All-School Party
On orientation evening, there is an all-school party in the refectory to welcome all students, especially those new to St. Lawrence. Upperclassmen present a skit, returning students renew old friendships, and new students begin to build bonds that will last a lifetime.
Parents Weekend
Parent Weekend is celebrated in mid-September and provides an opportunity for the families of students to meet one another and to become better acquainted with the administration and teaching staff. Its purpose is to strengthen the school’s partnership with parents and to enhance seminary relationships. It consists of a full day of events, presentations and activities for all and concludes with Mass on Sunday.
The Hilltopper
While the cross country team is often on the road to compete with other schools throughout the area, each season St. Lawrence Seminary High School hosts one major tournament which is a showcase event for many cross country runners throughout Wisconsin. The Hilltopper Invitational is held every year in mid-September.
More than 500 runners gather to tackle the school’s grueling course of hills and steep inclines. Many runners can be seen struggling to make it to the top of “Big Bertha,” the main hill that connects the upper campus to the soccer fields below. This is no small accomplishment. Besides the colorful uniformed runners many families and fans are present to witness the Hilltopper Invitational.
As part of the Hilltopper, each year St. Lawrence hosts a Fun Run for all runners to enjoy. The Fun Run at the end of the meet is open to anyone who has kept himself or herself in good enough shape to take on the well-worn path of the high school athletes. Many former high school runners come back to the Hill annually to relive some of their high school memories of the Hilltopper, including many St. Lawrence alumni.
Spirit Week
At the end of October, the Student Council sponsors a Spirit Week that includes various competitive contests among the classes. Students dress in different and exciting attire each day, according to the theme of the day. The week also includes Halloween activities such as pumpkin carving and “trick or treating” among the faculty.
Founder’s Day
October 24 celebrates and honors Fr. Bonaventure Frey and Fr. Francis Haas, the founders of St. Lawrence Seminary and of the Capuchin order in the United States. The day includes a special liturgical celebration and banquet.
Talent Night
Once or twice a year, the Student Council sponsors a Talent Night. All presentations are subject to tryouts and a dress rehearsal is held in the afternoon. The competition is judged by the students, faculty and staff. Prizes are awarded.
Catholic Schools Week
The students join together in recognizing the importance of Catholic schools in our educational system. Events occur throughout the week, and a day is set aside to honor the faculty and staff with an appreciation banquet. Some students attend a mass with representative students from all area Catholic schools and the school has a special mass to commemorate the week.
Winter Carnival
Since the early 1970’s St. Lawrence has hosted this January event that allows the students to celebrate the joys of winter in Wisconsin. Traditionally, this event starts with morning prayer dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows. Many outdoor and indoor events take place.
Field Day
Field Day occurs on one of the last Wednesdays in May. The day includes track and field events by fraternities, a staff vs. student softball game, tower shower, cookout, and student entertainment. The faculty, staff and student body all have the opportunity to enjoy the interaction that the day provides. This event has been celebrated since 1907.
