Heart to Heart Magazine Summer 2024 by sacredheartacademylongisland

heart to heart

A Message From Kristin Lynch Graham

Happy Anniversary Sacred Heart Academy! The 2024-25 school year will be filled with celebrations for this incredible 75-year legacy of excellent Catholic education for young women. The vision of the Sisters of Saint Joseph that began on Cathedral Avenue in 1949 continues at new levels of excellence and sustainability. The upcoming pages will support that.

SHA’s history sets the stage for our future. Read about SHA’s early days, and how we have grown from a humble farm house to a thriving campus. The Class of 2024 is off to great places with incredible accomplishments and recognitions. SHA has launched a new partnership with Northwell Health to address critically important mental health issues. There are programs, travel, and celebrations. Please plan to join us during this special anniversary year.

It has been my honor and privilege to serve Sacred Heart as president for the last eight years. As many of you know, I announced my decision to conclude my tenure as President in June 2025. I am excited to lead this historic year for SHA, and look forward to supporting the Board of Trustees in their search for the next leader. God will continue to guide the right people to SHA.

I deeply believe in the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and the life-changing impact it has on the young women of SHA. My family and I look forward to being a part of SHA’s successful future.

With love and gratitude

board of trustees Update

eborah Schiff P will serve as the new Chair of the Board. Ms. Schiff is the executive vice president for strategy and business development for Northwell Health’s ambulatory network. In this role, she is responsible for building the ambulatory network through physician alignment, IPA development and ambulatory site development. She has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2018. She is the proud graduate of Stella Maris, a CSJ high school and the proud mother of isa brosio

Ms. Schiff assumed the role from ary alligan who completed her six-year term as chair in June 2024.

S is honored to welco e new board e bers this year

aria Carney CP P

Dr. Carney is a physician health system leader and Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Northwell Health. She is the Medical Director of the Continuing Care, Age-Friendly Health System and a Health and Aging Policy Fellow. She is also the former commissioner of health for Nassau County, New York. She is the proud mother of Claire

Tho as alloran P

Thomas Halloran is President & CEO of Fidelis Care, a health plan subsidiary of Centene Corporation. In addition, Mr. Halloran is a Senior Vice President, Markets of Centene. He is the proud husband of egina and father of Caitlin and auren

ar eline idy P

ynch raha P President

Marmeline Petion-Midy is currently Vice President, Head of Stress Test P&L & Analytics for American Express where she is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the firm's Stress Test Framework. She is also a board member of Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation and serves as an Advisory Council Member for the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. She is the proud mother of Cayla and ira

ear Sacred eart cade y Co unity

ristin

celebrating eClassof 2024

The Class of 2024 created an inspiring legacy. This talented class of 201 young women is oﬀ to outstanding colleges and universities across the country. They earned prestigious academic and athletic recognition, with over $60M in scholarship. Most importantly, they were joy-ﬁlled community members who embraced the mission and led with heart. SHA will miss you, Class of 2024!

commencement 72nd the

“We began high school in the midst of a global pandemic. We grieved collectively when classmates we hardly knew lost loved ones to COVID, and we celebrated collectively when able to participate in sports and extracurriculars. Most of us did not even see each other's faces until the end of sophomore year. We endured, and the challenges we have overcome have equipped us with invaluable skills to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. e adversity we have overcome as a class has equipped us with the resilience and adaptability necessary to achieve our BIG dreams and to forge our own path.”

—Kaitlyn Cole, Valedictorian, Boston College

Valedictorian Kaitlyn Cole ’24

commencement at sacred heart academy

"Somewhere within these 4 years together, our maroon socks became navy tights; sweatshirts became blazers; masked faces became smiling faces, lunches with barriers became lunches with friends, taking the bus to school became mornings in the senior lot; sitting in our classrooms during Mass became sitting in the center section of the theater; the basement became the concourse; sports teams became champions; those anxiously trying out for Red and Gold became teams captains; the ﬁrst day of classes too quickly became the last day of classes; cotillion became prom; orientation became graduation; but, most importantly, classmates became friends and friends became family."

—Kaylee Fravert, Salutatorian University of Southern California

Twenty-five alumnae had daughters in this class and became supportive advocates throughout the four years. aledictorian aitlyn Cole encouraged her classmates to embrace the endless opportunities that are presented and have the courage to say ‘yes.’

She said I i plore each of you to drea big and then drea bigger and then pursue those drea s and turn the into a reality She cautioned Too o en we fear failure It is easier to say no to taking a risk than it is to be faced with the potential to fail By saying yes we invite the possibility of greatness and the ability to learn what we are capable

of processing and ust how far we can go By saying yes we allow our BI drea s to beco e a reality

Commencement speaker, ary alligan echoed these themes. Ms. Galligan met with two members of the class in preparation for her remarks. She said It is a great year to be graduating fro S The academic and athletic successes throughout the year set a great stage for this class to proudly begin their lifelong relationship as alumnae. You are ready and the world is waiting! Congratulations to the Class of 2024.

Salutatorian Kaitlin Fravert ’24

Mary Galligan ’80

College cceptances COMMENCEMENT 2024

delphi University*

lbany College of Phar acy and ealth Sciences*

erican University*

ri ona State University

ssu ption University

uburn University

Barnard College

Baylor University*

Bentley University

Boston College

Bucknell University

Catholic University of erica*

Cle son University*

Coastal Carolina University*

College of Charleston*

College of the oly Cross*

Cornell University

Creighton University

CUNY Baruch College

CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY City College

CUNY ohn ay College

CUNY acaulay onors College

CUNY ueens College

CUNY Sophie avis

ae en University

ickinson College

re el University*

uke University

u uesne University*

lon University* erson College*

airfield University*

ashion Institute of Technology

lorida tlantic University*

lorida State University

ordha University*

eorgetown University

eorge Washington University*

artwick College*

igh Point University* illsdale College

ofstra University*

oward University*

Indiana University Bloo ington

Iona University*

acksonville University a es adison University ing s College* afayette College* e oyne College* ong Island University—C W Post* ouisiana State University* oyola University Chicago* oyola University aryland* anhattan College* arist College* ar uette University* ass College of Phar acy and ealth Sciences* ia i University*

ichigan State University

ississippi State University* olloy University* on outh University* organ State University* orrissey College

