Tradition benefits girls

The lasting impact of tradition

How school culture rooted in tradition benefits girls

The excitement builds as autumn closes in and leaves turn red and gold. It signals that something special is in the air at The Ursuline School. Each fall, the modern, 13-acre campus in New Rochelle starts to hum with a frenzy of enthusiasm leading up to Ring Day, a cherished annual tradition since 1940.

Year after year, the all-girls Catholic school for grades 6 through 12 celebrates seniors, one by one, as they step through the storied wooden ring, following in the footsteps of thousands of Ursuline alumnae. The ring is classic in its timeless design, including the inscription, ‘Ac fui,’ meaning “I was there, I was a part.” Its purpose is simple: to unite generations of students in the Ursuline tradition, past, present, and future. 

Ring Day, which begins with a morning liturgy for seniors and their families, epitomizes the lasting impact of school traditions. It reinforces core values, celebrates connections, and adds to the well-being of this vibrant school community. At Ursuline, “getting ringed,” as it is known, is a legendary rite of passage. 

“Ring Day festivities are my favorite,” shares Haley Hamers ‘27. “We give and receive gifts from our senior sisters, and it’s so much fun cheering when they get ringed!” Together, middle school and high school girls celebrate their senior sisters with abundant joy, forming bonds of sisterhood across the grade levels. As ninth-grader Veronique Maalouf says, Ring Day “establishes a sense of family.”

School administration cheers on Ursuline Seniors during the annual school-wide Ring Day celebration.

A feeling of unity at Ursuline is palpable and not just on Ring Day.

“My absolute favorite tradition is the Student Retreats,” says freshman Kavya Mahindru, “because it’s a way for students to bond and get to know each other.” Grade-level spiritual retreats center on the core value of faith and spiritual development and provide firm, common ground for students to bond in meaningful ways. Aside from creating a cohesive school culture, they offer growth opportunities for students beyond the classroom, helping to cultivate a spirit of lifelong service.

My absolute favorite tradition is the Student Retreats because it’s a way for students to bond and get to know each other.”

- Kavya '27

Some students point to the annual school-wide service project, dubbed The Cereal Effect, as a powerful unifier. It pulls together the entire school community to help support Westchester school children impacted by food insecurity. Celia '26 feels The Cereal Effect is a “fun way to teach everyone about the importance of giving back.” Stella '28 agrees, adding, “It makes me happy to help out!”

Students organized, prepared, and bagged over 500 lunches for hungry neighbors on International Serviam Day. 

Ursuline students experience the goodness of giving with traditions devoted to service. Make a Difference Day, International Serviam Day, and Serviam Saturdays are among many service opportunities throughout the school year where students actively embrace the school motto of Serviam. This Latin term means “I will serve.” 

Fordham University President Tania Tetlow took note during a visit to the school last fall. In talking about fostering school community, she spoke of the intrinsic value of service. “God wired us to be happy when we help others.” Ursuline students should feel “good, happy, and proud” when they serve others.

Time and time again, traditions strengthen the connection between school culture and student well-being at Ursuline. Field Day, for example, builds community and creates a friendly rivalry between grades. Emily '29 explains, “It really gives us a chance to show off our school spirit and our ability to compete.” Aside from sports, Eva '28 Field Day because “it's really fun to have lunch outside with all the cool food trucks!” 

Field Day, which takes pace each spring, brings fun and food trucks for Ursuline students, faculty, and staff.

Events like Field Day contribute to an atmosphere of camaraderie that encourages new friendships and promotes ongoing connections. Jeanne ‘27 reflects, “These traditions allow me to connect with my fellow students and teachers. Having been a part of this community since the 6th grade, my love for Ursuline grows stronger with each passing year.” 

Having been a part of this community since the 6th grade, my love for Ursuline grows stronger with each passing year."

- Jeanne ‘27

Some traditions are family affairs. The annual Welcome BBQ, Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast, and the Father-Daughter Dance are highly anticipated events that allow parents and families to connect, make friends, and have fun. For Hailey ‘27, these are the best. “My absolute favorite is the Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast. I just had an amazing time with my mom and my grandma.”  

Ursuline traditions prove transformative for adolescent girls. Zara '29 appreciates the value, sharing that “School traditions make Ursuline extra-special because not only do they help you learn new things, but they also make learning fun!” 

‘Ac fui,’ the ring’s inscription, calls all Ursuline students to belong. Uniting students with each other and with generations of proud, accomplished Ursuline alumnae, more than 8,000 worldwide, is the endpoint. The admissions process is the start.