School Traditions: Then and Now

School Traditions: Then and Now

Founded in 1922, Holland Hall School has many traditions, which have endured through the years and are still woven into the fabric of each school year. While there are many historically memorable ones such as May Fete and Play Day, featured are just a few that are still practiced today.
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Sakawa-Wanata Tradition, Since 1926

“Once a Wanata, always a Wanata”

Historically, athletics consisted of intramural contests between the two women’s teams, the Sakawas and the Wanatas, in archery, baseball, basketball, tennis, track and volleyball. Students were assigned to one of these two athletic teams for their entire time at the school. The rivalry was fierce between the two teams and the winning team’s name was engraved on a large trophy cup that can be seen today in the display case in the SMT mini-commons. Today the terms refer to the two teams for the Middle School Track Meet held each Spring. If students have a relative who was a member of one of the two teams, they will be automatically assigned to that team.

Morning Meeting, Since 1960s

An Upper School traditional start to the day that dates back to the 1960s, and an event that is held weekly in the Primary School and twice a cycle in the older grades of the Middle School — these meetings provide a chance to share news, accomplishments and events as well as ensure that students feel they are part of the larger organization that is Holland Hall.

Oklahoma Land Run, Since 1960s

Originating from the Birmingham campus, third graders experienced living history when studying about Oklahoma. Integrating history, music, art and physical education, this unit study was brought to life with a claims office, a pioneer school with hanging quilts and a land run reenactment. Characters (faculty from all divisions) from the book, “Miss Charity Comes to Stay,” by Alberta Wilson Constant would visit throughout the morning. Following square dancing, the students would then circle the wagons and reenact the land run of 1888. Students would stake their claim and would enjoy a picnic with their families. Today, third graders still race to stake a claim on the playground, reenacting the land run of 1888; and picnic afterwards with their family.

Field Day, Since 1920s

During the school’s first decade, one of its longest-standing traditions emerged, Field Day. Originally, the day was devoted to games and athletic contests, including a very popular father-daughter softball game, which lasted through the 1960s. The moms always brought picnic food and light refreshments were sold. Field Day has evolved to its present form — a fun annual carnival-like event with food, games and prizes. The games themselves have become longstanding traditions — the event always showcases the car bash and the octopus toss using handmade octopuses made of ball and yarn.

Dutch Weekend, Since 1970

Originally Dutchmen Weekend consisted of several days of fun-filled activities such as athletic competitions of volleyball and basketball games between faculty and students, tricycle races, pie eating contests and concluded with an evening dance. Today, the event is held each spring as an evening dance for all Upper School students.

School Plays, Since 1925

A highlight of the early years was the first theater production, a series of three one-act plays presented by the Drama Club of 1925 at the University of Tulsa’s Kendall Hall. Early productions were significantly more difficult because male characters had to be played by female students. Today, the tradition continues with various theater productions throughout the three divisions with Primary School plays, the Middle School musical and the Upper School plays.

Book Fair, Since 1960

Originally named the Book and Art Fair, the two-day community event sold gently used books, arts and crafts. It has evolved through the years and is now a one-day book fair held annually in February. Used books and media items are donated throughout the year by students and people in the community. The event benefits the school by raising needed funds and also benefits people in the Tulsa area by providing quality items for bargain prices and books for every kind of reader. Many home-schooled families, area teachers and school libraries depend on these books to help them with their programs.

Balloon Launch, Since 1960s

A Holland Hall tradition for over 25 years, sixth grade students take their exploration into the world of density and buoyancy to another level when they launch their nine foot hot air balloons during an early morning balloon festival for students and Holland Hall families. Each team spends several weeks designing and building these marvelous creations out of only tissue paper and glue for this annual event.

Polar Bear Camping Trip / Freshman Orientation, Since 1972

Faculty members Gene Aker and Doug Bromley ’66 created the freshman orientation trip to the Wichita Mountains in 1972 and also created the Outing Club, which hosted additional camping experiences each year. As an additional challenge, they often picked the coldest upcoming weekend in February to run a “polar bear camp out” to experience and survive sleeping out in the cold. Locations varied from Arkansas to Muskogee, OK and sometimes across the creek at the fire pit here on campus. Today, all freshman students, along with senior leaders and faculty, spend three days camping and hiking at the Wichita Mountain Refuge in Oklahoma.