On September 12, Sacred Hearts Academy celebrated 117 years of inspiring young women in Hawaii through faith, education, sisterhood, and service. As we celebrated another year of the Academy’s history during Founder’s Week, we asked: What does our beloved academy truly represent in the hearts and minds of our students and teachers?
Alumna and Educator Voice
For theology teacher and Sacred Hearts alumna, Leilani Asuncion, the Academy has been a part of her life in more ways than one. As both an Alumna and educator voice, Leilani Asuncion reflects on the impacts the academy has had on her life, and the experiences that have made her who she is today.
“I think every alum has this thought like ‘I’m never coming back here’, but never say never, because look where I am today”, Asuncion says, while reflecting on her high school years at the academy.
While sitting in the same chair that once belonged to beloved sister and former theology teacher at the academy, Sister Irene Barbosa, Asuncion reflects on the significance of carrying on our school legacy.
“I’ve never touched her things, because I feel her presence, and it’s because of the presence of the sisters that has made such a big impact on my life”, she says. Asuncion reflects on the many lessons the sisters have taught her, like guarding her virtue, and being strong in faith even when in doubt- advice she has held in her heart wherever she went.
“You can’t say no to a sister”, Asuncion says, recalling when the Sisters called her to continue the legacy and teach at the academy; then announcing it was her time to give back to the students what the sisters gave to her.
“I would spend a lot of time in campus ministry, I was in LIT core, I did all kinds of stuff for them and they did a lot for me. Her commitment to Sacred Hearts represents more than simply coming back to a familiar place. It reflects one of the most significant traditions within the academy, and prominent characteristics of a Lancer: giving back to the community that helped shape you. The connection between the young women at the Academy proves to be incomparable, across generations. The shared experience of being a part of the Academy has connected hundreds of Lancers, creating a sisterhood that has stood the test of time.
“That’s what makes us different from other schools, it’s that sisterhood that we have,” Asuncion says. Asuncion recalls memories from lifelong friendships growing up at the academy, such as with previous upper school Principal and current Academic Visionary at Maryknoll School, Carol Chong. As she still maintains these friendships today, the love within our school community is undeniable. The connection of sisterhood, the memories each young woman made at the Academy, and the love that is deeply rooted within the Sacred Hearts community is what makes our mission shine so brightly. With years of experience, and hundreds of Lancers taught, Asuncion reflects on a prominent characteristic she sees among Sacred Hearts alumni.
“They all have this understanding of ‘ I need to give back’, and I can sense that-when I go see alums’ in parts of the country or even the world.”
She shares a story about unexpectedly running into a Sacred Hearts Alum, a student she previously taught, on the flight back from the 2025 Philippines mission trip. When the alumna stood up and recognized Sister Irene, Asuncion immediately noticed the connection,
“When she stood I saw her eyes light up when she saw Sr. Irene, and I was like, that is her!”
Asuncion soon discovered that the alumna was flying back home from one of her frequent trips volunteering for the Peace Corps, inspired by the lessons Asuncion taught her years ago. Stories like these demonstrate how the impact of Sacred hearts continues long after a student graduates. The lessons, relationships, and memories formed at the Academy follow Lancers wherever they go.
A sisterhood continues
The special bond that only Lancers contain, connected through generations, can be seen through the unique lens of a current senior at the Academy, Sinaia Joseph. Joseph reflects on her high school journey that included moving to and from the continent before her senior year at SHA. Joseph went to Saint Patrick School before transferring to the Academy her freshman year of high school. During her sophomore year, she moved to Seattle, Washington before eventually finding her way back to the academy the following year. After her years at the academy, going to a public co-ed school was a new and challenging experience.
“I had always gone to a private catholic school, growing up with the same people for years, coming from a tight knit community- so moving away from that, completely taking away my uniform, I had to figure out myself and my style”, Joseph says. After returning to the academy, she finds appreciation for the relationships and experiences she has had at SHA. Through being a member of the Life Team, playing sports, or simply hanging out with her friends, she has found a deep sense of community and purpose at the academy.
Love for the Academy
As shared through the voice of Sinaia Joseph, student experiences reflect the same ideas that Asuncion has carried with her through decades, as an alumna.
For 117 years, Lancers have learned, grown, and served within these halls and throughout the world.
From Leilani Asuncion looking back on the experiences that have shaped her, to Sinaia Joseph sharing fond memories and preparing to be on her own path of life, both describe a connection that reaches beyond their individual experience. It encapsulates the stories of thousands of young women across generations and continents, united through sisterhood. From either alumni sharing lessons from years ago, or current students sharing their favorite parts of the academy, these memories may come to an end; but will never be forgotten. We carry the true values and traditions that the sisters of the academy have instilled in us forever.
