Student Life

WELCOME FROM OUR UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

 Hello Villa Duchesne Community,

My name is Trudy Redmond and I am thrilled and honored to serve as Villa’s Student Council President for the 2026-27 academic year.

In my time here at Villa, I have learned what true sisterhood really looks like. I have shared countless laughs, created endless memories, and experienced more moments of joy than I could ever count. Villa has given me friendships, memories, and a sense of belonging that I will carry with me long after I leave. Although I am graduating at the end of this year, I can confidently say that because of my Villa education, I am inspired to take the light that Villa has instilled in me and share it with the rest of the world. Fittingly, our school-year theme focuses on allowing our unique lights to shine bright. The school-year theme is:

Our theme is inspired by the foundress of the Society of the Sacred Heart, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. Sophie Barat once said, “Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others.” This quote perfectly encapsulates our school-year theme. Here at Villa, we help one another to see the light in everything—the triumphs and the hurdles, the joys and the failures. Our Villa education and Sacred Heart beliefs empower us to strengthen our own, unique lights and allow them to shine brightly not only within our Sacred Heart community, but everywhere we go.

This year, our community has grown, adding 23 new students to the Upper School. Our freshman class of 54 young women can look forward to a bright year ahead; we can already begin to see their lights forming through the smiles on their faces and laughter that can be heard from their common room during almost every point of the day. As for the senior class of 65, the largest senior class in years, their lights will soon be shining brightly in places beyond the Castle. Villa Duchesne is looking ahead to a fantastic year of shining our lights brightly, as we together grow in our faith, our friendships, and our education. 

Over the summer, your Student Council eagerly planned for our 2026–27 school year. We hope everyone had a wonderful start to the school year and is just as excited for the year ahead as we are! I am looking forward to one final year filled with laughter, unforgettable memories, and never-ending smiles here at the Castle, and I know my fellow seniors are, too. As we begin this new school year, I encourage everyone to cherish each and every moment you have here at the Castle. Take advantage of every opportunity, make memories with your friends, and appreciate the little moments that make Villa so special. Trust me, before you know it, you will be wishing you could stay here forever. Let’s make this year one we will never forget!

Thank you, Villa community, for your unwavering support and for granting me this opportunity. 

Trudy Redmond ‘27
Upper School Student Council President