St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Magazine 2023-2024 by Lindsey Minkoff

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY Discover Your Highest Good!

AN ALL-GIRLS COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY

SUMMUM BONUM

St. Joseph Hill Academy, a Catholic high school, in keeping with Christian values and the traditions of the Daughters of Divine Charity, seeks to educate and empower young women to be confident independent thinkers with strong character and leadership qualities, who stand ready to meet society's challenges. "St. Joseph Hill Academy's legacy stems from the Daughters of Divine Charity's one hundred years of dedication and faithful service to Catholic education. We are proud to graduate and send forth young women prepared to face the future with faith, hope, determination, and a strong conviction that they can make a difference in the world." Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., President

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Welcome! St. Joseph Hill Academy has always had a history of academic excellence while incorporating programs and activities that are spiritually and socially stimulating. A freshman enters as a young lady, and a senior graduates ready to tackle the world’s challenges with tools of leadership, confidence, and empathy. As a 1994 graduate, I am pleased to see that many of the traditions and values I encountered as a student are still in place. This values-based curriculum sets a Hilltopper apart from any other high school student. Once a Hilltopper, always a Hilltopper. Every Hilltopper receives an academically rigorous education rooted in spirituality, socialization, and physical growth. It is imperative to ensure the education of the whole woman and offer opportunities allowing for personal growth. A Hilltopper learns about herself and her community through our various activities. She will also experience masses, retreats, and social events giving her the chance to strengthen her relationship with God, build lifelong friendships, and experience the world around her. Guiding a Hilltopper from beginning to end is our incredible faculty– understanding that the demands of academy-life can be both challenging and overwhelming. Our flexible faculty coordinates test scheduling to ensure a manageable experience for our Hilltoppers. In addition, our athletic program focuses on building bonds between students across grade-levels, and in some cases, with our elementary school students. Mind, body, and spirit are exercised refreshing and revitalizing our Hilltoppers. Opportunities for service in and around our community nourish a Hilltopper’s natural instinct to do for others. By the time a Hilltopper graduates and “leaves these old familiar halls”, she is well prepared for college and beyond having learned how to learn, being intellectually curious and ready to make a difference in the world. Paramount to success is consistency, structure, and support–all provided at St. Joseph Hill Academy, while incorporating relaxing and fun times in a safe environment. We are all committed and dedicated to making sure our Hilltoppers discover their highest good, “Summum Bonum.” Ms. Elizabeth A. Campbell ‘94 SJHA High School Principal

WHAT'S YOUR WHY? THE ALUMNAE PERSPECTIVE Katie Golden '06, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase "I chose St. Joseph Hill Academy for its reputation for academic excellence. I knew Hill would best prepare me for college and for the challenges of the corporate world. I was attracted by the technology, resources, and opportunities that Hill offered which weren't available at other schools. Hill taught me to think critically and to communicate my ideas effectively. Its emphasis on volunteering and giving back to the community instilled in me the importance of philanthropy and service. "

Naomi Gaggi, Ph.D. '13, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NYU Langone in Psychiatry "I attended St. Joseph Hill Academy because of its standout academic curriculum and standards that were very apparent during the school's open house. Being a Hilltopper gave me the structure and poise to achieve my academic goals and navigate through college gracefully. To this day, I still utilize the organizational skills, composition, and scholastic curiosity that SJHA has instilled in me."

Alison Powers Herman ES '92 HS'96, Partner, Carter Ledyard and Milburn LLP "I chose to attend St. Joseph Hill Academy High School because I wanted to be a part of a community and tradition of excellence experienced by my mother before me. I wanted a wellrounded high school experience where I could explore interests and grow as a person, all within a robust community of motivated peers and caring, dedicated teachers and administrators. I attribute much of my professional success to the skills and work ethic developed during my high school years. "

Elizabeth Calleja, MD '81, Vice President, Clinical Development, Taiho Oncology, Inc. "I attended St. Joseph Hill Academy to help me flourish as a young woman, pursuing academic excellence while upholding my Christian values and enhancing my spiritual connection with God. St. Joseph Hill Academy empowered me to become a confident, disciplined, and determined women unafraid to pursue challenges while staying true to my Christian values. A sense of duty and service was instilled in me in addition to skills and attributes which I use every day: communication, analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity."

