Kriste Vedegys-Duhigg is a 1988 alumna of Villa Angela Academy. After Villa Angela Academy, Kriste went on to Cleveland State University where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
For the past 15 years, Kriste has worked at VASJ as the college counselor, helping students explore opportunities after graduation. Prior to her appointment at VASJ, Kriste worked in higher education at Robert Morris
College, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.
Kriste has been married to Cleveland firefighter Mark for almost 22 years and has three children: Erik (21), Luke (19) and Anika (17). All of their children were raised in the Collinwood community, where she and Mark still reside today.
Where did you grow up while attending Villa Angela Academy?
I grew up in Timberlake, Ohio, but being Lithuanian, I spent a lot of time in the neighborhood at the Lithuanian Club on East 185th Street and at what is now St. Casimir Parish (formerly Our Lady of Perpetual Help). I attended Lithuanian Saturday School, Lithuanian Girl Scouts and danced with Grandinele, the Lithuanian folk dance group. In high school, I worked at Winkelmann's in Euclid Square Mall.
Where did you go to school before Villa Angela Academy?
I graduated from St. Justin Martyr in Eastlake and chose to attend Villa Angela Academy because my sister was there and my mother was a 1962 graduate, along with knowing the area well.
Which teacher or class at Villa Angela Academy do you remember most and why?
There were many teachers who impacted me at VA. I have to say Sister Esther was the one who pushed me the most. She was my sophomore student council adviser and homeroom teacher. Although it is hard to believe, I was very introverted in high school and lacked confidence. Sr. Esther encouraged me to push myself to go beyond my comfort zone. I remember her telling me, “You just have to do it. How are you going to know if you don't [try]? What do you have to lose?” It has helped me push students to go beyond their own comfort zones and reach further than they thought they could.
Did you have a favorite spot to hang out and what did you like about it?
My favorite spot to hang out was Wildwood Park — the entrance used to be off Neff Road at the time. I love Lake Erie; we would go sit on the break walls and eat Papa Joe’s. Wildwood is still one of my favorite places, but it is very different nowadays. I walk in the park almost every day. My children played there and we docked our boat there as well. I love walking in the woods where the VA Castle used to be. There are still little things around, like brick walls and driveways. My favorite is the line of pine trees that are still there. I think about all the people who walked through them over the years. I have a picture of my mother in her cap and gown standing in the row of trees. I cherish it, as she is gone now, but I know she stood there at one time.
What, if anything, about your experience at Villa Angela Academy would you do over?
I loved Villa Angela — the building and the grounds. I was very active with student council while in high school, which helped me throughout my life. If there was anything I would do over, it would be to work harder academically. I was pretty lazy with my academics. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing!
To participate or nominate someone for a VASJ Alumni: Get to Know column, contact Cheryl Stashinko at [email protected].