On Tuesday, September 24, 44 members of the sophomore and junior classes were inducted into the Bernadette Scholars Program during an intimate ceremony held on campus. It was the largest group to date since the launch of the intensive academic initiative geared towards those at the top of their class.
“Bernies,” as they are affectionately nicknamed, are called to live out the ideals inspired by Saint Bernadette Suobrious for whom the program is named. Persistence, faithfulness, humility, and fearlessness are the four pillars on which the program is built. They are characteristics embodied and nurtured within the Scholars who take on the most challenging coursework available while also participating in internships and a variety of cultural and extracurricular enrichment opportunities that expand their learning outside of the classroom.
“For me, the Bernadette Scholars Induction is one of the most meaningful traditions at Lourdes. It provides a special opportunity for our administration to join with the Scholars and their families in an intimate setting to honor both their accomplishments and the character they have shown along the way,” said Mrs. Vanessa Rodriguez, director of the Bernadette Scholars Program and school counseling. “Even more, it is about embodying the spirit of Bernadette herself, remaining persistent in their efforts, faithful to their mission, humble in success, and fearless in the face of challenges,” added Mrs. Rodriguez.
At the opening of the ceremony, Sister Carmen lit the main Bernadette Candle positioned center-stage and each residing faculty member followed, lighting their own and making their way to ignite each inductee’s candle as a symbol of the light they will now carry as Bernadette Scholars. The evening was complete with the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on stage, layers of lights that filled the room, and single-stem yellow roses that each inductee received alongside her certificate.
“My favorite part of the ceremony was when we held up our candles and did the pledge. I felt such a strong sense of unity and was so proud of all the hard work my fellow sisters had done to get to that moment,” junior Julieta Zozaya said.
The light that each Scholar held that night radiated through the room as they affirmed their commitment to grow into a well-rounded young woman rooted in their faith.
“Out of the four values, I will model ‘persistence’ because even when I fail, I understand the importance of getting up and carrying on in the classroom and beyond,” sophomore Kai Gonzalez said.
While the ceremony marked both a special honor and a call to a lifelong mission guided by Saint Bernadette and our Mother Mary, the key takeaway for all inductees was clear: Bernadettes, ignite your candle and always allow it to shine brightly for you and all those you serve.
