November 2022

Making History
The Alice Paul Chapter of Rho Kappa reached a high water mark as AHA inducted 52 outstanding social studies scholars.

Leader in Training
Maintenance Supervisor Luis Mendoza will lead AHA’s department after Robert Shanney’s June 2023 retirement.

Going Places
Isabella, Victoria, and Caroline were asked sing at Carnegie Hall. Isabella will also perform at the Sydney Opera House. 

Support for Veterans
AHA’s November Pups4Patriots walkathon raised funds to train shelter dogs as service animals for veterans.

Super Friends
Taylor, Camila, Trinity, and Breanna earned AHA’s Kindness Award for their willingness to go out of their way for others.

BOLD News
Several Angels attended Harvard’s Women in Business BOLD Conference. Shivani was one of just 30 BOLD Ambassadors.

‘Meet’ Our Delegates
Isabella, Molly, Cara, Xenaya, and Gina (alternate) will represent AHA at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.

Holiday Tradition
The AHA community donated dozens of Thanksgiving turkeys to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Enjoyable Event
Future students sampled classes, crafted bracelets, and met new friends during this month’s Angel Showcase Day.

April 2022

Exceptional Honor
Fine artist Gian Lee (AHA ’22) receives a National Gold Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.

Successful Application
Social studies teacher Jennifer Cucchisi wins Keats Grant to advance Holocaust and genocide education at AHA.

Tailor-made Opportunity
Selected Angels journey to Oxford University and immerse themselves in a bespoke course in critical thinking.

Great Examples
AHA’s newest math and science honor society inductees become examples for girls who enjoy STEM pursuits.

Students with Heart
NYU cardiologist Alan Shah hosts college-style case study for Patricia Prucnel’s anatomy and physiology students.

Athletic Accolades
Archdiocese recognizes eighth grade athletes and the coach who launched AHA Middle School’s first sports programs. 

Excellent Work
Dozens of students from the high school and middle school earned recognition for maintaining top GPAs.

Much Appreciated
AHA acknowledges Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award recipients Ria, Annalise, Karina, and Gina.

Take Care
The school community connected mind, body, and spirit at this year’s informative Awareness Day program.

You’re Welcome
Several Angels entered the National Art Honor Society for attaining high levels of achievement in art and academics.

March 2022

War Affects AHA
Alexis and Nicole, leaders of the AHA Slavic-Baltic Cultural Society, took time to lead prayers for peace in Ukraine.

Take Action!
Students Against Destructive Decisions hosted poignant Ghost Day. Speaker urges those struggling with addiction to seek help.

Growth Mindset
Ms. Loo’s robotics teams succeed by working together, recognizing mistakes, and fearlessly reworking their creations.

World ‘Tour’
International Week provided glimpses into the many nations and cultures represented within the AHA community.

AHA Sweeps States!
AHA’s dance teams closed out their season with a clean sweep in the state competition. The Angels earned six titles.

Moving Up
Five Holy Angels DECA members become Academy’s first to reach national event after gaining ground at state competition.

Music-filled Month
Music in Our Schools Month® included pop-up performances by talented student vocalists and instrumental musicians.

Living Legend
Sister Henrice Eckert spent Women’s History Month recalling her storied career at Holy Angels and beyond.

Well Done!
Multiple world language students recently entered the French, Latin, Italian, and Spanish national honor societies.

January 2022

Noted Artist
Holy Angels senior Chelsie Lim is a candidate for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts program.

Angelic Honorees
Former AHA Trustees Sister Sharon Slear and Diane Oakley will be recognized at this spring’s Angelic Evening.

Super Delegate
Elise Tao earns Best Delegate honors at Yale Model United Nations Conference. AHA team thriving in virtual events.

Exceptional Opportunity
Vocalist Deanna Frassa has been chosen to sing with the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.

Top Ten
Ten of AHA’s best musicians have been inducted into Tri-M, the Modern Music Masters National Honor Society.

New Achievement
Violinist Natalie Yoo, a recent international Grand Prize winner, has been named to the Region I Orchestra.

Our Nominee
Junior Ava Goyal is AHA’s candidate for the 2022 New Jersey Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology.

Greetings & Gifts
Incoming freshmen attend COVID-conscious reception filled with warm greetings, new friends, and sweet gifts.

November 2021

Talented Trio
Meet our future college athletes. Emily will play LAX for Siena, Brooke will play tennis for Dartmouth, and Caelan will play soccer for URI.

Service & Scholarship
Forty-three Academy seniors join the Alice Paul Chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.

Remembering a Legend
The Academy remembered Sister Genevieve Kelleher, AHA’s longest-serving School Sister, who passed away this fall.

Caring for Others
Students in Grades 6-12 collaborated to send 88 turkeys to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey the week before Thanksgiving.

A Perfect Preview
Nearly 160 eighth grade applicants spent Angel Showcase Day sampling classes with new friends and current Angels.

Deserving Winners
Daniella, Katie, Vanessa, Juliet, and Alessandra earned the S. Catherine Green Kindness Award for being kind and caring.

Congratulations, all!
Elise and Kate are AHA’s representatives to the 2022 HOBY Conference. Sarah is the Academy’s alternate.

Shining Their Light
Julia, an AHA senior, recruited several friends who helped make the Lamp for Haiti gala a smashing success.

October 2021

Happy Birthday, AHA!
AHA just turned 142 years old. Bishop Saporito commissioned the new Eucharistic Ministers, and blessed AHA Middle School.

Personalized Approach
Families who attended AHA’s COVID-safe Fall Open House said they appreciate the Academy’s personalized approach.

School-wide Event
Angels in Grades 6-12 participated in a Diaper & Toiletries Drive that helped two local organizations restock their shelves.

Heartfelt Gift
Self-taught crafter Katelyn donated five handmade blankets to the senior facility that recently cared for her grandmother.

New Chapter
Mrs. Annecchino retired as instrumental music director. Her duties included leading the jazz and string ensembles she established.

Spectacular Surrealist
Gian finished first in the American Art Awards and the Congressional Art Awards. Her work is on exhibit at the U.S. Capitol.

National Recognition
AHA recognized this year’s National Merit® Scholarship Program honorees, including Ria, who is a semifinalist.
 
Scholars Honored
Congrats to the 2021-22 Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarship finalists and semifinalists! One Angel pulled off a rare second win.
 
SSND Anniversary
Foundation Day 2021 marked the 188th anniversary of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, AHA's foundresses and sponsors.

May 2021

New Dean Named
World language teacher Carmen Quiñones to succeed Francesca Tambone-Puzio as academic dean.

The Winners Are…
S. Mary Maher, SSND, and the Luckow family receive special recognition at 2021 Angelic Evening.

Contracts Inked
Four senior varsity dancers officially agree to become members of nation’s top collegiate teams.

Doing Good
On Service Day, the Holy Angels community took action to improve the lives of those beyond AHA’s halls.

Active Environmentalism
Angel volunteers spent a beautiful spring Saturday helping Hackensack Riverkeeper clean up a local park.

Warm Welcome
Prospective Angels and their families took a closer look at Academy life during the hybrid Spring Open House.

Celebrated Scholars
Selected juniors and seniors are ushered into the National Honor Society at a May 20 induction ceremony.

Artsy Angels
The National Art Honor Society recently accepted 21 Holy Angels students who excel in the fine arts.

Joyous Occasion
S. Carole Tabano, AHA alumna and long-time educator, celebrates 60 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame.

Delightful Delivery
Angel Isabella D. and her team delivered over 700 donated books to Saint Peter the Apostle School.

Notable Notes
Violinist Nayoun and cellist Chelsie just earned Grand Prizes. Both Angels are members of the Class of ’22.

Greater Understanding
Holy Angels students attend, and help present, programs that highlight food insecurity in our region.

Show of Support
Members of AHA’s Tri-M Honor Society provide monetary donation to support Paterson Music Project.

 

March 2021

National Honor
Congratulations to Stella, whose video earned her a gold medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.

Surge in Interest
AHA draws significant number of high school registrants; middle school application period opens.

Marvelous Music
Miss live concerts? In-person and virtual performances thrilled listeners during Music in Our Schools Month®.

Gaining Understanding
The AHA community used International Week to share their cultures through recipes, clothing, music, and more.

Statewide Competitors
Several of AHA’s DECA members qualified for the virtual statewide competition, and claimed high honors.

STEM Stars
Angels who excel in math and science joined Mu Alpha Theta and the Science National Honor Society.

Gaining Fluency
Students earn induction into national honor societies for scholars of French, Italian, Latin, and Spanish.

All Business
Twenty-one entrepreneurial Angels have become members of the National Business Honor Society.

Unique Opportunity
The first AHA Dance Invitational allowed selected NJ teams to perform live in a COVID-safe atmosphere.

Take Care!
Awareness Day focuses on Care for Our Common Home. Speakers discussed environmental concerns.

 

February 2021

Prestigious Invitation
Brigid, a member of the Academy’s Class of 2021, is a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidate.

Winning Ways
Model UN members Patsy and Marie earn honors as team navigates Harvard’s international conference.

Final Nine
Administration names finalists and semifinalists for the 2020-21 Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy Scholarships.

Wordsmiths Excel
Angels receive awards in regional leg of Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. One to compete at nationals.

Society Grows
Distinguished vocal and instrumental musicians inducted into AHA’s chapter of the Tri-M honor society.

Silver & Gold
Teen artists enter regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition and bring home Gold and Silver Keys.

Overlooked Necessity
Holy Angels hosts successful Diaper Drive to benefit families in need who care for young children.

Living Legacies
Eight inspirational Angels receive awards for carrying on Sister Catherine Green’s legacy of kindness.

Model School
AHA received the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for closing the gender gap.

Outstanding Averages
Angels who maintain outstanding grade point averages are named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll.

Moving Forward
Coaches and athletes show spirit during the pandemic; bowlers stayed undefeated through late February.

January 2021

Renewing a Tradition
AHA Middle School will open this fall, renewing the Academy’s tradition of educating young women in Grades 6-8.

Meet the Dean
Discover details about AHA Middle School and its leader in this informative interview with Dean Traci Koval.

Well Done!
AHA’s Alice Paul Chapter of Rho Kappa accepted multiple Angels who excel in social studies and service to others.

Never Ordinary
Science-minded alumna traces her abiding interest in entomology to her biology classroom at Holy Angels.

You’re Covered
Holy Angels freshman and her childhood friends team up to sew over 400 protective masks for hospital staff.

Welcome Back!
Holy Angels alumna Danielle Holmes named the Academy’s first-ever director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Harmonious Beginning
Leah Sanchez (AHA ’20) landed a role with Penn State’s None of the Above, a talented a cappella ensemble.

New Director
Holy Angels extends a warm welcome to Nadeem Akhter, the Academy’s new director of technology.

Growth Mindset Solution
AHA’s innovative “drive-thru” celebration of the Class of 2025 is a hit with incoming Angels and their families.

October 2020

Funding Clean Water
AHA senior Erin and her gayageum ensemble raised $5,000 to bring clean water to communities in Africa.

Happy Feast Day!
AHA just turned 141 years old! Several Angels became Eucharistic Ministers at the celebratory Mass.

Authentic Experience
AHA welcomed prospective students to a new style of Open House that included in-person and virtual elements.

Published Poet
Kaya just published “Lost Words,” a collection of her original poetry that sparks an emotion-packed journey.

Increased Awareness
On World Smile Day, AHA students highlighted Operation Smile, which provides free surgeries for cleft lip/palate.

National Recognition
Congratulations to AHA’s National Merit Semifinalist, Brigid, and our eight Commended Students.

Realizing a Dream
Nayoun performed Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major at The Philadelphia International Music Festival’s master class.

October Tradition
AHA hosted its third “A Cure Worth Shooting For” soccer match in memory of Karen Sullivan Camporeale.

Honoring AHA’s Foundresses
The School Sisters of Notre Dame just marked the 187th anniversary of the founding of their congregation.

March 2020

	Hall of Famer AHA Academic Dean Francesca Tambone-Puzio will be inducted into the Bergen Catholic High School of Fame in recognition of her noteworthy contributions to the BC community.
	International Competitors The AHA Model United Nations team excelled at Harvard’s 2020 international event. Katie received an Honorable Mention, and Shannon won the Diplomatic Commendation Award.
	Wordsmiths Recognized Natasha, Isabella, and Gian earned honors in the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Isabella will continue in the national event. Natasha also had a poem published by “Scrawl.”
	Music to Our Ears Several Angels have been welcomed into Tri-M. This national honor society recognizes student musicians who also demonstrate character, leadership, scholarship, and service.
	National Honors AHA’s dancers distinguished themselves in national competition. Our varsity team finished second in hip-hop and third in pom, while the JV team brought home three top five wins.
	Gift from Qatar Members of the 114th Infantry of the NJANG autographed a 50-star field panel and sent it to AHA as a thank you to Angels for Veterans and the basketball teams who “adopted” them.
	They’re In! Several Angels from the Class of 2020 have been accepted to their first-choice colleges and universities, and are being offered millions of dollars in scholarships.
	Making the Grade Angels achieve Principal’s List and Honor Roll status for maintaining stellar grade point averages through the second quarter.

February 2020

	Our Applicants Suha and Sarah were invited to apply for the New Jersey Scholars Program. Sarah was also asked to submit an application for the Governor’s School in Engineering and Technology.
	Angels’ Ally Isabelle Shea (AHA ’18) provided current juniors with her tips for submitting a comprehensive college application, getting personalized recommendations, and finding the right career.
	Freshman Phenom Violinist Faith Youn played at Hawaii Youth Symphony's Pacific Music Institute and Italy's Narnia Festival. She is Mannes Prep’s concertmaster, and part of the AHA Orchestra and Select Strings.
	Ariela’s Advice Aspiring actress and AHA alumna Ariela Pizza shared her insider’s view of the world of musical theater. Current thespians learned how to make a great impression at an audition, and more.
	What a Week! Catholic Schools Week included a celebration of AHA’s 140 years of educating women leaders. Faculty and staff milestones (up to 45 years of service!) were announced after the CSW liturgy.
	Promoting Positivity What do Jennifer Haemmerle, Hannah Glaser, Julia Fernandez, and Julia Farah have in common? These Angels just received the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award.
	World-class Experience Amelia, Isabella, Shannon, and Sarah visited Columbia’s world-renowned microsurgery lab after completing the 12-week Englewood Health High School Surgical Research Program.
	Artists Excel Fifteen Angels earned regional honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Our Gold Key winners, Julia Fernandez and Catherine Callahan, will now complete at the national level.

January 2020

		Big Wins! The AHA Varsity Dance Team and Coach Jenny Sweet left the DC Dance Championship with a first place win in pom AND the Best Choreography Award.
		Cultural Voyage Erin Choi shares her Korean culture when she plays the gayageum, a zither-like instrument. Erin and her ensemble recently performed for 3,000 people at the Dallas Korean Festival. She also plays gayageum for the AHA Orchestra, adapting each part so her unique sound fits into the ensemble.
		JOYful Sounds Local senior citizens rang in the holidays with music from JOY, shorthand for Joining Old and Young. These AHA vocalists have been organizing concert series for close to two decades.
		String Artist Cellist Chelsie Lim earned an honorable mention in the YoungArts Foundation's national competition, and a gold medal in the Third Berliner International Music Competition. She studies at Juilliard on weekends and at Holy Angels during the week.
		Y Honors AHA Duo Ashley Hess (AHA '19), one of NJ's top tennis players during her four years at AHA, received the J. Barry Stanford Award. Howard Schuman, who has mentored numerous track and cross-country champs, earned the Thomas L. Della Dorre Special Achievement Award.
		Jolly Good Fun Angels celebrated the Feast of Saint Nicholas with children from Saint Peter the Apostle School. Students gave out candy canes and decorated gingerbread cookies with their young friends.
		Wishes & Whimsy Instrumental Music Director Mariann Annecchino and Choral Director Lisa Marciano led AHA’s instrumentalists and vocalists in a Christmas Concert full of marvelous music and elfin magic.
		Making the Grade Many of our Angels have been named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the first quarter!

December 2019

Service & Scholarship We’re delighted that so many Angels were eligible to join Rho Kappa, a national honor society for students who excel in social studies and service.
LEADing the Way Meredith Joseph wants to protect the public with anti-ballistic garments made from recyclables. Her innovative concept helped her team win second place at the LEADing for Life Competition.
Notable News Congratulations are in order! Newsweek has recognized Holy Angels as a Top STEM High school. The announcement was posted on Newsweek.com on National STEM Day (November 8th).
Ancient Art Embroidery is enjoying a resurgence. Just ask the members of the AHA Embroidery Club, who are building friendships as they create representational and abstract designs.
Triple Crown Winners Honored The 2009 Holy Angels Cross-Country Team has been inducted into the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame. These athletes set numerous records on their way to the triple crown. They remain one of Bergen County's top five all-time cross-country teams.
Our State Champs! Tamara Kim and Emily Nam are New Jersey's first place winners in the DECA Virtual Business Challenge's hotel management event. They spent 11 days managing every aspect of a virtual hotel. They also finished eighth out of 79 North Atlantic teams, and 33rd out of 571 U.S. teams.
International Competitor This fall, Nayoun Kim participated in the Louis Spohr International Violin Competition in Germany. Nayoun studies violin at the Juilliard Pre-college Division and at Holy Angels. She shares her talents with the AHA Orchestra and Select String Ensemble.
Magnificent Seven Seven scholar athletes from AHA signed letters of intent to participate in softball, volleyball, and track at their chosen colleges and universities. This is the largest National Signing Day group in the history of the Academy!
Time Well Spent Pianist Mary Quimbo, cellist Cecilia Yun, violinist Faith Youn, and flutist Celine Hong brought their lovely music on the road. The Angels performed at the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Donor Recognition Luncheon in Connecticut.
Alumna Speaks Lisa Sesink-Clee (AHA ’13) discovered her interest in biomedical engineering at Holy Angels. This month, she returned to her alma mater to discuss her professional life with Jing Loo’s engineering students.
Triple Treat AHA will be sending three students to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference. The 2020 representatives are Katherine Day, Brooke Hess, and Ria Jani. Natasha Dhanrajani has been named an alternate. Congratulations, Angels!
Smiles Everywhere The AHA Operation Smile Club’s Flapjack Fundraiser netted $742. Angels from the club were volunteer servers at this warm and welcoming Sunday morning event. There were plenty of smiles and laughs all morning!

October 2019

Young Advocates Baylee-Rose, Ashanti, Dylan, Ariana, and Gian spent a week with Young Neighbors in Action, working with underprivileged girls in Washington, D.C., and advocating for the girls and their families on Capitol Hill.
Our NJ Scholar As a New Jersey Scholar, Julia considered “Mind and Body: The Future of Being Human.” For her final research project, she compared the emotional and physical effects of various technologies used to monitor people with mild to moderate dementia.
Continued Commitment AHA remains committed to rebuilding Puerto Rico. Gail Fair, Kathy Sylvester, Allison, Kristen, Molly, Alana, and Jeziah recently worked with the Saint Bernard Project’s hurricane recovery effort. Together, they painted and tiled three different homes.
National Treasure Next March, the AHA Concert Choir will participate in Choirs of America 2020 Master Works Series: The Music of Dan Forrest. AHA vocalists will join with other top choirs from across the nation as they present “Jubilate Deo” at Lincoln Center.
Medical Mission in Morocco Sarah’s volunteer work with Operation Smile helped her decide to pursue a career as a nurse. While she was on a medical mission in Morocco, Sarah was inspired by the compassionate medical team and the people she met, especially a young patient named Muhamad.
HOBY Veterans Kayla enjoyed the 2018 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar so much that she brought a Blankets for Linus club to AHA, and volunteered as a junior staff member this summer. Isabelle Egan and Colleen Young, AHA’s 2019 HOBY delegates, were also energized by the experience.
Bendiciones, S. Carole! S. Carole Tabano, SSND, (AHA ’59) officially retired from teaching after nearly 60 years. When she began teaching in Puerto Rico in 1961, she did not speak Spanish! She learned quickly, and ultimately became an award-winning Spanish teacher. She spent the past 30 years at AHA.
See You Later, Stress! AHA just hosted its first Wellness Wednesday. During community time, students and staff participated in activities that alleviate stress, including journaling, karaoke, and tennis. Wellness Wednesdays help fulfill AHA’s goal to educate the whole person and promote durable learning.

