SHA News

Honor Roll Second Semester 2025

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

We are proud to announce the Second Semester Honor Roll for 2024-25. Students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher receive high honors; students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher receive honors. We are extremely proud of our students and the pride and dedication they put into their academics.

Second Semester Honor Roll

Ten Sacred Heart Academy Students Receive Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Sacred Heart Academy joyfully marked a significant spiritual milestone in May as ten students received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The ceremony, held in the serene Mount Sacred Heart Chapel, brought together the school community in a celebration of faith and unity.

With the blessing of Archbishop Christopher Coyne, the sacraments were conferred by Father Ryan Lerner, who led the reverent and heartfelt liturgy. The occasion was a meaningful step in the students’ spiritual journeys as they were welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.

The Academy community shared in the joy of this sacred celebration, reflecting on the importance of faith formation and spiritual growth. Sacred Heart Academy extends heartfelt congratulations to the young women on this special achievement and offers continued prayers as they grow in faith.

Ten Sacred Heart Academy Students Receive Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

2025 Summa Scholars

Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On Monday May 12th, the Office of Catholic Schools celebrated the 2025 Archdiocesan Summa Scholars Award Ceremony at The Pastoral Center in Bloomfield. The purpose of the Summa award is for educational leaders to personally recognize the students who have committed exceptional time, energy, and care in the pursuit of superior academic achievement. The summa scholar represents the top 5% of his or her graduating class in terms of outstanding academic achievement from freshman year to the close of the first semester of senior year, based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA).

As each Summa Scholar presented had the opportunity to recognize their honored teacher and speak for one to two minutes about how this teacher inspired them along their academic journey and made a significant impression on their academic success.

The Sacred Heart Academy 2025 SUMMA scholars and their teacher honorees are:

Kelly Blute – Honoree Teacher Mary Lee Delaney
Maya Quaranta – Honoree Teacher Susan Allen
Chloe Retuya – Honoree Teacher Vesna Mehinovic
Avery Stewart – Honoree Teacher Michael Marcello

Honors Biotech Presents at Columbia University

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, May 1st, the Honors Biotechnology Research class had the incredible opportunity to present their gene research to scientists at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Welcomed by Dr. Haotian Wu and Dr. Allison Kupsko, students shared their in-depth analysis of the Dopamine Receptor D4 (DRD4) gene, which plays a key role in regulating mood, behavior, and impulsivity in humans.

The class specifically focused on mutations in Exon 3 of the DRD4 gene, which have been linked to conditions such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and novelty-seeking behavior. For their research, students examined Exon 3 of the DRD4 gene in cattle, where it has also been associated with mood and temperament regulation—offering a fascinating cross-species perspective.

This unique experience allowed students to engage directly with professionals in the field, ask thoughtful questions, and gain valuable insight into real-world scientific research. The class extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wu and Dr. Kupsko for making this memorable learning opportunity possible.

Technology Student Association

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Sacred Heart Academy's Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter recently participated in the CT TSA State Conference held on March 29th at Killingly High School, showcasing their talent and creativity in a variety of STEM-related competitions. TSA, a national organization, provides students with leadership opportunities and the chance to engage in competitive events that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to all the team members for their outstanding achievements:

Board Game Design: 3rd place – Kiera Barney & Sophia Carrasco
Biotechnology Design: 2nd place – Bhuvana Alapati & Giana Tolomeo
Biotechnology Design: 3rd place – Meghan Brown & Julia DeFrances
Digital Video Production: 3rd place – Sophia Carrasco & Helaine Griffiths
Debating Technological Issues: 3rd place – Bhuvana Alapati & Divya Sankar
Prepared Presentation: 2nd place – Bhuvana Alapati
Prepared Presentation: 3rd place – Giana Tolomeo
Forensic Science: 2nd place – Kiera Barney & Giana Tolomeo

This impressive performance reflects the hard work and dedication of the students involved. A big congratulations to all participants! 👏🎉

SHA Basketball Clinches the 2025 State Championoship!

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:00:00 +0000

🦈🏆 SHA Basketball Wins the Class LL State Championship! 🏀❤️

For the third time in four years, our basketball team made it to the State Championship at Mohegan Sun Arena—and for the second time in four years, they brought home the State Champion title!

The Sharks secured the CIAC Class LL State Championship with a 57-47 victory over Southington, capping off an already incredible season after winning the SCC Championship just weeks ago.

Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches on this outstanding achievement! Your dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence truly embody the spirit of Excelsior. We are so proud of you!

Excelsior Assembly - Dr. Stephanie Massaro '93

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This past Friday at our Excelsior Assembly, we welcomed back Dr. Stephanie Massaro ‘93, Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. She shared how SHA shaped her path in medicine, crediting her love of science to Sr. Mary Jane Paolella ‘65 (God rest her soul).

Dr. Massaro inspired our students with advice:
"Don’t be afraid to ask the question."
"Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something."
"There are all kinds of jobs in healthcare and science."

She even offered to help students find shadowing opportunities and research labs! Our girls asked insightful questions, including “How long were you in school post-SHA?” (Her answer? 13+ years!)

We are so grateful to Dr. Massaro and all our alumnae who continue to inspire and give back. Once an SHA girl, always an SHA girl.

Basketball & Ice Hockey SCC Champions!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

SHA Basketball and Ice Hockey Teams - SCC Champions!

The SHA basketball and ice hockey teams both wrapped up their regular seasons as SCC Champions!

The basketball team triumphed over their longtime rival, Hamden, with a 56-43 victory, securing their third SCC title in the last five years. Emily Mennillo was honored as the SCC Player of the Year, and both Emily and Lyla D'Errico earned spots on the 1st All-State Team. The team now looks ahead to the state tournament.

On the ice, the WHSHA Ice Hockey team defeated the North Haven/Amity/Cheshire High School co-op team to claim the SCC title. Special congratulations go to Alessandra Picard, who was named SCC Player of the Year, and Coach Erin Blake, who received the Coach of the Year award. Additionally, Hailey Azzarone and Alessandra Picard were both named to the 1st All-State Team. Like the basketball team, the ice hockey team is also heading to the state tournament.

Indoor Track - Class S Runner Up!

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Indoor Track Team - the 2025 Girls Class S Runner Up! The 4x800 team placed first and broke a new school record, Maya Quaranta placed 1st and broke a new meet record, along with many more medals and PRs. This team worked hard and had an incredible season.