New York Inst of Technology*

New York University

Niagara University*

Northeastern University

Notre a e University

Nova Southeastern University* klaho a State University

Pace University

Pennsylvania State University

Pepperdine University

Prairie iew University

Providence College* Purdue University

uinnipiac University*

Union College*

ensselaer Polytechnic Institute* hode Island College

ochester Institute of Technology* oger Willia s University* owan University* utgers University*

Sacred eart University*

Saint nsel College*

Saint oseph s University*

Salve Regina University *

San Diego State University

Santa Clara University

Seton Hall University*

Siena College*

Southern Methodist University

Springfield College

St. Bonaventure University*

St. John’s University*

Stonehill College*

Stony Brook University*

Suffolk University*

SUNY Albany*

SUNY Binghamton

SUNY Brockport

SUNY University at Buffalo*

SUNY Buffalo State*

SUNY Cobleskill*

SUNY Cortland*

SUNY Delhi

SUNY Farmingdale

SUNY Geneseo*

SUNY New Paltz*

COMMENCEMENT 2024

SUNY Oneonta*

SUNY Old Westbury

SUNY Oswego*

SUNY Plattsburgh*

SUNY Potsdam

SUNY Purchase

SUNY Stony Brook*

Syracuse University*

Temple University

Texas A&M University

Texas Southern University*

Texas Tech University

The Catholic University of America*

The Cooper Union*

The Ohio State University

The Scranton University*

The University of Scranton*

Tulane University

UC Los Angeles

UC San Diego

UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Cruz*

The Parent Connection

The SHA Parent Connection is made up of a dynamic group of parents that helped make this year at Sacred Heart Academy a warm and welcoming experience for students, teachers, administrators, and staff alike! Co-Presidents Patrice McCann P ’25 and Diane Gorman P ’25 led the charge for several fun events from Open House to SHAlloween to Father-Daughter Mardi Gras, to Sailing Away with Teacher Appreciation Day, and several events in between!

A sincere thank you to all of the parents who baked, volunteered, planned, crafted, donated, and assisted to make these events the very best ever! We appreciate you, parents!

University of Alabama

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut*

University of Dayton*

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Maryland

University of Mass.—Amherst*

University of Mass.—Boston*

University of Miami*

University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

University of Minnesota— Twin Cities*

University of Mississippi

University of New Haven*

University of NC—Chapel Hill

University of NC—Charlotte

University of NC—Wilmington

University of Oregon*

University of Pittsburgh

University of Rhode Island*

University of Richmond

University of Rochester*

University of Scranton*

University of South Carolina*

University of South Florida

University of Southern California

University of Tampa*

University of Tennessee— Knoxville*

University of Vermont*

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin—Madison

Villanova University

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University

Western New England University*

West Virginia University*

William & Mary University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute*

Xavier University*

*Scholarships and awards given.

75th Anniversary

75YEARS the lead of taking

In the all of , the Sisters of Saint Joseph faced a big opportunity. Enrollment was booming at the Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates. They needed more room to continue their work of educating and empowering young women. So, they officially opened The Mary Louis Academy Annex in a little white house on Cathedral Avenue in Hempstead.

A faculty of four sisters: Sister Alta Maria (the acting principal) Sister Laurina, Sister Regina Maria and Sister John Franchine (faculty and teaching staff) welcomed fifty-eight girls who arrived on September 8th. They began in a white house, formerly a physician’s residence on Cathedral Avenue. The carriage-house-garage became the gym, cafeteria, and assembly hall.

Soon after, enrollment almost doubled. Now, 150 students and 10 faculty were part of the community, and construction was taking place for a new school building. Activities began to flourish with Square Dances, a Father-Daughter Communion Breakfast, CYO Day, a Glee Club Concert, and the first edition of the School paper, Cordette.

In Septe ber the new high school building opened. A modern sixteen classroom building

equipped with Music and Art rooms, two Science labs, and the Library.

By ctober , enrollment had doubled again. 300 girls were making their home in the new space. The first class, now Juniors, held their prom in the building. This group became the first graduating class of Sacred Heart Academy in 1953.

Progress continued over the decades. In the s, the guidance suite was expanded. A program of flexible scheduling and independent study was introduced to the freshman and ultimately expanded to the entire student body. The gymnasium was refurbished with a new floor. The chapel was opened and dedicated on ctober . Formal gardens were developed, and expanded parking facilities were constructed.

In the s, principal Sister Virginia Crowley, the faculty, students, parents and alumnae engaged in a wholehearted effort to raise $1.75M to build a new wing. This wing, complete with 5 new carpeted classrooms, expanded guidance offices and a space for the girls to pursue college was opened. n ay , the new 880-seat theatre had its

grand opening. Baccalaureate Mass and the Commencement Exercises were held in the theatre for the first time, a tradition that has continued (with minor exceptions) for 44 years.

Septe ber brought the dedication Beth’s Garden in memory of li abeth ogler at the Opening lIturgy.

In Corde House purchased and Wilbur Breslin donated the Senior Parking Lot.

saw the successful completion of the One In A Million Campaign. arch Sacred Heart Academy Inaugural Dinner Dance at The Garden City Hotel.

New Main Entrance/ General Office

SHA’s 1st President Sister eanne oss CS

In , the dawn of a new century brought a new vision for SHA. A dedicated Board of Trustees collaborated with the Sisters of Saint Joseph to create a new master plan that would transform SHA into a campus. The purchase of numerous homes along Cathedral Avenue and St. Paul’s Place North houses created expansion opportunities and the addition of the Joseph House.

75th Anniversary

Septe ber brought the addition of our Sisters ield, the first outdoor athletics space in the Academy’s history, which changed the trajectory of SHA Athletics forever. The ngelo Science esearch Center was dedicated in September 2013.

In , Sacred Heart Academy was the first all-girls school to establish a Bloo berg inancial arkets ab

Septe ber Induction of President Kristin Lynch Graham

anuary Lower Concourse

anuary Delanie Fekert ’15 Dance Studio

It is easy to chart history and progress through physical expansion and capital additions. The real mark of SHA’s legacy comes in its people— the faculty, students, families and alumnae who invested in Sacred Heart from the beginning and continue to support its new status as the single all-girls Catholic high school on Long Island. SHA’s history and future are filled with faith, vision and commitment. We look forward to celebrating SHA’s 150th anniversary!

