Why All Girls Schools Celebrate Traditions Throughout the Year
Discover the many traditions and experiences offered at St. Agnes Academy. Learn more about the culture at an all girls schools like St. Agnes – and why the traditions matter.
Written by Tess Pacetti ‘26
St. Agnes Academy is an all girls Catholic private school focused on creating a safe learning environment for empowered young women. The teachers and students strive to create a community bonded through academics and school spirit.
Since the school was founded, the values promoted by our important school traditions have been woven into the fabric of the St. Agnes experience. These traditions – from pep rallies to school dances – bring the sisterhood together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Find out more about why traditions are so important at all girls schools – especially St. Agnes.
The Traditions We Honor at St. Agnes Academy
Our traditions encourage leadership skills and academic improvement, promote healthy mental practices, and create a strong sense of community for the students.
Honored St. Agnes Traditions
- International Food Festival
- Cinco de Mayo Celebration
- Veritas Vacation Day
- Our lady of Guadalupe Mass
- Cultural pageant
- Senior Sunrise
Leadership Skills in the Community
The majority of our traditions are planned, designed, and executed by the Student Council Committee and planned by students themselves. Teachers and staff help organize the students into respective departments, but the members of each board assist in the formation of events.
From prom to co-ed sports events like Powderpuff, St. Agnes students are given the opportunity to practice real-world leadership skills that yield actual results for the community. For example, the students on the prom planning committee create a fun and positive impact on their peers and receive important lessons on life skills.
These experiences help students balance academic challenges with the opportunity for social and emotional growth. Many girls who are an important factor of club leadership also assist in planning events to spread positive messages in the community.
Strong Sense of Community
Many traditions in the St. Agnes community create friendships and bonds between students while fostering diversity and inclusivity. These traditions and the traditions perpetuated by the many clubs available create a vibrant community for the St. Agnes Academy students.
Events such as the International Food Festival and Cultural Pageants are important events in creating a welcoming school environment and giving students the chance to learn about their peers’ unique backgrounds.
Students from all grades enjoy eating delicious foods and reconnecting with their friends during these events. The celebrations of Fiesta de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo connect the academy men and women of St. Agnes and Strake Jesuit.
Sisterhood, collaboration, and friendship are the most important values of St. Agnes, and the inclusive atmosphere instills confidence and belonging within the students. Many alumni reflect on the confidence they gained from their experiences at St. Agnes that helped them become more capable and well-rounded.
Religious Support in the Community
Our mission statement calls students to follow the Gospel values, and our school promotes religious values through monthly masses. These school-wide masses allow students to reflect on their progress and find strength in the community.
If students need more support, they can attend weekly assemblies in the chapel, where they are encouraged to make friends with other girls attending. Also, the annual religious class retreats strengthen these faith-based values and class bonding. Our religious traditions guide students to grow and mature in their faith and strengthen their relationship with God.
Prioritizing Student Mental Health
In between the challenges of classes and the stress of extracurriculars, the St. Agnes traditions provide a welcome break from the excitement. The fun of a pep rally and the surprise of Veritas Vacation Day allow students to slow down and enjoy high school.
By providing breaks, St. Agnes strives to create a safe and happy environment for its students on their road to academic excellence. For example, the available counseling department teaches students healthy mental health practices and the importance of creating a balanced routine. The strong emphasis on health and safety allows students to find their voice on their personal journey.
Fostering a Welcoming Environment for New Students
The most important St. Agnes traditions are the ones that help create a more unified community of academy women. These traditions allow the learned seniors to share their wisdom with the young freshman. Traditions such as Fish Week, which lessen the tensions of the first weeks of school, give freshmen the chance to receive mentoring on the path to academic excellence.
The opportunity for freshmen students to find friendships can help them adapt to the new environment and standards presented at St. Agnes. These experiences equip students with the social, academic, and leadership skills that enable them to succeed in the world beyond.
Overcoming Academic Challenges
Students learn and grow in their academic excellence from the St. Agnes traditions. The long-honored practice of mentorship allows younger students to receive lessons and important advice from the upperclassmen. This relationship prepares students for the difficulty of the St. Agnes classes in a balanced manner.
With an encouraging spirit, St. Agnes students strive to share their knowledge and experiences with the lower classmen. The teachers perpetuate this message and provide learning opportunities for students struggling and looking to succeed in their classes.
Overall Importance of Celebrated Traditions at All Girls Schools
The many St. Agnes class traditions strive to create a more welcoming and accommodating community for all students – both upper and lower classmen.
These gatherings, celebrations, and events help celebrate important moments for students and bring attention to important topics along the journey. They also allow students to experience joy and fun at school during the most stressful and chaotic times.
Learn more about the culture of all girls schools like St. Agnes. Find the support you need throughout your time on campus!
