Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors sat patiently on the gym bleachers on Friday, May 3, ready for the arrival of the Class of 2013 and the much-awaited Senior Farewell assembly.

As Principal Mrs. Camille Jowanna began with a prayer, the crowd fell silent.  In her speech that followed, she reminded seniors that Academy would always be their home. “Remember all the good times we had.”

Speeches by seniors Erin Przedpelski and Grace Spurgin  reminisced about their four years at Academy, including memories of their awkward freshman year, their senior sleepover, and the successful Senior Prank from the day before.

Representatives from each grade came forward to present their senior gifts. The gift from the freshman class came were pink bracelets that said, “Sisters for life AHN 2013.” As freshman Ruby Knopik handed a bracelet to her senior sister Rae Knopik, the two embraced and cried in each other’s arms.

Sophomores presented advice from influential people ranging from Albert Einstein to Academy’s own Ms. Beth Chase in her words”put a little spahkle [sparkle].”   Their class gift to the seniors was also a commemorative bracelet.

Student Council President Siobhan Plummer announced a generous donation from the junior class to be credited to the 2013 Endowment Fund.  Next followed the traditional senior video with sentimental photos of memories from the seniors’  younger years as well as recent memories from the Junior Ring Ceremony and their junior retreat.

Both upper and underclasswomen started crying as the senior video continued. Some seniors were still shedding tears as the video ended and the class put their arms around each other for their final song. The cliché and go-to-graduation song, appropriately named “Graduation Song” by Vitamin C, rang through the gym. However, the class of 2013 had a few tricks up their sleeve. The song cut short to a medley of “Lean on Me,”  followed by “Wagon Wheel,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” and ended with the alma mater. The medley brought out the unity and love the Class of 2013 have for each other.

Once the farewell concluded, underclassmen hugged their senior friends, said good bye, and began classes. The seniors, however, had more to do. Starting at 10:30, there was a commemorative Mass for them, which they attended with their mothers.

Father Steve Ryan, SDB, Director of Mary Help of Christians Retreat Center, celebrated the Mass.  Father Steve commended parents for their sacrifice in sending their daughters to Academy.  Seniors sang with emotion three of their favorite Mass songs “Here I Am,” “Go Make a Difference,” and “Light Your Candle.”

After Mass, seniors and their mothers  drove the short distance down Bayshore to the Yacht Club for a luncheon hosted by the Mother’s Association.