From the King Street Chronicle: Humans of Sacred Heart - Olivia Figueiredo '26 and Carolina Figueiredo '27

Humans of Sacred Heart - Olivia Figueiredo ’26 and Carolina Figueiredo ’27

Complied by Lilia Newman ’27, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor 

Olivia Figueiredo ’26: 

As Carolina's older sister, what does it mean to you to be ringing her on Ring Day?

“Firstly, I am so privileged to have the opportunity to ring my little sister Caró.  She is such an important part of my life and my Sacred Heart experience, so I feel as though having the opportunity to ring her makes this last year in high school even more special. However, I cannot say it won’t be bittersweet because as Cece and I have done everything together. Ring Day also reminds me that I won’t be as present in her last year of high school (senior year) when heading off to college. Nonetheless, I am sure that will not stop us from celebrating this special day together, with our other Sacred Heart sisters, and enjoying this meaningful tradition as so many alumnae have done before us.” 

Looking back on your time at Sacred Heart, what is one lesson or value you hope Carolina carries with her as she enters her senior year?

“One lesson that I hope Caró carries with her as she enters her senior year is to live optimistically. There are no guarantees in life, only suggestions and surprises, so live with the criticism, take the risk, and grow from each experience. Another piece of advice that I learned from Sacred Heart is to bounce back quickly from disagreement, rejection, or a poor result. Not everyone you meet will agree with you, not every result you get will be positive, and not everyone you meet will support all your ideas. Focus on what you can control, because what is most important is that you believe in those ideas, you believe in your growth, and you believe in yourself. Lastly, don’t expect trust from others. Rather, be a person worth trusting and hope with your whole heart that they will lend that same trust to you. Trust me (no pun intended), patience (especially when it comes to friendship) is a virtue.”

How does the Ring Day ceremony reflect the idea of Sacred Heart as a lifelong community?

“Ring Day is not simply a tradition but a vow.  Similar to an 'I do' in marriage, Ring Day is the promise that we, as Sacred Heart students, commit ourselves to living out the Goals and Criteria every day to the best of our abilities.  Life is imperfect, and so are we, but these rings are reminders that we strive to become better, more well-rounded, more accepting, and more empathetic individuals in society.  These rings connect us, alumnae and students alike, not only as curious and ambitious scholars, but as people of service, compassion, and truth.  This ceremony represents the idea that we have grown from a similar garden that God planted, and it is the juniors’ time to plant similar seeds as they enter into the next chapters of their lives.”

Carolina Figueiredo ’27:

What makes it especially meaningful for your older sister to be the one ringing you? 

“It means the world to me that Olivia will be a part of such a pivotal moment in my Sacred Heart journey. Ever since we were little, she and I have had a strong sister relationship. Being only eleven months apart, we’ve grown up together practically our entire lives. As a result, it’s easy for us to communicate and work collaboratively. She’s always supported me no matter my ambitions, and vice versa. I believe Ring Day, especially, can represent the close bond she and I have.”

How has having an older sister at Sacred Heart shaped or influenced your high school experience?

“Having Olivia as an older sister, particularly at Sacred Heart, has helped me navigate the exciting, though at times stressful, moments of high school. Her work as a student has reshaped my perception of learning from obligation to opportunity. On a personal level, Olivia has inspired me to be more ethical, kind, thoughtful, and level-headed. Her optimism and love of learning have completely elevated my high school experience.”

After watching Olivia throughout her Upper School journey, what has she taught you about leadership and living out the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria?

“Whenever Olivia and I are together, I admire her kindness towards faculty and peers and witness firsthand her ability to put others’ needs before her own. These qualities are mostly embodied through Goals III and IV. No matter what environment she’s in, Olivia works to make everyone feel included and valued, bettering a school community we are so lucky to be a part of. I hope to follow my sister’s example as a senior, and I cannot wait to watch her thrive in college and beyond.”

The King Street Chronicle thanks senior Olivia Figueiredo '26 and junior Carolina Figueiredo '27 for their contributions to “Humans of Sacred Heart.”

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