On this solemn day, as we mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, we are united in prayer, remembering those tragically lost, their families and loved ones. Please take a moment to pause for espacio — some time for silence — and join us in praying for peace, healing, understanding, and love in our blessed and broken world.

Following each Mass, Mr. Horner engages students with aspirational remarks that connect to a theme throughout the year, and a call to action as Children of the Sacred Heart. This week, we share his timely reflection from Mass of the Holy Spirit.

At our last Mass, I challenged everyone to live with a certain approach, or with a certain consideration. I want to remind us today of this because I think it is important. So, who can recall what my challenge to each of you was at the last Mass?

This week, we celebrate our recent A+ rating from Niche. Niche is a premium school search platform that drives traffic to our website, and retaining our A+ grade means more visitors!

Data strongly supports that word of mouth (38%) and internet searches (17%) are the top ways that prospective parents learn about us. Parent, faculty/staff, alumni and parent of alumni reviews are integral to helping share the Academy love.

In the months ahead, we will be reaching out to Academy families to share your experience!

Mrs. Mary (Dougherty ’96) Reepmeyer, now in her second year as principal, is anticipating a joy-filled, growth-filled year with Academy students.

Welcome back to a new school year! The excitement and joy that fills our classrooms and hallways is truly inspiring. After just two weeks together laughter, learning, and new friendships are shaping this year into something special.

We are especially proud of our Eighth Class leaders, who have stepped into their roles with maturity and grace, setting a wonderful example for our younger students. At the same time, we celebrate all our new students who have so beautifully adjusted to their new school, new friends, and new routines. Their courage and openness validate and remind us of the strength of our community.

Past Academy parents Angie and Jerry Stauder, along with their son, Matthew ’14 visited some beloved St. Charles Religious of the Sacred Heart last week. When their older children Kayla ’03 and Zach ’05 were students, Angie and Jerry became involved in the community. Together, they chaired Chemin de Fer’s “Celebrate the Century” in 1999 and served in countless volunteer capacities. In addition, Angie helped develop and teach Kaleidoscope, our Global Studies class, and Jerry served as Board Chair. They are now proud grandparents of Sophia ’36, Dominic ’33 and Julia ’31 Stauder.

Recently, we had the special privilege of visiting the Oakwood Retirement Community of RSCJ in Atherton, CA – including former Head of School Sr. Margaret Caire, Sr. Maria Luisa Cotto, whose gift of gardening kept the school grounds looking beautiful, and former Middle School English teacher Sr. Margaret Munch! It was so great to see Sr. Munch all settled in her new place since her move there in June. Though years and miles now separate them from the halls they once walked daily, we assured them that the spirit of their presence remains deeply woven into the fabric of our school.

Sitting with them, listening to their stories, and sharing memories was like opening a treasured book—one written with faith, service, and love. Their eyes lit up as they spoke of students, families, faculty and staff, and the small but meaningful moments of everyday school life at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It was clear that their hearts have never left our St. Charles community.

A Message from Mr. Horner

I begin the blessing of my fourth year of servant leadership to the Academy community through the lens of joy, refracted through Open House and the first days of school. These days arrived with boundless energy, countless smiles, innumerable hugs, and an anticipation of something very good lying ahead. In a word, joy.

As we conclude the school year, Mr. Horner is completing his third year as Head of School. He shares gratitude to the Academy community for a successful school year and wishes everyone a joyful and restful summer.

As a fine school year races to a close, and the tranquility of a well-earned summer arrives, I reflected upon my writing about May at this moment last year:

“I often consider May the highlight of the year. Yes, it is certainly busy, but more so it offers culminations, celebrations, and joy-filled experiences, from Mission Day to Field Day, May Crowning to Prize Ceremonies. The Eighth Class Graduation Dinner, Maypole and Graduation are milestones.” May is defined by joy.

This week, we will say adieu to the Class of 2025. Their years at the Academy have been filled with growth, learning, and love. On Saturday, these young men and women will graduate in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne. Please keep them in your prayers.

Below we share some of their favorite memories and advice they would give younger Academy students. Be sure to watch our social media channels in the weeks ahead as we feature each member of the Class of 2025!

My absolute favorite memory at ASH was being with my friends every school day. I can always recall some laughter from every class because my friends would always make some funny jokes, which will I remember for a long time.

— Will S.

Ivy McClure Stewart ’90 has been travelling to the Academy since 1978 as a student, a parent, parent of alums, and a faculty member. As her youngest child, Will, graduates she will move on from the Little Acorns classroom, though she will still return to teach French for our littlest learners. She reflects on the past 47 years at the Academy and how her life has been forever changed by this school.

There are hallowed places in this world that are built with more than bricks and mortar — places that carry memory, spirit, and purpose in every hallway and classroom. For me, that place is the Academy of the Sacred Heart. As I reflect on my life, it’s impossible to separate my story from this school — they are deeply intertwined.

I first walked through the doors of the Academy in 1978 as a wide-eyed two-year-old, tagging along as my parents dropped off my older brother to begin his first day of Primary. At the time, I had no idea that the very ground beneath my feet would shape my future in ways I could not yet imagine. I grew up within these walls — learning, growing, and being nurtured into the person I would become. But I wasn’t alone. My three brothers also spent their formative years here, each of us carrying with us the shared legacy of St. Philippine Duchesne: a legacy rooted in profound faith and pioneering spirit.

Building community is a hallmark of Sacred Heart education (Goal 4) and it is embodied in how families come together to support our school and celebrate students. Academy parent Todd Dorton (Charlotte ’28 and Larkin ’30) has become involved in many ways. Below, he shares what inspires him to participate in daily life at our school.

When we were searching for a new school, the Academy stood out for several reasons. Shannon and I were looking for a strong sense of community and a place where we, as parents, could be involved. We wanted a school that felt like home—a place where we could build relationships with teachers, get to know the families of our children’s classmates, and participate in meaningful ways. As a family, we embrace unconventional learning, and we love when students are encouraged to explore in ways that inspire, challenge, and motivate them. Traditional education methods provide a strong foundation, but at the Academy, we’ve seen our daughters grow in exciting ways beyond the classroom desk.

As the Chemin de Fer train rounds the corner to its final stop in Germany, co-chairs Jerry and Emily Perez share their gratitude for the Academy community. We are ready to celebrate in Germany on Saturday and deeply appreciate the countless hours, incredible creativity and dedication of our committees and volunteers!

Chemin de Fer has always been more than just an auction—it’s a celebration of love, faith, and community that defines the Academy of the Sacred Heart. We first had the honor of chairing in 2022 for our daughter Ava ’22, and now, with full hearts, we’re returning as co-chairs for AJ’s graduating year.

As we reflect on our journey, one thing stands out: the incredible volunteers who welcomed us into this tradition. Their generosity, creativity, and dedication set the standard for what it means to serve this school with heart. They showed us what’s possible when people come together in support of a shared mission—and we are forever inspired by their example.

Chemin de Fer is heading down the tracks to its final destination — Germany on Saturday, May 3. This year Chairs Nathan and Lindsay White, along with Co-Chairs Jerry and Emily Perez are excited to bring the Academy community together for a night full of Bavarian cheer, camaraderie, and generosity. Both couples have spent countless hours over the years working behind the scenes on the auction. “The Academy has been a blessing to our families and we’re thankful for this incredible opportunity to support our beloved school.”