“Ring Dares” are a recent addition to the list of AAG traditions, during which each sophomore girl chooses a senior “sister” who then has the task of coming up with a costume and skit for their sophomore sister. The costumes, donned for a brief lunchtime performance, are a total surprise to the sophomores until the day of Ring Dares, and while often ridiculous, are part of one of the most beloved traditions at the Albany Academy for Girls. That evening, the two sister classes gather together for a special dinner and the “ring ceremony,” during which each tenth grade girl who chose to purchase a class ring finally receives the long-awaited possession.

This year’s Ring Dares were held on Monday, April 4th. There were numerous ensembles this year: one group of seniors chose to dress their sisters up as the Blue Man Group and instructed them to give a mysterious and interpretive dance performance. Though I personally found all the blue paint (and blue swim cap!) a little intimidating, the skit was well done and was definitely one of my favorite Ring Dares. My other favorite Ring Dare was the “Sumo Wrestler” bit, for which two girls dressed up in ridiculous sumo outfits and had a mini wrestling match in the gym. I also enjoyed the number from Grease, the Justin Bieber look alike, and of course the Peter Pan ensemble. The lunch period, which I’m sure was enjoyed by all in attendance, absolutely flew by, marking an essential rite of passage in the life of any Academy girl.


Less than six hours later, the Sophomore and Senior classes reconvened at one of the seniors’ houses so that the former group could receive their rings and become true members of the Albany Academy for Girls community. It was so nice to see everyone out of their uniform and able to finally relax with one another, not to mention that the food was absolutely delicious! After socializing and having dinner, the long-awaited ring ceremony finally began. Each sophomore girl was called up by her sister, who then proceeded to say a few words about her younger schoolmate. After all the rings were given out, Ring Dare Day was officially over, the rite of passage complete, and I think each sophomore felt like more of a true Academy girl than ever.

As everyone got up from her seat and continued conversations in other parts of the house, I thought about the day: seeing the girls I had grown up with experience such an important part of growing up at Academy, as they dressed up as Captain Hook or sang Nicki Minaj in front of the high school. I also loved the ring ceremony itself; in my opinion, this was one of the best parts of the day — being able to see just how each girl had grown close with her older “sister” since the beginning of the year. I think that is what makes the Ring Dare tradition such a great one: it truly brings the community together and opens doors to new friendships and mentors that might not have otherwise existed. As Ring Dare Day came to a close, I was filled with bittersweet emotions. It is a day that we all look forward to as soon as we know of its existence, and for me it was over; yet now, for the rest of my life, I can proudly display the Albany Academy for Girls emblem on my ring finger, and just a glance at this keepsake incites the many memories I’ve obtained during my time here.