45 Days of Sister Percylee Hart

For 45 incredible years, Sister Percylee Hart led Union Catholic with unwavering faith, vision, and passion. To honor her remarkable legacy, we shared 45 Days of Sister Percylee Hart, a social media campaign filled with memories, gratitude, and throwbacks. You can now revisit our 45-day journey below!

As we continue to celebrate Sister's profound impact on generations of UC students and families, we invite you to consider making a gift in her honor. Your support helps carry forward the mission she championed with passion and dedication.

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Day 1: 45 Days of Sister Percylee Hart Kickoff

Day 2: Sister Percylee, The Child

Sister Percylee was born on March 3, 1935. She just celebrated her 90th birthday!

I was born the daughter of Florence and James, the only girl of four children. A deep faith in God, a positive outlook on life, and unbounded charity for those in need were special gifts my father possessed and nurtured in me. My mother’s sense of worth as a woman, her zest for life, and her resilience during 24 years of illness modeled for me the 'how' to live one’s life. My three brothers, Jack, Jim and Paul, were great to grow up with, and their love and support of me and my life as a Sister of Mercy have been a special blessing in my life. Sister Percylee hart

Day 3: Becoming a Sister of Mercy

Sister was just 17 when she entered the Sisters of Mercy religious community on September 24, 1952.

My attraction to religious life began at the early age of four. A vacant lot separated our family home from the convent of the Sisters of St. Francis (Syracuse), who taught elementary school in our parish, St. Joseph, East Camden, NJ. Often, I could be found with my face pressed against the screen door of the convent chapel attempting to chant along with the sisters as they prayed together. I first met the Sisters of Mercy when I enrolled in Camden Catholic. Most of my teachers were sisters. They were forward thinking women whose embodiment of the gifts of Catherine McAuley was most evident in their works of mercy. Through interactions with the sisters in and out of the classroom, I came to the realization that, though I loved the Franciscan Sisters, I was being called to be a Sister of Mercy. Sister Percylee hart

Day 4: A Timeline of Sister's Career in Education

1953-1954: St Francis School, Metuchen (first teaching assignment)
1954-1958: St Mary’s, Bordentown, NJ
1958-1962: St Mary’s, Alpha, NJ
1962-1970: Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, NJ (chemistry teacher)
1970-1980: Principal of Red Bank Catholic, Red Bank, NJ
1980-2025: Principal of Union Catholic High School

Day 5: The 80's

Day 6: The 90's

Day 7: The 2000's

Day 8: The 2010's

Day 9: The 2020's

Day 10: The Core Values

Throughout her 45 years as principal, Sister Percylee Hart has always been guided by the five core values that serve as the pillars of our school community. These values—respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and community—have shaped not only the students’ journeys but the very spirit of our school. Today, we reflect on one of these foundational pillars: respect.

Our students know that it's OK to be who they are. To be able to say, I am who I am. I respect myself. I respect others. To see each of our students go down the path that empowers them to reach their full potential, whatever it is, they shine, and you can see that they're so happy. Sister Percylee hart

Day 11: Community

Sister Percylee believed Union Catholic was more than a school; it was a reflection of God’s love in action. She nurtured a community where unity, faith, and compassion were lived out every day. People can feel the difference when they walk through our doors.

We need to build up the kingdom of God, and we do that by bringing unity into our school, which is shared among everyone who comes to Union Catholic. People will walk into this building and say, There's something different about this place. It’s a little microcosm of loving one another. This sentiment resonates deeply with everyone who becomes part of the UC family. Sister Percylee hart

Day 12: Honesty

In every moment, Sister Percylee gave her heart to Union Catholic’s students, and in return, they gave theirs right back.

