We are so grateful for the HNA community's tremendous support at the 2026 annual CHEER dinner and auction. With your generous bidding and donations, we raised more than $400,000, which goes towards HNA's scholarship endowment to support need-based tuition assistance and the mission of the Academy. Thank you to the many donors, sponsors, advertisers, guests, and volunteers who made CHEER 2026 a celebration to remember.
We were delighted to welcome back Clara Kang-Crosby '22 and Stella Quinn '24 to speak on the importance of tuition assistance and how it positively affects every student under the Dome. The following excerpts are taken from their Fund-A-Need speeches, sharing personal reflections on the impact of tuition assistance at HNA:
Clara Kang-Crosby '22: "My time at Holy Names would not be possible without the support from financial aid and the endowment program. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to attend an institution that fostered a sense of community, love of learning, and social justice. Thanks to the unconditional support from my peers and teachers, I found a community that feels like family."
Stella Quinn '24: "I am beyond blessed for where I am today and the opportunities that have shaped who I am. I want to thank all of the donors that made my experience possible at Holy Names. I would not be here without you. Without the financial aid I received, I would not be able to call myself a proud HNA alum."
The Blessed Marie Rose Award was presented to Mary Herche, parent to Katie Herche Welch ’02. Mary has embraced our mission for 28+ years with exceptional dedication, offering her leadership, wisdom, and generosity in ways that have strengthened every corner of our community. Mary also became HNA’s first Honorary Alumna!
CHEERs to a wonderful evening and Save the Date for next year’s CHEER – April 17, 2027!