“Humans of the Sacred Heart” the Class of 2022 over the years
Over the years, the King Street Chronicle has featured many students of the Class of 2022 in its weekly column “Humans of Sacred Heart.” Here is a compilation of members of the senior class featured in “Humans of Sacred Heart” in previous years.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
“My New Year’s resolutions this year are to stop procrastinating and to be on my phone less. This year I felt like I was procrastinating a lot and leaving things to the last minute, which made me stressed. I also want to stop using social media as much as I can because it distracts me from my schoolwork.”
What did you learn on the trip, and why was it significant to you?
“One of the main things I took away from this trip was how we can never forget history if we want to form a better future. We still have a long way to go before the world can be a perfect place for everyone, but if we look back to impactful people and strategies from the past and apply it to the world now, we can make steady progress.”
Why did you want to start a Science Olympiad team at Sacred Heart Greenwich?
“My sister, Gabrielle Wheeler ‘23, and I wanted to start a Science Olympiad team because of the great experience we had with Science Olympiad in middle school. At the school that we went to before coming to Sacred Heart for my freshman year and her eighth-grade year, respectively, the Science Olympiad team had just been established. It was a lot of fun to learn about science and engineering topics that weren’t delved into in the middle school curriculum. The reward from our work was that our school’s team placed sixth out of 32 teams at regionals and was named the best new team. I wanted to share my love of science with like-minded Sacred Heart girls. Being part of Science Olympiad was one of my favorite middle school experiences because of the team and the interesting topics, so I wanted to be part of that community again by establishing a team.”
Franny O’Brien ’22 and Lucy Catalano ’22
What research will you be presenting at the CT STEM Fair?
“We will be competing in the research proposal category as a team. Our research proposal is titled ‘Evaluation of Alternative Deicing Substances Using Sodium Chloride and Calcium Chloride as Baseline Deicers to Establish an Environmentally-Friendly Approach to Ice Melting.’ We believe that there is a demand for new de-icing methods that do not have the detrimental effects of rock salt or the newer “eco-friendly” options that have concealed disadvantages. We have studied combinations of beet juice, calcium chloride, and brines, such as pickle juice, cheese brine, and potato juice. These are less toxic and more natural alternatives. We have proposed that research will be conducted to determine the best possible low-cost way to melt ice while not harming the environment, road infrastructure, or animal life. This is important because there have been years of loading rock salt onto our roads with no thought of consequences.”
Why did you decide to get involved in making masks for workers on the frontline?
“I learned how to sew when I was nine years old and although I am not an expert sewer, I love to do small projects in my free time. In mid-March, I started hearing all over the news about how there was a shortage of supplies and imagined how terrified doctors and other immunosuppressed people were of catching this virus. I wanted to do something to help people but felt helpless. Making masks seemed like an easy, safe, and helpful way to put my knowledge of sewing and the time at home to good use. Before the quarantine, I had been working with the Cancer Support Center and was using my sewing skills to make caps and blankets for their patients. Once the coronavirus started spreading, I contacted them and offered to make masks for their staff and cancer patients. In addition, I wanted to get my community involved so I collected masks that Sacred Heart girls so generously made and gave them to an organization, Sew Happy, which provided the masks to frontline workers at New York Hospitals.”
Why did you choose to start your business?
“I chose to start Boredom Beads last spring during quarantine. I was watching the news every night with my mom and hearing about all the people who were losing their jobs, in addition to those suffering from the virus, made me realize that I wanted to find a way to make use of my time in quarantine and help others. My mother has been involved in an organization called Pink Aid for years now and I am amazed by the work they do to provide financial support to those fighting breast cancer and funding local programs in Connecticut and New York. These programs support women fighting breast cancer from covering screenings to paying non-medical expenses such as household bills. I wanted to start my business to not only make fun and bright jewelry for the dark and uncertain times but to also hopefully bring some relief and happiness to those fighting cancer through the work Pink Aid does.”
What is your favorite memory of Ms. McLeod?
