Annette Tomaino’s Legacy Empowers Students Today

For decades, Annette Tomaino was more than a teacher and administrator at Newark Academy. She was “the heart of the school,” according to Director of Upper School Student Life Pegeen Galvin. Prior to her passing in 2018, Annette left a lasting impact on generations of students — especially the young women in NA’s first co-ed graduating class — and many of her former students still bring up special memories they shared with her. She unquestionably shaped the school’s culture of dedication, leadership and community.

That same spirit was embodied by Ivy Bethea ’19, the first recipient of the Annette Tomaino Scholarship, who balanced excellence in academics, athletics and a wide range of extracurricular pursuits at NA. Now earning her master’s degree in genetic counseling at Columbia University, Ivy carries forward NA’s values of connection and service, as she embarks on a career at the intersection of science and human care.

A Tradition of Support and Excellence

Looking back at her time at NA, Ivy recalls a defining moment, when she scored her 1,000th point in basketball. “It wasn’t just about the milestone,” she says. “It was about the support system that had been there for me every step of the way.” That same spirit of encouragement and connection extended beyond the court, as she poured her energy into clubs, academics and service projects. Much like Annette, Ivy embodied the tradition of mentorship and community-building as a Peer Leader and a member of the Honor Council, ensuring every endeavor reflected her commitments to excellence and care for others. This dedication to lifting others up reflects a continuation of a legacy long upheld at NA thanks to community members like Annette. “For Annette, Newark Academy was a family, she had kept in touch with many of her students over the years and some eventually became colleagues,” says her husband Bruno, who previously served as NA’s Athletic Director. “She would tell her students that ‘the future was yours, what are you going to make of it?’” Their two sons, Chris ’79 and Greg ’80 are both proud NA alums.

Carrying NA’s Lessons Forward

Ivy is now completing research on the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing genetic conditions. As she prepares to begin her career, she sees the parallels between her work and the lessons she learned at NA. “I remember moments when teachers and mentors encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and look at challenges in new ways. Those experiences helped me realize the potential I didn’t even know I had — not just in academics or extracurriculars, but in how I approached life.” Her passion for connection and service has remained central. She fondly recalls volunteering with Apostles’ House and organizing the annual Holiday Party for families in need. “Those experiences weren’t just about giving back, but they were also about understanding people’s unique stories,” she says. Today, Ivy applies the same philosophy while working with patients in Washington Heights, ensuring they feel heard and understood.

The Heart Lives On

Ivy’s impact at NA embodies many of the qualities that defined Annette’s legacy. She hopes to give back by mentoring students and staying engaged with the NA community, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence — an exciting connection between her current work and NA’s innovative initiatives. Looking ahead, Ivy is eager to pass her board exams and begin practicing as a prenatal genetic counselor. “Helping people navigate complex, deeply personal decisions is what drives me,” she says. And while she’s focused on her career, she’s also embracing life beyond academics. She recently set a goal to explore 50 new restaurants in New York City. “Growth and exploration aren’t just about work — they are about enjoying the journey, too.” Just as Annette shaped generations of students, Ivy carries that legacy forward, ensuring that the heart of NA beats strong for years to come.

Remembering Annette Tomaino

Annette Tomaino worked at Newark Academy from 1970–1988 in various roles including as French teacher, Director of Admission and Director of Guidance. “Mrs. Tomaino was incredibly helpful — not just as my student advisor, but in choosing classes, helping with college applications and even setting up programs like the Tutoring Club,” says Evan Zucker ’83, a lead donor to the Annette Tomaino Scholarship Fund.