What happens when 202 voices come together under the soft glow of a faceted blue light and a shining cursive letter L?
In that precise moment, the Class of 2027 became one and joined a legacy of more than 63 classes of Lourdes girls who have stood before them year after year since the school’s founding in 1963. And it’s that legacy that turned an ordinary Thursday night in February into a milestone the Class of 2027 will carry with them throughout their high school journey.
The 2026 Junior Ring ceremony was held at Epiphany Catholic Church on February 5, drawing hundreds of parents, many of whom were alumnae proudly wearing their own class ring. The long-anticipated moment brought together family, friends, and the school’s administration to reflect on the juniors’ past three years and the cherished memories that make Lourdes the special place that it is. The theme captured the spirit of the evening: 202 Voices, Together in Harmony.
“This ring is extremely impactful for us as a class, because it connects us with generations of Lourdes women. It is a constant reminder that we will always be a part of something much bigger than ourselves and that no matter how much time passes, we’ll always have each other,” said Junior Daniella Smith who delivered the ceremony’s opening on behalf of the Junior Student Council.
Immediately following the celebratory Mass, Father Matthew blessed the rings, reminding students in prayer that the ring they were about to receive serves as a symbol of the journey thus far and a reminder that they never have to walk alone. It continues the call to be united in sisterhood and faith that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Each junior was then called by name to receive her ring from Sr. Carmen, along with a heartfelt congratulations and a flower whose colors mirrored the diverse voices of the Class of 2027.
“It was such an honor to be able to speak to the importance of the history of the ring and the legacy behind it. At that moment, I felt so grateful and connected to my class, which made me appreciate the strength of our sisterhood and the beautiful legacy we will always be a part of,” Smith said.
Junior Ring Ceremony is a right of passage and a cherished tradition that represents a year of change and new beginnings, honoring the hard work that has brought students to this moment and signaling their official transition into the role of upperclassmen. Their OLLA ring will forever serve as a reminder of their high school journey that is deeply rooted in faith and sisterhood and that post-graduation will proudly echo: Once a Lourdes Girl, Always a Lourdes Girl.
“It meant so much to me to be a part of the Junior Ring Ceremony planning committee. Once the theme was voted on by our class, it set the tone for every detail to come. From the banners that marked the milestone to the flowers that each of us received, it was important that every detail symbolize the big step forward in our high school journey as upperclassmen. The rings we received that night tie us together to the past, present, and future of sisterhood at Lourdes and represent all the memories, friendships, and moments that have made our high school years so special,” Maria Carla Vizoso, Class of 2027 said.
