Christmas Concert, Bell Tower Lighting, Festival of Wreaths

AHN officially kicked off the holiday season in style with the annual Christmas Concert featuring the Middle School Chorus getting us "In the Mood" followed by the High School Ensemble treating attendees to classics from "Sleigh Ride" to "Mary Did You Know?" Click the image to visit our YouTube Page and watch the performances.

Following the concert, attendees were invited to stay for the traditional Lighting of the Bell Tower.

Each sponsored light on the tower shines brightly in honor and/or in memory of a special family member or friend, whose names were read aloud and will be featured on our website throughout the season.

Prior to the festivities, families gathered in the Senior hallway for the annual Festival of Wreaths!

A dozen handmade wreaths from students, faculty, and staff were raffled off. The event was sponsored by the Junior Ladies of Charity and proceeds will benefit the Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry.

Special Delivery

Congratulations to seniors Logan Schlegel, Patsy Whalen and Maggie McDonnell on completing their service project, collecting approximately 184 toys to donate to St. Catherine's Center for Children.

Students also wrapped the items this week, which were picked up Wednesday afternoon by Michele Puleo O’Hare ‘78 P’12. Thank you to all who helped with this year’s giving tree!

Kosek Featured at Victorian Stroll

Did you attend the Troy Victorian Stroll over the weekend? If so you may have spotted a familiar face: our very own Art Teacher, Kate Kosek! Ms. Kosek presented a project she has been developing for the past six months during her Digital Fabrication Residency at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity

The main piece is a faux stained glass panel Ms. Kosek fabricated from laser-cut plexiglass and a CNC routered maple plywood frame. The imagery is an abstract design that references the detachable shirt collar and the Collar Laundry Union, Troy's namesake industry and an important organization in women's history.

Don't worry if you missed the presentation. The work will be hanging in the Center's window on Broadway throughout the month of December.

Art in Action

It was a busy Wednesday in Ms. Kosek’s Fiber Sculpture and Wearable Art class. Students worked on a variety of projects from embroidery and crocheting hats, to sewing dresses and capes. Thank you to Friends of the Arts for supplying the sewing machines!

Later, AHN's Director of Marketing and Communications, Mr. Perritano, spoke to Ms. Kosek's Digital Illustration class about the school's branding style and how specific styles and techniques are used to help tell the AHN story.

Siena College Rep Visits Seniors

Wednesday was a great day to be a Saint! Thank you to Katie Collins Szalda, Admissions Director for Siena College, for visiting our College Counseling office today and speaking with our seniors.

AHN and Siena recently reached an agreement where qualifying seniors with a 3.0 (85) GPA or better can automatically be accepted to Siena (with exceptions made for the eight-year, BA/MD, HEOP and Baldwin Nursing programs).

Puppets Help with Learning

A lesson that would make Señor Jim Henson proud: Profesora Gibbons had her seventh-graders use puppets in Spanish class today to assist in learning speaking prompts.

This Week in Athletics

It’s a 2-0 start for JV and varsity basketball. JV was victorious 42-31 in its home opener Tuesday evening, followed by varsity’s 48-42 win over Troy.

Next up: the teams take on Mohonasen at home Friday starting at 5 p.m., and for the first time in several years, the cheer team -- fresh off supporting CBA in the State Super Bowl in Syracuse -- will be in attendance. Join them in cheering on the Panthers!

Also this week, indoor track had its first meet of the season finishing 2nd overall, including a pair of top finishers (Ana Guerra, 600m, Maeve Joyce, 3000m).

Car Wash to Benefit Dance Ensemble

Get your vehicle squeaky clean and help support AHN's Dance Ensemble! Follow the link provided to make your purchase, with proceeds from the fundraiser helping the ensemble purchase tights, shoes, and other dance apparel. As you can see in the photos, with your help thus far the team was able to purchase jackets! The promotion runs through December 30.

AHN on the Move: D.C.

Join us for AHN on the Move: D.C. on March 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. hosted by Betsy Bennett '09!

More information will be upcoming, including in the next issue of "Connecting with Katie Ann."

We're hiring!

AHN has multiple track coach openings, a part-time Maintenance Technician, as well as substitute teachers for the 2024-25 school year. Interested in applying? Follow the link to visit our employment page.

Apply for 2025-26 School Year

Here at Holy Names, student enrollment is up 27% over the past two years. We have students coming from 31 different schools from throughout the Capital Region and beyond. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 school year.

The Academy of the Holy Names single-gender model encourages open dialogue, collaboration, and a focus on subjects that may traditionally be underrepresented for women. Click the link to apply today!

Shadow Visits Available

Attendance at AHN's Fall Open House was up 26% compared to last November, so the time is now to schedule your Shadow Visit! If you know a family interested in learning more about Holy Names, this is the best way for potential students to see first-hand what a day in the life of an AHN student is like. Forward/follow the link to schedule today.

Entrance/Academic Scholarship Exam

More admissions testing opportunities have been made available for prospective students.

The exam serves as a scholarship qualifying exam and assists with student placement. High scoring students can earn between 15-25% tuition awards.