John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School

This Flashback Friday gem came from the 2005 yearbook celebrating the class of 2007's sophomore spirit day!

We are proud to announce our valedictorian, Jacqueline Coval and our salutatorian, Sophia Isaacson for the Class of 2020!

They've earned these honors through their outstanding academic achievements and are excellent representatives of what it means to be a Hallahan girl. Please join us in congratulating these amazing young women for their achievement. #HallahanProud #HallahanStrong #WeAreHH

While our graduation ceremony may look a little different this year, we still want to acknowledge and honor the class of 1970 and the 50th anniversary of your graduation.

To ensure you stay up to date and receive information on how to view the ceremony, please make sure we have your updated contact information. If you already receive emails from us, you don't need to update again. If you need to update your info, please email Barbara McDevitt at [email protected].

This week's team member feature is Christine Jenkinson!

What do you do at Hallahan? I have a few different roles. I’m the Athletic Director which means I am responsible for all the sports programs that Hallahan offers. I’m also responsible for our social media accounts, updating the website and alumnae information.

How long have you been at Hallahan & are you an alumna? I’ve been back at Hallahan for almost three years and am a member of the class of 1990.

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan? We share a unique history as the oldest catholic girls’ high school in America and the sisterhood shines through whether you graduated 50 years ago or this year, that special bond is always there. My mom, three aunts and several cousins are also Hallahan alum. It's a family tradition.

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music? When it comes to music I love rock and country. I’m a huge Philly sports fan and go to as many games as possible. My son & I like to take road trips to watch the teams play. That picture is us on the blue line at Madison Square Garden after a big Flyers win!

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you? I’m great at quizzo and trivia games. I have an incredible memory for useless information!

Any other special Hallahan memory or moment you'd like to share with us? The most surreal moment was coming back to Hallahan as an employee and seeing the school from a totally different perspective. Seeing teachers I had as a student, like Sister Ida, Sister Francis Christi, and Peg Goldschmidt, and having the privilege of developing a friendship with them as peers has been incredible.

Because your caring has touched so many lives, your skill has relieved those in pain, and your devotion has brightened the day of so many, here’s thanking you for all you do! During this unprecedented time, we offer our love, support and thanks to all nurses and those from the Hallahan community. Especially Hallahan's own Nurse Gina Hall!

Listed below are just a few of the many names of Hallahan alums and parents of current students who are nurses. Please join us in saying thanks and keep this list growing by adding the names of other nurses from the Hallahan family. #WeAreHH #HallahanProud #HallahanStrong

This week's Soaring Senior is Lauren Skrocki.

What college/university are you attending & what will you be studying?
I will be attending Temple University in the fall. I will be studying Nursing. I could see myself possibly pursuing a career as a critical care nurse in the future.

What is your best memory of your time at Hallahan?
My best memory at Hallahan was my 3 fountain jumps. This is such a unique tradition to Hallahan and the excitement building up to this day always made the experience so much more fun.

What sports or clubs are you involved in at Hallahan?
I have been involved in Student Council, Ambassadors, Theatre, Mathletes, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta throughout my time at Hallahan.

What was your favorite class?
My favorite class was Mrs. Goldschmidt’s Honors Chemistry class. The class involved a lot of hands on learning as Mrs. Goldschmidt organized many labs and activities to help us further master the topics at hand.

Who was your favorite teacher?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Kugler. She cares a lot about her students and constantly checks in on them to make sure they are okay; she is determined to help her students succeed.

What do you teach?
I teach 10th grade American Government and 12th grade Comparative Government.

How long have you been teaching?
I’ve been teaching for 2.5 years and Hallahan is my first teaching job.

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan?
My favorite thing about Hallahan is the type of students we have. They are great kids both in and out of the classroom.

What would you be doing if you weren’t teacher?
I would work for NASA.

Do you moderate a club or coach a team?
I coach our basketball team.

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music?
Some of my favorite hobbies are reading, basketball, playing the piano. My favorite sport is basketball ad my favorite music would be rock. I like the Foo Fighters, Queen, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you?
In high school I was in the show choir and theater.

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Mark Van Doren

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Hallahan has some of the best teachers around! They've always shown their commitment and dedication to providing the best education to our students. Take a moment and thank a teacher today.

IT'S TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Hallahan loves their teachers. They've always shown their love for our students but now, more than ever, their selfless giving, heart, and dedication is apparent in everything they do.

