Service at Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA) is more than a requirement; it is central to the school’s mission. Students regularly put their faith into action by serving the community and ministering to people in need through a wide variety of opportunities.
IHA’s Campus Ministry program, led by Emily Ash, Class of 2019, is off to a busy start this year. Ash credits its success to the compassion of the students.
“Our young women constantly strive to make their communities a better place through their service,” Ash said. “They are an antithesis to the idea that success is defined by how well others know you. Instead of desiring to make themselves known, they strive to make God known in the lives of others. Their service points to what authentic service should be: selfless, loving, and using one’s God-given gifts to meet the needs of His people. God placed the calling to serve on their hearts, and we at IHA are so grateful to empower them as they work for causes they are passionate about.”
Campus Ministry recently hosted a Mission@theheart trip to expose students to vulnerable populations they could serve. The home base was Camp Shiloh in Hewitt, New Jersey, but students traveled to various locations to put their mission into action. Stops included Camp Acorn in Mahwah, where students assisted with enrichment programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, and New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Westwood, where they organized donations. Students also made cards for hospice patients at Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River.
This year, students ran a successful diaper drive for Saint Joseph’s Care Corner in Oradell and invited local children to the annual Trunk or Treat event. In November, they will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens, a tradition that last drew more than 200 guests.
In December, students will participate in one of IHA’s many Midnight Runs in New York City, providing food, clothes and conversations to individuals experiencing homelessness. Campus Ministry will also hold its annual Christmas Drive for Sacred Heart School in Jersey City, delivering hundreds of gifts to the school.
Service at IHA also extends to athletics, with teams regularly hosting fundraisers and events. The IHA softball team, for example, hosted its annual Anthony LaRezza Invitational Tournament during the 2024-25 school year and raised $19,000 in honor of the late IHA coach Anthony LaRezza, who died of cancer. Over the past 10 years, IHA softball has raised more than $100,000 to support Tackle Kids Cancer and Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Cancer Institute.
The school’s clubs also take part in service. Earlier this year, the Military Awareness Club volunteered at a Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony, where members gave gifts to veterans, spoke at the event and handed out pamphlets to honor the sacrifices of military members and their families.
During the 2024-25 school year, IHA students served more than 31,000 hours — on average, double what was required. Students continue to embrace the school’s commitment to service and use their gifts to benefit others.
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark, celebrating 65 years. A Blue Ribbon School with 650 students from over 120 towns in NJ and NY, IHA offers a premier college preparatory program.
Media Contact:
AnneMarie Vaughn, Director of Communications & Marketing
201.445.6800 ext. 134 | avaughn@ihanj.com | www.ihanj.com