Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) proudly announces the appointment of Maria Pozzulo Hecht as the 11th principal of the Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory school. Hecht is an experienced educator and strategic administrator. She will assume the role in October 2023. She succeeds Sister Jean Amore, CSJ who has served as principal since September 2018.
Most recently, Hecht was the principal of Floral Park Memorial High School with 1322 students enrolled in grades 7 through grade 12. There, she managed 220 faculty members and was responsible for curriculum and instruction, professional development, recruitment and retention. Prior to that, she was the assistant principal of New Hyde Park Memorial High School for 12 years.
She earned a Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision, an M.S. Secondary Education/English and a B.S. Education/English, all from St. John’s University.
Hecht says, “I want to thank President Graham, The Sisters of St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart Academy’s Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity. I am honored and excited to begin my role as Principal at Sacred Heart Academy, and look forward to working with the students, parents, staff, and the entire SHA community. It is so important, especially in today’s society, to provide young women with opportunities to cultivate confidence, resiliency, and leadership skills that will extend to their post high school experiences. I believe any student can succeed given support, encouragement, and access to opportunities. My goal is to provide the students of Sacred Heart Academy with opportunities that will enable them to flourish.”
Hecht grew up in Port Washington, where she and her husband, Howard, currently reside. Her three sons, Howard, Michael and Joseph attended Chaminade High School. Hecht and her family are members of St. Peter of Alcantara parish and also attend liturgies at Our Lady of Fatima in Port Washington.
“I am so delighted to welcome Maria Hecht as SHA’s next principal. Her career covers every angle of education. As a classroom teacher, chairperson, assistant principal and principal she was the standout choice. Her proven experience as a high school principal will instill great confidence in the faculty, and her reputation for working with students and parents is so impressive. She has already embraced SHA’s mission in her life as a leader of heart She is going to do amazing things.” says President Kristin Lynch Graham.
Hecht is trained in Inclusivity and Research for Better Teaching. She has also been an English department chairperson as well as high school English teacher.
Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, President of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and proud alumna reflected, “The Congregation knows that the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph is foundational to all dimensions of Sacred Heart Academy. We trust that Maria Hecht will be supported well by the community as she assumes the role of principal and leads SHA forward to its next chapter of excellence.”
Sacred Heart Academy is Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Founded in 1949, SHA has more than 12,000 alumnae who live and work around the world. Current students come from over 40 school districts. Graduates go to recognized top-tier colleges and universities, receiving significant academic and athletic scholarship offerings each year.
Sacred Heart Academy combines rigorous academics with leadership opportunities that fosters the values of courage, commitment and compassion. Lead with Heart is the essence of the Sacred Heart Academy experience.