East Haven Resident Wins Prestigious Sacred Heart Academy Award

EAST HAVEN, CT - Jillian Bauknecht (East Haven) was presented with the distinguished Sr. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Excelsior Award at Sacred Heart Academy’s 2019 Commencement Exercises.

This award, named for the foundress of Sacred Heart Academy, is given to the senior who, in the opinion of the Sisters, consistently exemplifies dedication and loyalty to Sacred Heart Academy, imbibes the spirit of the school’s motto Excelsior—committed to reaching “ever higher” in all aspects of her life—, and values and is committed to the “strong bonds” formed at Sacred Heart Academy. This award is one of the two highest awards bestowed each year at Commencement.

“Jillian is giving, kind, and compassionate and has encouraged others to gain a new perspective of God by her commitment to our liturgies. A member of Campus Ministry for all four years, Jillian created an altar serving program for our students always encouraging others to serve. She has been a shining example of good and there is no question that she has left her mark on the Sacred Heart community,” stated President Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., ’71 (Hamden).

During her time at the Academy, Jillian took part in two mission trips, one to Delaware with Habitat for Humanity and the other to Camden, NJ, one of the most poverty stricken cities in the United States. During junior year she was the recipient of the Lenore LaBonia Memorial Scholarship during junior year, Jillian was recognized “for her love of Sacred Heart Academy and for her service and dedication to her school with thought of reward or recognition” and the Mount Holyoke Book Award. Jillian was a member of National Honor Society, as well as the Science and Spanish Honor Societies. Extracurricular activities include horseback riding, dance, cheerleading, and serving as co-editor of yearbook.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be the recipient of the 2019 Sr. Antonine Signorelli, ASCJ Excelsior Award. Not only has Sacred Heart Academy helped me excel in academics, but I have excelled in my faith as well. Sacred Heart has instilled the values of love and service into my everyday life and I am forever grateful. I would not be the person I am today without the guidance I’ve received from Sacred Heart,’’ shared Jillian.

Jillian is excited to take the next step at Fairfield University in the fall.

Founded in 1946 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart Academy successfully prepares young women in grades 9 – 12 for learning, service, and achievement in a global society. Sacred Heart welcomes 500 students from more than 80 schools and 60 towns in Connecticut and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.