Freshman Initiation is a tradition at Sacred Hearts Academy that welcomes the freshmen into high school. At the start of the school year in September, a dance performance by the freshmen is held 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 zone to help them gain the confidence they need in entering high school. The juniors are also their big sisters and there to support their little sisters.

“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 are excited and looking forward to the dress down days but also nervous to perform.

“The freshmen might be nervous to perform their dance, but they should know that everyone else in the gym has been in their shoes. The audience will be cheering them on the entire time,” Housman said.

“We get to express ourselves and put ourselves out there,” freshman Rilynn Milczarski said.

The big sisters make posters for their little sisters and cheer them on during the performance. 

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