At Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the first day of school for incoming freshmen is marked by a unique and somewhat embarrassing tradition: giving their mothers a goodbye kiss. This ritual, which has been in place for 26 years, involves seniors surrounding the cars of freshmen and not allowing them to exit until they complete this task.
One senior explained the process to CBS News, stating, «We hold the car, we hold the car door, preventing it from opening.» Another senior added, «It’s like initiation, like, we all did it.» While the kiss is typically given to mothers, it can also be directed towards fathers or guardians, emphasizing the importance of publicly acknowledging parental support.
Tradition with a Purpose
All freshmen are aware of this tradition before their first day, and it serves as a rite of passage into high school life. The practice has evolved from earlier years when seniors would greet freshmen with pranks, a method that was deemed less welcoming. The change was initiated by the class of 2001, who sought to create a kinder experience while still instilling a sense of discomfort in the newcomers.
Sister Mary Hanah, the school president, acknowledged the awkwardness many freshmen might feel, recalling her own reluctance to kiss her mother at that age. However, she emphasized the significance of honoring parents, referencing the Biblical commandment to «honor thy mother and father.» Sister Hanah noted, «And you know who the happiest people are in this whole thing? … The mothers. This is a big moment for them, especially if this is their first child or their last child.»
Emotional Moments for Parents
The goodbye kiss is not just a light-hearted tradition; it represents a significant emotional milestone for both students and their parents. One parent shared, «The moment you drive off after dropping them to school is when it hits you.» Another parent reflected on the moment their child kissed them goodbye, stating, «He gave me that kiss and I saw him leave and that meant I have to let go.» This bittersweet moment encapsulates the transition from childhood to adolescence, celebrated amidst the cheers of hundreds of seniors.
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