College and university emblems from across the nation and beyond blanket the floor of Ayrshire Courtyard, drawn out in chalk. Among the many Westridge traditions, the coveted tradition of Chalk Day stands out as one of the most exciting events. Each year, seniors come together to decorate the campus with their future college logos. Chalk Day, held on May 23rd this year, is a chance for seniors to celebrate each other’s achievements and leave a colorful,  (somewhat) lasting mark on the campus as their Westridge career comes to an end. 

“I think it’s a lovely tradition. And I know, as any student walks by, it’s really lovely, and it’s exciting when everyone just gets to be together,” said Micah M. ’25. “I remember a piece of senior wisdom when I was a sophomore, which was that everyone

was happy on chalk day, and that has always stayed in my mind because it has such a celebratory tone to it.”

Kaitlyn H. ’25 shared a similar sentiment. “It’s a fun way for us to just come together, see one another, and then prep our future school spirit too. I think it symbolizes the culmination of all of our hard work,” she said.

For the seniors, Chalk Day is about taking pride in their future schools. “I think it’s just really important to see the pride. This whole year, and the whole system of college applications, there’s a really big lack of pride in the whole process, and a lack of big-picture awareness,” Sophie C. ’25 said.

While Chalk Day is a celebratory time, it also brings a range of emotions for the graduating seniors. “It was really bittersweet whenever I saw my other senior friends; I felt like that was the moment where they kind of embraced the Westridge community for the last time,” Lindsay B. ’25 added, “It feels like the end of an era.” From an underclassman’s perspective, chalk day may seem like a goodbye to their senior friends and role models. “I think it’s really sad, because they’re so incredibly sweet, and I think I’ll miss them a lot,” Lora K. ’27 said. 

For juniors, who are just entering the college process, Chalk Day takes on an entirely different meaning. “I think it’s a little scary and nerve-wracking, because you know that that’s gonna be you next year,” Charlotte Y. ’26 said. “With the expectations you have of yourself for Chalk Day, you want to be writing and putting down the school that you’re excited to go to. So it’s nerve-wracking in the sense that you hope that you can write the school that you want.” 

Similarly, Audrey L. ’26 said, “I’m scared but I’m excited, I think it’s reassuring seeing that all the seniors are hopefully ending up in a good place and where they want to go.” 

Chalk Day continues to be a cherished tradition among the seniors; it symbolizes the bright paths of the current senior class and sets a vibrant precedent for future generations. Each year, new seniors will leave their unique touch on Westridge and have the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and the diverse paths they are about to embark on.

“Chalk Day is using art to symbolize our journeys and our personal pride, and art is the best way [to do that],” Sophie said.