Academy of the Holy Names - JM Yearbook (Albany, NY)

Page 28 text:

Rosary Lives in A. H. N. Tradition by Marianne Taffe The early autumn briskness and bright stars shining down on our back yard is the setting for the Living Ros- ary, a candle-light procession in honor of Mary. Each year, our realization of the spiritual value of the Rosary increases as the carefully formed decades remind us of a glorious chapter in the lives of Our Lord and His Bless- ed Mother. With each bead said, the girl representing that particular prayer places her red rose on a tray. With the rose is offered her prayers of gratitude or petition. When the roses are offered to our Blessed Mother, we are assured of her pleasure and that of her Son. Since each girl represents a bead, she feels particularly responsible for lifting that prayer to God, knowing that it is a perfect prayer. This tradition will be remembered by all who have been privileged to see it. May it live forever, not only in memories of our years at Madison Avenue, but in the true A.H.N. spirit which will continue to grow in its new setting. Retreat Ends With Sodality Reception This year's retreat was an occasion of special spiritual worth for a group of Sophomores who made their tempo- rary act of Consecration after a retreat given by Rev. Cronan Cantlon, O.F,M,, Conv. The retreat started on a note of generous efforts for Christ. The silence and recollected thought witnessed on all sides gave real proof of the eamest endeavors of the retreatants. Other talks renewed the fervor of preparation for reception of the sacraments, increased 'hatred for sin and its efrects, and inspired a love for virtue. Above all, the closing message of the retreat remains a guiding inspiration for all. Father reminded us of Mary's titles, Star of R , theSea and Morning Star , and then urged us to look to her in all our needs, hopes and joys. It was with these words buming in their hearts that the following new Sodalists left the chapel: Noel Windelspecht, Constance Haczynski, Diane Leonardi, Sheila Vandercar, Coleen Sennett, Mary Ellen Riley, Mary Ellen Rancourt, Kathleen Powers, Janice Probst, Suzanne Pemrick, Patricia Ott, Ellen O'Connell, Jacqueline Mullens, Linda Miller, Ann McArdle, Rosalie Cardona, Paula Farrigan, Mary Daly, Maureen Fox, Beverly Flint, Constance Casey, Margaret Smith. Margaret Britt, Margaret Fennell, Elaine Griffin, Judith Weis, Phyllis D'Antonio, Patricia Schmitz, Leta Lynch, Mary Theresa Hauber, Betty Barse, Mary J. Gusse, Katherine Temple. May the Marian way of life inilame their souls with love for God and His work so that the retreat may bear fruit in all souls whom they meet.

Page 27 text:

Juniors Enferfoined November first was a very special day in the life of every junior. On this day she approached the school in her crisp, white organdy dress, full of enthusiasm and brimming over with anticipation of the events which lay ahead. For she would depart an upperclass- man. In the auditorium she was greeted by her Senior Sister and treated to punch, sandwiches and cookies elegantly displayed in the most beautiful silver and crystal against a background of candlelight and roses. However this was just the beginning. After a warm welcome by Mary Margaret Riccardi the ceremony began. Each junior stepped forward to to the stage where her Senior Sister presented her with her key. This was the moment which had been long awaited by every junior. The key, although small in size, is huge in signi- ficance. It will open the door to future happiness and brightness if it is used in the proper way. The words Semper Fide1is inscribed on the front of it hold great responsibility. The owner must be always faith- ful to Holy Names and all its undertakings. The cross is significant of the presence of God in our life. The lily is evidence of the purity which is close to the heart of every AHN girl. with the shining keys around our necks and excite- ment at its peak, we saw the beautiful movie, The Student Prince. Then sixty-eight newly installed upperclassmen left A.H.N. to spread their happiness and begin at once to fulfill their ideals. Q 'ii ',.4 . 3 k4 s4a'.2',.,f-g V, - r eyes - - 'gm gif-'M 1 K .j ,..,, 4 4 - - ' - ' ,. -s,Y.,Ajvukg- Y 4115- ,L--.. V -eng 'xxj x .X 1 .9'911,. ,-: V - . Egg... .jf .N .1 - -. , , V Seniors Model Current Fashions A fashion show as an assembly? How is it possible? With the seniors such a dilemma was easily solved. The school uniforms were the fashions commented on by the senior class officers. As Carol Gavin walked across the stage in the re- gulation blue skirt and sweater, white blouse, and school shoes, the panel told us why this was the correct uniform for most days. Anne Holton was next, wearing her gymsuit. This uniform serves to remind us of the respect and courte- sy we owe our lay teachers at all times. Maureen Mahon wore the dress uniform consisting of blue skirt and jacket, blouse, navy hat, white gloves and the uniform sandals. This outfit's acces- sories are a smiling face and the true Holy Names spirit was the remark of one of the panelists. In her white uniform and blue tie, Marge Mahar symbolized all the special occasions of the school year. Helen Matthews modeled a floor length red evening gown, whose highlights were style and modes- ty. At the close of the assembly, Mother Rita Mary, Provincial Superior, told the student body that, regard- less of costume, a Holy Names girl always carries herself with dignity. As they listened, the seniors hoped that every AHN girl would appreciate her uni- form just a little more, and wear it with pride. 21

