Blog: Celebrating Female Change-Makers

The impassioned trailblazers known as the School Sisters of Notre Dame founded Holy Angels with the bold desire to transform the world by educating young women. It’s working.

Just in time for Women’s History Month, some of the Academy’s change-makers considered the essential elements of a woman’s character through a first-person lens.

Elise Tao (’24): “A woman is multifaceted. What AHA has provided, and what I have pursued on my own, show it’s so important for girls to explore their interests without fear of judgment. As a creative person, I serve others through my writing. I hope that publishing my words will help others who are grappling with the same experiences.”

She prizes AHA’s sisterhood and believes in lifting others. Elise launched a literary magazine, and contributes to AHA’s publications. She was accepted to a prestigious journalism camp, founded Mathletes, excelled with DECA, and became one of very few Disney Dreamers.

She is the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of New Jersey, and placed first in that competition’s scholastics, interview, and self-expression categories. This fall, Elise will enter Harvard!

AHA Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Alumna Danielle Holmes: “A woman is a powerful blend of strength, intuition, and creativity, embracing diversity and interconnectedness. Our essence lies in navigating life with resilience and wisdom, contributing to progress, and breaking barriers. Celebrating victories together, women can find joy in unity, acknowledging the beauty of our individual and collective journeys.”

Distinguished Alumna Award winner Geraldine O’Shea Wacker (’88) is a loyal Angel, and was the clear choice for president of the AHA Alumnae Association. She has served on numerous AHA committees and connects with incoming families at each AHA Open House.

Her professional contacts know her as an accounting manager, accounting analyst, procurement analyst, and award-winning Realtor.

“Holy Angels has played a significant role in shaping my life — and my daughters’, sisters’, nieces’, and cousins’ lives — and the women we have become,” she says, noting AHA’s emphasis on service. “Much of that passion and enthusiasm that I have experienced in my life has been found through the gift of stewardship.”

Trinity Savage (’24): “I believe a woman is headstrong, compassionate and resilient. These are the traits that I believe I possess, which have allowed me to be successful thus far and will continue to do so in my future.”

Trinity is a Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award winner, accomplished dancer, Angel Ambassador, and a member of her local crew team. Last fall, she represented Holy Angels at an exciting photo shoot.

Registered Dietitian & Author Stacey Antine (’88): “A woman is symbolic of Mother Earth. She’s grounded, courageous, nurturing, and has tremendous power within to achieve her dreams.”

This healthy lifestyle advocate dedicates her time to showing children how to eat delicious, balanced foods. She established Health Barn USA to connect young people with the sources of the foods they eat, and her cookbook, “Appetite for Life” is an extension of her mission.

Antine also founded Healing Meals to assist children with cancer, their families, and senior citizens in need.

Amaris Hiatt (’26): “I’m a female track athlete, so running is something I enjoy a lot; however, most importantly, the sisterhood I have formed among my teammates at Holy Angels motivates me to be the best athlete I can be. As an Angel Ambassador, I also feel this motivation from my fellow ambassadors. My confidence as a leader is strengthened as I give tours to future Angels and see them also find a home in the sisterhood of the Holy Angels community.”

Hiatt participated in the 2023 Teen Hunger Summit and recently earned the Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award for her friendly, inspirational attitude.

Olivia Papp (’24): “A woman brings life into the world, and brings life to those around her with her presence. A woman is strong, yet tender; intelligent, yet kind. She is a leader. She is beautiful and brings this beauty to every aspect of life.”

This inspired leader is captain of the varsity volleyball team and president of the National Honor Society and Tri-M (music honor society).

She sings Alto 1 for the AHA Chorus and Seraphima (the select a cappella ensemble) and is a member of the Gospel Choir.

She is VP of Angels for Veterans, the Academy’s American Sign Language Club, and the Moot Court Club.

Papp is also an Angel Ambassador and a Eucharistic Minister.