Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart hosted graduation exercises for the Class of 2026 at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts on May 26.
Continuing a tradition that spans nearly 150 years, graduates wore white and carried a dozen red roses. Each student received her diploma from Head of School Jennifer Demert.
Salutatorian Amina Orom welcomed the guests with an address that reflected on how Sacred Heart's sisterhood nurtures and supports every student. Valedictorian Ella Yusick emphasized the many individuals who played key roles in helping the Class of 2026 grow in spirit, mind, and body.
The festivities were enhanced by the keynote speaker, Maureen Forrester Finney, EdD, PA-C '87. Dr. Finney serves as the Provost and President-elect of Nazareth University. She shared how clearly and fondly she remembers her own graduation day. She encouraged the graduates to carry their relationships, values, and sense of self forward as a North Star to guide them into the future.
The Class of 2026 distinguished themselves in many ways over their four years at Sacred Heart. Collectively, they earned more than $36,000,000 in scholarship offers and spent more than 14,000 hours in service to their communities. Notably, they also breathed new life into the SHA Shouties, a group that generates positive energy and spirit in support of sports teams, performers, and daily life at SHA.
As they begin the next chapter of their journeys, the graduates of the Class of 2026 carry with them the values, friendships, and traditions that have defined their Sacred Heart experience.