The 2015 Alumni Congé was a beautiful evening of friendship and recognition. Academy Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 were represented and acknowledged as special “honor” classes. Academy Admissions Director Lisa Tebbe ’80—who has also shared her love of Sacred Heart with Villa Duchesne and AASH (the Associated Alumni/Alumnae of Sacred Heart)—was the recipient of the Rose Philippine Duchesne Award.

Coming from as far away as New Jersey and California, alums of honor years were treated to a weekend of plans by their host classmates who had planned brunches, evening dinners and mainly just opportunities for relaxed visits. Many took advantage of the new offerings this year dubbed “Classes for Congé.” A tour to St. Ferdinand’s Shrine in Florissant, a class on prayer, a beer tasting and photo seminar, and a visit to the archives all got rave reviews from their more-than-satisfied participants. A grateful nod goes to Sister Margaret Munch, Mary Jo Hippe, John Storjohann and Theresa Grass for leading these sessions.

While the 40-year class (eighth graders in 1975) had the largest attendance, the hands-down winner for above-and-beyond-the-call presence was their classmate Judie Jakle Beatty, who managed to zip over between her daughter’s afternoon wedding and the evening reception in order to appear in the group photo that was taken before mass.

With construction preventing vehicles from entrance onto the campus, all visitors were forced to park on the street or in a neighboring St. Charles Borromeo parking lot. However, a steady stream of “Congé Cabs” delivered passengers to and from the event in a 2015 version of doing things “the Philippine way.”

Special thanks to Alumni Director Jane Cannon and the Alumni Coordinating Council for once again orchestrating this wonderful event.

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Photos courtesy of Bill Slaughter

Ten of our Seventh and Eighth Class students will be taking part in service projects this summer in Michigan, Florida, New Jersey and New York. These opportunities, organized by the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, offers Sacred Heart students nationwide opportunities for growth. Read more.

It was a beautiful day at the Academy for our May crowning, followed by Maypole with our soon-to-be graduates accompanied by Second Class girls. Just one day left as Academy students for the Class of 2015!

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If parents are happy to celebrate the honors that their children have earned during this season of commencements, just imagine how thrilled we are at the Academy, as bits and pieces of those accolade stories come drifting back to the place where education began for so many high school seniors. This year we find ourselves inundated by the good news of year-end awards that have been heaped upon our Class of 2011—now the Class of 2015.

Congratulations to the ASH track and field team for winning first place overall in the CYC Ken Biermann Memorial Track Meet last Saturday. Individual team finishes included: 1st place, 11 & 12 Girls division; 2nd place, 7 & 8 Boys division; and 3rd place, 13 & 14 Girls division.

Coach Jonathan Gonzalez said, “I am so proud of all the boys and girls. They performed wonderfully and were exemplary representatives of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. I feel truly blessed to have coached all of them. On behalf of the entire coaching staff (myself, Julie Werton, Jennifer Sterkel, Jennifer Lechner and Brittany Tyree), thank you!”

Great job, 2015 Academy track team!

To celebrate the Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, an all-school prayer service conducted by our Social Justice and Student Council leaders was followed by Mission Day. All classes organized games or booths, and took turns playing, too. What a glorious day to be outdoors! We welcomed guests from the Emmaus Home; some of our older students helped them make the rounds of activities, refreshments and prizes.

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What a fantastic Chemin de Fer auction we had, with hundreds of guests experiencing “The Splendor of India.” The beautiful garments worn by many attendees, authentic Indian dance performed during dinner, and the wondrous transformation of Rauch Memorial made it a most memorable evening. In addition, the inaugural use of BidPal made it easy to track the progression of bids on auction items, make purchases and donations, and more. Happily, all signs point to a successful Chemin de Fer outcome.

Thank you, thank you to Auction Chairs Danny and Andrea Williams and Jake and Christine Sommer, along with Honorary Chairs Jerry and Angie Stauder, to the many auction committees and volunteers who made it all come together, and to all who participated in the excitement on Saturday. Job exceedingly well done!

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This week, while getting their graduation photo taken, the Eighth Class girls got their first look at the quilt that will be auctioned at Chemin de Fer. Thanks to Mrs. Killeen, the mastermind behind this beautiful creation!

The Third Class presented its annual Wax Museum of famous Americans for parents in Cribbin Hall on Monday. Each student dressed as and described the notable accomplishments of the person he or she studied. Research, memorization, and presentation skills were among the valuable lessons learned. Great job, Third Class!

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More than 50 students, teachers and parents gathered recently before school to make sandwiches for the poor and homeless of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. More than 430 sandwiches were made in less than 40 minutes.

Goal III of Sacred Heart education: A Social Awareness which Impels to Action.

Sixth Class students have been learning about mythology, Greek theater, Aristotle and other highlights of ancient Greece. Today, they invited their parents in to their classrooms to view their projects, play educational games they constructed, sample Greek food, and more.

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