Saint Mary's School

One of the most cherished traditions of a Saint Mary’s Commencement is the giving of the iris. 🩵

For decades, graduates have carried blue irises through the Grove as they mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Blooming across campus each spring, the iris has become a lasting symbol of Commencement Day and all it represents.

Traditionally associated with faith, hope, and wisdom, the blue iris reflects the journey of every Saint Mary’s student—the faith nurtured through community and Chapel, the hopes and dreams carried into the future, and the wisdom gained along the way.

Since 2007, underclasswomen have continued the tradition by presenting each senior with an iris before the procession begins. As graduates cross the stage, their flowers are placed in the historic brass urn gifted by the High School Class of 1987, creating a beautiful visual reminder of a class united by shared memories, experiences, and sisterhood.

From ancient myths to breathtaking ruins, our students are experiencing Greece one unforgettable moment at a time. 🇬🇷✨

Over the past few days, they’ve explored the ruins of Ancient Corinth, walked through the Temple of Zeus at Nemea, visited the legendary site of Elefsina, wandered the charming streets of Nafplio, and even boarded an overnight ferry bound for Crete. Along the way, they’ve enjoyed traditional Greek cuisine, discovered fascinating pieces of history, and taken in the stunning landscapes and rich culture that make Greece so unique.

Learning comes to life when students can stand where history happened, connect classroom knowledge to real places, and experience new cultures firsthand. Experiences like these are at the heart of Saint Mary's commitment to global education, helping students broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of the world, and become engaged global citizens. 🩵

It’s hard to believe Commencement 2026 was already two weeks ago. 🥹 As we settle into summer, we’re looking back on one of our favorite days of the year and celebrating the incredible Class of 2026 once more. View photos from Commencement here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUwtz 🩵

The Hannah Smith ’12 Quad was filled with celebration on the eve of Commencement as the Class of 2026 gathered with family and friends for Senior Dinner. From heartfelt conversations to joyful moments together, the evening was a meaningful sendoff for this incredible group of students before graduation day. 🩵

On this Memorial Day, Saint Mary’s School honors and remembers the brave women and men who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. 🇺🇸

One week ago today, Saint Mary’s School gathered for our 47th annual Honors Convocation as we celebrated the close of the 2025–2026 academic year. Held on Friday, May 15, the ceremony recognized academic excellence, leadership, personal achievement, extracurricular accomplishments, and the dedication of faculty and staff across our community.

Congratulations to all of our students, faculty, and staff on an incredible year filled with growth, hard work, and unforgettable moments in the classroom, on the stage and field, in Chapel, in the dorms, and beyond. 🩵

Congratulations to Saint Mary’s School alumna Colleen Eveson ‘26 for receiving the DPAC Shining Star Award at the 15th Annual DPAC Rising Star Awards! ⭐️

The DPAC Rising Star Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater across Eastern North Carolina. Colleen was recognized as a finalist for Best Actress for her performance as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, and was given the Shining Star Award in recognition of her outstanding character and leadership throughout the program. We are so proud of Colleen and hope she continues to represent the spirit of Saint Mary’s wherever she goes! ❤️

A sweet surprise during exam week 🍦🩵

Earlier this week, thanks to the generosity of a thoughtful donor, some of our boarders enjoyed a surprise trip to Goodberry’s for an ice cream outing to kick off exam week.

Thank you to everyone who supports the student experience at Saint Mary’s School and helps create moments like these for our girls! 🩵