June 2019

	Congratulations, Graduates! The Class of 2019 began life’s next chapter on May 31st. Best wishes to this extraordinary group, including Commencement Speaker Olivia Mandella and Second in Merit Ashley Hess.
	Stronger Together Students, faculty, and staff brought helping hands and willing spirits to several locations on Service Day 2019. Read more»
	Return Trip For the second spring, AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger took Angels to Oxford for a “bespoke” class in critical thinking. Those who returned this year studied the sciences. Read more»
	Well Done! Our world language students brought home multiple medals and certificates for their excellent work on this year’s national examinations in Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish.
	Enriching Event Maya, Stephanie, Melanie, and Katelyn recently visited Columbia University's microsurgery lab, one of the world's premier training facilities. Read more»
	National Honorees The National Honor Society welcomed over 90 Angels this month. Congratulations, everyone!
	Published Writer Freshman Natasha Dhanrajani just had her third creative writing piece published in Rockland County’s “Scrawl.” Read more»
	Nominations Pour In AHA’s production of “Once upon a Mattress” garners nominations for multiple Paper Mill Rising Star Awards and Metro Awards. Read more»

	Featured Performer Internationally acclaimed teen violinist Nayoun Kim is featured performer at Juilliard’s pre-college division concert. Nayoun is a member of the AHA Class of 2022. Read more»
	Diamond Girl S. Henrice Eckert, SSND, just marked her Diamond Jubilee as a School Sister! AHA alumnae will remember S. Henrice as a college counselor. She retired from her post in Norwood at age 88.
	Smiles of JOY Joining Old and Young (JOY) performed a May concert series for senior citizens throughout the area. This aptly named group continues to spread joy everywhere.
	Artistic Angels AITA recently recognized the many Angels who have shared their talents with the fine and performing arts programs. The 2019 scholarship recipients are Maria Guyre, Grace Velarde, Kirsten Garino, and Olivia Rettew.
	Insider’s View Camila Correa and Katherine Gazzini participated in the 2019 Model Congress at Ridgewood High School. They met Rep. Josh Gottheimer and learned more about how a bill becomes a law. Read more»
	Putting it All Together A handful of motivated volunteers assembled a fabulous exhibit of drawings made by our first-year art students. Read more»
	Music to Your Ears! The Spring Concert highlighted our talented vocalists and instrumental musicians. The AHA community also bade farewell to the seniors who have contributed so much to the department. Read more»

May 2019

	In Appreciation Patti McGovern Hill (’78) received the Distinguished Alumna Award and Colleen Corbett Staff (’89) received the Legacy Award at this year’s Angelic Evening gala. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the auditorium renovation project. Read more»
	Southern Hospitality AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger has received a Gilder Lehrman grant (her third!) to study the history of New Orleans. This seminar will allow Mrs. Schneberger to offer her students enhanced historical context when her class studies southern literature. Read more»
	Medal Conferred Czarina Alfonso, NJ's top high school youth volunteer, was recognized at a surprise ceremony. During an assembly, a Prudential representative presented her with a silver medal amid ecstatic cheers. She is being honored for bringing pneumonia vaccines to children in the Philippines. Read more»
	That’s the Spirit! Four Angels who are known throughout the school community for their exceptional kindness have earned the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award. Winners include Jacklyn Kelly, Caitlin Brannigan, Sarah McGowan, and Sophia Melone. Read more»
	Modern Music Masters The Tri-M honor society has accepted multiple accomplished musicians who also demonstrate scholarship, leadership, and service. Members now include Jenna Cooperman, Annabel Hazrati, Sophia Kim, Chelsie Lim, Emily McKiernan, Judianne Meredith, Morgan Morrissey, Anjianie Perez, Mary Quimbo, Victoria Sanabria, Samantha Shah, and Valentina Zazzali. Read more»
	Zest for Zunyi Melina Tidwell Torres, an AHA senior, completed an Operation Smile mission trip in Zunyi, China. Melina interacted with local children who were about to receive no-cost corrective surgeries for cleft lip or cleft palate. With the assistance of a translator, she also provided vital health and hygiene tips to the children's families. Read more»
	Ancient Tale Lives On AP Latin students Megan Czvekus, Hannah Hyams, Maggie Kaczmarczyk, and Julia Mohr attended a special performance of “Dido and Aeneas” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Purcell’s opera traces the ancient love story between the Queen of Carthage and the Prince of Troy. Ms. Lilah Katz organized the trip and chaperoned her students with Ms. Gail Fair’s aid. Read more»
	Sahar Signs Nationally acclaimed varsity dancer Sahar Ali-Jenkins has signed with Rutgers University. This fall, she plans to pursue legal studies as she continues her successful dance career with the Rutgers Dance Team. Read more»
	Inaugural Event Several Angels made history when they became the AHA’s first students to be inducted into the National Business Honor Society. Honorees include Nicolette Angelotti, Catherine Bagin, Madison Donohue, Jacklyn Kelly, Izabella King, Madison Mancha, and Sofia Nedelkoff. Read more»
	Performers with Panache Director Katie McSherry-Collins and Student Director Joanna Scorese led the cast of “Once Upon a Mattress” in three side-splitting performances. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this marvelously entertaining musical rendition of “The Princess and the Pea.” Read more»

 

	Open Wide the Doors! Our Spring Open House drew numerous prospective Angels and their families. Many thanks to the current Angels who spoke about their AHA experience, led tours of the building, provided entertainment, discussed extracurricular activities, and contributed in many other ways. Read more»
	Divas of Diversity Samantha Herrera from the AHA Diversity Council developed International Night into a five-day festival. AHADC members Kayla Pringle and Annabel Hazrati, Asian Cultural Society President Lauren Kim, and Black & Hispanic Cultural Society President Emilie Thomas played key roles. Read more»
	Mentorship Opportunity AHA’s Sustaining Excellence Colloquium was such a success that the Middle States Association asked AHA to mentor others using this reaccreditation protocol. Kudos to Internal Middle States Coordinators Dr. Weinstein and Sra. Quiñones, our panelists, and speaker Jessica Lahey. Read more»
	STEM Expo Stars Future aerospace engineer Kym McGowan and robotics aficionado Suha Patel represented AHA at the Archdiocese of Newark’s STEM Expo. The Angels demonstrated their favorite science projects and discussed their interests with hundreds of middle school students. Read more»
	From Classroom to Current Ninety-five trout raised AHA have been released. Trout in the Classroom, a program run in cooperation with the state, allows young scientists to care for trout as the fish develop from eggs. Students also learn about fresh water habitats, water chemistry, and healthy ecosystems. Read more»
	Making the Grade Many Angels were named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for maintaining top grade point averages through the third quarter.
	Accolades for Our Artists During the month of April, 21 members of the junior and senior classes were inducted into the Art National Honor Society. This organization recognizes students who excel in art and academics, exhibit good character, and participate in service and art education projects.

April 2019

Pitching In

Ms. Carol Fay and four Angels turned their winter vacation into a service trip. Samantha DeMartino, Areanna Pumayugra, Amrita Raval, and Ashley Thompson worked with immigrant mothers and their children at Caroline House, and visited with several School Sisters. Read more»

Take Me Home

Mrs. Kathleen Sylvester took Angels Katerina Katzarov, Janella Osbourne, and Kayla Pringle on a transformative trip to Nazareth Farm. Those who travel to this location in rural West Virginia live simply and spend their days serving others whose homes are in need of repairs. Read more»

Linguistic Masters

Students who excel in their studies of world languages received a warm welcome to the Latin, Italian, French, and Spanish honor societies.

Artistic Alchemy

Members of the AHA Thespian Honor Society and organized a show that transformed students’ talents into financial support for CO/LAB’s theater programs for individuals with disabilities.

JOY is All Around!

A recent concert series brought JOY (Joining Old and Young) to numerous residences for senior citizens. The student vocalists and their audiences were equally delighted by the experience. Read more»

Clever Fundraiser

During the Ides of March, the Latin National Honor Society hosted “Pin the Dagger on the Caesar.” Funds will benefit the SSND initiative to provide training for teachers in Haiti.

Luke's Saga Continues

S. Mary just released “Luke the Border Collie: My Working Years,” which covers her beloved companion’s work as a goose herder at AHA. Proceeds support the AHA Scholarship Fund. Read more»

Nationwide Honors

AHA artists Soohyun Park and Diana Esoldi have won silver medals in the national Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Soohyun was honored for her painting and Diana was recognized for her photography.

STREAM Celebration

This month, our top scientists and mathematicians were inducted into the Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, respectively. A few Angels were invited to join both organizations.

Tremendous Team

Several of AHA’s student scientists joined forces to judge a series of STEM fairs held at local middle schools. Read more»

She's the Top!

AHA senior Sydney Loverich is New Jersey’s top-ranked ski racer in the U19 Division for the third consecutive year. She also earned a medal for her top 10 finish in the regional finals. Read more»

Marvelous March

Pop-up performances and random acts of music returned to the Academy’s halls during the annual celebration of Music in Our Schools Month®. Read more»

March 2019

Top Volunteer

Czarina Alfonso’s non-profit vaccination program for children in the Philippines has earned her the title of New Jersey’s top high school youth volunteer in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. She also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Read more»

On the Rise

Our robotics teams, the Angelbots and the Anjoules, gained valuable experience in this year’s regional qualifier. In their first-ever competition, the Anjoules brought home a second-place trophy for their performance in the “three-team alliance” challenge! Read more»

Unlocking Opportunities

Eight Angel artists won nine Gold Key awards in the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition, and will participate in the national event. Our sculptors, painters, photographers, and illustrators also brought home 12 Silver Key awards and 22 Honorable Mentions. Read more»

Carnegie Hall Performers

Maria Guyre, Hanora Chapman, and Leah Sanchez recently performed at Carnegie Hall with a select international chorus. This was the third consecutive year Hanora was named to this elite group, and the first time for both Leah and Maria. Read more»

Signing On

AHA athletes Erin Maron and Ashley Hess signed letters of intent to participate in college-level sports. Erin will be rowing for Notre Dame, and Ashley will be playing tennis for Dartmouth. Read more»

Dancers Dominate

Our varsity dancers just won their fourth consecutive national title in small varsity hip hop! The JV team danced their way to a second place trophy. The national competition was held in Orlando, Florida. Read more»

Varsity Dancers Recruited

Natalie Quinn and Kaitlyn Lack have been recruited by Division 1A dance teams. Natalie was invited to join The Ohio State University Dance Team, currently the top group in the country. Kaitlyn signed with Rutgers, where she will be training for the upcoming Olympic games! Read more»

Valentine's Day Greetings

The Holy Angels community announced the latest round of Kindness Award winners just in time for Valentine’s Day. Recipients included Alana Pomponio, Kaitlyn Guintu, and Cristiana Callegari. Read more»

Great GPAs

Multiple Angels have been named to the Principal’s List and the Honor Roll for keeping their grade point averages at top levels through the second quarter. Read more»

Gaining Awareness

This year, the Mission Awareness Process trip to Douglas, Arizona, included a contingent of adults from AHA. Maryanne Miloscia, Laura Kraytem, Sarah Raymond, and Anna May Thurchack traveled to the Mexican border town to witness the work being done by the School Sisters. Read more»

February 2019

Highest Honor

Ashley Hess has received the Edith Martin Girls 18’s Sportsmanship Award from the Eastern Section of the United States Tennis Association. This is the highest award the USTA can present to a player. Ashley was nominated by tournament directors throughout the Eastern Section.

Globe Trekkers

Mrs. Laura Kraytem and Angels Melina Tidwell Torres, Gabriella Boccia, and Sarah McGowan have been selected for Operation Smile mission trips. Mrs. Kraytem will supervising a mission trip in India. Melina and Sarah will be traveling to opposite ends of China, and Gabriella will be in Peru! Read more» 

Delegation of Ten

Ria Jani, Katherine Gazzini, Angelina Busetto, Camila Correa, Liliette Quintana, Shannon Dobres, Euygyo “Ivy” Shin, Morgan Morrissey, Taryn Barret, and Lucy McAuliffe attended this year’s Harvard Model United Nations. Once again, AHA was one of very few New Jersey schools to participate in this international conference. Read more»  

Celebrated Singers

Hanora Chapman and Maria Guyre were the only Catholic high school students chosen to perform at this year’s Bergen County’s select All-County Choir Concert. Hundreds of students from Bergen County’s many high schools auditioned for this competitive event. Read more»  

Welcome News

Members of the Class of 2019 are receiving early acceptances to their first-choice colleges and universities. Together, they have been granted millions of dollars in scholarships in recognition of their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Additional accolades are arriving every day. Read more»  

Limited Engagement

Maya D’Souza and her peers from the Mannes Prep Senior Chorus will play a pivotal role in the upcoming U.S. premiere of “Last Train to Tomorrow.” The group will perform 10 songs that give voice to 10,000 Jewish children who escaped the Holocaust via the Kindertransport effort.

One-day Wonder!

In just one day, the Tri-M Music Honor Society raised $1,300 to help Hungry for Music, a non-profit organization that purchases instruments for young people who cannot buy or rent their own. Tri-M Co-presidents Maya Sharma and Maria Guyre spearheaded the successful "Jeans Pass" event and sent the proceeds to Hungry for Music.

December 2018

Promoting Peace

JaeMin Chu, Lauren Foster, Annabel Hazrati, Emily LeHane, Kayla Pringle, and Gabriela Sandoval attended “Addressing Gun Violence in Our Schools and Communities.” This SSND-sponsored forum also included students from two SSND schools in Maryland. The AHA teens are using the skills and techniques they learned to resolve difficult issues through respectful communication.

EMT Extraordinaire

AHA senior Melanie DeRosa has passed the National Emergency Medical Technician Exam. She is a volunteer with the Westwood Ambulance Corps, and will now be able to offer additional medical assistance to her patients. Read more» 

Musical Trio

Maria Guyre, Hanora Chapman, and Leah Sanchez were invited to participate in the prestigious Carnegie Hall High School Honors Performance Series. This is the third consecutive year Hanora will sing with the international choir. Hanora and Maria are also the only two Catholic high school students who were selected to sing with the All-County Chorus. Read more»  

Top Volunteer

Tara McDonald is Ramsey Is for Everyone’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Her work includes planning social activities and coaching sports for RIFE, an organization that strives to include citizens with disabilities into life within the Borough of Ramsey.

Songs of JOY

Joining Old and Young has begun its new concert series. This month, JOY’s vocalists made a whirlwind tour that included performances at several senior citizens’ residences.

Garino’s Gold

Kirsten Garino has earned her Gold Award, the top honor presented by the Girl Scouts of America. For her service project, this member of the Class of 2019 established a 1,600 volume library at a local Boys and Girls Club.

Membership Increases

Forty students who earn top grades in the social studies and serve others have been welcomed into the Alice Paul Chapter of Rho Kappa, the national social studies honor society. Read more» 

Exciting Opportunity

Social studies teacher Jennifer Cucchisi attended an antidiscrimination workshop at the United Nations. As the world marks the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht and the 70th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, this educator sees hope in the next generation.

Able Ensemble

The AHA Flute Ensemble performed at the SSND Donor Recognition Luncheon held this month in Wilton, Connecticut. Jennifer Kim, Mary Macri, Amanda Siemsen, and Irene Kim presented several pieces in a variety of musical styles. Jennifer also played the piano at this event.

Athletic Alumnae

Christie Fredericks and Jessica O’Neill Leto are the newest members of the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame. Both women were honored at the Beefsteak Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction arranged by the Parents’ Athletic Association.

Good to Know

Tatiana Mesrobian, Hannah Schultz, Catherine Geraghty, and Deirdre James have received the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Awards. These Angels set a wonderful example for everyone they meet.

 

 

November 2018

Teens “Test Drive” Careers

Amelia Brunda, Olivia Hagopian, Maria Hannoush, and Timea Papp attended the Perry Outreach Program at Columbia. These Angels, and other selected female high school students, enjoyed a full day of hands-on medical simulations and interaction with female medical professionals.

SSNDs Celebrate 185 Years

On October 19th, AHA marked the 185th anniversary of the establishment of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Academy’s founders and sponsors. Speaker S. Sharon Slear, SSND, asked that AHA support the Adopt-a-Teacher program, a fundraising effort that allows teachers on Haiti's Lagonav Island to train in Port-au-Prince. SSNDs who renewed their vows included Theresa Lamy, Justine Nutz, Joanna Maura Muñoz, Valeria Belanger, Mary Kelly, Grace D’Amico, Sharon Slear, Miriam Therese Roncinske, Anne Moles, Mary Foley, Kathleen Dunham, and Ethel Howley. Read more» 

Uniting for a Cure

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, AHA remembered beloved teacher Karen Camporeale by fundraising for a cure. Pink T-shirts, shoelaces, and other items held at a home soccer game plus a Jeans Pass Friday netted $3,848. All proceeds were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Camporeale's memory. Read more»  

Sweet Sixteen

Sixteen Angels became Eucharistic Ministers at the October 2nd Feast Day celebration marking AHA’s 139th anniversary. The new ministers include Nicola Callegari, Erin Loftus, Jacklyn Kelly, Athena Cenname, Samantha Danylchuk, Erin Maron, Julia Malnak, Emilie Thomas, Abigail Lovatt, Emily Pintarelli, Abigail Sheehan, Cristiana Callegari, Gillian van der Have, Jillian Busetto, Madelyn Menapace, and Dominique Clisura. Read more» 

Poem Presented at UN

This year’s International Day of the Girl was particularly special for Annabel Hazrati, a member of the AHA Class of 2020. During the October 11th celebration at the United Nations, performers presented Annabel's original poem, "Pink Is the Strongest Color," for visitors from around the world. Annabel and several of her schoolmates were in attendance. Read more» 

Turning Texts into Textiles

Newspaper articles, paper plates, and paper clips were transformed into couture in the hands of the Fashion Angels. Club members employed a variety of recyclables to create three fabulous dresses with texture, volume, and pattern. Each garment is a reminder of AHA’s efforts to recycle and reduce waste. Read more» 

Distinguished Angels

This year’s Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarship finalists and semi-finalists were honored at the Foundation Day festivities. This award, which is named for AHA’s foundress, was presented to Kirsten Garino, Olivia Mandella, Shannon Dobres, Katherine Gazzini, Emma DeMarco, and Brigid Miller. Semi-finalists include Ashley Hess, Timea Papp, Sophia Luongo, Joanna Scorese, Mary Quimbo, and Kimberly Pienkawa. Read more» 

National Honorees Named

Ten members of the Class of 2019 are being recognized for their excellent performance on the PSAT. Kirsten Garino, Ashley Hess, and Maya Sharma are National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists; Aimee and Maria Hannoush, Amanda Hawthorne, and Timea Papp were named Commended scholars; and Athena Cenname of Garnerville, Jillian Busetto, and Kym McGowan were selected to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Read more» 

All Smiles at AHA

Rather than celebrate the iconic yellow smiley face on World Smile Day, AHA students set up a photo booth to fundraise for Operation Smile. Operation Smile provides free corrective surgeries for people with cleft lip and cleft palate. Members of AHA's Op Smile club have traveled to countries around the world to provide health care information to families with patients undergoing the operations.

Alumnae Fêted

On Alumnae Weekend 2018, Elyse Deublein Harney (Class of ’48) received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Barbara Smith Costigan (Class of ’68) was inducted into the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame, and Meaghan Fennessy Keeley (Class of ’83) was welcomed into the AHA Arts Hall of Fame.

 

October 2018

All Are Welcome

The AHA community is enhancing its commitment to unity. Thirty Angels established a Diversity Council to ensure that each person's gifts are being valued. In addition, faculty and staff started the new academic year with a discussion of implicit biases by Notre Dame of Maryland University's Associate Dean for Inclusion and Community Standards Dr. Brandy Garlic. Read more» 

Triple Play

During the summer, Czarina Alfonso competed in a national fencing tournament, where she finished 15th and returned home as an All-American and All-Academic. She then traveled to Harvard to study cutting-edge biotechnology techniques. Before returning to AHA, she visited the Philippines and provided 100 children with free pneumonia vaccines through her non-profit, “Give it a Shot.” Read more» 

Ivy League Experience

Kayla Pringle attended the highly-selective Yale Young Global Scholars program along with her peers from Brazil, China, Canada, India, and many other nations. As a participant in the Frontiers in Science and Technology course, Kayla was instrumental in developing the concept for a Carbomorph motorcycle helmet that can be 3-D printed.

Governor’s School Standout

Maya Sharma spent part of her summer at the Governor's School in the Sciences. Drew University hosted this prestigious program, which attracts New Jersey's top math and science students. Maya focused on human evolution, cell biology, and chemistry, and contributed to a team study of neuroscience and olfactory learning. She also dissected fish and experimented with polygraph tests. Read more» 

Best Equestrian

Equestrian Cassandra Beckmann earned the Reserve Champion title at the 2018 Horses in the Sun show held in Saugerties, New York. She received this special honor after investing long days working and competing with the handsome "Shamrock." Cassandra is now a freshman at AHA. Read more» 

Research Published

Scientific researcher Julia Malnak (AHA Class of 2019) recently had her bioinformatics findings published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Her contribution stemmed from her study of duckweed DNA through the Waksman Student Scholars Program at Rutgers. Malnak is also engaged in an Alzheimer’s research project at Montclair State. Read more» 

Raising their Voices

Emily Stanzione, Olivia Polise, and Caitlin Neville lent their voices to a benefit concert that helped raise funds to send special needs children and young adults to Lourdes, France. The program was held at Saint Therese Church in Cresskill. Read more» 

Fine Representatives

Angelina Busetto and Kayla Pringle represented AHA at this year’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference. Both teens thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and hope to return to HOBY next year as junior staff members. While at HOBY, Kayla developed a connection with Project Linus, and established a club to create blankets for children in need.

Honoring Their Promise

Several Angels are fulfilling their promise to aid Puerto Rico’s recovery through Fiesta4Hope. Rianna LeHane and Catherine Bagin formed the organization with help from Sydney Loverich and Gabriela Sandoval. The group’s first event raised $7,000 for Centro PASO, a non-profit in Aibonito, PR. Fiesta4Hope has attracted well-known donors, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, and branch organizations have already been established in multiple states.

