My time at Villa began in pre-school in 2011, back when Villa was PreK to grade 12. From the very beginning, the community at VVA has surrounded me with nothing but support, thoughtfulness, compassion, and inspiration. Whether it be the teachers, faculty, administrators, or my peers, I’ve always felt like I had people in my corner, ready to cheer me on and push me to be the very best version of myself. The Villa community has helped me reach success and be confident in both my career and myself.

One of the instrumental values of VVA, which sets the school apart from other private schools, is the importance placed on helping young girls to understand and strengthen their faith in God. As a Catholic school, Villa Victoria Academy has been a prominent part in the strengthening of my personal relationship with God and my faith. With daily religion classes, supportive members of the Church, and many opportunities to attend Mass throughout the school year, I have been able to develop my understanding of the Catholic faith and deepen my spiritual connection to God. VVA has educated me not only on the principal values of Catholicism, but also how to emulate Jesus in my daily life and how to feel connected to God through prayer.

Another important aspect of my time here at Villa Victoria Academy is the sense of community and friendship that is always present. I still remember being a little preschooler and feeling so special when the 6th graders would come up to talk to me. The tight-knit, all girls student body makes it very easy to find friends and establish friendships that will last long after high school. Additionally, the encouraging faculty are always willing to converse and discuss any matters and concerns that a student might have. Being at Villa has improved my social skills and made it easier for me to hold conversations with anybody I meet. I have been given many opportunities to practice my public speaking and develop communication skills that I will take with me into my future professional environments.

In addition to the communication skills I’ve learned at Villa, I have also acquired many other attributes that will help me in my future schooling and in the workplace. One of my personal qualities that has proven paramount in my high school career is time management. I have been a competitive dancer since the age of 5, meaning my schedule can look extremely busy all days of the week. While fostering challenging academics and working to enhance the minds of students, VVA also places emphasis on managing time properly in order to stay on top of everything without having to reduce time spent on other interests. I have also grown my leadership skills at Villa. I’ve had the honor of serving in multiple official leadership positions, such as a Student Council Class Representative and as a member of the National Honor Society, as well as being a leader in informal ways, such as helping group activities, talking to underclassmen, and acting as a peer tutor. These experiences have allowed me to be able to understand how to work in collaboration with my peers, be an active member of my community, and act as an advocate for those around me.

Juliana DeFrancesco is a member of the Class of 2025 at Villa Victoria Academy. Juliana is pictured second from left with her mother and two of her classmates on Villa’s career day.