What if the school year had a soundtrack? From the chaos of the first day to the bittersweet final moments of summer approaching, every part of the year carries its own mood, its own energy and its own song. At Stuart, our traditions, trips and everyday moments each have a distinct feeling that defines them. So instead of simply telling the story of my year, I’m taking you through it through music. Each song represents a moment, a memory, or a tradition that shaped my experience, capturing not just what happened, but how it felt to live through it all.
“Formation” by Beyonce. “Okay ladies now let’s get in formation”. The first day of school. It wasn’t just about walking into a building, it was about stepping “into formation” with confidence and setting the tone for the year ahead. As an all-girls school, the energy felt even stronger, surrounded by a community of girls stepping into the same space with their own confidence and ambition. Walking in with the lyric “I dream it I work hard I grind till I own it” has been inspiring and a constant reminder to work hard.
“La MuDANZA” by Bad Bunny. “De aquí nadie me saca, de aquí yo no me muevo/ Nobody can get me out of here, I’m not moving from here.” The Flag Ceremony is a fan favorite tradition. Having over 25 different flags highlights the diversity within the school. Each year, I embrace my culture and walk with the other people with Puerto Rican heritage with the flag of Puerto Rico. As Bad Bunny describes in his song, the feeling of pride is powerful. In that moment, carrying my flag isn’t just symbolic; it reflects identity, community, and the confidence in knowing exactly where I came from and sharing it with others.
“We Are The Champions” by Queen. “We are the champions, my friends. And we’ll keep on fighting ‘til the end”. My personal favorite Stuart tradition is Green and White Day, a day when the entire school comes together to compete in a series of field activities. Each year I have participated in these games, my team, the green team has constantly come out on top, adding to the competitive spirit and excitement of the day. As the reigning champions, the Green Team continues to prove why we hold the title year after year.
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. “The rest is still unwritten”. The Ring ceremony is a Sacred Heart tradition where the seniors present the class ring to the junior class. It represents more than just receiving a piece of jewelry, it marks a moment of transition. It reflects growth, responsibility, and the idea that what comes next now in their hands, just like the song suggests, their future at Stuart is still unwritten.
Confident by Demi Lovato. “What’s wrong with being confident”. This past spring, I went to Nantes, France for SHAEP. While abroad, I realized that having confidence can change the experience very quickly. Instead of holding back, I started to speak up, try new things, and fully immerse myself in the moment. Embracing my confidence created the opportunity for a much more meaningful and memorable experience, showing exactly what the song asks, there really is nothing wrong with being confident.
Looking back on the year, each moment carried its own rhythm, and together they formed a playlist that reflects growth, connection, and change. From traditions at Stuart to experiences abroad, these songs captured not just what happened, but how it felt to live through it all.