Charlotte Curlin '23, Duke University Majoring in Environmental Sciences and Policy "Hill offered me academic support and athletic opportunities that could not be paralleled anywhere else. Attending St. Joseph Hill Academy means becoming an active participant in a tight knit collective of elite young women. Through classmates and teammates who became my closest friends, I learned the importance of caring deeply for others. Before sending off graduates with the opportunity to better the world around them, Hill teaches its student body to create their very own dependable community of confident, passionate women."

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023-2024 AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM Hill implemented an AP Capstone Program this past year. All sophomores have the opportunity to obtain AP credits through the first part of the AP Capstone Program: AP Seminar. This is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and academic research skills on topics of their choosing. Students will then have the opportunity to enroll in AP Research in junior year, which will provide them with the opportunity to earn an AP Capstone Certificate or an AP Capstone Diploma.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW AP CLASSES Hill students will now be able to choose from a variety of 12 Advanced Placement (AP) classes, including our two newest classes: AP Pre-Calculus and AP Human Geography.

Law Class visit to the Southern District

INTRODUCTION OF THE LAW INSTITUTE

INTRODUCTION OF A NEW BUSINESS COURSE Betsy Elwell ‘81 is teaching a College Business course this year. Her vision of this class is to give Hill students a basic understanding of skills required for a career in Business, and to expose the students to the various majors in the Business Department of most four-year colleges.

During the upcoming school year, participants in our Law Institute will include students across all grade levels who participate in the Mock Trial program, as well as seniors enrolled in our College Law class. There will also be opportunities for the larger student body to participate in a variety of interactive experiences, including a Speaker Series, professional presentations and lectures in the field of Law, Justice and Advocacy, as well as visits to federal, state and local courthouses. Prominent Hill alumnae will provide their time, talents and financial support to help launch, enrich and sustain the Institute.

AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO ACADEMICS St. Joseph Hill Academy has a long tradition of offering college preparatory curricular programs that seek to meet the individual needs of students. We do this by providing a highly unique experience. With a selection of Honors, College, and AP courses, Hill is equipped to challenge students of varying abilities. Every Hill student completes four years of core academic subjects. All students are programmed to earn an Advanced New York State Regents Diploma. In addition to the core courses, students can choose between our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Pathway or our Humanities Pathway. The Pathway forms the foundation for each student’s academic program.

HILL IS A PLACE WHERE GIRLS HAVE A CHOICE OF: PATHWAYS LEARNING STYLES COURSES ACTIVITIES

PROGRAMS OF STUDY Freshman Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies I

WORLD LANGUAGES Italian I or Spanish I

ENGLISH Survey of Literature Honors Survey of Literature

SOCIAL STUDIES Global History I Honors Global History I

MATHEMATICS Algebra I Geometry

SCIENCE Biology Honors Biology Chemistry

HUMANITIES Communication Arts Theater Arts STEM Robotics THE ARTS Fine Art I Performing Arts Physical Education Academic Guidance

Sophomore Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies II ENGLISH British Literature Honors British Literature MATHEMATICS Geometry Algebra 2 WORLD LANGUAGES Italian II or Spanish II

SOCIAL STUDIES Global History II AP World History: Modern SCIENCE Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics Honors Physics HUMANITIES Classics AP Human Geography

STEM AP Computer Science Principles College Digital Electronics THE ARTS Performing Arts Health Education Physical Education Academic Guidance AP Seminar

PROGRAMS OF STUDY Junior Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES Religious Studies III ENGLISH College American Literature AP English Language & Composition MATHEMATICS Algebra 2 AP Precalculus WORLD LANGUAGES Italian III or Spanish III

SOCIAL STUDIES United States History AP United States History

HUMANITIES AP Psychology College Psychology

SCIENCE/STEM College Anatomy & Physiology College Introduction to Engineering & Design College Environmental Sustainability Physics Honors Physics

THE ARTS Digital Art Fine Art I Music Performing Arts Physical Education Academic and College Guidance AP Research

Senior Year RELIGIOUS STUDIES World Religions Catholic Social Justice ENGLISH College World Literature AP English Literature & Composition MATHEMATICS College Algebra/Precalculus College Calculus AP Calculus AB WORLD LANGUAGES Italian IV College Italian I & II Spanish IV College Spanish I & II

SOCIAL STUDIES Economics Honors Economics Government AP United States Government & Politics College Business College Law SCIENCE/STEM AP Biology College Anatomy & Physiology College Chemistry College Cybersecurity AP Computer Science Principles Honors Forensic Science

HUMANITIES College Psychology Honors American Sign Language THE ARTS AP 2-D Art & Design Digital Arts Fine Art I Music Performing Arts Physical Education: Fitness for Life Academic and College Guidance SENIOR CAPSTONE Graded Senior Project for students who are not in AP Research

