It was a day that was two years in the making and the excitement and anticipation for We Are STA (WASTA) Day could be felt throughout the building. The annual celebration to welcome the freshman class had to be foregone in 2020 due to the pandemic so the faculty and staff at STA wanted to make sure that this year’s festivities were even better than ever. Breaking with tradition, not only was this year’s WASTA Day a welcome for the freshman class but it was also a welcome back for the sophomores, whose first year at STA was far from ordinary.
The morning was filled with a variety of small group and large group activities. The gym was overflowing with energy as each grade had its chance to join in the “We Are STA” cheer, led by members of the Student Council, and a heart pounding game of Dragon Tag. Then they rocked out to some of STA students’ favorite songs such as “Big House,” “Trading Our Sorrows,” “Living on a Prayer,” “September,” and “God is a Good God,” all performed by the school musicians under the direction of Mr. Joseph Cullinan ’02. And finally, students were treated to a lighthearted “survival guide” video put together by the Student Council in which they shared tips and tricks for making the most of their four years at STA.
The fun didn’t end in the gym. Students got a chance to explore the building with a QR code scavenger hunt that helped them find important locations and people. And in small groups, upperclassmen led the newest STA students in icebreakers and intriguing “getting to know you” activities.
Rounding out the day was a barbecue that took advantage of the beautiful fall weather, which gave students the opportunity to socialize more with some of their newfound friends. WASTA Day was a great start to what promises to be a great year!