Sister Edith Wyss, OSF, assumed the role of principal in 1989. In 1990, Sacred Heart Academy began the tradition of the annual Walkathon. Also in the mid-1990s, the Footprints program was established, which encouraged students to do community service following in the footprints of St. Francis of Assisi. Students volunteered their time in libraries and nursing homes, and worked as hospital aides. On December 8, 1994, the Chamber Singers were invited to sing at one of the White House Christmas performances. In 1999, to help foster such musical talent, the school purchased a building at the corner of Main and Maynard, which was renovated to be used as Clare Music Hall and named in honor of St. Clare of Assisi.
If the turn of the century was the city’s golden age in terms of business and culture, the early 1990s was its sports golden age. The Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Jim Kelly, went to four consecutive Super Bowls, and though they never won rings, their record was thrilling for the economically depressed city. In 1996, the new hockey arena, originally called Marine Midland Arena, opened. In 1992, the local economy experienced a boost as the Ford Motor Company decided to invest in the Hamburg plant. Later, Casino Niagara, the Walden-Galleria, and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport opened, drawing new tourism to the region.