As the Class of 2015 has just concluded its two-week process of putting on the annual “Eighth Grade Play,” the idea of traditions is on the minds of many. The play is an example of a somewhat controversial yet beloved tradition that has become a cornerstone of Academy history, having served as a valuable experience for AAG students for more than 50 years.

When the 8th grade girls return from Winter Break, they are exempt from classes and instead spend two weeks producing a play (or often a musical) that involves all-day rehearsals and two performances at the end of the second week.

However, many question the validity of missing any classes in favor of a theatrical pursuit. In recent years, the math department has pushed for math classes to continue during the two weeks, and students are still expected to P.E. classes. But, in my personal opinion, while Academia should always be a prominent part of the Academy experience, taking two weeks to participate in a play (which, for many students, is the only chance they will have to be on stage) is a unique experience and undoubtedly an opportunity for class bonding. In this respect, it is not surprising that such traditions are long lasting and, as bonding with classmates and having a significant event which one can look forward to are both invaluable assets of a tradition, the Eighth Grade Play epitomizes an Academy tradition.

The Academy also prides itself on its other time-tested traditions. On the girl’s side, Bacon Bat, Senior May Projects, and Wassail are the first that come to mind; at AA, the Cadet Corps and House Competitions are both prominent examples of the character that such traditions bring to the school. For me, a tradition that is worthy of continuing is one that students look forward to throughout their school career and remember for a lifetime; such traditions are what gives a school its identity along with the strength to move into the future, while at the same time provides a connection to the past. While perhaps not every tradition is ideal in everyone’s mind — due to the cost, or absence from class, or whatever the complaint might be — without these rituals neither school would have been able to maintain its identity during the merger.