Saint Gertrude High School

Our faculty was all smiles returning to campus this morning!

We can’t wait to introduce you to our twelve newest members, who are joining us to help us meet the needs of our growing schools.

Mr. Smith began the day by acknowledging those who have served the Benedictine and Saint Gertrude community for 5, 10, 15, 20, and even 35 years this morning. Congratulations, Mrs. Farmer!)

Katie Baxa of the class of Red and Silver is making waves on the world stage this summer!

A Richmonder in Paris: Saint Gertrude alumna Baxa is Eritrean Olympic swim coach From Richmond to Dubai and now Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Saint Gertrude alumna Katie Baxa has traveled a storybook journey to find her calling.

Can you name this alumna?

With class colors bright, and a job that’s just right,
She paints the world in hues of green and white!

Speaking of dream jobs, it’s time for a Class Notes round up. Visit the link below and tell us what you’ve been up to!

https://www.benedictineschools.org/class-notes

August is just around the corner! Give your Gator a jump-start on her year (and summer assignments!) with our Summer at Saint Gertrude Study Skills Camp.

Register today! https://share.hsforms.com/1uMUE0P69QSaFnjvRj8okVg160oq

Time for round two! Can you name this alumna? Bonus points for class colors and current occupation! 📝

School may be out, but we have a quiz to keep you sharp! 🧠📝Can you name this beloved faculty member?

Our hearts and prayers are with the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia as they celebrate the life of Sister Mary Ellen Black ‘44. 💚

https://www.catholicherald.com/article/local/benedictine-sr-mary-ellen-black-dies-at-age-96/

The obituary for our Sister Mary Ellen. She accomplished much in her almost 97 years!

Gators represented us well in the annual parade at the Brittany American Cemetery on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, honoring those who fought, and especially those who never made it home. 🇺🇸 🇫🇷

Check out our stories to hear SGHS choir director Ms. Weaver lead students in song in the Chapel of Archangel Michael at Mont Saint-Michel. 🎶🙏

Cadets and Gators visit Omaha Beach and Mont Saint-Michel for a bit of military and Church history. ⛪️🇫🇷🇺🇸

Sixty four excited BSoR students and six chaperones arrived safely in Paris yesterday morning on their way to Normandy to honor our veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 🇺🇸

It’s time!

Watch the Commencement Ceremony for here: https://vimeo.com/event/4342335

Another year of hard work paid dividends (some in scholarships!), so we spent two afternoons celebrating our most studious Gators before they all buckled down for their final exams.🥇📚

The Class of Lilac and Black will don their caps and gowns once more on Thursday for their commencement. Join us in cheering them on to the next great adventure!

💜🖤

Honors Ensemble had the privilege of singing at the Governor’s mansion as part of a reception celebrating the official recognition of Women’s History Month. The ensemble received sincere thanks (and a photo op!) from the Governor and the First Lady of Virginia.

We always have a lot to celebrate this time of year, but Father John Mary and the Gators are taking it to new heights!

The Gators threw Father John Mary a surprise party for earning his Licentiate in Canon Law, and Father bestowed a blessing on Vivian Ridgely and Bridget Slowe for their most recent accomplishments. Vivian earned the Knights of Columbus Young Woman of the Year Finalist Award, and she and Bridget both earned a Father Bader Scholarships through the Knights of Columbus essay contest.

Congratulations, everyone! 🥳 📜 🎓

Spring came in hot this year; perfect weather for a Maypole dance!

In one of the most beautiful traditions of Saint Gertrude, the student body pays tribute to Mary, “The May Queen,” as they begin their last month of the school year. Students chosen for embodying the essential Marian leadership traits of humility, integrity, and obedience are elected to the May Court, and the Saint Gertrude May Queen crowns the statue of Our Lady during Mass. Finally, the soon-to-graduate seniors gather in the sunshine for a sentimental spin around the Maypole. 💐👑

Sister Mary Ellen Black '44 celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year with Benedictine Sisters of Virginia! Sister Mary Ellen was a teacher and principal for almost 4 decades, with many of those years spent in service to Saint Gertrude High School.

Congratulations, Sister. We are praying with you!

Sisters mark jubilees - Arlington Catholic Herald Three religious sisters serving in the diocese told the Catholic Herald that they will celebrate jubilees this year.

The pep rally celebrating our spring sport athletes was a refreshing break from the daily grind! 🎈💦

Join us tomorrow night for a Night of the Arts!

Opening night is only one day away! You won’t want to miss the Stuart Avenue Players’ best performance yet!

Once Upon a Mattress, presented Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 1pm and 7pm. See you there! 👑🎶🎭

Ms. Savino’s English students took full advantage of the river views and mapped out the exact dimensions of the lifeboat from Life of Pi. Looks like tight quarters, especially considering the passengers! 🐅📚🛶

Gators sure know how to par-TEA! The charming Mother-Daughter Tea put on by the PTSO over the weekend was filled to the brim with fun, florals and fascinators! 🫖👒💐

Cheer on Coach D'Onofrio in this fantastic fundraiser pairing top basketball coaches from the Commonwealth with a local chef to support Commonwealth Autism’s Career Readiness and Employment program!

https://www.commonwealthautism.org/coaches-cook-off/

During this year’s Scholarship Recipient Dinner, the scholarship awardees seized the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude directly to the generous donors who have been instrumental in shaping their futures. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of these exceptional donors for their invaluable contribution to our mission of empowering and inspiring young women to rise to the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

"A two-time team captain at Saint Gertrude High School, Woodson totaled over 2,000 points during her prep career. Ranked as the No. 5 shooting guard and No. 25 overall player in the state of Virginia for the class of 2023 by Prep Girls Hoops Virginia, Erin carries an impressive championship resume."

Way to go Erin!

Women's Basketball Adds Woodson - Abilene Christian University Athletics Abilene Christian Head Women's Basketball Coach Julie Goodenough announced another addition to the Women's Basketball program with the signing of Erin Woodson on Wednesday.

The sisters of joined us today for the blessing of two new gorgeous statues for niches in the new school building, one of Saint Katharine Drexel, a patroness near and dear to the hearts of educators, and the other of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Followed of course by the age-old Catholic tradition of doughnuts after Mass!

From boot shopping to belting out tunes at karaoke, had an unforgettable journey through the heart of Music City on their senior trip! 🎸💜🖤