The Spirit of Sacred Heart Academy

Today, the spirit of Sacred Heart Academy lives in our students, alumnae, benefactors, and friends as they champion the Christian values modeled by St. Francis of Assisi.  While we see this spirit embodied in so many, we can only highlight a few, so let us introduce you to the most recent recipients of SHA’s distinguished awards. 

Christus Super Omnia Award (November 2009)

This award is given to a distinguished alumna who, through her achievements and service, embodies the spirit of SHA. 

Mary Ellen Keohane Glynn ‘59

Mary Ellen served as President of the Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs.  As President, Mary Ellen spearheaded the TRY Project (Teaching and Restoring Youth), a transitional housing program for young women who have suffered from abuse, violence and victimization.  It is TRY's goal to empower these women so they can rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.  The project operates out of a converted convent on the East Side of Buffalo.  For over 20 years, Mary Ellen has volunteered at the Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Site where she has chaired a number of special events, is a docent, and is the chairwoman of Victorian Christmas this year.

Mary Ellen is currently the New York State Director of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.  This November, Mary Ellen has been invited to the United Nations to serve on a panel on Domestic Violence.   

Elizabeth Fago ‘68

Elizabeth’s dedication and commitment to caring for the elderly has led to a distinguished career, culminating in her being Chairwoman and Founder of one of the largest, privately held healthcare companies in the United States.   Elizabeth established an endowment to fund research in the treatment of patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.  Elizabeth was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Scripps Florida Corporation and the Palm Beach County Health Care District as a Commissioner.  In 2001, Elizabeth was selected to The Florida Council of 100, a position she continues to hold today.  Elizabeth was also accepted into membership of The Committee of 200, whose mission is to foster, celebrate, and advance women’s leadership in business.  By invitation of the President of the United States, Elizabeth was one of only 50 women to attend the 2001 Women Business Leaders Forum at the White House.

Elizabeth served as a board member of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, and a committee member of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, and Florida Medical Association, Inc.  In 2005, Elizabeth was the Chair of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Gala, helping to raise over $1.2 million dollars in support of research and programs. 

Jennifer McGee ‘99

After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy Jennifer attended Long Island University-Southampton College where she majored in Psychology and Biology (marine mammal focus), with a minor in Environmental Studies.  Jennifer participated in many marine mammal internships and co-ops as well as study abroad programs in Australia, Brazil, Tonga, and Niue.  Jennifer worked as a marine mammal trainer as a graduate research assistant at Texas A&M University and then entered the Marine Mammal Science program at the University of Wales, Bangor, UK.   Her thesis project took her back to Brazil where she conducted research on Amazon River dolphin acoustics. 

While working on her thesis Jennifer was invited to conduct research studying Humpback Whales on the east coast of Australia.  Currently, Jennifer is a Ph.D student at the University of Florida-College of Veterinary Medicine in the Aquatic Animal Health Program.  Her research focuses on aspects of comparative immunology in manatees and both ecologically and historically related species.

Living the Spirit Award (November 2009)

This award is bestowed on an individual or organization that reaches out to serve the less fortunate members of the community.

Amy Betros and Norm Paolini 

Amy Betros and Norm Paolini are the Co-Founders and Co-Directors of St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, a Roman Catholic Mission that ministers to the poor and the homeless on the East Side of Buffalo.  The mission currently occupies the entire St. Luke's campus using the school, convent, and rectory for shelters, a community center, mission work, and housing. The mission has also rehabilitated several donated area houses for use by homeless families. On an average day, St. Luke's, run completely by volunteers, feeds 500 people.  St. Luke’s strives to show everyone that seeks help that God is good, loving and merciful.  Through the work of Amy and Norm, and that of the countless volunteers, people begin to see that they have value and begin to have hope.

Franciscan Charism Award (November 2009)

This award honors a member of the larger community who lives the Christian virtues as exemplified by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

Sr. Marcyann Kowalczyk, OSF

 In 1956, Sr. Marcyann joined the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity and began her first teaching assignment at Bishop McMahon High School, before heading to New Jersey to teach at a co-ed high school.  In 1967, she returned to Buffalo to care for her mother and began teaching at Sacred Heart Academy.  