Thank you to all our teachers for all you do everyday!
#HallahanStrong #HallahanProud #WeAreHH 💚💙💛❤️

This week our staff began delivering signs to the Class of 2020 with the message #HallahanStrong. We want to remind the Class of 2020 that you are strong. You are loved. You will persevere.

This week our staff began delivering signs to the Class of 2020 with the message #HallahanStrong. We want to remind the Class of 2020 that you are strong. You are loved. You will persevere.

550 Club - Alumnae - John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School

The new 550 Club raffle tickets are NOW AVAILABLE!

If you've purchased a 550 Club raffle ticket in the past you should have or, will shortly, receive a ticket form in the mail for the new year starting July 1st.

If you haven't received one, or if you've never played before, visit our website below for more information and to download a raffle ticket form.

Don't miss out on your chance to win AND help the Hallahan Annual Fund. Send in yours today!

jwhallahan.com Inspired by a rich diversity and ideal center city location, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, through a Catholic values centered curriculum, educates women with faith, purpose, and vision.

For those that have been asking for it. YES. The image is available as a t-shirt. Please go to our online store to order yours today!
http://ow.ly/cWap50ztFMn

This week's team member feature is Gina Blakla!

What do you currently do at Hallahan? I am the main office coordinator, which means I handle things such as: attendance, helping with prayer and announcements, setting the bell, handling the mail, buzzing people in and out, greeting guests, ordering office supplies, distributing transpasses, and helping in any way I can.

How long have you been at Hallahan? almost 2 years

Are you an alumna? Yes! Class of 1987!

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan? My favorite thing about Hallahan is the sisterhood and of course Hallahan Day, which usually falls around my birthday!

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music? I love to travel, cook, and spend time with my family at the Jersey shore.

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you? I am deathly afraid of heights and actually tried indoor skydiving a few months ago and loved it!

Any other special Hallahan memory or moment you'd like to share with us? Sister Francis Christi was my favorite teacher when I was a student at Hallahan, I never imagined I would work with her every day and form the special bond that we have. She holds a special place in my heart.

This week our staff began delivering signs to the Class of 2020 with the message #HallahanStrong. We want to remind the Class of 2020 that you are strong. You are loved. You will persevere.

This week our staff began delivering signs to the Class of 2020 with the message #HallahanStrong. We want to remind the Class of 2020 that you are strong. You are loved. You will persevere.

Hallahan is proud to announce we have four Diocesan Scholars selected for next academic year.

Diocesan Scholars take college courses in their senior year at nearby Catholic colleges. These colleges provide this opportunity to support shared values of Catholic education and offers students an experience in the collegiate environment while allowing educational opportunities in their high schools.

Congratulations to Summer Dib and Olivia Rescigno who will be attending St. Joseph’s University and Ava Miller and Sade Taiwo who will be attending Villanova University.

Hallahan Helping Heroes (HHH), is a service initiative created by our Student Council Board and we need YOUR help!

We are both partnering with a local restaurant, Fuel, and local hospitals to feed front line medical professionals who are putting themselves at risk to serve the sick battling COVID-19. You can help us support these heroes by directing your donations to Fuel! Simply scan their Venmo QR code below to donate and be sure to put “Hallahan Helping Heroes” in the Venmo comments. All money donated will go towards providing healthy lunches to some amazing heroes at Penn Medicine. We need your donations to make this happen! Will you please help us? DONATE TODAY.

Today's teacher feature is Meghan Magee!

What subject(s) do you currently teach? Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Where did you teach before Hallahan? This is my second year teaching but Hallahan is my first classroom teaching position. I had a lot of fun teaching at a summer bridge program called Breakthrough Cincinnati a few summers back.

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan? I love that Hallahan is a community of empowered women empowering women.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a teacher? My dream is to be a mathematician while also operating a dessert food truck.

Do you moderate a club or coach a team? Yes! I moderate Mathletes and Coding Club as well as working with OST.

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music? I am not very good at tennis, but I love to play. I also enjoy baking and listening to Indie Folk music.

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you? I am currently learning how to cross stitch and write in calligraphy.

Any other special Hallahan memory or moment you'd like to share? One of my favorite Hallahan memories is going on the Kairos retreat and getting to witness students grow in their faith and hear their stories.

Congrats to our April 550 Club winner Catherine McLaughlin O'Donnell, class of 63!

We asked our alumnae to share some positive thoughts, prayers and well wishes with our students and we received an incredible response! Thank you all for the love and support you've shared with the girls.