 

September 2018

Lazos y Abrazos

Faculty member Carmen Quiñones coordinated a service trip to Puerto Rico and acted as chaperone and volunteer with Gail Fair. They worked alongside Angels Catherine Bagin, Dominique Clisura, Julia Farah, Rianna LeHane, Sarah Folk, Mackenzie Hughes, Donatella Leon, Sofia Lopez, Sydney Loverich, and Gabriela Sandoval to demolish hurricane damaged buildings and restore a local farm. AHA plans to maintain its ties to Puerto Rico in the future. Read more» 

Outstanding Opportunity 

This fall, soprano Juliana Dominguez will begin classical voice training at the Manhattan School of Music. She will study with Amy Williams and other teachers from MSM’s Precollege Division program for gifted teens. Juliana is a member of the AHA Class of 2021 and sings with the AHA Concert Choir and AHA Vocal Ensemble. Read more» 

Efficient Crew

Elizabeth Kim, Meredith Joseph, Nora Pav, and Cassandra Sy spent several days in Philadelphia getting Saint Peter the Apostle School set up for the new academic year. Principal S. Rose Federicci, SSND, and her staff were extremely appreciative and sent the students back to AHA with a guardian angel statue.

Welcome Home

Angels who take the Nazareth Farm service trip ultimately consider this West Virginia locale a second home. Volunteers Christina Bagin, Nicole Barbaro, Kirsten Garino, Emily LeHane, and Erin Maron worked on the farm, renovated community members’ houses, and returned with greater compassion for the planet and for people in need. Read more»

June 2018

Beginning Anew

The members of the Class of 2018 began the next chapter in their lives at the Academy’s 138th commencement exercises. Mary Haws, who maintained the top cumulative average in her class, was this year’s Commencement Speaker, the highest honor that can be awarded to an AHA graduate. All of our remarkable Angels are bound for college this fall. Read more» 

Très Bien

Palak Hazrati has received the 2018 Outstanding Senior in French Award from the American Association of Teachers of French. Palak, who graduated from Holy Angels this spring, was nominated by AHA World Language Department Chair Samira Mady for her excellence and commitment to the study of the French language. Read more» 

What Did She Say?

The 20th Annual Poetry & Prose Reading featured creative writers who study with Nancy Schneberger. The event featured Kelly Unanue, Grace McGraw, Jaden Urso, Angela Romanos, Sam Gangi, Katie Miceli, Katie Gazzini, Camila Correa, Czarina Alfonso, Karina Berberian, Grace Winiarski, Daniella Hernandez, Irene Kim, Abrianna Gutierrez, and Samantha Herrera. Read more» 

Making Her Move

Daniella Hernandez attended the 2018 Moves Millennial Forum in New York City, which focused on the current and future roles of women on the world stage. Forum attendees included Daniella and several other young women who were part of the 2017 Girls Leadership Worldwide program held at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center in Val-Kill, New York. Read more»

Meeting a Challenge

AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger recently teamed up with friends to participate in a “Sleep Out” in a Newark parking lot. The funds they raised will support Covenant House, which provides a haven for the homeless, job training, and other help for vulnerable individuals.

Scout Reaches Zenith

Sara Zilvetti (AHA Class of 2018) earned the Gold Award, the Girl Scouts of America’s top honor, for the healthy living curriculum she developed for young students. Sara developed, tested, and then donated her program to several Bergen County schools. Read more»

We’re Accepted

After an extensive review, the Academy has been accepted into the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools. NJAIS provides its members with networking opportunities, exceptional professional development options, public advocacy, and many other benefits. Read more»

Building Harmony

AHA President Melinda Hanlon will become chair of Seton Hall’s Sister Rose Thering Fund on July 1st. The SRTF raises scholarship funds for educators who enroll in the Jewish-Christian Studies program at SHU. These scholarships have a positive impact on the educators and their students. Read more» 

How Kind of You

Exemplary attitudes helped Olivia Martinez, Olivia Hagopian, and Samantha Hess earn the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award.

Special Recognition

AHA celebrates Angels who enrich the lives of others via the fine and performing arts. This year, Angels in the Arts presented 2018 graduate Mary Haws with the Angel Award, the organization’s top honor. Jessica Boccassini and Margeaux Gould received AITA scholarships.

Shared Honor

Twins Jennifer and Caroline McGann are sharing the 2018 Angel Award, the most prestigious honor available to an AHA athlete. The 2018 graduates were honored for their contributions to AHA’s varsity athletic programs. Jennifer is a pole vaulter and softball player. Caroline is a pole vaulter and member of the winter track team. Read more»

May 2018

SSND Jubilee

AHA’s social worker, Sister Mary Foley, celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a School Sister of Notre Dame on May 9th. She was honored at a prayer service, Mass, and dinner at Holy Angels. The State of New Jersey, County of Bergen, and Borough of Demarest all declared May 9th Sister Mary Foley Day in honor of her extensive contributions to the well-being of those in need at home and abroad. Read more»

Delving into DNA

Julia Malnak and Ms. Brittany West will spend part of the summer at Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Together, they will learn everything they need to know to bring the Waksman Student Scholars Program to Holy Angels this fall. WSSP allows students to research plant DNA in their classrooms and have their results published.

Exceptional Opportunity

Maya Sharma has been accepted to the Governor’s School in the Sciences. This highly-selective program will be held at Drew University this summer. Read more»

Magical Milestone

Congratulations to Coach Sue Liddy, who earned her 300th win on the softball field May 7th with a 10-3 victory against Passaic.

From Concept to Concert

Student composer Maria Guyre (Class of 2019) recently traded places with teacher Mariann Annecchino for the premiere of “Serenitree,” the piece Maria wrote for the AHA Orchestra. Mrs. Annecchino played the violin as Maria conducted her lovely composition, which took over a year to complete. Read more»

Scholars Earn National Recognition

A total of 85 juniors and seniors have been inducted into the Regina Angelorum Chapter of the National Honor Society. These Angels were recognized for their scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Inductees must also demonstrate honesty, reliability, respectfulness, resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, and willingness to share their ideas.

JOY-ous Occasion

Performers from JOY (Joining Old & Young) regularly share their musical talents at local nursing homes and senior residences. After the Mother’s Day season finale, Co-presidents Rebecca Quigley and Elizabeth Anderson, Treasurer Kathleen Miceli, and Moderator Suzanne Alenick were recognized for their contributions to the group. All three Angels are members of the Class of 2018. Read more» 

Outstanding Spokesperson

Aprile Bertomo was named an “outstanding spokesperson for freedom” for her second place finish in the District 2 New Jersey Voice of Democracy essay contest. Last fall, Aprile’s essay, “For the Brave,” earned her the top prize in the Bergenfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6467 segment of the contest, which included 175 entrants. Her hometown win also gave her the opportunity to compete against all the Bergen County winners who were invited to participate in the district-level event.

 

April 2018

The Dish on Fish

Every time we select food in a restaurant or supermarket, we may be supporting human trafficking. Danielle Sanchez and Katelyn Spinks are bringing this shocking message to light in a new video that highlights human trafficking in the fishing industry’s food supply chain. Both Angels traveled to Connecticut to participate in an educational video produced by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The video will be available to SSND schools and other organizations. Read more»

Auditory Delight

During their Easter vacation, some of the fine musicians from the Tri-M Honor Society presented a concert at the Spectrum Intermediate Care facility in Closter. The outreach was organized by Maya Sharma, and included performances by Aprile Bertomo, Jaya and Maya Sharma, Hannah and Grace Velarde, Olivia Hagopian, Maria Guyre, Timea Papp, and Hanora Chapman.

Gaining Momentum

Sydney Loverich recently became New Jersey’s #1 skier in the U19 division, and qualified for the Eastern Region Finals. At the regional event, Sydney competed against top-ranked skiers from six states and placed fifth in the giant slalom and tenth in the slalom. She is affiliated with the New Jersey Ski Racing Association, the United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s official amateur alpine competition organization. Read more»

Angel on a Mission

Samantha Danylchuk recently took part in an Operation Smile mission trip to Ghana. She worked with patients who were about to undergo corrective surgeries for cleft lip and cleft palate, and shared vital health care information with the patients' families. While many of the patients are children, Samantha also worked with Joshua, 54, who had lived with bilateral cleft lip until this spring. Read more»

Choices Matter

Students Against Destructive Decisions recently held the 2018 Ghost Day observance. This event is held at prom time to remind everyone to steer clear of destructive decisions, especially during this season of celebrations. SADD members Julia Creange (L) and Abigail Sheehan (R) are smiling because each one identified the other as her "ant-drug."

National Honorees

Multiple Angels have been accepted into the National Art Honor Society. This year’s inductees are Caroline Bruder, Nicola Callegari, Justine Garcia, Kirsten Garino, Maria Hannoush, Katarina Katzarov, Jennifer Kim, Ernestine Klecz, Gabrielle Layne, Gabriella Licini, Kerry Limberg, Julia Malnak, Madison Mancha, Allyson Martin, Kym McGowan, Allyx Miles, Aastha Patel, Emily Pintarelli, Vanessa Quinn, Katelyn Spinks, Grace Velarde, and Ji Won Yang.

Outstanding Opportunity

While she was studying at Oxford in 2017, AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger decided to develop a study abroad trip at the university for Holy Angels students. Mrs. Schneberger arranged a “bespoke” class (a tailor-made critical thinking course) with Oxbridge Academic Program Executive Director Dr. Richard Michaelis. While in England, the Angels also worked on their public speaking skills and visited several sites, such as the Ashmolean Museum. Chaperones included AHA Social Studies Department Chair Gail Fair. Read more»

In the Swim

Erica Prichard’s environmental science students recently released 125 trout into the Saddle River, marking the end of this year’s Trout in the Classroom project. Throughout the school year, the Angels observed the fish as they developed from eggs to fingerlings, and cared for the trout at each stage. Before the release, the Angels performed an assessment of water and organisms within the river. Read more» 

 

March 2018

A Sound Idea

Music in Our Schools Month (March) was a huge success at the Academy of the Holy Angels. Students from the AHA Handbell Choir rang the opening bell on March 1. Scheduled and “pop-up” performances by many students continued all month. Joanna, Sophia, Caitlyn, Baylee-Rose, and Catherine are pictured here singing and playing their guitars and ukulele.

In Search of Unity

Awareness Day 2018 highlighted "Seeking Unity in a Diverse World." Consolee Nishimwe instantly connected with the AHA community with her frank and powerful discussion of her firsthand experiences during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Students and guests later provided insight into other global concerns. The day included 17 minutes of silence in memory of the 17 lives lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida. During this reflection, students wrote letters to their representatives or to the survivors. Read more» 

Multicultural Experience

Angels who distinguish themselves in their studies of the French, Italian, Latin, and Spanish languages have gained entrée to the Société Honoraire de Français, Società Onoraria Italica, Societas Latina Honoris, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. In addition, current honor society leaders Palak Hazrati, Laura Pesanello, Milena Correa, Molly Doyle, Geraldine Riveros, and Aprile Bertomo received the Jennifer Moran World Languages Excellence & Leadership Award.

Wonders of Science

Twenty-seven outstanding student scientists have been inducted into the Science National Honor Society. During the ceremony, senior Molly Doyle received the Rockland Electric Scientific Achievement Award from teacher Nancy Brizzolara. Molly was the driving force behind Angels Enable, a group that uses the Academy's 3-D printer to create functional prosthetic hands for people in need. Read more»

Silver and Gold

Three student artists became 2018 medalists in the national Scholastic Art and Writing competition. Margeaux Gould earned a Gold Medal for her sculpture, "Sunday Morning," and Julia Elisano brought home a Gold Medal for her photograph, "Up, Up, and Away.” Vanessa Tamarit's photo, "a new york attitude," garnered a Silver Medal.

Informative Interview

AHA Religious Studies Department Chair Carol Fay and student Melina Tidwell Torres were featured on the March 18 edition of WABC’s Tiempo. Host Joe Torres asked about AHA’s Mission Awareness Process trip to Douglas, Arizona, and the work the Academy’s seven-member team carried out with the School Sisters of Notre Dame who work in this border town. You can watch the segment here and here.

Able Assistant

Jaya Sharma generously provided expert tips to two Japanese students from Notre Dame Jogakuin who attended the 2018 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Jaya was a delegate to last year’s CSW, and shared “insider” information regarding everything from the length of the panel discussions to the weather in New York City. Notre Dame Jogakuin was founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1952.

Long-distance Lessons

AHA students are helping girls from an SSND school in Kyoto, Japan, practice their English. The classes are using Google Slides to bridge the time difference.

Strictly Ballroom

Karolina Lokaj recently traveled to Provo, Utah, to compete in the United States National Amateur Dancesport Championships. She and her ballroom dance partner, who have only been training together since August, placed sixth in the Under 21 category. Read more» 

You Be the Judge

A team of student judges provided their informed input on the projects submitted to the winter STEM Fair at the Academy of Our Lady in Glen Rock. STEM encompasses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Mastering Their Craft

Ivy Shin, Hannah Li, Gillian van der Have, Marina Lee, Irene Kim, Mariel Bacolod, Haram Kim, Angelina Busetto, Jillian Busetto, and Yasmine Carter-McTavish have been welcomed into the Tri-M Music Honor Society. This national organization, formally known as Modern Music Masters, opens its ranks to fine student musicians who also demonstrate scholarship, character, leadership, and service to others.

Pi Day Additions

A total of 34 Angels were inducted into AHA’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta on March 14 (3.14), which math lovers around the world call "Pi Day." Mu Alpha Theta is a national honor society whose members are required to demonstrate excellence in mathematics. Read more» 

February 2018

Defeating Discrimination

Sister Mary Foley, SSND, MDiv, MSW, LCSW, has invested a lifetime educating girls in Africa and empowering many others within the United States. During Women's History Month (March), her outstanding work will be recognized by the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women. She was nominated for exemplifying the theme “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” S. Mary joined the AHA faculty in 2002, and is known far beyond AHA for her work with Luke, her beloved therapy dog.

Group Effort

The AHA community joined together to raise over $7,000 to help four teachers from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who lost everything when Hurricane Maria hit the island. AHA’s chapter of the Spanish National Honor Society led the collaborative fundraising effort with widespread support from many other AHA clubs and organizations. Working together, the school easily surpassed the original fundraising goal of $3,000.

Threepeat…and More!

Our varsity dance team made history by winning a third consecutive national championship title in small varsity hip hop! This win came at the UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida, where the AHA Junior Varsity Dance Team placed second in hip hop and fifth in pom. Most recently, the varsity team successfully defended its state championship titles in pom and hip hop, and the JV team defended its state championship in hip hop.

Distinguished Guest

Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C. Ss.R, celebrated the Catholic Schools Week Mass at AHA. His Eminence underscored the importance of being connected to Jesus and the poor, noting that we should be connected with every human being because our faith demands it.

Winning Wordsmiths

Student writers Mary Petito, Kirsten Garino, and Irene Kim earned honors in the regional level Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Kirsten received a Gold Key and an Honorable Mention for her humor pieces, and has entered the national competition. Mary received two Silver Keys for her poetry, and Irene earned two Honorable Mentions for her short stories.

Artistic License

Multiple student artists earned a total of 13 Gold Keys, 10 Silver Keys, and 38 Honorable Mentions in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. This year, eight Angels received Gold Key awards, which unlock the artists’ chance to compete on the national level.

Experience at the Border

Five students and two faculty members spent their February break in the U.S./Mexico border town of Douglas, Arizona. Katelyn Spinks, Milena Tidwell Torres, Kyra Cseh, Katerina Poulous, Rianna LeHane, AHA Religious Studies Chair Carol Fay, and AHA Director of Campus Ministry Kathy Sylvester worked with the School Sisters of Notre Dame, prayed at the wall at the border, and participated in a cross planting to honor an immigrant who died trying to reach the U.S.

Long-distance Lessons

AHA students are helping girls from an SSND school in Kyoto, Japan, practice their English. The classes are using Google Slides to bridge the time difference.

Fearless Competitors

This year, the Angelbots shredded the official instruction book and kit for the FIRST® Tech Challenge regional qualifier. Instead, our daring robotics team members designed, built, and coded a robot of their own. The Angelbots include Captain Milena Correa, Jillian Busetto, Kym McGowan, Kerry Limberg, and Bethzabeth Concepcion.

Spreading Sunshine

Isabelle Egan, Kayla George, Gabriella Ligresti, and Tara Lyons have earned the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award for their inspirational attitudes.

Early Acceptances Announced

Eighty-four percent of our senior class has earned early acceptance to multiple top-tier colleges and universities!

 

January 2018

Angelic Inspiration

Members of the Kick the Water Bottle campaign shared insider tips with the Green Bees, a student sustainability team from Saint Benedict Preparatory School in Newark. The students convened at Holy Angels, where Angela Romanos, Samantha Sivulka, Elena Pulanco, and Katarina Katzarov detailed the AHA student-led effort from its beginnings at a 2016 retreat to the Academy’s September 2017 ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles.

Hoop Star

Rising basketball star Elena Pulanco scored her 1,000th career point during the Joe Poli Holiday Tournament on December 30, 2017. The AHA and Old Tappan teams put their game on hold to celebrate Pulanco’s milestone three-point shot.

Outreach Opens Doors

Angel Maya Sharma attended the Perry Outreach at the New York Simulation Center in New York City. The day-long program is organized by the Perry Initiative, and encourages female high school students to explore careers in engineering and medical professions, including orthopedics. Maya interacted with current women professionals, and tried her hand at orthopedic simulations.

Exclusive Invitations

AHA’s Yasmine Carter-McTavish, Hanora Chapman, Leah Sanchez, and Maria Guyre were the only Catholic high school students chosen to perform in the All County Band and Choir Concert held at Paramus High School. Over 600 students auditioned. Hanora has also been asked to return to the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, where she performed last year. She will sing Alto 2 in the Mixed Concert Choir, a select group of vocalists from across the globe.

STREAM Lab opens

Students are enjoying the Academy’s new STREAM Lab that opened in late 2017. This completely renovated space was formerly the Little Theater classroom. Engineering, physics, and architecture classes now meet in the STREAM Lab, as do clubs that focus on engineering and robotics.

Harvard Model UN

Fourteen Angels addressed pressing global issues at the 65th session of the Harvard Model United Nations Conference, an international event held in Boston, Massachusetts. Camila Martinez, Taryn Barrett, Lucy McAuliffe, Laney Vasseghi, Angelina Busetto, Camila Correa, Shannon Dobres, Katherine Gazzini, Audrey Lee, Kate Montesdeoca, Eungyo “Ivy” Shin, Liliette Quintana, Ayanah Taneja, and Paulina Yannitsadis represented Finland.

Top Squad

The AHA Bowling Team earned its second consecutive Bergen County title, defeating Ridgewood in the final round of the tournament held at Bowler City in Hackensack. The Angels quickly rose to the top of the 20 teams chosen to compete in this event. The 2018 championship squad, which is coached by Patrick Dunne, includes Co-captains Rebecca Sicat, Alexa Hernandez, and Amelia Brunda; and teammates Palak Hazrati, Sarah Folk, Brandi Glaser, Isabelle Egan, and Julie Zierer.

The Gift of Music

Timea Papp organized a well-received concert for the residents of Van Dyk Park Place, an assisted living facility where Timea has been a volunteer for several years. Performers included Timea and her fellow Tri-M Music Honor Society members Jillian and Angelina Busetto, Jaya and Maya Sharma, Olivia Hagopian, Mary Macri, Haram Kim, Hannah and Grade Velarde, Hanora Chapman, and Amanda Siemsen.

Artistic Angels

Members of Art for the Community, one of the Academy’s activity groups, created a festive wreath and Christmas tree decoration for the Franciscan Sisters in Tenafly. Freshmen Arda Hajjar, Emma DeMarco, Melanie Meehan, and Molly Brooks were part of this seasonal outreach.

Students Recognized

Multiple students have been named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the outstanding grade point averages they posted during the second quarter.

 

December 2017

Spreading Smiles in Ghana

Cassandra Keith Garcia (Class of 2018) recently traveled to Ghana as part of a two-week Operation Smile mission. As a trained volunteer, Cassandra interacted with the children who were about to undergo corrective surgeries for cleft lip or cleft palate, and provided the patients’ families with information about dental hygiene, burn care and prevention, nutrition, oral rehydration therapy, CPR, and the Heimlich Maneuver.

Cultural Celebration

Joining with their peers across the United States, members of the Academy’s French Club and French Honor Society led AHA’s annual observance of National French Week. The Angels organized multiple events to celebrate French culture and its importance on the world stage. The related photo includes Abigail Allport running the Bake Sale, and Olivia Hagopian, Lucy McAuliffe, and Camila Correa.

Heartwarming Tradition

Several Angels took a road trip to Philadelphia to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with some young friends from Saint Peter the Apostle School. The students enjoyed various activities together during this traditional holiday visit. At the end of the day, the Angels received a special blessing for their trip home.

Eye-opening Event

Genevieve McClean and Sofia Nedelkoff attended the Teen Hunger Summit at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange. Everyone who attended this event had the opportunity to explore hunger-related issues and potential solutions.

HOBY Representatives Selected

The Academy’s 2018 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar representatives will be Kayla Pringle and Angelina Busetto. Morgan Morrissey is AHA’s alternate representative. Each year, high school sophomores who demonstrate a talent for leadership attend this seminar.

Candidates Named

Timea Papp is the Academy of the Holy Angels’ candidate for the Governor's School of Engineering & Technology, and Maya Sharma is AHA's candidate for the Governor's School in Science. Maya and Timea are now involved in the application process for these prestigious, highly-competitive programs.

 

November 2017

Voice & Vision

Aprile Bertomo, a member of the Class of 2018, has won the local Voice of Democracy essay contest sponsored by the Bergenfield Veterans of Foreign Wars. Her essay was chosen from 175 entries, and has been forwarded to the district level of the VOD competition. The national winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship. Bergenfield VFW Quartermaster John Smith visited AHA to present Aprile with a certificate and a monetary award. Looking on is AHA Principal Jean Mullooly.

