News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy school community came together on April 30 to celebrate Senior Mass for the class of 2026. Bishop Michael Duca was the presider. The Eucharistic celebration was held in the Academy Student Center. 

Senior Brinkley Bennett welcomed the large gathering, which included parents, family members and guests of the senior class, as well as the student body, faculty and staff. Senior Sophie Stelly lit the candle of remembrance to honor those members of the Academy community who have passed away. 

Senior Clarke Carter read from the book of Ecclesiastes. Seniors Isabella Vargas and Amelia Scioneaux offered the prayers of the faithful. 

At the conclusion of mass, Senior Class President Hattie Boone said her memories of her time at SJA were too numerous to contain in one of the memory boxes stored in her closet. “Instead of physical, tangible mementos, I think we should focus on the invisible-to-the-eye but very real foundation SJA created for us in our hearts,” she said. “Our little SJA world built this for us brick by brick, day by day, for four years. With love and lessons from our teachers, coaches, classmates and administration, our foundation became one of service, faith and deep friendship that we are lucky enough to carry with us for the rest of our lives. These are better than any keepsake in a box. These values live within us and forever serve as a reminder of the people and experiences that shaped us at SJA.” 
 
She thanked the seniors’ parents, administration, underclass friends, faculty, staff and her classmates. “As we barrel ahead toward exams and then graduation, so full of excitement but with the stark realization that our days together are coming to an end, we will always share our sisterhood, our love for each other and our beautiful collection of memories too special to capture in a box,” she said. 

She announced that the senior class gift is new furniture for the Technology and Learning Center. 

Principal Stacia Andricain said her heart was full of pride, gratitude and a touch of bittersweet. “You arrived here as freshmen, full of excitement, uncertainty and with so many possibilities and opportunities in front of you,” she said. “Since that first day, you have done far more than simply pass through these halls. You have helped to shape this school. Your laughter, leadership, compassion and resilience have left a lasting mark on our community.
 
“It has been an honor and privilege to watch you become leaders in classrooms, ministers of the Catholic faith, teammates on the field, artists, scholars, servants and friends. You showed us that achievement and kindness are not opposites but partners. You supported one another, served the dear neighbor and made this school stronger.” 

Danielle Laird and Steve Galliano directed the choir. Serving as cantors were seniors Camille Masterson and Allison Riley. Senior Sophie Stelly sang the senior tribute song, Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA. Lending their musical gifts to the celebration were Angela Sneed, piano; student accompanist Olivia Mouch, piano; Stephen Barrios, percussion; and Hugo Andricain, guitar.

Following mass, the SJA Mothers’ Club hosted a reception for seniors and their parents in the Fife Student Commons. Kami Powell was the chair of the host committee.