It’s safe to say that Maggie Walker has its fair share of quirks, especially compared to so-called “normal” high schools. However, at an undoubtedly stressful and competitive school, it’s still important to  relax and have some fun. Over the years, Maggie Walker has created many traditions to lighten up the environment, so here’s a guide to some well-known traditions for the Class of 2028.

As the weather cools down and school ramps up, Fall Fest is right around the corner. This year, the event will fall on September 27th. Fall Fest is one of the best opportunities for the school to bond as a community, as well as to help clubs fundraise. During Fall Fest, clubs run booths with food, prizes, and games to promote their club and fundraise. Students, staff, and parents purchase tickets to spend at the booths, and clubs redeem these tickets for money after Fall Fest is over. In addition to all of these various booths, Fall Fest features student performances, ranging from school-sponsored groups to student-made bands. Clubs such as the dance team and Bhangra perform, as well as the school orchestra, chorus, and band. However, the majority of Fall Fest performances are by students who want to share personal favorite songs or even original music. Overall, Fall Fest is always a great event (especially considering the school day is shortened).

One of the most memorable experiences for freshmen is sure to be the Freshman Lock-In. While the Lock-In was canceled during the pandemic, it has come back in full force these past few years. Every winter, typically following the winter dance, freshmen have the opportunity to stay overnight at the school. Organized by the class officers, the night allows students to spend the wee hours watching movies and playing sports and games (seldom getting any sleep). The winter Lock-In is a great chance for the freshman class to get to know each other better  and spend a night not worrying about schoolwork.

Now, moving all the way from the freshmen to the seniors is the Wall of Shame. The Wall of Shame is located across from the high-end senior commons. Willing seniors will post their rejection letters from colleges, making light of the stressful college application season. Over the course of winter and spring, the wall will gradually fill with printouts of their rejections. So, while the Class of 2028 might not add to the Wall of Shame for quite some time, they can at least get some enjoyment out of it in the meantime.

These are just a few Maggie Walker traditions, and more will undoubtedly be created in the future. Maggie Walker is a very special place, so hopefully this provides the new freshmen a glimpse into what’s in store for them.