Making History

On National Signing Day 2017, a record number of AHA athletes made the commitment to play Division 1 college sports. Pictured seated are Elena Pulanco, who earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Wofford College; Kelly Sim, who will play golf at Northwestern; and Caroline McGann and Tara Lyons, both of whom will participate in track and field at Bucknell. Standing are Coach Sue Liddy, Coach Patrick Dunne, and Coach Howard Schuman.

Inductees Named

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2018 who have been inducted into the Alice Paul Chapter of the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. This year’s inductees include Jessica Boccassini, Elizabeth Braun, Jill Canavari, Haojing Chen, Isabella Cresci, Kyra Cseh, Teagan Cunningham, Grace Diaz, Molly Doyle, Tyara Estrada, Cassandra Keith Garcia, Julianna Gentile, Sophia Georgiou, Kristen Gil, Kaitlyn Gillies, Sakura Kagawa-Ferraro, Eleanor Kim, Iris Knowles, Hoi Lam, Jennifer McGann, Kathleen Miceli, Rhiannon Novelli, Danielle O’Connor, Hayoon (“Ashley”) Park, Laura Pesanello, Elena Pulanco, Rhiannon Reilly, Sara Rivoir, Angela Romanos, Danielle Sanchez, Ayse Seker, Samantha Sivulka, Anya Skae, Caroline Sommers, and Sofia Urquiola.

Celebrated Coach

Howard Schuman, the Academy’s track and cross country coach since 2007, has been inducted into the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame. Since he joined AHA, his student athletes have won 10 league titles, 16 county titles, and two state titles. Throughout his 51-year career, Schuman has coached at the high school and college levels, leading multiple athletes to over 70 championships. He has been Bergen County Coach of the Year five times, was named New Jersey and Northeast Coach of the Year in 2004, and was nominated for national-level Coach of the Year honors. In 2002, he was inducted into the New Jersey Athletic Hall of Fame.

Playing Like Pros

Five Tri-M Music Honor Society musicians performed at the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in Wilton, Connecticut. Performers included pianist Jaya Sharma and the AHA String Quartet, which includes violinists Maya Sharma and Maria Guyre, violist Jiwon Yoon, and cellist Erin Yang. Selections ranged from "Moon River" to "The Estudiantina Waltz."

Inspirational Alumna

Holy Angels alumna Joan Marie Johnson, Ph.D., recently published “Finding Feminism,” a look at how female philanthropists fueled the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. During her recent visit to the Academy, Dr. Johnson discussed her findings with current students and faculty members.

Getting Dramatic

Agatha Christie’s classic tale, “And Then There Were None,” thrilled audiences who flocked to AHA for another outstanding production directed by Katie Collins. Cast members included Nora Jacobi, Valentina Zazzali, Julia Fernandez, Valeria Gonzalez, Anijanie Perez, Rianna LeHane, Gabi Layne, Jenna Cooperman, Jessica Boccassini, Jaden Urso, John Malcuit of Park Ridge High School, and Jack Piccirillo and Alexander Birchwale of Saint Joseph Regional High School.

Outstanding Alumnae

During Alumnae Weekend 2017, AHA recognized cellist Ani Kalayjian (Class of 1999) and Caroline McCarthy Blatti (Class of 1992). Kalayjian was inducted into the AHA Arts Hall of Fame, and Blatti was welcomed into the AHA Athletic Hall of Fame.

Additional Aid

Many groups at AHA have mobilized to provide financial support for Puerto Rico as the island recovers from Hurricane Maria. The original goal was $3,000, but the bar was reset to $5,000 after students, faculty, and staff heard Sister Josefina Morales’ firsthand account of the storm’s destruction. Multiple teachers from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in San Juan lost everything due to the storm. Funds raised at AHA will help them rebound from this catastrophe.

Driven to Help

The school community donated 76 turkeys to the NJ FoodBank to ensure that families in need would be able to enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. Senior Danielle Sanchez and AHA Campus Minister Maryanne Miloscia are pictured helping NJ FoodBank’s Keith Owens load his truck.

Strings that Sing

Cellist Erin Yang's trio recently won first prize in the Third Manhattan International Music Competition. She and her group have been invited to perform at Bruno Walter Auditorium at New York’s Lincoln Center. Erin, an AHA sophomore, also plays the piano and the flute, but dedicated herself to the cello nine years ago. She is a member of Tri-M, an honor society for music students, and plays the cello for the Tri-M String Quartet. Erin is pictured here with instrumental music teacher Mariann Annecchino.

Savvy Competitors

The AHA Varsity and Junior Varsity Dance Teams are adding to their numerous accolades. At the Universal Dance Association Dance Championship, both varsity and junior varsity took first place in their division for pom. Varsity also received the award for Best Crowd Appeal. In January, the dancers will compete in the UDA National Dance Team Championship. AHA is the defending champion, having won titles in small varsity hip hop in 2016 and 2017.

Inspirational Attitudes

Four students who exemplify kindness and positivity have received the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award. The winners are freshman Maureen Murray, sophomore Joanna Scorese, junior Sahar Ali-Jenkins, and senior Elena Pulanco.

Students Recognized

Multiple students have been named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the outstanding grade point averages they posted during the first quarter.

October 2017

Eucharistic Ministers Commissioned

Seventeen members of the Class of 2018 became Eucharistic Ministers on Feast Day. They were commissioned by Bishop John Flesey. This year’s celebration also included the blessing and dedication of Sister Genevieve Kelleher Hall. Pictured standing L-R: AHA Campus Minister Maryanne Miloscia, Gianna Gervino, Tara Lyons, Geraldine Riveros, AHA Principal Jean Mullooly, AHA President Melinda Hanlon, Elizabeth Braun, Julianna Esoldi, Sara Zilvetti, Cara Czvekus, Laura Pesanello, and AHA Director of Campus Ministry Kathleen Sylvester. Seated L-R: Monica Wittleder, Cassandra Garcia, Charlotte McCabe, Angelina Scozzafava, Courtney Dodds, Julia Giampiccolo, Aprile Bertomo, Mary Haws, and Katherine Morrissey.

Lending a Hand in Haiti 

Madison Donohue and Jacklyn Kelly participated in a week-long mission trip to Cap-Haitien, Haiti. While lodged at the monastery of the Missionaries of the Poor, the teens cared for children who are HIV positive, and worked with children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

Mustard Seed Mission

Anya Skae volunteered at Mustard Seed Communities in Diriamba and Managua, Nicaragua. She worked with orphans with disabilities, and returned home with an enhanced appreciation for her family and her home. 

Spreading Smiles

Angelina Scozzafava traveled to Malawi to provide essential health and nutrition information to families of children who were about to undergo Operation Smile surgeries. 

Commendable Work!

Molly Doyle and Noelani Buonomo have been named Commended Students for their excellent performance on the PSAT/NMSQTs. Both Angels were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and by the entire Holy Angels community.

Angelic Author

Sister Mary Foley’s book about Luke, AHA’s long-time therapy dog and AHA “goose dog,” is a hit! She is planning a book signing at a local bookstore in the near future. Proceeds from “Luke the Border Collie: My Early Years” will benefit the Holy Angels Scholarship Fund.

Promises Renewed

Eight School Sisters of Notre Dame renewed their vows as Holy Angels celebrated Foundation Day. Standing (L-R) are S. Kathleen Dunham, SSND; S. Carole Tabano, SSND; S. Patricia Ferrick, SSND; and S. Grace D'Amico, SSND. Seated: S. Mary Kelly, SSND; S. Ethel Howley, SSND; S. Madeline Hanson, SSND; and S. Mary Foley, SSND.

International Event

Twenty-eight Angels celebrated the International Day of the Girl at the United Nations in New York City. They were invited by Sister Eileen Reilly, director of the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s United Nations Non-governmental Organization Office.

Scholars Recognized 

This year’s Sister Nonna Dunphy Scholarship finalists and semi-finalists were recognized during the October 27th Foundation Day celebration. The finalists are Mary Haws, Laura Pesanello, Hanora Chapman, Timea Papp, Sophia Luongo, and Kathryn McGraw. Our semi-finalists are Elizabeth Abraham, Aprile Bertomo, Ashley Hess, Mary Macri, Olivia Mandella, Maya Sharma, Sophie Anderson, Amy Cami, and Grace McGraw. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, character, service, and an interview.

 

 September 2017

Finding 'Family' in China

International transfer student Linda (Xinhui) Lin grew up in China, but had not explored the country or learned about Chinese culture beyond the classroom until this summer. During a two-week culture camp in China, she discovered that “family” is about the bonds people throughout the world share. Linda and her peers explored Chinese art, calligraphy, paper cutting, history, and the wonders of the natural world as they visited Nanjing, Yancheng, and Dongtai, and made time to assist children with disabilities.

 

 

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Paving a Path

Czarina Marie Alfonso is paving a path toward a future in medicine. After her research poster on electroconvulsive therapy earned her a second place finish in a competition at Georgetown Medical School, Alfonso visited the Philippines to bring pneumonia vaccines to local children.

 

 

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Bread Loaf Scholar

During the summer, AHA English teacher Diana Rankin studied 19th century British and American literature at Oxford University. This study abroad program was part of the Bread Loaf School of English master’s program available through Middlebury College in Vermont. While she was in England, Rankin met up with AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger, who also spent part of her summer studying at Oxford.

 

April in England

While AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger was at Oxford this summer, she convinced a colleague to offer a critical thinking course to Holy Angels students. This very special study abroad opportunity will take place at England’s Oxford University during AHA’s April break.

 

Caring for Creation

Taking the next step in the “Kick the Water Bottle” campaign, the Academy has banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on campus and the purchase of these bottles with school funds. This policy is an active response to Pope Francis’ call for people to be caretakers of creation and responsible consumers of natural resources. Those who work, study, ad visit AHA are welcome to bring their reusable water bottles, which they may refill at the school’s water fountains.

 

 

Volunteers Moved by Nazareth Farm Trip

Katarina Katzarov, Hannah Hyams, Christiana Callegari, Nicola Callegari, and Gabrielle Layne recently made the journey to Nazareth Farm with AHA Director of Campus Ministry Kathy Sylvester and Deacon John Sylvester. During their week of community service, the group worked with volunteers from other schools to help refurbish homes for families in West Virginia. One Angel who was moved by the experience said she did not want to leave!

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Hands-on Training

Aprile Bertomo recently attended Holy Name Medical Center’s Institute for Simulation Technology’s advanced program. After witnessing an actual birth, Aprile “delivered” a baby as part of a simulation. She also learned how clear communication can save lives.

 

A Reason to Smile

Angelina Scozzafava, Cassandra Keith Garcia, Samantha Danylchuk, and Melina Tidwell Torres all traveled to Rome, Italy, this summer to take part in Operation Smile training. Afterward, Angelina went on a related mission trip to Malawi. Cassandra plans to travel to Ghana in March. Samantha and Melina participated in the Operation Smile International Student Leadership Conference, the first step toward participation in an Op Smile mission trip.

 

Rustic Adventure

Julia Farah and Grace Flynn participated in a Rustic Pathways service trip before the start of the new school year. During their nine-day stay in Costa Rica, the Angels helped build a new house and septic system for a family in need, shored up the masonry at a community center, and built bathrooms at a local high school. The volunteers also interacted with young students who are learning English.

 

HOBY Seminar Inspires Fundraiser

Motivated by the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar they attended, Olivia Mandella and Abigail Sheehan organized a 5K to benefit Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The event netted over $7,000 for cancer research. Abigail and Olivia are already discussing plans to make this 5K an annual event.

 

Summer 2017

Savvy Travelers

Holy Angels educators Gail Fair and Nancy Schneberger studied in the United Kingdom this summer after winning grants through the Teacher Seminars program sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Fair traveled to the University of Edinburgh for the "Thomas Jefferson and the Enlightenment" seminar, and visited Glenthroes, a high school in Fyfe that participated in Skype sessions with Fair's AP Government and Politics class. Schneberger attended Oxford University for the "Age of Lincoln" seminar. 

Enlightening Journey

AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger led a group of students on a Literary Tour of England that included key landmarks in Bath, London, and Oxford.

 

Sweet Swing

In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments on the links, AHA golfer Kelly Sim was named the 2017 New Jersey Amateur Champion.

 

 

 

June 2017

AHA Graduates 147 Angels 

On June 4, 147 members of the Academy of the Holy Angels Class of 2017 bid farewell to high school life. Every AHA graduate has been accepted to a four-year college or university, including multiple top-tier schools. Samantha Kim was named senior commencement speaker, the highest honor an AHA graduate can receive from her alma mater. Kim was selected based on her top four-year cumulative average in combination with her leadership activities, spirituality, and service work. She will continue her education at Stanford University. Grace MacNeill was Second in Merit. She will attend Columbia University.

 

Accolades Accrue 

Congratulations to the members of the stage crew who worked on “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and to Musical Director George Croom. Croom and the stage crew both won Metropolitan High School Theater Awards for their outstanding work on AHA’s spring musical.

 

Yale Wins Angel Award

Congratulations to 2017 Angel Award winner Jessica Yale, who has been active with the AHA Chorus, the AHA Vocal Ensemble, the Art Club, Project Greenhouse, and more. As a junior, her jewelry design earned her a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. This fall, she will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she plans to study industrial design.

 

Students Earn Scholarships

Olivia Sheppard, Joanne Li, and Amanda Hernandez recently received Angels in the Arts Scholarships. This fall, Hernandez will attend Cornell University, Li will attend Rutgers University, and Sheppard will study at Sacred Heart University. Sheppard has been featured at AHA’s art shows, has been involved with the spring musical and stage crew, and was active with the Academy’s orchestra and chorus. Li played the violin in the Academy’s orchestra, served as editor of “Blueprint,” and created the lobby design for a recent theatrical production. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society and Tri-M. Hernandez served as captain of the AHA Dance Team and played the trombone in the school orchestra.

 

Exemplary Attitudes 

Nora Pav, Sasha Leys, and Victoria Lehman have received the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award for their inspirational positivity, kindness, and helpfulness. They were honored at the year-end assembly held in June.

 

Hard Work Pays Dividends

Multiple Angels were named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for maintaining excellent grade point averages throughout the 2016-17 academic year. Kudos!

 

Coaching Staff Earns Group Honor

The staff of Howard Schuman, Nick Veneroso, Staisean Lyew, Megan Dippolito, and Diana Rankin recently made history by becoming the first group to be honored as The Record’s Girls Spring Track Coaches of the Year. Although Schuman and key team member Liz Garcia were sidelined due to injuries, Holy Angels remained competitive in the Big North United, Bergen E, and North Non-public A meets, earning the team’s coaches this first-ever honor for a group.

 

Garcia Earns Prestigious Award

Liz Garcia recently received the Angel Award for her  contributions to the athletic program at AHA. The Angel Award is the most prestigious honor awarded to a Holy Angels athlete. Eligible individuals must be varsity athletes in at least a two sports and must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, spirit, and leadership. Garcia has been a key member of the track and basketball teams. She scored her 1,000th point in basketball in the State Semifinal. She was voted First Team All-Big North and Second Team All-County, and was selected to play in the North South All Star Game. Her jersey has been retired. This fall, Garcia will continue her basketball career at the University of Hartford.

 

Bowlers Have Stand-out Season

Congratulations to the AHA Bowling Team for completing the most successful season in the group’s history! The Angels were named Team of the Year by the Bergen County Women Coaches Association and The Record. Tiffany Sucero and Alexa Hernandez were both named First Team All-League and First Team All-County. Ciara Mottley was First Team All-League and Third Team All-County. Amelia Brunda was First Team All-League and earned an Honorable Mention All-County. Shiho Numakura received an Honorable Mention All-League. Sucero, the most celebrated bowler in AHA’s history, was honored by having her team shirt retired, framed, and placed in AHA’s sports hallway.

 

Golfers Win Title

The AHA Golf Team’s 7-1 division record earned the Angels the Division One title, which they share with Old Tappan. The team attained a 14-3 overall record, defeating strong teams from Ridgewood, Northern Highlands, and Old Tappan. Co-captains Sabrina Romano and Kelly Sim also earned multiple individual honors. Romano was named First Team All-Division and received an Honorable Mention All-County. Sim was named First Team All-County and All-State. In addition, Sim won the Big North Tournament and finished fifth in the state finals. She was chosen as a High School All-American and, for the third consecutive year, was named The Record’s Female Golfer of the Year.

 

Spring Track Team Excels

The AHA Spring Track Team tied for the League Championship, and finished second in the County Relays and Individuals, and multiple team members set new school records. Mackenzie Hughes won the State Group Championship in the 1600m, becoming the first girl in school history to break five minutes. She also won the League and County Championship in the 1600m and 3200m, and was chosen First Team All-County. AHA’s 4x800 relay team of Mackenzie Hughes, Tara Lyons, Christina Bagin, and Abby Sheehan won the State Group Championship. Pole Vaulter Caroline McGann won the League, County, and State Sectional Championships, and Anya Skae won the League and County Championships in the discus and shot put. The 4x100 relay team of Christina McCarthy, Veronique Dhont, Nicole Barbaro, and Maris Rodriguez won the State Sectional Championship.

May 2017

Multicultural Communicators

Multiple students were recently recognized for their excellent scores on the national-level world language exams given in French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. Congratulations to our students and their teachers!

Angel Jaya Takes 4th Place 

 AHA Principal Jean Mullooly presents the fourth place Speaker Award to AHA Debate Team member Jaya Sharma of River Vale.

 

 

 

 

Seniors Celebrate New Alma Maters 

Our seniors have come a long way since their beginnings at Holy Angels. On May 1, in honor of National College Decision Day, our seniors showed off their school spirit for their new alma maters. Congratulations to our graduating seniors!

 

AHA Dance Wins Video Contest

Our two-time national champion AHA Dance Team recently earned a Judges’ Choice award in the 2017 Harlequin Scholarship Video Contest. The award includes a $250 check that will be presented to the Academy, and promotion of the team’s winning video on TheWorldDances.com and in the May issue of The World Dances, an e-newsletter that reaches over 55,000 subscribers. Coach Jenny Sweet entered the team in the video contest, which was promoted by Harlequin Floors. See their incredible routine here!

 

AHA Golf Wins Second Place 

Congratulations to the AHA Golf Team on finishing in second place in the Big North Golf Tournament! Kelly Sim also won the individual title for second year in a row with a 2 under 68!

 

 

Merit Scholars Named 

Seniors Samantha Kim and Nahee Kim have been named Merit Scholars. Each student has received a National Merit® Scholarship. Our winners were selected from a field that included over 15,000 Finalists, including AHA students Clara Jeon and Joanne Li.

 

 

 

Take a Hike! 

On Service Day, students and staff shared their time and talents at AHA and beyond. Angels Sydney, Sakura, Ashley, MaryElena, Emily, Rhiannon, Mary B., Katherine, and Mary H. pulled a cartload of garlic mustard, an invasive plant species, from the grounds at New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Sanctuary. They also helped Sanctuary Director Patrick Scheuer get ready for a plant sale, start a butterfly garden, and spot birds with some very young visitors.

 

Top Honor

Seventy juniors and nine seniors were recently inducted into the National Honor Society for their excellent scholarship and comportment.

 

‘Drood’ Showered with Nominations 

The award-winning performing arts program at the Academy of the Holy Angels is poised to receive additional accolades after receiving multiple nominations for the 2017 Metropolitan High School Theater Awards. The Academy’s spring musical, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” earned the most nominations among the participating Bergen County schools. "Drood" received multiple nominations, including Overall Production, Actor in a Leading Role, Male Acting Performance, Vocal Performance, Stage Crew, Lobby Display, Graphic Design, Direction, Musical Direction, Choreography, Costume Design, and Scenic Design. Congratulations!

 

Sunrise Concert 

Violinist June Chung and nine other highly-regarded AHA musicians recently performed “Spring into Music” for the residents of Sunrise, a memory care residence in Paramus. The performers are members of the Tri-M National Honor Society. Chung, who is president of Tri-M Chapter 2150 at AHA, organized this event. She also recruited Olivia Sheppard, Jessica Yale, Francesca Marsh, Alison Kim, Mary Macri, Amanda Siemsen, Kayla Pringle, and sisters Jaya and Maya Sharma.

 

 

Up for Debate

The AHA Debate Team finished fourth in the county league this year. The team award will be on display in the school’s trophy case. Jaya Sharma earned the fourth place Speaker Award for her contributions to the team.

 

 

April 2017

Athletes Win Silver in Philadelphia

AHA's 4x400 relay team won a silver medal at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. This relay team includes Tara Lyons, Maris Rodriguez, Mackenzie Hughes, and Abigail Sheehan. Nicole Barbero, Veronique Dhont, Christina McCarthy, and Samantha Yoon also represented AHA at this year's Penn Relays. Congratulations to all of our fine athletes! 

Dynamic Duo 

Throughout their partnership, AHA Social Worker Sister Mary Foley and Luke the therapy dog brought comfort to countless people. Before Luke passed away this month at the age of 15, he and S. Mary helped heal broken hearts in Newtown, Connecticut after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, following a devastating tornado. In Connecticut, one child who had become reticent following her brother’s death, began to speak while she was petting Luke. Children in local libraries got to know Luke also he sat and listened patiently as they read him book after book, building their reading skills. His multifaceted career also included appearances in schools, nursing homes, and private residences. He is survived by a legacy of love. 

