New tradition greets Class of 2013

Posted on Sep 03, 2009

On September 3, as part of freshman orientation activities, members of the Class of 2013, faculty and administrators gathered to take part in the school's first-ever matriculation ceremony. Designed to formally present members of the Class of 2013 and to welcome these new first-year students to the school, the ceremony also celebrated the new academic year.  

The morning began with a processional led by Student Council officers carrying the class flags, followed by administrators and faculty members. Principal Ann Pratson called the session to order and explained the purpose of the ceremony. She introduced President Antoinette Iadarola, Ph.D. who is beginning her first year of service at Lauralton Hall.

In her welcoming address, Dr. Iadarola said, "This morning we celebrate your formal entrance, your matriculation, into our learning community here at Lauralton Hall. In many ways this morning is like a beginning, a commencement, of your high school years. In the spring of 2013 you will gather again, this time in cap and gown, for another commencement as we prepare you for life in college, as we send you out to make a difference in the world. To paraphrase from the lyrics of the popular Jonas Brothers:  the next four years will be the time for you to fly, the time for you to soar."

Dr. Iadarola encouraged the students to re-read the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and pointed out that Dr. Seuss says life is a great balancing act and he encourages us to find the success that lies within us. She told the students, "Whatever you do in life, take this book with you--to college and later, and use it for a reference if you want to be a doctor, lawyer, business executive, whatever. It's a great book to have for 'all the places you will go' and it will help you to remember that balance is the key."  In her closing remarks, Dr. Iadarola informed each member of the Class of 2013 that "We look forward to seeing you grow into the person you were meant to be."

The ceremony continued with the acceptance of the school's mission when Campus Minister Christine Ring led the new students through the pledge to Lauralton Hall's six core values that derive from the life of Catherine McAuley, the charism of the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic educational tradition. The Class of 2013 joined the Lauralton Hall community by affirming these values and acknowledging that the values will serve to guide and inform their work and their daily interactions with one another.  

Kathleen Shine, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, officially presented the incoming class of students. She said, "Over the past year Lauralton Hall has been working very hard to select the class of 2013. The Office of Admissions believes that we have selected an excellent class and that each of you has the ability to achieve your goals and receive your Lauralton Hall diploma at the end of your senior year."

To commemorate membership of the Class of 2013 as Lauralton Hall students, Kathleen Donahue, '80, Director of Alumnae Relations, presented the class flag that will be displayed at special gatherings and will be carried at graduation in 2013. The flag symbolizes the connection to Lauralton Hall and to the school's 6200 alumnae.

Miss Pratson presided over the formal matriculation of the class of 2013 when the class was received into the Lauralton Hall community. She introduced the First-year Academic Team, an exceptionally talented and dedicated group of faculty and staff and asked the students to thank the team for the crucial contribution they make to the success of the first-year program. She also recognized the peer mentors who help first-year students make the transition to high school life.

Each member of the Class of 2013 was recognized by name and greeted and congratulated by Dr. Iadarola, and each signed the registry book and the charter of core values to signify her official membership in the Lauralton Hall community. Amanda Rodriguez, vice president of Student Council, Morgan Ferguson, treasurer of Student Council and First-year Academic Team members Peggy McGowan and Theresa Napolitano coordinated the process. The signed book will be kept in the Office of the President to be placed in the hands of those students who will follow the Class of 2013. The poster of the core values will hang in Mercy Hall as a reminder of the commitment by the Class of 2013 to the mission and values of Lauralton Hall.

As the program drew to a close, Fine Arts Department Chair Margy Sargent lent her beautiful voice to the ceremony as she led the group in singing the Alma Mater. Joined by administrators and faculty members, Ms. Ring ended the program by offering Benediction.

The school looks forward to continuing this ceremony, which is sure to become a cherished Lauralton tradition for years to come.