All ASH News & Posts

Academy of the Sacred Heart celebrated the 58 members of the Class of 2026 in a graduation ceremony held on May 22 in the front courtyard of the St. Charles Avenue school. Diplomas were presented by Head of School, Gretchen Zibilich Kane '74, and Upper School Division Head, Julie Boyd. 

Academy of the Sacred Heart proudly announces Amelia Stein as Valedictorian and Eleanore Habetz as Salutatorian of the Class of 2026.

Amelia Stein, daughter of Mr. David Stein and Dr. Erin Berger Stein, distinguished herself during her 16 years at Sacred Heart as a National Merit Finalist, U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate, and AP Scholar with Distinction. She earned perfect scores on both the PSAT and ACT and served as President of the National Honor Society. Amelia was also a member of the Varsity Quiz Bowl and Academic Games teams, earning multiple regional and national awards, and achieved first overall in World Geography at the Louisiana State Literary Rally.

Beyond the classroom, Amelia served her community as a Kumon instructor and volunteered with Whole Kids Outreach, a nonprofit serving women and children in rural Missouri. She was selected to serve on the Louisiana Youth Advisory Council, collaborating with peers and state legislators on initiatives related to school safety and technological literacy. Amelia also conducted neuroscience research through the Summer Undergraduate Neuroscience Program at the LSU School of Medicine and presented her work at the LSU Neuroscience Symposium.

This fall, Amelia will attend Tulane University as a Dean’s Honor Scholar, where she plans to major in Neuroscience and study Public Health Healthcare Administration on a Pre-Med track.

Salutatorian Eleanore Habetz has demonstrated exceptional leadership, scholarship, and service throughout her time at Sacred Heart. She has earned Highest Honors throughout high school and served in numerous leadership roles including Vice President of St. Dominic CYO, Executive Board Secretary for Student Council, Best Buddies Co-Leader, Volleyball Captain, and Retreat Team leader.

An accomplished student-athlete, Eleanore earned All-State, All-Metro, and All-District recognition in soccer and volleyball and was named the NOLA Small Schools MVP in soccer. She has also devoted countless hours to volunteer service through organizations such as St. Michael’s Special School, Miracle League, Rebuilding Together, and Sacred Heart community events. 

In 2025, Eleanore participated in a three-week Chilean Cultural Exchange program through the Sacred Heart Network, an experience that deepened her Spanish fluency and broadened her global perspective. 

The Class of 2026 includes 58 graduates who have distinguished themselves through excellence in academics, athletics, service, leadership, and the arts. Graduation ceremonies for the 139th graduating class will take place this spring.
Congratulations to Amelia, Eleanore, and the entire Class of 2026.