Woodlands Celebrates Seniors and Blesses Freshmen as Classes Resume

The start of the 2016-17 school year at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Wednesday, Aug. 24, combined the fun of "Seniors Rule Day" celebrations with a traditional candlelight service blessing its newest students.

Head of School Meg Steele officially welcomed freshmen - members of the Class of 2020 - 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 over 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 was given a candle, which she lit from a candle burning on the altar. Members of the Class of 2020 then positioned themselves along the pews on both sides of the aisle to form an arch of light.

Located in Lake Forest, 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.