The White ouse Sacred eart Se inary

Sacred Heart Seminary opened in ay in Bayside, New York. It moved in Septe ber to Sanford Avenue and Union Street in Flushing. It moved again in to High Street and Fulton Avenue in Hempstead. Sister Mary James was the Superior.

In it moved to 95 Fulton Avenue in Hempstead. Sister Mary Clare was the Superior.

In , the Sisters of the Sacred Heart Seminary were united with Sacred Heart Academy as one community with Sister M. Inviolata as the superior and principal of both schools.

Social and Emotional Wellness

Ca pus inistry Highlights

Throughout the year campus ministry engages in many faith-based and service activities. One activity the students enjoy is our class level retreats out in Brentwood. They get to spend time with each other, connect to the Sisters of St. Joseph by learning about the farm, the rain garden, and feeding those who are food insecure and most importantly, spending some alone time with God.

This year we welcomed Mrs. Ashley Aldrich as part of our campus ministry team. Mrs. Aldrich met with small groups of incoming students to share faith-based discussions during lunchtime. Mrs. Aldrich took part in many other activities. For instance, she facilitated many of our faithbased clubs, helped to organize our multicultural assembly, brought students to the Bridge to Life facility in Queens, and arranged to have the Peace Light brought to SHA at a December Liturgy. The Peace Light comes from Bethlehem and travels across North America from person-to-person with a message of peace and friendship.

Other faith-based activities include our students attending school-wide Liturgies and Mass as an individual class. This intimate setting allows students to learn more about the Liturgy and offers them an opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

We also have many clubs that are faith-based

such as our Common Ground Club where students from our neighboring Jewish and Muslim schools come together and discuss topics such as prayer, worship, ancient texts, and rituals.

Other clubs include our CSJ club, Mission club, and Catholic Ambassadors. Although many of our other clubs might not have a faith-based title, they certainly carry out the CSJ mission. For instance, students in our Art Club pick a different service project every year. This year they tie-dyed socks in colors representing various flags from around the world and donated them to the refugees that the Sisters of St. Joseph work with. The Red Cross Club holds an annual coat drive, and this year the co-presidents of the Optimistic Cooking Club are spearheading a “Million Meals Project” to help combat food insecurity. In fact, this year we awarded the annual Justice and Peace award to alumna, achel Sabella , because of her dedication to help fight food insecurity. The event launched a school-wide initiative to help make others aware of food insecurity. This initiative included highlighting student, indsey icatesi , who started a “Blessing Box” for people in her neighborhood to help themselves to food items any time of day with no questions asked. The student body held a “red nose day” and the monies collected helped to buy cereal, coffee, and breakfast bars that were later donated to Lindsey‘s pantry.

We also hold annual food and toy drives during Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. Donations are then distributed to our neighboring parish, Our Lady of Loretto, and to the Ronald McDonald House. As part of the Christmas drive, students, parents, and alumnae drop off toys while Santa arrives on a fire truck for the youngest of the SHA families. We listen to our talented chorus sing Christmas Carols while families make Christmas cards for the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Each morning we begin with prayer to set the tone and embrace the Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Before lunch we ask God to bless us and the food we are about to eat. During Catholic Schools Week, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month, we play school-wide bingo reflecting the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, which includes loving the dear neighbor and working towards bringing about unity, reconciliation, inclusive love, justice, and peace.

This summer some of our students, along with students from the Mary Louis Academy, will work with the Sisters of St. Joseph by taking part in a garden retreat.

We are looking forward to many great things to come!

Sense of Belonging

Social and Emotional Wellness

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

—Maya Angelou

I always surrounded by people who ake e feel included

y class ates have helped e feel a sense of belonging because I have found people who care about e and y success and I know that I will be friends with so e S girls for life

The teachers and faculty really ake an effort to support all of the students and ake sure they feel welco ed and heard in the classroo s

When asked via survey about how they perceived a sense of belonging here at SHA, responses such as these poured in.

Over the past academic year, Sacred Heart Academy focused curriculum, activities, and conversations around the theme of Belonging All of us have a need for a sense of belonging: We yearn to feel support, acceptance, affiliation, and inclusion as members of different groups. This need often leads to changes in behavior or attitudes as individuals try to fit in their chosen group.

S oins orces with Northwell ealth in first Catholic School Collaborative

Sacred Heart Academy is the first Catholic school on Long Island to partner with Northwell Health in its Mental Health Collaborative. This groundbreaking alliance is a differentiator for Sacred Heart Academy. It is an essential element

to support SHA’s increasing commitment to the social and emotional wellness of our students which aligns with the timeless mission and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood. By promoting mental health awareness and education in a faith-based environment, SHA creates a community of belonging where students are reminded of a God who loves them unconditionally.

Over the past several years, research has shown a 25% increase in anxiety, a 30% uptick in depression rates, and a 20% increase in stressrelated illnesses among high school students. Yet, despite the rising need, only 30% of students have access to mental health services and sadly, 40% of students still feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for their mental health concerns. SHA is committed to doing more to ensure that our students have every possible advantage toward

At SHA, our goal is to create cultural and socioemotional responsive classrooms in which all students feel included, that they have a voice, and that they belong at SHA for their four years of high school and beyond.

For the 2024-2025 school year, SHA will continue to focus on the theme of Belonging. We look forward to incorporating activities and class discussions surrounding the theme of belonging into our school routine. A book recommendation given to faculty and staff for a further understanding of belonging is Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown. Feel free to add it to your summer reading list!

living a productive, successful and well-balanced life.

Board of Trustee member eborah Schiff P facilitated the Northwell partnership. Sacred Heart Academy students now have access to dedicated Behavioral Health Centers, such as Cohen Children’s Medical Center, which provide urgent or same-day behavioral or mental health intervention for conditions that don’t require the services of the emergency room. BHCs also provide short-term crisis care and follow-up for students who need immediate services, and help support families to connect with ongoing care in the community. The partnership also provides mental health consultations to the school, care coordination for families, professional development for school staff, and community education for parents.

Alumnae working at Northwell Health gather for a networking breakfast.

Social and Emotional Wellness

SOURCES OF STRENGTH: Hope, Help, and Strength

As educators, we are acutely aware of the social struggles our students face. In taking ownership of our responsibility not only to our students’ academic, college, and career success, but also to provide them with the tools and values necessary to live fulfilling lives, we graciously accepted the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation’s grant to implement the Sources of Strength program within our school. The successes of our 2023-24 school year have afforded us the opportunity to receive a second grant for the 2024-25 school year.

