Friday, June 5, 2026

In This Issue

·        Class of 2026: By the Numbers

·        Building on Successes

·        Congratulations, Grade 8!

·        This Week at AHN

·        Panther Updates

·        Cheer Clinic Registration

·        Project Updates

·        Save the Dates: New Camp Offering!

·        Alumnae Weekend Registration

·        Alumnae Webinar

·        Costa Rica 2027

·        Join our Team: Positions Available

·        School Calendar

·        Uniform Sale

Building on Successes to Improve Student Experience

By Principal Margaret Taranto, EdM, and Dean of Student Life Kathy Witherspoon, MSW


Soon the halls will be quiet and students and teachers will scatter across the region for their various summer plans. As we wrap up another year, we want to reflect back on the successes of the 2025-2026 school year and our ongoing work. 


We continue to conduct surveys to collect information about the student experience. The School Culture Team, composed of faculty and administrators across disciplines, met regularly to assess survey data and work to improve the student experience. In addition, Mrs. Taranto met with small groups of students across grade levels to hear more about their experience at Holy Names. The honesty, thoughtfulness, and willingness to share student perspectives are invaluable. This kind of feedback helps us grow—not just as a school, but as a community.

Congratulations, AHN Class of 2030!

More photos will soon be available in the Gallery section of AHNS.org.

Grade 8 Graduation


Congratulations to the eighth-grade class of 2026 (AHN Class of 2030), which held its prayer service and graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The event featured musical performances, and included addresses from Class President Lauren Pero and Vice President Bailey Chen. 

This Week at AHN

Middle School Carnival Celebration


Thank you to all our students, families, faculty, and staff who made our middle school Carnival Night such a blast! It was great to see so many smiling faces help wind down the school year on a high note.

Pre-Graduation Luncheon for Grade 8


The seniors had their turn, so on Wednesday it was time for the leaders of the middle school to celebrate their moving up. Ahead of Thursday’s graduation ceremony, our grade 8 students were treated to a luncheon in their honor in The Riley Auditorium.

Grade 6 Completes Lesson on Ancient Greece


Grade six just completed its study of Ancient Greece!

In celebration of the achievement, students enjoyed Greek food compliments of Mr. Otto from Metro 7 Diner.

Juniors Moving on Up


The baton, or bagel in this case, had officially been passed.

The Class of 2027 commemorated their transition as rising seniors with a bagel breakfast in the College Counseling office on Monday.

Spanish II Students Present Year-End Projects


Led by Profesora Fernández, Spanish II students have been giving presentations this week about Spanish-speaking countries for their final project. The countries included: Spain, Argentina, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, and Ecuador.



As a special treat, Profe brought in tacos for the Mexico presentations, and mate (a traditional caffeine-rich infused herbal drink) from Argentina.

Grade 6 Begins Digital Programming


Future computer programmers? Grade six got its first chance to test out our Sphero robots as part of their Digital Literacy class on Friday!

PantHER Voices Podcast


There's a new club this year at AHN!


Launched by Victoria Gomez and Wanjiku Waweru, PantHER Voices is a youth podcast club meant to amplify the voices of young women (Holy Names students, in particular) who care about advocating for themselves and others. Topics center around laws affecting young women, education, and inspiring youth to become independent leaders.


PantHER Voices' sole purpose is to discuss, advocate, and educate students about real-world events that affect women and youth.

Panthers Updates

Athletes Honored


Thank you to all who attended our Winter-Spring Sports Banquet Wednesday evening at Duo at the Dunes.


It was an evening to honor our student-athletes, and all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, from coaches to parents, to make sure everyone gets to where they need to be, and isn't missing a cleat! 

Congratulations to all our team award winners.


Congratulations to Maeve Joyce, who has advanced to compete in the NYS Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Rochester next weekend after qualifying in both the 3000m and 1500m.


Congratulations are also in order for our lacrosse and softball Colonial Council All-Stars!


Lacrosse:

  • First Team: Chloe Friedman and Allie Rafalko
  • Second Team: Ella Schoenborn and Sofia Miron
  • Honorable Mention: Meara Sweet and Arabella Villegas 


Softball:

  • First Team: Ella LaBoissiere
  • Honorable Mention: Samantha Reilly and Juliana Conboy

Save the Date

Alumnae Webinar Registration

For more alumnae news and updates, follow our series "Connecting with Katie Ann" with Director of Alumnae Engagement Katie Ann McDermott '98. Click the image to visit her page.

AHN Connect is our online Community and Alumnae Association.


The networking platform is a place to connect with AHN alumnae, students, families, and friends. If you're an alumnae-owned business, you can also join our directory. Click the image to sign-up today!

Spring Break 2027 Heading to Costa Rica


We feel like we're still unpacking from Japan, but now it's time to get ready for next year's international adventures, as AHN teams up with ACIS Travel to prepare for Costa Rica in 2027.


The trip will occur during Spring Break, and is open to current high school students.


Questions? Email Admissions Director Ann Travers.

Join our Team

We're hiring!


AHN has openings for a full-time maintenance position and Substitute Teachers. We're also looking for part-time help in the kitchen! Interested in applying? Follow the link to visit our employment page.

School Calendar

Next Week


Monday, June 8

Last Day of Classes for Grades 9-11

Sweethearts & Heroes



Tuesday, June 9 - Thursday June 11

High School Exams


Wednesday, June 10

Grades 6-7 field Trip


Thursday, June 11

Last Day of Classes for Grades 6-7, Noon Dismissal


Friday, June 12

Exam Make-Up Day; Grading Day

Coming Up

Monday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 17

Faculty/Staff In-Service Days



Monday, June 15

6th Grade Registration Night, 6:30 p.m.


Friday, June 19

Juneteenth Observation (School Offices Closed)

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