Traditions - Hathaway Brown School | All-girls K-12 in Cleveland

For more than 150 years, traditions at Hathaway Brown have served as meaningful connections in the Blazer experience.

Time-honored events connect past and present through shared values, community, and celebration. Our traditions foster a deep sense of belonging across all divisions and reinforce the enduring bonds that unite generations of HB girls.

Community Traditions

Founder's Day

Founder's Day (formerly Legacy Day) held in fall and spring brings together K-12 students to have fun, help others and celebrate sisterhood.

group of young girls in a classroom smiling

Heritage Dinner

The Heritage Dinner, hosted by HBPA and DEI, celebrates our community’s cultural diversity with a potluck of family dishes, fun, and entertainment.

Light the Night

Our fall community picnic, hosted by the HBPA, brings families together for music, food trucks, and fun—a perfect way to dive into the excitement of HB.

Movie Night

The HBPA hosts an outdoor movie night on the front circle for families to join together for a picnic and to meet new friends.

Giving Day

Each March, we invite parents and alumnae to give to The Fund for HB and unlock extra support for students, faculty, and programs. Participation is our biggest goal!

Thanksgiving

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we have a food drive ("Stuff the Bus") as well as a K-12 assembly that includes poems, songs, and speeches honoring the holiday. Seniors will also announce their Carnival charity.

Divider Logo

For 150 years, Hathaway Brown has celebrated traditions that bring our community together. Our traditions go beyond celebration, they foster belonging, connection, and are a part of what makes the HB experience unforgettable.

Traditions & Celebrations by Division

Early Childhood

Grandparents and Special Friends Day
EC and Primary students invite grandparents and special friends to spend a portion of their day with them. Guests enjoy a coffee and treats then followed by a special program in the Ahuja Auditorium. Students then have the opportunity to bring guests to homerooms for classroom activities, tours, and photos.
Art Show
The EC Art Show celebrates our youngest learners' creativity, showcasing works across a variety of media inspired by both classic and contemporary masters, all proudly displayed in the atrium for all to see.
Holiday Sing-Along
Our Holiday Sing-Along brings families together to share in the joy of music with their children's classroom community. Led by our music teachers, these festive gatherings fill the halls with song and conclude with a cozy classroom reception.
Community Table
The EC Community Table is a celebration of the diverse traditions within our HB community, with tastings that reflect holidays honored by our families. At drop-off, families are invited to sample foods together, creating a space for connection and cultural exchange.
EC Gatherings
EC Gatherings bring the entire division together to enjoy performances, celebrate school traditions, and share projects, books, and classroom experiences with one another.

Primary School

Kindergarten Clap-In
First through fourth-grade students, along with Prime faculty, line Hathaway Brown's courtyard while the kindergarten students process to the fountain. This tradition welcomes the kindergarten class to our school community and is an opening ceremony for Prime students.
Notable Women
This beloved tradition brings positive role models to life. Fourth grade students research female leaders, athletes, scientists, and trailblazers. They step into their shoes (in full costume!) at the annual reception.
World Cultural Festival
Second grade students research a country and present their findings through creative displays and presentations for families.
Prime Field Day
A spirited afternoon of games and teamwork run by the P.E. department.
Read-In Day
Third grade students come to school in pajamas to spend the day immersed in reading.
Bring Your Grown-Up to P.E.
A primary favorite! Families are invited to join Primary students for gym-class activities and games.
Serendipity Day
Girls make wishes for the year to come, tossing a penny into the courtyard fountain.
Hootenanny
Prime students gather to sing as a community in the Ahuja Auditorium. A beloved HB tradition full of music and joy!

Middle School

Middle School Sleepover
This student-led tradition invites Grades 5-8 to enjoy a night of fun on campus, from dance parties to movie marathons, it's the ultimate sleepover!

Hootenanny
Middle School gathers to sing as a community in the Ahuja Auditorium. A beloved HB tradition full of music and joy!
Brown and Gold Day
Middle School brown and gold teams compete in spirited events that builds leadership, teamwork, and school spirit.
Civic Engagement
By carrying on HB's legacy of service, Middle School students work together on hands-on projects, nonprofit partnerships, and fundraising to learn the value of community and giving back.
Love Your Body Day
A Middle School celebration of well being and health that focuses on body image and how to be healthy and happy.

Upper School

IDEO
Latin for "for the purpose," IDEO is a tradition that honors the seniors. Ninth through 11th grade students process through the halls before winter break and join the seniors in the gym for a special celebration. Parents and alumnae are welcome to attend the procession and ceremony.

Pool Jump
On their last day, seniors dash through the school and make a final splash by jumping into the pool at the Carol and John Butler Aquatic Center, singing the Alma Mater hand-in-hand.
Carnival
HB's largest and longest-running student fundraiser, the senior class selects a civic engagement partner to collaborate with and receive the event's proceeds. Carnival weekend includes a 5K race, themed dance, raffle, games, and more.
Convocation
Upper School's opening ceremony which includes a procession to Ahuja Auditorium with a series of speeches by the Head of School, Director of Upper School, and Senate President.
Cum Laude
The Cum Laude induction ceremony celebrates academic achievements.
Closing Ceremony
Our end-of-year awards for Upper School students.
Junior Ring Ceremony
Juniors and their mentors receive class rings signifying their next step as seniors at Hathaway Brown.
Pep Rallies
Students show their class spirit by wearing class colors, competing in friendly competitions, and celebrating Hathaway Brown's athletic teams.