MaryMcKay

Lucy Gerraughty ’25 crowns the Mary statue. Photos by Mary McKay.

May Crowning is an annual event celebrated on May 2. This tradition has been celebrated for more than 50 years. Every year, a senior is chosen by her classmates to be the May Queen, someone who embodies “Marian Identity” or is “like Mary.” 

Along with a May Queen, 21 second-grade daughters of alumnae participate in the ceremony. This year, Mrs. Dianne Narzinski Evans ’08, brought her 8-year-old daughter, Bridget, from Tampa, Florida. 

“This tradition means a lot to the school and the Catholic faith; it ties the two together and carries out these values instilled in you, the next generation of Marian girls and alums,” Narzinski said. 

Narzinski moved away for college after graduation and has never moved back. But she still feels connected to her roots at Marian. “The core values were planted like seeds I didn’t know would bloom. They started as small trees and have grown big with beautiful flowers,” Narzinski said. 

She used this metaphor to describe how the core values impacted her life and motherhood. “Mary went through so much as a mother; she had to watch her son be persecuted. With that understanding, Mary has started my journey as a mother and protector as a Catholic preschool teacher,” Narzinski said. 

She understands the challenges that come with faith. “Your faith shouldn’t stay the same; it should change. As you go through life and different experiences, you may need a step back, and that’s okay. Just know it will be there welcoming you with an open door,” Narzinski said. 

The Class of 2025 chose Gerraughty because she inspires others with her positive, faithful attitude and commitment to Marian. 

Gerraughty was part of the 2015 second-grade class at the May crowning. “It means a lot to me because I’ve watched this since kindergarten and was part of it as a second grader,” Gerraughty said.

During Gerraughty’s first year at Marian, her mom was diagnosed with cancer. This impacted her faith, a significant part of her Marian Identity. “I learned I can’t control everything in my life. I learned to surrender my life to a higher power, which has allowed me to live in the moment and given me a sense of peace,” she said. 

Deepening her faith also connected her to Mary. “Mary isn’t an image from our past; she’s a model for our current life and how to live. May Crowning is important to teach the second graders that Mary is someone to look up to and will be on their side forever,” Gerraughty said. 

Gerraughty used Mary as her model throughout her time at Marian as a connection to the core values. “Marian Identity is striving to live like Mary. She went through so many struggles; she watched her son die on the cross, but she never doubted God. She always said yes,” she said.

Gerraughty commits herself to the Marian community, saying yes as Mary did. She is a class officer, part of the Students for Life and Campus Ministry. “Student government taught me how to work with others and advocate for others,” Gerraughty said.

Although Narzinski and Gerraughty are in different stages of life, both use Mary as a model. This tradition ties generations of Marian girls together through faith and values.  

Lucy Gerraughty ’25 with the 2025 group of second graders. This year there were 21 second graders that have completed their first communion.

Bridget Evans joins her mother, Dianne Narzinski Evans, from the Class of 2008 at the 2025 May Crowning.