Sources of Strength is an evidence-based program, which recognizes that when a student struggles, it is their peers in whom they first confide. With prevention as its focus, the program gathers, trains and empowers students from diverse peer and social networks, to give Peer Leaders ownership of positive messaging campaigns designed to spread messages of HOPE, HELP, and STRENGTH throughout the SHA community. These leaders are trained not only to notice the struggles of their peers more acutely, but to connect those peers with Adult Leaders when necessary. The Peer Leaders work alongside Adult Leaders who guide, not lead. The students are encouraged to think analytically, creatively, and compassionately about ways to provide a safe environment within their school, creating a space where students feel a sense of safety and belonging.

Through school-wide campaigns, Sources of Strength carries the message that students have positive resources already at their command. In asking the students to consider those resources prior to a difficult time, the hope is that during a stressful time, they will be better equipped to ask for help from already identified sources (of strength). This year’s campaign, “Get the Word Out” was intentionally chosen by the Peer Leaders, to bring awareness to the program. Peer Leaders created posters of the Sources of Strength wheel and individually addressed each homeroom. All students were then invited to place their names within the wheel as a reminder of where those resources lie should they be faced with a challenge they are unable to resolve.

To bring further awareness to Sources of Strength, the Peer Leaders supported our third annual Out of Darkness Walk, spearheaded by airead Serkes and evon Serkes . Each year, students, faculty, and members of the local community gather to walk the track on our Four Sister’s Field bringing awareness to suicide prevention. This year, Mairead’s planning raised $5,600 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention located here on Long Island. Sources of Strength was grateful to be able to support her and will continue to do so in the future.

Peer leaders also combined effort with SHA’s

mental health club to bring awareness to our P.S. I Love You Day event, which raised $650 for P.S. I Love You, Inc. We’ve already begun planning our 2025 P.S. I Love You Day school-wide awareness event. The Peer Leaders roused support for our May, Mental Health Week events, which included a 360° photo booth! It was another wonderful event calling for an end to the stigma of mental health.

We plan to introduce Sources of Strength to our incoming 9th graders during their August orientation. We are looking forward to adding 9th grade students to the Peer Leadership team. In early Fall, we will work with both our returning peer leaders and our new peer leaders to choose another campaign for next year.

At the close of the school year, our Peer Leaders provided us with helpful feedback. Not only did they report that they were able to make more meaningful connections with their peers and Adult Leaders, they also provided invaluable suggestions for how to improve the program next year. Several campaigns are already in development!

Together, we have learned a great deal. We are excited for the opportunity to build upon this year’s accomplishments, creating an even stronger, more far-reaching program in 2024-2025!

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Grant for Emerging Leaders Institute

A generous grant from Bethpage ederal Credit Union helped grow the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) this year. Now, in its fifth year, ELI has impacted 132 students. Designed for rising sophomores, the first class is getting ready for senior year in college.

Now, a junior at Tufts University, aley ie bach turned her ELI experience into a summer internship. She is putting her mechanical engineering degree to work this summer with Teresa Spinosa erraro, President/CEO at East/West Industries.

Thanks to all the great alu nae hosts and student participants

Teresa Spinosa erraro President/CEO East/West Industries, Inc.

onorable isa Cairo Nassau County Supreme Court

lise Schneider P

Senior Vice President PD/Production/ Supply Chain Strategy & Ops at Tory Burch

aiana idalgo

Senior Director of Product Development

The ELI students heard the career journey and words of wisdom from a panel of senior executives at Tory Burch including the Vice President of

Marketing, Tory Burch Foundation; Senior Vice President of Creative Operations; Senior Director of Footwear Design; Director of Production Planning; Vice President Financial Planning and Analysis; Director of Talent Development; Vice President of Merchandising; Sr. Director of Technical Design

Northwell ealth

Claire urecko N

Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist

velina rayver CC

Director NSUH Cardiac Care Unit Central Region Director, Katz Institute Women’s Heart Program; Co-Director Cardio-Obstetrics Program

enee anicki rawley

Assistant Vice President

ary ahoney NP BC N

Vice President of Emergency Management and Clinical Preparedness.

aitlin cCloone N

SkyHealth Air Medical Program

obert erner N

Patient Safety Institute Simulation

Brian Neill P

Vice President Business Continuity

Alumnae News

YSS S

Criminal Prosecutor

Alyssa prosecutes gang violence in Philadelphia, as an Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Unit, Non-Fatal Shootings Unit, and Major Crimes Unit.

BA in Political Science from SUNY Binghamton; J.D. Villanova University School of Law; Binghamton University‘s Mock Trial Team; Villanova University School of Law‘s National Mock Trial team

C INN C N

Director of Video Digital Promise

Corinne is a filmmaker and storyteller. Corinne visits schools throughout the country and creates short documentaries about students, teachers, and what is happening in the classroom.

As a freelance editor she has created videos for MOMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Corinne volunteers at The Brooklyn Museum.

B.S. from Ithaca College; Master‘s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford University‘s Graduate School of Education

career day

Career Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the career ﬁelds of our accomplished alumnae and for the students to learn from their knowledge and expertise. ank you to this year's participants.

N IS C I

Nassau County Supreme Court

Hon. Lisa A. Cairo was elected in November 2022. Prior to her election to the Family Court in 2020, Judge Cairo practiced law for nearly two decades with a focus on Municipal Law and Litigation. Judge Cairo currently serves as cochair of the Nassau County Women in the Courts Committee. She is a past president of both the Nassau County Women‘s Bar Association and the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Nassau County.

New York Magazine‘s Women Leaders in the Law; Hofstra Law School‘s Outstanding Women in the Law; Long Island Business News 40 Under 40 award; Loyola University, Maryland; J.D. Hofstra School of Law

C YN C TT

Senior Scientist, Unilever

Jaclyn currently formulates sunscreens and other skin care products across brands. Jaclyn has led the Unilever summer internship program, providing a great opportunity to develop incoming talent for the company.

Manhattan College Chemical Engineering; Pursuing her MBA at Quinnipiac University

I IS Founder of The Travel Studio

Kerri is the founder and owner of The Travel Studio, a luxury travel agency and hospitality consulting company, managing and advising on the travel needs of the world’s most influential figures and brands, and consulting with several of the world’s most notable hotels.

