On Tuesday, September 9th, big sisters and their little sisters descended into the cafeteria for the traditional Beanies and Breakfast. Big Sister-Little Sister is another long lived tradition of Padua, where a senior is assigned a freshman whom they take under their wing for the duration of the year. For the breakfast, Big Sisters bought their little sister breakfast and a brown Padua “beanie” or hat  with a panda on it, which they are then asked to wear for the entire week.  The Big Sisters seem to enjoy that part more than the little ones.

The breakfast took place during the 45 minute flex period, and featured pancakes, waffles, french toast, bacon, muffins, and juice. The girls then sat together while they ate, talked, laughed and posed for pictures as yearbook photographers chronicled the entire event. Freshmen got to meet more seniors as they sat with their big sister’s friend groups, and the seniors in turn got to know the freshmen.

The fun continued after the breakfast ended. As the freshmen walked through the halls wearing their beanies, they were met with many knowing smirks from  sophomores and juniors (who had to endure the beanies when they were “freshies” as well). Some teachers got into the fun as well. Many girls were jokingly threatened with an infraction if they were seen without their beanies on.

Mckenna R. (‘18)  says “I feel special to be a part of the great tradition of being a freshman wearing ugly beanies,”

Regardless of any unfashionable headwear, Beanies and Breakfast is one of Padua Academy’s most beloved traditions, and it will hopefully continue to unite the older and younger Pandas for years to come.