Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Today we commemorate ; on this day in 1865, “some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree” (National Museum of African American History & Culture). St. Francis shared that God is everywhere, and He is in every person we meet. We are called to honor and respect the dignity and sacredness of every individual, to share stories of the people enslaved by Visitation who were once overlooked, and to commemorate the past to build a better future.

1. Learn about courageous people who sought freedom from slavery at Visitation - check the links in our bio.
2. Honor the legacy of freedom-seekers with action.
3. Pray with us for racial healing - see the last slides for a prayer from the Visitation Sisters’ “Justice Shall Flourish: Changing the World from Within; The Salesian Tradition and Catholic Social Teaching”

Sports, STEM, Arts, Leadership - Camp Visi has it all! Our first week's session is complete, and we can't wait for more fun in Week 2. Thanks to all our faculty and coaches who led sessions, and our counselors for leading their small groups!

The Class of 2030 has begun preparing for their freshman year! Principal Ponzio led her first Introduction to Life on 35th Street day-long orientation of the summer, exploring campus, hanging out in the Commons, finding their lockers, and getting to know their new classmates -- and members of Visi faculty and staff who stop by to say hi! We look forward to welcoming everyone to campus throughout the summer!

Wherever life has taken you, you always have a home here on 35th Street. At Visitation, you forged lifelong friendships, discovered your passions and purpose, and embraced — in the words of St. Francis de Sales —being who you are and being that well. Now it’s your turn to keep that gift alive for the next generation. Support the Visitation Annual Fund with a gift today at www.visi.org/makeagift.

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus -- closely connected to us because of Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Visitation Sister whose prayer led to several moments when God revealed to her the deep love He has for humanity. Campus Minister Ms. Schmidt reminded us that the Sacred Heart is a sign and symbol of His love for us: "He chose to reveal this love through a Sister of the Visitation, and she bravely shared this with the world ... How can we begin to see all of our hearts connected through Christ’s most Sacred Heart? All of our desires for holiness, all of our dreams, and all of our goodness are reflected back in the beating heart of Jesus, which is given for all." Our students pass this painting on the way to the Fourth Floor of Founders Hall each day -- in which Christ extends His hand to us all.

Parents, Visitation is more than a school; it’s a second home. It’s community that surrounds your daughter, the teachers who believe in her, and the friendships she’ll carry for life. Join the home team today by supporting the Visitation Annual Fund before June 30! Link in bio to make a gift! 🔗

"One of my favorite things about coming back here is how many familiar faces are still in this room. That's the thing about Visitation — when you graduate from here, a piece of your memory stays here too. And then you come back twenty years later and find that many of the people who shaped that version of you are here, smiling back at you. ... When you leave, you don't really leave. The people stay with you. The place stays with you. " - Genevieve Ryan Bellaire '07, founder and CEO of Realworld, Commencement 2026 Speaker 💛🤍 Thank you for sharing your story, wisdom, and advice for our newest graduates!

"We are going into the world as Visitation alumnae -- women of faith, vision, and purpose who know the power they hold in any room they walk into. The world will go on, and we will be the ones making it better. We will fight apathy, ignorance, and hopelessness with the compassion strengthened on 35th Street, leaving our undeniable mark on any community we encounter. More importantly, when we do stumble -- because we will -- we have a strong support system we can always return to: teachers, family, and 131 Visters who will always uplift us, encourage us, and remind us of our greatness. No matter how much time has passed, how far away we live, or how long it’s been, our Visitation family continues." - Maggie C. '26. Well said, Maggie!

Graduation is days away. We hope our graduates hold on to this wisdom from St. Jane for the days ahead, trusting in God’s guidance as they embark on a new path.