On Intramurals Decoration Day, students gathered to listen to an earnest prayer, reminding them of the holistic essence of Intramurals: sisterhood, sportsmanship, and joy. On this day, these principles were exemplified in myriad ways.  

Sisterhood blossomed throughout the school. In each advisory, students came together to organize and pack clean drinking water kits for the nonprofit organization Vera Aqua Vera Vita. In my freshman advisory, I marveled as my advisees arrived with their supplies and, around the conference table, engaged in dynamic discussions about the most efficient way to pack water bottles, water purification tablets, soap, hand sanitizer, and other toiletries, rosaries, instructions, and encouragement notes, which they carefully wrote in Spanish into gallon Ziplock baggies. After a brief discussion, the girls set to work, completing their service with remarkable efficiency and effectiveness. But it was the organic conversations that arose during the packing that truly embodied sisterhood. I listened as the group pondered the use of water purification tablets and how best to fit large water bottles into the bags, all while maintaining a kind, caring, and helpful dialogue.  

I witnessed more evidence of sisterhood in the hallways as students hung their hallway decorations and class murals in Fox. Skills taught in the classroom, such as collaboration and communication, were on full display as students held ladders for one another and shared advice from the floor on the best places to hang panels. Later in the day, once all the hallways and murals were hung, I saw students from each grade level gazing at each class’s artwork, admiring and praising the creations. 

We then headed into the gym for a spirited pep rally and faculty volleyball game. The sense of sisterhood remained palpable while sportsmanship and fun took center stage. The pep rally featured performances from the Color Guard, Cistercian and Jesuit Cheer, and culminated with a Rangerettes performance, all while four grade levels cheered on each of these teams and their skill and talent. Older students taught Intramural cheers to the freshman class, and all grade levels championed the faculty during the volleyball game, with students serving as coaches to their teachers. 

What I adore about Intramurals is that it offers every student the opportunity to contribute to the greater good of their class and school. We see the artists, the athletes, and those with soft skills like the negotiators. During Intramurals season, students learn about each other and develop deep respect for one another. Intramurals is indeed about sportsmanship and fun, but it is also the embodiment of sisterhood. It is the living manifestation of St. Angela’s words, “never cease to cultivate the vine.” 

I wish all students a wonderful Intramurals season filled with sportsmanship and joy and pray the Ursuline community has a safe, restful spring break. 

With gratitude,  

Elizabeth