High school is more than just a place of education; it’s a community, where we make unforgettable memories and embrace the traditions that make each day interesting. Broad Run High School is one of the oldest schools in the county. Over the years since its doors first opened, students have created many traditions that are still being celebrated today. Here is a guide to some of Broad Run’s most memorable traditions!
#1 – Not Stepping on the Spartan Head
The Spartan Head is one of the most iconic symbols in Broad Run. It has been a part of the school since it opened its doors. At our school, stepping on it is considered to be disrespectful, and if you do, you will probably be yelled at by upperclassmen. “I was a student there the first year Broad Run High School [opened], and not walking on the Spartan Head was already a tradition in the making,” said Broad Run Alumni Roy Hall. This tradition represents an act of respect and dignity for the school mascot and our community. “I was genuinely afraid I would be told by an upperclassman I’d have to clean it with a toothbrush if I stepped on it,” said Broad Run class of 1999 graduate Jessica O’Brien.
#2 – Battle of the Burn
The Battle of the Burn used to be one the most hyped football games in our community because we used to play against our biggest rival, Stone Bridge. While we no longer play Stone Bridge in football, the Battle of the Burn lives on in other sports like basketball and soccer.
#3 – FNL
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Friday Night Football (FNL) is one of the most spirited traditions at Broad Run. Defined by its spirit week themes and passionate team, FNL comes with its own mini traditions. One notable mini tradition is that, on game day, it is tradition not to split the pole, as it’s said to bring bad luck to the team. Another mini tradition is The Maroon Crew, AKA the student section, where football games bring together Broad Run students as a whole for snacks and cheers. Daniielle Kimpson states that he enjoys FNL because “its events help let everyone relax and have fun with your friends after a long week of classes while still showing pride for your own school.”
#4 – Sport Traditions
While football often takes the center stage, that doesn’t mean that the school’s spirit isn’t just as vibrant in our other athletic departments, each boasting its own unique “pre-game” rituals. For example, Dory Raterman, former varsity field hockey captain, stated that “Each game we anonymously would write cards to two of our teammates to encourage them for the upcoming match. And every away game, on the ride on the bus, we would bring a speaker and hype ourselves up to Pitbull songs.” Though the pre-game traditions didn’t stop there, former captain of the girls varsity basketball team Yvonne Lee said that “We liked to dance pre-game in the locker room all the time.” Helpful to shake off the nerves and bring some comfortable chemistry needed to focus on the game.
#5 – Pep Rallies
Pep Rallies are another tradition, and they are run by SCA (Student Council). Every season, fall, winter, and spring, students that have participated in sports are celebrated by running across the gym. There are also school wide games, and for each game, a certain number of students can volunteer to participate. The goal is to work together to win for your grade. During all pep rallies, they start with a screaming contest to see who screams the loudest. Just a warning, almost all the time, the seniors win. Sophomore Jasmine Amran said, “It’s a time to show some spirit while still having some fun.”
#6 – HOCO Week
The next is a pretty common high school experience, Homecoming week! Each year, a different theme is given to each grade level, and they draw a mural on a wall in the school. Anyone can participate in this and is fun for most people. Each day during that week, they have a different spirit day. Anyone who participates in the spirit days can get judged on to earn spirit points. Together, the grade level with the most spirit points can win prizes. On that Friday, it’s the same spirit day every year, freshman, sophomores, and juniors wear all black, and seniors wear togas. They also have a homecoming dance and football game that week. Before going to the dance, most students like to go to a restaurant to eat dinner with friends.
#7 – Pink Week
Spirit days and spirit weeks are a huge part of Broad Run. Each spirit day the SCA comes up with themes and we have to dress up in accordance with the theme to show our school spirit. One of the biggest spirit weeks at Broad Run is Pink Week. Senior Ben Blackford “I wish I had more pink colored clothes so that I can dress up for Pink Week.” We have a pink-themed football game each year during October and raise money for Breast Cancer awareness!
#8 – The Powderbuff and Powderpuff Games
These games are run by SCA. Powderpuff is when girls play flag football and Powerbuff is when boys play volleyball. The teams are divided into grade levels, and they play against other grade levels. It usually happens after a testing day such as PSATs or SOLs.
