Juniors Become Seniors at the 100 Days Mass

        The 100 Days Mass is something that every AQ student looks forward to, some since their freshman year, others since seventh grade. This iconic mass has been a tradition for years, and this year was no different. The entire school gathered in the auditorium, looking like true "Lil' Irish" as many students had dressed down in green for St. Patrick's day. After the chatter settled, everyone took on a prayerful attitude and stood as Bishop Matano walked down the aisle toward the alter. 

        Mass proceeded as usual, with the choir leading the way in song, the Peer Ministers leading the way in the liturgy of the word and in the distribution of the Eucharist, and the rest of the community participating in prayer. Once the mass reached its end, we all listened to a thought provoking senior reflection by Emily Pietropaolo on making the most of our time at AQ. Chris Offerman also contributed to this spirit of prayer as he played an original piece on the piano which he composed to reflect his time at AQ. Needless to say, there were quite a few teary eyed parents and grandparents in the crowd. After Chris's beautiful performance, the Bishop asked the junior class to stand. We all stood together as the Bishop led the community in blessing us in our soon-to-be senior careers. He then blessed the junior class rings.

        Since this was the 100 Days Mass, the Bishop followed Aquinas tradition and asked Mr. Mancini for permission to dismiss the senior class. Of course, Mr. Mancini said yes. The seniors jumped up in excitement. Finally, this was their time. They had been looking forward to this tradition for years and it was finally happening. Once the seniors left in a frenzy of hugs and cheers, the juniors were invited to sit in the senior section (the center section) of the auditorium. This is also an AQ tradition and symbolizes the junior class becoming seniors. Finally, all classes but the junior class were dismissed, and the junior rings were distributed along with a few wise words from Mr. Mancini. 

        He reminded us that we are becoming the head class of the school, where he shines the light to when someone needs an example of an Aquinas student. These words were strange to hear, we are going to be seniors next year.... "Really," Mr. Mancini says, "today is your first day of senior year." He continues to say that we are going to be the role models that the freshman, sophomores, and juniors look up to. We are going to be the leaders of the school. 

        Though this was daunting to hear, I think I speak on behalf of the class of 2016 in saying that we are all very excited. Many of us have dreamed of college life but now it almost seems like it's too close. Our time left has gone down from six years to one, and that seems unbelievable. I remember always looking up to the seniors and even idolizing some of them as a freshman. The first day of seventh grade feels like it was two years ago and now my class is only a few months away from our senior year. My hope is that we grow closer as a class, as a school and as a community during the next year. My fingers and many others' are crossed in hopes that the whole college application process does not take away from our last months at AQ. Ultimately, I feel the class of 2016 can't wait to lead in goodness, discipline, and knowledge and savor the last year of our time at Aquinas.

By: Lina Clifford '16

editor