Dual degree in Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises and Marketing from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management

Y T N T CN Intelligence Specialist

Amy is an Insider Risk and Threat Intelligence Specialist at Palantir Technologies, following nearly a decade of federal government service at the U.S. Department of State. At the U.S. Department of State, Amy specialized in China and served as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy Beijing and U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Amy earned a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University

Alumnae News

I

B T NU S School Leader and Educator

Liz celebrates over 15 years of educational and school leadership experience. Working in Harlem and leading as a school Principal for 300 students, Liz has often been called a “Pandemic Principal” as she acquired a unique perspective from being a young female leader during the most challenging and critical time in education and technology.

Providence College BA; Two Master degrees from Loyola Marymount University & University of Notre Dame

I C NN

Assistant Director of Opera Activities, Julliard School

Mariel is the Assistant Director of Opera Activities at The Juilliard School, where she serves as the managing producer for the Juilliard Opera season and all opera-related performance activities, including staged productions, concert operas, and showcase scenes programs. She is also the Director of Marketing and Sales at Boston Lyric Opera. Mariel produced a number of Pulitzer Prize and GRAMMY Award winning new American operas.

BA from Barnard College; MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business

N UINN Technology Sales Manager

A sales leader with over 16 years of experience in the technology sector and a breadth of experience across the infrastructure spectrum, public and private clouds, and software sales. For the past 11 years, Megan has been selling into

the world’s largest Financial Services institutions and responsible for a global sales organization across the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.

BA University of Scranton

N T N T

Resident Physician in General Surgery, Northwell Health

Megan has worked in clinical and translational research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Columbia University Medical Center. Megan is currently a second year resident in general surgery at Northwell South Shore University Hospital.

Bachelor of Arts in American History from Georgetown University; post-baccalaureate Pre-health Program from New York University and received a certificate of health studies; medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine with an academic focus in health justice

Y S YT Engineer

Rory has over 4 years of heavy civil construction experience as a Project Engineer focused on enhancing infrastructure in the New York City metropolitan area.

Manhattan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

N IN T

Dietician, North Shore University Hospital

Angeline completed 1200+ supervised practice hours in the Queens College Dietetic Internship. Angeline now works as a Northwell Health

Alumnae Connection

This past school year, atie eda had the pleasure of hiring ade aad ! Katie is an Assistant Principal and Jade is a Kindergarten teacher at P.S. 349 in Jamaica, Queens. Katie made the SHA connection while going through resumés with her hiring committee last summer!

Share your S alu nae story with us ail alu nae sacredheartacade yli org

Registered Dietitian at North Shore University Hospital.

Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition Science from the University at Buffalo (SUNY); she completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics; Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics at CUNY Queens College

NI U P Y Architect

Danielle is a licensed architect with 10 years of experience in the high-end residential field.

Managing residential projects for Studio Tre, a new design and interiors firm. Danielle also teaches watercolor rendering classes for the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art.

She is in pursuit of launching her own line of furniture in the near future.

Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame a 5-year professional degree and a Concentration in Furniture Design

N WYNN Psychiatrist

For nine years, Megan worked with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Vietnam, Korean, and World War II vets. She moved to New Zealand in 2017, and worked with the indigenous population, the Maori, for four years.

Bachelor of Science degree from Drexel University School of Medicine; completed a four year residency in psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; a fellowship in Long Island Jewish Hospital in Psychosomatic medicine

oin our S lu nae roup on inkedIn at www linkedin co groups

Sacred Heart cade y lu nae

Principal's Reﬂection

During my first year as principal at Sacred Heart Academy, one of my first priorities was to engage with the girls, and their families, the faculty, and staff. I was eager, and still am, to learn from all the stakeholders in this dynamic community. Through individual conversations, focus groups, and attendance at all the wonderful SHA events, I realized just how blessed I was to have been appointed principal.

I immediately discovered a community of caring, thoughtful, and giving individuals who live the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph each and every day. This mission is embedded in all aspects of daily lessons and activities. The young women at SHA embrace the mission to lead with heart, and to live and witness the values of unity, reconciliation, justice, peace, and God’s inclusive love. Throughout this year, I have witnessed these values embodied in every aspect of our school life. Whether in the classroom, on the field, at school-sponsored events such as The Nutcracker, Red and Gold, concerts, musicals, etc., these talented girls take the lead. They are courageous, confident, compassionate, and committed to their academic studies and their faith.

When asked the girls were ore than willing to share their thoughts about S with e in the for of a si ile or etaphor

school like S has any different layers like a cake The first layer is the foundation of a good education The second layer is the faith that is e bedded in our classes The

frosting is e tracurriculars we participate in such as sports and clubs astly the sprinkles on top are the friends we ake with each other — ac ueline oda

S is like a garden because it is a center for growth and develop ent of character The soil in the garden is co parable to the learning we e perience at S because it acts as nourish ent and nurtures us to be the best students we can be — li abeth ra er

Sacred eart is like The earless irl strong like etal and stands proud fro the crowd — auren Cunningha

Sacred eart cade y is ust like the universe full of bright da ling stars and winding paths of never ending possibilities and futures — eronica Biondi

S is like a blank canvas that lets its students paint their own ourney — aitlyn Cole

Sacred eart is like a funfe cake—it is unassu ing and like any other high school on the outside but filled with color and e citing opportunities once you re a part of it — a eiter

Sacred eart is a garden where the delicate blosso s of young wo en its students are lovingly tended and encouraged to ourish — ackie Bodyco b

Sacred eart cade y is a tree with any branches of opportunity for its students e bedded in the roots of the CS ission — va Byers

Sacred eart cade y is like a ower garden No one ower is e actly the sa e but every ower is treated e ually and given e ual opportunity — adison a osa

As I reflect on this past year, it has been a journey of growth, learning, and profound experiences, and I am honored to be a part of this exceptional community. I truly enjoyed building relationships with the faculty and staff but more importantly with our amazing girls.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that the future holds for Sacred Heart Academy. Together, I am confident, we will continue to nurture a community where each young woman can thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Thank you for your trust, support, and dedication. It is a privilege to serve as principal, and I look forward to many more years of growth and shared successes.

