St. Agnes Sixth Grade Teacher Honored as Outstanding Educator

We are pleased to announce that St. Agnes Academy sixth grade teacher Kelly Healy is the 2026 recipient of the Albertus Magnus Award. The award, presented annually by the Board of Trustees, recognizes an outstanding educator who demonstrates the Four Pillars of the Dominican charism - Study, Prayer, Community and Service. Ms. Healy will be honored at a ceremony following the All School Mass on April 23rd. 

Ms. Healy began teaching at St. Agnes in 2009. In her 17 years she earned respect and admiration from her fellow teachers as someone who consistently goes above and beyond for her students, her colleagues, and the school community.

In the classroom, her instructional approach blends both innovative and traditional teaching methods to meet the diverse learning needs of her students. At the heart of her educational philosophy is the relational piece – getting to know her students and building trust.

According to her coworkers, “Kelly has a special gift for understanding and embracing each student.” She takes the time to know her students as individuals, so that in addition to their academic achievement, she can guide them toward personal growth. Each of her students knows that they are loved and supported.

“Ms. Healy is a pillar of the SAA Lower School experience,” said SAA Lower School Dean Jenn Wojcik.  “Girls cannot wait to be in her class, and those who have moved on to Junior High, Upper School and beyond return to Ms. Healy often for friendly visits, encouragement, or advice. 

 “The same is true of her relationships with colleagues. Ms. Healy intuitively reads people, quickly connects, and speaks truth with love. She is a master teacher, a community builder, and a model of faith-filled love and joyful energy,” Dean Wojcik added.

Always willing to contribute to the community through leadership and service, she has served on many committees, from curricular projects to the current SAIS Faith & Community Committee. She serves as a eucharistic minister and leads the Lower School’s Meet in the Middle sessions whenever she has the opportunity.

Ms. Healy prioritizes a welcoming and connected school culture. She organizes the sixth grade Morning Greeters, who ensure that every student is welcomed each morning with a smile and a sense of belonging. 

One colleague explained, “She is consistently the first to volunteer her time, energy and resources to help others. She sees service as a privilege, living out Christ’s call to love and serve others with humility and joy.”

Ms. Healy has two children, Mara (SAA ’15) and Ethan (CBHS ‘11). Outside of school, she is a committee member for Rondivous, a new ovarian cancer research fundraiser in honor of her best friend--work that is deeply personal and meaningful to her. On our campus, and in the greater Memphis community, Kelly’s contributions will leave a lasting impact on the lives of many.