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

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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.

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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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Juniors Inspire Classes Wm' Christmas Spirit Christmas Spirit Joy unto all the world was our aim. The Juniors had worked for months preparing their Christmas pro- gram. Our hope was that we might take some small part in the work of the Church to bring Christ to all minds and hearts at this magnificent season. The curtain opened and a glorious invitation to rejoice in the coming of Christ was hymned by the Junior choristers. The audience followed the Christ- mas story as told by Rev. John Lynch in his inspiring work, A Woman Wrapped in Silence, As the verse choir led thoughts to the cave of Bethlehem, the singers expressed the peace of the silent night as shepherds watched their flocks, and the joy of angelic choirs as they announced the good tidings. Kathy Welsch and Marianne Taffe spoke of the inner peace and love found in the hearts of Mary and Joseph. With them we were waiting, and then we saw. A Na- tivity tableau depicted the event which has brought so much joy to the world. Even more stirring was a recitation of Gilbert K. Chesterton 's lovely Christmas Carol by Peggy Kearns while the singers furnished a background of soft humming. A finale of praise to God for l-lis great gifts to us closed a program the Juniors shall ever remember as a privilege to prepare, and the school will cherish as an inspiration and delight. Christmas tableau inspires audience. By Elise Connell Holy Names is host to a number of traditions rang- ing from those which began years ago to more recent ones such as Christmas caroling by the Juniors. This year was no exception as the Juniors gathered on the twenty-third of December to herald the ap- proaching feast of a King. Carrying lighted candles the girls proceeded to the crib singing the praise of God. For passersby such a proof of our living faith was probably edifying, although this thought was not in the minds of the carolers. Our hearts were singing to The Kingg we were professing our faith. It was a group of girls raising their hearts and minds to God together regardless of cold weather. Standing there looking at the creche illuminated by flickering candlelight, we thought once again of the night Christ was born and we knew that it was cold like this in the manger. There was no heat except for the breath of the animals. Neither were there extra clothes, for all had been left at Nazareth. So Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Too soon the spell is broken. The girls slowly walk back into the gym where a steaming cup of co- coa and cookies await. Warmed both by the Christ- mas spirit and the cocoa, the girls bid farewell thank- ing God for His infinite love. Junior carolers warm up after their singing. 3. . I 1 'r , . t .. r ' , s .. i. 1:5 o 1 - A 25