10 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. FOSTERING COMMUNITY THROUGH One of the core elements of the IB Diploma Program is the Extended Essay (EE)—a 4,000word independent research paper that challenges students to investigate a topic of personal interest. Through this process, students strengthen essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, organization, and academic research, all while working closely with a mentor in the field. Ali Keller ’25 has long held an interest in mental health. Recognizing the pressing nature of mental health issues in today’s world, she chose to focus her EE on the support systems available to individuals facing mental health challenges, especially when those challenges intersect with the justice system. Her research explored what happens when individuals in need of mental health care find themselves institutionalized, whether in a treatment facility or a correctional institution. To deepen her understanding, Ali partnered with NY Supreme Court Judge, the Honorable Paula Feroleto, a past SHA parent (Class of 2002), recipient of SHA’s Franciscan Charism Award, and a judge with significant experience in justice reform. Judge Feroleto provided valuable insights into how the legal system addresses cases where mental illness plays a role in sentencing. Their conversations illuminated the complexities of navigating a system in which the need for care and the structures of punishment often intersect. Ali’s research revealed that while mental health facilities and prisons serve fundamentally different purposes, there are surprising similarities in their treatment of individuals struggling with mental illness, underscoring the urgent need for continued reform. Encouragingly, thanks to the work of advocates like Judge Feroleto, meaningful progress is being made. Each year, Sacred Heart students undertake a wide range of Extended Essay topics that explore everything from global economics to local community issues. These projects benefit tremendously from the guidance of subjectmatter experts. We would love to expand our network of alumnae willing to share their expertise and support the next generation of researchers. If you are interested in mentoring an IB student through her Extended Essay journey, please contact Linda Cimusz at lcimusz@ sacredheartacademy.org. The IB Extended Essay Experience For her IB Extended Essay, Ali Keller ’25 explored the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system with the assistance of subject matter expert, Judge Paula Feroleto. Judge Paula Feroleto
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