Visit our website to see all the amazing responses from our alumnae: http://ow.ly/1xBm50zpDdC

#FlashbackFriday

It's #FlashbackFriday! Can you identify these beautiful ladies and tell us what school year this was from?

We have all had to adapt to a new lifestyle. Our school transitioned to virtual classrooms in just one weekend and our students have been learning virtually for six weeks. The girls of the Hallahan High will be reunited again soon, but until then, we are so proud of and grateful for our teachers for their ongoing devotion to our students and commitment to provide quality education, no matter what. 💚💙💛❤️

Apply to Hallahan Today: www.jwhallahan.com/apply/

This week's team member feature is Holly Scally!

What is your role & how long have you been at Hallahan? I am the Financial Aid/Admissions Counselor. I have been an employee of Hallahan for 3 years, but a member of the Hallahan community since my oldest daughter, Emily started in 2014

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan? My favorite thing about Hallahan are the students. The girls are what make Hallahan, well Hallahan. When I am there, I feel like I have 400 daughters. It’s the best feeling in the world. I also love Wednesdays, which is choir homeroom, what better way to be greeted coming to work than the sounds of our beautiful choir.

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music? I love all Philadelphia sports teams, I am a die-hard Eagles and Phillies fan. Although my favorite athletes to watch are my four daughters.

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you? I am a baker by trade. I worked at the same bakery for 15 years. I love to create beautiful and delicious cakes.

Any other special Hallahan memory or moment you'd like to share? I have a unique situation where I get to work where my daughters go to school. Not many people have that opportunity and I count my blessings for that every day.

John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School's cover photo

Happy Earth Day! It's the 50 year anniversary of Earth Day.

The Hallahan community has always given back. Here's what you can do to help transform the world for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for all. Simpy visit earthday.org/24-hours-of-action to see how you can help with small acts today!

This week's Soaring Senior is Lili Utrera!

What college/university are you attending & what will you study?
I will be attending Temple University’s School of Science and Technology. I’m undecided currently but I would like to study Information Science and Technology and probably something to do with editing/producing music and working with computers.

What is your best memory of your time at Hallahan?
My best memory at Hallahan was probably anytime I in my Latin 2 class. Since it was only four of us and Mr. Phillips it was probably my most fun class and we made a lot of good memories in there together. Or just spending time in Ms. Bouchard’s classroom after school because it was really fun.

What sports or clubs are you involved in at Hallahan?
I was involved in stage crew, the Science Club, Club Otaku, Ambassadors, National Honor Society, SNHS, Asian Culture Club, Kpop Club, OS, and Cross Country.

What was your favorite class?
My favorite class I think would be American History with Mrs. Kugler, I’m not the biggest history person but having her class really allowed me to appreciate it more, and she always made sure we understood everything. Her room also is the best place.

Who was your favorite teacher & why?
I have a couple favorite teachers but I one who helped me a lot was Mr. Kwon, I’m not the best at math but he helped me understand it and worked with me through it, we also would always joke around and it made my three years in his classes and around the school really fun.

Thanks to those who sent in pictures. You all look incredibly beautiful in your prom dresses! It's not too late. If you'd like to include your prom dress picture, email it to [email protected].

Thanks to those who sent in pictures. You all look incredibly beautiful in your prom dresses! It's not too late. If you'd like to include your prom dress picture, email it to [email protected].

This week's teacher feature......Moira Stanton!

What do you currently teach? Spanish II, III, and IV

How long have you been teaching?
Since 2004. My first teaching job was as a long term sub at Hallahan. Before that I volunteered for a year in Quito, Ecuador,and then started teaching in Quito: Holy Cross Academy, Liceo Campoverde, Colegio Marie Clarac, Colegio Americano de Quito. I returned to Hallahan in 2017.

What is your favorite thing about Hallahan?
I love the bonds created. I love that students have teachers that they know they can trust and ask for advice. I love the unity of the faculty in always looking to improve, and their willingness to go above and beyond for our students. I am always impressed by my fellow faculty.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a teacher?
I would be an artist, or work creating logos and marketing materials.

Do you moderate a club or coach a team?
Respect Life Club, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and Hispanic Culture Club.

What is your favorite hobby/sport/music?
I enjoy painting, sewing, and design. For music, my sister who is a Nashville singer songwriter, Veronica Stanton.

Tell us one thing no one would ever guess about you
I enjoy playing video games (but don't find time for it too often!)