Hats Off to The Seniors

Sep 13, 2016
3 min read

On Wednesday August 24, 2016 the big and little sisters of 2017 shared in the celebratory tradition that has been happening at Cabrini at since 1959: HAT DAY!

During the morning of Hat Day, anyone can feel the excitement and nervousness that lingers in the cafeteria as the seniors wait in anticipation for their little sister to arrive to school with their long awaited senior hat. This Cabrini tradition not only strengthens the bond between big sisters and little sisters but is a casual reminder that graduation is quickly approaching.

Hat Day is a tradition that every class gets to experience twice. As new students, pre-freshmen or freshmen are required to make stylish graduation caps for their big sisters. But as the years go on and Cabrini students see Hat Day again and again, its significance is finally made clear the second time: senior year is here. Junior Lori Launey said that "It's a cool tradition; you never know what to expect." She explained, "It's nerve-racking, everybody wants the best hat." But whether a hat is elaborately decorated or simple, it is not the most important part of the day. Senior Hat Day is not only a way for big and little sisters to grow in friendship, but a right of passage that subtly signals the beginning of the end for every senior class.

The bond between seniors and pre-freshmen and new freshman is given the chance to flourish on hat day. Nothing makes a senior more proud of her little sister than receiving a well thought out and creative hat. "My hat is awesome. I wish I could wear it to graduation" said senior Ashley Berry. Her little sister, pre-freshman Brieon Cooper, mentioned that her favorite part of making the hat was beautifying it with rhinestones and feathers, saying that she's "glad that she loved it." Hat Day is a creative way for little sisters to show how they will treasure the time they will spend with their senior big sisters. Senior Angelle Falcon said that her "hat makes me feel loved and appreciated" as it was personalized with a make-up theme. Pre-freshman little sister Heather Pitre said that she "felt good" giving her senior sister, Lily Glennon, the hat because Lily proudly exclaimed as she received it that she was "so excited and in love" with it.

But perhaps the most exciting part about Hat Day is the realization that the seniors are in fact seniors. The general consensus of the class of 2017 was that hat day experienced as a senior is more significant and thrilling. Senior Kathleen Tullis agreed with this statement as she said that the day was fun "because you see Hat Day every year, and now it is finally 2017's turn." Senior Chole Mangerchine said, and many have agreed, that this Hat Day was "exciting, fun, and long awaited." Senior Lexi Fairly commented on the shared excitement saying that it can be attributed to the fact that "we did the same thing when we were freshman and now they are doing it for us."

So when it's is time to receive a senior hat, remember that there are no bad hats. It is the symbolism of seniority, appreciation, and, most importantly, the reminder that a graduation ceremony is waiting in May, that really matters.