Editorial | Hats off to Hey Day

Few days are more anticipated from a Penn student than Hey Day, the traditional crossing of the bridge from junior to senior years. A combination of Spring Fling-style festivities and the sobriety of Commencement, it's a quintessential Penn experience.

In the past few years, though, many aspects of Hey Day have been in flux. The celebration nearly covered the more-traditional aspects of the day. And much as everyone loves ketchup-and-flour hazing in theory, it's doubtful that many will actually miss the shower of food products (provided the ban is successful, which is admittedly still questionable). And last year, juniors processed on a Tuesday instead of a Friday -- a day when many upperclassmen still have class and possibly finals. This year's plans, though, do appear poised to bring Hey Day back to its original conception, and the move back to Friday was prescient.

In particular, the introduction of the Final Toast for seniors promises to be a great addition to the day. As juniors acknowledge the transition they're undergoing - to the leadership of the undergraduates - seniors will be able to take a moment to hopefully reflect on their time at Penn and on what it means to be a Penn alumnus. Sounds cheesy, but as graduation draws nearer, it's more than likely that the moment will be needed.

While it's disappointing that the traditional route - which started on Hill Field and went through the Quadrangle before students ended on College Green - had to be redirected, the change is understandable. The Penn Relays will be occurring, and the South Street Bridge's closure means that ambulances will be redirected to the parade route.

Despite these minor complaints, however, we can't wait for Hey Day.

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