Juniors become official upperclassmen through the annual Junior Ring ceremony in the Academy chapel.

Junior Greer Smith said, “Although I am new to the Academy, I am looking forward to being officially initiated as an upperclassman here.”

The ceremony has been a tradition at the Academy for over 70 years.

Campus minister and alumna, Sr. Katherine Francis Miller, said, “The tradition of juniors receiving rings began around 1940.”

Junior Kauionalani Kekuawela said, “Junior Ring ceremony is special to me because my mom always tells me that her Junior Ring ceremony was one of her favorite high school memories.”

Students chose either the traditional ring or a class pin given by their parents during the ceremony. They will also receive a rose from their class.

The Junior Ring ceremony marks the beginning of the busy schedule as upperclassmen.

Class president Katie Lee said, “Junior Ring ceremony is the beginning of the many events that juniors experience during this year.”

The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.