Dear Coleen,
As we embark on another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our students, families, faculty, and staff. The beginning of the academic year is always filled with hope and enthusiasm, and this year is no different. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our mission and to support one another in the spirit of the Vincentian legacy.
The Vincentian legacy is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. St. Vincent de Paul taught us the importance of serving those in need and embodying the principles of justice and love in our daily lives. His commitment to education, service, and compassion remains a guiding force in our community. As we embrace this legacy, we encourage our students to follow in his footsteps, recognizing the value of empathy and the power of making a difference in the world.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cardinal Tobin for taking the time to bless our school and our community. His visit has set a positive tone for the year, encouraging everyone to embrace their potential and to support one another in the journey ahead. As the year unfolds, the students and faculty will carry the Cardinal's blessing with them.
Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with growth, learning, and the enduring spirit of community! God bless you all!
With Gratitude,
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Joan M. Tyburczy
President, Saint Vincent Academy
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A Blessed Beginning
The start of the new school year at Saint Vincent Academy was marked by a special visit from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, who came to bless the students and staff. His presence filled the halls with joy and a sense of renewed purpose as the community gathered to embrace the year ahead.
During his visit, Cardinal Tobin delivered an inspiring message that resonated deeply with everyone present. He said, “May the Creator of the universe, the God of love, bless you and your families and this school community and keep you safe and help you develop all the gifts that God has given to you this year. God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Have a great year. God bless you all!”
His words served as a reminder of the importance of community, faith, and personal growth as the students embarked on their academic journey.
Cardinal Tobin’s blessing not only emphasized the spiritual foundation of Saint Vincent Academy but also reinforced the strong bonds that unite students, families, and staff. The shared commitment to nurturing each individual’s gifts creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
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Celebrating Volleyball Victory! |
The excitement is palpable as our volleyball team started off their season with a bang, winning both their first game vs. West Side H.S. with a score of 2-1 and their inaugural home match vs. University H.S. with a score of 2-1! This remarkable start is even more special under the guidance of two talented alumnae sisters, Coach Maxine Esteves '09 and Assistant Coach Sydney Esteves '16 who have returned to lead the team.
The atmosphere was electric during the team’s first home game, as friends, family, and fans filled the stands to support the athletes. The team rose to the occasion, including Aniya Celestin '27, delivering a performance that not only secured another win but also highlighted their hard work and commitment.
Aniya '27 has been a standout player with 3 kills and an impressive 10 aces, contributing significantly to our serve points. Kaelyn Bell '26 led the team with 5 kills, showcasing her offensive skills. Jordan Fenner '27 demonstrated strong playmaking ability with 8 assists, along with 3 aces and solid defensive contributions.
As the season progresses, SVA fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and spirited performances. The combination of dedicated players and experienced coaches sets a promising stage for a memorable season. Congratulations to our volleyball team on their fantastic start! Let’s keep the spirit high and support our athletes as they continue their journey on the court!
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Cross Country
Our cross-country team is definitely making strides this season! With a blend of fresh talent and seasoned veterans, the spirit and determination of our athletes are shining through in every race.
Our seasoned veteran, senior Eliany Justiniano '25 (pictured to the right), a dedicated member of the team since her freshman year. Her journey in cross-country has been a testament to perseverance and passion. In her latest race, Eliany completed the challenging 3.1-mile course in an impressive 25 minutes!
Their achievements signal a promising future for the team, as they embody the enthusiasm and potential that drive our cross-country program forward.
Good luck to the team who will be running the SEC Championship meet on October 15th and the ECADA Championship meet on October 25th!
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Celebrating St. Vincent de Paul:
Commitment to Charity and Community
In a heartfelt tribute to our namesake, the girls of Toward Boundless Charity (TBC) gathered at Convent Station to commemorate St. Vincent de Paul Day. Guided by the the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, TBC emphasizes the importance of spirituality and service, embodying the essence of charity in our mission.
As St. Vincent de Paul famously stated, “Charity is the cement which binds communities to God and persons to one another.” This guiding principle inspired our collective efforts, as we united with other schools and organizations to engage in a meaningful day of service. The focus was on advocating for those facing challenges such as unstable housing, lack of basic necessities, and limited access to education.
Participants—including students, teachers, parents, and community partners—came together to honor the Vincentian legacy by addressing the pressing needs of the less fortunate. Activities included revitalizing community spaces, writing heartfelt messages of faith and gratitude to retired Sisters of Charity, and assembling essential supplies for families in need.
Through collaboration with peers from various schools, we not only made a tangible impact but also deepened our understanding of the vital role charity plays in our lives.
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Together, we celebrated St. Vincent’s enduring legacy and spread kindness throughout our communities, reinforcing our commitment to serving others with compassion and generosity.
Back at the school, the community participated in an inspirational prayer service led by Sister Beverly Policastro '62. We reunited for a sweet treat on the front lawn!
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A Beautiful Mind
Juniors Fraina Charles '26 and Emely Vera Ramos ‘26 recently completed an incredible six-week journey with the M.I.N.D.S. (Medical Internship Navigating Diversity and Science) program at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. This paid internship provided an enriching experience, including CPR/BLS certification, medical simulations, SAT prep, and guidance for medical school applications. The program also allowed participants to visit local hospitals and healthcare organizations, offering a firsthand glimpse into life in the medical field.
Fraina’s passion for medicine ignited during her freshman biology class, where she became fascinated with genetic functions, chromosomes, and DNA. She dreams of becoming a pediatrician one day. Emely, inspired by her desire to help others, especially women and children, aims to become either a NICU nurse or a pediatrician.
One of the biggest challenges for both girls was mastering the extensive medical terminology and adapting to the language used by professionals in the field. However, they found the experience immensely rewarding, particularly through the connections they made with like-minded peers, the opportunity to shadow doctors and pediatricians, and the chance to interact with patients.
This program has provided Fraina and Emely with invaluable insights as they grow into future medical professionals. We are incredibly proud of both of you!
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Welcoming Dr. Jenifer Campbell, '81
to our Board of Trustees
We are excited to announce the appointment of Jenifer Campbell, Ed.D., '81, Dean of Students at Fordham University, as a new member of our Board of Trustees at Saint Vincent Academy. Dr. Campbell brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence, making her an invaluable addition to our community.
In her role as Dean of Students, Dr. Campbell has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a passion for fostering inclusive environments that empower students to thrive. Her extensive background in student affairs and higher education will be instrumental as she leads our Alumnae initiatives, helping to strengthen connections among our alumnae and enhance their engagement with the Academy.
We believe that Dr. Campbell’s insights and enthusiasm will not only inspire our alumnae but also enrich the overall mission of Saint Vincent Academy. Her commitment to education and community service aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are eager to see the positive impact she will have.
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Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jenifer Campbell to our Board of Trustees. We look forward to her leadership and contributions as we continue to strengthen our bonds with our alumnae and further our mission together! | |
Give the Gift of Education | |
Saint Vincent Academy created 1kSVA to give our supporters an opportunity to donate in a consistent affordable way.
With a goal of 100 donors committed to donating $1,000 annually; our 1kSVA program can help alleviate $100,000 towards the cost of educating our students.
You may honor your pledge
in the following ways:
(September through June)
Full payment - $1,000
Semi-annual - $ 500
Quarterly - $ 250
Monthly - $ 100
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The Promise Scholar Program (PSP)
offers qualifying students full,
four-year scholarships.
PSP students must demonstrate
financial need, along with academic
and leadership potential.
For more information on our Promise Scholarship Program contact SVA's Development Office at
(973) 622-6406 or email development@svanj.org.
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