Xavier’s Traditions Day Assembly always centers around the alumnae. One by one, students process into the Performing Arts Center, from present students to those who graduated decades ago. Current students sit in blue and white polos, representing the traditional “polo wars,” while the stage is decorated in Xavier colors. Old uniforms are displayed, speeches are prepared and awards are presented.
Alumnae director Maria Murphy Fontes ‘89 said, “It’s really funny to hear the older classes talk about the Xavier dress code, because they even wore different uniforms.” From floor-length skirts to plaid knee-length ones, these changes reflect how the school has evolved but the spirit behind it has remained the same.
Traditions Day represents the celebration of Xavier’s school history and the sisterhood that connects generations of Gators.
This week of events, including the assembly, is carefully planned by the President’s Council through months of preparation, theme development and communication with alumnae.
Logan Duncan ‘26 and Gianna Andreadis ‘26, this year’s student co-chairs, describe Traditions Week as “a week that represents our community coming together to celebrate our school and what it means to be a Xavier Gator.” Alongside teacher moderators Alexis Quintero and Lexie Rinaldi, the co-chairs help organize every detail of the week.
Preparation begins as early as September. Committees are formed, ideas are pitched and voted on and logistics are finalized months before the week arrives. Co-chairs are responsible for speaking during the assembly and handing out awards.
“Surprisingly, this year the most challenging part has been the food trucks,” Rinaldi said. While students may only see the long lines, behind the scenes there are scheduling conflicts and budgets to manage. Organizing committees and preparing speeches for the assembly also seem to be demanding tasks for student leaders.
A major part of the week is selecting a theme that shapes the activities and overall atmosphere. This year’s theme is Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” a reminder of both Xavier’s history and its future graduates. From curated class trinkets to coordinated dress-out days, the theme connects each event throughout the week.
Each day brings a different activity: Monday’s “Rhyme Without Reason” with yard games at the Bell Tower; Tuesday’s assembly day with blue and white polos, yard games and a photobooth; Wednesday’s Wig Wednesday with sweans and a Catholic college fair; Thursday’s “Dress Like a Teacher” paired with food trucks; and Friday’s “Book-a-Sweans,” where students donate a book to participate. The variety keeps it exciting, but the meaning behind the week is deeper than costumes and competitions.
The one tradition that never changes is the “polo wars.” Even graduation years wear blue, odd years wear white. Tallies are counted throughout the day and the winning class earns its name engraved on the Traditions Cup, a small but lasting mark in Xavier history.
For the graduating class, however, Traditions Week carries an even deeper significance. As seniors sit in the assembly for the final time in uniform, they are no longer just celebrating the alumnae, they are preparing to become them. Watching women who graduated 50, 60 or even 70 years ago return to campus serves as a powerful reminder that their connection to Xavier does not end at graduation.
“Once you leave, it definitely has a more special meaning,” Quintero said.
Quintero explains that Traditions Week is “really just about sisterhood.” Duncan adds, “We are so fortunate to attend a school like Xavier that is so deeply rooted in its traditions.”
Even if students do not fully understand its meaning now, that perspective often changes with time. Quintero says, “It’s kind of nice to know you can come back somewhere where you’re part of history.”
The presence of alumnae throughout the week serves as a living reminder that Xavier’s traditions are not frozen in time. They continue through every graduating class, adapting slightly with each generation while holding onto the same foundation of faith and sisterhood. Traditions Week bridges decades in a way few school events can.
From the Class of 1956 to today’s seniors, Xavier students share more than uniforms or school colors. Whether it’s memories of hot days on campus, baby blades or the cafeteria cookie, the stories continue to connect generations. Traditions Week is not simply a celebration of the past, it is a reminder that today’s students are already becoming part of Xavier’s history.
