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

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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.

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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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nc antmen: if ci V!linier's Ni '51 y GUYBGI1 OX The throne was elevated at the fa e d of the Ballroom and was draped with glistening gold cloth. To this throne the queen and her court were called to receive their crowns. Her majesty, Helen Matthews, first of all crowned Mary, the Queen of Heaven and of all our events. Then, Mary Margaret Riccardi crowned Helen who crowned the Senior Belles of Honor, Mary Alice Connors and Lillian Goergen. They in turn crowned the Junior Holly Belle S, Margaret Bartle and Sandra Benedett. Next, in turn Margaret Britt and Mary Ellen Rancourt, Sophomores, and Maureen Mahoney, Mary Alice Stephens and Patricia Varden, Freshmen, received their crowns. The Senior Dance concluded the coronation in grand style. The Seniors looked beautiful as they whirled across the floor with their escorts to the strains of the Senior song, While We're Young. After a few more numbers, it was time to say Good -by to the 1956 Holly Ball. As the couples moved out of doors, it was still snowing but no one seemed to mind for they all had their excitement to keep them warIn. Queen Helen Matthews 15 seated with her court, STANDING: Peggy Bartle, Mary Alice Conners, Senior Class President Mary Margaret Riccardi, who crowned the queen, Lillian Goergen, Sandra Benedett, and Mary Ellen Rancourt SEATED Maureen Mahoney, Meg Britt, Mary Alice Stephens, 27