By Zara Khemlani
After years of watching previous graduating classes enjoy long-standing senior traditions, the Class of 2027 is looking forward to experiencing the events that will make their final year at Rye Country Day School so memorable. Whether it be one of the traditions that kicked off the school year, including the pre-season barbecue, car painting, white dresses, the block party, senior sunrise, and opening ceremonies, or one of the many anticipated events still ahead, the senior class is buzzing with excitement.
Looking back on the traditions we have already shared, many seniors reflected on the aspects of these events that stood out to them the most. Summer Sisitsky ‘27 shared that she enjoyed going “all out” while decorating her car with friends, while Ellora Shah ‘27 was enthusiastic about senior sunrise. This year, the event took place at the start of the academic year as opposed to the conclusion, thanks to the efforts of Senior Class President Caroline Stronski ‘27. After receiving feedback from her classmates, Stronski listened to and amplified the voice of the twelfth grade, successfully shifting the tradition to the fall. This exciting change gave seniors an opportunity to come together to celebrate the beginning of their final year side by side at RCDS.
In addition to the students, Senior Class Dean Mr. Bates also looks forward to watching these traditions unfold. Bates takes on many roles when it comes to the senior class, serving as both the director of college counseling and a grade-wide dean. When asked about his favorite tradition, Bates anecdotally shared, “As the director of college counseling, I love a good high school graduation.” In addition to this wonderful ceremony, he also highlighted the senior class barbecue at the end of the academic year, while reflecting on his second role as a dean. “[It] is so awesome, again as someone who has worked with both students and families, to see everyone together at such a fun event. I would argue that the culmination of that specific event is the students signing the pennants for where they will be going to college, and for me, that’s a big one.”
Looking ahead, there are a myriad of traditions and milestones on the calendar for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year. The next of these activities is the grade-wide Halloween costume this October, when the seniors will have another opportunity to come together and show their class spirit. As the year continues, the class will begin to face off through many competitions, including Senior Spoons as well as the Junior-Senior Challenge. As the year concludes, students will come together to celebrate their accomplishments at Prom, the Blue & Gold Dinner, the Senior Barbecue, Graduation, and many more events.
From the start of the year to the completion of their Senior Term Projects, the Rye Country Day School community is ready to cheer on the Class of 2027 during their final year together as Wildcats.