“Ms. McLeod was such an inspiration to me and she had such a huge influence on my love for reading. She truly encouraged my love for books and I am so grateful for that. One of my favorite memories of Ms. McLeod is when I would go down to the library during lunch almost every day in fifth and sixth grade. She would let me and Catriona Marangi put stickers on all the new books, check books back in, stamp them, and we would get to read and talk to her while we were eating. Although it may seem silly, she made me feel so special and important during those times. Even after we stopped going down at lunchtime, she would always stop when I saw her in the halls to say hello and see how I was doing. She was such a huge inspiration for this project and I hope it will do her memory justice.”
How are you creating an open and safe space for intellectual discourse during Intersections?
“Intersections promotes a non-judgmental space where students and faculty feel safe to express their thoughts and are open to learning new things. We try to educate our members on how to be respectful through some of our ‘media sparks’ and try to emphasize the importance of not basing opinions on stereotypes.”
What research will you be presenting at the CT STEM fair?
“This year, I have expanded upon my water project, on which I collaborated with Abby Barnett. Our research includes testing storm drain water and now incorporates a social justice component. At the CT STEM Fair this year, I will be presenting a project entitled ‘Testing Water in Municipalities to Uncover Environmental Racism in Ethnically Vulnerable Communities.'”
How many years have you been participating in the Sacred Heart Greenwich Broadcast Journalism program and what inspired you to join?
“I have been participating in the Sacred Heart Broadcast Journalism program since freshman year. I have always loved editing since around fourth grade and over the years I’ve learned more about styles of films and different editing techniques, which inspired me to get more involved with filmmaking. Once I heard about the program from my peers, as well as from other Upper School students who were already in the program, I knew I wanted to join.”
How and why did you become involved with the St. Jude Hospital Leadership Society?
“When I was in elementary school, my cousin William was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood brain cancer. I vividly remember receiving the news one morning as I was eating breakfast with my siblings. Because I was still young at the time, I never fully understood what the diagnosis entailed, and it seemed as if no one had the answers to my questions. Upon hearing about the St. Jude Leadership Society, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to contribute to a cause that I could relate to. I was attracted to St. Jude’s in particular because it is a hospital that enables children nationwide to receive the best cancer treatments with zero cost to their families. St. Jude’s mission has increased the childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since their founding. In conjunction with a challenge to raise money for the patients undergoing treatment, the Leadership Society includes an experience in which participants meet current patients and work with them one-on-one.”
Cailin Gordon ’22 and Kaitlyn Langer ’22
Why were you inspired to start the Hunger Awareness Club at Sacred Heart Greenwich?
“We were inspired to start this club through one of our previous Ethics projects in which we researched the topic of hunger and the effects it has on certain age groups, specifically children and the elderly throughout the United States. Along with Ava Cobb and Grace Gasvoda, we researched possible solutions to this issue and one we came up with was to raise awareness through a club. Mrs. Bader provided us with many resources and ideas to shine a light on food insecurity in our community and ways we can help combat it. We all felt hunger was an incredibly prevalent issue, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, so we initiated the Hunger Awareness Club here at Sacred Heart.”
What is the theme for this year and why did you choose it?
“The theme for this school year is “Ohana” which means “family” in Hawaiian. I chose this theme because I want our Upper School to become a united family in controversial conversations, important and new topics, and the bringing together of a broken society. I have many plans for starting and facilitating conversations such as mental illnesses, diversity issues, climate change, and more that our community as a whole needs to start discussing more intensively.”
Why do you think discussions among divisions are important?
“I think that collaboration among the Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools is incredibly important in fostering not only a sense of school unity but also a collective awareness of social issues. No matter our age, I think it’s important to realize that we can all make a positive difference in our community. Also, this program offers a special opportunity for students to forge connections across divisions.”
How did your interest in performing begin?