With hear elt gratitude

aria echt

Principals

Sister Alta Maria Brock, CSJ

Sister Mary Inviolata Gunn, CSJ

Sister Mary Alonzo Boyan, CSJ

Sister Mary Basil Butler, CSJ

Sister Rose Alonzo McKinney, CSJ

Sister Virginia Crowley, CSJ

Sister Edyth Fitzsimmons, CSJ

Sister Jeanne Marie Ross, CSJ

Sister Joanne Forker, CSJ

Sister Jean Amore, CSJ Present Mrs. Maria Hecht

Presidents

Sister Jeanne Marie Ross, CSJ ’66

Mrs. Kristin Lynch Graham

ollowing Their earts

CSJ Refugee Resettlement Program

The Summer 2023 edition of Heart to Heart featured an article about the Refugee Resettlement Program founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph located in Brentwood. This program has provided housing, job training, language classes, and community for more than 50 refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan for the past two years. Sister Annelle Fitzpatrick , CSJ, PhD and her team have welcomed singles, couples, and families with open arms. The 2023 article caught the attention of orothy yons Crowley P who in 2020 fulfilled her lifelong dream of obtaining her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. As an MSW student one of Dorothy’s Social Work internships was in a collaborative program between Fordham University and the United Nations. Through this experience the plight of the refugee community is one that has touched Dorothy.

Reading this brief article led Dorothy to reach out to Sister Annelle and from there a professional and personal relationship ensued.

I ve been volunteering with Sister nnelle s progra since Nove ber and I ve loved

every inute of it very resident s needs are different and as a result every day is different I ve gotten involved in finding free edical care to going to a ily Court to organi ing a a ily BIN Night I a thrilled to be part of this a a ing group

If it wasn’t for the first beautiful article in Heart to Heart, the partnership between the Sisters of St. Joseph and Dorothy would not have taken place.

Thank you Sacred eart cade y for spreading the news of the incredible work being done by the Sisters of St oseph to help these refugees who are so far fro ho e

If you would like to help the Sisters of St oseph efugee esettle ent progra please email your inquiry to JRCrowley@Verizon.net

Volunteers are needed in various capacities including staffing Joseph’s Closet Thrift Store, driving residents to appointments, resume writing, tutoring and more.

DECADES OF LEADERSHIP Share Financial Literacy

Thanks to our generous sponsor, Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union, SHA offered a fabulous new financial literacy club—ROCK THE STREET, WALL STREET. There was an overwhelming response with 198 students enrolled in the fall session focused on investment & financial fundamentals including saving and budgeting.

Successful alumnae in the financial services industry were the lead instructors of the curriculum, and also provided valuable knowledge and expertise in empowering and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

If you are interested in teaching the TSWS classes in the fall please e ail alu nae sacredheartacade yli org

TSWS Instructors

Jenn (Vertiz ’88) Calabrese P ’20

Founder and CEO at Calabrese Consulting, LLC

Suzanne Casey P ’17, ’18

Co-Head of Wealth Client Group Northern

Trust Asset Management

*Kara (Shine ’99) Conroy

Former Associate Director at EY

Alexandra Galgano ’09

Sales Director at OMEGA POINT

*Lauren Manasia ’11

Vice President at Morgan Stanley

*Maureen McNally ’02

CFA, Managing Director, Wealth Manager at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

Moira O’Connell ’10

Senior Associate at L Catterton

Alexandra Prophete

Knowledge & Innovation Attorney, Fenwick & West

Laura Roche ’88 (BOT)

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

*Elizabeth Salogub ’00

AVP, Distribution Initiatives, Distribution & Field Management at AIG

Anne Wynne ’92

North Rock Capital Management, LLC

*Elizabeth (Baulch ’88) Zullo (BOT)

Director & Senior Relationship Executive, BNY Mellon Asset Servicing

The Rock The Street, Wall Street Spring session focused on Alumnae mentoring students to equip them with the tools to make informed decisions

in money management, academic performance, and the power of building a network especially within the SHA sisterhood.

TSWS entors

Jennifer (Bradley ’88) Barry P ’20, CFP

UBS Financial Services

Kelly Brown ’11

Risk Management Associate at Merrill Lynch

Rachel (Cancro ’83) Cashwell P ’16

Career Advisor

Therese (Sexton ’05) Curry

Hire Recruiter with EY, Assistant Director

Patricia McCarthy ’12

Associate at HPS Investment Partners

April Ruff ’15

Group Accumulation Analyst at Everest

Reinsurance Company

Katherine Sutton ’15

Senior Marketing Analyst at American Express

*Instructor and Mentor

I proud to be back at Sacred eart cade y to educate students on financial readiness as part of the ock The Street Wall Street progra It s so beneficial to e uip these girls with tools to ake infor ed financial decisions and e power these leaders of to orrow

— i Salogub RTSWS Instructor & Mentor

The spring session of TSWS was a great success for both the lu nae and S girls This progra is an e tre ely valuable tool as the students begin to look at their future in college and beyond With a strong focus on networking skills we were able to share our own e periences while si ultaneously displaying the i portance of connection in our day to day lives and the workforce TSWS fostered a wonderful and natural environ ent to practice these so skills — atherine Sutton Mentor

I was so e cited to be a entor in the Spring TSWS progra at S s a Certified inancial Planner who has been working in the financial service industry for over years I believe financial literacy is vitally i portant

for young wo en While the TSWS progra is geared to introduce its prot g s to various Wall Street careers the introductory finance topics and networking skills it ai s to develop are relevant for any career path The students I worked with were so i pressive and being a part of this progra will help the stand out even ore on their college applications I applaud cean inancial ederal Credit Union for investing in the ock The Street Wall Street progra at Sacred eart cade y It has been a wonderful opportunity to connect current students with alu nae entors and I a looking forward to being a part of the TSWS progra again ne t year — ennifer Bradley Barry P Mentor

What Students ave to Say bout the TSWS Progra

Participating in the TSWS progra this past school year has allowed e to gain a plethora of infor ation about the finance world s a young wo an going off into college ne t year and later into the work force this infor ation I have gained provided e with an insight into the financial aspect of the world that is not co on knowledge I hope this progra continues to encourage and inspire young fe ales to pursue the field of finance I look forward to taking part in this progra again and furthering y knowledge — aya Persaud

TSWS is creating a generation of wo en that are going to break barriers not only within finance but also within society for the future of wo en — race ut an

all TSWS Class ates

Septe ber Septe ber ctober ctober Nove ber

onday a ernoons fro to p is now known as ock The Street Wall Street ti e

We are happy to announce Sacred eart cade y is offering the ne t level of Copper Curriculu for th th and th grade students and the first level reen Curriculu for inco ing th graders

egister at www sacredheartacade yli org iteracyClasses

On November 20, 2023, the seniors participated in a Field Trip to the New York Stock Exchange for a historic overview of the Trading Floor.