STEM PATHWAY Hill's STEM Pathway immerses students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, while emphasizing critical thinking and ingenuity. Beginning freshman year, students will engage in 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD), introductory computer programming, and robotics. The STEM Pathway emphasizes real-world collaborative problem-solving skills through project-based learning. This forms the foundation for selecting higher-level coursework. The STEM Pathway may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of Humanities Pathway electives. Freshman Year Robotics Sophomore Year College Digital Electronics* or AP Computer Science Principles* Junior Year College Introduction to Engineering Design* and/or College Environmental Sustainability* *Available for college credit

GO TO STJOSEPHHILLACADEMY.COM/STEM/ FOR VIDEO AND MORE ON OUR LATEST COURSES!

HUMANITIES PATHWAY The Humanities Pathway encourages learning from multiple perspectives, enabling students to make connections across disciplines. Beginning freshman year, students refine their speech and writing skills, paying particular attention to persuasive, analytical, and journalistic techniques. The Humanities Pathway emphasizes developing critical readers, effective writers, and articulate speakers through the study of literature, social studies, fine arts, and communications. This forms the foundation for selecting higher-level coursework. The Humanities Pathway may be supplemented with a 2-year sequence in fine arts and/or music appreciation and balanced with a range of STEM Pathway electives. Freshman Year Communication Arts and Theatre Arts Sophomore Year Classics or AP Human Geography Junior Year College Psychology* or AP Psychology* *Available for college credit

GO TO STJOSEPHHILLACADEMY.COM/HUMANITIES/ FOR VIDEO AND MORE ON OUR LATEST COURSES!

THE ARTS At Hill, we believe education in the Arts is a crucial component of a student's education. Through the Arts, students are able to tap into their creative pursuits and build skills including confidence, collaboration, problem solving, perseverance, and dedication. Students develop an awareness of communication and learn to speak confidently and perform, gaining invaluable life skills.

Hill Singers Spring Concert

Student life at Hill is also enriched by clubs that focus on the Arts: Art Club Dance Team Drama Club Hill Singers Music Club Photography Club

Art Club

Students have access to our Fine Art Studio in Madonna Hall and the Performing Arts Studio on the 3rd Floor. Summer workshop opportunities focused on the arts include: Performing Arts Audition Workshop with Ms. Samantha Hermansen SJHA Drama Club Fall Musical

“I am looking forward to working on a truly fun show that is filled with lots of spirit and loyalty. I’m hoping for our club to grow as a community and enjoy the different time period styles of music and dance this year. “ Ms. Samantha Hermansen Director of SJHA Fall 2023 Musical, “Bye Bye Birdie”

THE HILL ADVANTAGE Hill guides our students to successful college matches, academic achievement in college, and career success for our graduates. Hill has established itself with college recruiters as a premier New York City high school with individualized college planning provided by Mrs. Kerry Sullivan, HS '81, the Director of College Counseling and Mrs. Michelle Nastacio Figuly '07, College Advisor. College guidance begins in freshman year and becomes a dedicated class in junior and senior year. Students and parents are invited to a personal meeting to develop an individualized plan to meet college and career goals. This includes assistance with the development of talent-based portfolios in art, music, theater, communications, and graphic design. Student athletes are carefully guided through the Division I, II, and III recruitment process. Students are also identified for the Posse and QuestBridge Scholarship programs that yield full-tuition scholarships. Many Hill graduates have saved a year or more in college tuition expenses because of the variety of AP and College credits they received while at Hill.

The 103 Graduates of the Hill Class of 2023: $39.7 million in scholarships from colleges and universities. 216 universities and college acceptances throughout the United States. 2 students received full tuition Posse Scholarships to Connecticut College and Lafayette College, valued at $200,000 per student. 4 students received full-tuition scholarships to the Macaulay Honors College. 14 students made commitments to accelerated master’s and doctorate programs in various fields of study, including Cybersecurity, Diplomacy and International Relations, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Social Work, and Speech Pathology. 21 students participate in Honors, Research and Scholars programs. 9 students were offered NCAA Division I, or III athletic awards in basketball, soccer, swimming, and track and field .

ATHLETICS- GO KOALAS!

16 Sports 3 Seasons

Fall Season

Winter Season

Cross Country (Varsity) Soccer (JV and Varsity) Tennis (Varsity) Volleyball (JV and Varsity)

*Cheer and Swim Seasons are both Fall and Winter Sports.

