P R I NC I PAL’S
LET T ER
Dear Friends, This time one year ago, we sent the students off on Spring Break a day early so that our teachers could have time to prepare for online classes — just in case we did not come back right away after the break. At the time, it was unimaginable that such a thing would really happen. But it did. And when it did, our teachers immediately rose to the challenge—putting every ounce of their creativity, imagination, and love into teaching their students online. Our students also met the challenge, adapting to the virtual classroom and finding creative ways to take events like the Fine Arts Coffee House, International Fest, May Crowning, and Senior Banquet online. When we returned to campus this August with the new COVID protocols, this same spirit of facing adversity with grace and good humor has been palpable. Surely this spirit comes to us from the founding days of St. Cecilia, when the young Academy met the sufferings of the Civil War with deep faith and hope and love. Perhaps one of the things that makes such a heroic response possible is friendship— something for which St. Cecilia girls have a particular flair. Indeed, with a few good friends or even just one, we can endure trials and find joy even in the midst of suffering. Maybe this is why St. Thomas Aquinas says, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” One of my greatest joys this year has been watching friendships grow in our SCA community as we work together to meet the unique challenges of this time. Our school theme this year of friendship couldn’t be more perfect, reminding us that God walks with us as Friend. The night before he died, Jesus told
his disciples,“I have called you friends” (Jn 15:15). I love to think about this reality. When Jesus thinks of you or me, He thinks: That’s my friend. And as with any of our friends, we learn to know and to trust God as we experience His faithfulness in the ups and downs of daily life. As we look back on this year of triumphs amidst the trials of the pandemic, we give thanks for the gift of friendships— both human and divine—forged here in the hallways of St. Cecilia. This Year-in-Review issue of Harpstrings bears eloquent testimony to the many friends of St. Cecilia. We are so proud of our alumnae, some of whom are featured in these pages, and thankful for how you inspire the next generation of St. Cecilia girls by your beautiful example. In a special way I would like to thank all of our donors whose names are listed in our annual report, as well as all those who participated in the planning process of our strategic plan.Thank you for your faithful friendship! In Christ,
Sister Anna Laura, O.P.
(Cover) Dr. Carlenda Smith ’99, one of SCA’s Healthcare Heroines (Left) Science teacher Mrs. Louisa Bateman and her advisory, both in-person and concurrent learners. 3
