38 | FEATURES
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PARKER MILES, contributing writer
30 members of the class of 2021 have attended HIES for 13 or more years.
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t HIES, many students come and go, but only a handful can say that they have attended the school for 13 or more years. These individuals are the Alpha Omegas. Each year, there are roughly 20 Alpha Omegas in a graduating class, but this year, an astonishing 30 individuals have the privilege of saying that they have been able to experience all divisions the school has to offer. From playing on the Alan A. Lewis Primary School Primary School playground to receiving a high school diploma, the Alpha Omegas have created a plethora of memories in their time at HIES. What makes being an Alpha Omega so special? Five seniors from the class of 2021 share their perspectives. William Welden, one Alpha Omega in this year’s graduating class, acknowledged that one of the best things about being an Alpha Omega is the myriad of memories that are made along the way. Reflecting upon moments in the Dorothy Sullivan Lower School, for example, often brings a smile to an Alpha Omega’s face. “Two [memories] that stand out would be when we did the Diet Coke explosion in first grade, and when we had Polar Express Day in second grade,” Welden said.
Those who attended HIES in lower school fondly recall their experience acting and singing in the fifth grade musical. The class of 2021 performed Oklahoma, and Abbie Reams, another Alpha Omega, played the role of a principal dancer. “I had such a fun time performing, especially since I had never been in a production before,” Reams said. “It was such an exciting experience that our grade got to share.” Reams, like many other Alpha Omegas, acknowledge that some of the best memories they have made were not just individual ones, but also moments of bonding and collaboration with their peers. “My favorite memory is attending the [Project 2050 Conference] in Canada with Round Square,” Alpha Omega Melina Sharp said. “It was so beautiful to see and explore Banff while becoming close with all of the students from other schools, but also from HIES who came on the trip.” Looking at a school’s campus and culture across a decade, many aspects change, though some things remain the same.
