Woodlands Academy Blesses Freshmen and Celebrates Seniors on First Day
The start of the 2017-18 school year at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Wednesday, Aug. 23, combined a traditional candlelight service blessing its newest students with the fun of "Seniors Rule Day" celebrations both inside and outside the Lake Forest school.
Head of School Meg Steele officially welcomed freshmen - members of the Class of 2021 - to their new home at Woodlands. "You are becoming part of a school that was founded near downtown Chicago on Taylor Street in 1858 and then moved to Lake Forest in 1904. In addition, you are joining a tradition of Sacred Heart education that traces its roots back to France in 1800," she said. "We have 24 Sacred Heart schools in the United States and Canada and more than 150 schools around the world. As a member of this Sacred Heart community, you are personally welcome to visit in every one of these schools. On behalf of the thousands of members of the International Sacred Heart Community, I am deeply honored to welcome you to Woodlands Academy."
During the service in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart each freshman - and transfer student - was given a candle, which she lit from a candle burning on the altar. This year's new students then positioned themselves behind the altar prior to exiting the chapel in pairs as "This Little Light of Mine" was sung.
Woodlands Academy is a Catholic day-and-boarding college-preparatory high school for young women in grades nine through 12 that promotes academic, artistic and athletic excellence along with global awareness, social responsibility and strong faith. In 2018 it will join with network schools across the continent to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Sacred Heart education in North America.
Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org