Our students really love Sister because whenever she speaks to them, they clearly see that what she is saying is sincere and from the heart. Sister Percylee truly sees UC students as her children. cas jakubik

Day 13: Responsibility

Sister has always been the "Responsible Leader." Sister Ann once described Sister's commitment to her calling as follows:

When I came to live at UC‘s convent, I marveled at this woman who rose early to pray (4:30 AM) and then to begin her duties as principal. In addition to the enormity of this duty, Sister Percy was coordinator of the convent, so besides overseeing a staff of 80 to 90 people, she had the well-being of several sisters to look after. She did so with care for the needs of each one with compassion in time of sorrow or illness and with humor beyond belief. Over the years, our conversations ranged from the timing of the next school-wide mailing to the mundane, Is there enough milk for the weekend? Sister Percylee has answered the challenge she always offers to our students: be all that God calls you to be! Her answer has ALWAYS been, Yes, Lord, here I am! SISTER ANN SULLIVAN

Day 14: Happy Easter

On this blessed Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the renewal of hope and faith. As we reflect on the incredible journey of Principal Sister Percylee Hart, we are reminded of the love and dedication she has shown to our community—just as Christ has shown us love through His resurrection. This Easter, we thank God for the many blessings we’ve received, and for the guidance of Sister Percylee, who has led with faith, compassion and purpose over the last 45 years. Just as Easter brings new beginnings, so too does this new chapter in Sister's life. May we all continue to grow in faith and love as we move forward into the future, carrying the spirit of renewal with us.

Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Easter!

Day 15: The story of How the Statue of Mary Came To Be

When I arrived at UC, the school was a teenager. The Union Catholic building was unidentifiable from the road. In the center of the front lawn was an empty circle with a path leading directly to it. I always felt the circle was patiently waiting for our Blessed Mother. One day, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I was out front leaving for mass with a friend, Levia Keleman. I lamented out loud about the empty circle, 'For 20 years that circle has been waiting for Our Lady.' Levia replied, 'Well, why isn’t she there?' Thanks to that conversation and the generosity of Levia Keleman, our beautiful Lady of Peace became a reality. Each time I look at Mary, I am filled with joy knowing she is there welcoming all to Union Catholic. SISTER PERCYLEE HART

Day 16: A Pioneer for Women's Sports

Sister Percylee has dedicated over four decades to promoting women’s athletics, and it fills her with immense pride and satisfaction to witness the progress that has been made.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve over so many years, which has enabled me to provide the modeling of leadership for young women to go forward in areas that weren’t open to women before." Her groundbreaking work has paved the way for future generations of female athletes at UC, leaving a lasting impact on our school community. SISTER PERCYLEE HART

Day 17: Securing the Future of Catholic Education

The biggest challenge facing Catholic schools is financial security." This is our present reality at Union Catholic, but with your steady financial support, we can continue providing the quality, faith-based education our wonderful students deserve. Let’s work together to keep a good thing going.SISTER PERCYLEE HART

Day 18: Highlights from UC's 50th Anniversary

Day 19: Happy Arbor Day

Day 20: Become All God Calls You To Be

One of our principal's favorite principles! At its core, this guiding principle calls each of us to recognize the unique gifts God has given us and to use those gifts to make a difference in the world.

Sister Percylee believed that becoming all God calls you to be is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. It is about listening for God’s voice, growing through both triumph and trial, and choosing a life of meaning over ease. It is rooted in faith and purpose, strengthened by perseverance, and lived out through service and leadership.

Today, and every day, we thank Sister for calling us to become all God calls us to be, and for walking with us every step of the way.

Day 21: Gifts & Talents

Sister Percylee’s vision was always to create a school where students are not only educated, but also empowered to discover who they are and what they are meant to do. Whether a student’s talents lie in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, or service, Union Catholic is a place where those gifts are nurtured and encouraged to flourish.

Each child is special, God's creation. They have special gifts and talents, and the call is to become all God calls you to be. And here at Union Catholic, we’re going to help you do that.SISTER PERCYLEE HART

Day 22: Community is a Unifier

At Union Catholic, these words are more than a sentiment. They reflect the very foundation of who we are. The strength of our school comes from the people who fill its halls: the students, faculty, families, alumni, and supporters who live out our core values each day. Sister Percylee’s leadership created a culture where everyone is seen, valued, and supported.

