Earlier this week, Nativity Prep proudly celebrated the graduation of 18 remarkable students as members of the Class of Saint Monica. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, our graduates marked an important milestone in their educational journey and reflected on the growth, perseverance, and achievements that brought them to this moment.
As they prepare to begin high school this fall, our graduates will attend:
• Aquinas Institute
• Bishop Kearney High School
• Edison Career & Technology High School
• Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School
• McQuaid Jesuit
• Northstar Christian Academy
• Odyssey Academy
• Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
• Rush-Henrietta High School
We're so proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to supporting them through our Graduate Support Program as they continue their educational journeys. At Nativity, graduation is not the end—it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Through high school, college, career exploration, and beyond, we remain committed to helping our students thrive and achieve their dreams.
Congratulations to the Class of Saint Monica! Your Nativity family is cheering you on every step of the way.
Sacred Heart Welcomes Lorraine Shepherd As Its New Principal
Lorraine Shepherd returns to the Sacred Heart Nativity and Our Lady of Grace community as a mission-driven, Spirit-led educator whose leadership has long been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, academic excellence, and cura personalis. Having previously served as Principal for more than seven years (2015-2022), Lorraine is honored to return during this Jubilee year as Sacred Heart Nativity celebrates its 25th anniversary and Our Lady of Grace marks 20 years of transformative education.
An experienced Catholic educator and instructional leader, Lorraine began her career in the Diocese of San Jose, teaching at both St. Lawrence and St. Martin of Tours before first joining the Nativity community in 2015. Since departing in 2022 to pursue broader opportunities in education and leadership formation, she has remained deeply connected to the Nativity mission through alumni mentorship, Jesuit formation work, and educational leadership across the Bay Area and beyond.
At Santa Clara University, Lorraine taught in the CatMAT and EXCEL teacher preparation programs within the School of Education and Counseling Psychology and continues to serve as a quarterly adjunct lecturer in the LEAD Scholars Program, accompanying first-generation college students in their academic and personal journeys. Her professional work has focused on forming educators who are both mission-centered and grounded in strong instructional practice.
Currently, Lorraine serves as an instructional coach and consultant for schools throughout the Diocese of Oakland, mentoring both new and veteran teachers in curriculum design, instructional alignment, classroom management, equitable teaching practices, and support for diverse learners. Her work reflects a deep commitment to developing thriving classrooms where every student is known, challenged, and supported.
Lorraine’s leadership continues to be deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit education. She serves as a board member for El Retiro, the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, and mentors aspiring school leaders nationwide through the Jesuit Schools Network Seminars in Ignatian Leadership. Leading retreats and accompanying educators and young people in faith formation have become some of the most meaningful dimensions of her ministry.
Above all, Lorraine considers it a profound privilege to return to a community that has remained close to her heart—a community whose mission continues to inspire hope, transformation, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Sacred Heart is thrilled to welcome Lorraine back HOME!
San Miguel Academy Students Lead Hands-On River Research Through Innovative Environmental Project
This semester, students at San Miguel Academy engaged in a rigorous, place-based river monitoring project that combined fieldwork with in-depth scientific research. The initiative was conducted in partnership with science teacher Effie Eyo and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School science teacher David Couto.
Students studied both the Hudson and Passaic Rivers, collecting and analyzing water quality data while investigating pressing environmental issues. Their research examined invasive species, dam removal for river restoration, industrial impacts, and native wildlife, with a focus on species such as the American eel, Atlantic sturgeon, and blue crab.
The project was designed and led by Molly Albrecht, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at San Miguel Academy, as part of the school’s commitment to place-based, experiential learning.
The experience culminated in a day-long Environmental Student Congress at Pace University, where students collaborated with environmental leader John Cronin and university faculty. Together, they explored their vision for the future of the Hudson and Passaic Rivers, and the generations who will depend on them.
This interdisciplinary initiative reflects San Miguel Academy’s mission to cultivate informed, curious, and engaged stewards of the natural world.
“For our students at San Miguel and St. Benedict's, the river is more than a backdrop for rowing, it’s a living classroom,” said Molly Albrecht.
About San Miguel Academy
San Miguel Academy is a year-round, STEM-based school serving low-opportunity families in Newburgh, NY. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education by making a long-term commitment to students and their families. For more information, please visit newburghsanmiguel.org.