As the new 2025-2026 academic year begins the class of 2026 enters into the role of seniors. Here at SHA, we pride ourselves in the connection built through long-standing traditions. As part of these traditions each class both starts and ends their senior year with many festivities that encompass SHA’s close knit community. This year the class of 2026 started their senior year with Senior Sunrise on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The class met at Walnut Beach to celebrate the opening of their last year at SHA with a sunrise to signify the beginning of the end. This gathering before the school year started is a testimony to the bonds formed at SHA, as they go far beyond the four walls of the building. While the wake-up call for Senior Sunrise was very early in the morning, it was all worth it to watch a beautiful view with friends.
The following day, Monday, August 25, 2025, the seniors had yet another early morning. This time it was to celebrate the last first day of school. At SHA, we have a tradition of the senior class lining the front of the school to cheer on both returning and new students. This tradition is such a special moment for both the seniors and all other classes. For the seniors, this is a day in which we get to say, “Wow I remember being a freshman and walking into the first day of school with this love and energy from the senior class.” This day is a special way for seniors to return the favor of the love and open arms that they were first welcomed into SHA with as underclassman. For the other grades it is a reminder of the eternally open and joyful arms that SHA will welcome you with.
The last event of the beginning of the end would be the seniors’ last first First Friday Mass. This year it was held on Friday, September, 5, 2025. As always SHA lives out Blessed Clelia Merloni’s mission through the First Friday Masses that are held in the beautiful chapel. This Mass is so special as it reminds seniors of the few Masses they have left in the chapel with the whole school, and of course, it wouldn’t be a true SHA First Friday Mass without the girls singing their heart out to the SHA Alma Mater. While it is bittersweet to think that the class of 2026 only has a few months left on the mount they are definitely cherishing every last event, moment of laughter, and sense of home that SHA has created.
