As every student enters through the big royal blue gates, they are blessed with the Louisville experience. A significant component of this experience is the sisterhood created on-campus that lasts a lifetime. As young women, we not only create this unity here with each other on campus but also through connecting with alumnae. This sisterhood along with the support that us students receive from the faculty and staff make Louisville a home to us all. Louisville is a safe place for every student to be their most authentic self. During a transitional time in your life like high school, Louisville is a place where you can grow mentally and spiritually.

Louisville’s traditions are another component to the unique Louisville experience. Every student cherishes a specific event more than another, but some may include mother-daughter luncheons, senior lawn privileges, retreats, spirit week, the ring ceremony, and many more. Memories of these events are what students will carry with them through life. From bonding with our classmates at the sophomore ring ceremony, jumping around at a pep rally, to crying on the shoulder of a friend at a retreat, each event is cherished. What other high schools may see as unusual, such as graduating in white gowns or being in a fashion show with our dads, are the experiences that make Louisville such a special place and welcoming to every student and their family.

Even in the face of adversity, our community has been supportive and has come out stronger. With the pandemic this past year and virtual learning, there were hard and trying days for both students and faculty. Being isolated from each other and getting used to our special circumstances has been an incredible adjustment for our community. Nevertheless, Louisville has continued to stay strong and to support one another in every possible way.

In the summer of 2020, Alumni and current students gathered as one big sisterhood and community to present an issue that needed addressing. With the death of George Floyd and the rise of the BLM movement, the community of Louisville voiced their stories and experiences with race and culture at Louisville.

Louisville’s response was incredibly unique, simply because they addressed it; which is unfortunately not the truth for all schools across America. I think it says a lot about a school to come forward with an apology and come from a place of understanding in regards to social justice in our world. Louisville’s efforts to change and grow tells students that they are listening. From curriculum changes to open and safe discussions around feminism, gender, gender identity, etc. Louisville instills confidence in its students so that they will shape this world for the better.

As a senior myself, it was so meaningful to see progressive change implemented into my last year of high school. I have the opportunity to take a unique class, women in literature, where we focus on the impact that women have in the writing community, especially women of color speaking their story. This experience is unlike any other and sparks amazing conversation within class. It gives students a chance to connect with, reflect on, and learn from the adversities that women in the past and present face, in addition to the celebrations they experienced. Similarly, Louisville instilled caution in teachers and faculty to avoid microaggressions, pay attention to struggling students and ensure that every student is welcome. Although the past year may have brought several hardships, Louisville found ways to overcome these. We united and flipped our mistakes to make a healthier environment for everyone.

I have gathered quotes from current students and alumni faculty to show how vital Louisville is to them.

Annie Bolger’21

“Louisville has been my first home away from home. The connection I feel with every student, teacher and faculty is unmatched. The traditions, even those that may seem silly, hold a special place in my heart. The memories I have made are the best of my life. Thanks to Louisville, I have found who I am in the comfort of a supportive community full of love and encouragement.

Ms. DeFrank’ 99

“I have been at Louisville for nearly half my life. As a student, Louisville is where I found my voice and where I turned my passion for art into a viable career path. I returned to Louisville by chance and it has been the place that transformed my job as a teacher into a life-long career as an educator.

I credit both of these developments to the encouraging and caring teachers that have taught here over the years, most especially to Ms. Dupuy. I feel lucky to be a Louisville teacher now and hope that I have encouraged my students to find their own voice and that I will continue to play a role in setting them up for success beyond the blue gates.”

Natalia Azarloza’24

“I would say that Louisville gives everyone, no matter their story, background or insecurities, a home with open arms. The love and acceptance felt being at Louisville is not comparable to any other. All royals truly are sisters and come together with joy and care in our shared education.”

Ms. Hicks’02

“Louisville is special because it is a place where girls share the sisterhood and build bonds for life. It is a place to build your faith, a place you are encouraged to be yourself and a place to call home.”

Ellie Gordon’22

“Louisville means a lot to me because it is a place where change is encouraged and success is celebrated.”

Ms. Monson’09

“Louisville is special because it is timeless. It will always be considered a second home for students and is definitely known for being a safe space full of love, comfort and acceptance. Louisville truly allows students to take risks in finding their own identity as well as provides opportunities to build one’s confidence both socially and academically.”

Mia Gordon’21

“Louisville is a home and sisterhood to the students. Everyone makes such strong bonds with girls that you don’t normally see at coed schools. The kindness and true compassion from the teachers and other students is what makes Louisville special to me”

Ms. Canfield’13

“ I am often faced with strange looks when I tell people I teach at my alma mater. People really don’t get it given their own experiences at their high schools. But Louisville is so special, so when I was asked to come and teach, I knew it was a sort of destiny. I want my students to find their voice the way Louisville helped me find mine.

My education at Louisville inspired me to make changes to the curriculum that fit our ever-changing world’s needs as well continue to teach and uphold the lessons and traditions that shaped me into the person I am today.”

What does Louisville mean to me? Louisville means the world to me. Louisville has always been a home for me from the minute I stepped onto campus. It has given me the tools, support and guidance to grow into the strong and confident young woman that I am today. I would give up a kidney if it meant I could spend more time at Louisville! To the place that has my whole heart, thank you for everything. I love you Louisville.

What does Louisville mean to you?