Over the years, the King Street Chronicle has featured many students of the Class of 2024 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.
Anna Oliver ’24
How long have you been playing the harp and what inspired you to start?
“When I was six years old, my family traveled to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. During our trip, I saw many people playing traditional harps and immediately fell in love. My dad bought a small harp for me, but it took a long time to find a teacher, so I did not start formal training until I was twelve. I soon graduated to using a slightly larger 22-string harp and I am now playing a 45-string pedal harp. I now play with an organization here in Greenwich called Music in the Woods.”
Claire Maher ’24
What inspired you to become involved in the Pine Ridge Club?
“I wanted to become part of the Pine Ridge Club because I think it’s an amazing thing that our school does to help the Red Cloud School. Joining also gave me the opportunity to work more directly to support the Pine Ridge reservation population and I really wanted to become more active in not only our immediate school community, but also a community that greatly differs from ours. Sacred Heart Greenwich does so much to help the Red Cloud School and being a part of the Pine Ridge Club allows me to see what I can do to help as well.”
Emma Robredo ’24
How did you become involved in the Don Bosco Bilingual Program?
“When I was at a Peer Leadership meeting towards the end of the 2021 school year, I talked with the group about how I am fluent in Spanish and that I wanted to start volunteering that summer. One of the seniors who had worked at the program already suggested Don Bosco to me and it seemed like the perfect fit. Soon, when Mrs. Bader sent an email with a Don Bosco signup sheet to volunteer as an assistant teacher in the summer, I immediately put my name down.”
Antonia Iraola ’24
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
“What I am most looking forward to in 2022 is simply for a fresh start and new beginning. The New Year is the perfect time to start over and make yourself into the person you want to be. I am looking forward to trying to be the best version of myself possible. I am also looking forward to hopefully the coronavirus pandemic getting better and for things to get more normal. As we approach a second year knowing about this virus, I hope with all the knowledge we have on it that things will be even more normal. 2021 brought back many things that coronavirus took away from us and I hope 2022 can continue that.”
Caroline Hartch ’24
Why did you want to become a part of Mock Trial?
“I joined initially because my sister was the head and really enjoyed it. After doing it for a year, I thought it was really interesting and fun. I find reading the case very interesting, you are initially given a case that includes many affidavits, or accounts, of what happened in regards to the case. Even small details in the affidavits need to be picked up on. Learning to really comb through the information and learn what can look good or bad is a major part of Mock Trial, and something I find interesting. There are a lot of small details provided that make a big difference in the case, and finding these small loopholes is really mind-opening and teaches you attention to detail.”
Caroline Maloney ’24
Why did you apply for the Sacred Heart Network Exchange Program?
“I applied to the Exchange Program because it looked like an amazing experience for me to learn more about another country and culture, advance my French, and get to show my country to someone. Exchange is a wonderful opportunity for me to see more of the world and how different people live.”
Ila David ’24
As a co-head of the Behind Every Smile Club, what do you hope to bring to the school community?
“Along with promoting a healthy and safe environment for conversations about mental health, I would like to prioritize mental health prevention, support, and recovery. As high schoolers, we are all going through so much change as we begin to discover who we are while balancing work, friendships, etc. Because of this, it is vital that students feel seen and heard when they are struggling, which is why I want to continue the push for mental health conversations in our school community. The journey to self-love and mental wellness starts with good communication and knowing how to aid oneself and others.”
Emilia Bernal ’24
What influenced you to intern with With My Own Two Hands?
“With My Own Two Hands is an incredible non-profit organization. My mom grew up with one of the organization’s founders and influenced me to intern with them. She and other members told my mom that they were searching for interns, and my mom knew that my sister, Martina, and I would be the perfect fit for this role. In the first meeting, I remember learning more about my mother’s friend, Mrs. Juliana Vélez, and her mission as a member of the organization. I was completely moved by what she accomplished and all she had done for the community. The organization strives to create a more equitable world in Kenya. Its mission inspired me to promote change, be a leader as a teenager, and spread awareness while learning more about global conflicts.”
Ella Ehrlich ’24
What is the Regeneron Research Program, and why did you apply?
“The Regeneron Research Program is a summer mentorship program where I will get to do research under scientists and researchers working at Regeneron, a biotechnology company. I applied to the program because I am interested in science research and wanted to further my knowledge on topics I am passionate about. I also want to pursue fields of science in the future, so I knew that I wanted to get hands-on experience and learn from professionals.”
Jane Murphy ’24
What are you looking forward to the most this year as Student Body President?
“As Student Body President, I am thrilled for this school year, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what the student council has planned. I am most looking forward to our morning meetings, where we will have more time to play some new and improved games. The student council and I have a running list of ideas and are so excited for everyone to see what we have in store. Making morning meetings fun was always important to me. I think it’s a great way to start the day off on the right foot.”
