News at SHA

Sacred Heart Academy joyfully celebrated its 74th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Sister Virginia Crowley Theatre, honoring the achievements and spirit of the Class of 2026 as they concluded their high school journey. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and alumnae, graduates were recognized for their academic accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to the values that define a Sacred Heart education. The ceremony marked both a culmination and a beginning, as students prepare to continue their academic and personal journeys at colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Leading the Class of 2026 were Valedictorian Eva Gargiulo, who will attend McGill University to study Biochemistry, and Salutatorian Isabella Fernandim, who will attend Barnard College to study Political Science. Together with their classmates, they represent a class distinguished by intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. The Class of 2026 achieved a 100 percent college placement rate and earned more than $40 million in scholarships, a reflection of their hard work and dedication throughout their time at Sacred Heart Academy. Words of Reflection and Inspiration Reflecting on the graduates' achievements and personal growth, Principal Maria Hecht emphasized the qualities that have defined the Class of 2026 and prepared them for the future. “Over the years, you have grown not only in knowledge, but in courage, compassion, leadership, and faith. You have challenged yourselves academically, supported one another through difficult moments, and celebrated victories together. The bonds you formed here at SHA are part of what makes this community so special.” A highlight of the ceremony was the address delivered by distinguished alumna Erin (O’Brien ’01) Edwards, Partner at Velocity Capital Management . Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the finance industry, she encouraged graduates to lead with integrity, embrace challenges, and remain grounded in the values instilled during their time at SHA. Her message of leadership and service resonated strongly with the graduates as they look ahead to the future. Quoting St. Catherine of Siena, Edwards challenged the Class of 2026 to “be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,” inspiring graduates to pursue their unique callings with confidence, purpose, and faith. Commencement weekend began with the Baccalaureate Mass on May 29 at St. Anne’s Church in Garden City, celebrated by Monsignor Thomas Harold. The Mass provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection and gratitude as the class gathered one final time as students. As the Class of 2026 joins Sacred Heart Academy’s proud alumnae community of more than 13,000, we celebrate their accomplishments and look forward with confidence to the impact they will make in the world. Class of 2026 Achievements 100% will attend four-year colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Columbia University, University of Virginia, New York University, Georgetown University, Wake Forest University, Villanova University, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, Boston College, and the United States Naval Academy 11 AP Capstone Diplomas 11 Spartans are committed to play collegiate athletics 7,000 hours of community service completed Platinum distinction on the 2025 AP Honor Roll for the second consecutive year 73 graduates earned the Principal's Award for achieving a four-year cumulative weighted GPA of 95 or higher Students will attend more than 75 colleges and universities across the United States The class has earned more than $40 million in scholarships to date