“The bishop encourages us by his example; he says we are the mustard seed, that great good works are being prepared!”

–Philippine Duchesne to Madeleine Sophie Barat, September 1818

Happy Founder’s Day! On this day in 1818 the Academy of the Sacred Heart, the “first free school west of the Mississippi” opened in a primitive log cabin, fondly referred to as the Duquette Mansion.

On August 24 the Academy was thrilled to receive a $7,600 grant from Gateway To Innovation (G2I) as part of their community giveback program. Their annual one-day conference for technology professionals that returns conference proceeds to the community awarded $379,526 to 26 St. Louis area organizations and we are grateful to be among the recipients.

In March, the Academy welcomed 12 young women (8 eighth graders and 4 ninth graders) as well as their teachers Yasuko Taguchi, RSCJ and Akiko Ichikawa from Sapporo Sacred Heart School along with Donna Collins, RSCJ to our campus. The group stayed in the Duchesne Center (above the Primary wing), enjoyed area sightseeing and spending time with our students.

Today we celebrate the Eighth Class boys basketball team, coached by Jeff Kinney ’95. A few weeks ago, they finished their season with an exciting game against All Saints and won 57-47! Their student cheering section definitely added to the great energy. In addition, it was a joy to recognize their parents during a special ceremony at half-time. What a way to end the season!

Thank you to ALL who supported the Third and Fourth Class book collection for Books for Newborns! It was an incredible success and we exceeded our goal of 1,000 with 1,562 books collected! Students promoted, collected, sorted and bagged books daily, then helped load up the vehicles yesterday. These books will fill 550 book bags for older siblings of newborns! Way to go, ASH!

Academy super student ice hockey players have wrapped up (or are finishing) their seasons! Hockey requires extensive commitment from players and their families with several practices a week, off-ice training, weekend games and tournament travel. For students to balance their school work and Academy extra-curriculars with the time it takes to practice and play is a testament to their growth in time management and organization skills.

What a wonderful day to share the Academy Love at Be Part of the Heart! From the many activities to highlight our students’ love of learning to the fantASHtic Book Fair to the wisdom shared by Class of 2019 alum panel — joyful Academy spirit was in the air! Thank you to all who joined us. (And, enjoy this Super Bowl Sunday — looks like the KC Chiefs are the ASH favorite to win!)

“Bright” and early on Friday, Sixth Class students were busy collecting donations for Hardee’s 23rd Annual Rise and Shine for Heat-Up St. Louis. Thank you to all who stopped by to say good morning and helped raise money for those in poverty continue to heat their homes. Living Goal 3 — a social awareness which impels to action.

Our 20th Annual Trivia Night was a blASHt! From creative costumes and table decor to tasty beverages and snacks to the Tito’s Walk and fun with the ASH community, it was a successful evening in support of our school. Special thanks to the Fathers’ Club, emcee Bobby Strickland ‘05 and all of our volunteers and sponsors for a fantASHtic night!

This afternoon Eighth Class students planned an assembly in Cribbin Hall Library to launch the second half of the school year. With abundant joy, we welcomed new Seventh and Eighth Class faculty member, Mrs. Nagehan Hill, and new students, followed by a beach ball toss. Then students worked together to form the numerals 2-0-2-3 (look closely;). Thanks to the Eighth Class for leading our community today!