Welcome to the June issue of On the Hill, Mary Help of Christians Academy monthly e-newsletter. On the Hill offers an inside view of life at Mary Help and all the other remarkable things that happen on campus each and every day. Read on to see for yourself the difference a Mary Help education makes...
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Dear MHC Academy Family and Friends,
This has been quite a whirlwind first year for me as the head of MHC Academy. I think of it as a year of discovery for me along with our students, and I’m grateful to have learned the ropes with this cohort of young women. They are energetic, creative, and eager to make the world a better place. The students who walk the hallways at the Academy are among the best and brightest I have known; thank you for entrusting me, the faculty, and all the Salesian Sisters with the gift of your daughters.
Thank you to our graduating class, who are poised to set out on adventures we will watch from a distance, and we will continue to pray for them (as we pray for all of our graduates). To our girls who are returning, I am already planning for a wonderful year for all of you. Enjoy your summer, and prepare well for the next academic year.
In closing, and with my eye always on the upcoming year, I’m delighted to remind you that our Chapel rebuild is nearly complete, our Middle States accreditation is renewed, and incoming Freshman enrollment for next year is up by about 25%. Next year is shaping up to be another eventful experience.
May the summer help us remember that all the created world is God’s gift for us to enjoy. As Mother Mazzarello said, “we meet each other in the Heart of Jesus” as we celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday. What a beautiful place for us to meet; see you there!
Sincerely,
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SENIOR PROM
On Tuesday, May 31st, the Senior Class had their prom at the The Manor in West Orange, NJ. The ballroom was decorated in a garden theme organized by Senior Class co-moderator Mrs. Kirt. The Seniors and their dates had an amazing time taking photos among the many outdoor gardens, enjoying the delicious meal, and dancing the night away!
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BACCALAUREATE MASS AND GRADUATION
MHC Academy's forty-seven Seniors graduated on Saturday, June 4th. There was a Baccalaureate Mass and Awards Ceremony on the previous Thursday evening. Congratulations to all our newest alumnae! We are so proud of you and can't wait to see where this next chapter of life takes you!
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ANA MARIA AWARDS
Every year, in memory of the spirit of Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn (1972-2002), a full scholarship is awarded for one student in each grade at Mary Help of Christians Academy. The criteria for being selected for this highly competitive and prestigious award includes being a young woman who:
- Lives as a good Christian and honest citizen using her gifts and talents in the service of others
- Shows an active participation in her lived faith in school, church and community
- Exhibits a conscientious approach to the academics and activities of Mary Help of Christians Academy
Congratulations to our five recipients: Gianna Lepore, Lily Kramer, Gabriella Gaccione, Caitlin Farley, and Sarah Mecka
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8th GRADE LUNCHEON AND GRADUATION
To start the graduation festivities, the parents hosted a lovely tea luncheon for all the students and their class advisors on Monday, June 6th. This was followed by graduation practice to get them ready for the big day! That Wednesday, the 8th graders and their families participated in the Baccalaureate Mass where Salesian priest, Fr. Tom encouraged the young ladies to be a light to the world. Awards and diplomas were distributed immediately after. Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates!
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WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE!
Grades 8-11 headed off to Six Flags Great Adventure on June 1st to celebrate the close of the school year. From carnival games, to Congo Rapids to Kingda Ka there was something for everyone. Thank you to the adult chaperones who volunteered to join us (including two of our alumnae)! For highlights of the trip, check out our TikTok!
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FORENSICS CLUB
For the first time in MHC Academy history, we had two students qualify for the Grand National Tournament in Washington, D.C. Maya Watters has been the team captain and is a graduating senior, and Lillian Kopacz is a freshman.
Maya competed in the category of Oral Interpretation of Literature aka Prose and Poetry amongst a field of 170 students. While Lillian competed in the category of Dramatic Performance amongst a field of 177 students. After a vigorous day of competition, it was announced that Lillian advanced to the first level of the finals that were held the next day.
The competition was fierce and we are so proud of both of our students for their outstanding work all year. The Forensics Team would like to thank everyone who supported their efforts and look forward to next year’s competitions.
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SPOTLIGHT ON: U GOT BRAINS
In its first year, students in the U Got Brains Club focused on teaching the Mary Help community about driver safety. From videos to slideshows to flyers, the group worked together to engage their peers in conversations about how to be good citizens on the road. They even had the chance to network with other schools! Junior Meghan Rydell says, "Being able to share the experience with other schools was really cool because we were able to see how we can improve our club and reach more people. Thank you to faculty advisor Mrs. Clarke for all her hard work!
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SUMMER SPORTS CLINICS
MHC Academy is hosting Summer Athletic Clinics for grades 5th-9th in Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball! Register today by visiting: www.maryhelp.org/summerclinics/ and spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested!
Also stay in touch with all our Blue Jay events by following the Mary Help Athletics Instagram account: maryhelpnj_athletics/
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MHC Academy
659 Belmont Avenue
North Haledon, NJ 07508
P. 973.850-7467
F. 973.790.6125
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