Sacred Heart Academy (Hempstead, NY)

09/03/2026

❤️💛 Welcome, Class of 2030!

Freshman Orientation was a special way to begin this new chapter at Sacred Heart Academy. Over the course of orientation, our newest Spartans got to know their new school, meet new friends, laugh together, and take those first exciting steps into their high school years.

In between the excitement, the girls also came together to fill backpacks for Our Lady of Loretto Parish to donate to students in need. It was a simple act of kindness that captured the spirit we hope will guide our students throughout their time at SHA: looking out for one another, making a difference, and caring for our dear neighbor.

A beautiful beginning to a year centered on Magnificent Humanity and the community our Class of 2030 is now a part of.

We are so happy you’re here and can’t wait to see all that is ahead. ❤️💛

📸: Lucy Kearns ‘27 & Lia Pepitone ‘27

08/28/2026

What a week of learning, creating, and discovering! 🔬✨

Our STEM campers had the opportunity to dive into hands-on activities that encouraged curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Through experimentation and exploration, our campers were able to see STEM in action and discover new possibilities.

We are grateful to the Red Backpack Foundation for supporting this experience and helping provide opportunities that encourage girls to explore their interests in STEM.

08/27/2026

After eight wonderful years at Sacred Heart Academy, we celebrate Gina Christel and the many ways she has strengthened our community.

Gina’s journey to SHA began when her daughter, Olivia, chose to become a Spartan. A conversation during Course Selection Day led Gina to SHA, beginning a chapter she describes as one of the best decisions of her professional life.

Throughout her time at SHA, Gina served as an administrator, counselor, advocate, and leader, bringing experience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to our students and community. She helped strengthen our School Counseling Department, expand college programming, support families, and create meaningful community traditions, including the return of Father-Daughter Night, fondly known as “Pop Hop.”

Above all, Gina will be remembered for the relationships she built and the care she showed to students, families, faculty, and staff. Her work was deeply rooted in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph and “That All May Be One.”

We are grateful for all Gina has given to SHA and wish her a retirement filled with family, new adventures, and plenty of reasons to smile.❤️💛

08/26/2026

Moments of faith, leadership, sisterhood, challenge, and celebration.

Our Heart to Heart Summer 2026 magazine captures the spirit of Sacred Heart and the women who bring it to life. ❤️

From student experiences and community traditions to stories of growth, leadership, and connection, this issue celebrates the people that make SHA special.

Read the Summer 2026 issue and share:

Sacred Heart Academy

08/20/2026

Class of 2026, your next chapter begins! ❤️💛

As you head off to college and begin this exciting new journey, we are so proud of the young women you have become and all that you have accomplished at SHA.

We hope your college years are filled with new friendships, meaningful experiences, big dreams, and countless moments to be proud of. Take with you the confidence, compassion, faith, and Spartan spirit that have helped shape who you are.

No matter where your journey takes you, remember that you will always have a home at SHA. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Go make your mark, Class of 2026. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan. ❤️💛

08/11/2026

After nearly 27 years of dedicated service to Sacred Heart Academy, Connie Rotondi leaves behind a legacy built on compassion, connection, and an unwavering belief in every student she encountered.

Throughout her career, Connie reminded young women that success is about so much more than where you go to college. It is about believing in yourself, embracing your unique journey, and having the courage to pursue the path meant for you. Her office became a place where students felt heard, supported, and encouraged during some of the most important moments of their lives.

"To me, school counseling has never simply been about schedules, transcripts, or college applications. It has been about the people behind them, the students who have trusted me with their hopes, dreams, challenges, and successes. At its core, school counseling is about listening, believing, encouraging, and helping students see the best version of themselves."

As Connie begins this well deserved retirement, we thank her for the countless lives she has touched, the confidence she has helped build, and the relationships that will continue long after graduation.

Congratulations, Connie, and thank you for nearly 27 years of extraordinary dedication to the Sacred Heart Academy community. ❤️

07/31/2026

Student Athlete Spotlight: Natalia Taylor '27

"SHA has helped me become a more patient and understanding person, both on and off the field."

School records, state recognition, and athletic success tell only part of Natalia Taylor's story. After injuries threatened her sophomore season, she trusted the process, embraced patience, and returned stronger than ever.

Today, Natalia continues to lead on and off the field as a standout athlete, co captain of The Techies Club, and member of Sacred Heart Academy's annual Nutcracker production.

Learn more about Natalia's journey: https://www.sacredheartacademyli.org/natalia-taylor-27-sets-sacred-heart-academy-track-and-field-records

07/29/2026

The best part of the Sacred Heart community is that it has a way of bringing people back together.

Recently, Mrs. Tulino welcomed Daniella Pulieri '27, Georgia Noumair '27, Grace Morsellino '27 and Julia Donelan '28 to volunteer at Campo Italiano at Once Upon a Sundae.

Among the campers were the children of Sacred Heart alumnae Jennifer Dougherty Romano '05 and Jeanette Gallagher Renvoye '04.

One photo captured so much of what makes Sacred Heart special: former students, current students and the next generation, all connected in one place.

There is something special about seeing the Sacred Heart community come full circle. From current students to alumnae and the next generation, the spirit of sisterhood continues to shine. ❤️💛

07/27/2026

Congratulations to Isabella Paesano '26 on earning a prestigious Dante Foundation Scholarship, recognizing her academic excellence, leadership, service, and commitment to her community.

At Sacred Heart Academy, Isabella found more than opportunities to succeed. She found lifelong friendships, caring mentors, and the confidence to lead. From Varsity Field Hockey and Red & Gold to Best Buddies, Lady Spartans Against Cancer, and community service, she embraced every opportunity while growing into the compassionate young woman she is today.

Reflecting on her time at SHA, Isabella shared, "Throughout my experience at SHA, I learned to Lead with Heart. From my freshman year to senior year, my classmates were always there for me."

This fall, Isabella will attend Fairfield University to study psychology as she pursues her dream of becoming an occupational therapist for children with special needs.

Congratulations, Isabella! Your Sacred Heart Academy family is proud of all you've accomplished, and we can't wait to see how you continue to Lead with Heart. ❤️💛

Discover more:

At an awards ceremony on June 24, Isabella Paesano ‘26 accepted a $10,000 scholarship from the Mineola-based Dante Foundation. The competitive grant is awarded each year to a handful of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties who are of Italian heritage, achieve an above average score on the S...

07/22/2026

When compassion meets purpose, incredible things happen.❤️

For Faylen Morales '28, that journey began when she was just 8 years old. Since then, she has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with TOPSoccer, helping children and adults with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities experience the joy of sports, friendship and belonging.

At Sacred Heart Academy, Faylen has continued to grow into a compassionate leader, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with Varsity swimming, Cooking Club and Red & Gold while remaining committed to serving others.

Inspired by her experiences, Faylen hopes to become a school psychologist, supporting children with diverse learning needs and ensuring every student feels seen, valued and encouraged to succeed.

As Faylen says, Sacred Heart has taught her that "true leadership comes from leading with love, compassion and faith."

Her story is a beautiful reflection of the young women we strive to form each day, leaders who use their gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Read her full story and learn more about her journey: https://www.sacredheartacademyli.org/heart-of-sha-faylen-morales-28