During Chaminade Julienne’s school Mass on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in front of the entire student body, CJ students announced this school year’s hashtag, #BeMindfulCJ. Creating a hashtag has become a beginning of the school year tradition.
“This hashtag will be used in all of our social media posts, but also as a mantra and theme to embrace as we move through the year together,” Timothy Hosford, assistant director of ministry and service explained to the crowd.
#BeMindfulCJ was created by student leaders of the Marianist Living In Faith Experience (LIFE) organization after brainstorming and thoughtfully formulating it during their meetings at the beginning of the school year.
Marianist LIFE leader Arielle Hancock ’25, stated that during their discussions about the hashtag, they talked about some of the ways the CJ community hopes to grow. With all the changes this year, they realized the importance of growing in empathy for others.
“In this year of new perspectives, we cast attention to being aware of how we act, react, and listen to others,” said Hancock. “As we draw together students from all grades in SOAR, we aim to learn to be mindful of ourselves and others around us.”
“We will focus on being more attentive to others as well as our surroundings,” said Caroline Camacho ‘26, when explaining how Marianist LIFE leaders plan to live out the new hashtag. “To incorporate our faith, we will practice mindfulness by doing what Jesus taught us through actions of mediation, patience, and forgiveness.
Amaya Taylor ’25 and Breonna Reid ’25, representing Students in Action, stated they will use the #BeMindfulCJ platform to spread awareness and create a welcoming environment for all students.
“Diversity and inclusion are two of our greatest values,” said Taylor. “We want to continue to encourage students to be mindful by living out these values.”
Austin Peaslee ‘25 and Sadie Lakan ‘25, CJ United neighborhood representatives, discussed how #BeMindfulCJ will foster strong bonds of family spirit and belonging in the CJ neighborhoods, where everyone has a place at the table.
“We will remain mindful of the importance of compassion and empathy,” said Peaslee. “We will remain mindful of the importance of compassion and empathy, striving to make a positive impact on our school and community.”
Lily Kandel ’25, a Flight Leader, illuminated how #BeMindful will help them lead by example, showing others how to be present in the CJ community, the importance of being thoughtful about what one says and does, and the need to be welcoming.
“All flight members are ready to treat everyone with respect, patience, understanding, and empathetic attitudes,” said Kandel. “We can’t wait to see what this new and exciting school year brings for everyone.”
The announcement of the new hashtag concluded with Maura Lemon, science teacher, reflecting on how the #BeMindful will be useful for the faculty and staff during their busy school day.
“In the chaos of the beginning and end of the day, in transition between classes, in the moments where our attention is pulled in many directions at once, we will take time to breathe and reset,” said Lemon. “We will practice presence over perfection and strive to foster an inner sense of calm and adaptability so that our students feel comfortable making mistakes and growing under our guidance. We will cultivate an environment of contentment and interconnectedness within the CJ community as we move patiently but purposefully through this school year.”