The Fresh Princesses on Bellaire: St. Agnes’ '90s-Themed Kickoff to the Year

The first day of school jitters plague all students, regardless of age. From figuring out new class schedules, deciding where to get dropped off, and saying goodbye to summer freedom, the back-to-school buzz always comes with a mix of nerves and excitement. And for freshmen stepping into a brand-new school, this whirlwind of emotions is even more intense: unfamiliar hallways, new faces, and the thrill of starting anew. Luckily, St. Agnes is all too familiar with these nerves and knows how to anticipate them. Thus, the day before school officially begins, the campus comes alive with Tiger Camp: its annual freshmen orientation!

Tiger Camp is St. Agnes’ annual welcoming event organized by Student Council to help introduce the incoming class to campus. From icebreaker games to schedule walk-throughs, it is a chance for the 9th graders to officially acclimate themselves as new Academy Women and make new friends before the first bell rings. The day starts with a presentation on all things St. Agnes, including a performance from the Tiger Girls, a “No-No Fashion Show” of how to properly (and improperly) wear their uniform, and an introduction to Student Body President Lilian Lin and Vice President Maryam Zaafran. The freshmen are then broken into small groups to complete a “Selfie Scavenger Hunt” to explore the school and listen to club presentations before lunch. The remainder of the day is designated for class schedule walk-throughs and a presentation from Campus Ministry.

Student Council P&P Co-Chair Ana Castro leading her Tiger Camp small group. (Photo: St. Agnes’ Communications Department)

However, an event of this scale does not just happen overnight: it requires planning. Over the summer, Molly Sawyer, Director of Student Activities, and the Student Council Executive team spent a week organizing and preparing for the upcoming school year and its events, Tiger Camp being one of them. This year’s “Pride and Patriotism” committee chairs, Aubrey Shields, Ana Castro, and Kendall McClure, worked tirelessly to plan a memorable experience for the freshmen to set the tone for the year ahead. Their efforts culminated in a '90s-theme Tiger Camp: The Fresh Princesses on Bellaire.

Student Council volunteers decked out the campus in all things ’90s and retro flair, complete with boom boxes and neon graffiti posters. Taking charge with enthusiasm, they guided the freshmen through the day, helping with schedules and offering their words of wisdom. By the end of Tiger Camp, the freshmen had familiarized themselves with the campus layout and began building the sisterhood that makes St. Agnes’ identity.

When the first day of school arrived, Tiger Camp had prepared the Class of 2029 to confidently walk into St. Agnes, feeling excited for the four years ahead.