Catholic Schools Week brightened the last days of January as the Academy of the Holy Angels, and schools across the nation considered the 2020 theme:
Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.
This theme aptly suits Holy Angels, which is marking 140 years of educating women leaders.
Father Mark Schaffner, O. Carm., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tenafly, celebrated the Academy’s Catholic Schools Week Mass. Reflecting on the parable of the sower scattering seed (Mark 4:1-20), Fr. Schaffner noted that the seed is the word of God and people are the soil. He observed that there are small miracles going on every day, and asked those present to make good use of their gifts.
“Be a person who makes a difference,” he added.
While the school community was gathered on January 29, AHA Principal Jean Miller recognized staff and faculty members who have attained milestones this year. Honorees who are celebrating five years of service include AHA President Melinda Hanlon; Lisa Betti; Jonathan Blevis; Stephanie Dowling; Sr. Diane Driscoll, SSJ; Sean Hickey; David Infante; and Luis Mendoza. Katharine Collins and Christine DeGennaro were honored for 10 years of service, while Laura Kraytem and Ellen Schiff were honored for 20 years of service. Honorees also included Dorrie Voulgaris, 27 years; Dr. Samira Mady, 29 years; Nancy Schneberger and Sheila Wroblewski, 31 years; Patrick Dunne, 32 years; Carol Fay, 43 years; and Susan Liddy and Robert Shanney, 45 years.
Principal Miller also noted that plans are underway for renovations to the AHA auditorium and music wing. The auditorium is the Academy’s main gathering space and was the location of the CSW Mass.