Mount Buzz: New spaces, fresh traditions and surprises

From a state-of-the-art sports facility to birthday shout-outs, murals and a reflective labyrinth, campus life kicks off with excitement

Nora Benamar, Cecilia Esbensen, and Camryn O’Connor

October 2, 2025

Mount Buzz: New spaces, fresh traditions and surprises

Lily Guckert

With a goal to build community, spark joy and honor tradition, Mount St. Joseph Academy is embracing change this September through a new sports facility, birthday locker celebrations, student-created murals and a contemplative labyrinth.

A crane works outside the Mount, digging up the land where the tennis courts once stood.

Construction is underway on the new sports facility, which will house future events such as dances, fundraisers and sporting competitions.

“We want the new facility to be a source of energy and excitement so that it matches the quality of our work,” Principal Melissa Sullivan said.

Beyond athletics, Mounties are finding joy in the small moments and celebrations.

Lollipops and “Happy Birthday” signs adorn the lockers of Mount students with September birthdays.

Birthday signs with treats are part of a new initiative led by Student Life & Engagement Coordinator, Maria Cilio and inspired by students.

“It’s so exciting. I was so surprised to see this — it made my day!” Charlotte Felix ’27 said.

While the student lockers bring festive energy, even more student spirit can be seen on the walls of the art wing. Projects ranging from cyanotype prints, to pottery, to zentangles bring life to the art wing.

Zentangle landscapes created by art teacher Ms. Colleen Mars’ Design Basics class are on display in the art wing.

“Students were asked to create a variety of patterns and then outline them using color. They were also supposed to include some landscape elements, so they had to have foliage details,” Ms. Mars said.

Joy and community are spreading far beyond the walls of Mount and into the larger Philadelphia community.

Brie Fay ’26, her father, Joey Fay, and teacher Mr. Boccella posed at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 21, during the Eagles game.

Joey Fay P ’26, was honored as the recipient of the Hometown Hero award, and Mr. Boccella, a lifelong Eagles fan, was amazed by the Eagles’ incredible fourth-quarter comeback against the Los Angeles Rams, capped by Jalen Carter’s blocked field goal returned for a touchdown in the final seconds.

“It was the craziest ending I have ever witnessed in my 25 years of having season tickets,” Mr. Boccella said.

Back on campus, another project is creating community in the halls of Clement’s Crossing.

Directed by Brother Mickey McGrath, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, students assisted in painting a symbolic mural. Brother Mickey brought students together to design a mural that would brighten the school environment with creativity and teamwork.

Inspired by the construction of Clement’s Crossing, Sister Charlene Diorka wanted to leave a mark on the area that infused the mural with the spirit of Mother/Sister Clement. The dove above the liturgical dancer’s head symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

In addition to the mural, another campus addition has invited Mounties to connect in a different way.

Cara Gordon ’27 and her sister, Jill Gordon ’28, walk the labyrinth during the school day for a break. Students have used the quiet path to reflect and recharge in the middle of their busy day.

A labyrinth, built in part by Mount alumna Ellen Rosa-Bian Cericola ’82 P ’09, was made possible through fundraising led by Mrs. Maria Termini-Romano ’89 P ’25, Mrs. Jenny Forti, P ’21, and other parents involved in planning the Mount Magic event at the Linc last February, which raised more than $86,000.

“This contemplative labyrinth marks a pivotal moment in our institution’s journey as we celebrate this year’s theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope: Together as One,’” Sister Charlene said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.