Immaculate Heart Celebrates Beloved Tradition of Mary’s Day
Immaculate Heart High School senior and student body president Oona Holahan crowned the statue of Mary for Mary’s Day, the beloved tradition that honors the school’s patroness and the mother of Jesus. The April 28th crowning served as the focal point among activities that brought the entire school community together in celebration.
This year’s event featured the theme Ave Stella Maris, or Mary, Star of the Sea, in tribute to Mary as a guiding star who fosters goodness and light in a world often plagued by darkness. The title harkens back to when mariners sought guidance by looking to the stars and praying to Mary for safe passage.
As is tradition, Mary’s Day opened with a liturgy, followed by a festive procession to the quad, where, along with the crowning, students participated in a Maypole dance as well as the much-anticipated “Great Lawn Dance.” At one point nearly 500 students stepped in unison to the Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda song “Love Make the World Go Round,” which celebrates the power of love over hate.
The school auditorium, featuring lights, stars and handmade fish decorations, was the setting for student performers in both song and dance presentations. At one point, a constructed whale – more than 26 feet long and carried by 13 students – wound its way around the cheering audience. As a fitting finale, students linked hands and sang Immaculate Heart’s Alma Mater before enjoying a lunch with friends – and more dancing – on the school’s grassy lawn.
About Immaculate Heart
Founded in 1906 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculate Heart is located at 5515 Franklin Avenue, at the corner of Western Avenue, in the Los Feliz foothills near Griffith Park in Hollywood. The school educates young women in grades sixth through 12th. The school has a long and distinguished history, with more than 10,000 graduates. Today’s student body of more than 700 young women is both geographically and ethnically diverse, drawing on students from throughout Los Angeles County. Last year, virtually 100 percent of Immaculate Heart graduates matriculated to colleges, including the most prestigious schools in the country.
