Woodlands Academy extols its rich cultural diversity

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart community celebrated its multicultural makeup during the Lake Forest all-girls, college-preparatory high school's annual Flag Ceremony and Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, Sept. 4.

"The Society of the Sacred Heart has been an international community since its early years," said Associate Head of School for Academics Rocco Gargiulo. "At Woodlands Academy, there are many ways for each of us to expand our global hearts. Today, our Flag Ceremony recognizes, honors and celebrates the breadth and diversity on our campus. We also recognize the need for peace and unity amongst all nations."

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The flags of the United States and 25 other nations – Australia, Austria, Belize, Brazil, Canada, the People's Republic of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vietnam – were carried into Woodlands Academy's chapel during the Procession of the Nations. These flags represent nations where a Woodlands student or adult community member was born or holds dual citizenship. All 26 flags will remain on display throughout the school year to showcase the breadth of Woodlands Academy's cultural diversity.

The ceremony also featured some members of the Woodlands Academy community offering a prayer in their native language.

Woodlands Academy is a Catholic, independent, day and boarding school for young women of all faiths in grades 9 through 12 that offers students a variety of ways to experience cultural diversity firsthand. Its boarding school is home to several girls from other countries pursuing their education at the Lake Forest school. In addition, Woodlands is part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart schools spanning the United States and 40 other countries across six continents.

Its Students can participate in an exchange program, allowing them to spend time at other Sacred Heart schools. Exchange also features visits from many students at those sister schools to Woodlands each year. Other options for Woodlands Academy studens include Global Odyssey and Global Scholar programs.

The Global Odyssey program provides every Woodlands student with an international experience, either immersive or through a special class, to spark her global curiosity and develop her global competence. Through Global Odyssey, students are given a unique opportunity to relate to and experience the world, fostering the ability to understand and act on issues of global significance.

The Global Scholars program equips students with the skills and experience needed to be leaders in the competitive, challenging 21st century. Students with a demonstrated interest in global issues and affairs can apply during their junior year. Global Scholars participants commit to rigorous coursework, language study, participation in service to a global community and extracurricular activities. The diplomas and transcripts of those completing this program include the designation of "Global Scholar."

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