Padua’s Young Alum Social took place in the Café last Thursday afternoon. The social was a fun get-together for the recent Padua graduates, where they could reconnect with teachers and fellow alumnae. Before the social, Padua’s dance team performed a routine with the current team members and the Padua graduates who used to be a part of the team. The performing alumnae were Amy Orobono and Caitlin Baldino from the class of 2010, and Olivia Massa, Maria Elena Marinelli, Lauren Burcham, and Sarah Strickland from the class of 2011. As always, PDT entertained and wowed with their routine to Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” After the dance team performed, the social began in the Cafe. As the girls arrived, there were smiles and hugs all around. Old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a few years and students who hadn’t seen their favorite teachers in a while were happily reunited at the social. It was easy to see the sisterhood that defines Padua.
Memories Shared
During the social, the alumnae chatted about Padua memories, and how those memories shaped them as a person. Kat Locke, a graduate of the class of ’09, who now attends University of Delaware, said that Padua gave her the necessary tools to succeed in the world based off of Padua’s four S’s: Sisterhood, Service, Scholarship, Spirituality. Kat also said that Padua taught her to express her opinions in her own intelligent way, without offending others.
Olivia Massa, a graduate of class of ’11 and a student at James Madison University gave a few words about the transition from Padua to college. Olivia said the biggest change was the “independence you have in college; you are able to do your own thing on your time.” Many of the alumnae chatted about that favorite Padua memories and stories. Ann Marie Fitch, class of ’09, now at Millersville University stated that her favorite Padua memory was simply hanging out in the lobby after school, laughing with her close friends. Ann Marie also said that Padua offered her a smooth transition from high school to college, and despite all the worries current Padua students have, she was able to handle the college workload.
Adrienne Angelucci, class of ’07, now a student at Penn State, offered a few words of advice to the current Padua students. Adrienne said she didn’t always appreciate Padua while she was here, but she loves the memories and friends she’s made because of Padua. Adrienne’s advice to current students is to try and find who you are while you’re at Padua, and be that person. After talking to all the alums, it was clear that Padua offers something that not just any high school can offer: Sisterhood. The social served as a reminder that while our time at Padua may be limited, the memories and bonds we make last forever.