Every fall when school starts, the freshmen usually only know people from their previous school and are not very knowledgeable about Father Ryan's history. On a Saturday night at the beginning of the year, the freshmen class gathers at the Field House for "Freshmen Night". Led around by student ambassadors, members of the Senior class, and some of the Father Ryan faculty, the freshmen have the opportunity to meet each other and learn some background about Father Ryan.
After greeting the students in the turn around, the evening starts with a carnival of all different activities: students try to earn tickets for prizes:  they could have their weight guessed, play Simon Says with Mr. Carson, musical chairs, or attempt the football toss. People could be put into/taken out of jail - arrested folks without tickets were offered a chance to "sing" their way out as well!

After a dinner of pizza and cookies on the patio, the students returned to the gym - the cheerleaders came by to teach them some of the FRHS cheers. Everyone was divided into smaller groups with 2 senior leaders where they participated in some small group activities and ice breakers.

Later, everyone participated in a tradition called the Ryan Walk - groups go to specific sites around the campus where they learn more about the history and traditions of the school. Mass with Fr Mark wrapped up the evening's scheduled activities with a dance rounding out the evening.

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last updated August 31, 2004