Sacred Heart Academy Shines at Speech Tournament with Aya’s 2nd Place Win
October 31, 2025

The Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) community is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by one of our own at the Speech Tournament held on October 11, 2025, right here at SHA. Competing against students from prestigious schools across the island, including Chaminade, Syosset, Roslyn, Kellenberg, and Half Hollow Hills, Aya Belkharraz Idris earned an impressive 2nd place finish in the challenging Extemporaneous category. This event tests quick thinking and deep understanding, as competitors receive an unexpected topic related to the economy and must prepare, memorize, and deliver a speech within just 30 minutes. Aya’s outstanding performance showcased her intelligence and rhetorical skill, making the SHA family incredibly proud.


“We are thrilled to see our students thrive in these rigorous competitions—especially since the success of our Speech and Debate team reinforces that our commitment to academic and leadership excellence extends beyond the classroom,” said President Kim Johnson.


This first home tournament of the season saw enthusiastic participation from freshmen and sophomores, highlighting the growing strength and dedication of our Speech and Debate team. Tournaments are held twice a month from October through March at various schools in the region, with the season culminating in the national competition in Washington, D.C., next May. Aya’s 2nd-place finish has earned her a half qualification, putting her well on her way to representing SHA on the national stage.


Speech and Debate Team Coach and English teacher Ms. Stephanie Cutrona praised her students’ dedication, sharing, “I am extremely proud of the hard work the girls are putting in—they meet with me during their lunch and study hall periods to practice, in addition to our after-school practices, and they are eager to help one another. I am often in awe of them—our girls are incredible! We are dedicated to growing our program to give our aspiring lawyers, doctors, presidents, and thespians a sphere to thrive.”


Principal Maria Hecht added, “We are so proud of Aya for earning second place! These competitions do more than celebrate talent—they help our young women find their voices, grow in confidence, and learn the power of thoughtful communication.”


Sacred Heart Academy fosters academic excellence and leadership for girls in grades 9–12. SHA's nationally recognized Speech and Debate team provides a powerful platform for students to develop confidence, critical thinking, and eloquence. Sacred Heart Academy looks forward to welcoming the next round of talented speakers to our home tournament at SHA on March 28.


Congratulations once again to Aya Belkharraz Idris for this outstanding achievement, and to all the SHA students who participated and demonstrated true dedication. Your success reflects the heart and spirit of our community: leadership, resilience, and excellence in action.

Share

Sacred Heart Academy’s 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance Celebrates Community, Honors Alumnae, and Raises over $555,000

March 23, 2026
Sacred Heart Academy’s 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance was a resounding success, bringing together 370 members of the SHA community for an evening of celebration, gratitude, and purpose. The event raised an impressive $555,000 in support of the school’s mission to educate and empower young women. Held in a spirit of joy and unity, the evening reflected the strength of the Sacred Heart community, including parents, alumnae , faculty, and friends who share a deep belief in the value of Catholic education and the promise of future generations. “This is truly wonderful to gather with so many members of this extraordinary community who share a deep belief in the power of Catholic education and in the promise of young women,” said President Kim Johnson ’92, P ’28. “Because when mission meets momentum, we do more than honor our past, we secure the future.” A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a transformative gift from Theresa (Neubauer ’88) and Artie Minson. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, Sacred Heart Academy will open the Minson Family Student Center in Fall 2026. This reimagined space will serve as a central hub for student life, offering dedicated areas for guidance and college counseling while fostering collaboration, leadership, and community. The new center represents a significant investment in the student experience and in the future of Sacred Heart Academy. The Leadership Dinner Dance also served as an opportunity to honor distinguished alumnae whose lives and careers reflect the values of Sacred Heart and the Sisters of St. Joseph. This year’s honorees included Rosanne (Puntolillo ’81) Breen P ’11, Rachel (Cancro ’83) Cashwell P ’18, and Theresa (Neubauer ’88) Minson. Special recognition was given to Christine Goodwin, Ed.D. ’92 for her contributions and dedication to SHA and Catholic education. Each honoree represents the enduring impact of a Sacred Heart education, women of faith, leadership, and service who continue to shape their communities and inspire future generations. Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that Sacred Heart Academy’s mission extends far beyond the classroom. Rooted in Catholic faith and guided by the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph , the Academy is committed to forming young women of compassion, courage, and purpose. The event also highlighted the Academy’s forward looking vision, including its five year strategic plan, The Mission Forward , which emphasizes investing in the campus and programs that support the formation of the whole student. From academic excellence to wellness and leadership development, Sacred Heart continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s girls and young women while remaining grounded in its core values. The 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance was more than a celebration. It was a powerful testament to what is possible when a community comes together in support of a shared mission. Through generosity, faith, and a commitment to the future, Sacred Heart Academy continues to thrive and inspire so many.

