Woodlands Academy Students Recognized with First Quarter Sacred Heart Awards

Eight Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart students, including two sisters, were recognized Oct. 23 with the first quarter Sacred Heart awards.

“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,” said Head of School Gerald J. Grossman. “Today, near the end of each quarter, two girls per class and one member of the adult community receive a ribbon and a medal of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and a certificate explaining why each was nominated by her peers for living the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria in a most visible way.” 

Five years ago, Grossman explained, Woodlands brought back the tradition of ribbons which are long sashes to which the medal is attached.  These ribbons were awarded by a vote of the students, ratified by school advisors, and in recognition of good conduct, good spirit, helpful influence, and leadership.  “This tangible symbol reminds the entire community of the spirit of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria and what the community most values in its members.  The ribbons were very much the ancestors of our current Sacred Heart Awards.” 

For the first quarter Sacred Heart awards, the student government selected GOAL 4 Students of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to the building of Community as a Christian value. 

The following students were recognized: 

Freshmen Lisa Clair of Lake Forest and Karlye Keller of Lake Bluff

Sophomores Jules Alutto and Kristen Clair (Lisa’s sister), both of Lake Forest

Juniors Stefanie Ayala of Beach Park and Sophia Healey of Evanston

Seniors Danlin Huang of Beijing, China, and Carrigan Smoot of Glenview 

In addition, Kyle Schmitt, coordinator of educational technology, was surprised and honored with the adult Sacred Heart award for his willingness to help students and his cheerful demeanor. 

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Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women, and part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans 19 cities in the United States and 44 countries around the world.  A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy’s identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve.  For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org