“My interest in performing began when I started participating in school musicals in fifth grade. I loved the adrenaline rush that I felt from being on stage with the lights shining down at me in front of an audience, it was such a revilitazing experience. Acting allows me to tap into a part of myself, that I do not get to use on a daily basis. It allows room for me to be spontaneous, make bold choices, and think creatively. I love getting to explore the different facets of myself by transforming into different characters. I think it is so powerful that as artists we have the ability to bring a story to life and send a message to the viewer that resonates with them in some way. Acting and performance also challenge me to break down the walls I often keep around myself, pushing me to be expressive, truthful, and open.”
After having the Christmas concert virtually last year, what are you most excited about this year?
“After having the Christmas concert virtually last year, I am most excited to perform in front of an audience. Last year required flexibility and adaptation in learning how to sing apart from other people and even record our voices alone. I truly missed the collaboration and friendships that are such an important part of Madrigals. As a result, I am so excited and grateful to be able to perform in person this year. Not only will it help us get more into the holiday spirit, but it will feel rewarding after all of the hard work we have put in this year.”
Why are writing and creative expression important for high school students?
“Writing and creative expression are so important for high schoolers because they provide an outlet for our imaginations and allow us to destress in a calming way. For me, writing has always been an escape, and I think that the stress of high school can be super overwhelming which is why I turn to writing as a fun and relaxing way to ease my worries.”
Why did you choose to continue the One Love club?
“I continued the One Love club this year because I strongly believe in the importance of One Love’s goal to end domestic violence tragedies. The One Love Foundation educates young people about the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and empowers them to teach the signs to their peers. I have been a One Love teen ambassador since freshman year and use my knowledge about relationship health in my everyday life, so I felt capable and compelled to teach One Love’s Ten Signs to the Sacred Heart community. Additionally, statistically speaking, over one in three women will be in an abusive relationship in their lifetimes. Given that Sacred Heart is an all-girls school with a mission to foster young, female leaders, I see that a One Love education is vital in achieving that goal.”
Which character are you playing in “Into the Woods” and how do you relate to them?
“I am playing the Baker’s Wife, who is, of course, the wife of the Baker. The show revolves around the Baker’s and the Bakers’ wife’s mission to have a child. She is ruthless, determined, and a very realistic character compared to the surrounding world of fantasy.”
What is the theme of the festival and how does it relate to film?
“The theme of the film festival is Wonderland. I have enjoyed taking inspiration from such a classic film, Alice in Wonderland, and using the theme to celebrate all the films that Sacred Heart students have made. The story is so well-known to the audience, so I hope the planning my co-hosts and I have done will allow everyone to reminisce on the popular film as we look toward student films.”
What advice would you give to rising seniors?
“My advice to the rising seniors would be to just cherish every moment because time really flies by so fast. So I would say to them to cherish all of their friendships and everyone around them because I know I am going to miss my sisters and friends so much when I leave Sacred Heart. I wish I had not taken a single moment or person for granted because now that I am leaving, I feel so lucky to have been able to go to the school.”
Megan Maloney ’22 and Angélique Wheeler ’22
Valedictorian is an exceptional academic achievement. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
“I am so honored to be named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022. It was honestly such an incredible yet wonderful surprise, but I could not be happier to represent the class. It has been both an honor and pleasure to stand with the Class of 2022 for these last four years, and I have so much love and admiration for each and every one of my peers,” Megan said.
Salutatorian is an exceptional academic achievement. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
“I am honored to be named Salutatorian. I am grateful to my family and to my Upper School teachers for supporting me on my academic journey these past few years. Without their hard work, there is no way I could have done mine, especially when they worked to ensure I would understand a concept from a class I missed due to an MUN conference or Mock Trial competition, helped me plan my work around tech week for SHG shows, and (in my mother’s case) stayed up late many nights in a row when I had homework to complete,” Angélique said.
As the role of Vice President, what is your favorite aspect of your position?
“My favorite part of being Vice President is being able to play a role in leading the Upper School. I especially love leading Compliment Tuesdays every week, as they are a fun and simple way to bring the Upper School community together.”
Featured Image by Caterina Pye ’23
After two years of writing and editing for the King Street Chronicle, Caterina is extremely excited to return for her final year as the Managing Editor,...