Georgina S. (Brizuela --- Class of 1964)
It is with deep respect and love I take this opportunity to write down in a few lines the tremendous impact MHCA has made onmy life. I am one of those past pupils who began her schooling as a 6 year old resident student at the Academy back when boarding school was part of MHCA. I am extremely grateful to my mother who sacrificed her life to give me the best education. She immigrated from El Salvador after being widowed, and being a pastpupil of the Salesians herself, she found no better place but to entrust me to the Sisters at the Academy.

I studied at MHCA from grammar school through my high school years. I learned the meaning of family, the quality of a good education, the utmost respect for God and country, which created the basis for what I am today. MHCA taught me the importance of being prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world, which back in the 1960's was beginning to evolve. This has helped me in my marriage, the raising of my children and the furthering of my higher education. I hold an AAS and BA degree in Business. I am proud to be an alumni of MHCA and hold deep gratitude for the education received at the Academy.

Donna C. - Class of 1965'65
My days at "The Academy" were days that still remain with me today. They were days of warmth, love, kindness, and of course always that slight bit of, Motherly discipline from the Sisters. We were always encouraged to do better, be better women....women of value and Faith. It felt like home, warm and comfortable. Even now if one of us returns for a visit we are always greeted with a hug and smile.I will always have a warm spot and gratitude for the Sisters and MHCA.

Rosanna F.F. - Class of 1988
The education I received at MHCA extended far beyond books and academics. Although I didn't appreciate it at the time, the confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills I was learning have proven to be my most valuable assets from high school. The Salesians and faculty nurture and inspire young women through a learning environment of family, friendship and unconditional support. The academic work did usher my way into higher education, but the lessons that I keep coming back to were taught outside of the classroom. I learned public speaking in Forensics, leadership from student government, responsibility as a camp counselor, communication from peer ministry and through every difficult time I learned faith would carry me though. As a teenager these lessons were important, as an adult they remain a foundation on which I have been able to build upon each day. Not to mention the life long friends I am still close to today - we are culturally diverse, but our common values fostered from our days at MHC keep us tightly knit together. Having two girls of my own, I often consider how I can best prepare them for what the future will hold and I keep coming back to the educational approach I experienced through the Salesians.

Nuha M.K. - Class of 1988
Reminiscing about my days at Mary Help of Christians Academy is always something that I enjoy! As I sit here thinking about what I should include in my testimonial, so many wonderful memories come back to me!
My experience at Mary Help of Christians Academy was very enriching and rewarding in so many ways. I am grateful for such an amazing opportunity! It was at Mary Help that I developed an understanding of faith and spirituality, an appreciation of friendship, the value of an education and tolerance and respect for cultural and religious differences . I remember how passionate the sisters/teachers were about the subjects they were teaching us and how they always had our best interest at heart. The values that our families strived to instill in us at home were reinforced on a daily basis at MHCA. Mary Help was a home away from home for many of us. My fondest memories come from the lifelong friendships that I developed while attending Mary Help. Little did I know back then that the friends that I made 21 years ago as a freshman would be some of my closest friends today. The same friends whose children play with mine and whose homes we gather at for the Holidays. It's no surprise that regardless of our faith and our cultural backgrounds we continue to have the same values and attitudes towards many of life's issues. The four years that we shared at Mary Help of Christians gave us a common foundation. One that we will use in building our own families. The wonderful memories that we share will always give us something to smile about!

Natalie D. - Class of '99
I currently live in New York City. I moved here alone when I was 18 years old. I actually found my apartment in New York when I was 16 years old. This is because I already knew where and what I wanted with my future. When I was in MHCA, I went to martial arts at night time and FIT on the weekends to take college courses. These classes helped me to get into FIT without any question. I highly suggest it for any student in MHCA that is interested in fashion or graphic design. It also helps them to make a portfolio that is professional before they go to any art specialty college. As for martial arts, I received my black belt while I was attending MHCA. This is what helped give me the motivation and drive in my field today. MHCA was the other side of what makes me who I am today, because it helped to keep me sincere and loving towards all my coworkers….especially since I run the whole floor when the main boss isn't around. MHCA helped give me many values that I am very grateful for….including a drive which helped me find my apartment…..and go for my dreams. All my teachers were very supportive of my dreams and aspirations….only helping me to be stronger at what I do.
Again, the values you provide these girls carry on with them for the rest of their lives. I'm sure in the future they will appreciate it even more than they realize!

Yendalee (O.) M. - Class of 98
At the present moment I reside in Garfield, NJ and make candles from my kitchen. It's fun, relaxing, and profitable! Attending Mary Help was the best time of my life! I made so many friends and loved every minute of my High School Years. I met my best friend there who became my Maid of Honor at my wedding!

After graduating Mary Help I went to PCCC and BCCC studying Accounting. I never graduated because I couldn't afford it. I have been employed by an Accounting firm as a Data Entry Specialist for the past 6 years but my employer found a better opportunity in New York but still runs the firm on the weekends. My main job is a Bookkeeper/Receptionist at a Custom Window Treatment company and the Data Entry Specialist as my second job at the Accounting firm.

I recently married the love of my life Julio. We've been together since my senior year of high school. We were married on September 17, 2005! Our families are happy for the both of us. He has a 12 year old son from a previous marriage named Alexander Nikolas. We plan on having children pretty soon.