The 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students visited Molloy University for a business seminar.

e 2024 Golf & Tennis Outing: Record-Breaking Success

Who thinks about golf on cold and snowy winter nights? The SHA Golf and Tennis Committee did. This dedicated group of parents and alumnae creatively added new elements that increased attendance and support. Under the leadership of co-chairs, ike cCarthy P and Patrick iller P , the committee added event honorees and brought back the tennis and luncheon both of which were major successes. The event raised $168,505, which is significantly higher than 2023 and exceeds the all-time record set in 2019. All those meetings paid off!

The golf course sold out! 128 golfers played Hempstead Golf and Country Club on a perfect May day. Tennis players joined the fun with 2 rounds of fun and competitive play. inny ynch Super, ileen Bertrand napp P , anice elly cCreay P , and Christine ohnson P were great tennis chairs.

Pat and Neil Bianco parents of enee Tricia nne and ose ary , and grandparents of auren and nnie were the inaugural honorees of the event. Mrs. Bianco was also a member of the first graduating class

from Bishop Kearney High School sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph. In her remarks, she said that Sacred Heart Academy continues the CSJ legacy of educating young girls rooted in faith that empowers them to take the lead with courage, compassion and commitment.

We feel Sacred eart cade y is a special place which has had a powerful i pact on our daughters and granddaughters and contributed to their develop ent into strong educated wo en of faith who e body the values of all girls Catholic education She re inded the full roo It is i perative to support the ission of Sacred eart the only re aining all girls Catholic igh School on ong Island By investing in their education we are e powering these young wo en with the tools they need to achieve their drea s con uer their goals and beco e successful These are our future leaders who will no doubt lead with heart

The room stood to applaud the Biancos, who were the perfect choice to be honored!

leadership awards dinner

Sacred Heart Academy honored three extraordinary alumnae at the Leadership Awards Dinner on March 22, 2024— li abeth Sweeney ahl, aureen cNally , and isa Petruccelli c uinness P

The 325 guests in the grand ballroom of the Garden City Hotel were inspired by these women who exemplify eaders with eart making a difference in our communities. It was a successful evening for Sacred Heart Academy raising over $225,000 for the students at 47 Cathedral Avenue.

We are grateful for our wonderful Dinner Chairs ristina and ohn Sweeney P and Vice-Chairs- en inson and ohn Barker P along with the Dinner committee: lise Schneider and Steve Benisty P Stephanie Casi ir aureen eardon Coyle Patricia aley Christine chotorena and ndrew idora P aren and ohn oherty P ary ope Patton and ohn rieder ann P ean Caruso and Sean ilduff P aureen c oughlin and i evelis P ileen c uinness eghan cNally arisa and evin Brien P Sheila Coffey and loysius Pfeffer P ictoria and ichael Spinelli P ristin and ason Youngberg P

I want future generations of wo en to know you are special and you can do whatever it

takes to fulfill your passions and give your talents to the world you can do anything and there are no li its to your success — li abeth Sweeney ahl

Managing Director at Blue Owl Capital

The irony that an all girls education couldn t have been better preparation for working in a ale do inated field and research supports this—wo en who attend an all girls school e hibit higher levels of self assurance assertiveness and leadership — aureen cNally

Managing Director and Wealth Manager J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

I built a foundation which gives e confidence in any roo — isa Petruccelli c uinness P Chairwoman Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union Board of Directors

y other a fir believer in od believed not only in good education but in the i portance of a catholic education y o would drive by S everyday on her way to work She shared with e that she prayed every day since I was born that there would be a way for e to attend Sacred eart cade y I guess it was at that o ent that I was sealed as a S girl — ia oran

FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 e Garden City Hotel leadership

NHS Welcomes Alumnae

Speaker

Lauren (Saporito ’02) Farley

On May 22, 2024, Sacred Heart Academy inducted 133 students from the class of 2025 into the Sacred Heart Academy chapter of National Honor Society. Each student pledged to uphold high moral standards and high academic achievement and promised to promote knowledge and understanding for the betterment of future generations. The keynote speaker was auren Saporito arley

Lauren is a Director at Wells Fargo and is an institutional salesperson in the Municipal Securities Group. In her role Lauren covers a broad range of top-tier institutional clients including mutual funds, insurance companies, banks, hedge funds, and separately managed accounts. She began her career on Wall Street at Citigroup in 2006 where she spent nearly 18 years and was a Director on the Institutional Sales team within the Municipal Securities Department. Prior to moving into the Institutional Sales role in 2011, Lauren spent time as a trader and salesperson on the Short Term Municipal Securities desk.

In addition to her sales and trading responsibilities, Lauren has been dedicated to recruiting and mentorship programs with a commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. She is a member of the Municipal Bond Women’s Club of New York and the Muni Bond Women’s Forum. Lauren graduated from Villanova University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She currently lives in Rockville Centre with her husband and three children.

e Legacy Fund: Invest in the Future

e Legacy Fund ensures institutional sustainability and growth by providing funds for immediate and critical needs.

Many SHA families have generations of alumnae, parents and grandparents who are building their legacies in all-girls Catholic education.

is year, in support of the 75th Anniversary, the Legacy Fund has an ambitious goal.

Please consider an annual gift to the Legacy Fund to support future generations of SHA leaders carry forward SHA’s mission.

Donors at leadership levels will receive special recognition.

Celebrating S randparents

The Grandparents’ Mass has quickly become a beloved tradition at SHA. Attendance has grown each year since its beginning in 2021. This year, over 200 grandparents joined their granddaughters for liturgies celebrating the tradition of the May Crowning and the Feast of the Ascension. Many grandparents come with their own Catholic school memories. Every grandparent comes beaming with love and pride for their granddaughter and her education at Sacred Heart Academy.

