A crucial part of raising women leaders of tomorrow involves inspiring them to be socially aware today. At Immaculate Heart Academy, which has long enjoyed a reputation as a tightly-knit, family-oriented academic, artistic and athletic powerhouse since 1960, girls are not only champions for the causes most dear to their hearts, but they go beyond their comfort zones to work directly with the most underserved in our local community.
As part of their "CARE" program (Christian Actions Reaching Everyone), IHA students serve as independent, solely responsible liaisons for mobilizing their peers to volunteer with specific organizations. IHA students are frequently awarded the Presidential Service Award Medal; more than 50 students received the award for excellence in service in 2015 alone and more than 100 IHA girls are slotted to receive the Presidential Service Award Medal this May.
“Before coming to IHA, I equated service with requirement; I only volunteered my time when I was forced to do so," says Michelle Garda’16 an Emerson, NJ resident. “When I made the decision to come to IHA, I was introduced to an entirely new world of helping others through the organization, Midnight Run. My first time on this run introduced me to a whole new side of the world to which I was completely oblivious. I now became aware of the people in need right in my own backyard. Knowing you have the power to impact even one life for the better is life changing.”
Another student, Sophie D’Souza’16 of Monsey, NY, says, “I have seen a spiritual and personal change in the way I live my life. By speaking at assemblies and being a part of the various clubs we have, especially the Christian Service Board, I was able to find my gifts and talents and am now able to confidently apply them beyond the classroom. Through IHA, I learned about who I am, came out of my shell to become a leader, became more appreciative, and most of all, learned the power of giving back.”
Jamie del Rosario’16 of New City, NY, speaks to her love of service and a strong desire to continue her work academically. “I've been able to discover my passion for working with both the homeless population and young women. I now plan to take my experiences here at IHA and apply them on an even larger scale in college as a social work major.”
Time after time, IHA alumnae come back to visit and they always say the same thing: IHA prepares you for college. “So many of my friends have come back after graduation only to say that they were so glad they learned how to write a proper essay or do a lab report because they were the only ones in their college classes that could do it correctly. That is just what IHA does for you; it gives you that step above everyone else that helps you stand out and prepares you for the future,” says del Rosario.
Come see for yourself and experience what IHA is all about. Tour the building with Eagle Ambassadors; learn about IHA's college prep curriculum and new STEM program; meet students, teachers, and coaches; and get first-hand experience of the spirit of their unique and close-knit community.
For more information visit: http://www.ihanj.com/.
The Spring Open House will take place on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 6:30-8:30pm. Click here to register.
Immaculate Heart Academy
Official Website
500 Van Emburgh Ave.
Township of Washington, NJ
(201) 445-6800
