By Ella ‘24

On Wednesday, September 21st, the junior class was celebrated and recognized by their teachers, mentors and class council. In celebration of their official induction as upper-class students, the Class of 2024 Royal Blue & Gold Dragons were invited to wear formal attire to celebrate this rite of passage. The blessing was mostly led by members of the junior class, giving class council members and the campus ministry homeroom representatives the opportunity to lead through prayer. The blessing also included intercessions from mentors to each of their respective mentoring groups and a slide show, created by students, that featured many special moments from the last two years. Students were able to both reminisce about their special ND history and experiences, and look forward to another two years together. 

The Class of 2024’s beginning at ND was special as they were the first, and hopefully last, class to enter the Notre Dame community virtually or, as Ms. Riley put it in her reflection, “the first class to enter ND without entering ND.” After many virtual ND “firsts” during the COVID-19 pandemic, including their online class color and mascot party and their first Spirit Week on Zoom, the Class of 2024 expressed their joy and enthusiasm for participating in this in-person Notre Dame tradition, and we look forward to the many more celebrations and traditions yet to come.