The All-School Picnic, by Devon Rothwell

The All-School Picnic is one of our longest standing traditions  at Collegiate. It began in its present form in 1974. But a form of it existed from the school's very beginning. Starting in 1969 we had the all school Play Day. Every student was assigned to be on either the Blue or Gold team and had relays and games all afternoon. Also in 1969 the junior class sponsored a Tacky Day where the usually dressed up Collegiate student could come to school in tacky clothes to help raise money for the prom.  This was then combined with Play Day to make for an extra fun day for all. This was an anticipated tradition every year and in 1974 its format changed into the current form.

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The All-School Picnic Day, which has had this name since 1974, is a highlight for everyone involved.  The older students are paired with younger ones and they are picnic buddies for the day. They share lunch on the lawn together and then participate in the various activities.  Most of you probably remember the magic show, hay rack rides, face painting, bounce house, cake walk, sidewalk chalk, bean toss and many more. The young ones always remember their special picnic pal and enjoy staying in touch as they grow at Collegiate. Ask any senior and I'm sure they can tell you about all their favorite picnic buddies. Can you remember yours?

Homecoming, by Kevin Mykel

One of the beliefs that has guided Wichita Collegiate School through the years is the idea that, even though students are divided into four divisions, we are one unified school.  Nowhere is this belief more evident than during Homecoming.

Throughout the week of Homecoming, Upper School students engage in a series of special events: “Theme” days, Homecoming King and Queen elections, float construction, and preparation for the Friday football game.  However, as important as the actual game may be, the culmination of the week occurs during the day on Friday with the All-School Picnic. 

For the picnic, older students are paired with students from the Early Childhood and Lower School divisions as “picnic buddies.”  Collegiate students may not always remember a particular math formula or all the symbolism in The Great Gatsby, but they will almost always remember the names of their Upper School picnic buddies.   

On the evening of Homecoming, classmates reunite at class reunions and in the stands at the football game.  Friendships are rekindled, memories shared, and the connection to Wichita Collegiate School reaffirmed once again by generations of Spartans.

Grandparents' Day, by Lynda Dawkins, former English teacher and Middle School Head

Presentations to prepare!  Skits to perfect!  School work given an extra touch!  Oh, the excitement leading up to a favorite day for the entire student body, Grandparents Day!  The love and pride felt on campus that day as grandparents and grandchildren shared music, food,  a tour of the campus  was palpable.  Grandparents Day began in 1981 and easily became a yearly tradition.  Signs saying “Welcome Grandparents,” “Grandparents are Great,” and “I love my Grandparents'' could be found around the campus; special music programs by students of all divisions were practiced and polished; dances were performed; food was served, classes often had a special program prepared and some individual classes asked grandparents to share their special memories of an historical  time being studied.  Finally classrooms were visited, and students had a chance to show Grandpa and Grandma some of their own work and introduce them to their teacher.  A glorious time was had by all!

The Berens

 



Gita Arab and her mother, who won the prize for traveling the longest
distance to attend Grandparents Day, coming all the way from India!



Parker Smitherman, 5th grade



The Rasberrys



The Ritchies

Alan Ramseyer and Grandpa Bob