St. Alphonsus Scholarship Recipients

On Sunday, May 19, 2025, the St. Alphonsus Education Endowment recognized several All Saints Academy students during their annual Honors Mass. Principal, Mrs. Megan Schneider, joined members of the Endowment Board to present the scholarship awards.

The Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters established the Sr. Roberta Hefferan and Sr. Olga Mizzi Scholarships in the names of two members of their community who were deeply engaged in St. Alphonsus Parish.

Sister Roberta Hefferan, OP, recognized and responded to the needs of others through vibrant social outreach programs, including the Food & Clothing Pantry. The winner of the Sr. Roberta Scholarship is Thatcher M.  His nominating teachers, Melanie Groh and Vonnie Clark, had the following to say:

Thatcher is always willing to help his teachers and peers with any project: big or small.… He is in the choir at ASA for Mass with Mrs. Clark. He and his family volunteer at St. Al’s Lenten Fish Fry evenings. He attends VBS each summer with his siblings. Overall, Thatcher has a beautiful servant heart, willing to step in at any time.

Thatcher does a great job participating in Liturgical Music. He has a great attitude in the Classroom and at Mass….I love that he is such an active participant in the Parish. He also told me that he ushered at the Cathedral, and the Bishop gave him Communion - I love hearing how important that was to him.

Sister Olga Mizzi, OP, was devoted to religious service and education and brought joy and knowledge to thousands of students as a teacher in St. Alphonsus School. The winner of the Sr. Olga Mizzi Scholarship is Andrew M., who was nominated by teachers Alixe LaFramboise and Liz Beckwith. 

Andrew is a highly deserving candidate for this scholarship due to his dedication to excellence in academics, music, athletics, and service. His passion for reading inspires his classmates, fostering a love for literature within his classroom community. As a talented musician, he shares his gifts by playing the saxophone and flute at Mass almost every weekend at St. Alphonsus. Beyond his talents, Andrew exemplifies kindness, respect, and leadership, making him a valued friend and role model. He truly embodies our core values of faith, learning, loving, and serving in all aspects of his daily life.

The Sean Earl Scholarship is awarded to 7th-grade students attending All Saints Academy who demonstrate strength of character, kindness, and service toward others. Mr. and Mrs. Earl joined the Endowment Board in presenting the memorial award to this year’s recipients Jacob P. and Andrew M.

Miles B. was the recipient of the St. Alphonsus Founders’ Fund Scholarship. The Founders’ Fund Scholarship is awarded to a qualifying new student at All Saints Academy who is also a St. Alphonsus parishioner. 

 Congratulations to all of the award recipients!  Thank you, St. Alphonsus Education Endowment, for your support of All Saints Academy and our students!

First grade visits the Critter Barn!

In May, our first graders stepped out of the classroom and into the barnyard for an exciting field trip to the Critter Barn in Zeeland, Michigan! The day started off a bit chilly, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a beautiful day outside with the animals. Bundled up and full of excitement, our students were ready for a day of hands-on learning and discovery.

Our adventure began with an animal parade! Staff members introduced us to several animals who live on the farm, and students got the chance to gently pet them. It was the perfect way to start the day and sparked lots of curiosity right away.

   

Then students rotated through stations where they:

 Held chickens and noticed the differences in feathers, combs, and feet

   

Met a 3-year-old pig and her adorable piglets

 

Learned about different breeds of ducks and what makes each one special.

Learned how goats eat and discovered that they don’t have upper front teeth—just a tough upper gum that helps them chew their food!

  

Afterward, we gathered back in the class to explore more about wool from sheep, different types of eggs, and rabbits. One of the biggest highlights was milking a goat! Students were amazed by the process and loved the chance to try something new.

     

 

To wrap up our day, we took a full tour of the barn, putting our new knowledge into action as we met more animals up close. At each stop, students had the chance to observe, ask questions, and interact. The tour consisted of:

Holding baby chicks and bunnies

 

 

 

    

Corralling and feeding chickens

 

 

Going inside a goat pen, where students got to feed the goats and interact with them up close.

 

 

Meeting some cats that were up for adoption

  

Visiting a sweet, retired horse named Bobby!

 

Every moment offered a meaningful connection where wonder met learning. We were grateful for the opportunity to appreciate God’s creatures and deepen our understanding of His amazing creation.