Since opening its doors in 1907, Sacred Hearts Academy has been a place of learning and growth for young girls from Kindergarten to 12th grade. For over a century, the Catholic school in Kaimuki has fostered a strong sense of tradition, welcoming generations of families who return to enroll their children in their alma mater. Among these devoted alumnae is Head of School Brandy Ann Sato, a proud graduate and lifelong advocate for the Academy, who is committed to fostering a joyful and spirited school environment.
Sato began her journey at the Academy as a first grader in 1982, spending the next 12 years immersed in its academic and extracurricular programs before graduating in 1994. Her time at the Academy not only shaped her education but also instilled in her a passion for leadership and a desire to bring positive change while upholding the school’s cherished traditions.
As Head of School, Sato hopes to foster a vibrant and spirited school environment. school spirit, joy and fun. She aims to partner with theater-focused performing arts program Mo’olelo Studios. This would allow students to find themselves in musical theater.
This collaboration with Mo’olelo Studios has already introduced new events to campus, including the “Christmas Spectacular” musical in December. During this event, the Mo’olelo Studios transformed the school with festive décor, featuring a towering Christmas tree that reached the second floor of the administration building and an artificial snow display that concluded every performance. The public was invited to enjoy the holiday play. In April, the partnership will continue with an on-campus Easter event featuring an egg hunt and a movie on the lawn.
Sato says, “If you aren’t having joy and fun, what’s the purpose?”
Her goal is to inspire others to join the Academy community by creating an atmosphere where school spirit, joy, and camaraderie thrive.
As a student, Sato was involved in many student-life activities. Many of these include the Living In Faith Experience (L.I.F.E) Team, a service commitment offered to seniors. Being a student at the Academy came with many memories. Sato’s favorite memories consisted mostly of student-life activities, the most memorable being monthly dances with private schools around the island. The focus on sisterhood and the value of friendships and relationships with other girls has a lasting impression on Sato.
“Opportunities form life-long relationships,” she said.
After graduation, Sato has returned four times. The first time was as a teacher in the social studies and business department. Sato taught computer science to students. Sato’s class included lessons on how to use popular online resources such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Sato’s second return was as a Board of Director. Sato’s position was responsible for strategic decisions for the school and finances and direction for the development office. Giving guidance was her job’s main focus.
The third return was as high school principal, a position that Sato held briefly until finally returning as Head of School earlier this school year.
Reflecting on her journey, Sato offers advice to future generations of Academy students:
“Be thankful for the opportunity to have attended (the Academy) for as long as you have,” she said. “(The school) is such a special place. Hold (the Academy) in our hearts and feel like it’s a second home. At the end of the day, you always go home, near or far.”
