On January 28, 2025, the Ursuline Academy community gathered in the Reynolds Center to celebrate the Class of 2026 at their Junior Ring Ceremony. This annual tradition is extremely meaningful to the students, their families, and the school community as a whole. The ceremony is an opportunity for the junior class to receive their class rings and commemorate all that they have accomplished as they transition from high school’s early years towards graduation. When students receive their ring they are also given a rose, which is the last rose that they will receive from Ursuline until their graduation day.
Head of school Kate Levesque ‘77 stated that, “the rings are a symbol of the connection you share with classmates and they represent a commitment to the motto of Serviam.” The design of the ring includes elements that are deeply connected to the Ursuline legacy: the school’s Shield, the year of graduation, and the vine cultivated from St. Angela. The ring represents entry into a lasting community and sisterhood that extends beyond graduation.
The Junior Ring Ceremony not only unites students in each graduating class, but connects Ursuline alumnae of all years. Following this year’s ceremony, students and family members of the class of 2026 gathered in our Tea Room for a celebration. There, we were able to speak to Kristie McManus ‘98, whose daughter Casey McManus is a member of the Class of 2026. Kristie shared that she was emotional during the ceremony because it reminded her of when she received her class ring from Ursuline; now she and her daughter have matching rings.
For current Ursuline seniors, watching the Junior Ring Ceremony this year was a bittersweet moment. It felt surreal seeing the tradition continue, especially since we had been a part of it just a year ago. This event reminded me of how far I’ve come at Ursuline, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for that time. The realization that the juniors were carrying on this tradition made me appreciate how much my community has influenced who I am today. I will carry this ring with me to college next year, cherishing my time spent here, the bonds of friendship I’ve formed, and reminding me that I will always carry the UA sisterhood with me throughout my life.
