The Toohigs

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Helen Grace's Ring Ceremony

One of the most treasured St. Agnes traditions is the class ring. Graduates wear them for their lifetime, and it's so distinguishable that you can spot an alum a mile away. The antique design is so pretty but also has so much symbolism. The black triangle represents the Holy Trinity. The round gold setting stands for unity as a class with God in the center. The nine pearls represent purity. The black triangle with the white pearls symbolize the traditional habit of the Dominican sisters who founded St. Agnes in 1851. The Greek letters represent St. Agnes Academy.

Helen Grace has anticipated getting her own ring since she knew they existed, eagerly watching class after class of friends receive theirs. The ring ceremony for the Class of 2027 was cancelled with the January ice storm and was so so disappointing, but they *finally* had their night on March 2nd at St. Michael's. It was a very special night for all of us, and as President Hood reminded us, only 500 days until their graduation- gasp! We are thrilled that our girls are part of this long standing tradition of Catholic education and enduring friendship.

Spring Break 2026: Gulfport, Alys, Gulfport

We covered some miles this spring break! After I watched Cressey do her Miss Pennsylvania presentation for the fourth grade Pageant of States on Thursday morning, HG and I jumped in the car and headed south to make it to Gulfport in time for HG to get a practice class in before the rings closed. We checked into a fantastic VRBO in town and ordered our favorite Mexican for dinner. She had a good day of showing in the Gulf Coast Classic on Friday (at 2"9' since it was her first show on Ham, won a red ribbon in blue/red rounds), and then John and Cressey drove down together after school and work. Saturday morning came early, but she and Ham did well again (this time at 3") with several ribbons and ultimately winning second in the classic! It stormed all night Sunday and into the morning, so we decided not to risk a new horse on wet footing and ended the show on a high note from Saturday's accomplishments.

Sunday, we headed to Alys for some fun and some rest, and HG's friends joined us. We had such a great week with good, warm, mostly dry weather except for one day of 'marine layer' (on our bonfire night, of course). Cressey and I tried a new-to-us place to make art out of glass, and we celebrated Evelyn's 17th birthday.

Friday, the girls and I headed back to Gulfport for HG to take part in an Ole Miss leadership retreat for the weekend. Cressey and I did a lot of reading and visited the aquarium while HG worked. She enjoyed seeing Ole Miss as a student instead of just a fan and met a lot of fun, involved kids from Mississippi.

Practice on Thursday

First time seeing HG as the owner on show stuff!

I was so nervous to be responsible for HG's brand new SAA class ring while she was riding

Friday

Tell me your rider is a teenager (her OctoBuddy was holding her phone to her helmet)

Our VRBO had unobstructed water views and a cute screened in porch

And the cutest neighbor's kitty that we called Tip (and later learned his name was Lagniappe)

Saturday

Finding out she got second in classic

Cressey had to visit the MS beach again this time

HG and I noticed this sign at the VRBO and thought the 'Cayman' sign was good luck

As I was cleaning out the fridge, I created a disaster for my birks

Ham was WORN OUT Sunday- Susan sent us this pic. Looks like he appreciated a day off too.

Made it to Alys- think these snacks will be enough to last six days??

Fully stocked for teenagers!

Cressey's settled in her spot! She finished three books this week

Headed to dinner and happy to be back with our bikes

Love seeing all the bikes at the back door

Somehow- under the umbrella in the shade at the pool- I burned the heck out of my right shoulder. So John caught me trying to get some sun on my left shoulder to even it out a little.