Legacy Families Embrace SHS
When the alumni of a school of the Sacred Heart choose a Sacred Heart education for their children , it is a testament to the value of their experience and its meaning in their lives . Several Sheridan Road students are part of a “ Legacy Family ” community , with parents or grandparents attending any one of the more than 150 Sacred Heart schools worldwide . Here , two Sheridan Road alumnae share their experiences and why they ’ ve entrusted their kids ’ primary school education and formation to their alma mater . Meet Pascale Kidanu Johnson A ’ 94 , a teacher and mother to Laila A3 and Logan SK , and Megan Driscoll Trolley A ’ 89 , a third-generation Sacred Heart student , trader , and mother to Jack H1 and Grace PK .
Q : What do you most fondly remember about your education at Sacred Heart ?
PKJ : When I look back on my experience as a Sacred Heart student , I remember feeling like the teachers and administrators truly cared about me . There was always a smiling face and a supportive hand to help , whether I was learning a new math concept , practicing my free throw skills , or singing on stage . I learned how to think critically and globally , and how to use my abilities to help others .
MDT : I transferred to Sacred Heart in 6th grade and I was insecure and terrified . Most fondly , I remember being welcomed , accepted and loved from day one . However , the best part of Sacred Heart for me was the all-girls education . It was in that safe place that I developed the confidence to find my voice and to speak up . It served me well in a coed high school , college and throughout my career .
Q : Elementary education could arguably be the most formidable education in a child ’ s life . Why did you choose Sacred Heart Schools for your kids ?
PKJ : Even before having children , I knew that I wanted them to attend Sacred Heart . Children spend nine years of their lives in elementary school , the longest attachment they will have to an academic organization . Choosing an elementary school that would nurture them academically , socially and emotionally was extremely important to me . I toured many Chicago schools — public and private as well as parochial . After comparing the programs at all of these schools , Sacred Heart remained my first choice .
Sacred Heart strives to educate the whole child , not only considering each child ’ s academic skills but their emotional , physical and spiritual health as well . I believe that a solid educational foundation is key to a child ’ s future . Sacred Heart demonstrated they would help families provide that foundation for their elementary children .
MDT : We chose Sacred Heart because we really believe in the concept of educating the whole child . We want our children to be challenged academically , but we also want them to “ love as God loves ,” “ help those who need me ” and “ make wise choices ,” as the Goals that are stated for younger students say . Raising small children is really a partnership with the school that you choose , and we felt that it was important to share those values . For us , that was Sacred Heart . We loved the people here — both the faculty and the parents . Plus , like most families that take the tour at Sacred Heart led by an 8th grade student , I just kept thinking , “ Wow , my 3-year-old might turn into an articulate gentleman someday ?!”
Q : Are there “ timeless characteristics ” that you experienced as a student that your son or daughter is experiencing now ?
PKJ : Many Sacred Heart traditions still hold a special place in my heart . From my first day in the “ Bear ” classroom in kindergarten to the Angel Brunch at the end of 8th grade , many of the traditions I participated in as a student are still honored at Sacred Heart . I remember the joy I felt when Congé was announced , and I see the same excitement in my children when they get home after their Congé ! I remember having opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities like sports teams , theater performances and community service projects , and I know that my children will be able to develop and explore their interests as well .
MDT : The traditions are timeless — learning about St . Madeleine Sophie Barat , Congé , Prize Day — and since my mom went to Sacred Heart as well , it ' s really fun for Jack to share something special with his grandmother too .