The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world.
Tartanfest, the final 150th Anniversary event, took place on Saturday, September 15. Over 200 folks enjoyed Urban BBQ and great music by the amazing band, The Chance Club featuring our own faculty member Laura Meehan. Local breweries, distilleries and wineries were also on hand with a variety of adult beverages for tasting and purchasing.
The 116 girls in the Class of 2018 celebrated their graduation from the Academy with ceremonies to mark the occasion. This class earned over $14,000,000 in scholarships from the colleges to which they were accepted—a record amount in the Academy's history.
The Cap and Gown Honor Awards ceremony took place on Thursday, May 31. The seniors were recognized for their numerous accomplishments. Two students, Nya Myrie '18 and Elizabeth Haywood '18 were recognized with Social Justice awards. Claire Guarini '18 took the Naval ROTC Commissioning Oath of Office delivered by her father William, who is a Navy officer. Valedictorian Brigid Johnston '18 and Salutatorian Chewon "Chelsea" Kwak '18 received honor medals for their accomplishments. To conclude the program, Senior Class President Sydney Bruno '18 gave a final address to the assembly.
On Sunday, June 3, the Holy Cross community gathered at Holy Redeemer church in Kensington, MD, for Baccalaureate Mass. During the Preparation of Gifts, graduates carried mementos from significant activities, academics, clubs, etc. in remembrance of their time at Holy Cross.
On Monday, June 5, the Commencement ceremony took place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Members of the 50th anniversary Class of 1968 walked in the procession.
In Chelsea's salutatory address she reflected on the ways in which Holy Cross helped her to broaden her perspective. She said, "the Academy has given me and all of us the opportunity to learn more about each other and investigate new ideas and world views, ones we may agree with and ones we may not."
In Brigid's valedictory address she spoke about the solid bonds she feels among her classmates even though they may not be together physically any longer. "High school is a starting point on the path to knowing ourselves, and now we are leaving for the next part of that journey."
Sylvia Cole Mackey '59 delivered the commencement keynote address. In her moving speech, she shared from her own educational experience which included attending a segregated public primary school in Washington, DC. She spoke about how impactful her Holy Cross education was in her life and how important a solid educational foundation is today. She also offered words of advice to the graduates as they venture forward to college and beyond.
Following the conferring of diplomas, President Kathleen Prebble and Principal Melissa Huey-Burns presented The Cardinal's Award (Kathryn von Heeringen '18), the Sister Grace Award (Jeannie Cyrus '18 and Theresa Brogan '18), the St. André Bessette Citizenship Award (Samantha Miller '18), the Spes Unica Award (Mary Muldoon '18 and Samantha Miller '18), and the Sisters of the Holy Cross Award (Grace Mulkins '18).
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the graduates met family and friends outside the Basilica in the beautiful spring weather.
The Catholic Standard newspaper has posted an article highlighting the Holy Cross day of service – "Holy Cross Marks 150th anniversary with Day of Service". The article quotes Director of Holy Cross Social Justice Emily Teter and several Holy Cross girls including Sydney Bruno '18 who said, "Our school was founded on giving back to the community. "So there is no better way to celebrate."