Knights of Saint Elizabeth

Dear Friend of the Academy,

My family has had the privilege of being a part of the Academy community for nearly nine years now. Our oldest daughter Casey ‘20, along with myself and my husband Paul, were hooked from the very first time we visited the Academy for an Open House in 2015. I can fondly recall being in awe of the historic campus, full of history and beauty, and of the warm welcome extended to us by the Academy’s administration, faculty, and students as we entered their home away from home. 

A few years after Casey chose the Academy as her home, our daughters Lauren ‘23 and Colleen ‘25, made the same decision. Each of our daughters are unique unto themselves, as most siblings tend to be, yet they were still able to experience a deep sense of belonging as soon as they entered the front doors of the Academy.

As a parent, I also experienced that same sense of belonging as I was drawn to the beauty and sense of community that the Academy fostered. Volunteering as a member of the Parents’ Association has allowed me to be a part of my daughters’ Academy journeys, providing immense fulfillment and meaning for me, especially as a mother. From chairing events to being a class parent, and now in my third term as President of the Parents’ Association, I have found myself surrounded by countless incredible mothers and fathers, all of whom support our school with unending pride. We work together as a family to sustain the mission of the Academy as it enters into the 165th year of empowering young women in New Jersey. This has been an enriching experience for parents and students alike. For when we are a family, we are stronger and better together.

As I approach the sunset year of my family’s Academy journey, my heart is full of gratitude for every experience and accomplishment my daughters had during their time here. They have learned how to effectively communicate with others, prioritize their voice, and understand when they need to advocate for themselves. These are just a few of the essential life skills they gained while also balancing their academic responsibilities, athletic participation, and involvement in extracurricular clubs/activities. And when the time came for our daughters to transition to college life, such was seamless, in large part because they were so well prepared from their Academy experience. They have become confident young women with the courage and compassion to be leaders in their chosen paths. 

Looking back on our family’s Academy experience (and as we are about to become empty nesters in the coming year), Paul and I would not change a thing, and I know that our daughters would wholeheartedly agree, too. The Academy is truly a home away from home where all girls can discover comfort in being themselves.

My reminiscing reminds me of how important our communal support is to the Academy’s ongoing success. In an effort to promote even greater parent support, the Knights of Saint Elizabeth was founded in 2021 by a group of current and alumnae fathers who also shared in the same amazing experiences my family had because of the Academy. 

As with all Catholic schools, the reality is that tuition is not enough to cover the many operating expenses to support our mission. The Knights of Saint Elizabeth desire to make a difference and endeavor to support the Academy in ensuring that the quality academics, determined athletic teams, artistic expression, amazing traditions, and spiritual development continue to benefit countless young women in the future.

The Academy’s halls are lined with the photos of past graduating classes who have benefited from this historic institution. Those photos are a testament to the years of amazing growth and change at the Academy of Saint Elizabeth. In recent years, the school has also grown, through the completed renovation of the Panther Den, a restoration of the Moran Library, and an updating of our beautiful Study Hall and Main Offices, all of which are reminders of a grand history that Mother Mary Xavier Mehegan, SC began when she founded our school in 1860. 

As we celebrate the 165th anniversary of the founding of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth, I ask, on the behalf of the Knights of Saint Elizabeth and all current and future students, that you prayerfully consider a donation to the Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund as an investment in the continued future of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth.

If your means allow, please consider investing at the Founders’ Circle level of $1,860.00 in honor of our founding year. The Knights of Saint Elizabeth have once again challenged us to join the Founders’ Circle so they can match your donation by $1,000.00, thus making your total investment to the Academy $2,860.00. 

Please join me and the Knights of Saint Elizabeth by donating today. Every gift matters. When we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot. Through our collective contribution, we are ensuring that this special place will continue to thrive and support the growth of the young women of this beloved institution for many years to come.

With gratitude and many thanks,