Convent of the Sacred Heart’s Class of 2013 has made history with a record-breaking number of senior lifers. An impressive 24 out of 82 senior class members have attended Sacred Heart Greenwich or another Sacred Heart network school since second grade or younger.
Some seniors believe that the substantial number of lifers is because the Class of 2013 is the largest senior class in Sacred Heart’s history.
“There are so many lifers because the Class of 2013 is such a big class to begin with,” senior Emma Leary, who has attended Sacred Heart since kindergarten said.
Despite the large class size, senior Julie Randolph, who has attended Sacred Heart since kindergarten, believes the record number of lifers is because of the class’ solidarity.
“Even though we have such a big grade, there is definitely a sense of unity because many of us have known each other for so long,” Julie said.
Like Julie, senior Frances McLaughlin credits her grade’s ability to stick together. Frances has attended Sacred Heart since first grade and believes that this sense of unity and community is instilled among the girls even at a young age.
“Our grade was special from the start. The girls that came in preschool set a solid foundation that was built upon each year,” Frances said. “We had a strong bond from the very beginning that only grew stronger as the years progressed.”
Senior Class President and Sacred Heart lifer Caroline Kelly has attended Sacred Heart since pre-kindergarten. She acknowledges and admires her class for integrating newer members into the grade despite the huge percentage of lifers.
“My grade is special because while some of us have been here for a long time every time someone new enters our grade we welcome her and make her feel as though she had always been a part of our class,” Caroline said. “Truthfully, at this point it becomes difficult trying to figure out who came when because I feel as though all of us have been here forever. I can’t imagine our grade without all of us.”
Preschool teacher Mrs. Ann Pereira believes that a Sacred Heart education has truly shaped her students to be well-equipped for the future. As the members of the Class of 2013 finish their Sacred Heart careers this June, Mrs. Pereira wants them to never forget their Sacred Heart education.
“I would like all our students and graduates to know that this is their second home always, as it has been for so many of us on the faculty,” Mrs. Pereira said. “There will always be a welcome here and people who will love and support you through thick and thin, come what may.”
– Grace Isford, Staff Writer