Sacred Hearts Academy’s longtime head of school, Betty White, has announced that she will retire on July 1 of next year. White has been the chief administrator of the all-girls Catholic school for 27 years, following a career in teaching.
In a Sept. 5 news release, White said she was thankful for the opportunity to lead Hawaii’s largest all-girls school. The Academy has grades preschool through high school.
“Many of my happiest memories are teaching and leading Sacred Hearts Academy students who are now making a difference in their communities, families and world through their work,” she said.
“I am grateful for the dedication of my team and the support they have shown me through the years in creating an environment for girls’ education where girls thrive, excel and achieve,” White said.
As head of school, White’s many accomplishments included transitioning the school from religious to lay leadership and steering the school’s many building plans.
White was responsible for overseeing the additions of the Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center, Mother Louis Henriette Performing Arts Center, McKeough Arts Center, and renovating the Nobriga Gymnasium.
White endorsed a well-balanced college preparatory curriculum, a strong commitment to the performing and visual arts, and a campus infused with Catholic values.
Sacred Hearts Academy board chairman Scott Schroeder highlighted White’s support of a strong STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum.
“Her leadership extended to innovative approaches to national collaborations and outreach by offering annual science symposiums, STEM symposiums, and the Federal Reserve Bank’s Personal Financial Education workshops, all open to girls in the community,” Schroeder said.
Recognized nationally as a leader in girls’ education, White also served as a trustee for the National Coalition of Girls Schools.
Under White’s tenure, Sacred Hearts Academy has been recognized as a National School of Character based on its values and education, including 60,000 hours of community service performed annually by the students.
In its 110 year history, Sacred Hearts Academy has graduated over 12,000 women.