Ursuline Academy (New Orleans, Louisiana)
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| Established | 1727 |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. |
| Colors | blue and white |
| Website | http://www.ursulineneworleans.org/ |
Ursuline Academy is a private, Roman Catholic, all-girls high school in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. Founded in 1727, the academy is the oldest continuously operating school for women in the United States, and the oldest catholic school in the United States.
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[edit] History
Founded in 1727 by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, Ursuline Academy, New Orleans, enjoys the distinction of being both the oldest, continuously-operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the United States. Convinced that the education of women was essential to the development of a civilized, spiritual and just society, the Ursuline Sisters influenced culture and learning in New Orleans by providing an exceptional education for its women.
An Ursuline education is rooted in a tradition of formation and innovation. It provides a nurturing environment for the learning and development of the whole person, based on a sound foundation of values drawn from the vision and philosophy of Saint Angela Merici, founder of the Ursuline Order in Brescia, Italy in 1535. Ursuline Academy is dedicated to the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social growth of each individual, and these values are validated by our educational approach.
The Ursuline tradition holds many United States firsts in its dedication to the growth of individuals, including the first female pharmacist, first woman to contribute a book of literary merit, first convent, first free school and first retreat center for ladies, first classes for female African-American slaves, free women of color and Native Americans. In the region, Ursuline provided the first center of social welfare in the Mississippi Valley, first boarding school in Louisiana and the first school of music in New Orleans.
[edit] History timeline
1727 ~ Ursuline Academy founded by twelve Ursuline nuns from France
1734 ~ Academy moved to Chartes Street
1765 ~ Academy welcomed the Acadians who sought shelter and a home
1812 ~ Ursulines turned classrooms into infirmaries for sick and wounded of both British and American armies
1818 ~ State Legislature recognized the Ursulines as members of a religious institute and afforded them rights and privileges
1824 ~ Ursulines moved to the Dauphine Street convent on the banks of the Mississippi
1867 ~ Ursulines opened a day school at the corner of Esplanade and Rampart
1895 ~ Solemn coronation of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
1900 ~ Ursuline Alumnae Association established
1912 ~ Academy moved to its present location on State Street
1924 ~ National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor erected
1927 ~ Ursuline Academy became a state-approved school
1935 ~ Gymnasium erected
1965 ~ Auditorium erected
1976 ~ National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor declared a National Historic Landmark
1985 ~ The 450th anniversary of the founding of the Ursulines commemorated
[edit] Rally
Rally began in 1948 as a way for classes to show their school spirit in the areas of volleyball intermurals, skits, posters, songs, and cheers. Each class was given a name (to replace existing sororities on campus) and carried them until they graduated and passed them on to a little sister class. Although many of the names have changed since the beginning of the Rally competition, the Sioux class has always remained. Currently, the other class names are Merry Macs, Skipperettes, and Leprechauns. Recently, an 8th grade class was added to the high school and were given the permanent name of Leprechauns while the Freshmen would acquire a name that was similar to the current senior class' name. For example, when the Merry Macs were seniors, the Freshmen were Scotties, correlating with the Scottish theme. This year the senior class are the Merry Macs and the Freshmen are Scotties.
Merry Macs- These Scottish terriers dress in plaid; their colors are red, green, yellow, and black.
Scotties- This is the little sister class of the Merry Macs.
Skipperettes- Named after the popular Skipper from television's "Gilligan's Island",the skips dress as sailors. Their colors are blue and white.
First Mates- They are the "little sisters" of the Skip class.
Leprechauns - Eighth grade class (wears leprechaun/Irish attire).
Red Feathers- They are considered the "little sister" class of the Sioux.
Sioux- Named after the Sioux Tribe, the Sioux dress as Indians; their colors are red and black.
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[edit] Notable Alumnae
- Mary Landrieu, US Senator
- Lurita Doan, administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration
[edit] Fight Song and Alma Mater
Fight Song
Go Ursulions, give them your best!
We've got the power, king of the rest!
With lions' glory let the story
Read that the lions won, ONCE MORE!
Lions are fighters, true royalty
Lions love winning and victory
With lions' pride right at our side
Let's hear Ursulions roar!
ROAR!
Alma Mater
Ursuline, to dear old Ursuline,
We pledge our endless love today.
Ursuline, forever Ursuline,
Though life may lead us far away.
Lamp that lights the flame,
Of all our hopes and dreams.
Beacon bright that guides us,
Onward with its beams.
Happy hours within your sacred halls,
Cherished memories.
Ursuline, to dear old Ursuline,
We pledge our endless love today.
Ursuline, forever Ursuline,
Though life may lead us far away.
Alma Mater beautiful,
Starlike ever shine,
On our paths to guide our faltering steps,
Home at last dear Ursuline.
[edit] External links
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ UA. Our Heritage. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
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