School Traditions Maryvale Preparatory School

1 school traditions

1.1 school ring
1.2 school song
1.3 other traditions

school traditions
school ring

students have option of purchasing school ring in silver, gold or white gold square garnet stone. on 1 side engraved graduating year of student above lion, school s mascot; other side has engraved school s name above maryvale crest. students can have names or initials engraved on inside of ring. students presented maryvale ring in december of junior year, in conjunction holy day of immaculate conception of mary. common tradition among students have ring turned while on finger number of times between receiving @ ring ceremony , attending junior ring dance. example, student in class of 2011 have ring turned 111 times, symbolizing affiliation , dedication class.

school song

o maryvale, sing thee, every slope , tree, in noble mein praises god, born of favored soil trod. hail thy towers grey , lofty, thy wings of stone strong. thy mary image greeting come, blessing long.

oh maryvale, dear maryvale, give our hearts thee today.

school of our queen of lineage royal, thee loyal, thou has taught in christ-like way, courageous faith , love each day. in hope, fidelity , peace, thy spirit stands secure. obedience, purity , zeal truth, marks life endure.

oh maryvale, dear maryvale, give our hearts thee today.

other traditions

class colors: within first few weeks of freshman year, newest upper school class votes 2 colors serve representation of class until graduation. colors used in class banner, moved around walls of gymnasium freshman wall senior wall each year.

red/grey team: upon arriving @ maryvale, students , faculty alike separated 2 teams—the red team or grey team. teams accumulate points throughout school year through various activities. winning team, team points, declared @ annual gym meet event in may.

spirit week: maryvale s spirit week typically held in february during week after president s day. students given opportunity participate in specified costume days throughout week promote class spirit , unity. middle , upper schools have separate competitions win maryvale spirit banner @ end of week. upper school winner announced @ themed dance, sponsored athletic association, @ end of week.

gym meet: gym meet long-standing tradition of school, typically held on third friday in may. morning of gym meet involves field day events, students compete either red or grey team—which each student has been placed @ time began maryvale. morning games include relays, volleyball, kickball, dodgeball, etc. these games add points accumulated throughout year red , grey teams. winning team announced @ end of day during assembly in gymnasium. in afternoon, students participate in class marches. each upper school class chooses 4 captains in charge of organizing class theme, formations , songs. middle school students choose 4 captains lead red or grey team—two eighth graders, 1 seventh grader , 1 sixth grader. each class or team chooses theme , adjusts popular or trending song lyrics according theme. judges , other spectators watch, classes march themed formations seen above bleachers. captains coordinate costumes correspond theme in members of class wear. judges gym meet marches maryvale alumnae decide upon winner of gym meet banner both middle , upper schools.

big sister/little sister: when student enters freshman year @ maryvale, partnered rising junior, acts big sister during first 2 years @ school. school holds big sister/little sister events pairs can know each other better , form bonds within different classes.

senior sleepover: senior sleepover, more recent tradition began in 2004, allows entire senior class spend night on campus. 1 evening in spring, seniors spend night in castle, spreading out sleeping bags , pillows in great hall , library. during night, seniors participate in fun activities, such games, face painting, picture taking, etc.

annual maryvale christmas shops: during first week of december, school holds holiday bazaar featuring handmade products vendors around baltimore area. current students of school create product , sell earn money special item or day, such ring dance or senior prom. event features special visit santa claus, sits in castle , hears children come tell him want christmas.