 

Spring Sports Pep-Rally 

We kicked off April with our Spring Pep Rally to wish all of our spring athletes the best of luck this upcoming season! We are proud of their accomplishments so far, and wish all our athletes continued success. Go Angels!

 

 

A Most Angelic Evening 

The 20th annual Angelic Evening was a smashing success thanks to the event’s organizers and supporters! All of the proceeds from this night of fine dining, music, dancing, and extraordinary prizes will be used to purchase furniture and equipment for student use in Kelleher Hall. Once used as a convent, this portion of the school is now undergoing a major renovation. When this project has been completed, Kelleher Hall will include a Mac Lab, art studios, and classrooms. The building will also house an archive of the Academy’s historical items from 1879 to today and materials related to AHA’s sponsors, the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

 

Sweet Serenade 

Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society serenaded the residents and volunteers at the Spectrum for Living in Teaneck. Jaya and Maya Sharma organized the concert and recruited their peers to perform. Della Crews from News 12 New Jersey featured the event on a recent newscast.

 

 

‘Drood’ Delights Audiences 

The cast of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” put on three electrifying performances of this comedic musical mystery under the direction of Katie McSherry. The actors interacted with theater-goers before the shows, and at the pre-show dinner on Saturday evening. The performers drew inspiration from composer Rupert Holmes, who visited AHA for a Question & Answer session. The cast and crew put on an incredible show. Click here to see what it was like behind the scenes of the production!

 

Sim Wins Fourth Title 

Kelly Sim (AHA Class of 2018) just won her fourth American Junior Golf Association Girls Division Title! Sim was five strokes ahead of her next closest competitor. Her performance included seven birdies and a seven over par final score of 217. The Junior-Am event was played at the Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen, Kentucky, April 21-23.

 

 

Artists Recognized 

Several of our talented student artists have been inducted into the National Art Honor Society. This society recognizes high school students who demonstrate a high level of scholarship in art and academics. NAHS also encourages good character, art education within and outside school, and service projects.

 

 

Beautification Effort 

Kathryn Biskup’s Art for the Community group shared their artistry with the Franciscan Sisters of Tenafly. Students created Easter-themed painted plaques and spring flower crafts to share.

 

 

Exciting Experience 

Girl Rising Club leaders Katherine Staff, Amanda Hernandez, and Alexandra McCartha were on hand at the United Nations as world-renowned girls’ education advocate Malala Yousafzai was named UN Messenger of Peace. Girl Rising emphasizes the importance of education for girls.

 

 

Alumnae Named Top Advisers

Forbes recently named AHA alumnae Louise (Fiocchi) Gunderson and Kathleen (McNicholas) Entwistle to its list of the country’s Top 200 Female Financial Advisers. Gunderson, a member of the Class of 1964, is number 9. Entwistle, a member of the Class of 1983, is number 177.

 

“I thought what a great tribute this is to Holy Angels and the strong foundation that the school provided to us both with academics and personal confidence,” Entwistle said. 

 

The French Connection

The French Club and the French Honor Society raised $1,161 to help educate children in Lebanon. The funds will benefit Association Saint Basile, an organization founded by volunteers from Lebanon and France following the 15-year Lebanese war.

 

Math Mavens 

Forty-eight students have been inducted into Mu Alpha Theta. This honor society recognizes students who excel in mathematics, one of the pillars of the STREAM curriculum that also highlights science, technology, religion, engineering, and art. The inductees were featured by Della Crews on a recent News 12 New Jersey segment.

 

 

Making Their Move

Multiple AHA athletes competed at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Participating runners included Maris Rodriguez, Nicole Barbero, Veronique Dhont, Christina McCarthy, Tara Lyons, Mckenzie Hughes, Abigail Sheehan, and Samantha Yoon.

 

Fueling Innovation 

The school community recently hosted representatives from Fujitsu America and Fujitsu Japan, who observed students, faculty, and staff members using the company’s tablet computers. The firsthand data the team gathered will influence the designs and functions of future computer models. Pictured (L-R) are Client Executive Bob Petrik, Product Manager “Tommy” Yusuke Takami, and Quality Assurance Engineer “KC” Keishi Murakami, all of Fujitsu America; Chief Designer Yu Kurosawa from Fujitsu Japan; and AHA Technology Manager Theresa Young.

 

March 2017 

Worldly Scholars

Mastering the Slopes 

Sydney Loverich (Class of 2019) recently represented New Jersey in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s U16 Eastern Championship and in the Canadian American Competitions. The alpine racer from Mahwah says she is pursuing her true passion.

 

 

 

 

Artists Earn National Awards 

Na Young Lee and Margeaux Gould have won National Silver Medals in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Young, who is a senior, won a National Silver Medal in Painting for her watercolor, "Saudade." Gould, a junior, won a National Silver Medal in Jewelry for her necklace, "Nailed to the Neck." 

 

 

 

Esteemed Educators 

AHA History Department Chair Gail Fair and AHA English Department Chair Nancy Schneberger have received grants to study in the United Kingdom this summer. Schneberger will attend Oxford University in England, and Fair will attend the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

 

Awareness in Action 

This year’s Awareness Day, entitled “Empowering Girls: Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit,” focused on personal development. Various students, faculty members, and guest speakers (including alumnae) contributed their time and energy to this year’s enlightening presentations.

 

 

 

Good Intentions 

Seniors Kerry Sammon and Samantha Fellowes have officially signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the college level. Sammon will be playing soccer at Gettysburg and Fellowes will run track at Monmouth.

 

 

Top Scholars 

Twenty-eight juniors and seniors were welcomed into the Science National Honor Society. This month’s induction ceremony was the 12th to be held at AHA. Micaela Maron was named the winner of the Orange & Rockland Scientific Achievement Award for Young Women during this event. 

 

Solemn Reminder 

Students Against Destructive Decisions organized Ghost Day at AHA. This solemn event is a vital reminder of the dangers of driving while impaired.

 

United Nations Welcomes AHA Delegates 

AHA senior Arianne Rowe, junior Jaya Sharma, and history/international studies teacher Jennifer Cucchisi attended the 61st United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The 2017 priority theme was women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. AHA’s delegation represented the School Sisters of Notre Dame during the first week of the conference. CSW 61 was held at the UN Headquarters in New York City from March 13-24, with a brief break for a major snowstorm.

 

 

Cultural Celebration 

Cultures from around the globe were the focus at International Night. This annual celebration drew an enthusiastic crowd as students shared food, music, and fashion from their diverse backgrounds. Students come to AHA from near and far. In recent years, students have traveled to Holy Angels from China, South Korea, Brazil, Trinidad, and Great Britain. International Night allows the greater school community to learn more about the students’ many cultures, and explore the world without leaving Demarest.

 

Lenten Project 

Operation Rice Bowl fundraisers are being held throughout the Lenten season. The effort began with lunchtime celebrations of Mardi Gras and Carnevale. The Italian Club sold generously stuffed heroes and cannoli. Outreach organized a bake sale that was conveniently located next to the Italian Club’s table. Together, these events netted close to $200. The campaign is still in progress in the school’s homerooms, in the Student Commons, and through Carol Fay’s sophomore religion class. Donations help to ameliorate hunger and poverty in local communities and across the globe.

 

Far-reaching Effort 

Beyond Borders speakers Freda Catheus and Maureen Plaisimond visited AHA as part of their East Coast tour. AHA’s sponsors, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, partnered with Beyond Borders to support the organization’s efforts to improve lives throughout Haiti. The speakers discussed their work and accepted the balance of AHA’s donation to the Hurricane Matthew relief effort. AHA’s total donation of $5,785 is helping three families rebuild and move forward.

 

 

Ringing Endorsement 

Music in Our Schools Month® (March) brought “Random Acts of Music” and “Mini Morning Musicales” to the halls of AHA, beginning with a performance by the AHA Handbell Choir. The National Association for Music Education launched this event in March of 1973 to promote high-quality music education in schools.

 

 

Alumnas Listas 

Students from the Spanish 3 High Honors classes taught by Carmen Quiñones spent a day walking in the shoes of prominent Hispanic figures from the past and present.

February 2017

Kelleher Hall Under Renovations 

The renovation of the former convent building has officially begun. The building was once used as a residence and convent for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is now being updated to further advance AHA’s STREAM program. The building is being renamed for S. Genevieve Kelleher, SSND, who served as librarian and taught multiple subjects at Holy Angels from 1948 to 2011.

 

 

AHA Dance Team Wins State & National Titles 

The  AHA Dance Team just became the National Champions in the Small Varsity Hip Hop Division at the National Dance Team Championship for the second year in a row! In addition to being named National Champions, our team’s hard work and dedication earned them the title of State Champions!

 

 

Scholars Recognized 

Multiple students were named to the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for maintaining high grade point averages through the second quarter. See the list here.

 

 

Artists Acknowledged 

AHA Art Department Chair Jennifer Lee announced that Holy Angels students recently earned 7 Gold Keys, 8 Silver Keys, and 29 Honorable Mentions in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. AHA’s Gold Key winners will move on to the national competition. Na Young Lee earned three Gold Keys (one each in drawing, sculpture, and painting), a Silver Key for her mixed media piece, and two Honorable Mentions. Jillian Tracey took home the gold for her digital art and received a Silver Key for her photograph. Photographer Ruobing Yang won gold, silver, and an Honorable Mention. Milena Correa received her Gold Key for jewelry. Margeaux Gould brought home gold for her jewelry and an Honorable Mention for her drawing/illustration.Silver-level winners include Elizabeth Braun, Ashley Chang, Tyara Estrada, Elana Pulanco, and Joanne Li. Honorable Mentions went to Katarina Katzarov (three), Elana Pulanco, Sabrina Celis, Mary Haws, Haley Kuznetow (three), Bridget Hayden, Timea Papp, Samantha Ryan, Grace Velarde, Sophia Georgiou, Gabriella Licini, Isabella Pineda, Noelle DeConzo, Alexa Hernandez, Caroline McGann, Jessica Yale, Tyara Estrada, and Joanne Li.

 

Elite Vocalist 

Hanora Chapman performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series, an elite group of vocalists from around the globe. She was featured as first alto with the Honors Women’s Choir, but also sings pieces written for a soprano or mezzo soprano. Chapman appreciated the information the conductor, Dr. Tim Seelig, shared with the choir, and she returned to AHA with knowledge of a different vocal technique. The select choir, which included performers from Canada, England, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, received a standing ovation. Lisa Marciano, the choral teacher at AHA, nominated Chapman for this honor.

 

 

Getting Judgmental 

Four engineering students who are now in their senior year at AHA recently helped judge the STREAM Fair held at Christ the Teacher School in Fort Lee. The AHA students included Katherine Kohler, Demitria Poulos, Samantha Ryan, and Antonia Thompson.

 

 

 

Rebuilding Homes & Lives 

Thanks to the united effort of the AHA community, three Haitian families will be able to rebuild the homes they lost to Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. The multi-faceted Hope for Haiti effort concluded with a Flapjack Fundraiser that netted $861, bringing the overall total to $5,780. The funds will allow three families to gain access to clean water, improved sanitation, and health care. They will receive livestock and training so they can earn a living, and their children can go to school. AHA’s Hope for Haiti effort is a partnership with the School Sisters of Notre Dame, who sponsor the Academy, and Beyond Borders.

 

Immersion Experience 

A small group from AHA spent Winter Break in Douglas, Arizona, where they learned the facts about immigration from Mexico to the United States. Students Grace MacNeill, Lucy McAuliffe, Lourdes Sydney Otis, Demitria “Demi” Poulos, and Ayse Seker took this Mission Awareness Process trip with Mission and Ministry/Religion Teacher Joan Connelly and Religious Studies Department Chair Carol Fay. The group from AHA visited with the School Sisters of Notre Dame who are working with immigrants and residents of the communities near the international border. The group learned about the migrants who risk their lives trying to get into the U.S., the court process, and the work of those who enforce immigration law. They also learned about the people who work with migrants who are returned to Mexico, and programs offered within that country.

 

A Matter of Kindness 

Four AHA students recently received the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award for encouraging, supporting, and inspiring others. The honorees for the second quarter are freshman Kayla Pringle, sophomore Samantha Romano, junior Jaya Sharma, and senior Demitria “Demi” Poulos. The Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award is presented quarterly to one student from each grade. AHA students, faculty, and staff, may nominate a student who demonstrates an inspirational spirit of kindness. Dean of Students Andréa Beyer oversees the nomination process.

 

 

Interactive Lesson 

Ginger Rogers, Georgia O’Keefe, and Gertrude Ederle recently spent some time chatting with Al Capone, Agatha Christie, and Albert Einstein. This star-studded event was one of two red carpet affairs hosted by Gail Fair, AHA’s Advanced Placement United States History teacher. Each student in Fair’s two AP classes selected a historical figure from the 1920s and 1930s, wrote a paper about that person, and then portrayed that person at one of two parties.

 

 

Critical Conference 

Arianne Rowe and Jaya Sharma will attend next month’s Commission on the Status of Women conference at the United Nations. Teacher Jennifer Cucchisi will accompany the students to this event.

 

Title Holders 

The AHA Bowling Team won the Group 2 State Championship this month. The team finished second to Warren Hills in the Tournament of Champions. Patrick Dunne, who founded “The Angels” 19 years ago, continues to coach the team. Members include Alexa Hernandez, Amelia Brunda, Shiho Numakura, Ciara Mottley, Tiffany Rose Sucero, Nina Aversa, Megan Cawley, and Demitria Poulos.

 

 

Athlete Honored

Alexa Hernandez was the only AHA bowler who qualified for the state individual championships. She bowled 199, 162, and 178, but did not qualify for the next round. North Jersey.com named her their athlete of the week.  See the interview: http://tiny.cc/NJSAOTW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2017

Competitive Crew 

The AngelBots, AHA's own robotics team, just returned from Hightstown, where six Angels participated in the club's inaugural FIRST® Tech Competition, using the robot they designed and built. The Angels who participated included Christina Colan, Victoria Colan, Milena Correa, Julia Nuñez, Nicole Dattolico, and Antonia Thompson. Adviser Jing Loo and Sharon Jureller accompanied the students. The AngelBots also include Veronica Andrade, Jillian Busetto, Haojing Chen, Victoria Lakowski, Kerry Limberg, Anika Maurer, Kym McGowan, and Jiayu Shen.

 

Artistic Angels 

Congratulations to our amazing student artists, who recently brought home multiple Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions for their outstanding work. Na young Lee won three Gold Keys and a Silver Key. Ruobing Yang earned a Gold Key and a Silver Key, as did Jillian Tracey. Our Gold Key winners included Milena Correa and Margeaux Gould, and our Silver Key winners included Elizabeth Braun, Ashley Chang, Tyara Estrada, Joanne Li, and Elana Pulanco.

 

Sweet Success 

Thanks to everyone for participating in our Bake Sale. We were able to raise an additional $630 to help Haitian families who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew.

 

Circle the Cities 

Several members of the Holy Angels community participated in a silent group meditation in conjunction with “Circle the Cities with Love,” a national outgrowth of a July 2016 effort held in Cleveland. Organizers of the national event cited the country’s need for a fresh start following the divisive election process; however, this community meditation was a non-partisan, no-issue event. Participants opted to “stand for love” and sent the power of love to the nation and beyond.

 

Team Triumph 

This month, our bowling team, “The Angels,” won the Bergen County Championship by over 300 pins. The AHA bowlers are led by Coach Patrick Dunne, who founded the team 19 years ago. The team members include Alexa Hernandez of Spring Valley (NY), Amelia Brunda of Paramus, Shiho Numakura of Teaneck, Ciara Mottley of River Vale, and Tiffany Rose Sucero of River Vale.

 

 

Milestones Marked

Multiple AHA staff and faculty members are currently celebrating career milestones. Honorees include: Sheila Wroblewski, Dorrie Voulgaris, Sister Carole Tabano, Nancy Schneberger, Dr. Samira Mady, Dr. Barbara Fallon, and Patrick Dunne, all of whom have contributed 25 years of service; Carol Fay, 30 years of service; and Robert Shanney and Susan Liddy, 40 years of service. In addition, Carmen Quinones recently received her master’s degree in history.

 

Distinguished Delegation 

This month, 13 Angels represented Ethiopia at the 64th session of the Harvard Model United Nations. Over 3,000 high school students from around the world traveled to Boston to join in this four-day simulation in downtown Boston. AHA’s delegates included Arianne Rowe of New City (NY), Kerry Sammon of Pearl River (NY), Samantha Diaz of Union City, Samantha Ryan of Orangeburg (NY), Mairead Dillon of Pearl River (NY), Ayanah Taneja of Guttenberg, Liliette Quintana of Midland Park, Katherine Gazzini of Ridgewood, Taryn Barrett of Paramus, Gillian van der Have of West Nyack (NY), Jillian Valdes of Oradell, Ayse Seker of Park Ridge, and Camila Martinez of Paramus. HMUN delegates participate in simulated UN conferences, work with delegates from other countries, and write resolutions with the goal of having those initiatives passed. Typically, the students remain at work until midnight every day the conference is in session.

 

Significant Victory

An amicus brief signed by the Atlantic Midwest Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame has helped shut down an “adult services” page known as Backpage.com. This site had been used to facilitate the exploitation of women and children. Appropriately, this breakthrough was announced in January, which is Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

 

Banishing the Bottles

AHA recently hosted a “bottle-less debate” to highlight the school’s Kick the Water Bottle Campaign. Holy Angels provided refreshments to the participating debate teams, but no bottles of water. Instead, the students were politely directed to the school’s multiple water fountains, which are also filling stations for refillable water containers.

 

Achieving Acceptance

Eighty-two percent of the seniors at AHA have gained early acceptance to their first-choice colleges and universities. In addition, these students have been awarded $12.7 million in scholarships to attend numerous prestigious institutions of higher education, and that figure is growing every day. Click here to read more.

 

 

June 2016

Honor Roll for 4th Quarter 

Congratulations to all the Angels who made it on the Honors/Principal's List for the 3rd Quarter in the 2015-2016 academic year! Click here to view.

May 2016

Angel Travels with Operation Smile 

Senior Niamh McGowan traveled to David, Panama and participated in her first Mission Trip. Niamh interacted with the children before and after surgery. She was also fortunate to observe the life-changing surgery performed by the wonderful Doctors. Niamh would love to continue her work with Operation Smile in the future, her memories were everlasting.  We are so proud of Niamh for impacting others not just in our community, but also impacting others across the globe! 

 

Golfer Kelly Sim Defends State Championship 

Congratulations to Angel Golfer Kelly Sim for winning first place and defending her State Championship title! With an amazing comeback, she finished 2 under par! Congrats Kelly! 

Angel Places in the Top 10%

Junior Clara Jeon placed in the top 10% of the 2016 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. This nationwide contest had over 2,070 entries – congrats to Clara for this amazing accomplishment! 

American Association of Teachers of Italian Award

The following students received recognition from the American Association of Teachers of Italian. Two of our Angels came in third place, Anna Laura Bombarda and Nicole Margiotta. Nine Angels received honorable mention: Grace MacNeill, Daniela Romana, Julia Nunez, CiaraMottley, Stephanie Madonna, CaitlynConwell, Julia Battaglia and Milena Corre.

National Spanish Exam 2016

The following students have attained the following honors on the National Spanish Exam 2016 –
Level One: Award winners: Shirley Made (Perfect Score, received medal from National Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese), Gabriella Ligresti (99th percentile). Gold winners: Brianna Gangl, Lauren Kim, Sofia Nedelkoff, and Emily Pintarelli. Silver winners: Jillian Busetto, Athena Cenname, Alyssa Fiume, Aimee Hannoush, Hedi Hannoush, Amanda Hawthorne, Ernestine Klecz, Anika Maurer, Timea Papp, Mary Petito, Samantha Romano, and Maya Sharma. Bronze winners: Allison Asselbergs, Katherine Bagin, Katherine Coster, Stephanie Coster, Kaitlin Genovese, Holly Gibbard, Maria HAnnoush, Alexa Kim, Rianna Lehane, Ana Victoria Lithgow, Olivia Lopez, Abigail Lovatt, Erin Maron, Olivia Rettew, Victoria Robinson, Amanda Siemsen, Katelyn Spinks, and Samantha Yoon. Honorable mentions: Analily Bozanian, Michaela Broussard, Lily Brown, Christi Callegari, Jenna Cooperman, Astrid D'Souza, Samantha Danylchuk, Montana Evans, Justine Garcia, Jennifer Kim, Kerry Limberg, Amy Yang, Emilie Thomas, and Hannah Velarde. 
Level Two: Gold Winners: Elizabeth Abraham,Kirsten Garino, and Mary Macri. Silver winners: Kvra Cseh, Lilv Diebivan, Mirvam Dubuisson, Juliana Esoldi, Mary Haws, Karolina Lokaj, Lucy McAuliffe, Katie Micelli, Rhiannon Novelli, Ashley Park, Angela Romanos, Jaya Sharma, Rebecca Sicat, Willa Spaar, CarlyTolin, and Ashley Ysan. Bronze winners: Caterina Bombarda, Cassandra Garcia, Sophia Georgiou , Alysson Martin, Danielle O'Connor, Sidney Otis, Elena Pulanco, Danielle Sanchez, and Alis Tokatlioglu. Honorable mentions: Elizabeth Braun, Eunice Cho, Jenny Delpino, Julíanna Gentile, Juli Huh, Hoiyun Lam, Catherine Park, Tamika Simeon, Samantha Sivulka, Anva Skae, and Monica Wittleder.
Level Two - Outside Experience Category: Bronze: Grace Velarde. Honorable mention: Sofia Urquoila. 
Level Two - Billigual Category: Silver: Melinda Tidwell-Torres. Bronze: Bethzabeth Concepcion and Samantha Herrera.
Level Two - New Jersey Chapter Placement: 1st Place Honorable Mention Billingual Category: Melinda Tidwell-Torres. 3rd Place Honorable Mention Billingual Category: Samantha Herrera. 4th Place Honorable Mention Billingual Category: Bethzabeth Concepcion.

