In anthropology, rituals and traditions carry great weight and meaning in communities. They keep history alive, they provide a sense of belonging. We have several traditions that connect our alumni across generations. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Wearing Reserve Green
We wear Reserve Green thanks to Headmaster Frederick W. Ashley (Class of 1880) who headed the school from 1892 until 1897. In a letter to the school dated February 1, 1926, he explained that the colors green and white were adopted around 1893 as symbols of "strength and purity" and thus became the colors that WRA would continue to use as their own. Green and white were the unofficial colors of WRA for about 75 years before we adopted them as our own with the offering of the first green and white striped tie in 1961 and soon after, the green blazer. To this day, students dress in Reserve Green on Mondays and Fridays.
Ringing the Victory Bell
No matter what time teams return to campus from a win, student-athletes take a turn ringing the Victory Bell outside the Murdough Athletic Center. In order from seniors to freshmen, every team member is proud to line up for the ritual. The sound signals a team victory — both a reward and motivation for future wins. It may also occasionally wake up the Head of School, whose residence is just adjacent to the bell. She doesn’t mind!
Taking in Sit-Down Meals
Sit-Down Meals are a time to gather around the table with your advisor and fellow advisees. Sit-Down Meals are served family style with students sharing the responsibility for serving the food and clearing the table. Each table has its own style — some tables might include faculty kids sitting comfortably with a small group of high schoolers while other tables host competitive UNO tournaments. In these moments, we truly look and feel like one big family.
Gathering for Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting is a brief school assembly held twice a week in the Chapel. Led by the student body co-presidents, Morning Meeting is a place to make announcements, celebrate accomplishments, send out reminders, and enjoy other traditions, like poetry readings, Senior Speeches (see below) and recaps from student travel, athletic events and academic competitions.