Sister Marcyann, a beloved teacher for over 40 years, teaches History at the Academy.  Her dedication to teaching stems from her belief that students are in school to learn and it is her job to find the best way to motivate learning.  Teaching has never been just about a test result or a Regents score; for Sr. Marcyann it was making sure the young women entrusted to her were prepared for college and for life.  She says that her favorite part of teaching is that: “Every single student is different.  Each is a unique personality who is finding her niche.”  In true Franciscan form, Sr. Marcyann loves the great outdoors, be it hiking a mountain, cross country skiing beneath snow-filled trees, or walking sandy beaches. Being in nature is a joyful experience she treasures. 

2009 Christus Super Omnia Award (May 2009)

This award is given to a distinguished alumna who, through her achievements and service, embodies the spirit of SHA.

Mary Ann Kuntz Hoffert ’55

Although she has enjoyed a highly accomplished and respected career in banking, Mary Ann’s passion is her volunteer work with immigrants, the downtrodden, and the elderly.  She has served for many years as an American Red Cross Emergency Disaster Relief volunteer, traveling to communities devastated by hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes to assist with clean-up efforts, feed the hungry, and help victims complete complicated paperwork.  Mary Ann has volunteered for numerous other community groups, including the Ladies Sodality of St. Ann’s Church, the Marillac Guild of Sisters Hospital, the United Way Advisory Board, Women for Downtown, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, the Canisius College Scholarship Associates, and the Friends of the Night People.  Through her service, Mary Ann lives the Franciscan principle that in giving, we receive. 

Beverly Eckert ’69 (posthumously)

Beverly pursued a successful career in insurance, becoming Vice President at a Fortune 500/Berkshire Hathaway Company.  When her husband, Sean Rooney, was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Beverly co-founded Voices of September to advocate for the interests of 9/11 victims and their families on a variety of contentious issues.  She lobbied in Washington, D.C. for a full investigation into the attacks and how they could have been prevented.  Beverly helped orchestrate national support for a 9/11 Commission by participating in press conferences, testifying on Capital Hill, and organizing rallies, and she also worked to pass legislation needed to prevent future attacks.  Beverly received the Christus Super Omnia Award posthumously after her untimely death in the February 12, 2009, crash of Flight 3407.

2009 Franciscan Charism Award (May 2009)

This award honors a member of the larger community who lives the Christian virtues as exemplified by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

Paul T. Wietig, Ed.D.

Paul Wietig has been committed to education throughout his professional and personal life.  As an educator for over 36 years, he has been a teacher, principal, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent for the Amherst Central School District and the Grand Island Central School District.  His extensive community and volunteer service includes vice chair of the Diocese of Buffalo Educational Advisory Committee, vice chair and secretary of the Town of Amherst Library System, a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Education Committee and the Medaille College Education Board, and trustee and executive committee member of the Genesee County Village and Museum.  For many years Paul has graciously offered his time and expertise to the Heads of School at SHA in the areas of curriculum, assessment, instruction, school law and general administration.

2009 Living the Spirit Award (May 2009)

This award is bestowed on an individual or organization that reaches out to serve the less fortunate members of the community.

Clem Eckert

With the experience gained from a long and distinguished career in the food service industry, together with his faith and desire to serve, Clem Eckert has been an invaluable advocate for the underprivileged in our community.  Clem served as Director of the Food Bank of WNY from 1995 to 2007, meeting the needs of the hungry with nutritious food and educating the public on the magnitude of the hunger problem in Western New York.  During his tenure Clem led the Food Bank through an impressive expansion to feed 100,000 men, women and children each month through a network of more than 400 member agencies.  He has also served numerous other community organizations, including The Food Bank Association of New York State, State of the Region Human Service Task Force, United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Advisory Board, and Friends of the Night People.

2009 Alumnae Award to a Graduating Senior

The recipient of this award is chosen by her classmates as the graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit of SHA. 

Jenna Wegrzyn, Class of 2009

Jenna actively served the SHA community throughout her four years at the Academy.  She was vice-president of her senior class as well as a class officer in her freshwoman and junior years.  Jenna also served as editor-in-chief of Torch, was a member of the National Honor Society and the Franciscan Scholars, and worked as a member of the musical stage crew.  She is the daughter of alumna Ann Smits Wegrzyn, Class of 1976.