Ringing in the Next Generation of Duchesne Seniors

On April 21, the Duchesne juniors and seniors gathered on the White House Lawn to commemorate the annual Junior Ring Ceremony.

It was one of those rare spring cold fronts with wind chills in the forties, yet there could not be more excitement to have an in-person ceremony. Parents were socially distanced in groups of two, and juniors were seated six feet apart from their chosen senior sister. There was even a special visit from Father James Murphy of St. Thomas High School, who held the Mass, led the ceremony, and performed a one-man show singing a 70s song.

The juniors were thrilled to receive their rings, knowing they would soon be the leaders of the school. The seniors were equally excited to share the experience. It was bitter sweet for the seniors because they knew that their time at Duchesne was soon coming to a close. The seniors placed their junior sister’s ring facing inwards (for their last year at Duchesne), while the seniors received their ring from their junior sister facing outwards (to wear as they go off into the world).  

The class rings are a symbol of upperclassmen status and to signify the wearer’s membership in the Society of the Sacred Heart (a global alumni network with over 160 participating schools worldwide). Class rings are a common tradition among most senior classes. What is unique about Duchesne’s class ring is that it is recognizable by every Sacred Heart alumnus around the globe. 

After the ceremony, some seniors had advice to offer to the incoming senior class. Senior Ramsey Ruffeno cautioned, “Don’t get senioritis. I know it’s easy to give up but push through and truly enjoy your final year.” Senior Sarah Calvin advised, “Be a leader and have fun. Enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast!” 

Juniors Nia Brown, Alicia Lyon, and Christina Balboa show off their class rings. (Photo: Olivia Watson)

With graduation only two weeks away, the juniors cannot wait for their senior year. Junior Emma Ambrose said she was looking forward to being on the top of the food chain. Junior Sophia Hellman said she can't wait to use the [Senior] lounge. Just last month when the seniors were away on a retreat, several juniors were spotted inside the senior lounge with tape measures, trying to figure out how they would redecorate the place. 

Next year’s Ring Ceremony will be our turn to pass on our advice to the next class. And next year will shape the advice we will provide. As Father Murphy sung his favorite song from the 70’s, “the wheel keeps turning” I thought about the song from the 90s by The Rembrandts, “I’ll Be There For You.”