The tradition of a high school ring...

The Class of 2008 passed another milestone Tuesday as they received their rings at the Union Catholic Ring Ceremony. The Mass was held at Immaculate Heart Church with a beautiful reception hosted by the Class of 2009 parents in the UC cafeteria immediately following.

What does a ring symbolize….the celebrant, Fr. Hummel explained…"now you are people" not little freshman or silly sophomores, but young adults, now bonded as a class…the Class of ’08."

As I watched the juniors go up to receive their rings and then in the cafeteria turning each others rings I couldn’t help but reminisce my own ring ceremony. In 1974 The Union Catholic Girls School held their ring ceremony mass right in the UC foyer where it seemed that a group of girls from all different towns bond into one….the Class of 1975 - we became the upperclassmen of Union Catholic. How exciting it was to receive that ring, and how proud I was to wear it. Times have changed since then, juniors are able to pick their own style ring, personalizing every aspect of their choice. But the tradition remains - the tradition of receiving your class ring. The Class of 2008 has arrived - they are now upperclassmen, bonded forever as a class - the Class of ‘08. Congratulations!

Speaking of traditions that have remained the same….this week is Halloween which means the UC Halloween parade! I can’t wait!

Short Video from Junior Ring Ceremony

UC Spirit is Alive!

School Spirit is alive and well at UC! The first UC Pep Rally took place on Thursday to a gym packed with enthusiastic students. After the Nation Anthem was sung by senior Candace Pyne, varsity teams were announced and the fun began. The UC cheerleaders and gymnastic team performed and games of volleyball were played. But the highlight of the afternoon was definitely when four of our own UC teachers participated in the “bobbing for apples contest”. Union Catholic teachers are not only exceptional educators; they’re also a lot of fun and good sports!!

Thursday was also the night of the National Honor Society. It was a beautiful evening with four of our inductees speaking on Character, Service, Leadership and Scholarship. The keynote speaker, Humanities teacher Mrs. Marla James, quoted “to those who much has been give, much will be expected.” Mrs. James challenged the inductees to use the gifts and talents that they have been given through their parents, families and school to give back. Give back to their families, their school and their community. This special evening ended with proud parents and students enjoying refreshments in the UC cafeteria.

I helped chaperone the school trip, this past weekend and it was fabulous. Two buses of juniors and seniors pulled out of the UC parking lot at 8:30 am and headed to our first stop – the Hard Rock Café in Baltimore Maryland. After lunch, entertainment and a little shopping we were back on the busses headed for Williamsburg Virginia. The Union Catholic students were “looking good” at the Friday night dinner dance. The evening was only complete after Assistant Principal, Mr. Jim Reagan joined the students for a dance to “Hey Ya” by Outcast. Saturday included a visit to the College of William & Mary and a Historic Tour of Williamsburg. The best part of the day was definitely the afternoon and evening spent at Busch Gardens. UC students enjoyed rides, shows, haunted train rides and an afternoon of building memories with their friends. It is amazing how much you can pack into a weekend! Thanks Mrs. Palenik for organizing such a fun trip! Can’t wait to see where we’re going next year!!!

Open House and more...

Open House was amazing, a full house with standing room only. I love to watch the UC students interact with prospective students and their parents Our kids are so genuine, sharing their own personal experiences here at UC. And, since Open House, the “Freshman for a Day” program is off and running with excited 8^th graders coming in daily to spend the day with one of our freshman. Today a parent was dropping off their 8^th grader for “freshman for a day” and was watching our student put on UCTV and said, “the high school experience has so much to offer now, it makes me want to come and spend the day”. Yes, high school is a whole new world and UC is an exciting place to learn.

Having a freshman son in the building myself has helped me get an inside look of what their day is like. Of course I think I am going to give Coach McCabe, our Cross Country team coach, a list of things I need DJ to do because what ever “coach says” goes! As a parent I am thrilled to see the discipline, drive and sportsmanship that coach instills in the team, but more importantly, it is wonderful to see the older students welcome a freshman to the team. Not only are they Conference Champs, they had fun getting there – that’s a great combination!

I will be leaving on Friday for Williamsburg Virginia with 100 of our Juniors and Seniors . Mrs. Palenik, the trip coordinator, has a full weekend planned - I will fill you in next week – let’s hope for good weather!

My first blog =)

Let me introduce myself – my name is Betsy Thornton and I am Director of Admissions at Union Catholic High School. I am a graduate of Union Catholic Girls School - Class of 1975. Yes, “back in the day” Union Catholic was two different schools – the “girls’ side” and the “boys side and even though there were no cell phones, no laptops, or instant messaging some of my best memories took place in the halls of UC. I made life long friends and left after my four years prepared, educationally, socially and spiritually for the challenges that faced me.

Now that I am back in Union Catholic, it is my privilege to help students learn about UC. Our building has been alive with activity since the doors opened on a new school year. Last week we had over 350 8^th graders visit from some of our catholic sending schools for the 8^th grade Days of Recollection and our Freshman for a Day program is in full swing with visitors scheduled daily. Our doors are always open and our ambassadors are ready to give tours and show you around. As the school year progresses, I look forward to sharing weekly notes about “life in the UC community”.