Senior year can be challenging in many ways, but at the Academy of the Holy Family, the seniors have grown as a result of these challenges.
The majority of the class was new this year, and included girls from all around the world: Rwanda, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as states such as North Carolina, Connecticut, Texas, Massachusetts and Maryland.
Despite the class doubling, the students grew closer by helping each other get through challenges such as college preparation, being away from home, and handling heavy coursework loads. The seniors learned more about themselves and their plans. All of these experiences have helped the seniors grow into a sisterhood.
The girls bonded through the trials of senior year and also through many other good experiences. One of the big events this year was the drama production “Much Ado Out West.” Seniors Grace Peckham and Iris Gillette have helped out backstage and with lights since their freshman year.
For most of the new seniors, theater was a new experience except for Isabella Wright, who has been acting since she was 13. Drama has helped many students realize that hard work really pays off, even when it is done with friends. As the seniors were preparing for graduation, some underclassmen had to step up to be mentored by them, taking over roles such as running stage lights.
Another big event for the seniors was a sleepover at Marist Hall, a house for upperclassmen. Pragya Sharma particularly enjoyed this great bonding experience. Before the actual sleepover, the seniors sang and ate food at the bonfire for a few hours. When they arrived back at the house, many of them watched movies and were able to sleep in the next day.
The Academy helped to prepare the seniors to go out into the real world in many ways, with classes such as Life Skills and Morality. The Life Skills class is particularly helpful because it teaches students how to manage taxes, basic car knowledge, financing and mending clothes. Bella Disalvo said this class has helped her immensely with being prepared for real life events.
In Morality class, which is only for seniors, students learn about how to live a moral life in the modern world. Shekinah Christa Kanamugire and Feven Nigatu said the class has strengthened their relationship with God and how they feel about combating immorality in the world.
AHF also helps prepare students by letting them experience things such as living with others without going crazy, understanding opposing viewpoints, and building confidence as a child of God. Camila Michaud said she learned a lot from living with others and having roommates. Indiphile Tshotsho said living and befriending others from completely different cultures has helped her grow as a person and appreciate everyone’s differences. As for befriending others with different views on life, Yasmim Souza said AHF has helped her find friendships in those who she doesn’t always agree with.
The class of 2022 has genuinely enjoyed their last year of high school to the fullest and has become more prepared for the world. The seniors, together, have all gained sisters in each other. The senior class has truly become prepared to “set the world on fire” with their love for God and others.
As Angela Vu said, “The sisterhood at AHF is so rare not only because of our bond as growing young women, but also because of our diversity.” The girls at AHF are able to express and appreciate other cultures freely, which is one of the most beautiful things about it. For these seniors, their bond will last a lifetime.
By Kailey Boccia, Ellie Cooper, Iris Gillette, Anna Plascencia, and Isabella Wright