Archery Basketball (JV and Varsity) Bowling Cheer* (Varsity) Indoor Track and Field (Varsity) Swim (Varsity)*

Spring Season

Flag Football (JV and Varsity) Golf (Varsity) Lacrosse (Varsity) Outdoor Track and Field (Varsity) Softball (JV and Varsity)

2022-2023 SEASON VARSITY GOLF 2023 CHSAA LEAGUE CHAMPS VARSITY TENNIS 2022 CHSAA STATEN ISLAND LEAGUE CHAMPS JV BASKETBALL 2022-23 CHSAA TIER 2 NEW YORK CITY CHAMPS

JV BASKETBALL 2022-23 CHSAA TIER 2 NEW YORK CITY CHAMPS BOWLING SICHS DIVISION B CHAMPIONS VARSITY SOCCER 2022 CHSAA STATEN ISLAND CHAMPS, ARCHDIOCESAN CHAMPS & NEW YORK CITY CHAMPS

STUDENT CLUBS STEM - Girls Who Code, HELM Institute, Math League Team, Robotics Team, and Science Club Drama Club

CULTURE - Albanian Club, Baking Club, Book Club, Crochet & Knitting Club, Fashion/Sewing Club, Film Club, Gardening Club, Italian Club, and Spanish Club WRITING - "The Hilltopper" (Yearbook), “The Peak” (Literary Magazine), and "The Summit Newspaper” (Student Newspaper) PUBLIC SPEAKING Forensics (Speech and Debate Team), Mock Trial Team, and the Student Ambassador Program COMMUNICATION American Sign Language Club, Hill TV Studio, and Yearbook (Print and Video)

ARTS - Art Club, Dance Team, Drama Club, Film Club, “Hill Singers," Music Appreciation Club, Photography Club, and Video Game Club STUDENT GOVERNMENT - Hill Student Council

Dance Team

The Summit Newspaper

Special Olympics Club

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - Girls Learn International Club SERVICE - American Cancer Society Club, Caring Cards Club, Diabetes Awareness Club, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, National Honor Society, Operation Fairy Dust, Project Hospitality Club, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics Club, and Tunnel to Towers Club

Hill TV

National Honor Society

SPIRITUALITY- Campus Ministry, Kairos Retreat Program, Junior Associates, and Rosary Club

MAKING GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE: SPIRITUALITY Following the mission of the Daughters of Divine Charity, Hilltoppers strive to “Make God’s Love Visible” in everyday life. Masses are planned by students working with our Campus Ministry Office. All students attend annual off-campus retreats for their grade level, giving them time for spiritual growth amidst their busy school schedules. Students from all religious backgrounds are welcome at St. Joseph Hill Academy.

Kairos Retreat

Unique to high schools on Staten Island, Hill offers two four-day, three-night, off-campus Kairos retreats for juniors and seniors. Kairos means “God’s Time” in Greek. Kairos retreats are grounded in the Catholic faith but students of all faiths have attended. These retreats are led by senior student leaders and adult leaders including Hill faculty and alumnae. Kairos retreats give students an opportunity to build community with others and grow in their relationship with God. Opening Mass

Through the Junior Associates, many students choose to engage in social activities and spiritual events with the retired Sisters who reside at the St. Joseph Hill Convent. The bond formed between the students and the Sisters is invaluable, and gives students an understanding of the order who founded their school. Hill's focus on spirituality, no matter what religious background the student comes from, helps students feel comfort, community and purpose.

MAKING GOD'S LOVE VISIBLE: COMMUNITY SERVICE Community service is an integral part of a Hill student’s experience, and the student body completes over 24,000 hours of community service each year. Our students actively volunteer their time and talents to numerous charitable endeavors through student clubs including: American Cancer Society, Caring Cards, Friends of Staten Island (FOSI), Habitat for Humanity, Project Hospitality, Seton Foundation for Learning, Special Olympics, Tunnel to Towers, and volunteering at the St. Joseph Hill Convent. Hill students love giving back to their community, something they carry with them through their lives.

Habitat for Humanity Trip

Annual Service Day

Caring Cards Program

Hill is the only high school on Staten Island that dedicates a full school day for the entire student body and faculty to participate in service every year. Service Day is an opportunity to show their commitment to serving the needs of others. The sense of purpose and maturity the students gain from these endeavors is invaluable.

