Alverno Heights Academy Students Take the Oath of Office



Alverno Heights Academy student leaders took their official oath of office at today’s Inauguration Ceremony in the presence of their parents, teachers and fellow students. Rather than the traditional “Associated Student Body” model, Alverno Heights Academy’s government is modeled after the United States Government complete with a Alverno Constitution and citizens—the Alverno students. Alverno Student Union includes the federal, legislative, and judicial branches as well as individual state governments. All Alverno students are considered to be citizens of the Alverno Union and of their own state as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Each state has its own Constitution as well as the following positions: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms, and assemblywomen. These young women are responsible for making decisions specific to their own state.

The legislative branch is composed of the Alverno Congress, which includes three representatives from each class, or state as they are known at Alverno. Congress drafts, passes, and approves bills and resolutions that affect the entire student body on a wide spectrum of policies. Congress has the important role in encouraging positive, student-driven change on campus through passing these bills and resolutions. The judicial branch includes two Supreme Court justices from each state and a Chief Justice. The Supreme Court must agree a bill is constitutional before it may go into effect. The Supreme Court led today’s ceremony, which started with the oath of the ASU President Madsion Ramirez ‘20 and Vice-President Vianni Barzallo ‘20. “Inauguration is a very important day for all of our Government members. Never in my life have I seen a more capable and determined group of young individuals intent on making the world theirs before they’ve even set foot in it. Today is the beginning of a great school year,” said ASU President, Madison Ramirez.

The Student Union President and Vice-President run as a ticket and elect a cabinet who acts as the governing body for all students. This year’s cabinet is made up of 23 members, including Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores, who each play a different role, such as Secretary of Athletics or Chief of Domestic. “Our unique student government program is a perfect example of the monumental role our young women play in our school community. Each of the young women elected has made not only a commitment to Alverno Heights Academy, but a commitment to her peers to be an effective, compassionate servant-leader,” said Head of School Julia V. Fanara. “These values are basic tenets of the Alverno philosophy and our leadership program is just one of the ways Alverno empowers each young woman to be exactly the person she wants to be.”

Just as the United States begins a new presidential term with an Inauguration, so does Alverno! This morning all student officers took their official oath of office and were reminded of the importance of being a leader. “Inauguration is a long standing tradition at Alverno, we are very proud of the role our students take as leaders on campus,” said Sara McCarthy, Assistant Head of School. “During this ceremony students take the same oath that our elected United States government members take.”

This formal ceremony concluded with an Inaugural Address from the ASU President Ramirez, “I have one wish, something I wish for all of you to know and to take not only into this school year, but beyond Alverno, the greatest tool you have is your voice: use it. We will work to craft your ideas and your voices into the most influential form it can take: action. Because without action there is no change and without change we can never improve. Thank you for allowing me to be your President. I hope I can make you proud.”

There is no doubt that the student leaders at Alverno Heights have reason to be proud.

Alverno Heights Academy, 200 North Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre, (626) 355-3463 or visit www.alvernoheightsacademy.org.

About Alverno Heights Academy

Alverno Heights Academy is an all-girls, independent, progressive Catholic, college preparatory school dedicated to its mission of empowering each young woman to be exactly the person she wants to be. Located on the property of the former Barlow Estate in Sierra Madre, California, Alverno Heights Academy was founded in 1960 by the Sisters of St. Francis who sought to create an environment in the San Gabriel Valley where young women could become informed and knowledgeable persons. Later renamed Alverno High School and sponsored by the Immaculate Heart Community, Alverno’s program—academic, spiritual, aesthetic, social, and physical—has been shaped by the staff, trustees, and students. As Alverno Heights Academy once again, the school remains committed to its mission by encouraging each of their young women to be who they imagine. For more information about Alverno Heights Academy, please visit www.alvernoheightsacademy.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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