Mount de Sales: Traditions

The traditions of Mount de Sales Academy are the essence of its spirit. They promote unity and harmony, and provide some of the most meaningful and beautiful high school memories. Participation in these traditions gives each young woman a sense of belonging. Mount de Sales Academy will always be a place where visiting alumnae feel they have come home.

A Mass of the Holy Spirit is offered at the beginning of each school year asking God’s blessing on students, faculty and administration.

A Miraculous Medal, an integral part of the Mount de Sales uniform, is presented to each Freshman by her Big Sister during a ceremony in October.

School pins bearing the school seal and their year of graduation presented to the Sophomores serve as reminders of the ideals of Mount de Sales and of the role each girl plays in the school’s history.

A Mass in December is the setting in which the Juniors, having proved themselves worthy after nearly three years, receive their school rings.

A Mass and Christmas Assembly led by the Seniors highlight for one and all the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ.

Highlighting the importance placed on strong parent-daughter relationships is the annual Parent-Daughter Communion Breakfast sponsored by the Parents’ Club. The Father-Daughter Cotillion and Mother-Daughter Tea further strengthen these critical bonds.

An important pre-graduation event for seniors, the Parents’ Club-sponsored Senior Luncheon provides one of the last opportunities before graduation for seniors to enjoy the company of classmates, faculty and staff.

Each year, the Mount de Sales Girl, nominated by her fellow seniors and voted for by the faculty, is given the highest privilege - the crowning of Mary, our Mother and Queen. She first crowns the statue of Mary in the school Chapel before Mass. After Mass, while reciting the Rosary, the entire student body walks in procession to the rear gardens. Entering the gardens at the end of the procession, the seniors form an honor guard for the Mount de Sales Girl who places a second crown on the statue there.

The seniors formally bid farewell to the student body at the Honors Assembly after entering the Music Hall through windows located on the rear porch. Scholastic achievement awards are presented during this event.

The unique traditions of Mount de Sales Academy culminate in the graduation ceremony. Wearing long, white gowns and carrying bouquets of red roses, the seniors enter the Music Hall as they did at the Honors Assembly. The awarding of diplomas gives testimony to the intellectual, spiritual and personal growth experienced by each graduate during her years at Mount de Sales.