Student Traditions
MASS AND ASSEMBLY
A special schedule provides an opportunity for staff and
students to celebrate the Eucharist together. The liturgies
are planned by students themselves.
JUNIOR RING CEREMONY
In November of each year, SHA Juniors receive their class
rings in a special ceremony surrounded by family, faculty,
staff, and friends.
CHRIST THE KING CEREMONY
Since the Academy is dedicated in a special way to the Sacred
Heart, the senior class each year honors Jesus as King of
our hearts, our school, and the world. This creative, candle-lit
celebration, presented to parents and the student body,
consists of readings, prayers, and songs in honor of Christ
our King.
MOTHER-DAUGHTER COMMUNION BREAKFAST
This Sunday morning tradition allows students and their
mothers, or important female mentors, a time to be together
in a loving and memorable way. A special liturgy focuses
on the unique, and sometimes complex, bond between mothers
and daughters.
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
All students are invited to celebrate with their fathers,
or with someone who is a father-figure in their lives, in
a delightful evening of dinner and dancing. In the words
of one senior, "It's the best date you'll have all
year."
ALUMNAE SUNDAY
Each year, on the first Sunday in June,
the senior class is welcomed into the Alumnae Association.
During this wonderful ceremony, a graduating senior who
has been selected by her classmates and the faculty, is
awarded the Alumnae medal for dedication to the goals and
philosophy of the Academy.
Afternoon assemblies are a time for diverse
cultural, educational, or entertaining presentations. Assemblies
are often sponsored by the Student Council and are prevalent
throughout the school year.
GRADUATION
Dressed in white gowns and carrying
a dozen long-stemmed red roses, seniors celebrate their
time at SHA and look forward to the challenges that await
them. The impressive graduation ceremony takes place at
the UB Center for the Arts.
WALKATHON
Since 1992, SHA students have raised over $135,000 for school
improvements and enhancements. All members of the school
community are involved in this festive event and students
have a voice in selecting the projects that will be funded
and the contributions that will be made to local charitable
organizations. Past walkathons have provided SHA with new
furniture, carpeting, microwave ovens, new decorations,
computers, technology-related equipment, and the new SHA
bus.
SPIRIT WEEK
This long-standing tradition energizes the student body
with a well- planned week of spirit-boosting activities.
See our Student
Council page for more details on Spirit Week.
