During the last four years, Hannahmia Lauricella’20 was determined to make her mark on IHA with a hard-working and humble attitude. As an active member of the IHA community, Hannahmia participated in all aspects of academia. She was the president of the Spanish National Honor Society during her senior year and a member of Mock Trial, Student Council, the Academic Integrity Committee, National Honor Society, and St. Brigid Society. Hannahmia has also participated in service inside and outside of IHA, as she was a member of the Christian Service Board and organizer of Detainee Allies. Additionally, she has volunteered her time at the Sunrise Living Care Center.

Hannahmia was a model IHA student in the classroom. Throughout her four years at Immaculate Heart, she has made either Honor Roll or Distinguished Honor Roll every semester. She was also selected for the Soaring Eagle Award in History as a freshman. One of her most notable accomplishments was receiving the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 100 hours of service in an academic year.  Hannahmia was accepted to Harvard’s Summer Politics Academy in the summer of 2018, and she participated in an internship at the Bergen County Courthouse. Both of these opportunities helped grow her passion for law.

Beyond the classroom, Hannahmia loves the outdoors. She spends much of her time with her dogs and playing volleyball. She also has an artistic side, as she thoroughly enjoys painting. 

Hannahmia had a rigorous course load at IHA. Some of her favorite classes included Speech, Spanish, AP Psychology, and AP Comparative Government & Politics. Speech was one of her favorite courses because it helped her improve her public speaking skills, which are imperative for a career in law. Her Speech teacher, Mr. Bernardi, described Hannahmia as  “a very composed and articulate speaker in my Speech class.” He continued, “but what impressed me more about her was the kindness and support she showed for other students in the class. It was such a joy to have her in my class.”

Hannahmia also loves history because of its connection to politics and law. Miss Carroll, IHA  assistant principal, Mock Trial moderator, and former history teacher, stated, “I had the pleasure of advising Hannahmia on the Mock Trial team and teaching her in my US I H class during her sophomore year. Hannahmia quickly distinguished herself as an exceptionally hard worker and as having a seriousness of purpose that only developed as she grew. Hannahmia brings a passion to everything she does and is genuinely curious about mastering even the smallest details.” 

Hannahmia will attend New York University in New York City in the fall. She plans on double majoring in political science and Spanish on a pre-law track at NYU. After she receives her bachelor’s degree, she plans on attending graduate law school with the hopes of becoming a lawyer or judge one day. Hannahmia shared, “I want to protect the rights of those who don’t have a voice and find them justice.”

When asked if she had any advice for the underclassmen, Hannahmia encouraged freshmen to go outside of their comfort zone when choosing courses. Best of luck at NYU, Hannahmia. We can’t wait to watch you take on the world. 

By: Julia Marotti’21, Co-Junior Editor-in-Chief