“Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world.”
— St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
On Saturday, the Class of 2024 will be graduating in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne. This year, graduation falls on May 25, the feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France in 1800. Her vision, wisdom and deep faith inspired her to send Philippine Duchesne to this country in 1818 to found the Academy, and it is especially fitting that we will celebrate graduates on her feast day.
Some students have spent 10 years at the Academy, and others have joined along they way. Not only have they grown spiritually, academically and personally, but they have grown together in a supportive community. Their experiences may have been different, but they share a deep gratitude for their Sacred Heart education.
At last night’s graduation dinner, parents were surprised with a video of personal messages expressing gratitude for their unconditional love and support. Below are some excerpts, but all shared a common theme of great appreciation to their parents for making the decision and sacrifice to send their child to the Academy. Their words are truly from the heart.
Thank you for sending me to the Academy. Throughout the years this school has helped me so much and I’m extremely grateful for my time here. Thank you for everything you have done for me and helping me become the person who I am today and who I will become in the years ahead. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and persevere when I doubted myself and my abilities. Whether it was cheering for me during my volleyball games or driving me every morning to school, you have always been there for me, even when it wasn’t the easiest for you. I do not know where I would be without your love, support, and belief in me. Wherever life may take me, I know you will always be cheering me on with unconditional love and guiding me through everything. Thank you for everything. I love you.
— Maha Devrapally
Thank you for sending me to the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Thank you for sending me to a school where I can grow to my fullest potential. From reminding me about homework, volunteering at the school, or going to my events, you have helped me in every way that you can and I want to show that I deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made. Each year there have been times where I needed your help and every time you helped me no matter the circumstances. From what both of you have done for me, I’m certain that throughout my life I’ll experience your unconditional love and guidance and I’ll do my best to return that love to you as well.
— Matthew Goley
No words can truly sum up how I feel about all the sacrifices that you have made for me. I’ll be forever grateful to you for sending me to the Academy. I have learned to be my best self and how to make lasting connections with the people I’ve come to know and I have made some of the best friendships of my life at this wonderful place. You have given me more support than I deserve and I don’t know how I could ever repay both of you. From coaching basketball to staying up late helping with my homework, you are always there for me. This place has become my second home and that is all because of your decision. I love you guys to the moon and back.
— Kate Larkin
I truly thank you for sending me to the Academy of the Sacred Heart and for the opportunity to go to this school. It has helped me grow academically and spiritually and it has helped me to become the best person I can be. Thank you for helping me study and for when you used to drop me off at school and pick me up. I do not know what I would do without your help. Also, thank you for putting time and hard work into my school. I love you both.
— Zach McKinstry
Thank you for sending me to the Academy of the Sacred Heart. You’ve always been so supportive of me while I’ve been doing the things I love. During my time at this school, I’ve learned so much and made so many wonderful friendships and created so many wonderful memories. Because of you, I’ve been able to accomplish so much. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you the most. I love you both.
— Amber Scheidegger
Thank you for bringing me to the Academy of the Sacred Heart. I’ve had the time of my life here and I have grown so much, more than I would have if you hadn’t given me the experiences of my years at the Academy. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have it been surrounded by all of the opportunities for my personal, spiritual, and academic growth and because of the sacrifices you’ve made, I now have the opportunity to continue my education at DeSmet. Thank you for everything and I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you.
— Jackson West
I’m deeply grateful for you and the valuable role you play in my life. Your unwavering love, support, and guidance are sources of inspiration for me every day. I look up to you as role models admiring your strength, wisdom and kindness. Your decision to send me to the Academy of the Sacred Heart is a testament to your dedication to my education and personal growth. I’m thankful for the opportunities and values instilled in me at the Academy, which continue to shape my journey and outlook on life.
— Jane Williams
