The week of Oct. 6 through 13 was dedicated to the celebration of 100 years of the Notre Dame de Sion School. Stretching from the fiesta-themed Fall Festival at the Grade School to the 100th Anniversary Party, the week was filled with themed dress days, in-class activities and all school events.

In order for the week to be one remembered for years to come, Student Council Vice President Kamryn Schropp said, STUCO had to brainstorm for new ideas and fun ways to include the entire student body and faculty.

“We planned for months. STUCO played a large part in coming up with a lot of the themes and planning the logistics for the games, Pep Rally, and the breakfast,” Schropp said. “Our goal was to raise school spirit while incorporating Sion’s history. Stuco believed that if we showed our passion for Sion, than the rest of the students would too.”

Along with the school celebration, Sion’s 100 years have been recognized citywide. Kansas City, MO Mayor Sly James, a former Sion Grade School parent and Board of Trustees member, formally commemorated the school by issuing a proclamation that established the week in Sion’s honor.

“It was a request that the school made because of the Mayor’s relationship with Sion, and he has always been such a big supporter. We told them that in honor of our 100th anniversary we had an entire week at the school dedicated to celebrating our centennial,” Alumnae Coordinator Lauren Gyllenborg Golden said. “They responded that they would be interested in doing a Mayor’s Proclamation that would announce the celebration week.”

Teachers honored the history of Sion by incorporating activities into their class schedules.

“In my American Government and History classes we drew some comparisons between what we were normally studying to what the historical and political situations were in 1912 when the school was founded. We really looked at what situations the first Sion girls would have been living through,” teacher Becky Haden said. “I think it’s important to learn about how we developed as a school and get in touch with our history and traditions so we can go forward in a meaningful way.”

The week centered around the celebration of Sion was a success in Dean of Students Fran Koehler’s opinion. Due to the centennial, she believes the school was more energized.

“It feels like Sion has received a fresh coat of paint. It’s a positive, new energy,” Koehler said. “History is who we are. We have a unique mission, we are a strong school, and I feel as if we have a lot to celebrate.”