Since Greenhill’s founding in 1950, the senior tradition of spray painting the water tower has remained a predominant part of Greenhill’s culture.  

This year, there were policy changes to improve the efficiency of the eagerly awaited tradition.  Some changes in policy include regimented time slots and a two-color limit for spray painting the water tower.  

“It worked out really well,” said Upper School Senior Class Dean Cristina Gonzalez. “It made it less stressful for students because while more parameters seem like we’re kind of dictating what they can do, we’re also making it easier for what they can do.” 

Gonzalez said a lot of time went into behind-the-scenes planning for the painting. 

“It’s really cool how much care and love is placed into all of these traditions,” Gonzalez said.   

Unity 

Senior Ruby Garza says traditions are more than just celebrations; they are milestones that bring the grade together. 

“Traditions create this real sense of community, and we’re moving together as a whole grade from our very first day with senior sunrise tour senior sunset at the end of the year to graduation together, walking across the stage,” Garza said.  

Senior Davis Knocke reflected on how the water tower painting helped strengthen bonds between him and his peers. 

“A bunch of my friends stayed behind waiting even though they had already painted their names [on the water tower],” Knocke said.  

Gonzalez adds that these traditions also serve as a source of unifying pride for the school’s community. She observed camaraderie, class bonding, and people cheering for each other. 

“Traditions provoke pride in your school and unify the community,” said Gonzalez. “There’s a sense of community coming together.” 

Senior Isabel Bhatia says she is grateful to have these traditions to look forward to during the stressful process of applying to universities.  

“There’s so much going on with college applications and to start school, these traditions give all the seniors something to collectively look forward to together,” said Bhatia. 

As senior dean, Gonzalez hopes to alleviate the stress of applying to college and emphasize the importance of appreciating every moment of the journey. 

“As stressful as it is applying to a college, you will go to a college,” Gonzalez said, “Enjoy the journey of getting there because it’s fun.” 

Senior Sentiment 

Since Garza’s first day at Greenhill, she says the water tower stuck out to her most among other senior traditions. Her mom, a Greenhill alumna, took part in the tradition as well.  

“My entire life, I’ve come to school and seen the water towers painted around all of high school,” Garza said.  

For years, these traditions surrounded Garza. When she partook in the traditions she looked up to, she said “it almost didn’t feel real.” 

“Being able to experience these traditions is like a full circle moment,” Knocke said. “It feels like a reward at the very end of this long journey.” 

Senior traditions serve as both a celebration and award, according to Gonzalez. 

“Some of these kids have been together since pre-K and even if they haven’t, the culmination of all these years should be celebrated and rewarded,” said Gonzalez. 

As the seniors’ time at Greenhill ticks away, these traditions provide a way for them to embrace the moments they have left and reflect.  

“School is crazy. Greenhill is a lot, and it can feel really overwhelming at times, or sometimes like a drag, really long, but it goes so fast, so live every second,” said Garza. 

Bhatia echoed Garza’s insight to the Greenhill community about making the most of their last year on Greenhill. 

“Try and focus on enjoying the moments that you do have,” said Bhatia.