Leap!

By Joyce Wan

February 29 saw students pouring into campus dressed to the nines as all manner of things that leap– from frogs to astronauts and fleas. Dressing up in accordance with “Leap Day” could mean anything from green, frog-eyed headbands to the full-body, furry gear of animals that leap. The influx of creative costuming was a vibrant end to the month’s Spirit Days, days where the whole school was invited to dress to a theme in the spirit of school unity and fun. Unique clothing and brilliant colors have always helped to drive away the monotony of constant classes, and this year was no exception. 

One noticeable absence from the school, however, was the senior class. As the rest of the student body flooded onto campus, the seniors gathered in the lobby of the hotel next door, preparing for the first day of their Senior Transition Retreat. While some of the seniors took to making Cheerios leap the farthest in a competition determining the most powerful sneeze, the one “leap” that was on everyone’s minds was the one between graduation and the impending stage of “growing up.” Just as a leap day once every four years keeps calendars from spinning out of control, the Senior Transition Retreat aimed to provide the senior class with the tools necessary to keep their soon-to-be futures screwed on straight. As Alexia Nyul (12) said, the retreat “was very informative and assuring to have some of my questions answered.” 

Back on campus, a variety of transitions were also incoming. Course registrations for rising high schoolers would set the tone for their next academic year. Jumpa Lagi and Selamat Tinggal shirts, a long-lasting tradition to say goodbye, were on sale. The new addition to the seaside front of Dalat finally had a roof, promising the eventual removal of navy construction fences and installation of a new building to harbor students. No matter the location and type of event, Leap Day, in a manner, marked a season of change and transition.