Children of Eden Nominated for 12 Awards for the Metropolitan High School Theatre

Outstanding Lobby Display, Outstanding Graphic Design, Outstanding Duet, Outstanding Performance by a Chorus, Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Dance Performance, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress.

AHA of Children of Eden Nominated for 6 Papermill Rising Star Awards 

Choreography, Music Direction, Outstanding Chorus, Leading Actor, Outstanding Direction, and Outstanding Performance of a Musical. 

 

Environmental Science Class Releases Trout

Environmental Science release 117 Rainbow Trout on April 28th into the Saddle River in Saddle River NJ.  The students raised the trout from eggs which arrived on October 7th from the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Trout In the Classroom (TIC) is program run by the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife to raise awareness about fresh water conservation, ecology, chemistry of water, freshwater habitats and much more.  The video was created by Kayla to document the day the trout were released. Click here to watch the video! 

Freshmen Violinist Plays with Joshua Bell, Acclaimed Violinist  

On Monday, May 2, freshman violinist, Maria performed with JCC Thurnauer Symphony Orchestra at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ which featured soloist and acclaimed violinist, Joshua Bell.

AHA Dancer Melina Completes NYU Tisch Program 

Angel Melina, a member of the AHA Dance team, has completed a highly selective 14 - week Future Dancers Program at NYU - Tisch School of the Arts. Melina was one of approximately 25 high school students from various states, selected through an audition process in December 2015 to become a part of this prestigious program!

 

 

 

April 2016

Honors/Principal's List for 3rd Quarter 

Congratulations to all the Angels who made it on the Honors/Principal's List for the 3rd Quarter in the 2015-2016 academic year! Click here to view.

AHA's LAX Player Devin is a Selfless Angel 

We are so proud of Angel Devin; not only her lacrosse prowess, but also for her impact off the field - improving the lives of children with the Mickey's Kids Charitable Foundation. This is such an inspirational article and is a true example of how our Angels are making a difference every day in our community! Click here to read the article!

Awareness Day Video "Get Hooked" 

This video featuring Angels Sabrina, Mary, Jamie, Kayla, Bridget, and Bianca was used to introduce the Awareness Day presentation, Get Hooked! The presentation was about the school's involvement in the TIC Program, raising trout in the biology room over the course of the school year and they were able to release them into the Saddle River on April 28th! We are so proud of the strides our STREAM program is making and assisting environmental initiatives across the community! These students partnered with the children of St. Therese elementary school on the trout release.  This was St. Therese’s first year with the TIC program (Trout in our Classrooms). Erica Pritchard has done great work for two years now, changing the water in a 75 gallon tank and training the students to care for the trout. Click here to view the video! 

AHA Golf wins Arcola Girls Invitation 

We are so proud of our Golf Angels! Holy Angels changed its usual pairings and it worked well enough to win the Arcola Girls Invitational. They were featured on NorthJersey.com! Click here to read the article.

International Night at AHA 

This past month, AHA celebrated International Night! Hosted by the Asian Cultural Society and the Black and Hispanic Cultural Society, featuring the Gaelic Society, the event featured food from all around the world, a world cultural fashion show, and performances by our very own Angels! 

National Art Honor Society Inductions

 Congratulations to the National Art Honor Society for inducting 18 girls this past month! 

Martha Competes in World Fencing Championship

Angel Martha was interviewed by NJ 12 for being selected for the cadet and junior national teams to compete in the World Championship in France! We are so proud of Martha and all her accomplishments  

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March 2016

AHA Orchestra Performs for SSNDs in Wilton

The AHA Orchestra traveled to Villa Notre Dame in Wilton, CT to perform for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. AHA Orchestra Adviser Mariann Annecchino would love to thank everyone for the support of our student musicians and all their efforts that made it possible for them to reach out and share the joy of music. 

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Carol Fay Honored for Women's History Month

The Bergen County Department of Human Services, the Commission on the Status of Women celebrated Women’s’ History Month in a very special way by, “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.” Carol Fay, Religious Studies Chairperson, was chosen as an honoree this year. The ceremony that took place on Monday, March 21. Congratulations, Carol! 

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Art for the Community 

Art For The Community an afterschool activity at AHA has once again shared their art work with the Franciscan Sisters of Tenafly NJ. Easter art work was delivered to the convent and Sister Pat, the head of the Franciscan Sisters at Our Lady of the Angels Convent, expressed how much the sisters enjoy receiving this gift and hopes that our students will visit again soon.

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Science National Honor Society Induction 

The Science National Honor Society induction took place on March 17, 2016. The following students were inducted this year: Rasa Anvari, Emma Ascolese, Sabrina Celis, Aine Doyle, Alexis Driscoll, Alison Kim, Nahee Kim, Samantha Kim, Donnie Lee, Christine Lim, Olivia Luongo, Grace MacNeill, Stephanie Madonna, Nicole Margiotta, Stephanie McCarten, Shiho Numakura, Phoebe Ozuah, Alyssa Romanos, and Holly Slepian. Grace MacNeill was awarded the Rockland Electric Scientific Achievement Award for Women in Science. Angel Alumnae Megan Emmich '06 was the guest speaker. The Science National Honor Society is a prominent science organization that engenders a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of the industry, research, and scientific exploration for America. 

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Angel to Fence in Pan American Championships

Sophomore Martha Merriam is a member of the USA National Fencing Team and participated at the Pan American Zonal Championships in Mexico. She also earned a spot to represent the USA at the 2016 Cadet-Junior World Championships in Bourges, France in the first week of April. Her hard work and dedication paid off, we are so proud of all of Martha's accomplishments and look forward to hearing how well she does in the championships! 

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Angels Awarded Medals in the National Scholastic Art Awards 

Two AHA students received national medals for their work entered in the National Scholastic Art Awards. Senior  Risako Arcari won a Gold Medal for her "Cut and Fold Typography" in the design category, and Junior Kyra Gensinger won a Silver Medal for her "Fork in the Road" necklace in the jewelry category. Only the top 1% were recognized at the national level. Risako, a Gold Medalist, is invited to attend the National Ceremony in NYC on June 2, 2016 at Carnegie Hall. Both students will receive certificates and medals in recognition for this rare achievement.  

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February 2016

Holy Angels Dance Team Wins National Title 

Competing against more than 50 teams nationwide, the AHA Varsity Dance won the national championship! The AHA JV Dance also made history by winning 2nd place in Pom and 4th in Hip Hop. The AHA Dance Team was interviewed by FiOs 1 New Jersey’s reporter Raven Santana about their win. Click here to watch the interview.   

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AHA Senior Named Finalists in National Merit Scholarship 

AHA Senior Michelle Lu has been named a Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program by demonstrating, through distinguished performance, high potential for future academic accomplishment. Michelle is one of 15,000 students in the United States to achieve this recognition, out of over 1.5 million entrants!

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Future Angel Architects Create 3-D Rendering 

AHA Seniors Riskao and Amanda recently participated in an advanced architectural project with real world applications as a part of Holy Angels’ STREAM program. The two students interpreted architectural blueprints for the Village School renovations into their own 3-D rendering using industry-standard Google SketchUp and then printed their original rendering on one of the school’s 3-D printers. Architect Joe Bisnco reviewed the 3-D model of the Closter Village School and was stunned by the student’s rendering.

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Angels Enable Create Prosthetic Hand 

AHA group of Holy Angels students are participating with Enablingthefuture.org, an organization that matches people who have 3D printers with clients who need prosthetic hands. The project has been spearheaded by sophomore Molly Doyle, who discovered Enabling the Future last spring, and approached AHA Science Mrs. Sharon Jureller and Ms. Jean Mullolly Dean of Students about organizing a club. Now completed, the Angels Enable group awaits approval to begin to formally print and assemble a hand for a client.

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January 2016

A Big Day for Holy Angels Athletics at Seton Hall University 

AHA Coach Sue Liddy, who famously just reached her 700th win, was also recently named a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Honor Award Recipient. This recognition was announced by Jenn Noon, President of the NJAIAW and chair of the New Jersey National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Sue attended the awards ceremony on February 7th at Seton Hall University and was introduced that night by AHA Principal Jennifer Moran. Each year, Holy Angels sends one senior athlete to be honored as well, and this year that recognition went to tennis player Adrianne Alfonso. Congratulations to all!

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Angel Clara Donates 10% of Mother Caroline Scholarship back to AHA 

Junior Clara Jeon wished to donate 10% of her Mother Caroline scholarship back to Holy Angels. We are so appreciative and proud of Clara's generous spirit!

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AHA Debate Team Wins Medals at Dwight Englewood High School

AHA's January debate was held at Dwight Englewood High School, and the following teams won medals for winning both rounds: Theresa Paulillo & Briar Connors and Clara Jeon & Julia Keem. Winning one round were teams of Alison Kim & Priscilla Huh, Molly Doyle & Kristen Gil, Maya Sharma & Timea Papp, Ashley Hess & Julia Malnak and Christina Gallo & Michelle Lu. 

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Angels Join NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra, Band, and Chorus

In January, three Angel musicians joined hundreds of high school student musicians from northern New Jersey (NJSMA Region 1) as they auditioned for seats in the NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra, Band, and Chorus. All three Angels scored in the highest ranges and earned positions. Congratulations to violinist June Chung who will be principal of the 2nd violin section in the Honors Orchestra; oboist, Priscilla Huh, one of only two oboes in the Honors Symphonic Band; and Hanora Chapman, who earned a position as 2nd Soprano in the SSA Honors Chorus.

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Angel Ashley Won Second Place in New York International Music Competition

Ashley Yoon placed second on Viola in the 6th New York International Music Competition and will perform at Lincoln Center on February 6th. She will be playing Concerto in C minor for Viola by J.C. Bach.

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Angel Catherine Wins First Place at New York International Music Competition

Catherine Park competed on piano in the 6th New York International Music Competition and won first place! For this accomplishment she was invited to play at Carnegie Hall at the end of January. She performed Schumann Allegro in B Minor Opus 8. 

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AHA Freshman Accepted into All North Jersey Regional Women's Chorus 

9th grader Hanora Chapman auditioned and was accepted into the All North Jersey Regional Women's Chorus in January. She is a soprano in the AHA Chorus and Vocal Ensemble. 

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The Holy Angels Vocal Ensemble Performed at CityPlace in Edgewater 

The Holy Angels Vocal Ensemble braved the cold and bitter Hudson River winds on Christmas week to carol and perform at CityPlace in Edgewater. They sang to the delight of shoppers and store workers all throughout the complex.They truly made the afternoon festive and beautiful for everyone. 

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December 2015

Principal’s List and Honor Roll

AHA congratulates the following students for making the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the 1st Quarter of the 2015-16 academic year. Click here to view »

 

 

 

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Creative Writing Shares Original Poetry in Ridgewood, NJ 

Mrs. Schneberger's Creative Writing Class held a reading of original poetry and prose at Ridgewood Coffee Company in Ridgewood NJ on the evening of December 17, 2015.

 

 

AHA Hosted JV Debate and Received Medals 

Holy Angels was the host school for the December JV Debate. The following teams won both rounds and received medals: Christine Gallo & Michelle Lu, Rim El Kaddioui & Nahee Kim, Maya Sharma & Timea Papp, and Clara Jeon & Julia Keem. Winning one round were the teams of: Stephanie Albert & Patricia Krisan, Alison Kim & Priscilla Huh, Gabrielle Dugan & Charlotte McCabe, Julia Malnak & Ashley Hess, and Analily Bozanian & Alieza Malik. Go Angels!

 

 

Annual Christmas Gala 

The Annual Christmas Gala, held on Friday December 11th, was beautiful as always. The photo at right shows one of the gorgeous highlights of the evening: the Vocal Ensemble performing while freshman dancer Timea Papp graces the stage in time to the music.

 

 

Hour of Code in Honor of Computer Science Education Week 

Senior Samantha Bott, who takes one of AHA's online Engineering courses, recently mentioned to her teacher, Ms. Frabizio, that hourofcode.com was organizing a special event in honor of Computer Science Education Week. From there, Mrs. Frabizio researched the organization, which seeks to introduce millions of students to programming and raise their interest in computer science. Holy Angels soon became an official "Hour of Code" event location, and despite the short notice, 43 girls attended! Girls from all 4 grades - 10 freshman, 24 sophomores, 1 junior, and 8 seniors - participated and had great feedback following the event. Many have inquired about AHA's Computer Science course as a result, and one freshman even commented that she had never coded before the event, but since then she has continued to find activities online to keep learning more. The day was a huge success and we hope to do it again!

 

 

November 2015

Holy Angels Dance Team Places 1st at Fairfax Dance Championship 

The Holy Angels Dance Team took 1st place in both Varsity and JV Pom at ‪the Fairfax Dance Championship‬ this past weekend! Congratulations Angels! Keep up with the AHA Dance team by following them on Twitter, @HolyAngelsDance!

 

 

Studio I Honors Designs Up-Cycled Original Necklaces 

Students in Studio I Honors recently designed original necklaces and other accessories using recycled everyday items. By re-envisioning found objects, including corks, cotton swabs, magazines, paper cups, coffee filters and more, students created 3-dimensional wearable works of art that are both beautiful and sustainable.

 

Angels Debate Team Receives Medals at Leonia High School

Several Angel teams came out as winners at a recent debate at Leonia high school. Receiving medals for winning both rounds were teams of Julia Keem & Clara Jeon and Kristen Gil & Molly Doyle. Winning one round each were the teams of: Lindsay Rosas Togo & Tyara Estrada, Drew Mount & Samantha Pereira, Helen Park & Emily Yankovich, Analily Bozanian & Alieza Malik, and Timea Papp & Maya Sharma.

 

Computer Science Classes Connect with New Century Software in Colorado

Ms. Fabrizzio's Computer Science classes recently connected through Skype with a professional software development manager for New Century Software in Colorado. Students were able to ask many questions about various topics like programming languages and career planning, as well as working on actual code. The girls had very positive feedback about the experience and felt they learned a lot of valuable information.

 

 

Coach Leto Named Girls Tennis Coach of the Year of 2015 

Tennis coach Jess Leto has been named NJ.com's Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for 2015. This year Coach Leto led the AHA tennis team to win the Bergen County Tournament Championship for the first time in school history. Holy Angels also captured its first ever NJSIAA Non-Public A title. Go Angels! 
Click here to see full article

 

 

Angel Alumna Kayla Gentile Presents Current Research to AHA Students 

AHA's AP Chemistry, AP Biology and Organic Chemistry classes recently benefited from a presentation by alumna Kayla Gentile '12, who spoke to the classes about her current research at TCNJ.  

 

Five Student Musicians Provided Music for Annual SSND Donor Recognition Luncheon 

Five of our student musicians traveled to Wilton, CT earlier this month to provide music for the annual SSND Donor Recognition Luncheon. Violinists June Chung and Maya Sharma, violist Jiwon Yoon, cellist Sarah Kim, and pianist Jaya Sharma shared their time and talent for the event. As always, it was well received and many AHA alumnae stopped by to speak with the girls and to share some stories and praise. 

 

 

October 2015

Angels Accepted into the Perry Outreach Program

The following Angels were accepted into the Perry Outreach Program: Juniors Elana Babich, Alyssa Romanos, Melanie Welch, KC Killip, Alison Kim, Nicole Margiotta, Amanda Hernandez, Christine Lim, Da Young Lee, Meredith Shamamian and sophomore Gina Buonauro. Students interested in Orthopedic Surgery and Engineering applied directly to the program. It took place at Johns Hopkins University at the end of October. The Perry Initiative partners with medical centers, universities, and high schools to host Perry Outreach Programs for young women in high school, college, and medical school. These day-long programs are held at different locations nationwide throughout the year. Participants perform mock orthopedic surgeries and conduct biomechanical engineering experiments, while also hearing from prominent women engineers and surgeons in the field. 

Angel Lauren Kim Dances at the Korean-American Friendship Night in Washington DC

Freshman Lauren Kim recently performed Traditional Korean fan dance with her team at the Korean-American Friendship Night in Washington DC. South Korea's president Lady Park hosted this event with sincere gratitude towards US for their friendship. Lauren is enrolled in the Woorigarak Korean Cultural Art Center dance program in Englewood Cliffs. She leads a team of 9 performers as team captain. 

AHA Announces One Semi-Finalist, Three Commended Students in 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program

Senior Michelle Lu has been named a semi-finalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship program. She will continue in the competition to be considered for a National Merit Scholarship. Three other seniors, Stephanie Albert, Aine Doyle, and Phoebe J. Ozuah, have been named Commended Students. Commended students place in the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Sabrina Maciariello was selected as a National Hispanic Scholar. This recognition is given to Hispanic and Latino students who score among the top 2.5% of test takers in their region.

Two AHA Seniors to Help Bergen County's Women in Need as Newly Appointed Junior Commissioners on the Status of Women (COSW) 

Seniors Patricia Krisan and Claudia Morgan have been appointed to serve on the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) by Bergen County’s Board of Chosen Freeholders. The students will serve for a one-year term from September 2015 to June 2016. The girls were selected from dozens of students nominated by the county’s public, private and parochial schools based upon their academic excellence and leadership qualities. The COSW was founded in 1975 and serves as a bridge between government and community, studying the needs of women and promoting the experience of women’s rights  in such areas as domestic violence, childcare, and elder care.  The Junior Commission was established in 2000 to offer young women the opportunity to become involved with in these areas and with other issues concerning women’s social welfare.

Holy Angels Offer Home-Building Help to Appalachia's Poor at Nazareth Farm 

A group of AHA students and faculty took a week-long service trip to Salem, West Virginia in August. On-site at Nazareth Farms, an electronically-free environment in economically depressed Appalachia, managed by college students and recent college graduates, AHA students were charged with helping to address some of the pressing issues of the region, namely sub-standard housing.  During their stay, students visited various locations in the area, offering hands-on home-building help to the poor and vulnerable. From harvesting crops on the farm to helping to replace siding and painting homes in disrepair, participants shared a deep sense of community, simplicity, prayer and service, partnering with other SSND (School Sisters of Notre Dame) ministries. 

September 2015

AHA Goalie Wins Top Goalie in the Big North Conference 

AHA Soccer Goalie Kerry won the title of the Top Goalie in the Big North Conference. Beating out teams like Northern Highlands, Immaculate Heart, and Ramapo in the conference. Kerry came in first with over 20,000 votes! Thank you to everyone who showed her your support! 

Click here to see the full article

Academy of the Holy Angels Welcomes Class of 2019, Its Largest in Recent History

While many private and parochial schools throughout the nation have seen student enrollment dramatically decline in the past decade, Academy of the Holy Angels has enjoyed a surge in freshmen enrollment…close to a 26% spike over the previous freshman class. While the Class of 2019 numbers 176, total school enrollment has soared, too, to more than 600 Angels, the largest student body in AHA’s recent history. AHA has added additional multi-media classrooms and new faculty to accommodate the expanding study body.  

Helping to End Hunger 

Healthy harvest from our solar-powered greenhouse direct to Englewood’s Center for Food Action. Shown here, Erin McNamara, Michelle Lu, Samantha Kim, and Alison Kim donating  AHA-grown, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, as part of the school’s ongoing effort to help stop hunger in our community.

 

 

Meet AHA's Newest Faculty Members 

Join us in welcoming the return of Lisa Betti, Italian teacher, to AHA.  Her tips for students a little fearful of tackling a new language: “To borrow the words of Stephen Colbert, ‘I like the thrill of discomfort.’  My goal is to prepare my students with the tools they will need to take that leap. Once they start communicating, they will feel the rewards of hard work.”

Kaitlyn Pedicano also has returned to AHA after living in Austin, Texas. She is teaching freshman health, computer applications, and sports medicine. While at AHA in 2007 to 2010, she was the school’s athletic trainer and health educator.

Teaching was the higher calling for two new faculty members, Chris Petrozzo and Kelley McGraw. Before joining AHA as a social studies teacher, Chris taught history at Berkeley Heights’ Governor Livingston High School.  Prior to pursuing his passion for teaching, he practiced law in New York City.

Kelley McGraw is the newly appointed Algebra and Geometry teacher. Prior to pursuing education, Kelley earned a law degree and was employed as a scientist at Wyeth Laboratories. She holds a BS in Chemistry, too, and completed her MS in Adolescent Education to prepare for her newest role as AHA educator.  She is a parent to AHA freshman Maura.  

Diana Rankin has joined AHA to teach freshman and sophomore college-preparatory English. Prior to relocating to Englewood, NJ to be closer to the AHA community, she taught English literature, journalism and public speaking at a high school in Southern New Jersey, where she coached girls’ cross-country track and was the school’s yearbook advisor.  She’s spending summers in bucolic Bread Loaf, Vermont, pursuing her Master’s in English at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English.

