Annual ALUMNI DINNER

On Nov. 10, the Holy Names Alumni Association hosted its annual Alumni Dinner at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. Alumni of all ages enjoyed a beautiful evening that featured special recognition; the Class of 1973 celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Class of 1998 celebrating its 25th anniversary. Academy’s vocal ensemble, the Quarter Notes, sang the Academy of the Holy Names and Sacred Heart Academy alma maters, which echoed through the ballroom.

Through the generosity of our alumni, Academy raised $15,945 to benefit the Sister Irene Marie Brunelle Memorial Scholarship, a 57% increase over the previous year’s proceeds. A generous challenge match of $10,000 from an anonymous donor increased the total to $25,945. Senior Isabella Hifko, the 2022-2023 Sister Irene Marie Brunelle Memorial Scholarship recipient, thanked our alumni donors in a heartfelt speech. On behalf of the 38% of Academy students who receive financial aid, Hifko said, “We would not have been able to acquire such an excellent education and spirituality that the Academy has given us. Hopefully, I’ll be able to give back in the future to help Academy students in need of financial assistance.”

Alex Valdes ’09 was honored to introduce her father, Michael Valdes ’77, as Alumnus of the Year. She said, “He is a father, a son, a loving husband, a coach, and a believer and supporter in the Academy’s values and missions. Without his Academy education, Michael would not be the person he is today, valuing faith, hard work, family and giving back to the community.” Michael Valdes graduated from Boys Academy in 1977. He has spent 37 years building a career as a privte wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch. He has received many accolades, including ranking No. 1 in Florida on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list and No. 16 on the Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors list.

Michael served as the “Voice of the Jaguars,” announcing softball games for years before transitioning to coaching the softball team, and he coached the 2021 team to Academy’s first softball state championship win. From attending Boys Academy to being an AHN parent four times and recently coaching the softball team, the Academy has remained a constant in Michael’s life. He says, “The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary taught me the meaning of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. Helping others and always giving all the glory to God has served as a beacon for which I try to live my life. I am forever grateful for the superior education I received and for the dedication of those who had a significant impact on my life.”

3 the special evening with wife Candace, mother Elisa, and daughters Alex ’09, Victoria ’14, Olivia ’17 and Amanda ’11.

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Without his Academy education, Michael would not be the person he is today, valuing faith, hard work, family and giving back to the community.