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

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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

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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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'u F 1 Pre Dance Festivities Delight A. H. N. ERS 4 Michael Stapf, Marianne Taffe, Helen Matthews, and Richard Driscoll, guests of the Sisters at A.H.N.'s Plmch Party, are found grouped about the punch bowl, admiring the beautiful table decorations. This year a new tradition was established at the Academy in connection with the Holly Ball. The an- nouncement by Sister Superior that a punch party was to be held at school before the dance only served to heighten our anticipation of the big night. All of the excitement added to the thrill of the Holly Ball and put the girls in an even happier daze than is normal for such a grand event. How nice it would be to show the Sisters our gowns! Even the boys welcomed the idea of meeting our teachers and seeing the school. Although there have always been punch parties the idea of a punch party at school started lively discussions. It was something new,.something kind of frightening, but something wonderful. It was a beautiful night - clear and crisp. As the couples went up the front stairs the school seemed changed from our everyday friend to a growing chal- lenge. We knew this was a special occasion. The 26 parloxs were gaily lit and ready for our visit. After having been greeted by Sister Evangeline Marie we introduced our dates to Sister Superior and our teachers in the reception line. We were then led to another parlor where we were served punch and sandwiches. How pretty our friends looked in their beautiful gowns! l-low handsome their escorts were in their tuxedos, and military uniforms. Was it really only a few days since we had last seen each other? The Sisters praised our modest yet stylish gowns. The parlors and corridors seemed to tingle with happiness. But ours was not the only punch party. Members of the senior class and their escorts were entertained at the home of Maureen Mahon and Mary Anne Britt. Cynthia Wood and Mary Lib Chelius were hostesses at their homes for the Junior class while the Sophomore class was the guest of Elaine Griffin, Mary Anne Catlin and Colleen Sennett. Mary Alice Stephens and Mary Pat Vandercar entertained members of the Freshman classes.