 

Congratulations to AHA's 2015 Advanced Placement Scholars

A total of seventy-one Academy of Holy Angels students have been named 2015 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars, demonstrating college-level mastery and outstanding performance on the National College Boards’ AP exams administered in Spring 2015.  Within this group, 21 students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, with an additional 13 Holy Angels’ named AP Scholars with Honor.   A record 37 AHA students were recognized as AP Scholars.  Academy of the Holy Angels administered 332 AP exams in 17 different subject areas ranging from Macroeconomics to Physics.  All of the 144 students enrolled in AP classes took the examinations, and achieved an overall passing rate of 92%, demonstrating college-level mastery in a cross-section of subjects.  Visit www.holyangels.org for a complete list of scholars and qualifying requirements.

AHA Operation Smile Ambassadors Energize the New Era of Smiles 

Operation Smile founders Bill Magee and Kathy Soracco Magee, AHA alum, welcomed eleven AHA students to the Operation Smile International Conference at California’s Chapman University this summer.  The AHA attendees were among 150 students active in the school’s Operation Smile club.  Its’ mission is to raise awareness and funds for children needing reconstructive surgery for severe facial deformities; it credits youth leadership for fueling its growth.

AHA Tennis Wins County Tennis Championship 

The Holy Angels Tennis Team for won the County Tennis Championship for the very first time! Congratulations to Angels Ashley, Adrianne, Alison, Caroline, Micaela, Brooke, and Abigail, and of course, Coach Leto! Also congrats to Angel Adrianne for winning the individual championship at second singles!

 

 

 

 

 

AHA Soccer Team Unites with IHA Soccer Team to Raise Money 

On Tuesday, September 22, 2015 AHA and IHA soccer teams united together and participated in a soccer game fundraiser to promote awareness of childhood cancer and raised $2,672 for Charlie Meyers, a three year old diagnosed with cancer, is the son of former AHA employee Tom Meyers. We thank everyone who was able to come out to the game to show their support for such an amazing cause!  

 

 

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Angel Martha Takes 3rd Place in Fencing Tournament

A big congratulations to our Angel Martha Merriam for winning 3rd place in the Cadet World Cup in Poland. The fencing tournament involved 177 women from all over Europe and the United States, and our Angel Martha came in 3rd. We're so proud of you! 

 

 

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April + May 2015

Space Angels Club

On Friday, April 17th four members of AHA’s Space Angels Club presented their research findings to NASA in a teleconference from our Learning Commons. Holy Angels was one of only 10 schools nationwide to be selected to participate in ExMASS, the Exploration of the Moon and Asteroids by Secondary Students. Only four of the ten schools participating were selected to move on this stage of the competition. And although the team will not be advancing any further in this year’s competition they plan to continue this project next year. A great deal of research and preparation went into this effort. Congratulations to all. Pictured left to right are Jaime Rizzo, Sam Pereira, Francesca Boccia and Saddhi Patel.

 

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International Night

Congratulations to all who participated in the annual International Night on April 17th. The program commenced with a spectacular fashion show highlighting the enormous array of cultures represented here at Holy Angels. The entertainment then continued with student performances. Members of the Asian Cultural Society, Black and Hispanic Cultural Society and Gaelic Society, who had spent months rehearsing their dance, vocal and instrumental performances, were proud to showcase their talents. And of course, there was an abundant array of international cuisines available to the delight of the 300 guests.

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Project Greenhouse

On Saturday March 28th many of our students came to work on the first planting in our new Greenhouse. The girls planted seeds that will yield everything from arugula to zucchini. The food grown will be donated to area food pantries and the Food Bank of NJ! Thanks to all who participated and to Campus Ministry who organized a drive to collect the seeds that were planted. Pictured are Emily De Rubertis and Alex Hottenrott who have been very active in the Greenhouse Project. 

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DigiGirlz

 Ten AHA students, along with Business and Technology teacher Mrs. Karen Camporeale, spent the day at Microsoft’s New York City offices on March 4th and participated in a program called DigiGirlz. The day long event featured demonstrations and presentations aimed at helping young women interested in careers in business and technology. The program also allowed the students to get an inside look at what it’s like to work at Microsoft. The following AHA students, representing all grade levels, attended: Lucy Worden, Victoria Cabales, Monica Moser, Jamie Rizzo, Kelly Farrell, Julia Canney, Jillian Valdez, Jessica Danylchuk, Molly Doyle, and Eleanor Kim.

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Ruby Kang - National Scholastic Art Competition

Congratulations to AHA senior Ruby Kang has received major recognition in the 2015 National Scholastic Art Competition! Ruby's Drawing "Nightmares" was awarded both a National Silver Medal and a National American Visions Award. The American Visions Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the visual arts, is given to only one student from each region in the National Competition. Ruby, who has been an AHA Art Track student, will be continuing her professional design studies at Cornell University’s School of Architecture next year.

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2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Congratulations to AHA’s winners of the Region-at-Large program of the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Victoria Cabales ’15 won an incredible five awards, including two Gold Key Awards in Journalism for her articles “How 9/11 Changed Ava King’s Life” and “Not a Bsian, Not a Csian, but an Asian.” She also won two Silver Keys, one in the Writing Portfolio category for “Life Stresses” and a second in the Flash Fiction category for “Ivy League Baby.”  Victoria was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Poetry category for her poem, “On the Joys of Everyday Life.” Nikki Margiotta ’17 (pictured top right) was awarded a Gold Key in the Short Story category for “Creation.” And Christine Lim earned a Gold Key in the Poetry category for her poem entitled, “The Violet Phase.” Caitlyn Smith ’16 received a Silver Key in the Poetry category for her point entitled, “Peppering Defeat.” This year’s winners were chosen from among more than 300,000 submissions to the Scholastic Art & Writing competition for consideration.

Winners of the Regional Competitions of the Scholastic Arts & Writing competition advanced to the National level at which Nikki Margiotta ’17 was awarded a Silver Medal for her Short Story “Creation” and Christine Lim ’16 (pictured bottom right) earned a Silver Medal for her poem, “The Violet Phase.” Congratulations to both of them on this amazing recognition.

 

 

 

 

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Girls Rising Screening

Students from Holy Angels were recently invited to attend a screening of the documentary Girls Rising at the Times Center in New York City. Girls Rising tells the story of nine girls in the developing world who courageously struggle for access to an education. The film highlights the transformative effect that girls’ education can have on society by stemming the cycles of poverty and violence that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Upon arrival, our students attended a reception which included interactive learning stations about each of the nine girls featured in the documentary, after which there was a question and answer session and an opportunity for “our girls” to meet Mrs. Kayce Jennings, the Senior Producer of the film.  Special thanks to Anna L. Brown, mother of Alexandra McCartha ’17, for extending this invitation to AHA. Ms. Brown serves as Special Attorney/Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion at Shearman & Sterling LLP, which arranged the screening. Pictured left to right are some of the members from AHA’s Girls Rising Club who attended, along with Mrs. Kaycee Jennings (third from left): Katherine Staff, Amanda Hernandez, Britney Burns, Odette Castillo, Sophio Castillo, Sophia Ortiz and Isabella Cho.

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Winner International Junior Golf Tournament

 Congratulations to Kelly Sim ’18 who won the International Junior Golf Tournament which was played at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, NJ on March 28-29th.  Kelly shot a 78 and a 76 on two rounds to take the first place prize. Kelly was also named Athlete of the Week by The Bergen Record. Click here to read the amazing coverage of her success.»

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AHA’s amazing Dance teams finished off another winning season at the New Jersey State Dance Championship competition. The Varsity dancers took first place trophies in both the Pom and Hip Hop categories and the Junior Varsity won the championship title in the Hip Hop category. These accomplishments finished out an incredible season with both teams achieving top five standings at the National competitions in Florida. Congratulations to all the dancers and to Varsity Coach, Jenny Sweet and JV Coach, Kristen Cebulski.

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Holy Angels hosted the JV Championship Debate competition on March 11th.  AHA was represented by the teams of Christina Gallo & Michelle Lu and Katherine Koh & Carolina Zuluago. Katherine and Carolina made it to the final round and were honored with a second place win.  In addition, Katherine Koh won the second place Speaker Award; Michelle Lu won the third place Speaker Award and Carolina Zuluaga won the fourth place Speaker Award. The following students served as judges: Francesca Marsh, Grace Belthoff, Valyntina Francois, Anjelika Catral, June Chung and Selin Berberoglu. Congratulations to all.  

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AHA is very proud of the many talented musicians who contributed to Music in Our Schools month and to Mrs. Mariann Annecchino who worked tirelessly to make it so special. Pictured are two of the many talented musicians who performed at various locations throughout the school building in celebration of music. Kathryn O’Connor entertained on the piano and Sara Den Bleyker sang a solo for her classmates during their lunch period. Also pictured below is Dr. Carol Shansky, Professor of Music at Iona College, who graciously came to present a flute master class workshop on March 17th. The girls benefitted immensely from her demonstrations and instruction. 

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In other music news, members of AHA’s Tri-M Music Society hosted a coffee house at the AHA Student Commons for the benefit of the Union City Music Project on March 22nd. There were delightful performances by many musicians, including a group of children who are currently participating in the program. Pictured are Tri-M members:  Siyhun Lyu, Clara Jeon and Chinchu Jacob setting up for the event. 

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Members of AHA’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club organized Ghost Day on March 19th to raise awareness about the about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other potentially lethal choices. SADD members organized an assembly and invited their classmates to take an “anti-drug” pledge. 

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Michelle Lu ’16 who was selected to participate in the highly selective Governor's School of Engineering & Technology Program at the Rutgers University School of Engineering. Michelle will be taking five academic classes, completing an intensive research and/or design project in a group and will go on site visits to local corporations and institutions where she will have the opportunity to meet talented peers and professionals from across the state.

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Congratulations to June Chung ’17 who auditioned for the NJ All-State High School Orchestra and earned a position in the violin section. 

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The AHA Bowling Team enjoyed another successful season under the masterful coaching of Mr. Patrick Dunne. Congratulations to the following bowlers who received All League and All County recognition this season: First Team All League:  Tiffany Sucero, Alexa Hernandez and Kayla Cristofoletti. Ciaria Mottley earned Second Team All League honors. An Honorable Mention All League went to Shiho Numakura. And a Second Team All County Honorable Mention went to Kayla Cristofoletti. Unite and Strike!!

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Good luck to juniors Patricia Krisan, Claudia Morgan and Francesca Sotomayor who were nominated by AHA to serve on the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women. Each year all schools (public, private, and parochial) are invited to nominate young women from their junior class for consideration for appointment.

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Congratulations to Annie King ’15 who was inducted into the Manhattan College Saint La Salle Honor Society on March 31, 2015. Each year, Manhattan College offers admission to its prestigious Saint La Salle Honor Society to a select group of highly accomplished high school seniors.  Annie plans to pursue studies in Elementary and Special Education.

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Congratulations following students who were inducted into the Mu Alph Theta Honor Society on March 17, 2015: Stephanie Albert, Rasa Anvari, Emma Ascolese, Thea Bliss, Sabrina Celis, June Chung, Briar Connors, Jessica Danylchuk, Mairead Dillon, Alexis Driscoll, Ruby Duffy, Amanda Grisanti, Eva Gurian, Amanda Hernandez, Clara Jeon, Kristen Kahrer, Julia Keem, KC Killip, Alison Kim, Nahee Kim, Samantha Kim, Victoria Labita, Da Young Lee, Joanne Li, Christine Lim, Emily Loftus, Olivia Luongo, Sihyun Lyu, Grace MacNeill, Stephanie Madonna, Nicole Margiotta, Micaela Maron, Stephanie McCarten, Kaeli McGowan, Emily Mills, Amanda Nedelkoff, Shiho Numakura, Alyssa Romanos, Arianne Rowe, Julia Scheuring, Meredith Shamamian, Krystina Vafiadis, Kelly Ann Wacker and Melanie Welch.

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Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the World Languages Honor Society on March 24, 2015: Société Honoraire de Français: Veronica Andrade, Danielle Cahill, June Chung, Sarah Daniello, Nicole Dattolico, Nicole DeConzo, Rim El Kaddioui, Marie-Nicole Herman, Amanda Hernandez, Sandra Lavin, Landzie Lindor, Emily Mills, Shiho Numakura, Nichole Polanco, Sara Rivoir, Sabrina Romano, Emily Ventimiglia, Cecilia Zayas and Xuanyi Zhuang. Società Onoraria Italica: Thea Bliss, Annalaura Bombarda, Colleen Cotter, Jenna Ferolie, Emily Halloran, Elyse Howell, Olivia Luongo, Stephanie Madonna, Nicole Margiotta, Ciara Mottley, Julia Nunez, Graciela Paredes, Samantha Ryan, Kerry Sammon and Katerin Simancas. Societas Latina Honoris: Victoria Creagh, Emily Loftus, Kelly Mandella, Allyson McConchie, Catherine Watters and Kelsey Westerman. Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica: Gabrielle DiVerita,  Jennifer Faiz, Zulay Figueroa, Christina Gallo, Citlalli Godinez, Julia Keem, Alison Kim,  Patricia Krisan, DaYoung Lee, Gabrielle Longobardi, Ivelisse Mandato, Samantha Martinez, Michele McDevitt, Annalisse Miqueli, Juliet Nichani, Sophia Ortiz, Darcy Ottomanelli, Samantha Pereira, Angelene Perez-Vento, Alyssa Romanos, Sheena Santos, Meredith Shamamian, Lauren Snyder, Brittany Taupier and Alexa Vecchione.

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On March 26th, the following students were inducted into Academy of the Holy Angels National Science Honor Society: Minju Cho, Jennifer Faiz, Cassidy Feerick, Kiera Feldner, Kailyn Gillick, Olivia Guido, Eva Gurian, Clare Hayes, Yoon Sun Hong, Alexandra Hottenrott, Emily Loftus, Michelle Lu, Kelly Mandella,Caroline McLaughlin, Erin McNamara, Samantha Pereira, Rhea Shah, Francesca Sotomayor and Xuanyi Zhuang. Special congratulations to Jennifer Faiz who was awarded the Rockland Electric Achievement Award for Women in Science. Jennifer was selected to receive his honor because of  her exceptional academic standing in science and her growth-mindset spirit and leadership in the science classroom.

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Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the National Art Honor Society on March 31st: Risako Arcari, Aleksandra Atanasoska, Jae Eun Cho, Briar Connors, Colleen Cotter, Kayla Cristofoletti, Jacquelyn DeRocher, Meghan Englert, Amanda Grisanti, Olivia Guido, Suwon Joo, Su Hyun Kim, Sarah Kraus, Jessica Kwon, Margaret McCarthy, Margaret Menapace, Amanda Nedelkoff, Angelica Pasquali, Jenna Piccinich and Sadiya Ramos.

 

 

March 2015

Principal’s List and Honor Roll

AHA congratulates the following students for making the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the 2nd Quarter of the 2014-15 academic year. Click here to view »

 

 

 

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Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Mr. Patrick Dunne who has been named National Federation of High Schools Coaches Association Coach of the Year for the sport of Girls Bowling. Mr. Dunne was chosen from among nominees from the entire state of New Jersey. He will be honored at an award ceremony on March 29th at The Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Unite and Strike and Support your AHA Bowling Team!

 

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Kindness Award

Congratulations to the winners of the Kindness Award for the second quarter:  In the 10th grade-Sarah Daniello, 9th-Radhika Shukla, 12th-Chinchu Jacob and 11th-Caitlyn Smith.

 

 

 

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2015 National Dance Team Championship

Congratulations to our Varsity and Junior Varsity Dance Teams who achieved national rankings at the 2015 National Dance Team Championship competition held from January 30-February 1st at the Walt Disney World Resort® in Orlando, Florida. Competing against 54 teams from all over the country, the Varsity Angels achieved a second place ranking while the Junior Varsity Team came in fifth place.

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JOY Club

We are very proud of the members of our JOY Club, Joining Old and Young, who visited the JCC on the Palisades to help Demarest native Frank Lucia celebrate his 105th birthday. The girls entertained the seniors with some vocal selections, danced with them and even joined them in a session of chair yoga. Lauren Glubo, Supervisor of the ARC Program at the JCC thanked AHA in a warm and appreciative letter following their visit: “These girls were a true delight. The school, teachers and their parents have done an amazing job in developing their character. I would be honored to have them visit anytime. You should be so proud of them. I have been here 23 years but never have seen such sweet girls. Whatever you are doing just keep it up."

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US Junior Olympic Championship Competition

Olympia Peters ’17 is living up to her name with some amazing accomplishments to add to her fencing resume. She traveled to Paris in early February to fence at Marathon Fleuret 2015 where she made the top 32 (29th place) out of 260 girls!  And then four days later she and her junior foil team of four girls received gold medals in the Junior 14-18 age level category at the US Fencing Junior Olympics in Richmond, Virginia! Congratulations Olympia!!

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US Junior Olympic Championship Competition

Martha Merriam ’18 also competed at the US Junior Olympic Championship Competition in Richmond, Virginia. Martha competes in the Junior (U20) and Senior categories even though her age would place her in a younger category. For the second time, Martha placed third in the Junior division. Her recent successes have raised her to number 15 in the Junior Division in the country and she has been selected to represent The United States at the Junior World Cup Competition in Italy on March 6th. Congratulations to Martha best of luck at the World Cup Championship competition!

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AHA’s Power Back Club

Members of AHA’s Power Back Club helped to raise awareness during the week of February 10th which was National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Week. The girls made announcements in the morning and distributed orange lanyards in all of the homerooms to bring attention to this serious topic. Pictured left to right are juniors: Christina Careri ‘16, Jenna Piccinich ’16 and Samantha Bott ’16 who helped to organize this campaign.

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AP US History Class

Students in Mrs. Fair’s AP US History class were encouraged to come to class “out of uniform” recently as they impersonated historical figures from the early part of the 20th century, both the famous and the infamous. In attendance were the likes of Babe Didrickson, Billie Holiday, Thomas Edison, Lillian Gish, Coco Chanel, Zelda Fitzergald, Lillian Gish, Elliott Ness, Al Capone, Amelia Earheart, Nellie Tayloe Ross, and Babe Ruth.

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Scholastics Art & Writing Awards

 AHA is very proud to report the results of the regional portion of the Scholastics Art & Writing Awards. Nikki Margiotta ’17 was awarded a Gold Key in the Writing competition for her short story entitled “Creation.” In the arts categories AHA received four Gold Key Awards (with a special secondary award for Ruby Kang ’15 who was given an American Visions Nominee Award), 13 Silver Key Awards and 20 Honorable Mentions. The students who received Gold Key awards will move onto the national portion of the competition. In addition, they were invited to display their pieces at The Montclair Art Museum or Berkshire Hathaway Home Services of NJ. This is the third year in a row in which AHA is the only all girls Catholic school from Bergen County to achieve recognition in this highly prestigious competition. 

Receiving Gold Key Awards were: Tyara Estrada, for her photograph entitled “Black White Color,” Angelica Pasquali, who is pictured above posing with her certificate, for her photograph entitled “Old Fashion,” Ruby Kang in the Drawing and Illustration category for her piece entitled “Nightmares” and Molly Menapace for her Jewelry piece entitled, “Swirls of Color.” Silver Keys were awarded in the Photography category to Colleen Cotter for “Artificial,” Samantha Kim for “Metamorphosis,” Angelica Pasquali for “Likely Sleeping, Darling” and “Trip”, and to Danielle Saxenian for “Autumn Landscape.” Silver Keys were awarded in the Jewelry Category to: Jae Eun Cho for “Queen Sun Flower” and Jillian McEvoy for “Branch Out.” AHA received three Silver Keys in the Drawing and Illustration category: Suwon Joo for “Journey Through Life”, Ruby Kang for “Utensils” and Vanessa Sakong for “September Bicycles.” Additional Silver Keys were awarded to Ruby Kang for her Art Portfolio “1207,” to Ashley Misciagna in the Printmaking category for “Gothic Ephemeral” and to Suwon Joo for her painting, “Looking Inward.” There were eight Honorable Mentions in the Photography category: Sophia Cotter for “She Needs Her Beauty Sleep”, Kayla Cristofoletti for “Warry Traveler,” Lisa Harootunian for “The Last Night,”  Clara Jeon for “I’m One of a Kind,” Ivelisse Mandato for “Florence,” Angelica Pasquali for “Grace Identity” and “Fall Life,” and Danielle Saxenian for “Night.” The following artists received Honorable Mentions in the Drawing and Illustration category: Risako Arcari for “Bike Crop,” Jae Eun Cho for “Mother Nature,” Renata Francesco for “Niagara: Rise and Fall,” Ashley Misciagna for “The City of Lights,” and Jiin Suh for “Just Like an Ordinary Day” and “Temptation." Honorable Mentions were awarded in the Jewelry category to Risako Arcari for “Corky” and to Briar Connors for “Green Silver.” Ruby Kang received an Honorable Mention for her untitled painting in that category; Maggie McCarthy received an Honorable Mention in the Mixed Media category for her work entitled, “Patwork Trip” and Elaine Ruiz received an Honorable Mention in the Architecture category for her piece “Sustainable Theater Architecture.”  Congratulations to these fine and accomplished artists. View a slideshow of some of the winning artwork here»

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Congratulations to Emily DeRubertis ’15 who was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteers Service Award given by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. 

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Congratulations to Kiera Feldner ’16, who was accepted into Brown University’s “Summer at Brown” program. She will be taking a two-week course entitled “Psychology in Medicine” that will focus on how physical illness can correspond with mental illness. Kiera intends to pursue a career in psychology and nursing and is excited about the opportunity to extend her knowledge in this course. 