SHA Young Women Serve and Learn in the Galápagos Over February Break

February 25, 2026
Over February break, our SHA young women embarked on a life-changing service trip to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, embracing faith, service, culture, and adventure every step of the way. Their journey began in Ecuador, where they spent a day exploring and learning about the country’s rich history and culture. One unforgettable highlight was visiting the “Center of the World” at the Equator, standing at 0° latitude as confirmed by GPS coordinates. It was a powerful moment, quite literally standing in the middle of the world, marking the beginning of a meaningful global experience. From there, the group flew to the remarkable Galápagos Islands, known worldwide for their extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty. Faith remained at the heart of the trip. The young women celebrated a beautiful Mass at a local Catholic church, joining the community in prayer and reflecting on the purpose of their journey, to serve with open hearts. Service took many forms throughout the week. The students participated in a reforestation project, contributing hands-on work to help preserve the islands’ delicate ecosystem. Their efforts supported local sustainability initiatives and reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship, an especially meaningful lesson in a place so globally significant for conservation. The group also had the opportunity to visit a local school, Unidad Educativa Stella Maris, where they engaged in a meaningful service project. They painted classrooms and common areas, worked in the school garden, and built benches out of wooden pallets to create welcoming spaces for students. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect directly with the local community while putting their faith into action through service. The group also visited the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where they learned about ongoing conservation efforts and the unique species that inhabit the islands. Seeing the impact of scientific research and environmental protection up close deepened their understanding of the responsibility we all share in caring for our common home. Cultural immersion was another special part of the experience. The young women enjoyed a cooking class with a local family, learning traditional recipes and sharing stories across languages and cultures. They also visited a local ranch where dozens of land tortoises roamed freely, an unforgettable encounter with one of the Galápagos’ most iconic animals. Accompanying the group was Mr. Powers, Ms. Lavery, and Ms. Cali, whose guidance helped enrich the educational aspects of the trip. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Powers shared, “This trip gave our students the opportunity to see the world through a wider lens. They did not just learn about geography and conservation in a classroom. They lived it, served others, and grew in ways that will stay with them for years to come.” From standing on the Equator to serving through reforestation and school outreach, from celebrating Mass to sharing meals with local families, this February break was far more than a trip. It was a journey of growth. Our SHA young women returned home with broadened perspectives, strengthened faith, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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 Academy’s 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance Celebrates Community, Honors Alumnae, and Raises over $555,000

