The Class of 2026 received their class rings at the Ring Ceremony and Mass on Thursday, March 13.
The juniors’ day began with a class breakfast that included donuts, bagels, juice, and other breakfast foods. Students were able to sign up to bring food in through a Sign-up Genius. Junior Class Moderator Shannon Olsen flipped pancakes for students.
After breakfast, students ran through a practice ceremony. Junior Class Moderators Nathan Nocket and Shannon Olsen gathered students to do a practice run-through of the evening’s events. The practice helped students figure out where their assigned seats were and what their role were in the ceremony.
The members of the Class of 2026 were able to wear their blue class shirts throughout the school day.
Junior Stella French said, “The blue shirts make me feel more connected to my classmates because we’re the only class wearing our shirts, so we stood out and felt more special.”
The Mass and ceremony followed that night. Upon arrival, juniors gathered with their peers in the Student Services hallway. Prior to the ceremony, students promptly lined up in alphabetical order by last name to walk into the gym and take their seats.
Father Zach Watson celebrated the Mass along with Deacon Goedeke whose Homily grasped the concepts of celebrating faith. He slid some modern references into the Homily, making students and guests relate.
When the Mass concluded, the rings were blessed by Father Zach.
Juniors then listened to Assistant Principal Jake Hollin who spoke about the significance of the John Carroll ring and what it means to alumni and to the school itself.
Mr. Hollin also explained the story surrounding the creation of the ring in the early years of the school and why it is so unique compared to other school rings.
After Mr. Hollin’s speech, the students were called up to the stage by the class moderators in order to receive their rings and a handshake from Principal Carl Patton.
The Juniors now officially had their rings on their fingers.
Junior Penelope Street said, “Receiving my ring is exciting; a lot of my family are alumni of John Carroll and still wear their rings.”
To conclude the night, juniors made their way to the cafeteria for refreshments and took pictures in the hallways and courtyard.