On Sept. 5, the senior class celebrated the start of the 2023-2024 school year by unveiling their Senior Slogan  T2E4SURE and decorating the Upper School courtyard — two annual traditions intended to garner enthusiasm among the student body. 

Before arriving at Sidwell to welcome students, the senior class gathered to watch the sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial. According to Senior Audrey Acres, though, the experience was disappointing since clouds blocked the view of the sunset. 

However, seniors remained in high spirits, tossing candy and walking around with signs incorporating phrases that included the graduating year 2024. Seniors also embedded the slogan T2E4SURE using red cups into the upper field fence. 

 “The seniors did well to get the students excited for the year,” explained Acres. “All the work and effort that went into planning was worth it.” 

Interim Dean of Students and History Department Head Darren Speece was also very impressed with Seniors’ thoroughness and planning.

“The class of 2024 did a very cool job decorating for the first day, welcoming the school back to campus and cleaning up after themselves,” said Speece in an all-school email on Sept. 10.

Acres added that she and her friends enjoyed their time back on campus and being role models for the other grade levels.

Freshman Alana Allamby was impressed by the seniors’ energy and planning, explaining how their enthusiasm and dedication quickly calmed her nerves. 

“I was somewhat unsure about the start of school, but I felt very embraced by the seniors and their intent on welcoming us into the upper school community,” Allamby said. “The seniors’ enthusiasm also showed me that school is not all about academics, but also about spending time with your peers.”

According to Senior Olivia Dietrich, planning for the senior events and developing this year’s slogan was a difficult and complex process.

“Voting began in July when [Seniors] Alma Degener and Robert Foster sent out a Google Form with several different options for the slogan,” explained Dietrich. “Although it took some time to get all the Senior opinions, we eventually agreed on T2E4SURE and ordered the decorations.” Students covered the courtyard with gold and pirate-themed decorations.

Each year, the slogan must incorporate the senior class’ graduation year within the word or phrase. “The need to include 24 into the word was definitely a significant factor in the final decision,” said Dietrich.

Sophomore Chloe Son said she cannot wait to do similar events and activities as a senior. “Partaking in these traditions and bonding with my classmates is something that I am really excited about since it will bring the grade together and help reinforce the importance of community.”