March 23, 2026
Sacred Heart Academy’s 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance was a resounding success, bringing together 370 members of the SHA community for an evening of celebration, gratitude, and purpose. The event raised an impressive $555,000 in support of the school’s mission to educate and empower young women. Held in a spirit of joy and unity, the evening reflected the strength of the Sacred Heart community, including parents, alumnae , faculty, and friends who share a deep belief in the value of Catholic education and the promise of future generations. “This is truly wonderful to gather with so many members of this extraordinary community who share a deep belief in the power of Catholic education and in the promise of young women,” said President Kim Johnson ’92, P ’28. “Because when mission meets momentum, we do more than honor our past, we secure the future.” A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a transformative gift from Theresa (Neubauer ’88) and Artie Minson. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, Sacred Heart Academy will open the Minson Family Student Center in Fall 2026. This reimagined space will serve as a central hub for student life, offering dedicated areas for guidance and college counseling while fostering collaboration, leadership, and community. The new center represents a significant investment in the student experience and in the future of Sacred Heart Academy. The Leadership Dinner Dance also served as an opportunity to honor distinguished alumnae whose lives and careers reflect the values of Sacred Heart and the Sisters of St. Joseph. This year’s honorees included Rosanne (Puntolillo ’81) Breen P ’11, Rachel (Cancro ’83) Cashwell P ’18, and Theresa (Neubauer ’88) Minson. Special recognition was given to Christine Goodwin, Ed.D. ’92 for her contributions and dedication to SHA and Catholic education. Each honoree represents the enduring impact of a Sacred Heart education, women of faith, leadership, and service who continue to shape their communities and inspire future generations. Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that Sacred Heart Academy’s mission extends far beyond the classroom. Rooted in Catholic faith and guided by the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph , the Academy is committed to forming young women of compassion, courage, and purpose. The event also highlighted the Academy’s forward looking vision, including its five year strategic plan, The Mission Forward , which emphasizes investing in the campus and programs that support the formation of the whole student. From academic excellence to wellness and leadership development, Sacred Heart continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s girls and young women while remaining grounded in its core values. The 2026 Leadership Dinner Dance was more than a celebration. It was a powerful testament to what is possible when a community comes together in support of a shared mission. Through generosity, faith, and a commitment to the future, Sacred Heart Academy continues to thrive and inspire so many.

SHA Young Women Serve and Learn in the Galápagos Over February Break

February 25, 2026
Over February break, our SHA young women embarked on a life-changing service trip to the breathtaking Galápagos Islands, embracing faith, service, culture, and adventure every step of the way. Their journey began in Ecuador, where they spent a day exploring and learning about the country’s rich history and culture. One unforgettable highlight was visiting the “Center of the World” at the Equator, standing at 0° latitude as confirmed by GPS coordinates. It was a powerful moment, quite literally standing in the middle of the world, marking the beginning of a meaningful global experience. From there, the group flew to the remarkable Galápagos Islands, known worldwide for their extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty. Faith remained at the heart of the trip. The young women celebrated a beautiful Mass at a local Catholic church, joining the community in prayer and reflecting on the purpose of their journey, to serve with open hearts. Service took many forms throughout the week. The students participated in a reforestation project, contributing hands-on work to help preserve the islands’ delicate ecosystem. Their efforts supported local sustainability initiatives and reinforced the importance of environmental stewardship, an especially meaningful lesson in a place so globally significant for conservation. The group also had the opportunity to visit a local school, Unidad Educativa Stella Maris, where they engaged in a meaningful service project. They painted classrooms and common areas, worked in the school garden, and built benches out of wooden pallets to create welcoming spaces for students. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect directly with the local community while putting their faith into action through service. The group also visited the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where they learned about ongoing conservation efforts and the unique species that inhabit the islands. Seeing the impact of scientific research and environmental protection up close deepened their understanding of the responsibility we all share in caring for our common home. Cultural immersion was another special part of the experience. The young women enjoyed a cooking class with a local family, learning traditional recipes and sharing stories across languages and cultures. They also visited a local ranch where dozens of land tortoises roamed freely, an unforgettable encounter with one of the Galápagos’ most iconic animals. Accompanying the group was Mr. Powers, Ms. Lavery, and Ms. Cali, whose guidance helped enrich the educational aspects of the trip. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Powers shared, “This trip gave our students the opportunity to see the world through a wider lens. They did not just learn about geography and conservation in a classroom. They lived it, served others, and grew in ways that will stay with them for years to come.” From standing on the Equator to serving through reforestation and school outreach, from celebrating Mass to sharing meals with local families, this February break was far more than a trip. It was a journey of growth. Our SHA young women returned home with broadened perspectives, strengthened faith, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Alexander Chan Ph.D., Assistant Professor speaking about Artificial Intelligence

Future-Ready: Molloy University Professors Bring the World of Analytics to SHA

February 9, 2026
Dr. Alexander Chan and Prof. Gayle O'Keefe of Molloy University visit Sacred Heart Academy to demystify AI and Data Analytics for future innovators.