From fun assemblies and high-energy spirit weeks to sports games that brought the Bishop Gorman community together, Gorman traditions have long shaped the student experience.
To explore how these traditions have evolved, Bishop Gorman alumni who have returned to campus as teachers, reflect on what stood out during their own student years, how those memories influenced their path back to Gorman, and why embracing tradition continues to matter for today’s students and educators.
Throughout the years, there have been several traditions and activities that have helped form the Gorman community. Whether it’s assemblies, senior parades, or dances, every alum has their own story to share.
Mr. Cava ‘76 says, “As a Bishop Gorman alum, a tradition we used to do was a parade of students walking through the parking lot down Maryland Parkway a little bit, at the old Bishop Gorman building, then down to the main gym. Another tradition was when we used to have the football team that would have a special day before the season started and they would wear their uniforms, no pads, and run their football plays, for the student body. It was a fun day because parents would have concession stands like hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks, and etc.”
Each of these traditions have grown into a way for the students to come together and make long lasting memories. Things like homecoming have always been an important part of staying involved in our school community and allowing those who have graduated to come and reunite with their classmates. These different traditions have grown and evolved in ways that can apply to the specific generation. For example, Ms. Hutton ‘05 shares that at the homecoming football games, there used to be elaborate parade floats that students were able to decorate and be creative with, “I loved seeing the decorations and the themes my classmates came up with.”
Although these unique traditions have definitely had the chance to grow and develop over the years, there have also been some traditions that have stayed the same. For example, the annual senior parade is something that has lasted for several years.
Ms. Desio ‘19 says, “I think it has lasted because, no matter what year it is, or the fact that these are 17-18 year old students… everyone wants to ride around on a scooter wearing a tutu, celebrating their last year of high school.”
These alumni were influenced to even return as a teacher at Gorman in order to stay connected with school spirit and continue to spread knowledge they learned from previous teachers. Ms. Desio says, “Throughout my years as a student, I had some wonderful teachers who inspired me and made the job look so fun. The feeling of community that Gorman is known for – was a huge reason why I felt like I could pursue this.”
Having the opportunity to attend Gorman and be a part of such a positive community is a great reason why people who graduate have such impactful memories that fulfilled their high school experience.
In order to stay connected and embrace some Gorman traditions, Mr. Cava says, “Keep in touch with your friends. Having those students as friends and being able to call upon them when you need to, is a great Gorman tradition that will hopefully last forever. For me as a teacher, having these students go on and become doctors, lawyers, actors, etc, it’s great when I can call them and they would gladly do almost anything for me.”
