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SHA Helps Others Get One Step Closer to Free

On Saturday, September 9th, more than 50 of our students, faculty and staff rode and volunteered at the 13th annual Closer to Free Ride. Jennifer Raccio`93, Director of Student Experience and Engagement, has been very involved in the Closer to Free Ride for the past five years as a rider and has raised over $10,000 with her team, “Diesel’s Destroyers.”

“As one of our core values, community service is at the very heart of who we are here at SHA,” said Mrs. Raccio, and my commitment to creating unique experiences for our SHA girls led me to form the team, ‘Sacred Heart Academy Sharks.’”  Our team of volunteers supported the event in a variety of ways including serving food/drinks at the rest stop at the Church of the Resurrection in Wallingford as well as at the Yale Bowl in the Kid’s Tent and supporting the riders at the start/finish line. Our SHA riders took part in the 10, 25 and 65 mile routes. The SHA community would like to thank everyone involved an extraordinary day!

It’s not too late to donate in honor of this event. If you would like to make a donation to CTF on behalf of the SHA SHArks, please click the link below for more information. Thank you!

Link to DONATE to the SHA SHArks: https://www.rideclosertofree.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=6754

As part of our involvement with the Closer to Free Ride, Jennifer Raccio ‘93 and Sr. Sheila, Sacred Heart Academy President, participated in a news story with NBC CT. Sr. Sheila and Mrs. Raccio were interviewed to talk about Sacred Heart Academy’s involvement with this year’s Closer to Free Ride.  As one of our core values, community service is integral to the foundation and mission of SHA.  Although a requirement for our students, community service is a way of giving back to those in need and recognizing the importance of looking out for the greater good in our communities.  Mrs. Raccio addressed our students today by saying “Community service doesn’t just end when you graduate from Sacred Heart.  Our hope is that we impress upon you while you’re here, that giving back is a privilege and something that we should be doing for the rest of our lives.” The link to the interview is included below.

Link to WATCH the NBC CT Interview about the Closer to Free Ride: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/sacred-heart-academy-students-volunteer-for-closer-to-free-ride/3088115/