Student Life
Traditions
Traditions are the Heartbeat of Life on Williams Hill
From a student’s first days on campus to Commencement, these shared experiences connect generations of Martlets, strengthen community, and create memories that last a lifetime.
The Martlet
When you become a Westminster student, you earn the notable distinction of forever being a Martlet. The Martlet has represented Westminster for generations. Inspired by the legendary swift, this distinctive bird symbolizes curiosity, perseverance, and the lifelong pursuit of learning. In heraldry, the Martlet is traditionally depicted without feet, forever in flight, and never standing still. It represents those who forge their own path through exploration, independence, and courage.The tradition of the Martlet reflects the Westminster experience. Like the swift, whose remarkable endurance carries it across continents, Westminster students develop the resilience to navigate change, adapt to new experiences, and continue learning long after graduation.
Sign-In Ceremony
The Sign-In Ceremony welcomes new students into the Westminster community. During the first week of school, new students line up and enter the Chapel where they sign their name in a large book holding the names of Westminster students who preceded them. After new students symbolically enter the history of Westminster, they shake the hand of the Head of School, signifying their status as a full-fledged Westminster student.
Pin Ceremony
Held on Sixth Form Lawn at the beginning of the school year, the Pin Ceremony marks the official start of the Sixth Form experience and celebrates students’ new role as campus leaders. Designed by the Prefect Board, each year’s distinctive pin (and corresponding necklace) serves as a lasting symbol of leadership and class identity. Chosen by the incoming Prefect Board, the class pin design also appears on the Sixth Form flag used to announce much-anticipated Hill Holidays. Faculty members who are Westminster alumni, along with the Sixth Form Dean, present the pins and necklaces in a ceremony that connects each graduating class to generations of Martlets.Lawn Ceremony
Held on the eve of Commencement, the Lawn Ceremony marks the symbolic passing of leadership from one class to the next. In an emotional display of friendship and tradition, graduating Sixth Form students pull, carry, and bring their Fifth Form classmates onto Sixth Form Lawn, welcoming them into their new role as the school’s senior class.The ceremony also reveals Westminster’s next student leaders. As Fifth Formers are welcomed onto the Lawn, the final students remaining outside are the incoming School Prefects, culminating with the announcement of the Junior Prefect, Sixth Form President, and Head Prefect, President of the School. For many students and alumni, the Lawn Ceremony is among the most memorable and meaningful traditions on Williams Hill.
Diploma Passing
During the Commencement ceremony, graduates receive a random diploma from the Head of School as they cross the stage. Once the ceremony is complete, graduates form a large circle on the Sixth Form Lawn and pass the diplomas around the circle. When a student receives the diploma with their name on it, they step out of the circle signifying their graduation.Hill Holidays
Perhaps Westminster’s most beloved tradition, Hill Holidays mean cheering, extra sleep, fun activities, and, most notably, no school for one day. Occurring four times per year, Hill Holidays are announced by the surprise reveal of the Sixth Form flag. In the past, Head Prefects have announced Hill Holidays by running with the flag through the halls; unfurling the flag from the top floor in Armstrong Atrium, or by flying it from a Simsbury fire engine truck.
Family-Style Lunch
One of Westminster’s long-standing traditions is family-style dining. Multiple times each week, students and faculty gather for lunch around shared tables for conversation and connection. Students are assigned to a different faculty-hosted table each week. These meals foster community by encouraging conversation with classmates from different forms, backgrounds, and interests, and helping students to develop confidence and hone social skills.Stickball
Stickball is a throwback to the games of childhood where the players decide who’s safe and who’s out and everyone finds camaraderie as part of a team. A fiercely competitive spring evening activity, Stickball teams vie for the coveted Stickball Trophy—and bragging rights.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
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