St. Mary's Academy

About an Educator

This is Amy Graham’s first year at St. Mary’s Academy High School. Ms. Graham teaches Spanish I, II, III, and Spanish Culture & Conversation. She loves teaching the different levels of Spanish and seeing how the students progress with the language. Ms. Graham is also a 9th grade advisor and co-sponsors the diversity club. She is helping organize and mentor a subgroup of the club, the Latina club. Ms. Graham earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Second Language Acquisition and Teaching from the University of Oregon. She studied abroad in Queretaro, Mexico where she lived with a family and worked on developed her Spanish speaking skills. In March, Ms. Graham will receive her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. She loves SMA because she’s able to get to know people rather than just Spanish students. Ms. Graham enjoys the strong community of SMA.

A Student's Perspective

“I became a more confident and independent young lady --- characteristics that may not have been omnipresent if I went to a coed school. At SMA, students are not worried about making mistakes and speaking out in class. Status isn't an issue. Here we’re a family where learning and fun coincide,” says alumna, Jenifer Snow, class of 2006.

Beyond the Classroom

In the giving spirit of the holidays, each advisory adopts a family in need. Based on the family needs and wishes, students participate by contributing girls to help make the family’s Christmas brighter. This is fun for the students but it also gives them an opportunity to serve the larger community during the holidays.