Celebrating college acceptances is about recognizing seniors and creating a culture that encourages all students to dream big. Each YES Prep secondary school has developed its own tradition to honor the hard work and perseverance of graduating seniors, while inspiring younger students to envision their own futures. From ceremonies to rallies, these celebrations are as unique as the students they recognize. 

Brays Oaks Secondary: The Annual Acceptance Rally 

At Brays Oaks, the tradition of the Acceptance Rally has been a cornerstone of college celebrations for the last decade. Every January, seniors announce the colleges they've been accepted to in front of the entire campus, creating an exciting moment for both the seniors and the younger students who are inspired by their peers. 

Jeevan Moses, Brays Oaks’ Director of College Counseling, explained, "the rally is a big moment for our seniors. It shows them how far they've come and lets them share their excitement with the whole school." 

 

East End Secondary: Bell Ringing and Elementary Walk 

At East End Secondary, seniors are celebrated with a Bell Ringing Ceremony in December, followed by another celebration and an emotional Elementary

Walk in May. The walk, where seniors are paired with younger students, gives seniors the chance to revisit their elementary school and share the excitement of their college acceptances with the younger generation. 

Jessica Trejo, East End’s Director of College Counseling, said, “The elementary walk is such an emotional experience. It’s a special moment for seniors to reflect on how far they’ve come and for the younger students to see the possibilities ahead of them.” 

Gulfton Secondary: Photobooth Fun and College Acceptance Bulletin Boards 

At Gulfton, the tradition of celebrating college acceptances begins early in the year with a fun, photobooth-style celebration. Seniors who apply to colleges get a sticker on the bulletin board, and with each acceptance, a picture is added to celebrate the student’s achievements. It’s an interactive way for underclassmen to engage with the process and see where their peers are applying. 

"The conversations that happen around the bulletin boards are so inspiring," said Laura Villafranca, Gulfton’s Director of College Counseling. "It’s a visual representation of our students’ hard work, and it gets everyone excited about college." 

North Forest Secondary: The Drum Ceremony 

At North Forest Secondary, the Drum Ceremony is a heartfelt tradition that allows seniors to announce their college acceptances in front of the school community. Seniors walk down Pride Rock, North Forest’s courtyard, to strike the honor drum, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. 

Anais Zumaya, North Forest’s Director of College Counseling, shared, “When a student announces multiple acceptances, the entire crowd erupts in cheers. It's a moment of pure joy and excitement.” 

Northline Secondary: The Drumroll Celebration 

For the past two years, Northline Secondary has held an all-campus Drumroll Celebration to highlight the college acceptances of seniors. This event not only celebrates the students but also fosters a college-going excitement among the younger grades. 

Linda Garza, Northline’s Director of College Counseling, said, “The best part is seeing the younger students cheering for the seniors. They hold up signs with the seniors' names, and it's such a heartwarming sight.” 

Northwest Secondary: A First-Year Tradition 

This year, Northwest Secondary will celebrate its first graduating class, marking a significant milestone for the campus. Their college celebrations include a Bell Ceremony where seniors ring the bell in recognition of their college acceptances. Additionally, their senior wall displays the colleges each student has been accepted to, creating a space for both celebration and reflection. 

“We're really proud of our first graduating class,” said Sofia Ojeda, Northwest’s Director of College Counseling. "It's exciting to see our seniors make history here, and their college acceptances are a big part of that journey." 

 

Southeast Secondary: A Rolling Bell Ringing Ceremony 

At Southeast Secondary, the Bell Ringing Ceremony has become an iconic tradition. Every Friday during the spring, seniors who receive college acceptances gather to ring the bell in celebration. This rolling ceremony allows every senior to participate, and the joy in the air is palpable. 

Yuliana Arredondo, Southeast’s Director of College Counseling, shared, "It's always emotional to see the seniors ring the bell. It symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work and their journey toward college." 

Southside Secondary: The Drumming Ceremony 

Since the founding class of 2022, Southside has celebrated its seniors’ college acceptances with the Drumming Ceremony. This event, organized by the College Initiatives

team, allows seniors to announce their college acceptances in front of all their peers, creating a moment of pride for both the seniors and the community. 

Anais Wright, Southside’s Director of College Counseling, reflected, “The energy during the ceremony is incredible. It's a moment when students truly feel seen and celebrated for their hard work.” 

Southwest Secondary: Gong and Gowning Ceremonies 

For over 20 years, Southwest Secondary has celebrated its seniors with the Gong and Gowning Ceremonies. These two events not only highlight college acceptances but also reinforce a culture of college readiness. The Gong Ceremony recognizes each student’s achievement, while the Gowning Ceremony reminds them of their transition from high school to college. 

"Watching middle schoolers cheer on their older peers is one of the most special parts of the ceremony," said Eduardo Garces, Southwest’s Director of College Counseling. "It shows the younger students what's possible when they work hard." 

White Oak Secondary: The Golden Owl Ceremony 

The Golden Owl Ceremony at White Oak Secondary is a symbol of both achievement and readiness. This ceremony celebrates seniors who have four-year college acceptances and admission specifically into YES Prep IMPACT Institutions. This tradition has become a meaningful way to celebrate college acceptances and emphasize the importance of college readiness. 

Maureen Gonzalez, White Oak’s Director of College Counseling, said, “The Golden Owl Ceremony is a reminder of how far our students have come, and the bright futures ahead of them.” 

Learn More About College Preparation at YES Prep 

Each of these traditions reflects the unique spirit of its campus while reinforcing the possibilities of the future. Through these celebrations, YES Prep not only honors the accomplishments of its seniors but also ignites the aspirations of students across all grade levels, helping to create a lasting college-going and career building culture. 

If you would like to learn more about how we prepare our students for college and beyond, visit our College Initiatives site. 

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