Emily Shull ’25:

How long have you been attending Sacred Heart Greenwich, and what will you miss the most about King Street?

“I have been attending Sacred Heart for eight years, since fifth grade.  Before middle school, I lived in Dallas, Texas, for four years, although I am originally from Greenwich.  What I will miss most about Sacred Heart are the values it instills in each of its teachers and students.  To elaborate, over my eight years, I have felt that every teacher who has taught me has cared for my success in their class.  They want you to learn, and they want you to succeed.  In doing so, I have gained a love for learning and a passion for expanding my intellectual horizons that I could not have gained at another school.  As for the students, I feel that they genuinely embody what it means to be a Sacred Heart student.  They, too, cheer for your accomplishments and want to see you grow.  While I am sad to leave King Street, I know that on the road ahead I will always have the memories, laughs, and smiles to look back on.  Truly, I believe that you never really leave a place since, like the people it is filled with, you will always be carrying it in your heart.”

Where are you going to college next year, and what are you most looking forward to?

“This fall, I will attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, to study English with a concentration in Creative Writing and potentially either Political Science, French, or History (I have not decided which will be my second major).  To commence, I look forward to exploring new subjects through their ‘Engagements’ program my first year, which is basically an expansion of their general education requirements.  I truly believe that learning from all different fields of study is essential, as, for example, psychology can help you analyze literary characters, and languages can help you understand the historical state of the world.  While I love the idea of a ‘liberal arts’ sort of curriculum, I am most excited to further develop my passion for literature and to be able to hone in on the craft of writing.  In addition, I cannot wait to meet new people from different backgrounds and with diverse passions.  I look forward to expanding my social scene, as I believe people are what really make a place so special.  Moreover, UVA has a multitude of traditions, including their own University lingo, in which I am excited to participate.”

Valedictorian is an exceptional academic achievement.  How do you feel about this accomplishment?

“I am sincerely grateful to be the Class of 2025 Valedictorian.  I believe that it is the teachers and the community around me at Sacred Heart that allowed me to achieve this position.  I am particularly appreciative of the English Department at Sacred Heart, as they are the ones who instilled my love for literature and words.  Ultimately, the Goals and Criteria at Sacred Heart, particularly Goal II, are values that have propelled me to always try my hardest and not give up in the face of adversity.  I truly think that if we, a Sacred Heart community, a Greenwich community, a country, a world, look hardship and tribulation in the eyes and, instead of giving up, stand back up again, together, united, one, then anything is possible.”

Annie Hughes ’25:

How long have you been attending Sacred Heart Greenwich, and what will you miss the most about King Street?

“I have been going to Sacred Heart since 4th grade and I have loved every moment of it.  What I will miss most are the relationships I’ve made and the laughs I’ve shared.  I have met some of my best friends in the world here, and I don’t know what I am going to do without them next year.  I have also been able to create lasting memories with every girl in my class.  Whether it be someone in my advisory, a fellow Kairos leader, or someone I have one class with, I truly feel like I have a connection with everyone in our grade.  I think this is a testament to Sacred Heart’s ability to foster community and lifelong friendships.  My 77 sisters are some of the funniest and most caring people I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait to see them all thrive so much next year.”

Where are you going to college next year, and what are you most looking forward to?

“Next year, I will be attending the University of Virginia.  I am really excited to meet new people and to live in Charlottesville, Virginia.  I also can’t wait to take interesting classes, learn fun traditions, and continue to try new things.”

Salutatorian is an exceptional academic achievement.  How do you feel about this accomplishment?

“I am extremely honored to be the Class of 2025 Salutatorian.  Without support from my teachers, family, and friends, I would not have gotten here.  I am extremely grateful for all of their love, guidance, and encouragement.  Additionally, Sacred Heart has taught me so much about hard work, faith, community, and dedication, and I will continue to carry these values with me in the future.”