The UC Community is REAL. We are Resilient, Empathetic, Active in faith, and Loving in spirit. This is a place where bonds are built for life and where community is not just something we talk about, but something we live. Sister’s legacy reminds us that we are strongest when we come together, guided by shared values and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.

Day 23: Mr. UC & Relay for Life

In honor of today’s Mr. UC pageant and SMAC's Relay for Life, we are throwing it back to some epic Mr. UC showdowns and that iconic Viking helmet crown! And who could forget the energy of Relay for Life, when we all walked the track for a cause. Sister Percylee was always right there, cheering us all on.

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Day 24: IHM Connection

Sister's Special Connection to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

We first met 40 years ago, the principal and me, the junior student. When I first arrived at IHM as the pastor, the first call/meeting request I received was from Sister Percylee. She wanted to touch base to welcome me to the parish and congratulate me, so I told the staff, my first day and I’m already being called into the principal’s office. Everyone had a great chuckle about that.

Our relationship works well because both of us are interested in the well-being of each other as individuals and institutions. We both want Union Catholic to succeed in its mission of faith filled education, and we both want IHM to succeed in its mission of bringing faith and worship to the community. In our own ways we are both part of the UC community and the IHM community.

FATHER MICHAEL WARD '82

Day 25: The May Crowning Tradition

A Month for Mary 💙

There are two Our Lady of Grace statues at Union Catholic. One on our front lawn and the other in our main foyer. Presenting Mary with a crown full of blossoms signifies her Queenship as the mother of Christ the King. Mary is our helper and our intercessor. We honor her as the mother of Jesus who loves us more than you can ever imagine. The crowns are placed on our Blessed Mother and will remain for the entire month of May. We love you, Mary.SISTER PERCYLEE HART

Day 26: She Greeted Us

Day 27: She Encouraged Us

Day 28: She Supported Us

Day 30: She Believed in Us

Day 31: Keep the Beat Going

Day 32: She Taught Us

Day 34: Sister Trivia Part 1

Day 35: Happy Mother's Day

💐 In every mother’s love, our values bloom! Happy Mother’s Day from Union Catholic!

P.S. Enjoy this little laugh from Mary Ellen Wischusen, Secretary to the Principal, who once—caught in the whirlwind of a busy day—accidentally called Sister Percylee “Mom.”

To be fair, Sister kept us on schedule, made sure the lights were off, the doors were locked, and the children were happy. So… Mom energy? Definitely!

Day 36: Senior Send-Off Traditions with Sister

Day 37: Sister Trivia Part 2

Day 38: Gratitude for Your Generosity

Today, we want to express our gratitude 🙏 We are grateful to everyone who has donated to this campaign in honor of Sister Percylee's 45-year tenure! Your generosity reflects the appreciation our community has for all the years of guidance, care and leadership Sister has so graciously given to us. Thank you for contributing to the school Sister has nurtured. 💙

Day 40: Cheers to 45 Years

Day 41: Heartfelt Video Tributes to Sister

Day 42: What Sister Means to Us

Day 43: With Love, From the UC Family

Day 44: From Sister, with Gratitude

Sister Percylee shares thanks and beautiful moments from her retirement celebration.

As we near the end of our 45-day tribute to our steadfast leader, we invite you to be part of a lasting gift that reflects Sister's dedication and impact. Your donation will ensure that her legacy continues to inspire future generations. Thank you for your support. 💙

Day 45: Thank You for Everything, Sister Percylee

Sister leads us in the Prayer of St. Francis—our school prayer—as a blessing for the entire community. As she enters retirement, this moment is both a reflection and a celebration of the faith and unity she’s nurtured. May her words continue to bless and inspire our entire community. Thank you for being here! 💙

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