The Academy of the Holy Cross is proud to relaunch a cherished tradition that reflects the heart of our community: the Big Sister-Little Sister (BSLS) Program. This beloved initiative has been refreshed and revitalized for the 2025–2026 academic year with a renewed commitment to fostering sisterhood, leadership, and lifelong connections.

At its core, the BSLS Program is designed to foster, nurture, and advance the bonds of sisterhood among our students. Through intentional pairing of upperclasswomen with underclasswomen, the program cultivates meaningful friendships, encourages mentorship, and strengthens our unified AHC spirit.

"The Big Sister Little Sister Program was my favorite tradition at The Academy of the Holy Cross,” Miss Donna Reese ’77 said. “It is a great program that helps younger students feel welcomed and looked after from their first day, allowing them to carry on that warmth when they become big sisters."      

The BSLS Program goes beyond friendship. It’s a leadership and service opportunity. Big Sisters act as mentors and role models, helping Little Sisters navigate life at AHC while growing in confidence, faith, and joy. Together, they engage in activities that develop deep friendships, promote collaborative service, encourage student leadership, and celebrate our shared Holy Cross identity.

The Big Sister-Little Sister Program is more than a tradition. It’s a legacy of love, leadership, and community.

"I have fond memories of feeling immediately welcomed into our Academy family as a shy freshman back in 1975! My big sister, Bridgid, made a welcome sign for me and was a source of calm over our two years together, and I still occasionally see my little sister, Winnie,” Mrs. Patty Deane Petruzzelli ’79 said. “Each reunion begins with pure, joyful embraces! She recently visited the Academy, and we shared happy memories, hugs, and laughs, bridging the time between visits with lifelong sisterhood.”  

“Our BSLS tradition made my student time at AHC more wonderful and memorable, and I am delighted that we have this opportunity to share it with our current and future LOTAS."

Each class year is also guided by a meaningful theme:

• Freshman – Connection
   
• Sophomore – Strength
   
• Junior – Service
   
• Senior – Empowerment

2025–2026 Sisterhood Pairings

This year’s pairings are:

• Class of 2026 (Seniors) with Class of 2028 (Sophomores)
   
• Class of 2027 (Juniors) with Class of 2029 (Freshmen)
   

These pairings set the stage for mentorship, unity, and fun throughout the year, and were revealed on Thursday, September 4, during Tartan Time, with the BSLS Reveal Extravaganza!

During the reveal, Little Sisters will receive envelopes with their Big Sister’s name inside. At the signal, they eagerly searched the crowd to find their match, creating a joyful, spirited, and unforgettable moment of connection for the entire community.

To make the day even more special, Big Sisters are preparing treasure boxes filled with decorated notes, keepsakes, treats, and purple-and-white spirit items, as well as creative touches like welcome signs, balloons, and personalized clothespins. The reveal is not only a cherished rite of passage but also a huge photo-op, showcasing the joy, tradition, and Tartan pride that define the AHC sisterhood.

Meet the BSLS 2025–2026 Council

Moderators
Miss Donna ’77
Mrs. Petruzzelli ’79

Class of 2026 Leadership
Nicole Felix '26
Lina Garcia '26
Anna Gilbert'26
Ava Jones'26
Colleen Locraft '26
Alex McCormick '26
Dana Narh '26
Addison Ruszkowski '26
Caroline Serra '26