The Academy of the Holy Cross community is pleased to welcome Claire M. Helm, PhD as she begins her tenure as President of the Academy. Dr. Helm was unanimously selected by The Academy of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees and approved by the Leadership Team of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. A leader in the educational field, Dr. Helm brings a wealth of experience at the local, diocesan and national levels. For the past 10 years she has worked in various positions for the National Catholic Educational Association. Prior to working with the NCEA, Dr. Helm served as Campus President of the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Florida and spent 20 years with the Archdiocese of Washington.

 

It was the start of something new on the AHC stage this summer as performers from throughout the area bopped to the top in a fantastic production of High School Musical. Based on the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie, this modern adaptional of Romeo and Juliet tells the story of two high school students, Troy Bolton, the basketball team captain, and Gabriella Montez, an intelligent honors student, who risk disapproval and ridicule from their friends as they embrace their secret love of singing to try out for the leads in their high school’s spring musical. The 84 cast members, ranging in age from elementary school student through adult, performed five shows to sold out houses on July 11, 12 and 13 in the AHC theater. With upbeat songs and energetic dance numbers, the cast of the AHC Summer Stock production showed the crowed their true Wildcat spirit.  

 

More than 180 students participated in The Academy of the Holy Cross’s Summer Enrichment Program which ran in two sessions from June 16 through July 11. Some students expressed their creativity in ceramics, photography and dance classes while others took refresher or introductory courses to help prepare for the upcoming school year. Rising Seniors had the opportunity to get a head start on their college search as they researched schools, practiced writing personal statements and received tips on how to make the most of campus tours. Members of the Class of 2012 who took the High School Preparation Class learned about study skills, time management, and peer pressure issues that face students throughout their high school years.

 

Many students got a leg up on the competition through AHC’s Summer Sports Program.  

Athletes chose from eight competitive sports and worked with coaches and teammates to fine tune skills, learn new techniques and work with players outside of their normal team environment. Younger students participated in the Kid’s Kamp, a program for girls ages five through 10 allowing them to try a variety of sports and well as participate in fun activities such as water balloon games and scooter races.

 

While many high school students spend their summers at the beach or a tropical resort, 12 AHC students grabbed hammers and paintbrushes for a week long service trip in Appalachia. Along with three parent chaperones and the Director of the Christian Service Commitment Program, the Tartans repaired siding, painted houses, replaced shingles, and participated in many other projects to help those in need. AHC has participated in the Appalachian program, coordinated by Sister Jean Barbara Korkisch, C.S.C. for over 10 years.