As February has begun, the STA girls are ready to start the season of Cailini! The tradition of Cailini, meaning “girls” in Irish, was created by the Saint Thomas principal, Monsignor Kelly, in 1975. At the time, St. Thomas Aquinas was known for their male-dominated sports and excelled in all areas, but the girls got little to no credit. As a result, he created Cailini because he wanted the girls of St. Thomas to have recognition and the chance to participate in their own events. Cailini gave all girls the chance to showcase their talents in many aspects. From events like art, dancing, and baking, to others like volleyball and dodgeball, the Saint Thomas girls were given this opportunity that has been carried out for 50 years.
On Tuesday, January 21st, during the second class block, Mrs. Simmons held a Cailini informational meeting in the main gym open to all girls interested in participating. She explained the sign ups, preparations, moderators, and events that would all be included in Cailini. Regarding sign up information, girls are supposed to fill out a Google Form with information based on shirts and events. Some of the many events that are a part of Cailini are aerobics, gymnastics, baking, volleyball, dodgeball, powder-puff football, relay, tug-of-war, art, and high-impact. Out of these many events, girls can choose up to three in which to participate. The preparation details included information about the t-shirt designs and mural/artwork that needs to be submitted. Mrs. Simmons also introduced the moderators for each of the classes, received by the girls with lots of applause. Once all of the details were discussed, Mrs. Simmons closed the meeting with four dances based on each of the grade-level themes. The themes for each grade are as follows:
- Freshman Class: Cities
- Sophomore Class: Broadway
- Junior Class: Holidays
- Senior Class: Elements
The overall theme of the 50th Cailini is “Blast from the Past,” with the intention of using themes that have been used in previous years.
As the days begin to quickly lead up to this long awaited event, girls from all grades are filled with excitement for what’s to come! Freshman Olivia Whitcomb says, “ It is so exciting that this year I will finally be the one in my family participating in this incredible tradition . . . I can’t wait for my family and friends to see me competing for my class and hopefully taking home the win.” This exciting and competitive tradition is near in sight, and STA is ready to show their spirit and talents at the 50th Cailini!
