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.”

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.