On four occasions during the school year, the Woodlands Academy community comes together to acknowledge two girls per class and one member of the adult community for living the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria in a most visible way. The second Sacred Heart awards of the 2020-21 school year were presented remotely via Zoom Dec. 2 because the school is in remote-learning mode between the holidays.

Despite the COVID-19 related difference in how recipients were announced this time, the criteria remained the same. Sacred Heart Awards are given based on a vote of the students, ratified by the advisors in recognition of good conduct, good spirit, helpful influence and leadership. They serve to remind the entire Woodlands Academy community of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. For the current Sacred Heart awards, our student government selected Goal Five: “Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to the personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.”

Those recognized for their efforts in living out this goal were: freshmen Gianna Keuer and Maggie James, sophomores Maddie Montez and Alex Arreci, juniors Laura Martinez and Brandy Brennan, seniors Arianne Berner and Pamela Shattock, and math teacher Dr. Valerie Rickert.

The Woodlands Academy tradition of Sacred Heart Awards traces its roots to an older Sacred Heart tradition called Primes where medals were given for politeness, order, and excellence in various academic subjects. Ten years ago, Woodlands brought back the tradition of awarding ribbons to which St. Rose Philippine Duchesne medals are attached.