Student Life

Our Traditions

The unique traditions at IWHS make attending high school a beautifully memorable experience!

List of 3 items.

Little Sister/Big Sister Tie Ceremony

This popular tradition exemplifies what IWHS is all about. At the beginning of each school year, a senior student is assigned a “little sister” from the freshman class. During the Tie Ceremony, the senior Big Sister places a tie around her Little Sister’s neck officially welcoming her to the Shamrock Community. Throughout the year, the “big sister” acts as a mentor and role model for her little sister and they participate in activities, including the Big Sister/Little Sister Picnic, holiday parties and Senior Appreciation Day lunch.
Sophomore Pin Ceremony

As a first step in accepting their new roles as leaders and role models for the freshmen, the sophomores participate in the traditional pin ceremony. Held each August, the sophomore class assembles to receive a pin, a handshake, and good wishes from the Principal.
Junior Ring Ceremony

Junior Ring Ceremony is a long tradition handed down from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The ceremony takes place in the Motherhouse Chapel at UIW in May. The Junior class assembles in the afternoon and during the ceremony, parents place the ring on the daughter’s finger. In Legacy families, the ring is often passed down from Grandmother, mother, aunt or sister.

Senior Appreciation Day

This year the Shamrock community defied the odds and continued our traditions. The year begins with the Freshman Tie Ceremony alongside with the Welcome Mass for Freshman and Seniors. This event welcomes new Shamrocks and returning students.

List of 4 items.

Father-Daughter Day

The Father-Daughter event is a memory-making experience devoted to strengthening the bond between fathers and their daughters.
Mother-Daughter Day

The Mother-Daughter event is a memory-making experiences devoted to strengthening the bond between parents and their daughters.
Silver Tea

This event is sponsored by the Alumnae Association to celebrate the seniors who are now recognized as Shamrock alumnae.
Graduation Pipes Procession

For graduation, it is a tradition for the senior class to be escorted to the UIW Convocation Center by faculty and bagpipes.