2012-10-19 - Union Catholic Regional High School

UC Welcomes the Class of 2016By Christine HahnOn September 6, the Class of 2016 entered the halls of Union Catholicfor its Orientation day. As they students walked into the building,they were ushered up into the freshmen wing where they wouldmeet up with their friends and go to homeroom. In homeroom, thefreshmen received their lockers and locks as well as their schedules.After the bell rang, it was time for the freshmen to have their firstclass meeting. They were escorted down to the auditorium wherethey were welcomed by Dr. Reagan and Sister Percylee Hart R.S.M.The meeting concerned the importance of the next four years oftheir lives. After the assembly, it was finally time for the freshmento meet their Big Brothers or Sisters.As the freshmen paraded into the cafeteria, they lookedfor their names on the posters that the Juniors and Seniors held up.After meeting their Big Sister or Brother, it was time for Orientationbreakfast, in which they were able to choose from a variety ofdoughnuts and beverages. As breakfast came to a close, it was timefor the school day to start as the freshmen were escorted to theirfirst period class by their Big Brother or Sister.The Class of 2016 moved from periods one to three, witheach class being fifteen minutes long. After third period, they wentback down to the cafeteria60 Years of BlessingsOn September 24, 2012, Principal Sister PercyleeHart, R.S.M. celebrated her 60th anniversaryas a Sister of Mercy. Sister Percyleewas called to become a sister at a very youngage. She says that she was once told she was“born a nun,” and she truly believes it. SisterPercylee was growing up at the time that Hitlerwas taking reign, and she witnessed a lot ofevil. That evil gave her thedesire to spread goodnessin the world. To become asister is a very strong commitment,and to have thatstrength and love inside ofyou to do such a thing istruly an amazing gift to theworld. When Sister Percyleewas asked what shethought her greatestachievement as a sisterwas, she said her fidelity tothe call. When she was becominga Sister of Mercy,the church was goingthrough lot of transition.Women were also beinggiven a lot more opportunities in the world,but she stayed loyal to her call and did whatshe truly felt her heart wanted to do.Sister speaking at her 60th anniversarycelebration.As most people know, there are various differ-and bought their first lunches at UC. They sat with their Big Brothers andSisters as they did during breakfast. After lunch, they continued their daygoing to the rest of their classes along with Tuesday fifth period. At theend of the day, the freshmen were gathered into the gym for another meetingabout busing.As the freshmen get settled into UC, there is a list of pointers thatcould help them as they get into the swing of high school. First, do not beafraid to ask the upperclassmen about the school. We were all freshmen,too, so we know what it is like to get lost on your way to third period. Ifyou are struggling in a class, do not hesitate to talk to your teacher aboutstaying after school for extra help or signing up for tutoring. It is better toask for help then to come home to angry parents when progress reportscome out. Last but not least, have fun this year. Join as many clubs as youlike and try out for a sports team. These are supposed to be the best yearsof your lives, so work hard and have a great time.As another school year begins at UC, a new class begins theirjourney through high school. There will be tough times, fun times, andstudy times. The Prophet wishes the Class of 2016 good luck as they venturethrough the halls of UC throughout the next four years.By Kristen Ramos & Jane Lestarchickent communities of sisters in the world. Why the Sisters ofMercy? Sister Percylee’s first thought was to become a sisterof the Syracuse Franciscan community. She had goneto elementary school with these sisters guiding her and forsome time she believed that was the community she wasgoing to become a part of. Her high school choice was aschool of the Sisters of Mercy. In this high school, she saidshe saw sisters “pushing the edge” in theworld. They were taking advantage of theopportunities given to women and were reallyevolving. She loved that and decided shewanted to become part of that communityright after high school. According to SisterPercylee, “her heart was with the SyracuseFranciscan sisters, but her mind was withthe Sisters of Mercy.”Sister Percylee adds that “if anyyoung women would like to become a sister,they should explore into it.” Through life,she has felt that every path she has takenhas been a call from God, and she has alwayspursued it. She has loved having thechance to be head of administration, tospread the message of how we all live as disciplesof Jesus, and to encourage others to tofollow that message and spread it. After 60 years of servingas a Sister of Mercy, Sister Percylee said that it is hardto believe it has been 60 years! In the words of Sister Percylee,“Time flies when you’re having fun, and it’s been agreat journey!” Congratulations Sister!