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AHA was recently notified by Barbara Fullerton, Director of Resource Development of The Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey that Briar Connors ’16 was responsible for a significant donation to their organization. Rather than accept gifts for her sweet sixteen birthday celebration, Briar requested that her guests donate to the foundation in support of their programs and services for people suffering from epilepsy. Briar truly lived out the AHA philosophy of sharing her gifts with others through this act of selfless kindness. 

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Congratulations to the members of AHA’s Debate Team who competed on February 2, 2015 at Cresskill High School. The teams of Christina Gallo ’16 & Michelle Lu ’16 and Helen Park ’16 & Emily Yankovich ’16 both medaled. Winning one round each were the teams of: Julia Keem ’17 & Clara Jeon ’17 and Jaya Sharma ’18 & Julianna Gentile ‘18.

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AHA is very proud of all of the performers in last December’s Christmas Gala and very grateful in particular to Mr. Christian Jeong, who sang Danny Boy accompanied by the AHA Vocal Ensemble. The Vocal Ensemble had performed this piece in October when they accompanied The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland in at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Jeong is a member of The Metropolitan Opera and father to Yerin Jeong ’18. Click here to enjoy a video clip of their performance» 

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Students in Operation Smile recently welcomed Dr. Marie Madonna DDS to their January 28th club meeting. Dr. Madonna, who is a practicing dentist the mother of Stephanie Madonna ’17, donated 100 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste to OpSmile as a part of her involvement in America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive. This campaign, launched by the National Children's Oral Health Foundation, organized the collection of thousands of dental supplies for donation to children in need. The donated oral care products were then provided to non-profit organizations, such as Operation Smile. February was National Children’s Dental Health month and participants in the ToothFairy Smile Drive, which included both corporate and individual sponsors from all over the country, made a real difference in the health of many deserving children. AHA is sent its allotment of dental supplies along with Ruby Kang ‘15 and Juliet Vicari ’15 who served on mission trips for OpSmile in February.  

February 2015

Response for Edgewater Fire Victims

Thank you to all who answered our call to help the victims of the Edgewater fire. Only one email blast to the AHA community yielded an overwhelming response. Over 500 bags of clothing, bedding, canned goods and toiletries in all were donated. Our Angels then sorted the donations and loaded up five cars full for transport to Edgewater.

 

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Handbell Choir

AHA’s amazing Handbell Choir helped to make the season bright for the retired sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in Englewood Cliffs.  On December 16th they visited the sisters and entertained them with a variety of Christmas favorites.  The sisters joined them in song and even tried their hand at ringing the bells.

 

 

 

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Creative Writing Class

Congratulations to the members of Mrs. Nancy Schneberger’s Creative Writing Class who delighted audience members with their original works of poetry and prose at a reading held on January 6th in the AHA Learning Commons. The class, which is a semester elective for juniors and seniors, invites students to explore a wide variety of poetical genres and techniques using select models and writing prompts.

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Martha Merriam

Ninth grader Martha Merriam continues to advance in her fencing career. On January 12th she competed at the North American Cup tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah in the Junior (Under 20) Category. Fencing against primarily college students, Martha came in third place and received an “A” which is the highest possible ranking. She is pictured with her coach, Aleksander Ochocki.

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2015 Science and Religion Seminar

Congratulations to Mrs. Brizzolara, Ms. Fay, Dr. Weinstein and Mrs. Ferrara who were selected to attend the 2015 Science and Religion Seminar this June hosted by The Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. The five day program, entitled “Science and Religion: Strangers, Rivals, or Partners in the Search for Truth?” is designed for Catholic school teachers of biology, physics, chemistry and religion who wish to explore the intersection between science and religion more deeply. A very limited number of teachers from a nationwide pool of candidates was selected to attend this prestigious seminar. 

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Dance Team

Congratulations to our Dance teams for scoring some very impressive victories in recent weeks. At the UDA Battle of the Northeast Championship held on January 4, 2015 in South Brunswick, NJ the Junior Varsity dancers took first place in Hip Hop and third place in Pom while the Varsity team earned second place in Pom and were named the UDA Northeast Champions of Hip Hop for their dynamic routine. The Varsity Angels also earned a special Crowd Favorite Award for their Hip Hop number. The teams then went on to compete at Ramapo College’s Dance Team Invitational on January 10, 2015 where the Varsity dancers took home first place trophies in the Pom and Hip Hop categories while the Junior Varsity dancers placed first in Hip Hop and second place in Pom.

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Special congratulations to Varsity team members Caroline Fernandez, Amanda Hagan, and Amanda Hernandez who were accepted into New York University’s prestigious Future Dancers Program which is a 14-week highly selective advanced training regimen designed to support and enhance their current training. They were among the 15 selected participants from the five boroughs of New York City, as well as from Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.

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Congratulations to the members of the Debate Team who competed at Leonia High School just before heading out for Christmas break. The team of Jaya Sharma & Julianne Gentile medaled and the following teams won one round each: Christina Gallo & Michelle Lu, Carolina Zuluaga & Katherine Koh, Rhea Shaw & Chinchu Jacob, Drew Mount & Samantha Pereira, Julia Keem & Clara Jeon, Rim El Kaddioui & Nahee Kim, Lindsay Rosas Togo & Megan Cawley, Caroline Fernandez & Samantha Kim and Charlotte McCabe & Gabrielle Dugan.

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Check out these recently published articles about our Angels.

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/fencing/holy-angels-quite-
capable-against-best-1.1186126 

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-basketball/so-far-so-
good-for-young-holy-angels-team-1.1191569 

http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/aha-seniors-selected-to-participate-in-
tedyouth-day-2014-1.1194334 

http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/holy-angels-students-build-new-
greenhouse-1.1179272

January 2015

Christmas Gala

Applause Applause to Mrs. Annecchino, Mrs. Marciano and the many talented performers at this year’s spectacular Christmas Gala. The Handbell Choir, Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble and Academy Chorus delighted the audience with their amazing performances. Pictured left to right are sophomores: Oh Ryun Shin, Vivian Wang, Christine Lim, Megan Cawley, Francesca Marsh and Sih Yun Lyu enjoying the reception following their performances.

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Kindness Award

Congratulations to the winners of the Kindness Award for the first quarter. They are pictured left to right: Isabelle Shea ’18, Kerry Sammon ’17, Gianna Scardigno ’16 and Daniella Nammour ’15.

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Perry Outreach Initiative

AHA is very proud of the six students who participated in the Perry Outreach Initiative at Bellevue NYU Medical Center in New York City on December 13th. Named in honor of the late orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Perry, The Perry Initiative is dedicated to encouraging young women to enter the fields orthopedic medicine and engineering. Although women are well represented at the nation’s medical schools, they are less likely to focus on orthopedics and engineering. The Perry Initiative aims to reverse this trend by encouraging young women to consider these fields as a specialty. It hosts one day hands-on programs at medical centers across the county for high school and college students at which participants perform mock orthopedic surgeries and conduct engineering experiments.  They also hear from top women physicians and scientists in these fields. Admission is highly selective and is based upon an essay and the student’s interest in pursuing a career in medicine. For Samantha Martinez, the day was extremely helpful: “Many women orthopedic surgeons, engineers and pediatricians also spoke to the girls about their experiences in their field as women. Their speeches were empowering and reassured me of my dream to become a doctor as well as the work that is needed to be successful in any field.” Kelly Mandella echoed these sentiments: “These women relayed their experience and struggle in entering these fields as a woman, but more importantly their overall success because of their persistence. Pictured left to right are four of the juniors who participated in the program: Kiera Feldner, Samantha Martinez, Allyson MacConchie and Adrianne Alfonso. Kelly Mandella ’16 and Kiana Yee ’15 also participated but are not pictured. 

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AHA Varsity and Junior Varsity Dance Teams

Congratulations to the AHA Varsity and Junior Varsity Dance teams who competed at the UDA Northeast Competition at George Mason University on December 6th. The Varsity team took first place in Pom and JV took second, also in Pom. And both teams were recognized for exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship towards their peers throughout the competition. 

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Clara Jeon ’17

Clara Jeon ’17 truly lived out the AHA philosophy of sharing her gifts with others when she made a generous monetary gift to Holy Angels. She cited her belief  in tithing as the motivation to donate back to AHA a percentage of the scholarship monies she had been awarded as a Mother Caroline Scholarship recipient as well as a portion of another scholarship she recently received from Noah Bank. She is pictured presenting her check to Miss Moran.

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Art for the Community

To spread some Christmas cheer, Ms. Biskup’s activity club "Art for the Community" created Christmas cards for the Franciscan Sisters in Tenafly, NJ. Cards will be presented to the sisters who don't have nearby family members to visit them with presents and cards. 

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Carnegie Hall

AHA flutist Michelle Lu ’ 16 was thrilled perform with world renowned flutist Sir James Galway at Carnegie Hall on December 4th. She joined 74 other talented flutists on stage with him and his wife Lady Jane Galway as a part of Tim Janis’s The American Christmas Carol which has paid tribute to Sir James Galway for the past nine years. Many notable artists contributed their talents to the event, the proceeds of which benefitted Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat Foundation. Michelle studies violin at the Manhattan School of Music in their Pre-College Division. 

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NJ All-State Concert 

Congratulations to violinist June Chung ’17 who performed in the NJ All-State Concert on November 16th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ. She was one of 140 members in this highly selective orchestra who performed with 350 chorus members from the state of New Jersey.

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Tri-M Music Honor Society

TWO Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society were very busy spreading Christmas cheer in early December. On Friday, December 5, they visited Villa Marie Claire to share the story of Christmas through traditional carols, songs and instrumental compositions. June Chung, Molly Doyle, Aine Doyle, Anne Haws, Mary Haws, Camilla Castillo, Ingrid Noriega, Michelle Lu, Kathryn O'Connor and Vivian Wang delighted the residents with their performance. Villa Marie Claire is a residential hospice facility located in Saddle River, NJ. Then on Monday, December 8, ten Tri-M members delighted audience members at the Family Promise Christmas Party in Ridgewood.  Family Promise assists families with children who are temporarily homeless. Victoria Cabales, who organized this outreach, was joined by Breanne Mastromarino, Michelle Lu, Anne Haws, Katherine Koh, Kathryn O'Connor, Salina Lyu, Sara Den Bleyker and Alison Kim.

 

 

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Congratulations

Congratulations to Alexandra Alfonso ’15 won the Position Paper Award in her committee at the Rutgers Model UN Conference, which took place from December 4-7th in New Brunswick, NJ. This year’s focus was on the role and development of civil society. Alexandra represented Afghanistan and her committee was the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. 

Sophomore and national fencing champion Olympia Peters was the focus of a glowing article in the Bergen Record in which she attributed her success to hard work and time management. Click here to read the article»

 

AHA’s JOY club recently garnered some well deserved accolades in an article that appeared in NorthJersey.com’s Community Life page. Click here to read the review»

Congratulations to Heather Mueger ’15 who landed the title role in the Bergen County Players production of Freckleface Strawberry the Musical. Click here to read their press release»

 

 

 

Principal’s List and Honor Roll

AHA congratulates the following students for making the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the 1st Quarter of the 2014-15 academic year. Click here to view »

 

 

 

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December 2014

Project Greenhouse

AHA is extremely grateful to the nearly 100 student, parent, and faculty volunteers who braved the cold on Saturday, November 22nd to compete the construction of an 8x16 greenhouse. It is now a reality thanks to the hard work and teamwork of many dedicated supporters and it is located just outside the science lab classrooms near the tennis courts. 

AHA Science Chairperson Nancy Brizzolara organized this ambitious project. We are especially grateful for the financial support from the AHA community and to the North Bergen Home Depot, which not only donated many of the supplies necessary for the construction but sent a team of employees to assist in the build.  The process of building the Greenhouse took all day and challenges came up along the way but the ANGELS persevered and were able to complete the job by just before sundown. ANGELS TRY HARDER!!!  

The purpose of Project Greenhouse is to build a functional greenhouse, power it with solar panels and harvest the crops for donation to food banks. Students planned and designed the greenhouse, complete with solar panels for power, storage areas, a self-watering system, and a fence. Miss Moran applauded everyone's efforts noting that by next Thanksgiving, the Greenhouse harvest will be made available to local food banks. “Our crops will not be only rooted in dirt, but in faith as well.”

 

 

 

 

 

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AHA Vocal Ensemble - Carnegie Hall

Congratulations to the members of the AHA Vocal Ensemble who performed with The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland at Carnegie Hall in New York City on October 30th. They one of only six youth vocal groups from the New York area to be invited to sing with the CBOI. AHA junior Ciara Rhodes, who is a three time World Qualifier in Irish step dance, also performed at the event. Miss Moran congratulated the performers: “I am so glad that you had the opportunity to contribute your talents and hard, hard work, to the cause of peace though cultural understanding. I could tell that you were all floating on air at the conclusion of the concert!  As well you should be. Congratulations to all of you and to Mrs. Maricano for an outstanding performance.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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S. Cathy Arata Visit

A very special thank you to S. Carole Tabano who set in motion the plans that culminated in the visit of S. Cathy Arata to Holy Angels on November 4th to talk about her work with Solidarity With South Sudan. S. Cathy is pictured in the middle enjoying some time with fellows SSND’s: S. Kathleen Dunham, S. Patricia Murphy, S. Carole Tabano and S. Mary Foley.

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Outreach Club

AHA’s Outreach Club organized two drives in late October in support of the Office of Concern in Englewood. Over 3,000 diapers and 800 food items were collected from the AHA community.
Pictured are Bridget Quinn ’16 on the left and Aprile Bertomo ’18 on the right, helping to organize contributions.

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Rho Kappa - History Honor Society

The following seniors were welcomed into the Rho Kappa chapter of the History Honor Society in an induction ceremony held on November 18th in the Learning Commons: Victoria Calabes, Giulia Califano, Annie Chung, Samantha Doka, Cassidy Feerick, Kristen Gibney, Kailyn Gillick,  Amanda Grisanti, Anne Haws, Yoon Sun Hong, Irene Havlusch, Alexandra Hottenrott, Uma Jalloh, Elly Rose Jayson, Kirsten Judge, Jessica Kwon, Katerina Lallos, Kensley Lipka, Kianna Luscher, Caroline McLaughlin, Ingrid Noriega, Jennifer Nugent, Catherine Piersa, Paige Sunden, Juliet Vicari, Paige Vignone, Tiffani Youngblood and Carolina Zuluaga.

 

 

 

  

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TEDYouth Conference

Congratulations to AHA’s representatives to the TEDYouth Conference which took place on Saturday, November 15th at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. They are posing proudly wearing their TED shirts after their return. Pictured from left to right with Miss Moran are seniors: Kiana Luscher, Alexandra Meyers, Ruby Kang, Renata Francesca and Sophia Cotter.

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"Space Angels"

Holy Angels’ “Space Angels” have been busy researching their assignments as a part of their work for NASA’s Center for Lunar Science and Exploration. They presented a preliminary research project entitled “Moon 101” on October 23rd via Adobe Connect, working in pairs to offer an analysis of three photos of the moon’s surface. They completed their presentation in approximately ten minutes and fielded questions from Mr. Andrew Shaner of the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration who commended them on their work. The girls are now trying to formulate a question which they will spend the rest of the program researching from primary source data. They are being aided in this work by Dr. Jeffrey Plescia who is on a SSERVI (Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute) team with the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University.  At the end of the year, the girls will compete with other high school teams for a chance to present their research at the Exploration Science Forum at the NASA Ames Research Center in July 2015. Pictured left to right are Siddhi Patel ’16, Samantha Ryan ’17, Jami Rizzo ’16, Vivian Wang ’17, Samantha Pereira ’16 and Francesca Boccia’16.

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Holy Angels Debate Club

The Holy Angels Debate Club hosted 125 students from five schools on October 29th and enjoyed great success. Congratulations to medal winners: Drew Mount & Samantha Periera, Stephanie Albert & Patricia Krisan and Helen Park & Emily Yankovich. Winning one round each were the teams of Christina Gallo & Michelle Lu, Nahee Kim & Rim El Kaddioui and Francesca Boccia & Arianne Rowe. They again competed on November 10th at Dumont High School where the following teams medaled: Christina Gallo & Michelle Lu, Carolina Zuluaga & Catherine Koh and Nahee Kim & Rim El Kaddioui. Winning one round each were the teams of Julianna Gentile & Jaya Sharma, Clara Jeon & Julia Keem, Caroline Fernandez & Samantha Kim and Emily Yankovich & Helen Park. Never argue with an Angel!!!

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All State Opera Festival

Congratulations to sopranos Selen Nehrozoglu ’15 and Sara Den Bleyker ’16 who performed in the All State Opera Festival on November 15th at Paramus High School. This all day event drew aspiring opera singers from the entire state of NJ.

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Conference

Margeaux Gould ’18 traveled to Richmond, Virginia in mid-November with teachers from the Mustard Seed School to participate in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) conference. She is pictured at the conference presenting a portion of their presentation entitled “Building a Persistent, Creative Mathematics Learning Community” in which she demonstrated solving a complex mathmatical problem. The math teachers who attended her session offered very favorable comments about her presentation, using words like "brilliant" and "dazzling" in their reviews.  There were some audience questions that she handled beautifully. Congratulations on a job well done!

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Jessie Banks Foundation

On Friday, November 14, 2014, the Jessie Banks Foundation recognized Samantha Martinez ’16 for her strong academic performance, leadership qualities and commitment to community service. The Jessie Banks Foundation was established in 2002 by Sharon Banks-Williams as a living tribute to the life of her mother, Jessie Banks who had dedicated herself to empowering others in many ways. The awards ceremony took place at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe.

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Wilton Performance

Special thanks to AHA Musicians Katherine Koh ’15 (piano), Annie Haws ’15 (Cello), Mary Haws ’18 (Harp), Carolina Zuluaga ’15 (Violin), June Chung ’17 (Violin), and Ashley Yoon ’18 (Viola) who traveled to Wilton, Connecticut with Mrs. Mariann Annecchino in early November to entertain at the SSND Donor Appreciation Luncheon. While there, they socialized with many of the sisters, some of whom promised to come to AHA for our Christmas Concert in December.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival’s  "Student Day"

The following aspiring writers had the privilege of attending the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival’s  "Student Day" at the Newark Performing Arts Center on October 24th with Mrs. Nancy Schneberger: Aleksandra Atanasoska,  Danielle Gazda , Caroline Hyer, Emily Imbarrato, Katherine Koh, Erin Martin, Bridget Owens, Phoebe Ozuah, Elizabeth Saccoliti, Holly Slepian, Monique Smallman and Kelly Ann Wacker.  They attended large group and small group sessions with poet laureates and famous contemporary poets from around the world. Mrs. Schneberger reported that the highlight of their day was attending a reading in the Victoria Theater by the National Poets Program winners and the NJCTE winners, which included our own alumna, Alana Spendley ’14, who read her work "Cartography." Alana was honored as a gold award winner by the NJCTE and also as a Gold award winner of the regional Scholastic Art awards and with a Silver national award by Scholastic as well. Her work was recently published in a collection by Scholastic. Juniors Holly Slepian and Bridget Owens are pictured waiting to meet inaugural poet Richard Blanco and poet laureate Robert Pinsky who were signing copies of their books.

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French Honor Society 2014 Creative Writing Contest

Congratulations to the winners of the French Honor Society 2014 Creative Writing contest: Caroline McLaughlin ’15 in Catégorie A Level 3 and Brigid Hayes ’14 in Catégorie B level 5. They were selected from among 51 entries from both categories.

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Francophones at AHA

Francophones at AHA celebrated French culture during the week of November 17th with a variety of activities. Students entertained their lunch mates with French songs and dances and a fun hat contest as well. The French Club also sponsored a fundraiser to benefit The Association of St Basile which provides financial and educational support to underprivileged children in Lebanon. This support is more crucial than ever due to the worsening economic situation in Lebanon, the increase in the cost of living, the rise in the percentage of unemployment, and the influx of about two million Syrian refugees into Lebanon. AHA’s French Club has been supporting this cause since 2002 and was acknowledged in the St. Basil Scholarship Program Annual Report. French Club members Courtney Dodds ’18 and Tyara Estrada ’18 are pictured alongside a poster the Club made to encourage participation in the fundraiser.

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We are also proud of....

Senior Jenny Quispe recently received news of her acceptance to the Perry Outreach Program at Johns Hopkins University. The Perry Outreach Program encourages young woman to engage in health-related fields, specifically orthopedics. Participants engage in mock orthopedic surgeries, conduct biomechanical engineering, and have opportunities to network with women leaders in the medical field.

Congratulations to sophomores Alexis Driscoll and Angelica Piegari who were selected as Holy Angels’ representatives for the 2015 HOBY seminar, and to Amanda Hernandez as our alternate representative! This year we received a record number of applications and the selection process was extremely competitive.

We are also proud of sophomores Clara Jeon and June Chung who were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship by Noah Bank. They were among 50 students from the New York/New Jersey area to receive this recognition.

AHA is extremely proud of its future engineers, seniors Clarissa Sandev, Amanda Grisanti, Jenny Quispe and Preeksha Lal, for their hard work and achievement in the first quarter of the online course, Engineering for Sustainability.

Holy Angels recently received word that Lydon Kersting ’14 was awarded a 2014 Senior Scholarship in the National Spanish Examinations in 2014. Lydon is currently enrolled at Princeton University where her $1,000 will be applied. Congratulations to her and to AHA’s Spanish teachers as well.

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