There are many things that I am proud of – many of which a lot of people don’t know and wouldn’t understand if they did know. One of those things is my high school. For three years, I attended Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School for Girls (Prendie). Located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania –- Prendie was a second home for many of the proud Panda’s who roamed the halls from 7:40 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. Contrary to many other schools, the class ring is one of the most treasured items for Prendie girls, both the day they are received and for many, many, many years to follow. Regardless that the school merged with Monsignor Bonner in the Fall of 2012, Prendie will always have a special place in not only mine, but so many hearts of the women who had the privilege to attend.

If all of that wasn’t enough, here are six reasons why we still wear our Prendie ring -- no matter where we are now.

1. Comfort

Are you familiar with "The Wizard of Oz"? When Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home.” Well, "There's no place like Prendie!" Prendie was our home away from home, therefore naturally, it was a place of comfort. Our ring’s provide us the sense that we are back at home!

2. Finding other Prendie girls on the street who recognize the ring

Actually, scratch that – random people recognize the Prendie ring too! Be it in Delco or miles away – there will always be a high chance of finding someone who recognizes our ring. They are truly one-of-a-kind, even though they all look the same! There is really no mistaking a Prendie ring.

3. I waited three years and it wasn’t cheap

Let’s face it, we waited three years -- until we were juniors to receive this ring. Since before freshman orientation, we knew all about it and had a count down until it was our turn to receive ours.

4. Tradition

Our Alma Mater says it all, “In us traditions live, we eagerly display, The colors that we raise aloft, the garnet and gray.” The Prendie ring is just one of the many traditions that makes Prendie such a wonderful and unique high school.

5. Memories

Every time I look at my ring, a new Prendie memory leaps into my head! Remembering memories such as the day we received our rings (shout out to the Class of 2013 for receiving our rings on a day that will go down in Bonner and Prendie History), an infinite number of days at play practice with some of my most treasured high school friends, senior retreat (LYLS 5:14 #orange), father/daughter dance, senior prom, graduation and so much more. Although I would remember these without my ring, wearing it shows just how proud I am of all the experiences I had thanks to Prendie.

6. Sisterhood

Regardless of where we have all ended up, we created a sisterhood! There is no denying that many of us have moved on from the high school days, like we should – however we are forever connected by our ring that is so unique to us.

Once a Prendie girl, Always a Prendie girl!