Unison
ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 2025
Ring Day 2026 ASHLING DOHERTY ‘26 AND MAGGIE HYLAND ‘26 Every October, one of Ursuline’s most valued and long-awaited traditions, Ring Day, is filled with beautiful decorations, beaming smiles, and ecstatic energy as the whole Ursuline community comes together to celebrate the seniors and watch as they reach just one of the many milestones that mark their final year at Ursuline. This year, the Class of 2026 was eager with anticipation for Ring Day. Whether they were a sixth grade survivor, arrived freshman year, or began attending Ursuline anywhere in between, each senior was filled with excitement as they came together, united as a class, to receive their rings. The Class of 2027 and members of the Art Department dedicated countless hours into making sure that Ring Day was unforgettable for the seniors as they made Ursuline become Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, filled with vibrant and colorful candy decorations that made the whole school look magical. Seniors kicked off the special celebration with the Ring Day Liturgy, celebrating the Mass with Father Byrnes. The liturgy brought the class together and strengthened their unity and faith as they sang together, prayed
together, and finally, got to watch the blessing of their rings. Following the conclusion of the Mass, seniors were asked to exit the gym and line up outside, awaiting the arrival of the other grade levels. They excitedly ran through a crowd of juniors, traditionally lining the senior path, to the arcade doors, and then into the gym to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.” After the sophomores and juniors sang their chosen songs, the seniors began to board the stage while classmates cheered them on. Each senior stepped through the wooden ring which was created by the father of an Ursuline senior in 1940 and has remained central to the tradition since. Dr. Melnyk, the school’s President, waited for each girl on the other side of the ring and placed the rings on their fingers. Once everyone had received their rings, the seniors sang their class song, “Take On the World” by Sabrina Carpenter and Rowan Blanchard. The theme of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a perfect and beautiful choice for this year’s Ring Day theme. Dr. Melnyk’s speech, which followed the day’s
introductory songs, centered around the boundless imagination this story possesses. This speech highlighted how the fantastical candyland that is Wonka’s Chocolate Factory can inspire us to dream big, have humility, and seek great adventure. The main character of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, Charlie, can teach an important lesson that students can carry forward into their personal and academic lives. Charlie Bucket is hardworking, humble, and imaginative. Though he doesn’t come from wealthy beginnings, his perseverance and imagination allow him to excel past the other golden ticket recipients. This shows that hard work and a creative mind can make for immense success. The senior class would like to thank Dr. Melnyk, Ms. Summa, Mrs. Lynch, Ms. Barnett, Mrs. Joyce, Ms. Bellomo, Ms. DiIorio, Mrs. LaBella, Mrs. Stones, Mr. Dapolite and TUS TV, the Class of 2027, and all who made Ring Day not just possible, but spectacular. The day was truly magnificent and unforgettable, bringing the whole Ursuline community together to celebrate such a wonderful and momentous occasion.