Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart students will benefit in many ways from $5 million in recent leadership donations as part of the school’s continuing efforts in a major gift initiative to propel Woodlands forward. In addition to general support of the school, these donations will help fund scholarships and STEM programming among other things. “In what many organizations have found to be one of the most challenging years in memory- due to the obstacles created by the pandemic – I am humbled and inspired by these donors,” Head of School Dawn Nichols, Ed.D., said. “Their support is a testament to the strength, integrity and caliber of the Sacred Heart education Woodlands provides its students every day.” The top donations include one $1.25 million gift, three $1 million gifts and one $500,000 gift. 

After last year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart hosted its ninth annual Mathalon event Oct. 2. In all, two dozen 7th- and 8th-grade girls from five area schools spent a Saturday morning putting their math skills to the test in creative, problem-solving ways at the all-girls college-prep high school in Lake Forest. Teams of three middle school girls tackled a variety of fun and engaging mathematical tasks with Woodlands Academy students providing both guidance and encouragement during the eight-event competition.

Two Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart students have distinguished themselves in the current National Merit Scholarship competition. School officials recently were informed that Berkeley Borkert, of West Dundee, and Caitlin Mooney, of Chicago, are among high school seniors nationwide receiving a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Mooney, pictured left, and Borkert are being recognized for exceptional academic promise.