There are many special events that take place throughout the year at St. Cecilia Academy. Following are descriptions of some of the larger events that are revered traditions at St. Cecilia. Some are spiritual, some are serious, and some are fun, but all of them contribute to the unique charism of the school.
Leadership Workshop
At the end of the summer vacation all students who have been elected to leadership positions in the school come together at an off-campus site for a two-day, one-night workshop. The students learn about the responsibilities of their particular positions, meet with their faculty sponsors, and participate in team-building and leadership activities.
Freshman Overnight
Prior to the beginning of the school year, the freshman class attends an overnight workshop off campus planned and hosted by members of the senior class and St. Cecilia Academy Staff. SCA draws students from many different schools and this mandatory workshop provides freshmen with a relaxed environment to get to know all the members of their class.
All-School Retreat
The annual retreat takes place on a weekday during the school year. Students participate in Eucharistic adoration and the Sacraments of Mass and Confession, listen to talks, present skits, and join in large and small group discussions. The school retreat is designed to both challenge and contribute to each student's spiritual growth.
Freshman-Senior Week
During the first month of school every senior "adopts" a freshman. Throughout a designated week, the seniors do fun activities for their freshmen, such as decorating lockers and leaving small notes and treats for them. At the end of the week, the seniors sponsor a picnic at which they reveal to "their" freshmen who they are. In recent years, the freshmen have begun a custom of reciprocating the seniors' kindness with a special week at the end of the school year.
Spirit Week
Each day during the week is designated as a particular theme. The students have numerous opportunities to show their SCArab spirit through planned activities and events. The week culminates in a day full of class competitions leading to the Spirit Award given to the class with the best participation and spirit.
Saint Cecilia Day
The feast of St. Cecilia, November 22, is celebrated with a Mass at which the bishop of the diocese presides. Red roses in honor of St. Cecilia are used on the altar. Following the Mass is a Mother/Daughter Tea and a fine arts assembly in which the students perform and display their artwork. Also at the assembly, the Freshman Class pledges their loyalty to SCA in the traditional Freshman Pledge. The day ends with the singing of the school Alma Mater, "We Love You, Saint Cecilia."
Father/Daughter Dance
Students dance the night away to old favorites with their fathers, uncles, or special family friend. In honor of their last Father/Daughter Dance, the seniors and their fathers are formally presented.
Junior Ring Mass
The juniors receive their class rings and a special blessing at an evening Mass. Following the Mass a reception is held for the juniors and their parents.
Class Ring
There are two traditional class rings at St. Cecilia Academy. The first is an oval, dark red stone surrounded by the school name. The graduation year is on the two sides of the ring. The second class ring is the school coat of arms set in a flat, circular surface.
May Procession
The seniors, wearing spring dresses, carry roses in a procession to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the end of the procession the senior who is the President of Sodality crowns the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is attended by the student who is the Vice-president of Spirituality for Sodality. Mass is celebrated, followed by a picnic with family and friends.
Baccalaureate Mass and Breakfast
The junior class parents host a breakfast for the graduating seniors and their parents. After Mass is celebrated, the seniors present the class gift to the school, announce the yearbook dedication, and participate in a ceremony in which they present red roses to their parents as a token of gratitude. Following this the junior and senior classes assemble together for the Passing of the Light, in which the departing senior class passes the light of leadership to the rising senior class.
Graduation
The graduating class wears the traditional white cap and gown for the ceremony. Diplomas are presented to each of the graduates by the Prioress General of the Saint Cecilia Congregation.
Senior Class Traditions
When the Academy was still a boarding school located at St. Cecilia Motherhouse (see the school history), the senior class developed traditions that have transferred to the "new" school in west Nashville. Included among these are eating lunch outside on the senior patio, having guests in at lunch-time, wearing Saddle-Oxfords with the uniform, and wearing the "senior sweater," a yellow sweater with the school logo on it.
