Academic, artistic, and athletic achievements are recognized at schools throughout the country. At the Academy of the Holy Angels, kindness is also a valued trait that comes with its own reward: the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award.
The honorees for the third quarter include Kelly Unanue, a freshman from Old Tappan; Katarina Katzarov, a sophomore from New Milford; Geraldine Riveros, a junior from North Bergen; and Na Young “Neely” Lee, a senior from Norwood. Each recipient was nominated by at least one member of the school community for demonstrating exceptional kindness that inspires others.
Kelly received multiple nominations for her friendly, genuine, and supportive nature.
“She does not even realize that she is being nice; it just comes naturally,” one of her peers said. Another student added, “She is accepting of everyone and is extremely friendly.” A third person observed that Kelly cheers on her friends in all their activities.
Katarina is described as “one of the kindest, most accepting, and friendliest people that I know.” At AHA, she is regularly seen greeting students or teachers, and making others smile.
“She unknowingly inspires me to be more open and friendly with others, and to always accept them for who they are,” a peer said.
Another student commented that Katarina is always positive and helpful, adding, “I’m very lucky to call her my friend.”
Geraldine was recognized for her supportive, thoughtful, and friendly demeanor. One student nominated Geraldine for checking on her during a stressful time and advising her to ignore any negativity. This honoree is known for being helpful without being asked and for her willingness to volunteer.
Those who nominated Neely appreciate her readiness to lend a hand when someone is struggling with a problem, and her ability to share kind words about other students.
“She is a wonderful person. I once saw her clean up another student’s spill in the classroom without the other girl even knowing it,” one peer said of Neely.
The Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award is presented quarterly to one student from each grade. Any member of the AHA community, including students, faculty, and staff, may nominate a student. Dean of Students Andréa Beyer oversees the nomination process.
Since 1879, thousands of women have passed through the portals of Academy of the Holy Angels high school, the oldest private girls’ school in New Jersey. Many go on to study at some of the nation’s best universities, earning high-ranking positions in medicine, government, law, education, public service, business, arts and athletics. Our goal is to provide each girl with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically, by offering a first–rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity and giving service to others.
- Jennifer Crusco, the Communications Assistant, The Academy of the Holy Angels
