The Junior Class had a full week of excitement that led up to the Ring Ceremony. This included special advisory treats, a ring hunt activity, a class breakfast, and a Bling Blitz competition. The week concluded with the Ring Dance at Jarrettsville Gardens.

Junior Class moderator Shannon Olsen said, “I like planning Ring Week because I enjoy having creative activities for the juniors to do, and I just always wanted to make a week that was just a little more exciting and a little bit of fun for the kids. I loved my Ring Week here [when I was a student], so I just really enjoy getting to do that for everyone else.”

Ring Week began on Monday, March 10, and juniors received a special treat in Advisory, a small light-up ring to mark the start of the week. Juniors could be seen wearing these light-up rings and taking pictures with friends in anticipation of receiving their school rings.

On Tuesday, juniors were able to participate in the newly designed ring hunt during their off-mods. Before Ring Week began, juniors were able to sign up in teams to be able to join in the hunt. The hunt began before the school day, and participating teams had to pick up the first clue from Ms. Olsen before the day began.

Juniors had to follow the clues provided by select teachers and answer a riddle before they were given a puzzle piece containing a riddle. After finding all of the clues, the participating teams had to put together the puzzle. They received small bags with plastic rings and candy along with every clue. They were also able to enter into a raffle for a chance to win a prize.

On the third day of the week, the juniors received another surprise in Advisory when they were given Ring Pop candies to enjoy. Several juniors took this as another opportunity to take pictures in anticipation of the Ring Ceremony.

Junior Alyssa Frampton commented, “One of my favorite moments of Ring Week was getting the fun ring accessories in Advisory to help celebrate the special event.”

On Thursday of Ring Week, the junior class arrived early to school wearing their blue class t-shirts for the Ring Breakfast and ceremony practice. The breakfast included a variety of foods and drinks brought by the junior class and the school provided eggs and pancakes.

Junior Dana Te remarked, “I liked the Ring Week Breakfast because I was able to enjoy good food with my friends while we were preparing for the Ring Ceremony.”

In the morning, the juniors reviewed the ceremony. As they practiced walking across the stage, they received beaded ‘26 rings that Ms. Olsen had made.

Later that night, the Ring Ceremony was held in the Upper Gym and juniors arrived on campus around 6 pm with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. The Ring Ceremony began with a Mass that was celebrated by Father Zach Watson. Deacon Kenneth Goedeke gave the homily.

After the Mass concluded, the Ring Ceremony began, and students listened to special speeches, including a special ring story told by Vice Principal and JC alum Jake Hollin. The students then walked across the stage and were greeted and received their rings from Principal Carl Patton.

Junior Lily Holcomb said, “The best event of Ring Week was receiving my ring because it was a really special moment, and I enjoyed taking pictures in the courtyard after with my friends and family.”

After the juniors received their rings, the juniors and their guests moved to the cafeteria and courtyard where they enjoyed desserts, took pictures with friends, and participated in the tradition of turning the rings 64 times to symbolize the year of the school’s founding.

On Friday of Ring Week, the Bling Blitz competition took place, Juniors were given beads during Advisory and were able to challenge teachers and students in a game of Rock/Paper/Scissors to win the beads. Teachers were challenged for gold beads while other members of the class were challenged for blue beads.

Junior Bennett McAdarra commented, “My favorite Ring Week event was the Bling Blitz because it was very fun to go against other people, especially my friends and teachers.”

The junior class member with the most beads was refunded their dinner and dance ticket. Ella Jantz won the Bling Blitz showdown that occurred at the end of the school day.

Junior Bethany Davies said, “The school made Ring Week very special for us juniors, and one of the most memorable activities was the Bling Blitz competition.”