As the new school year has been kicked off, the senior class gets their first time to shine during St. Joe Day. After the senior sleepover the night before, seniors arrive at school around 6:30 am on St. Joe Day. They are greeted with donuts, drinks, and happy faces from Ms. Hotop, Dr. Sudekum, and Mrs. Niedringhaus.
The seniors use this time to take pictures outside and around campus, getting the best angles of their capes and countless memories with friends. As the sun rises and the seniors lose all the extra energy from energy drinks and sugary foods, underclassmen start arriving on campus. The seniors cheer and welcome the underclassmen by the commons. They lead the new freshmen’s parents through the circle drive and cheer on the freshmen as they walk through the commons doors.
The festivities start with a pep rally for fall sports in the gym. The juniors, sophomores, and freshmen go into the gym and sit in their designated spots on the bleachers. The seniors line up and prepare to run into the gym in their capes in front of the rest of the students and staff. Once the seniors have celebrated with their class, it is time for a few chants and for the sports teams and dance team to be recognized. Senior Elle York explains what the experience of St. Joe Day means to her and how all underclassmen should soak in all the good things.
“I loved welcoming all the girls into school in the commons circle. I had so much fun being with my class and starting our last year with an amazing start,” Elle said.
All the seniors had a great time this year, despite being sleep-deprived. It really helped them bond as a class and realize that there is only one year left. The St. Joe spirit during St. Joe Day is something that you cannot miss.

From the seniors running in the gym to show off their capes to the bubble bus and hotdogs from the St. Joe dads, it was truly a day to remember. The spirit that the St. Joe girls give to the school and the student body shows not only the love everyone has for the school, but also the hard work that goes into these special days and every day at St. Joseph’s Academy. After reminiscing about past St. Joe Days and all the wonderful memories that have been spent at St. Joe, Elle gives some insight and advice.
“It was different from what I expected because I had never seen it from a senior’s perspective. It was honestly better than I thought it would be. For incoming freshmen or underclassmen, expect a spectacular day filled with so many fun activities with your class. Take it all in and enjoy every second of it,” Elle said.
After St. Joe Day came to an end with the seniors’ pie eating contest and, of course, ice cream, seniors went home to take a nap and the day was officially over. The students loved getting into the school spirit and everyone was excited for the school year that was ahead.