Junior Ring Day

Jessica Malkis '27

Junior Ring Day was more than just a ceremony; it showed the love, unity, and tradition that every Fontbonne student is instilled with. The entire junior class came together not only to receive our rings, but also a reminder of how far we've come during our years at Fontbonne, both individually and as a grade. This special day was filled with emotion, memories, and appreciation for our class, parents, and teachers.

The celebration began with a beautiful and meaningful Mass, setting the tone for the day. During the Mass, our class rings were blessed by Father Fauci, symbolizing not just the success of our junior year, but also the values, friendships, and memories that Fontbonne has created for us. The blessing and prayers made the moment even more special and sacred, reminding us that we all have each other and that our time here is part of something larger than ourselves.

Additionally, one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony was the procession of gifts. We reminisced about special items from each year at Fontbonne. For freshman year, when it all began, we brought up our freshman year skirt and shirt from the Six Flags trip. These two items symbolized the unity and bonds we began to build in our first year.

Next, for sophomore year, we brought up a sweet sixteen dress, a symbol of friendship and the joy we shared during the sweet sixteen season. We also brought the Visitation uniform sweater. During our sophomore year, we each received a Visitation little sister, an important role that allowed us to show them the importance of Fontbonne tradition, and to be there for them their first years on our campus.

Lastly, for our junior year, we brought up the Sports Night jersey, a symbol of our collaboration and hard work we put in during the Sports Night season. The extra hours we spent in the gym, practicing the same moves over and over again, were represented by this jersey.

And most especially, our junior prom seating chart – even though we had problems with the seating – acts as a small reminder of our closest friends and the memories we made that night. Each item told a story, and together they created a powerful narrative of growth and transformation.

Yet after all of this, I have to say the most emotional part was the slideshow created by our classmates. It featured every student and included photos from each year, allowing us to see just how much we all have changed individually and as a grade. Watching it filled us all with emotion; it reminded us of the friendships we’ve built, the memories we’ve made, and the challenges we’ve overcome. Seeing different versions of ourselves alongside who we are now emphasizes not only our physical transformation but also our personal growth.

Ring Day showed us that school is about more than academics; it's about connection, tradition, and belonging. It was a day where our entire grade came together, celebrating not just a milestone, but the love and unity that define our community – the most important pillars of Fontbonne.