Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and faculty gathered in the chapel for the 131st annual Prize Day ceremony to celebrate the completion of the 2017-2018 school year.

Each student processed in, receiving a floral wreath and a card signifying the completion of their academic year. Some students also received awards for “Outstanding Service,” “Academic Excellence” or specific subject areas.

“I think it really brought us together as a community before summer,” junior Bianco Mercado said. “It is important to acknowledge all of the hard work we have done throughout the year.”

Student Life Director Devin DeMartini Cooke said that Prize Day is a celebration of the academic and community experiences students encountered throughout the year.

“It’s also an opportunity to step into new roles,” DeMartini Cooke said. “Freshman becoming sophomores is a big change, or sophomores entering that junior year of academic rigor and challenge, and then juniors become the seniors.”

The Class Representatives of each grade also gave a short speech, reminiscing on the past year and looking ahead to next year.

“It is a very sweet tradition,” freshman Anya Hilpert said. “It brings everyone back together one last time before the summer and is a good farewell.”