Judy (Hartwig ’76) Robben returned to the Academy this year to teach Second Class. She writes, “It is an honor and a dream come true to ‘go full circle’ and return to the Academy as a teacher. I have great admiration for St. Philippine Duchesne, who founded the school in such harsh conditions yet remained determined to bring the love of Jesus to young hearts. It truly feels like being back home.” She shares how her experience as an Academy student impacts her teaching today.
Returning to my alma mater to serve our Second Class students has been a privilege, a calling, and an answered prayer. As I help prepare them to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, my role goes beyond teaching prayers or religion; it is about forming their hearts and minds to recognize God’s mercy, love, and presence in their lives. I strive to meet each child where they are, honoring their individual faith backgrounds while guiding them toward a personal and active relationship with God. My hope is that these early experiences with the sacraments become a foundation for a living faith — one that continues to grow as they mature, helping them trust in God, seek Him in daily life, and remain rooted in their faith for years to come.
As a student and Child of the Sacred Heart, my experience was shaped by both high expectations and deep traditions that continue to influence my life today. I remember being challenged academically while also learning teamwork and perseverance through basketball, volleyball, and many joyful games in the gym. Most meaningful of all was learning reverence for Mary, our Mother in Heaven, lovingly known as Mater. Praying the Rosary in the Shrine before school, singing hymns at Mass alongside my classmates, and crowning our Mother, Mary with flowers in May all helped form my faith and reverence for God. This early foundation in faith became the cornerstone of my personal spiritual journey. As I grew into a young adult and, eventually, a mother of three, this faith foundation provided the grounding and strength I needed to continue building a life rooted in service and love.
My hope for my students as they grow in their faith is that they begin to establish a personal and meaningful relationship with God, just as I did during my own early years of education. I pray that they create fond and loving memories within our school community, forming lifelong friendships rooted in kindness, trust, and shared values. Above all, I hope that each and every student truly feels the love of God through their teachers, their peers, and every encounter within the walls of our school — continuing the legacy of faith, love, and service that has been nurtured here since its founding more than 200 years ago.
