News at SHA

Sacred Heart Academy Celebrates 74th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026
June 4, 2026

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

Sacred Heart’s Isabella Paesano ‘26 Honored with $10,000 Dante Foundation Award

July 22, 2026
At an awards ceremony on June 24, Isabella Paesano ‘26 accepted a $10,000 scholarship from the Mineola-based Dante Foundation. The competitive grant is awarded each year to a handful of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties who are of Italian heritage, achieve an above average score on the SATs, are actively involved in their high schools, and plan to attend college after graduation. The event, which took place at the elegant Westbury Manor, is an annual celebration founded to encourage fellowship among Italian-Americans and fundraise to establish scholarships for outstanding youth. Isabella credits her time here at Sacred Heart Academy for helping her earn the scholarship. She says the transformative power of a single-sex education has helped her gain the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. “Going to an all-girls school had great benefits. I met my lifelong friends here and it helped shape who I am today.” Isabella says staying involved in sports and activities helped foster those friendships and gave her a sense of belonging. Over the course of her time here at Sacred Heart Isabella played on Varsity Field Hockey, and immersed herself in clubs such as Best Buddies, Lady Spartans Against Cancer, Limb Kind Club, Friend of Ronald McDonald House, and of course, Red & Gold. As Isabella prepares to attend Fairfield University this fall, she fondly reflects on her years here on campus, specifically her experience as Spirit Captain for Gold in last year’s Red & Gold. “One memory that will always stay with me from my time at Sacred Heart is when it was announced that the Gold team won, proving everyone's hard work and dedication to the team paid off!” Isabella’s dedication extends well beyond the SHA campus and into her community. Every summer, Isabella immerses herself in service, volunteering at Camp ANCHOR and giving her time to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation , a Long Island charity dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer. “Throughout my experience at SHA I have learned to Lead with Heart. From my freshman year to senior, my classmates have always been there for me.” She added that the faculty here at SHA, specifically the teachers of the Resource Room, helped her achieve her academic goals. “They believed in me and gave me so much support through my entire career SHA.” Isabella will study psychology at Fairfield in the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist for children with special needs. Sacred Heart Academy congratulates Isabella on her well-earned scholarship and is proud to count her among the most recent members of its national sisterhood of SHA alumnae!

Natalia Taylor '27 Sets Sacred Heart Academy Track and Field Records

June 23, 2026
Record-breaking thrower Natalia Taylor credits patience, perseverance, and the Sacred Heart sisterhood for her success on and off the field.

Inspiring Excellence in Every Student

Rooted in faith and tradition, we empower young women to lead with confidence, compassion, and integrity. Through rigorous academics, spiritual growth, and a supportive sisterhood, our students are inspired to excel in college and beyond while making a meaningful impact in the world.

Sacred Heart’s Isabella Paesano ‘26 Honored with $10,000 Dante Foundation Award

July 22, 2026
At an awards ceremony on June 24, Isabella Paesano ‘26 accepted a $10,000 scholarship from the Mineola-based Dante Foundation. The competitive grant is awarded each year to a handful of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties who are of Italian heritage, achieve an above average score on the SATs, are actively involved in their high schools, and plan to attend college after graduation. The event, which took place at the elegant Westbury Manor, is an annual celebration founded to encourage fellowship among Italian-Americans and fundraise to establish scholarships for outstanding youth. Isabella credits her time here at Sacred Heart Academy for helping her earn the scholarship. She says the transformative power of a single-sex education has helped her gain the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. “Going to an all-girls school had great benefits. I met my lifelong friends here and it helped shape who I am today.” Isabella says staying involved in sports and activities helped foster those friendships and gave her a sense of belonging. Over the course of her time here at Sacred Heart Isabella played on Varsity Field Hockey, and immersed herself in clubs such as Best Buddies, Lady Spartans Against Cancer, Limb Kind Club, Friend of Ronald McDonald House, and of course, Red & Gold. As Isabella prepares to attend Fairfield University this fall, she fondly reflects on her years here on campus, specifically her experience as Spirit Captain for Gold in last year’s Red & Gold. “One memory that will always stay with me from my time at Sacred Heart is when it was announced that the Gold team won, proving everyone's hard work and dedication to the team paid off!” Isabella’s dedication extends well beyond the SHA campus and into her community. Every summer, Isabella immerses herself in service, volunteering at Camp ANCHOR and giving her time to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation , a Long Island charity dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer. “Throughout my experience at SHA I have learned to Lead with Heart. From my freshman year to senior, my classmates have always been there for me.” She added that the faculty here at SHA, specifically the teachers of the Resource Room, helped her achieve her academic goals. “They believed in me and gave me so much support through my entire career SHA.” Isabella will study psychology at Fairfield in the hopes of becoming an occupational therapist for children with special needs. Sacred Heart Academy congratulates Isabella on her well-earned scholarship and is proud to count her among the most recent members of its national sisterhood of SHA alumnae!

Natalia Taylor '27 Sets Sacred Heart Academy Track and Field Records

June 23, 2026
Record-breaking thrower Natalia Taylor credits patience, perseverance, and the Sacred Heart sisterhood for her success on and off the field.

Heart of SHA: Faylen Morales ‘28

June 17, 2026
Ever since Faylen Morales ‘28 was 8 years old, she has known she wanted to help build a world where everyone feels included. That passion drove her to attend Sacred Heart Academy in the fall of 2024, where, in addition to her rigorous academic schedule, she competes as a Varsity swimmer, is an active member of the Cooking Club, and takes part in Red & Gold. Beyond her commitments at SHA, Faylen has volunteered as a coach at TOPSoccer for the past 8 years, a recreational soccer program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. She credits her dedication to the organization for making her a ‘more compassionate, patient and understanding person.” Faylen attributes Sacred Heart Academy to teaching her that “true leadership comes from leading with love, compassion and faith." "SHA reminds us to do everything through Jesus and shows me that leadership is not about recognition, but about serving others with kindness and using our actions to make a positive difference in people’s lives.” A rising Junior, Faylen already plans to attend college, where she will study to be a school psychologist serving children with diverse learning needs. “I am so thankful to have been exposed to children and adults with special needs from a young age because those experiences helped me develop a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. My experience at Sacred Heart has strengthened my compassion, patience, and desire to serve others, helping me grow into the kind of person who wants to give back to my community and support others in meaningful ways.” Sacred Heart Academy is proud to recognize Faylen as a shining example of what it means to Lead with Heart!