Campus Life

Traditions

Spiritual, serious, or just for fun, each of these traditions contribute to the unique charism of the school.

List of 12 items.

  • All School Retreat

    This student-lead retreat features a visiting priest and a well-known keynote youth speaker. Vibrant worship music, witness talks, and discussions are all part of the day in addition to Mass, Confession and Eucharistic Adoration. Students come away encouraged and spiritually refreshed.
  • Baccalaureate

    Mass with the Bishop is celebrated, followed by a program where the seniors present the class gift to the school, announce the yearbook dedication, and present red roses to their parents as a token of gratitude. Baccalaureate concludes with the Ceremony of the Passing of the Light, in which the graduating senior class passes the light of leadership to the rising senior class.
  • 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 guests are formally presented. This event is typically held at the beginning of December at St. Cecilia Academy's gym. Seniors and their dads (or mentors) are presented. 
  • Freshman Overnight

    The weekend before school starts, the entire freshman class attends an overnight workshop off-campus planned and hosted by members of the senior class. This workshop provides freshmen with a relaxed environment to get to know all the members of their class.
  • Freshman Senior Week

    During the first month of the school year, every senior "adopts" a freshman. Throughout the week, seniors do fun activities for their freshmen, such as decorating lockers and leaving small notes and surprises for them. At the end of the week, the seniors sponsor a picnic at which time they reveal to "their" freshmen who they are. This event fosters community and builds a sense of mentorship and support for the new students. 
  • Graduation

    The graduating class wears the traditional white cap and gown for the ceremony as they receive their diplomas, presented by the Prioress General of the Saint Cecilia Congregation. The graduation is held on the White House lawn, and speeches are given by the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and St. Cecilia Girl.
  • Junior Ring Mass

    The Junior Ring Mass is a long-standing tradition at St. Cecilia Academy. At the end of a special mass in the Motherhouse convent chapel, the juniors receive their class rings from the principal in a formal ceremony. The senior class president presents each junior with a red rose to mark her first step toward becoming a leader of the school.
  • Leadership Workshop

    In August, all students who have been elected to school leadership positions meet for a workshop, where they learn about the responsibilities of their particular positions, meet with their faculty sponsors, and participate in team-building and leadership activities.
  • 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 President of Sodality, assisted by the Vice President of Spirituality for Sodality, crowns the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass is celebrated, followed by a picnic with the student's mothers.
  • Saint Cecilia Day

    The feast of St. Cecilia is celebrated with a Mass at which the Bishop of the Diocese presides. Red roses are used on the altar in honor of St. Cecilia. Following the Mass, there is a fine arts assembly showcasing students' acting, singing, and artistic abilities, Freshman Class Pledge, and the Alma Mater, "We Love You, Saint Cecilia." The day concludes with a Mother/Daughter Tea.
  • Senior Traditions

    Seniors celebrate the traditions include eating lunch outside on the senior patio, having guests at lunchtime, wearing Saddle-Oxfords with the uniform, and wearing the "senior sweater," a yellow sweater with the school logo on it.
  • Spirit Week

    Spirit Week is held in the fall and is highly anticipated by all the students. 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.