Two May Queens Honor Faith and Friendship

On Friday, May 1, the Marian community gathered for a long-standing tradition: the annual May Crowning. This year, however, marked a historic milestone. For the first time in school history, two seniors—Ava DeSmet and Clare Engel—were honored as May Queens.

The May Queen is nominated by her classmates as a model of the core value of Marian identity. Like Mary, she is one who shows compassion, demonstrates deep spirituality, utilizes her talents in service, and empowers those around her.

Ava and Clare became friends freshman year, but their relationship grew exponentially when they committed to studying the Bible together last. What began as a simple morning routine grew into something much bigger for their faith and friendship.

"Ava picked me up each morning and we read our Bibles, immersing ourselves in the scripture God wanted to reveal to us We dove in head first not knowing exactly what it would come to but trusting all the way. These mornings quickly became valuable in our summer routine and building our friendship in Christ," said Clare.

Both girls credit their bond with revealing Mary’s presence in their lives. For Ava, Mary serves as a reminder to trust God during difficult seasons. "I know that my faith will not shelter me from the storm, but it will hold on tight while I walk through it," Ava shared. "I didn’t know it at the time, but God gave me Clare when I needed her most."

Clare sees Mary’s influence in the "sisterhood" they’ve formed. "Ava standing here next to me is one of the beautiful examples of Mary working in my life, by giving me a sister in Christ," Clare said. "Mary is a role model for me because she let go of expectations... and let God work through her."

As they prepare for the next chapter—Ava at Iowa State University and Clare at Boston College—they plan to hold tight to the faith and friendship that began at Marian, inspired to bring hope to the world just as Mary did.

Second-grade daughters and granddaughters of Marian alumnae also took part in the ceremony. More than 20 girls, who received their First Holy Communion this year, processed with the May Queen and placed a rose at the foot of the statue of Mary, symbolizing their blossoming faith. For the second-graders and their mothers, grandmothers and aunts, the ceremony concluded with cookies and lemonade and a tour of the school.