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

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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

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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.

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r A ' T Christmas crib in the music room. Star Shoppe Succeeds Again The second appearance of the Star Shoppe brought even greater success than its debut. A transformed gym was again the scene of the accomplishments of hours of devoted preparation. Tables laden with fas- cinating toys, unusual trinkets for Christmas parties, and lovely needlework, were set up amidst the glitter of stars, the blue of ribbon and the excited chatter of purchasers. Gleeful laughter and sudden bursting sounds attracted all to the table to the right of the door where Sisters and pupils won prizes by hitting balloons with darts or throwing pennies on rings. An added attraction this year was the mink cape, on display near the double doors. Chanceswere being sold right up to the last minute before the drawing. Everyone was delighted to hear that the winner was Mrs. Iarossi. No gala occasion is complete without a party luncheon and the Star Shoppe was no exception. Jo- vial and successful shoppers took moments of rest at the Coffee Shoppe in the cafeteria. There is a saying that you can't make money with- out spending money. We at A.H.N. have our own version of that truism: You can't make money or feel the thrill of success without spending self. We all know that the financial success of the Christmas fair is due to the devotion, interest, and self-sacrifice of the Mothers' Auxiliary and of the girls. We salute such efforts expended for Catholic education and hope to preserve this spirit in all we do in the years to come. Judy Rundel, President of the French Club. C'Esi La Noel To the Cercle des Etoiles Christmas is always an occasion of special celebration. Once a year the French Club plans a festive get-together more special than the usually delightful meetings. This year's party was not to be outdone in fun or beauty. A beautifully decorated stage in the gym was the perfect setting for the program of French carols and skits. The glittering tree brightened the softly light- ed gym. The life -sized crib scene kept thoughts and hearts uplifted to the reality of Christmas joy. A choice selection of recitations was rendered by Mary Glavin, Elise Connell, Carol Smania, Mary Alice Conners, Mary Lib Chelius and Jeanne Boylan. The presentation of a Christmas gift to Sister Evange- line Marie was made by Judith Rundel, President of French Club. A climax of celebration was reached when a beautiful cake decorated by a Yule log was brought into the gym and ceremoniously cut. As each awaited her piece, other refreshments were brought in g cookies ice cream and coke. At the close of a lovely afternoon the members of the French Club opened their nicely wrapped favors to find a tiny china statue of Stella Matutina. what better Christmas gift could there be than this tangible reminder that they must do all things As Mary Would. Among other plans for the year is a program for Father and Daughter Night. The girls have made a display of miniature books, artists palets, musical notes and other symbols of the great French masters.