Dear MHC Academy Family and Friends,

May is the month of Mary, and in the Salesian Tradition that can be both Mary Help of Christians whose feast day was May 24th and St. Mary Mazzarello, our co-foundress, whose feast day was May 13th. Both are women who trusted in God when their plans in life changed, both are women who courageously went forward into challenging circumstances, both are women who were confident that God's grace could take them through any difficulty. This month marks a time of gratitude for all that God has done for us this school year and we look to these great examples as models of faith. 

Sincerely,

STUDENT AND FACULTY APPRECIATION DAY

The PTG organized a day dedicated to appreciating MHC Academy's faculty, staff and student body. The faculty and staff were treated to an abundant lunch of Mexican food and given gift cards to enjoy. Meanwhile the students ended the day with sandwiches and an ice cream truck greeting them in front of Sacred Heart Hall. Thank you to our wonderful PTG for such an enjoyable event!

CLASS TRIPS - SIX FLAGS AND ESCAPE ROOM

The faculty and student body of MHC Academy enjoyed Class trips to either Six Flags Great Adventure or a New York City Escape Room on Thursday, May 24th. All who attended had a great time!

ART & DANCE SHOWCASE

The gifts of our students were on display at the Art and Dance Showcase. Students in the various art classes throughout the year displayed their work in the cafeteria for guests to admire. From videos, to sculptures, to paintings - the breadth and depth of talent were testaments to the hard work of our students and faculty.

The Dance department choreographed the show "Strength and Sisterhood" with 12 dances and over 100 students involved. Styles of dance included a mix of contemporary jazz, hip hop, and ballet. Congratulations to all who worked so diligently throughout the year. The Performing Arts are thriving at MHC Academy!

RISING STAR AWARDS

Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards rewards exceptional accomplishments in the production of New Jersey high school musicals. This year, two MHC Academy students were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Junior Lillian Kopacz received a final nomination for "Outstanding Performing in a female-indentified supporting role as Miss Honey in MHC Academy's Matilda while Junior Marlie McKenzie was awarded an Honorable Mention for her role as Eponine in St. Joseph's production of Les Miserables. Congratulations on these prestigious honors!

As we reach the end of May our Spring Sports come to a close. 

Track & Field

Our Varsity Track team finished their season with the Passaic County Tournament at the Clifton School Stadium on Tuesday May 21st & Wednesday 22nd, where we also had the opportunity to celebrate our 3 Seniors, third-year varsity runners Makiyah McCoy & Jayecleen Ahmed and manager Evelia Contreras. 

Several of our runners competed in the counties for the first time, including Freshman Heidi Krukis, who came in 1st in her heat for the 3200m.

They also competed in the NJIC Divisional Championships on April 30th, where Junior Emma Pandorf, finished 1st in her heat for the 100m and finished 5th overall in the 100m finals. Way to go, ladies! 

Lacrosse

The Varsity Lacrosse finished their season on Wednesday May 15th with an 8-5 VICTORY over Irvington High School. Junior Lily Eastlake lead the team with 4 goals, followed by juniors Emily Dymkowski with 3 goals, Adanya Sullivan with 1 goal and sophomore Madison Kappler with 1 goal. We also celebrated our Senior Captain, Caitlin Farley, for her final season as a Blue Jay!

Softball 

Our Varsity Softball held their Senior Night on Thursday May 9th, celebrating Senior Captain Giulia Russo. Russo went 4 for 4, scoring 4 runs, hitting 2 doubles and driving in 2 RBIs. Sophomore Briana Vaniapillil went 4 for 5, scoring 3 runs; freshman Lindsey Ursich also went 4 for 5, scoring 1 run; and junior Hamylee Valdez went 3 for 5, scoring 2 runs and driving in 1 RBI. Sophomores Gianna Balderas drove in 3 RBIs off of 3 hits including a double and Lily Kramer drove in 2 RBIs off of a double & a triple! Also, freshman Paige King drove in 3 RBIs and scored 2 runs. 

Golf 

Our Varsity Golf Team competed in the Passaic County Girls’ Golf Tournament on Thursday May 2nd. Freshman Emilia Heaney hit a Birdie on the 17th hole par 3! 

We will be recognizing all of our student-athletes at our Annual Sports Awards Dinner on Thursday May 30th, at The Fiesta in Wood-Ridge. We are excited to celebrate and honor all of our teams, especially our senior athletes! 

FEAST DAY OF ST. MARY MAZZARELLO

The school community participated in a Mass for the Feast Day of St. Mary Mazzarello, co-foundress of the Salesian Sisters, on May 13th. Sr. Mary Rinaldi was also honored for her 60 years as a Salesian Sister. During the mass, the sisters of the community renewed their vows together in front of the whole student body.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

The Class of 2028 was on campus for New Student Orientation on Wednesday, May 22nd. The day began with icebreakers to get to know one another, followed by each incoming freshman meeting their "big sister" in the Class of 2026. Then it was time for a Chick-fil-A lunch and bounce houses on the field. The day was topped off by a visit to the ice cream truck. Welcome to MHC Academy, we're so excited that you're part of the family now!