On Friday, January 20, 2023, St. Johns Country Day School participated in a new kind of ring ceremony for the Class of 2024. This year, for the very first time, the School designed and ordered a custom ring just for the Class of 2024 and presented it to them during this ceremony, attended by family, friends, and Upper School.
Head of Upper School Jackie Lentini opened the ceremony and welcomed students and families. Being a parent of a junior herself, she said, she was going to go sit down and “be a mom” shortly. First, she thanked all the parents who have helped and supported their students along the path to get to this point. “Your unconditional love, support, and sacrifices have made this moment possible,” she said.
Turning to the Class of 2024, she implored them, “When you are all seated on this stage with your classmates, capture this moment. While there will never be another Class of 2024 at St. Johns Country Day School, there will always be a common bond among you, and your ring symbolizes your connection.”
From there, the class advisors and Dean of Upper School Mike Hilliard took it in turn to tell the history and symbolism of the class ring, the legend of turning the ring, and the wearing of the ring.
Early class rings “were regarded as circles of friendship between classmates,” said Class Advisor Josh Stern. “Today, your class ring has just as much meaning and symbolism,” he said. “It still stands for pride and accomplishment and the many priceless memories of high school. Your class ring is much much more than just a ring. Please wear it with pride.”
Class Advisor Rachel Robison followed. “What the ring means for you all,” she said, “is that you have set and achieved a goal that can never be taken away from you. Since a ring is continuous, with no beginning or end, many see the class ring as a symbol of life--lifelong learning that will continue well beyond your Upper School years. Wear your ring proudly, and every time someone turns it for good luck, feel happy and proud of your accomplishment.”
Class Advisor Shelley Miller next took the stage to discuss the longstanding Legend of Turning the Ring. “When you first wear your class ring,” she said, “you have your friends, family, and classmates turn your ring once each, toward your small pinkie finger for 24 turns, to represent your graduation year. The last person to turn your ring should be the most special to you. This person turns your ring in the opposite direction of the others to lock it.”
Then, Dean of Upper School Mike HIlliard instructed the Class of 2024 on how to wear their rings. “Your ring should be worn so that when you look at it you can read your school name,” he said. “When you graduate, you should reverse your ring so that when you hold your hand out, the person looking at your ring can read the school’s name properly.”
Finally, Mr. Hilliard read students’ names and, together with their families, they proceeded to the stage. Rings were given to families, who then presented it to their student. Students then sat down on the stage to wait for their classmates to join them.
Gathered together again, the junior class opened their ring boxes and put on their rings together, marking one of the first major milestones leading to their graduation. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Photos by Meg Fackler '23