Union Catholic continued a long-standing tradition on Wednesday when the Junior Rite of Passage ceremony was held in the auditorium at the school. 

The Junior Rite of Passage is a prayer ceremony for rising seniors. During the ceremony, five candles were lit, one each by Principal Dr. Jim Reagan Jr., and 2026-27 Student Council Executive Board members, President Miranda Estime, Vice President of Student Engagement Charlotte Donnelly, Vice President of Communications Sabrina Capati, and Vice President of Community Service Jacob Cordo. 

Each candle represents the five core values of Union Catholic: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion and Community. The candles symbolize the commitment to being living examples of each core value and a light of God's love to the world.

The 2025-26 Student Council Executive Board members, President Phoebe Mouris, Vice President Courtney Gregory, Secretary Kate Panko, and Media Coordinator Harrison Manousos, delivered the opening prayer, The Prayer of St. Francis. 

Student Ambassadors Joseph LeTourneau, Brian McCabe, Hailey Mullaney, and EJ Onyschak, and Peer Ministers Amanda Beardslee and Kyle Gaspar all delivered readings.

After Principal Reagan said the final prayer, the Class of 2027 was treated to a special breakfast and many students headed into the Senior Courtyard for the first time.