Alverno Heights Academy encourages its students to reach out – to explore new horizons, to get involved in global concerns, and to help shape ideas and technologies of the future. Nearly all Alverno students participate in some form of student activities. Student government plays an important role in shaping the school calendar and channeling the efforts of classes. The student leadership program is modeled after the United States Government. Organizations and clubs are plentiful, providing something for everyone; school and community service, academic competitions, cultural interests, spirit building, publications, and the development of special talents.
2020-21 CLUBS
– Movie Club
– Art and Photography Club
– Black Student Association
– Book Club
– Dance Club
– Drama Club
– Fashion Club
– Rainbow Club
– Harry Potter Fandom Club
– Spanish Club
– Anime Club
– Science and Math Club
Student Leadership
Alverno Girls Are Empowered to Lead. At Alverno, we believe in the power of our young women to impact change and through a unique government system more than 50 percent of the Alverno student body is involved in government. Using their voices and the leadership tools Alverno provides these young women are an integral part of building the legacy of Alverno today as well as Alverno tomorrow.
Be A Leader. Leave A Legacy.
On March 20, 1987 twenty-three Alverno Heights Academy students signed a document of Declaration of Suspension and Reconstruction of the nationally traditional ASB Constitution. After visiting our nation’s capital, these young women decided to “break the bonds of a philosophically unsound constitutional structure” and establish a new government based on the government of the United States. Under a new constitution, the Alverno Student Union (ASU) was born.
At Alverno, student government representatives serve in three different branches of the government: federal, legislative, and judicial. The federal government is composed of a President and Vice-President who run on a ticket each year at the annual ASU Nominating Convention held in the spring. :
Following their election, they interview students to serve as members of their cabinet (a list of cabinet positions is attached). The legislative branch is composed of the Alverno Congress, which includes three representatives from each class, or state as they are known at Alverno. Congress drafts, passes, and approves bills and resolutions that affect the entire student body on a wide spectrum of policies. A judicial branch includes two Supreme Court justices from each state and a Chief Justice. The Supreme Court must agree a bill is constitutional before it may go into effect.
All Alverno students are considered to be citizens of the Alverno Union and of their own state as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Each state has its own Constitution as well as the following positions: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant At Arms, and assemblywomen. These young women are responsible for making decisions specific to their own state.
Traditions at Alverno
For 61 years and through the leadership of six different heads of school, Alverno has created, nurtured and grown many beloved customs and traditions, each holding its own unique place in the life of the school, its students, and alumnae.
CLASS COLORS
At the beginning of their freshman year, 9th graders select their class color. They carry the color with them through their four years at Alverno.
BIG SISTER/LITTLE SISTER
Each new student is paired up with a “Big Sister” who welcomes her to Alverno Heights Academy and helps orient her to her new school.
FOUNDER’S DAY
Celebrated on the Feast of St. Francis, Founder’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Alverno’s original founding order, the Sisters of St. Francis. Students attend Mass and participate in various activities related to the school year theme.
HOMECOMING
Celebrated the Saturday following Founder’s Day, Homecoming is a day where all students, parents, alumnae, and alumnae parents are invited to campus to enjoy a full day of festivities- from a 5K walk, a community picnic, to an alumnae cocktail reception hosted in the Villa del Sol d’Oro.
GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY
Alverno students are invited to bring their grandparents or a special friend with them to campus for a day to learn about their host’s daily life at school.
CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION
A living nativity around the Villa del Sol d’Oro, Candlelight Celebration is Alverno’s annual celebration of the Christmas season.
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
An annual event for decades, Alverno students and their dads (or favorite father-figures) enjoy an evening filled with dancing, food, and competitions.
CONVENTION
Alverno’s annual Convention is held to elect the incoming President and Vice-President of the Alverno Student Union. Modeled after the two-party convention of the United States, girls have the experience of participating in a true convention.
RING CEREMONY
Marking the passage into upperclassmen status, sophomores are presented their School rings by Head of School in a formal evening ceremony. Students may choose a ring design that celebrates their uniqueness as an individual as well as their experiences at Alverno.
MOTHER-DAUGHTER BRUNCH
An annual event for decades, Alverno students and their mothers (or favorite mother-figures) celebrate a morning brunch and garden shoppe in the Villa.
MARY’S DAY
The entire Alverno community comes together for a day of reflection and celebration of Mary. States celebrate Mass and participate in friendly competitions to celebrate the end of the school year.
SENIOR FAREWELL
The senior class is treated to a special farewell from the Alverno community prior to graduation. During a school-wide assembly each class presents heartfelt words and small gifts to the graduates.