FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023
In This Issue
·        "Today Show" Wish
·        Earth Day Reveal in Riley Aud
·        Pep Rally Surprises
·        Thank You, Norma
·        Writing Class Published
·        Grade 11 Retreat
·        Cash Super Raffle
·        Middle School Fundraiser
·        Article Highlights Alumna
·        Panthers Update
·        Sports Clinics Registration
·        Summer Camp Sign-Ups
·        AHN is Hiring
·        Shadow Visits on the Rise
·        New Admissions Exam Date
·        School Calendar
Student's Mother Grants Wish on "Today Show"
Junior Shannon Hockford's mother, Kate has been bravely fighting cancer for more than 13 years.

She founded the nonprofit organization Night Out for You to create meaningful experiences for other adults undergoing cancer treatment. Today, she helped grant one woman's wish to attend The Today Show and meet hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
Photo: Behind the scenes with Shannon Hockford (top right), her sister Erin, and her parents Kate and Michael.
Environmental Club Ushers in
Earth Day, Reveals Riley Auditorium Renovation Surprise
AHN's Environmental Club held its annual Earth Day service on Friday morning, reading from the book of Genesis and demonstrating its support for environmental protection.

The group concluded its presentation with a video highlighting nature's wonders, which for the first time was displayed on Riley Auditorium's new large screen backlit with a high definition projector. 

The state-of-the art audio-visual system, which includes powerful new speakers throughout the room, is the centerpiece of a long-term renovation plan come to fruition, which included new curtains on the stage and a new, brighter paint job for the walls. The work, made possible by the paddle raise to honor former trustee David Hayes P '14 '19 '21 and his wife Lauren '89, was completed over Easter break. (Click on photo to play reveal).
High School Pep Rally Honors Queen for the Day
Mother nature blessed AHN with a gorgeous day on Friday for the Spring Pep Rally, so festivities moved outdoors for the annual competitions between the grade levels.

Games included musical chairs and tug of war. As is tradition, the Seniors were the victors.

Ahead of the pep rally, escorted by her court, Michele Musto was honored as Queen for the Day with gifts from each class. They included: a cap and gown so she could graduate along with the seniors, a late pass, Dunkin' gift card, a pair of white socks, a personalized AHN seal, a special cheer, a song and dance, and a quilt with hearts from the students to honor the heart of AHN. There was also a video tribute, which you can see here. The full, unedited version is available on our YouTube channel.
Thank you, Norma!
By Michele Musto
On February 27, 2012, Academy of the Holy Names was blessed when Norma Anthony Martino joined the staff as school secretary. For the past 11.5 years, Norma has maintained the smooth operation of the front office.

Norma’s path to AHN was circuitous. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Italian Language and Linguistics at Georgetown University. There she continued graduate work in Interpretation/Translation which brought her to Florence and Genoa where she worked for an engineering firm as a foreign interpreter.

She later taught English as a Foreign Language in the public school system in Genoa. After spending 32 years in Italy, Norma returned to her native Troy.

At this time, Norma Martino has made the decision to retire from her position as school secretary to spend time with her family. Her final day will be August 31, 2023. I know you join me in thanking her for her years of dedication to Holy Names and wishing her well.
Entire Writing Class to be Published
Congratulations to Ms. Tocci's sophomore Writing II class, which submitted works in a Young Writers USA writing contest.

The organization offers free creative writing contests to elementary, middle, and high schools as well as free resources, tips, and activities for teachers, parents, and young writers.

In a rare feat, ALL 31 submissions from Ms. Tocci's class were chosen for publication in July's Integer - US Legends. Way to go!
11th Grade Class Led on Retreat
Our 11th grade class participated in a special retreat day Thursday. The theme was "discernment in the Church."

A special thanks to Diocesan Priest Sam Bellafiore for joining us and leading the students on their journey.
Early Chance to Cash in!
The Spring Gala is one week away! To celebrate we're offering a Friday Flash Sale on Cash Super Raffle tickets!

Don't miss out on your chance to win $2,500. Buy your raffle tickets TODAY!


Scan the QR Code or Venmo @ahnalbany. Make sure to specify Cash Super Raffle when you submit your payment.
Middle School Fundraiser Coming Up
Our 8th graders need your help to get to Boston! They're raising funds for a field trip and in return all you have to do is order some pizza!

This coming Wednesday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Spinners Pizza in Albany, show THIS flyer on your phone to donate 25% of proceeds from your dine-in or pick-up order.
Article Highlights Alumna's Work with Athletes
AHN alumnae continue to make headlines.

Amy VanDerzee Wiggins '80 was recently featured in The Eagle-Tribune, a Massachusetts-based publication, for her work as an athletic trainer at Philips Academy in Andover.
Photo Courtesy: Bill Burt, The Eagle-Tribune
Panthers Update
This week in athletics, the track and field squad split its matchup on Tuesday. Holy Names winners included Maggie Seymour (High Jump), Logan Schlegel (800 meters), and the 4x800 meter relay team of Rachael Gerber, Julia Lynch, Raegan Byrne, and Logan Schlegel. The team improves to 4-1.

Important scheduling note: due to field conditions, the JV softball team will continue to play its games away until further notice. The team is in action today at Cohoes, as is Varsity Lacrosse.
Sports Clinics Registration Now Available
It's time! You can now register for our summer sports clinics. We will be offering a tennis camp, as well as TWO volleyball camps this summer (one for 7th-9th graders and another for 10th-12th graders).
Summer Camp Sign-Ups Available
Registration is also available for our summer camps. We're offering four programs, all led by educational experts with a focus on fun and learning.

Follow the registration link for detailed information on each of the camps.
Join Our Team!
Come join our team! Our Athletics department has two openings: Golf Coach and Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach. Help us build upon a winning tradition and show your Panther pride!

We are also looking to fill two math positions.
Shadow Visits on the Rise
Thanks in large part to referrals from current families, shadow visits are up more than 40% from this time last year!

Do you know a family interested in learning more about the Holy Names experience? Have them reach out to Admissions Director Ann Rento at extension x202.
New Admissions Exam Date Available
Due to increased demand, another admissions testing opportunity has been made available for prospective students.

The exam serves as a scholarship qualifying exam as well as assists with student placement. High scoring students can earn between 1/4 and 1/2 tuition awards.

The next exam is scheduled for Saturday, May 13.

Arrival time is 8:15 a.m. For parents, there will also be coffee, conversation and tours available with school administrators.
School Calendar
The Week Ahead

Friday, April 21
Father/Daughter Dinner-Dance

Saturday, April 22
Admissions Exam

Sunday, April 23
Information Session for Prospective Students/Families

Thursday, April 27
Science Symposium

Friday, April 28
Spring Gala
SAAD Awareness Day

Saturday, April 29
Junior/Senior Prom
Looking Ahead
Monday, May 1
Teacher Appreciation Week
Grade 8 Retreat

Tuesday, May 2
Teacher Appreciation Day

Thursday, May 11
Spring Concert

Friday, May 12
Art Show
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