Welcome back to a new school year! As the summer comes to a close, a new year is upon us. It’s easy to fall back into our usual rhythm, walking the same halls again. But this time, maybe you’ll notice some changes to your second home. New store, no lockers, renovated classrooms. But no matter how much our building changes, our school stays the same.
Each grade offers something unique to our school, and each class has the chance to leave their mark. Whether this is your first week here or your hundredth, you can find excitement at any level of your high school experience. Our goals this year are based in integrity, grit, and perseverance. These qualities not only reflect our academic strengths but also our call to live with faith and service, with Mary in all things.
Freshmen, Class of 2029
Welcome to your first year here— the beginning of your OLLA journey. This year, your most important goal is finding your place and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Do anything and everything. Join sports, clubs, and groups you never would have before. These next four years are about growth in the best way. And this school is the best place to do it. This is your year of firsts, so make every one count. Maybe it’s your first time on a team, or your first B. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but don’t hesitate to get back up if you fall. Don’t forget to lean on your Big Sister, your teachers, and your friends–new and old. In case you don’t already know, we are all here to support you!
Sophomores, Class of 2028
You made it to your second year! We hope the first one was full of new experiences, but rest assured that this one can be even better. This year is all about what you make it. Stay on top of all your work, but don’t forget to enjoy every moment. Don’t take anything for granted, and try new things with the confidence you’ve built in the past year. Carry it with you into every new class and new experience unique to your sophomore year. You may think you have a long way to go, but each one feels shorter than the last, so make the most of it.
Juniors, Class of 2027
You’re halfway through! Time flies, but don’t worry, this year has plenty in store for you. Our best advice is to find balance. Take care of your mental health, so you can give 100% to your work, testing, and extracurriculars. Prepare for next year, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Focus on one thing at a time, and devote your time to what you can improve on, both personally and academically. Strengthen your schedule, prioritize what’s really important, and don’t forget to sleep! There are so many opportunities this year for you to excel and make memorable experiences. You know by now that the years are short, so take advantage of this one.
Seniors, Class of 2026
You have made it to the last year. That’s one year left to make the most of, to squeeze everything you can out of the time you have left. This year, just like all the others, will come with challenges– expected and unexpected. Everything from here on out might seem daunting and scary. It’s not easy to think about leaving here, and it’s even harder to watch that become a reality. But that doesn’t mean there’s not still time to make new memories. In fact, there’s no time like the present. Find joy in every planned event, as well as in the unexpected, smaller moments. Take it all in. Know your goals for the year, and do your absolute best to make them happen. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t turn out the way you wanted. And most of all, have faith that God will place you exactly where you are meant to be. Carry the Lourdes sisterhood wherever you go!
What connects us all are the shared goals that are sure to point you in the right direction. Every new initiative is designed not only to help us be better students, but the best versions of ourselves. That is the guarantee our administration has promised, and the end goal of our collective mission. So, as the year offers everyone new opportunities and connections, take advantage of each one with grace and grit. Let’s make this one the best year yet!