STUDENT LIFE Founded in 1919, St. Joseph Hill Academy has traditions that are beloved by students and alumnae from decades passed as well as newer traditions and celebrations that leave the entire student body smiling. As a Hilltopper, these are some of the traditions and celebrations to look forward to:

100 Days to Graduation Christmas Coffeehouse Color Wars and Airbands Fall Musical Freshman Tea Green Fashion Show Harvest Happening Junior Prom Junior Ring Ceremony May Crowning Murder Mystery Night Performing and Visual Arts Showcase

Senior & Freshmen Sisters Senior Prom Senior Sunrise Senior Farewell Senior Tree Planting Senior Trip to Disney World September Welcome Back Event Spirit Week and Pep Rally Spring Break Trip Abroad Spring Concert

Green Fashion Show

Color Wars

Student Council Back to School Event

Freshman Tea

WATCH OUR VIDEO! Senior Sunrise

Spirit Week

HILL'S HIGHEST GOOD: THE SISTERHOOD

The value of a St. Joseph Hill Academy education does not end in senior year. Hill graduates join a long line of proud and loyal alumnae that have left our "hallowed halls" empowered with confidence, leadership skills, and a love of learning. The bond Hilltoppers develop is one of mutual respect and admiration for each other. Our students support one another. As Hill sisters, they develop rich friendships that last a lifetime. Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series St. Joseph Hill Academy High School established the annual Career Conversations: Alumnae Panel Series in Winter/Spring 2021. The Alumnae Panel Series is fully virtual, tapping Hill Alumnae from across the country and internationally. They join current students for an evening of stimulating conversation focused on their respective career pathways. Students gain valuable insight and make lasting connections with our generous alumnae. The Alumnae Panel Series inspires students' curiosity as they consider their future college plans and career aspirations. Hill Alumnae are a powerful group of determined, ambitious women who give back to their community. We are grateful that they are willing to share their experiences and advice with our students.

“My time at Hill has helped shaped my future and I know it will help shape yours as

well. You have your whole lives ahead of you to change the world and I look forward to watching each and every one of you make that happen.”

St. Joseph Hill Academy 2023 Commencement Speaker Judge Susan Quirk '94

ADMISSIONS TIMELINE November 3, 2023 TACHS Exam

January 24, 2024 Class of 2028 Accepted Students Night!

December 5, 2023 Hill Scholarship Exam

February 2, 2024 Class of 2028 Deposits are Due!

January 17, 2024 Admissions Letters are released

March 6, 2024 Class of 2028 Registration Day!

HILL'S TACHS CODE IS 223! 223 is the Place to Be

Financial Support Opportunities

Merit-based Scholarships

Full & Partial Scholarships based on Hill's Scholarship Exam & TACHS scores.

Named Scholarships (SJHA holds our Scholarship Benefactors in deep esteem and we express our gratitude to them for their unwavering support.)

4-year scholarships (of varying amounts)

Financial Aid

Need-based tuition assistance

8th Grade applicants can register for Hill's Scholarship Exam (no preparation required) on Wednesday, November 30th from 3:305:00 pm at stjosephhillacademy.com/scholarshipexam/. Hill awards multiple full and partial scholarships for qualified students. In order to be eligible for a full scholarship, a student must select Hill as her first choice school on the TACHS. If they choose Hill as a second choice they are eligible to receive a partial scholarship. In January, accepted students are invited to review applications for our five named scholarships. If they determine they qualify based on the criteria set by each scholarship, they can complete the application process. All recipients are notified before March registration. The five scholarship opportunities are currently: Mary Alice Lucey O'Malley Scholarship (3 recipients) Jeanine R. Khoury Scholarship (1 recipient) The Costa Family Scholarship (1 recipient) The Sister M. Charlotte Gulban Memorial Scholarship (1 recipient) The Sister M. William McGovern, F.D.C. Scholarship (1 recipient) Enrolled students may apply for limited financial aid through FACTS. The application process involves submitting documentation such as IRS Federal Tax Returns and W-2 Wage and Tax Statements.

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 850 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 447-1374 admissions@stjhill.org stjosephhillacademy.com MEET ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. President

Mrs. Danielle Holst Dean of Academics

Mrs. Virginia Mayrose Dean of Students

Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell '94 Principal

Mrs. Kerry Sullivan '81 Director of College Counseling

Mrs. Lisa Bifalco Athletic Director

Discover Your Highest Good! HILL'S TACHS CODE IS 223! STAY CONNECTED TO HILL! Follow us on Instagram @stjhill & @stjhs_athletics