Sacred Heart Academy Celebrates 2025 Alumnae Awards

After graduating from Sacred Heart, Judge Eckerle attended the University of California, Davis, where she obtained a B.A., summa cum laude, in Political Science in 1988. She graduated from law school at the University of California at Berkeley in 1991 and served as an Associate Editor of the California Law Review. She currently serves as a judge in the Kentucky Court of Appeals, following her service for 15 years as a Jefferson (KY) Circuit Court judge.

She has proudly served on the Sacred Heart Schools Board of Trustees and the Alumnae Board and has been a featured speaker at many events sponsored by SHA and the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute (JFLI), always mentoring Valkyries to use their talents to uphold and embody the Ursuline Core Values of Reverence, Service, Leadership and Community. Following an extensive renovation in 2022, the SHA library was renamed the “Judge Audra J. Eckerle ’84 Library” in honor of her unfailing support. Audra has said that during her time at Sacred Heat, the library was a special place for studying and learning, which propelled her to college, law school, and a successful career as an attorney and judge. She said remarked, “I know how truly, truly blessed I was to go to Sacred Heart, get the education, and make the friendships that I had, and I want all of the future Valkyries that go through this school to have the same blessings that I did.”

 

At Sacred Heart, Ruth Kelly wore many hats throughout her storied career: math teacher, retreat director, campus minister, alumnae director, service coordinator, and admissions director. She is the epitome of an Ursuline educator, always serving the needs of the school whether it was inside or outside of the classroom. She is a fervent supporter of SHA athletics and has worked countless student and alumnae events for decades, including accompanying students to West Virgina to distribute toys at Christmas for the Sr. Brendan Appalachian Gift Drive. She also led multiple international trips and opened the world to SHA student travelers.

As SHA’s first retreat director, she led with compassion, faith, and grace, and became a friend and mentor to students and teachers alike, reminding Valkyries to always "live the fourth." As director of admissions and recruiters for many years, Ruth enthusiastically shared her Valkyrie Pride and helped lead hundreds of students to make the choice to attend SHA. Ruth embraces what St. Angela said in her 5th counsel: “Give good example...Teaching more by what you do than by what you say.” Ruth Dilger Kelly ‘66 has left an indelible legacy of excellence in helping thousands of Valkyries grow into strong women of great faith and service.

 

 

 

 

Jackie Hafele ‘10 started as a varsity SHA soccer player all four years, helping the Valkyries win three consecutive state championships. She was named Gatorade Player of the Year, an All-American Athlete, and Miss Kentucky Soccer. Jackie played D-1 soccer at Butler University and was named the Horizon Player of the Year.

 

 

 

Hilary Kargl Pape ’11 helped lead the lacrosse team to SHA’s first state championship in lacrosse in 2011 and was named SHA’s first Miss Kentucky Lacrosse. After graduating, Hilary played lacrosse at Augustana College and became one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of D-III lacrosse.

 

 

 

Kristen Henn Parkhurst ’09 led her field hockey team to three undefeated state championship seasons from 2006-2008 and was named Miss Kentucky Field Hockey in 2008. At Michigan State University, Kristen was a three-year field hockey team captain and was recognized with the Big Ten Medal of Honor. Today, she serves as a D-1 official, coaching and officiating collegiate conference championship games. Despite living out of state, she also provides virtual mentoring to SHA students and the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute.

 

 

 

Nikki Hafele Shook '10 was a starting varsity soccer player all four years at SHA and as team captain from 2008-2010, helped the Valkyries win three state championships. She teamed well with her twin sister, Jackie Hafele, and together, the Hafele sisters were powerhouses on the soccer field. Nikki scored the winning penalty kick her senior year to win the state championship and was named MVP of the game. She was was an All-American Athlete and was named Gatorade Player of the Year. Nikki played D-1 soccer at Butler University but endured a career-ending injury in her sophomore year. She graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina and later received her MBA, CPA from the University of Louisville.

 

 

The Colonel embodied the Ursuline Core Values of leadership, community, service, and reverence. He coined the phrase “Valkyrie Pride” as a way of life and he held all SHA students to a high standard. He also had a soft side, throwing himself with gusto into student life and participating in and moderating clubs, activities, retreats, and events. He expected excellence and leadership, but most of all, wanted his Valkyries to become kind, strong women of great faith. Legions of SHA alumnae keep in contact with the Colonel, and he remains one of SHA’s most ardent supporters even in retirement. His profound impact on Sacred Heart Academy will be remembered always.