New students at Mill Valley will quickly learn the numerous traditions this school has to offer. Each freshman class is encouraged by students and teachers alike to participate in the traditions of Mill Valley. From homecoming week to Mayhem Week students of all grades take part in the rich traditions of the school.

Homecoming week starts off the school year, and gets a large portion of the student body involved. Throughout the week students can get excited about the different activities, instead of worrying about the stress of starting a new school year. During homecoming week, everyday StuCo introduces a new theme and students dress up, showing their school spirit.

For senior and student body president Brady Rolig, homecoming week is especially important to him since it’s his favorite school tradition.

“It’s just an entire week with happy people, everyone is involved around one idea, and just having tons of fun,” Rolig said.

At every pep assembly and sporting event, students can be seen participating in the various traditions led by their peers. These traditions include the rollercoaster, “Hey Hey Whaddya Say” and the Mill Valley fight song.

These chants are passed down from class to class, and are an integral part of the school, according to Rolig.

“I definitely think these traditions are important,” Rolig said. “Students who graduated in years passed still know these chants and these traditions.”

Five years ago the student leadership team implemented a new way to get students involved in activities and sporting events each week. By adding a theme for each event, it becomes a competition for each grade to see who has the most school spirit.

SLT advisor Erin Hayes believes the themes increase school spirit and creates a friendly rivalry between classes.

“I think progressively every year …  they get more into it; they’re louder and they’re roudier” Hayes said.

As the school year comes to a close, students can get excited about one last hurrah called Mayhem Week. For one week, students can participate in various events including mud volleyball, a dodgeball tournament, a talent show and a students vs. teachers basketball game.

Student Council advisor Jessica DeWild helps plan Mayhem Week, and believes that it’s a welcome distraction at the end of the year.

“It’s one last big event before finals start and everyone leaves off for the summer,” DeWild said.

Each tradition brings its own variety of student participation to the school. These traditions increase school spirit and get the students involved. Some are more popular than others, but each one has a place in the heart of the student body.