Kindness Counts at AHA

Holy Angels students who have a gift for demonstrating and inspiring compassion and care in others have earned the Academy’s Sister Catherine Green Kindness Award. Angels who were honored at the June 6 year-end prayer service include Gabrielle Ross, Casey Ramos, Mikhayla Herrera, Vivianne Van Ost, Joanna Lee, and Mia Zalewski.

Each award winner carries on the legacy of S. Catherine, a School Sister of Notre Dame, who taught religious studies at AHA from 1982 to 2014. This long-time educator is remembered as an attentive listener with an encouraging nature and a ready smile. A decade after she left AHA, S. Catherine’s caring spirit continues within the current student body.

Gabrielle Ross (AHA ’25) of Teaneck is known for her positive attitude, her warm and friendly smile, her ability to make other people laugh, and her knack for putting others at ease. A friend shared that Ross lights up every room she enters. Peers say she is the embodiment of a true angel. Those who nominated her for this award said they want Ross to know how much she is appreciated and loved.

Casey Ramos (’26) is mindful of others and genuine in her intentions, according to friends. This Bergenfield resident demonstrates enthusiasm, positive energy, thoughtfulness, and a pure heart.

Peers say Mikhayla Herrera (’27) of Tenafly is a helpful person with a genuine smile. She is known for being compassionate, selfless, welcoming, and inclusive. One person shared that Herrera is one of her favorite people.

Vivianne Van Ost (’28) was honored for her welcoming, caring, and polite nature. Friends say they can talk to Van Ost about anything, and she will listen and offer thoughtful advice. One person said this Angel is like the twin sister she always wanted.

Friends know Joanna Lee (’29) as a kind, considerate, and inclusive person. Her warm smile and sense of humor keep everyone smiling. Lee is always ready to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on, and a sympathetic ear. Friends appreciate her comforting words and hugs.

Mia Zalewski (’30) displays her 1,000-Watt sunshine and kind nature wherever she goes. Classmates and teachers alike recognize her gift for sensing how others feel and following up with a kind word, a compliment, or her radiant smile. She is also known for her leadership and willingness to assist others.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds. AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.