Xavier hosts an Eighth Grade Day for the books
Eighth graders from schools all over the valley flock to Xavier for Eighth Grade Day.
Hundreds of eager and timid 8th graders flooded Xavier’s gates last Friday morning. The entire Student Ambassadors club greeted them with polish and poise.
As the future baby gators arrived, they were ushered into the Performing Arts Center. Here, Student Ambassador club president, senior Olivia Kem and Executive Board President, senior Maddy Valladao greeted the packed PAC. Sister Joanie Nuckols, Sister Lynn Winsor, Dean Denise Macrina and Mrs. Paula Petrowski also spoke.
After a quirky video about Xavier produced by the Video Editing Club, groups of six followed their two student ambassador guides like little lost ducklings around campus.
Many were amazed by the school spirit girls exhibited in their classes in anticipation of the Lights Out Rally. The gators impressed the eighth graders with their attitudes and interest in their classes. Emily Fortine, student at SS. Simon & Jude Cathedral School, said, “Everybody is really welcoming here!”
After the class tours, the Student Ambassadors and prospective students gathered in Founders Hall. The talented ladies of performance dance performed two routines, four student ambassadors spoke about their experiences at Xavier and two more videos were played.
Next stop: the Activity Center for the famous Lights Out Rally. Excited chatter filled the AC as the eighth graders entered. Students went wild for the Tower of Terror theme. The Executive Board impressed everyone with their hilarious video.
The rally of Oct. 30, 2015 will go down in Xavier history for two reasons. First, the senior Student Council members from Brophy made an appearance. Second, the faculty impressed and surprised students with their zombie costumes and performance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
All four classes impressed the boys and eighth graders with spooky dances and ear-shattering screams. The seniors took home the gold this year after an impressive performance.
Student Ambassadors escorted the eighth graders back to Founders Hall. They overheard the many excited and impressed visitors mention how “wonderful and amazing” the rally was. It was the highlight of the day for them.
As the day came to a close, the eighth graders enjoyed a pizza lunch and questioned the ambassadors about all things Xavier. Their interests were piqued after the exciting day.
Student Ambassador moderator Ms. Vanessa Running was pleased to report that she received “several emails from parents just shortly after Eighth Grade Day, saying that their daughters were so enthusiastic when they jumped in the car! They couldn’t stop gushing about the awesome teachers, amazing facilities, helpful Ambassadors, and of course, the extraordinary rally! I’m a little biased, but the teachers’ “Thriller” dance sequence rocked the house.”