Return to Home Page Return to Photos
Texas A & M Ring Ceremony
Chelsea and Tim's rings
The base or “Crown” of the Ring:
Shield at the top of Ring: Illustrates protection of the good reputation of the alma mater.
13 Stripes in shield: Symbolizes the 13 original states and the intense patriotism of graduates and undergraduates of A&M.
5 stars in shield: Refers to the phases of development of the student: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise, and integrity of character.
Eagle: Connotes agility and power, and ability to reach great heights and ambitions
Right Shank:
Star: Represents the Seal of the State of Texas, authorized by the constitution of 1845.
Olive and Laurel branch that encircles star: Signifies achievement and a desire for peace.
Live Oak leaves surrounding star: Means strength to fight.
Ribbon that joins the Olive and Live-Oak leaves: Shows the necessity of joining these two traits to accomplish one's ambition to serve.
Left Shank:
Ancient cannon, saber, and rifle: Symbolizes that the citizens of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend their homeland.
Saber: Also signifies valor and confidence.
Rifle and cannon: Also illustrates preparedness and defense.
Crossed flags of the United States and Texas: Reminders of the dual allegiance to nation and state.
The McGovern and Simmons clan gather in front of the Former Students Association Building for the ring ceremony, held on September 14, 2006. Tim and Chelsea are both seniors and so they were eligible to get the famous Aggie Ring. Left to right are Nancy Gray (Tim's grandmother), Elizabeth McGovern (class of 1979), Tim (class of 2007), Elaina Simmons (class of 2010), John Gray (Tim's grandfather and class of 1954), Chelsea Simmons (class of 2007), Sharon Simmons (Chelsea's mother). We are "humping" to give an Aggie yell as the Yell Leaders are leading from the porch.
This is the entrance to get the rings. They are scheduled for 5:00 pm.
Four proud Aggies - Papa, Mom, Tim and Chelsea
They're getting closer...
Tim is signing for the ring.
Elizabeth places the ring on his finger.
Tim and Chelsea ... Yea Gig 'em!
John, Tim, Jay (Tim's dad and class of 1980 has finally ordered his ring), Elizabeth
We finally get the whole gang: Elaina, Woody Simmons (Chelsea's dad), Sharon, Tim, Chelsea, John, Jay, Elizabeth, Nancy
The bonfire memorial is so sad, but is meaningful. 12 outstanding A & M students were killed as the 1999 bonfire fell at this location. Each box has a picture of the student with some meaningful words and faces the direction of their home town. The one to Jay's left was a student from Corpus Christi. There was one from California, one from Tennessee, 3 from the Dallas area and 3 from the Houston area plus 3 from various other Texas towns. There were 10 young men and 2 young women. The circle is the size of the bonfire. Jay and Elizabeth remember the bonfires they attended.
Nancy and John reminisce the bonfires of the days when John was in school.
We visited the Aviary at the Vet School. Jay is talking with this African Gray parrot.
Both the parrots and parakeets are pretty.
A special hug from mom Sharon to daughter Elaina...
Dads Jay (behind Tim) and Woody watch their kids: Tim, Chelsea and Elaina.
We have a farewell breakfast at this great tearoom-antique shop in Bryan.
Chelsea and Elaina shop ... but, don't buy.
Jay is proud of that boy!!!