Photo Provided by Mrs. Pontius ’03

Rosary alumnae celebrated Rosary’s 60th birthday alongside current students.

Sunday, Sept. 7, marked 60 years of Rosary Academy. Rosary is celebrating this huge milestone in a number of ways. 

In 1965, Rosary High School was founded to provide a Catholic secondary school for the female students of Orange County. Since then, we’ve significantly grown. Campus Ministry Director and alum Mrs. Kearns ‘78 spoke to the transformation Rosary has been through: “Thousands of young women have walked through the doors of Rosary. The main building is quite similar to what it was back in 1965; a few walls have been taken down, and it has received many upgrades. We were actually known as the Royalettes back in the day!”

On Sept. 9, Rosary held a 60th Anniversary Mass. To celebrate, Head of School, Dr. Pautsch, delivered a message about the history and lasting legacy of Rosary. After Mass, Rosary alumnae had a special surprise for the students. Alumnae and Annual Fund Manager, Mrs. Pontius ‘03 shares, “Following our anniversary mass, the alumnae provided cupcakes for the student body to celebrate the school’s 60th birthday. It was a chance for alumnae and current students to celebrate the Rosary sisterhood together.”

The Mass as a whole and Dr. Pautsch’s message reminded us of all the incredible women who paved the way for us to be students in such an empowering female space. In addition, she emphasized that it’s up to us as students to write the next chapter in Rosary’s story: “Generations of Royals have passed through our halls—formed in spirit and intellect—and have gone on to lead lives of purpose and impact. This diamond jubilee is not only a celebration of our proud legacy, but also a tribute to the countless lives transformed by the gift of a Catholic, all-girls education.”

When asked to speak on the importance of the last 60 years of Rosary Executive Director of Advancement, Mrs. O’Campo ‘02 echoed Dr. Pautsch’s message: “Our campus has expanded over the six decades, our academic programs have advanced like our Pathways program, and our co-curricular offerings now provide students with more opportunities than ever before to discover their gifts and passions. And yet, what has remained constant is just as important as what has changed: our commitment to faith, service, leadership and sisterhood. Rosary continues to be a place where young women are empowered to grow in their relationship with God, support one another as sisters and serve the world with purpose.”

Rosary will round out the celebration with the Royal Gala on Sept. 13 at the JW Marriott in Anaheim at 6 p.m. The gala will honor our founding order, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and alumnae Cathie Lentz Fryer ’76 and Katie Webb Brundige ’03. Everyone in the Rosary community is invited to the gala. For details about the gala and the link to purchase tickets, see this article.

Legacy is also a huge part of Rosary’s 60th birthday. Many families are using this milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the generational nature of the Rosary community. Senior Michaela Watson shares her reflection on her family’s long legacy at Rosary: “As someone who always knew they were going to Rosary, I often get asked if I felt forced to go. My answer is simply ‘no’ because I was able to see first-hand the amazing benefits of such a unique school like Rosary. I was raised by and constantly surrounded by empowered, kind, courageous, faith-filled and loving women. All traits that I hoped to gain and grow throughout my time at Rosary.

Now, as a senior and the last girl to attend Rosary in my immediate family, I take such pride in being another young woman who has truly transformed and found herself through her time here, and I look forward to continuing the Rosary legacy beyond these halls.”

It is such a blessing to be able to celebrate 60 years of tradition, sisterhood, faith, leadership, community and service. Happy birthday, Rosary Academy!