Olivia Ritossa ’24
Why do you think discussion surrounding mental health in teenagers is important?
“Discussion surrounding mental health in teenagers is vital. During adolescence, we are rediscovering who we are, our beliefs, and world views. It is ever so important that during this time, teenagers are informed on how to care for their mental health and are also aware of resources they can utilize. Conversing about mental health fosters connection, offering a stop to feelings of loneliness. This enables teens to have the courage to speak up and ask for help.”
Julia Randolph ’24
What do you hope Outdoors Club will bring to Upper School students?
“I hope that the Outdoors Club gives students the opportunity to learn in a new environment. I feel that the outdoors is the perfect environment for personal growth, and I hope that by bringing this club to Sacred Heart, students can take advantage of this. The Outdoors Club is also a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Truly, I hope the Outdoors Club teaches students life lessons. I have personally learned so much from the outdoors. I have learned how to be patient, confident, determined, and resourceful. I think the Outdoors Club is a great way for students to not only learn but also to have fun and enjoy nature. I hope that students can gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors and hopefully start taking better care of it. I also hope that the Outdoors Club brings students an opportunity to explore and engage in a stress-free environment where they can have fun.”
What inspired you to become a co-head of the ASL Club?
“The motivation behind my role as a co-head of the ASL Club lies in my desire to communicate with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community when necessary. My dream career path in the medical field revolves around communicating with people of diverse backgrounds. Learning ASL, let alone teaching it to others, will allow me to pursue my passion with a sense of hope and inspiration.”
Bianca Shively ’24
How did it feel to perform in your last Christmas concert with the Madrigals at Sacred Heart Greenwich?
“Performing at the Sacred Heart Christmas concert is so much fun; with the excitement of Christmas break approaching, the concert is the perfect way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. This specific Christmas concert was bittersweet, knowing that it would be the seniors’ last chance to perform Christmas songs for our community after singing together for many years.”
Samantha Sawhney ’24
How does your astronomy class at Sacred Heart Greenwich enable you to better understand the world?
“I think in a lot of ways astronomy is a really holistic approach to education. The scale of everything is huge, especially the periods in space. A better understanding of the solar system has enabled me to understand how things work at a high level. I now know the science behind the seasons, weather, and patterns of the stars and planets in the night sky. I have thoroughly enjoyed my astronomy education and hope to use what I have learned in college and beyond.”
Kaitlin Robinson ’24
How has your experience in the Sacred Heart Greenwich lacrosse program shaped your Upper School experience?
“Many of my favorite moments from my time in the Upper School took place on the lacrosse field or with my teammates. I have absolutely loved being a part of the lacrosse team here at Sacred Heart. It is truly a special program, and I am so grateful to have had four amazing years of competing alongside my incredible teammates. I’ve learned so many lessons, on and off the field, that have helped me succeed in the classroom as well.”
Katie Quill ’24
As a member of the Sustainability Club, what have you done to make the Sacred Heart Greenwich campus as environmentally sound as possible?
“As a member of the Sustainability Club, I have contributed to initiatives such as the composting program, anti-idling campaign, waste audit, and helping to reach the various Audubon International requirements.”
Lindsay Taylor ’24
Valedictorian is an exceptional academic achievement. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
“I am extraordinarily humbled by this achievement and so honored to share this distinction with Avery, who inspires me so much. I believe my position is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of both myself and the community around me. My teachers, in particular Mr. John Martone, have helped pushed me to become more creative and thoughtful to solve problems and positively impact the world around me. I also feel that I share this honor with my two closest friends, Samantha Sawhney and Anna Oliver, without whom I could not have survived Upper School. I could not be more grateful to represent the awesome Class of 2024 at graduation this year. Now, I just have to worry about writing my speech.”
Avery Kim ’24
Salutatorian is an exceptional academic achievement. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
“I am sincerely honored to be the Class of 2024 Salutatorian. My life at Sacred Heart has shaped me as an individual and a student, so I can only express gratitude to the values of faith, intellect, service, community, and wise freedom which have always impelled me to put my best foot forward. These values will always remain essential to who I am and will continue to guide my footsteps in the coming years as I keep learning how to flourish as an individual, student, and friend.”
Julia Randolph ’24
Where are you going to college next year, and what are you most looking forward to?
“I am going to Middlebury College next year. I am looking forward to being in Vermont where I grew up skiing. I am also excited to enjoy the outdoors and take the expansive film classes that Middlebury offers. I am also looking forward to meeting new people.”
Helena Randolph ’24
How do you expect attending the same university as your twin will affect your college experience?
“I believe that Julia and I are very different people, so I don’t think it will impact me too much. It will definitely be nice to have someone I know and can fall back on so close to me. With that being said, we are most definitely not rooming together.”
Featured Image by Giada Coviello ’24
