The Class of 2027 was formally welcomed to St. Louis U. High this past Wednesday, when students and their families shared their first experience as a class on SLUH’s campus. 

The event featured talks from several faculty members and video presentations, as well as a chance for the incoming freshmen to learn iconic SLUH chants. Although the event used to be an event packed with information for the parents and students, the admissions team has made it more focused on celebrating the class as a whole.

“This is the first event of any admitted freshman’s experience here at SLUH and to be together in the brotherhood of their class for the first time,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Jennifer Thomas. “It’s really just built to be a celebration for them.”

To kick off the night, members of the incoming class was greeted by current parents and student ambassadors, and they received informational packets and class sweatshirts. Their warm welcome was accompanied by SLUH band and choir performances.

“I loved seeing the Class of 2027 walking in at the start and coming in excited. They are picking up their packets, being greeted by parents, and just hearing the SLUH band just really started up a good energy for the whole night,” said Freshman Class Moderator and English teacher Tim Curdt. 

Students and parents sat in the Si Commons and listened to talks from Curdt and Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Matt Stewart, S.J. One highlight of these talks every year is Curdt’s “Purple Crayon” talk, which provides insight into the next four years of students’ lives.

“My purple crayon story has become a part of my talk to the class every year and it’s a nice symbol for having to constantly carve out a new life wherever you may go and to a new place,” said Curdt. “It’s a good metaphor for having courage, and it really resonates with a lot of these students.” 

One of the highlights of the night was the students being led in two iconic SLUH chants in the theater. The student ambassadors and Blue Crew began with the “Who’s High, Who’s High, Who’s High” chant and wrapped up the night with the students linking arms and singing “Oh When the Bills.” 

“They’re coming from so many different communities and we want them to feel unified and we want them to not only see and hear about the brotherhood as Jr. Bills, but we want them to live it,” said Thomas. 

To display this quickly grown bond amongst the incoming class, the theater and Si Common doors were opened to allow the chants to be heard by their parents. 

“The parents get to go and see the enthusiasm and excitement in their kids' voices as they’re doing their chants and they really get to see the powerful experience that their sons are having,” said Thomas. 

Following the chants, students went back to the Si Commons to reunite with their parents and were also offered opportunities to interact with other students.

“My favorite part of the entire night was definitely at the very end,” said Curdt. “They began to get comfortable and started to talk to new people and wanted to get their pictures with the Jr. Billiken and the numbers and it just makes it seem like a strong community.” 

As the students wrap up their eighth grade year, they have now begun their transition into high school. The Class of 2027 welcoming event kicked off their journey at SLUH and provided them an insight into the brotherhood and traditions that are shared amongst the school. 

“It’s a good moment for them because they are done with the process, are wrapping up their eighth grade year, and get to look ahead to the next four years,” said Thomas.