Halloween is special at Masters for a simple reason: everyone participates. This year’s theme was movies, and each grade and department committed fully to their assigned category. In the morning, everyone is excited to show off their costumes, admire others’ costumes, and look forward to the shorter classes, which, inevitably is one of the best parts. In between classes, students excitingly wonder about the facultys’ performances. By the time each group took the stage for their skits, the energy was high. While the performance can feel long by the end, Halloween consistently brings the community together in a way few events do.
Another top spot is secured by Winter Mission, which offers students four days to explore one class of their choice. Taking place right after the stress of the first semester, the shift to something more fun feels refreshing to students and faculty. Whether the students are hiking, cooking, exploring the city, studying AI ethics, learning backstage theater production or analyzing the rise and falls of American malls, the week offered time to relax. Without the usual homework or academic pressure, students can enjoy something unique at Masters. It acts a transition for the Masters community to be ready for the next semester. Winter Mission demonstrates how a tradition that took a couple years to fully settle in proves to be successful in the community’s eyes.
The pep rally, by contrast, shows the growing pains of a tradition still in development. Introduced for the first time this year, it was held at the very end of Founder’s Day, after hours of outdoor activities and hot weather. By the time students were waiting for the teams on the turf, many were exhausted. The fatigue in the atmosphere worked against the rally’s intended fun.
Still, the event’s goals were admirable. Honoring athletes and building school spirit is another way Masters can celebrate unity, especially on Founder’s Day. However, the timing and structure limited its impact. Without established traditions such as familiar chants, competition, or expectations, students were unsure how to engage. Applause faded quickly, and momentum was never fully built.
A few shifts could help it succeed next year, though. Having it earlier in the day when students are more energized, teaching chants to the student body ahead of time, or even adding competitions, could get the crowd more involved.
Homecoming also had room to improve. While the dance itself was fine, the atmosphere never reached the excitement students were hoping for. The biggest issue was the music, which many found to be out of touch with what people actually wanted to dance to, possibly because it was chosen by a school-hired DJ rather than student.
However, the fixes are straightforward. A student-curated playlist would immediately raise the energy. Adding small activities, such as a photobooth, could also make the dance feel more memorable. Similar to the pep rally, Homecoming is nota bad idea. In fact, it is a great addition to Masters. It just needs a clearer identity and more student involvement.
