One Last Hurrah: Class of ‘23

4 June 2023Christine L, Mack ‘23

Every year, as the academic journey nears its end, Brentwood’s senior class awakens from their senioritis slumber with a burst of energy and enthusiasm known as Grad Spirit Week. This spirited week brings together students, teachers, and staff members to honour the graduating class and create lasting memories before they embark on their next adventure. From themed dress-up days to lively competitions, Grad Spirit Week is an annual tradition here that showcases the unity and vibrant community of the graduating class.

Hazel L, Allard ‘23, Graduating Class President, says “It was a lot of organizing and a lot of work, but it ended up all coming together, in the end, and I’m really happy with how it’s been going so far.”

One of the hallmarks of Grad Spirit Week is the series of themed dress-up days. Each day brings a new opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and embrace the festive atmosphere. From Twin Day to Dress as your Favourite Teacher Day, Brentwood’s hallways are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours and styles; the exception to this are the numerous students that dressed as Ms Wolinsky in her signature monochromatic black outfits.

Beyond the daily dress-up themes, Grad Spirit Week also features a range of spirited competitions and events. With Grad Assassins lasting throughout the entirety of the week and a grade-wide water fight, there is never a dull moment this week. These activities bring out the competitive side of the Grads and foster a sense of camaraderie that was repressed by Covid-19 mitigation strategies of our Grade 9 and 10 years.

Ms Ramsey, the wonderful woman in charge of organizing so many school-wide events, says “With everything going on this year, it was hectic, but we made it! I’m so grateful to Hazel and her team because without them it would not have been possible.”

The true beauty of Spirit Week lies in its ability to bring our class together as a community. Coordinating what to wear with your friends for the next day, or competing in events to make new friends with people in their grade that we might never have otherwise talked to, allows us to transcend cliques and social boundaries to foster a sense of unity and enjoy these last few weeks together before we leave.

As the exhilarating week draws to a close, the class of 2023 is filled with a bittersweet mixture of nostalgia, excitement, and anticipation. We revel in our accomplishments, celebrate our unique identities, and leave our indelible mark on Brentwood’s community as we prepare to pass the torch. “As a graduating class, we have forged memories that will be treasured for a lifetime and have laid the foundation for a legacy that will hopefully inspire future classes,” says Chichi O, Allard ‘23.

A huge thank you to our Grad Class President Hazel L, Allard ‘23 and her council and Ms Ramsey for organizing this exciting event. Graduation would not have been the same without you guys.

Christine L, Mack ‘23

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