Friday, October 2, 2026

• 2026 Alumnae Weekend
• First Annual Parent Social
• Carlo Cherubino Memorial 5K
• 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
• 1884 Fund Cash Raffle
• Bottle Drive

• 8th Grade Pin Ceremony
• Celebrating Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program
• Welcome Day
• Introducing the New Volleyball Program Assistant Coach

It’s been another busy and exciting week at Holy Names! On Tuesday, we welcomed parents and guardians to Back to School Night, giving families an opportunity to experience a glimpse of student life and learn more about the year ahead. We also celebrated Welcome Day, where our senior class welcomed the freshman class to Holy Names with a special breakfast.

Our 8th Grade Pin Ceremony was another highlight of the week, celebrating the Class of 2031 as they step into an important leadership role within our Middle School community. You can read more about this beloved tradition below.

Finally, Holy Names Athletics continues to go strong, with senior Grace Zelig celebrating her Tennis Senior Night on Wednesday with an impressive 10–2 singles victory over Ravena. Congratulations Grace! You can catch Grace’s full interview on Panther Sports Nation on Holy Names’ Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok.

As we close out this week, we hope to see many of you at the 2026 Alumnae Reunion Weekend which takes place today through Sunday, October 4. Join us for a wonderful weekend of creating memories and celebrating milestones.

It’s been a wonderful week of connection, celebration, leadership, and Panther Pride!

Yesterday, we celebrated our 8th grade class — the Class of 2031 — with our Annual 8th Grade Pin Ceremony. A long-standing Holy Names tradition, the Pin Ceremony recognizes our 8th graders as they step into an important leadership role within our Middle School, giving them the opportunity to set an example, support their classmates, and help shape the Holy Names experience for those around them. The pin is a beloved symbol in our community, and many students continue to proudly wear their pins throughout high school as a reminder of this special milestone. Congratulations to our 8th graders! We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing all the ways you will lead this year.

Celebrating Senior Lola Ogunjana - Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program

We are pleased to celebrate Senior Lola Ogunjana, who has been named a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Nationwide, approximately 34,000 students have earned this recognition for their exceptional academic promise based on the results of the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). We are incredibly proud of Lola and this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing all that the future holds for her. Congratulations, Lola!

AHN Welcomes New Coach for Volleyball

Ms. Megan Rai ’21,

Volleyball Program Assistant Coach

We are pleased to welcome back a member of the Holy Names Class of 2021, Ms. Megan Rai. She has returned to Holy Names as the Volleyball Program Assistant Coach after playing volleyball throughout her five years as a student. Megan went on to attend Hamilton College, where she double majored in Mathematics and Biology and participated in the college’s Volleyball Club. She currently works in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and is excited to bring her experience and passion for volleyball back to Holy Names and our student-athletes.

A Reflection from our President:

Two Conversations on AI

By Dr. Martin Kilbridge

I recently had two conversations about artificial intelligence and education that I found particularly thought-provoking. One was a roundtable hosted by Albany Business Review editor-in-chief Melissa Mangini with Turina Parker, District Superintendent of WSWHE BOCES, and Carl Mummenthey, Superintendent of Niskayuna Central School District. The other was with Dr. Beth DeAngelis, a pioneer in emotional intelligence training for corporations and schools whose career included Chair of the Theology department at Holy Names. Both conversations raised questions that go well beyond how schools should use AI. Here is my reflection on those conversations.



The world has changed dramatically, but the fundamental purpose of education has not. We are still trying to form young people who can think, relate to others, contribute meaningfully, and take responsibility for their lives. The challenge is maintaining that focus as expectations of schools continue to expand.



Save the Dates

1884 Fund Cash Raffle

Don't forget to participate in our cash raffle! Students should have brought home tickets from orientation. Here is a quick refresher on the details:

• Tickets are $10 each or $90 for a full book of 10 tickets when all 10 are purchased by the same person.
• The drawing will be held November 12, and you do not need to be present to win.
• Prizes: $2,500 first prize, followed by $1,500, $1,000, $500 and $250.
• Each family has been provided three books of tickets, and we are expecting families to sell or purchase all three books.
• Prizes will be awarded to the classes and families with the most participation!

Every ticket sold helps support the 1884 Fund and the programs, opportunities, and experiences that make the Holy Names experience so special.

Tickets are due back by November 10th!

Questions or need additional tickets? Please contact Tish at tczachor@ahns.org.

Upcoming Webinars

Join our Team

Spring Break Trip 2027

Connect with AHN!

Purchase AHN uniforms and more at Student Styles. Show us your AHN Pride!

Click the image to enter the store.

You can also purchase AHN apparel at Wicked Smart's Academy of the Holy Names Shoppe by clicking the image.

For only $10, these 9" (standing) AHN collectibles can be yours by clicking the image!

Place your order for pick-up at the front desk or to have them shipped to you (add $5 per item). $5 keychain versions are available here.