Royals Report

Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe 
Following the end of Our Lady of Guadalupe novena, we started the week of the 9th with a special Mass celebrating both the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The entire school gathered in the gymnasium first thing in the morning and reflected on the events that called for such a celebration. We all joined hearts and gathered for Mass in unity.

Instead of our usual choir, we had a mariachi perform all our traditional hymns to mark such a special occasion. After the Mass we also had some matachines perform a dance for the celebration and welcomed our Royals to get up and dance alongside them.

Of course, no party is complete without a clown, so we also had some people in costumes come down after the Mass and play games with our Royals to lift up their spirits. And who would then want to end their school day with homework? So at the end we held a food festival where tamales, conchas, hot chocolate and other sweet treats were served.

Our Royals came together and shared a warm cup of cocoa over an assortment of goodies as they bonded and made connections further fortifying our interlaced Royal community. Such a celebration goes to show our Royals the importance of figures like Our Lady of Guadalupe and the power of the faith in our community when we come in unity to observe them. 

Christmas Cheer 
All across the school, our Royal staff and faculty are showcasing their Christmas spirit as the holidays are approaching. It could be said that the halls are being decked with boughs of holly, as well as the front office, the cafeteria and various teachers’ classrooms. There’s even a Christmas tree in the library.

Most would generally stick to a single theme, for visual harmony. The general consensus across the school is our school colors – blue, white and yellow – yet one teacher has gone beyond this to put a spotlight on a different subject these holidays. History and Theology teacher, Agatha Gasperoni, or as I know her, Mrs. G, asked all her students to decorate a cup with sharpies, which she then shrunk in her oven to turn into homemade Christmas tree ornaments.

Each ornament was unique and perfectly captured the creative minds of the Royals behind them. Hanging them on the tree next to those of our peers, even if we had different designs and colors, helped put into perspective the harmony of unity, especially during these holidays.

I’ve seen many trees in my life, but I’ve yet to see a prettier one. 

Gratitude and Appreciation 
The holidays are a time of reflection. When we think about what we want, we often overlook what we need or what we have directly in front of us. It’s easy to get caught up in materialistic desires, especially during these times of the year. But it’s always crucial to reflect on all of the priceless irreplaceable aspects of our lives which we may often unwillingly take for granted.

I asked a couple of the Royals around our school a simple question: “What are you the most grateful for and why?”

Most Royals answered directly and simply: family. A thing you cannot hold in the palm of your hands, a thing you cannot buy, not even a thing that you would find on the average person's wish list, family.

Senior Claudia Ramirez said her family is the thing she's the most grateful, sharing, “They understand me and always know how to comfort me whenever I need support.”

Art teacher Maria Strain took a different approach, saying the thing she’s the most grateful for are her memories. 

“It’s not the fact I had kids,” she said, “but the memories I shared with them.”

Senior Angelia “Angie” Edwards said she's the most grateful for her little dog, Titi. She shared the rather funny story of their union, when her aunt had Titi at an airport when Angie complemented saying “Your dog is so cute!” Her aunt replied, “Thats not my dog, that's your dog.”

All these responses, while different, hold the idea of family at the center. It is crucial to not overlook this aspect of our life, no matter if it's immediate family, the experiences you shared with them, or even your little dog Titi.

Show them some appreciation these holidays. Gratitude and appreciation are the most priceless gifts you can give.


Photo: Art teacher Maria Strain and senior Angelia Edwards posed for a picture. Photo Diana Garcia/Sooner Catholic.