Alex Kovach ‘26, Rahel Rago ‘26, Kayleigh Costello ‘26, Lexi Kelly ‘26, Kelly McDonald ‘26, Ava Downey ‘26, Ava Smith ‘26, Daria Yohe ‘26, Grace Balkowski ‘26, Lillian Friel ‘26, secretary, Gabriella Balaratna, president; ‘26, and Alexa Durand ‘26, vice president.
“Maybe it’s just because I’m a Senior,” Grace Balkowski ‘26 said, “but this Founders’ Day felt extra special, like I was truly leaving my mark on the Mount legacy. It was bittersweet to walk to the Motherhouse for the last time, but I felt more connected to the sisterhood than ever before.”
Adorning purple and gold ribbons in their hair is a staple of Founders’ Day. Seniors spent their morning braiding and bedazzling their peers’ hair in advisory before stepping into the sunlight of the day and beginning their walk to Chestnut Hill College.
“My final Founders’Day was a lot of fun with all of my friends I have made friends over the years,” Daria Yohe ‘26 said. “ I am so glad to have this school community and be able to experience traditions like this one.”
Many groups stopped along the way to have their photos taken and keep the memories of their last Founders’ Day wrapped in the love of their community.
“I feel pretty sentimental about my last Founders’ Day, but I’m grateful for the people I’ve been able to spend it with and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a community.” Emma Meng ’26 said.
Settling into the pews and chairs in the chapel of Chestnut Hill, seniors take in the starry ceiling, marble sculptures, and unifying air of Founders’ Day for their final time.
“It’s a very bittersweet feeling,” Phia Settelen ‘26 said. “Founders’ Day is such an important day to me.”
Seniors had the privilege of sitting in the first rows, coming face to face with the liturgical dancers, Father Kevin Deprinzio, and the word of the Lord.
“It was bittersweet, but I think there was a lot of joy that day,” Violet Binczewski ‘26 said. “It’s special to walk to the motherhouse for the last time, and when you know it’s your last one it makes you really appreciate the day that much more.”
“From the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we learned to serve with love and purpose,” Brigid Infanti ‘26 said. “ I am deeply grateful to have been part of this mission, and I will carry that same faith and compassion into all that comes next.”
For the seniors, experiencing the last hurrahs of the Mount before departing for college is an important final step of their high school journey. The seniors of the 2025-2026 school year are celebrating every win, milestone, and moment with each other.
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