St. Agnes Graduation: The Class of 2016 Did It!

The Class of 2016 proceeding into their seats. 

May 22, 2016 will be a day that the Class of 2016 will forever remember. That was the day that they became members of the elite club of St. Agnes Alumnae.

As an underclassmen, I’ve watched these seniors laugh, cry, cram studying for their calculus test last minute, sleep and then repeat. It took a lot serious strength to fight the inevitable senioritis, but some did and some didn’t.

This was a graduating class that will never be forgotten. Our Student Body President, Evangeline Carson brought happiness and laughs to all, every morning during our school announcements. Aris Smith kept our school spirit high, and our pep rallies always loud and full of excitement. Lastly, Amani Henry opened a safe space to discuss cultural issues in one of the biggest clubs that we have here on campus, Voices of Black Youth. To say the least, this senior class left their mark in many fields, and I’m pretty sure that there won’t be another class like this one. 

Kendall Hollingsworth watching her fellow classmates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. 

I attended this year’s graduation for the first time and boy was it a sight to see. Seeing people’s friends and family look onto the girls with such admiration and joy. The sea of white gowns and caps filled the gym as they walked into take their seats. Graduation consisted of a full mass, a speech from our Head of School, Sister Jane Meyer, and a short and sweet speech from the Valedictorian Jaime Smith. 

But after all of that, it was time for the diplomas to be given out. Girls walked onto the stage with wide smiles. They shook hands with Sr. Jane Meyer and were handed their diplomas and then continued onto Mrs. Eichelberger for her to turn their tassel, so they were an official graduate. The moment in itself was tear-jerking for not only me as a friend, but also for mothers, fathers, and siblings who were watching as well. Then came the moment the seniors were waiting for, they were finally allowed to throw their hats in the air and make everything official.

Hats flew and laughs and smiles were heard and seen all around. After the graduates proceeded out of the gym, they all searched to find their families to receive flowers, gifts, hugs and, of course, it was picture time. The girls were flashing their diplomas, and rightfully so because they earned it. This hard work that this class put forth to get to that moment is unmatched. But now it is time to let them go. They are on to Ivy Leagues schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as Private and Public Institutions.

I think I can speak on behalf of everyone who had the opportunity to work with or become friends with anyone these alumnae, they are truly loved and will be missed.