KERNERSVILLE — On May 19, Bishop McGuinness High School revived a classic school tradition by holding a Junior Ring Ceremony following its end-of-year Mass, both presided over by Father Noah Carter, the school chaplain.
Each member of the junior class received a ring engraved with the school seal and motto – “Praesis ut Prosis,” which means “Excel to Serve.” The rings represent the students’ membership in the school community and the new leadership role they will assume as seniors in the next school year.
“I hope you remember the people that you experience this moment with, what the ring on your finger signifies, and your connection to all Bishop alumni going forward,” said Julie Gehling, director of counseling, in her speech to the students at the ceremony.
The students turned their rings around their fingers 24 times to signify their entry into the year of their graduation. In future years, school leaders hope that students will select someone special to present their rings, whether it is a member of the school’s alumni or a parent.
“The goal of these rings is that they will be a symbol of the community that our students belong to at Bishop McGuinness once they’re alumni,” said Katie Williams, director of advancement. “The rings commemorate their hard work and commitment to faith as well as the revival of this school tradition at Bishop.”
The first ceremony of this kind at Bishop McGuinness was held in the chapel of the school's former campus on Link Road in Winston-Salem in 1984 with Father Francis T. Cancro presiding.
— Annie Ferguson