Inspiring Leaders and Scholars Recognized at AHA’s Foundation Day Celebration

The Academy of the Holy Angels celebrated exceptional achievements among its students during the October 24 Foundation Day event, honoring the legacy of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, AHA’s founding and sponsoring organization, on their 191st anniversary.

A highlight of the celebration was senior Gabrielle Ross’s acceptance of the prestigious Lorna Ciccarelli ’76 and David Cahn Scholarship. Gabrielle, recognized for her leadership and community impact, exemplifies all the qualities AHA holds in high regard.

This year, the Academy also celebrated several other distinguished award winners:

National Recognition Program Scholars

• National Hispanic Recognition: Alyssa Finch, Charlotte Lasaga, Lucia McClure, Victoria Perez Vega, Ella Buonocuore, Lily Cossio, Amanda Garcia, Xenaya Medina, Sienna Pacione, Catherine Raimondi
• National African American Recognition: Amaris Hiatt, Alexandra Fontana, Gabrielle Ross
• National First Generation Recognition: Rachel Lee, Anna Park, Tia Sadhwani, Francesca Casagrande, Sofia Zerillo
• National Indigenous Recognition: Genevieve Tuohy

National Merit Scholars

• Semi-Finalists: Alessandra Boncaldo, Sophia Lee, Julianna Dail
• Commended Scholars: Sharanya Agarwal, Molly Doherty, Taylor Glynn, Lilianna Garber, Theresa Wilson, Yeon Choe, Emily Neumann, Angelina Kim, Cara Boyce

   

In keeping with tradition, the finalists and semifinalists for the Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy Scholarships were also announced on Foundation Day. These awards are presented to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service. This year’s recipients are as follows:

Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy Scholarship Finalists

• Sophomores: Jaime Carlin, Victoria Mueller
• Juniors: Emma Romond, Eva Santelli
• Seniors: Molly Doherty, Sophia Lee, Sienna Morreale

Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy Scholarship Semifinalists

• Sophomores: Rose Dooley, Riley Huang
• Juniors: Samantha Dipad, Caitlin Liau, Norah Park, Mina Puma
• Seniors: Alessandra Boncaldo, Julianna Dail, Taylor Glynn

AHA Principal Jean Miller commended all scholarship recipients, highlighting their academic achievements, commitment to service, and active participation in school life. “Your accomplishments are a testament to the strength of character, faith, and academic excellence we celebrate at Holy Angels,” she noted. “Congratulations to each of you for embodying the values that Sister Mary Nonna Dunphy so strongly advocated.”

The AHA Board of Directors established the Nonna Dunphy Scholarships in 1990-91 to honor the 25th anniversary of the school’s relocation from Fort Lee to Demarest, paying tribute to AHA’s foundress, S. Mary Nonna Dunphy, SSND.

As part of the broader celebration, this Foundation Day event underscores the Academy’s mission to nurture and recognize outstanding students who exemplify the values of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.