Freshman Initiation is a long-standing tradition at Sacred Hearts Academy that welcomes the freshmen into high school, and this year, the freshman Class of 2028 participated in the event.

At the start of the school year, Freshman Initiation features a dance performance by the freshmen in the school gym for everyone to watch. The dances are choreographed by the juniors and are meant to get the freshmen out of their comfort zones and gain the confidence they need in entering high school.

“Freshman Initiation made me feel really welcomed and helped me transition into high school by getting to know my peers better,” freshman Araceli Keaulii said. Her group performed to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper and a Michael Jackson medley. They wore white shirts, black pants and a red accessory.

The juniors, who serve as big sisters, are there to support and guide their little sisters throughout the experience. This big sister-little sister tradition continues throughout their four years of high school, as they participate in various activities together.

“Becoming a big sister means serving as a mentor and guide to a little sister by offering academic support, essential life skills and assistance in navigating social dynamics,” senior Yuyoung Noh said. “Through meaningful conversations rooted in mutual respect and trust, both mentor and mentee (can) grow together.”

This mentorship not only benefits the little sisters but also allows the juniors to develop their own leadership and guidance skills.

“For some juniors, this may be the first time that they have been a mentor, so they are learning how to be an excellent role model. Having a little sister helps the juniors remain connected to our entire community, which is important as they become leaders in the school,” junior class Dean Laura Housman said.

Leading up to Freshman Initiation Week, students look forward to the themed dress-up days. These include wearing vibrant and silly socks, dressing up in Disney-themed attire and embracing the role of a tourist. Through these shared experiences, participants say, the little sisters feel welcomed into the high school community.

Although some freshmen may be nervous about performing, they are encouraged by their peers and upperclassmen.

“They should know that everyone else in the gym has been in their shoes,” Housman said. “The audience will be cheering them on the entire time.”

That encouragement helps freshmen feel more confident as they take the stage, embracing the opportunity to perform and have fun.

“We get to express ourselves and put ourselves out there,” freshman Rilynn Milczarski said. Her group performed to “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. They wore jeans and a black top as their uniformed look.

Big sisters also make posters for their little sisters and cheer them on during the performance to show their support.

For the school, Freshman Initiation is something to look forward to each year, and everyone wishes the best for all of the incoming high school students.