It was a pleasure to welcome Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University and Father Jim Cunningham from St. Frances de

Sales in Belle Harbor to celebrate these Masses. ita and lip ullen grandparents of ae ullen shared We wanted you to know how uch we en oyed the randparents ass on ay th er four years our ae has grown up to be a true S young wo an She has taken advantage of the e cellent education participated in athletic progra s clubs and of course ed and old To top it off she served as a ucharistic inister at the ass We are beyond thankful and feel so blessed to know the love and care you have given her over the last four years s ae goes forward at UC she will do great things and be forever grateful it began at S

S T T

Upco ing S randparent iturgies riday ay Class of 2025 & 2026

Thursday ay Class of 2027 & 2028

The unior Conference

Helping to Give Students and Families the Confidence

They Need for a Successful College Admissions Journey

rs ina Christel, Assistant Principal, Sacred Heart Academy and rs ill adenberg, College Advisor and Author of “Love the Journey to College”

estructuring for Success

Examining your School

Counseling Department Model to best support the needs of your students and your community

rs ina Christel AP of Academics, Sacred Heart Academy, rs athleen Neill Director of Guidance, Sacred Heart Academy, and s ikaela elly Student Counselor in Training, Sacred Heart Academy

oin S at Citifield

Sing

ndes and the alapagos Islands dventure

During Easter Break 4/5/23 -4/14/23, Mr. Richard Powers, Ms. Lavery, and some SHA students took a Service Trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands! They worked to prevent deforestation with the people of Yunguilla Community, spent time in the Galápagos Islands, visited the Charles Darwin Center, and hiked to the Sierra Negra Volcano! At Sacred Heart Academy, we believe that international travel provides students with an opportunity to expand the boundaries of the physical classroom to the world that exists beyond the school walls.

S s Students oyage Through rance

Mr. Richard Powers and Dr. Beth Feinman accompanied a group of 14 wonderful SHA students to France. Throughout their visit to France, they laughed together, they learned together, they prayed together, they explored together, and they broke bread together. Lasting memories were made.

as

Student Success

Sacredheart li Susanna Denny ’24 was honored with the AATI Dr. Giuseppe Battista Scholarship for her outstanding achievements in Italian studies over the course of four years.

Sacredheart li The 2024 Long Island Youth Summit "Best in Category" winners:

Jacqueline Bodycomb ’24 (Renewable Energy)

Susanna Denny ’24 (Climate Change)

Ava Guglielmo ’24 (Diversity)

Lillian Musso ’24 (Teen Mental Health)

Sacredheart li Lindsey Licatesi ’24—First place in the End World Hunger Writing Competition and won the Town of Hempstead Community Service & Academic Excellence Award

Sacredheart li Katherine Lynch ’24 Named a Top 300 Scholar in the National Regeneron Science Talent Search

Sacredheart li Graduating Senior Courtney Coutrier was nominated by Mrs. Querci, her AP Psychology & AP US Government & Politics teacher, for a Congressional Certificate in History & Civics.

Athletics Updates

aeve oing has consistently broken records and demonstrated exceptional talent as a track athlete. She showed remarkable talent in both the Cross Country and Winter Track seasons, winning multiple league championships and setting personal best times. She qualified for the NYS Federation Championship and New Balance Nationals, showcasing her skills on a national level. In the Spring season, she excelled in the 1500 meter run and 800 meter run, winning multiple events and earning the title of Most Outstanding Female Runner. She continued to impress at the State and National levels, placing 14th at the NYS Federation Championships and

a rohne started her high school athletics career as a shy, quiet student-athlete who quickly emerged as a standout in three sports. She was a leader on all her teams: JV and Varsity Soccer JV and Varsity Basketball, and JV and Varsity Lacrosse.

She participated in every season of every year during her four years at SHA. She earned team and league accolades, and was named the recipient of the 2024 Sister Virginia Crowley Athlete of the Year Award. In her senior year, she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of both the Soccer and Basketball League Championship

S Soccer State Cha ps

This fall season, our soccer team demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience. Embracing the early wake-up calls for 7 AM practices every Saturday, they committed to the hard work and discipline required to achieve greatness. Beyond the field, our players exemplified the true meaning of a student-athlete, maintaining a balance between rigorous training and academic excellence. Through their sacrifices, they not only honed their skills but also showed what it means to be successful both in sports and in the classroom. Their perseverance and teamwork have been truly inspiring, setting the foundation for a future filled with continued success and achievement.

Coach abe a os was named the 2023 Coach of the Year

setting a relay school record at the National Championships. Overall, Maeve demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication throughout the entire season.

aeve has been a very i pressive athlete to watch and a pleasure to coach er growth as a runner and as a young wo an this year has been re arkable and it has truly shown through all of her acco plish ents We are so proud of her and we are so e cited to see all that she will continue to acco plish in her ne t couple of years at S

— ngela ongitore (Track Coach)

games. She helped lead soccer to a Class AA State Championship and basketball to a historic season ending at the Class A State Finals.

She will be remembered by her teammates as the player who accepted every challenge. Emma was asked to play goalie in the soccer championships —a position that she had never played before. Emma is a true example of what hard work, dedication and love of the game can produce.

Emma will head to the State University of New York at Cortlandt where she will play soccer.

Dedication of the elanie ekert e orial ance Studio

On January 7, 2024, hundreds of alumnae and friends gathered for a Memorial Mass and dedication of the elanie ekert Memorial Dance Studio. Father Tom Fusco, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, celebrated Mass and offered comforting and inspiring words to the Fekert family and friends.

Immediately following Mass, five talented Irish dancers from the sophomore and junior classes choreographed and performed a slip jip in Delanie’s memory. The community then

gathered in the Delanie Fekert Dance Studio for a blessing of the newly renovated space, where Delanie spent many hours dancing while she was a student in 2011-2015.

The space now bears her signature. In her remarks at Mass, Mrs. Fekert said that she found so many things signed: Love Delanie xoxo. It was the perfect thing to have on the wall.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Fekert family and so many friends who helped make

the Dance Studio renovation possible. It will be enjoyed for generations of SHA dancers for years to come.

The first recipient of the Delanie Fekert Scholarship Award will join the Class of 2028 this fall. The Delanie Fekert Foundation continues to honor the life and legacy of Delanie through ongoing fundraising events, including the annual Sunflower Fest.

Boston College Eagles soaring to victory once again thanks to Alumna ayla artello

Kayla Martello’s exceptional skills and leadership on the field have been instrumental in leading her team to victory.

Her dedication to the sport and relentless work ethic have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her being named Most Outstanding Player of the game. Winning a second national championship is a testament to her talent and determination,