By Samantha Meseiha

As we approach the end of the school year, the annual May crowning ceremony is getting closer. On May 9th, the 8th grade class of 2025, will host the May Crowning ceremony. This ceremony is held to honor and commemorate Mary. The ceremony is very beautiful. peaceful, and calming ceremony that is held once a year in May. Every year, the 8th grade class of that year hosts the may crowning, by one lucky 8th grader crowning Mary, and the other classmates will read, pray, and be circled around the Mary statue. I will be interviewing Zoe Depina, Madison Linker, and Sophia Baca, students from the 8th grade class 5 questions about May crowning.

The first question I asked them is, “What Inspired you to want to crown Mary?” Sophia  answered that since she has been at hsps she has been influenced by Mary’s story, and she wants to honor and commemorate her, as she looks up to her. Madison and Zoe both expressed how Mary is a role model in our religion and they both look up to her very much. Madison especially answered about how Mary has been with her through everything and she wants to honor Her. Zoe said that she has been inspired by the past people crowning Mary, especially when she attended to her sisters and her other family members.

Then, I asked the girls, “What is May crowning to you?” Zoe responded that May crowning her is a way for the school to come together and pray the rosary, also for the school to commemorate and honor Mary. Madison also stated that May crowning is a peaceful and calm ceremony, also to prepare the 8th grade class for graduation. And finally, Sophia agreed with Zoe and Madison, saying that My crowning is a calm ceremony to honor Mary.

I next asked them, “How do you feel about hosting May crowning?” Zoe and Madison both answered saying that they are excited to finally have their class host may crowning, as they have both watched 8 years worth of may crownings. They both said that they are happy to be participating in the ceremony, and not just watching it. Sophia stated that the ceremony can reflect on how much we have learned about our faith in the Holy Spirt. Sophia also said that crowning may be an exciting ceremony for her, and it feels close to graduation. All of these girls also said how they are so excited to host it, and be participating and involved all in their own way.

My next question was, “What are you finally looking forward to in May Crowning?” Zoe first answered by saying that she is looking forward to honoring Mary, and attending the ceremony. Madison next answered with saying that she is excited and looking forward to being at the ceremony and being involved in it, as she is one of the flag barriers in the ceremony. Sophia lastly answered that she is excited to do her part in May crowning, as she is doing one of the Spanish decades in the rosary. 

My final question to them was, “What have you thought about May Crowning in the past?” All of the girls had a similar answer, all stating that they have always thought it was a beautiful ceremony, and it’s a great way to honor our mother, Mary. Zoe especially answered about how she always thought it was an amazing ceremony, especially when she attended her sisters. In all, I think everyone can agree that May crowning is a very peaceful, and calming ceremony, and that it is a way for the Holy Spirit to come together and pray the rosary and honor Mary.