Background

Loretto Academy welcomes their new freshmen every year with a whole week dedicated to them called Hey Week!

What is the purpose of Hey Week?

At the start of the year, every freshman is given the title of “little” and they receive a senior, who is their “biggie,” to guide them
throughout their first year at Loretto, teaching them about the true meaning of sisterhood.

This year, Hey Week was from August 19th to the 23rd with many activities held to help the freshmen feel more comfortable with all
grade levels, especially their biggies.

The start of the week 

The week started off with biggies giving their littles a decorated hat that they would have to wear for the entire week. 

Freshman, Camila Lopez said, “I thought the hat was super cute and I loved that it was a decorated cowgirl hat.” 

Continuing on the week with making sure the freshmen had all the necessities to survive freshman year, they received a survival kit gifted to them by the sophomores.

Picnic Time 

The annual Big Sister and Little Sister Picnic came around the corner where all the biggies and littles got to go to Biggs Park in Fort Bliss for an unforgettable bonding experience. 

Senior, Melania Martinez said, “Hey Week was a really nice experience especially the picnic because it helped me bond more with my little and help her get used to the Loretto environment.”

Senior Melania Martinez and freshman Charlotte Quintana enjoying their time at Biggs Park. They continued to enjoy their day learning more about one another. Photo courtesy of Melania Martinez.

The events at the picnic included running with cups filled with water, tossing grapes into each other’s mouths, sliding in soapy water on the slip and slide, and ending the day with a dance circle. 

Freshman, Chantal Samano said, “My favorite activity was probably the slip and slide with my biggie.” 

Continuing the Week 

The next day the freshmen were in for a sweet treat getting to eat ice cream with the juniors. 

Hey Week concluded with the biggies and littles twinning and wearing matching shirts and socks with their classic Loretto skirt. 

Takeaway 

Freshman, Zara Alvidrez said, “I will always remember the feeling Hey Week gave me that you’re walking into a new school and you’re kind of nervous, but now you know and you can see the people that are there for you and watching out for you.” 

Loretto Academy holds its traditions near and dear to its heart and Hey Week will continue with welcoming freshmen to their new home for the years to come.