PRESS RELEASE
Sacred Heart Academy
47 Cathedral Avenue
Hempstead, NY, 11550
September 1, 2023
Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) Appoints Ms. Maria Pozzulo Hecht as 11th Principal
Ms. Hecht’s exceptional career in education and proven experience as a high school principal make her the right choice to serve as SHA’s 11th principal. Hecht is SHA’s first lay principal, following 10 Sisters of Saint Joseph who have served in the role since SHA’s opening in 1949. She continues the legacy of educating and empowering young women in the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
In this role she is responsible for the academic vision of the School and the mission-based education of SHA’s students.
Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Maria Pozzulo Hecht as the 11th Principal of the Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory school. Hecht is an experienced educator and strategic administrator. She will assume the role in October 2023. She succeeds Sister Jean Amore, CSJ who has served as principal since September 2018.
Most recently, Hecht was the Principal of Floral Park Memorial High School with 1322 students enrolled in grades 7 through grade 12. There, she managed 220 faculty members and was responsible for curriculum and instruction, professional development, recruitment and retention. She is trained in Inclusivity and Research for Better Teaching. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal of New Hyde Park Memorial High School for 12 years. She has also been an English department chairperson as well as high school English teacher.
She earned a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision, an M.S. Secondary Education/English and a B.S. Education/English, all from St. John’s University.
Hecht grew up in Port Washington, where she and her husband, Howard, currently reside. Her 3 sons, Howard, Michael and Joseph attended Chaminade High School. Maria and her family are members of St. Peter of Alcantara parish and also attend liturgies at Our Lady of Fatima in Port Washington.
Pictured above: Maria Hecht and family.
Hecht says, “I want to thank President Graham, The Sisters of St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart Academy’s Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity. I am honored and excited to begin my role as Principal at Sacred Heart Academy, and look forward to working with the students, parents, staff, and the entire SHA community. It is so important, especially in today’s society, to provide young women with opportunities to cultivate confidence, resiliency, and leadership skills that will extend to their post high school experiences. I believe any student can succeed given support, encouragement, and access to opportunities. My goal is to provide the students of Sacred Heart Academy with opportunities that will enable them to flourish.”
“I am so delighted to welcome Maria Hecht as SHA’s next principal. Her career covers every angle of education. As a classroom teacher, chairperson, assistant principal and principal she was the standout choice. Her proven experience as a high school principal will instill great confidence in the faculty, and her reputation for working with students and parents is so impressive. She has already embraced SHA’s mission in her life as a leader of heart She is going to do amazing things.” says President Kristin Lynch Graham.
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, President of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and proud alumna reflected, “The Congregation knows that the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph is foundational to all dimensions of Sacred Heart Academy. We trust that Maria Hecht will be supported well by the community as she assumes the role of principal and leads SHA forward to its next chapter of excellence.”
ABOUT SACRED HEART ACADEMY
Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) is Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Founded in 1949, SHA has over 12,000 alumnae who live and work around the world. Current students come from over 40 school districts. Graduates go to recognized top-tier colleges and universities, receiving significant academic and athletic scholarship offerings each year.
Sacred Heart Academy combines rigorous academics with leadership opportunities that fosters the values of courage, commitment and compassion. Lead with Heart is the essence of the Sacred Heart Academy experience.
Media Contact:
Jacquelyn Nealon, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
516.483.7383 x331www.sacredheartacademyli.org