Tradition
Louis Kruger
What is the tradition of WBHS, and what does it mean to you?
Our tradition is the brandishing of the Warcry Stick, the tolling of the Swain Bell and the chanting of our school song. It is reverence of our badge, and pride in the Griffin.
Tradition is all the rituals and symbols that previous generations have entrusted to our care.
But this definition is a bit, well, boring.
Let’s dive deeper: Why should you care about any of this?
Because tradition determines the culture of a school. And culture determines success.
These things that make up our tradition – the badge, the Griffin, the Warcry Stick – are all symbols. They represent values – brotherhood, school spirit, discipline, respect.
By strengthening our tradition, we promote these values, and the culture we want to create.
Here’s the best part: you have the power to shape and create our tradition.
Let me put it this way:
The Warcry Stick is just a stick. It has no magical powers, to silence a crowd or incite celebration (at least that I’m aware of).
It is our belief, your belief, that gives it power and authority. The tradition of Westville exists in our minds and hearts – it exists within you.
Everytime you push yourself beyond your limits, you add to our tradition of excellence. Everytime you sing our school song with pride, you add to our tradition of school spirit and brotherhood. Everytime you greet a teacher, you add to our tradition of respect.
You’re affirming your belief in these symbols and the values they represent – your belief in the tradition of our school. And this influences others.
They see your pride. They see your spirit. They see your brotherhood. And they too begin to believe, and to feel. The symbols begin to mean something to them. The school begins to mean something to them.
Your words and actions are constantly moulding and permeating our tradition, the very essence of our school culture.
Why is tradition our responsibility?
When you protect and promote our tradition, you’re not doing it for yourself. You’re not even doing it for those around you.
You’re doing it for every Westville boy: past, present and future.
Our tradition is the product of decades. Every student that has attended this school, that has borne that badge proudly, that has sung our school song with swollen heart and soaring voice, has contributed to that tradition.
Our tradition is his legacy. It is the legacy of the past.
Think of the tens of thousands that have come before us. Their legacy, the memory of their struggles, exists only in our minds and hearts. They have entrusted their reputation to us. To you.
When we walk the halls of our school, we may still hear the echo of their voices: Represent us. Do not let that flame go out. Protect our legacy.
We are the culmination of a momentous effort. We must not let them down.
It is a heavy burden, yes. But it is ours. Ours to take, ours to uplift, and ours to conquer.
What can you do?
Tradition is school’s most valuable and sacred asset. It determines the school culture, the attitude of its students and ultimately its success (or failure).
Tradition must be preserved. It must be nourished. And, most importantly, it must be added to.
My call to you is twofold:
Respect the tradition. Don’t mock our customs and symbols. You undermine other’s belief in their power and authority. Without belief they are nothing. The school is nothing. Respect the tradition.
Create your own tradition. Tradition isn’t something handed down by accident. It is actively shaped by our words and actions. What legacy do you want to leave? What tradition will you create? Take a moment. Think about that. A hundred years from now, will your impact be felt?