As the year for the seniors comes to a close, the entire school waits in anticipation for the announcement of the Top Five. This year’s recipients put in so much effort throughout their careers at SHA and have attained an astounding GPA that puts them at the top of their class. Each of these students has a special honor at Honors Convocation or Graduation. This year, Jane Lockery, the third highest ranking senior, led the opening prayer for the graduation of the class of 2015. Next year, she will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jane will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She says of her major, “I love the idea of using my skills in science and math to improve the lives of so many people.”

I first met Jane at a piano recital seven years ago because we shared the same teacher. At her fifth year anniversary,  I was playing Georgia on my Mind, she was playing Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major-Allegro. I remember being in such awe of her skill and focus. I aspired to play as well as Jane at classical music. So when it was announced that she was in the Top Five, I have to say I was not surprised. If she put even half as much effort as she put into piano towards studying, there were surely well-deserved rewards. Jane says on her hard work being rewarded, “It feels wonderful! I’ve put so much time and energy into my schoolwork over the years, going the extra mile to make sure that everything was my best work. It feels great to be rewarded for this.”

As many SHA girls know, it is very difficult to balance our schoolwork with our extracurriculars and social lives. During high school, we are supposed to be making friends for life and discovering new things about ourselves. Many of us are busy, and it can be hard to meet with friends due to various demands. Instead of going to see the new Pitch Perfect movie, we will stay in finishing up some of our last assignments. For Jane, this balance was even more challenging to find. “I have, on more than one occasion, been too busy with work to go out with friends. There were times when I felt as if all I did was schoolwork, but that just made me appreciate the times that I got to do something fun even more.”

Sacred Heart is a place like no other. It is a safe haven where we are free to be ourselves and strive ever higher. It is a place full of like-minded people who share our quirks and obsessiveness over checking grades. I feel that any member of the student body would say something similar. Although we share these common thoughts, Sacred Heart means something a little different to each person. With the seniors graduated, they will be leaving SHA for a brave, new world  known as college. Jane shares what she will miss about Sacred Heart: “I’d have to say that the part of SHA I’ll miss the most is the people. Since coming in four years ago as a freshman who couldn’t have been more nervous, I have made countless friendships and met so many amazing people. An amazing thing about SHA girls is their dedication to hard work but also their ability to support one another to the end. Another thing that I think is awesome about us SHA girls is that between classes and studying, we can let loose without worrying about what others think. The girls in my AP Calculus BC class are the same girls that will dance math-inspired moves while blaring the High School Musical soundtrack. I love the SHA community so much. I will carry the love, support, and genuine compassion of SHA with me all of my life.”

After spending four years at Sacred Heart, Jane has learned a thing or two about herself and life. When asked to impart advice she said, “Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are. Take yourself seriously, but not too seriously. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid of being wrong. Find something that you love and dive in. Do not forget the past, but don’t live there. Think about the future, but don’t get so wrapped up in what is to come that you don’t appreciate what’s happening right now. Love your friends and yourself.”

Jane, you will be missed at Sacred Heart. Good luck in all that you do!