Prospective students and parents gathered in the Commons for the Inside Sion Informational Night to learn more about the school and listen to speeches from the admissions team and current students Sept 26 at 5:00 p.m. 

Kicking off the evening, families were welcomed by President Alicia Herald Kotarba, who spoke about her years as a student while prospective students toured the school. The event consisted of a panel discussion led by students and parents. 

“Overall I think it was really successful having a panel from students and splitting them up into just girls in one room and parents in another,” Admissions Director Katie Glatz said.

Student parents Kristin Hammett, Stacy Byrne and Kristin Koetting O’Byrne presented at the panel, offering a mother’s perspective on the process. In addition to the parent perspective, current students senior Colleen Bryne, junior Madeline Hammet and freshman Carolina O’Byrne spoke about their decision to attend Sion and the high school admissions process.

“I really enjoyed sharing my story about how I chose Sion,” Carolina O’Byrne said. “Meeting the girls was such a fun experience.”

Colleen Bryne told the story of how the school community was there for her following her dad’s passing. She said the school’s community inspired and motivated her to create change. Colleen Bryne is now the president of the Bryne Out Cancer foundation which she founded in honor of her father. 

“It makes me so happy when girls find their place at Sion,” Colleen Bryne said. “I love being the reason they choose Sion.”

The night was a success, according to Glatz and Colleen Byrne. Colleen Byrne said the panel did a great job conveying the school’s community. Through showcasing the school through the eyes of current parents and students, prospective students and parents were granted new insight into what the school has to offer.

“We were able to communicate that you can truly find yourself at Sion,” Glatz said. “I believe it was powerful that it was carried throughout the night.”