May Day

A Return to Form

It’s a tradition students look forward to throughout their years at GPS, and this year’s celebration was one for the ages. The long-awaited May Day celebration of our May Queen, court, and graduating seniors saw a return to form this year, with the festivities taking place, once again, on Smith Courtyard.

Last year’s May Day featured COVID-19 precautions that included moving the fete from the Smith Courtyard to the lower athletic field, distancing students in the viewing areas, and creating seating pods for families. It was also the first time in history that the maypole dance was expanded from three to five maypoles—a move designed to allow the junior class students, who were unable to participate in the honor the year prior, to join in the fun.

Selecting the May Court

Though May Day doesn’t take place until spring, the excitement surrounding the festivities begins much earlier. In December, the seniors nominate members of the May Court by selecting classmates who:

» Represent their senior class in the highest sense » Are gracious, friendly, and loyal to friends and to GPS » Are actively and enthusiastically involved in the life of GPS » Eagerly give of their time and their talents » Stand for the highest ideals in character and integrity » Are respected and admired by fellow schoolmates and faculty alike

2022 May Court

Following nominations, the entire student body votes for the queen and her court. The 2022 May Court included (from left): Julia Love Combs, Crown Bearer; Frances Jean Crowe, Left Train Bearer; Jenna Corley Brown, Right Train Bearer; Shalizeh Fatima Rizvi, May Queen; Louisa Sutton Bohner, Maid of Honor; Olivia Catherine Burns, Lady of the Court; and Mary Katherine Johnson, Scepter Bearer.

Nostalgia: Blast from Our Past

This year’s May Day theme, selected by the May Day committee, was an effervescent nod to some of the most iconic moments, people, and cultural milestones from their childhoods. Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon, who emceed the event, said, “Nostalgia will allow these seniors to return, any time they like, to dwell in this place of learning, nurturing, and love—to remember years of joy they spent together. And to remember, specifically, this day.”

Following the senior promenade, seventh- through 11thgrade classes danced to choreography from iconic pop hits, Disney Channel Original Movies, television theme songs, and more, and the traditional maypole was danced. The earworms were likely stuck in attendees' heads for days!

A Legacy of Sisterhood

It’s tradition each year to capture a photo on May Day of the graduating seniors whose mothers (and sometimes grandmothers!) also attended GPS. The Class of 2022 featured 24 legacies whose families were present for the celebration.