Skip to main content

Support AMSSND Support AMSSND. Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Vimeo

SSND Atlantic Midwest

“Our mission is to proclaim the good news, directing our entire lives toward that oneness for which Jesus Christ was sent.”

  • About Us
    • Celebrating 185 Years!
      • Sisters' Stories
      • Alumni Stories
      • History
      • Share Your SSND Story
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Provincial Council
    • Our Sisters
    • Locations
    • Offices and Departments
    • Contact Us
    • Jubilarians
  • Sponsored Ministries
    • Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
    • Middle and High Schools
    • Social Outreach
      • Education and Training
      • Temporary Homes for Women
    • Resources for Ministry Boards
    • Resources for Faculty
  • Spirituality and Prayer
    • Foundation Day
    • Pray With Us
    • AMSSND Values for Ministry
    • Request Prayers
    • Monthly Solidarity Prayer
    • In Memoriam
    • Mass Cards
    • On-Going Personal Development in Community
    • Integral Vision Series
  • Mission and Heritage
    • Ministry Formation Program
    • Heritage Library
    • Mission Awareness Process Experience
    • Publications
    • SSND Archives
    • Our Congregational Provinces
    • Foundation Day
    • Sturdy Roots Website
  • Justice and Peace Commitments
    • Shalom Network
    • Laudato Si' Congregation
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Gospel Fund
    • Social Justice Resources
      • Dare to Care! - Social Justice Advocacy
      • Sign of the Times: Through the Lens of the Pandemic
      • Just Act - Social Justice Resources
    • The Five Focus Areas
      • Dismantling Racism
      • Addressing Climate Change
      • Sustainable Development in Haiti
      • Promoting Justice for Immigrants
      • Ending Trafficking
        • Fair Trade
    • Use Your Voter Voice!
    • United Nations Update
    • Read All About It!
  • Join Us in Mission
    • Become a Donor
      • SSND Alumni
    • Become an Associate
      • Associate Resources
    • Partnerships
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Events
  • Become a Sister

AHA Middle School Hosts Commencement for First Graduates

The inaugural eighth grade class from the Academy of the Holy Angels Middle School celebrated their commencement in a sea of pale blue caps and gowns. The June 10, 2022, baccalaureate Mass and graduation were held at Saint Therese of Lisieux Church in Cresskill with Father Samuel Citero, O. Carm, presiding.

AHA President Melinda Hanlon welcomed everyone to the historic event, which was organized by AHA Performing Arts Director Dan Mahoney and AHA Middle School faculty member Linda Payonzeck with assistance from Campus Ministry Director Kathleen Sylvester and Orchestra Director Andrew Monticello.

Musical selections included “All Are Welcome,” “One Heart, One Mind,” and “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”

The first reading, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, expressed the theme that there is an appointed time for everything. The gospel, Matthew 5:13-16, is a reminder: “You are the light of the world.”

In her greeting to the eighth grade class, AHA Middle School Dean Traci Koval noted that the Class of 2022, which entered AHA on September 10, 2021, had spent the previous year enjoying new experiences and relationships. She urged the students to continue to accept new challenges and stretch their limits.

“Remember to always be yourself and never stop smiling,” Koval said. “Know that you do not travel the path of life alone. Jesus is walking with you and waiting for you to ask for His guidance along the way…We will miss your smiling faces, but we are only a short walk down the breezeway,” she added, referring to the enclosed pathway that connects the middle school and the upper school.

Linda Payonzeck announced the recipients of this year’s academic awards. Honorees include Eliana Melone, religious studies; Gemma Siciliano, English and Italian; Corinne Adamo and Sophia Emmi, mathematics; Lilyanna Potts, science; Isabelle Meyer, French and social studies; Alyssa Petrowski, Latin and physical education; Corinne Adamo, Spanish; Kaitlyn Zheng and Valentina Poire, Art; and Kaitlyn Zheng, music.

Leyla Ziemba led her class in expressing appreciation for their families. Graduates presented their families with a yellow rose and a personalized message.

Principal Jean Miller from the upper school presented the eighth grade class to President Hanlon. The 22 graduates then received their diplomas from Hanlon, Miller, and Payonzeck. The graduates include Corinne Adamo, Carina Ardizzone, Alessandra Cardamone, Rose Carr, Margarita Curado, Lyla Dove, Sophia Emmi, Abigail Gassib, Eliana Melone, Isabelle Meyer, Alyssa Petrowski, Valentina Poire, Lilyanna Potts, Emily Ryan, Cyia Sabathia, Miesha Sehgal, Angela Shaker, Gemma Siciliano, Makayla Yee, Samantha Zeccardi, Kaitlyn Zheng, and Leyla Ziemba.

Dean Koval invited the graduates to turn the tassels on their caps from right to left to signify their graduation. As the students complied, friends and family applauded in recognition of the students’ accomplishments.

The class sang the alma mater together, and Eliana Melone delivered the closing prayer. Afterward, the graduates filed out of the church, ready to move on to the upper school this September.

Share:
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • email
  • print

AMSSND Home

  • Who We Are
  • Commitments
  • How We Serve
  • Support Us
  • News and Events
  • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
  • Home
  • Pray With Us
  • Privacy Policy

Support our Mission
Donate today

SSND Intranet Login

Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Vimeo

Copyright © School Sisters of Notre Dame - Atlantic Midwest | All Rights Reserved | Website: CEDC