The flowers are just starting to bloom, which means the end of the year is near. It also means one important day right before graduation is getting closer: Willy Gras.

This year’s Willy Gras, on May 22, will be the 35th annual year the event has run, and everyone this year seems amped up and ready to see old activities return and new ones offered.

As a new student this year, I’ve never had the opportunity to attend something like Willy Gras. I went to Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont, and my school never offered a day anything like Willy Gras. As it gets closer, I can’t wait to get competitive and participate in all the activities I’ve heard about.

Five-year senior Campbell Nyarady said that although Spring has just barely started, she already can’t wait for the day in May.

“I am excited for Willy Gras so I can kickback with my friends and have no classes or worries,” she said.  Campbell said her favorite activity to participate in is the canoe race, “because Rachel Burke and I do it every year and I am a very competitive person.”

Junior Riley Roche said she’s also especially excited for the canoe race.

Some of the other events offered at Willy Gras include sumo wrestling, a dunk tank, waterslide, egg toss, and others. Junior Bryn Saarela, however, is looking forward to one sweet thing.

“It’s a time to eat sugar and have fun with some friends,” she said. Brynn added that her favorite Willy Gras activity is the sumo wrestling, because, as she explained, “you can take your anger out on your roommate.” Brynn’s roommate, for the second year in a row, is Campbell Nyarady.

All three girls clearly had a great time at Willy Gras and they’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s event brings to the table. After a success of the “Willy Wonka” theme last year, Erin Davey is working hard to put together another successful day. The theme for this year’s event is, as of now, unknown.

Davey, along with teaching AP Psychology and acting as the school’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, organizes Willy Gras each spring. She is confident this year’s event will be a winner.

“I love Willy Gras,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite events of the year. It’s the end of the year bash! What’s not to love? It’s usually nice and warm, it’s afternoon full of activities, junk food, and good ol’ fashioned fun. If you’re not having fun at Willy Gras, that’s your fault.”