Lauralton Hall of Milford kicks off the new school year

Members of the Lauralton Hall Class of 2016 and transfer students were formally inducted into the Lauralton Hall community at a decorous ceremony on Tuesday, evening, August 28th. Parents, relatives and friends joined faculty, staff, alumnae and trustees in welcoming the new students to the Lauralton family. 

In keeping with one of Lauralton Hall’s many unique traditions, the students marched in to the ceremony accompanied by the bagpipes and drums of the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band; the same band that will accompany them as they leave the school after their commencement ceremony.

Each incoming student shook hands with President Antoinette (Toni) Iadarola, Ph.D. and Michael Amato Chairman of the Board of Trustees and then signed the Lauralton Hall registry book. They also signed a poster listing the Core Values of a Mercy Education:

·         Compassion and Service

·         Educational Excellence

·         Concern for Women and Women’s Issues

·         Global Vision and Responsibility

·         Spiritual Growth and Development

·         Collaboration

Freshman Georgia Kral shakes hands with Lauralton Hall President Antoinette (Toni) Iadarola, Ph.D.

The signing of the poster represents their acceptance of these values and the poster will remain with their class throughout their four years at Lauralton Hall.  Says Megan Collins, ’14, sister of incoming freshman Emily Collins, “When I saw my sister signing the book that I had signed two years previously, I was thrilled; not only that she would be getting the same great education, but realizing that she would be part of a community where the Mercy Core Values really mean something.  They are more than just words on a flag that I see when I walk into school every day. Listening to the faculty read them aloud was empowering. It reminded me of why I love Lauralton.”

In commemoration of their membership as a Lauralton Hall student, Kathleen Kearns Donahue, Director of Alumnae Relations, presented the young women with their class flag, symbolizing their connection to their alma mater and to Lauralton Hall’s more than 5,300 alumnae.

Freshman moderator and Health Department Chair Peggy McGowan feels that the ceremony is important because it gives freshman a sense of belonging. “They immediately feel they are in a supportive environment; that they are not just the new kids in a new school, they are part of a strong sisterhood.”

For more information, contact: Jessica Auscavitch at 203-877-2786, ext.154 or jauscavitch@lauraltonhall.org