Student Life

Traditions

Mount Saint Mary Academy is proud of its longtime traditions, many of which date back to the school's founding in 1908. These special events serve as hallmarks of the Mount experience:

List of 10 items.

  • Freshman Orientation

    Several days prior to the start of the school year, Mount freshmen enjoy a day just for them. Orientation is an action-packed introduction to the Mount experience. Student Council prepares games and activities so that members of the freshman class get to know one another. Students tour the campus, visit the club fair, and receive student IDs. The day concludes with a pizza party and prayer service in Chapel.
  • Freshman Welcome on First Day of School

    Starting in 2010, the Academy began a new tradition to welcome the next generation of Mounties. On the first day of every school year prior to Convocation, the entire sophomore, junior, and senior classes create an honor guard from the freshman homerooms to Chapel. The freshmen walk through the lines of students as they are cheered and welcomed on their first day.
  • Mercy Day

    Every September, the Mount community gathers in Chapel to celebrate the founding values of the school and the Sisters of Mercy. The Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen traditionally serves as the celebrant of the Mass, during which the Sisters who reside and work on campus renew their vows.
  • White Gowns

    This century-old tradition remains an important component of the Mount experience today. Each student wears her white gown to special events throughout her high school career including annual Mercy Day Liturgies, Junior Ring Mass, and Baccalaureate Mass. Mount students know that white gown days are always special occasions.
  • Junior Ring Mass

    This special Mass is a rite of passage for Mount students as it represents their transition to upperclasswomen. Juniors receive their class rings in this ceremony. 
  • Christmas Tree Blessing

    Each year, the Mount community gathers to celebrate the Advent season and bless the Chapel Christmas tree. The tree is decorated each year by the senior class with ornaments created by the students.
  • Big Sister / Little Sister Program

    As each freshman enters the Mount, she never begins her journey alone. Every new student is assigned a "big sister" in the junior class who helps guide her in her transition to high school and serves as another friend along the way. The freshman and junior sisters gather periodically at school socials, celebrate each other's birthday, and communicate regularly to stay informed on how the other is doing.
  • Catholic Schools Week

    Mount students always enjoy the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Activities throughout the week honor Catholic education and promote school spirit. Liturgy is celebrated. 
    Students also enjoy the annual activities of door decorating, student talent show, and quiz bowl.
  • Senior Traditions

    Many Mount traditions involve the senior class as they prepare to depart the Mount and begin the next phase of their academic journey. Seniors decorate the Christmas tree in Chapel at the annual Tree Blessing Mass, enjoy a bagel breakfast hosted by the Alumnae Assocation on National College Commitment Day, and celebrate a series of special events in the weeks leading up to graduation: the Prom, organized by the junior class, the Mother-Daughter Tea and Alumnae Association induction, a breakfast hosted by the freshmen class, and a luncheon with their sophomore "Little Sisters".
  • Mother-Daughter Tea

    After their induction into the Alumnae Association, seniors enjoy a special tea reception with their mothers. The event includes many reminders of the girls' time as students and their time growing up, including a slide show with photos submitted by their families.
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