Welcoming the SAA Class of 2030

Starting with the Freshman Student Orientation overnight in August, St. Agnes Academy makes welcoming the freshmen to the Upper School a top priority! In 2007, this process began to include Freshmen Welcome Week. Nineteen years later, this tradition is still going strong.

After a month of settling into high school, the excitement begins a few days before Welcome Week with the Big Sister Reveal. This gives freshmen their first sense of the sisterhood that makes St. Agnes so special. “Sister Surveys” are sent out to help pair up the big and little sisters, with the goal of pairing every freshman with a personal mentor and role model. It is remarkable to see their relationships form-as one group begins their SAA journey and another sees their time at the Academy nearing the end.

SAA Alumnae Association President Shelley Dziuba Miller ’95 helped kick off the week by officially welcoming the Class of 2030 during Upper School Assembly. Each member of the class received a star lapel pin engraved with their class year from the Alumnae Association—a symbol of their place in the SAA sisterhood and a reminder that they are now part of a legacy that extends far beyond their years at The Academy. Alumnae Coordinator Liz Barksdale shared, “The Alumnae Association loves to be a part of this weeklong celebration of our freshman. We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2030 and can’t wait to watch them shine!”

The seniors and freshmen participate in themed dress-up days throughout the week. This year’s themes are 80s vs in your 80s, Wild About Welcome Week, Dynamic Duo/Trio, Mystery Accessory Day and Babies & Princesses. Other activities include a donut party hosted by the sophomore class and a soda pop party hosted by the juniors. The week wrap ups with a Big Sis/Little Sis Luncheon on the front lawn on Friday.

Senior Class Lead Sponsor Emma Vescovo spoke to what this tradition means to our students: “The seniors are excited to welcome the new freshman class and dote on their little sisters, but it is also very nostalgic for them. They get to reminisce and relive the week they had as freshmen when they were the new students. They get to relive the fun all over again.”