While jewelry can be worn to enhance an outfit or dress it up for a special occasion, some St. Dominic students have opted to wear a piece of jewelry that has a special meaning to them every day, no matter the occasion.

Senior Conner Havrilla
Earlier this year, Conner made himself a rosary bracelet out of para cord. He wears it everywhere he goes so that he always has the protection and presence of a rosary and Our Blessed Mother wherever he goes. The bracelet keeps him thinking about his faith in his day-to-day life. He can look down and see the bracelet at any given time, and it keeps him constantly seeking God.

Junior Gavin Young
Gavin wears a bracelet in remembrance of Hailey Buddemeyer, a beloved St. Dominic student and friend of his who passed away last year. Hailey’s friends sold hundreds of these bracelets throughout the school in honor of Hailey a few weeks after she passed. Gavin feels like he is missing something when he doesn’t have the bracelet on, so he wears it every day. He wears it in remembrance of Hailey, to honor her memory and inspire himself to be the best person he can be.

“This bracelet means so much because it reminds me to try and be a friend to many because you never know when it is the last time you will ever see the person again,” said Young.

Senior Sophie Bradley
Sophie has worn her Benedictine medallion pendant necklace ever since she received it for Christmas from her good friend senior Kaitlyn Bross. Aside from portraying the patron saint of her soon to be college, Benedictine University, the medal shows symbols and texts pertaining to St. Benedict of Nursia, and contains the line “May the Holy Cross be for me a light.” Sophie wears the necklace every day as a representation of her faith and because these medals are used to protect the wearer from evil.

“It reminds me to be virtuous in everything I do, and it goes with everything… so it’s a win-win!” said Bradley.

Junior Zach Healy
Zach wears several pieces of jewelry daily, but the most important one to him is his necklace. His necklace holds the Kairos cross that he received on retreat this year and a crucifix that was a gift from his uncle. His uncle gave him the necklace his freshman year as a symbol and reminder of his faith. His uncle is a huge role model and inspiration to him, so wearing the necklace encourages and inspires him to stay strong in his faith.

Sophomore Emma Henke
The piece of jewelry that Emma wears everyday in an Irish Claddagh ring. Irish Claddagh rings are a traditional Irish article of jewelry that signifies love, loyalty and friendship. The ring is supposed to be worn in different ways—each way represents your relationship status. For example, if you are single, the ring is to be worn on your right hand with the heart facing outwards. If you are married, you wear it on your left hand with the heart facing inwards. As well as being a part of an old Irish tradition, this ring has a special meaning for Emma because she received it from her grandmother as an eighth grade graduation present.

Senior Grace Fink

Grace wears many pieces of jewelry that have significant meanings to her. One of the pieces that she wears is her mother’s purity ring. She received the ring in July of last year as a gift to help her care for herself and to keep her strong through whatever she may face.

“The purity ring is my mother’s, helping me to care for my body as I continue to combat my eating disorder and depression,” says Fink.

It is also a daily reminder of her trust in God, helping her to live out each day in faith according to her values.

For these students, their jewelry is not just a fashion statement. It’s a daily reminder of the things that are most important to them.