Celebrating women at Immaculate Heart Academy is not limited to Women’s History Month in March. At the all-girls Catholic high school, educators believe every day is an opportunity to recognize the young women in the community who continue to impress with their achievements, leadership and service.
Through an environment that encourages academic excellence, artistic immersion, athletic competition, Christian service and lifelong sisterhood, the school empowers students to pursue ambitious goals while developing confidence and character.
Choosing where to send a daughter to high school is one of the most important decisions families make for her future. During these formative years, young women begin to find their voice, discover their interests and define the person they want to become. At Immaculate Heart Academy, faculty and staff work to support that growth by challenging students intellectually while nurturing their spiritual development.
This year, the school recognized a group of exceptional students as Women of Valor — an honor awarded to young women nominated by teachers, faculty and classmates for their leadership, service and positive influence within the school community.
The 11 students were celebrated during a special ceremony attended by their families and were featured on posters displayed in the school’s main lobby highlighting their achievements and defining qualities.
From academic excellence and advocacy for women’s athletics to service, leadership and inclusivity, each of these young women reflects the values that define the Immaculate Heart Academy community.
“At IHA, the phrase ‘Women of Valor’ is more than a title,” said Principal Kerry Carroll ’04. “It is rooted in the biblical passage from Proverbs 31, which describes a woman who lives with strength, wisdom, compassion and courage — a woman who serves others, leads with integrity and builds up her community.”
Carroll said each student honored represents those values in her own unique way.
“These young women embody our school’s Women of Valor tradition by following their own path,” she said. “Some lead through service, some through quiet mentorship, some through joyful spirit and others through extraordinary resilience. Each one strengthens the sisterhood that defines our school.”
The students recognized as Women of Valor demonstrate leadership not only through their achievements but also through the way they uplift the community around them. Whether through academics, athletics, service or advocacy, their contributions reflect the mission of the school: to form young women who embody faith, leadership and compassion.
Women of Valor Among Us
The following students were honored for their character, leadership and commitment to the community:
Make Excellence a Way of Life
Madeline Schlereth ’27 — River Vale, NJ
Dream Up Solutions Through Service
Maeve Dorfler ’27 — Glen Rock, NJ
Are Committed to Sharing Their Passions
Morgan Connell ’26 — Park Ridge, NJ
Face Challenges With Grit
Mariana Builes Garcia ’26 — Union City, NJ
Raise the Bar for Character in Our Community
Elliott Daniels ’26 — Wyckoff, NJ
Build the Community They Wish They Had
Paige Haemmerle ’26 — Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Pioneer a Culture of Blue Eagle Pride
Giara Gonzalez ’26 — Haledon, NJ
Take Leadership to a New Level
Zoe DePhillips ’26 — Wyckoff, NJ
Make Kindness and Inclusivity Their Highest Priority
Kathleen Hahn ’26 — Oradell, NJ
Live Their Love for IHA Out Loud
Joslyn Lessieu ’26 — Ramsey, NJ
Seek Deeply, Serve Faithfully and Lead Generously
Gianna Valente ’27 — Rutherford, NJ
At the center of Immaculate Heart Academy’s mission is the commitment to forming students as young women who embody the Gospel in their daily lives. The school challenges students academically while encouraging them to grow spiritually, lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Students benefit from a comprehensive educational experience that includes 26 Advanced Placement courses and 14 dual-enrollment college offerings, along with more than 80 clubs and extracurricular activities and 17 athletic teams. Beyond the classroom, the school’s strong emphasis on Christian service encourages students to give back to their communities and develop compassion for others. Visit ihanj.com and find out why you belong @theheart!
About Immaculate Heart Academy
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 66th year. A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 650 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from nearly 100 towns in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties in New Jersey, as well as more than 20 towns in Rockland and Orange counties in New York. Over the years, IHA has continually grown and evolved, strengthening its academics, activities and facilities to prepare students for further education and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional and spiritual gifts. Immaculate Heart Academy is located at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington, NJ.