Triple Threat: The Donahue-Wilfred Sisters Excel at Cardinal Spellman High School

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March 7, 2025

Triple Threat: The Donahue-Wilfred Sisters Excel at 

Cardinal Spellman High School

By Lauren Sullivan

Brockton, MA – At Cardinal Spellman High School, excellence isn’t just encouraged, it’s the standard. Nowhere is this more evident than in the incredible achievements of the Donahue-Wilfred sisters, Lydiah, Annaikiah, and Juliah. These three exceptional young women embody the values of faith, leadership, and determination, excelling across academics, athletics, and the arts.

Lydiah, a senior at Cardinal Spellman High School, has proven herself as one of the top athletes in the Catholic Central League (CCL). This indoor track & field season, she finished undefeated in the 55m hurdles and high jump, earning the prestigious CCL MVP award. She is a team captain, showcasing her leadership skills both on and off the track. Lydiah has broken multiple school records, including the 55m hurdles, 60m hurdles, 4x50 relay, 800m, and the pentathlon, with personal bests that make her one of the best to ever compete at Cardinal Spellman. “She is a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Jordan Williams, Track & Field Coach. “She has balanced the demands of training and competition while excelling in the classroom.” Lydiah also served as team captain for the Varsity Volleyball team in her junior and senior years. 

With a remarkable 4.56 GPA and acceptance into Harvard University, Lydiah exemplifies the perfect balance of athleticism and academic excellence. “Lydiah is among the very best that I have ever taught in my 28 years of teaching,” said Mr. Rich Domingos, Math Teacher. As president of National Honor Society and Class Treasurer for Student Government, she showcases the power of a well-rounded education.

Throughout her high school years, Lydiah has embraced a variety of service and faith-based experiences that have had a profound impact on her personal growth. She participated in the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and traveled to Jamaica for the school’s service trip this summer. These experiences, coupled with moments of spiritual reflection, such as a transformative adoration during ASP, have brought Lydiah a deeper love for her faith and family. Her journey is a testament to the values Spellman instills in its students: excellence in education, faith, and service. 

Annaikiah and Juliah, twins in their sophomore year, are following closely in their sister’s footsteps while making their own distinctive marks on Spellman. “They lead, they inspire, and they excel in everything they set their minds to,” said Ms. Denise McLaughlin, Science Teacher. Their rigorous academic path includes multiple AP courses and participation in Spellman’s Health Careers Pathway Program in partnership with Laboure College, an initiative that provides students with valuable college credits and healthcare certifications. 

Along with being strong academic performers, they are also gifted musicians. The twins have been selected to participate in the Bridgewater State Honor Band where their music teacher, Ms. Morgan Foster, praises them for their contributions to the band and class leadership. Juliah serves as the band’s conductor and plays the clarinet, and Annaikiah plays the flute.

With Annaikiah serving as Class Treasurer and Juliah as Class Secretary, they continue to serve as exemplary role models for their peers. They take the lead on running class fundraisers and cherished school traditions like ‘Deck The Halls’. This year, they organized a successful fundraiser for Dana Farber Oncology, raising over $2,500. Dan Higgins, History Department Chairperson, describes them as some of the most impressive students he’s had in over a decade of teaching. 

The twins’ dedicate their successes to the Spellman atmosphere. The close-knit community helps the girls stay motivated and supported in their achievements. They commend their teachers for establishing strong relationships with each student, promoting a positive and encouraging learning environment.

Individually, Annaikiah is recognized as a dominant force in the Catholic Central League. She holds school records in the long jump and triple jump for the 2025 indoor season and remains undefeated in the long jump within the CCL. Her performances have earned her the title of Girls Outstanding Performer - Field Events. 

Off the track, Annaikiah excels academically with a GPA of 4.41, balancing her athletic commitments with rigorous coursework. “She continues to push boundaries and set new goals, proving that she is not only one of the top athletes in her league but also a well-rounded student with a bright future,” said Coach Williams. With her determination and impressive achievements, Annaikiah’s potential is limitless.

Juliah, equally driven, has established herself as a versatile and accomplished student-athlete. After setting a school record in the 400m hurdles last season, Juliah shifted her focus to gymnastics, competing at the Level 9 ranking. She has earned recognition as a two-time state all-arounder and regional all-arounder. Recently, she qualified for the high school state individual meet, further cementing her reputation as one of the most well-rounded athletes at the school. 

With a GPA of 4.43, Juliah balances her athleticism with academic success and music. “Her journey is far from over, and it will be exciting to see what she accomplishes next,” says Coach Williams.

At Cardinal Spellman High School, students don’t just dream, they achieve. The Donahue-Wilfred sisters are living proof that with the right environment, where faith, education, and opportunity intersect, anything is possible. Their story is just one of many at a school dedicated to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Cardinal Spellman High School - Where More Becomes Possible.