Keeping the Spirit Alive

Green and White Day in 1987. Courtesy of yearbook.

Green and White Day in 1997. Courtesy of yearbook.

Prior to the launch of this year’s Gator Games, the School had another cherished tradition: Green and White Day.

Starting in the 1980s, this annual tradition brought students from all grades together for a day of friendly competition and community pride.

Then, sometime in the early 2000s, Green and White Day quietly disappeared.

Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano, who served as Middle School Head at the time, couldn't recall all the reasons for ending the tradition, only noting an erorsion of student interest.

“There was no formal administrative decision, as I recall, but it just faded away," Iuliano said. "But it’s a great school tradition and lots of fun, and I am so glad to see the revived student excitement around it,”

Much like today’s Games, alumnae recall it as one of the most anticipated days of the year, when students of all ages came together to show School spirit and compete in friendly events.

"Helping the Lower school compete in the egg race and dropping clothes pins in Poland Springs bottle and having such a good time with fellow class mates and having laughs with teachers," Andrew Reenstierna '97 said.

Students were split into two teams, Green and White, and took part in various games and challenges throughout the day.

"I remember potato sack races and running across the field with an egg on a spoon," Courtney Toomey '04 said. "I also remember you were assigned your team when you started Brimmer and your team would be published in the all student and printed phone book. Go green!"

Lower School students were paired up with "buddies" in the Upper School, similar to HarvestFest today. Even those not directly competing found joy in watching, encouraging others, and celebrating every small victory as if it were their own.

Reviving the Tradition

Students participate in a Gator Game challenge during this fall's field day. Photo by Charlie Young '29.

Alumni Affairs and Special Events Director Amanda Eppers ’88, P ’22 reflected on her high school experiences with Green and White Days in the 1980s.

“I think it is the same thread from the old Green and White Days to the Gator Games today,” Eppers said.“I think that's really the ultimate mission to bring everybody together.”

Eppers and other alumni faculty call the day “one of the most memorable parts of the school year.”

Many looked back on Green and White Day as a symbol of belonging, a day that reminded them how it felt to be part of something bigger than themselves.

"I remember always loving green and white day," Ali Brockman '98 said. "I loved that it was our entire community together having fun, competing in silly games, and I loved being with the big kids when I was younger, and loved being able to support the lower school as an Upper Schooler. It was just what Brimmer was all about, a fun community taking care of each other."

Students participate in Green and White Day in 1991. Courtesy of yearbook.

Current students celebrate the Gator Games during a fall field day. Photo by Charlie Young '29.

Students taking the field for Green and White Day. Courtesy of 1992 yearbook,

“The Upper School felt like a good, cohesive group of students, and we just really felt that camaraderie," Eppers said. "I think that brings forward to today, where the kids really do feel that camaraderie. I feel like there's that good mix and connection in both Games.”

Although the activities have evolved over time, the heart of the tradition remains unchanged, Epper said, adding that each generation of students upholds the same sense of teamwork and joy, showing that the School's traditions continue to thrive today.

Charlotte Wolfstich pumps up her team before this year's Gator Games. Photo by Charlie Young '29

Math tacher Rupa Houndegla gets in the Gator Games spirit this fall. Photo by Charlie Young '29.