105 juniors sit in anticipation, waiting for their special moment. Speeches are given and the gavel is handed over. Names are called and the legacy moves on.

On April 28 the rising senior class, joined with family and friends, received their class rings from the current senior class. Student Body President Emmie Gragg passed down her leadership, and the classes leadership, to the rising student body president Elsa Brundige with the passing of the gavel.

“It was really unreal because I remember being exactly where Elsa was – not know what my legacy would be,” Gragg said. “I hope I made my mark and so it was really moving because I am so excited for Elsa to grow into her leadership position and really enthusiastic to see what the senior class of 2017 can do.”

Senior Class President Alexis Cucchiara spoke on behalf of the senior class, giving their senior reflection about their time at Sion and their hopefulness for the junior class’s future. Likewise, Junior Class President Claire Raulston spoke on behalf of the junior class, giving a dedication to the seniors and wishing them well as they leave for college.

After the blessings of the rings, spoken by college counselor Erin Stein and written by theology teacher Bonnie Haghirian, the juniors received their rings. However, not all of the rings were passed down by current students. 34 students received their rings from 47 different alumna ranging from mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and cousins. Theology teacher and Junior Ring Sponsor Paul Kramschuster said that a major change this year is the amount of alumna that returned to pass down rings.

“I think that a major change has been the amount of alumna coming back and giving rings,” Kramschuster said. “I think that’s something that’s they’ve always done but it seems to be becoming more popular.”

Junior Abby McLiney received her ring from sisters Maggie and Katie as well as her mother, Pam.
“I wasn’t surprised because my sisters both live in Kansas City,” McLiney said. “I was excited to receive my ring from my family because that is something huge that we have in common and it brings us closer together especially since they got to pass on the ring to me.”