"...What does it mean to be a student at Mount Alvernia? Beyond the challenging academic curriculum and the Franciscan environment that emphasizes the value of community service, Mount Alvernia is a place of transformation. The idea of transformation at Mount Alvernia is something that I have always been cognizant of. My class symbol is the butterfly, an insect that transforms from an awkward, limited caterpillar into a bright butterfly with the ability to soar. Butterflies are the best symbol I can think of to represent the transformative power of Mount Alvernia. Just as caterpillars need cocoons to transform into butterflies, students need a safe place to develop into confident, capable young women with the power to make a difference in the world. Mount Alvernia is this safe place for students because the importance of respect is emphasized along with the value of students’ different opinions, and the two combine to create an environment conducive to transformations..."    Meredith O'Brien '12