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.”

The MORE Team from the Marianist Retreat Center recently led two powerful retreat days at the Academy of the Sacred Heart—one for the Sixth and Seventh Classes, and another for the Eighth Class. Students participated in a variety of activities, including a Mandala experience inspired by our Five Goals, lively ice-breakers, and small group discussions. Each retreat offered a meaningful opportunity for growth in servant leadership and continues to plant seeds of faith and hope in our community. For our Eighth Class students, it was both a wrap-up to their past year of student leadership at ASH and a launch into the new horizons of high school with courage and confidence. For our Sixth and Seventh Class students, this retreat has inspired them to become the best versions of themselves in their final years at the Academy. Thank you to Theology teacher Ms. Mary Furay for bringing this programming to our students.

“The retreat made me look at things from a different perspective that I never saw before.”

— Isla S. ’25

Last week, we welcomed nine students from our sister school in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Colegio Sagrado Corazon. These young learners and their chaperones, Sandra Ortiz and Carolina Martínez, experienced a busy week at the Academy, from classes to Congé. They made new friends and felt truly at home at the Academy.

The six young women stayed in the Duchesne Center, formerly the cloister for the nuns on the top floor of the Primary Wing. The three young men were welcomed into homes by Academy families. We share some of their reflections.

I loved the school, the way they treated me, and that I was able to practice my English. In the classrooms, they divide us into girls’ and boys’ classes, and SLP is mixed. I really enjoyed the activities we did during the classes, Congé, and all of my ASH friends.

— Ximena

Alexandra Sanchez-Little ’06, Director of Admissions, has fond memories as an Academy student and enjoyed Congé as an adult this year. Spring is a busy time for Admissions and she is eager to share Academy experiences, traditions and student perspectives with prospective families.

At the beginning of the year, I shared that I was excited to see the Academy in 2025 and hear your experiences and stories. I have truly enjoyed observing all the advancements made since my time in these halls as a student and witnessing the beloved traditions still being so ecstatically enjoyed by current students and families.

On Tuesday, the students celebrated Congé, and I was overjoyed to see 8th graders leading the school in a fun day of activities. I eagerly anticipated Congé as a student and I still remember being in my 8th grade Social Studies class writing an essay about the Cuban Missile Crisis when Mrs. Purtell came to tell us that it would be Congé. For my classmates and me, that meant putting all school work aside and preparing to announce (and lead!) a day of fun for the entire school! It brings me joy and gratitude that these memories are carried on and years from now your children will be reminiscing like I do.

The March for the Heart Alumni & Family Giving Challenge is wrapping up with more than $68,000! With 202 gifts, pledges and matching gift pledges from 179 donors across the U.S., the impact made on our students and the Academy is incredible. Throughout the campaign, alumni shared notes of gratitude for their Sacred Heart education:

The Academy taught me how to make meaningful connections with others, and how to be academically successful while still challenging myself. I love ASH!

— Isabel King ’20

The Academy will always be my “forever family.”

— Bonnie (Mullen ’67) McCarty

The Academy built my foundation to go about my life. I find myself able to go beyond the odds because of the things I was taught. The community is one of my favorite parts of ASH. Many of my classmates are very close and my teachers still care even as I have moved on in my life. I thank the Academy for all the memories I have made.

— Katherine Gaylord ’21

This week, Mr. Horner shares gratitude for one of our beloved RSCJ, Sister Margaret Munch, as well as news to honor her in the months ahead.

One the great privileges of serving as the 46th Head of School has been the blessing of the presence and insight from Sister Margaret Munch. Her deep faith and love for Philippine are palpable. Today I am sharing that Sister Munch will move to Oakwood, the RSCJ retirement community in Atherton, CA, this summer.

Our community will surely miss her in St. Charles. Before she departs, it is my pleasure to announce that we will recognize Sister Munch as the Honorary Chair of Chemin de Fer in May. There could be no more appropriate person than Sister as we celebrate, honor, and appreciate her imprint on so many.

As March begins, the Academy launches into fundraising warp speed with the March for the Heart Alumni & Family Giving Challenge, followed by Chemin de Fer, our largest fundraiser on May 3. March for the Heart is in its seventh year, while Chemin celebrates 51 years and this year they share a connection, thanks to generations of generosity.

In 1975, Jack Drake, began Chemin de Fer, when the idea of a casino auction was a bold new venture. Chemin de Fer, the French word for “railroad,” and also the name of a casino game played on the French Riviera, set our fundraising train in motion. What began 50 years ago as an evening of casino games and lavish hors d’oeuvres has grown to an event with stunning décor, a fabulous sit-down dinner, incredible auction items and a grand celebration of our community.

Now, Jack’s daughter, Michele Drake ’78, has pledged a $10,000 Challenge Gift during March for the Heart as a way to honor her father. Michele is matching dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 total in donations for gifts to the Jane Cannon Legacy of Love and Learning Endowed Scholarship Fund. Giving back to the Academy and helping it thrive was vital to her father and he set a strong example. Jane Cannon also epitomized generosity to the Academy and Michele’s gift will help provide scholarships to Academy students.

This week Rollin and Akesha Jackson offer their reflections as parents of Rollin Jr. “RJ” ’17 and Paige. They credit the Academy for a wonderful foundation for their children and are grateful for their time at ASH.

Since our invitation to visit in 2008 with our son, we knew ASH was the right place for our family. Our family values have always been aligned with the Goals of Sacred Heart education. We are proud and blessed by the foundation built at the Academy which is rooted in faith, integrity, community, service and most importantly, the continued growth and success of our children, Rollin Jr. “RJ” and Paige.

Paige graduated with honors from St. Joseph’s Academy in 2024. She has earned the Girl Scout Trifecta Award (the highest awards, Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and her love for scouting was started and cultivated while at ASH. She is completing her freshman year at Fairfield University in Connecticut majoring in biology on a pre-medical track. She also plays field hockey for Fairfield as a goalkeeper, winning the NEC Championship in the 2024 season with her team.