ALUMNI
NEWS
Let
us pray for Michael Harkin, Class of 1999. Michael is now serving in Fallujah,
Iraq.
Words from our alumni……
Christine Schiemer of Sacred Heart Parish and a graduate of V.A. wrote us
the following: “As I now approach the end of my high school years, and move on
to further my education, I trace my educational roots back to where the
foundation was established. At Visitation Academy, I was challenged and prepared
in order to succeed in high school and beyond. My classes, teachers, and friends
each contributed to making my high school years enjoyable and the load a little
lighter. The atmosphere at Visitation Academy allowed me to feel comfortable in
the classroom and confident in the world. My experience there has been nothing
but positive, and the memories I have are unforgettable.”
Jason Wong adds more when he says: “Like many of Visitation Academy’s
graduating class of 2002, I’ll be attending college in less than a year. There
is a substantial emphasis on which college you attend and to a lesser degree
your high school choice. However, to use the trite metaphor when building a
home, students require a strong foundation and that is grammar school. As a
fresh out of Kindergarten 6-year old, I didn’t have the capacity to choose a
grammar school but I’m happy that my mom chose Visitation Academy for me. The
varied curriculum sparked my interests and regular homework assignments and
tests developed proper study habits. What sets V.A. apart from other schools is
its loving staff and caring atmosphere. I could name how each teacher and staff
member favorably affected my life but it would be too copious to write here … I
am confident that Visitation Academy remains a home of quality Catholic
education.”
Jerome Balbin of Annunciation parish and who ranked first in his class at
St. Joseph Regional H. S. tells a similar story: “It is easy to say Visitation
Academy has shaped me for academic and personal success. VA has provided me with
the best knowledge base and foundation available in education and has
strengthened me as a student ready for high school. The caring teachers and
their constant passion to teach made my educational experience truly worthwhile.
Along with this, I absorbed a spirit to assiduously strive for everything I put
my mind to. In addition, VA has taught me the importance of spirituality. The
emphasis the teachers put on God has helped me realize that without God, nothing
is possible, but with God everything is possible. With such an enlightening
faculty and a strong religious
program, VA has not only shaped me for academic achievement but for personal
success as well.”
Michelle Perez of V. A. achieved semi-finalist status in the 2006
National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 16,000 semi-finalists were chosen
nation wide out of 1.3 million applicants. And, Mathew Wolfson who graduated
from V. A. this past year was Academic Student of the Month his first month in
High School.
Eileen Chapel, a senior at Holy Angels and already a recipient of three
scholarships at the colleges of her choice penned these remarks: “I am a
graduate of V.A. Visitation helped to prepare me in many ways for high school.
One way was the academic foundation which was excellent. Upon this foundation, I
did well enough to win a scholarship to high school. I was also able to take
challenging courses and still excel. As a student beginning at Visitation in the
Pre-K and graduating from the 8th grade, I had the benefit of a caring faculty
and staff, who prepared me to play a very active part in high school activities
and build lasting friendships in a value based community that focused on Jesus.
I moved into high school easily and had no trouble adjusting and I am enjoying a
very active and full social life. I am proud to be a graduate of Visitation
Academy where so many good life lessons are taught.”
Winona Wu, presently an 8th grader in our Visitation Academy, our
co-sponsored school, was presented a “State Award” by Johns Hopkins University
for being among the highest scoring participants in the Mathematics and Verbal
Talent Search. Mrs. O’Leary, our Middle School Math teacher was commended by
Johns Hopkins for “the excellent Math education she afforded Winona and all our
students.”
_____________________
We are proud of
Jerome Balbin
Visitation Academy Class of 2002
Valedictorian of the Senior Class at
Saint Joseph’s Regional High School
Mr. & Mrs. Balbin called to congratulate Visitation Academy
for the excellent academic foundation Jerry received!
_____________________
The following Alumni received the Archdiocese of Newark
“Bloustein Scholars” Award!
Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars are students who place in the top 10
percent of their class and have a minimum combined SAT score of 1260, or are
ranked first, second or third in their class as of the end of Junior year. These
students will receive award offers of $1,000 annually. Only 80 students in
Bergen County met the requirements for this award.
Three are from Visitation Academy!
JEROME BALBIN
JASON WONG
MICHELLE PEREZ
YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD!
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