Catholic Schools Week is a perennially bright time at the Academy of the Holy Angels. This year, students and faculty from the new middle school joined in their first dedicated CSW Mass at AHA. The high school liturgy was held the following day.
AHA President Melinda Hanlon welcomed everyone to both Masses, noting that the week is a celebration of everyone in the school community.
“We all contribute to the success of Catholic education here at Holy Angels,” she noted.
Father Paul Houlis from Our Lady Queen of Peace in Maywood celebrated the February 1 liturgy for AHA Middle School. He commented on God calling Jeremiah, who believes he is too young for the task. Fr. Paul pointed out that many people grapple with self-esteem, grades, achievements, and popularity on social media and among peers.
“What matters most is what God thinks about us,” he said. “We’re made in God’s image…You are powerfully and wonderfully made.”
He reminded the Angels to bring light to a dark world.
On February 2, the Feast of the Presentation, Father Nick Sertich from Saint Paul’s Church in Ramsey picked up the theme of light at the high school liturgy. Fr. Sertick commented that recalling the Mary and Joseph’s presentation of Jesus at the temple is not just a celebration of that day. He stated the importance of serving all people, and asked those present to consider how they reflect the light of Christ. Jesus is not physically present, he continued, so God’s work must be carried on by others.
“It’s your job now,” he said. He asked how the Angels would choose to present themselves to the world, adding, “I would hope as an angel of light.”
The middle school celebration included recognition for students who were named to the Dean’s List and Honor Roll for the second quarter. Traci Koval, the middle school’s dean, explained that students are recognized based on their overall grade point average. No honoree may have any grade below an 85 on her report card. In order to make the Honor
Roll, a student must post a GPA of 90 to 94. The Dean’s List is reserved for students with GPAs of 95 to 100.
Those named to the Dean’s List include the following students:
Grade 8: Corinne Adamo, Margarita Curado, Lyla Dove, Sophia Emmi, Eliana Melone, Isabelle Meyer, Alyssa Petrowski, Lilyanna Potts, Cyia Sabathia, Gemma Siciliano, Kaitlyn Zheng, and Leyla Ziemba.
Grade 7: Emma Aika Chang, Rebecca Cho, Annabella de Leon, Emily Kho, Evangeline Koo, Cailleigh Kraus, Madelyn Krol, Lavender Lee, Mona Lee, Eleanor Lim, Lila Lobosco, Daniella Luzzi, Kayleigh McGee, Bridget O'Sullivan, Sophia Rendo, Allison Riccio, Angelina Seo, Emmeline Terjanian, and Jane Yu.
Grade 6: Chloe Burkards, Ava Cifelli, Sophia Garzon, Hannah George, Lizbeth George, Eftihia Giannikos, Hannah Kim, Kaci Li, Cristyn Lindsay, Kaelyn Malig, Ella Menapace, Valentina Mendoza, Reina Mercado, Caroline Nam, Isabela Rodriguez, Sparrow Smith, Andrea Valente, and Chloe Zaladonis.
Hailey Smith, a student in Grade 6, was named to the Honor Roll.
At the end of the high school liturgy, President Hanlon and Principal Jean Miller recognized faculty and staff who are celebrating work anniversaries. Those with over 25 years of service include Susan Liddy and Robert Shanney, 47 years; Carol Fay, 45 years; Patrick Dunne, 34 years; Nancy Schneberger and Sheila Wroblewski, 33 years; and Samira Mady, 31 years. Joan Connelly was recognized for her 25 years of service to AHA, and Stella Morles was honored for 20 years. Those celebrating 10-year anniversaries are Kathryn Biskup and Jeanette Carrier. Five-year honorees include Jennifer Crusco, Alyssa Lane, Erin McGee, and Beatriz Montes.
