Clover Taylor Johnston Head Girl 1975

Years ago, I made a life-changing transition from a private Catholic school, attended primarily by affluent students, to a government-funded Catholic school with a broader cross-section of students. At the time, my previous school was on the verge of closure, and my mom, whose preference was for a Catholic education, believed that transferring to Mt. Alvernia High School would provide me with a more grounded and diverse educational experience. Little did I know, this move would significantly shape my character, boost my confidence, and empower me to accomplish goals I never thought possible.

What stood out the most to me on the day of my interview was the immediate warmth and acceptance I received from the then principal, Sister Joan Clare Chin Loy. I still remember the exact moment of that encounter and the lasting impression it made on me—decades later. I can recall wearing a red dress paired with matching red and blue shoes. Her encouragement, paired with her genuine belief in me was the first spark that ignited my self-confidence in a way I hadn’t experienced before or anticipated. During our conversation, I told her about my dream of becoming a lawyer, and to my surprise, she shared the story of a former student, Veronica Morris, who had successfully pursued law school. Sister Joan Clare’s words signaled that, just like Veronica, I too could follow that path, making the impossible seem within reach. Although I ultimately did not pursue law, that conversation planted the seed of belief in my potential to excel.

The impact of Sister Joan Clare, alongside my courageous, confident Catholic mother, and my supportive first-form teacher, shaped my understanding of my self-worth and eventually my place in the world. These three women, each with their unique influence, formed a foundation that empowered me to take bold steps in my personal and professional life. My mother’s resilience and strength taught me the importance of faith and perseverance, while my teacher’s professional security and genuine care for my development nurtured my confidence. Together, they helped me build an inner foundation that enabled me to pursue my goals with conviction.

The collective influence of these incredible women directly impacted my academic and leadership journey. One of the most significant milestones in my life occurred when I was elected Head Girl at Mt. Alvernia High School in 1975. At the time, it was more than just a title; it was a testament to the recognition of my leadership potential, my growth and evolving journey of self empowerment. Becoming Head Girl wasn’t just about holding a position of authority in my school community—it was a reflection of my new found belief in myself. It showed me the importance of stepping into leadership roles, understanding my impact, ability to influence and inspire and to make a difference. I have been pleasantly surprised on several occasions when meeting former students who I haven’t seen in years to hear them say: “you were my Head Girl”.

Looking back, I’m immensely proud of that achievement, not because it was an end in itself, but because it marked the beginning of a journey where I realized that with the right support and self-confidence, anything was possible. Sister Joan Clare’s high expectations for me, especially her encouragement to apply for a scholarship to Wellesley College in the USA, pushed me to aim higher and dream bigger. Her belief in my potential pushed me to take bold steps and reach for opportunities that once seemed out of my grasp, one of the most significant as  a successful ESL instructor in China for five years teaching from Elementary school to University without knowing a word of Chinese. I must also mention Mrs. Lewis who was then the physics teacher and Head of the Science Department who prophesied that I would be a teacher. I remember her stopping me on the ground floor corridor, only for her to tell me that I should be a teacher.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my time at Mt. Alvernia High School, which served as the foundation for the person I became. It was there that I experienced the power of mentorship, the importance of believing in oneself, and the value of strong, supportive women in shaping our futures. Those formative years, under the guidance of Sister Joan Clare, my mother, and my first form class teacher, and the supportive faculty members at Mt. Alvernia, many of whom have become  personal friends instilled in me a sense of purpose and self-worth that continues to shape my life today. From my life experience, has come the mantra; “if you want me to accomplish it, tell me I can’t do it.” Through their encouragement, I learned that leadership isn’t just about titles or personal achievements, but about “stepping outside the box” to make a positive impact on one’s community, empowering others, and believing in your own ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Mt. Alvernia High School was more than just an educational institution—it was a place that taught me the transformative power of mentorship, self-empowerment, and the importance of fostering a healthy belief in oneself. The experiences and lessons I gained during my time there will stay with me forever, reminding me of the impact that a few words of encouragement, support and high expectations can have in shaping a person’s life, like yours and mine.

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in 1925, this institution over the years has fostered a sense of moral responsibility and social awareness, emphasizing the importance of service, humility, discipline and respect. Times may have changed over the decades, but the mission, the core values and the vision have remained, and have remained true.

The cadre of teachers who were driven by their love for their craft and a deep commitment to their students’ wellbeing and potential. The ones whose motivation came from a sincere desire to ignite curiosity and foster confidence. The ones who gave of themselves so that we could have been our better selves. The ones whose dedication over the numerous years of service remind us that teaching truly is a calling – a vocation rooted in selflessness, hope, and the unwavering belief that we can all become our better selves through the transformative power of education.

The place where lasting friendships were forged – friendships built on shared experiences, struggles, triumphs, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. These relationships formed during the highs and the lows of our respective journeys, have lasted long after graduation, providing a lifelong support system.

Today I look back, and I can confidently say, some of the best years of my life were spent while I attended Mt. Alvernia High School. Most of the people I call friends today, most of them, are those I met at the school on the hill. So, I am forever grateful for the time spent, and the foundation laid.

“Give us a cheer, rah rah, give us a cheer, rah rah, cheer Alvernia High”. Ad Astra Per Aspera!!!

Contributed by Michelle Eason, Class of 1987.