News Post

Juniors Receive School Rings

St. Joseph’s Academy juniors received their school rings during the 2021 Ring Ceremony, held May 7 in the Academy Student Center. The class of 2022 and their parents gathered for the traditional event, which commemorates the juniors’ three years at SJA and marks the point at which they make the transition to their senior year.

Principal Stacia Andricain welcomed the gathering and introduced guest alumna speaker Megan St. Germain, a 2011 Academy graduate who is a senior marketing specialist for the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans. She is also a member of the SJA Alumnae Board. 

St. Germain reflected on the friendships she made at SJA and the phrase her seven closest friends continue to share with one another today: zoom out. “We use this saying to calm each other down or refocus priorities in tough times,” she said. “The concept is stop, breathe and reflect if this will really be a major deal in a month, year or five years.”

St. Germain also advised the juniors to zoom in. “Be as present as you can this year,” she said. “Go support your friends at their sporting events, dress up for each fun day, be a leader for your little sisters and be there as your best friends get accepted into their dream school. Those memories will be with you forever. Zoom in and be present around the people who mean the most to you and all of the amazing SJA traditions senior year brings. Set your intentions now for what you want to accomplish, and zoom in on that goal.”  

Ava Kadi and Ellen Livingston read from St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Olivia Hotstream and Anna Webre read a message entitled Journey Through Life. Leading the prayers of the faithful were Natalie Alfieri, Caroline Boone, Alana Buckley, Elizabeth Usher, Isabel Ngo and Jemma Wood.

President Jan Rhorer Breen challenged the rising seniors to embrace their leadership role for 2021-2022, when the charism theme will be Relationships: Sacred Threads that Connect. “As you receive your class rings tonight, I know you will always remember the significance of celebrating this rite of passage during these challenging times,” she said. “You and your classmates are resilient and have shown your strength amidst so much uncertainty. You are part of the beautiful tapestry of SJA alumnae all over the world who have upheld our Academy traditions for 152 years. You are women for others as you serve the dear neighbor.”

Hollan Hatzis, junior class president, presented the class accomplishments, reflecting on the challenges and successes to date. “Since freshman year, we have always looked up to our senior class feeling like our time would never come,” she said. “… As our senior year draws near, we have so much more to offer and so many more lives to touch.”

She implored her classmates to embrace the year ahead and build on the foundation they’ve created so far. “Let’s be servant leaders to the whole SJA community,” she said. “Rise to the challenge of leaving a lasting legacy and leaving the school even better than we found it. This is an incredible group of women for others. Take your ring, wear it with pride, use all God has given you and look forward to being the best senior class we can possibly be.”

Blake Hester and Carsyn Smith explained the rich symbolism of the school ring, which is offered in two designs: the traditional black onyx and the red barrel stone. Sister Chris Pologa, CSJ, SJA pastoral care minister, blessed the juniors’ rings, and Andricain and Breen distributed them.

Reagan Angers and Caroline Ruth led the closing prayer. Vivian Dille and Frances Purgerson invited the juniors to participate in the traditional turning of the rings. Alana Buckley and Emma Littleton led the singing of the Alma Mater. 

Aimee Cronan directed the SJA Liturgy Choir, and Aimee Urdiales was the pianist. 

Sarah McCann and Angelle Terrell were the Ring Ceremony coordinators. Emily Peavy called forth each junior to receive her ring.

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos by Jennifer M. Fontaine