Angel Fest 2022 successfully welcomed its highest number of people than it has in recent years. With its wide range of games and activities for both alumnae and prospective students, all who came had the opportunity to get the chance to meet with others in the SJA community and have a good time on campus.

Once the calendar flips to October, everyone at St. Joe knows that Angel Fest is around the corner. It’s one of the marquee autumn events in which the school gets to host and connect with its alumnae, as well as future Angels. 

To the excitement of many, this year was the event’s return to its pre-Covid magnitude, with no restrictions or requirements hovering over the day of green-and-white-themed fun. There were more than 450 people in attendance according to Mrs. Carrie Wenberg of the Alumnae Relations office.

“This included the entire SJA community of alumnae and their family, current and alum parents, grandparents, students, prospective families and friends of St. Joe,” Mrs. Wenberg said.

Some beloved special guests were welcomed back among these many attendees. This included Julie Haddock, a former physics and engineering teacher, who spent 27 years of her career at the Academy until retiring in 2021. Also on site was the St. Joe celebrity, Mr. Bud Stein, who said his goodbyes last school year after completing 36 years of teaching math and engineering. Current students and alumnae celebrated both teachers’ returns with cheers and enthusiasm.

A variety of happenings to entertain the crowds took place on campus. In the outdoor theater, an assortment of mini-games welcomed SJA families, particularly with their children in mind. Run completely by student volunteers were activities such as: mini golf, face painting and arts and crafts. Junior Lucy Giunta enjoyed running the soccer booth during Angel Fest.

“I loved volunteering at Angel Fest because it gave me the opportunity to connect with future Angels and tell them why I love St. Joe,” Lucy said. 

Aside from the hands-on activities in the outdoor theater, the SJA Varsity dance team gave a stunning performance and several clubs had booths set up, including Beta Chi Pi and Earth Angels. And for a portion of the day, the Father’s Club even catered a barbeque lunch free to all. 

While many of these were geared towards the younger members of the St. Joe community, the visiting alumnae had plenty for them as well. Angel Ambassador tours of the building were given throughout the day, yearbooks spanning decades back were available to purchase and even Josten’s was on Campus for class ring resizing and repairs. Students and faculty were available to talk and to share what’s new with the school, collectively giving those visiting a taste of what attending St. Joe currently looks like and the strides it continues to make in improving its facilities and academics. 

Grace Kelly, Class of ‘22, enjoyed getting back on campus and seeing what’s changed since her time as a student. 

“As a recent graduate, Angel Fest was a great reason to return to St. Joe. It was so fun seeing the progress that the academy has already made since I graduated and to reconnect with my classmates and teachers,” Grace said. 

Altogether, by a variety of metrics, Angel Fest 2022 was a success. It welcomed a wide variety of both alumnae and prospective students and their families, and the comfortable weather gave way for many to take their time on the back lawn, socializing and having some St. Joe-style fun.