Caps, Gowns, and New Beginnings

The Academy of the Holy Angels celebrated its 145th Commencement on Friday, May 31st, at the awe-inspiring Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. In a moving ceremony that captured the spirit of the Angels, the Class of 2025 gathered to mark this milestone surrounded by family, friends, and the cherished AHA community.

The ceremony featured two remarkable student speakers whose words set the tone for a day of celebration and reflection. Class Valedictorian Alessandra Bouncaldo delivered a heartfelt address, centered on gratitude. She thoughtfully acknowledged the many people who supported the Class of 2025 along their journey, parents, teachers, coaches, staff, and friends, underscoring the importance of community in every success.

Class-Selected Peer Speaker Gabrielle Ross spoke of endings turning into new beginnings, encouraging her classmates to embrace this transition as a gateway to endless possibilities. Her message of optimism and excitement resonated with graduates eager to forge their next chapters.

The keynote address was delivered by distinguished alumna Jacqui Canney ’85, Chief People and AI Enablement Officer at ServiceNow, and mother to two AHA graduates (Class of 2017 and 2021). Drawing on her impressive leadership experience, Jacqui spoke of what it means to be an Angel and challenged the graduates to use their AHA education to go out and be the change in the world. She emphasized the importance of compassion, creativity, and the power of people to shape a brighter future.

The Basilica’s soaring arches and stained glass bathed the graduates in light as they processed, celebrated, and received their diplomas. As they tossed their caps high and joined the ranks of the proud AHA alumnae sisterhood, they carried with them the spirit of Holy Angels: 145 years strong, empowering young women to lead, innovate, and make a difference.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!