While moving up to a new school with a different atmosphere and different people may be intimidating for some eighth graders, Prep’s Panther Night is an event to lessen the nerves and get eighth graders excited for the next four years. The act of welcoming new families and their students has been a long-standing Prep tradition, taking the form of ice cream socials and other social events over the years. Panther Night specifically has run for the last ten years.
Hosted on February 27th, the two-hour event was meant to serve various purposes for families. For one, for them to visit campus if they hadn’t already had the opportunity, for students to meet future classmates, and for parents to have their bounding questions answered, whether it be by teachers, administrators, or coaches of Prep.
Mrs. Campbell, Admissions Associate, described one of the main goals of Panther Night is for the incoming freshmen to “become acquainted with the school before they make their final decision.”
Panther Night began with a social time for families and a chance to explore campus. Eighth graders then split into small groups led by Panther Ambassadors (PAC), students currently at Prep. Icebreakers, name games, and various discussions on hobbies filled the time until eighth graders raced around campus playing “Prep’s Amazing Race”. PAC member Clara Schneider ‘26 led a small group and described how she made eighth graders feel appreciated and accepted, “I wanted them to leave with excitement for next year and feel fully welcomed as their true selves at Prep.” During this small group time, parents were able to listen to the admin and leadership team for more information.
PAC Members reported the excitement and anticipation felt throughout the campus. The Class of 2028 was described as funny and unafraid to show their personality. Campbell explained that accepted students currently attend middle schools throughout the Greater Seattle area, “we have a lot of students from different schools, the blend seems really good this year.”
Panther Night is one of many Prep events offering new families a glimpse of Prep life and the community that surrounds it. Other upcoming events for future freshmen include Panther Day in early June and Orientation next August.
