rather, it was her recent experience student teaching at Whitemarsh Art Center in suburban Philadelphia that propelled her career forward.“ I sent letters of inquiry to several private schools- and thankfully, Saint David’ s was one that responded.”
Upon her interview at East 89th Street, Mrs. Boccella felt at home.“ I had attended Catholic school( Saint Genevieve Parish) in Montgomery County, PA and went to the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, so I had the perfect blend of experience for what was to come,” she shared.“ From the very start, I found Saint David’ s community to be kind and warm, it quickly felt like home.” Four decades later, it is that same sentiment that shines through.“ You won’ t find a better workplace community with amazing, like-minded, wonderful people.
“ From my teaching partner Mark Sunderwirth to the present day with Bernard Adnet, Rachel Da Silva, Melanie Fidler, and the entire team, it’ s a very special experience to be here and a joy to have worked here my entire adult life.” Jenna also points to the emphasis that the administration has placed on curriculum.“ Dr. O’ Halloran and Ali Aoyama have elevated the curriculum and over the past 20 years, I’ m very proud of what we’ ve been able to accomplish within the Art department.”
Amongst her proudest professional moments, Jenna points to the continuity of the Italy trip that remains an integral Saint David’ s experience.“ During my senior year of college, I studied abroad in Rome. It was a transformative trip for me.” Thirty-five years later, she has made the same voyage with our Saint David’ s senior class on at least 25 occasions.“ I never get tired of introducing our boys to the culture and renaissance wonders,” she shares.“ Seeing our boys grow is a magical experience and it’ s incredibly fulfilling to hear alums return and share stories of how our curriculum impacted their education and development. I couldn’ t ask for more.”
Spring 2026 • 35