By Eleanor Musto, Staff Writer |

For over 90 years, the banner has been a time-honored tradition, and its yearly unveiling is anticipated throughout the school. Although the history behind the start of this tradition varies, a 1936 issue of The Lamp noted how “banners that for several years Class VI made for Class VIII” hung at Winsor’s 50th anniversary celebration. This custom of Class VI creating the banner has continued as the whole grade collaborates to honor the senior class.

The process starts for Class VI around December when their grade meets in a homeroom to brainstorm ideas for the banner. Sophia Cheng ’28 shared her grade’s goal of “encapsulating [the seniors’ theme] perfectly,” while Ms. Pribble, Performing Arts Faculty, highlighted how the “sophomore class is always very ambitious and wants to do something that hasn’t been done before” in order to put their own mark on this tradition. This year’s “Once Upon a Time” theme was captured in the banner through a winding yellow brick road leading to a fairytale castle; the back was complete with embroidered stars, each featuring the seniors’ initials.

Then, each Class VI advisory visits the costume shop to learn new sewing techniques and skills to contribute to the banner. In the months leading up to the banner’s reveal, Cheng spoke to the importance of “communication” within her grade and coordinating to continue progress. Ms. Pribble shared a special quality of the process: that “everybody has the opportunity to touch the banner and work on it.” 

Ms. Pribble acknowledges the often unseen work of the banner and said, “It surprises people how much effort it takes to do a really complicated design.” Although getting a whole grade to work together on one project has its challenges, Cheng concluded that at the final unveiling at assembly, “[she] was really proud of what [her] grade had produced.” The immense time and dedication from the sophomore class each year are often forgotten in the excitement over the final product; however, this behind-the-scenes work is what allows us to continue this long-standing tradition. The banner is not only a way for our community to celebrate the seniors but also the devoted work of the whole sophomore class.

Image Source: Winsor Canto