SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 11 Megan Tracy, MD ’94 Dr. Megan Tracy’s focus has always been on service to others. Her energy and enthusiasm for her community were evident during her time at SHA. Throughout college and medical school, Megan focused her efforts where she could make the most impact. In addition to her formal medical training, Megan participated in mission trips as a student at Boston College and went on to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Megan left a busy pediatric practice to pursue a fellowship in neonatology so that she could work with families most in need. With more than 20 years of medical experience, she now splits her time between the NICU at Oishei Children’s Hospital and overseeing their outpatient clinic. Megan coordinates the acute medical care her patients require and ensures they receive the appropriate medical and social services after discharge. This unique arrangement allows her to help families achieve the best possible outcomes for their children. Megan’s service to others does not end when she leaves the hospital. She is actively involved as a volunteer at NativityMiguel, St. Monica Division. There, she co-moderates the Science Club and serves as a mentor to students, potentially inspiring a new generation of caring servant leaders. The Franciscan Charism Award is presented to a member of our extended family who has given unselfishly to further the mission of Sacred Heart Academy. Jim and Lynn Panepinto Jim and Lynn Panepinto first became involved with Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart when their daughter Isabella Panepinto ‘18 started her freshman year. They eagerly supported Sacred Heart activities and events in ways large and small. “Yes!” has always been their response to every request, whether to lead a major fundraising event or pick up a pizza for student volunteers. When their daughter Lily ‘23 joined the SHA community, the Panepintos deepened their involvement, offering professional consultation on building projects from their business, Pinto Construction, and serving as unique voices in the 2022 Strategic Planning retreat that helped chart Sacred Heart’s course for a bright future. With each action, Jim and Lynn exude gratitude for their blessings and profound commitment to their Catholic faith. These values drive the palpable sense of joy the Panepinto family brings to all of their endeavors, truly embodying the spirit of St. Francis. Jim summarizes their commitment to serving their community in this way, “Our family finds tremendous satisfaction with quietly and humbly helping others in need. Whenever and wherever we witness an opportunity of need and respond directly, THAT is where we find Jesus.” The Living the Spirit Award is presented to individuals or organizations who use their Godgiven talents in outstanding service to others following the tradition of St. Francis and St. Clare. Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Province has its motherhouse at Stella Niagara, New York. Part of an international congregation, the order was founded in 1835 in the Netherlands by Mother Magdalen (Catherine) Damen. The congregation’s presence in the United States dates back to 1874 when the first four missionary Sisters arrived in Buffalo, New York. (Learn more about their arrival on pages 4-5.) The Sisters are the founding and sponsoring organization of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. They serve the same role for Stella Niagara Education Park, Francis Center, Center of Renewal Retreat and Conference Center, and Women’s Respite Program. Each ministry the Sisters engage in is inspired by their distinct, Franciscan Charism: Like Francis of Assisi and Magdalen Damen, we trust God’s goodness and providence, living the Gospel in our time with gentle courtesy toward all creation. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity beginning their work in the United States, it is a profound honor for Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart to recognize their accomplishments with the Living the Spirit Award. In honor of the Sisters of St. Francis’ 150th year of service in the United States, they are undertaking a special appeal for Sacred Heart, their oldest sponsored ministry. Through this appeal, the Sisters aim to create a scholarship that will provide an opportunity to a deserving student in financial need, while valuing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. To join their efforts, donate at stellaosf.org and indicate that your gift is in honor of Sacred Heart. An Appeal from the Sisters
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