Despite the academic difficulties and stress that come along with junior year, there is excitement as Junior Ring approaches. However, this year is a little different. The class of 2017 decided to hold a dance along with the time-honored ceremony.

Mariana Gusdorf, a junior STUCO member, explained how this idea to have a dance came about. After realizing how many other schools have dances to celebrate their junior rings, the class officers decided to bring the idea to the moderators. The moderators agreed to the dance, as long as the junior class eliminated the traditional breakfast the day after the ceremony. The other component that needed to be figured out was the date. While March is a busy month, it was finally determined that the ceremony would be held on Thursday, March 3rd, and the dance would be in the EAC on Friday, March 4th.

This year, the ceremony will be similar to those in years past. There will be speakers, people to bless the rings and a slideshow of baby pictures, followed by a reception in the gym. Right now, multiple committees are hard at work to ensure the decorations, seating, and ceremony will go smoothly. The theme of the occasion is “Midnight In Paris.”

While the various committees put the finishing touches on their plans, the juniors are preparing for the dance. Aside from figuring out what color to paint their nails and how to do their hair, the biggest question revolves around the dresses. Since there is now a ceremony and a dance, some wonder if they should buy two dresses. However, juniors should remember that if purchasing two dresses is not appealing, borrowing a dress is always an option.

Even though the ceremony and breakfast have been long-standing traditions at Nerinx Hall, the junior class is quite excited for the Junior Ring Dance.