Oliviana Grama (Catrone) 36th National A.R.O.Y. President

Oliviana Grama was born to Reverend Father Remus and Preoteasa Elena Grama on February 2, 1980, in Sibiu, Romania.  She came to the United States with her family in 1982.  Living in Youngstown, Ohio, for seven years, she attended St. Edward Elementary School and regularly participated in the life of Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church where she was active in the Sunday School.  In 1989, the Grama family moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  In Cleveland, her academic studies included St. Mark Elementary School and Magnificat High School.  She was active in the Sunday School at St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, as well as a member of the "Şezetoarea" Romanian Dance Group.

Oliviana began to grow in the church by attending Camp Vatra from 1990-1996.  She enjoyed meeting new friends who had similar backgrounds and heritage as her and learning about the Orthodox Christian Faith and the history of the Church.  The paternal love of His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL and His Grace, Bishop IRINEU and many wonderful priests who taught at the camp have touched her in a most meaningful way.  Many of her life-long friendships were established there and still continue to grow.  Camp Vatra was also her introduction to A.R.O.Y.  Many of the staff members were A.R.O.Y. members by whom the campers were inspired and, in particular, encouraged her to become active in the Church.  Her active role in her local chapter began at a relatively young age, becoming chapter historian at age 13.  She began to learn the importance of being active in the Church and wanted to pass this along to other young people in her parish.  Oliviana was elected Vice President of her local chapter in 1995, and then became President for two years in 1996-1997.  During her presidency, she focused on increasing membership and fundraising.  Her success as President encouraged and motivated her to pursue a degree in Business at John Carroll University.  Her natural leadership abilities blossomed quickly because of A.R.O.Y. and the experience she gained working in her chapter.

Oliviana graduated from John Carroll University with a B.S.B.A. in Marketing.  Oliviana Grama married Jeremy Catrone on January 1, 2005, and they now reside with their son near Nashville, Tennessee.  Her role as Past President of National A.R.O.Y. is one that she holds close to her heart.  No one is certain of the future, but Oliviana knows that she will always be a supporter of our American Romanian Orthodox Youth.

Favorite quote....  "Dreams are necessary to life."