Page 29 text:

Autumn Dance Gives a Good Reminder Falling leaves, a flickering moon, a wishing well - all form the setting of a delightful dance sponsored by the A.H.N. Sodality. Of all the dances of the year, this one probably affords the greatest ease and comfort. In informal dress Sodalists and their escorts dance to the scintillating music of their choice, this year, Jerry Walsh and his orchestra. But with all the gaiety, a note of sadness crept into our thoughts as the hours of fun drew to an end. As with everything else we do this year, we recalled that this is the last dance here. Perhaps we have minded the dif- ficult-to-disguise grating on the windows, the incon- venient beams and the boiling water pipes, but we must admit it has been fun. Decorating has presented a chal- lenge rarely enjoyed by other schools. We have felt a sense of accomplishment when, after days of planning and decorating, the fruits of our labor have transformed our gym into a lovely flower garden or a rustic autumn scene. It is interesting to note the ingenuity displayed by different classes on the occasion of a dance. We wonder if the size of our new gym may even be more challenging, so we look to the future with great ex- pectations. Yes, the Sodality Dance has brought about much re- flection. This social event, sponsored by the Sodality in the hope of training us to bring Christlike actions to every phase of our lives, has reminded us to make Christ a living reality in our new school. Junior Sodality Officers: SEATED: Mary Ellen Rancourt, Prefectg Mary Teresa Hauber, Vice- Prefectg Linda Miller, Secretaryg Maureen Fox, Treasurer. David Duncan, Margie Mahar, Kenneth Borden and Susan Phillips take this one out by the wish- ing well. Our Woyp of Life by Mary Ellen Rancourf There are many clubs or organizations here at A.H.N. but there is one that stands out as a pattern for life. The way to arrive at our goal is surely through the guidance and love of Mary, our heavenly Mother. The Junior Sodality is a sort of novitiate to the major Sodality,during which the girls who have made a temporary consecration to Mary live according to the Sodality way of life to see if they really wish to take on such responsibilities for the rest of their lives. A big project of this year's Sodality is Spiritual Betterrnent. There is one sure way of attaining this high ideal and that is by faithfully performing the daily duties and trying to reach Jesus through the foot- steps of Mary. If the Sodality is going to have a holy and successful year, each Sodalist must realize that her responsibility is to strive to attain its high goal by her personal efforts as inspired and aided by God's grace. The members of the Junior Sodality realize that this is but a prepara- tion for the glorious day when they shall take on a new life of total devotion to Mary. It is for this that they try to walk with Mary in all things, even the little things. School, home, recreation, work - all are the proving-ground of a good Sodalist who walks hand in hand with Mary in the footsteps of Jesus. 23